1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the following treaty actions:
Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway amending the Agreement on Mutual Recognition in relation to Conformity Assessment, Certificates and Markings between Australia and the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway (Brussels, 21 September 2018); and
Amendments to Appendices I, II and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Geneva, 28 August 2019).
1.2
The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty to which Australia has become a signatory, on the treaty being tabled in the Parliament.
1.3
The treaties, and matters arising from them, are evaluated to ensure that ratification is in the national interest, and that unintended or negative effects on Australia will not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by Government. This document considers arguments for and against 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.
1.5
A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) may accompany the NIA. The RIS provides an account of the regulatory impact of the treaty action where adoption of the treaty will involve a change in the regulatory environment for Australian business.
1.6
The Committee takes account of these documents in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.7
Neither of the treaty actions examined in this report required a RIS.
1.8
Copies of the treaties considered in this report and the associated documentation may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/CertificationsIsLiNo; and
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/Amendments2020CITES.
1.9
This report also contains the Committee’s reviews on one minor treaty action:
2020 Amendment to Annexes I and II of the International Convention against Doping in Sport.
Conduct of the Committee’s review
1.10
The treaty actions reviewed in this report were advertised on the Committee website from the date of referral. Submissions for the treaty actions were requested by 18 January 2021. One submission was received for each treaty action reviewed.
1.11
The Committee held a public hearing on 1 February 2021. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website as listed above.
1.12
A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.