Anika Wells

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister highlighted $6 million in funding for the eSmart program to teach online safety. She introduced the draft Digital Duty of Care, which requires platforms to satisfy the eSafety Commissioner that their tools are safe. The duty of care aims to protect children, remove illegal content, and give users more choice. She noted that more than half of Australian children had experienced cyberbullying.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister affirmed the government's commitment to online safety, particularly for young people, stating that tech companies must obey Australian laws. She highlighted that current laws prohibit non-consensual deepfake material but relied too heavily on victim reporting. The draft digital duty of care will impose basic safety standards on big tech, ban nudify apps, and empower the eSafety Commissioner to issue take-down notices. She cited statistics showing a 550 per cent increase in such conduct since 2019 and noted that one in four reported cases involved young girls.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that the digital duty of care would place the onus on big tech companies to identify, detect, and prevent risks of online terrorism and extremism. She highlighted that the average age of minors investigated by ASIO had dropped to 15 years old. She noted support for the legislation from community organizations and the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, who warned against algorithms spreading hate and conspiracy theories.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated the government was leading global efforts with the social media minimum-age law, which had influenced over 20 countries. She highlighted the proposed laws on digital duty of care, designed to protect children from online risks such as extortion, grooming, and harmful content. She criticised the opposition for rejecting the draft laws and failing to engage in constructive discussion, accusing them of prioritising politics over child safety.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister explained that the digital duty of care would establish basic safety standards for digital services, similar to regulations for physical products. She noted that various community organizations and experts supported the measure, while the opposition had voted against recent social media minimum age laws. The Minister stated the government intended to introduce the bill to parliament the following month after consultation on the exposure draft. She emphasized that the legislation aimed to protect children from harmful content and give adults control over their feeds.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that an urgent online safety bill had been introduced 72 days prior to empower the eSafety Commissioner to hold social media companies accountable. She criticised the Coalition and Greens for delaying the bill's passage, arguing this allowed harm to continue. She defended the proposal to examine big tech executives under oath, noting the Coalition had previously granted this power. She highlighted that the Coalition had voted with One Nation to block the bill in the Senate and urged parliament to pass the legislation to protect children.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that the digital duty of care would set basic safety standards for online tools, similar to standards for cars or food, to address harms from platforms like online games and AI chatbots. She emphasized that the legislation was not about controlling adults but giving them choice, such as opting into algorithmic feeds or chronological ones. She cited support from parents who had lost children to suicide due to online harm, noting that the reforms aimed to hold tech companies accountable for the consequences of their features.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister reported that over five million underage accounts had been deactivated or restricted. She cited a YouGov survey indicating improvements in sleep, sports participation, and reductions in bullying and exposure to violent content among young Australians. She criticised platforms for using tactics to evade age verification and noted the introduction of a bill on 1 July to strengthen eSafety's powers and double penalties for non-compliance. She urged the opposition and Greens to pass the bill, which had been recommended by a Senate inquiry.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that the government had passed significant gambling reforms, including strengthening BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, which had over 67,000 registrations. She noted that costs for strengthening BetStop would be recovered from gambling companies. The reforms included new restrictions on inducements, requirements for companies to monitor vulnerable people, and bans on gambling advertising on jerseys, in stadiums, and during live sporting coverage between 5 am and 8:30 pm. The Minister also mentioned bans on online keno pocket pokies and foreign match lotteries.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister explained that the UOMO would provide baseline outdoor mobile connectivity for the first time, aiding safety in remote areas. She stated that the bill had not yet passed the House due to other legislative priorities but expected it to return for consideration in detail soon. She noted that the default start date was 1 December 2027, contingent on the development of the direct-to-device market and industry readiness.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister highlighted a $153 million investment in the News Media Assistance Program and the progression of News Bargaining Incentive legislation to ensure digital platforms contribute to journalism. She noted that gambling advertising reforms had passed, including amendments to protect children from ads on streaming services. She emphasized that these reforms were part of a broader agenda to deliver real change for Australians.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister announced additional amendments agreed with the coalition, including banning inducements for 14 days after signing up, for red flag customers, and for three months after deregistering from BetStop. She noted that commissions based on customer activity would be banned. Advertising protections would be enshrined in law, extended to online streaming services, and include a 15-minute blackout before live sport. A wagering advertising opt-out register would also be introduced.