The Administration of Justice (DNA Amendment) Bill 2026 has been passed in the House of Representatives following a debate centred on national security, biometric data, and existing powers under the law.
Defence Minister Wayne Sturge defended the legislation, insisting it is narrowly focused and intended to close specific gaps in the current legal framework.
We have more in this story.
The Administration of Justice DNA Amendment Bill 2026 was passed with amendments after debate in the Lower House.
Minister of Defence and Minister in the Ministry of Homeland Security Wayne Sturge led the debate, pushing back against claims that the legislation expands state powers beyond existing law.
The Minister argued that the current law already permits DNA collection without consent in certain circumstances, and said the amendment simply expands the categories of persons covered.
He wondered why the opposition did not do more whilst in power.
Minister Sturge also addressed concerns about border security and registration processes, pointing to what he described as weaknesses in past systems.
The bill was later considered clause by clause in committee, passed with amendments, and now moves forward as part of the Government’s wider national security and justice agenda.