COMMITTEES

Senator BELL (New South Wales—One Nation Whip) (16:39): I move: That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 11 May 2026: The impact of Labor's rushed firearms legislation on lawful manufacturing and Australia's sovereign defence capability, with particular reference to: (a) the proposed definition of 'firearms manufacture material', including material said to 'support or facilitate' manufacture or modification of firearms, parts or accessories; (b) the risk that lawful subcontracted machining and production of firearm components will be retrospectively captured and criminalised, including through ordinary business handling of technical files; (c) the practical effect of linking Commonwealth criminal liability to state and territory licensing regimes that are onerous and often unworkable for legitimate manufacturers and suppliers; (d) the consequences for Defence supply chain resilience and sovereign capability if contractors and service providers withdraw from lawful work due to the threat of a five-year gaol term; and (e) any other related matters.

Question negatived.