Australia and sanctions

Autonomous sanction laws apply to those conducting activities:

• in Australia
• by Australian citizens and Australian-registered bodies corporate overseas
• on board Australian-flagged vessels and aircraft.

Consistent with Australia's international obligations and foreign policy objectives, the approach of the Australian Sanctions Office (ASO) aims to uphold Australia's Autonomous and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions frameworks, without unduly impeding legitimate business and people's activities.

In accordance with item 9, regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (Cth) (the Regulations), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has previously designated for targeted financial sanctions, or declared for travel bans (together ‘listed’), by legislative instrument:

In accordance with section 15 of the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945 (Cth) (the Act), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has previously listed, by legislative instrument, persons and entities upon being satisfied on reasonable grounds that they are...

Australia is experiencing an increase in persistent and pervasive cybercrime threats targeting critical infrastructure, governments, industry and the Australian community. The Government will use all lawful and appropriate levers to deter and disrupt cybercrime. Australia's autonomous sanctions framework, which is established by the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011 and the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (collectively, 'Australian autonomous sanctions laws') is one tool available to respond to a significant cyber incident.

In accordance with item 2, regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (Cth) (the Regulations), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has previously designated for targeted financial sanctions, or declared for travel bans (together ‘listed’), by legislative instrument

In accordance with item 8, regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (Cth) (the Regulations), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has previously designated for targeted financial sanctions, or declared for travel bans (together ‘listed’), by legislative instrument.

Australia has imposed further sanctions on Russia, prohibiting the export of machinery and related parts to Russia and temporarily controlled areas of Ukraine. This measure was announced by Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Wong in May 2023.

In accordance with item 1, regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (Cth) (the Regulations), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has previously designated for targeted financial sanctions, or declared for travel bans (together ‘listed’), by legislative instrument

In accordance with item 4, regulation 6 of the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 (Cth) (the Regulations), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (the Minister) has previously designated for targeted financial sanctions, or declared for travel bans (together 'listed'), by legislative instrument