What are the Australian Sanctions Legislation Amendment (ASLA) Reforms?
The Australian Government is reforming Australia’s sanctions laws in the largest overhaul to the sanctions legislative framework since the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 commenced.
Through a comprehensive suite of legislative amendments, the ASLA reforms will:
- streamline and modernise Australia’s sanctions laws
- create fit-for-purpose and consistent legislation that improves usability and helps Australians to clearly understand their obligations
- ensure the Australian Government can act swiftly and effectively in a rapidly changing geostrategic environment.
The reforms will be implemented through three Bills (the ASLA Bills) and two pieces of subordinate legislation.
- The Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2026 is the cornerstone of the reforms and proposes repealing and replacing the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 with a new Autonomous Sanctions Act.
- The Autonomous Sanctions (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026 will make technical amendments to other legislation and ensure existing sanctions and permits continue.
- The Sanctions and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 will amend the Customs Act 1901 and the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 for consistency with the new Autonomous Sanctions Act.
- The Autonomous Sanctions Rules will replace aspects of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 and consolidate all legislative instruments listing sanctions in one place.
- The Sanctions Amendment Regulations will contain technical amendments to other subordinate legislation and minor amendments to regulations made under the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945.
Most of the proposed reforms are structural in nature and aimed at creating more user-friendly legislation that is consistent with current Commonwealth legislative practices.
Public consultation on the exposure draft legislation
A six-week public consultation period on the proposed reforms commenced on Monday 7 September 2026 and concluded on Friday 16 October 2026.
During this period, the Australian Government sought feedback on a point-in-time exposure draft of the Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2026 [PDF], the cornerstone of the reform package. An accompanying Guide to the ASLA Reforms provided further information on the broader reforms and can be accessed below.
To help interested stakeholders understand the reforms, and to present an opportunity to ask questions, the department held three open town hall information sessions on 17 September, 23 September and 8 October 2026.
The public consultation period closed at 5:00 pm (AEST) on Friday 16 October 2026. The department is now reviewing submissions ahead of their publication and considering the feedback received to inform the continued development of the reforms.
The reforms remain subject to consideration and final approval by the Australian Government ahead of possible introduction of legislation to Parliament.
Contact
For questions about the ASLA reforms, please reach out to the department at sanctionsconsultation@dfat.gov.au.
Previous consultation
For information about previous government consultation in relation to Australia’s sanctions laws in 2023, please visit the Legislation and Sanctions Frameworks page.