From 18 November to 9 December 2014 the Government conducted a public consultation on the exposure draft of the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Russia, Crimea and Sevastopol) Regulation 2014 and the Autonomous Sanctions (Russia, Crimea and Sevastopol) Specification 2014.

Government response

The Government has carefully considered the submissions received and has sought in its report to provide a considered response to the issues raised regarding the new amendments. The amendments commenced on 31 March 2015. The amendments give effect to expanded sanctions in relation to Russia announced by the Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott MP on 1 September 2014.

Public submissions

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade received two public submissions and two confidential submissions:

• Australian Bankers' Association [PDF 94 KB]
• Herbert Smith Freehills [PDF 218 KB]