The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of four major treaty actions:
- Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Fiji on Cooperation in the Field of Defence and the Status of Visiting Forces (Australia-Fiji agreement)
- Protocol on the Accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and associated side-letters (UK Accession to the CPTPP)
- Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience (IPEF Agreement),and
- International Labour Organization Convention No. 191: Safe and Healthy Working Environment (Consequential Amendments) Convention (ILO 191).
The Australia-Fiji agreement builds on Australia's relationship with Fiji through enabling more frequent and sophisticated defence cooperation between the two countries. The agreement enables Australia and Fiji to work together on maritime security issues, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping operations, co-deployments, and the training of military personnel.
Deputy Chair of the Committee, Mr Phillip Thompson OAM, MP, said that the Australia-Fiji agreement 'strengthens the mutually beneficial relationship with a key defence partner of Australia. It builds on existing agreements and provides a comprehensive, reciprocal, and legally binding framework for the status of visiting forces and civilians, and information sharing.'
The UK Accession to the CPTPP treaty enables the UK to accede to a free trade agreement (FTA) that eliminates 98 per cent of tariffs in a trade zone that represents a combined GDP of US$14.6 trillion. The UK would be the first country to accede to CPTPP and its accession expands the trade partnership beyond the Pacific region.
Mr Thompson said, 'The UK's accession strengthens economic and strategic ties between Australia and the UK and builds on the significant benefits of the Australia-UK FTA. This treaty enhances trade and investment opportunities for Australian exporters of goods and services and aligns with Australia's broader national interests.'
The IPEF Agreement increases Australia's supply chain resilience by establishing international policy levers, sending market signals on diversification, promoting an international evidence-based approach, and ensuring a systemic and coordinated approach to disruptions.
'The IPEF aims to enhance collaboration to prevent, mitigate and prepare for supply chain disruptions within the Indo-Pacific. Australia experienced supply chain disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic and IPEF's collaborative approach will help minimise future vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks,' Mr Thompson said.
ILO 191 amends ILO Conventions and Protocols to ensure the right to a safe and healthy working environment is reflected in existing ILO instruments. Ratification of the treaty will ensure Australia meets its obligations as an ILO Member to respect, promote and realise this right.
Mr Thompson said that 'ILO 191 demonstrates Australia's commitment to workplace health and safety as a fundamental principle and right at work. Australia has a strong reputation within the Asia Pacific with respect to supporting and advocating for WHS matters and ratification of this treaty ensures that our reputation is maintained.'
The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiries.
