High Seas Biodiversity Bill 2026; Third Reading

Summary

Australia is creating a new legal framework to protect ocean life in international waters (areas beyond any country's control) by implementing a UN agreement called the BBNJ Agreement. The new law will let Australia regulate three key things: who can use ocean genetic resources and how the benefits are shared; where marine protected areas can be set up in international waters; and whether planned activities in those waters might harm the ocean environment. This matters because over 60% of the world's ocean lies beyond national boundaries with no single country responsible for protecting it, and Australia—as a major coastal nation with vast maritime interests—needs the legal power to shape international ocean conservation rules, support its fishing and tourism industries, and help achieve the global goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030.

What happens at this stage

The final vote in this chamber on the bill as a whole, after all amendments have been considered. If it passes, the bill moves to the other chamber to go through the same process. If both chambers have already agreed to identical text, the bill proceeds directly to Royal Assent.

Next: The other chamber, which runs the same process from First Reading, or Royal Assent if both chambers have already agreed