The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of two treaties:
- Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Cooperation in the Field of Defence and the Status of Visiting Forces (Canberra, 7 September 2022) (Timor-Leste Agreement) and
- Agreement between Australia and the Republic of Serbia on Social Security (Belgrade, 20 January 2023) (Serbia Agreement).
The Timor-Leste Agreement establishes a legally binding framework to govern defence cooperation activities between Australia and Timor-Leste. The Agreement would facilitate a range of cooperative activities including the conduct of maritime military and other operations; exchanges and exercises; international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; education and training; and logistics support.
Committee Chair Mr Josh Wilson MP said: “This agreement would deepen the strong relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste. It would provide for closer and improved cooperation on defence activities with Timor-Leste and allow Australia’s significant international support for Timor-Leste to grow.”
The Serbia Social Security Agreement allows each country to pay a benefit that reflects a person’s association with that country’s social security system. The Agreement covers the age pension for Australia and pension and disability insurance for Serbia. The Agreement would allow for a claim for a benefit to be lodged in either country and for the sharing of information.
Mr Wilson said: “The Agreement would help maximise the income of Australian residents and further strengthen ties between Australia and Serbia.”
The Reports can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiries.
