Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education) | Hansard source

I present four government responses to committee reports as listed at item 13 on today's Order of Business, and I seek leave to have the documents incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The documents read as follows

Australian Government response to the Economics Legislation Committee report:

Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 202 5

Dear President

I write to advise that the Australian Government has provided its response to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee report titled "Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025".

The Government's response was delivered during debate in the Senate on 11 March 2026. For completeness and ease of reference, I have attached an extract of the relevant Hansard proceedings.

Please arrange for this letter and the attached material to be tabled in the Senate.

Yours sincerely

Dr Daniel Mulino

The table extract read as follows—

I'd like to thank all the senators who have contributed to this debate. I note the Senate economics committee report on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Supporting Choice in Superannuation and Other Measures) Bill 2025, including the dissenting report and additional comments, but the government does not support the recommendations outlined.

Schedule 1 to the bill amends the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 to streamline the superannuation choice of fund process during employee onboarding. This amendment provides greater flexibility for employers or their agents to request an employee's existing stapled fund details from the ATO earlier in the onboarding process. That way, if a stapled fund exists, the employer can provide those details to the employee during onboarding.

This amendment supports the government's commitment to empowering employees to make informed choices, by making it easier to see, consider and select their existing super fund when they start a new job—if they choose to do so. It will also give employers more timely and accurate superannuation details, supporting their readiness for the government's payday super reforms.

Schedule 2 of the bill amends the Corporations Act 2001 to impose a ban on advertising superannuation products to employees during onboarding. Exceptions will be available for showing employees their stapled fund, the employer's default fund and certain MySuper products which are subject to regulation. This amendment reinforces the government's commitment to supporting Australians to make an informed choice about their superannuation, while providing strong consumer protections.

Schedule 3 of the bill implements key budget measures to provide tax exemptions for the Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 events, which Australia is proud to host. These exemptions are a standard feature of international hosting arrangements and are critical to fulfilling our commitments to World Rugby. The exemptions are consistent with previous exemptions granted for events such as the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup. This measure is a practical and necessary step to ensure the success of these events and to uphold Australia's reputation as a trusted and capable host of major international competitions.

Schedule 4 of the bill amends the International Tax Agreements Act 1953 to give force of law to the tax treaty between Australia and Portugal. This treaty is the first of its kind between Australia and Portugal and is in Australia's national interest. It will provide closer bilateral linkages with Portugal, particularly in the areas of commercial trade, investment and innovation. It will provide Australian individuals and businesses with increased opportunities to access capital and technology from Portugal by reducing tax on cross-border income and providing greater tax certainty. It will also facilitate labour mobility to strengthen our cultural ties with Portugal. Finally, the treaty builds on Australia's existing tax integrity measures, designed to combat international tax evasion and avoidance, ensuring multinationals pay their fair share of tax.

Schedule 5 of the bill amends the income tax law to specifically list the following organisations as deductible gift recipients: Coaxial Foundation, Community Foundations Australia, Equality Australia, Foundation Broken Hill, Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment, the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Social Enterprise Australia, St Patrick's Cathedral Melbourne Restoration Fund, Sydney Chevra Kadisha, the Great Synagogue Foundation and Project Parenthood Ltd. The schedule also removes the following specifically listed entities: the Bradman Memorial Fund, Clontarf Foundation, NSCA Foundation, Sydney Talmudical College Association Refugees Overseas Aid Fund, the Australian Future Leaders Foundation, the Ranfurly Library Service, the Roberta Sykes Indigenous Education Foundation and WA National Parks and Reserves Association.

Schedule 6 of the bill will increase support available to all eligible wine producers under the existing wine equalisation tax producer rebate scheme from a cap of $350,000 per financial year to $400,000 from 1 July 2026. These changes deliver on the government's commitment to supporting the Australian wine industry as well as regional tourism investment and job creation. I commend the bill to the Senate, and I thank senators for their contribution.

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Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade report:

Inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Australia's foreign affairs, defence and trade

JUNE 2026

Response to the recommendations

The Government notes recommendations 1 to 16. However, given the passage of time since this report was tabled in December 2020, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate.

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Australian Government response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report:

Wrongful detention of Australian citizens overseas

June 2026

Executive Summary

The Australian Government appreciates the work of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee ('the Committee'). The Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to its inquiry 'Wrongful detention of Australian citizens overseas' and to outline the practical steps already taken or under consideration in response to its recommendations.

