A bag full of treaties

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report on nine proposed treaty actions.

Committee Chair Dave Sharma MP says that the treaties cover a wide range of subjects from oil stocks to air services, as well as trade in wine. The report also includes the Committee’s review of the double taxation treaty with Israel, which adds to Australia’s pre‑existing network of 44 tax treaties.

"While wide ranging, each of the treaties are beneficial and present opportunities that are within Australia’s national interest," Mr Sharma said.

"The double taxation treaty with Israel will make it easier to do business between the two countries. This will bring our nations closer together, supporting increased commercial trade, investment and innovation."

In particular, the report includes a treaty extending protections for Australians in the Netherlands investigating the downing of MH17. Mr Sharma stated, "The Committee welcomes the implementation of more permanent arrangements to assist Australia’s pursuit of accountability and justice for the victims and their loved ones."

"This agreement reflects our commitment to justice over the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH17. Our two countries will continue to work shoulder to shoulder on this for as long as it takes."

Further information on the treaties and the final report can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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