On 1 September 2024, the Defence Trade Controls (DTC) Amendment Act 2024 and supporting Defence Trade Legislation Amendment Regulations 2024 commenced, changing Australia’s defence export controls laws in 2 major ways:
- A licence-free environment was established, waiving permit requirements for most military and dual-use goods and technology transferred between Australia, the United Kingdom and United States.
- 3 new offences for which permits may be required (in addition to existing offences) were added to the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012:
- Section 10A: supply of Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) technology to non exempt foreign persons within Australia
- Section 10B: supply of DSGL goods and technology on Part 1 (Munitions) or Part 2 (Dual Use) ‘Sensitive’ and ‘Very Sensitive’ Lists, that was previously exported or supplied from Australia
- Section 10C: provision of services related to Part 1 of the DSGL to foreign nationals outside of Australia.
The passage of these changes was supported by an independent assessment by the Office of Impact Analysis.
Detailed materials about the licence-free environment and new offences are available on the Outreach and training page. Permit application guides – including for Section 10A, 10B and 10C – can also be found on the Permits page.
The Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Act 2024 is closely aligned with the DTC Amendment Act 2024. The Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets (SAMS) legislation and program supports Australia’s commitment to protecting military secrets and strengthening national security.