The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of three major treaty actions:
- Amendments to Appendices I, II and III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES Amendments);
- Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union and
- Exchange of Notes to extend the Exchange of Notes constituting an Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America to Amend and Extend the Agreement concerning the Conduct of Scientific Balloon Flights for Civil Research Purposes of 16 February 2006 (Scientific Balloon Treaty).
CITES is a multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the international trade in wild fauna and flora based on scientific assessments and analysis of international trade data. At the 19th Conference of CITES Parties, decisions affecting more than 500 species of animals and plants were made. Amendments that have trade implications for Australia include regulation of the pygmy bluetongue lizard, requiem sharks, hammerhead sharks, guitarfish, sea cucumbers, and seven plant species.
Chair of the Committee, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said that the CITES Amendments ‘help tackle unregulated wildlife trade and address risks to conservation and animal welfare. Australia’s continued participation in CITES facilitates legitimate trade and enhances our relationship with other parties to the convention.’
The Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union is a legally binding partnership between Australia and Tuvalu that enhances development, creates human mobility pathways and facilitates cooperation between the two nations on matters related to climate change and regional security. The partnership builds upon the existing relationship between Australia and Tuvalu and advances the national security interests of both nations.
Ms Chesters said, ‘The treaty elevates Australia’s existing relationship with Tuvalu and improves Australia’s standing in the Pacific through a display of good neighbourliness. This partnership is a signal to both Tuvalu and the broader Pacific of Australia’s commitment to finding solutions to the region’s security challenges.’
The Scientific Balloon Treaty extends an agreement between Australia and the United States (US) that allows for the US to continue using existing facilities in Woomera for the launching, tracking, recording and recovery of scientific balloons in Australian territory.
‘Cooperation on space-related activities between Australia and the US dates back to 1957 and the extension of this agreement ensures that both countries will continue to reap the benefits. Since 1957, the US has spent over $1 billion on space-related activities in Australia and Australian scientists have contributed to and benefited from the research conducted,’ said Ms Chesters.
The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken for all three treaties.
The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiries.
Ms Chesters was elected as the new Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties on Monday, 19 August. On behalf of the other committee members, Ms Chesters would like to thank the previous Chair, Mr Josh Wilson MP, for his stewardship of the committee.
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