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Parliamentary Committee looks at building a resilient and dynamic economy

BUILDING a stronger and more resilient economy is the focus of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics’ new inquiry into promoting economic dynamism, competition and business formation.

The inquiry will examine how encouraging healthy competition, stimulating the creation of more businesses and fostering entrepreneurship can enhance the well-being of Australians.

Committee chair Daniel Mulino MP said there had been two significant inquiries into competition over the past few decades – the 1993 Hilmer report and the 2015 Harper review.

"The committee does not plan to go over old ground," Dr Mulino said. "The economy has changed significantly over the past decade or so, particularly in digital technology and disruptive new technologies. We need to ensure we are harnessing this technology in the best way in the interests of consumers."

Dr Mulino said that while new digital technologies and approaches could be a very effective way to increase competitive tension, they could also create regulatory challenges.

"The committee will also investigate the continued market power of the Big Four banks, especially in the area of mortgages, retail deposits, and loans to small and medium enterprises, and whether more can be done to encourage competition through changes to macroprudential arrangements or other measures.

"In recent decades Australia’s productivity growth has stalled. The committee will examine the extent of market concentration, the fall in the establishment of new enterprises, the increase in mark-ups, and reduction in job mobility—and whether these have contributed to a decline in economic dynamism," Dr Mulino said.

The pandemic and the war in Ukraine had challenged supply chains and a diverse and dynamic business environment was one answer to that problem, he said.  

"It is also timely that as a committee we explore economic plans that better equip Australia in the face of global uncertainty. As the nation emerges from the pandemic it is critical that we renew our focus on competition and business dynamism, to boost our productivity and for the benefit of all Australian workers and consumers."

Dr Mulino said the committee "would scrutinise the extent to which the consolidation of market power had undermined productivity, stifled wages, created more fragile markets and led to higher mark-ups".

The committee will also examine:

  • the degree to which anti-competitive behaviour and economic barriers — regulatory, as well as restrictions on access to finance, infrastructure, suppliers, customers, and workers — contribute to rising market concentration, and
  • international examples of best practice and innovative policies that demonstrate how Australia could lower economic barriers to competition and business formation, further limit anti-competitive behaviour, and better manage changes in industry structure that affect market power.

The committee is seeking submissions addressing some or all of the inquiry terms of reference from interested groups and individuals by Friday March 31, 2023. Submissions can be made online via www.aph.gov.au/economicdynamism.

More details about the inquiry, including the full terms of reference, are available on the committee’s website.

 

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Big four banks to face annual parliamentary scrutiny

SCRUTINY of Australia’s four major banks -- Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, National Australia Bank and Westpac -- will continue, with the House Standing Committee on Economics to hold public hearings at least annually with bank executives.

Daniel Mulino MP, the chair of the committee, said given the banks’ key role in the functioning of the economy, ongoing scrutiny was vital.

"The Financial Services (Hayne) Royal Commission, which reported in 2019, showed that far too often the banks did not live up to the trust that Australians placed in them," Dr Mulino said.

The committee will consider a number of consumer protection issues, including:

  • The financial position of borrowers and areas of potential vulnerability
  • Interest rates paid on deposits and loans
  • Ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Financial Services Royal Commission, and
  • Actions to protect customers from scams.

Other matters that will be raised include:

  • Supporting the flow of credit, including to small businesses
  • Operational performance, and
  • Responses to climate change and supporting Australia’s progress towards climate and other sustainability goals.

"And when it comes to scams, with evidence showing that Australians lost more than $2 billion to scams in 2021, a record amount, we need to hear what extra consumer protection the banks are planning," Dr Mulino said.

Dr Mulino said the government continued to work on implementing the recommendations of the Hayne Royal Commission and that the committee was keen to hear from the banks on their responses.

The banks will also face scrutiny by a parallel inquiry into competition to be held by the Economics Standing Committee. The inquiry into promoting economic dynamism, competition, and business formation will examine how healthy competition can enhance the wellbeing of Australians.

The terms of reference for the hearings into the Big Four banks are available on the committee’s website. Information about public hearings will be made available in due course.

The committee will not be seeking or accepting submissions for this inquiry.

 

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National Redress Scheme inquiry seeks submissions

THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme is currently inquiring into the operation of the scheme.

The inquiry will look closely into a range of areas, including The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the scheme; and accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates.

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the inquiry’s terms of reference are encouraged by Monday, February 27, 2023.

The committee wants to hear from individuals and organisations on their experience with the scheme. Submissions can respond to some or all aspects of the inquiry terms of reference.

Full details of what the inquiry will examine can be found in the terms of reference on the committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available.

Chair of the committee, Senator Catryna Bilyk said it was imperative that the committee heard first-hand the experiences people have had when accessing the scheme.

