National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss the Australian Government’s proposed social media legislation.

First Ministers agreed to the Commonwealth legislating a minimum age of 16 to access social media.

Setting the minimum age at 16 will protect young Australians from the harms that come with social media, and will support mums, dads and carers to keep their kids safe.

This move builds on National Cabinet’s work at its 1 May and 6 September 2024 meetings where an investment of $6.5 million was agreed to trial an age assurance pilot to protect children from harmful online content.

It will also assist in accelerating action to end gender-based violence in a generation, and implement the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

The Commonwealth intends to introduce legislation to Federal Parliament before the end of the year. The legislation will come into force no earlier than 12 months after Royal Assent.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.