Legislation

Legislation news and policy developments. Coverage of new laws, parliamentary bills, and regulatory changes worldwide from The Oceania Cables

Australia Senate Blocks Bill on Biological Sex Definitions Feature Image

Australia Senate Blocks Bill on Biological Sex Definitions

One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson’s bid to amend the Sex Discrimination Act, by prioritising biological sex, was blocked in the Senate.

· 4 min
Queensland Parliament Passes LNP’s Tougher Youth Crime Bill Amid Labor Opposition Feature Image

Queensland Parliament Passes LNP’s Tougher Youth Crime Bill Amid Labor Opposition

Summary On April 23, 2026, the Queensland Parliament passed the Liberal National Party’s (LNP) Expanding Adult Crime, Adult Time and Taking a Strong Stance on Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour Amendment Bill 2026 (Bill No. 4277 of 2026). The legislation, supported by the LNP and Katter’s Australian Party,

· 3 min
ASIO Amendment Bill No. 2 Nears Final Passage as Australia Weighs Security Powers Against Civil Liberties Feature Image

ASIO Amendment Bill No. 2 Nears Final Passage as Australia Weighs Security Powers Against Civil Liberties

Summary The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 is nearing final passage in Parliament, with the House of Representatives approving the legislation in February 2026 and the Senate now preparing for an imminent vote. The bill seeks to make ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers permanent, removing the

· 4 min