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister noted that the federal sports ministry delivered over $500 million in funding and worked with state governments on infrastructure projects. She highlighted the $200 million Play Our Way program as a significant investment in regional sports infrastructure. She stated that while demand for funding was high, the government would continue to advocate for more funding through usual budget processes and that the proposal would remain under consideration.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister explained that the government introduced a four-page bill to enable the eSafety Commissioner to require documents from tech firms and increase penalties for failing to comply, raising the maximum from $49.5 million to $99 million. She criticised the opposition for supporting a two-month Senate inquiry, stating this pause lets tech firms destroy evidence and persist in not complying. The minister cited the personal tragedy of Wayne Holdsworth, whose son died by suicide because of online sexual extortion, to stress the need to hold platforms accountable.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that since the social media minimum age laws commenced on 10 December, over five million accounts belonging to under-16s had been removed or restricted. She noted that tech companies like Roblox and Apple had introduced improved safety features inspired by Australia's approach. The Minister announced plans to introduce a digital duty of care to prevent harm from AI chatbots, algorithmic recommendations, and other online risks. She urged support for amendments to allow the eSafety Commissioner to hold platforms accountable.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister reported that over five million underage accounts had been deactivated since the law began six months prior. She cited survey data showing improvements in sleep, sports participation, and reductions in online bullying and exposure to violent content among young Australians. She announced that new legislation would double the maximum penalty for non-compliance from $49.5 million to $99 million and strengthen the eSafety Commissioner's information-gathering powers. She noted that the commissioner was actively investigating five major platforms for non-compliance.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister explained that the digital duty of care aimed to prevent psychosocial harm and enforce safety by design, shifting the onus to tech companies. She stated that defining harm as psychosocial captured emerging issues as research developed. She compared the current regulatory approach to the introduction of seatbelts, noting that cultural change takes time. She affirmed that the government was working towards holding tech companies accountable and looked forward to continuing work on the digital duty of care later in the year.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister acknowledged the importance of post offices but stated that closures sometimes occurred when licensees handed back licenses. She noted that Australia Post must remain financially sustainable while meeting community standards, including maintaining at least 4,000 offices. She explained that the licensing model was being modernized to reflect changes in letter business and retail foot traffic, and offered to arrange a meeting regarding specific concerns.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister reported that 90 per cent of the fixed-line network now accesses gigabit speeds, following the upgrade of 1.5 million premises from copper to fibre. She noted that the Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade Program, funded by $480 million, is complete, providing faster speeds. She highlighted an investment of up to $3 billion to upgrade the final 622,000 premises. She emphasized that the government opposes privatization of the NBN, unlike the opposition.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that all digital platforms, including AI chatbots, must protect young Australians from harm or face fines of up to $49.5 million. She noted that AI nudify apps were being restricted. She explained that the social media ban applied to specific harms associated with social media platforms, whereas chatbots were not social media. She confirmed that under the digital duty of care, AI chatbots would be required to adopt safety-by-design principles to protect young Australians.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that five million under-16 accounts had been removed or restricted under the social media minimum age law. She highlighted eSafety investigations into major platforms and the introduction of a digital duty of care to compel tech companies to manage harms proactively. She noted quadrupled funding for the eSafety Commissioner.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that the government's reforms aim to minimize children's exposure to wagering advertising and break the link between sport and gambling. She noted that the exposure draft bill was released for consultation and would start from 1 January next year. She listed other measures including strengthening BetStop, banning online keno, and cracking down on illegal offshore providers, but did not explicitly confirm the banning of inducements.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that she had provided a full account to the Integrity Commissioner and that a report was available online. She asserted that the trip was considered completely within the rules.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister confirmed she stood by everything she had told the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA). She noted that IPEA had reviewed all documents and that Minister Picton had confirmed the events in media outlets.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that the trip had been audited by IPEA, which reviewed nearly 2,000 line items and 243 trips. IPEA deemed the trip's dominant purpose to be parliamentary, encompassing four matters across two days, including a Sporting Schools funding announcement. The Minister referred the member to the publicly available 256-page IPEA report.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister thanked the member and noted that five million under-16 social media accounts had been removed or restricted due to Australia's social media law. She criticized some platforms for doing the bare minimum and highlighted issues with age assurance systems and reporting pathways. The eSafety Commissioner was investigating potential noncompliance by Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The Minister stated that Australia's leadership had inspired over a dozen countries to follow suit, with Canada's minister recently meeting to discuss expertise sharing. She emphasized the government's commitment to introducing a digital duty of care this year.

