1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the International Labour Organization Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) (Geneva, 11 June 2014).
1.2
The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty to which Australia has become a signatory, on the treaty being tabled in the Parliament.
1.3
The treaties, and matters arising from them, are evaluated to ensure ratification is in the national interest, and unintended or negative effects on Australia will not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis, prepared by the Australian Government. This document considers 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, state and territory agencies, and with industry or non-government organisations.
1.5
The Committee takes account of this document in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.6
A copy of the treaty considered in this report and the associated documents may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:
1.7
This report also contains the Committee’s review of several minor treaty actions:
1.8
The Committee agreed to a request from the Attorney-General to expedite its consideration of the major treaty action reviewed in this report. Category One treaty actions, by convention, stand referred to the Committee for 20 joint sitting days. The Committee agreed to report by 29 March 2022, being one joint sitting day.
1.9
The major treaty action was advertised on the Committee website the day following referral. Submissions for the treaty action were requested by 3 March 2022. Nine submissions were received.
1.10
The Committee held one public hearing in Canberra and by videoconference/teleconference on Friday, 11 March 2022. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website.
1.11
A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.