THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has noted the judgement released last week on the defamation case brought by Chau Chak Wing against Fairfax over an article by John Garnault.

The Ccommittee chair Andrew Hastie said, "This judgment will be carefully analysed. Generally speaking, we are concerned about the impact that defamation laws in Australia are having on responsible journalism that informs Australians about important national security issues."

Mr Hastie noted, "The ability to report freely and fairly on national security is a vital part of our democracy. Australia’s democratic institutions – including our free media – must be protected.

"We take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to work as a committee to uphold Australian sovereignty and interests."

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ENERGY Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon has  welcomed TasNetworks’ release of the Initial Feasibility Report considering a second Bass Strait electricity interconnector, Marinus Link.

The commitment today by the Commonwealth Government of $56 million to fast track the Marinus Link is also a positive step, he said.

“This project has the potential to bring up to 1,200MW more renewable energy into the National Energy Market,” Mr Dillon said.

“Interconnection between markets provides greater flexibility, better reliability and can deliver more affordable electricity for customers.”

Today’s announcement follows the launch earlier this month of Project EnergyConnect by ElectraNet and TransGrid for a new interconnector between SA and NSW.

“The is a worldwide trend towards increasing interconnection to manage growing levels of variable renewable generation and it is pleasing to see growing recognition of that need here in Australia,” Mr Dillon said.

www.energynetworks.com.au

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MARITIME workers have welcomed Labor’s commitment that it will create a strategic fleet if elected, saying the plan will not only ensure the nation’s fuel security during times of global economic or political instability, but will also ensure the future viability of Australia’s shipping industry.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Anthony Albanese on Sunday announced that a Labor Government would create a fleet that includes Australian crewed oil tankers, container ships and gas carriers that can be called upon by the Federal Government in times of crisis.

The Maritime Union of Australia also welcomed Labor’s pledge to properly enforce coastal shipping laws, ensuring local seafarers are given the first opportunity to move freight between Australian ports, and if they are unavailable, ensuring foreign vessels pay Australian wages and conditions.

MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said that as an island nation which moves 99 percent of its imports and exports by sea, Australia’s economic sovereignty was tied up with its shipping industry.

“Just last month, 80 seafarers lost their jobs after BHP announced it was replacing the last remaining Australian bulk carriers, which carried iron ore from Port Hedland to BlueScope’s steelworks in Port Kembla, with vessels registered in international tax havens and crewed by exploited foreign visa workers,” Mr Crumlin said.

“You can’t have a strong, security economy if the nation is completely reliant on foreign vessels to provide our fuel, bring in our goods, carry our exports, or move products around the coastline.

“Australia has less than three weeks fuel in reserve, so if an economic, political, or military crisis hit our region, Australia would quickly grind to a halt, yet we don’t have a single Australian-operated oil tanker.

“Labor’s commitment to create a strategic maritime fleet, made up of Australian-registered vessels crewed by Australian seafarers, is a vital step to safeguarding our nation’s economic future.

“But more than that, growing our domestic fleet through the return of Australian-flagged oil tankers, container ships and gas carriers ensures a future for this vital industry, job opportunities for Australian seafarers, and the retention of skills and experience in the Australian workforce.

“What we have seen in recent decades is a race to the bottom, with multinational corporations replacing Australian seafarers with vessels that are registered in tax havens, crewed by exploited foreign seafarers that can be paid as little as $2 an hour, and fail to meet basic environmental standards needed to protect our iconic coastlines.

“This pledge from Labor comes in stark contrast to what we’ve seen from the Liberal National Coalition, which has not only stood by while multinational corporations destroyed our industry, but have actively assisted by providing the licenses needed by these companies to replace Australian workers.

“We can’t have a civilised society if we don’t defend our sovereign rights, and ensuring our shipping supply chain remains in Australian hands is a vital part of this.”

www.mwu.com.au

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ALLIANZ Australia has been awarded the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) for the 10th consecutive year.

Allianz was recognised for key programs and initiatives across career development, gender pay equity, gender-balanced and inclusive recruitment practices, parental leave provisions, and flexible work opportunities for both women and men.

"Allianz Australia is pleased to be recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality," said Richard Feledy, Allianz Australia managing director. "I am very proud to lead an organisation that makes gender equity and inclusive work practices a top business priority as we remain committed to making investments that provide women and men with opportunities to balance their work and personal lives."

With an increased focus on gender equity in talent acquisition and development, Allianz is on track to reach its target of 40 percdent women in leadership positions by 2020. Allianz' like-for-like gender pay gap is less than 1 percent and the organisation is committed to ensuring that employees get paid fairly for the contribution they make irrespective of gender, background, where they work or what roles they perform.

Commenting on this, Mr Feledy noted how important it is to continue to embed gender equity into all business practices.

"Whether we are talking about the fair representation of women and men across the organisation, or ensuring equal pay for equal contribution, embracing diversity drives entrepreneurial thinking and better business results," he said. "We will ensure that gender equity remains at the forefront of all business practices at Allianz - not just to achieve our goals, but for the benefit of our people, our customers and the community."

The Employer of Choice for Gender Equality Citation is granted each year to employers with a commitment and track record in promoting gender equity in Australian workplaces.ends