Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

I move, in the terms printed, which are now being circulated to members:

Customs Tariff Proposal (No. 4) 2021.

Today I table Customs Tariff Proposal No. 4 2021. This proposal extends to 30 June 2022 the free rate of customs duty applicable to certain imported medical and hygiene goods that are capable of use in combatting coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

The Australian government implemented this customs duty concession in early 2020. The measure provided the Australian community with access to medical and hygiene goods that would be essential for limiting the spread of COVID-19 over the following months. The extension of the measure maintains simplified import processes for importers of prescribed medical and hygiene goods, and ensures concessional treatment is accessible to all importers of these goods. It will continue to provide Australians with access to critical goods, such as face masks, and assist in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposal that I've tabled inserts concessional item 57(c) into schedule 4 of the Customs Tariff Act 1995, providing a free rate of customs duty for eligible medical and hygiene goods from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. The scope of goods eligible for a free rate of customs duty on import is unchanged. Goods such as face masks, gloves, gowns, soaps, face shields and other protective eyewear, certain disinfectant preparations and certain diagnostic materials will continue to be eligible for concessional treatment.

Debate adjourned.

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