Tania Lawrence (Hasluck, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

I thank the member for ceding the floor to me for this occasion. I rise to speak in support of the Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill (No. 1) 2026. This is obviously a practical, targeted bill. It's not likely one that will grab any headlines, but it does some deeply important things—it makes life easier for Australian businesses, supports Australian households and ensures that our trade settings actually reflect both our economic interests and our values.

At its core, this legislation amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to effect a number of tariff changes already progressed through proposals considered by this House. What it means in plain terms is that we are modernising our tariff system. We're removing unnecessary red tape, aligning rates across agreements and ensuring our laws keep pace with the way in which we want to see trade work. That matters because, for communities like mine in Hasluck, trade policy isn't abstract. It shows up in the cost of living, it shows up in the viability of small businesses and it shows up in whether our local economy can grow and compete.

This modernisation of our tariff system is part of a broader agenda of the Albanese government—one that we've been pursuing by recognising that trade policy must be proactive, strategic and grounded in the realities of a changing global economy. We've seen that most clearly through the work of the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Minister Don Farrell, whose efforts to restore and expand Australia's trade relationships have delivered real benefits for Australian exporters and, importantly, for jobs in communities like mine in Hasluck. From rebuilding access to critical markets to advancing new trade opportunities, this government is determined to ensure that Australian businesses aren't left behind but, instead, are positioned to compete and succeed.

These agreements and renewed partnerships are not abstract achievements either. They do translate into opportunity. They mean stronger demand for Australian goods, more certainty for exporters and a more stable environment for investment. Across Western Australia, particularly in a growing electorate like mine in Hasluck, it matters for local jobs, for small and medium enterprises and for future growth.

Since coming to office in May 2022, the Albanese government has driven a renewed trade agenda, bringing into force the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement and more recently the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement while advancing, of course, the landmark free trade agreement with the European Union and strengthening our engagement through regional agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. At the same time, we've secured new opportunities beyond traditional trade agreements, including Australia's association with the European Union's Horizon Europe program—the EU's flagship research and innovation fund of 93.5 billion euros—which gives Australian businesses, researchers and industries direct access to one of the most significant pools of global investment and collaboration seen anywhere in the world.

We're also seeing new opportunities emerge from our engagement with partners beyond our traditional markets. Our work with the EU in improving pathways for Australian participation in European funding programs and investment frameworks opens the door for Australian businesses, researchers and industry to access that significant pool of capital and collaboration. This is absolutely more than trade flows; it's about securing Australia's place in the next generation of global economic partnerships.

When we talk about aligning tariffs and our values, we're also talking about ensuring that our domestic settings complement the work that we're actually doing internationally, be it through these agreements, partnerships or strategic engagement. In that way, our businesses can fully take advantage of the opportunities. One of the most significant elements of this tariffs bill is the abolition of what we call 'nuisance tariffs'. These are tariffs that, on paper, sit at around five per cent but in practice are often avoided through concessions or free trade agreements. It means businesses are already spending time and money just to get to what is effectively a zero rate—in fact, I think it costs the government more than what they collect to administer.

This bill cuts through that inefficiency by permanently setting the duty rate to 'free' for around 500 tariff classifications. In doing so, it simplifies the system and it removes the need for businesses to navigate complex admin processes just to achieve an outcome that's already the norm. That might sound technical, but in Hasluck I hear from retailers and importers—we just had a recent delegation of distilleries head to Hong Kong, and they have gone to Singapore in the past. This matters because it reduces that admin burden they would otherwise face. Whether it's a family run business in Midland bringing in homewares, a beauty supplier in Ellenbrook sourcing personal products or a small distributor dealing in everyday goods, these businesses don't have compliance teams; they have owners who are already wearing 10 hats. They've told me consistently that time spent dealing with unnecessary paperwork is time they don't get to then spend on growing their business.

When we simplify tariffs, we're not just adjusting a schedule and legislation; we're freeing up time and reducing costs for real businesses in our community. We should also be clear about the economic intent. By removing these low-value, high-complexity tariffs, we are streamlining Australia's trade framework and reducing compliance burdens across the board. That aligns with what I've said in this place before—that good economic policy is not just about big announcements; it is about removing friction and making it easier for businesses to do business. That is exactly what this bill does.

The bill also addresses issues that go beyond economics and speaks directly to our geopolitical views. It extends the temporary additional duty applied to goods from Russia and Belarus. That measure was introduced in response to the invasion of Ukraine, and it remains part of the international community's broader response. As I say, it's not simply about tariffs; it's about standing with like-minded nations in defence of sovereignty and in support of the rules based international order. It sends a message. At the same time, the bill continues concessional tariff treatment for goods from Ukraine, extending duty-free access for a further period. That ensures Ukraine can continue to participate in international trade while under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.

For me and for many in Hasluck, these measures resonate deeply. Our community is diverse. It is multicultural. It includes families with strong connections to Europe, including those affected directly by the conflict in Ukraine. I will mention a lovely elderly woman who attends the Bassendean markets, for every session that is held. She stands there not with an elaborate stall but simply with a tiny trestle table, selling the gorgeous honey cake that is famous in Ukraine. She serves it up by slice and people eagerly purchase it. Every cent she raises from her little tiny stall goes directly back to the families in Ukraine. These gestures, from the very local level to businesses more broadly, all see the value we're speaking to through this bill. It reflects both our economic interests and our humanitarian values.

Finally, there are a number of technical amendments, particularly in relation to goods under agreements such as the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement. These changes remove provisions that have already fulfilled their purpose, ensuring that the legislation remains clear, streamlined and fit for purpose. This reflects a broader theme keeping our laws up to date and eliminating unnecessary complexity.

When I speak in this place, I often return to a simple principle— that we, as a government, should make things easier for people, not harder. For communities like mine in Hasluck, that principle matters, be it running a small business or dealing with cost-of-living pressures. This bill might deal in tariff schedules and technical amendments—I'm sure no-one is going to read these speeches—but it has a real impact that is tangible. It means fewer forms for small business, more opportunity for international oriented manufacturers in Hazelmere and fewer costs passed on to families at the checkout. It is a clearer, more efficient trade system that supports jobs and growth, and it's also a reminder that economic policy and international solidarity can, and should, sit side by side. I support the bill, which, as I said, is another way in which we are making life easier for all Australians.

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