1. Introduction

1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and Australia pursuant to Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 relating to the modification of concessions on all the Tariff-Rate Quotas included in the EU Schedule CLXXV as a consequence of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brussels, 4 October 2021).
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 the Australian Government. This document 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.
1.5
The Committee takes account of this document in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.6
A copy of the treaty considered in this report and the associated documentation may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/EUTariff-RateQuotas.
1.7
This report also contains the Committee’s reviews of two minor treaty actions:
Declaration of intention not to become a Contracting Party to the Energy Charter Treaty and the Energy Charter Protocol on Energy Efficiency and Related Environmental Aspects
Acceptance of the Accession of Vietnam to the Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Conduct of the Committee’s review

1.8
The major treaty action reviewed in this report was advertised on the Committee website from the date of referral. Submissions for the treaty action were requested by 1 November 2021. Two submissions were received.
1.9
The Committee held a public hearing in Canberra and by videoconference/ teleconference on Monday, 1 November 2021. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website.
1.10
A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.

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About this inquiry

This inquiry will inquire into and report on the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and Australia pursuant to Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 relating to the modification of concessions on all the Tariff-Rate Quotas included in the EU Schedule CLXXV as a consequence of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.



Past Public Hearings

01 Nov 2021: VIDEO CONFERENCE