Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail

Opened the debate

Plibersek presented the supplementary explanatory memorandum and moved the government amendment. The amendment sought to amend Schedule 9 to update section 85GA of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999. Plibersek proposed substituting references to persons with broader terms including entities and bodies, such as partnerships. The amendment also inserted new subsections requiring agreements to be between the Commonwealth and the recipient or a representative, and mandating recipient compliance.

Government response

Plibersek moved the government amendment to clarify the legal framework for child care subsidy funding. The changes ensured that funding agreements could explicitly include partnerships and other unincorporated entities. Plibersek specified that the amendments would apply to agreements made on or after commencement, with some provisions applying to earlier agreements. The House agreed to the question and the bill was passed with the amendment.