THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration has extended the deadline for submissions to its Migration, Pathway to Nation Building inquiry. Submissions are now open until Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Committee Chair, Maria Vamvakinou MP, said the committee took this decision to allow as many individuals, organisations, and businesses as possible to contribute evidence to the inquiry.

"Many sectors of the Australian community are directly impacted by the policy settings in place for regulating migration into the country," Ms Vamvakinou said. "It is vital for the committee to hear from as many of these sectors as possible to gain an informed view of the issues and on ways the system can be improved.

"Some industries and certain regional locations are now facing unprecedented labour shortages. Migration offers one means to help alleviate these pressures and the committee is keen to investigate these possibilities and more," she said.

Ms Vamvakinou encourages all interested individuals and groups to contribute their thoughts on this vital issue.

More details on the inquiry are available on the committee website.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are:

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration shall inquire into and report on Australia’s migration system, with reference to,

1. The role of permanent migration in nation building, cultural diversity, and social cohesion;
2. Immigration as a strategic enabler of vibrant economies and socially sustainable communities in our cities and regional hubs;
3. Attraction and retention strategies for working migrants to Australia;
4. Policy settings to strengthen skilled migrant pathways to permanent residency;
5. Strengthening labour market participation and the economic and social contribution of migrants, including family and humanitarian migrants and the partners of working migrants;
6. The role of settlement services and vocational training in utilising migrant experiences, knowledge, and opportunities; and
7. Other related matters that may assist the inquiry.

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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. The bill review was referred to the committee by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, KC, MP.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022 proposes amendments to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to improve the ability of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) to provide effective oversight of intelligence and security agencies.

The bill would improve reporting and information sharing processes, allow the IGIS to consider employment related grievances for staff employed by the Office of National Intelligence and introduce provisions preventing the head or deputy head of an agency overseen by the IGIS from being appointed to the position immediately after serving in that capacity.

The bill includes a number of technical amendments to improve clarity, modernise drafting expressions and remove redundant provisions, as well as to address certain limitations in the Inspector-General's oversight functions and powers.

In addition, the bill also amends the provisions of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 to clarify information sharing arrangements with the IGIS.

Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday, February 17, 2023.

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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THE Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting a new inquiry, focussing on important aspects of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Key themes of the inquiry’s focus include workforce recruiting and retention; Space Command and capability; and support to national crisis.

Chair of the Subcommittee, Julian Hill MP said, "The committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

“Defence personnel is the greatest capability for the defence of Australia and its national interests. This inquiry will critically examine Defence’s approach to workforce planning, inclusive of specific recruiting and retention initiatives.

“Space is a contested domain and Defence must be able to effectively operate within it. This inquiry will review this newly formed command including key capability milestones.

“Defence is increasingly being used more as part of the national response to domestic crisis. This inquiry will examine current policy, resourcing, and the impact on the organisation from a preparation, training, retention, and capability perspective."

The subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Friday, March 31, 2023.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing on Friday, February 10, 2023, into the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and the Australia-Iceland Double Taxation Convention.

Committee Chair, Josh Wilson MP said, “Australia has a precious trove of underwater cultural heritage, from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander underwater cultural heritage in Australian waters, to the remains of Australian ships lost in wars across the globe.”

Mr Wilson said the convention would provide a legal basis for Australia to protect underwater cultural heritage in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as well as areas outside of Australia’s jurisdiction where it has an interest. The convention also represents a contemporary international standard for protecting underwater cultural heritage.

In addition, the convention would provide a framework for the Australian Government to negotiate uniform Commonwealth, state and territory rules for protecting underwater cultural heritage.

“Having taken a significant role in drafting the Convention, it is welcome that Australia is now moving to ratify it”, Mr Wilson said.

“Eminent Australians involved in underwater cultural heritage who have supported and called for this treaty action over several years, have been invited to discuss the convention with the committee.

"Their input will shed further light on contemporary challenges of protecting underwater cultural heritage, what final steps would be required by Australia for ratification, and the benefits it would bring in working with other nations who have a common interest in protecting these historic sites.”

Public hearing details

Date:        Friday, 10 February 2023
Time:       9am – 10.30am AEDT - Australia-Iceland Double Taxation Convention
                10.40am – 4.30 pm AEDT - Underwater Cultural Heritage Convention
Location: Main Committee Room (1R0), Parliament House

​The hearing can be accessed online and the programs for this hearing is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiries.

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