Australia opens consultation on sweeping sanctions law overhaul

CANBERRA, September 7, 2026 — Australia is proposing to streamline its autonomous sanctions framework, consolidate sanctions-listing instruments and make obligations clearer under a package of legislative changes now open for public comment.

The Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2026 would repeal and replace the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011. It is the cornerstone of a broader package comprising three bills and two pieces of subordinate legislation.

A separate transitional bill would make technical changes to other laws and ensure existing sanctions and permits continue. Another bill would amend the Customs Act 1901 and the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 to align them with the proposed framework.

Planned Autonomous Sanctions Rules would replace parts of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 and bring all legislative instruments listing sanctions into one place. Additional regulations would make technical changes to other subordinate legislation and minor amendments to regulations under the UN Charter law.

For compliance teams, the proposed consolidation is the clearest operational feature of the overhaul. Bringing sanctions-listing instruments together could simplify access to the applicable measures, while the wider restructuring is intended to improve consistency and help Australians understand their obligations.

Most of the proposed changes are structural and remain subject to revision. Drafting of the package’s other elements is continuing alongside consultation on the main bill.

The consultation closes at 5 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time on Oct. 2. Public feedback will inform further development before any possible introduction to Parliament, and the reforms remain subject to Australian government consideration and final approval.