Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Monday 7 September 2026

Continued from Wednesday 1 July 2026.

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

At a glance

The debate concerned a bill to shift the recognition of major sporting events from primary legislation to delegated legislation. The sole speaker argued that this change reduced parliamentary scrutiny without addressing any identified problem with the existing process. The speaker contended that the government was prioritising administrative convenience over transparency and accountability. The coalition indicated it would oppose the bill on these grounds.

Outcome

The coalition announced it would oppose the bill.

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

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Sarah Henderson (VIC) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Henderson argued that the bill transferred decision-making power from parliament to the Minister for Sport and Communications, thereby reducing transparency. Henderson stated that the existing primary legislation process had functioned effectively since 2014, successfully recognising events such as the 2020 and 2022 T20 World Cups and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Henderson contended that there was no evidence of legislative delay or urgency requiring a change to delegated legislation. Henderson characterised the proposal as a solution in search of a problem that prioritised ministerial power over parliamentary scrutiny.