Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Continued the debate

Gregg supported the bill, stating it updates crime legislation to keep Australians safe through technical and significant reforms. Gregg highlighted that Schedule 1 extends Australian Federal Police powers to the new Western Sydney airport and allows for electronic warrants to improve efficiency. Gregg noted that Schedule 2 extends the sunset date for certain warrants until 2029 and removes data disruption warrants from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission's purview. Gregg argued that changes to drug laws, which count total weight rather than purity, align with state practices and prevent unnecessary administrative burdens in court. Gregg also mentioned reforms to the Director of Public Prosecutions Act to manage conflicts of interest and updates to extradition powers to allow arrest during night hours when necessary.

Government response

Rowland thanked members for their contributions and commended the bill for supporting the effective administration of government. Rowland stated the legislation ensures police have necessary powers at the new Western Sydney airport and modernises the application of search warrants. Rowland emphasised that the bill maintains access to critical powers for identifying and disrupting serious technology-enabled criminal activity. Rowland noted that the amendments improve the efficiency of prosecuting serious drug offences while retaining procedural fairness. Rowland concluded that the bill clarifies frameworks in the Extradition Act and updates terminology to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.