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

• Acts of the Universal Postal Union adopted by the 2nd Extraordinary Congress: Tenth Additional Protocol to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union and Second Additional Protocol to the General Regulations of Universal Postal Union
• Acts of the Universal Postal Union adopted by the 27th Universal Postal Congress: Eleventh Additional Protocol to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union, Third Additional Protocol to the General Regulations of the Universal Postal Union, the Universal Postal Convention, the Final Protocol to the Universal Postal Convention, the Postal Payment Services Agreement and the Final Protocol to the Postal Payment Services Agreement
  2. The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into any treaty to which Australia has become a signatory, upon the treaty being tabled in the Parliament or as 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 (NIA), prepared by the Australian Government. The NIA 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 the NIA in its examination of the treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the Inquiry.
  6. A copy of the treaties considered in this report and the associated documents may be accessed through the Committee’s website at:
• https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/UniversalPostalUnion18
• https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Treaties/UniversalPostalUnion21

1.7This report also contains the Committee’s review of two minor treaty actions:

• 2023 Amendment to Annex I of the International Convention against Doping in Sport
• Amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

Conduct of the Committee’s review

1.7The Treaties were published on the Committee website on 16 November 2023. Submissions were requested by 7 December 2023. One submission was received for this inquiry as a question on notice.

1.8The Committee held a public hearing in person on 26 February 2024. The transcript of evidence from the public hearing can be accessed through the Committee’s website.

1.9A list of submissions received is at Appendix A and a list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at Appendix B.