The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today in Darwin for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today in Darwin for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the international education sector, including universities and students themselves. The Subcommittee will also hear from regional tourism organisations, tourism operators, and representatives from the Territory Government. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘Today’s public hearing will explore the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and international education in the NT, with an emphasis on opportunities for strengthening and growing each sector over the years ahead.’ Further information about the inquiry and program is available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Darwin, Northern Territory Date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024 Venue: Dining Room, Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, 15 Mitchell St, Darwin NT Time: 9:15am – 5:00pm (Darwin Time; ACST) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

At the request of the Attorney-General, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 April 2024

At the request of the Attorney-General, the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024. The amendments in the Bill would ensure the continuation of the declared areas offence in section 119.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995. The offence, which is due to sunset on 7 September 2024, is an element of the Australian Government’s efforts to stop Australians becoming foreign fighters. The Bill would extend the offence for another three years, to 7 September 2027, and would also provide that section 119.3—the provision under which the Minister for Foreign Affairs can declare an area for the purpose of the offence in section 119.2—also ceases to have effect on 7 September 2027. Mr Peter Khalil MP, Chair of the PJCIS, said: “The Committee welcomes the referral of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024. We look forward to receiving submissions from interested parties on the ongoing utility of the declared areas offences, which have been an important part of the Australian Government’s counter-terrorism efforts. “Since the introduction of these offences, periodic review by this Committee has ensured they are subject to ongoing parliamentary scrutiny and that the requirements of national security are constantly balanced against the rights of the individual”, continued Mr Khalil. Submissions to the inquiry are invited by 29 April 2024. Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Chair Mr Peter Khalil MP, via Lachlan Hinds 0455 999 677 lachlan.t.hinds@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (02) 6277 2360 pjcis@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 1 March 2024, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its second public hearing into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 29 February 2024

On 1 March 2024, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its second public hearing into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence, government departments, non-government organisations and the Australian public across the inquiry’s focus items: Assistance to Ukraine Defence Health System Capability assurance mechanism Artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons related issues, and Armaments manufacture, procurement and inventory. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “Parliamentary committees are an important mechanism parliament uses to keep a check on government activities and government departments and to hear from experts and public interest groups. “This year’s inquiry is focussing on immediate priorities such as assistance to Ukraine, the Defence Health System, capability assurance, and armaments manufacture and procurement in a rapidly changing strategic environment. In addition, the inquiry will examine the potential benefits, risks and concerns of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons and their role in future conflict.” Further information is available on the inquiry webpage with the hearing broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Public hearing details Friday, 1 March 2024, 8:30am – 3:00pm (AEDT) Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra Media inquiries Laura Hooper, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 / 0422 85 11 27 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 27 February 2024, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its first public hearing into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 27 February 2024

On 27 February 2024, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its first public hearing into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence on the inquiry’s first focus item: Assistance to Ukraine. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “The Department of Defence will kick off this inquiry with a public hearing focussed on Australia’s defence assistance to Ukraine. How Defence is providing support through Operation Kudu and how lethal and non-lethal capabilities are transferred to Ukraine in support of its war effort and sovereignty is of great public interest.” Further information is available on the Inquiry webpage. Public Hearing Details Tuesday, 27 February 2024 5:40pm – 6:30pm (AEDT) Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Laura Hooper, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Adelaide for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 20 February 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today in Adelaide for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the international education sector including several universities, TAFE SA and StudyAdelaide. The Subcommittee will also hear from the South Australian Tourism Commission and several tourism operators in the Adelaide Hills region. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘The public hearing in Adelaide will focus on the intersection between international education and tourism rebuilding post COVID-19.’ Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Adelaide Date: Tuesday 20 February 2024 Venue: David Spence Room, 128 King Williams St, Adelaide Time: 8:30am – 4:45pm (Adelaide time - ACDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 7 February 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will speak with the following representatives: New Caledonia -  Dr Yves Lafoy, Counsellor Samoa - Her Excellency Ms Hinauri Petana, High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mrs Anna Main, Deputy High Commissioner Solomon Islands - His Excellency Mr Robert Sisilo, High Commissioner Republic of Vanuatu  - His Excellency Mr Samson Vilvil Fare, High Commissioner The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, ‘Continuing the dialogue in relation to tourism and international education between Australia and the Pacific is critical to enable all countries to reach their potential growth in these two important sectors.’ ‘COVID-19 presented some clear challenges to all countries, especially in terms of trade and growth. The Subcommittee looks forward to discussing some opportunities for growth in both tourism and international education, now and into the future,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program are available on the inquiry webpage. This hearing will be broadcast via the APH website. Public hearing Date: Wednesday, 7 February 2024 Venue: Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has tabled its report titled ‘The pursuit of equality: Inquiry into the rights of women and children.’

Media release issue date: Thursday, 30 November 2023

The Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its report titled ‘The pursuit of equality: Inquiry into the rights of women and children.’ The Chair of the Subcommittee, Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, stated, “Almost every witness and submitter to the inquiry noted that the rights of women and children were in decline globally.” “This regression of the rights of women and children has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and conflict and instability. Growing inequality and resistance from some nation-states who are hostile to the international human rights agenda has further exacerbated the situation,” said Ms Vamvakinou. The report makes 10 recommendations aimed at strengthening and furthering measures to better support the rights of women and children globally, including: the creation of an international policy aimed specifically at children that is similar to the current gender strategy; the implementation of a suite of strategies designed to counteract orphanage trafficking and tourism; highlighting gender-based violence as a key strategic issue in the new International Gender Equality Strategy that is to be developed and implemented by the Australian Government; and improving legislative responses to the rights of victims of child exploitative material distributed online. The report is now available on the JSCFADT website. Media inquiries Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP (Member for Calwell; Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee) Ph: 0477 963 459; Email: Maria.Vamvakinou.MP@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2205 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website.

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 29 November 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will be speaking with the Ambassador of Thailand and a representative from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, ‘Continuing to build robust people to people links with Australia’s neighbours is important for strengthening and maintaining existing strategic relationships in the region. Education and tourism have proven to be a key part of doing so.’ ‘The Subcommittee looks forward to hearing from representatives of the Royal Thai Embassy and the Royal Embassy of Cambodia on how Australia can further its engagement with their respective countries through education and tourism links,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program are available on the inquiry webpage. This hearing will be broadcast via the APH website. Public hearing Date: Wednesday, 29 November 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

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 2022–23.

Media release issue date: Friday, 24 November 2023

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 2022–23. Key themes of the inquiry’s focus include: Assistance to Ukraine Defence Health System Capability Assurance Mechanism Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons related issues Armaments manufacture, procurement, and inventory Other issues as communicated to Defence. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “the Committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23. “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was the most significant hostile act against a European country since the end of World War II. The international community of NATO and non-NATO contributors, including Australia, are continuing to aid Ukraine’s efforts in its fight to retain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Subcommittee is interested in examining Australia’s response to this crisis; specifically, the facilitation of military aid focussed on platforms, munitions, and the contribution to Operation Kudu which is the ADF commitment to the training of armed forces of Ukraine recruits in the United Kingdom. “A comprehensive and well-equipped health care system for our serving personnel remains a critical enabler to ensure the ADF’s warfighting preparedness. Defence is currently undergoing structural change based on the force posture requirements as detailed within the Defence Strategic Review. This is occurring at a time of significant workforce challenges, and it is through this lens that the Subcommittee is interested in analysing Defence’s approach to health care, considering the recent report by the Auditor-General and current performance issues. The focus for this line of inquiry will include the general architecture of its uniformed and contracted health related capabilities, supporting both current personnel and the recruitment function, and the interrelationship with external providers. “It is imperative that Defence can effectively identify and manage the complexities associated with material procurement and sustainment including the acceptance of new capability into service. The Subcommittee is interested in reviewing Defence’s approach to capability assurance including ‘test and evaluation’ and how that impacts and informs accountability and risk identification considering case studies to identify potential systemic issues for attention. “Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons have an ever-increasing role within militaries worldwide. From systems capable of predictive analysis, to platforms that can prosecute targets without human intervention, careful consideration is warranted as Defence continues to evolve its capabilities by integrating emerging technologies. The Subcommittee is interested in examining the role of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons within the ADF and the requisite policy settings that need to account for and address relevant moral, legal, ethical, and regulatory matters within Australia and internationally. This may be informed by a case study to be identified. “The Defence Strategic Review references the importance that Australia possesses a diverse array of munitions capable of long-range strike across the Sea, Land, and Air domains. The Government has announced plans for the rapid procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and Precision Strike Missiles, as well as the creation of a newly appointed Head of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance. The Subcommittee is interested in examining the plans and process for the acquisition of specific munitions from coalition partners, the requirements to enable domestic manufacturing and storage, and the comparison of current stock holdings vice what is required during high intensity conflict”. The Subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Monday, 5 February 2024. Media inquiries Laura Hooper, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 0422 851 127 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Foreign Affairs and Aid subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade tabled its report titled ‘Supporting democracy in our region'.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 16 November 2023

The Foreign Affairs and Aid subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade this morning tabled its report titled ‘Supporting democracy in our region’. The Chair of the subcommittee, Mr Josh Burns MP, said ‘This is an important bipartisan report that considers how Australia can partner with countries in our region to promote democracy and the international rules-based order. ‘This report recommends how Australia’s national interests and foreign policy pursuits can be strengthened by aligning with local priorities, enhancing both countries institutions and building on strong bilateral relationships to promote democracy in our region. ‘Ultimately, stronger partnerships build capacity to resist regression of democratic norms and ideals that has been eroding the effectiveness of the international framework that has served our region for many years.’ Recommendations include: Increased funding for the Australian Electoral Commission to develop long-term partnerships with electoral bodies in the Indo-Pacific who request assistance with elections Establishing a media broadcasting capacity and support building program for the region that facilitates training and development both in Australia and in our neighbouring countries Establishing a Women in Parliament program to strengthen partnerships with women in the region Establishing a central Civil Society Organisation Hub within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to help coordinate development delivery in the region. This report makes eight recommendations in total and can be found on the inquiry's website. Media inquiries Alissa Foster, Media Adviser, for Mr Josh Burns MP (Member for Macnamara; Chair, Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee) Mobile: 0451 131 554 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. 

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will be speaking with the Ambassador of Indonesia, the Ambassador of the Philippines, the Ambassador of Vietnam and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 November 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will be speaking with the Ambassador of Indonesia, the Ambassador of the Philippines, the Ambassador of Vietnam and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, ‘This public hearing is a great opportunity to hear from some of our neighbours about how to further develop and sustain robust people to people links through education and tourism.’ ‘ASEAN nations are key trading partners with Australia and through this hearing with some member countries we are presented with the chance to learn about what mutually beneficial arrangements and agreements are available to further draw on these links. The Subcommittee will continue to engage with neighbouring nations to understand how to better enhance existing linkages through education and tourism,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program are available on the inquiry webpage. This hearing will be broadcast via the APH website. Public hearing Date: Wednesday, 15 November 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has tabled its interim report for the inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 19 October 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its interim report today for the inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. This interim report has a primary focus on the future of Australia’s international education sector post-COVID and explores options for the sector’s sustainable growth. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, commented, ‘International education makes a substantial contribution to Australia in many forms through its impact on the economy, our reputation abroad and the broader community. Upholding the integrity of the sector and quality of higher education provided to international students is therefore essential in many respects.’ ‘The 29 recommendations made by the Committee complement the reforms recently announced by the Government, with the aim of strengthening the integrity and enhancing the competitiveness of Australia’s international education sector,’ said Senator O’Neill. ‘While we anticipate that this inquiry’s final report will have more of a focus on the recovery of Australia’s tourism sector, as the Subcommittee continues to travel across the country, we will continue to collect evidence on international education,’ confirmed Senator O’Neill. ‘As noted since this inquiry began, the environment that international education operates in is dynamic.’ Further information in relation to the inquiry and a full list of its recommendations is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Shane McLeod, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 788 275 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Port Campbell for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with an additional public hearing to be held in Ballarat.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 3 October 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Port Campbell today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with an additional public hearing to be held tomorrow in Ballarat. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from a range of stakeholders in regional Victoria’s tourism industry, including First Nations corporations, regional tourism organisations, small businesses and heritage tourism operators. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, commented, ‘The Great Ocean Road continues to be an iconic tourist destination in regional Victoria and the Subcommittee is looking forward to gaining insights into what can be done to further encourage overseas visitors into this region. In travelling to Ballarat, the Subcommittee will better understand how heritage tourism in places like the Goldfields and the Sovereign Hill Living Museum may be an untapped opportunity for Australia.’ ‘In its quest to better understand the unique tourism experiences offered across Australia, the Subcommittee is interested to hear different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing operators in this part of regional Australia’, said Senator O’Neill. ‘We also look forward to continuing our discussions about the connections between tourism and international education, and the role of international students in the operations of universities in regional Australia.’ Further information about the inquiry and programs for both hearings are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearing – Port Campbell Date: Tuesday, 3 October 2023 Venue: Sunset Room, Port Campbell Lifesaving Club, 1 Cairns St, Port Campbell, VIC Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm (AEDT) Public hearing – Ballarat Date: Wednesday, 4 October 2023 Venue: Federation University, SMB Campus Rooms A211 and A214, Building A, Lydiard Street, Ballarat Time: 9:20am – 2:00pm (AEDT) Media inquiries Shane McLeod, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) 0419 788 275 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The examination focused on themes of Defence workforce recruiting and retention, Defence support to domestic crises, Space Command and capability and other issues as communicated to Defence.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 September 2023

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The examination focused on themes of Defence workforce recruiting and retention, Defence support to domestic crises, Space Command and capability and other issues as communicated to Defence. Defence Subcommittee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained the Committee had found the “near-persistent” requirement for Defence to respond to domestic crises was unsustainable and had created concurrency pressures that would soon degrade the Australian Defence Force (ADF)’s warfighting capabilities. “Over 50% of Defence members have been assigned to domestic disaster relief tasks in recent years. “The climate is changing, and State and Territory Governments need to lift their collective game in building resilience and resourcing natural disaster responses. “The ADF cannot continue to be seen as some sort of ‘shadow workforce’, especially in circumstances where certain States or Territories have not adequately resourced and increased their own capabilities, and community resilience and responses.” Concerns were also raised regarding Defence’s response to date to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry (IGADFAI), particularly around difficulties and delays in accessing and making redress to Afghan victims and their families. The Committee has recommended improvements to how Defence addresses these issues. More broadly, regarding the long shadow of Afghanistan on the Special Air Services Regiment, Mr Hill said it was “time to draw a line in the sand and rebalance our national conversation about this period. “The events of concern occurred well over a decade ago, yet public discourse and some media reporting in relation to these events has implicitly and wrongly conflated the past and the present. “The rightful acceptance of institutional and collective responsibility for cultural failings, and the process of holding individuals to account, must not be allowed to tar the reputations of the majority of those who served then and who serve today. “As a society, Australia risks repeating another Vietnam and callously increasing Veteran suicide if we lose perspective and balance in how these matters are reported and discussed.” Defence’s continued underperformance in meeting recruitment and retention targets also concerned the Committee, with personnel 5.6% below guidance from the last financial year. 42 workforce categories and occupations were classified as critical by Defence in 2023, an increase of 18 from 2022. “While acknowledging Defence is taking this seriously and that it is difficult to address in the current strong labour market, the slide in the ADF’s numbers and growth in critical skills shortage areas must not continue,” Mr Hill said. “If more needs to be done, then more must be done as skilled people are the ADF’s most important fundamental input to capability.” The Committee visited several bases during its investigation, noting critical infrastructure upgrades at remote airbases and bare bases had been neglected. Committee members were particularly disturbed at the state of disrepair while visiting the pier supporting diesel refuelling of the Harold E Holt Naval Communication Station. “The old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ seems to have been ignored, and urgent action is required within the next few months as this is a critical capability for Australia and the United States,” Mr Hill said. Australia’s Space Command and capability in relation to warfighting domains was also examined, with the Committee making several recommendations regarding how Australia could best position itself as technology and competition continues to rapidly evolve. Further information in relation to the inquiry and a full list of its recommendations is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Email: patrick.lee@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Addressing human rights violations with practical and measurable solutions will be the focus of the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) during its public hearing on Friday, 11 August 2023 in Australian Parliament House.

Media release issue date: Friday, 11 August 2023

Addressing human rights violations with practical and measurable solutions will be the focus of the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) during its public hearing on Friday, 11 August 2023 in Australian Parliament House. The Subcommittee’s final hearing for the Inquiry into the Rights of Women and Children will discuss potential measures to improve the human rights of women and children globally with stakeholders such as non-government organisations and Australian Government agencies. The Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, Member for Calwell, stated that: “Throughout this inquiry, the Subcommittee has heard evidence about the types and scale of harm being perpetrated against women and children globally. Our final hearing will focus on how the Australian Government can make a practical and measurable difference to the lives of women and children. My fellow Subcommittee members and I look forward to discussing potential pathways forward with key stakeholders and experts.” The Subcommittee may accept submissions until the final report is tabled in the Parliament. Submissions containing graphic material will not be accepted to the inquiry. Submissions should be lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Hearing details Time:          1.30 pm to 5.00 pm (AEST) Venue:        Committee Room 2R1, Australian Parliament House, Canberra Witnesses: Save the Children                      Associate Professor Hannah McGlade                      Harmony Alliance (Social Policy Group)                      Australian Human Rights Commission                      Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Media inquiries Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP (Member for Calwell; Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee) Ph: 0477 963 459; Email: Maria.Vamvakinou.MP@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2205 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Orange today for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Monday, 26 June 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Orange today for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from regional education institutions, such as Charles Sturt University, and tourism bodies in Orange and surrounding regions, including Mudgee. The Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council and the local First Nations Tourism business, Indigenous Cultural Adventures, will also speak to the Subcommittee. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘Regional NSW is well known for its wine, food and nature experiences and the Subcommittee would like to gain insights into how regional Australia can be better promoted to international visitors.’ ‘The Subcommittee looks forward to expanding its understanding about the challenges and opportunities available to regional tourism operators, including First Nations tourism businesses to determine how they can be effectively supported into the future,’ said Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearing - Orange Date: Monday 26 June 2023 Venue: Room 206, Building 1008, Charles Sturt University (346 Leeds Parade, Orange) Time: 8:30am – 1:00pm (AEST) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Acting Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On 20 June 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its fourth and final public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023

On 20 June 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its fourth and final public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence on the inquiry’s second focus item: Space Command and capability. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “Like cyber, space is both a warfighting domain as well as a key enabler for military operations in other land, air, sea, and cyber-space. Space is also critical to the functioning of modern societies and economies. “The Department of Defence will have a chance to respond to leading experts who have critiqued Australia’s approach to Space-based operations. Australian Space Command is in its infancy, just 18 months old, and the Subcommittee is exploring its evolving role and mandate, relationship and interoperability with coalition partners, Defence’s space-based operations, and approach towards capability realisation in light of the Defence Strategic Review. “The Subcommittee will hear how Defence is readying itself for the ever-changing operating environment in this increasingly contested, important, and emerging domain. Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on Defence’s implementation of the Defence Industry Security Program and management of non-compliance.

