Bill Debate · Second Reading

Customs Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025

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

At a glance

The Senate debated legislation to implement the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Government members highlighted the agreement's role in removing duties on more than 99 per cent of Australian exports and strengthening economic ties with a key Middle Eastern partner. Opposition members supported the trade deal but criticised the government's broader industrial policy, specifically arguing against industry subsidisation and referencing past trade achievements. The bills were passed after second reading.

Outcome

The bills were 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

Jenny McAllister (NSW) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

McAllister moved the second reading of the bills, which amend the Customs Act 1901 and the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to implement the free trade agreement. McAllister noted that the UAE is Australia's largest trade partner in the Middle East, with two-way trade reaching $23.7 billion in 2024. McAllister stated the agreement would remove duties on more than 99 per cent of Australian exports by value, generating estimated savings of up to $160 million annually. McAllister explained that the legislation establishes rules of origin and preferential duty rates, including free rates for most goods, while maintaining excise-equivalent duties on certain fuel and tobacco products. McAllister commended the bills following the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties' recommendation for ratification.

Opposition response

Jonathon Duniam (TAS) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Duniam acknowledged that the former coalition government initiated the agreement in 2022 and expanded Australia's free trade network significantly between 2013 and 2022. Duniam argued that the current government had disadvantaged the live sheep industry by ending domestic trade, despite the UAE's demand for live animals for religious and cultural reasons. Duniam recognised the commercial benefits of the agreement, noting it would eliminate tariffs on over 99 per cent of exports and potentially increase annual exports by around $678 million. Duniam highlighted opportunities for exporters of automotive parts, minerals, and agricultural products such as beef, dairy, and canola seeds.