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Redress Scheme inquiry report to be published soon

THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme anticipates it will finish its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme in November 2024.

Over the course of the inquiry, the committee has received more than 50 submissions and held 11 public hearings. Evidence received has highlighted areas the committee has examined including:

  • the experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme;
  • accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates;
  • barriers and complications experienced when accessing the Scheme, such as with language, communication and cultural safety;
  • the need for increased resources for redress legal services and counselling support services to better meet demand and reduce long waiting periods;
  • concerns regarding delays processing applications, the consistency of redress outcomes and the transparency of decisions.

Senator Catryna Bilyk, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme, said, "The committee is grateful for the submissions received later in the inquiry and is taking the time needed to ensure this evidence is considered. This has resulted in the expected completion of the inquiry to be extended from October to November."

"The evidence we have received has been extremely important to this inquiry and the committee is working hard to consider this evidence carefully and respectfully in the drafting of its report. The committee appreciates the efforts taken by contributors of this inquiry and hopes to provide a report that reflects the evidence provided throughout the inquiry."

 

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Treaties Committee recommends ratification of the Marine Aids Convention

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Convention on the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (the Marine Aids Convention).

The Convention establishes the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation, which will replace the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities and continue its work on harmonising marine navigation systems worldwide.

"A key feature of the organisation’s work has been to promote the harmonisation of marine navigation aids internationally, so that mariners can expect the same set of rules and systems no matter who’s waters they are sailing in," Committee Chair Lisa Chesters MP said.

"Although the Internal Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities was a peak body with international membership, some governments and organisations were unable to join the association because it was a non-governmental organisation. As an intergovernmental organisation, the new body will benefit from increased membership and sponsorship."

The committee supports ratification and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.

The report also contains the minor treaty action 2022 Amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.

 

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IT issues and late annual reporting persist in the Commonwealth financial statements audits

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has today tabled its report for the Inquiry into Commonwealth Financial Statements 2022-23.

Committee Chair Linda Burney stated that poor IT governance, particularly user access issues, continue to be among the significant findings of the Auditor-General’s report into the financial statements.

Ms Burney said, "Unauthorised user access to IT systems across the Commonwealth remains a problem as in previous years. The risks this poses are potentially significant as some of the agencies involved hold highly sensitive information."

Another area of particular concern to the committee from the 2022-23 audits was the increase in the number of annual reports not being presented in time to be scrutinised at end of year Estimates hearings.

Ms Burney said, "The Parliament must have this information, and is indeed entitled to expect it, in time to readily and properly scrutinise the expenditure of taxpayer funds."

Other matters considered by the committee included legislative breaches involving certain payments and incorrect executive remuneration or non-compliance with the Remuneration Tribunal; and the lack of a mandatory internal auditing function for Commonwealth entities.

The committee had made five recommendations in its report that include requests for updates from specific entities on addressing legislative breaches and IT governance shortfalls, and an explanation from agencies that have failed to present an annual report on time for three consecutive years.

The committee is also recommending the Department of Finance amends the current guidelines to require it to be notified immediately of any breaches of the executive remuneration rules, and that it develops a mandatory framework with detailed guidelines for internal auditing.

The report can be downloaded from the inquiry website.

 

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The design and implementation of policies and programs need to be better

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit today tabled its report for the Inquiry into Policy and Program Design and Implementation.

Committee Chair Linda Burney said specific recurring issues identified in the Auditor-General reports included in the inquiry appear to be impacting the effectiveness of government policy and program design, including inadequate stakeholder engagement, a lack of effective performance measures, and deficiencies in the advice to government.

Ms Burney said, "Ineffective decision-making and a departure from best practice resulted in some common issues across the audits examined by the Committee, even though they involved very different programs.

"This inquiry has highlighted that Commonwealth entities must remain vigilant in ensuring that they continue to meet best practice requirements when designing and implementing policies and programs for the benefit of the Australian public."

The committee has made 11 recommendations in this report which include requests for progress updates from audited entities on a variety of issues including stakeholder engagement planning, legislative changes, and information management processes.

The committee has also recommended that the Australian Government prioritises legislation that aligns the Health Insurance Act with the modern technological requirements of telehealth and that reforms the existing partner and child family visa programs to make them truly demand driven.

The report can be downloaded from the inquiry website.

 

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PJCIS hearings on cyber security legislation package

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold hearings on Thursday and Friday for its inquiry into the Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024.

The legislative package consists of the Cyber Security Bill 2024, the Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024 and the Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024.

The Cyber Security Legislative Package intends to implement seven initiatives under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to address legislative gaps to bring Australia in line with international best practice and to help ensure Australia is on track to become a global leader in cyber security.

