Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Thursday 30 October 2025

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

At a glance

The debate concerned legislation to separate the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. The government argued this reform was necessary to provide the regulator with greater operational autonomy and governance clarity to manage the energy transition. The opposition supported the bill but criticised the government for prioritising bureaucratic restructuring over addressing rising energy costs and broken election promises regarding bill reductions.

Outcome

The bill was supported by the opposition after assurances were received that it would not increase energy costs, though the government's handling of energy policy was heavily criticised.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Josh Wilson (Fremantle) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Wilson moved the second reading, arguing the bill would establish the Australian Energy Regulator as a standalone Commonwealth entity with control over its own staff and resources. Wilson stated this separation would remove governance risks and allow the regulator to better manage its expanding responsibilities in a complex market. The member noted that independent reviews and state energy ministers had previously recommended this structural change to improve regulatory effectiveness. Wilson emphasised that the reform would not alter the regulator's core functions or funding arrangements but would enhance its ability to oversee the energy transition.

Opposition response

Dan Tehan (Wannon) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Tehan criticised the government for introducing this bill while energy prices remained high and previous commitments to reduce bills were abandoned. The shadow minister argued that the legislation amounted to bureaucratic shuffling rather than addressing the urgent issue of affordability for consumers and businesses. Tehan stated that the opposition had sought and received assurances that the changes would not drive up costs, which led them to support the measure. Despite supporting the bill, Tehan maintained that the government's focus on administrative reform was misplaced given the economic pressures facing Australians.