The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Amendments to the Annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention Amendments).

Media release issue date: Monday, 11 December 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Amendments to the Annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention Amendments). The FAL Convention facilitates international maritime traffic and prevents unnecessary delays, aids cooperation between governments and secures uniformity, to the highest practicable degree in maritime procedures and formalities. The Annex to the Convention contains Standards and Recommended Practices on formalities, documentary requirements and procedures for the arrival, stay or departure of ships. The Annex also contains implementation procedures and appendices with additional information. The Amendments to the Annex cover topics such as definitions and general provisions, illicit activities, digitalisation of vessel reporting requirements, identification, treatment of stowaways, public health, and implementation. Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: "As a signatory to the original treaty, the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, Australia is a strong supporter of ensuring the streamlining and simplification of maritime traffic." Mr Wilson continued: "The FAL Convention ensures that there is a standard, consistent, harmonised approach to maritime traffic around the world. Cooperation between governments on these issues is important in ensuring international standards and that Australia is in alignment with those standards." The Committee notes the support of the Government and from industry for the treaty. The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken. The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry. 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.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into the Amendments to the Annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention).

Media release issue date: Monday, 27 November 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today for its inquiry into the Amendments to the Annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention). The FAL Convention aims to prevent unnecessary delays in maritime traffic, aid cooperation between states and secure uniformity in formalities and procedures. The Annex to the Convention contains Standards and Recommended Practices on formalities, documentary requirements and procedures that are to be applied to ships, crews, passengers, baggage, and cargo from arrival through to their departure. The proposed changes to the Annex focus on topics such as definitions, illicit activities, digitalisation of vessel reporting requirements, identification, treatment of stowaways and public health. Committee Chair, Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “Australia has been a signatory to the Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic since 1986 and over time, has been an active contributor to the work of the International Maritime Organisation. If adopted, these amendments would support Australia to continue to modernise its maritime sector operations and take further steps towards full compliance with the Convention.” Mr Wilson said: “The amendments would lead to increased efficiencies for both industry and government and create greater opportunities for adopting new maritime technologies. This includes the standards for the adoption of the Maritime Single Window which is a digital reporting platform which will make the exchange of mandatory information between industry and government easier.” The Committee will hear from officials from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  Public hearing details  Date:               Monday 27 November 2023 Time:              11:00 am (AEDT) Location:        Committee Room 2R1   The hearing can be accessed online and the program is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiry. 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.