Australia signed the Convention in 1994 and the Commonwealth Government has since been engaged in consultations with State and Territory Governments as well as many non- government and business stakeholders in the issue of ratification.
Consultations are now complete.
Mr Downer and Senator Hill said ratification of the Convention would reinforce international recognition of Australia's capacity and expertise in overcoming land degradation and desertification problems. Senator Hill added that Australia's achievements in reversing land degradation trends would be in the spotlight at the International Landcare 2000 Conference in Melbourne next March. Australia had much to be proud of in tackling our land degradation problems. Ratification would make no substantial difference to our clear commitment, in dollar terms, to reversing desertification. Australia would also work towards improving co-ordination between other donors and international funding bodies, like the Global Environment Facility of the World Bank, and recipient countries.