Part 1
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Commonwealth act
The Act controls who can supply, share, broker or publish military and dual‑use goods, technology and related services, requiring permits for most exports, transfers or technical assistance. It affects exporters, brokers, defence companies, researchers, universities and anyone posting controlled tech online, and carries heavy penalties (up to 10 years’ jail or large fines). Limited exemptions apply (e.g. ADF/police, certain published research, specified domestic/Allied transfers), and a US‑Australia treaty lets approved community members share specified items without individual permits subject to approval and compliance checks.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Defence Trade Controls Act 2012.
This Act may be cited as the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012.
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:355.55pt; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="width:344.85pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Commencement information</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 1</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 2</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 3</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Provision(s)</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Commencement</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Date/Details</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>13</span><span> </span><span>November 2012</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>3 to 9</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America concerning Defense Trade Cooperation done at Sydney on 5</span><span> </span><span>September 2007 enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>The Minister must announce by notice in the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Gazette</span><span> the day on which the Treaty enters into force.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6</span><span> </span><span>June 2013</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>(</span><span style="font-style:italic">see</span><span> F2013L00903)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>3.</span><span> </span><span>Section</span><span> </span><span>10</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>4.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>11 and 12</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>16</span><span> </span><span>May 2015</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>5.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>13 to 15</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>16 and 17</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item</span><span> </span><span>4.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>16</span><span> </span><span>May 2015</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>7.</span><span> </span><span>Section</span><span> </span><span>18</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>8.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>19 to 25</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>16</span><span> </span><span>May 2015</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>9.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>26 to 57</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6</span><span> </span><span>June 2013</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>(</span><span style="font-style:italic">see</span><span> F2013L00903)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>10.</span><span> </span><span>Subsections</span><span> </span><span>58(1) and (2)</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>11.</span><span> </span><span>Subsections</span><span> </span><span>58(3) to (8) and sections</span><span> </span><span>59 to 74</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item</span><span> </span><span>9.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6</span><span> </span><span>June 2013</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>12.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>74A and 75</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>13</span><span> </span><span>November 2012</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.
This Act regulates dealings in items listed in Part 1 or 2 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List and in items covered by the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty between Australia and the United States of America.
Part 1 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List covers military goods and technologies and non‑military lethal goods and technologies and Part 2 of that list covers dual‑use goods and technologies.
There are offences for persons who do the following not in accordance with a permit or approval:
(a) supply DSGL goods or DSGL technology;
(b) provide DSGL services;
(c) arrange for other persons to supply DSGL goods or to supply DSGL technology;
(d) publish DSGL technology in Part 1 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List.
There are provisions implementing the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty. If a person holds an approval as a member of the Australian Community referred to in that treaty, authorised officers may monitor the person’s compliance with this Act.
The Secretary can obtain from a person information or a document that is relevant to the operation of this Act.
There are record‑keeping obligations for persons who hold permits under this Act or who hold approvals as members of the Australian Community referred to in the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty.
Various decisions under this Act are subject to internal review by the Minister or review by the Administrative Review Tribunal.
This Act also deals with miscellaneous matters, such as injunctions, forfeiture, delegations and regulations.
(1) In this Act:
arranges: see section 5A.
Article 3(1) US Defence Article has the meaning given by section 5.
Note: See also section 35 (about transition to the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty).
Article 3(3) US Defence Article has the meaning given by section 5.
Note: See also section 35 (about transition to the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty).
ASD means the Australian Signals Directorate.
ASIO means the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
ASIS means the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.
Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes the external Territories.
Australian Community facility means a facility covered by Article 4(1)(a) of the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty.
Australian Community member means:
(a) a body corporate that holds an approval under section 27; or
(b) a person covered by Article 4(1)(b) of the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty; or
(c) a person:
(i) who is employed, or is engaged under a contract for services, by a body corporate that holds an approval under section 27; and
(ii) who satisfies the requirements prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
Australian Military Sales Program item means DSGL goods or DSGL technology specified in a determination in force under section 5AA.
