THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020.

The bill review was referred to the Committee by the Alex Hawke MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs.

The Migration and Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening Information Provisions) Bill 2020 amends both the Migration Act 1958 and the Australian Citizenship Act 2007. The Bill amends the Migration Act to protect disclosure of confidential information provided by gazetted intelligence and law enforcement agencies where the information is used for decisions made to refuse or cancel a visa on character grounds, or revoke or set aside such decisions (Protected Information).

The Bill amends the Migration Act to introduce a Protected Information framework, which will:

• provide that the High Court, the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court of Australia (the Federal Circuit Court) may order the Minister to produce or give in evidence Protected Information where the Court is satisfied that it is Protected Information and the production of it is for the purposes of substantive proceedings related to a decision to refuse or cancel a visa on character grounds, or revoke or set aside such a decision.

The Bill also amends the Citizenship Act to introduce provisions in order to protect Protected Information where the information is used for decision such as:

• decisions to refuse to approve an application for citizenship;
• to cease a person’s Australian citizenship if the person has engaged in specified conduct;
• to make a determination by the Minister to cease a person’s Australian citizenship if the person has been convicted of a specified offence (and sentenced to at least three years’ imprisonment); renunciations of citizenship by conduct; and,
• cessation of citizenship for service outside Australia in armed forces of an enemy country or a declared terrorist organisation.

Chair of the Committee, Senator James Paterson said, "The Committee will be interested to hear from various government and non-government submitters on the importance of protecting certain information as well as the balance between such protection and transparent government.”

The Committee requests submissions to the inquiry by 4pm, Friday, June 25, 2021.

Prospective submitters are advised that any submission to the Committee’s inquiry must be prepared solely for the inquiry and should not be published prior to being accepted by the Committee.

Further information about making a submission to a committee inquiry can be found at the following link.

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THE CITY of Melbourne is aiming to become one of the best cities on the globe for attracting businesses and jobs of the future, while also supporting traditional strengths such as international education and tourism.

Melbourne City Councillors this week endorsed a Draft Economic Development Strategy outlining actions and targets to make Melbourne thrive again as part of the City of Melbourne’s immediate response to COVID-19 and plans for the next 10 years.

Highlights include creating a business-friendly city by ensuring Melbourne is one of the easiest places to start and grow a business.

The City of Melbourne is committing to support small businesses by delivering an enhanced Business Concierge service and streamlining processes such as permits. A new entity, Invest Melbourne, would be established to facilitate major new investment proposals especially global headquarters and research and development centres.

Competitive innovation districts in City North, Arden and Fishermans Bend would be key to encouraging new industries to support innovation, drive economic growth, create more high-value jobs and attract talent and investment.

Support for students and the recovery and resurgence of Melbourne’s international education sector will include advocating for the safe return of international students in 2022, supporting returning students and establishing a one-stop digital community.

A new tourism entity, Visit Melbourne, would position Melbourne as the premier visitor destination in Australia. Investment in visitor experiences would include the redevelopment of Central Pier in Docklands, as well as the Docklands Media Precinct.

Other highlights in the Draft Strategy include a ‘Post-COVID 3000’ initiative to improve residential affordability in the central city, increase housing supply for city workers and advocate for measures to lower market entry costs.

Ideas include advocating for an exemption on stamp-duty for central city properties and removing land tax for build-to-rent developments for a period of two years.

The City of Melbourne engaged with industry and business leaders, precinct associations and state and federal governments to develop the Draft Economic Development Strategy.

Feedback will be sought from businesses and the community via Participate Melbourne.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said of the strategic plan, “Pre-COVID, Melbourne was one of the fastest growing cities in the developed world and we are committed to nurturing our economic, social and cultural recovery.

“This Draft Economic Development Strategy provides goals and targets to drive growth and encourage new industries to invest in Melbourne. We want to make Melbourne thrive again – and that means supporting new and existing businesses that create jobs for Melburnians.

“We acted swiftly in response to COVID-19 to assist businesses, deliver essential services and support to the community, and advance recovery and reactivation.

“We know from past pandemics around the world that cities can recover to create a brighter future than they might have imagined, but to do so requires sound policy decisions and planning.”

Melbourne City Activation lead, Councillor Roshena Campbell said, “The City of Melbourne is the most significant economic, cultural, sporting and social hub in Victoria with a $104 billion economy prior to COVID-19.

“Our future success will rely on ensuring Melbourne continues to be a globally distinctive place with thriving businesses and strong knowledge, creative and visitor economies.

“Fostering bright ideas, working collaboratively with all levels of government and drawing on the expertise of industry and business will help us overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and come out stronger.

“We look forward to gathering feedback from businesses and the community on these ideas and initiatives,” Cr Campbell said.

www.melbourne.vic.gov.au

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TRANSPORT Matters Pary leader and Victorian Member for Easter Metropolitan, Rod Barton is celebrating the outcome of an unfair dismissal case against Deliveroo calling it "just the beginning".

The tribunal ruled that Deliveroo’s contracted couriers are in fact employees with rights to a minimum wage. Deliveroo had kicked rider Diego Franco off the platform last year for alleged lateness. D

Mr Franco had been provided only seven days notice and was informed of his termination via email.

This ruling could mean Deliveroo may have to provide backpay for lost wages, Mr Barton said.

Mr Barton believes this ruling sets a powerful precedent for the future of the gig economy.

“For too long these huge rideshare multinationals have been able to enter the Victorian market, exploit our communities and line their pockets with our hard-earned cash," Mr Barton said. "This ruling will show that there are consequences to treating our most vulnerable as a means to end and failing to provide employees with basic workers' rights.

“The gig economy continues to be under-regulated, with vulnerable workers allowed to fall through the cracks. The fact that rideshare drivers are not paid an industry minimum wage, do not receive superannuation, sick days or insurance makes absolutely clear the need for more government regulation in this sector.

“The fight for basic workers' rights is not over, this is just the beginning.”

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said small business tradespeople will be able to meet the demand for their skills wherever they are in Australia under new laws passed by the Senate.

The Australian Government’s Mutual Recognition Amendment Bill 2021, will make it easier for skilled workers to take up jobs across states and territories, without having to obtain a new licence for the same type of work in another jurisdiction.

Mr Billson said the reform will give thousands of small business tradespeople the flexibility to work in different areas of the country.

“This is a red tape buster that will help small business tradespeople who want to meet the demand for their skills across Australia,” Ms Billson said.

“This reform offers small business employers the opportunity to secure skilled workers from interstate.

“It also means small business professionals such as architects and engineers to work more seamlessly across state borders.

“My office has worked closely with the Australian Government’s Deregulation Taskforce to achieve this important reform. It is an excellent outcome for the small business tradespeople that will directly benefit from these changes.

“Importantly, while allowing freedom of movement across states and territories, the scheme also includes safeguards to maintain standards and protect consumers and workers," Mr Billson said.

“We welcome the Australian Government’s $11 million Budget commitment to implementing the scheme, which will be used in part to improve information exchanged between jurisdictions.”

Further supporting legislation by the states and territories is expected to enable commencement of this scheme from July 1, 2021.

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