THE Innovation, Industry, Science and Resources Committee has tabled its report for the Inquiry into impacts on local businesses in Australia from global internet-based competition.

Internet commerce currently accounts for only a small proportion of the Australian retail market but is growing rapidly. As a result of this growth, Australian businesses are experiencing increased competition from overseas firms using the internet to directly market to Australian consumers. At the same time many Australian small businesses are exporting their products to consumers across the world for the first time.

The Committee Chair, Barnaby Joyce MP, stated that "the Committee has recommended the creation of a digital grants program for small businesses. Online shopping is only going to continue to grow and disrupt trade in traditional bricks and mortar shops around the country.

"It is vital that we support Australian businesses to invest in the digital technologies, while demonstrating advantages of the virtual marketplace based in regional areas where infrastructure like the NBN is available and overheads such as rent can be much cheaper, that will enable them to take advantage of internet retail opportunities," Mr Joyce said.

The Committee also considered the effects of internet competition on employment.

"As technology changes so do the skills required in the workforce. Because of this, the Committee has also recommended the establishment of a digital retraining fund to support Australian workers to develop their skills in using the technologies that will be crucial to finding and maintaining jobs in the future," Mr Joyce said.

The Committee made further recommendations relating to: Australia’s ability to forecast future workforce skill needs; developing information materials for small businesses; and the regulation of digital retail platforms.

The report is available on the Committee’s website.

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THE Australian Fisheries Management Authority's (AFMA’s) annual public meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 May 2018 in Canberra.

This meeting gives stakeholders the opportunity to meet with AFMA Commissioners. All stakeholders are invited to attend.

 Where: Australian Fisheries Management Authority, 6th Floor, 73 Northbourne Avenue, Civic, Canberra.

Time: The meeting will commence at 9.30am and finish with morning tea by 10:30am.

Date: Wednesday 9 May 2018

RSVP: By Tuesday 1 May 2018 to Executive Secretary, Andrew Pearson, on: Ph: (02) 6225 5576

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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THE five-yearly Census provides critical data and information to support important Australian decisions by governments, community organisations, businesses and individuals.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is reviewing the information collected in the 2021 Census of Population and Housing to ensure it best meets the nation’s needs and informs Australia’s important decisions.

A public consultation, launched today through the ABS website, seeks input from data users, community groups and organisations on their data needs and the most useful information to collect in the 2021 Census.

Population and Social Statistics General Manager Dr Paul Jelfs said, “It’s important that our nation’s largest statistical collection remains relevant and meets users’ needs”.

“Submissions can be easily made via the ABS consultation hub,” Dr Jelfs said.

The ABS will assess any changes suggested through the submission process based on evidence and demonstrated need. We will seek to minimise the burden on the community by managing the number and complexity of questions asked in the Census.

“It’s wonderful to see quality 2016 Census data being used widely and this consultation process is about ensuring our 2021 Census data is even more valuable and useful,” Dr Jelfs said.

“The Census adds to the wealth of knowledge from other ABS data collections,” Dr Jelfs said

The ABS has been undertaking a comprehensive review of the operation of the 2016 Census and has identified areas of improvement for 2021. As we work towards 2021, the ABS will share our approach to how people can participate in the Census, our approach to ensuring privacy and security of information and how we provide the final Census results.

Submissions on 2021 Census topics close on 30 June. Following analysis, the ABS will publish preliminary findings from this consultation process then make recommendations to the Australian Government.

Details on how to participate, including instructions for making your submission and frequently asked questions are available online at http://www.abs.gov.au/census-consult

The Census of Population and Housing: Consultation on Content 2021 publication provides detailed information on the topics.

For access to the latest Census data, visit www.abs.gov.au/census.

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ENERGY Networks Australia welcomes today’s announcement of $26.25 million in funding from the Commonwealth government towards the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Australia’s gas network businesses will contribute $8 million towards the venture, in addition to investing in trials that will demonstrate how hydrogen technology can be used in our existing gas networks.

“The more than $90 million Centre will undertake cutting edge research that will accelerate a decarbonised gas industry”, Energy Networks Australia CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“Our nation’s gas networks are a colossal system, delivering as much energy as the electricity networks, and in some cases, such as Victoria, even more,” he said.

“Applying transformational technologies of biogas, hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage to existing networks could build and maintain a highly reliable energy system.”

The industry-led research will continue to develop pilot trials and exploratory projects that network members have already started.

The deployment of hydrogen technology is the focus of the Centre’s research program, but additional fuels, such as biogas, are also being tested as alternatives.

“We have research proposals ready to go and are eager to move forward with trialling hydrogen production and storage,” Mr Dillon said.

“Decarbonising our nation’s gas industry will support our global obligations under the Paris Climate Change Agreement and simultaneously help to secure a reliable, affordable energy system.

“We need a suite of measures to decarbonise our energy and transport sectors. Countries around the globe are investigating the potential for hydrogen to play a significant role.

“Using existing and new gas infrastructure will be essential for Australia to benefit from the expected global demand for hydrogen.

“We look forward to working with the Future Fuels CRC over the next seven years and bringing new, innovative energy storage and supply systems to Australian homes and business.”

Research is expected to begin in July 2018.

www.energynetworks.com.au

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