Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Social Media Minimum Age Repeal Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025

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

At a glance

The Senate debated the Social Media Minimum Age Repeal Bill 2025, which seeks to overturn the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. Senator Ralph Babet argued that the original legislation was rushed, intrusive, and ineffective, posing significant risks to privacy and human rights. He contended that mandatory age verification would force users to surrender personal data and drive children toward unregulated platforms. The debate concluded with the bill being commended to the Senate, with leave granted for the senator to continue remarks later.

Outcome

The bill was commended to the Senate, with leave granted for the senator to continue remarks later.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Ralph Babet (VIC) (United Australia Party) UAP

Senator Babet supported the repeal, arguing that the original 2024 Act was passed via a curbed debate and lacked proper consideration. Babet claimed the legislation threatened human rights, privacy, and data security by requiring all Australians to verify their age with tech platforms. Babet asserted that current age-checking technology is unreliable, citing trials where tools misidentified teenagers as adults. Babet argued that the ban would push children into darker, unregulated online spaces rather than keeping them safe. The senator emphasized that parents, not the government, should be responsible for raising children and managing their online safety.