The law is meant to replicate U.S. export controls to defence technology, seen as a key step to beginning the AUKUS plan to build a new class of nuclear-powered submarine in Australia and Britain.
The proposed law creates three criminal offences, further restricts sharing of defence technology to foreign persons inside and outside Australia, while allowing licence-free sharing among the AUKUS partners.
"This is pivotal legislation which is critical for establishing a seamless industrial base with our AUKUS partners," Defence Minister Richard Marles said in a statement on Tuesday.
Australia needs to reform its defence industry to remove "burdensome red tape" with Britain and the U.S., he added.
Australia's science academy said on Tuesday it was concerned at the impact on scientific collaboration with other nations, including China.
Persons:
Kirsty Needham SYDNEY, Richard Marles, Chennupati Jagadish, Jagadish, Kirsty Needham, Gerry Doyle
Organizations:
U.S . State Department of, U.S . Congress, Australian Academy of Science
Locations:
United States, Australia, Britain, Virginia, U.S, China, Canberra