Purpose of the report
1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the following treaty actions:
The Agreement on Social Security between the Government of Australia and the Government of New Zealand (Wellington, 8 December 2016), which was tabled in Parliament on 7 February 2017;
The Regional Co-operative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (Ulaanbaatar, 18 May 2016), which was tabled in Parliament on 8 February 2017;
The Loan Agreement between Australia and the International Monetary Fund (Canberra, 19 December 2016), which was tabled in Parliament on 7 February 2017; and
The Agreement concerning the Adoption of Harmonized Technical United Nations Regulations for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be Fitted and/or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these United Nations Regulations (Transmitted to Parties on 14 December 2016), which was tabled in Parliament on 7 February 2017.
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 Australia will not arise.
1.4
Prior to tabling, major treaty actions are subject to a National Interest Analysis (NIA), prepared by 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 Australian business. The treaties examined in this report did not require a RIS.
1.6
Copies of the treaties 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/SocialSecurity-NZ;
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/NuclearResearch;
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/LoanAgreementIMF; and
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/WheeledVehicles.
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. Submissions for the treaties were requested by 3 March 2017. The Committee received 11 submissions in total. Submissions by individuals and non-government agencies were received only in relation to the Regional Co-operative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology.
1.8
The Committee held public hearings into the treaty actions in Canberra on 27 February 2017 and 27 March 2017.
1.9
The transcript of evidence from the public hearings may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website.
1.10
A list of submissions received is listed at Appendix A.
1.11
A list of witnesses who appeared at public hearings is at Appendix B.