Treaty making process under review

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will conduct a new inquiry into the treaty-making process, with a particular focus on trade-related treaties.

“This inquiry will examine the process of consultation undertaken during the negotiation of trade agreements and consider the effectiveness of independent economic analysis in informing these negotiations, with a view to making recommendations to government,” said Committee Chair Dave Sharma MP.

“This has been a topic of growing community and stakeholder interest,” Mr Sharma said.

Committee Deputy Chair Peter Khalil MP said, “Importantly this inquiry will give key stakeholders and the broader Australian community the opportunity to have their say. We look forward to hearing from as many voices as possible as we consider the trade-agreement making process."

The Committee has welcomed the referral from Senator Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and is looking forward to the opportunity to hear from experts and stakeholders.

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will inquire into certain aspects of the treaty making process, including:

• considering the role of JSCoT in respect of trade-related agreements, including during the negotiation phase;
• considering the consultation process undertaken by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) before and during the negotiation of trade agreements;
• considering the effectiveness of independent analysis to inform negotiation or consideration of trade agreements; and
• reviewing process around the categorisation of treaty actions.

Submissions are invited by July 31, with public hearings to be held during sitting weeks in August. Information on the progress of the inquiry will be available from the Committee’s webpage.

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