Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Sunsetting Provision) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Monday 29 June 2026

Continued from Monday 22 June 2026.

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

At a glance

The Senate debated a bill to extend the operation of section 122.4 of the Criminal Code by six months, preventing a lapse in criminal protections for Commonwealth nondisclosure duties. The Coalition and Greens supported the extension to maintain legal continuity while broader secrecy reforms were scrutinised. The Greens criticised the government's previous reform attempts as lacking stakeholder support and whistleblower protections, while the Coalition highlighted the necessity of the extension due to the government's delayed legislative agenda. The Labor government welcomed the support, noting it allowed time for proper consideration of companion legislation. The bill was passed on second reading.

Outcome

The bill was read a second time.

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

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Dean Smith (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Smith argued that the bill extended section 122.4 of the Criminal Code from 29 June 2026 to 29 December 2026 to prevent a gap in criminal law protecting sensitive information such as tax records and health data. Smith stated that the Coalition supported this technical extension to ensure no regulatory gap arose while parliament considered the substantive reforms in the companion Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Repealing Offences) Bill 2026. Smith noted that the Coalition did not support the companion bill in its current form, making the extension necessary to preserve existing protections. Smith emphasised that the bill allowed time for proper scrutiny and stakeholder testing of the intended reforms.

Government response

Nita Green (Assistant Minister for Tourism; Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs; Assistant Minister for Northern Australia) ALP QLD

Green thanked senators for their contributions and indicated support for the bill. Green stated that the extension was vital to allow parliament adequate time to properly consider the importance of secrecy reforms proposed in the companion legislation. Green commended the bill to the Senate, noting it would facilitate the necessary deliberation on the broader reform package.

Opposition response

Dean Smith (Shadow Assistant Minister to the Shadow Treasurer; Shadow Assistant Minister for the Cost of Living) Liberal WA

Smith argued that the bill extended section 122.4 of the Criminal Code from 29 June 2026 to 29 December 2026 to prevent a gap in criminal law protecting sensitive information such as tax records and health data. Smith stated that the Coalition supported this technical extension to ensure no regulatory gap arose while parliament considered the substantive reforms in the companion Secrecy Provisions Amendment (Repealing Offences) Bill 2026. Smith noted that the Coalition did not support the companion bill in its current form, making the extension necessary to preserve existing protections. Smith emphasised that the bill allowed time for proper scrutiny and stakeholder testing of the intended reforms.