1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the following treaty actions:
1.2
The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty action to which Australia has become a signatory, on the treaty being tabled in Parliament.
1.3
Treaties, and matters arising from them, are evaluated to ensure that ratification is in the national interest, and that unintended or negative effects on Australia will not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by the Government. This document considers arguments for and against the treaty and outlines the treaty obligations and any consultations undertaken with State and Territory Governments, Federal and State and Territory agencies, and with industry and non-government organisations.
1.5
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 did not require a RIS.
1.6
Copies of the treaty actions considered in this report and their associated documentation may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
1.7
The treaty actions reviewed in this Report were advertised on the Committee’s website from the date of tabling. The Committee received three submission, one of which was confidential.
1.8
The Committee held a public hearing into the treaties on 4 December 2017.
1.9
The transcripts of evidence from the public hearing may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website. A list of submissions received is at Appendix A. A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearings is at Appendix B.