TIMOR GAP ZONE OF COOPERATION

Abstract

On 11 December 1989 the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Senator Evans, and the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Mr Alatas, signed the Treaty to establish a Zone of Cooperation in the Timor Gap.

The Timor Gap Treaty is the most substantial bilateral agreement concluded in the forty year history of Australia's relations with Indonesia. The Treaty negotiations have developed a unique regime to allow joint control of petroleum exploration and development activity in Area A of the Zone, the area of joint development. The Treaty encompasses administrative, maritime and fiscal arrangements, customs, migration and quarantine, search and rescue, environmental protection and pollution control, criminal jurisdiction, employment regulation, marine scientific research, health and safety regulations and procedures for settlement of disputes.

Work has now commenced to establish the Joint Authority which will be responsible for the administration of petroleum operations in Area A. Contracts in Area A will be awarded by a work program bidding system.