Inquiry into the provisions of the Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2010
20 August 2010
© Commonwealth of Australia 2010
ISBN 978-1-74229-341-7
View the report as a single document - (PDF 68KB)
20 August 2010
Senator the Hon John Hogg
President of the Senate
Inquiry into the provisions of the Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2010
Background
On 26 May 2010, the Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2010 was introduced into the House of Representatives. In accordance with a resolution passed by the Senate on 13 May, the provisions of the Bill were referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee on 26 May for inquiry and report by 15 June. On 15 June, the Senate granted an extension of the time to report to 26 August 2010.
Purpose of the Bill
Modelled on the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945, the Bill was to provide a framework for Australia to implement autonomous sanctions which may be applied to specific governments, individuals or entities, or specific goods and services that are responsible for, or involved with, a situation of international concern. The proposed legislation sought to ensure that Australia’s autonomous sanctions match those of like-minded countries and allow flexibility for the Government to respond to international developments in a timely way.
Conduct of inquiry
The committee advertised the inquiry on its website and in the Australian on 5, 9, 16 and 30 June, on 14 July and 11 August. It wrote to relevant ministers and departments calling for written submissions and also contacted a number of other organisations, commentators and academics inviting them to make submissions to the inquiry. The committee received five submissions.
On 19 July 2010, the Governor-General prorogued the 42nd Parliament and dissolved the House of Representatives. After due consideration, the committee has resolved not to continue its inquiry into the provisions of the Bill. If the Bill is reintroduced in the new parliament, the Senate may again refer it to the committee for inquiry.
Senator Mark Bishop
Chair
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia