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Intelligence Committee tables report on military secrets legislation

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its Advisory Report on the Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023.

The committee’s unanimous report recommended that the Bill pass and made four recommendations for the Government’s consideration including:

  • assessing the existing legislation and procedures and whether they sufficiently cover working or training for paramilitary organisations and militias by former defence personnel;
  • providing the Minister for Defence with the ability to determine by legislative instrument classes or categories of non-former Defence members that are not required to apply for an authorisation – for example, in cases where a company has been approved to provide goods under the Defence Export Control (DEC) arrangements;
  • assessing how existing legislation and procedures covering former National Intelligence Community officers and their work for foreign governments should be strengthened, and address the need for further legislation.

The Bill would amend the Defence Act 1903 to regulate the work that certain former defence staff members can perform for or on behalf of a military organisation or government body of a relevant foreign country, without a foreign work authorisation.

Chair of the PJCIS, Peter Khalil MP said, “Once passed, this Bill will deal with the potential of former defence staff members revealing sensitive defence information and placing Australia’s national security at risk. In addition it provides our allies with more confidence that securing sensitive military information is at the forefront of the Australian Government’s national security thinking."

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

 

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Public hearing on trade negotiations

THE Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth is holding a virtual public hearing tomorrow on the Australian Government’s approach to negotiating trade and investment agreements.

The committee is considering how the Australian Government develops a negotiating mandate and framework that reflects whole of government priorities, as well as priorities for State and Territory Governments, businesses and workers, including processes for consultation.

The committee will also consider how to ensure agreements advance Australia’s national and cultural interests, and that First Nations Australians can participate and benefit in trade.

Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions, public hearing transcripts and an interim report are available on the inquiry webpage.

​Public hearing details

Thursday 14 March 20242pm to around 5:20pm (Canberra time)

Live broadcast: https://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Read_Listen

 

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Diabetes inquiry to visit the Northern Territory

THE Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will hold three public hearings this week across Alice Springs and Darwin as part of its inquiry into diabetes.

Chair of the Committee, Mike Freelander MP said, "As part of this broad inquiry, we are looking at all forms of diabetes including type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and other rarer forms such as cystic fibrosis-related diabetes."

This week the committee will hear from a range of stakeholders including:

  • Aboriginal health services and peak bodies.
  • Doctors and other health professionals from Alice Springs Hospital and Royal Darwin Hospital.
  • The Menzies School of Health Research.

"The committee looks forward to speaking with these stakeholders to better understand diabetes prevention, diagnosis and management in regional and remote locations," Dr Freelander said.

Deputy Chair of the Committee, Melissa McIntosh MP, said, "The committee will also hear from individuals with lived experience of diabetes. We anticipate that this will offer a better understanding of the daily realities of living with diabetes in the Northern Territory, including interactions with the healthcare system."

The committee intends to hold further public hearings throughout March 2024. Details and dates for further public hearings will be available on the Committee’s website as they are announced.

Public hearing

Date: Wednesday, 6 March 2024Time: 8.45am – 4.45pm ACST (Alice Springs time)Location: Ballroom C, DoubleTree by Hilton, 82 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs.

Date: Thursday, 7 March 2024Time: 8.45am – 5.30pm ACST (Darwin time)Location: Dining Room, Parliament House, 15 Mitchell Street, Darwin City.

Date: Friday, 8 March 2024Time: 8.30am – 10.30am ACST (Darwin time)Location: Dining Room, Parliament House, 15 Mitchell Street, Darwin City.

Programs for the public hearings are available on the inquiry website. A live audio stream of the hearings will also be available on the APH website.

 

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Audit Committee commences inquiry into the Defence Major Projects Report 2022-23

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced an inquiry into the Auditor-General report on Defence Major Projects 2022-23 (Auditor-General Report No. 14 of 2023-24).

Chair of the Committee, Julian Hill MP, said, "This annual inquiry enables a critical review of major Defence acquisitions, which is the main objective of the Major Projects Report.

"The committee’s principal role is to ensure continued transparency and assurance to Parliament and the public on the management of Defence projects."

The committee has invited submissions to the inquiry addressing the terms of reference by Friday, April 19. Details on the inquiry – including the terms of reference, submissions received, and upcoming public hearings – will be available on the Committee website.

 

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Public Hearing Defence Annual Report 2022-23: Ukraine, Defence health,AI and autonomous weapons armaments

TOMORROW, March 1, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its second public hearing into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.

The subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence, government departments, non-government organisations and the Australian public across the inquiry’s focus items:

  • Assistance to Ukraine
  • Defence Health System
  • Capability assurance mechanism
  • Artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons related issues, and
  • Armaments manufacture, procurement and inventory.

Chair of the subcommittee, Julian Hill MP said, “Parliamentary committees are an important mechanism parliament uses to keep a check on government activities and government departments and to hear from experts and public interest groups.

“This year’s inquiry is focussing on immediate priorities such as assistance to Ukraine, the Defence Health System, capability assurance, and armaments manufacture and procurement in a rapidly changing strategic environment. In addition, the inquiry will examine the potential benefits, risks and concerns of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons and their role in future conflict.”

Further information is available on the inquiry webpage with the hearing broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Public hearing details

Friday, 1 March 2024, 8:30am – 3pm (AEDT)
Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra

 

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