Media release - The Albanese Labor Government's transparency failure on online safety

Melissa McIntosh MP 
Shadow Minister for Communications 
Shadow Minister for Women 
Federal Member for Lindsay 

8 July 2025 

The Albanese Labor Government’s transparency failure on online safety  

The Albanese Labor Government and the eSafety Commissioner are refusing to release the research underpinning the recommendation to include YouTube in the changes to social media minimum age requirements, which is sparking big questions around the government’s approach to transparency.  

Whilst some select findings of the research were used in the eSafety Commissioners address to the National Press Club just two weeks ago, both the Minister and the eSafety Commissioner are ignoring calls to release the broader findings. 

The Opposition is also still waiting for an incoming briefing on the Communications portfolio, with the Minister’s office yet to officially respond to a request that is now a month old, making it difficult to see the full picture of where the government is going with the safety of Australian children online.  

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh MP said, “the Albanese Labor Government needs to stop worrying about catching the next headline and start worrying about getting this policy right.” 

“The government must make its position clear on YouTube, and all platforms immediately, and they must release the research underpinning the eSafety Commissioner’s recommendation. The uncertainty is causing confusion on a subject that is meant to be about protecting our kids from online harms. 

“The evidence is the evidence and regardless of the findings, the government needs to release it. That is the expectation of stakeholders, the public and the opposition.  

“The world is watching. We have an opportunity to be global leaders when it comes to protecting children online, but it needs to be done right.   

“There are still more questions than answers right now about how age will be verified, what platforms are in or out, and what reasonable steps need to be taken by 10 December 2025.”