What this legislation does
The Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Act 2026 (No. 80, 2026) was registered on 26 August 2026. It amends the Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020, which governs how Australian state and territory governments, universities, and certain public entities can enter into arrangements with foreign governments and entities.
What the amendments cover
The Act introduces changes across 17 parts, addressing:
- National interest assessments
- Information sharing
- Notification processes
- Public register requirements
- Institutional autonomy
- Delegation powers
- Overseas campuses
The Act also makes one amendment to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 relating to prescribed administrative action.
Scope of the legislation
This legislation applies to state and territory governments and prescribed entities such as universities. It does not directly impose obligations on private small businesses.
Key actions
The following actions apply to prescribed entities under the Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020:
- Review the new notification and public register requirements introduced by this amendment if your organisation is a prescribed entity - for example, a university or public institution with foreign arrangements.
- Check whether your organisation has existing foreign arrangements that may now require notification under the new Part 13 rules for prescribed entities. The Act is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- View the full text of the Act at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00080 to assess which of the 17 amendment parts apply to your entity.
- Contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade if your organisation's status as a prescribed entity or its obligations under the amended Act are unclear.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.