Annual Regulatory Plan 2009-10 - Department of Foreign Affairs And Trade

Explanatory Text

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, like other Commonwealth agencies, is required to publish a regulatory plan on its website each financial year.

The regulatory plan deals with changes within the Department's area of responsibility and contains information about:

changes to business regulation which have occurred since the beginning of the previous financial year; and
activities planned in the current financial year which could lead to changes to business regulation.

What regulation does a regulatory plan cover?

A regulatory plan covers business regulation. This includes primary legislation, subordinate legislation, quasi-regulation or treaties which directly affect business, have a significant indirect effect on business, or restrict competition.

Quasi-regulation refers to rules or arrangements where governments influence businesses to comply, but which do not form part of explicit government regulation.
A regulatory plan does not include information about the following:

regulations of a minor or machinery nature that do not substantially alter existing arrangements;
regulations that involve consideration of specific Government purchases;
regulations of a state or self-governing territory that apply in a non-self governing territory; and
anticipated activity about which it would be inappropriate to publish information on grounds of confidentiality.

In addition, there may be regulatory activities undertaken during the next financial year which have not been included in a regulatory plan because they could not be foreseen when the plan was prepared at the start of the financial year.

In view of these exclusions, users should not take a regulatory plan to be a comprehensive source of information on past or potential changes to business regulation.

Changes to Business Regulation that Occurred in 2008-2009

Type of entry	Past activity
Title	Direction issued by the Minister for Trade regarding EFIC dealings with Iran
Description of issue	Direction that the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) not provide any support for trade or investment in connection with Iran (pursuant to s.9 of the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991). This Direction ensures that EFIC does not accept an application from a person in respect of any transaction that relates to trade with or investment in Iran nor shall it provide any insurance or financial services or products or in any other way assist or facilitate any trade with or investment in Iran. It revokes a previous direction of 22 April 2008 that EFIC exercise vigilance in entering into new commitments for public provided financial support for trade with Iran to ensure that it does not provide support contrary to Operational Paragraph 9 of Resolution 1803 of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Date of effect	15 October 2008
Contact details	Paul Jackson Trade Finance Section International Economic and Finance Branch Trade & Economic Policy Division Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ph: (+61 2) 6261 2011 Fax: (+61 2) 6112 2011 e-mail: paul.jackson@dfat.gov.au
Type of entry	Past activity
Title	Direction issued by the Minister for Trade regarding EFIC dealings with Zimbabwe
Description of issue	Direction (pursuant to s.9 of the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991) limiting support provided by the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation to transactions in Zimbabwe. The Direction prevents EFIC from underwriting trade with or investment in Zimbabwe that would be incompatible with the targeted autonomous sanctions on Zimbabwe being implemented by the Australian Government.
Date of effect	27 May 2009
Contact details	Paul Jackson Trade Finance Section International Economic and Finance Branch Trade & Economic Policy Division Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ph: (+61 2) 6261 2011 Fax: (+61 2) 6112 2011 e-mail: paul.jackson@dfat.gov.au
Type of entry	Past activity
Title	The Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA)
Description of issue	AANZFTA negotiations were concluded in August 2008 and the Agreement signed on 27 February 2009. AANZFTA will provide for the establishment of a free trade area among its 12 Parties. Australia’s two-way trade in goods and services with ASEAN and New Zealand was valued at $112 billion in 2008, accounting for 20 per cent of Australia’s total trade. Key benefits of AANZFTA for Australian business include: binding of current low ASEAN tariffs and over time tariff elimination, from the more developed ASEAN countries and Vietnam, on between 90 and 100 per cent of tariff lines covering 96 per cent of current Australian exports to the region; supporting the development of more efficient and competitive industries through tapping into global supply chains, through the Agreement’s regional rules of origin; greater certainty and transparency for Australia’s services exporters and investors, including through WTO-plus services commitments across a range of sectors and countries; and commitments in other areas, including: investment, intellectual property, e-commerce, temporary movement of business people, and economic cooperation. A copy of the Agreement and further information on it. The Regulatory Impact Statement.
Date of effect	AANZFTA was signed on 27 February 2009 at a ministerial meeting in the margins of the ASEAN Leaders Summit in Thailand. The Agreement was tabled in Parliament by the Minister for Trade on 16 March 2009. The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) report, tabled on 24 June 2009, recommended that the Government take binding treaty action to ratify the AANZFTA agreement. The Agreement will enter into force 60 days after Australia, New Zealand and four ASEAN countries notify that they have completed their domestic processes. This is expected to happen in late 2009 or at the beginning of 2010.
Contact	Queries or comments may be lodged electronically to ASEAN.FTA@dfat.gov.au or by post at the following address: Asia Trade Task Force Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Facsimile: (02) 6261 2187

