Chapter 1 Introduction
Purpose of the report
1.1
This report contains the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties’ review of
the following treaty actions tabled on 5 July 2011:
- the Instrument
Amending the Constitution of the International Telecommunication Union
(Geneva, 1992); and
- the Instrument
Amending the Convention of the International Telecommunication Union (Geneva,
1992).
1.2
The Committee’s resolution of appointment empowers it to inquire into
any treaty to which Australia has become 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 Australians will not be entailed.
1.4
Prior to tabling, 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 treaties being considered here do not require a RIS.
1.6
The Committee takes account of these documents and any other evidence
gathered during the inquiry process in its examination of the treaty.
1.7
Copies of each treaty and its associated documentation may be obtained
from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
<www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct>
Conduct of the Committee’s review
1.8
The treaty actions reviewed in this report were advertised on the
Committee’s website from the date of tabling and in the national press on 6
July 2011. Submissions were invited by 29 July 2011, with extensions available
on request.
1.9
Invitations were made to all State Premiers, Chief Ministers and to the Presiding
Officers of each Parliament to lodge submissions. The Committee also invited
submissions from individuals and organisations with an interest in the
particular treaty under review.
1.10
Submissions received and their authors are listed at Appendix A.
1.11
The Committee examined the witnesses on each treaty at public hearings
held in Canberra on 22 August 2011.
1.12
Transcripts of evidence from the public hearings may be obtained from
the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website under the
treaty’s tabling date, being:
<http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct/5july2011/hearings.htm>
1.13
A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearings is at Appendix B.