Retirement Treasurer Stephen Jones called for the urgent passage of an anti-Scam bill aimed at protecting consumers.
A week after announcing his decision to leave politics, assistant finance officer Stephen Jones gave an emotional farewell speech, urging Congress to pass his long-standing anti-scam bill. .
“Prime Minister, I’m not asking for anything. That’s not true. Let me ask you for one thing,” he said.
“I want to talk about fraud bills. I’ve done a lot of work on this. Australians lose $7 million a day, and we can do better.”
Whitlam members introduced the Fraud Prevention Framework Bill in Congress on November 7, 2024, and proposed stricter regulations to hold businesses accountable for fraud prevention.
If passed, the law grants regulators, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and will increase the authority to punish violations with fines of up to $50 million (US$33 million).
Financial institutions are necessary to enhance transaction checks, while digital platforms need to rigorously validate advertisers.
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Additionally, the bill includes provisions to streamline fraud reporting and improve dispute resolution mechanisms.
Australia’s Minister of Financial Services, Stephen Jones, will speak to the media at a press conference at a parliamentary home in Canberra, Australia on November 7, 2022. AAP Image/Lukas Coch
Calling for bipartisan support
Jones appealed directly to both sides of Congress, highlighting the urgency of passing the bill during the current sitting period.
“I tried not to politicize this issue because I think we should enjoy bipartisan support to pass the Senate,” he said.
“There’s a bill right now in front of the Senate. I understand it’s enjoying the support of the people against me, so let your people (opposition) talk to my people (labor). , it would be really good if we could get through it before it wakes up at the end of the week.”
15 years of politics
Jones is one of many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, and has either left Congress for the next election by May this year, or has already stopped from Congress.
It took Jones to express his gratitude to his colleagues, staff and the Prime Minister and to reflect on his 15-year journey into politics.
Finance Minister Katie Gallagher, who came from the Senate to view from the gallery of visitors, was among the attendees to show support. He also had Jones’ wife, daughter and siblings.
“Never forget the people who were there from the beginning. Jones said, “And I won’t, and I thank you for it, Prime Minister. You have been my supporter and my supporter for many years. did.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Jones and recognized him as a dedicated member of the labor team.
“Jones has a great work spirit, as is always known. He always wears it on his sleeve. He is passionate and principles in our party and his community at this place. I served with him,” said Albanese.
He also praised Jones’ work in fraud and highlighted his efforts in educating Australians on fraud prevention.
“I’ve been a friend and comrade of Stephen for a very long time. It’s certainly been a part of it being public even before I came to this place, before attending various meetings around the place. We are planning and involved with each other.”
Acknowledgments from the entire aisle
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor also spent a bit of time recognizing Jones’ contributions, reminiscing about his longtime acquaintances, even before politics.
“We knew each other before politics. I knew Julia before politics, but little did we know that we would be seated in the neighborhood, but that’s mostly the case. It was a very civilised and adjacent relationship,” Taylor said.
He further acknowledged Jones’ leadership during the crisis, particularly the 2019-20 Bushfire, and their shared commitment to supporting the Illawarra steel industry.
“I enjoy working with him on issues that are truly important throughout the region, and we share a passion that may surprise some: survival in Illawarra and prosperity of steel. It’s a passion for it,” Taylor said.
“It was the first place I came out of university and I think it’s a very important contributor to the region, good for the members of the role he played in the success of that important business. So thank you for your public service.”
Long career
First elected to Slosby’s then seat in 2010, Jones has built a reputation as a passionate advocate for financial consumer protection and economic reform.
His appointment as Accounting Assistant and Minister of Financial Services in 2022 marked his first ministerial role and focused on strengthening the regulatory framework to protect Australians from financial harm .
As he prepared to leave politics, Jones’ farewell speech reminded him of his enduring commitment to public service.
