Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026; First Reading

Summary

Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse can now access a perpetrator's superannuation to satisfy unpaid court-ordered compensation. Under this framework, survivors apply to the Australian Taxation Office for information about the perpetrator's voluntary superannuation contributions made in the 10 years before the abuse began, then seek a Federal Circuit and Family Court order requiring the release of those funds. The amendments create a new release mechanism in the Tax Administration Act 1953 and modify the Bankruptcy Act so compensation debts survive if a perpetrator declares bankruptcy—addressing cases where perpetrators deliberately hide millions in superannuation to avoid paying victims, which can delay or prevent survivors from receiving compensation they've already won in court.

What happens at this stage

The bill is introduced to the chamber by its sponsor and given a formal title. No debate takes place. This step exists so all members are officially notified the bill is coming before any substantive discussion begins.

Next: Second Reading, where the chamber debates the bill's overall purpose and principles