✦ Plain-English Summary

Defence Trade Controls Amendment 2023

What it does

This law updates Australia's rules for controlling the export of military equipment and sensitive defence technology. It expands what counts as "defence goods" to include new types of services and technology, and clarifies who is considered an "Australian person" for the purposes of these controls.

Why it matters

Australia needs clear rules about what military and strategic equipment can leave the country, to prevent sensitive defence technology from reaching hostile nations or non-state actors. Stronger, more detailed controls help protect national security while making it clearer for Australian businesses what they can and can't do.

Key details

• Expanded definitions: The law now covers "DSGL services" and "DSGL technology" (items on the Defence and Strategic Goods List), not just goods themselves—so it catches more types of defence-related exports.

• Who's covered: "Australian persons" include the government, authorities, Australian citizens, permanent residents, and Australian-incorporated companies—these are the entities the rules apply to.

• Timeline: The main changes will come into effect on a date to be set by the government (within 6 months), with some provisions only taking effect if a related security law also passes Parliament.

Official Description

Amends the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 to: regulate the supply of certain military or dual-use goods and technology on the Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) from Australia to certain foreign persons both within and outside of Australia; regulate the provision of services in relation to DSGL Part 1 military goods or technology to foreign persons or entities; and remove the requirement to obtain a permit for supplies of certain DSGL goods and technology and the provision of certain DSGL services to the United Kingdom or the United States.

Committee Referrals

Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee; Semate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills

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