Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026

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

At a glance

The Minister for Communications introduced legislation to strengthen enforcement mechanisms for the existing social media minimum age law. The bill aims to address non-compliance by major platforms by increasing penalties and expanding the eSafety Commissioner's investigative powers. The Minister cited positive outcomes from the initial six months of the ban, including reduced online bullying and improved sleep for young people. The debate concluded with the motion for second reading being moved, though no vote was recorded in the provided transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned after the Minister moved that the bill be read a second time.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Anika Wells (Lilley) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Wells argued that the bill was necessary to hold social media companies accountable for failing to fully comply with the minimum age requirements. Wells stated that despite the deactivation of over five million underage accounts, platforms were using tactics to undermine the law. The Minister highlighted that the legislation would increase maximum civil penalties for non-compliance from 30,000 to 60,000 penalty units, equating to approximately $99 million. Wells also noted that the amendments would empower the eSafety Commissioner to issue notices requiring information and documents from any person holding relevant material. Wells doubled the penalties for failing to comply with these information-gathering notices to ensure platforms could be verified against their claims.

Government response

Anika Wells (Minister for Communications) ALP Lilley

Wells presented the bill as a response to deliberate non-compliance by major tech companies such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. Wells reported that the eSafety Commissioner was actively investigating these platforms for adopting strategies to bypass the law. The Minister emphasized that the increased penalties aligned with recent changes to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to reflect the resources of multinational corporations. Wells cited survey data indicating improvements in youth well-being, including reduced exposure to violent content and increased time spent on sports. Wells concluded by urging parliament to support the bill to ensure immediate accountability for social media platforms.