“There are low rates of access in parts of our community amongst people who are eligible to access the scheme,” Senator Bilyk said. “We need to understand what the barriers to access are to ensure that everyone who is eligible to seek redress does so."

Further information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

 

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Future governance on Norfolk Island

THE Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine restoring local government on Norfolk Island as part of a new inquiry.   

The committee will examine different models of local government and revenue collection to determine the most appropriate approach that accords with the culture of Norfolk Island and provides for a financially sustainable future.

“This inquiry is about the future of Norfolk Island, its governance and economic sustainability,” committee chair Alicia Payne MP said. “Most importantly, the inquiry is focused on improving democracy for people on Norfolk Island.

“The views of the local community will be central to this process,” Ms Payne said.

The committee plans to visit Norfolk Island over the coming months to hear directly from Norfolk Islanders about what they would like for their community. People seeking to participate in the inquiry can engage with the Committee in a number of ways including by making a submission, at an upcoming public meeting or confidentially.

Submissions to the inquiry will remain open until March 24, 2023. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the committee’s website.

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Deadline for submissions extended for Migration, Pathway to Nation Building inquiry

THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration has extended the deadline for submissions to its Migration, Pathway to Nation Building inquiry. Submissions are now open until Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Committee Chair, Maria Vamvakinou MP, said the committee took this decision to allow as many individuals, organisations, and businesses as possible to contribute evidence to the inquiry.

"Many sectors of the Australian community are directly impacted by the policy settings in place for regulating migration into the country," Ms Vamvakinou said. "It is vital for the committee to hear from as many of these sectors as possible to gain an informed view of the issues and on ways the system can be improved.

"Some industries and certain regional locations are now facing unprecedented labour shortages. Migration offers one means to help alleviate these pressures and the committee is keen to investigate these possibilities and more," she said.

Ms Vamvakinou encourages all interested individuals and groups to contribute their thoughts on this vital issue.

More details on the inquiry are available on the committee website.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are:

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration shall inquire into and report on Australia’s migration system, with reference to,

  1. The role of permanent migration in nation building, cultural diversity, and social cohesion;
  2. Immigration as a strategic enabler of vibrant economies and socially sustainable communities in our cities and regional hubs;
  3. Attraction and retention strategies for working migrants to Australia;
  4. Policy settings to strengthen skilled migrant pathways to permanent residency;
  5. Strengthening labour market participation and the economic and social contribution of migrants, including family and humanitarian migrants and the partners of working migrants;
  6. The role of settlement services and vocational training in utilising migrant experiences, knowledge, and opportunities; and
  7. Other related matters that may assist the inquiry.

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New inquiry on the Defence Annual Report 2021–22

THE Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting a new inquiry, focussing on important aspects of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Key themes of the inquiry’s focus include workforce recruiting and retention; Space Command and capability; and support to national crisis.

Chair of the Subcommittee, Julian Hill MP said, "The committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

“Defence personnel is the greatest capability for the defence of Australia and its national interests. This inquiry will critically examine Defence’s approach to workforce planning, inclusive of specific recruiting and retention initiatives.

“Space is a contested domain and Defence must be able to effectively operate within it. This inquiry will review this newly formed command including key capability milestones.

“Defence is increasingly being used more as part of the national response to domestic crisis. This inquiry will examine current policy, resourcing, and the impact on the organisation from a preparation, training, retention, and capability perspective."

The subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Friday, March 31, 2023.

 

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PJCIS to consider IGIS modernisation bill

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review into the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022. The bill review was referred to the committee by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, KC, MP.

The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Modernisation) Bill 2022 proposes amendments to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to improve the ability of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security (IGIS) to provide effective oversight of intelligence and security agencies.

The bill would improve reporting and information sharing processes, allow the IGIS to consider employment related grievances for staff employed by the Office of National Intelligence and introduce provisions preventing the head or deputy head of an agency overseen by the IGIS from being appointed to the position immediately after serving in that capacity.

The bill includes a number of technical amendments to improve clarity, modernise drafting expressions and remove redundant provisions, as well as to address certain limitations in the Inspector-General's oversight functions and powers.

In addition, the bill also amends the provisions of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 to clarify information sharing arrangements with the IGIS.

Submissions to the inquiry are invited by Friday, February 17, 2023.

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

 

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Underwater heritage and a taxation agreement with Iceland to be considered by the Treaties Committee

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing on Friday, February 10, 2023, into the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage and the Australia-Iceland Double Taxation Convention.

Committee Chair, Josh Wilson MP said, “Australia has a precious trove of underwater cultural heritage, from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander underwater cultural heritage in Australian waters, to the remains of Australian ships lost in wars across the globe.”

Mr Wilson said the convention would provide a legal basis for Australia to protect underwater cultural heritage in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as well as areas outside of Australia’s jurisdiction where it has an interest. The convention also represents a contemporary international standard for protecting underwater cultural heritage.

