Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Iran and Syria) Bill 2026

Mr HILL (Bruce—Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education) (12:03): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Australia's autonomous sanctions framework is an essential tool of foreign policy to respond quickly and flexibly to situations of international concern alongside our international partners.

In an increasingly uncertain global environment sanctions allow Australia to demonstrate our commitment to and support for the international norms and values to which Australia subscribes. Australia imposes a range of sectoral sanctions which prohibit the supplying of certain goods to and obtaining of certain goods from certain countries and parts of countries.

The provision of services in relation to those goods is also prohibited. These measures help eliminate Australian raw materials, equipment, technology and other goods from being used by malign international actors to further their nefarious ends and help deprive repressive regimes of revenue. The Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Iran and Syria) Bill 2026 puts beyond doubt questions of validity and enforceability of certain sanctioned goods instruments, including as specified in eight instruments made in the period between 2012 and 2016 relating to Iran and Syria.

While validly made under Australia's Autonomous Sanctions Framework, they were published as gazette notices rather than being registered as legislative instruments. This bill simply registers them as legislative instruments and maintains the effectiveness of sanctions as a response to situations of international concern and behaviours contrary to Australian values and national interest.

I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned.