Duty Check

This is a Bill, not law. Last updated 14 November 2026. Latest status

What to expect from the Senate committee report on 20 November

The Senate committee examining the Digital Duty of Care Bill reports on 20 November 2026. Here is what the report can and cannot do, and what small businesses should look for in it.

About: Due 20 November 2026. Published 14 November 2026. All updates

What is the committee report?

The Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee has been examining the Bill since 15 October 2026. It took more than 100 written submissions and held public hearings on 9 and 10 November. Its report is due on 20 November 2026.

The report makes recommendations to the Senate. It does not change the Bill. Only a vote of the Senate can do that.

What can the report recommend?

  • that the Bill be passed as it is
  • that the Bill be passed with amendments
  • that the Bill not be passed.

Committee reports often include separate comments from senators who disagree with the majority. The Coalition has said it opposes the Bill, and the Greens have said they want changes, so more than one view is likely.

What should a small business look for?

  • An exemption in the Act. COSBOA asked for low-risk small business websites to be exempt from mandatory written risk assessments, written into the Bill itself. Watch for whether the committee takes that up. Background on the exemption.
  • eSafety's low-risk criteria. A senator asked eSafety and the Department for a draft of their guidance or enforcement priorities. If it was provided, the report may describe it.
  • The first risk assessment date. eSafety asked for the Bill to say plainly when the first assessment is due.

What does this mean for my website now?

Nothing changes on 20 November. The Bill would still need to pass the Senate and receive Royal Assent, and the duty would start 12 months after that. What is worth doing now.

What happens after the report?

The Senate debates the Bill and votes. No date has been set. We will publish an update when the report is out and again when the Senate votes.

Sources

Last updated 14 November 2026