‘Australians Lose $7 Million a Day’: Departing Minister Pushes Scam Crackdown in Final Speech

Retiring Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones called for urgent passage of his anti-scam bill meant to protect consumers.

A man looks at his smartphone in Newcastle, Australia on Dec. 1, 2024. Roni Bintang/Getty Images

A week after announcing his decision to leave politics, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones delivered an emotional farewell speech, urging Parliament to pass his long-advocated anti-scam bill.

“Prime minister, I’m asking for nothing. That’s not true. Let me ask for one thing,” he said.