1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the International Labour Organization Convention No. 138: Convention concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment (Geneva, 26 June 1973) (the Convention).
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 ratification is in the national interest, and that unintended or negative effects on Australia would not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis, 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 documents may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:
www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/
ILOMinimumAge.
1.7
This report also contains the Committee’s review of seven minor treaty actions:
MSC.486(103): 2021 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978
MSC.456(101): 2019 amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
MSC.474(102): 2020 amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
MSC.482(103): 2021 amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974
MSC.491(104): 2021 amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966
amendment to Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
2022 amendment to Annex A of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Conduct of the Committee’s review
1.8
The inquiry into the Convention was advertised on the Committee website on 27 September 2022. Submissions were requested by 14 October 2022. Two submissions were received.
1.9
The Committee held a public hearing for the Convention in Canberra on Monday, 6 February 2023. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing may be 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.