Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Customs Legislation Amendment (False Trade Marks Infringement Notices) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026

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

At a glance

The Senate debated the Customs Legislation Amendment (False Trade Marks Infringement Notices) Bill 2026, which aimed to strengthen measures against counterfeit goods. The Assistant Minister for Regional Development moved the second reading, arguing that the bill would create a strict liability offence for importing goods with false trademarks. The proposal sought to allow the Australian Border Force to serve penalty notices instead of pursuing court action, thereby deterring fraud and protecting consumer safety. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Anthony Chisholm (QLD) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Chisholm supported the bill, stating it would toughen regulatory measures against counterfeit items. Chisholm noted that over 700,000 counterfeit items worth more than $35 million were seized in the 2024-25 financial year. The legislation would create a strict liability offence for importing goods with false trademarks, aligning with existing copyright laws. This change would enable the Australian Border Force to issue infringement notices, targeting commercial quantities of high-risk products. Chisholm argued this would protect intellectual property rights and reduce the burden of civil litigation on small and medium businesses.