Review of Defence Trade Controls Act 2012

The Albanese Government has appointed Mr Peter Tesch and Professor Graeme Samuel AC to co-lead a review of the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012.

The Act regulates the supply of military and dual-use technology overseas and the brokering of defence goods and technology.

A review is required every five years under the Act to ensure Australia’s export control regime remains fit for purpose, balancing appropriate safeguards with a rapidly evolving strategic environment.

The review will examine the Act alongside existing policies and regulations surrounding the protection of sensitive and critical technology, and consider whether current safeguards for technology transfers complement these frameworks. The review will also evaluate the Act in the context of other reforms the Government is considering to defence trade.

Mr Tesch served in the Australian Public Service for more than 35 years, having held diplomatic roles including as Australia’s Ambassador to Russia and Germany, and most recently, as Deputy Secretary of Strategy, Policy, and Industry Group in Defence.

Professor Samuel AC is a former Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Associate Member of the Australian Communications and Media Authority, and President of the National Competition Council. He brings a wealth of public administration and regulatory experience.

As part of the review, Mr Tesch and Professor Samuel AC will undertake public consultation and engage with key stakeholders across government, academia, and industry.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the Australian export control regime remains fit-for-purpose in a rapidly evolving strategic environment.

“This review will ensure we balance the need for greater technology sharing between our international partners, the protection of our sensitive technologies, and our international obligations.

“Peter Tesch and Professor Graeme Samuel bring a wealth of experience and expertise and I can’t think of two more qualified people to lead this review.”