The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has commenced inquiries into five treaty actions covering customs cooperation, space cooperation and international air services.
The Committee will examine the Agreement between Australia and Canada on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, which seeks to establish arrangements for cooperation and mutual assistance between Australia and Canada’s customs authorities. The inquiry will consider whether the Agreement strengthens the Australian Border Force’s ability to manage offshore threats and risks.
The Committee will also inquire into the Framework Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes. The Agreement aims to provide an overarching framework for governing cooperation between Australia and the United States on space activities. The Committee will assess whether the Agreement furthers Australia’s growing interests in the space sector.
Inquiries have also commenced into three separate Air Services Agreements between Australia and the following nations:
The three Air Services Agreements establish new and updated frameworks for the operation of air services between Australia and its treaty partners. The Committee will examine whether the Agreements benefit Australian travellers and businesses.
Further information about each inquiry, including the full treaty text and accompanying National Interest Analysis, is available on the relevant inquiry webpages.
The Committee invites interested individuals and organisations to make submissions addressing the treaties and their implications. Submissions to all five inquiries close on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, and can be lodged online via the Committee website. Guidance on preparing and lodging submissions is also available on the website.
