The Australian Parliament today passed landmark legislation that will strengthen Australia’s national security and support local industry by unlocking defence trade, innovation and collaboration with our AUKUS partners.
The Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 (DTC Act) protects our cutting-edge military technologies by enhancing our export control regime.
It will fast-track the delivery of high-end capabilities to the Australian Defence Force by streamlining trade and collaboration with our AUKUS partners, maintaining Australia’s capability edge.
This new legislation removes red tape in defence trade with our AUKUS partners by supporting the establishment of a licence-free environment for Australian industry, higher education and research sectors.
It will unlock investment and collaboration opportunities for Australian defence industry under the AUKUS framework, with the national exemption for export permits to the US and UK to benefit an estimated $5 billion in annual defence exports.
The Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Act 2024 (SAMS Act) will keep Australian secrets in Australian hands, ensuring our military secrets remain safe.
This sensible reform strengthens the robust laws we already have in place by enhancing the Government’s ability to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive defence information to foreign militaries.
The SAMS Act is about protecting our military knowledge, skills and experience, as well as regulating the military training that Australians may provide to foreign countries.
Defence will continue to work with industry, higher education and research sector partners to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of these significant reforms.
