In a legislative feat that stretched late into Wednesday night, the Australian Senate passed a staggering number of bills, paving the way for the Labor government to enact key parts of its domestic agenda. The marathon session saw over 30 pieces of legislation clear the upper house, including contentious measures on migration, housing, and a world-first attempt to restrict social media access for children.
Senate’s Late-Night Legislative Blitz
The final Senate sitting of the year proved to be a pivotal moment for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government, which capitalized on the extended hours to push through a substantial portion of its legislative priorities. The bills spanned a wide range of policy areas:
- Landmark legislation aimed at curbing social media use among under-16s
- Controversial migration laws allowing third-country processing and travel bans
- Significant housing measures to address affordability and supply issues
While the opposition and some crossbenchers raised concerns about the pace and scope of the changes, Labor managed to secure the necessary support to pass the bills. As one government source noted, “It was a big night, but an important one. We’re delivering on our promises.”
World-First Social Media Crackdown
Among the headline acts was the Social Media (Access for Minors) Bill 2024, which seeks to restrict children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms. The legislation, believed to be the first of its kind globally, would require platforms to verify users’ ages and bar access to those too young.
We have a duty to protect our kids from the harms of social media. This bill is a crucial step in keeping them safe online.
– Communications Minister Michelle Rowland
While the opposition supported the bill, critics argue that the age verification methods are unclear and could pose privacy risks. The government maintains that further consultation will iron out the details.
Plibersek Blindsided on Nature Laws
However, not everything went the government’s way. In a surprising turn, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s much-touted “Nature Positive” legislation was shelved at the eleventh hour, despite securing support from the Greens and key independent David Pocock.
Sources reveal that Prime Minister Albanese personally intervened to veto the bill just hours after Plibersek had struck deals with the crossbench. The last-minute reversal left allies blindsided and raised questions about the government’s commitment to its environmental agenda.
Migration and Housing Overhaul
The Senate also rubber-stamped significant changes to Australia’s migration system, including powers to pay third countries to process asylum seekers and to block travellers from designated nations. The government argues these measures are necessary to secure the borders and manage regional relationships.
On the housing front, a suite of bills aimed at boosting affordability and supply were waved through. These include incentives for investors to provide longer-term rentals, support for social and affordable housing projects, and a controversial scheme allowing first home buyers to tap their superannuation.
Our housing plan will help thousands of Australians realize the dream of owning their own home, while also providing more security for renters.
– Housing Minister Julie Collins
Cementing a Progressive Agenda
While the government had to weather accusations of “rushed” process and policy overreach from parts of the opposition and crossbench, the late-night legislative deluge represents a major step in cementing Labor’s progressive agenda.
With key campaign promises on housing, childcare, and industrial relations now legislated, Albanese can point to a raft of tangible achievements as he looks to build his case for re-election. The Prime Minister is betting that Australian voters will reward his government’s ambitious policy program, even if the implementation of certain measures like the social media crackdown remains a work in progress.
For now, Labor MPs are catching up on lost sleep after a gruelling final sitting week. But with the decks largely cleared and major legislative agenda items ticked off, the government will be hoping for a less frenetic second year in office.
