The following matter be referred to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 1 November 2012:
The importance of the Indian Ocean rim for Australia's foreign, trade and defence policy, with particular reference to:
(a) trade and tourism opportunities for Australia, including the role of free trade
agreements;
(b) Australian mineral exports, including competition and synergies in the region;
(c) strategic developments in the Indian Ocean, including growing naval influences and
defence postures and their implications for Australia and the region more generally;
(d) the Indian Ocean Rim Association and any other relevant bodies and their future
directions; and
(e) other relevant matters.
The committee is calling for submissions from organisations and people interested in developments in the Indian Ocean Region.
For further information, contact: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
Department of the Senate
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia