The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 18 October 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India (Mumbai, 10 March 2023). The Agreement provides a framework for Australia and India to cooperate on the approval and making of audiovisual productions which could include feature films, television, video recordings, animations, and digital format productions. Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “The Committee’s scrutiny of this Agreement highlights that there is considerable value in Australia connecting and collaborating with the Indian film industry. The Agreement provides a valuable means for the two countries to share knowledge, skills, logistics and creative abilities.” This would be the fourteenth co-production arrangement that Australia has entered into under Australia’s International Co-Production Program. The projects that are approved as official co-productions under the Agreement would be regarded as national productions of both Australia and India. Mr Wilson said: “The Agreement would encourage employment in the screen industry, as well as technical development in the field of audiovisual production. It would also build on the existing, strong, and multifaceted relationship between Australia and India and benefit cultural exchange.” The Committee notes support for the Agreement from the Government and representatives of the Australian-India film industry. The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken. The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry. Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing into the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 4 September 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today into the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Australia. Committee Chair, Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “The Agreement builds on the already strong relationship between Australia and India to develop high quality projects that will encourage screen industry employment, technical development and cultural exchange.” The Agreement provides a framework for the parties to cooperate to approve the creation of audiovisual productions which includes feature films, television, video recordings, animations, and digital format productions. The Agreement in question would be Australia’s fourteenth co-production arrangement.   Mr Wilson said: “India is a valuable partner and market for Australian co-productions. Australia would be able to reach a large audience in India and showcase Australian culture, landscapes, and stories.” The Committee will hear from officials from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Screen Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other stakeholders. Public hearing details Date:               Monday 4 September 2023 Time:               approximately 11:20 am Location:         Committee Room 2R1 and videoconference   The hearing can be accessed online and the program for this hearing is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiry. Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.