Criminal Code Amendment (National Sport Integrity Offences) Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation creates new criminal offences specifically targeting people who try to manipulate or corrupt Australian sporting competitions through match-fixing, bribery, or other integrity breaches. It amends the Criminal Code to establish these sport-specific crimes, giving authorities dedicated tools to prosecute people who undermine the fairness of national sporting events. This matters because it closes gaps in existing law — previously, prosecutors had to rely on general fraud or bribery offences that weren't designed for the unique context of sports — and sends a clear message that deliberately rigging games or matches will result in serious criminal penalties. Athletes, officials, and betting syndicates who engage in spot-fixing or manipulation now face dedicated criminal liability rather than generic charges. The change protects the integrity of Australian sport and public confidence in competitions that millions of people follow and bet on.

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