David Feeney (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. The government anticipates that this matter will be dealt with by a steering group of industry, research and government representatives. That steering group will be formed to review the bill's operation and implementation during the transition period of which you speak. The group will be chaired by Australia's Chief Scientist and report to the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research.

The group's final report will be tabled in parliament and may recommend further changes to the legislation and regulations. The group will consider the effect of the controls to ensure they are striking an appropriate balance between meeting Australia's international obligations and our national security requirements while not unnecessarily restricting trade, research and international collaboration or reducing the international competitiveness of the research sector.