Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Bill 2026

Summary

The Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Act 2026 modifies how Australia charges people who leave the country by air or sea. Currently, the Passenger Movement Charge is a fee added to airline and cruise tickets; this amendment changes the rate, calculation method, or exemptions that apply to these charges. The change affects the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978, which has governed this airport and port tax since 1978. This matters because it directly impacts the cost of travel for Australians leaving the country and affects airlines and cruise operators who collect the charge — potentially making overseas travel more or less expensive depending on whether the charge increases or decreases.

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