Bill Debate · Second Reading

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 17 August 2026

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

At a glance

The debate concerned a bill introducing technical amendments to social security, child support, and family assistance laws. Melissa McIntosh supported the legislation, noting it would automate advance payment applications and use pre-issue income data to improve assessment accuracy. She raised concerns about potential discrepancies between pre-issue data and final tax assessments. McIntosh also highlighted record-high child support debts and urged stronger government enforcement. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion.

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

Melissa McIntosh (Lindsay) (Liberal Party) Liberal

McIntosh supported the bill, describing it as technical in nature and necessary to align legislation with administrative practices. McIntosh argued that Schedule 1 would allow online applications for advance payments, providing flexibility for repayments. McIntosh noted that Schedules 3 and 4 would use pre-issue income data to reduce errors and debts in family assistance and childcare subsidies. McIntosh cautioned that final assessment amounts should be used as soon as possible to ensure accuracy. McIntosh stated the coalition would support the passage of the legislation.