Business News Releases

Juukan Gorge inquiry commences public hearings

AS PART of a Federal Parliament inquiry into the destruction of the Indigenous heritage sites at Juukan Gorge, the Northern Australia Committee is tomorrow holding a public hearing by teleconference with key stakeholders including Rio Tinto, the Australian Government and the Government of Western Australia.

Committee Chair, Warren Entsch, said it was important to find out what happened at Juukan Gorge and find ways to prevent such incidents occurring again.

"We will be holding extensive consultations with Indigenous stakeholders during the course of the inquiry, and expect to visit the affected sites. To open the inquiry, however, we will be talking to the government and industry stakeholders most concerned with what happened at Juukan Gorge," Mr Entsch said.

In its submission, Rio Tinto acknowledged that "the destruction of the Juukan rockshelters should not have occurred". Looking at the need for legislative change, the company observed:

"In considering possible changes that should be made to legislative frameworks, contractual agreements and new standards and ways of working, there is a critical and ongoing balance to be struck. On the one hand, it is essential to find more effective and flexible means to escalate and manage concerns regarding the preservation of the unique cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians. On the other, there needs to be a clear and predictable framework to enable long-term investment in, and the efficient operation of, mining projects that contribute so significantly to Australia. In meeting that challenge, governments, as well as the mining industry, Traditional Owners and the wider community all have a vital contribution to make."

The Government of Western Australia said, "The recent destruction of the rock shelters in the Juukan Gorge of the Pilbara region is devastating for all parties involved and was clearly avoidable."

Its submission focussed on the shortcomings of the current Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) and the proposed reforms to that Act currently being developed.

"In order to achieve protection, conservation and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Western Australia, and to provide a clear framework that enables land users to manage Aboriginal heritage, a fundamental shift away from the current Act is required," The WA Government said.

Programs are available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 7 August 2020
Time: 9am to 2pm AEDT
Location: By teleconference 

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Further details of the inquiry, including terms of reference, can be found on the Committee’s website.

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Health care standards failing to protect frontline health care workers

AUSTRALIA’s peak workplace health and safety body is calling for immediate government action to stop the spread of COVID-19 among healthcare workers.

An examination of current health and safety standards in healthcare by the Australian Institute of Health and Safety has found they are inadequate for the current crisis.

This comes as over 1200 Victorian healthcare workers have now tested positive to coronavirus.

AIHS chairwoman Naomi Kemp said the failure to provide adequate workplace health and safety standards in hospitals and aged care centres has contributed to the state’s devastating second wave.

“The current infection rate is unacceptable,” she said.

“But more tragically, it is preventable.”

Ms Kemp said that current health and safety practice rebuked the assumption that hospitals were some of Australia’s safest workplaces.

“Workers on many building sites currently have better protection than our healthcare workers when it comes to personal protective equipment, protocols around common work and recreation areas and transmission management,” she said.

“Despite months of preparation, hospitals and aged care centres don’t have the health and safety practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 amongst their frontline workers.

“The rate of infection of frontline workers is putting additional pressure on the sector to be able to deliver services.”

Australia’s National Guidance on personal protective equipment use in hospitals does not require staff to wear P2/N95’s masks in all activities with confirmed or potential COVID-19 patients, even though it is an airborne virus. Surgical masks are not designed to protect the wearer.

Ms Kemp said that urgently needed to change.

“We’re not saying that individual hospitals and aged care centres aren’t trying, but many are only implementing the minimum health and safety standards, and those requirements are dangerously inadequate for frontline workers,” she said.

The AIHS is calling on the federal and state governments to implement the following:

  • · Immediately upgrade federal and state infection control guidelines and standards.
  • · Hospitals and aged care centres to upgrade their health and safety management plans and practices to the appropriate standard. 
  • · Immediate increased surveillance and enforcement by government workplace health and safety regulatory authorities in hospitals and aged care centres.
  • · Mandate the use of approved P2/N95 masks for all tasks healthcare workers perform dealing with patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19
  • · Provide training and fit-testing in the use of masks provided to staff.

Ms Kemp said unless these five areas were addressed as a matter of urgency, infection rates in hospitals and aged care centres would continue to escalate. 

“The Victorian experience will simply be repeated in other states unless we act urgently to introduce better protocols across Australia,” she said. “No worker should have to go to work and contract COVID-19.”