Planned regulatory activities - 2009-10

Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	WTO Doha Round Negotiations
Description of issue	World Trade Organization (WTO) Members agreed at the 4th WTO Ministerial Conference in November 2001 to launch the Doha Round of trade negotiations. Australia's key objective in the negotiations is to maximise commercially meaningful market access outcomes for Australia in agriculture, services and industrial products. It is not possible to accurately predict regulatory changes which may be required by the Doha Round in the absence of an agreed text, but changes may be necessary to tariff schedules, and customs regulations. The Chairs of the agricultural and non-agricultural market access negotiating groups have both released a number of revised negotiating texts, most recently on 6 December 2008. The services Chair released a revised negotiating text on 28 July 2008. These texts will form the basis of negotiations and deliberations in the coming months as WTO Members work towards a resolution of the Doha Round. The next Ministerial Conference will be held in Geneva in December 2009 to discuss the WTO’s forward work program.
Consultation opportunities	The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) will continue to consult extensively with Australian States and Territories, industry, non-government organisations, community groups and members of the public on the Doha Round of WTO trade negotiations. DFAT has a very close working relationship with Australian industry on the Doha Round, consulting regularly on a broad range of issues, including agriculture (eg dairy, sugar, meats, horticulture), sectoral negotiations on specific areas of trade, (eg raw materials, textiles, fish products, chemicals, sporting equipment) and a wide range of services. Consultations are also held regularly with industry in relation to negotiations on rules, anti-dumping, subsidies and new disciplines on fisheries subsidies. DFAT prepares a WTO Doha Round Bulletin every month that updates interested stakeholders on latest developments in the negotiations. Interested parties may lodge their views and comments on the Doha Round negotiations via e-mail to trade.consult@dfat.gov.au at any time. Specific comments on the agricultural or services negotiations can also be sent to agriculture.negotiations@dfat.gov.au or services.negotiations@dfat.gov.au.
Expected timetable	There is no deadline for the finalisation of the negotiations.
Contact details	For further information, please contact DFAT 's Trade Policy Section Trade Policy Section Office of Trade Negotiations Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Barton ACT 0221 Fax: (02) 6261 2927 e-mail: trade.consult@dfat.gov.au
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Direction issued by the Minister for Trade regarding EFIC dealings with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
Description of issue	Direction by the Minister for Trade that the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation not provide any support for trade or investment in connection with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) (pursuant to s.9 of the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991). This Direction would prohibit EFIC from accepting an application from a person in respect of any transaction that relates to trade with, or investment in, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, nor could it provide any insurance or financial services or products or in any other way assist or facilitate any trade with, or investment in, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Consultation opportunities	The Direction reflects the Australian Government’s decision to amend regulations implementing sanctions against DPRK in line with UNSC Resolution 1874.
Expected timetable	The Direction was issued early in financial year 2009-10.
Contact details	Paul Jackson Trade Finance Section International Economic and Finance Branch Trade & Economic Policy Division Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ph: (+61 2) 6261 2011 Fax: (+61 2) 6112 2011 e-mail: paul.jackson@dfat.gov.au
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Possible Direction by the Minister for Trade regarding uranium transactions
Description of issue	Direction to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation regarding uranium transactions (pursuant to s.9 of the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991). This Direction would set conditions to be placed on EFIC providing support for transactions involving uranium.
Consultation opportunities	The Direction would reflect the firm stance on nuclear non-proliferation that Australia applies to its uranium exports. Consultation occurred in mid-2008 with relevant industry bodies.
Expected timetable	The Direction could be issued by the Minister for Trade during the financial year 2009-10.
Contact details	Paul Jackson Trade Finance Section International Economic and Finance Branch Trade & Economic Policy Division Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ph: (+61 2) 6261 2011 Fax: (+61 2) 6112 2011 e-mail: paul.jackson@dfat.gov.au
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Legislative amendment currently under consideration regarding simplifying and expanding EFIC’s powers
