The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold public hearings on Monday 29 June 2026 as part of its inquiries into two international agreements: the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Common Security (The Jakarta Treaty) (from 11.00am) and the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (from 11:30am).
The Jakarta Treaty seeks to deepen Australia and Indonesia’s bilateral security relationship. The Committee will assess whether the Treaty is in Australia’s national interests and examine key aspects including consultation requirements between the two nations. It will also consider the natural and scope of any security cooperation activities that might take place under the Treaty.
Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, ‘Indonesia is one of Australia’s most important partners, and our bilateral relationship is integral to the security of our shared region. The Committee will interrogate how this Treaty strengthens our relationship while safeguarding the interests of both countries.’
The WIPO Treaty on IP and Genetic Resources (GRATK) aims to introduce a requirement to disclose sources for patent applications based on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The Committee will examine the effectiveness of the proposed disclosure framework and the potential impacts of ratification on stakeholders, including the agricultural sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Ms Chesters said, ‘Australia is rich in unique genetic resources and traditional knowledge. This Treaty provides an opportunity to enhance transparency in our patent system while recognising and valuing traditional knowledge.’
The Committee will hear evidence from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, IP Australia and CropLife Australia at the public hearings.
Public hearing details
Date: Monday, 29 June 2026
Time: 11:00am – 1.00pm AEST (approximately)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra
The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