Senator Raff Ciccone, Chair of the PJCIS, said, “The Cyber Security Legislative Package seeks to protect Australia’s cyber infrastructure, which is an essential component of Australia’s national security. These hearings will allow the committee to engage corporate, industry and civil society submitters. In addition, the committee will hear from government departments who will be tasked with implementing the legislation.

“Seeking a broad range of views will allow the Committee to provide balanced advice to the Parliament to help ensure the legislation operates as effectively as possible in response to ever increasing cyber threats," Senator Ciccone said.

Public Hearing Details

Thursday, 31 October 2024
10am – 4:45pm (AEDT)

Friday, 1 November 2024
9am – 1pm (AEDT)

Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

A program for the hearing can be found here and the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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Public hearings continue for parliamentary inquiry into utilising Free Trade Agreements

THE Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth will hold three public hearings in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra to inform its inquiry into the understanding and utilisation of benefits under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

The committee will hear from industry groups, peak bodies, academics and community organisations about how Australian businesses are engaging in international trade and how access to the benefits offered by trade and Australia’s FTAs could be improved.

The inquiry is focusing on the level of awareness and uptake of the benefits available under Australia’s FTAs, including the promotion of the benefits of trade, the difficulties faced in accessing the benefits of trade agreements and how the utilisation of trade agreements is measured. The committee is also examining the extent to which regional, diaspora and First Nations communities take advantage of trade and FTA opportunities, including how these communities can be better engaged to build Australia’s trade.

Committee Chair, Steve Georganas MP said, “International trade brings significant economic and social benefits to all Australians. The committee is looking forward to hearing from stakeholders to better understand if the benefits offered by participation in trade are being maximised and how the utilisation of Australia’s free trade agreements could be improved.

“We are also interested in how Australia’s large diaspora communities participate in trade, and whether there are greater opportunities to utilise their knowledge, expertise and networks to foster closer business links and trade ties.”

These public hearings follow earlier hearings with several Australian Government departments and agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Austrade that focussed on the government’s role in supporting Australian businesses to enjoy the economic and social benefits of trade and Australia’s FTAs.

Public hearing details

Sydney

Date: Tuesday, 29 October 2024
Time: 9.30am to 2pm (AEST)
Location: Macquarie Room, NSW Parliament House

Melbourne

Date: Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Time: 10am to 2pm (AEST)
Location: TBC

Canberra

Date: Friday, 22 November 2024
Time: 9am to 2.30pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

Further information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, published submissions and hearing transcripts, are available on the inquiry webpage.

The hearing will be broadcast live at www.youtube.com/@AUSParliamentLive.

 

 

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Second public hearing for the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy

THE House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy is holding its second public hearing in Canberra today. The parliamentary committee has been established to inquire into and report on the consideration of nuclear power generation in Australia.

Committee Chair, Dan Repacholi MP, the Federal Member for Hunter, said, "The committee is looking forward to continuing to hear evidence from stakeholders who may have a role in any future federal nuclear energy policy in Australia, and experts with knowledge of nuclear energy. We are continuing to set the scene and gather information as to where Australia currently stands with regards to nuclear energy regulation and policy and how nuclear energy would fit into Australia’s current energy mix.”

Mr Repacholi explained that the hearings in Canberra were a foundation the committee intended to use before travelling to communities that have been earmarked for nuclear energy plants.

The hearing can be accessed online. Programs for all hearings and further information about the inquiry, including the inquiry terms of reference are available on the Committee’s website.

The Select Committee on Nuclear Energy is seeking submissions by Friday, 15 November 2024.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 28 October 2024
Time: 8:30am to 6:15pm (AEDT) (approximately)
Location: Main Committee Room (MCR), Australian Parliament House, Canberra

 

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Alcohol and other drug health hearings begin

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport will convene a series of public hearings next week in support of its inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia.

The hearings will be held in Melbourne on October 28 and 29, and in Brisbane on October 30.

Committee Chair, Mike Freelander MP, said the inquiry had attracted significant public interest since commencing in August.

"The committee has received a large number of written submissions highlighting several crucial issues, including the stigma preventing early intervention, links between substance use and domestic violence, and opportunities for better service integration," Dr Freelander said.

"We are looking forward to exploring these issues in greater depth during our public hearings."

The hearings will be attended by representatives of peak bodies specialising in alcohol and other drugs (AOD) treatment, leading Australian researchers and clinicians, and government and non-government AOD service providers.

Public hearings

Date: Monday, 28 October 2024
Time: 11.30am – 3.45pm AEDT
Location: Mantra on Russell, Melbourne

Date: Tuesday, 29 October 2024
Time: 8.45am – 2.15pm AEDT
Location: Mantra on Russell, Melbourne

Date: Wednesday, 30 October 2024
Time: 10.30am – 4pm AEST
Location: Queensland Parliament House, Brisbane

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live audio stream of the hearings will also be available on the APH website.

