Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty Implementation) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Tuesday 4 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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2. Tuesday 4 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the legislative implementation of the Geelong Treaty, which establishes a nuclear-powered submarine partnership between Australia and the United Kingdom. The sole speaker, representing the Coalition, argued that the bill was a necessary technical measure to remove customs duties on specific defence goods, thereby facilitating AUKUS Pillar I commitments. The speaker emphasised that the legislation was narrowly targeted to prevent abuse and aligned with broader strategic goals. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion, implying support for the bill's passage.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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3. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned legislation to implement the Geelong treaty, which facilitates the AUKUS submarine partnership between Australia and the United Kingdom. The bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to remove duties on goods imported for use under the treaty. The member for Spence supported the bill as a vital step for national security and industrial development. The member for Goldstein also supported the legislation, linking it to broader defence and energy policy arguments. The bill was passed without amendment.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and reported to the House without amendment.

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4. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 6 November 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Thursday 6 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Industry and Innovation introduced two bills to the Senate. The first bill implements customs duty waivers for goods related to the Nuclear-powered Submarine Partnership under the Geelong Treaty. The second bill establishes the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence to enhance oversight of defence matters, including the ability to handle classified information. The Minister argued these measures improve transparency and fulfill international obligations. The debate was adjourned without further speeches, and the bills were listed as separate orders of the day.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the bills were ordered to be listed on the Notice Paper as separate orders of the day.

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7. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty Implementation) Bill 2025, which implements tariff waivers for goods related to the AUKUS submarine partnership between Australia and the United Kingdom. The Liberal Party and the Australian Labor Party supported the bill, citing its role in fulfilling international obligations, enhancing defence capabilities, and creating long-term high-skilled jobs. The Australian Greens opposed the legislation, arguing that it undermines regional sovereignty, diverts funds from domestic social needs, and relies on a failing UK industrial base. The debate concluded with the Greens issuing a dissenting report on the treaty.

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