STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr CONAGHAN (Cowper) (16:21): The announcement of Labor's new $99 million fine against social media companies that are found in breach of the minimum-age law is just another example of Labor's age-old strategy of divert, deflect and deny. Like the original legislation banning the under-16s, this latest announcement delivers little more than meaningless sanctimony.

No-one on either side of the floor is suggesting that unfettered access to social media is a good thing for kids under the age under the age of 16. It clearly isn't, and it has been proven time and time again to negatively impact the mental health of our teens, but fines are not a viable solution to flawed legislation. Since the legislation was enacted, 85 per cent of under-16s who previously held an account are still accessing social media.

That's an embarrassing statistic considering the minister has travelled the world on taxpayer dollar spruiking a world-leading policy. You have to ask how many fines from the original $49.5 million level have been handed down. The answer is none.

Labor has to do the necessary legwork fix to the problem by consulting and collaborating with key industry bodies to ensure safe platforms for Australian children. Active consultation is key, not diversionary finger wagging.