Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026; Second Reading

Summary

This legislation creates a new framework to protect airline and airport customers in Australia by establishing minimum service standards through an Aviation Consumer Protections Charter, setting up a regulatory authority called the Aviation Consumer Protection Authority to monitor compliance, and creating an independent Aviation Consumer Ombudsperson scheme to handle passenger complaints. It works alongside existing consumer laws like the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Civil Aviation (Carriers' Liability) Act 1959 without changing those laws, but adds a dedicated system for aviation-specific problems. The framework addresses a gap identified by the government: the current industry-run complaint system has failed to effectively resolve disputes, and airline performance has remained below acceptable standards since the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning passengers will now have clearer rights, enforceable service standards, and an accessible independent body to turn to when things go wrong.

What happens at this stage

The main debate on whether the chamber supports the broad purpose of the bill. Members speak to its overall merits and concerns rather than the fine print. The government outlines its policy intentions; the opposition and crossbench put their case. This is the stage that determines whether the bill proceeds at all.

Next: Consideration in Detail (House) or Committee of the Whole (Senate), where the bill is examined clause by clause