MEDIA RELEASE 20 March 2026
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, says new online safety codes requiring age verification for adult websites mark a long overdue step toward protecting children online, following years of advocacy by the Coalition.
Mr Wallace, who played a leading role in the Parliamentary inquiry into online harms and child safety, said the reforms reflect key recommendations made through the Protecting the Age of Innocence report in 2020.
“This is an important step in the right direction, but let’s be clear, this is not a new idea, and it has taken far too long to be implemented,” Mr Wallace said.
“The Coalition identified years ago that the ‘tick a box’ approach to age restrictions online was completely ineffective and left Australian children exposed to harmful content.”
Mr Wallace said the Parliamentary inquiry heard confronting evidence about the ease with which minors could access explicit material online, and the long-term impacts this can have on their development, mental health and relationships.
“The evidence was clear. Children were being exposed to graphic and age-inappropriate material at younger and younger ages, often unintentionally and without safeguards.”
“As a Coalition, we pushed for meaningful, enforceable age assurance measures to bring online protections in line with community expectations.”
Mr Wallace said the eSafety Commissioner’s introduction of age verification requirements demonstrates that those recommendations were sound, but warned implementation must be done properly.
“Getting this right matters. These systems must be effective, but they must also protect Australians’ privacy and data security, while anticipating and closing potential loopholes.”
“We cannot create a system that exposes people to new risks while trying to solve another.”
Mr Wallace also pointed to growing concerns that poorly implemented systems could drive users toward even more unsafe or unregulated areas of the internet.
“That’s why this must be done carefully, with strong oversight and clear standards.”
Mr Wallace reaffirmed his commitment to child safety online and said the Coalition will continue to hold the Government accountable for delivery.
“Protecting children is paramount and should never be controversial. It should be the baseline.”
“I will continue to advocate for stronger protections, smarter regulation, and a safer online environment for Australian families.”
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
