The Committee's resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into and report on:

•  matters arising from treaties and related National Interest Analyses and proposed treaty actions and related Explanatory Statements presented or deemed to be presented to the Parliament;
• any question relating to a treaty or other international instrument, whether or not negotiated to completion, referred to the committee by:
  • either House of Parliament; or
  • a Minister; and
• such other matters as may be referred to the committee by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and on such conditions as the Minister may prescribe.