Opened the debate
Rowland argued that the bill was necessary to align Commonwealth law with the New South Wales Local Court and Bail Legislation Amendment Act 2025. Rowland stated that the amendments would ensure judges of the Local Court could continue to exercise federal jurisdiction and powers without legal disruption. Rowland explained that the bill defines these judges as magistrates under Commonwealth law to maintain the validity of their authority. Rowland emphasised that concurrent commencement would prevent any interruption to the federal justice system.