Santo Santoro (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I present the government’s response to the 65th report of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, tabled on 7 December 2004(3) and 8 February 2005. I seek leave to incorporate the document in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The response read as follows—

Government Response to Report 65 of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties

Recommendation 3

In circumstances where the national interest exemption is invoked the Committee recommends that an urgent briefing by the Minister for Foreign Affairs be provided in addition to the notification it currently receives.

After due consideration it has been decided that the Government does not accept Recommendation 3.

The Government’s current policy is that where Australia effects a binding treaty action in advance of that action being tabled in Parliament then that treaty action will be^. tabled as soon as possible with an explanation.

Accordingly, the Government considers that the Committee already receives an appropriate explanation when the national interest exemption is invoked.

Nonetheless, whenever the Government considers invoking the national interest exemption the Government may examine whether—in given circumstances—any special additional briefing for the Committee is necessary.