1. Introduction
   1. This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ (JSCOT) review of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (Nairobi Convention).
   2. The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty to which Australia has become a signatory, upon the treaty being tabled in the Parliament or as referred by a Minister.
   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 do not arise.
   4. Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by the Australian Government. The NIA 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.
   5. The Committee takes account of the NIA in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the Inquiry.
   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/Nairobiremovalofwrecks

1.7This report also contains the Committee’s review of one minor treaty action: Amendment to Appendices I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

Conduct of the Committee’s review

1.8The treaty was referred to the Committee on 7 February 2024 and published on the Committee website on 7 February 2024. Submissions were requested by 28 February 2024. Three submissions were received for this inquiry, as well as one response to Questions on Notice.

1.9The Committee held one public hearing, in person in Canberra on 25 March 2024. The transcript of evidence from the public hearings can 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.