1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the following treaty actions:
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 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 Australians will not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by the 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 and State and Territory agencies, and with industry or non-government organisations.
1.5
A Regulation 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. The treaty examined in this report did not require a RIS.
1.6
The Committee takes account of these documents in its examination of the treaty texts, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.7
Copies of the treaty considered in this report and associated documentation may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
1.8
The treaty actions reviewed in this report were advertised on the Committee’s website from the date of tabling. Submissions for the inquiry into Nuclear Cooperation with Ukraine were requested by 7 October 2016.
1.9
Invitations were made to all State Premiers, Territory Chief Ministers and Presiding Officers of each Parliament to lodge submissions. The Committee also invited submissions from individuals and organisations with an interest in the treaty reviewed.
1.10
The Committee held a public hearing into the Nuclear Cooperation with Ukraine treaty in Canberra on 21 November 2016 and for the China Extradition treaty in Canberra on 24 November 2016.
1.11
The transcripts of evidence from the public hearings may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website.
1.12
A list of submissions is at Appendix A.
1.13
A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.