Comparison of Treaty Clauses with Other International Agreements and Assessment of Costs and Benefits

Senator David Fawcett questioned the treaty with Portugal, seeking clarity on its unique aspects and cost-benefit analysis. In response, Ronita Ram, Director of International Tax at the Treasury, highlighted the treaty's distinctive article on personal data use and transfer, which doesn't retrospectively apply to other Australian treaties. The treaty is consistent with both countries' domestic laws, including Australia's Privacy Act. The treaty's costs are minimal, while its benefits – such as increased trade and investment – are more challenging to quantify, but still significant.