Senate debates

Monday, 2 March 2026

Committees

Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference

4:39 pm

Photo of Sean BellSean Bell (NSW, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 11 May 2026:

The impact of Labor's rushed firearms legislation on lawful manufacturing and Australia's sovereign defence capability, with particular reference to:

(a) the proposed definition of 'firearms manufacture material', including material said to 'support or facilitate' manufacture or modification of firearms, parts or accessories;

(b) the risk that lawful subcontracted machining and production of firearm components will be retrospectively captured and criminalised, including through ordinary business handling of technical files;

(c) the practical effect of linking Commonwealth criminal liability to state and territory licensing regimes that are onerous and often unworkable for legitimate manufacturers and suppliers;

(d) the consequences for Defence supply chain resilience and sovereign capability if contractors and service providers withdraw from lawful work due to the threat of a five-year gaol term; and

(e) any other related matters.

Question negatived.