Description of issue	Amendment to the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991 to simplify and expand EFIC’s powers (in part 4 of the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Act 1991). The 2006 EFIC Review recommended that the EFIC Act be amended to reduce complexity and the cost to exporters and overseas investors of accessing EFIC’s services and to provide financial products to support Australian small- to medium-sized enterprises in extending their global supply and distribution chains.
Consultation opportunities	During the course of the 2006 EFIC Review, conducted by DFAT, extensive consultations with firms engaged in business with EFIC led to the recommendations to amend EFIC’s powers under the EFIC Act.
Expected timetable	The amendment could be tabled during financial year 2009-10.
Contact details	Paul Jackson Trade Finance Section International Economic and Finance Branch Trade & Economic Policy Division Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ph: (+61 2) 6261 2011 Fax: (+61 2) 6112 2011 e-mail: paul.jackson@dfat.gov.au
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Negotiation of an Australia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Description of issue	An FTA with China would bring substantial benefits to the Australian economy. It would enmesh our economy even more closely with the world’s fastest-growing major economy. As China negotiates more FTAs with other countries, an Australia-China FTA would also help protect the position of our exporters in the China market.
Consultation Opportunities	The China FTA Task Force in DFAT is responsible for leading Australia’s negotiations with China. The Task Force has consulted widely in developing Australia’s negotiating objectives and strategies and continues to welcome written submissions and other input from all relevant stakeholders on issues regarding the negotiations. The consultations have covered State and Territory governments, as well as industry representative bodies and individual companies. A representative from the States and Territories attends the negotiating rounds with China. DFAT continues to consult a wide range of stakeholders, as relevant to the ongoing negotiations.
Expected timeline	The negotiations began in May 2005. Australian ministers have consistently said that Australia would take as long as is necessary to negotiate a satisfactory agreement. There is no deadline for concluding negotiations.
Contact details	Submissions or comments may be lodged electronically to chinafta@dfat.gov.au or by post at the following address: China FTA Task Force Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Facsimile: (02) 6261 2187
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Negotiation of an Australia-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Description of issue	An FTA with Japan has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the Australian economy. Australian businesses will benefit from enhanced export opportunities to what is by far our largest merchandise export market. An FTA will promote greater Japanese investment in Australia integrating Australia more closely with the world’s second largest economy. An FTA would also strengthen the Australia-Japan strategic relationship and promote regional integration.
Consultation opportunities	The Japan FTA Task Force in DFAT is responsible for leading Australia’s negotiations with Japan. The Task Force is consulting widely in developing Australia’s negotiating objectives and strategies, and welcomes written submissions from stakeholders on the negotiating agenda. The consultations involve a wide range of business organisations, companies, government agencies and state and territory governments. 90 public submissions have been received to date.
Expected timetable	The negotiations began in April 2007. There is no deadline for concluding negotiations.
Contact details	Submissions or comments may be lodged electronically to japanfta@dfat.gov.au or by post at the following address: Japan FTA Task Force Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Facsimile: (02) 6261 2187
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Negotiation of an Australia-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Description of issue	An FTA with the Republic of Korea (hereafter ‘Korea’) has the potential to deliver considerable benefits to the Australian economy. Australian businesses will benefit from enhanced export opportunities in one of our largest export markets. An FTA also will contribute to closer business linkages and carries the potential to promote greater two-way flows of investment. Moreover, an FTA would strengthen the Australia-Korea strategic relationship and promote regional integration. As Korea negotiates more FTAs with other countries, an Australia-Korea FTA would also help protect the position of our exporters in the Korean market.
Consultation opportunities	The Korea FTA Task Force in DFAT is responsible for leading Australia’s negotiations with Korea.The Task Force is consulting widely in developing Australia’s negotiating objectives and strategies, and welcomes written submissions from stakeholders on issues regarding the negotiating agenda. More than 50 public submissions have been received to date. The consultation program additionally involves direct discussions with a wide range of peak business organisations, companies, Commonwealth government agencies, state and territory governments and non-government bodies.
