Social media age ban passes Parliament
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The news: World-first legislation to ban teenagers from social media has passed the Australian Parliament after the Albanese government extended the last sitting week of the year to secure passage of scores of bills.
The context: The Albanese government pushed through much of its legislative agenda in a single day with agreements secured with the Greens, independents and the Coalition to advance key priorities ahead of the federal election, due by 17 May.
More than 30 bills that secured Senate passage on Thursday night included the world’s first social media ban for under-16s, reforms to the RBA, stricter migration laws and housing policies designed to increase construction and affordability.
The social media age ban was then waved through the House of Representatives on Friday morning.
The measure was supported by the Opposition but opposed by a number of crossbenchers and backbench Coalition MPs, while health experts are sceptical of whether the legislation will tackle the corrosive impact of social media on teenagers.
A deal with the Greens expedited 27 bills under a guillotine motion limiting debate, in exchange for $500 million in social housing energy upgrades and exclusions for fossil fuel subsidies under the Future Made in Australia program. Controversial reforms on electoral donations and a super tax increase were shelved.
What they said: “Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanese government is delivering exactly that,” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.
Meta, owner of Facebook, said: “Naturally, we respect the laws decided by the Australian parliament. However, we are concerned about the process which rushed the legislation through while failing to properly consider the evidence, what industry already does to ensure age-appropriate experiences, and the voices of young people."
The source: House of Representatives
