Bill Debate · Second Reading

Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 April 2026

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

At a glance

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government introduced the Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026 to establish a new framework for handling consumer complaints in the aviation sector. The legislation creates an independent Aviation Consumer Ombudsperson scheme and a regulator within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts to enforce a new charter. The Minister argued that existing voluntary industry arrangements, specifically the Airline Customer Advocate, had failed to provide effective dispute resolution for passengers. The bill aims to improve transparency regarding flight delays and cancellations while ensuring the aviation sector remains competitive. The debate was adjourned following the Minister's speech.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Catherine King (Ballarat) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

King moved that the bill be read a second time, arguing that current voluntary industry arrangements for handling complaints had failed to protect consumers effectively. The Minister highlighted that research indicated only a third of travellers were satisfied with how flight disruptions were managed, with even lower satisfaction among passengers with disabilities. King stated the bill establishes an independent Aviation Consumer Ombudsperson company governed by a board comprising balanced input from industry, consumers, and an independent chair. The proposed regulator will enforce a charter requiring airlines and airports to meet minimum standards for booking information, communication, and complaint handling. King noted the reforms were developed in consultation with the public and industry to balance consumer protection with sector sustainability.

Government response

Catherine King (Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) ALP Ballarat

King emphasised that the legislation represents the most significant reform for aviation consumer protection introduced by any government. The Minister explained that the ombudsperson will have the power to make determinations requiring airlines or airports to resolve complaints in specific ways. King stated that the framework will facilitate reporting on reasons for flight delays and cancellations to improve transparency and accountability. The Minister also noted that the Aircraft Noise Ombudsperson would transition into the department to maintain independence from Airservices Australia and Defence. King commended the bill to the House, asserting it would ensure the sector is accountable for its services.