Treaties Committee recommends ratification of Australia-PNG and ILO 187 treaties

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of two major treaty actions.

They are::

• Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations; and
• International Labour Organization Convention No. 187: Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention adopted at Geneva on 15 June 2006

The Australia-Papua New Guinea (PNG) agreement establishes a framework that will deepen security cooperation between the two countries and create obligations for the countries to work closely on mutual security interests. The agreement strengthens cooperation in traditional security areas such as defence, policing, border, and maritime security, as well as non-traditional areas such as cyber security, climate change, family violence, and critical infrastructure.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP, said the Australia-PNG agreement ‘"reflects the long-standing cooperation, shared history, geographical proximity, and common regional strategic outlook between our two nations".

"This agreement serves the national interests of both countries and contributes to a safe, stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific," she said.

International Labour Organization Convention No. 187 prevents occupational injuries, diseases, and deaths by requiring International Labour Organization (ILO) Members to establish and implement national policies, systems and programmes to promote a safe and healthy working environment.

"Ratifying ILO Convention No. 187 would demonstrate Australia’s commitment to workplace health and safety. Ratification would also mean that Australia has ratified all 10 fundamental ILO conventions, demonstrating our commitment to protecting workers from occupational harm and strengthening our position as a leader of international labour standards within the Asia-Pacific region," Ms Chesters said.

The Committee’s report also contains two minor treaty actions:

• Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
• 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matters 1972

The committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken for both major treaties and the two minor treaty actions.

The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiries.

 

ends