This report provides an overview of Australia's sanctions regime including the legislative framework, the roles of key government agencies, and the processes involved in applying and enforcing sanctions.

The report notes the importance of aligning Australia's sanctions with those of its international allies, particularly the US, UK and EU, to maximise effectiveness. It also explores the challenges of sanctions evasion, trade in sanctioned goods and the repurposing of frozen assets. 

The report examines concerns about the consistency of sanctions application, noting that some states appear to commit human rights abuses with impunity while others face sanctions for comparable behaviour. 

Recommendations

1. The Australian Government should consider its application of thematic sanctions and explore ways to further strengthen
   consistency where appropriate.
2. Prioritise the alignment of sanctions with allies to maximise effectiveness and place greater emphasis on imposing such sanctions promptly.
3. Consider establishing a mechanism for engagement with civil society on Australia’s sanctions regime.
4. The Australian Government should work with global partners to close loopholes which allow Iran and Russia to evade the financial impact of Australian sanctions.
5. Continue to impose sanctions on Iranian officials involved in serious violations or serious abuses of human rights.
6. Prioritise the development of methodologies to target and measure the effectiveness of Australia’s sanctions regime.
7. Consider how to identify and locate all Russian and Iranian assets in Australia which are currently subject to sanctions.
8. Identify all Russian assets in Australia that are subject to sanctions, and consider what legislative and other changes are required to enable the transfer of these assets.