Purpose of the report

This report contains advice to Parliament on the review by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties of one treaty action tabled in Parliament on 16 September 2008:
Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Finland on Social Security (Helsinki, 10 September 2008)

The Report refers frequently to the National Interest Analysis (NIA) prepared for the proposed treaty action. This document is prepared by the Government agency or agencies responsible for the administration of Australia’s responsibilities under each treaty. A copy of the NIA may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/16september2008/tor.htm

A copy of the 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 review contained in this report was advertised in the national press and on the Committee’s website. 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 on 10 November 2008 in Canberra. A list of witnesses who appeared before the public hearing 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/16september2008/hearings.htm