ISSUES of food and agriculture will be on the table for discussion today when experts and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) give evidence on Australia’s regional efforts in this important area.

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting an inquiry into the role of development partnerships in agriculture and agribusiness in promoting prosperity, reducing poverty and enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

DFAT’s submission to the inquiry highlights the scale of the challenge in addressing world hunger and malnutrition, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Department has advised that ‘[a]t present, enough food is produced to feed the world’s population, yet 795 million people suffer hunger, nearly two thirds of these in the Asia-Pacific region.’

"Close to 500 million people in our region still suffer chronic hunger and many countries struggle with the "double burden" of both under and over nutrition," DFAT points out. "Gender inequality remains a significant barrier to realising full productive potential."

The Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP, Sub-Committee Chair, said, "Agriculture, fisheries and water together represent one of the six priority areas under Australia’s development policy, these sectors are key areas of employment and economic growth and they play an important role in reducing poverty in the region."

Officers from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), Australia’s specialist agricultural research-for-development agency will provide insight into international research and capacity building.

DFAT notes, a projected 60 per cent rise in global demand for food by 2050 is expected to create significant economic and business opportunities, but also presents major challenges, including increasing pressure on finite resources.

"Along with the key role development partnerships are playing in promoting prosperity, meeting future food demands will require improvements in productivity, market systems, resource management and governance," Dr Stone said, "while the transition to more efficient or profitable production must also translate into better nutrition for the poor."

This inquiry is consider how governments, NGOs and business can work with locals to overcome the stunting or obesity and consequent non-communicable diseases which now beset some of our nearest neighbours.

Time: 5:10pm to 6:30pm
Venue: Committee Room 1R3 
Parliament House, Canberra

A live audio broadcast will be available at http://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament

Further details about the inquiry, including copies of submissions and how to contribute, can be obtained from the committee’s website at www.aph.gov.au/jfadt or by contacting the committee secretariat on (02) 6277 2313 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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THE Australian Government has welcomed today’s announcement that Arrium Mining and Materials has secured short-term finance and announced a plan to enable it to recapitalise the mining and materials business and implement a strategic plan.

This recapitalisation plan will allow the company to retain its profitable mining consumables division and provide additional funds for restructuring its Whyalla-based steel and mining activities.

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne acknowledged the importance of this announcement to the people of Whyalla and the future of South Australia.

“Arrium is the major employer in Whyalla and a large employer across South Australia, with over 1700 workers across the state as at December 2015,”Mr Pyne said.

“This announcement demonstrates a strong commitment by Arrium to its ongoing viability, following its recent strategic review. However, this does not fully resolve the issues that Arrium is facing.

“The company still has work to do to finalise its recapitalisation and then ensure the Whyalla steelworks maintains its competitiveness.”

Arrium will continue to work to make an additional $60 million in savings at  the  Whyalla steelworks  to reach a cash break-even point. 

“The Government has implemented significant policy reforms to strengthen the competitiveness of Australia’s steel industry, including repealing the carbon tax and providing a 100 per cent exemption from the Renewable Energy Target,” Mr Pyne said.

To further assist the steel industry, Minister Pyne has recently requested the Anti‑Dumping Commission undertake an economic analysis of Asian steel and aluminium markets and the impact on the global and Australian markets.

“As both a South Australian and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, I am committed to working with Australian Steel makers in pursuing initiatives that support a competitive local industry.

www.industry.gov.au

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MINISTER for Employment, Senator Michaelia Cash said the underlying trend of the Australian labour market continues to demonstrate encouraging resilience, despite facing international headwinds and share market turmoil.

Figures released today show seasonally adjusted employment stands at 298,300 (or 2.6 per cent) higher than it was this time last year and well above the decade average of 1.8 per cent.

“There is still considerable underlying strength in the labour market. The overall trend and the statistics show the Australian labour market is holding up well,” Minister Cash said.

“Participation has increased slightly to 65.2 per cent, employment is higher than it was this time last year and we are seeing positive signs in relation to job vacancy figures.”

“Since being elected in September 2013, the Coalition Government has overseen the creation of 421,400 jobs, representing an increase of 3.7 per cent.”

Compared with January 2015, today’s ABS data shows over the past year;

• Total employment has risen by 298,300 (or 2.6 per cent)

• Full-time employment has increased by 157,800 (or 2.0 per cent), to stand at 8,185,800.

