Common use of Governance Framework Clause in Contracts

Governance Framework. (1) The Parties recognise that proper governance and establishment of a framework for bilateral exchanges will be crucial to the effective implementation of this Agreement. (2) To this end, the Parties’ Ministers of Defence, or their representatives, shall meet in relation to the FSP as necessary and at least annually. The location of each meeting shall be mutually determined, taking into account the convenience to the Parties, on a case by case basis. (3) The Parties shall also establish a Steering Committee to manage the implementation of this Agreement, which shall be co-chaired by a representative of each Party. It shall meet as necessary, but at least twice yearly, and shall report regularly to the Parties’ Ministers of Defence. The work of the Steering Committee may continue between its meetings. The Steering Committee shall develop rules of procedure, noting that its decisions shall be by consensus. (4) The location of each meeting shall be mutually determined, taking into account the convenience to the Parties, on a case by case basis. Each Party shall be responsible for its costs of attending meetings and the host Party shall be responsible for the cost of providing facilities and secretarial support to the meetings. (5) The Steering Committee is an advisory body and shall be responsible for: (a) monitoring and coordinating the implementation, performance and strategic direction of this Agreement, and decisions taken by the Parties; (b) overseeing the progress of the FSP; (c) participating in the identification and resolution of issues related to the effective implementation of this Agreement, including substantial changes to national Laws and Policies that would have an impact on the execution of this Agreement and, where requested by Australia, FSP Contracts; (d) recommending measures to enhance the effective implementation and performance of this Agreement; (e) when circumstances arise, advising on issues relating to export approvals and licensing under the FSP; (f) maintaining oversight of the security aspects of the FSP; (g) recommending amendments to this Agreement; and (h) any other matters determined by the Parties’ Ministers of Defence. (6) Upon the prior mutual consent of the Parties, a Party may invite Contractors to participate in the discussions of a Steering Committee meeting for all or part of the sessions. (7) The Steering Committee may establish task groups or sub-committees or use other existing Defence consultation mechanisms as required to assist in performing its responsibilities. (8) Each co-chair of the Steering Committee may establish its own coordination and administrative functions within their respective organisations to support their participation in the Steering Committee. Each co-chair may be assisted by additional staff as necessary. The Parties shall bear their respective costs of these functions.