BY UNANIMOUS resolution of the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, the current inquiry by into Pathways and participation opportunities for Indigenous Australians in employment and business has been temporarily suspended.

Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said, "iin light of the continuing and evolving public health and economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee has decided to suspend its activities until further notice. The Committee greatly appreciates the contributions made to this inquiry so far."

Written evidence to the inquiry will continue to be accepted and instructions on making a submission can be accessed by visiting the committee’s webpage.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and business owners can also interact with the inquiry without having to prepare a written submission by completing an online survey. This survey can be completed anonymously if desired and can be accessed here.

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THE Australian Government’s third tranche of stimulus and safety net measures will go a very long way to ameliorate the dramatic impact that the COVID-19 crisis is having on businesses, workers and their families, and the economy, according to accounting body CPA Australia.

The new JobKeeper scheme announced today – offering $1,500 per employee per fortnight and backdated to 1 March 2020 will, according to CPA Australia general manager for external affairs, Paul Drum:

• Be of significant financial benefit to workers and their families;
• Help businesses to stay open during the crisis where and when permitted;
• Keep employers and employees engaged during this period of unprecedented uncertainty;
• Speed up the business and economic recovery as we come out of the crisis period.

"The cost of this measure – an additional $130 billion over and above what has already been committed to by governments at all levels is breathtaking – but indicative of the magnitude of the health and economic challenges Australia is facing now and in the future," Mr Drum said.

“CPA Australia will continue to work with governments and the relevant government agencies to help ensure this package of relief gets to those who qualify as expeditiously as possible.

www.cpaaustralia.com.au

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the world's largest accounting bodies, with more than 165,000 members working in 100 countries and regions and supported by 19 offices globally. Core services to members include education, training, technical support and advocacy. Employees and members work together with local and international bodies to represent the views and concerns of the profession to governments, regulators, industries, academia and the community.

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has welcomed the $130 billion JobKeeper package announced by the Federal Government today.

The flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight per employee will be delivered via the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It will be available to staff that have been stood down since 1 March and staff that continue to work.

Small businesses that have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more will be eligible to register for the payment on the ATO’s website.

“The JobKeeper payment will play a critical role in assisting small businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis,” Ms Carnell said.

“Crucially, it will allow small businesses to continue trading and paying their staff. It will also ensure small businesses stay connected with their staff, who have been stood down, so they can re-engage their team when trading conditions return to normal.

“Any small business will tell you that staff are their most important asset and this announcement today will be a huge relief for many small businesses that have been in the midst of making very tough decisions about their future as a result of the coronavirus," she said.

“The payment applies across the board to sole traders, the self-employed, full time, and casual staff that have worked for more than 12 months for the same employer.

“It’s a generous payment that’s equivalent to 70 percent of the median wage and while payments will start flowing to businesses from the first week of May, it has been backdated to staff on the books since 1 March 2020," Ms Carnell said.

“In addition to the JobKeeper payment, the Job Seeker payment has also been extended to those – including sole traders - with partners that have an annual income of up to $79,000. The previous limit was $48,000 so this is a positive development.

“The government is taking unprecedented steps to shield small businesses from the devastating impacts of COVID-19 and this JobKeeper package gives the sector the hope that they need.

“My office will continue to work with the small business community and to advocate for any further measures that will support them during this difficult time.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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AN INQUIRY into whether Australia should adopt Magnitsky-style laws to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses will hold its first public hearing this week, via teleconference.

Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, said the inquiry would continue despite the spread of COVID-19, using technology to enable witnesses and Sub-Committee Members to perform their roles while maintaining social distancing.

"It’s important that the Australian Parliament continue its work in these difficult times," Mr Andrews said.

"This teleconference hearing will enable the Human Rights Sub-committee to advance our inquiry. This is important work and we will be pressing on to deliver a comprehensive report later this year."

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the Sub-committee to hear from human rights advocates and community groups.

"These groups have overwhelmingly expressed their support for Australia to expand its targeted sanction laws and give the Australian Government more options in dealing with human rights violators," Mr Andrews said.

In light of the current circumstances arising from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Sub-committee will be holding its public hearings via teleconference until further notice.

Due to the current circumstances the Sub-committee is continuing to take submissions. To make a submission, contact the Secretariat on 02 6277 2312 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 31 March 2020
Time: 9am – 1.15pm
Location: Via teleconference

The hearing will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live.

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