Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Spender supported the bill but moved an amendment requiring an independent review within two years of commencement. Spender argued that the review should assess the effectiveness of the safeguards and consider extending the framework to other offences. Spender stated that formal accountability mechanisms were essential to ensure the legislation worked as intended for victims-survivors.

Garland commended the bill for closing a loophole that allowed convicted offenders to shield assets while refusing to pay compensation. Garland explained that survivors could apply for court orders to access additional or salary-sacrificed superannuation contributions. Garland highlighted that the reforms also amended the Bankruptcy Act 1966 to ensure compensation debts survived bankruptcy proceedings. Garland acknowledged the role of survivor advocates in driving this change.

Campbell argued that the bill restored balance by ensuring financial systems reflected community values of fairness and accountability. Campbell noted that the framework was targeted, applying only where criminal convictions existed and compensation remained unpaid. Campbell emphasised that bankruptcy should not allow perpetrators to escape responsibility for serious harm. Campbell welcomed the inclusion of a review mechanism to monitor the reforms' effectiveness.

Coffey backed the bill, noting it closed a significant loophole by preventing offenders from hiding behind superannuation. Coffey said victims could apply for court orders to access specific super contributions if debts were not settled within 12 months. Coffey pointed out that the legislation safeguarded victim privacy by banning the release of their names in associated legal matters. Coffey recognised the efforts of community groups such as Micah Projects.

Penfold supported the bill, citing the case of her constituent Carolyn Kelly and her grandson Edan Van Haren, who had been denied compensation due to bankruptcy loopholes. Penfold argued that compensation debts should not disappear simply because an offender declared bankruptcy. Penfold stated that the legislation sent a clear message that accountability matters and that parliament was prepared to act. Penfold thanked the government for listening to survivor advocacy.

Miller-Frost supported the bill, referencing the experience of Edan Van Haren, who had secured convictions but faced bankruptcy evasion by his perpetrator. Miller-Frost explained that the reforms would allow survivors to access additional superannuation contributions and ensure compensation debts survived bankruptcy. Miller-Frost noted that the bill was a first step and that future reforms might extend to civil findings. Miller-Frost thanked survivors and advocates for their courage in driving this change.

Steggall supported the bill, arguing that compensation orders should have practical meaning rather than being symbolic. Steggall highlighted statistics on the prevalence of child sexual abuse to underscore the urgency of the reform. Steggall explained that the bill provided a targeted pathway for survivors to recover unpaid debts from certain superannuation amounts. Steggall welcomed the inclusion of historical compensation orders in the framework.

Cook argued that the bill addresses a systemic failure where perpetrators hide assets in superannuation to avoid paying compensation. Cook highlighted statistics on child sexual abuse and the trauma survivors face when legal victories are undermined by financial engineering. Cook stated the legislation allows survivors to access voluntary and salary sacrifice contributions and enables the Australian Taxation Office to provide limited information on superannuation interests.

O'Brien supported the bill, stating that perpetrators should not manipulate laws to avoid financial compensation. O'Brien noted that the legislation amends bankruptcy law so that compensation debts survive bankruptcy proceedings. O'Brien acknowledged the advocacy of survivors and advocates, describing the reform as a major step forward in restoring fairness to the system.

McBain cited the case of Maurice Van Ryn, who declared bankruptcy to avoid paying compensation to his victims, as an example of the loophole the bill closes. McBain explained that survivors can seek access to superannuation contributions if compensation remains unpaid after 12 months. McBain thanked survivors and campaigners, including Edan Van Haren and David Neyle, for their persistent advocacy.

Roberts argued that the bill ensures court-ordered compensation has practical force and effect. Roberts stated that the legislation amends the Taxation Administration Act 1953 and the Bankruptcy Act 1966 to prevent debts from being extinguished through bankruptcy. Roberts emphasised that compensation supports survivors' recovery and that the reform restores confidence in the justice system.

Ng highlighted the lifelong impacts of child sexual abuse and the trauma of prolonged legal proceedings. Ng noted that the bill prevents offenders from shielding assets while survivors remain unpaid. Ng acknowledged the advocacy of survivors and organisations, and mentioned government investments in services responding to child sexual abuse and family violence.

Khalil explained that the bill enables victims to claim from a perpetrator's superannuation to pay outstanding compensation orders. Khalil stated that the reforms prevent compensation debts from vanishing via bankruptcy, covering both future and existing cases. Khalil emphasised that the legislation brings financial and legal systems in line with community values of accountability.

Plibersek stated that the bill closes a loophole exploited by convicted sex offenders to hide assets. Plibersek outlined broader government investments in frontline services, preventive programs, and support for victims of family, domestic, and sexual violence. Plibersek thanked survivors for their courage and affirmed the government's commitment to ongoing reforms.