Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Export Control Amendment (Clarifying Obligations Relating to Registered Establishments) Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026

Continued from Thursday 12 March 2026.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned amendments to the Export Control Act 2020 aimed at reducing regulatory burdens on Australian exporters. The National Party supported the bill for its efficiency improvements but raised concerns about rising departmental costs. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry defended the legislation as a necessary step to streamline regulations and support trade. The bill was passed after the second reading.

Outcome

The question was agreed to and the bill was read a second time.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Sam Birrell (Nicholls) (National Party) Nationals

Birrell stated that the federal coalition supported the bill because it delivered sensible amendments to reduce regulatory burden on industry. Birrell explained that the legislation would allow export operations at registered establishments to proceed without being included in registration if not required by prescribed conditions. Birrell also noted that the bill expanded the scope of export documentation the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry could issue for up to 18 months. However, Birrell highlighted a 47 per cent increase in export regulatory costs between 2020 and 2025, arguing this needed scrutiny. Birrell mentioned that the coalition had moved an order in the Senate to obtain evidence regarding these cost increases.

Government response

Julie Collins (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) ALP Franklin

Collins agreed that the bill reduced regulatory burden by removing the requirement for all operations at registered establishments to be included in registration unless prescribed. Collins explained that this change allowed industry to produce multiple product types at one facility if they met export requirements. Collins stated that the amendments broadened the scope of trade documentation to better support market access and meet trading partner assurances. Collins linked the bill to the government's export assurance reform project, which aims to strengthen oversight of non-prescribed goods such as wool, honey, and pharmaceuticals. Collins concluded that the legislation supported the growth and efficiency of the agriculture sector.