28th Nov 2023, 4:56 PM – Representatives Motions - Cybersafety - Let another vote happen

The majority voted against a motion to suspend the usual procedural rules - known as standing orders - in order to let another vote take place. This means that other vote will not happen.

Motion text

That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Banks from moving the following motion immediately—

That the House notes:

(1) the protection of children from online harm is a fundamental responsibility of government;

(2) in 2021, under the former Coalition Government the eSafety Commissioner commenced work on a roadmap for age verification technology;

(3) this work arose from the recommendations of the bipartisan Protecting the Age of Innocence inquiry, chaired by the Member for Fisher;

(4) in March 2023, the eSafety Commissioner provided its report, which recommended a trial of age assurance technology to help keep children safe online;

(5) the Albanese Government has refused to implement this recommendation, instead leaving the issue of age verification up to the pornography industry through the development of industry codes;

(6) more than 45 children's and women's safety advocates have strongly criticised the Albanese Government for its refusal to implement the eSafety Commissioner's recommendation on this issue; and

(7) therefore private Members' business notice No. 31 relating to a Bill for an Act to amend the Online Safety Act 2021, and for related purposes standing in the name of the Member for Banks being called on immediately and debate on the second reading proceeding for a period of no longer than two hours, after which any questions required to complete passage of the bill then being put without delay.