Australian law in the freezer: 60 years of the 'Antarctic Treaty'

Negotiations for the 'Antarctic Treaty' were concluded in Washington on 1 December 1959, and the Treaty subsequently entered into force on 23 June 1961. The Treaty remains as a unique example of an international law instrument that seeks to provide a governance mechanism for a single continent where Australia has very extensive historical and contemporary interests. The Treaty celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2021 at a time when Antarctica, and the polar regions generally, are increasingly coming under the spotlight with respect to their governance.