The Australian Government has introduced the Trade and Investment Agreements (Consultation) Bill 2026. The Bill establishes a framework for the negotiation, consultation, and review of Australia’s free trade agreements (FTAs). Some of the requirements also extend to bilateral investment treaties (BITs).
The Bill improves transparency and community input into FTA negotiations by introducing measures to provide the Australian public with information on Australia’s negotiation of new covered FTAs, including major amendments of these FTAs – for example, when they are upgraded.
The Bill also establishes a Trade Advisory Group, bringing together experts from key sectors of the economy and community to advise on future FTAs. The Government will be required to consult the group at key points during the negotiations, ensuring opportunities for them to input their perspectives into Government decision-making.
The Bill implements key recommendations from the Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth’s inquiry into the Australian Government’s approach to negotiating trade and investment agreements, ensuring Australia’s trade policy continues to reflect diverse voices from across the Australian community.
