THE Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine restoring local government on Norfolk Island as part of a new inquiry.   

The committee will examine different models of local government and revenue collection to determine the most appropriate approach that accords with the culture of Norfolk Island and provides for a financially sustainable future.

“This inquiry is about the future of Norfolk Island, its governance and economic sustainability,” committee chair Alicia Payne MP said. “Most importantly, the inquiry is focused on improving democracy for people on Norfolk Island.

“The views of the local community will be central to this process,” Ms Payne said.

The committee plans to visit Norfolk Island over the coming months to hear directly from Norfolk Islanders about what they would like for their community. People seeking to participate in the inquiry can engage with the Committee in a number of ways including by making a submission, at an upcoming public meeting or confidentially.

Submissions to the inquiry will remain open until March 24, 2023. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the committee’s website.

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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 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 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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