Became law

Migration Amendment Bill

Portfolio: Home Affairs

Introduced10 March 2026
Passed House11 March 2026
Passed Senate12 March 2026
Royal assent13 March 2026

What does this bill do, in plain English?

Strengthens border control measures including new arrival control determinations, expanded ministerial powers for visa cancellation, and updated safeguards for detention.

The case on both sides

AI-assisted summary of public arguments — labelled per our editorial rules.

Supporters say

Strengthens national security. Provides clearer legal framework for managing irregular migration.

Critics say

Expands ministerial discretion without adequate judicial oversight. May breach international refugee obligations.

How parliament voted

Every recorded division on this bill, from the official division record via TheyVoteForYou.

senate · 12 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Limitation of Debate - Strengthening preconditions, removing exclusion of rules of natural justice and compensation
1125
The noes have it · 14 votes
11 ayes, 25 noes
senate · 12 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Second Reading - Raise humanitarian intake numbers
1124
The noes have it · 13 votes
11 ayes, 24 noes
senate · 12 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Second Reading - Condemns legislation
1124
The noes have it · 13 votes
11 ayes, 24 noes
senate · 12 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Second Reading - Agree with the bill's main idea
2411
The ayes have it · 13 votes
24 ayes, 11 noes
senate · 12 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Limitation of Debate - Greens amendments
1126
The noes have it · 15 votes
11 ayes, 26 noes
senate · 12 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Limitation of Debate - Pass the bill
2611
The ayes have it · 15 votes
26 ayes, 11 noes
representatives · 11 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Consideration in Detail - Agree to the bill
958
The ayes have it · 87 votes
95 ayes, 8 noes
representatives · 11 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Consideration in Detail - Safeguards
885
The noes have it · 77 votes
8 ayes, 85 noes
representatives · 11 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Consideration in Detail - Preconditions for making arrival control determination
784
The noes have it · 77 votes
7 ayes, 84 noes
representatives · 11 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - Consideration in Detail - Safeguards
9103
The noes have it · 94 votes
9 ayes, 103 noes
senate · 11 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - First Reading - Put the question
2913
The ayes have it · 16 votes
29 ayes, 13 noes
senate · 11 March 2026
Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 - First Reading - Proceed with bill without formalities
2813
The ayes have it · 15 votes
28 ayes, 13 noes

How parliament votes on this issue

Every recorded division Verity has tagged to the issue this bill is filed under — party by party, member by member.

Immigration →

Source: Australian Parliament House bill record

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