1. Introduction
   1. This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ (JSCOT) review of: Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) (AANZFTA Second Protocol).
   2. The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty to which Australia has become a signatory, upon the treaty being tabled in the Parliament or as referred by a Minister.
   3. The treaties, and matters arising from them, are evaluated to ensure ratification is in the national interest, and that unintended or negative effects on Australia do not arise.
   4. Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by the Australian Government. The NIA considers the treaty, outlines the treaty obligations and any regulatory or financial implications, and reports the results of consultations undertaken with state and territory governments, federal, state and territory agencies, and with industry or non-government organisations.
   5. The Committee takes account of the NIA in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the Inquiry.
   6. A copy of the treaty considered in this report and the associated documents may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:

www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/AANZFTASecondProtocol

1.7This report also contains the Committee’s review of three minor treaty actions:

• Implementing Changes to the Product-Specific Rules Annex of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Instrument for the Amendment of the Constitution of the International Labour Organization, 1986
• Amendments of 2022 to the Code of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006

Conduct of the Committee’s review

1.8The treaty was referred to the Committee on 30 November 2023 and published on the Committee website on 30 November 2023. Submissions were requested by 16 January 2024. Seven submissions were received for this inquiry, including two responses to Questions on Notice.

1.9The Committee held two public hearings, firstly in person in Canberra on 18 March 2024 and secondly in person in Canberra and online, including an in-camera component on 25 March 2024. The transcript of evidence from the public hearings can be accessed through the Committee’s website.

1.10A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.