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Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation)

Current status

This bill became law on Nov 6th, 2025.

Policy area

Climate, energy & environment

What does this bill do?

The Act legally separates the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. from the Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes. and makes the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. a non-corporate Commonwealth entityA Commonwealth government entity that is legally and financially part of the Commonwealth rather than a separate corporation. The Act makes the AER this kind of entity. with its own accountable authorityThe person or group legally responsible for a Commonwealth entity’s governance, resources and finance-law duties. The Act makes AER members the accountable authority for the AER..

Why was it introduced?

The bill was introduced to give legal effect to a long-recommended governance separation between the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. and the Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes.. The official materials say the energy regulator’s functions and staffing needs had grown since it was established in 2005, while finance-law and public-service accountability still sat with the competition regulator. The government argued that a separate non-corporate Commonwealth entityA Commonwealth government entity that is legally and financially part of the Commonwealth rather than a separate corporation. The Act makes the AER this kind of entity. would let the energy regulator manage its own staff, budget, records and strategic direction while keeping its core regulatory role unchanged.

Broader context

The bill is the legal end point of a governance reform that had been recommended for years. The Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. was already the national energy regulator, but it operated inside the Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes. for finance-law, staffing and shared-service purposes. Reviews in 2015, 2017 and 2020 raised the case for more autonomy. Energy ministers agreed in 2023 to establish the energy regulator as a separate non-corporate Commonwealth entityA Commonwealth government entity that is legally and financially part of the Commonwealth rather than a separate corporation. The Act makes the AER this kind of entity., and the 2025 bill carried that separation through after an earlier 2024 bill ran out of Senate time.

Key criticism

The main criticism was that the bill was too administrative to deal with immediate energy-price and reliability pressures. Coalition speakers generally did not reject the idea of a separate energy regulator, and some supported the bill, but argued that the government was prioritising bureaucratic structure while households and businesses faced high power bills. Some speeches also said regulator restructuring should sit inside a clearer plan for future energy-market design.

Who supported it?

Senator Katy Gallagher introduced this bill. It passed with support from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Australia's Voice, some crossbench members; opposed by One Nation, UAP.

Introduced in Senate 23 July 2025
Passed Senate 29 Oct 2025 Aye 38 No 4
Passed House 03 Nov 2025
Became law 06 Nov 2025

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 06 Nov 2025

Final passage

Recorded final vote

1 counted final-passage vote was recorded.

Passage speed

106 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. The Act legally separates the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. from the Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes. and makes the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. a non-corporate Commonwealth entityA Commonwealth government entity that is legally and financially part of the Commonwealth rather than a separate corporation. The Act makes the AER this kind of entity. with its own accountable authorityThe person or group legally responsible for a Commonwealth entity’s governance, resources and finance-law duties. The Act makes AER members the accountable authority for the AER..

  2. The Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. already had separate regulatory functions, but its staff, resources and finance-law accountability sat with the Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes.. The Act gives the energy regulator its own staffing and governance arrangements.

  3. The Act lets the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. employ staff under the Public Service Act, use consultants and people from other governments, and have Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. members, staff, consultants and assisting people treated as officials of the regulator.

  4. The Act keeps the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. able to use its functions and powers under relevant state and territory energy laws, while drawing a clearer line between laws relevant to the energy regulator and laws relevant to the competition regulator.

  5. The Act is designed as a governance separation, not a rewrite of the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC.’s regulatory job. The explanatory memorandum says it is not intended to affect the regulator’s functions, responsibilities or duties except as needed to establish it as a separate Commonwealth entity.

  6. The Act starts on 1 July 2026.

  7. The explanatory memorandum says the separation has no net cost to the Australian Government Budget because the energy regulator and the competition regulator proposed a nil net cost and will still share some services where useful.

Show source excerpts
  1. The Bill will amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA) to legally separate the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and establish the AER as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity (NCE) with the AER Board as its own accountable authority under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).
    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum
  2. The combination of these arrangements means that while the AER’s regulatory functions are entirely separate from the ACCC, the current accountable authority and head of agency is the ACCC Chairperson who holds statutory accountability for meeting the requirements under the PGPA Act and PS Act.
    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum
  3. make the AER Chair the head of agency for the purposes of the PS Act and enable the AER to engage its own staff under the PS Act; make the AER Chair and staff the Statutory Agency for the purposes of the PS Act; facilitate the transfer of staff, including the application of the ACCC Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 to transferred staff; allow for the engagement of consultants and other persons to assist the AER (including from other government agencies of the Commonwealth and the States and Territories); designate the AER members, staff of the AER, consultants and persons assisting as officials of the AER;
    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum
  4. This Bill would also contain provisions to ensure that the AER will continue to exercise functions and powers under relevant State and Territory energy laws. The amendments are necessary to ensure that there is a clear distinction between the State and Territory energy laws that are relevant to the AER’s functions and powers and those that are relevant to the ACCC’s functions and powers.
    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum
  5. This Bill is not intended to have any impact on the functions, responsibilities or duties of the AER that do not relate to the process of establishing the AER as an NCE.
    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum
  6. 1. The whole of this Act 1 July 2026. 1 July 2026
    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) introduced bill text
  7. The AER/ACCC have proposed a nil net cost to the government for the proposed separation. The ACCC will continue to provide certain shared services, and the AER and the ACCC will partner in areas where there is mutual benefit. The Bill will have no financial impact on the Australian Government Budget.
    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum

