Terms of Reference

The Treaties Committee will conducted an inquiry into the nature and scope of Australia's relationship with the World Trade Organisation. The Committee's examination will included:

• opportunities for community involvement in developing Australia's negotiating positions on matters with the WTO;
• the transparency and accountability of WTO operations and decision making;
• the effectiveness of the WTO's dispute settlement procedures and the ease of access to these procedures;
• Australia's capacity to undertake WTO advocacy;
• the involvement of peak bodies, industry groups and external lawyers in conducting WTO disputes;
• the relationship between the WTO and regional economic arrangements;
• the relationship between WTO agreements and other multilateral agreements, including those on trade and related matters, and on environmental, human rights and labour standards; and
• the extent to which social, cultural and environmental considerations influence WTO priorities and decision making.