James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move:

That the provisions of paragraphs 5 to 8 of standing order 111 not apply to the Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Bill 2016, allowing it to be considered during this period of sittings.

I also table a statement of reasons justifying the need for this bill to be considered during these sittings and seek leave to have the statement incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The statement read as follows—

STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE IN THE 2016 SPRING SITTINGS

CIVIL NUCLEAR TRANSFERS TO INDIA BILL

Purpose of the Bill

The Civil Nuclear Transfers to India Bill will clarify for Australian Government decision-makers the legal basis for the transfer of nuclear material and nuclear-related items to India and provide guidance on the exercise of their powers to approve such transfers.

Reasons for Urgency

The bill is required urgently to provide certainty to Australian industry and to Australian Government decision-makers on Australia's international legal obligations in respect of exports of uranium (or other nuclear material and nuclear-related items) to India. Exports of uranium are expected to commence in the coming months.