Submissions open for four Inquiries into endangered species, free trade with Singapore, and Fiji agreements

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has commenced inquiries into four treaty actions covering endangered species protection, trade and supply chain resilience with Singapore, and defence, security, and economic relations with Fiji.

They are:

• 2025 Amendments to Appendices I, II, and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora;
• Protocol to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies;
• Ocean of Peace Alliance, also known as the Veitacini Treaty;
• Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union.

The proposed CITES amendments would add, move, or remove listings of animal species in CITES’ appendices.

The Singapore FTA Protocol aims to assist trade in essential supplies such as petroleum oils between Australia and Singapore during disruptions.

The Veitacini Treaty aims to establish a new defence alliance between Australia and Fiji.

The Vuvale Union seeks to expand and deepen economic, security and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Further information about each inquiry, including the full treaty text and accompanying National Interest Analysis, is available on the relevant inquiry webpages noted above.

The committee has invited interested individuals and organisations to make submissions addressing the treaties and their implications. Submissions to all four inquiries close on Wednesday, September 2, and can be lodged online via the Committee website. Guidance on preparing and lodging submissions is also available on the website.

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