The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold public hearings today for its inquiry into the Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations and its inquiry into the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 11 July 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold public hearings today for its inquiry into the Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations and its inquiry into the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience. On the Australia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) agreement, Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said that, ‘The agreement would build on existing arrangements and would enhance bilateral ties between Australia and PNG as security partners, friends, and near neighbours. The proposed agreement would create a legally binding framework for the two nations to work more closely on mutual security interests such as defence, policing, border security, cyber security, and climate change.’ For the inquiry into the Australia-PNG agreement, the Committee will hear from witnesses from the Department of Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Federal Police. Mr Wilson said that the ratification of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) supply chain agreement, ‘Would reduce Australia’s risk of encountering shortages of critical goods and would reinforce the Australian Government’s commitment to diversifying trade relationships, creating new export opportunities, contributing to greater employment and inclusive economic growth for Australians, and promoting regional economic integration.’ For the inquiry into the IPEF supply chain agreement, the Committee will hear from witnesses from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Public hearing details Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations Date: Monday 15 July 2024 Time: 2.00 pm to 2.40 pm (approximately) Location: Committee Room 1R4 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience Date: Monday 15 July 2024 Time: 2.40 pm to 3.20 pm approximately Location: Committee Room 1R4 The hearings can be accessed online and the program for the hearings is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiries. Media enquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823    For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.