Context

Broader context for this bill

The bill is the legal end point of a governance reform that had been recommended for years. The Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. was already the national energy regulator, but it operated inside the Australian Competition and Consumer CommissionThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes. for finance-law, staffing and shared-service purposes. Reviews in 2015, 2017 and 2020 raised the case for more autonomy. Energy ministers agreed in 2023 to establish the energy regulator as a separate non-corporate Commonwealth entityA Commonwealth government entity that is legally and financially part of the Commonwealth rather than a separate corporation. The Act makes the AER this kind of entity., and the 2025 bill carried that separation through after an earlier 2024 bill ran out of Senate time.

  1. 2005

    Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. begins under ACCCThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes.-linked governance

    The explanatory memorandum says the existing governance arrangements were considered appropriate when the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. was first established in 2005, but its functions, powers and staffing needs later changed materially.

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  2. 2015

    Vertigan review recommends AERThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. autonomy

    The Review of Governance Arrangements for Australian Energy Markets recommended that the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. should have full management and financial autonomy, most effectively by becoming a stand-alone regulatory body.

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  3. 2017

    Finkel review says separation remained unfinished

    The Independent Review into the Future of the National Electricity Market noted that the Vertigan recommendation for structural separation from the ACCCThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes. had not yet been implemented.

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  4. 2020

    Energy Security Board review returns to governance

    The Review of the Energy Security Board recorded that many participants raised wider energy-market governance issues, including structural separation of the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. from the ACCCThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes..

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  5. 19 May 2023

    Energy ministers agree to separate the AERThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC.

    Commonwealth, state and territory energy ministers agreed that, for Commonwealth finance-law purposes, the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. should become a separate non-corporate Commonwealth entityA Commonwealth government entity that is legally and financially part of the Commonwealth rather than a separate corporation. The Act makes the AER this kind of entity..

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  6. 20 Nov 2024

    Earlier separation bill introduced

    The same reform was introduced in the previous Parliament as the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. Separation) Bill 2024.

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  7. 06 Feb 2025

    Earlier bill passes House but runs out of Senate time

    The explanatory memorandum says the 2024 bill passed the House of Representatives but did not have enough time for Senate consideration before the Parliament ended.

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  8. 13 May 2025

    Administrative orders shift AERThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. portfolio responsibility

    The explanatory memorandum says Administrative Arrangements Orders moved Part IIIAA of the Competition and Consumer Act to the Climate Change and Energy minister, effectively separating the regulator at portfolio level before the bill gave legal effect to the change.

    Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) explanatory memorandum ↗
  9. 23 July 2025

    Government reintroduces the legal separation bill

    The 2025 bill was introduced in the Senate to establish the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. as a separate non-corporate Commonwealth entityA Commonwealth government entity that is legally and financially part of the Commonwealth rather than a separate corporation. The Act makes the AER this kind of entity. from 1 July 2026.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 23 July 2025

The government introduced the bill in the Senate.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 23 July 2025

The government opened debate on the bill’s purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Economics review 24 July 2025

The APH bill page records one Senate committee referral. The local source bundle does not include the committee report text itself.

Referred to committee

APH bill page notes
Second reading debate 04 Sept 2025

Senators debated whether the regulator separation should proceed.

Second reading debate 28 Oct 2025

Senators debated whether the regulator separation should proceed.

Senate second reading agreed 29 Oct 2025

The Senate agreed to the bill in principle.

Second reading agreed to

Senate third reading agreed Aye 38 No 4 29 Oct 2025

Recorded vote: 38 to 4.

The Senate passed the bill at third reading after a counted division.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced in the House 29 Oct 2025

The bill moved to the House of Representatives after passing the Senate.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 30 Oct 2025

The House opened its debate on the bill.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 03 Nov 2025

Members debated the bill, including its role in energy regulation and power-price politics.

House second reading agreed 03 Nov 2025

The House agreed to the bill in principle.

Second reading agreed to

House third reading agreed 03 Nov 2025

The House passed the bill without further amendment.

Third reading agreed to

Passed both houses 03 Nov 2025

Both houses passed the same text, completing Parliament’s consideration of the bill.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 06 Nov 2025

Royal Assent turned the bill into the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. Separation) Act 2025.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

The main criticism was that the bill was too administrative to deal with immediate energy-price and reliability pressures. Coalition speakers generally did not reject the idea of a separate energy regulator, and some supported the bill, but argued that the government was prioritising bureaucratic structure while households and businesses faced high power bills. Some speeches also said regulator restructuring should sit inside a clearer plan for future energy-market design.

Criticism was mostly about priority, timing and broader energy policy, not about the technical drafting of the separation itself. The bill still passed the Senate division 38 to 4 and later passed the House.

No immediate bill relief

Critics said separating the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. from the ACCCThe national competition and consumer regulator. Before this reform, the AER operated as a constituent part of the ACCC for finance-law, staffing and shared-resource purposes. would not by itself lower energy bills or ease cost-of-living pressure for households and businesses.

Raised by Jonathon Duniam, Dan Tehan and other Coalition speakers Source ↗

Bureaucratic priority

Some opposition speakers described the bill as a bureaucratic restructure and argued the government should first set out a broader energy-market plan and market-design review.

Raised by Ted O’Brien Source ↗

Cost assurance needed

Dan Tehan said the Coalition supported the bill only after seeking assurances that the separation would not add pressure to energy prices.

Raised by Dan Tehan Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.

Passed

House passed the bill

House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

03 Nov 2025

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Carried

Senate passed the bill

Aye 38 No 4

Passed 38 to 4. Support came from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from One Nation and UAP.

29 Oct 2025

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 22 / 0
Greens 10 / 0
Liberal Party 3 / 0
One Nation 0 / 3
Independent 2 / 0
Australia's Voice 1 / 0
UAP 0 / 1

These are votes on the bill itself rather than amendment votes.

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Katy Gallagher

Australian Labor Party • Senator 23 July 2025

Katy Gallagher introduced the bill for the government.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

Dan Tehan

Liberal Party • MP 30 Oct 2025

Dan Tehan supported the bill after saying the Coalition had received assurances that the restructure would not add pressure to energy prices.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Mixed

Dai Le

Independent • MP 04 Feb 2025

Dai Le said energy regulation matters because high and volatile prices affect households and businesses.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Supports

Malarndirri McCarthy

Australian Labor Party • Senator 10 Feb 2025

Malarndirri McCarthy moved second reading debate for the earlier 2024 bill package in the Senate.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

9 speakers · 12 contributions · 9 support

  1. Malarndirri McCarthy ★ Malarndirri McCarthy moved second reading debate for the earlier 2024 bill package in the Senate.
    “The intention of this Bill is to amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to separate the Australian Energy Regulator (the AER) from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (the ACCC), establishing the AER as a non-corporate commonwealth entity with operational control of its staff, resources and governance arrangements.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 10 Feb 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Katy Gallagher ★ Katy Gallagher introduced the bill for the government.
    “The intention of this Bill is to amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to separate the Australian Energy Regulator (the AER) from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (the ACCC), establishing the AER as a non-corporate commonwealth entity with operational control of its staff, resources and governance arrangements.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 23 July 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Julie-Ann Campbell Julie-Ann Campbell supported the bill and argued that a clearer, more independent energy regulator was needed for a large and complex national electricity and gas system.
    “The AER regulates electricity networks and gas pipelines in all states and territories, including Western Australia. This translates to about 800,000 kilometres of overhead electricity, lines and underground cables, servicing about 11 million customers.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Ed Husic Ed Husic welcomed the bill as important for the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC., then used much of his speech to argue that gas-market pricing and contract terms were hurting Australian manufacturers.
    “I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025, because I think it is important for the Australian Energy Regulator, particularly at this point in time, that we give them the independence, the efficiency and the resources that they need.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Claire Clutterham Claire Clutterham supported the bill, presenting the technical separation as part of a broader push for lower bills, more reliable energy and a regulator focused on households and businesses.
    “I rise today to speak in support of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  6. Steve Georganas Steve Georganas supported the bill, saying it would make the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. a standalone entity and give it clearer independence and purpose after a similar 2024 bill failed to complete Senate passage.
    “I'm pleased to be standing here to support the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025, which will establish the Australian Energy Regulator, AER, as a standalone entity.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  7. David Moncrieff David Moncrieff supported the bill as a practical reform for a changing energy market.
    “This reform is practical. It's overdue. It puts consumers and the energy sector on the forefront of policy.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  8. Graham Perrett Graham Perrett supported the earlier version of the bill, saying the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC.’s work had grown more complex and that clearer governance would help it respond to changing consumer energy needs.
    “I rise in support of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2024. This bill resolves some longstanding issues with the current governance arrangements for energy regulation in Australia.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 04 Feb 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  9. Josh Wilson 4 contributions Josh Wilson moved the second reading in the House for the 2025 bill.

