Opened the debate
Chalmers argued that the bill was a critical step in implementing the government's economic agenda to make the economy more dynamic and resilient. Chalmers stated that the legislation contained 60 measures amending 28 acts and affecting 13 government agencies to reduce red tape and compliance costs. Chalmers highlighted that the bill would help Services Australia adopt a tell-us-once approach, allowing Australians to update details like bank information once for multiple services such as Centrelink and Medicare. Chalmers noted this change could help claim unpaid Medicare benefits estimated at $270 million. Chalmers also pointed out that the bill would double the time patients have to access imaging services after receiving a referral, reducing the need to return to a GP. Furthermore, he explained that the legislation would modernise document requirements for marriage celebrants to allow digital options and improve information sharing for offshore gas projects. Chalmers concluded that the bill would increase government efficiency by giving the Minister for Climate Change and Energy flexibility to address fuel shortages and making NBN mapping data available for public use.