Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

Committee activities (inquiries and reports)

Inquiry into Australia's Human Rights Dialogue Process

This inquiry lapsed when all Committees of the House of Representatives and joint committees of the Senate and House of Representatives for the 40th Parliament ceased to exist upon dissolution of the House of Representatives at 4:59pm, Tuesday 31 August 2004. On Thursday 2 December 2004, the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade resolved to re-refer the inquiry.

Federal Parliament's Human Rights Sub-Committee, of the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, conducted an inquiry into Australias human rights dialogue process.

In 1997, the Australian Government initiated a high level bilateral dialogue on human rights with China. Similar formal talks commenced with Vietnam in May 2002 and with Iran in December 2002.

The aim of the dialogues is to hold frank and constructive discussions to demonstrate the commitment of both countries to the talks and the overall strength of their bilateral ties with Australia.

The Committee invited interested persons and organisations to make submissions. Anyone now wanting to make a contribution to the inquiry should contact the Committee Secretariat.

Terms of reference

Submissions

Public hearings

Media releases

Report