• Part-time employment increased by 140,500 (or 3.9 per cent), to stand at a record high of 3,708,700.

• Female employment has risen by 163,200 (or 3.1 per cent)

• Female full-time employment has risen by 93,000 (or 3.3 per cent) to stand at 2,943,600

• Male employment increased by 135,200 (or 2.2 per cent), to a record high of 6,399,900.

• Total unemployment has declined by 22,300 (or 2.8 per cent), with the unemployment rate declining by 0.3 percentage points

• The female unemployment rate has decreased by 0.3 percentage points

• The participation rate has risen from 64.7 per cent to 65.2 per cent

Minister Cash said in the last 12 months the Australian economy has created 298,300 under the Coalition Government – this compares with the last 12 months of the former Gillard-Rudd Labor Government where jobs growth was less than one third this rate.

“In trend terms it is important to remember that the unemployment rate is still 5.8 per cent and both full-time employment and part-time employment are at a record high,” Minister Cash said.

“Clearly there is more work to be done but the trajectory of jobs growth in Australia is still very positive.”

“The Government has a comprehensive jobs plan and we will continue to focus on increasing workforce participation, investing in vital infrastructure, finalising and implementing historic free trade agreements and assisting the unemployed back into the workforce through the new jobactive employment services programme.”

“The Government’s strategy to see the unemployment rate reduce will yield results as we implement our policies in 2016 and beyond.”

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The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will commence its process of examining the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) on behalf of the Parliament at a public hearing on Monday in Canberra.

Acting Chair of JSCOT, the Hon Kelvin Thomson MP, said the TPP has been promoted as the world’s most significant trade and investment agreement, with the signatories making up 40 per cent of the world’s GDP, and needed to be considered carefully.

“The TPP is comprehensive and complex, involving 12 countries and covering a wide range of areas from labour mobility to pharmaceutical patents,” Mr Thomson said.

“The Committee will be taking a thorough look at the TPP to make sure it is in the best interests of Australians and will provide its recommendations as to whether or not we should take binding treaty action.”

Mr Thomson said JSCOT will be conducting a comprehensive consultation process, with the first hearing allowing the Australian Government to present the case for the ratification of the TPP.

“Once this first hearing is complete, it is expected that JSCOT will travel to State capitals and regional Australia to ensure we have a diverse range of views before reporting to the Parliament.” he said.

Public Hearing Details:
Time: 11.10AM – 1.00PM
Date: Monday, 22 February 2016
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra
Live Webcast (Audio only)

Further information, as well as details for those wishing to make a submission in to the inquiry on the TPP, can be found on the JSCOT website. All submissions are due by Friday, 11 March 2016.

Alternatively, interested parties may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (02) 6277 4002.

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THE House of Representatives Agriculture and Industry Committee will conduct a public hearing on Monday for the inquiry into agricultural innovation.

Appearing at the hearing will be representatives from the Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Association, Southern Farming Systems, GrainGrowers, CropLife and the Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre.

Committee Chair, Rowan Ramsey MP, said “Industry groups have a vital role to play in supporting the development and adoption of agricultural innovation in Australia.  There is a range of industry groups with much to contribute to this discussion about the future of Australian agriculture. The Committee looks forward to hearing more about the potential for our industry groups to support agricultural innovation.”

The hearing will be held in Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra:
Monday, 22 February 2016
4:00PM (approx.) - Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Association (Submissions 47 and 61) and Southern Farming Systems (Submission 61)
4:30PM (approx.) - GrainGrowers (Submission 82)
5:00PM (approx.) - CropLife Australia (Submission 50)
5:30PM (approx.) - Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre (Submission 36)
6:00PM (approx.) - Close

The public hearing will be webcast live at: http://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament

Further details about the inquiry, including submissions received and the terms of reference, can be obtained from the Committee’s website at: www.aph.gov.au/agind.

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THE Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the release of Infrastructure Australia’s Australian Infrastructure Plan.

“The plan presents a forthright, evidence based, non-political assessment of challenges in the Australian infrastructure landscape and required reforms to address those challenges,” said Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“It is important that Infrastructure Australia’s findings are carefully considered and actioned by governments and are not politicised.”

