Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2024, Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024; Second Reading

Senate · Monday 10 February 2025

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

At a glance

The Minister for Indigenous Australians moved the second reading of two bills in the Senate. The first bill proposes separating the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to enhance governance and autonomy. The second bill introduces a mandatory target-setting scheme for large employers to improve workplace gender equality. The Minister argued these reforms address regulatory inefficiencies and persistent gender pay gaps. The debate was adjourned without a final vote, with the bills listed for future consideration.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

McCarthy argued that separating the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission would remove governance risks and allow the regulator to manage its own resources effectively. McCarthy stated that independent reviews and state energy ministers supported establishing the regulator as a standalone entity to handle the complexities of the energy transition. Regarding the gender equality bill, McCarthy contended that requiring large employers to set measurable targets would accelerate progress on closing the gender pay gap and improve workplace fairness. McCarthy emphasised that these reforms build on previous government initiatives and align with international best practices for accountability.