1. Introduction
   1. This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ (JSCOT) review of the following major treaty actions:

• Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Cooperation in the Field of Defence and the Status of Visiting Forces (Canberra, 7 September 2022) (Timor-Leste Agreement)
• Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Serbia on Social Security (Belgrade, 20 January 2023) (Serbia Agreement)
  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 the Parliament or 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, prepared by the Australian Government. This document 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 this document in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
  6. A copy of the treaties 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/SOFATimor-Leste
• www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/SSASRB
  7. This report also contains the Committee’s review of four minor treaty actions:
• amendments to the Convention on the International Maritime Organization
• Resolution MSC.188(79)REV.1—Revised Performance Standards for Water Level Detectors on Ships Subject to SOLAS Regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12
• Resolution MSC.496(105)— Amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (radiocommunications)
• amendments adopted by the 75th World Health Assembly to the International Health Regulations (2005).

Conduct of the Committee’s review

Timor-Leste Agreement

1.8The Agreement was published on the Committee website on 22 March 2023. Submissions were requested by 11 April 2023. Five submissions were received.

1.9The Committee held a public hearing in Canberra on 19 June 2023. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing can be accessed through the Committee’s website.

1.10A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.

Serbia Agreement

1.11The Agreement was published on the Committee website on 10 May 2023. Submissions were requested by 31 May 2023. No submissions were received.

1.12The Committee held a public hearing in Canberra and by videoconference on 6 July 2023. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing can be accessed through the Committee’s website.

1.13A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.