Trade and Investment Agreements (Consultation) Bill 2026; First Reading

Summary

This legislation creates new requirements for the Australian government to consult with the public and Parliament before entering into major trade and investment agreements with other countries. Currently, the government has significant flexibility in negotiating and finalizing these deals with limited transparency or input from Parliament or the community. The new rules would mean Australians get a say in trade agreements that could affect jobs, regulations, and economic conditions before they're locked in. This matters because trade deals can have far-reaching consequences for workers, businesses, and consumers—from labor standards to environmental protections to the cost of medicines—yet most people have little opportunity to influence them.

What happens at this stage

The bill is introduced to the chamber by its sponsor and given a formal title. No debate takes place. This step exists so all members are officially notified the bill is coming before any substantive discussion begins.

Next: Second Reading, where the chamber debates the bill's overall purpose and principles