Media release issue date: Monday, 19 June 2023

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on Defence’s implementation of the Defence Industry Security Program and management of non-compliance. Defence Subcommittee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “National security imperatives require Defence to execute and enforce strict contractual obligations with defence industry. “The Auditor General’s Report No. 4 (2021-22) Defence’s Contract Administration – Defence Industry Security Program raised serious concerns regarding Defence’s implementation of the Defence Industry Security Program and management of non-compliance which is fundamental to assuring the security of Defence’s people, information, and assets. “The Committee has carefully considered Defence’s progress in implementing the six primary recommendations it committed to a year ago. “The Committee’s recommendations are designed to ensure the appropriate level of parliamentary oversight is imposed and maintained as Defence undertakes efforts to remediate deficiencies in the Defence Industry Security Program and commends this report to the Government”. The Committee recommended the Department of Defence: listen more carefully to industry concerns raised via this inquiry regarding the quality of DISP security training including for APS staff and embed a structured, transparent mechanism to ensure industry feedback directly informs continuous improvement to ensure training meets industry’s reasonable expectations. provide written advice to the Committee within six months of the tabling of this report detailing the implementation of the customer resource management and engagement system (CRM) system, how it assists with knowledge management and engagement with DISP entities, and its ability to recall accurate, auditable, and accessible data on DISP entities. implement systems which regulate and audit DISP compliance, and: Within six months of this report being tabled in Parliament, outline in writing to the Committee how all six recommendations of the ANAO in Auditor-General Report No. 4 of 2021-22 have been fully implemented, and any actions which remain outstanding Within twelve months of this report being tabled in Parliament, report back in writing to the Committee on its progress in further improving DISP related compliance and audit systems and provide reliable data estimates against a number of directed criteria which can be found in the report Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Email: patrick.lee@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On 13 Jun 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its third public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 13 June 2023

On 13 Jun 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its third public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from an academic panel as well as the Department of Defence on the inquiry’s third focus item: Support to domestic crisis. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “In recent years Defence has been used increasingly as part of national responses to domestic crises. Recent examples include support to the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous floods and bushfire events. “The Subcommittee will hear how this seemingly near persistent requirement is impacting the organisation from a preparation, training, and capability perspective, as well as reviewing current policy and approaches to resourcing. “Leading experts and senior Defence representatives will publicly share their views on this important matter which will also provide useful context as respective authors consider the 2024 National Defence Strategy.” Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will speak to key charitable and human rights organisations about trends in relation to human rights violations against women and children in a public hearing to be held in Melbourne CBD on Wednesday, 7 June 2023.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 6 June 2023

The Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will speak to key charitable and human rights organisations about trends in relation to human rights violations against women and children in a public hearing to be held in Melbourne CBD on Wednesday, 7 June 2023. Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, Member for Calwell and Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, stated that: “The Subcommittee has heard evidence of a range of human rights abuses being perpetrated against women and children across the globe. This public hearing will focus on delving further into these issues, identifying the root causes of gendered violence, and considering how best to move forward in the pursuit of gender equality and protecting the rights of the child.” The Subcommittee will finalise its hearing program soon and move towards the preparation of its report. Submissions to the inquiry were due by Friday, 16 December 2022; however, late submissions may be considered. Submissions containing graphic material will not be accepted to the inquiry. Submissions should be lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Hearing details Time: 10.15 am to 4.45 pm (AEST) Venue: Seminar Room 2 & 3, Level 7, Monash Conference Centre, 30 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Witnesses: Australian Red Cross Plan International Australia Uniting Church of Australia                        Iranian Women’s Association      CBM Australia & The Australian Disability and Development Consortium International Women’s Development Agency Monash University & Eleos Justice Media inquiries Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP (Member for Calwell; Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee) Ph: 0477 963 459; Email: Maria.Vamvakinou.MP@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2205 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its second public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 30 May 2023

On 30 May 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its second public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from an academic panel on the inquiry’s second focus item: Space Command and capability. Witnesses will also be invited to contribute to Defence workforce recruiting and retention issues. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “Space is now a contested domain. Defence must be able to rapidly adapt to the ever-changing operating environment as well as ready itself for future competition and conflict. “Leading experts will publicly share their views on Australian Space Command’s relationship and interoperability with coalition partners, its evolving mandate, space-based operations, and its approach towards capability realisation in light of the Defence Strategic Review.” Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 23 May 23, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its first public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 23 May 2023

On 23 May 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its first public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence on the inquiry’s first focus item: workforce recruiting and retention. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “Defence personnel remains the greatest capability for the defence of Australia and its national interests. Defence’s approach to workforce planning, inclusive of specific recruiting and retention initiatives will be publicly examined. “Frankly, in recent years, targets for annual net growth of the ADF have not been met. Workforce planning makes clear the scale of the challenge in key technical areas especially. “Stemming the loss of key talent while also attracting new recruits is of critical importance given the recently released Defence Strategic Review and deteriorating strategic circumstances. A strong economy always provides a tough environment for Defence to keep and recruit people. “Public hearings are an important method of parliamentary scrutiny and senior departmental representatives will appear.” Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing at the Gold Coast for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 May 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today at the Gold Coast for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the international education sector including higher education, ELICOS and VET representatives as well as from an international student tour business. Gold Coast tourism and events organisations will provide evidence to the Subcommittee as well as the Queensland Department of Tourism and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘The public hearing on the Gold Coast will take the committee away from capital cities and shift the focus to tourism and international education sectors in regional locations.’ Senator O’Neill noted the importance of ‘hearing from regional and non-capital city voices as these experiences and needs may vary from capital city counterparts’. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Gold Coast Date: Wednesday, 17 May 2023 Venue: Anna Rose Room, TAFE Queensland Robina Campus, 94 Laver Drive, Robina Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm (AEST) Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings at Parliament House for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 May 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings at Parliament House today and tomorrow for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear detailed evidence from international education experts, government departments, university and VET peak bodies and other key stakeholders on different aspects of the international education sector. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill said, 'The public hearings in Canberra are intended to be thematic discussions on the international education sector to deepen the Committee’s understanding of potential drivers for change.’ ‘This focus on the delivery of international education will tease out some of the interrelated complexities shaping Australia’s international education now and into the future,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Day One Date: Monday, 15 May 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm (AEST) Day Two Date: Tuesday, 16 May 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm (AEST) The public hearing will be live streamed on the APH website. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On 18 and 19 April 2023 the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Friday, 14 April 2023

On 18 and 19 April 2023 the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from university and VET peak bodies, student accommodation, education agents and sector professional bodies about sector recovery and future growth. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill said, ‘The Melbourne public hearings will progress the inquiry’s focus into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for international education.’ Senator O’Neill commented ‘These hearings are a chance for the Committee to engage with sector leaders on the lessons from COVID-19 and how to apply those to Australia’s international education continued recovery and growth.’   Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Melbourne Day One Date: Tuesday, 18 April 2023 Venue: Davui Room, G1, 55 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne Time: 8:30am – 5:15pm (AEST) Day Two Date: Wednesday, 19 April 2023 Venue: Davui Room, G1, 55 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm (AEST) The hearing will also be live streamed on the APH website: aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) Human Rights Subcommittee will hear from human rights advocates and women’s safety stakeholders in a public hearing to be held today in Camperdown, Sydney.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 April 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) Human Rights Subcommittee will hear from human rights advocates and women’s safety stakeholders in a public hearing to be held today in Camperdown, Sydney. Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP stated that: “We have recently heard evidence detailing the increase of human rights abuses of women and children in recent years, including the prevalence of acid attacks, rape as a weapon of war, and orphanage trafficking. After hearing from Government agencies recently, the Committee is eager to hear from those working in the sector to learn what they’re seeing and what can be done.’ The Subcommittee intends to hold additional hearings in coming months to support its work on the inquiry. Submissions to the inquiry were due by Friday, 16 December 2022; however, late submissions may be considered. Submissions containing graphic material will not be accepted to the inquiry. Submissions should be lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Hearing details Time: 9.15am to 1.15pm (AEDT) Venue: Auditorium, F23 Administration Building, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW Media inquiries Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP (Member for Calwell; Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee) Ph: 0477 963 459; Email: Maria.Vamvakinou.MP@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2205 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict.

Media release issue date: Friday, 31 March 2023

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict. Defence Subcommittee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, said “The power to declare war and send military personnel into conflict is arguably the most significant and serious institutional power, and the gravest decision a government can make. “Through this inquiry, the Committee has carefully and seriously considered fundamental questions regarding decision-making in relation to international armed conflict and parliamentary oversight, both preceding and during the commitment of the Australian Defence Force. “The Committee has concluded there is a clear need to improve the transparency and accountability of government decision-making in relation to armed conflict. Australia’s system of parliamentary democracy is likely to be kept healthy, effective, and well-adapted by making sensible changes that respect our well-established institutions and conventions. “Accompanying recommended changes to the Cabinet Handbook and new Standing Resolutions of both Houses of Parliament, the Government has an historic chance to exercise leadership and establish the Joint Statutory Committee on Defence to enhance Australia’s national security while providing for increased parliamentary scrutiny of Defence. “In 1988, Prime Minister Bob Hawke created the Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, rejecting the advice of the Hope Royal Commissions not to enhance parliamentary oversight of the intelligence agencies. History has proved he was right to do so, and the Government is encouraged to emulate Prime Minister Hawke’s example and act to strengthen national security and enhance the accountability of defence to the Parliament. “The Committee is convinced that greater transparency and parliamentary consideration of the decision to commit forces to an armed conflict can and must occur, and commends this report, on this most serious of subjects, to the Government”. The Committee’s recommendations are to: Reaffirm that decisions regarding armed conflict are fundamentally a prerogative of the Executive, while acknowledging the key role of Parliament in considering such decisions, and the value of improving the transparency and accountability of such decision-making in the pursuit of national interests. Amend the Cabinet Handbook to: Restore the primacy of the Governor-General under Section 68 of the Australian Constitution to give effect to decisions of government in relation to war or warlike operations, particularly in relation to conflicts that are not supported by resolution by the United Nations Security Council, or an invitation of a sovereign nation Require a written statement to be published and tabled in the Parliament setting out the objectives of major military operations, the orders made and legal basis Require Parliament to be recalled as soon as possible to be advised and facilitate a debate in Parliament at the earliest opportunity following a ministerial statement, based on the 2010 Gillard model, including a statement of compliance with international law and advice as to the legality of an operation Introduce Standing Resolutions of both Houses of Parliament to establish expectations of Executive Government in relation to accountability for decisions in relation to international armed conflict, including regular Statements and Updates from the Prime Minister and Minister for Defence. Establish via legislation a new Joint Statutory Defence Committee, modelled on the Parliamentary Joint Committee for Intelligence and Security, able to receive classified information to improve parliamentary scrutiny of defence strategy, policy, capability development acquisition and sustainment, contingency planning, and major operations. Thank you to the many stakeholders and submitters who contributed thoughtfully to the inquiry whose carefully formed and expert views are acknowledged with respect and drawn upon in this report. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Email: patrick.lee@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors on Wednesday, 22 March.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 March 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors on Wednesday, 22 March. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the University of Canberra about its experience since Australia’s borders closed in 2020 due to Covid-19. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill stated, ‘It is important to hear from a range of higher education institutions from different parts of Australia in relation to their experience attracting international students in the post-COVID-19 period. This willnot only contribute to our understanding of how the resilience of the sector can be strengthened, but also how the sector can be supported overall in its recovery.’ Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Date: Wednesday, 22 March 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:00am (AEDT) The hearing will be live streamed on the APH website: https://www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Foreign Affairs and Aid subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into supporting democracy in our region on Friday 10 March 2023.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 9 March 2023

The Foreign Affairs and Aid subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into supporting democracy in our region this Friday 10 March 2023. The Chair of the subcommittee, Mr Josh Burns MP, said ‘The committee looks forward to hearing from various stakeholders in relation to how Australia can best provide support for stability, democracy, and good governance in the Indo-Pacific region.’ ‘A robust electoral system is important for a functioning democracy. Australia provides electoral assistance to several countries in our region. The committee looks forward to receiving evidence from the Australian Electoral Commission on this topic in addition to hearing from aid agencies, academics and think tanks on other measures that promote democracy and the international rules-based order.’ Submissions to this inquiry are still open and can be lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Friday, 10 March 2023 Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm AEDT Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Live stream: the hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live The program can be found here. Media inquiries Ariel Zohar, Media Adviser, for Mr Josh Burns MP (Member for Macnamara; Chair, Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee) Mobile: 0425 872 296 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors this Wednesday, 8 March.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 7 March 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors this Wednesday, 8 March. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), including the Australian Chamber – Tourism branch of the organisation. ‘Noting that ACCI’s respective submissions have covered both the international education and tourism aspects of the inquiry, the Subcommittee is interested to hear about how both sectors interact. We hope to hear from ACCI about how interdependent both sectors are, including whether policy needs to be formulated in a way that understands this interaction between the two sectors,’ said Trade Subcommittee Chair, Senator Deborah O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Date: Wednesday, 8 March 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:00am (AEDT) The hearing will be live streamed on the APH website: https://www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 2 March 2023, the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 March 2023

On 2 March 2023, the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, stated that ‘Australia’s international education and tourism sectors have experienced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when Australia’s borders closed.’ The Subcommittee will hear evidence from higher education institutions, peak bodies, regulatory bodies, and international students to gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for growth in each sector. ‘Noting that Australia has since opened its borders, the Subcommittee is interested to hear about how both sectors are recovering and rebuilding. The inquiry will assist the Subcommittee to understand different experiences and views and it is hoped it will provide greater insight into how the Australian Government can support these sectors as they recover from the effects of COVID-19 border closures,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and the public hearing's program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Sydney Date: Thursday, 2 March 2023 Venue: Room 3, Level 8, Building 8 (UTS Business School: 14 - 28 Ultimo Road, Ultimo, Sydney) Time: 8:40am – 2:30pm (AEDT) The hearing will also be live streamed on the APH website: aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

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.

Media release issue date: Friday, 10 February 2023

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 Support to national crisis Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “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, 31 March 2023. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing to examine how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 8 December 2022

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing tomorrow to examine how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict. The inquiry was referred by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, on 28 September to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) (see Terms of Reference). The Committee will hear from witnesses advocating for both preservation of the status quo and for reform in this important area of public policy. Due to give evidence are Australians for War Powers Reform, legal scholars from academic institutions, public citizens, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australian Defence Association, and the Australian Defence Force. Commenting on the inquiry hearing, Defence Subcommittee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, noted that, “This public hearing will hear evidence from a range of stakeholders and witnesses to examine disparate views around the transparency and accountability of policy settings in the current exercise of these powers. The Terms of Reference also seek advice regarding the impact of any proposed policy changes on the safety and security of our Defence Force personnel. “The Subcommittee is keen for evidence regarding the way other Westminster democracies exercise these powers, as well as examining this issue from a legal and constitutional perspective.” Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Public hearing details Date: Friday 9 December Time: 1.00 pm – 6.30 pm ADST Location: Committee Room 1R3 and via teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Phillip Danh, office of Julian Hill MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Ph: 0469646998 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct a public hearing this Friday 9 December as part of its inquiry into the Auditor-General’s Report No.4 21/22 Defence’s Contract Administration Defence Industry Security Program.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 7 December 2022

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct a public hearing this Friday 9 December as part of its inquiry into the Auditor-General’s Report No.4 21/22 Defence’s Contract Administration Defence Industry Security Program. Witnesses from the Australian Industry Group, and Defence contractors Babcock Australasia and Leidos Australia will appear along with the Australian National Audit Office and the Department of Defence to discuss Defence’s implementation of the Auditor-General’s recommendations and suggested improvements to the program. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained that “Ensuring security requirements are met right across the defence industry supply chain is of critical importance to Australia’s national security. The Auditor-General raised serious concerns and Parliament is right to expect greater assurance from Defence. This is important both for current activities and also to give maximum confidence to allies and partners regarding technology transfer and the security of Australia’s defence industrial base. “After assessing submissions from Industry and Defence, now is the time to publicly examine in depth the extant of Defence’s progress on reform of the DISP and to hear firsthand from Defence Industry of their experiences in the program.” Public hearing details Date: Friday 9 December Time: 9.15 am – 12.00 pm AEDT Location: Committee Room 1R3 and via teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Phillip Danh, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Ph: 0469 646 998 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The importance of strengthening the electoral processes of Australia’s regional neighbours will be examined this week at a public hearing held by the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 30 November 2022

The importance of strengthening the electoral processes of Australia’s regional neighbours will be examined this week at a public hearing held by the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT). The Subcommittee will hear from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) in relation to its inquiry into supporting democracy in our region. The Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Josh Burns MP, said the Subcommittee ‘looks forward to hearing from International IDEA, an intergovernmental organisation that supports sustainable democracy around the world. ‘Electoral assistance is one element that the Subcommittee will focus on throughout this inquiry. The Subcommittee will use this opportunity to identify how best to support our neighbours in promoting strong electoral processes and, as a result, encouraging democratic participation.’ Submissions to this inquiry close on Friday 16 December 2022. Submissions should be lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 1 December 2022 Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Ariel Zohar, Media Adviser, Josh Burns MP (Member for Macnamara; Chair, Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee) Ph: 0425 872 296 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The prevalence and harm caused by acid attacks is to be discussed by the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) in a public hearing for the inquiry into the rights of women and children.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 22 November 2022

The prevalence and harm caused by acid attacks is to be discussed by the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) in a public hearing for the inquiry into the rights of women and children. The filmmakers of the award-winning documentary Geeta, including the subjects of the film, are to provide an insight into the lives of survivors and their campaign to prevent acid attacks. Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP stated that: “The story of Geeta and her daughter Neetu exemplifies the challenges and complexities involved in addressing gender-based violence. Acid attacks are a particularly horrific form of harm facing women and children today, and have long-term implications for women’s health, safety, and engagement in their communities. It is imperative for the Subcommittee to understand what drives this behaviour and what options are open to regulators in preventing acid attacks.” Submissions to the inquiry are being accepted, and are requested to be provided to the Subcommittee by Friday, 16 December 2022. Submissions containing graphic material will not be accepted to the inquiry. Submissions should be lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions and hearing transcripts, will be available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearing details in Canberra Time: 12.15 pm – 1.00 pm AEDT Date: Wednesday, 23 November 2022 Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP (Member for Calwell; Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee) Ph: 0477 963 459; Email: Maria.Vamvakinou.MP@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2205 humanrights.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The rights of women and children internationally will be investigated by the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT).

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 26 October 2022

The rights of women and children internationally will be investigated by the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT). Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP stated that: “I am eager to lead this timely inquiry that will focus on the human rights violations of women and children around the world. The committee’s inquiry will examine a range of relevant issues, including recent reports of sexual violence in war-affected areas and abuse experienced by migrant or refugee women and children. “Interested stakeholders are encouraged to make submissions aimed at understanding the treatment of women and children internationally and the impact of this treatment on their human rights, the adequacy of available support services for affected women and children, and the disproportionate impact on women’s education and social inclusion created by global disruptions.”. The Committee requests submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference to this inquiry by Friday, 16 December 2022. Submissions containing graphic material will not be accepted to the inquiry. Submissions should be lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Office of Maria Vamvakiou MP (Member for Calwell; Chair, Human Rights Subcommittee) Ph: 0477 963 459; Email: Maria.Vamvakinou.MP@aph.gov.au. For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2205 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Trade Subcommittee (the Committee), has launched an inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with a focus on the operation of both sectors in the post COVID-19 world.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 20 October 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Trade Subcommittee (the Committee), has launched an inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with a focus on the operation of both sectors in the post COVID-19 world. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, “Both the tourism and international education sectors have contracted substantially since the emergence of COVID-19. The Committee looks forward to understanding how both sectors can be best supported so they can be positioned as key contributors to the post COVID-19 recovery of Australia’s economy.” The Committee will also consider the effectiveness of recent tourism campaigns overseas and how Australia can support tourism in the Asia Pacific region. In relation to international education, the Committee is interested in hearing about innovations in the delivery of online education to strengthen the sector’s resilience. “We encourage a broad range of stakeholders in the tourism and international education sectors from across the country to share experiences about transitioning into the post COVID-19 period,” said Senator O’Neill. Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Monday, 12 December 2022. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Media and Policy Advisor, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

How Australia supports democracy in our region will be examined in a new parliamentary inquiry.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 11 October 2022

How Australia supports democracy in our region will be examined in a new parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry was referred by the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Penny Wong, on 28 September to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) with the following Terms of Reference. The JSCFADT has tasked the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee to undertake this inquiry. Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee Mr Josh Burns MP noted that “I am looking forward to leading this inquiry and hearing from expert witnesses about how we can support the role of civil society organisations working toward equitable participation in democracy and an open, free and independent media sector”. “I encourage interested individuals and organisations to make submissions focused on Australia’s long-term interest in the region, and our common connection through shared democratic values, liberty, human rights and rules-based systems”. The Committee requests initial submissions addressing the terms of reference to this inquiry by Friday, 11 November 2022. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Ariel Zohar, Media Adviser, Josh Burns MP (Member for Macnamara; Chair, Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee) Ph: 0425 872 296 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

How Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict will be examined in a new parliamentary inquiry.

Media release issue date: Friday, 30 September 2022

How Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict will be examined in a new parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry was referred by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, on 28 September to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) with the following Terms of Reference. The JSCFADT has tasked the Defence Subcommittee to undertake this inquiry. JSCFADT Chair, Shayne Neumann MP, said “One of the most significant powers vested in the Executive Government is the decision to deploy Australian servicemen and women into armed conflict where they are at risk of serious injury and death. This review of course does not alter the fact that Labor's defence policy is founded on the principle of Australian self-reliance and the Government and Australia's armed forces need to be able to defend Australia and its interests against credible threats in a dynamically changing geostrategic environment unimpeded by dissenting or short term political opinions.” Commenting on the inquiry, Defence Subcommittee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, noted that “The Government has committed to holding this inquiry which presents an opportunity for the public and stakeholders to present evidence to the Committee on where improvements can be made including transparency and accountability in the exercise of these powers. The Subcommittee will examine whether the current parliamentary processes are sufficient and importantly, if there are inadvertent security implications any proposed policy changes may cause that could compromise the safety and security of our Defence Force personnel. “During the inquiry it will be important to hear evidence about how other like-minded democracies and Westminster parliamentary systems around the world commit their citizens to conflict.” The Committee invites submissions addressing the terms of reference to this inquiry by Friday, 18 November 2022. Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Phillip Danh, office of Julian Hill MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Ph: 0469646998 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

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 Auditor General’s Report No. 4 (2021-22) Defence’s Contract Administration – Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).

Media release issue date: Friday, 16 September 2022

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 Auditor General’s Report No. 4 (2021-22) Defence’s Contract Administration – Defence Industry Security Program (DISP). Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained that “the committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence’s compliance with the Auditor-General’s recommendations in relation to the Defence Industry Security Program. “National security imperatives require Defence to execute and enforce strict contractual obligations with defence industry. “The Auditor-General raised serious concerns regarding Defence’s implementation of the Defence Industry Security Program and management of non-compliance which is fundamental to assuring the security of Defence’s people, information and assets. “Defence had not established fit for purpose arrangements to monitor compliance with contracted DISP requirements. “The Committee will examine Defence’s progress in implementing the six primary recommendations it committed to a year ago.” The Subcommittee is now inviting written submissions, by 4 November 2022. Media inquiries Phillip Danh, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Ph: 0469 646 998 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) presented its final report into Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) remediation in and around Defence bases today.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) presented its final report into Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) remediation in and around Defence bases today. Chair of the PFAS Sub-Committee, Senator Dr Sam McMahon said, ‘This inquiry has sought to provide an opportunity for the public and PFAS-affected communities to document what has been done by Government to manage and remediate PFAS. It has also enabled Committee members to raise issues affecting residents of these communities, and to improve government accountability.’ ‘Since December 2019, we have monitored progress of the Department of Defence’s National PFAS Investigation and Management Program. This report is the third and final report issued by the Committee,’ said Senator McMahon. ‘The Committee acknowledges that there are ongoing issues remediating PFAS in affected communities, and issues with the engagement and support of these communities. This report has documented means by which the Australian Government can improve these efforts into the future’, said Senator McMahon. The Committee has made eight recommendations to the Australian Government, relating to the: implementation of previous recommendations made by the JSCFADT; quality of engagement and communication with communities affected by PFAS contamination; coordination with state and territory governments; examining potential options for people with high levels of PFAS to make therapeutic blood or plasma donations to reduce their levels of PFAS; and continuation of longitudinal studies on potential adverse health effects for PFAS affected communities. Further information about the inquiry, including the report, submissions, transcripts, and responses to questions on notice, can be found on the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Senator Dr Sam McMahon Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee 02 6277 3643 Senator.McMahon@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade presented its report into Strengthening Australia’s relationships with countries in the Pacific region in the Senate yesterday.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade presented its report into Strengthening Australia’s relationships with countries in the Pacific region in the Senate yesterday. The Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee, Mr Dave Sharma MP stated, 'This Report seeks to build upon the success of the Pacific Step-up and identify further prospective areas for deepening and strengthening Australia’s engagement in the Pacific.' 'At a time of intensifying geopolitical competition and growing global challenges, especially that of climate change, fostering and strengthening Australia’s relationships with the Pacific has assumed a new importance and urgency.' The Committee made several recommendations, including: that Australia lead a large-scale, multi-year post-COVID-19 aid and recovery package; that Australia builds upon labour mobility schemes to provide better career development options and permanent residency pathways; that support for climate change mitigation and adaptation be a high priority in Australia’s immediate regional assistance program; that the Federal Court of Australia’s judicial capacity-building programs in the Pacific continue to be supported; the creation of a dedicated Pacific component to Australia’s permanent migration intake, akin to the New Zealand model; expanding Australia’s media and broadcasting footprint in the Pacific, recognising this is a key element of soft power; and exploring ambitious proposals for deeper integration, such as a long-term compact of free association Further information about the inquiry, including the report, submissions, transcripts, and responses to questions on notice, can be found on the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Office of Mr Dave Sharma MP Chair, Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee 02 9327 3988 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 JSCFADT@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade presented its First periodic report on Human Rights in the Senate yesterday.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 31 March 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade presented its First periodic report on Human Rights in the Senate yesterday. ‘This report outlines the range of issues the Committee has considered during this term of parliament, and is intended as a precedent for future periodic reports to the parliament about human rights matters,’ Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee, said. ‘During this parliament, the Committee has proposed Magnitsky-type legislation for Australia, made recommendations about the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific, and measures to help eliminate child and forced marriage. The Human Rights Sub-Committee has also held many private briefings and public round tables on specific issues,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘However, it has not yet tabled a general report on human rights issues. Periodic reporting on human rights will help ensure that the voices of the most marginalised and persecuted populations can be heard, and that their concerns are placed on the public record,’ Mr Andrews said. The report includes an overview of some of the issues raised with the Committee in the private briefings it has received. The report also provides a summary of public hearing round tables held by the Committee on foreign interference in Australia and on human rights abuses in Ethiopia. This work was conducted as part of the Committee’s inquiry into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Annual Report 2019–20. Details of the inquiry and a copy of the report are available from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Hon Kevin Andrews MP Chair, Human Rights Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Cristy Elliott (03) 9848 9900 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its report on Expanding the membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Media release issue date: Thursday, 10 February 2022

United Kingdom, Taiwan and South Korea – ‘Yes’ China – ‘re-establish relations before consideration’ US – ‘time to renew interest’ The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its report on Expanding the membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Chair of the Trade Sub-Committee, said, “Australia should support the expansion of the CPTPP to include new members, but not unconditionally.” 'Only aspiring economies that support an open, transparent and stable trading environment and those that demonstrate an ability and willingness to meet the agreement’s high standards should be considered,' Mr O’Brien said. 'The CPTPP is one of the world’s most comprehensive trade agreements and its quality must be maintained,' said Mr O’Brien on tabling the report in the House of Representatives. Among the Committee’s recommendations was that the Australian Government work with other CPTPP members to encourage and facilitate the accession of the United Kingdom, Taiwan and South Korea. 'The UK was the first to apply to join the CPTPP and the process it’s going through can be a template for other future aspirants,' said Mr O’Brien. The Committee’s recommendation on Taiwan went one step further, suggesting the government also consider negotiating a bilateral Taiwan-Australia FTA. 'A lesson from our experience with the UK is that benefits accrue from negotiating a bilateral FTA and the CPTPP at the same time, and we see merit in replicating this approach with Taiwan,' stated Mr O’Brien. On China, the Committee recommended the Australian Government work with other CPTPP members to, 'encourage China to re-establish full trading relations including ending its coercive trade measures and reengaging in ministerial dialogue, and to demonstrate an ability and willingness to commit to the CPTPP’s high standards, prior to supporting the commencement of an accession process'. 'The ball is in their court,' said Mr O’Brien. 'It’s up to China if it wishes to re-engage with Australia and I hope it does because that would enable the discussions that are necessary to determine whether an accession process should commence,' Mr O’Brien said. The United States has not sought to join the CPTPP since it withdrew from negotiations under President Trump. Nevertheless, the Committee recommended that the Australian Government work with other CPTPP members to encourage the US to renew its interest. The Committee also recommended ongoing informal discussions with other economies that have expressed an interest in joining the CPTPP including Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. A copy of the report and further information about the inquiry is available from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact: Mitchell Bland on 0401 257 064 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House today.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 2 December 2021

The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House today. In Advocating for the elimination of child and forced marriage, the Committee makes nine recommendations which support the efforts already being made, by the Australian Government and NGOs. ‘The Committee has heard through contributions to its inquiry that open community dialogue, education and women’s empowerment can shift social norms and create environments that discourage the practice,’ Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-committee, said. ‘Through this inquiry, the Committee learnt of the work undertaken by the Australian Government on child and forced marriage in recent years, situated as it is among broader human trafficking and modern slavery issues.’ Mr Andrews said. The Committee noted this an issue that has been viewed from several perspectives, with a role for the Australian Government to: work directly with other countries to provide assistance in the elimination of child and forced marriage; raise awareness and ensure that the issue is kept on the agenda across multilateral forums and bodies, including the United Nations; and respond to cases of child and forced marriage with Australia, and those affecting Australians when overseas. This work was conducted as part of the Committee’s current inquiry into the Annual Report of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 2019-2020. Details of the inquiry are available from the Committee’s website, and a list of recommendations is also available separately. Media inquiries Hon Kevin Andrews MP Chair, Human Rights Sub-committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Cristy Elliott (03) 9848 9900 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House this week.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 December 2021

The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House this week. The Committee has conducted a review of the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific, and made 14 recommendations. A key theme of the inquiry was that the underlying issues are interconnected and touch on all areas of society. Work to progress gender equality issues cannot be relegated to a small number of targeted areas. ‘The Committee acknowledges the considerable efforts of national governments in the Pacific nations. Our recommendations seek to build on the strength of their efforts and to propose means whereby Australia can further assist local efforts,' Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-committee, said. Another clear theme of the inquiry was support for local leadership, design and delivery of programs. Local faith-based groups, local NGOs, and local leaders are best placed to build and establish the institutions and infrastructure that lead to ongoing and sustained change. ‘Women and girls are continuing to shape their societies for the better,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘We trust that our recommendations will encourage their continuing commitment to supporting peaceful, resilient and happy communities throughout the Pacific.’ Further details about the about the inquiry can also be obtained from the committee’s website. A list of recommendations is also included with this release. Media enquiries Hon Kevin Andrews MP Chair, Human Rights Sub-committee, Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Cristy Andrews (03) 9848 9900 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au List of recommendations – Human Rights of Women and Girls in the Pacific The Committee recommends that all support provided by the Australian Government to any organisation or bodies undertaking disaster management planning and response work include women representatives. To ensure that an understanding of women’s needs in local areas are taken into account, the Committee recommends that the Australian Government works with Pacific governments to build the capacity of local organisations in the Pacific to respond to natural disasters and ensure Pacific women are included in the delivery and evaluations of programs. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government works with Pacific governments to provide support for projects mapping the vulnerabilities experienced by women and girls in the region during disasters. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government work with the tertiary education sector to maintain networks with alumni from Pacific island countries who have studied in Australia, including women and girls. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to focus diplomatic efforts on the implementation of treaties and other legislation aimed at improving the quality of life for women and girls, including political representation and involvement in decision-making. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to work with Pacific governments on public sector capacity-building work. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government publish an assessment of the progress on building the capacity of local organisations in the Pacific to advance the rights of women and girls. This should include data about what proportion of funding is provided to local organisations directly, and/or through intermediaries. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government work with Pacific governments to provide support for the secondary and tertiary education sector within Pacific island countries, including infrastructure for education institutions. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government extends the role of the multi-role vessel to include working in partnership with civil society to support the Pacific Islands. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government consider long-term funding cycles for official development assistance to be at least five-years. The Committee recommends the Australian Government extend its current five-year commitment to the Pacific Women Lead program to allow for funding cycles of this duration to be provided and to include a target for its gender expenditure. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government commit to continuing to undertake and publish strategic, thematic evaluations focusing on substantive human rights issues affecting women and girls. This should allow evaluations of the full range of official development assistance, and extend evaluations beyond those focused only at the investment or program-level. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government improve monitoring, evaluation and reporting of development assistance programs to ensure transparency and easy access to data, especially including reporting on funding for gender equality and women’s empowerment activities in the Pacific. The Committee recommends that the Australian Government, on an annual basis, publish data on the disbursements made to organisations for the purpose of gender equality initiatives. This should list the organisations receiving disbursements. November 2021  

The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House today.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 25 November 2021

The most recent report of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was presented in the House today. The Committee has conducted a review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2019-20 and made recommendations in a range of areas. The inquiry initially focused on four main aspects of the annual report: namely space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber warfare, Defence estate in the north and north-west and Defence workforce. Throughout the conduct of the inquiry, Defence science and technology and strategic fuel security became additional focus areas. Committee Chair, Senator the Hon David Fawcett, explained that the report and its recommendations reflect the fact that the Committee sees potential for Australia to take an increasingly ‘asymmetric’ approach to national security in coming decades, not only within the Defence organisation but from a broader whole-of-nation perspective. This extends beyond strictly military capabilities to shared civil-military space capabilities, joint civil-military cyber capabilities and innovative approaches to future fuel and energy security measures. ‘The global geostrategic environment is changing at a rate and on a scale much greater than was anticipated towards the end of the last decade. Military modernisation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in ‘grey-zone’ capabilities and tactics, has added a layer of complexity to Australia’s strategic challenges which must be met in an equally high-paced and agile manner if we are to maintain a credible defensive deterrent’ Senator Fawcett said. Further details about the about the inquiry can also be obtained from the committee’s website. Media inquiries Sen the Hon David Fawcett, Chair Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Simeon Lawson (08) 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au  

The representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia will appear at an Australian parliamentary inquiry to explain Taiwan’s interest in becoming a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 12 October 2021

The representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia will appear at an Australian parliamentary inquiry to explain Taiwan’s interest in becoming a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Sub-Committee Chair, Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said he looks forward to hearing from the representatives of Taiwan. “Only three prospective members have lodged a formal application to join the CPTPP – the United Kingdom, the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan,” Mr O’Brien said.  “The Committee has received an overwhelming number of submissions in support of Taiwan acceding into the CPTPP.  “This hearing provides an opportunity for Taiwan’s top diplomat to prosecute Taiwan’s own case for joining this vitally important trade agreement.”  The CPTPP agreement signed in 2018 is a trade bloc of 11 countries that includes Australia and is an export market of 500 million consumers worth nearly $14 trillion. The parliamentary inquiry by the Trade Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will examine the scope for expanding the CPTPP beyond the existing membership of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia and Peru and the merits of quite different economies seeking to join the trade bloc such as the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom and the most recent applicant Taiwan. The committee has heard previously from a range of corporations, business chambers and individuals in both Australia and in Taiwan such as the representatives of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council, the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia, Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Oceania, the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association Taiwan, the CPC Corporation Taiwan, and the Bankers Association of the R.O.C and many others seeking closer trade links. Further details about the about the inquiry, including today’s program and the terms of reference, details of past public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media Contact: Mitch Bland, 0401 257 064

Representatives of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council appear today ahead of two days of public hearings for inquiry looking at merits of expanding membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 30 September 2021

The representatives of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council will appear today ahead of two days of public hearings for an Australian parliamentary inquiry looking at the merits of expanding the membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The CPTPP agreement signed in 2018 is a trade bloc of 11 countries that includes Australia and is an export market of 500 million consumers worth nearly $14 trillion. The parliamentary inquiry will examine the scope for expanding the CPTPP beyond the existing membership of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia and Peru to include new members. Today’s public hearing is with representatives of the Australia-Taiwan Business Council, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia, Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Oceania, Melbourne Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Western Australia, Asia Business Council Western Australia, Taiwanese Association of Australia, Melbourne Chapter, Queensland Federation of Taiwanese Associations, the Hon Mr Tony Abbott AC, Export Council of Australia, Standards Australia, DHL Express (Australia), Australia China Business Council, Dr M Shumi Akhtar, Perth USAsia Centre, Customs and Global Law and the Freight and Trade Alliance, and Article Three. Tomorrow’s public hearing is with Professor Gabriele Suder, and representatives of the Australian Sugar Milling Council, Australian British Chamber of Commerce, Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network, ActionAid, Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association, the Overseas Community Affairs Council, ROC (Taiwan), Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association Taiwan, Taiwanese Barley Products Industry Association, CPC Corporation Taiwan, and the Bankers Association of the R.O.C. Further details about the about the inquiry, including today’s program and the terms of reference, details of past public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact the electorate office 07 5479 2800 Background Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page. 

Ambitious proposal for a new sports diplomacy mission dubbed ‘Team AusPac’ was tabled in Federal Parliament today, aimed at deepening ties between Australia and Pacific island countries.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 September 2021

An ambitious proposal for a new sports diplomacy mission dubbed ‘Team AusPac’ was tabled in Federal Parliament today, aimed at deepening ties between Australia and Pacific island countries. Chair of the Australian Parliament’s Trade Sub-Committee, Ted O’Brien MP, announced the proposal which forms part of a Parliamentary Inquiry report entitled ‘One Region, One Family, One Future’. ‘Australia and Pacific island countries display an affinity for one another which goes well beyond our shared geography and common geostrategic and economic interests,’ said Mr O’Brien. ‘It may not be at the pointy end of international affairs, but you should never underestimate the importance of people to people relations which is a great strength of Australia’s relationship with Pacific island countries. ‘And sport is one of the key ingredients.’ Team AusPac would be an initiative spearheaded by the Australian Government, in partnership with relevant sporting organisations, and include the creation a special program for Pacific island athletes as part of the Australian Institute of Sport; an expansion of the number of sports to receive special focus under the PacificAus Sports program beyond netball, football and rugby union and league; a capacity building program for sporting coaches and trainers, and; support for a team from a Pacific island country to enter the National Rugby League (NRL) competition. ‘Team AusPac would also maximise opportunities for Pacific island countries to be closely associated with, and actively participate in, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Australia,’ said Mr O’Brien who was Prime Minister Morrison’s personal representative on the bid team that recently secured the rights for Brisbane to host the 2032 Games. In all, the Inquiry’s report made five recommendations proposing that the Australian Government: prioritises its support for the Pacific region to recover from COVID-19 by increasing development assistance, providing vaccine coverage, assisting in the event of COVID-19 outbreaks and assessing opportunities to restore international trade and travel prioritises activation of greater trade and investment by considering measures and reforms to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations, making it easier for Pacific islanders to access the Australian market, supporting further research into trade and investment, supporting the establishment of National Standard Bodies, supporting the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative, promoting pilot investor tours to Pacific island countries and expanding Australia’s kava commercial importation pilot improves travel and mobility between Australia and countries of the Pacific region by establishing a Pacific travel bubble subject to health advice and processes, investigates potential for improving infrastructure, introduces a Pacific Business Travel Card, and improves labour mobility arrangements works towards deepening people-to-people ties between Australia and countries of the Pacific region through sport, churches and media – for example, through a new program called ‘Team AusPac’ maximises opportunities for Pacific island countries to be closely associated with, and actively participate in, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Australia recognises the important role played by Australian states and territories in our relationship with Pacific island countries – in particular, the state of Queensland – and analyses the outcomes of this report within a Queensland context, undertakes a feasibility study on expanding the services of a Pacific-focused office of Department of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade in Queensland, and engages the Queensland Government and relevant local government authorities to work collaboratively on aspects of this report.  ‘After 56 submissions and eight public hearing and roundtables with the diplomatic representatives of the Pacific island nations, I am confident that this report helps answer our questions and that our five recommendations are worthy of adoption by the Government,’ said Mr O’Brien. The full report can be viewed at: www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/TradewithPacific/Report. Media enquiries Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Chair of the Trade Sub-Committee of the JSCFADT Contact: 0401 257 064

The Defence Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting a new inquiry, focussing on important aspects of the most recent Annual Report of the Department of Defence including space based intelligence and cyberspace warfare

Media release issue date: Friday, 9 July 2021

The Defence Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting a new inquiry, focussing on important aspects of the most recent Annual Report of the Department of Defence including space based intelligence and cyberspace warfare. Chair of the Sub-committee, Mr Andrew Wallace MP, explained that ‘as part of the regular oversight role of the committee, we are taking the opportunity to review aspects of the latest Annual Report. Such inquiries allow the Parliament to get a temperature check on an agency, and as part of this process, we generally aim to ‘drill down’ into topical focus areas in more detail.’ ‘The Sub-committee has already held a public hearing with senior Defence officials, which was informative and thought-provoking, both on these timely areas, and on broader issues,’ Mr Wallace said. The Sub-committee is now inviting written submissions, by 4 August, on any of the following four focus areas: Space based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) Cyberspace warfare Defence estate in north and northwestern Australia Defence workforce Space-based ISR High-quality ISR is essential to government and military decision making. Space-based ISR is becoming both increasingly complex and increasingly critical as an input to the real-time and near-real-time ISR picture required by government and government agencies The Sub-committee is interested in the current state of Australian space-based ISR capabilities, its adequacy in the current geo-strategic environment, and what is and should be planned for future Australian space-based ISR. Cyberspace warfare Cyber warfare is increasingly the domain in which both ‘grey zone’ operations and the first offensive actions of conflict are likely to take place. In highly networked societies, governments, and militaries, the security and survivability of ICT systems and associated networks is a significant potential vulnerability. The Sub-committee is interested in the current state of Australian defensive and offensive cyber warfare capabilities. Defence Estate in north and northwestern Australia Defence has the most extensive land and property holdings in Australia, with over $28.2 billion of buildings and infrastructure including large training areas and bases close to the coastline, and environmental stewardship for over 3.5 million hectares of land in Australia. The Sub-committee is interested in the current state of Defence estate in Northern Australia, with respect to its development, maintenance, and capability. Defence Workforce The Committee acknowledges that the Defence Workforce is a potentially enormous area for investigation, with many interrelated threads, but it believes there is merit in looking at some broad themes, potentially for future inquiry. The Sub-committee is interested in hearing views about recruitment, retention, family matters and the reserve workforce. As an inquiry into an Annual Report, potentially all areas covered by the report are able to be considered, however the Sub-committee hopes to attract written submissions on the four focus areas above at this stage. Media inquiries Simon Thwaites, office of Andrew Wallace, MP (Member for Fisher; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Ph: 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade today presented its report, Australia’s response to the coup in Myanmar.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 24 June 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade today presented its report, Australia’s response to the coup in Myanmar. Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, Mr Dave Sharma MP, stated ‘the military coup in Myanmar has resulted in widespread loss of life and human tragedy, and has entirely reversed the significant development gains Myanmar has made in the past decade under civilian, democratic rule.’ ‘This has led the Committee to make a range of recommendations to the Australian Government, including how Australia can best support regional diplomacy efforts geared towards resolution of the crisis, and the implications for our development assistance program.’ ‘The Committee also recommends Australian Government support for ASEAN, UN and multilateral efforts to hold leaders of the Tatmadaw to account; investigate serious human rights violations; deter further violent repression; and restore civilian democratic rule.’ Mr Sharma stated. The report provides an overview of the diplomatic options available to Australia to positively influence developments in Myanmar, drawing on evidence from a wide range of diaspora groups, human rights organisations, leading experts and government. The Committee made eight recommendations, including: that the Australian Government continue to pursue the restoration of civilian rule in Myanmar as a foreign policy objective; for official Australian engagement with the legitimately-elected representatives of Myanmar, and for caution to avoid conveying legitimacy to military rule in Myanmar. continuation of Australian development assistance directed to humanitarian needs and civil society, but directed through non-government entities; further consideration of sanctions, including financial sanctions, against senior figures in the Tatmadaw and Tatmadaw-linked entities; and exploration of pathways to permanent residency for Myanmar nationals in Australia. Further information about the inquiry, including the report, submissions, transcripts, and responses to questions on notice, can be found on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Office of Mr Dave Sharma MP 02 9327 3988 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A public hearing on Friday, 18 June 2021 will examine Australia’s role internationally in promoting the elimination of child and forced marriage and the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 17 June 2021

A public hearing on Friday, 18 June 2021 will examine Australia’s role internationally in promoting the elimination of child and forced marriage and the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific. 9am to 12.00pm – child and forced marriage 1.00pm to 3.30pm – human rights of women and girls in the Pacific. Programs for the morning session and the afternoon session are available. Child and Forced Marriage Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the JSCFADT said ‘Australia has played a strong international role in efforts to combat modern slavery, and the Sub-Committee is looking forward to hearing about what more can be done to advocate for an end to child and forced marriage.’ The Sub-committee will hear from government and non-government stakeholders, including Walk Free, Anti-Slavery Australia and the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH). Representatives from Australian Border Force, the Department of Home Affairs, Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will also be in attendance. Human Rights of women and girls in the Pacific The Committee commenced its inquiry into the human rights of women and girls in the Pacific prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and received many informative submissions last year. The Committee heard of the initial impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic was having on the delivery of programmes in the Pacific, and is interested to hear how the previous year in this space has progressed. Public hearing details Due to COVID-19 restrictions and limited room capacity, committee proceedings held at Australian Parliament House are currently not open to members of the public wishing to observe the hearing in-person. The audio of the hearing will be broadcast via the Parliamentary website. Date: Friday 18 June 2021. Time: 9.00am to 3.30pm Location: Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra 9.00am–12.00pm: Elimination of child and forced marriage 9:00am–9:45am: DFAT, ABF, Home Affairs, AFP 10:00am–11:15am: Roundtable 11.30am-12:00pm: Follow up with government agencies 1.00pm–3.30pm: Human rights of women and girls in the Pacific. 1:00pm–2:00pm: DFAT 2:15pm–3:30pm: Roundtable Further information can be found on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Sub-committee Chair Contact: Cristy Elliot Email: menzies@aph.gov.au Phone: 03 9848 9900 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will appear at the opening public hearing today for an Australian parliamentary inquiry looking at the merits of expanding the membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 17 June 2021

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will appear at the opening public hearing today for an Australian parliamentary inquiry looking at the merits of expanding the membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The CPTPP agreement signed in 2018 is a trade bloc of 11 countries that includes Australia and is an export market of 500 million consumers worth nearly $14 trillion. The parliamentary inquiry will examine the scope for expanding the TPP beyond the existing membership of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia and Peru to include new members. Chair of the Trade Sub-Committee of the Joint Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, Ted O’Brien, welcomed the opportunity to investigate the process of how the current members of the CPTPP can agree on expanding the trade pact to include other economies, and understanding what the benefits of new members joining will be. ‘On the back of this week’s historical agreement to progress a FTA with the United Kingdom, between Prime Ministers Morrison and Johnson, it is timely to consider expanding the most comprehensive plurilateral trade agreement in existence, the CPTPP,’ Mr O’Brien said. ‘Before we can assess the merits of aspiring economies that could accede to the CPTPP, it is important to baseline everyone’s understanding of the agreement, and that starts today when hearing from DFAT.’ Representatives of DFAT will appear at the public hearing at 9:50 am, Thursday 17 June 2021 in Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Peter Nugent 07 5479 2800, mobile 0401 257 064 peter.nugent@aph.gov.au  For background: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page. 

A public hearing on Friday, 18 June 2021 will examine Australia’s role internationally in promoting the elimination of child and forced marriage.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 13 May 2021

A public hearing on Friday, 18 June 2021 will examine Australia’s role internationally in promoting the elimination of child and forced marriage. It is estimated that over 15 million people globally are living in a forced marriage, and this has been exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. UNICEF anticipates that as a result of the pandemic, up to 10 million more girls will be at risk of becoming child brides over the next decade. Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-committee said ‘Australia has played a strong international role in efforts to combat modern slavery and there are aspects and considerations between those abhorrent practices which often have a greater impact on women and children’. Deputy Chair, Mr Chris Hayes MP said, ‘the Sub-committee is particularly interested in how combatting child and forced marriage can be a targeted, coordinated and effective focus of Australia’s international development strategy and programs’. The hearing is being held as part of its inquiry into aspects of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Annual Report 2019-20. One public hearing is planned so far, although there may be opportunities for future engagement. The Sub-committee looks forward to hearing evidence from government departments, civil society organisations and other interested parties on these issues. Public hearing details People interested in participating in the public hearing are asked to contact the Secretariat by 1 June 2021, by submitting a short email (up to 150 words) to jscfadt@aph.gov.au describing your interest or views on one or all of the below questions:   How does Australia currently engage internationally to promote the elimination of child and forced marriage? What additional steps can Australia take to advocate for the elimination of child and forced marriage? For example, by: engaging with international institutions and likeminded countries; cooperating with non-government organisations; bilateral engagement or other diplomatic activities; and other appropriate means. The Sub-committee will review the expressions of interest, and prepare a public hearing program that best accommodates all views in the time available. Expressions of interest will not be published. Written submissions in response to the above matters are also welcome and these may be published at a future time. Submissions should be lodged with the Secretariat before 1 June 2021. More details on arrangements for the hearing will be available from the Committee’s website when they are finalised. Media inquiries Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Sub-committee Chair Contact: Cristy Elliot Email: menzies@aph.gov.au Phone: 03 9848 9900 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The report of the Inquiry into Defence relationships in the Pacific undertaken by Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was tabled today. Chair of the Sub-Committee Andrew Wallace MP said that Defence and security challenges faced in the Pacific are now more prevalent and complex than ever before.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 May 2021

The report of the Inquiry into Defence relationships in the Pacific undertaken by Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was tabled today. Chair of the Sub-Committee Andrew Wallace MP said that Defence and security challenges faced in the Pacific are now more prevalent and complex than ever before. “It behoves all members of our Pacific family to be aware of emerging issues, and to face them together in an organised, collaborative, and coordinated manner. As a regional medium-power, Australia bears significant responsibility for creating the environment and providing the means to achieve this.” he said. The inquiry report and its recommendations reflect the fact that there are several existing and proven defence initiatives and programs which contribute significantly to the Pacific Step-up. These include the long-standing Defence Cooperation Program and the Pacific Maritime Security Program. The report also indicates that there are ways to improve these initiatives, as well as new and innovative ways to forge, deepen and strengthen defence ties between members of the Pacific family. This is where the future of Australian defence relationships should be focussed. “From fisheries management, protection and surveillance, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, intelligence collection and sharing, climate change and the global pandemic, Australia’s defence organisation stands ready to play its part in the Pacific Step-up. There is, however, more to be done.” Mr Wallace said. This Parliamentary inquiry examined Australia’s Defence relationships with Pacific Island nations in the context of the Pacific Step-up. The inquiry heard from a range of Academic, Government, and Non-Government Agencies over two days of public hearings in July 2020 and via a number of written submissions provided to the Sub-Committee from Government agencies, academia and individuals. While the conduct of the inquiry was impacted by COVID-19, the submissions received, and evidence heard at public hearings was of the highest quality and the committee thanks all of those who contributed to it. This report and its recommendations reflect the committee’s belief that Australia’s defence relationships in the Pacific are extremely important, are becoming increasingly so, and that additional efforts can and should be made to ensure the security of our region in the years to come. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can also be obtained from the committee’s website. Media inquiries Andrew Wallace, Chair, Defence Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Simon Thwaites 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is holding the next stage of public hearings into the military coup in Myanmar on Thursday, 13 May 2021.

