STRENGTHENING Australia’s strategic commitment to its Indian Ocean Territories whilst supporting the economic and social wellbeing of local communities was the key focus of a report released today by the Joint Committee on the National Capital and External Territories.

The Committee’s inquiry examined the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Territories, located off Australia’s northwest coast.

Committee Chair, Ben Morton MP, said, “The inquiry canvassed the changing regional security environment and security contingencies in the Indian Ocean region—home to growing economies and an important trade route for Australia. The region is witnessing growing competition among growing powers, and these rapidly expanding interests in the region require a deeper understanding of this dynamic strategic environment.”

The Committee recommended that the Australian Government support the development of both defence and multi-purpose infrastructure in the region and strengthen Australia’s multilateral engagement with its Indo-Pacific partners. The Committee also recommended an inquiry at least every five years that considers the Indian Ocean Territories and Australia’s engagement with the Indian Ocean region more broadly.

Mr Morton said that there was an underlying need for the Australian Government to engage more actively with local communities on Christmas Island and in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

As part of the inquiry, the Committee had the opportunity to meet with and hear from local residents who live and work in the communities on Christmas Island and in the Cocos Islands.

In highlighting the Committee’s recent visit to the Indian Ocean Territories, Mr Morton noted, “It was clear that the local communities are interested in contributing to the decision-making process regarding the Australian Government’s activities on the Islands”. This, he said, was one of the themes of the Committee’s report.

Mr Morton was particularly appreciative of the contribution to the inquiry by local communities, and noted that “the Committee is immensely grateful to the communities on Christmas Island and in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for their warm welcome, openness and constructive dialogue during our visit.”

The Committee’s report and further details about the inquiry—including submissions, terms of reference, and the public hearing transcripts—can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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WITH a career spanning multiple decades and continents, Professor Barbara Norman is well qualified to participate in the Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities’ inquiry into the Australian Government’s role in the development of cities.

The Life Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australian and Australian Centenary Medal recipient will share her views on how our cities and regional centres can be set on a more sustainable development trajectory at a public hearing on Tuesday evening.

Professor Norman said, “Australia is one of the very few, if not only, OECD nation not to have a national plan for settlement and growth. While much of the planning and development of our cities remains the responsibility of states and local councils, the scale of urban growth is now at a level that affects national interests.”

“Australia urgently needs a national sustainable development strategy that clearly outlines the vision for 2030, and beyond to 2050.”

Committee Chair, John Alexander OAM MP, said the Committee is interested to hear ideas for achieving greater coordination in the development of cities between different levels of government.

“A plan for settlement is essential for the future development of our cities and our regions,” said Mr Alexander.

“I’m looking forward to hearing Professor Norman’s suggestions on how Commonwealth activities can complement those of state and local governments.”

Public hearing details: 5pm – 6.30pm, Tuesday 12 September, Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

5.00 pm: Professor Barbara Norman via teleconference
6.30 pm: Close

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Further information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference, is available on the Committee website.

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THE Parlimentary Northern Australia Committee will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Thursday, 14 September as part of its Inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

The Committee Deputy Chair, Warren Snowdon MP, said drive tourism was an important sector of the domestic tourism market.

“Each year thousands of Australians from the southern states spend their holidays driving the northern Australian roads, significantly contributing to the regional economy,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The progressive sealing of more connecting roads in Northern Australia will provide tourists towing caravans and camper trailers with increased access to tourism venues across the region. Are local councils and local tourism operators 'tourism-ready' for a potential influx of drive tourists?” he asked.

The Committee will hear evidence from the Australian Caravan Club, Big4 Holiday Parks, and the Australian Hotels Association (NT).

Public hearing details: 9:05 am to 10:45 am, Thursday 14 September, Committee Room 1R6, Parliament House, Canberra

For the hearing program, please see the committee's website.

The hearing will be broadcast live (audio only) at aph.gov.au/live

Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including submissions and the terms of reference, is also available on the committee’s website.

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AN ALLAINCE of small business organisations is being formed to present a united front on policy issues of mutual interest.