 

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Tax Practitioners Board expands consultation on draft Code Determination guidance

TO ENSURE appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct in the tax profession are upheld, the regulator for tax practitioners, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), today released draft policy guidance for public consultation.

The draft policy guidance seeks to assist tax practitioners understand the new obligations in the Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 (Determination) and the TPB is seeking tax practitioner and stakeholder feedback to help shape the final version of the following draft guidance:

In releasing these draft information sheets, TPB chair, Peter de Cure welcomed stakeholder feedback from the community, tax practitioners and relevant professional associations.

Mr de Cure said, "Our practical guidance supports the majority of tax practitioners doing the right thing. At the same time, improved tax practitioner standards will help address false or misleading tax statements associated with tax avoidance and fraud.

"This draft guidance supports trust in the tax profession, covering a range of practical issues to ensure competent services, supported by quality management systems and improved client transparency.

"‘In developing the draft guidance we held two roundtable discussions with professional bodies and consumer groups, seeking their initial views," Mr de Cure said. "Recognising the key role professional associations have in the co-regulation of tax practitioners, their engagement and practical insights has been invaluable in informing and improving our draft guidance.

"We look forward to expanding our consultation processes and continuing to work closely with all stakeholders and the tax profession. This will ensure the final guidance is practical and supports tax practitioners."

For most tax practitioners the new ethical requirements apply from July 1, 2025. The exception being larger firms, with 100 or more staff, who will need to comply from January 1, 2025.

The TPB encourages all stakeholders to share their views on its draft policy guidance and tax practitioners and other stakeholders can make a written submission. They can also provide feedback by participating in the TPB's series of Code Determination webinars or responding via their professional association.

As part of finalising the guidance in December 2024, the TPB will also be issuing complementary material, such as factsheets and website content, to assist tax practitioners understand the new requirements.

The TPB has updated the Frequently asked questions on the new Code obligations, published on its website, to address some common queries about the determination.

Comments invited

The TPB invites comments on all six draft information sheets by November 21, 2024. Submissions for each can be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail to Tax Practitioners Board, GPO Box 1620, Sydney NSW 2001.

The TPB will consider all submissions received before finalising its position.

 

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The Select Committee on Nuclear Energy’s public hearing program kicks off in Canberra

THE newly established House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy will kick start its public hearing program in Canberra today. The parliamentary committee has been established to inquire into and report on the consideration of nuclear power generation in Australia.

The committee will hear from Federal Government departments including the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW); the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR); the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Department of Defence, and government agencies including the Australia Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), among others.

Committee Chair, Dan Repacholi MP, the Federal Member for Hunter, said, "The committee is looking forward to opening its public hearing program with a day of ‘scene setting’ evidence from government departments and agencies who play a role in federal nuclear energy policy and legislation in Australia. The committee hopes this will provide an opportunity for a productive discussion of the fundamental issues around nuclear power generation in Australia.”

Mr Repacholi explained the committee intends to hear from communities across Australia that would be impacted by the Opposition’s nuclear energy plan. In the coming weeks and months, the committee will also call on a broad range of experts to explore the financial, environmental, technical, and legal implications of developing nuclear energy in Australia, among other issues.

The hearing can be accessed online. Programs for all hearings and further information about the inquiry,  including the inquiry terms of reference are available on the committee’s website.

The Committee on Nuclear Energy is seeking submissions by Friday, November 15.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 24 October 2024
Time: 9am to 5:15pm (AEDT) (approximately)
Location: Main Committee Room (MCR), Australian Parliament House, Canberra.

 

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House Economics Committee to hear from APRA and ASIC

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics will hold public hearings by videoconference on Friday, October 25 with representatives of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

The hearings are for the committee’s reviews of the APRA Annual Report 2023 and ASIC Annual Report 2023. The public hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

The committee’s Chair, Daniel Mulino MP, said that both regulators had given valuable evidence to the committee’s recent inquiries into flood insurance and economic dynamism, and the committee looked forward to exploring other important areas of their work.

“ASIC and APRA have crucial responsibilities supporting the stability and vitality of Australia’s markets and financial system,” he said.

“Both regulators have broad remits – particularly ASIC – and their performance has a huge impact on commerce and personal finance in this country. It is appropriate that they face regular parliamentary scrutiny, and this committee’s reviews of their annual reports are a part of that.”

More information about the reviews and upcoming public hearings are available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

APRA

Date: 25 October 2024
Time: 9am to 11am
Location: Videoconference

ASIC

Date: 25 October 2024
Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Location: Videoconference

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

 

 

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