Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Consideration in Detail

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail

House of Representatives · Wednesday 29 October 2025

Continued from Monday 27 October 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate focused on amendments to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025. Independent members moved amendments to improve support for domestic violence survivors and reinstate a six-year limit on debt recovery, both of which were rejected by the government. The Minister for Social Services explained that existing flexibility addressed some concerns and that debt recovery reforms were under consultation. The government subsequently moved and passed technical amendments clarifying debt waiver provisions and introducing benefit restriction notices for individuals evading arrest for serious violent or sexual offences.

Outcome

The bill, as amended by the government, was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Allegra Spender (Wentworth) (Independent) Ind

Spender moved two amendments. The first sought to include Schedule 5 in the bill's table of contents, which the government supported. The second proposed changes to the family violence crisis payment, including extending the claim period from seven to 14 days, replacing the term 'home' with 'place of residence' to include informal accommodation, and removing the requirement to establish a new home. Spender argued these changes were necessary to support survivors navigating trauma and housing instability, citing high rejection rates due to technicalities.

Government response

Tanya Plibersek (Minister for Social Services) ALP Sydney

Plibersek stated the government would not support Spender's second amendment, arguing that existing flexibility already allowed for extended claim periods and that the amendment's drafting could inadvertently benefit perpetrators. Plibersek noted that the leaving violence payment offered additional support. Regarding Wilkie's amendment on debt recovery, Plibersek confirmed the government was consulting on a statute of limitations but could not support the immediate amendment. Plibersek then moved government amendments to clarify debt waiver provisions and introduce benefit restriction notices for fugitives facing serious violent or sexual offence warrants.