Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 1 Introduction

Purpose of the Report
Briefing documents
Conduct of the Committee’s review

Purpose of the Report

1.1

This Report contains advice to Parliament on the review by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties of two proposed treaty actions tabled on 7 December 20041, specifically:

Briefing documents

1.2

The advice in this Report refers to the National Interest Analyses (NIAs) prepared for these proposed treaty actions. Copies of the NIAs are available from the Committee’s website at <www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/7dec2004/tor.htm> or may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat. These documents were prepared by the Government agency (or agencies) responsible for the administration of Australia’s responsibilities under each treaty.

1.3

Copies of treaty actions and NIAs can 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

1.4

The Committee’s review of the treaty actions canvassed in this Report was advertised in the national press and on the Committee’s website.2 In addition, letters inviting comment were sent to all State Premiers and Chief Ministers and to individuals who have expressed an interest in being kept informed of proposed treaty actions such as these. A list of submissions and their authors is at Appendix A.

1.5

The Committee also took evidence at a public hearing held on 7 March 2005. A list of witnesses who gave evidence at the public hearing is at Appendix B. A transcript of evidence from the public hearing can be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s internet site at <www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/7dec2004/hearings.htm>.



Footnotes

1 Senate Journal , 7 December 2004 , p. 233 and House of Representatives Votes and Proceedings, 7 December 2004 , p. 99. Back
2 The Committee’s review of the proposed treaty actions was advertised in TheAustralian on 9 February 2005 . Members of the public were advised on how to obtain relevant information and invited to submit their views to the Committee. Back

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