About: 28 October 2026. Published 14 November 2026. All updates
What happened?
The Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026 passed the House of Representatives on 28 October 2026. It was introduced on 15 October. The House agreed to 15 Government amendments and 8 from the crossbench.
Is it law now?
No. A Bill must pass both houses of Parliament and receive Royal Assent. The Senate has not voted. See every stage.
What changed in the House?
One change matters for businesses with chatbots. The list of material harmful to children now includes material that simulates emotional intimacy and fosters a child's dependence on it in place of human relationships. How the Bill treats chatbots.
Did the House add a small business exemption?
No. The Bill as passed by the House has no exemption based on business size, turnover or user numbers. It keeps a power for the Minister to exempt services that pose little risk, which can be used only after the Bill is law (section 25B).
What does this mean for my website now?
Nothing is required. If the Bill becomes law, the duty would start 12 months after Royal Assent. Check where your site would likely sit.
Sources
Last updated 14 November 2026