The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending ratification of three major treaty actions that will strengthen Australia’s security partnerships, support international cooperation, and improve recognition of traditional knowledge in the global intellectual property system.
The Committee recommends binding treaty action be taken in respect of the:
- Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Common Security (The Jakarta Treaty);
- Agreement between Australia and the Kingdom of Spain for the Mutual Protection of Classified Information of Defence Interest; and
- WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.
The Jakarta Treaty establishes mutual consultation obligations for Australia and Indonesia, requiring regular consultation at leader and ministerial level as well as consultation in the event of challenges to individual or common security. The Treaty also commits both countries to promoting mutually beneficial defence cooperation activities.
The Committee also supports ratification of an updated agreement with Spain to ensure Classified Information exchanged between Australia and Spain is protected at equivalent classification levels in each country. The new agreement replaces a 2012 treaty that became outdated following changes to the Australian Government Security Classification System (AGSCS).
In addition, the Committee recommends ratification of the WIPO Treaty which establishes a framework for countries to introduce ‘disclosure of source’ requirements for applicants seeking patent protections. This would require applicants for patents to disclose any non-human ‘Genetic Resources’ or ‘Associated Traditional Knowledge’ related to their claimed inventions. The Committee found that the Treaty would improve transparency within the international patent system and support recognition of the value of traditional knowledge.
The report also includes a minor treaty action relating to the Amendments to Appendices I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. These amendments add 40 species or subspecies to the Convention’s appendices, creating obligations for certain Parties with respect to their conservation and supporting international efforts to protect migratory wildlife.
The Report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.
