Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Williams asks a very important question as to the process to be now adopted in relation to treaty making in this country as a result of the changes made by the Howard government. The agreement will be tabled in parliament next week. It will be accompanied by a national interest analysis. However, the full text will be available on the DFAT website after the signing in less than two hours. Tabling will trigger an inquiry by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, which includes members from all sides of politics. The joint standing committee then has some 20 days to make a report in relation to this treaty and can conduct public inquiries if it so determines. The government will consider the committee's report before taking action to bring the new agreement into force.