Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Act 2026
On 20 August 2026, the Government passed the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Act 2026 (the Amendment Act).
Changes to the Foreign Arrangements Scheme
The Amendment Act modernises, streamlines and strengthens the Foreign Arrangements Scheme legislative framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose in a changing international environment.
The reforms more clearly embed the national interest in legislation, improve risk management, streamline notification requirements and capture evolving forms of international engagement.
The Amendment Act implements key recommendations of the independent review of the Foreign Arrangements Scheme. The amendments also included additional common-sense changes that build on the recommendations of the review.
Background
The Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 commenced on 10 December 2020 and established the Foreign Arrangements Scheme. Its purpose is to ensure that arrangements between state or territory governments (and their entities) and foreign entities do not adversely affect Australia's national interest and are not inconsistent with Australia's foreign policy.
The Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Act 2026 commenced on 16 November 2026.