Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

I will turn to the importance of this bill. The legislation allows for rules to be made for definitional carve-outs for messaging and gaming. We want young people to remain connected to their family and friends and to be able to participate in digital environments that are age appropriate. The rules will also allow for educational and health apps that function in a similar way to social media to remain available for connection to young people. The aim here is to drive innovation and digital connections in spaces that are designed for the needs of children, because their education, health and wellbeing are paramount for this government.

This work is not constrained to the communications portfolio. We are working collaboratively across government, and I acknowledge the contributions of many colleagues, including the Attorney-General, the ministers for education, health, youth and social services, and the Assistant Minister for Mental Health. They have worked hard to consider policies that complement our bill and build support for young people where and when they need it. Collectively, we are continuing to ensure the views and perspectives of parents, young people and communities remain central to the policies we take forward to support them through the implementation phase and beyond.

Allowing this time for the law to come into effect will strengthen how it operates in practical terms and enable us to continue working with young people and the sectors that represent them.

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