    Hansard records 4 separate contributions by Josh Wilson on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 20 Nov 2024

    Josh Wilson introduced the earlier 2024 version of the same reform. He argued that an autonomous energy regulator would better manage its resources, support energy-market governance and fit the government’s energy-transition agenda.

    “This bill marks a significant step in our commitment to improve regulatory outcomes in the energy sector, by ensuring dedicated governance and accountability structures that are tailored specifically to energy market regulation.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 06 Feb 2025

    Josh Wilson closed debate on the earlier House bill by saying the reform would give the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. management and financial autonomy and help it focus on energy security, reliability and affordability.

    “The bill seeks to establish a legally separate Australian Energy Regulator, the AER, as distinct from the ACCC to provide greater management and financial autonomy for our energy regulator, enhancing its ability to manage resources and set its strategic direction.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 30 Oct 2025

    Josh Wilson moved the second reading in the House for the 2025 bill. He said the bill would separate the energy regulator from the competition regulator and give it operational control over staff, resources and governance.

    “The intention of this bill is to amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to separate the Australian Energy Regulator (the AER) from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (the ACCC), establishing the AER as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity with operational control of its staff, resources and governance arrangements.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Josh Wilson closed the House debate by saying the bill would give the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC. greater management and financial autonomy and strengthen energy-market governance.

    “The bill seeks to establish a legally separate Australian Energy Regulator—the AER, as distinct from the ACCC—to provide greater management and financial autonomy for our energy regulator, enhancing its ability to manage resources and set its strategic direction.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

Coalition

5 speakers · 6 contributions · 1 support · 3 mixed · 1 unclear

  1. Barnaby Joyce 2 contributions Barnaby Joyce spoke against the government’s energy transition and power-price policy.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Barnaby Joyce on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech National Party • MP • 06 Feb 2025

    Barnaby Joyce used the debate mainly to attack the government’s renewable-energy and cost-of-living policies. He did not make a clear, bill-specific case for or against the legal separation of the Australian Energy RegulatorThe national energy regulator for wholesale and retail energy markets and energy networks, mainly across southern and eastern Australia. This Act makes it a separate Commonwealth entity from the ACCC..

    “What I have to explain to people today is that if you have an issue with the cost of living then you have to understand how energy prices work.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech National Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Barnaby Joyce spoke against the government’s energy transition and power-price policy. His remarks focused on renewable-energy policy, carbon credits and industrial energy costs rather than the bill’s legal mechanics.

    “Obviously, we are on the premise of regulation. There is never a place that needs more regulation and more staff than the absolute swindle which is intermittent power.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  2. Michael McCormack Michael McCormack described the bill’s purpose and the review history behind it, while arguing that the government still needed stronger policies for affordable and reliable energy.
    “The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025 is intended to separate the Australian Energy Regulator from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.”

    National Party • MP • 03 Nov 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Ted O'Brien Ted O’Brien treated the bill as a limited bureaucratic restructure and used the debate to criticise the government’s energy policy.
    “Their focus should be on taking urgent action to help those in need and fix a crisis of their making, not restructuring a part of bureaucracy. On the extent to which such restructuring might be necessary, get your plan, vision and review done.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 27 Nov 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Dan Tehan ★ Dan Tehan supported the bill after saying the Coalition had received assurances that the restructure would not add pressure to energy prices.
    “We have made sure that these changes will not drive costs when it comes to putting pressure on energy prices. We have been given assurances that they won't do that. That is why we are happy to support this bill.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 30 Oct 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Jonathon Duniam Jonathon Duniam criticised the bill as an administrative reshuffle that would not reduce living costs or energy bills.
    “As I said, this is just separating out the Australian Energy Regulator from the ACCC. It'll do nothing to address what they said was a priority and certainly something Australians have told us, from end to end in this country—that they want the cost of living reduced.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 04 Sept 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Minor parties and independents

1 speaker · 1 mixed

  1. Dai Le ★ Dai Le said energy regulation matters because high and volatile prices affect households and businesses.
    “Regulation is a matter of utmost importance to the people of Fowler and all Australians due to its impact on efficient energy markets and the urgent need to tackle rising energy costs.”

    Independent • MP • 04 Feb 2025

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Record

Full record

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