Australian person means:
(a) the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(b) an authority of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(c) an individual who is an Australian citizen; or
(d) an individual who is a permanent resident of Australia; or
(e) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory.
authorised officer means a person appointed as an authorised officer under section 39.
constitutional DSGL services: see subsection 5B(2).
constitutional supply: see subsection 5B(1).
covered security clearance means a security clearance that:
(a) is given:
(i) by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency or by another Commonwealth agency that is authorised or approved by the Commonwealth to issue security clearances; or
(ii) by or on behalf of the Government of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or an authority of any of those governments; and
(b) is of a kind prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this definition.
Defence and Strategic Goods List means the document:
(a) formulated by the Minister, and published, as mentioned in paragraph 112(2A)(aa) of the Customs Act 1901; and
(b) known as the Defence and Strategic Goods List;
as amended by the Minister and in force from time to time.
defence services, in relation to goods or in relation to technology relating to goods, means the giving of assistance (including training) in relation to the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, assembly, testing, repair, maintenance, modification, operation, demilitarisation, destruction, processing or use of the goods or technology.
Defense Trade Cooperation Munitions List means the document made under section 36, as amended by the Minister and in force from time to time.
Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty means the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America concerning Defense Trade Cooperation done at Sydney on 5 September 2007, as amended from time to time.
Note: In 2012, the text of the Treaty was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).
DSGL goods means goods within the scope of the Defence and Strategic Goods List, but does not include goods constituting technology, as defined in that list, that has been produced in the course of, or for the purposes of, fundamental research.
DSGL services means the giving of assistance (including training) in relation to the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, assembly, testing, repair, maintenance, modification, operation, demilitarisation, destruction, processing or use of DSGL goods that are, or DSGL technology that is, within the scope of Part 1 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List.
DSGL technology means a thing that:
(a) either:
(i) is technology, as defined in the Defence and Strategic Goods List, not including such technology that has been produced in the course of, or for the purposes of, fundamental research; or
(ii) is software, as defined in that list; and
(b) is within the scope of that list.
foreign person means a person other than an Australian person.
fundamental research means basic or applied research conducted in circumstances where the results of the research:
(a) are intended for public disclosure, or would ordinarily be published or shared broadly; and
(b) are not subject to any restrictions on disclosure (however imposed) for purposes connected with the security or defence of Australia or any foreign country.
goods has the same meaning as in the Customs Act 1901.
Implementing Arrangements means the Implementing Arrangements (having effect from time to time) referred to in Article 14 of the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty.
Note: In 2012, the text of the Implementing Arrangements was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).
incorporated goods has the meaning given by section 5.
manager of a body corporate means an individual who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the body’s affairs.
member of the United States Community means a person or body covered by Article 5(1) or (2) of the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty.
military end‑use: goods or DSGL technology is or may be for a military end‑use if the goods or DSGL technology is or may be for use in relation to operations, exercises or other activities conducted by an armed force or an armed group, whether or not the armed force or armed group forms part of the armed forces of the government of a foreign country.
monitoring powers has the meaning given by section 42.
non‑cash benefit means property or services in any form other than money.
offence against this Act includes the following:
(a) an offence against section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914 that relates to this Act;
(b) an offence against section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code that relates to this Act;
(c) an offence that is taken to have been committed because of section 11.2, 11.2A or 11.3 of the Criminal Code and that relates to this Act.
original goods has the meaning given by section 5.
permanent resident of Australia means a person who is a permanent resident within the meaning of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.
person assisting an authorised officer has the meaning given by section 50.
premises includes the following:
(a) a structure, building, caravan, vehicle, vessel or aircraft;
(b) a place (whether or not enclosed or built on);
(c) a part of a thing referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).
publish means publish on the internet or otherwise.
registered broker means a person in respect of whom a registration is in force under Division 3 of Part 2.
relevant DSGL services: see subsection 5C(2).
relevant supply: see subsection 5C(1).
