Purpose of the report

This report contains advice to Parliament on the review by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties of three treaty actions tabled in Parliament on 7 August 2007. These treaty actions are:

• Agreement between Australia and Japan on Social Security (Canberra, 27 February 2007)
• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines concerning the Status of Visiting Forces of Each State in the Territory of the Other State (Canberra, 31 May 2007)
• Agreement between Australia and the Hellenic Republic on Social Security (Canberra, 23 May 2007)

Briefing documents

The advice in this Report refers to the National Interest Analysis (NIA) prepared for the proposed treaty actions. This document is prepared by the Government agency (or agencies) responsible for the administration of Australia's responsibilities under each treaty. Copies of the NIA may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee's website at:

Copies of treaty actions and NIAs may also be obtained from the Australian Treaties Library maintained on the internet by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Australian Treaties Library is accessible through the Committee’s website or directly at:

Conduct of the Committee’s review

The review contained in this report was advertised on the Committee’s website.¹ Invitations to lodge submissions were also sent to all State Premiers, Chief Ministers, Presiding Members of Parliament and to individuals who have expressed an interest in being kept informed of proposed treaty actions. Submissions received and their authors are listed at Appendix A.

The Committee also received evidence at a public hearing held on 13 August 2007 in Canberra. A list of witnesses who appeared before the Committee at the public hearings is at Appendix B. Transcripts of evidence from public hearings may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at: