DISTINGUISHED political journalist Michelle Grattan AO will deliver this year’s Speaker’s Lecture on October 30 at Parliament House.

At a time where many are disillusioned with politics, Ms Grattan’s speech will explore how the political system is letting down the Australian public and how it can do better.

As one of Australia's most respected political analysts, Ms Grattan has been at the forefront of political reporting for five decades. Throughout this time, she has covered some of the most significant stories in federal politics and has become a trusted figure in Australian journalism.

Ms Grattan has written for many of Australia’s masthead newspapers and is currently a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra and chief political correspondent at The Conversation. She is the author, co-author and editor of several books and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2004 for her service to Australian journalism.

“Australian journalists are an important part of our democracy. I was so honoured when Ms Grattan accepted my invitation to deliver this years’ lecture. Ms Grattan is one of the country’s most experienced journalists and I am really looking forward to her thought-provoking lecture,” Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP said.

Ms Grattan will be introduced by the Speaker and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Claressa Surtees. A Q&A session will be held after Ms Grattan’s speech.

The Speaker’s Lecture will be broadcast live on the APH website. Members of the public are also invited to attend in person (RSVP required).

Speaker’s Lecture 2023

Topic: Is the political system letting down the Australian public?
Date: Monday 30 October 2023
Venue: Theatre, Parliament House, Canberra
Time: 12pm – 1pm (AEDT)
Watch live: www.aph.gov.au/live

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DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver a range of initiatives to support carers this National Carers Week.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said the initiatives were important to recognise and support carers.

“In 2023, it is estimated that more than 400,000 people living with dementia and unpaid carers are invaluable to ensuring people living with dementia can maintain their quality of life,” Ms McCabe said.

The Federal Government announced:

• It will deliver a National Carer Strategy, investing $3.8 million through to 2025-26 to develop a national agenda.
• Launch the Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative to ensure carers are better supported to participate in the workforce.
• Extend Carer Gateway for two years to ensure carers have access to supports they need.

 Ms McCabe acknowledged the Albanese Government for this investment which has the potential to have a significant impact on carers of people living with dementia.

“Dementia Australia looks forward to hearing more about the development of the National Carer Strategy and supporting carers of people living with dementia to participate in the consultation process,” Ms McCabe said.

“The Carer Inclusive Workplace Initiative is important to enable carers of people living with dementia to remain in or re-enter the workforce – this can be challenging for carers for many reasons including lack of employer education, awareness, and understanding of caring responsibilities and lack of flexibility in the role or workplace.

“And the two-year extension to Carer Gateway is essential to ensure carers can access support services to maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing, and respite services so they receive regular breaks from their caring role.

“I encourage all carers to call the National Dementia Helpline at any time of the day or night, on 1800 100 500. Dementia Australia supports everyone impacted by dementia or mild cognitive impairment, everywhere across Australia, and can direct carers to life-changing support.”

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 400,000 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.5 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For support, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government.

www.dementia.org.au

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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security today tabled a report by statement endorsing the re-listing of Islamic State East Asia (ISEA) as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Criminal Code).

ISEA is an officially recognised affiliate of Islamic State, comprising several violent extremist factions, merging under the Islamic State East Asia banner. It has performed terrorist acts against civilians, armed forces, and government officials in the Philippines.

ISEA has been previously listed as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code. Its relisting for a further three-year period ensures the ongoing application of offences under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisation.

The committee’s report by statement acknowledges that the appropriate processes have been followed, and that the committee agrees that Islamic State East Asia continues to meet the threshold for listing as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code.

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

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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today presented its Advisory Report on the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

The bill would extend the operation of various Australian Federal Police powers relating to terrorism for a further three years to December 2026. This includes the stop, search and seizure powers; control orders; and preventative detention orders. The Bill would also amend some conditions for the use of these powers.

The bill would also extend the operation of Commonwealth secrecy offences for 12 months to December 2024, pending a government review of secrecy provisions.

The committee recommended the inclusion of further amendments to the bill proposed by government, which would introduce a post-entry warrant regime, and following implementation of that recommendation, that the bill be passed by Parliament.

PJCIS Chair Peter Khalil MP said, “The committee supports measures that provide law enforcement the tools they need to protect the community from the threat of terrorism, and looks forward to considering these powers further in its review of Division 105A of the Criminal Code.”

Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the Committee’s website.

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