The whole-of-government response has been coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in consultation with the following Commonwealth agencies:

DFAT also consulted other stakeholders, including Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and former detainees, in preparing its response.

The Government notes that while the term 'arbitrary detention' is clearly defined in international law, the term 'wrongful detention' is not. This response uses the term 'wrongful detention' when referring to a broad range of case circumstances.

The Government recognises the significant personal impact of wrongful detention overseas—both on those detained and on their families. We are committed to using the Committee's recommendations to strengthen the compassionate delivery of consular services and improve how we manage cases of wrongful detention. This approach is not static and will continue to evolve through ongoing engagement with former detainees and other stakeholders.

Under the existing framework, the Government:

This approach has helped secure the release of several high-profile Australian detainees in recent years, as well as others less publicly known.

The Government strongly supports international efforts to deter arbitrary detention for diplomatic leverage, including through endorsement of the Canadian-led Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. DFAT leads Australian advocacy against the practice of arbitrary detention in multilateral forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, and will continue to prioritise effective international responses.

The Government acknowledges the contributions of all individuals and organisations who provided submissions and/or testimony to the inquiry, particularly those with firsthand experience of wrongful detention.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

3.128 The committee recommends that the Australian Government should adopt a clear, publicly available definition of wrongful detention and implement a framework which ensures cases of Australians being wrongfully detained overseas are identified, categorised and reported as being cases of wrongful detention.

3.129 The definition adopted by the Australian Government should allow for the identification and classification of a wrongful detention case as a case of hostage diplomacy (arbitrary detention for diplomatic leverage).

3.130 The definition should also be in alignment with definitions used by key partners, to allow for multilateral action when a citizen from Australia or our partners is wrongfully detained.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

The Government will publish a framework used to assess cases of 'wrongful detention', including for diplomatic leverage. Categorisation of cases under this framework will reflect a policy assessment and be informed by a number of considerations, including the approaches of key partners, international human rights instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations.

Cases reported and assessed as 'wrongful detention' would be referred to DFAT's complex case team for specialised strategy development and advocacy.

The Government will not routinely publicly identify individuals whose cases are assessed as wrongful detention. The best interests of the consular client, including their treatment in detention and prospects for resolution of their case, will remain a primary consideration in any public advocacy.

Recommendation 2

3.131 The committee recommends that the Australian Government should legislate to ensure that agencies have powers, tools and accountabilities to respond to and deter wrongful detention of Australians, including providing greater transparency and reporting on cases of wrongful detention.

Response:

The Government does not accept this recommendation.

Government agencies already have the necessary powers, tools and accountabilities to the Australian Parliament and people to respond to and deter the wrongful detention of Australians.

As noted in the response to Recommendation 1, greater transparency or public reporting may have adverse impacts on the case outcomes of wrongfully detained individuals.

Recommendation 3

3.132 The committee recommends that the Australian Government's framework acknowledge the unfortunate reality that some foreign regimes engage in the practice of hostage diplomacy because it has proven to be a successful tactic for securing prisoner swaps or obtaining leverage over the national government. Acknowledgement of this reality is a critical part of designing a framework which reduces the risk of the Australian Government being leveraged in this way, therefore reducing the risk of Australians being wrongfully detained for this purpose.

Response:

The Government accepts this recommendation.

Recommendation 4

3.133 The committee recommends that the Australian Government collect data on the wrongful detention of Australian citizens, which should be regularly reported to the National Security Committee of Cabinet and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and publicly disclosed in a deidentified manner.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

DFAT regularly briefs the Minister for Foreign Affairs on overseas detention cases, including those that may constitute wrongful detention, requiring enhanced or urgent diplomatic action.

The Australian Government does not disclose the considerations of the National Security Committee of Cabinet.

DFAT will develop a new protocol within the Consular Information System (CIS) to flag cases assessed as complex, including due to an assessment of wrongful detention under the new framework (recommendation 1). This capability will improve data collection and internal reporting and may support earlier identification of trends relating to complex cases and more consistent monitoring. It will also provide a stronger evidence base for decision-making and for targeting consular and diplomatic responses. This data will be regularly reported to the Foreign Minister's Office.

The Government considers that publicly disclosing data related to Australians detained overseas, including those who may be considered 'wrongfully detained', may in many cases be contrary to the interests of the clients, including their prospects for release and welfare.

The small number of Australians involved means that deidentification is unlikely to be possible.

Recommendation 5

3.134 The committee recommends that the Australian Government should take steps to increase public awareness in the Australian community about the practice of foreign governments wrongfully detaining citizens for a variety of reasons, including establishing leverage over that citizen's national government.

Response:

The Government accepts this recommendation.

The travel advice for Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, China, the DPRK, Iran, Mali, Myanmar, Russia, Syria and Venezuela all contain clear warnings regarding the risk of arbitrary detention. The travel advice for Belarus, Macau and Hong Kong highlight the risks around the arbitrary or harsh enforcement of local laws.

Smartraveller publishes two employment-specific advisories that highlight the risk of arbitrary arrest or detention for journalists and academics. Smartraveller also publishes an advisory that notes the risk of arbitrary detention for travellers to locations listed as 'Do not travel'.

The Government continues to invest in advertising, public relations and digital communication activities to raise awareness of Smartraveller.gov.au, the risks of overseas travel and how to stay safe. This activity is supported by targeted outreach to the community and travel and tourism industry stakeholders by Ministers and senior officials.

DFAT will continue to highlight the risks of arbitrary detention for Australians travelling abroad.

Recommendation 6

3.135 The committee recommends that the Australian Government should increase the visibility of warnings to Australian travellers intending to visit countries where regimes are known to engage in wrongful detention.

Response:

The Government accepts this recommendation.

All Smartraveller destination advisory pages with arbitrary detention warnings contain an alert at the top of the advice in the prominent 'Latest Advice' header.

DFAT will continue to use Smartraveller to increase public awareness of countries that engage in the practice of arbitrary detention and highlight risks to specific communities and professions. Smartraveller advice is prominently promoted including through advertising, public relations, media engagement, digital communications (including social media) and partnerships. In 2025-26 to date (at 5 May 2026), the Smartraveller website has been viewed more than 26 million times, has more than 620,000 email subscribers and over 460,000 people follow Smartraveller on social media.

Recommendation 7

4.123 The committee recommends that the Australian Government should establish an inter-agency, specialist team led by a Special Envoy for Wrongfully Detained Australians to lead the management of all cases of wrongful or arbitrary detention of Australians.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

The Whole-of-Government response to complex cases is overseen by a Deputy Secretary-level inter-agency Complex Case Committee (CCC), established in 2023. The CCC is supported by dedicated teams which draw on knowledge, skills and expertise across government to develop strategies for case resolution.

Since 2023, DFAT has strengthened the framework underpinning the CCC, including in response to this Inquiry and recent case management lessons. This includes clearer terms of reference, a broader remit to address a wider range of complex cases, and strengthened referral processes. Together, these changes provide a more systematic basis for considering bespoke options, including the appointment of special envoys and other options to pursue justice and accountability. The Government considers that appointing special envoys on a case-by-case basis, rather than a standing appointment, provides the flexibility required across a diverse and evolving case load.

DFAT will continue to appoint special envoys with specific knowledge and connections that may enable positive outcomes for clients on a case-by-case basis. An assessment of the best interests of the client will determine whether any appointment is made public. In other cases, interventions using senior government and diplomatic channels may be assessed more effective than the appointment of a special envoy for that case.

The Government assesses these arrangements remain appropriate for the nature and volume of the Australian caseload and provide a range of options to secure positive outcomes.

Recommendation 8

4.124 The committee recommends that the newly created Office of the Special Envoy should be resourced with the expertise (and ability to call on external expertise as required) to improve the Australian Government's ability to provide:

Specialised and dedicated case management of each case of wrongful detention, including dedicated family liaison contacts.

Increased support for the families of Australians wrongfully detained during the period of detention.

Coordination with victims, families and their legal representatives in regard to legal assistance.

A greater level of ongoing support for victims of wrongful detention post-release, including medical support and counselling, and assistance navigating legal and administrative issues created by a wrongful conviction.

Ensure there is a proper process for reintegrating and debriefing an Australian released from wrongful detention and providing ongoing advice as required.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

The Government acknowledges the difficult, and often prolonged, circumstances faced by Australians detained overseas and their families, and that reintegrating to life in Australia can be challenging. In all cases, DFAT seeks to be compassionate and flexible in its delivery of consular services.

The Government recognises the importance of the functions of the proposed dedicated Office of a Special Envoy outlined in the recommendation and notes that a number of these functions are captured through either existing or planned consular and whole-of-government arrangements.

The Government is committed to supporting Australians and their families in cases of wrongful detention, with a focus on resolving the case and ensuring the detainee's welfare. Families are assigned a dedicated case manager as a single point of contact throughout the detention and following release. DFAT will continue to consider ways it can maintain continuity in engagement with Australians and their families. Legal assistance may be available in exceptional circumstances through schemes administered by the Attorney-General's Department.

DFAT has strengthened support in recent years, including relationships with non-government sector domestic providers of mental health support. DFAT now prepares tailored reception and repatriation plans for returning detainees whose circumstances warrant additional assistance including access to medical, dental and psychological support. Vulnerable clients are connected directly with Services Australia and other domestic service providers best placed to provide ongoing care.

In 2026 DFAT is building on the External Advisory Group (EAG), originally formed due to feedback from former detainees, to enhance relationships with domestic stakeholders involved in supporting the needs of complex consular cases returning to Australia. DFAT will convene the EAG to refine support pathways for post-release debriefing and reintegration, including improved coordination with domestic federal agencies, states, territories and other service providers. This will complement more regular, ad hoc engagement with domestic agencies on specific cases. Further consideration will be given to how external expertise can better inform case handling.

Recommendation 9

4.125 The committee recommends that Australians who have been deemed to be wrongfully detained overseas should be supported by the government with a clear acknowledgement that the person's detention was a wrongful detention, for example, by providing a government issued explanatory letter.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

The Government acknowledges that for many former detainees the challenge of reintegrating back into life in Australia or travelling abroad may be aggravated by a conviction, or unexplained periods on their record. Some former detainees have also had charges against them reinstated after their release leading to further difficulties with international travel.

DFAT has on a number of occasions liaised with foreign governments to proactively help manage these issues for former detainees, including by providing explanatory letters tailored to the specific circumstances of the individual concerned. DFAT has also supported former detainees through engagement with domestic government and private entities on return to Australia to help smooth the reintegration process.

The Government considers the detainee's needs are best addressed through case-by-case assessment of their requirements. Where appropriate and as requested, an explanatory letter and/or other assistance can and has been provided, along the lines described above.

DFAT will work with relevant government agencies to incorporate into return and reception processes a dedicated briefing on federal government assistance that can be provided to support reintegration.

Recommendation 10

4.126 The committee recommends the Australian Government explore options for exempting consular cases from relevant privacy legislation, in order that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is able to legally disclose information to a detainee's family in a prompt manner, even in circumstances when a detainee is unable to physically sign a privacy waiver form.

Response:

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in Schedule 1 to that Act, regulates how APP entities (which includes most Commonwealth government departments and agencies, including DFAT) collect, store, use and disclose personal information.

Where practicable, DFAT prefers to obtain consent from a consular client prior to disclosure of their personal information to family members, as this provides the client with autonomy over how their personal information is handled.

However, even if it is not possible to obtain consent from an individual, the Privacy Act provides for circumstances in which DFAT may disclose personal information to a detainee's family, and in such cases DFAT makes every effort to do so. If consular access is subsequently established, DFAT takes early steps to notify the client of any disclosures of their personal information and seeks their consent for any future disclosures of personal information to family members.

Recommendation 11

4.127 The committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade employ specially trained case workers and family liaison officers to engage with detainees and their families. These personnel should be trained in trauma-informed practice and communication and not be subject to diplomatic rotation.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

The Government acknowledges the high levels of uncertainty and stress encountered by the families of Australians detained overseas. DFAT continues to refine and improve its support to families based on their feedback.

DFAT assigns dedicated case managers to be the primary point of contact for families. These case managers complete a range of training, including on trauma informed practices and communications. DFAT also refers detainees and their families to specialist service providers and support organisations with experience in protracted detention.

DFAT is working with specialist service providers to review and expand the trauma informed training offered to case managers, as well as to senior managers.

