Keeping ships afloat and planes flying high

A TREATY designed to ensure the safety of workers, cargo and the overall safety of ships at sea is one of three to be considered by the Treaties Committee at a public hearing on Monday.

The treaty deals with amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the changes will tighten the requirements for verifying the weight of containers before they are loaded to ships, improve fire safety measures and ensure that cargo ships carry the equipment to test air quality in enclosed spaces.

The second treaty will provide a framework of practical arrangements for Brazil and Australia to exchange evidence and information for the purpose of investigating or prosecuting serious crimes. Australia now has 29 mutual legal assistance treaties in place with other countries.

The last treaty establishes an air services agreement with Laos, opening the way for airlines to expand air travel between the two countries. These agreements ensure that Australian safety and security standards are met while providing an opportunity to increase tourism and export activity.

Public Hearing: Monday 12 October 2015,

Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra

11.10am  International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
11.45am  Treaty between Australia and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
12.20pm  Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic relating to Air Services
1.00pm  Close

The hearing will be broadcast through: www.aph.gov.au/live
Hearing programs, copies of the treaties and submissions received can be found at  www.aph.gov.au/jsct 

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