Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Migration Amendment (Overseas Organ Transplant Disclosure) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026

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

At a glance

The Senate debated the Migration Amendment (Overseas Organ Transplant Disclosure) Bill 2026, which aims to combat organ trafficking by requiring disclosure of overseas transplants. The bill implements recommendations from a 2018 parliamentary inquiry by mandating that travellers declare such procedures on Incoming Passenger Cards. This data would inform annual parliamentary reports to support global human rights efforts. The debate was opened by the Shadow Assistant Minister for the Cost of Living, who commended the legislation as a sensible and non-controversial measure. No other members spoke during this session, and the debate was adjourned with leave granted for further remarks.

Outcome

Debate adjourned with leave granted for the member 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

Dean Smith (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Smith supported the bill, describing it as a meaningful improvement to Australia's human rights framework. Smith argued that the legislation addresses the serious issue of organ trafficking by implementing a mandatory reporting scheme for overseas transplants. The proposal requires travellers to disclose such procedures on Incoming Passenger Cards upon arrival in Australia. Smith stated that this approach balances the need to counter trafficking with the preservation of medical privacy. The resulting data would enable the Minister to table an annual report in Parliament detailing these disclosures.