Bills Passed
Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026
The federal government has doubled the maximum penalties that can be imposed on companies that breach consumer protection laws. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will now be able to pursue larger fines against businesses for misleading conduct, unconscionable behaviour, and other breaches. This affects any business operating in Australia that deals with consumers — from banks and retailers to telcos and energy companies.

Housing Australia Amendment (Accountability) Bill 2025
New oversight measures for public housing projects have been enacted. The bill introduces stricter accountability requirements for how government housing funding is administered and reported. This affects state and territory governments managing federal housing investment grants, and indirectly affects Australians seeking access to affordable public housing.

Appropriation Bills (No. 3 and No. 4) 2025-2026
Parliament has approved the government's spending allocations for the 2025-26 financial year. These bills authorise departments and agencies to spend money on their budgeted programs and services. This affects all Australian taxpayers and anyone relying on government services.

Bills Introduced
Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026
This bill proposes changes to workplace laws relating to fuel entitlements or transport-related work conditions. The bill is now in early debate in the Senate after passing the House. This would affect workers in transport, logistics, and related industries.

Housing Investment Probity Bill 2024
New requirements for housing investment decision-making are being debated in the Senate. The bill aims to establish standards for how housing investment decisions are made and approved. This affects public agencies administering housing grants and the states and territories receiving federal housing funding.

Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026
Parliament is considering new measures to stamp out black-market cigarette sales and tobacco products. The bill is in early debate and would introduce new enforcement powers or penalties for illegal tobacco trading. This affects retailers, importers, and consumers purchasing tobacco products.

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 1) Bill 2026
Technical corrections to social security laws are being considered in the Senate. The bill makes minor adjustments to administrative rules and definitions in welfare legislation. This potentially affects recipients of Centrelink payments and services.

High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026
Parliament is debating a bill to protect ocean ecosystems beyond national jurisdiction. The bill likely introduces new protections or management rules for marine life in international waters. This affects fishing industries, environmental conservation efforts, and Australia's international obligations.

Worth Watching
The Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026 and Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026 have both passed the House and are now in the Senate — watch for final passage in coming weeks. The Housing Investment Probity Bill 2024 is an early-stage Senate debate that may take longer to progress. The High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026 remains at early introduction stage.

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Federal Legislation Briefing — sourced from Hansard via OpenAustralia API. Parliamentary material Copyright Commonwealth of Australia. This is a summary only.

Bills Introduced
Motor Vehicles Taxation Amendment (Rural Vehicles) Bill 2025
Government member introduced this bill.
It changes how rural vehicles are taxed.
The bill uses amendments to motor vehicle taxation law to adjust rural vehicle treatment.
Farmers and rural landowners who operate vehicles on their properties are affected.

Standard Time Amendment (Reduction of Daylight Saving) Bill 2026
A private member introduced this bill.
It proposes to reduce the period of daylight saving time in NSW.
The bill amends the Standard Time Act to shorten daylight saving.
All NSW residents would be affected by any change to daylight saving dates.

Health Services Amendment (Right to Primary Health Care) Bill 2026
A private member introduced this bill.
It establishes a legal right to primary health care in NSW.
The bill amends the Health Services Act to create this right as law.
NSW residents seeking primary healthcare services are affected.

Road Transport Amendment (Non-Registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026
Government member introduced this bill in the Legislative Council.
It changes registration rules for certain motor vehicles.
The bill amends road transport legislation to alter which vehicles require registration.
Owners of non-registrable motor vehicles are affected.

Bills Debated or Passed
Water NSW Amendment (Warragamba Dam) Bill 2026
Government member introduced this bill.
It makes changes to how Warragamba Dam is managed and operated.
The bill amends the Water NSW Act to alter dam operations or governance.
Sydney water users and surrounding communities are affected.

Summary Offences Amendment (Police Memorial Offences) Bill 2025
Government member introduced this bill.
It creates new offences related to disrespecting police memorials.
The bill adds new criminal penalties for offences against police memorials.
Members of the public who may interact with police memorials are affected.
This bill has now passed the Legislative Assembly.

Road Legislation Amendment (Speed Limits) Bill 2025
Government member introduced this bill.
It changes speed limit rules or procedures on NSW roads.
The bill amends road legislation to alter how speed limits operate.
NSW drivers are affected.

Electoral Legislation Amendment (Elections) Bill 2026
Government member introduced this bill.
It changes how NSW electoral processes operate.
The bill amends electoral legislation to alter election administration or voting rules.
NSW voters and electoral participants are affected.
This bill has now passed both the Legislative Council and returned to the Legislative Assembly.

Worth Watching
Surveillance Devices Amendment (Public Interest Exceptions) Bill 2026
Government member introduced this bill.
It creates exceptions to surveillance device laws based on public interest.
The bill amends surveillance legislation to allow surveillance in certain circumstances deemed to be in the public interest.
Law enforcement agencies, security organisations, and all NSW residents with privacy concerns are affected.
This bill has been returned from the Legislative Council and may require further consideration in the Legislative Assembly.

NSW Legislation Briefing — sourced from NSW Parliament Hansard API. Parliamentary material Copyright NSW Parliament. This is a summary only.