Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, I present the committee's Report222: Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation.

Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).

by leave—I am pleased to make a statement on the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties' Report222: Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation. This report focuses on the treaties committee inquiry into the marine aids convention. It also includes a minor treaty action on the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

The proposed major treaty action considers Australia's accession to a multilateral treaty, the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation. The convention establishes an intergovernmental organisation, the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, which replaces the current non-government organisation, the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. This move is intended to improve the transparency and governance of the organisation and to increase the international acceptance of marine and navigational standards. The change is also expected to open new membership and funding opportunities for countries and agencies who are currently restricted from joining non-government organisations.

A key feature of the organisation's work has been to promote the harmonisation of marine navigation aids, so that mariners can expect the same set of rules and systems internationally. Australia has been a longstanding and respected member of the organisation, having served on its council and on various technical committees. The committee supports ratification of the convention so that Australia can continue to play a part in this important work which directly contributes to the safety of our coastal waters, and our substantial marine transportation industry.

The minor treaty action covered by this report is acceptance of amendments to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. The amendments establish rules for the international transportation of waste to minimise adverse effects on the environment and on human health. The amendments will include electronic waste, such as mobile phones, screens, or batteries, as a category of hazardous waste covered by the convention.

Finally, I'd like to thank my fellow committee members, all the witnesses who participated in the hearings, and the secretariat for the work that they've done on this report and in organising the hearings. The committee supports the major and minor treaty actions considered in the report and recommends for both that binding treaty action be taken. On behalf of the committee, I commend the report to the House.