The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the following treaty actions:
- Acts of the Universal Postal Union adopted by the 2nd Extraordinary Congress: Tenth Additional Protocol to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union and Second Additional Protocol to the General Regulations of Universal Postal Union.
- Acts of the Universal Postal Union adopted by the 27th Universal Postal Congress: Eleventh Additional Protocol to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union, Third Additional Protocol to the General Regulations of the Universal Postal Union, the Universal Postal Convention, the Final Protocol to the Universal Postal Convention, the Postal Payment Services Agreement and the Final Protocol to the Postal Payment Services Agreement.
The Universal Postal Union (UPU) aims to promote accessible and efficient universal postal services of value that ensure communication around the world. Participation in the UPU enables Australia to promote and safeguard its interests in the UPU and continue to work to improve the international postal system for the benefit of Australian consumers, businesses, and designated postal operator, Australia Post.
These treaty actions aim to create a more efficient UPU by addressing internal governance arrangements and representation issues. Changes to internal arrangements include clarity around decision-making and the responsibility of adopting procedures, while establishing a system for the electronic submission of procedural documents. Representation changes will be made by introducing gender equality principles and addressing membership inequalities for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, such as Australia’s Pacific Island neighbours.
Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “The exchange of international mail between member states is important for commerce and development. These changes create a more efficient and less ambiguous UPU, which aligns with Australia’s trade, national security, biosecurity, and border protection interests.”
Mr Wilson continued: “The establishment of permanent Pacific Island seats on the UPU Councils highlights the importance of supporting and promoting Pacific Island interests and aligns with Australia’s engagement with the region.”
The Committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.
The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.
