Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025, National Health Amendment (Passive Immunological Products) Bill 2026, Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026, Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026

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

At a glance

Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm moved the second reading of four government bills in the Senate. The legislation covered national security powers, immunisation program definitions, social security technical corrections, and veterans' affairs reforms. Chisholm argued that the measures were necessary to update legal frameworks, improve service delivery, and implement previous reform commitments. The debate was adjourned without a 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

Anthony Chisholm (QLD) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Chisholm supported the bills, arguing they updated essential legal frameworks to meet current needs. Chisholm stated the ASIO bill made questioning powers permanent and expanded their scope to include sabotage and border integrity threats, while strengthening oversight safeguards. Regarding health, he explained the bill expanded the vaccine definition to allow new therapies like Beyfortus to be listed on the National Immunisation Program. On social security, he noted the bill clarified child support commencement dates, fixed anomalies regarding care percentages, removed limits on urgent payments, and clarified income attribution rules. Finally, he described the veterans' bill as technical amendments ensuring the smooth transition to a simplified entitlement system from 1 July 2026.