Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Premier's Memorandum
Identifier:
M1992-09
Status:
Archived

M1992-09 Principles and Procedures for Commonwealth-State Consultation on Treaties

Detailed Outline

I wish to draw to your attention a document entitled Principles and Procedures for Commonwealth-State Consultation on Treaties". A copy of this document is attached for your reference.

The document has been endorsed by the Commonwealth Government and will be used by the Commonwealth as the basis for conducting business with the States /Territories in the area of international treaties.

As you will also note, the principle underlying the document is consultation and, in furtherance of that principle, a Standing Committee of senior Commonwealth and State/Territory officers has been established.

The Standing Committee will meet at least twice a year to:

(i) identify treaty and other international negotiations, including International Labour Organisation treaties, of particular sensitivity or importance to States, and propose an appropriate mechanism for State involvement in the negotiation process;

(ii) monitor and report on the implementation of particular treaties where the implementation of the treaty has strategic implications, including significant cross-portfolio interests, for States; and

(iii) co-ordinate as required the process for nominating State representation on delegations where such representation is appropriate.

In the event that you are approached directly by the Commonwealth Government, either at Ministerial Council level or otherwise, on matters associated with the adoption or implementation of an international treaty, including an International Labour Organisation treaty, I would ask you that you firstly consult with me or The Cabinet Office before putting forward a Governmental response or position. I would also ask that you bear in mind that for significant, strategic treaty matters, there will be a need for Cabinet co-ordination prior to putting a State position and that, in some cases, it will be more appropriate for me to deal with the matter at a Prime Minister/ Premier level.

Similarly, I would ask that your Departmental officers ensure that they clear their Department's position at central agency level before responding to any requests for comment.

I consider that such consultation is essential if New South Wales is to provide a co-ordinated response to the Commonwealth on treaty matters.

For matters associated with the Standing Committee and treaty co-ordination, I have appointed Mr Roger Wilkins, Deputy Director-General, and Ms Kate McKenzie, Policy Manager, Legal Branch, of The Cabinet Office as contact officers for this State.

I would ask that you bring this Memorandum, together with its attachment, to the notice of all Departments and Authorities within your administration.

Yours sincerely,

Nick Greiner, MP

Overview

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jul 17, 1992
Review Date
Jul 17, 2002
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Premier