In addition, the convention would provide a framework for the Australian Government to negotiate uniform Commonwealth, state and territory rules for protecting underwater cultural heritage.

“Having taken a significant role in drafting the Convention, it is welcome that Australia is now moving to ratify it”, Mr Wilson said.

“Eminent Australians involved in underwater cultural heritage who have supported and called for this treaty action over several years, have been invited to discuss the convention with the committee.

"Their input will shed further light on contemporary challenges of protecting underwater cultural heritage, what final steps would be required by Australia for ratification, and the benefits it would bring in working with other nations who have a common interest in protecting these historic sites.”

Public hearing details

Date:        Friday, 10 February 2023Time:       9am – 10.30am AEDT - Australia-Iceland Double Taxation Convention                10.40am – 4.30 pm AEDT - Underwater Cultural Heritage ConventionLocation: Main Committee Room (1R0), Parliament House

​The hearing can be accessed online and the programs for this hearing is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiries.

 

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VET inquiry accepting submissions

THE HOUSE of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training is currently examining the perceptions and status of vocational education and training (VET).

Lisa Chesters MP, Committee Chair, reminded interested stakeholders that submissions to the inquiry remain open for another few weeks. Education and training choices of students, as well as employer views and practices are some among the matters being considered.

Ms Chesters said, “The committee recognises the importance of the VET sector and hopes that this inquiry will identify ways to improve perceptions and opportunities available to students.”

She said the committee was interested in hearing from anyone with a view to share, whether from potential students, employers, parents, career advisers, educators or industry bodies and unions.

Submissions to the inquiry close on March 1, 2023. Ms Chesters said comments would be welcomed on one or more of the terms of references.

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the committee website.

 

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Treaties Committee reports on the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has recommended the Australian Government ratifies the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation (JI-SDR).

Committee Chair, Josh Wilson MP said, “The JI-SDR is a plurilateral agreement negotiated between 69 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that contains a range of rules that would potentially increase the transparency and predictability of the regulatory environment in Australia’s services export markets".

The JI-SDR establishes best practice requirements for the authorisation processes that enable service exports. Provisions in the JI-SDR relate to a range of areas including transparency in fees and procedures, efficient processing of applications, evaluation based on clear and objective criteria, reasonable access to examinations where required, and the acceptance of electronic documents.

The JI-SDR would provide simple, transparent, fair, and user-friendly global rules to facilitate trade in services.

Mr Wilson said, “It is notable that because Australia has been convinced of this logic for some time, our regulatory practice already complies with these new rules, but of course Australian companies stand to benefit by their wider adoption."

The committee agreed that notwithstanding some concern about the way such plurilateral agreements sit alongside the WTO, the JI-SDR was likely to reinforce the centrality of the World Trade Organization and create momentum in multilateral rule-making.

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

 

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IR changes cannot threaten tradies independence says HIA

Current talks around changes to industrial relations (IR) laws "should unequivocally exclude any changes to the right of Australian tradies to work as independent contractors" HIA policy and industry deputy managing director Jocelyn Martin said today.

Ms Martin’s call comes as Federal and State Governments and industry representatives meet in Canberra this week to discuss a broad range of changes to areas in the IR space.“Independent contracting arrangements are a long-standing feature of the residential building industry. The industry relies on these work arrangements as a way of productively managing the needs of building businesses, especially smaller businesses,” Ms Martin said.“HIA estimates that over 80 percent of the work completed in the sector is performed by independent contractors.“For residential builders, it provides a flexible, workable and efficient model for engaging workers and managing the peaks and troughs of the home building cycle. Builders rely on access to good and reliable trade contractors to maintain competitiveness.“Australians rely on independent contractors to build the houses that feed the desperate demand for affordable housing," Ms Martin said.“Federal and State Governments have long held different views on what constitutes an independent contractor creating challenges for the industry but threatening the ability for a trades person to remain their own boss, by forcing them to be classified as an employee would be a backward step.“HIA is well equipped to help all sides of politics come to a sensible based definition for independent contracting, that will not impede the right for trades people to work independently.“HIA suggests there needs to be a single national objective test, based on the ATO’s approach, to distinguish employees from independent contractors," she said."The ATO considers whether a person works to produce a result, provides plant and equipment or tools of the trade (if required) and whether they are liable for rectification of any defective work to distinguish independent contractors from employees."The advantage of this approach is that instead of defining an ’employee’, the rules merely identify who is an independent contractor," Ms Martin said.“The task of governments should be to preserve and enhance genuine independent contracting businesses, not force small business to become employees.“Restricting the use of independent contracting in the residential building industry will only serve to undermine the contribution of the sector to overall economic growth and exacerbate the challenge of making housing more affordable,” Ms Martin said.

 

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