Expected timetable	The negotiations began in May 2009. There is no deadline for concluding negotiations.
Contact details	Submissions or comments may be lodged electronically to koreafta@dfat.gov.au or by post/fax at the following: Korea FTA Task Force Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Facsimile: (02) 6261 2187
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Negotiation of a Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA)
Description of issue	Australia has significant interests in the Malaysian market in goods and services. Malaysia ranks as Australia’s third-largest trading partner in ASEAN and tenth-largest trading partner overall. In 2008, Australia’s two way trade with Malaysia was $15.5 billion. An FTA with Malaysia will help to promote Australia’s commercial relationship with Malaysia and strengthen our broader bilateral ties. Both countries will benefit from a comprehensive, high-quality agreement which removes remaining tariff and other barriers to trade over and above those benefits provided for under the recently concluded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA). In particular, Australia will seek to eliminate and bind tariffs and address other remaining barriers to trade in goods, services and investment. Australia will seek commitments that provide greater certainty regarding Malaysia’s investment rules; that ensure the rights of Australian holders of intellectual property are effectively protected and enforced; and that seek provisions on access to government procurement markets.
Consultation opportunities	The Asia Trade Task Force in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for coordinating Australia’s involvement in the negotiations. The Task Force consults as widely as possible in developing Australia’s negotiating objectives and strategies. The consultations cover both State and Territory governments, as well as industry representative bodies and some individual companies. To date 115 written submissions have been received from a wide range of stakeholders on FTA-related issues and further submissions are welcome.
Expected timetable	Negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement between Australia and Malaysia were launched on 7 April 2005. Negotiations were put on hold in late 2006 to allow both sides to focus on concluding AANZFTA. Negotiations resumed in November 2008 and are ongoing. Both Australia and Malaysia have indicated that they are seeking an early conclusion to the negotiations but no deadline has been set.
Contact details	Submissions or comments may be lodged electronically by emailing to malaysia.fta@dfat.gov.au or by post at the following address: Asia Trade Task Force Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Facsimile: (02) 6261 2187 Telephone enquiries: (02) 6261 9454
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Scheme for accreditation of entities to issue Certificates of Origin under Australia’s Free Trade Agreements
Description of issue	A number of Australia’s current Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) require exporters to provide Certificates of Origin issued by authorised bodies to confirm that exported goods meet the relevant origin criteria of particular FTAs. To date, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Australian Industry Group (AiG) have been designated to issue such certificates in respect of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) and the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). With the expected entry into force of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) either late in 2009 or early in 2010, the Government is establishing formal, transparent accreditation processes to authorise entities to issue Certificates of Origin under this Agreement and under other future FTAs that may also require the use of Certificates of Origin. These arrangements will provide scope for a wider range of entities to be authorised, and by establishing a transparent accreditation scheme will ensure the integrity of Certificate of Origin processes in the eyes of Australia’s trading partners. The accreditation scheme is to be administered by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ). JAS-ANZ will notify DFAT when an applicant has been successful in its accreditation application. DFAT will then seek the necessary approvals/ undertake the necessary notification with relevant FTA partners. The authorised body would be advised by DFAT of the date from which it can begin issuing Certificates of Origin under specific FTAs.
