People Cannot Be Punished for Sharing Secret Information With Royal Commissions
Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026
House of Representatives
Senate
Assent
Topics
antisemitism court procedures criminal justice government accountability government transparency information sharing intelligence information legal immunity national security public inquiries social cohesion +6 more
Introduced by: The Hon Michelle Rowland MP (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Michelle Rowland ALP
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Royal commissions are the highest form of independent inquiry in Australia, and as such it is important they have strong powers and immunities available to complete their work. Accordingly, this bill will establish a framework for royal commissions to receive and handle operationally sensitive and intelligence information.”
Julian Leeser LIB
“I rise to speak on the Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026. This legislation proposes significant changes to the Royal Commissions Act. It aims to ensure that the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion and future royal commissions can access intelligence and operationally sensitive information.”
Allegra Spender IND
“I rise to speak on the Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026. On 14 December, my community experienced a loss and trauma that will stay with us for, I think, as long as we live.”
Michaelia Cash LIB
“I rise to make a contribution to the Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026. I will say it at the outset: now that the government, whilst it has been dragged kicking and screaming to set up the royal commission, has finally established the royal commission, it does have a responsibility to ensure that the commission can do its job.”
David Shoebridge GRN
“Isn’t it extraordinary; the coalition is getting up here and complaining that there wasn’t sufficient time for an inquiry into and proper scrutiny of the Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026.”
Nita Green ALP
“I thank my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions to this debate. The Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026 creates a clear lawful pathway for people to provide intelligence and operationally sensitive information to a royal commission, including to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.”