THE Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its report titled Inquiry into Australia’s efforts to advocate for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.

Chair of the Subcommittee, Maria Vamvakinou MP, said, “Most stakeholders to the inquiry noted that progress has been made globally towards the abolition of the death penalty.

“However, in the current challenging geopolitical conditions, there are signs that specific groups are more likely to face the threat of the death penalty. We also heard there is a risk for states to backslide. Progress cannot, therefore, be taken for granted, and Australia has a critical role to play in advocating in a clear and consistent manner for the abolition of the death penalty—especially within our own region,” Ms Vamvakinou said.

This report makes seven recommendations aimed at Australia’s efforts in advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, including:

• the development of strategies to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty for drug related crimes;
• the development of a statement against the death penalty to be delivered annually;
• continued advocacy, including in partnership with like-minded abolitionist countries in the Asia-Pacific region;
• the development of a domestic education and awareness strategy; and
• provision of adequate funding for Civil Society Organisations to gather data on trends and current areas of concern.

The report is now available on the JSCFADT website.

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AS PART OF ITS INQUIRY into nuclear power generation in Australia, the House of Representatives Select Committee on Nuclear Energy will conduct multiple public hearings in New South Wales from December 10 to 12.

The committee will visit Muswellbrook, Lithgow and Sydney.

Chair of the committee, Dan Repacholi MP, the Federal Member for Hunter, said, "Each public hearing is a chance for the committee - and for people following the inquiry - to build our understanding of the concerns and priorities of communities in areas that have been earmarked for potential nuclear plants, and to hear from a range of stakeholders, including technical experts and advocacy groups, about the potential benefits and challenges of nuclear energy for Australia.”

The hearings can be accessed online.

The committee will be holding further public hearings in Western Australia later this month. 

Programs for all hearings and further information about the inquiry, including the inquiry terms of reference, are available on the Committee’s website.

​Public hearing details

Muswellbrook, NSW:

Date: Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Time (approx.): 9:30am – 12:30pm (AEDT)

Location: Muswellbrook Workers Club, 15 - 17 Sydney Street Muswellbrook NSW

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Lithgow, NSW:

Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024

Time (approx.): 9am – 12pm (AEDT)

Location: Millenium Room, Lithgow and District Workmens Club, 3-7 Tank St, Lithgow NSW

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Sydney, NSW:

Date: Thursday, 12 December 2024

Time (approx.): 8:45am – 5pm (AEDT)

Location: Sydney Room, Cliftons, 13/60 Margaret Street, Sydney, NSW

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Human Rights Subcommittee (the subcommittee), has commenced a review of the amendments made by the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act 2021.

Pursuant to Clause 4 of the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act 2021 the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is required to commence a review of the operation of the amendments made by this Act as soon as possible after December 8, 2024.

Chair of the Subcommittee, Maria Vamvakinou, said, “There is a role for sanctions in applying pressure to states or individuals, with the goal of targeting the repression of human rights. The review will seek to ascertain how the operation of the amendments made by the Act, accord with Australia’s international human rights obligations’."

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by January 17, 2025. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

Further information about the committee’s inquiry is available on the committee’s website.

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THE Productivity Commission is seeking ideas from everyday Australians to inform our policy recommendations to government. 

“We are looking for practical policy ideas from people in all walks of life on how Australia can work smarter, more efficiently, and more productively,” Chair Danielle Wood said.

This initiative follows the Treasurer’s announcement of five new inquiries to be completed by the Productivity Commission:

1. Creating a dynamic and resilient economy.
2. Building a more skilled and adaptable workforce.
3. Harnessing data and digital technology.
4. Delivering quality care more efficiently.
5. Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation.

“Everything from our economic security to our living standards and the health of our families and the environment depends on getting these policy areas right,” Ms Wood said.

"The Productivity Commissionwill combine the public input with our own research to identify 3-5 policy reforms under each pillar to explore further.  

“If you have a clear, actionable policy idea that aligns with one or more of the five inquiry areas we want to hear about it. We want to hear from builders on how to overcome barriers on the job site, teachers on how government can better support their students, and aged and disability care workers on ideas for the care system,” Ms Wood said.

As the Federal Government’s leading independent economic advisory body, the Productivity Commission’s recommendations have helped shape policy for more than 20 years.

“The Productivity Commission has always depended on the input of Australians to inform its recommendations, but this is the first time it has sought out grassroots insights on every aspect of policy in Australia,” Ms Wood said. 

“We are throwing open the doors and asking all Australians for their best ideas on how governments can create the kind of growth and improvements in living standards we enjoyed in previous decades.

“We all have a stake in Australia’s future – the Productivity Commission is excited to hear first-hand from everyday people how government can shape that future for the better.” 

Comments are open until January 15, 2025 on https://engage.pc.gov.au/

The Productivity Commission will be seeking more detailed submissions on the new inquiries in 2025. 

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