Purpose of the report
1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the following treaty actions:
Amendments to Appendices I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Johannesburg, 4 October 2016), which was tabled in the Parliament on 15 February 2017;
withdrawal of Australia’s reservation to Article 11(1)(b) and (c) of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which was tabled in the Parliament on 20 March 2017; and
accession to the Framework Agreement for International Collaboration on Research and Development of Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems, as extended by the Agreement Extending the Framework Agreement for International Collaboration on Research and Development of Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems (Washington, 28 February 2005), which was tabled in the Parliament on 27 March 2017.
1.2
The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty action 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 Australia 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 and outlines the treaty obligations and any regulatory or financial implications. The NIA reports the results of consultations undertaken with State and Territory Governments, Federal and State and Territory agencies, and with industry and 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 treaties examined in this report did not require a RIS.
1.6
Copies of the treaty actions considered in this report and their associated documentation may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/CITES
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/WomeninCombat
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/NuclearEnergy
Conduct of the Committee’s review
1.7
The treaty actions reviewed in this report were advertised on the Committee’s website from the date of tabling. The Committee received 16 submissions in total. A list of submissions received is listed at Appendix A.
1.8
The Committee held a public hearing into the treaty actions in Canberra on 8 May 2017. The transcript of evidence from the public hearings may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website. A list of witnesses who appeared at public hearings is at Appendix B.