What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill writes tariff changes already in effect into the Customs Tariff Act. It sets about 500 low-value 'nuisance' tariffs to free, extends duty-free entry for most goods from Ukraine, and extends an extra 35 per cent duty on goods from Russia and Belarus. Both major parties supported it, with the Coalition asking for more detail on how the tariffs were chosen.
Arguments made in support
The government said removing nuisance tariffs cuts red tape and saves businesses about $157 million a year in compliance costs.
Government and Coalition speakers said most of these goods already came in duty-free through concessions or free trade deals.
Both sides supported extending duty-free Ukrainian goods and the extra duty on Russia and Belarus as a show of support for Ukraine.
A Labor member said simpler tariffs help small businesses that have no staff to handle paperwork.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said the government should explain how the tariffs were chosen and what modelling it did on local manufacturing.
The Coalition said cost-of-living benefits may be overstated, as savings may not reach shoppers.
A Nationals member called for a Senate inquiry to examine the detail and questioned why some unions were consulted.
One Nation moved a Senate amendment calling for protection of the local timber industry from dumped imports and for country of origin labels.
11 speeches by 8 members in the House and Senate over 4 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 24 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 25 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.