The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold public hearings on June 29, 2026, to investigate the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Common Security (The Jakarta Treaty) and the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. These inquiries will assess whether the Jakarta Treaty is in Australia’s national interests and examine the WIPO Treaty’s impact on genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
When and where will the JSCOT hearings take place?
The hearings are scheduled for Monday, 29 June 2026, at Parliament House Canberra in Committee Room 2R1. The proceedings will run from approximately 11:00am to 1:00pm AEST.
The session regarding the Jakarta Treaty begins at 11:00am, while the inquiry into the WIPO Treaty is set to start at 11:30am. The Committee will broadcast the hearings live at aph.gov.au/live.
Why is the Jakarta Treaty being reviewed?
The Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Common Security seeks to deepen the bilateral security relationship between the two nations. The Committee will evaluate whether the agreement serves Australia’s national interests.
Specific areas of examination include the scope of security cooperation activities and requirements for consultation between the two nations. Committee Chair Ms Lisa Chesters MP stated that Indonesia is one of Australia’s most important partners and that the 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,’ Ms Chesters said.
How might the WIPO Treaty impact Australian stakeholders?
The WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK) aims to introduce a requirement to disclose sources for patent applications involving genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The Committee will examine the effectiveness of the proposed disclosure framework.
The inquiry will also consider how ratification could impact the agricultural sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Ms Chesters noted that Australia possesses unique genetic resources and traditional knowledge, providing an opportunity to “enhance transparency in our patent system while recognising and valuing traditional knowledge.”
Who will provide evidence during the hearings?
The Committee will hear evidence from several key organizations and government bodies, including:
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Department of Defence
- IP Australia
- CropLife Australia
What are the possible next steps?
The results of these inquiries could influence how Australia manages its security cooperation with Indonesia. Additionally, the Committee’s findings may determine how the patent system handles the disclosure of traditional knowledge and genetic resources moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Common Security?
The treaty seeks to deepen the bilateral security relationship between Australia and Indonesia.
What does the WIPO Treaty require regarding patent applications?
The treaty aims to introduce a requirement to disclose sources for patent applications based on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
Where can the public watch the JSCOT hearings?
The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
How might these international agreements change Australia’s approach to regional security and intellectual property?
