THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works held a public hearing as part of its scrutiny of the proposal from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to conduct integrated fit-out works for new leased premises at 152 Wharf Street, Brisbane, QLD.

The proposed works are due for completion in August 2022. The total estimated cost of the project is $49.59 million, excluding GST.

The Committee conducted public and in-camera hearings for the inquiry at Parliament House, Canberra on 26 February 2020.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to contact the Committee Secretariat.

The hearing was broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Note: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Inquiries on these matters should be addressed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

Inquiries

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For more information about this committee, visit its website.

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CPA AUSTRALIA and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand have joined 14 of the world’s largest professional accounting organisations committing to a call to action in response to climate change. The organisations represent 2.5 million accountants globally. 

Chief executive of CPA Australia, Andrew Hunter said, "Climate change presents significant economic and social challenges both now and in the future – challenges that require action from governments, businesses and people from all walks of life.”

“Accountants are uniquely placed and qualified to help businesses and organisations deal with climate change,” said Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand chief executive Rick Ellis. “They can quantify the risks, and their financial consequences, providing robust, reliable and transparent information for decision makers, investors and the public.” 

The statement includes actions the accounting profession can take, as well as a commitment from the chief executives of the organisations to support members in the coming months with the resources, information and training needed to meet the challenges ahead.

The transition for economies will rely on adapting economic policies and associated market mechanisms. The accounting profession is central to helping achieve both of these important objectives.

Mr Hunter also said, "The call to action is consistent with, and complements actions taken by, a broad range of regulatory agencies by way of pronouncements and guidance emphasising the economic and business imperatives of response to the multi-faceted challenges of climate change. 

“It also adds to the growing momentum towards identifying strategies for a just and economically efficient transition to net zero emissions.”

Mr Ellis said, "Accountants are already playing a key role assisting organisations to manage their impact on the planet and the impact of climate change on their organisation.

“Our call to action supports both these early adopters who are quantifying risk and accountants following in their footsteps.”

 www.accountingforsustainability.org/abn-climate-action 

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FEDERAL Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne, and Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash, were among the participants on Friday at an event in Parramatta to improve understanding of the strengths of women from diverse background in work.

Settlement Services International (SSI) hosted the event in the lead-up to International Women’s Day. It brought together nearly 200 women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, community leaders, and representatives from the corporate world.

Senator Payne said the economy as a whole, and women themselves, were better off with greater female participation.

“There are significant social, health and wellbeing benefits for women when they work. In the case of migrant women, it is good for their integration and their social wellbeing and that of their families,” Senator Payne said.

“Our government recognises these trends and truths. It’s why we’re supporting more women to work.”

Senator Cash said migrant women faced particular challenges when it came to economic participation and financial security.

“Australia’s success as a multicultural and inclusive nation depends on the economic participation and contribution of migrants. That’s why the Morrison Government has a strong focus on ensuring we provide the support services to facilitate English language proficiency, employment and education when providing settlement assistance to migrants and humanitarian entrants to Australia,” Senator Cash said.

“Women from diverse backgrounds are skilled, courageous and resourceful. What is often missing is the opportunity to fully participate and share that skill and knowledge. This is why the Government continues to ensure its mainstream employment services feature a range of interventions, activities and complementary programs to help assist CALD and refugee job seekers, including women.”

Zena Habib, head of people and culture at the Australian National Maritime Museum, said her organisation was working hard to improve the cultural diversity of its workforce and today’s session offered invaluable insights and tips.

“Hearing first hand some of the challenges women from diverse backgrounds face and then being able to focus on solutions with two key ministers and corporates has given me not only inspiration to change things but some tools for how,” Ms Habib said.

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said IWD was about celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias, and taking action for equality.

“Gender equity is not just a women’s issue, it’s an issue for everyone,” Ms Roumeliotis said. “We know that when women do well, their families, businesses and whole communities prosper.

"Empowering Women through Employment recognised that women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds were at a unique intersection of gender and culture that could limit employment opportunities and career progression.

“In order to drive change on a larger scale, we need to ensure the voices of women from CALD backgrounds are front and centre. Let’s be #EachforEqual."

About SSI

Settlement Services International is a community organisation and social business that supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential. SSI works with people who have experienced vulnerability, including refugees, people seeking asylum and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, to build capacity and enable them to overcome inequality.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth has commenced a new inquiry into the 2018-19 annual reports of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade.

The inquiry will focus on whether there is a need to diversify Australia’s trade markets; and Australia’s level of reliance on foreign investment.

Committee chair George Christensen MP said recent international events had highlighted vulnerabilities in Australia’s economy to external impacts, and the importance of looking at ways to mitigate these risks.

"As part of its inquiry, the committee will consider whether Australia is too reliant on foreign investment and any one market for exports, and the advantages and disadvantages of its current trade and investment profile," Mr Christensen said. "The committee will also examine how global crises and bilateral trade agreements affect Australia’s export and investment relationships, as well as its domestic market.

"The action that industry and government is taking to diversify trade markets and ensure Australia is not overly reliant on foreign investment will also be examined," Mr Christensen said.

Submissions from interested individuals, businesses and organisations are invited by Thursday, April 9, 2020. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

More information about the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission, is available on the Committee’s webpage.

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