Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Mandatory Regulation Impact Statement Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Monday 3 November 2025

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

At a glance

The Senate debated the Mandatory Regulation Impact Statement Bill 2025, which seeks to require regulatory impact statements for new legislation. Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell moved the second reading, arguing that mandatory statements would improve transparency and prevent unintended consequences for businesses and individuals. She contended that current practices often fail to assess the full impact of regulations, hindering productivity and trust in government. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

Outcome

Debate adjourned.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tammy Tyrrell (TAS) (Independent) ALP

Tyrrell supported the bill, describing it as a measure to ensure honesty and transparency in the legislative process. Tyrrell argued that the bill would compel decision-makers to thoroughly consider the costs, benefits, and alternatives of new regulations before enactment. Tyrrell stated that existing guidelines were often ignored, leading to unintended burdens on small businesses, farmers, and families. Tyrrell claimed that requiring impact statements would help align legislative outcomes with stated intentions and improve governance standards.