Public comment sought on Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2015

The public is invited to comment on an amendment to the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 associated with strengthened export controls around the supply, publication and brokering of items listed in the Defence and Strategic Goods List.

The Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2015 (the Bill) has been drafted to change the scope of regulation associated with the strengthened export controls introduced by the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 (the Act).

The Act’s provisions relating to strengthened export controls are subject to a two-year transition period which began May 16, 2013.

During this transition period, the Department of Defence, through the Defence Export Control Office, has been working closely with stakeholders. This work has resulted in a number of proposed legislative and policy changes.

In addition to strengthened export controls, the Act introduced a treaty between Australia and the United States of America – the Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty. The Bill does not affect this treaty.

The Bill and its associated documents, including the DTC Amendment (Decision Criteria) Regulation 2015, are now open for public consultation until January 30, 2015.

Public consultation sessions will occur in all capital cities from January 19-30, 2015. Informal stakeholder engagement and consultation will continue across all sectors after the formal period of consultation has concluded.

The relevant documents and further information can be accessed from the Defence Export Control Office (DECO) website: www.defence.gov.au/deco/

Public inquiries can be directed by email to DECO@defence.gov.au or by calling 1800 661 066.