DFAT seeks to ensure continuity of case managers to the extent possible. For operational reasons, however, and particularly given the high psychosocial pressures of these roles, it is not feasible for case managers to be excluded from leave, diplomatic rotation or redeployment. DFAT is also in the process of strengthening its internal processes—including to capture and embed lessons learned and to integrate communications considerations—to ensure that when it does become necessary to rotate case managers, good handover arrangements, including strong record keeping, provide as much continuity as possible for the detainee and their family.

Recommendation 12

5.95 The committee recommends that the Australian Government recognise the deterrence of wrongful detention of Australians as a top priority of Australian foreign policy. The government should utilise all the tools available to it to increase this deterrence.

Response:

The Government accepts this recommendation, consistent with the response to recommendation 3 above.

Recommendation 13

5.96 The committee recommends that the relevant agencies of Australia's counter-foreign interference framework acknowledge hostage diplomacy as a serious and egregious form of foreign interference and work closely with the Special Envoy on Wrongfully Detained Australians to counter this foreign interference threat.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

There is already a significant intersection of those agencies working on counter-foreign interference frameworks, and those agencies are routinely consulted in relation to complex consular matters. DFAT will convene a dedicated session with relevant agencies which will focus on wrongful detention and hostage taking as a vector for foreign interference.

The response to individual instances of hostage diplomacy will continue to be determined on a case-by-case basis, with the welfare of the client a primary consideration. Where foreign interference concerns may arise, relevant agencies will be consulted and, where appropriate, DFAT will meet with the relevant Special Envoy regularly, including to discuss foreign interference issues.

Recommendation 14

5.97 The committee recommends that where regimes are known to engage in wrongful detention for diplomatic leverage or to secure prisoner exchanges, such as Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Australian Government should make clear to those regimes that they should expect severe diplomatic consequences and sanctions in response to this behaviour.

Response:

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government stands resolutely against the use of wrongful detention or arbitrary detention to exercise diplomatic leverage. We support international and multilateral efforts to address this and will continue to work with international partners to end its use as a coercive tool.

The Government has publicly condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran's use of arbitrary detention for diplomatic leverage at a Ministerial level:

Senior officials have regularly raised, through Iran's Embassy in Australia and through Australia's Embassy in Iran (before the current suspension of its operations), concerns about Iran's arbitrary detention of foreign nationals—in the context of discussions on our Do Not Travel advice for Australian citizens; and regarding individual cases where our citizens have been affected.

The Government has had limited bilateral engagement with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Government only engages with Russia to deliver on Australia's national interests, including the safety of Australian citizens.

Australian ministers and officials have consistently raised concerns, both publicly and privately, about politically motivated detention by Russia. The Government has also imposed sanctions in response to politically motivated detention by Russia of its own nationals, including opposition figures Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Sanctions are just one of a suite of possible measures the Government considers alongside all strategic and tactical levers in responding to cases of arbitrary detention. Consistent with longstanding practice, the Government does not speculate publicly on potential sanctions measures.

Recommendation 15

5.98 The committee recommends that the Australian Government should sanction senior officials responsible for the wrongful detention of Australians, including judges responsible for allowing or authorising wrongful detention and imprisonment.

Response:

The Government partially accepts this recommendation.

When an Australian citizen has been detained overseas, including cases amounting to wrongful detention, the Government's primary concern is the welfare of that individual.

As noted in the response to Recommendation 14, sanctions are just one of a suite of possible measures the Government considers, alongside all strategic and tactical levers.

In 2023, the Government expanded its autonomous sanctions regime against Iran to allow the designation of individuals and entities under new categories, reflecting concerns about serious human rights abuses and other unacceptable practices.

Any decision to impose autonomous sanctions requires careful consideration of whether doing so is in the best interests of the client's welfare, including whether imposing sanctions would improve the prospects of release. Consistent with long-standing practice, the Government does not speculate publicly about potential sanctions measures.

Recommendation 16

5.99 The committee recommends that where a foreign regime is currently wrongfully or arbitrarily detaining an Australian, the Australian Government should exercise restraint in its public engagements with representatives of that regime.

Response:

The Government notes this recommendation.

When an Australian citizen may have been arbitrarily or wrongfully detained, the Government's primary concern is the welfare of that individual. An assessment of what is in the best interests of the client will determine how DFAT manages all aspects of their case. In some instances, it may be to the advantage of the detained individual's case if the Government continues to engage publicly with representatives of the detaining state.

Recommendation 17

5.100 The committee recommends that the current Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advice that Australian travellers to the People's Republic of China, Afghanistan, North Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mali, Myanmar and Russia are at increased risk of arbitrary detention should be reflected in Australia's bilateral approach to engagement with those countries.

Response:

The Government accepts this recommendation.

Australia's bilateral engagement with the countries listed above takes into account our consular equities and travel advice.

Recommendation 18

5.101 The committee recommends that the Australian Government should increase transparency and utilise public attribution wherever possible as a deterrent to regimes which seek to wrongfully detain Australians.

Response:

The Government notes this recommendation.

Describing an Australian as wrongfully detained in public communications, or even in bilateral advocacy, may carry risks for the client and in some circumstances may undermine work towards a resolution.

When an Australian citizen has been detained overseas, including cases that may amount to wrongful detention, the Government's primary concern is the welfare of that individual.

DFAT's assessment of the best interests of the client determines how it manages their case.

Working with like-minded partners to advance multilateral and group advocacy on the broader practice of wrongful detention, rather than on individual cases, helps to reduce risks to clients while still achieving the goal of increasing attribution and deterrence. This approach strengthens international norms, amplifies Australia's influence through collective action, and ensures that advocacy efforts do not compromise the welfare of those directly affected.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee report:

Bank closures in regional Australia: Protecting the future of regional banking

June 2026

Introduction

The Albanese Government recognises that access to essential banking services is vital for regional communities and is working to ensure Australians have access to fit for purpose and sustainable banking services over the long term.

The Australian Government thanks the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for its work on bank closures in regional Australia and welcomes its report.

The Government is grateful to the 609 individuals and organisations who made submissions and provided evidence over 13 public hearings, particularly those who shared their personal experiences with the Committee.

In the period since the inquiry commenced in February 2023, the Government has taken action to support access to banking services in regional Australia. This includes:

In addition, the Australian Banking Association has updated the Banking Code of Practice and Bank Branch Closure Protocol, which came into force on 1 July 2023 and 28 February 2025, respectively.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government adopt a policy recognising access to financial services as an essential service. To this end, it should commit to guaranteeing reasonable access to cash and financial services for all Australians.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government recognises that access to cash and bank banking services are critical to regional Australia. As more Australians move to online banking, the Government is taking action to make sure regional communities are not left behind.

On 11 February 2025, the Treasurer announced that the Government had secured a package of commitments from the banks to ensure banking services remain available in regional Australia. The commitments include a major bank moratorium on regional branch closures until July 2027 as well as new and updated Bank@Post agreements with Australia Post. Westpac has subsequently announced an extension of its moratorium to 2030.

The Government is continuing to work with regulators, industry and communities to ensure our regions have access to fit-for purpose and sustainable banking services over the long term.

In the 2023 Strategic Plan for Australia's Payment System, the Government committed to support Australians access to cash for as long as they wish to use it. From 1 January 2026, new rules mandated by the Government require fuel and grocery retailers to accept cash in certain circumstances, with appropriate exemptions for small businesses. In addition to fuel and groceries, Australians can pay their bills in cash at their local Australia Post outlet through Post Billpay.

In April 2026, the Government released draft legislation for a cash distribution regulatory framework to support the sustainability of the sector and access to cash for Australians. The draft legislation includes powers to ensure cash distribution services are provided on fair terms, minimum service level standards for regional customers, and that regulators have appropriate powers to support continuity of critical services. The draft legislation follows recommendations from the Council of Financial Regulators.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government commission an expert panel to investigate the feasibility of establishing a publicly owned bank. In investigating this, the panel should examine options including but not limited to a stand-alone public bank or one associated with, and using the branch network of Australia Post.

Australian Government response

The Government does not support this recommendation.

The Government believes a well-regulated and competitive market for banking services is the best way to achieve the goal of promoting access to value-for-money financial services that meet the needs of businesses and consumers.

The establishment of a publicly owned bank would carry significant costs and risks for government and, ultimately, taxpayers.

Bank@Post services already support the provision of banking services for over 75 banks in more than 3,300 locations, including more than 1,800 locations in regional and remote Australia.

Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government urgently develop a mandatory Banking Code of Conduct or Customer Service Code (Code), incorporating a robust branch closure process, to be administered by a regulator with expertise in consumer protection. The new Code would require financial institutions to:

The committee recommends that the regulator would assess compliance with the Code before any closure is agreed to.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Banking Association's Branch Closure Support Protocol and Banking Code of Practice were both updated during the Committee's inquiry. The updated protocol came into effect on 1 July 2023 and the updated Code came into effect on 28 February 2025.

The Government has secured commitments from the major banks for a moratorium on regional branch closures until July 2027. Westpac has since extended its branch closure moratorium till July 2030.

Recommendation 4

In enforcing the mandatory Banking Code outlined in Recommendation 3, the committee recommends that the regulator be authorised to approve or defer any closure request. In deferring a closure, the regulator would be authorised to direct a bank to take certain reasonable actions, including to order further consultation or provide additional information to the regulator. The regulator should be provided with a range of penalties should a bank fail to comply with an order to defer closure, or with any other undertaking.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

See the Government response to recommendation 3.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government commission the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to explore the barriers to customers switching banks, with a view to allowing those that open and/or maintain branches in regional, rural and remote towns to attract more business.

Australian Government response

The Government agrees in principle with this recommendation.

The ACCC delivered inquiries into the Home Loan Pricing and Retail Deposit Markets in 2020 and 2023 respectively. The Government's response to these inquiries was announced on 15 June 2024. BETA has conducted research to understand barriers to Australians getting a better deal on their banking products and ways to help. Its report was released on 20 November 2025.

On 8 July 2024, the Government asked the CFR, in consultation with the ACCC to conduct a review of competition in the small and medium-sized banking sectors. The CFR Review into Small and Medium Sized Banks' examination also included an assessment of current bank switching activity, including the barriers to, and the benefits of, switching banks and noted that there are a range of reasons why consumers may not switch, including regulatory, structural and behavioural. The Government responded to the review in August 2025 welcoming nine actions from regulators, agreeing in-principle to eight recommendations and seeking feedback on a ninth recommendation.

Recommendation 6

The committee recommends the Australian Government establish the Regional Community Banking Branch Program (RCBBP). The objective of the RCBBP would be to help underwrite the establishment of 'community bank' branches providing in-person banking services in regional, rural and remote Australia. Local communities would be required to raise their own capital as well, but the government contributions could help lower the required amounts. Consideration could also be given to using this fund to help enhance financial services available at Australia Post.

To support the RCBBP, the committee recommends that the Australian Government establish a supplement to the Major Banks Levy to be levied on the major banks. Funds raised by the supplement must be hypothecated to provide funding to the RCBBP.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

On 11 February 2025, the Treasurer announced that the Government had secured a package of commitments from the banks to ensure banking services remain available in regional Australia. The commitments include a major bank moratorium on regional branch closures until July 2027 as well as new and updated Bank@Post agreements with Australia Post. Westpac has subsequently announced an extension of its moratorium to 2030.

The Government is continuing to work with regulators, industry and communities to ensure our regions have access to fit-for purpose and sustainable banking services over the long term.

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government works closely with the banks and Australia Post, to require all major banks to have agreements with Bank@Post and to harmonise the terms of Bank@Post agreements to improve fairness and sustainability. Specifically, agreements should include increased deposit limits to support small businesses, provisions to facilitate identification verification, and to handle issues around temporary account closures or multiple signatory requirements.

Major banks that do not put in place agreements with Bank@Post to deliver financial services should pay an increased supplementary levy as described in Recommendation 6.

Australian Government response

The Government agrees in principle with this recommendation.

The Government has secured new and updated agreements between all four major banks, Macquarie Bank and Australia Post for Bank@Post since the publication of this report. The ANZ and Macquarie Bank agreements are both new agreements.

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends that the ACCC consider measures to protect access to personal and business banking services in regional, rural and remote locations. This may include, but not be limited to, proposing an authorisation to circumvent anti-competitive laws such that banks can cooperate for the purposes of reducing the impacts of bank branch closures on regional communities.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

On 8 July 2024, the Government asked the CFR, in consultation with the ACCC, to conduct a Review into Small and Medium Sized Banks. The Final Report of the Review, released on 6 August 2025, included an examination of lowering barriers to collaboration.

As part of the Final Report, the ACCC committed to communicating its openness to consider proposals involving collaboration between small banks including authorisations to support access to cash. The ACCC also made specific commitments to engage early in the development of proposals and provide clear guidance on options and processes, where relevant.