Chapter 1 Introduction
Purpose of the report
1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of
treaty actions tabled on 19 June 2012 and 26 June 2012.
1.2
These treaty actions are proposed for ratification and are examined in
the order of tabling:
n Tabled 19 June
2012
Þ
Agreement between the Government of Australia and the
Government of the Republic of Singapore concerning the Location of a Republic
of Singapore Air Force Helicopter Squadron at the Australian Army Aviation
Centre Oakey done at Singapore on 1 June 2012
Þ
Agreement between the Government of Australia and the
Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the Exchange of Information with
Respect to Taxes done at Manama on 15 December 2012
Þ
Agreement between the Government of Australia and the
Government of the Principality of Andorra on the Exchange of Information with
Respect to Taxes done at New York on 24 September 2011
n Tabled 26 June
2012
Þ
Agreement Establishing the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (Rome, 13 June 1976)
1.3
The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into
any treaty to which Australia has become signatory, on the treaty being tabled
in Parliament.
1.4
The treaties, and matters arising from them, are evaluated to ensure
that ratification is in the national interest, and that unintended or negative
effects on Australians will not arise.
1.5
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National
Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by Government. This document considers
arguments for and against the treaty, outlines the treaty obligations and any
regulatory or financial implications, and reports the results of consultations
undertaken with State and Territory Governments, Federal and State and
Territory agencies, and with industry or non-government organisations.
1.6
A Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) may accompany the NIA. The RIS
provides an account of the regulatory impact of the treaty action where
adoption of the treaty will involve a change in the regulatory environment for
Australian business. The treaties examined in this report do not require an
RIS.
1.7
The Committee takes account of these documents in its examination of the
treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.8
Copies of each treaty and its associated documentation may be obtained
from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/under_review.htm
Conduct of the Committee’s review
1.9
The treaty actions reviewed in this report were advertised on the
Committee’s website from the date of tabling. Submissions for the treaties tabled
on 19 June and 26 June 2012 were requested by Friday, 27 July
2012, with extensions available on request.
1.10
Invitations were made to all State Premiers, Chief Ministers and to the Presiding
Officers of each Parliament to lodge submissions. The Committee also invited
submissions from individuals and organisations with an interest in the
particular treaty under review.
1.11
The Committee examined the witnesses on each treaty at a public hearing
held in Canberra on 13 August 2012.
1.12
Transcripts of evidence from the public hearing may be obtained from the
Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website under the
treaty’s tabling date, being:
n 19 June 2012
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/19june2012/hearings.htm
n 26 June 2012
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/26june2012/hearings.htm
1.13
A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearings is at Appendix A.