A SELECT committee on mental health and suicide prevention has been established to consider a range of strategic reviews of the current mental health system, and whether the recommendations are fit for purpose to address the fallout from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr Fiona Martin MP said, "While the bushfires were catastrophic, it was the emergence of COVID-19 that has changed everything. Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the mental health of many Australians through increased isolation, job loss and financial stress.

"In addition, there has been a reduction in access to face-to-face mental health services, with many changing to telephone support models, while crisis organisations and suicide prevention services experience higher demand. However, it has also seen innovation prioritised and communities rally to support one another."

The committee will begin the inquiry by reviewing the findings of the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health, the Report of the National Suicide Prevention Officer, the Victorian Royal Commission and the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. It will then turn its attention to the experiences and successes of mental health and suicide prevention stakeholders, from grassroots services through to international initiatives.

The committee is accepting written submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference and invites individuals and organisations to share their views with the committee. The closing date for submissions is March 24, 2021. A guide to making a submission can be found on the website.

The committee will also hold hearings as part of this inquiry so that it can hear from people who have relevant experience or expertise. The dates and locations for the committee's hearings will be published on the inquiry website.

The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, contact one of the services below:

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
eheadspace 1800 650 890

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CPA AUSTRALIA has welcomed the permanent increase in the rate of JobSeeker, announced today, but says the amount of the rise may not be sufficient.

CPA Australia chief executive officer Andrew Hunter said, “For many unemployed workers the JobSeeker payment doesn’t provide adequate support or security. An increase was overdue before the pandemic.”

CPA Australia called on the government to permanently increase the rate of JobSeeker in its 2021-22 Federal Budget Submission.

Mr Hunter said, “We’re pleased the government has announced an increase in JobSeeker but the new rate still won’t provide adequate support or security to many recipients.

“A wide range of views have been expressed as to why today’s announcement is justified. We join this consensus from an economic and societal perspective.

“It doesn’t make sense to leave so many households struggling to make ends meet in these difficult times," he said.

“One of the surest ways to get money circulating in an economy is to assist people who will spend it. JobSeeker recipients have limited capacity to save and will use additional amounts to buy goods and services that support business and the economy.

“From a public interest perspective, people who are unable to find work shouldn’t be denied the ability to afford the basics; they shouldn’t be excluded from actively participating in society.

CPA Australia has recommended the government establish a regular review process for JobSeeker, similar to annual wage reviews conducted by the Fair Work Commission.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. CPA Australia has  more than 168,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, supported by 19 offices globally. Core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. CPA engages with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. cpaaustralia.com.au

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AUSTRALIA'S ‘bricks and mortar’ retail industry experienced a challenging 2020. Now, new research from a leading parcel delivery service reveals the solutions retailers believe will help the entire retail industry bounce back this year.

The findings come from an independent survey of 172 Australian retailers, commissioned by CouriersPlease (CP). 

When CP asked retailers about their own recovery, a third (36 percent) said they would be able to recover to pre-pandemic levels between July and December this year. Just a quarter (24 percent) revealed their recovery could be in July. Thirteen percent said their recovery would depend on restrictions lifting completely, and 8 percent said recovery would take place after 2021.

CP then presented retailers with a list of potential solutions that could help the retail industry recover faster – including an extension of the JobKeeper scheme and tax incentives from the government. CP asked retailers to choose what they think the industry needs to bounce back once social restrictions are removed. Respondents could choose multiple answers.

The majority of retailers (42 percent) believe an effective treatment or vaccine is needed, 34 percent said further government assistance to help them pay employee salaries, such as an extension of the JobKeeper scheme; 27 percent said tax incentives from the government; and 17 percent believe further cashback incentives from the government are necessary for the industry’s recovery.

One fifth (22 percent) of retailers said a recovery would require more cash for consumers to help boost their confidence. Consumer confidence fell by 27 percent when social restrictions were enforced last year.[1]

Paul Roper, chief commercial officer at CP said, "The retail industry has a long way to go to recovery. While e-commerce has remained strong, many bricks and mortar retailers were forced to close their doors last year. The end of JobKeeper in March, a slow rollout of the NSW Government’s Dine and Discovery voucher scheme and continuing COVID cases across the country, including the recent spike in cases in Melbourne, are just a few of the factors that could lead to cautious consumer spending this year.

“I encourage these retailers to consider shifting to, or growing, their online or omnichannel offering as more Australians become comfortable with online shopping. A number of support measures remain at retailers’ disposal, including the SME Guarantee Scheme and the instant asset write-off scheme.”

The full survey results, including breakdowns across organisation size and industries, can be found here: couriersplease.com.au/Portals/0/CP_Retail_Industry_White_Paper_230221.pdf

[1] Roy Morgan, March 2020 roymorgan.com/findings/8340-anz-roy-morgan-consumer-confidence-march-24-2020-202003232236

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THE Indigenous Affairs Committee will hear from Woolworths Group and Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APO NT) this Thursday as part of its inquiry into pathways and participation opportunities for Indigenous Australians in employment and business. Witnesses will be attending by conference call.

Committee Chair Julian Leeser MP said both organisations would provide valuable insights to the inquiry as Woolworths is an industry leader in Indigenous recruitment and APO NT is a respected voice in Aboriginal governance.

"Woolworths currently employs over 4,500 First Nations people," Mr Leeser said. "Since partnering with the government under the Employment Parity Initiative, more than 2,800 Indigenous job seekers have been offered employment with the company.

"APO NT has long been an advocate for Indigenous self-determination and economic development. The committee looks forward to discussing ways to reduce barriers to Indigenous participation and economic opportunities at this hearing," Mr Leeser said.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 25 February 2021
Time: 11.40am to 12.50pm 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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