THE Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from a range of organisations, experts and government officials at a public hearing in Canberra on Friday 11 August for its inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia.

The Sub-Committee is investigating measures to improve Australia’s framework for combatting modern slavery. This includes examining whether provisions of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 could be improved and introduced in Australia, such as the requirement for businesses to report on measures to eradicate modern slavery from their global supply chains.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub‑Committee, Mr Chris Crewther MP, said the Sub-Committee welcomed the opportunity to meet with organisations and experts including UNICEF Australia and Dr Anne Gallagher AO, as well as Australian government officials responsible for implementing the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-2019. The Sub-Committee will also hear from UK witnesses via videoconference, including Ms Caroline Haughey who was commissioned by the UK Government to review the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

“The Sub-Committee looks forward to hearing from these organisations and experts on how Australia can better combat modern slavery here and around the world,” Mr Crewther said. “The opportunity to meet with key government officials will inform the Sub-Committee’s inquiry to ensure that Australia is doing all it can to eradicate these monstrous crimes.”

Public hearing details: 9:00am to 5:00pm, Friday 11 August, Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra

The full program for Friday’s hearing is available from the committee’s website.

This hearing will be streamed live at www.aph.gov.au/live.

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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THE Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has acknowledged the ATO’s effort to reassure the public of its IT system reliability during tax time 2017.

“It is good to see the ATO proactively reassure the public that its IT systems are withstanding the pressure of the current busy tax return season,” said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

“We look forward to the ATO continuing to maintain functionality of all their systems throughout the rest of tax time 2017.

“Our members have borne the brunt of past system issues over a protracted period.  They are very relieved that the ATO has been able to maintain functionality of all their systems during this important part of the tax season where the bulk of individuals are trying to finalise their tax return and bring closure to the year just ended.

"The proof will be in the pudding and let’s hope for all concerned, that things are back on track. We won't take a backwards step in holding the ATO accountable to deliver a reliable IT system for the benefit of tax practitioners and taxpayers alike,” said Mr Conway.

publicaccountants.org.au

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has welcomed a Senate vote to improve access to justice for small business.

Ombudsman Kate Carnell said the passing of Labor’s Competition and Consumer Legislation Amendment addressed a key finding from her Small Business Loans Inquiry.

“Access to justice is an important issue for small business operators,” Ms Carnell said.

“The Senate bill allows Federal Court judges to waive liability for adverse costs to small business private litigants in cases related to the misuse of market power.

“It gives small business operators confidence to proceed with legal action, knowing they will only be liable for their own costs.

“This has the added benefit of filtering cases that might potentially be considered vexatious or unlikely to succeed, saving time and money for all involved.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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STRATEGIES to improve the liveability and sustainability of Australian capital cities and regional centres in the face of steady population growth will be discussed at a public hearing in Canberra tomorrow.

The Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities has invited Commonwealth agencies, peak bodies and academics to share their ideas as part of its inquiry into the Australian Government’s role in the development of cities.

Committee Chair, Mr John Alexander OAM MP, said the Committee is interested in exploring some of the issues face by growing cities in more detail with a view to identifying innovative solutions.

“The Committee recognises the primacy of state, territory and local governments in the planning and operation of our cities,” Mr Alexander said.

“However, we’d like to explore opportunities for the Commonwealth Government to contribute to the development of our cities and regional centres, be that through the provision of leadership, reducing red tape or facilitating the development of new regional centres.”

The Housing Industry Association suggested that the Australian Government should lead planning policy reform, stating that “whilst the planning system is managed by the states and territories, the Australian Government can have a significant influence in the delivery of streamlined approval processes for new land and housing developments, encouraging greater standardisation of development assessment processes and codes across borders.”

The Australian Logistics Council also argued that the Australian Government should have greater involvement in planning. “This will help to deliver better economic outcomes and the more efficient and safe delivery of freight by easing urban encroachment and helping to protect corridors for later infrastructure investment.”

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

Public hearing details: 9am – 12pm, Friday 11 August, Parliament House, Canberra

9.00 am – 9.40 am: Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
9.40 am – 10.20 am: Master Builders Australia
10.40 am – 11.20 am: Australian Logistics Council
11.20 am – 12.00 noon: Housing Industry Association

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

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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