Ai Group has provided a submission on the exposure draft of the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2023 which identifies several areas where regulatory clarification is warranted.

Ai Group Defence Council appreciates the intent of proposed amendments to the Defence Trade Controls Act, and supports the development of a license-free environment for trade in sensitive technology and services with our AUKUS partners. Establishing this environment is essential to unlocking technology sharing opportunities under the AUKUS partnership.  

It is vital that any proposed changes are proportional, targeted, risk-based, and minimise compliance costs, as well as the risk of inadvertent breaches. Any proposed amendments must take into consideration the benefits of the AUKUS arrangements, as well as the impact on the wider community, and particularly non-Defence companies and small to medium enterprises.