THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has launched an inquiry into Cybersecurity Compliance as part of its examination of Auditor-General reports. The Committee’s inquiry is based on the 2016-17 Auditor-General Report No. 42 Cybersecurity Follow-up Audit.  

Committee Chair, Senator Dean Smith, said that, as Parliament’s joint public administration committee, the JCPAA has an important role in holding Commonwealth agencies to account.

“Cybersecurity is integral to protect Government systems and secure the continued delivery of Government business. Government entities are required to implement mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of cyber intrusions. The Committee is continuing its oversight of entities’ compliance with the mandated strategies with the launch of this Inquiry,” Senator Smith said.

The JCPAA is a central committee of the Parliament and has the power to initiate its own inquiries on the Commonwealth public sector. The Committee examines all reports of the Auditor-General tabled in the Parliament and can inquire into any items, matters or circumstances connected with these reports.

The Committee invites submissions to the inquiry by Thursday 27 April 2017, addressing the terms of reference. Further information about the inquiry can be accessed via the Committee’s website.

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

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THE $35 billion Future Frigate project reached a significant milestone today with the release of the Request for Tender (RFT) to the three shortlisted designers; BAE, Fincantieri and Navantia.

Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said the Future Frigate project is currently the largest frigate shipbuilding program of its kind in the world.

“Today’s announcement shows the Government is on track to begin construction of the Future Frigates in 2020 in Adelaide,” Minister Pyne said.

“The release of the RFT is an important part of the Competitive Evaluation Process which will lead to the Government announcing the successful designer for the Future Frigates in 2018.”

Minister Pyne said evaluation of the responses to the Future Frigate RFT would commence later this year.

“Three designers—BAE Systems with the Type 26 Frigate, Fincantieri with the FREMM Frigate, and Navantia with a redesigned F100, have been working with Defence since August 2015 to refine  their designs.

“The three shortlisted designers must demonstrate and develop an Australian supply chain  to support Australia's future shipbuilding industry, and also how they will leverage their local suppliers into global supply chains.

“The Government is committed to maximising Australian industry opportunities and participation and this project will contribute to building a sustainable Australian shipbuilding workforce.”

The Future Frigates are the next generation of naval surface combatants and would conduct more challenging maritime warfare operations in our regions including delivering a greater impact on anti-submarine operations.

The frigates will also be equipped with a range of offensive and self-protection systems.

The nine Future Frigates are part of the Government’s $89 billion national shipbuilding endeavour which would see Australia develop a strong and sustainable naval shipbuilding industry.

This critical investment will generate significant economic growth and sustain thousands of Australian jobs over decades, the Minister said.

For more on the Future Frigate program visit the Defence website http://www.defence.gov.au/casg/EquippingDefence/SEA5000PH1_FutureFrigates

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WITH two weeks to go until Easter, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) says consumers are already filling their shopping baskets with all sorts of Easter treats.

ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman said although many retailers push their Easter products just after the new year, the bulk of Easter sales do not occur until the fortnight before Good Friday.

“Even though the Easter sales period is shorter than the Christmas period, this holiday is still a strong trading event for retailers as many shoppers over cater for their Easter lunch and the Easter holiday period.

“The best-selling items for this holiday usually include hot cross buns, seafood, fresh produce, liquor and of course all things chocolate,” Mr Zimmerman said.

As most retailers are unable to trade on Good Friday and Easter Sunday there will also be an increase in general food and beverage sales as consumers stock up on the holiday essentials and entertaining supplies before the shutdown period.

With a number of bakeries creating delicious new variations on the classic hot cross buns, Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses predicts around 180 million buns will be sold this Easter, a 20 percent increase from last year.

“Easter is the biggest trading time of year for most Australian bakeries, and hot cross buns represent a huge segment of Easter sales,” Mr Zimmerman said.

With many Australians upholding a traditional seafood lunch for Good Friday, many seafood retailers will also be preparing for large crowds.

The Sydney Fish Market will put extended hours in place to accommodate for its single busiest trading day of the year, operating from 5.00am until 5.00pm on Good Friday. The market is expecting over 50,000 people to walk through its doors on this day, and predicts more than 500 tonnes of seafood to be traded.

General manager at Sydney Fish Market, Bryan Skepper said that although Sydney might have seen its fair share of wet weather recently, this climate is good news for seafood lovers.

“The recent rains will freshen the coastal waterways resulting in great catches and an abundance of fish in the lead up to Easter,” Skepper said.

As Easter is much later than last year, Mr Zimmerman believes many retailers will be able to pick up additional sales with new ideas and targeted offers.

“Easter is a key sales period for retailers and every year we see retailers increase their sales with innovative Easter products,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With winter fashion already being delivered in store, consumers will also start their winter shopping during the Easter trading period, to get ready for the new season’s arrival.”

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) proposes a 1.2 percent National Minimum Wage increase given the continuing economic uncertainty and fragility of the retail sector.

ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman said Australian retailers are continuing to face a difficult operating environment and this increase is the best way to preserve employment within the retail sector.

“Given economic uncertainties, historically low inflation along with rising costs for retailers this 1.2 percent increase will minimise employment losses in the weak labour market,” Mr Zimmerman said.

The ARA has consulted their membership base, including large members and numerous small to medium Australian retailers in making their recommendation.

“The retail industry’s submission has outlined the difficult trading environment existing in the retail sector as a result of globalisation and advances in technology throughout the industry,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With low to flat price growth and increased wages costs well above our international competitors, it’s critical that the Fair Work Commission take into account the weak economic trading conditions when making their decision,” Mr Zimmerman said.

The ARA’s position preserves the value of the minimum wage over the recent years where wages have been outstripped by increasing price growth throughout the industry.

“Our members have experienced significant cost pressures through international competition and reduced margins therefore we strongly recommend this wage increase remains realistic and reasonable for all businesses operating in the retail sector,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“We trust the FWC will ascertain the best approach for determining a federal minimum wage increase during this fluctuating period where large sectors of the economy are either in decline or receiving minimal growth.”

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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