The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility and the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions. The report also contains the minor treaty action 2025 Amendments to Annex I of the International Convention against Doping in Sport.
The Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility establishes the Pacific Resilience Facility as an international funding organisation. The organisation will fund projects and grants aimed at strengthening the region's capacity to address the accelerating impacts of climate change. The Committee found that the Agreement aligns with Australia's regional goals to build resilience and stability in the Pacific.
Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said: "This is an innovative agreement for the Pacific and efforts targeting the effects of climate change. Australia is a longstanding member of the Pacific Islands Forum and supports Pacific initiatives. The Agreement will allow Australia to increase its regional support in an organisation that is Pacific-designed, implemented and led."
The Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions establishes a framework for countries to work collaboratively with sports organisations and betting operators to detect, prevent and punish manipulation of sports competitions. The Convention also facilitates international cooperation to further sports integrity on a global scale.
Ms Chesters said: "Sport is a substantial part of Australian culture, identity and economy. Ratification of the Convention will allow Australia to contribute to strengthening the global response to match fixing and illegal gambling, two issues that threaten the integrity of Australia's sport industry." The Committee found that ratifying the Convention will allow Australia to fortify its current regulatory and legislative framework. This will allow Australia to continue leading sports integrity efforts globally.
Throughout the inquiry process, the Committee held public hearings for both treaties and heard from a range of stakeholders.
Australia supports ratification of these treaties and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.
The Report can be found on the Committee website