Infrastructure Australia has identified and prioritised a number of specific Victorian projects that must be progressed by governments, including:

• The Metropolitan Ring Road from Greensborough to the Eastern Freeway
• Melbourne Metro Rail
• A road connection between the West Gate Freeway and the Port of Melbourne
• Improved public transport to Melbourne Airport

“Many of the Victorian projects on Infrastructure Australia’s priority list are closely aligned with the priorities of the Victorian Chamber and represent a clear pathway for future Victorian infrastructure investment.”

"The Victorian Chamber hopes that Infrastructure Australia will work in close partnership with the newly established Infrastructure Victoria and the Victorian Government to drive the continued investment that is needed to meet Victoria’s future infrastructure needs."

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1851, is the most influential business organisation in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

victorianchamber.com.au  

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QUEENSLAND Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, to reduce by up to 50 percent, the expenditure that explorers are required to make under their minerals exploration permits.

"This initiative will provide much needed relief to mineral explorers across the state in places like Cape York, Mount Isa and operations west of Townsville and Cairns," QRC chief executive Michael Roche said.

"This is an example of how government can partner with industry to provide incentive and some breathing space in tough times without providing a handout or subsidies. QRC also welcomes the fact that the Minister is investigating  extending this policy to coal explorers whose circumstances  are really no different to that of mineral explorers.

"We look forward to having the opportunity to discuss with the Premier and the Cabinet Jobs Committee, a wider partnership plan to provide breathing space for the resources sector or, as the Minister told the Parliament today: 'Giving time for the market to recover'.

"As QRC foreshadowed last week, jobs losses are an inevitable fact of the current severe cyclical downturn in commodity prices but there are areas where Government can partner with industry to alleviate the costs of doing business in Queensland to ensure we remain globally competitive and investment in existing and new projects continues," Mr Roche said.

"The Minister is correct that there is still a lot of interest in resource assets in Queensland. The decision by Anglo American to offer more of its Queensland coal assets for sale is based on a company strategy of repairing its balance sheet and we have no doubt those assets will find new owners.

www.qrc.org.au

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COUNCIL of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) today released its Pre Budget Submission, which outlines its recommendations to grow the Australian economy and support small businesses across the country.

COSBOA’s Pre Budget Submission focuses on tax, supporting growth and skills development; the key areas it feels that need an overhaul to help and grow small businesses.

The submission will be part of a presentation by Peter Strong in Sydney this evening at a meeting of the Paddington Branch of the Liberal Party, which is found in the Prime Minister’s seat of Wentworth.

It is the belief of COSBOA that a flexible and less complex tax system is needed and one that is not geared in the favour of big business, which in the past has seen its power and share of the market used to its own advantage.

CEO of COSBOA, Peter Strong, said: “We know that the tax system is a major point of debate and rightly so.  However, we need to make sure that the debate isn’t hijacked by ideologues to the detriment of mainstream Australia.”

In the submission, one of COSBOA’s suggestions is that that small businesses may ‘opt in’ to a system where they decline all deductions that may apply in exchange for a much lower tax rate.

Peter continues: “This is just one example that’s outlined in the report, which would provide businesses with the opportunity to have a less complex tax return. This would reduce costs and the administrative burden on the tax system and create less need to maintain records for tax purposes, which are currently a drain on the resources of small business.

“Essentially the process needs to be simplified, so that small business owners can focus on running and growing their business and their employees, not unnecessary admin. The outcome would be that the Australian economy will grow and communities will benefit from a range of independent providers,” said Mr Strong.

The report also focuses on skills development and describes the current Vocational Education and Training (VET) system as being in a crisis and not delivering quality service in many sectors.

Peter said:  “COSBOA believes in particular that much of the billions of dollars spent in the vocational training sector is wasted and wants to see funds invested into technical and ‘on the job’ training.”

In the submission it suggests how a major solution can be found, with a substantial part of VET and employment services funding directed through industry associations, who would ensure quality and relevant services and training would be delivered.

Peter concluded: “Giving small business associations greater influence over how that money is spent will create greater outcomes without an increase in expenditure.  There is money in the budget that can be better spent through small business.  We believe the ideologues should be put in a room together, the doors locked, the keys thrown away; and then we can get on with reality!”

For more information on COSBOA, visit www.cosboa.org.au.

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