The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled the report on its inquiry into the 'Convention between Australia and the Portuguese Republic for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance' (Australia-Portugal Tax Treaty).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 27 March 2025

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled the report on its inquiry into the Convention between Australia and the Portuguese Republic for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance (Australia-Portugal Tax Treaty). The treaty is a taxation agreement with Portugal aimed primarily at eliminating double taxation for residents of Australia and Portugal, preventing opportunities for tax evasion or avoidance, and strengthening economic ties. Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, ‘Portugal and Australia have a more than 64-year history of strong diplomatic relations. The two countries share a range of priorities, particularly in multilateral institutions, and this agreement will further develop these links.’  ‘It will provide tax certainty for Australian businesses, encourage trade between the two countries by reducing tax barriers, decrease costs to Australian businesses, and enable better access to Portuguese capital and technology. The Committee supports the ratification of this treaty.’ The report also contains nine minor treaty actions that have been considered and endorsed by the Committee: Six of these minor treaty actions are amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973; Two minor treaty actions concern amendments to the Agreement establishing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 1990 and the Articles of Agreement of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development 1945; and One minor treaty action concerns amendments to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The report can be accessed online and further information about the inquiry is available on the Committee website.   Media enquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair  Kate Sutherland, Parliamentary Program Manager Kate.Sutherland@aph.gov.au 03 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today for its inquiry into the 'Convention between Australia and the Portuguese Republic for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance'.

Media release issue date: Monday, 10 February 2025

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today for its inquiry into the Convention between Australia and the Portuguese Republic for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance. The Convention adds to Australia’s existing tax treaty network and is the first of its kind to be agreed to by Australia and Portugal. The Convention promotes closer economic cooperation between the two countries through the reduction of taxation barriers, for example the double taxation of income derived by the residents of either country. The Convention also improves the tax system through providing a framework for cooperation on tax administration which prevents tax avoidance and evasion.  Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, ‘The Committee will investigate if this agreement strengthens the relationship between Australia and Portugal and contributes towards stronger ties, particularly in commercial trade and investment.’ ‘The Committee will explore if the Convention encourages increased cross-border trade and investment through the reduction in tax barriers that hinder investment. The Committee will also examine if the Convention will provide tax certainty for Australian businesses that are looking to expand their operations into Portugal,’ said the Chair. The Committee will hear evidence from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Taxation Office, and the Department of the Treasury at the public hearing. Public hearing details Date: Monday 10 February 2025 Time: 11.30am-1.00pm (approximately) Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra More information about the Committee and its inquiry can be found on the Committee’s website. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair  Kate Sutherland, Parliamentary Program Manager Kate.Sutherland@aph.gov.au 03 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.