Tuesday 17 August 2010, 11:30 AM (AAD Theatrette)

Policy in the Spotlight

Shelley Landmark

AAD Policy Branch

1) Implementing Changes to the Madrid Protocol

The Policy Coordination Branch is responsible for developing a range of policies and management measures for the protection of the Antarctic Environment. This includes providing legal support to government on national and international obligations, including Antarctic Treaty matters and administration of Australian Antarctic and subantarctic territories. On 17 April 2009 Annexure II to The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty ("Madrid Protocol") was amended at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting ("ATCM"). These amendments impose restrictions on taking native invertebrates and create new offences for the accidental introduction of non-native organisms into the Antarctic environment. Following the adoption of the amendments at the ATCM, the Policy Coordination Branch was tasked with implementing changes to the Madrid Protocol in domestic law. This involved drafting the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Amendment Bill 2010 and supporting aspects of the Bill's passage through Federal Parliament. This presentation examines the relationship between Australian law and international treaty obligations and discusses how laws are made.

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Bruce Hull

AAD Policy Branch

2) The Home of Hunters, Collectors and Picklers – Cape Denison 1912 to 2012

There are a few little wooden huts set in a windswept, ice and snow filled valley located at 142°39'39.341"E, 67°0'31.401"S, about 2670 kms south of Hobart, as the Albatross might fly – Cape Denison – the true home of Australian antarctic exploration. We have spent millions conserving them. So why do we spend millions on them? Is it worth it? How does the AAD manage these rustic, vernacular shacks in the deep south? This presentation will tell you everything you wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask about Mawson's Huts. And probably leave a few other questions unresolved.

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