Defence supplies and regional security

AUSTRALIA'S bilateral defence relationship with Japan will be the subject of a public hearing today by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

The Committee is reviewing a proposed agreement for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Australian Defence Force and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The Committee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence as the lead agency for the agreement.

Committee Chair Stuart Robert MP explained that the proposed agreement expands the terms of a similar agreement signed in 2010, reflecting changes in Japan’s domestic laws and its more active role in global peace and security.

“Australia’s relationship with Japan is more important than ever as increasing tensions in the Asia‑Pacific risk regional and global security. The Committee will examine the revised terms of this agreement to ensure that it sufficiently enables increasing cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and Self‑Defence Forces of Japan in the face of regional instability”, Mr Robert said.

The Committee will table its report on the proposed Agreement in the Parliament by 9 August 2017.

 

Public hearing details: 11:10am - 12:15pm, Monday 22 May, Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra

11:10am: Defence Supplies and Services - Japan; Department of Defence
12:15am: Close

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

ENDS