General Debate
House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
Tim Wilson moved a motion regarding the impact of chargeback theft on small and family businesses. The member argued that banks were illegitimately processing refunds, causing financial harm to merchants. The motion called for an urgent parliamentary inquiry and action from the Government and major banks. It also sought recognition for the need for fair, evidence-based chargeback processes.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Wilson argued that small and family businesses were being harmed by a rise in e-shoplifting, specifically through chargeback theft. Wilson claimed that major banks were illegitimately processing refunds for goods that had been delivered. The member compared this digital theft to traditional shoplifting, noting that costs were ultimately passed on to consumers. Wilson cited Samantha Kemp from the shop Sare as an example of those affected by this issue.