Bill Debate · Limitation of Debate
Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
The Senate considered amendments to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Strategic Reserve) Bill 2026 during the committee stage. The opposition moved amendments to repeal specific sections regarding strategic reserves and environmental protections, while the Australian Greens proposed extensive changes to reverse certain provisions after six months and refine definitions of strategic materials. Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell opposed specific Greens amendments and a section of the bill. All proposed amendments were defeated in divisions, and the bill was passed without amendment.
The bill was agreed to, reported without amendment, and the report was adopted after all amendments were defeated.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Scarr moved the question on amendments circulated by the opposition. These amendments sought to repeal Section 23C of the bill and remove a paragraph referencing the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Scarr facilitated the procedural steps for the Senate to consider these changes to the legislation.
Brockman moved the question on amendments circulated by the Australian Greens. These amendments included a schedule to reverse certain bill provisions after six months, repeal definitions related to strategic reserves, and modify requirements for ministerial approval of EFIC contracts. Additional amendments sought to refine the definition of strategic materials by excluding items on the Defence and Strategic Goods List.
Tyrrell noted her opposition to the Greens' amendments on sheet 3757, which concerned the definition of strategic materials. Tyrrell also expressed opposition to section 4(2) of the bill. Her interventions were brief and focused on specific objections to these provisions.
McKim stated that Senator Payman supported all Australian Greens amendments and the second reading of the bill. Payman also supported the One Nation amendment but opposed all opposition amendments. This statement clarified the Greens' voting intentions regarding the various proposed changes.