Committee backs Chinese extradition treaty

Labor wants Australia to delay ratifying an extradition treaty with China until after an independent review into the country's current system.

A parliamentary committee has recommended Australia ratify a prisoner extradition treaty with China - but with conditions.

In a report released on Friday, it proposes the federal government obtain undertakings that a fair and open trial will be provided to people surrendered to China, and measures to monitor the welfare of people who have extradited.

It also recommends that whoever makes the decision to extradite a person takes into account reports of China's compliance with human rights.

While Labor supports the suggested safeguards, it does not believe they fully address the committee's concerns.

Its committee members, in a dissenting report, said the treaty omits the ability to refuse a request where extradition would be 'unjust or oppressive'.

It recommends binding treaty action be delayed until after an independent review of Australia's extradition system.