AT THE REQUEST of the Minister for Home Affairs, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the National Security Legislation Amendment (Comprehensive Review and Other Measures No.3) Bill 2023.

The Bill would amend several pieces of national security legislation to address twelve recommendations of the 2020 Comprehensive Review of the Legal Framework of the National Intelligence Community (known as the Richardson Review), and to make other amendments identified as necessary by the intelligence community.

Key amendments proposed by the Bill seek to:

• strengthen protections around the identity of employees of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS);
• improve the ability of ASIO to communicate information, and provide additional protections for individuals communicating certain information;
• increase operational flexibility through updated approval processes for certain intelligence activities;
• clarify provisions relating to the authorisation of certain intelligence activities;
• provide for quicker processing of non-prejudicial security clearance suitability assessments;
• require ASIO to notify the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security when certain security assessments, security clearance decisions, and security clearance suitability assessments have not been made or furnished within 12 months;
• clarify that only the Attorney-General, and not junior ministers, can exercise certain powers relating to ASIO and to telecommunications.

Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said, “The committee looks forward to receiving the views of interested parties on the reforms proposed by the Bill, which aim to further refine and enhance the legal framework governing Australia’s intelligence agencies.”

Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday, February 2, 2024.

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

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THE Mining and Energy Union (MEU) is registered with the Fair Work Commission as a standalone trade union effective today, formalising the withdrawal of the Mining and Energy Division from the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU).

MEU general president Tony Maher said it was a historic day for the union, which delivered on members’ strong wish to become independent.

“Today, we are a brand new union as well as being one of the oldest unions in Australia,” Mr Maher said.

“We have been representing coal miners since the 1850s, in various forms. Today’s Mining and Energy Union builds on our proud tradition and track record, with a clear focus on meeting the current and future challenges facing workers in mines, ports and power stations.

“Our industries face constant change, but we will always stand for well-paid jobs in safe workplaces within strong communities.”

MEU general secretary Grahame Kelly said the transition from CFMEU to MEU would be seamless for members, with all the day-to-day work and structures of the union remaining unchanged.

“The significance of our independence will be felt over time, with the ability to make our own decisions based entirely on our members’ interests," Mr Kelly said.

“We thank our members, delegates, officials, staff and supporters for their dedication, enthusiasm and hard work in pursuing independence.

“We look forward to the next chapter of our history as the Mining and Energy Union starting today.”

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THE Australian Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has released its report for its inquiry into food security in Australia. The inquiry examined ways to strengthen and safeguard Australia’s food security, focussing on production, supply chains and key inputs, as well as climate change, biosecurity and food insecurity.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson MP said, "Despite Australia being one of the most food secure countries in the world, recent developments both at home and abroad have shown that food security presents real and growing challenges to the nation.

"Food security is not something that any of us can take for granted. COVID-19, floods, the effects of the war in Ukraine, and outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia have highlighted risks to our food system.

"Systemic change is required so that all Australians, and those that depend on Australian food production, will be food secure. Consultation, cooperation, coordination and innovation are the keys to food security," Ms Swanson said.

The committee has made 35 recommendations to address food security in Australia, including:

• creating a comprehensive National Food Plan;
• appointing a Minister for Food;
• establishing a National Food Council;
• developing a National Food Supply Chain Map;
• measures to facilitate innovation in the production of food; and
• measures to eliminate food waste.

The report also proposes measures to improve sustainability and resilience in the food supply chain, improve access to labour, and reduce food insecurity.

Over the course of the inquiry, the committee held 24 public hearings, visited numerous sites around Australia, and received 188 written submissions from individuals, industry and community groups and government bodies.

The committee has thanked all those who took part in the inquiry by providing written submissions and giving evidence at public hearings or hosted the committee on site visits. The committee said it was "particularly grateful to those who took time out of their days to host the committee at various sites around the country and the insights this provided into the work of providing for the food security of Australians".

The full report can be found on the committee’s inquiry webpage.

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THE Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its report titled ‘The pursuit of equality: Inquiry into the rights of women and children.’

Chair of the Subcommittee, Maria Vamvakinou MP, said, “Almost every witness and submitter to the inquiry noted that the rights of women and children were in decline globally.

“This regression of the rights of women and children has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and conflict and instability. Growing inequality and resistance from some nation-states who are hostile to the international human rights agenda has further exacerbated the situation,” Ms Vamvakinou said.

The report makes 10 recommendations aimed at strengthening and furthering measures to better support the rights of women and children globally, including:

• the creation of an international policy aimed specifically at children that is similar to the current gender strategy;
• the implementation of a suite of strategies designed to counteract orphanage trafficking and tourism;
• highlighting gender-based violence as a key strategic issue in the new International Gender Equality Strategy that is to be developed and implemented by the Australian Government; and
• improving legislative responses to the rights of victims of child exploitative material distributed online.

The report is now available on the JSCFADT website.

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