Purpose of the report

This report contains advice to Parliament on the review by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties of two treaty actions tabled in Parliament on 14 May 2008.¹ These treaty actions are:
Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes (Sydney, 7 September 2007)
Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America concerning Defense Trade Cooperation (Sydney, 5 September 2007)

The Report refers frequently to the National Interest Analysis (NIA) prepared for each proposed treaty action. This document is prepared by the Government agency (or agencies) responsible for the administration of Australia’s responsibilities under each treaty. Copies of each NIA may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/14may2008/tor.htm

Copies of each treaty action and NIA 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:
www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/

Conduct of the Committee’s review

The reviews contained in this report were advertised in the national press and on the Committee’s website.² 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 public hearings on 16 June, 28 July, 25 August and 1 September 2008 in Canberra and Melbourne. A list of witnesses who appeared before 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:
www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/14may2008/hearings.htm