Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill (No. 1) 2026, Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief No. 2) Bill 2026, Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026

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

At a glance

Minister Tim Ayres introduced three bills to the Senate, seeking leave to incorporate second reading speeches into Hansard, which was granted. The Customs Tariff Bill aimed to reduce duty rates for nearly 500 classifications to free, extend sanctions on Russian and Belarusian goods, and maintain duty-free status for Ukrainian imports. The Fuel Excise Bill proposed a one-month extension of fuel price relief to assist with cost of living pressures. The Workplace Relations Bill sought to streamline Fair Work Commission operations, support good faith bargaining, and adjust protections for road transport contractors. The debate was adjourned with the bills 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

Ayres argued that the Customs Tariff amendments would reduce compliance costs for businesses by eliminating duties on nearly 500 classifications, building on previous reductions. Ayres stated that extending the 35 per cent duty on Russian and Belarusian goods was necessary for national security, while maintaining duty-free access for Ukrainian goods supported their economy. Regarding fuel excise, Ayres contended that a one-month extension of relief was a responsible response to ongoing cost of living pressures despite moderating global prices. Ayres highlighted that the Workplace Relations Bill would improve the efficiency of the Fair Work Commission and support cooperative workplaces through administrative reforms and incentives for good faith bargaining.