AFPA has welcomed legislation passed by Federal Parliament this week to establish a single, specialist trade remedies body to better support Australian timber manufacturers.
The Customs Amendment (Safeguard Inquiries) Bill 2026 transfers responsibility for conducting safeguard inquiries from the Productivity Commission to the Anti-Dumping Commission, which will be renamed the Australian Trade Remedies Commission (ATRC).
AFPA Acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett said: “We sincerely thank the Federal Government for strengthening Australia’s trade remedy arrangements and recognising the need for greater specialist capability.
“Moving responsibility for safeguard actions from the Productivity Commission into a single specialist agency – the ATRC – will help to improve the capabilities and effectiveness of the overall trade remedies system.
“Consolidating responsibility for all trade remedies functions within the ATRC will also enhance regulatory efficiency, streamline processes and provide Australian manufacturers and consumers with a single expert body.”
Mr Hyett said the widespread support for the legislation demonstrated these changes and their objectives have been well received across industry and other stakeholders.
“In a recent submission, we said there must be a clear and accessible pathway for Australian industries to bring forward cases to the ATRC when they believe they are being harmed by unfair or damaging trade practices,” Mr Hyett said.
“A well-functioning trade remedies system is vital for Australian manufacturers operating in globally competitive markets and facing growing international trade pressures.
“However, we remain concerned that the ATRC must be provided with adequate resources to fulfil its expanded remit and undertake its responsibilities effectively. Furthermore, international trading systems are evolving rapidly due to significant geopolitical uncertainty. Australia must be vigilant and look to continue to evolve our trade remedies system to meet the increased risks of the changing landscape.
“We look forward to working with the Government and the new ATRC to ensure Australia has a strong, responsive and accessible trade remedies system that supports local manufacturing and a level playing field.”
