Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a first time.

by leave—I move:

That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the bill, allowing it to be considered during this period of sittings.

I table a statement of reasons justifying the need for this bill to be considered during these sittings and seek leave to have the statement incorporated into Hansard.

Leave granted.

The statement read as follows—

STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE   IN THE 2026 AUTUMN SITTINGS

ROYAL COMMISSIONS AMENDMENT (PROTECTIONS FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION) BILL

Purpose of the Bill

The Bill will provide protections for persons—including current and former officials—who wish to provide information to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. It will also clarify the authority for Commonwealth agencies to produce information to assist the Royal Commission, despite the operation of other laws.

Reasons for Urgency

Passage of the Bill in the 2026 Autumn sittings is required to ensure that all relevant information is available to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, including for the purposes of its interim report, which is due to the Governor-General by 30 April 2026.

(Circulated by authority of the Attorney-General)

Question agreed to.