Criminal Code Amendment (National Sport Integrity Offences) Bill 2026

Summary

This legislation creates new criminal offences specifically targeting corruption and misconduct in Australian sports, making it illegal for people involved in sports organisations to engage in bribery, match-fixing, and other forms of dishonest conduct. It amends the Criminal Code by adding a new section that establishes penalties for athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators who manipulate sporting events for financial gain or accept bribes to influence outcomes. The changes matter because they close a legal gap — currently, sports corruption cases often fall between different laws, making them harder to prosecute — and send a clear message that cheating in sport will result in criminal consequences, protecting the integrity of Australian sporting competitions and public confidence in fair play.

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