1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of the following treaty action:
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, outlines the treaty obligations and any regulatory or financial implications, and reports the results of consultations undertaken with State and Territory Governments, Federal and State and Territory agencies, and with industry or 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 treaty action examined in this report did not require a RIS.
1.6
The Committee takes account of these documents in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.7
A copy of the treaty considered in this report and the associated documentation may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
1.8
The treaty action reviewed in this report was advertised on the Committee’s website from the date of tabling. Submissions for the treaty action were requested by 13 July 2018. Only one submission, a response to a question on notice, was received for the inquiry.
1.9
The Committee held a public hearing into the treaty action in Canberra on 13 August 2018. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing may be obtained from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website as listed above.
1.10
A list of submissions received for the inquiry is at Appendix A. A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.