Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services) Share this | Hansard source

In summing up, I thank those who have spoken on the Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Bill 2020 for their contributions to this debate; it's an important topic. This bill reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that when Australia speaks on the world stage, we speak with one voice. And the bill appropriately reflects the Commonwealth's critical role in leading and managing Australia's foreign relations. It is the Commonwealth government that is responsible for foreign policy, and only the Commonwealth has the necessarily expertise and experience to manage Australia's foreign relations. Importantly, the Commonwealth's power in respect of foreign affairs is founded in the Constitution, and that has always been the case. But under current processes there is no requirement for states and territories to consult with the Commonwealth on arrangements with foreign governments. This is a gap which must be remedied and, I believe, has the support of the Australian people.

This bill establishes a process that will protect our national interest and ensure the consistency of our foreign policy. The government recognises the important contributions that states, territories, local government and universities make to Australia's international engagement. We want this to continue. This bill is not about restricting international engagement. It is not about interfering in the states' and territories' business. Put simply, it is all about due diligence. The Commonwealth must have an oversight of all arrangements concluded at all levels of government in Australia with foreign countries. If an arrangement would be inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy or adverse to our foreign relations, then it should not proceed. It is the Commonwealth's role to make these adjustments and these judgements. We want states and territories, local governments and universities to have confidence when they negotiate or enter arrangements that they are acting consistently with Australia's broader foreign policy. This is exactly what this bill provides. It will give states and territories the support they need to undertake effective, appropriate and informed international engagement. The government looks forward to working with all stakeholders to implement the legislation.

The consequential bill, the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020, reflects the government's commitment to protecting and promoting Australia's national interests. In an increasingly complex global environment, it is critical that the Commonwealth and the states and territories speak with one voice, and this proposed legislation will ensure that at all levels of government Australia takes a consistent approach to engagement with foreign governments. The consequential bill's amendments to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 and to the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 will help support a strong and consistent framework, ensuring arrangements between state and territory governments and foreign governments and related entities do not adversely affect Australia's foreign relations and are not inconsistent with our foreign policy. This is not about excessive intrusion into states' and territories' business; instead, these changes ensure that we are giving the appropriate due diligence to all our international arrangements to ensure they are consistent with Australia's national interests and values, and the Australian people expect nothing less.

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