Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 13 February 2025

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

At a glance

The Senate debated legislation to facilitate the immediate destruction of seized engineered stone at the border. The government argued this measure was necessary to support the broader prohibition on engineered stone due to storage challenges. No opposition was recorded in the transcript. The bill was passed on 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

Opened the debate

Gallagher moved that the bill be read a second time, stating it supported the government's commitment to protecting workers from silicosis. Gallagher explained that the legislation enabled the Australian Border Force to efficiently dispose of seized engineered stone, which posed significant storage and transport challenges. The amendments allowed for immediate destruction of prohibited goods, similar to provisions for tobacco and illicit drugs. Importers would retain the right to seek judicial review to recover market value.