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Public hearing on proposed Phase 1 of Defence AIR 555 Facilities Project

AT A PUBLIC  hearing tomorrow, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works will scrutinise a proposal from the Department of Defence to commence Phase 1 of the AIR555 facilities project at RAAF Bases in Edinburgh, Darwin, and Townsville, as well as the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

The inquiry into the AIR 555 Phase 1 Airborne Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Electronic Warfare Capability Facilities Works  will examine the need for and cost effectiveness of the project, along with how the project will support the incoming Peregrine capability.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 7 August 2020
Time: 2.15pm to 3.15pm (AEST)
Location: via teleconference

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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Homelessness inquiry to hear from state and territory governments

THIS WEEK the House Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs will hear from representatives from Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory as part of its inquiry into homelessness in Australia.

Chair of the Committee, Andrew Wallace MP, said the Committee was looking forward to hearing more from state and territory governments as they have primary responsibility for housing and homelessness.

"Throughout the inquiry, the Committee has heard evidence about the central role of state and territory governments in supporting those in our community who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Last week we heard from the Northern Territory government, and this week’s hearing will be an opportunity to hear from other states and territories about their strategies to address homelessness, and how they are working with the Commonwealth under the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement," Mr Wallace said.

"The Committee will also be interested to hear more about measures implemented by state and territory governments to assist the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic."

The Committee will also hear from community organisations including the Sacred Heart Mission and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.

In order to ensure public safety during the COVID-19 situation, witnesses will participate in the hearing remotely, via teleconference. Interested members of the public are invited to listen to the live broadcast, available at aph.gov.au/live.

Further information, including hearing programs and submissions to the inquiry, is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 7 August 2020
Time: 8.45am to 3pm
Location: Via teleconference

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Devastating day for Virgin pilots and Australia's aviation industry

VIPA, the association for Virgin Group pilots, said it was devastated at today’s announcement that in excess of 30 percent of the Virgin pilot group will lose their jobs.

This decision impacts pilots flying the wide body (B777 and A330, internationally) and ATR72.  At this stage VIPA is unsure of the impact upon the B737 Virgin fleet.

The total number of pilots who will be made redundant is likely to be approximately 400 of the 1400 remaining VA Group pilots.  VIPA represents more than half of these pilots, who have more than 20,000 years of flight experience between them.

“The knock-on effect this decision will have on the economy is significant; including future skills shortages, loss of technical experience and the inability to retain skilled Australian pilots,” VIPA president John Lyons said today.

“The Federal Government has let down these Virgin employees and the Australian aviation industry as a whole by not providing specific support, as well as the travelling public – this is the exact opposite action that governments in the US, UK and Europe have taken.

“Given the specialist nature of these roles, our workers’ skills are not easily transferable and take years to secure, so they dedicate their careers to these jobs. This is devastating news for them, but also very sad news for the Australian public at large who will undoubtedly see an increase in fares and decrease in services as a result.”

VIPA, in conjunction with the ACTU, worked very hard as a group to maximise as many jobs as possible were kept and to ensure that full entitlements would be paid for those made redundant.

VIPA will maintain pressure on Bain to keep its commitment to establish and fund Virgin Australia as a sustainable and successful business if required during recovery.

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Accommodation Association disappointed with Qld border closure to NSW and ACT

PEAK industry body, the Accommodation Association said yesterday the decision to close the Queensland border to NSW and ACT is "disappointing given there has only been a total of 21 cases in the past four weeks".

Accommodation Association CEO Dean Long said, “The Accommodation Sector agrees that health considerations must be at the forefront of decision making however this decision comes with absolutely no warning and will now mean an acceleration of job losses in Queensland’s tourism sector.

“The closing of Queensland’s border to the whole of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory when there have been just 21 cases in total over the past month, less than one case a day, is extremely disappointing," he said.

“It is absolutely critical that we get the balance right between protecting lives and protecting jobs. The flow-on ramifications of slamming shut borders are huge.

"This decision not only costs Queensland lost revenue from tourism but the reverse applies back into New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. This is a decision which has very real, very damaging consequences for hotels, motels and serviced apartment providers, for all those tourism and tourism-related businesses and communities and for the economies of those impacted states and territories," Mr Long said.

The Queensland Premier’s decisions impact more than just Queensland and we need a more collaborative and constructive approach.

“The Queensland Government and Chief Medical Officer must release the details of the rationale they are basing their decisions on in expanding hot spots so that businesses can understand and prepare. Decisions such as the one taken today destroy the confidence of businesses and tourism reliant communities.”

Mr Long said accommodation contributes $17 billion to the Australian economy and is essential to the Australian tourism sector’s recovery. NSW visitors contribute $4.4 billion to Queensland’s economy each year and ACT $243 million each year, according to Tourism Research Australia and Queensland visitors contribute $3.34 billion to NSW’s economy and $225 million to the ACT’s economy.

 

About The Accommodation Association

The Accommodation Association represents close to 3,500 hotels, over 150,000 rooms and nearly 100,000 employees across Australia. The Accommodation Association represents over 80 percent of all known accommodation providers from small regional parks, caravan parks, serviced apartments and resorts through to the largest hotel groups in the world including Accor, Hilton, Wyndam Destinations and IHG.
(https://www.aaoa.com.au/About-Us/The-Association).

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Sale of AAP formalised

THE SALE of Australian Associated Press (AAP) to a consortium of impact investors and philanthropists has been formally completed, ending 85 years of ownership by Australia’s major publishing groups.

The national news agency will continue to provide a trusted breaking news service with a team of journalists and photographers, most of whom have joined the new organisation from the legacy business.

The AAP name and brand will be retained.

New AAP CEO Emma Cowdroy welcomed the finalisation of the agreement.

"The successful sale has ensured that AAP has not only survived but that it now has the opportunity to thrive," Ms Cowdroy said.  "Our backers and the board are united in our determination to continue AAP's critical role as the source of truly independent news for all Australians. 

"The value of independent journalism for the benefit of our society has never been more important and the new-look AAP will be underpinned by this philosophy."

Bruce Davidson, the outgoing CEO after 10 years in the role, wished the new owners every success.

“The legacy of the news agency is in good hands and I’m delighted that the spirit of AAP will live on into the future.”

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COVID-19 inquiry to hear from Home Affairs

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Home Affairs at its next public hearing on Thursday.

Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said Home Affairs had played a central role in the Australian Government’s response the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Fawcett said, “Home Affairs has a wide-reaching portfolio and the committee looks forward to hearing about its management of the pandemic and the contributions it plans to make to Australia’s recovery and future resilience, especially through the management of Australia’s critical infrastructure.”

Witnesses from Home Affairs will give evidence on the Department’s work coordinating Australia’s pandemic response as well as its functions in immigration and border security.

Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday 6 August
Time: 3pm – 4.30pm AEST 
Location: By teleconference

The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live

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Today's COVID-19 inquiry public hearing rescheduled to 3.30pm AEST

TODAY'S public hearing for the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will be held at 3.30pm AEST, an hour earlier than previously scheduled.

Details of the hearing, which will feature witnesses from the CSIRO, are on the Committee website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 3.30-4.30pm AEST
Location: By teleconference

The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live.

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Public hearing: 'Are we getting a fair go from the ATO?'

THE House of Representatives Committee on Tax and Revenue will be holding a public hearing for its inquiry into the Commissioner of Taxation Annual Report 2018-19.  

The Committee will hear from Nina E. Olson, executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and former United States taxpayer advocate, who will offer a valuable international perspective on tax administration.

Chair of the Committee, Jason Falinski MP, said the Committee was interested to learn more about the taxation system of the United States and the ways in which the United States Internal Revenue Service assists vulnerable taxpayers.  

"The Committee has a strong interest in taxpayer engagement with the tax system and ensuring that people with low tax literacy or vulnerable taxpayers are not unfairly treated in a complex system of self-assessment. We look forward to hearing about the approach of the United States and the taxpayer advocate in this regard," Mr Falinski said.

Further information about the inquiry is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 13 August 2020
Time: 8am to 9am
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra (via video/teleconference)

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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CSIRO to appear before COVID-19 inquiry

WITNESSES from CSIRO will give evidence at a public hearing on the organisation’s work in vaccine research, data services and advanced manufacturing capabilities in response to the pandemic.

The hearing is part of the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Committee, said that in addition to its research work, CSIRO had provided valuable services to Australian State and Federal Governments during the pandemic.

Senator Fawcett said, “CSIRO is doing valuable work in support of global efforts to find a vaccine for COVID-19. But it is also helping governments to understand and manage the pandemic in a variety of ways.

"Their work in supporting the rapid development of advanced materials for use in the manufacturing of face masks and the testing of respirators against Australian standards has been invaluable.”

Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 4.30-5.30pm AEST 
Location: By teleconference 

The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live.

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