The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 October 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). The BBNJ Agreement is also referred to as the High Seas treaty. It addresses gaps in marine biodiversity conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction through a variety of mechanisms, including area-based management tools and environmental impact assessments. By enhancing coordination between its signatories and the sharing of benefits relating to marine genetic resources, the agreement reinforces a global effort to improve ocean health. Chair of the Committee, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said that ‘this agreement will enhance domestic environmental action, improve scientific endeavours, strengthen international rules-based order and support Australia’s foreign policy objectives’. ‘Australia has been a long-time advocate for this agreement and has played an influential role in its negotiation. Being an early ratifier will ensure that Australia can continue to influence decisions relating to the agreement’s implementation and will subsequently enhance global environmental action.’ ‘The good health of the ocean and its biodiversity provides Australia with cultural, social and economic benefits and is complementary to the government’s nature-positive agendas’, said Ms Chesters. The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiries. Media enquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair Kate Sutherland, Parliamentary Program Manager Kate.Sutherland@aph.gov.au (03) 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au 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.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold the first public hearing today for its inquiry into the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 5 September 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold the first public hearing today for its inquiry into the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. The agreement closes gaps in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction and enables Australia to take an active role in maintaining the health of marine environments. Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, ‘The maintenance of ocean health supports Australia’s marine industries and reflects the Government’s international environmental leadership and nature positive agenda. The good health of marine ecosystems, biodiversity and resources provides cultural, social and economic value to Australia.’ ‘As a member of the High Ambition Coalition, Australia has long been an advocate for the Agreement. By ratifying and becoming party to the Agreement, Australia will be able to influence decision making on global environmental action. Ratification will also benefit Australian industries such as tourism, fishing and aquaculture, and will provide Australian scientists with access to undiscovered materials and information.’ ‘This agreement is a priority for many nations within the Indo-Pacific. Early ratification will ensure that Australia remains an influential leader in the agreement’s implementation, contributing to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific and supports our foreign policy objectives,’ said Ms Chesters. The Committee will hold the first public hearing at 2pm today, where they will hear evidence from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as from panels of academic, industry and NGO stakeholders. Professor Donald Rothwell will appear at a second hearing on 9 September. The Committee will hear evidence relating to his submission to the inquiry. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 5 September 2024 Time: 2pm to 4pm Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra Date: Monday 9 September 2024 Time: 12.10pm to 12.40pm (approximately) Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra More information about the Committee and its inquiry can be found on the Committee’s website. The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Ms Lisa Chesters MP, Chair Kate Sutherland, Parliamentary Program Manager Kate.Sutherland@aph.gov.au (03) 5443 9055 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au 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.