1. Introduction
   1. This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ (JSCOT) review of the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India (Mumbai, 10 March 2023).
   2. The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it 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.
   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 do not arise.
   4. 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.
   5. The Committee takes account of the NIA in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the Inquiry.
   6. A copy of the treaty considered in this report and the associated documents may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:

www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/IndiaAVCo-production

1.7The report also contains the Committee’s review of one minor treaty action: Amendment to the Agreement Establishing the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (25 October 2021).

Conduct of the Committee’s review

1.8The Agreement was published on the Committee website on 21 June 2023. Submissions were requested by 5 July 2023. Six submissions were received.

1.9The Committee held a public hearing in person and by videoconference on 4September 2023. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing can be accessed through the Committee’s website.

1.10A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.