Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026

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

At a glance

The debate focused on the introduction of the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026, which aims to simplify regulations, reduce compliance costs, and advance a 'tell-us-once' approach to government services. The sole speaker, Katy Gallagher, outlined measures including updates to intellectual property laws, streamlined reporting for workplace gender equality, and faster processing for import duty refunds. The bill also sought to ease administrative burdens for social security nominees and pensioners, while improving the Australian Human Rights Commission complaints process. The second reading was adjourned to the next sitting period.

Outcome

Further consideration of the second reading was adjourned until the first sitting day of the next parliamentary session.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Katy Gallagher (ACT) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Gallagher argued that the bill was essential for boosting economic productivity and resilience by reducing unnecessary regulatory costs. Gallagher stated that the legislation would amend 25 acts and repeal two, improving operations across 18 government agencies. Key measures included granting the Registrar of Trade Marks discretion over costs in opposition matters and introducing a grace period for plant breeder rights renewals. Gallagher also highlighted reforms to simplify workplace gender equality reporting and align public and private sector data collection.