The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of two treaties.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 3 August 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of two treaties: 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) and Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Serbia on Social Security (Belgrade, 20 January 2023) (Serbia Agreement). The Timor-Leste Agreement establishes a legally binding framework to govern defence cooperation activities between Australia and Timor-Leste. The Agreement would facilitate a range of cooperative activities including the conduct of maritime military and other operations; exchanges and exercises; international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; education and training; and logistics support. Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “This agreement would deepen the strong relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste. It would provide for closer and improved cooperation on defence activities with Timor-Leste and allow Australia’s significant international support for Timor-Leste to grow.” The Serbia Social Security Agreement allows each country to pay a benefit that reflects a person’s association with that country’s social security system. The Agreement covers the age pension for Australia and pension and disability insurance for Serbia. The Agreement would allow for a claim for a benefit to be lodged in either country and for the sharing of information. Mr Wilson said: “The Agreement would help maximise the income of Australian residents and further strengthen ties between Australia and Serbia.” The Reports can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiries. Media inquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff, Office of Josh Wilson MP 0434 555 823 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

Joint Standing Committee on Treaties to hold public hearing today into the Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Serbia on Social Security.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 6 July 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today into the Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Serbia on Social Security. Committee Chair, Mr Josh Wilson MP said: ‘a social security agreement provides for two countries to share responsibility for paying social security benefits to people who move between countries.’ People who move between countries may not make contributions to a social insurance scheme ordinarily sufficient to receive a benefit, or may not satisfy residence requirements for a benefit. Additionally, even when a person may otherwise meet the requirements for a benefit, some countries will only pay benefits to citizens or residents, or reduce the rate of payments to non-residents. Social security agreements require the payment of a benefit in the other country on a non‑discriminatory basis; specify alternative means by which a person may satisfy residence or contribution requirements to qualify for a benefit; and establish a method for calculating the rate of payment. Mr Wilson said, ‘Australia currently has social security agreements with 31 countries. The Committee looks forward to examining the provisions of this treaty and hearing from witnesses as to its potential benefits.’ The Committee will take evidence from officials from the Department of Social Services, the Treasury, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 6 July 2023 Time:  3.30 pm Location: Committee Room 1R3 and by videoconference The hearing can be viewed on the APH website and the program for this hearing is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiry. Media enquiries Mr Tim Watkin, Chief of Staff 0434 555 823 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4002 jsct@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.