A PARLIAMENTARY report into the Identity-matching Services Bill 2019 and the Australian Passports Amendment (Identity-matching Services) Bill 2019 has recommended both bills be strengthened to provide protections for Australian citizens. 

Chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee, Mr Andrew Hastie MP, said the report agrees with the objectives of both bills, but supports concerns from submitters that protections for individual’s rights should be more explicitly incorporated.

"The bills have strong intentions and will become important tools, particularly in fighting identity crime," Mr Hastie said.

"Together, the bills aim to make identity-matching easier for prescribed entities whose responsibility it is to safeguard citizens and to reduce identity theft."

The report recommends that the Bills be re-drafted according to principles relating to privacy, transparency, governance, and user obligations.

ends

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell said there has been an overwhelming public response to the Insolvency Practices Inquiry since it was launched two weeks ago.

“My office has already received 113 survey responses and a number of submissions in relation to this inquiry and we expect that number to grow,” Ms Carnell said.

“While we are still in the early stages of the inquiry, it’s clear there’s a groundswell of public support for the work we are doing in this area.

“Primarily the Insolvency Practices Inquiry will shine a light on the insolvency system and uncover if it encourages practitioners, in the first instance, to restructure the small or family business to turn it around. We will also look at the transparency and fairness of the current system.

“We know there is a very low success rate in restructuring Australian businesses under external administration and the impact of the insolvency process is often devastating for the small business owner.

“Few small businesses that enter formal insolvency administration are able to navigate their way through the process to reach a restructuring agreement," Ms Carnell said.

“We remain very keen to hear from small and family businesses that have faced financial difficulties and restructured or wound up their business.

“I encourage these businesses to share their stories by completing our online survey or provide a submission to my office via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“Many small businesses that have faced difficulties, felt they lost control of their business and in cases where the business was ultimately wound up, they felt the process was poorly managed," Ms Carnell said.

“This inquiry will identify areas where practices can be improved. I will also recommend changes to the system to achieve a fairer outcome for all parties involved.”

An interim report will be released in December with a final report to be handed down in February.

www.asbfeo.gov.au

ends

THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) welcomes new laws passed by the Queensland Government to deter people from using dangerous devices that deliberately increase the risk of injury to themselves, emergency services workers and members of the public.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the Summary Offences and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, passed last night in parliament, was the right step forward in ensuring the rights of all Queenslanders were upheld.

“Everyone has the right to protest but everyone also has the right to commute to work safely, operate trains without fearing they will injure or kill someone and for ambulance drivers not to be impeded by protestors connecting themselves to  concrete drums on the road,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“QRC had urged the Parliament to consider both the Government legislation and the LNP’s private members bill to address illegal trespass.

“We welcome the Parliament’s commitment to this important issue that affects every Queenslander.

“The new laws make it an offence to use attachment devices to block transport corridors and I applaud the Palaszczuk Government for acting before someone is seriously injured. We’ve seen too much illegal and unsafe behaviour with activists deploying dangerous devices on rail lines and at ports.

“Our  sector prioritises safety and these laws send a clear message to activists who use extreme actions," Mr Macfarlane said.

“The laws passed the Parliament with an overwhelming majority, including both the Government and the LNP.

“QRC welcomes this cross-Parliament commitment to uphold the safety for all Queenslanders, and especially those who work on railways, at ports or at other infrastructure projects.”

Mr Macfarlane urged all Parliamentarians to ensure the laws were operationally sufficient for the Queensland Police Service, particularly if protestors amend devices to avoid the offences the Parliament has just passed.

www.qrc.org.au

ends

THE House Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources today launched an inquiry into Australia’s Waste Management and Recycling Industries.

The chair of the committee, Barnaby Joyce MP, said, "The inquiry will examine different processes within Australia, and between Australia and best practice in the world. The committee will investigate innovative ways to reduce the millions of tonnes of waste discarded in landfill and waterways in Australia each year.

"Improving waste management and recycling in Australia not only provides for a cleaner and more sustainable environment, but it also presents a range of economic opportunities. New jobs and industries will be created – particularly in our regions - along with new products and services," Mr Joyce said.

The committee will consider opportunities to better manage industrial, commercial and domestic waste, as well as any current impediments to innovation in these sectors. Strategies to reduce waste in waterways and oceans will also be examined.

The committee wants to hear from interested people, organisations and agencies working to reduce, reuse and recycle waste in Australia.  Submissions to the inquiry should be received by January 31, 2020. 

The terms of reference for the inquiry can be found on the Committee’s website.

ends