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 12 March and 14 May 2013.
n Agreement on the Establishment of the Global Green Growth
Institute (Rio de Janeiro, 20 June 2012);
n Asia-Pacific Regional Convention on the Recognition of
Qualifications in Higher Education (Tokyo, 26 November 2011); and
n Amendments, adopted at Bangkok on 14 March 2013, to Appendices
I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (Bangkok, 14 March 2013).
1.2
In addition, the Report contains the Committee’s views on the following
Minor Treaty Actions:
n Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of
Life at Sea, 1974, as amended IMO Resolution MSC.338(91);
n Amendments to the Protocol of 1978 Relating to the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 IMO Resolution
MSC.343(91);
n Amendments to the Protocol of 1988 Relating to the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 IMO Resolution
MSC.344(91); and
n Amendments to the Protocol of 1988 Relating to the
International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as amended IMO Resolution
MSC.345(91).
1.3
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.
1.4
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 arise.
1.5
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.
1.6
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 considered in this report do not require Regulation
Impact Statements.
1.7
The Committee takes account of these documents in its examination of the
treaty text, in addition to other evidence taken during the inquiry program.
1.8
Copies of each treaty and its associated documentation may be obtained
from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at: http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/12march2013/tor.htm
and
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/14may2013/tor.htm
Conduct of the Committee’s review
1.9
The treaty actions reviewed in this report were advertised on the Committee’s
website from the date of tabling. Submissions for the treaties were requested
by Friday, 3 May 2013 and Friday, 7 June 2013 respectively, with extensions
available on request.
1.10
Invitations were made to all State Premiers, Territory 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.
1.11
The Committee held public hearings into these treaties in Canberra on Monday
13 May, Monday 17 June and Monday 24 June 2013.
1.12
The transcripts of evidence from the public hearings may be obtained
from the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website
under the treaties tabling dates, being:
n 12 March 2013
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/12march2013/hearings.htm
n 14 May 2013
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/14may2013/hearings.htm
1.13 A list of submissions received and their authors is
at Appendix A.
1.14 A list of witnesses who appeared at the public
hearings is at Appendix B.