Consultation opportunities	Industry bodies and industry representatives have been consulted, including at a roundtable meeting convened by DFAT on 16 June 2009. A discussion paper outlining the background to the decision to introduce an accreditation scheme and the broad parameters of the proposed scheme has been provided to participants in the consultations, and comments invited. The paper explains the need to introduce formal arrangements for accrediting bodies to issue Certificates of Origin in light of the conclusion and negotiation of a number of Free Trade Agreements, and the associated expected increase in requirements for exporters to provide Certificates of Origin to obtain preferential tariff treatment. The paper explains proposed procedures and criteria for accreditation, information required of bodies seeking accreditation, and specific organisational requirements such as quality control, record keeping and reporting. Entities interested in the proposed accreditation arrangements were invited to submit comments, by 30 June 2009, via the DFAT website. Further comments are still welcome.
Expected timetable	It is anticipated that the accreditation scheme will be in place by the end of 2009. No legislation or regulation is required. Approval for implementation of the scheme will be sought from the Minister for Trade.
Contact details	e-mail: asean.fta@dfat.gov.au Fax: 02 6261 2187 Mail: Asia Trade Task Force Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, John McEwen Crescent, Barton, ACT 0221.
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	World Wine Trade Group Agreement on Labelling Requirements
Description of issue	In January 2007, Australia’s Trade Minister signed an Agreement on Requirements for Wine Labelling along with other countries in the World Wine Trade Group (WWTG) Governments. The Agreement implements a ‘single field of vision’ approach to wine which standardises the placement requirements for certain information on wine labels such as product name, content volume, percentage of alcohol and country of origin. This Agreement will enable Australian wine producers to use a standardised front label acceptable in WWTG markets (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand and the United States) creating industry efficiencies worth approximately $25 million annually, and helping to increase the competitiveness of Australian wine exports. This Agreement is also compatible with European labelling practices. Amendments to State and Territory regulations under the uniform trade measurement legislation were required in order for Australia to meet the terms of the Agreement and were completed in July 2009. These regulations removed the requirement that volume statements be displayed on the ‘principal display panel’ of wine bottles, casks and packages and provides flexibility for it to be located in a single field of vision with the other common mandatory items of information. Ratification of the Agreement is pending, requiring completion of relevant JSCOT processes including preparation of a National Interest Analysis and Regulatory Impact Statement prior to tabling in Federal Parliament.
Consultation opportunities	Industry has been consulted on a regular basis through the Winemakers Federation of Australia and the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation. States/Territories were advised in July 2001 of the proposed multilateral labelling treaty. The Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Treaties was first formally briefed in November 2004. Consultations with States and Territories have been conducted through the Ministerial Council for Consumer Affairs (MCCA) and associated officials-level bodies. This Ministerial Council is currently responsible for trade measurement legislation. In March 2008, the COAG Business Regulation and Competition Working Group asked MCCA to expedite bringing the WWTG Agreement into force. At the 23 May 2008 MCCA meeting the States and Territories agreed to expedite bringing the WWTG Agreement on Requirements for Wine Labelling into force in their respective jurisdictions. All States and Territories amended their relevant legislation by 1 July 2009.
Expected timetable	To enable ratification of the Agreement, the treaty text will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament along with a National Interest Analysis (NIA) and a treaty Regulation Impact Statement (RIS). The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will also examine and report to Parliament on the treaty. Documentation for tabling the Treaty in the Federal Parliament is being developed. Approval from Executive Council (ExCo) will then be required for ratification. It is anticipated that the Agreement will be ratified and will enter into force in the first quarter of 2010.
Contact details	Food Trade and Quarantine, Office of Trade Negotiations Department of foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Facsimile: (02) 6261 9451 Telephone enquiries: (02) 6261 2603
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Negotiation of an Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA)
Description of issue	Participants in ACTA negotiations intend to use the agreement to establish a new standard of intellectual property (IP) enforcement to combat the high levels of commercial scale trade in counterfeit and pirated goods worldwide. Proponents intend that the ACTA improve IP enforcement by: 1) improving international cooperation in enforcement; 2) establishing enforcement best practice; and 3) enhancing the domestic legal enforcement framework. Australia first announced the possible negotiation of a plurilateral Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) in November 2007 and sought submissions on the merits of Australian participation in those negotiations. Based on submissions, the Australian government announced in February 2008 its intention to participate in negotiations, and has since participated in five rounds. Taking part in the negotiations does not oblige Australia to join any resulting treaty. A decision will be taken on whether to sign the treaty when it is finalised. More information on ACTA.
