1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation (Geneva, 2 December 2021) (JI-SDR).
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 that unintended or negative effects on Australia would not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), 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 NIA for the JI-SDR was accompanied by a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS). The RIS provides an account of the regulatory impact of the treaty action where adoption of the treaty would involve a change in the regulatory environment for Australian business.
1.6
The Committee takes account of these documents in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.7
A copy of the treaty considered in this report and the associated documents may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:
1.8
This report also contains the Committee’s review of one minor treaty action: 2022 Amendment to Annexes I and II of the International Convention against Doping in Sport.
1.9
The JI-SDR inquiry was advertised on the Committee website on 7 September 2022. Submissions were requested by 23 September 2022. One submission was received.
1.10
The Committee held a public hearing in Canberra and by videoconference/teleconference on Thursday, 19 January 2023 into the JI-SDR. 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.