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 private members' bill, introduced by independent Sophie Scamps in the House and by Senator David Pocock with Senators Faruqi, Payman and Thorpe in the Senate, aims to stop Australia arming, funding or investing in genocide, war crimes or illegal settlements. It would tighten defence export checks, restrict investments by the Future Fund, super funds and charities, create an Anti-Genocide Commissioner and genocide risk reporting, and make it an offence to trade in settlement goods and services. Only supporters spoke before debate was adjourned.
Arguments made in support
Supporters said there are gaps in Australian law, such as no requirement for defence export decisions to assess the risk of contributing to genocide or war crimes.
They said public money and retirement savings should not flow to companies linked to illegal settlements or serious breaches of international law, and should be divested.
Senator Pocock said the rules are not about picking a side in one conflict but about applying international law consistently.
Supporters said an independent Anti-Genocide Commissioner would give scrutiny based on evidence and law rather than the politics of the day.
They said other countries such as Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have already moved to put similar obligations into their own laws.
7 speeches by 5 members in the House and Senate over 2 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 14 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 15 Sept 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Second and third reading votes. How each party's members voted:
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.