Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026

Click here to view the statement of compatibility under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Click here to view the statement of Treaty compatibility

Click Here to View the Second Reading Speech

The opposition (James Newbury) circulated amendments.

Debate on this bill must be completed by 5.00 pm on Thursday 30/07/2026.

The bill was not amended.

Click here to view the statement of compatibility under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Click here to view the statement of Treaty compatibility

Click Here to View the Second Reading Speech

The House agreed to the following reasoned amendment moved by Jeff Bourman (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party):

That all the words after “That” be omitted and replaced with “ —

(1) this Bill be referred to a select committee for inquiry, consideration and report, by 20 October 2026, and the second reading of this Bill be deferred until the final report of the Committee is presented to the House;

(2) in undertaking this inquiry, the Committee should consider whether the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 should be amended to clarify that using prescription medication or requiring medical treatment for a disability is a characteristic that a person with that disability generally has;

(3) the Committee consist of two members from the Government nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Council, two members from the Opposition nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in the Council, and two members from among the remaining members in the Council, to be nominated jointly by those remaining members;

(4) substitute members may be appointed and the provisions outlined in Standing Order 23.08 will apply;

(5) the members will be appointed by lodgement of the names with the President within seven calendar days of the Council agreeing to this resolution; and

(6) the first meeting of the Committee will be held within one week of members’ names being lodged with the President.”.

Further consideration of this Bill has been deferred until the Select Committee reports back to the Council.