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.
supply:
(a) includes supply by way of sale, exchange, gift, lease, hire or hire‑purchase; and
(b) in relation to DSGL technology—includes provide access to DSGL technology.
technology relating to goods means:
(a) information relating to the design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance or modification of the goods (including information in the form of blueprints, drawings, photographs, plans, instructions, specifications, algorithms or documentation); or
(b) software relating to the goods;
other than information specified in an instrument under subsection (2).
Weapons of Mass Destruction program means a plan or program for the development, production, acquisition or stockpiling of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons or missiles capable of delivering such weapons.
(2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify information for the purposes of the definition of technology in subsection (1).
Article 3(1) US Defence Article (1) Article 3(1) US Defence Article means goods: (a) the initial movement of which is from a member of the United States Community to an Australian Community member, or to an Australian Community facility, for an activity referred to in Article 3(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) of the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty; and (b) that are listed in Part 1 of the Defense Trade Cooperation Munitions List immediately before the start of that movement; and (c) that are not listed in Part 2 of the Defense Trade Cooperation Munitions List immediately before the start of that movement. (2) Goods incorporating an Article 3(1) US Defence Article within the meaning of subsection (1) are also an Article 3(1) US Defence Article. (3) The modification of an Article 3(1) US Defence Article in any way does not affect the status of the goods concerned as an Article 3(1) US Defence Article. Article 3(3) US Defence Article (4) Article 3(3) US Defence Article means goods: (a) acquired by, and delivered to, the Government of Australia as mentioned in Article 3(3) of the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty; and (b) that are listed in Part 1 of the Defense Trade Cooperation Munitions List at the time of that delivery; and (c) that are not listed in Part 2 of the Defense Trade Cooperation Munitions List at the time of that delivery. (5) Goods incorporating an Article 3(3) US Defence Article within the meaning of subsection (4) are also an Article 3(3) US Defence Article. (6) The modification of an Article 3(3) US Defence Article in any way does not affect the status of the goods concerned as an Article 3(3) US Defence Article. Original goods (7) Original goods means goods that are: (a) an Article 3(1) US Defence Article within the meaning of subsection (1); or (b) an Article 3(3) US Defence Article within the meaning of subsection (4). Incorporated goods (8) Incorporated goods means goods that are: (a) an Article 3(1) US Defence Article within the meaning of subsection (2); or (b) an Article 3(3) US Defence Article within the meaning of subsection (5).
Note: See also section 35 (about transition to the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty).
For the purposes of this Act, a person (the broker) arranges for another person to supply goods or DSGL technology if and only if: (a) the broker acts as an agent of a person, or acts as an intermediary between 2 or more persons, in relation to the supply; and (b) either: (i) the broker receives, or is to receive, any money or non‑cash benefit for so acting; or (ii) the broker so acts for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified DSGL goods or DSGL technology is an Australian Military Sales Program item.
Constitutional supplies (1) A supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology is a constitutional supply if: (a) the supply is made by, or on behalf of, or to: (i) a constitutional corporation; or (ii) a body corporate that is incorporated in a Territory; or (iii) a body corporate that is taken to be registered in a Territory under section 119A of the Corporations Act 2001; or (b) the supply is made by, or on behalf of, or to: (i) the government of a foreign country or of part of a foreign country; or (ii) an authority of the government of a foreign country; or (iii) an authority of the government of part of a foreign country; or (c) the supply is made by or to an alien (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xix) of the Constitution); or (d) the supply occurs wholly or partly outside Australia; or (e) the supply is made in the course of constitutional trade or commerce; or (f) the supply occurs wholly or partly within a Territory; or (g) the supply is made by way of a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service (within the meaning of paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution). Constitutional DSGL services (2) DSGL services are constitutional DSGL services if: (a) the DSGL services are provided by, or on behalf of, or to: (i) a constitutional corporation; or (ii) a body corporate that is incorporated in a Territory; or (iii) a body corporate that is taken to be registered in a Territory under section 119A of the Corporations Act 2001; or (b) the DSGL services are provided by, or on behalf of, or to: (i) the government of a foreign country or of part of a foreign country; or (ii) an authority of the government of a foreign country; or (iii) an authority of the government of part of a foreign country; or (c) the DSGL services are provided by or to an alien (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xix) of the Constitution); or (d) the DSGL services are provided wholly or partly outside Australia; or (e) the DSGL services are provided in the course of constitutional trade or commerce; or (f) the DSGL services are provided wholly or partly within a Territory; or (g) the DSGL services are provided by way of a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service (within the meaning of paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution). Definitions (3) In this section:
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
constitutional trade or commerce means trade or commerce:
(a) between Australia and places outside Australia; or
(b) among the States; or
(c) within a Territory, between a State and a Territory or between 2 Territories.