Media release issue date: Monday, 10 May 2021

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is holding the next stage of public hearings into the military coup in Myanmar on Thursday, 13 May 2021. Representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Department of Defence will appear to provide detail on the Australian Government’s response to the unfolding crisis. Chair of the Subcommittee, Dave Sharma MP, said that the submissions from community groups and experts have helped inform Australia’s approach in supporting a cessation of violence and a return to democratic rule in Myanmar. ‘Last month we heard from a wide range of diaspora groups, human rights organisations and leading experts who shed light on the deeply concerning developments in Myanmar. With ASEAN having now assumed a diplomatic role in resolving this crisis, the Subcommittee is keen to hear from Australian government departments about how we can best support ASEAN efforts to restore civilian rule in Myanmar.’ Further information about the inquiry can be found on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 13 May 2021 Time: 11.00 am to 12.30 pm AEST Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Ms Natalie Hissey, Office of Mr Dave Sharma MP 02 9327 3988 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing on Tuesday 13 April in Canberra to examine recent worrying developments in Myanmar in greater depth, and to hear from concerned sectors of Australian society about the troubling direction Myanmar has taken since the military coup of 1 February.

Media release issue date: Monday, 12 April 2021

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing on Tuesday 13 April in Canberra to examine recent worrying developments in Myanmar in greater depth, and to hear from concerned sectors of Australian society about the troubling direction Myanmar has taken since the military coup of 1 February. Chair of the subcommittee, Mr Dave Sharma MP, said “More than 60 individuals and organisations responded to our call for expressions of interest to participate in the public hearing. There is clearly a high degree of community concern within Australia about the escalating violence and rising death toll in Myanmar, and the increasingly inhumane behaviour of the military leadership there.” “The response from across the community has been overwhelming. On Tuesday the subcommittee will hear from individuals and organisations part of the Myanmar diaspora and community, government departments, and other experts,” according to Deputy Chair Mr Julian Hill MP. The program has been published on the Committee’s website. The public hearing is being held with limited numbers in a controlled and COVID Safe manner. The hearing will be broadcast, and can be viewed through the APH website. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, committee proceedings held at Australian Parliament House are currently not open to members of the public wishing to observe the hearing in-person. Further information about the inquiry can be found on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 13 April 2021 Time: 9.30am to 4.00pm AEST Location: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra 9.30am: Open 9.30am–10.30am: Government Departments 10.45am–12.30pm: Diaspora, community groups and individuals 1.15pm–2.30pm: Experts, academics and NGOs 2.40pm–4.00pm: Experts, academics and NGOs 4:00pm: Close The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Ms Natalie Hissey, Office of Mr Dave Sharma MP 02 9327 3988 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The military coup in Myanmar, and the escalating violence and rising death toll, are of growing concern to Australia.

Media release issue date: Friday, 26 March 2021

The military coup in Myanmar, and the escalating violence and rising death toll, are of growing concern to Australia. As a longstanding supporter of Myanmar’s democratic transition, recent developments are deeply troubling, both for Myanmar’s people and for the region more broadly. The Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade intends to hold a public hearing on Tuesday 13 April in Canberra to examine recent developments in Myanmar in greater depth, and to hear from concerned sectors of Australian society about the troubling direction Myanmar has taken in recent weeks. “The evolving situation in Myanmar is of acute concern to a large number of Australians,” according to chair of the subcommittee Dave Sharma MP. “The pathway ahead remains fluid and uncertain, and we are keen to hear from experts and community organisations in Australia about how Australia can support a return to democratic rule in Myanmar as soon as possible, and the protection of fundamental human rights.” Deputy Chair Julian Hill MP said “The situation is heartbreaking. Over 250 people have died in the escalating violence, and Australia must also provide support to diaspora communities living here who are desperately worried about family and friends.  “Australia needs to work with likeminded countries in our region to send a strong message that the violence must stop, and democracy must be returned quickly. The subcommittee’s inquiry and focus on Myanmar is a fully bipartisan endeavour.” The subcommittee looks forward to hearing evidence from government departments, diaspora groups, thinktanks and human rights organisations on these issues. For further information (Natalie Hissey, Mr Sharma’s office 02 9327 3988); for administration, contact the secretariat 02 6277 2313 (email jscfadt@aph.gov.au). Arrangements for the hearing: People who want to participate in the hearing are asked to get in touch as soon as possible before 6 April. A short email (up to 150 words) is the best method, describing your interest or views on any of the below points. Why did the military coup in Myanmar occur? How long is military rule in Myanmar likely to last? What have been the regional reactions to the coup in Myanmar? What are the implications for Australians in Myanmar? What are the implications for Australians doing business in Myanmar? What is the impact on bilateral cooperation, such as military, human rights and international development support?\ What can or should Australia do to support the return to stability and democracy? The Committee will review the expressions of interest, and prepare a program which can best accommodate all views in the limited time available. The final program will include more details including start and finish times for the hearing. More detailed written submissions responses to the questions or longer submissions are also welcome, but detailed responses are not needed in order to join the discussions. One hearing is planned so far, although there may be opportunities for future engagement. The hearing will be broadcast live, and a transcript will be published afterwards. If you want your involvement to be confidential, please let us know, and we will do our best to make sure your views can be included. Arrangements can be made for limited numbers to join the meeting in person (COVID-restrictions apply in Parliament House), or by teleconference. More details on arrangements for the hearing will continue to be available from the Committee’s website when they are finalised.

In response to the new Biden administration in the United States and also the United Kingdom declaring it wants to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade agreement, an Australian parliamentary inquiry looking at the merits of expanding the CPTPP’s membership has extended the closing date for submissions to 16 April 2021.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 16 February 2021

In response to the new Biden administration in the United States and also the United Kingdom declaring it wants to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade agreement, an Australian parliamentary inquiry looking at the merits of expanding the CPTPP’s membership has extended the closing date for submissions to 16 April 2021. Chair of the Trade Sub-Committee of the Joint Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, Ted O’Brien, wants to allow more time for submissions to the inquiry. “The election of the Biden administration and the new President’s longstanding support for trade liberalisation is no small matter,” said Mr O’Brien. “Likewise, the UK’s declaration that it wishes to join the CPTPP is big news. “These international events create a new context in which the topic of expanding the CPTPP’s membership should be considered, so I’ve decided to extend the closing date for submissions.” The CPTPP agreement signed in 2018 is a trade bloc of 11 countries that includes Australia and is an export market of 500 million consumers worth nearly $14 trillion. The parliamentary inquiry will examine the scope for expanding the TPP beyond the existing membership of Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia and Peru to include new members. “It’s important that any new member can commit to the existing Agreement, including on issues such as standards and market access,” Mr O’Brien said. Submissions from any person, businesses or organisations with an interest in the issues raised by these terms of reference are welcome. Submissions addressing all or some of the terms of reference should be lodged by 16 April 2021. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Peter Nugent 07 5479 2800 Mobile 0401 257 064 peter.nugent@aph.gov.au  For background: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Federal Parliament is releasing the report of its inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade policy.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Federal Parliament is releasing the report of its inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade policy. The Committee found that the lessons from COVID-19 are not primarily about health. The Chair of the Committee, Senator the Hon David Fawcett said that “the behaviour of nation states in response to COVID-19 has called into question some assumptions about the willingness of nations to support the global rules-based order”. He added that “these assumptions have underpinned many aspects of Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade in recent decades”. Senator Fawcett stressed that “any decrease in support for the norms of the rule-based order negatively affects collaboration and conflict resolution between nation states, as well as the efficacy of commercial relationships between companies.” The Committee concluded that the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in Australia’s security and critical national systems “caused by supply chains that rely on just-in-time supply from the global market, particularly where companies are subject to extrajudicial and coercive direction from foreign governments”. Senator Fawcett said that because of the increased risks identified in the Strategic Update 2020, Australia must have a timely and strategic, whole-of-government response and that “returning to ‘business as usual’ is not an option”. Senator Fawcett said that “unexpected, sustained disruption due to another pandemic or grey-zone, coercive or military actions by state actors could degrade if not disable one or more of Australia’s critical national systems.” The Committee recommended that the Australian Government should change procurement rules to partner with Australian industry sectors which provide priority enablers to critical national systems. This partnership should be through the use of procurement to build and sustain sovereign capability, not just by offering one-off grants. The Committee concluded that Australia also required more investment and diplomatic effort to increase Australia’s resilience through trusted and transparent partnerships with like-minded nations. Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Australia should enact a world-leading law to apply targeted sanctions to perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption, according to a new Australian Parliament report.

Media release issue date: Monday, 7 December 2020

  Australia should enact a world-leading law to apply targeted sanctions to perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption, according to a new Australian Parliament report. Tabling the report today, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP said Magnitsky-style targeted sanctions will align Australia with a global movement seeking to limit opportunities for human rights abusers, corrupt officials and their beneficiaries to enjoy the proceeds of their abuses. ‘These recommendations would see Australia strengthen our commitment to protecting the human rights of people around the world. The report’s recommendations would see Australia implement a world leading version of Magnitsky legislation,’ Mr Andrews said. The recommended targeted sanctions would include banning entry to Australia, and the capacity to seize assets. ‘We cannot control whether perpetrators are brought to justice within their home country, but targeted sanctions legislation will make Australian beaches, schools, medical care and financial institutions off-limits to people who have profited from unconscionable conduct,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘A targeted sanctions regime for serious human rights abuse and corruption will close the gap of opportunity for perpetrators and stop Australia becoming a safe haven for these people.’ The report follows a wide-ranging inquiry which commenced in 2019 and incorporates submissions from over 160 individuals and organisations from around the world. During the inquiry, the sub-committee heard evidence from a range of expert witnesses including Geoffrey Robertson AO QC, Amal Clooney and Garry Kasparov. Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, Senator David Fawcett, has endorsed the Sub-committee’s report. ‘The community, legal experts, victims of human rights abuse, and our allies have spoken and the Committee has listened,’ Senator Fawcett said. ‘Australia has an opportunity to become a leader in addressing human rights abuse and corruption, and we should do so at the first opportunity. ‘Cooperation with like-minded nations on this matter has the potential to protect the human rights of countless citizens around the world. Australia is an attractive destination for investment and lifestyle, and we have the opportunity to reduce incentives for corrupt and unscrupulous human rights abusers.’ ‘Respect for individuals and the freedoms that underpin the Universal Declaration of Human Rights lie at the heart of the values that have enabled the global rules based order to bring increased security and prosperity to the people of so many nations in recent decades.’ You can read the full report by clicking here. Media enquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) remediation will hear today from an expert panel of environmental service providers, partners with Defence in its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program.

Media release issue date: Monday, 7 December 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) remediation will hear today from an expert panel of environmental service providers, partners with Defence in its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program. Senator Dr Sam McMahon, Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, said that the Department of Defence had selected leading innovators in PFAS remediation to address PFAS contamination at RAAF Edinburgh, Williamtown, Oakey, Tindal, and Katherine among other sites. ‘Global remediation experts Emerging Compounds Treatment Technologies (ECT2) and Ventia Utility Services are currently operating ground water and soil treatment plants at these sites, while Australian owned and operated innovator Synergy Resource Management’s solutions include mobile wastewater treatment technologies,’ Senator McMahon said. Submissions from these firms record impressive results being achieved at Defence bases. Billions of litres of contaminated water have been cleared of PFAS to levels well below Australian health guidelines. Defence also supported the first large scale trial of a world first technology which removes PFAS mass from soil at RAAF base Edinburgh. ‘The PFAS remediation panel will bring representatives from these cutting-edge firms to Canberra with US based executives involved via teleconference. The Sub-committee expects a productive discussion about Australia’s approach as part of the international PFAS remediation effort’, the Senator said. Submission nos 16, 21 and 24 to the PFAS inquiry into PFAS remediation are available on the inquiry site. Public hearing details:  Date: Monday 7 December 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:30pm (extended time) Location: Committee Room IR1, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Senator Dr Sam McMahon Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Senator.McMahon@aph.gov.au 02 6277 3643 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

An inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific island region to meet current and emerging opportunities and risks will tomorrow discuss strengthening governance frameworks, explore planning for population displacement threats and hear about the 2020 roll-out of the PacificAus TV initiative in the region.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 2 December 2020

An inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific island region to meet current and emerging opportunities and risks will tomorrow discuss strengthening governance frameworks, explore planning for population displacement threats and hear about the 2020 roll-out of the PacificAus TV initiative in the region. The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from Ms Helen Burrows, head of the Federal Court of Australia’s International Program about the spin-off benefits of the program through fostering long-term judicial networks and legal capacity building in Pacific island countries. The Federal Court of Australia has been supporting programs of this kind for many years. The Committee is keen to hear more about the positive outcomes in community stability and potentially in regional security, beyond those seen in an improved legal system. The Sub-Committee will also discuss with representatives of Free TV Australia what has been described in their submission as the successful roll-out in 2020 - despite Covid-19 impacts - of the Australian Government initiative, PacificAus TV, being delivered by Free TV. PacificAus TV has enabled seven island countries access to free broadcasting rights for some 1000+ hours of Australian content programs. The initiative enables local broadcasters to introduce programs, at no cost to them, into their broadcasting schedule from a menu of Australian content. Ms Bridget Fair, CEO of Free TV Australia and Mr Shane Wood, Project Manager, PacificAus TV will share their experience about the initiative, and how it has been received in the Pacific. The Sub-Committee will also hear from Professor Jane McAdam, Director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at the University of NSW. Further details about the inquiry can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 3 December 2020 Time: 11.00 am to 12.50 pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra (and by teleconference) The hearings will be video streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media enquiries: Dave Sharma MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Natalie Hissey  02 9327 3988  Email natalie.hissey@aph.gov.au For background: Committee Secretariat  02 6277 2313  jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear today from key scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Australia’s national science agency about its latest environmental research.

Media release issue date: Monday, 30 November 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear today from key scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Australia’s national science agency about its latest environmental research. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Senator Dr Sam McMahon said that the CSIRO has played a major role in Australia’s recovery following two world wars, driving science and technology innovation to solve the greatest challenges facing the nation.  The CSIRO is now charged to address the growing impact of contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), solvents, pesticides, fertilisers and metals on the environment. ‘Today, the PFAS Sub-committee will discuss with the CSIRO’s Land and Water experts the complex challenges posed by legacy PFAS substances released by firefighting foams,’ Senator McMahon said. ‘One of the things we will want to know is to what extent Defence has adopted CSIRO recommendations last parliament to focus on containing, removing and destroying PFAS contaminants in soils, and for a more coordinated response on the knowledge gaps.’ Senator McMahon noted that the CSIRO’s Land and Water work brings together the largest international multi-disciplinary team of environmental contamination expertise in the world.  ‘The CSIRO is currently working with industry and universities in the cutting edge area of biotechnology, where mixed microbial communities work to breakdown PFAS and other contaminants. The CSIRO says this method improves ecosystem functions, protects biodiversity and decreases potential health risks’, the Senator said.   Public hearing details:  Date: Monday 30 November 2020 Time: ~4:10 pm to 5:00 pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. via teleconference The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Senator Dr Sam McMahon Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Senator.McMahon @aph.gov.au (02) 02) 6277 3643 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee you can visit its website. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A new parliamentary inquiry will look into the merits of expanding the membership of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.

Media release issue date: Friday, 13 November 2020

A new parliamentary inquiry will look into the merits of expanding the membership of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. Chair of the Trade Sub-Committee of the Joint Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, Ted O’Brien, says now is the time to look at the opportunity for freer trade between Australia and potential new members. ‘More trade equals more jobs and that’s precisely what we need right now,’ Mr O’Brien said. ‘The question is, who should we be trading more with and is the TPP the right vehicle to make it happen?’ said Mr O’Brien. ‘We will examine the case for expanding the TPP to include new members that can commit to the existing Agreement, including on issues such as standards and market access,’ Mr O’Brien said. ‘We want to examine whether the TPP can be a vehicle to realise freer trade opportunities for Australian exporters as we seek to not only increase trade, but also diversify our trading relationships.’ Signed in Chile in 2018, the agreement more formally known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a trade bloc of 11 countries that includes Australia, is an export market of 500 million consumers worth nearly $14 trillion. The agreement is now in force for most member states such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, and Vietnam, with Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia and Peru set to join after they complete their respective ratification processes. Importantly for Australia, this Agreement delivered its first ever trade deal with Canada and Mexico – both top 20 economies in the world. ‘As an example of one sector benefitting from the CPTPP, near $500 million or 16 per cent of Australia’s wine exports in 2019 went to CPTPP countries and winemakers are now benefitting from elimination of all Canada's tariffs on wine,’ Mr O’Brien said. Submissions from any person, businesses or organisations with an interest in the issues raised by these terms of reference are welcome. Submissions addressing all or some of the terms of reference should be lodged by 18 February 2021. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Ms Karlee Hooper 07 5479 2800 Mobile 0401 257 064 karlee.hooper@aph.gov.au For background: Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

An inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific region to meet current and emerging opportunities and risks will tomorrow hear evidence of the almost ‘miraculous’ lack of Covid-19 cases in the Pacific islands. These Covid-free islands have, however, not been spared from the severe economic impacts of the global pandemic.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 11 November 2020

An inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific region to meet current and emerging opportunities and risks will tomorrow hear evidence of the almost ‘miraculous’ lack of Covid-19 cases in the Pacific islands. These Covid-free islands have, however, not been spared from the severe economic impacts of the global pandemic. The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from Mr Jonathan Pryke, Director of the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands Program and Mr Shane McLeod, Research Fellow of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Network. They will appear together to discuss the problems of fragile economies, exposure to natural disasters, climate change impacts and the many Pacific island countries indebted with poorly structured debt arrangements. Mr Pryke has recently proposed the opening up of the borders between Covid-free countries like Australia and New Zealand with Covid-free Pacific island countries to stimulate economies with a return to tourist trade. Prior to the pandemic the region was the major recipient of Australian development aid—and funding to these countries has been supplemented this year to cater for the indirect impacts of the global pandemic. Many Pacific island residents are now experiencing severe poverty. The Sub-Committee will also hear from Professor John Blaxland, an academic expert in international security and intelligence studies who will discuss the reasons he has proposed Australia adopts a ‘grand compact’ of association with Pacific micro-states. He has cited climate change impact; martime, territorial and domestic security problems and inadequate governance as the major threats to these countries and Australia’s relationship with them. The Sub-Committee has welcomed 68 primary submissions to date. Further details about the inquiry, including terms of reference, contributing a submission and details of public hearings, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 12 November 2020 Time: 11.15 am to 12.45 pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra (and via teleconference) The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media enquiries: Dave Sharma MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Natalie Hissey (02) 9327 3988 Email natalie.hissey@aph.gov.au For background: Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination on and around Defence bases will hear today from Professor Ravi Naidu, founding Managing Director and CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment— CRC CARE.

