Skip to main content

Business News Releases

New inquiry into constitutional change in the modern age

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry has been established to consider new ideas to engage and inform Australians about the Constitution and to examine the way in which referendums are conducted in Australia.

The Chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, Andrew Wallace MP, said the inquiry would be an opportunity for a fresh look at the process of constitutional reform in Australia.

"The period since 1999 has been the longest in Australia’s history without a referendum to change the Australian Constitution, so there will be many Australians of voting age who have no experience of voting in a referendum," Mr Wallace said.

"The committee is keen to consider suggestions to involve more Australians in a conversation about the Constitution, including how best to consult the community on proposals for constitutional change before they are put to a referendum. The committee will also consider the need to modernise the way in which referendums are conducted to ensure it remains appropriate in contemporary Australia.

"The inquiry is not about specific changes to the Constitution, but about ensuring that as a nation we can have informed discussion and debate about any proposals for constitutional change, and a fit-for-purpose referendum process to decide on them."

The committee is accepting written submissions of no more than 4000 wordsuntil August 6, 2021. Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage at www.aph.gov.au/constitutionalreform.

Information about making a submission is available on the Parliament of Australia webpage.

ends

  • Created on .

Four new inquiries for the Public Works Committee

THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has announced it will scrutinise four new projects referred in June 2021

Details of the projects are:

It is anticipated the committee will conduct a public and in-camera hearing for each inquiry throughout August 2021. The committee wants to hear from all individuals or organisations interested in the projects. The deadline for submissions are listed on the Public Works Committee website.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Inquiries on these matters should be addressed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

ends

  • Created on .

Tomorrow's Carbon Market Institute Summit postponed to August 11-12

DUE to the escalating COVID-19 situation in Sydney and increased travel restrictions for interstate delegates and speakers, the Carbon Market Institute has made the difficult decision to postpone this week’s 8th Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit on June 24-25.

New dates for the Summit -- still to be held at the ICC Darling Harbour -- are Wednesday and Thursday, August 11-12, 2021.

A spokesperson said the decision to postpone, rather than continue as a fully virtual event, has been made due to overwhelming feedback regarding the importance of in-person networking and interaction. 

 

  • Created on .

Investment and insurance opportunities for Australia's export industries

THIS FRIDAY, June 25, the Trade and Investment Growth Committee will commence its program of public hearings on the prudential regulation of investment in Australia’s export industries, with representatives from export businesses.

Committee Chair, George Christensen MP, said the committee was interested in hearing from export businesses in the resources sector about any challenges they have faced in accessing insurance and financial services.

"Australia’s export industries, including the resources sector, are critical in supporting our national economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, it is timely that this Committee examine the challenges and opportunities for these industries in accessing financial services and insurance," Mr Christensen said.

Witnesses include the Minerals Council of Australia, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, Adani Australia and other peak associations and businesses. Future hearings in coming weeks will feature witnesses from banks and financial institutions, government agencies and a wide range of stakeholder groups.

 

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 25 June 2021
Time: 9am–3.10pm
Location: Committee Room 2R2, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Further information about the committee’s inquiry, including the public hearing program is available on the committee’s webpage.

 

ends

  • Created on .

Ombudsman launches mental health program awareness campaign

A NATIONAL awareness campaign about a free tailored mental health support service for small business owners has begun, amid new research revealing the emotional toll on small business owners during the past year.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson said the campaign would raise awareness about Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners program, which offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches.

“It is vital small business owners know that help is available if they need it,” Mr Billson said.

“New Access for Small Business Owners offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches providing evidence-based advice on strategies for managing stress.

“Crucially, the New Access for Small Business Owners program is delivered by coaches that have experience in small business. It really helps to know that the person you’re speaking with understands what it takes to run a small business.

“We know many small business owners have been hit hard throughout the pandemic, particularly with going in and out of lockdowns and restrictions, and that has understandably taken a toll.

“New research released by Xero has found almost seven out of 10 (68%) of 500 small business owners surveyed reported the past 12 months have been more emotionally draining than any other year they’ve been in business.

“It also found small business leaders have collectively lost more than eight million hours of sleep each week due to the demands of running their small business. Trouble sleeping can be a sign of stress.

“It’s important small business owners understand if they look after their mental health, they can also help their business.

“Our My Business Health web portal is an excellent support tool for small business owners and it links with the New Access for Small Business Owners program, while also providing easy-to-read, practical tips on the day-to-day tasks of running a small business.”

Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners program is available now.

mybusinesshealth.gov.au

 

ends

  • Created on .

More Articles …