Answer from Anthony Albanese; Anika Wells

The Prime Minister acknowledged the divisive nature of some political advocacy and suggested the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters consider the issues, while emphasizing freedom of expression. The Minister for Communications stated that the government was implementing a digital duty of care to address online harms, including deepfakes and hate speech. She noted that consultation had closed and legislation was intended to pass by year-end, placing responsibility on big tech to prevent harm proactively.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister highlighted existing harm reduction measures, including BetStop, a ban on credit card wagering, and mandatory activity statements. She noted that a recent review of BetStop found it successful and suggested improvements to its reach. She stated she would continue working with advocates, broadcasters, and sporting codes to minimize gambling harms, without committing to a specific date for a full advertising ban.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated she had placed Roblox on notice and demanded an urgent meeting to discuss child safety measures. She reported writing to the eSafety Commissioner for advice on preventing harm and requested the Classification Board review Roblox's PG rating, last updated in 2018. She highlighted the government's commitment to legislating a digital duty of care to hold platforms accountable for preventing harms such as predatory behaviour and exposure to harmful algorithms.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that 4.7 million accounts were deactivated or restricted in the first week of the laws. She noted that leaders from Spain, France, the UK, New Zealand, Denmark, and Norway were inspired by Australia's approach and implementing similar measures. She cited praise from social psychologist Professor Jonathan Haidt for the legislation's significance.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister reported that 4.7 million accounts had been deactivated, removed, or restricted in the first week of the law's implementation. She stated this allowed young Australians to disconnect from algorithms and engage in real-life activities. She acknowledged that implementation was not perfect but emphasized the cultural change and progress being made. She cited positive feedback from parents and educators.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that the government was tabling rules and working with platforms to ensure compliance. She identified threats from opposition parliamentarians who were attempting to repeal the law and undermining trust in it. She criticized the shadow minister for suggesting she would not have supported the law in hindsight.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that the government had invested over $10 million in a national advertising campaign to build awareness and trust in the law. She reported that online visits to eSafety's website rose by 1,441 per cent, with nearly 600,000 Australians accessing resources. She shared positive feedback from young people who believed the law would reduce cyberbullying and protect mental health. She affirmed the government's commitment to standing with parents against platform threats and legal challenges.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister explained that delaying social media access until age 16 protects developing brains from dopamine-driven reward systems. She cited a meeting with a 12-year-old student and a neuroscientist who highlighted the risks of social media to young people's mental health and development. She stated the law would give young people three more years to build resilience in the real world before accessing platforms.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister highlighted the delivery of BetStop and the ban on credit cards for online wagering as significant harm-reduction initiatives. She reported that BetStop had reached 51,079 registrations, with 38 per cent choosing a lifetime ban. She stated she had met with harm-reduction advocates but not with gambling companies.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister confirmed that nine major platforms must remove underage accounts from 10 December, implementing a minimum age of 16 for social media. She cited international support from leaders in Europe and New Zealand. She stated that the law aims to allow young people an additional three years to develop strength in everyday life, protecting them from predatory algorithms and harmful content.