Media release issue date: Monday, 9 November 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) contamination on and around Defence bases will hear today from Professor Ravi Naidu, founding Managing Director and CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment— CRC CARE. Senator Dr Sam McMahon, Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, highlighted the CRC CARE’s innovative research work in partnership with the Department of Defence. ‘CRC CARE conducts remediation of PFAS affected soil, surface water and groundwater at six different Defence sites. At RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Pearce the CRC’s matCARE™ technology has removed 99 per cent of PFAS from nearly one million litres of contaminated waste water,’ Senator McMahon said. The CRC’s matCARE™ technology uses modified clay in containerised mobile treatment plants for effective treatment in diverse locations. The CRC has also developed a suite of other matCARE products to immobilise PFAS and to address other environmental contaminants. As well as funding from Defence to develop a solution for aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contaminated waste water, the CRC has also successfully bid for extended funding under the Government’s CRC program which supports excellence in research innovation. Senator McMahon advised that the CRC engages with 29 other research participants, including several leading universities, the CSIRO and industry, on projects addressing PFAS and other co-contaminants associated with mining and other activities. 'With this work in progress PFAS affected communities can feel confident that results being achieved now will make a difference to their quality of life in future’, the Senator said. CRC CARE’s submission (no. 19) to the PFAS inquiry into PFAS remediation is available on the inquiry site. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 9 November 2020 Time: ~3:40 pm to 4:30pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. via teleconference The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Senator Dr Sam McMahon Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Senator.McMahon@aph.gov.au (02) 02) 6277 3643 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt ‘Magnitsky-style’ laws will hear from the Export Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group at a teleconference round table this week.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 30 September 2020

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt ‘Magnitsky-style’ laws will hear from the Export Council of Australia and the Australian Industry Group at a teleconference round table this week. The inquiry, run by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Human Rights Sub-committee will be led by Sub-Committee Chair the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, who says the Sub-Committee is looking forward to the opportunity to speak with representatives of Australian business and industry to hear their perspective on the possible adoption of new Targeted Sanctions legislation. More information about this inquiry, including submissions received by the Committee to date, is available on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 1 October 2020 Time: 1:00pm – 2.30pm Location: Via teleconference The hearings will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will conclude its program of public hearings with two days of hearings on the 15th and 16th of September. The first day will focus on international affairs, defence and maritime issues, while the second will focus on international development aid.

Media release issue date: Monday, 14 September 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will conclude its program of public hearings with two days of hearings on the 15th and 16th of September. The first day will focus on international affairs, defence and maritime issues, while the second will focus on international development aid. Senator the Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said that the pandemic has put great pressure on individual nations and international relationships as countries have struggled to contain the virus. "The pandemic has highlighted some serious challenges in Australia's defence and diplomatic environment and has put real pressure (both health and economic) on many countries in the Asia Pacific region," Senator Fawcett said. "These hearings will help the Committee understand what we need to do better as a nation to work with others in our region to get through these difficult times, to protect our national interest, and to maximise the positive impact of our international influence.” Programs for each day’s hearings are available at this link. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 15 September Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference Date: Wednesday 16 September Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will today hold a public hearing with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and prominent Pacific region journalists for the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 10 September 2020

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will today hold a public hearing with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and prominent Pacific region journalists for the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific. The Sub-Committee will hear from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on its media coverage in the Pacific region. Also appearing are representatives of the Australia Asia Pacific Media Initiative and also former senior foreign correspondents in the Pacific, Sean Dorney and Graeme Dobell. The Sub-Committee has been exploring the benefits of providing Australian content and media coverage as a tool in soft diplomacy for Australia to strengthen relationships with countries in the Pacific. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 10 September 2020 Time: 11.00 am to 1.00 pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live The Sub-Committee has welcomed 64 primary submissions to date. The Committee is still particularly keen to hear views from within Pacific island countries, individuals who have participated in labour mobility schemes, and those who have settled permanently in Australia. Further details about the inquiry, including terms of reference, contributing a submission and details of public hearings, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Mr Dave Sharma MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Miss Natalie Hissey (02) 9327 3988 natalie.hissey@aph.gov.au For background Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Diplomatic representatives from Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Kingdom of Tonga, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, New Zealand, and Kiribati will meet tomorrow with members of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade for a roundtable discussion on the topics of Pacific trade, aid and defence.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 3 September 2020

Diplomatic representatives from Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Kingdom of Tonga, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, New Zealand, and Kiribati will meet tomorrow with members of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade for a roundtable discussion on the topics of Pacific trade, aid and defence. The roundtable connects several inquiries from sub-committees of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. Members of the sub-committees will be seeking the views of participants on the Australian Government’s Pacific Step-Up, infrastructure development, regional security, seasonal workers programs, a new development-centred trade agreement, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) and the potential of a “Pacific bubble” for easier travel and tourism between the island nations and Australia and New Zealand, in response to the COVID-19 shutdowns. Further details about the about the inquiries, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Friday 4 September 2020 Time: 9:00am to 12:30pm Location: Committee Room IR1, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Mr Dave Sharma MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact: Miss Natalie Hissey (02) 9327 3988 For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will today hold a public hearing with the two lead federal departments for the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 3 September 2020

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will today hold a public hearing with the two lead federal departments for the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships in the Pacific. The Committee will hear from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence on its coordinated efforts in planning for and delivering the development and capacity building ‘step-up’ program in the Pacific island region. The Sub-Committee has been exploring means of Australia strengthening relationships with countries in the Pacific region, including helping island countries tackle current and ongoing challenges and be in a better position to seize opportunities of benefit to their people. Sub-Committee Chair Mr Dave Sharma said “Although island and archipelago countries in the Pacific region have unique characteristics, all countries in the region face similar challenges—notably the current severe economic downturn as a result of shut-downs during the pandemic, health infrastructure preparedness, and the need to improve education, skills and employment opportunities. Other challenges include isolation, narrowly focused economies and low-lying topography subject to sea water inundation.” “The health, prosperity and security of the people in countries in our Pacific region is of vital mutual importance.” Mr Sharma said. The Committee is keen to hear about the impact of the Step-up program in the Pacific region to date. The Step-up program comprises a suite of development and security initiatives which commenced in 2018 and is now complemented by the Partnerships to recovery development response to the pandemic, announced in May. The Sub-Committee will join the Trade and the Defence Sub-Committees in hosting a roundtable hearing in Canberra on Friday, where the success of the Pacific step-up can be further explored with Pacific island Heads of Mission and High Commissioners. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 3 September Time: 11.00 am to 12.30 pm Location: Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra (and via teleconference) The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live The Sub-Committee has welcomed 64 primary submissions to date. The Committee is still particularly keen to hear views from within Pacific island countries, individuals who have participated in labour mobility schemes, and those who have settled permanently in Australia. Further details about the inquiry, including terms of reference, contributing a submission and details of public hearings, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Mr Dave Sharma MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Miss Natalie Hissey (02) 9327 3988 natalie.hissey@aph.gov.au For background Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Australian, Tongan and Fijian opponents to a new Pacific trade agreement will give evidence at a parliamentary hearing tomorrow.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 2 September 2020

Australian, Tongan and Fijian opponents to a new Pacific trade agreement will give evidence at a parliamentary hearing tomorrow. Witnesses from the Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) and Public Services International will provide evidence at the hearing, part of an inquiry into the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus). Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee’s Sub-Committee on Trade, Dr John McVeigh, says the hearing is an important opportunity for the Sub-Committee to hear all views on Pacific trade. PACER Plus is an agreement yet to be ratified with 13 other members of Pacific Islands Forum that it is hoped will encourage a stronger regional trading system between Pacific island countries. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 3 September 2020 Times: 10:00 am to 11:15 am Location: Committee Room IR3, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact: Clare Siddins/Nikki Phillips (07) 4632 4144 For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The second progress report of the PFAS Sub-committee’s ongoing scrutiny of remediation in and around Defence bases was presented today in Parliament.

Media release issue date: Monday, 31 August 2020

The second progress report of the PFAS Sub-committee’s ongoing scrutiny of remediation in and around Defence bases was presented today in Parliament. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the Government’s response to Joint Committee’s 2018 report on PFAS contamination in and around Defence bases is under the microscope in this report. ‘The Sub-committee had made a commitment to PFAS affected communities to evaluate progress under Defence’s National PFAS Investigation and Management Program while the response was being prepared’, Dr McVeigh said. The Government response to the JSCFADT report was presented to Parliament out of session on 20 February 2020. It maintained, overall, that current arrangements adequately address, or can address, the issues the Committee raised over a year before. The report tabled today makes ten recommendations to reform both high level and in-practice processes under the National PFAS program. These are grouped in four evaluative chapters, which respond to recommendations made in the JSCFADT 2018 review. ‘While the Sub-committee acknowledges good work is being done, the Committee wants the Government and its agencies to be more accountable to the public and people affected by PFAS’, Dr McVeigh said. ‘This means providing the facts, getting people involved, delivering support and compensation, and driving through legislation and international agreements that will phase out PFAS firefighting foams permanently’. The PFAS inquiry’s Second progress report is now available on the inquiry website. Further information about the PFAS Sub-committee’s progressive scrutiny of PFAS remediation work, submissions received and the public hearing information is also available on the inquiry site. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au 02 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in two separate public hearings this week.

Media release issue date: Monday, 31 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in two separate public hearings this week. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said that the two Departments have vital roles to play in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Industry Department will have to identify and transform industries critical to national sovereign capabilities to ensure Australia is less vulnerable to future shocks, while DFAT will need to lead Australia through a rapidly changing and uncertain regional and global environment. Senator Fawcett said “The work done by the Departments of Industry and Foreign Affairs will be crucial to Australia’s pandemic recovery as we look to build local capability and ensure international markets and institutions remain strong and open. Our challenges are to make sure we have a strong and resilient national economy and that we do what we can to make sure the global rules-based order is not unduly disrupted by changes in the international environment.” Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 1 September Witness: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Time: 4.30 – 5.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference Date: Wednesday 2 September Witness: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Time: 8.00am – 9.00am AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear on Monday about a world first study being conducted to reduce PFAS levels in blood.

Media release issue date: Friday, 28 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear on Monday about a world first study being conducted to reduce PFAS levels in blood. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the Macquarie University is being funded by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) to conduct this $1.2 million study. ‘Last week the Sub-committee heard from the United Firefighters Union of Australia (UFUA) about high levels of PFAS exposure among firefighters and work with MFB to promote their participation in the Macquarie University’s PFAS blood screening program,’ Dr McVeigh said. The Macquarie University’s PFAS Clinical Study aims to discover whether a simple intervention program involving whole blood donation every 12 weeks or plasma donation every six weeks over a 52-week period can reduce PFAS levels in firefighters’ blood. 'The Macquarie University is supporting firefighters to find a feasible and practical solution to the occupational hazards of their work’, Dr McVeigh said. ‘However, this unique study may help all those affected by PFAS, as research into its potential health impacts continues’. The Macquarie University’s submission (no. 11) to the inquiry sets out information on the study, its timeframe and methodology. Submissions from the UFUA and Fire Rescue Victoria (now representing MFB) are also available on the inquiry site. Public hearing details Date: Monday 31 August 2020 Time: ~3:40 pm to 4:30pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra via teleconference The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will hear from a range of academics and training providers both in Australia and in Fiji at a public hearing today for its inquiry into Australia’s trade with Pacific island countries.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 27 August 2020

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will hear from a range of academics and training providers both in Australia and in Fiji at a public hearing today for its inquiry into Australia’s trade with Pacific island countries. Chair of the Committee’s Trade Sub-Committee, Dr John McVeigh MP, said the hearing will investigate the views of these economists and training providers on activating trade between Australia and Pacific island countries. The sub-committee wants to better understand how the implementation of a new development-centred trade agreement, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), with 13 other members of Pacific Islands Forum will encourage Pacific island countries to prosper in a regional trading system and encourage more Australian and islander businesses to trade in goods and services. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 27 August 2020 Time: 10:00am to 11:15am Location: Committee Room IR3, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact:Clare Siddins/Nikki Phillips (07) 4632 4144 For background Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear today about the legacy risks of PFAS-based firefighting foams to firefighters at these and other sites.

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases will hear today about the legacy risks of PFAS-based firefighting foams to firefighters at these and other sites. Modern firefighters are exposed to a cocktail of toxic chemicals in many fire situations, and the United Firefighters Union of Australia says that the continued use of PFAS-based firefighting foams and PFAS contaminated water for firefighting is exacerbating those risks. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the UFUA will discuss its work to reduce these risks nationally and its international advocacy for the elimination of fluorine-based firefighting foams under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. In its submission, the UFUA has indicated that the legacy impacts of PFAS on firefighters and communities near fire training grounds are the same as those for Defence personnel and communities living in and nearby Defence bases. ‘In the inquiry, we’ve been told that some communities outside Defence base remediation areas are not getting the support they need to identify and deal with PFAS contamination issues’, Dr McVeigh said. ‘The Sub-committee will want to learn about the UFUA’s efforts with other unions, fire service employers, environmental and medical scientists, and with Government agencies to achieve practical results for firefighters and PFAS affected communities in Australia and overseas’. The PFAS Sub-committee’s program of review will continue the following week with evidence from the Macquarie University PFAS Clinical Study, which is based on blood samples from career firefighters provided by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade with assistance from the UFUA. Public hearing details Date: Monday 24 August 2020 Time: ~3:50 pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. via teleconference The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media enquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au 02 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Finance.

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Finance. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said that Australia’s government procurement policies—overseen by the Department—could be a barrier to the survival of capability in some industry sectors that have invested heavily to help carry the nation through the worst of supply chain disruption brought about by the pandemic. Generating and sustaining industry capabilities that are important to Australia’s sovereign national interest must be recognised as a factor in evaluating value for money if Government procurement is to be a strategic part of Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic Senator Fawcett said “In addition to the human cost of the pandemic, Australia has experienced supply chain disruptions and economic instability. Smart government procurement which contributes to the development of sovereign capability and builds economic resilience could be an important part of Australia’s recovery from the pandemic.” Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 25 August Time: 4.30 – 5.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media enquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Health.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Health.   Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says the Department has been at the forefront of Australia’s COVID-19 response. Senator Fawcett said “Australians can rightly be proud of the achievements of our health authorities in responding to and managing the COVID-19 pandemic, though of course there is still work to be done. The committee looks forward to hearing from the Department about recent developments in the fight against COVID-19 and the steps we might take as a nation to build our resilience as we emerge from the pandemic.” Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 13 August Time: 3.00pm – 4.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at its next public hearing.

Media release issue date: Monday, 10 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at its next public hearing.   Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says ANSTO is a leading producer and exporter of some of the most important nuclear medicines used in diagnosing and treating cancers, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Senator Fawcett said “ANSTO has worked hard to ensure Australians have ongoing access to vital nuclear medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is also doing important work in the processing of rare earth metals, an area that has great potential to enhance Australia’s sovereign capabilities.” Witnesses from ANSTO will give evidence on their work in nuclear medicine, and their work in international forums like the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in rare earth mineral processing. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 11 August Time: 4:30m – 5.30pm AEST  Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

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. (Hearing time amended to 3.30pm)

Media release issue date: Monday, 3 August 2020

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, says that in addition to its research work, CSIRO has 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: 3.30-4.30pm AEST (please note time change) Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to the pandemic’s impact on Australia’s freight and shipping industries at its next public hearing.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 29 July 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to the pandemic’s impact on Australia’s freight and shipping industries at its next public hearing. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says that an effective and trusted maritime freight system is critical to Australia’s economy. Senator Fawcett said “Australia’s import and export supply chains, including our ports, have underpinned our economy to date and have kept many goods that we depend on moving during the pandemic. Our ongoing prosperity depends on an efficient and resilient shipping and logistics industry.” Witnesses from the Freight and Trade Alliance, the Australian Peak Shippers Association, and Ports Australia will give evidence on the freight, shipping and logistics sector’s response to the pandemic. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 30 July Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST  Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to public health at its next public hearing.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 July 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to public health at its next public hearing. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says that the pandemic has exposed problems in Australia’s pharmaceutical and medical equipment supply chains. Senator Fawcett said “Although our health system is amongst the best in the world, it can’t function without reliable supplies of drugs and equipment, especially during severe public health events like the pandemic.” Witnesses from Aspen Medical, an Australian-owned health services supplier, and the Public Health Association of Australia will give evidence on aspects of Australia’s healthcare response to the pandemic. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 24 July 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 23 July Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to Australia’s export sector in a public hearing tomorrow.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 July 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to Australia’s export sector in a public hearing tomorrow. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says many sectors of the export industry have been hit hard by COVID-19 although Government support to ensure freight capacity remains available has enabled some exports to hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong to continue. ‘Like many other sectors of the Australian economy, Australia’s exporters have struggled during the pandemic,’ Senator Fawcett said. ‘While much focus has been on supply chains that Australia draws from, it is also the case that we are a major supplier for other nations. At tomorrow’s hearing, we’ll explore what else Australia can do to support our export sector. Importantly, the Committee will explore any underlying weaknesses in global supply and export systems the pandemic has revealed. In particular, the Committee will assess how the nation can enhance its role as a supplier of choice in resilient and transparent supply chains for critical goods and services with like-minded nations.’ Witnesses from the Export Council of Australia and the University of Western Australia’s Perth USAsia Centre will talk about the trade and economic impacts of the COVID pandemic on Australian businesses and about how Australia can support its export sector during and after the pandemic. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 17 July 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 16 July Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations will be re-examined in the context of the Pacific Step-up as two days of public hearings get underway in Canberra. The Defence Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from academics, Government Departments and Non-Government Agencies across the two days to help explore how far Australia’s activities correspond to the needs of our partner nations in the Pacific and how they might be better co-ordinated.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 July 2020

Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations will be re-examined in the context of the Pacific Step-up as two days of public hearings get underway in Canberra. The Defence Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from academics, Government Departments and Non-Government Agencies across the two days to help explore how far Australia’s activities correspond to the needs of our partner nations in the Pacific and how they might be better co-ordinated. Sub-Committee Chair Andrew Wallace says the public hearings are an important opportunity to build on the evidence already received through written submissions and will help the Sub-Committee make a real contribution to understanding the effectiveness of Australia’s defence engagement with the region at a complex time. ‘This is a chance for us to hear in more depth from some of the best-informed experts in the field. In addition to the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence, we are looking forward to hearing from academic witnesses from institutions including the Australian National University and Western Sydney University,’ Mr Wallace said. ‘Combined with the evidence we have already received from Governments including those of Tonga, New Zealand and the Philippines, and the information we have from agencies on the ground, I believe this Sub-Committee will have all the insight we need to help the Government to make the most of Australia’s defence work with our Pacific partners.’ Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can also be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday 15 July 2020 Time: 8.50am to 4:30pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra. Date: Thursday 16 July 2020 Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Andrew Wallace, Chair, Defence Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Simon Thwaites 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

How can Australia define and improve its sovereign manufacturing capability to ensure national resilience during unplanned events such as the global pandemic? This is one of the questions to be addressed by the next public hearing of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade’s inquiry into the implications of the pandemic for Australia’s defence, trade and international relations.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 7 July 2020

How can Australia define and improve its sovereign manufacturing capability to ensure national resilience during unplanned events such as the global pandemic? This is one of the questions to be addressed by the next public hearing of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade’s inquiry into the implications of the pandemic for Australia’s defence, trade and international relations. Witnesses from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and Ethical Clothing Australia will talk about manufacturing resilience, the importance of strong local supply chains and how businesses can collaborate for improved results. Committee Chair Senator the Hon David Fawcett says that knowing what it is the nation needs our industry to be able to provide at short notice and ensuring the capability for flexible and innovative adaptation in the manufacturing sector is one of the precursors to successful crisis response. ‘This inquiry will explore not only how to ensure Australia’s manufacturing sector is resilient to a crisis, but also the opportunities the pandemic provides for improving collaboration and productivity into the future’ Senator Fawcett said. Dr Jens Goennemann, the Managing Director of AMGC, will discuss the organisation's submission and describe AMGC’s COVID response. This includes the creation of the Manufacturer Response Register that has been able to connect manufacturing capability with areas of need. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 30 June 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 9 July 2020 Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the responsiveness and flexibility of Australian systems and its people, as well as exposing some structural weaknesses, the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will tomorrow hold a public hearing as part of an inquiry into the resilience of Australia’s supply chains and the impact of COVID-19 on the global rules based order.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 July 2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the responsiveness and flexibility of Australian systems and its people, as well as exposing some structural weaknesses, the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will tomorrow hold a public hearing as part of an inquiry into the resilience of Australia’s supply chains and the impact of COVID-19 on the global rules based order. Witnesses appearing before the Committee will represent an inter-disciplinary consultancy group, an Australian policy, geopolitical and economic think-tank, and experts specialising in ‘grey zone’ defence tactics, strategies increasingly used by other nation states. Committee Chair Senator the Hon David Fawcett says that COVID has heightened awareness for many Australians that a “business as usual” approach is not sustainable with the dual impacts of the pandemic and the changing strategic environment. ‘Reducing acquisition cost has been a major feature of business supply-chain decisions since the turn of the century, including off-shoring production and just-in-time replenishment.’ Senator Fawcett said. ‘This disruption is forcing a national discussion into the weaknesses in some of Australia’s key supply-chain models and an analysis of what can be done to build-in resilience. COVID 19 has prompted a rethink of our current trade and manufacturing architecture and ensuring defence strategy responds to the new environment, from both a health and a strategic perspective.’ Dr Alan Dupont AO, the CEO and founder of consultancy firm Cognoscenti Group, will discuss his submission highlighting the threats to the current global rules-based order and the likely implications for Australia as supply chains ‘decouple’. The Committee will explore this—and the possible emergence of new geopolitical blocs—with Dr Dupont and with another submitter, Mr John Blackburn AO, retired RAAF Air Vice Marshal and founder of the Institute of Integrated Economic Research Australia. Australia’s exposure to geopolitical risks, the stability of near neighbours and its defence and cyber security capabilities will be discussed with joint submitters: Professor Sascha Dov Bachmann, Professor in Law, University of Canberra; and Dr Andrew Dowse AO, Director of Defence Research, Edith Cowan University and also retired RAAF Air Vice-Marshal. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 2 July 2020 Time: 3.00pm—5.00pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson (08) 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt ‘Magnitsky-style’ laws will hear from world champion chess grandmaster and human rights commentator Garry Kasparov at a teleconference hearing this week.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 24 June 2020

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt ‘Magnitsky-style’ laws will hear from world champion chess grandmaster and human rights commentator Garry Kasparov at a teleconference hearing this week. The inquiry, run by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Human Rights Sub-committee will be led by Sub-Committee Chair the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, who says the Sub-Committee is looking forward to the opportunity to speak to Mr Kasparov. ‘In addition to his career as a professional chess player, Mr Kasparov has become notable in recent years for his advocacy for democratic principles around the world, and for his criticism of elements of the Russian government,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘Mr Kasparov has been a strong advocate for Magnitsky-style legislation in other jurisdictions, and we are grateful that he has agreed to provide his perspective on such legislation in an Australian context’. Also appearing at the hearing will be retired Australian diplomat Tony Kevin. In contrast with Mr Kasparov, Mr Kevin opposes Magnitsky-style legislation, writing in a submission to the inquiry that in his view such laws violate ‘international law and commonly accepted international practice’. ‘While submissions to the inquiry have been overwhelmingly supportive of targeted sanctions, the Committee has noted some evidence with differing views,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘This public hearing will give the Sub-Committee the opportunity to interrogate arguments both for and against Magnitsky-style legislation in detail.’ More information about this inquiry, including submissions received by the Committee to date, is available on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 25 June 2020 Time: 3:15pm – 4.45pm Location: Via teleconference The hearings will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The health system will be the focus of the first public hearing of the inquiry on the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.

Media release issue date: Monday, 22 June 2020

The health system will be the focus of the first public hearing of the inquiry on the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Witnesses from pharmaceutical company IDT, and peak body the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, will give evidence on the impacts on the healthcare sector of the pandemic. Senator Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the JSCFADT, emphasised the importance of the healthcare system to Australia’s national resilience. ‘Australia’s health system is both domestically critical and sensitive to disruption in international supply chains,’ Senator Fawcett said. ‘Hearing more about the impact of the pandemic is a logical first step in this inquiry, which aims to develop ongoing effective national framework to ensure the resilience required to underpin Australia’s economic and strategic objectives.’ Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 30 June 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 25 June 2020 Time: 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson (08) 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will tomorrow hold its first roundtable public hearing for the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships with the Pacific Islands.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 June 2020

The Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will tomorrow hold its first roundtable public hearing for the inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships with the Pacific Islands. On 18 June the Committee will hear from seven experts with backgrounds in development assistance in the Pacific, including Caritas Australia, UnitingWorld, RESULTS International, UN-PRAC Project and the WASH Reference Group. A second roundtable hearing, with seven prominent academics will follow on 19 June. The Sub-Committee was tasked to inquire into how Australia could meet current and emerging opportunities and challenges facing the Pacific island region. Sub-Committee Chair Mr Dave Sharma said “Australia’s relationship with its Pacific neighbours is fundamentally important to Australia’s future. Our fates are intertwined.” “We have a long history of working constructively with our neighbours, including during times of adversity and challenge. Australia will be especially keen to help Pacific island states manage the health impacts of COVID-19 and recover from the economic impacts, and I expect this will be a large focus of the inquiry.” Public hearing details: Date: Thursday 18 June, 2020 Time: 8.00 am to 9.30 am Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra Date: Friday 19 June, 2020 Time: 8.30 am to 10.30 am Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live The Sub-Committee has welcomed 38 submissions to date, acknowledging that many submissions have been thoughtfully prepared under adverse conditions. The Committee is still keen to hear views from within Pacific island countries, individuals who have participated in labour mobility schemes, and those who have settled permanently in Australia, amongst others. Further details about the inquiry, including terms of reference, contributing a submission and details of public hearings, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: Mr Dave Sharma MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Miss Natalie Hissey (02) 9327 3988 natalie.hissey@aph.gov.au For background: Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The parliamentary inquiry into activating trade with Pacific Island countries will hear tomorrow from an ANU economist and also a Tasmanian power services company providing renewable energy across the Pacific.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 June 2020

The parliamentary inquiry into activating trade with Pacific Island countries will hear tomorrow from an ANU economist and also a Tasmanian power services company providing renewable energy across the Pacific. The Trade Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear evidence from the Director of the Development Policy Centre at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, Professor Stephen Howes, followed by a video-conference with representatives of power company Entura discussing their projects in the Pacific. Sub-Committee Chair Dr John McVeigh reminds people with an interest in this issue that submissions to the inquiry are open until 30 June. A full program for the hearing, as well as submissions to the inquiry, are available on the inquiry website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 18 June, 2020 Time: 9.45 am to 11.20 am Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be streamed online at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair, Trade Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (02) 6277 4277

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear today about safety standards governing consumption of PFAS contaminated primary produce in Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 June 2020

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear today about safety standards governing consumption of PFAS contaminated primary produce in Australia. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for setting food standards in Australia and New Zealand. The Department of Health commissioned FSANZ to review PFAS safety intake levels in Australia in 2016. PFAS was used in fire fighting foams in and around Defence bases for decades. However, PFAS substances are also in many domestic products and are present at low levels in the blood stream of nearly every Australian. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said ‘The Sub-committee is keen to understand more about PFAS safety levels in relation to people and animals living in areas with higher levels of PFAS contamination in their environment’. ‘The Sub-committee has heard that primary producers in PFAS affected regions are still uncertain about these issues in terms of consumption of their own produce and what can be sold on the general market. This is unsettling for many’, Dr McVeigh said. The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation has recently directed FSANZ to monitor PFAS in general food in its 27th Australian Total Diet Study. Dr McVeigh said: ‘There is a need for clarity from FSANZ about the currency of its standards, the nature of the review, and the implications for PFAS affected primary producers on a national basis.’ This is PFAS Sub-committee’s first public hearing following the COVID 19 restrictions. The public hearing program will continue during sittings for the rest of the year. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 15 June 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra. Due to social distancing requirements at Parliament House, members of the public will not be permitted to attend the hearing. An audio broadcast will be accessible at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee you can visit its website. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The International Commission of Jurists, the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will give evidence at public hearings for the Magnitsky Act inquiry.

Media release issue date: Friday, 12 June 2020

The International Commission of Jurists, the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will give evidence at public hearings for the Magnitsky Act inquiry. The public hearings being held by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Human Rights Sub-Committee are part of the inquiry into whether Australia should adopt laws to impose targeted sanctions on individuals who commit human rights abuses. The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee, says the inquiry will benefit from evidence from Australian legal experts and departmental officials. ‘The Human Rights Sub-committee has continued its work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging conditions, and to the credit of many witnesses and submitters, we have built a body of evidence to inform the Sub-Committee’s consideration of targeted sanctions,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘These public hearings will add further evidence from Australian legal and human rights experts’. Public hearing details Date: Monday 15 June 2020 Time: 8.30 am – 10.00 am Witnesses: International Commission of Jurists and the Law Council of Australia Location: Via videoconference Date: Wednesday 17 June 2020 Time: 12 noon – 2.00 pm Witnesses: Human Rights Commission, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Location: Via videoconference The hearings will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Ms Amal Clooney and Mr Geoffrey Robertson OAM, Queens Counsel will be among the experts to appear before an inquiry on whether to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 May 2020

Ms Amal Clooney and Mr Geoffrey Robertson OAM, Queens Counsel will be among the experts to appear before an inquiry on whether to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses. The hearing is part of the Magnitsky Act inquiry being conducted by the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Other expert witnesses will include the Rt. Hon. Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury representing the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, Professor Irwin Cotler and Mr Bill Browder, widely credited with instigating Magnitsky legislation. The public hearing on Friday 15 May will take place in Committee Room 2R1, with witnesses via videoconference, and proceedings will be broadcast via aph.gov.au/live. Program: Friday 15 May 2020 Morning session   8:30 am Vladimir Kara-Murza 9:20 am Ms Amal Clooney 10:30 am 10-minute break   10:40 am Professor Irwin Cotler 11:40 am Close Afternoon session   4:30 pm Lord Neuberger 5:30 pm Mr Bill Browder 6:30pm Geoffrey Robertson, OAM 7:30pm Close   Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The impact of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods has been severe around the globe, including Australia. While Australian, State & Territory governments continue to lead the nation into a containment and recovery phase, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade has today voted to adopt Terms of Reference for an inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade policies.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 13 May 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods has been severe around the globe, including Australia. While Australian, State & Territory governments continue to lead the nation into a containment and recovery phase, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade has today voted to adopt Terms of Reference for an inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade policies. Senator Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the JSCFADT, emphasised the strategic shock that COVID-19 has delivered to long-held assumptions that have underpinned some of Australia’s policy frameworks in recent decades. Learning from the impacts of COVID-19, and understanding future risks and opportunities, will play a key role in considered decision-making as Australia charts a path into a changed world. “Although the effects of the pandemic are still unfolding, Governments will be making decisions that are going to underpin Australia’s future international position” Senator Fawcett said. “The Committee’s inquiry will bring together a range of expert stakeholders to help inform and test the basis of those decisions”. One of the core questions for the inquiry is how to balance the risks and opportunities presented by global connectivity in trade and security partnerships within the international rules-based order. “The pandemic has reinforced the fact that the efficient and effective functioning of critical domestic systems such as health and transport are currently linked to – and reliant on – the integrity of supply chains which we do not control and may be subject to disruption” Senator Fawcett said. “Now is the time to analyse how Australia can take a systemic, risk based approach to ensuring supply chain integrity, even in the event of market failure due to unforeseen external factors such as pandemic, conflict or natural disaster”. The inquiry will consider policy and practical measures that could form an ongoing effective national framework to ensure the resilience required to underpin Australia’s economic and strategic objectives. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 30 June 2020. Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson (08) 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will hear from the Institute for International Trade and then from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime at a public hearing tomorrow for its inquiry into Australia’s trade with Pacific island countries.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 13 May 2020

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will hear from the Institute for International Trade and then from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime at a public hearing tomorrow for its inquiry into Australia’s trade with Pacific island countries. Chair of the Committee’s Trade Sub-Committee, Dr John McVeigh MP, said the hearing will investigate the views of the Institute for International Trade on implementation of a new development-centred trade agreement, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), with 13 other members of Pacific Islands Forum. The sub-committee wants to better understand how PACER Plus will encourage Pacific island countries to prosper in a regional trading system, overcome any loss of tariffs and tax revenue, benefit from Aid for Trade programs, and encourage more Australian and islander businesses to trade in goods and services. While Australia is seeking to activate greater trade and investment opportunities with the Pacific region, the sub-committee also wants to hear the latest on combatting corruption from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the progress of its UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project. Public hearing details: Date: Thursday 14 May 2020 Time: 9:45am to 11:20am Location: Committee Room 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact:Clare Siddins/Nikki Phillips (07) 4632 4144 For background: Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Mr Geoffery Robertson OAM Queens Counsel and Ms Amal Clooney will be among the experts to appear before an inquiry on whether to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses.

Media release issue date: Friday, 8 May 2020

Mr Geoffery Robertson OAM Queens Counsel and Ms Amal Clooney will be among the experts to appear before an inquiry on whether to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses. The public hearing will be held on Friday 15th May at Parliament House with witnesses appearing via videoconference. The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, confirmed that interest in the Inquiry is strong, with international human rights legal experts keen to provide evidence. ‘The Sub-Committee looks forward to contributions from a number of pre-eminent human rights experts who are experienced with Magnitsky-style laws at the global level. The Sub-Committee will learn from international experience and collaboration. The evidence indicates that communication and collaboration between jurisdictions is vital to the success of targeted sanctions’, Mr Andrews said. Other witnesses will include the Rt. Hon. Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury representing the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, Professor Irwin Cotler and Mr Bill Browder, widely credited with instigating Magnitsky legislation. Senator Fawcett, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade said, ‘The level of interest in this inquiry reflects the high level of international commitment to human rights, and recognition that Australia’s contribution to a global collective effort is vital’. The proceedings will be broadcast via aph.gov.au/live. Morning and evening sessions will allow experts from various time zones to participate. A full program will be released closer to the time. Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt Magnitsky-style laws to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses will hold two further public hearings this week, via teleconference.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 28 April 2020

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt Magnitsky-style laws to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses will hold two further public hearings this week, via teleconference. The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, says the inquiry is continuing, working around restrictions arising from the COVID-19, using teleconferences to connect witnesses and Sub-Committee Members. ‘A number of stakeholders have expressed support for the inquiry continuing, reflecting on the hardships their communities have been through in relation to human rights issues’, Mr Andrews said.  ‘These teleconference hearings will provide further evidence to inform a comprehensive report that the Human Rights Sub-committee is aiming to deliver later in the year.’ The public hearings will provide an opportunity for the Sub-committee to hear from human rights advocates and community groups. Due to the current circumstances the Sub-committee is continuing to take submissions via the Inquiry website until April 30 2020. For further information, contact the Secretariat on 02 6277 2312 or jscfadt@aph.gov.au. Public hearing details Via teleconference Tuesday 28 April 2020 12.00pm – 12.45pm Thursday 30 April 2020 9.30am – 10.30am Audio of the hearings will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt Magnitsky-style laws to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses will hold its first public hearing this week, via teleconference.

