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Treaty between Australia and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea concerning Sovereignty and Maritime Boundaries in the area between the two Countries, including the area known as Torres Strait, and Related Matters
Date:	15 February 1985
Sub Category:	Treaty (International)
Place:
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Subject Matter:	Cultural Heritage \| Marine \| Environmental Heritage
Summary Information:
The Treaty is made between the governments of Australia and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Article 19 of the Treaty provides for the establishment of a Torres Strait Joint Advisory Council (the Council). The Council is comprised of 9 persons from each country, of which at least three must be representatives of the traditional inhabitants.
Detailed Information:
The Council has the following functions: ' (a) to seek solutions to problems arising at the local level and not resolved pursuant to Article 18 of this Treaty; (b) to consider and to make recommendations to the Parties on any developments or proposals which might affect the protection of the traditional way of life and livelihood of the traditional inhabitants, their free movement, performance of traditional activities and exercise of traditional customary rights as provided for in this Treaty; and (c) to review from time to time as necessary, and to report and to make recommendations to the Parties on, any matters relevant to the effective implementation of this Treaty, including the provisions relating to the protection and preservation of the marine environment, and fauna and flora, in and in the vicinity of the Protected Zone.' (Treaty between Australia and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea concerning Sovereignty and Maritime Boundaries in the area between the two Countries, including the area known as Torres Strait, and Related Matters online at http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/disp.pl/au/other/dfat/treaties/1985/4.html?query=title+%28+papua+and+new+and+guinea+%29 (at 6 July 2004)). In exercising its functions, the Advisory Council must ensure that it consults with the traditional inhabitants and that they are given adequate opportunity to comment on matters of concern to them. The Advisory Council reports to the Foreign Ministers of each country.