Consultation opportunities	In mid November 2007, DFAT placed a discussion paper and request for submissions addressing the merits of joining negotiations on its homepage. Those submissions received informed the Minister for Trade’s decision that Australia would participate in negotiations. Since this decision was taken, DFAT has continued to invite submissions via the department’s website. DFAT has also continued to meet with IP stakeholders, including user and right holders’ groups. Consultation through submissions and further meetings will continue while Australia remains involved in negotiations. DFAT is providing information on the likely content of ACTA to help inform those making submissions and involved in consultations. As negotiations continue, further information will be posted on the DFAT website.
Expected timetable	Australia has not committed to any timetable for completion of negotiations. Completion of negotiations in 2010 is possible. An Australian decision on whether to join ACTA would follow.
Contact details	Submissions or comments may be lodged electronically by e-mail or by post to: IP@dfat.gov.au International Intellectual Property Section Services and Intellectual Property Branch Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 Submission authors should indicate if they wish their submission to remain confidential. Telephone: (02) 6261 2039 Facsimile enquiries: (02) 6112 2039
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Description of issue	The Government Agreed in November 2008 that Australia would join negotiations with the United States, New Zealand, Singapore, Chile, Brunei, Peru and Vietnam on a comprehensive plurilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
Consultation opportunities	Australia's decision to participate in the TPP was taken in the context of an initial public consultation process. On 3 October 2008, DFAT, via its website, called for public submissions from interested stakeholders on the expected costs and benefits of participation and specifically invited comment on the economic, regional, social, cultural, regulatory and environmental impacts expected to arise from Australia's participation. Overall, there was widespread interest in and support for Australia's participation in the TPP. Input received through the consultation process is being used to inform the Government's priorities and objectives for Australia's initial work on the TPP. The Government is committed to ongoing consultations with stakeholders regarding the TPP. DFAT intends to initiate further consultations after the first round of TPP negotiations has taken place. DFAT will also continue to accept submissions on the TPP during the course of the negotiations. All submissions will be made publicly available on the DFAT website unless the author specifies otherwise. Submissions can be sent to: tpp@dfat.gov.au Once negotiations have commenced, DFAT plans to keep stakeholders updated on key developments during the course of the negotiations via DFAT’s formal trade policy mechanisms as well as regular stakeholder letters, stakeholder information sessions and one-on-one meetings as required.
Expected timetable	Initial scoping discussions are expected to be held in the second half of 2009 with a view to rounds of formal negotiations being scheduled thereafter. There is as yet no agreed timetable for the conclusion of the negotiations.
Contact details	Trade Commitments Branch Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 e-mail: tpp@dfat.gov.au
Date last modified	July 2009
Type of entry	Planned activity
Title	Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
Description of issue	Following the termination of free trade agreement negotiations with the United Arab Emirates in mid-2006, the Government agreed to enter into FTA negotiations with the GCC in December 2006.
Consultation opportunities	DFAT called for public submissions by 16 March 2007. In the first half of 2007, domestic consultations were held in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Teleconferences were held with interested businesses in Tasmania. The public submission process is a key means to collecting information and DFAT will continue to accept submissions on the GCC FTA during the course of the negotiations. All submissions will be made publicly available on the DFAT website unless the author specifies otherwise. Submissions can be sent to gccfta@dfat.gov.au Stakeholders will also be updated on key developments during the course of the negotiations via DFAT’s formal trade policy mechanisms as well as regular stakeholder letters, stakeholder information sessions and one-on-one meetings as required.
Expected timetable	Four rounds of negotiations have been held since July 2007, the most recent in May/June 2009.
Contact details	Trade Commitments Branch Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade John McEwen Crescent Barton ACT 0221 e-mail: gccfta@dfat.gov.au
Date last modified	July 2009