Media release issue date: Monday, 30 March 2020

An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt Magnitsky-style laws to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit human rights abuses will hold its first public hearing this week, via teleconference. Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, says the inquiry will continue despite the spread of COVID-19, using technology to enable witnesses and Sub-Committee Members to perform their roles while maintaining social distancing. ‘It’s important that the Australian Parliament continue its work in these difficult times,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘This teleconference hearing will enable the Human Rights Sub-committee to advance our inquiry. This is important work and we will be pressing on to deliver a comprehensive report later this year.’ The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the Sub-committee to hear from human rights advocates and community groups. ‘These groups have overwhelmingly expressed their support for Australia to expand its targeted sanction laws and give the Australian government more options in dealing with human rights violators,’ Mr Andrews said. In light of the current circumstances arising from the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Sub-committee will be holding its public hearings via teleconference until further notice. Due to the current circumstances the Sub-committee is continuing to take submissions. If you would like to make a submission please contact the Secretariat on 02 6277 2312 or jscfadt@aph.gov.au. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 31 March 2020 Time: 9.00 am – 1.15 pm Location: Via teleconference The hearing will be streamed at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2312 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will hear tomorrow from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade at a public hearing for its inquiry into activating trade and investment between Australia and Pacific island countries.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 27 February 2020

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will hear tomorrow from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade at a public hearing for its inquiry into activating trade and investment between Australia and Pacific island countries. Chair of the Committee’s Trade Sub-Committee, Dr John McVeigh MP, said the hearing will focus in part on the economic flow-on effects for Australia’s cadre of seasonal workers. ‘More than 12,000 seasonal workers came from the Pacific island countries in 2018-19 to work on Australia’s farms, in our orchards and in other sectors,’ Dr McVeigh said. ‘The World Bank tells us these workers sent an average of $9,000 each home in 2018, resulting in a net income gain of $144 million to the Pacific region.’ ‘This income was especially concentrated in high participant countries such as Fiji, Kiribati and Vanuatu.’ The sub-committee wants to better understand how the Australia Government and its agencies are seeking to activate greater trade and investment opportunities with the Pacific region. ‘The sub-committee will explore some issues related to the popular Seasonal Worker Programme and the more recent Pacific Labour Scheme have been raised in submissions to the inquiry and also in an earlier hearing, but also investigate what is being done to encourage more investment and trade in goods and services between Australia and the Pacific island countries,’ Dr McVeigh said. The sub-committee will also investigate the latest developments and implementation of a new development-centred trade agreement, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), with 13 other members of Pacific Islands Forum. ‘We’re keen to explore how PACER Plus will help Pacific island countries benefit from the regional trading system, develop economies and encourage Australian and islander businesses to grow two way trade in goods and services,’ Dr McVeigh said. Public hearing details: Date: Thursday 27 February 2020 Time: 9:45am to 11:15am Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Submissions from any person, businesses or organisations with an interest in the issues raised by these terms of reference are welcome. Submissions addressing all or some of the terms of reference should be lodged by 23 March 2020. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact: Clare Siddins/Nikki Phillips (07) 4632 4144 For background: Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will today ask the Department of Health about PFAS and its potential impacts on human health.

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 February 2020

The PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will today ask the Department of Health about PFAS and its potential impacts on human health. Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP noted that the 2018 report of the JSCFADT had called on the Department to issue an updated health opinion, as research overseas progressed. ‘We learned last Parliament that communities affected by PFAS had concerns about the Expert Health Panel’s opinion that there was ‘no evidence’ of human health impacts from PFAS,’ Dr McVeigh said. In the current review, the Australian National University’s PFAS Health Study reported progress in its research to clarify this health advice. The research is funded by the Department of Health with the results to be finalised at the end of this year. At today’s hearing, the Office of Health Protection’s Principal Medical Adviser Dr Gary Lum will brief the Sub-committee about the Department’s current thinking on PFAS and its health opinion, as the regulatory framework for PFAS evolves. ‘We will want to know how the Department of Health is capturing knowledge on PFAS impacts,’ Dr McVeigh said. ‘That includes by supporting research and whether this work is informing its engagement with the Department of Defence and people in affected communities.’ The PFAS Sub-committee’s program of review will continue over the course of the Parliament with a further report to be presented later this year. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 24 February 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Parliament’s Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has launched a new inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships with Pacific region countries to meet current and emerging opportunities and challenges facing the region.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 18 February 2020

The Parliament’s Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has launched a new inquiry into strengthening Australia’s relationships with Pacific region countries to meet current and emerging opportunities and challenges facing the region. Chair of the JSCFADT, Senator the Hon David Fawcett noted that the Committee was considering Australia’s engagement in the Pacific through the lens of Defence, Trade and Human Rights, in addition to this inquiry. Chair of the Committee’s Foreign Affairs and Aid Sub-Committee, Mr Dave Sharma MP, said the inquiry will seek to inform and shape the next chapter of Australia’s strengthened engagement with its Pacific neighbours. “Australia’s relations with our Pacific neighbours are of fundamental importance and vital interest to Australia,” Mr Sharma said. “This inquiry will provide the Committee with an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of initiatives undertaken to support the ‘Step-Up’, and explore mechanisms to support increased engagement with our neighbours, including through greater involvement of non-government and community organisations.” The Committee will be seeking ideas on how Australia can build on the momentum of the Pacific Step-Up to increase engagement and linkages with Pacific Island neighbours, in support of our collective interests. The Committee welcomes submissions from any person or organisation with an interest in these issues. It especially seeks views from within Pacific island countries, those who have participated in labour mobility schemes, and those who have made Australia their permanent home, yet maintain current connections with their islands of origin. The views of those from non-Pacific island countries with development partnerships and interests in the region are also welcomed. Submissions addressing all or some of the terms of reference should be lodged by Friday, 3 April 2020; overseas submissions due by Friday, 17 April 2020. Further details about the inquiry, including terms of reference, contributing a submission and, when available, details of public hearings, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries Mr Dave Sharma MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Mr Harry Stutchbury (02) 9327 3988 / Email harry.stutchbury@aph.gov.au For background Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A new parliamentary inquiry will review how Australia can better engage with our Pacific neighbours to enhance opportunities for women and girls.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 February 2020

A new parliamentary inquiry will review how Australia can better engage with our Pacific neighbours to enhance opportunities for women and girls. The inquiry, to be run by the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, will engage with key stakeholders, including civil society groups, to better inform the approaches Australia takes to addressing the needs and enhancing the opportunities for women and girls in the Pacific. Committee Chair Senator the Hon David Fawcett says the inquiry reflects the vital importance of working with our Pacific neighbours and building on already successful initiatives that help enable women and girls to reach their full potential. The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee, says the inquiry will also identify opportunities for increased engagement specifically with Australia’s Pacific Step-up initiatives to improve the human rights for women and girls. ‘Australia is committed to working with our Pacific neighbours to address domestic, family and sexual violence and human rights issues such as gender equality,’ Mr Andrews said. The inquiry follows a 2015 inquiry by the Sub-Committee on a similar issue. Submissions to the inquiry are now being called for, and are due by 18 May 2020. Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP 03 9848 9900 02 6277 4023 Contact: Ms Cristy Elliot cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On Monday 10 February, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will begin the new parliamentary year with questions about Government action on safety frameworks for PFAS in the environment.

Media release issue date: Friday, 7 February 2020

On Monday 10 February, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will begin the new parliamentary year with questions about Government action on safety frameworks for PFAS in the environment. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP noted that the national regulatory framework for environmental management of PFAS —per- and poly- flouroalkyl substances— is under review. “With safe levels for PFAS concentrations in soil and water being made more stringent, there will be new obligations for Government to focus on its PFAS remediation efforts”, Dr McVeigh said. Last year the Committee’s first report, tabled out of session on 20 December 2019, documented Defence’s progress using new cleaning technologies to purge PFAS from soil and water at affected Defence sites around Australia. At the hearing, representatives from the Environmental Protection Taskforce at the new Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will brief the Committee on the status of the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan, which is under review, and on other regulatory reforms limiting PFAS exposures. Dr McVeigh stated: “Environmental laws covering PFAS are managed at state and territory level. There is a need to ensure that Defence is working to a nationally consistent framework of safety standards and that environmental best practice is followed.” The PFAS Sub-committee’s program of review will continue the following week with the Department of Health. Invitations seeking feedback on evidence to date will also be sought in the course of the year. Public hearing details Date: Monday 10 February 2020 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Today the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) tabled the first report of its inquiry into PFAS remediation in and around Defence bases.

Media release issue date: Friday, 20 December 2019

        Over the 46th Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will undertake a watching brief of government action on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) harms and their remediation. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Dr John McVeigh MP said the inquiry will focus on the Department of Defence’s ‘National PFAS Investigation and Management Program’, with 27 defence sites now being assessed. “In undertaking this inquiry, the Sub-committee intends to conduct a rolling but targeted review of the Government’s PFAS remediation responses over the entire Parliament,” Dr McVeigh said. Dr McVeigh explained that the Committee notes the intensive community consultation in the previous parliament. Key departments, agencies and experts will be examined in public meetings and reports regularly submitted to the Parliament. Community commentary on the Committee’s reports will be invited, bringing the inquiry cycle full circle. “The aim of this inquiry is to provide the community information about actual progress in remediation of PFAS-related harms to humans and the environment— what is being done, when, and how effective it is, and an opportunity to comment,” Dr McVeigh said. The PFAS Sub-committee’s scrutiny follows on from a comprehensive review of Government responses to PFAS contamination in the last parliament. The inquiry report, tabled in December 2018, made nine recommendations to address community concerns. The Committee awaits the Government’s response to this report. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A new Parliamentary inquiry will examine Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations in the context of the Pacific Step-up.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 5 December 2019

  A new Parliamentary inquiry will examine Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations in the context of the Pacific Step-up. The inquiry will be conducted by the Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and Sub-Committee Chair Andrew Wallace says the inquiry will examine how Australia’s Defence Cooperation programs and Pacific Step-up activities correspond to the needs, requests and feedback from partner nations in the Pacific. ‘We recognise that there may be opportunities for closer coordination and collaboration between Defence and other Government departments on Australian programs and activities across the South West Pacific, as well as between other nations seeking to invest and engage in the region,’ Mr Wallace said. ‘This inquiry will examine the relationship between Defence’s longstanding Cooperation Program and its Step-up activities and evaluate whether these existing programs are effective in meeting the needs of Pacific Island nations.’ The inquiry will include a review of the current activities and outcomes undertaken by Defence in the South West Pacific and gauge the effectiveness of the planning and execution of joint activities and preparation for Humanitarian and Disaster Relief efforts. The Defence Sub-Committee invites submissions from anyone with an interest in the issues raised by the terms of reference, which are available on the committee’s website. Submissions should be lodged by 20 February 2019. Further details about the inquiry, including how to contribute, can also be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Andrew Wallace, Chair, Defence Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Simon Thwaites 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Senator the Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, announced today a new parliamentary inquiry which will examine whether Australia should adopt legal measures to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit gross human rights abuses.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 4 December 2019

Senator the Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, announced today a new parliamentary inquiry which will examine whether Australia should adopt legal measures to impose sanctions upon individuals who commit gross human rights abuses. The Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Chair of the Human Rights Sub-Committee, says the inquiry is an excellent opportunity to shape how Australia combats human rights abuses both at home and abroad. ‘Australia’s efforts to combat human rights abuses are broad, and the ability to impose sanctions against individuals who hold assets in Australia and commit gross human rights abuses abroad is a valuable tool in fighting such abuses,’ Mr Andrews said. ‘A thorough examination of our current regime and how it compares internationally, particularly with the United States’ Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act will enable any strengthening measures to be implemented and to ensure our regime is functioning effectively.’ Mr Andrews said the inquiry will focus upon Australia’s current sanctions laws regarding human rights abuses worldwide, how these laws are currently enforced and comparing them to other jurisdictions to determine if and how Australia may be able to strengthen its laws and approach to combatting to international human rights abuses. ‘Inquiries like these reinforce Australia’s ongoing commitment to the promotion and defence of human rights around the world,’ Mr Andrews said. Submissions to the inquiry are now being called for, and are due by 31 January 2020. International submissions will be open until 28 February 2020. Media inquiries The Hon Kevin Andrews MP Contact: Cristy Elliott on 03 9848 9900 / 02 6277 4023/ (cristy.elliott@aph.gov.au) For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee has launched a new inquiry into activating trade and investment between Australia and Pacific island countries.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 3 December 2019

The Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee has launched a new inquiry into activating trade and investment between Australia and Pacific island countries. Chair of the Committee’s Trade Sub-Committee, Mr Ted O’Brien MP, said parliamentarians wanted to understand how to activate greater trade and investment opportunities with the Pacific region, not only to benefit Australia, but also our Pacific neighbours. “Pacific Island nations might be in our backyard, but let’s not forget that Australia is also in theirs,” Mr O’Brien said. “We’re far more than just trading nations, we’re neighbours who can mutually benefit by activating greater trade and investment opportunities, which is why we’re launching this parliamentary inquiry. “We want to hear all the stories – the good and the bad – from practitioners in the field. We want to learn from businesses who are successfully exporting into the Pacific as well as from those who have tried and failed. We also want to hear from businesses who, right now, are weighing up the pros and cons, the risks versus the opportunities, of trading in the Pacific,” he said. “Free trade is good for those nations which embrace it, and so we want this inquiry to examine the conditions that will help activate even more trade and investment opportunities, with the people of the Pacific and Australia all coming out winners.” The inquiry follows Australia signing a new development-centred trade agreement, the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), with 13 other members of Pacific Islands Forum. ‘We’re keen to explore how PACER Plus will help Pacific island countries become more active partners, and benefit from, the regional trading system,’ Mr O’Brien said. Submissions from any person, businesses or organisations with an interest in the issues raised by these terms of reference are welcome. Submissions addressing all or some of the terms of reference should be lodged by 11 February 2020, with overseas submissions due on 18 February 2020. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media enquiries: Mr Ted O’Brien MP, Sub-Committee Chair Contact Ms Karlee Hooper (07) 5479 2800 / 0401 257 064 Email karlee.hooper@aph.gov.au For background: Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On Monday 2 December 2019, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear from the Department of Defence about the effectiveness of its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program.

Media release issue date: Friday, 29 November 2019

  On Monday 2 December 2019, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hear from the Department of Defence about the effectiveness of its National PFAS Investigation and Management Program. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the Department of Defence is at the forefront of remediation work on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination in Australia. The Department of Defence is now conducting PFAS investigation and remediation work at 28 Defence sites, with innovative water and soil treatments being delivered with the aid of expert environmental service providers. “The question for the Sub-committee”, Dr McVeigh said, “is whether these works are delivering the desired results, and being seen to do so?” Evidence from the ANU PFAS Health study last week confirmed what Sub-committee members have seen in affected communities themselves - the levels of anxiety and uncertainty are high. This is despite the evidence that concentrations of PFAS in the environment, and hence people’s exposure, is coming down. “With environmental regulations becoming more robust and locally based medical evidence being consolidated, reducing exposure to PFAS and its presence in water and soil is environmental best practice”, Dr McVeigh said. “The challenge is to ensure that the Department of Defence is accountable to the public for the work being done, and that affected communities, in particular, are informed of progress, and problems, at each step of the way.” The PFAS Sub-committee will report on the evidence taken by the end of the year and continue its ongoing scrutiny of government activity at hearings from the first sitting weeks of 2020. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 2 December 2019 Time: ~4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearing will be audio streamed live at www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On Monday 25 November, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into the Department of Defence’s remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination on defence bases.

Media release issue date: Friday, 22 November 2019

  On Monday 25 November, the PFAS Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into the Department of Defence’s remediation of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) contamination on defence bases. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP said that the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University (ANU) has been invited to report on work being advanced under its PFAS Health Study. “The ANU’s PFAS Health Study was commissioned by the Department of Health to examine the potential health effects of PFAS exposure on people who have lived or worked in the areas surrounding RAAF Base Williamtown, the Army Aviation Centre Oakey and the RAAF Base Tindal,” Dr McVeigh said. Dr McVeigh explained that the epidemiological study utilises blood samples gathered by the Government in a free blood testing program for people who had possible exposure to PFAS at/or near these sites. The PFAS research team will use this source for comparison and analysis and release a sequence of assessments over 2020. “Phase two of the study, now underway, will establish whether rates of diseases, including cancers, can be associated with higher PFAS exposure among people who have lived in the investigation areas, compared to the general population”, Dr McVeigh said. “The PFAS Health Study is doing essential work to provide up-to-date results based on local information to affected communities, as international research continues.” The PFAS Sub-committee’s scrutiny follows on from recommendations made to Government last parliament that the Department of Health should review its advice in relation to the human health effects of PFAS and its potential links to certain medical conditions. The inquiry report, tabled in December 2018, made nine recommendations to address Government’s management and coordination of PFAS remediation and related concerns. Public hearing details: Date: Monday 25 November 2019 Time: Approximately 4:10pm to 5:00pm Location: Committee Room IR4, Parliament House, Canberra. This hearing will be audio streamed live at www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Over the 46th Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will undertake a watching brief of government action on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) harms and their remediation.

Media release issue date: Monday, 21 October 2019

        Over the 46th Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will undertake a watching brief of government action on per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) harms and their remediation. The Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee Dr John McVeigh MP said the inquiry will focus on the Department of Defence’s ‘National PFAS Investigation and Management Program’, with 27 defence sites now being assessed. “In undertaking this inquiry, the Sub-committee intends to conduct a rolling but targeted review of the Government’s PFAS remediation responses over the entire Parliament,” Dr McVeigh said. Dr McVeigh explained that the Committee notes the intensive community consultation in the previous parliament. Key departments, agencies and experts will be examined in public meetings and reports regularly submitted to the Parliament. Community commentary on the Committee’s reports will be invited, bringing the inquiry cycle full circle. “The aim of this inquiry is to provide the community information about actual progress in remediation of PFAS-related harms to humans and the environment— what is being done, when, and how effective it is, and an opportunity to comment,” Dr McVeigh said. The PFAS Sub-committee’s scrutiny follows on from a comprehensive review of Government responses to PFAS contamination in the last parliament. The inquiry report, tabled in December 2018, made nine recommendations to address community concerns. The Committee awaits the Government’s response to this report. Media inquiries Dr John McVeigh MP Chair of the PFAS Sub-committee John.McVeigh.MP@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4277 For background information For further details about the scrutiny process and the Committee’s public hearing program contact: Committee Secretary Sub-committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au