Chapter 1 Introduction
Purpose of the Report
1.1
This report contains advice to Parliament on the review by the Joint
Standing Committee on Treaties of two treaty actions tabled in Parliament on 3
February 2009. These treaty actions are:
- Convention on the Protection
and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (Paris, 20 October 2005)[1]
- Agreement between
Australia and the European Community on Trade in Wine (Brussels, 1 December
2008)[2]
1.2
The Report refers frequently to the National Interest Analysis (NIA)
prepared for each proposed treaty action and a Regulatory Impact Statement
(RIS) for the Agreement between Australia and the European Community on
Trade in Wine. These documents were prepared by the Government agencies
responsible for the administration of Australia’s responsibilities under each
treaty. Copies of each NIA and the RIS may be obtained from the Committee
Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/3february2009/tor.htm
1.3
Copies of each treaty action, the NIAs and the RIS may also be obtained
from the Australian Treaties Library maintained on the internet by the
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Australian Treaties Library is
accessible through the Committee’s website or directly at:
www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/
Conduct of the Committee’s Review
1.4
The reviews contained in this report were advertised in the national
press and on the Committee’s website.[3] Invitations to lodge
submissions were also sent to all State Premiers, Chief Ministers, Presiding Officers
of parliaments and to individuals who have expressed an interest in being kept
informed of proposed treaty actions. Submissions received and their authors are
listed at Appendix A and Exhibits received are listed at Appendix B.
1.5
The Committee also received evidence at a public hearing held on 16 March
2009 in Canberra. A list of witnesses who appeared at the public hearing is at
Appendix C. Transcripts of evidence from public hearings may be obtained from
the Committee Secretariat or accessed through the Committee’s website at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jsct/3february2009/hearings.htm
