Customs Amendment (Safeguard Inquiries) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

2. Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Industry and Innovation introduced legislation to transfer responsibility for safeguard inquiries from the Productivity Commission to the Australian Trade Remedies Commission. The bill aims to modernise Australia's trade remedies system by consolidating functions within a single expert agency to better protect domestic industries from unfair import surges. The legislation includes provisions for public interest considerations and maintains transparency through parliamentary tabling of reports. The debate concluded with the second reading being adjourned to a future date.

   Outcome: Further consideration of the second reading was adjourned to 11 August 2026.

   Read the full summary

3. Monday 14 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Customs Amendment (Safeguard Inquiries) Bill 2026, which transfers safeguard inquiry responsibilities from the Productivity Commission to the Anti-Dumping Commission, renamed the Australian Trade Remedies Commission. The coalition supported the consolidation of trade remedies but raised concerns regarding access pathways, ministerial transparency, procedural clarity, and adequate funding for the new commission. The government minister defended the bill as a necessary reform to strengthen Australia's trade remedy system against global overcapacity and import surges. The bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

   Read the full summary

4. Monday 14 September 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

5. Tuesday 15 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned moving oversight of safeguard inquiries from the Productivity Commission to the Australian Trade Remedies Commission. The sole speaker, Pat Conroy, argued that this change would modernise Australia's trade remedies system and provide stronger defences against unfair import surges. The bill aims to streamline processes by consolidating trade remedy functions within a single expert agency. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

6. Thursday 17 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the transfer of safeguard inquiry responsibilities from the Productivity Commission to the Anti-Dumping Commission, which would be renamed the Australian Trade Remedies Commission. The Coalition supported the consolidation of trade remedies but raised concerns regarding ministerial accountability, funding adequacy, and the lack of a clear application pathway for industry. Government members argued the reform modernises Australia's trade architecture, enhances transparency, and protects domestic industry from unfair trade practices while maintaining a public interest test. The bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

   Read the full summary

7. Thursday 17 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke