Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty Implementation) Bill 2025, Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 6 November 2025

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

At a glance

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.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tim Ayres (NSW) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

The Minister supported both bills as necessary steps for defence cooperation and parliamentary accountability. Ayres stated the Customs Tariff bill implements Australia's obligations under the Geelong Treaty by waiving duties on imported goods for the submarine partnership. Ayres argued the Defence Amendment bill addresses a gap in scrutiny by creating a committee capable of examining classified defence strategies. The Minister emphasised that the new committee would complement existing oversight mechanisms while protecting national security through strict safeguards.

Government response

Tim Ayres (Minister for Industry and Innovation; Minister for Science) ALP NSW

The Minister explained that the Customs Tariff bill amends the Customs Tariff Act to prescribe a free rate of duty for goods used under the Geelong Treaty. Ayres detailed that the Defence Amendment bill establishes the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence, modelled on the intelligence committee, to oversee the defence portfolio. Ayres noted the committee would monitor responses to Royal Commission findings and review independent regulators. The Minister highlighted that safeguards, including criminal offences for unauthorised disclosure, ensure sensitive information remains protected.