Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026; In Committee

Senator Allman-Payne moved a second amendment to index the $200 urgent payment limit to the Consumer Price Index, arguing this would prevent future legislative work to adjust for inflation. Allman-Payne cited Economic Justice Australia’s recommendation that if a limit remained, it must be indexed. Allman-Payne questioned whether the government accepted the need for indexation given high inflation rates.

Minister Gallagher opposed the indexation amendment, stating it was not standard practice to index urgent payments in the same way as ongoing social security payments. Gallagher argued the proposed formula differed from existing Social Security Act settings and that the current limit allowed recipients to cover regular expenses. Gallagher maintained that the bill did not seek to change payment amounts or indexation mechanisms.

Senator Allman-Payne moved a third amendment to insert a six-year time limit on debt recovery into the Social Security Act, Student Assistance Act, and other related legislation. Allman-Payne argued this was a key recommendation of the Robodebt Royal Commission that the government had delayed implementing. Allman-Payne claimed the lack of a time limit caused significant stress and trauma for income support recipients, who faced uncertainty about historic debts.

Minister Gallagher opposed the debt recovery amendment, stating the government had agreed in principle to the recommendation but was carefully designing and consulting on an effective statute of limitations. Gallagher argued the previous six-year limit was not effective and that the current work aimed to address historic debts properly. Gallagher defended the department’s work and rejected characterisations of the system as constantly erroneous, emphasizing the bill’s focus on legal compliance.