1. Introduction
   1. The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) was appointed by the Commonwealth Parliament to inquire into any treaty to which Australia has become a signatory, upon the treaty being tabled in the Parliament or as referred by a Minister.[1]
   2. The Committee's resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into and report on:

1. matters arising from treaties and related National Interest Analyses and proposed treaty actions and related Explanatory Statements presented or deemed to be presented to the Parliament;
2. any question relating to a treaty or other international instrument, whether or not negotiated to completion, referred to the committee by:

1. either House of the Parliament; or
2. a Minister; and

3. such other matters as may be referred to the Committee by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and on such conditions as the Minister may prescribe.[2]
   3. Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by the Australian Government. The NIA 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.
   4. The Committee takes account of the NIA in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the Inquiry.
   5. The treaties, and matters arising from them, are evaluated to ensure ratification is in the national interest, and that unintended or negative effects on Australia do not arise.
   6. This report contains the Committee’s review of the following major treaty actions:

• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relating to Air Services.
• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Colombia relating to Air Services.
• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Peru relating to Air Services.
  7. The three Agreements establish treaty-level frameworks to support the operation and development of international air services between Australia and each respective country. They facilitate trade and tourism and provide expanded commercial opportunities for airlines. Each Agreement outlines provisions relating to safety, security, regulatory compliance, and commercial arrangements, and is expected to benefit Australian travellers and businesses, particularly in the tourism and export sectors, through increased connectivity and access to new markets.
  8. A copy of the treaties considered in this report and the associated documents may be accessed through the Committee’s website at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties.

Footnotes

[1]Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT), ‘Role of the Committee’, https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/Role_of_the_Committee.

[2]JSCOT, ‘Resolution of Appointment, https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/Resolution.