THE Indigenous Affairs Committee will hear from the Minerals Council of Australia and First Nations Media Australia this Thursday as part of its inquiry into pathways and participation opportunities for Indigenous Australians in employment and business.

Committee chair Julian Leeser MP said both organisations would provide valuable insights to the inquiry. The minerals sector has played an important role in Indigenous employment and procurement, and the media sector also provides job and training opportunities for First Nations people across Australia.

"Mining companies are key employers of First Nations peoples, we look forward to hearing more about programs they have developed to create economic opportunities in remote areas," Mr Leeser said.

"Indigenous broadcasting employs roughly 500 people nationally, opening up job opportunities for First Nations peoples in other related areas. The committee looks forward to discussing further ways to promote Indigenous participation in these sectors."

Witnesses will be attending the hearing via conference call.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 25 March 2021
Time: 11.40am to 12.55pm AEDT

A live audio stream of the hearing will be accessible at https://www.aph.gov.au/Watch_Read_Listen.

A full program will be available at the inquiry website.

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THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has joined Resources Minister, Scott Stewart, in congratulating Glencore coal on its transformation of previous open-cut mining areas at Oaky Creek coal mine to native vegetation with the potential for grazing. 

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the e certification of 133 hectares of rehabilitated land at the mine is proof positive that the resources sector is committed to fulfilling its environmental obligations. 

“This is not a one-off. It is the fifth successful certification application in the past three years by a Glencore site in Queensland and the seventh across Glencore’s Australian coal business” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Achieving government signoff to return mined land to the agreed post-mining purposes is no mean feat, requiring a deep commitment by the company and its employees. 

“The resources sector, which is responsible for one in every six jobs and one in five dollars of our economy, has kept us afloat through covid and continues to provide the raw materials the world needs while delivering sustainable rehabilitation outcomes for future use."

Located 90km north-west of Emerald in the heart of Queensland's Bowen Basin, Oaky Creek coal mine produces high quality steel-making metallurgical coal for export, with six million tonnes produced in 2020.

Click here for more information about the resources sector’s rehabilitation efforts.

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STRESSED small business owners can now connect to a new, tailored mental health support service by visiting My Business Health.

The New Access for Small Business Owners program, delivered by leading mental health organisation Beyond Blue, is now operational and fully integrated into the redeveloped My Business Health web portal.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said it was important for small business owners to consider their mental health and to reach out if they are not coping.

“Small business owners have endured a lot over the past 12 months, particularly those hardest hit by the COVID crisis,” Mr Billson said.

“Help is available to small business owners who need it. My Business Health is an excellent support tool for small business owners and it now links to Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners program.

“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 provided by coaches that have experience in small business. Being able to talk to someone who understands the mental load of running a small business will make a real difference," Mr Billson said.

“We know the small business community bore the brunt of the pandemic and that has understandably taken a toll. Small business owners who look after their mental health, can also help their business.

“A recent Federal Government survey of 1000 small business owners revealed one in three were diagnosed with either stress, anxiety or depression.

“Financial concerns were understandably the biggest contributor to their stress, according to the research," he said.

“Small business loans are often secured against the family home, so if they lose their business they could lose their home. The stakes are incredibly high."

Beyond Blue’s New Access for Small Business Owners program is now taking registrations here.  

THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration today presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program.

Committee chair Julian Leeser MP said, “The committee has heard repeatedly that skilled migrants create Australian jobs. With over 500,000 temporary visa holders leaving Australia during the COVID pandemic, we need to bring back skilled migration, to fill essential gaps and to help create more jobs for Australians.

“Skilled migrants provide much needed skills to fill skills gaps, offering businesses the opportunity to better meet demand and expand, and to pass on their skills to Australians,” Mr Leeser said.

“Australia has always been an attractive destination for migrants. Our excellent response to the health and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has made Australia an even more attractive destination. Now is the time to attract highly talented individuals and businesses to Australia.

“The report recommends a number of measures to streamline the system to ensure we can capitalise on the opportunity in front of us."

The interim report makes recommendations focused on assisting in recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inquiry will continue with a wider focus on long term reform of the skilled migration program. Submissions responding to the terms of reference will be accepted until March 31, 2021.

A copy of the interim report and more details about the inquiry are available on the committee website.

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