Daniel Mulino (Fraser, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I would like to thank the many members from across this chamber who have contributed to this debate, and I acknowledge the conviction and the compassion with which this important policy has been advocated for within the parliament. The Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026 represents the best of this place, and I hope that our demonstration of unity and solidarity sends a powerful message to victims-survivors that the parliament is listening and that we are acting.

In particular, I want to thank the member for Boothby and the member for Eden-Monaro, who have advocated for this measure over a very long period of time. I would also like to acknowledge the member for Sydney, the Minister for Social Services, who just spoke powerfully on this issue; the Assistant Minister for Social Services, the member for Cooper; and the Attorney-General. I'd also like to thank the shadow assistant treasurer, the member for Page, and the former shadow assistant treasurer, the member for Cowper, for their engagement on this issue, along with the member for Fisher. Members across this chamber and senators in the other place from all political parties have contributed to the strength of this measure. This is truly a bill which the parliament has united behind.

I note the amendment of the member for Wentworth and thank her for her positive engagement on this issue. As the member rightly indicated in her speech, the government has committed to reviewing the legislation following its implementation. While we cannot support the member's substantive amendment to the bill, we remain committed to reviewing this legislation and to affirming that commitment in a way that can ensure confidence for survivors. I look forward to continuing to engage with the member on this measure and looking for all possible opportunities to strengthen it in the future.

This bill establishes a framework for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and other similar offences to seek visibility and release of certain amounts from a perpetrator's superannuation to satisfy unpaid compensation orders. It is directed at preventing superannuation being used to shield a perpetrator's assets from compensation, which can delay or deny compensation and add further distress to victims and survivors. This bill closes that loophole and affirms that financial systems must not operate in a way that undermines justice, and its passage is a testament to the strength and hope of survivors of child sexual abuse and their families. At its core, this bill is guided by a simple but fundamental principle: perpetrators of child sexual abuse should not be able to hide behind financial structures to avoid accountability. I commend this bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

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