Opened the debate
Thistlethwaite moved the second reading of the bill, arguing it responded to recommendations from the 2024 independent review led by Rosemary Huxtable. Thistlethwaite stated the amendments would embed the national interest explicitly in the legislation and expand risk management tools, such as imposing conditions on arrangements. Thistlethwaite noted the reforms would simplify processes for lower-risk engagements and extend oversight to overseas campuses of Australian universities. Thistlethwaite concluded that the changes balanced openness with security, ensuring the scheme remained effective in a contested global environment.