Australia introduces Digital Duty of Care bill in the House of Representatives

The Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026, a government bill, was introduced and read a first time in the House of Representatives on 15 October 2026, and the second reading was moved the same day. Parliament of Australia lists its status as Before Reps. It was referred on 15 October 2026 to the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, which is due to report on 20 November 2026. The committee's inquiry page says submissions close on 30 October 2026. As reported by The Conversation on 15 October, the bill would require online service providers to take appropriate action to protect Australians from seriously harmful material and conduct, and to protect children from some harmful algorithmic design features.

What it means for business: the bill is before the House. Online services that may fall under a digital duty of care have a Senate inquiry underway, with submissions closing on 30 October 2026 and a committee report due on 20 November 2026.