Josh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

We obviously strongly support this bill given that it was first introduced into the Senate at the end of last year. The Enhancing Online Safety (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Bill 2018 will facilitate the quick removal of intimate images that have been shared without consent, which is the primary concern of victims. The government is strengthening Australia's laws against technology facilitated abuse, and this bill will complement and extend existing criminal offence provisions at the Commonwealth and state and territory levels, and provide victims with another option for timely and effective redress. It will send a clear message to the community that the sharing of intimate images without consent is not an acceptable practice. This bill is the result of extensive public consultation with many stakeholders, including women's safety organisations, mental health experts, schools and education departments, victims, the eSafety Commissioner and members of the government's Online Safety Consultative Working Group.

This is something that many people in this House, regardless of their political persuasion, do support. They think it's necessary. Our communities are calling for it, and hence the parliament is acting. There will be a civil penalty regime to be administered by the eSafety Commissioner, and there are a variety of measures that will be available to address the instances where there has been the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. This will include a formal warning, infringement notices, a civil penalty order from the relevant court, enforceable undertakings or the seeking of an injunction. The commissioner will have the option to issue removal notices to perpetrators, social media service providers, and website and content hosts. These removal notices will mean that the intimate image must be removed within 48 hours after the notice has been given, or, if the commissioner allows, there may be a provision for a longer period. Penalties of up to $105,000 for individuals and just over half a million dollars for corporations can be incurred for the breach of the provision, prohibition or failure to comply with a removal notice or other remedial action.

This is important legislation. It will make a difference to our community and will ensure that the community's interests are protected and enhanced. I'm glad to see that there is bipartisan support for this piece of legislation.

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