Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Senate · Monday 17 August 2026

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

At a glance

The debate focused on the principles of the Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026. The sole speaker, Minister Tim Ayres, argued that the legislation was necessary to modernise Australia's biosecurity framework in response to increasing border pressures and complex risk environments. He highlighted the bill's provisions for digital travel declarations and improved procedural fairness for industry participants. No opposition or alternative viewpoints were presented in the transcript provided.

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 moved that the bill be read a second time, arguing that Australia's biosecurity system required modernisation to handle rising volumes of travellers and goods. Ayres stated that the government had already invested over $2 billion in biosecurity resourcing since taking office. The minister contended that the bill would facilitate a transition from paper-based information gathering to digital methods, such as the Australia Travel Declaration. Ayres asserted that these changes would improve operational efficiency and decision-making at the border without compromising biosecurity standards.

Government response

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

Ayres detailed two main deliverables of the bill: modernising traveller information provision and improving transparency for industry participants. Ayres noted that the digital Australia Travel Declaration pilot had demonstrated benefits including reduced congestion and faster processing. The minister explained that the bill introduced a notice of intention process for decisions regarding approved arrangements, allowing applicants to respond before final decisions were made. Ayres also mentioned a minor technical amendment to remove ambiguity in the Biosecurity Act.