Answer from Anika Wells

The Minister stated that she and the Minister for the Arts are working on local content quotas, acknowledging their importance to the Australian industry. She promised to provide an update as soon as possible.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that the information was already public and referenced a press conference held on 22 September. She explained that Optus provided incorrect and misleading advice to her office and the ACMA regulator on 18 September. She noted that new ACMA determinations taking effect on 1 November would require telcos to immediately share outage information with emergency services and the regulator, a process telcos had agreed to start early.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that the proposed amendments to the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 were poor and potentially redundant. She argued that the current definition of critical telecommunications assets already covered the relevant infrastructure. She warned that the amendment could extend the definition too broadly, capturing any system connected to emergency calls, which would make the legislation confusing without achieving clear objectives.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister said she learned of the significant service failure on 19 September around 4:30 pm when Optus reached out to her office. She noted that she postponed her journey to collect details and update premiers and the community, instead holding a press conference on Saturday. She stressed that the fatalities strengthened her determination and that her office would handle the issue with strictness to guarantee system safety.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that Optus advised her office on 18 September that the outage was minor, affected only 10 calls, and had no adverse impacts. She confirmed that her office sought assurance that the regulator, ACMA, was informed and investigating. She noted that ACMA had publicly confirmed they were aware of the incident.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister reminded the shadow minister that the government had already introduced legislation enhancing consumer safeguards, increasing penalties for telcos by 40 times to up to $10 million. She offered to continue working on penalties within the existing bill before the House, noting that the shadow minister had previously supported these increases. She stated she was done with the matter.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister repeated that Optus had advised her office on 18 September that the outage was minor and resolved with no adverse impacts. Regarding the larger outage, she stated she inquired about the correct process for contacting families and was advised that emergency services were the appropriate agency. She said she would meet with affected families if they wished but was respecting their space and avoiding politicizing their grief.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that all matters were public record and had been declared at a press conference. She emphasized that the issue centred on Optus's inability to manage its network and meet legal obligations, rather than emails. She stated her job was to improve the system and deliver maximum safety and public confidence.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister pointed out that the shadow minister had previously supported penalty increases in the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025. She stated that the government would hold telcos accountable and that several investigations were underway. She emphasized that telcos must deliver resilient triple 0 services and that there would be serious consequences for failures.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that the Optus outage was unacceptable and solely the fault of the telecommunications provider, which is under investigation. She announced six key reforms to strengthen the triple zero system, including legislating for a Triple Zero Custodian, mandating real-time outage reporting, requiring telcos to test systems during maintenance, ensuring call fallback to other networks, enforcing improvement plans after outages, and issuing new performance requirements within six months. Regarding her travel, she defended her attendance at the United Nations to discuss social media age verification laws, citing lobbying by bereaved families, and stated she did not regret standing with them.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister noted that the Optus CEO had announced three deaths, while the Western Australian Premier identified a fourth potential death connected to the outage. She stated that she had spoken with Optus, whose CEO and its parent company Singtel had apologised to the families. She argued that the companies, not the government, were responsible for the failures and should bear the accountability, criticising the opposition for politicising the tragedy and letting the private company off the hook.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister stated that 13 of the 18 recommendations were complete, with the remaining five dependent on industry action. She noted that she had urged telecommunications CEOs to accelerate implementation of the outstanding items, and they had agreed to do so. She criticised the shadow minister for equivocating on support for the new triple zero custodian legislation, arguing that the government had acted swiftly and that the opposition should support the bill rather than politicise the crisis.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister rejected the premise that the government had sat on the issue, stating that the triple zero custodian would not exist without the government's action. She outlined the timeline: the Bean review recommended a custodian in March 2024, a steering committee reported in November 2024, and the department recommended the custodian operate within the department in March 2025. She asserted that the government had worked continuously to protect Australians and hold failing providers accountable.

Answer from Anika Wells

The minister did not provide a specific number of outages but highlighted that telecommunications companies were not previously legally required to report outages. She stated that new ACMA determinations taking effect on 1 November would require telcos to immediately share outage information with emergency services.