Relevant supplies (1) A supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology is a relevant supply unless: (a) the supply is covered by subsection (1A), (1B) or (1C); and (b) any requirements prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph that apply in relation to the supply are satisfied. (1A) This subsection covers a supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology if: (a) the supply is to any of the following: (i) an Australian person; (ii) a citizen or permanent resident of the United Kingdom or United States of America; (iii) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the United Kingdom or United States of America, or of part of either of those countries; (iv) the Government of the United Kingdom or United States of America, or the government of part of either of those countries; (v) an authority of the Government of the United Kingdom or United States of America, or the government of part of either of those countries; and (b) either: (i) the supply is to, or occurs wholly at, a place in Australia, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or (ii) if the supply is the provision of access to DSGL technology—at the time of the provision of access, the person to whom the access is provided is in Australia, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; and (c) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is not: (i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or (ii) excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3). (1B) This subsection covers a supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology if: (a) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is: (i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or (ii) any other DSGL goods or DSGL technology not excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3); and (b) the supply is made in accordance with an agreement or arrangement between Australia and one or more foreign countries, including an agreement, arrangement or understanding between a Minister and an official or authority of one or more foreign countries. (1C) This subsection covers a supply of DSGL technology if: (a) the supply is to any of the following: (i) a citizen or permanent resident of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under subsection 15(4A); (ii) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under that subsection, or of part of such a country; (iii) the government of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under that subsection, or of part of such a country; (iv) an authority of the government of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under that subsection, or the government of part of such a country; and (b) any of the following applies: (i) the place from which the supply is made and the place to which the supply is made are both in Australia; (ii) the supply occurs wholly at a place in Australia; (iii) if the supply is the provision of access to DSGL technology—at the time of the provision of access, both the person providing the access and the person to whom the access is provided are in Australia; and (c) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is not: (i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or (ii) excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3). Relevant DSGL services (2) DSGL services are relevant DSGL services unless: (a) the provision of the DSGL services is covered by subsection (2A) or (2B); and (b) any requirements prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph that apply in relation to the provision of the DSGL services are satisfied. (2A) This subsection covers the provision of DSGL services if: (a) the DSGL services are provided to any of the following: (i) an Australian person; (ii) a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; (iii) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or of part of such a country; (iv) the Government of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or the government of part of such a country; (v) an authority of the Government of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or the government of part of such a country; and (b) the DSGL services are received at a place in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; and (c) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology to which the DSGL services relate is not: (i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or (ii) excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3). (2B) This subsection covers the provision of DSGL services if: (a) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology to which the DSGL services relate is: (i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or (ii) any other DSGL goods or DSGL technology not excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3); and (b) the DSGL services are provided in accordance with an agreement or arrangement between Australia and one or more foreign countries, including an agreement, arrangement or understanding between a Minister and an official or authority of one or more foreign countries. Excluded DSGL goods or DSGL technology (3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified DSGL goods or DSGL technology is excluded for the purposes of subsections (1A), (1B), (1C), (2A) and (2B). Definitions (4) In this section:
place includes:
(a) a vehicle, vessel or aircraft; and
(b) an area of water; and
(c) a fixed or floating structure or installation of any kind.
(1) This Act binds the Crown in each of its capacities. (2) This Act does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.
This Act extends to every external Territory.
Except so far as the contrary intention appears, this Act extends to acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia.
(1) Without limiting its effect apart from this section, this Act also has the effect it would have if its application were limited to: (a) giving effect to: (i) the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty; or (ii) any international obligation of Australia arising otherwise than under the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty; or (b) matters external to Australia; or (c) matters of international concern; or (d) the defence of Australia; or (e) things done, or omitted to be done, by constitutional corporations; or (f) things done, or omitted to be done, in the course of constitutional trade or commerce; or (g) things done using a postal, telegraphic, telephonic or other like service (within the meaning of paragraph 51(v) of the Constitution); or (h) things done by, or in relation to, aliens (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xix) of the Constitution). (2) In this section:
constitutional corporation means a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies.
constitutional trade or commerce means trade or commerce:
(a) between Australia and places outside Australia; or
(b) among the States; or
(c) within a Territory, between a State and a Territory or between 2 Territories.
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
This Act may be cited as the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012.
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:355.55pt; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td colspan="3" style="width:344.85pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Commencement information</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 1</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 2</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 3</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Provision(s)</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Commencement</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext" style="page-break-after:avoid"><span style="font-weight:bold">Date/Details</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>1.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>1 and 2 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>13</span><span> </span><span>November 2012</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>3 to 9</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America concerning Defense Trade Cooperation done at Sydney on 5</span><span> </span><span>September 2007 enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>The Minister must announce by notice in the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Gazette</span><span> the day on which the Treaty enters into force.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6</span><span> </span><span>June 2013</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>(</span><span style="font-style:italic">see</span><span> F2013L00903)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>3.</span><span> </span><span>Section</span><span> </span><span>10</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>4.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>11 and 12</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>16</span><span> </span><span>May 2015</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>5.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>13 to 15</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>16 and 17</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item</span><span> </span><span>4.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>16</span><span> </span><span>May 2015</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>7.</span><span> </span><span>Section</span><span> </span><span>18</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>8.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>19 to 25</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>16</span><span> </span><span>May 2015</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>9.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>26 to 57</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>A single day to be fixed by Proclamation.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>A Proclamation must not specify a day earlier than the day the Treaty enters into force.</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>However, if the provision(s) do not commence within the period of 2 years beginning on the day the Treaty enters into force, they commence on the day after the end of that period.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6</span><span> </span><span>June 2013</span></p><p class="Tabletext"><span>(</span><span style="font-style:italic">see</span><span> F2013L00903)</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>10.</span><span> </span><span>Subsections</span><span> </span><span>58(1) and (2)</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day after the end of the period of 12 months beginning on the day the </span><span style="font-style:italic">Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2015 </span><span>receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>2</span><span> </span><span>April 2016</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>11.</span><span> </span><span>Subsections</span><span> </span><span>58(3) to (8) and sections</span><span> </span><span>59 to 74</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>At the same time as the provision(s) covered by table item</span><span> </span><span>9.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>6</span><span> </span><span>June 2013</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="width:74.35pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>12.</span><span> </span><span>Sections</span><span> </span><span>74A and 75</span></p></td><td style="width:180.7pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>The day this Act receives the Royal Assent.</span></p></td><td style="width:68.4pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.35pt; padding-left:5.35pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="Tabletext"><span>13</span><span> </span><span>November 2012</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.
This Act regulates dealings in items listed in Part 1 or 2 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List and in items covered by the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty between Australia and the United States of America.
Part 1 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List covers military goods and technologies and non‑military lethal goods and technologies and Part 2 of that list covers dual‑use goods and technologies.
There are offences for persons who do the following not in accordance with a permit or approval:
(a) supply DSGL goods or DSGL technology;
(b) provide DSGL services;
(c) arrange for other persons to supply DSGL goods or to supply DSGL technology;
(d) publish DSGL technology in Part 1 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List.
There are provisions implementing the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty. If a person holds an approval as a member of the Australian Community referred to in that treaty, authorised officers may monitor the person’s compliance with this Act.
The Secretary can obtain from a person information or a document that is relevant to the operation of this Act.
There are record‑keeping obligations for persons who hold permits under this Act or who hold approvals as members of the Australi
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.