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Treaties Committee recommends ratification of India Co-Production Agreement

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Audiovisual Co-production Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of India (Mumbai, March 10, 2023).

The Agreement provides a framework for Australia and India to cooperate on the approval and making of audiovisual productions which could include feature films, television, video recordings, animations, and digital format productions.

Committee Chair Josh Wilson MP said, "The committee’s scrutiny of this Agreement highlights that there is considerable value in Australia connecting and collaborating with the Indian film industry. The Agreement provides a valuable means for the two countries to share knowledge, skills, logistics and creative abilities.”

This would be the 14th co-production arrangement that Australia has entered into under Australia’s International Co-Production Program. The projects that are approved as official co-productions under the Agreement would be regarded as national productions of both Australia and India.

Mr Wilson said, “The Agreement would encourage employment in the screen industry, as well as technical development in the field of audiovisual production. It would also build on the existing, strong, and multifaceted relationship between Australia and India and benefit cultural exchange.”

The committee noted support for the Agreement from the government and representatives of the Australian-India film industry.

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

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

 

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Applications closing for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award

TIME is running out to apply for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, a program celebrating and empowering the inclusive and courageous leadership of women in Australia's rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. 

Applications will close on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 11.59pm AEDT.

The award acts as a springboard, inspiring and nurturing Australian women to harness their skills for the betterment of their industries and communities, while simultaneously unlocking doors to crucial funding opportunities for existing projects and businesses.

Beyond recognition, the award also provides a pathway for personal and professional growth, offering not only access to vital funding but also a doorway to extensive professional development opportunities and a cherished alumni network.

State and territory winners are awarded a $15,000 grant sponsored by Westpac. Importantly, the program welcomes applications from women across Australia, irrespective of their location.

AgriFutures Australia managing director, John Harvey said AgriFutures was committed to the future growth and advancement of the award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women.

“If you are passionate about creating impact, innovating, and making a difference in rural and regional Australia, we want to hear from you,” Mr Harvey said.

“By participating in this program, you will become part of a dynamic network of over 350 accomplished women who have been acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to rural industries and rural and regional Australia.”

The 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, Nikki Davey said winning the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has been a game-changer.

“On both a personal and professional level, being involved in the Awards has boosted my confidence and helped transform my business.” Ms Davey said.

“It elevated my potential, provided essential funding, and thrusted my brand into the spotlight, while connecting me with new audiences and communities. I would say to anyone considering applying, if you've got a project that fits the bill, then don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award and join the ranks of incredible women driving change and innovation in rural Australia.”

AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant

AgriFutures also runs a program called the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration grant. While this runs separately, it compliments the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The aim is to provide a leadership and development opportunity to women who are not quite ready to apply for the award.

Each year, seven Australian women will be granted with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring our rural industries prosper now, and into the future.

For more information and to apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award, visit our website at https://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/rural-womens-award/.

For more information on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant visit http://agrifutures.com.au/opportunities/acceleration-grant/

 

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Recognition of carers in spotlight during National Carers Week

CARERS AUSTRALIA will appear before the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs at a public hearing on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 as part of the inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers. The committee is examining the challenges faced by unpaid carers and options for reforming the Carer Recognition Act 2010.

Committee Chair, Peta Murphy MP said,  "National Carers Week is a time to recognise and celebrate Australia’s 2.65 million unpaid carers who provide care to our most vulnerable. Carers often take on caring roles with very little outside assistance. They are heroes in our communities, and we are grateful for all they do."

Carers Australia argue that the Carer Recognition Act 2010 has not had a significant impact on the recognition of carers because the Act is not enforceable, there are insufficient measures to ensure compliance, and there is a lack of awareness and understanding of the Act by carers, the public, public servants, agencies and associated providers.

Ms Murphy said, "The committee looks forward to hearing from Carers Australia about how carers can be better recognised, respected, supported and have their rights protected."

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday, 17 October 2023Time: 4:30pm to 5:30pm AEDTLocation: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

The hearing will be live streamed (audio only) on the APH website: www.aph.gov.au/live.

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

 

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Public hearing to hear from experts on AFP counter-terrorism powers

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) is holding a public hearing on October 16 for its review of the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.

The committee will hear from government and non-government representatives to discuss the bill’s proposed amendments to the operation of the Australian Federal Police’s counter-terrorism powers under the Crimes Act 1914 and the Criminal Code Act 1995.

Those powers relate to:

  • authority to stop, question and search persons and seize items in Commonwealth places, including in ‘prescribed security zones’ (Crimes Act, Part 1AA, Division 3A);
  • the control order regime (Criminal Code Division 104); and
  • the preventative detention order regime (Criminal Code Division 105).

PJCIS Chair Peter Khalil MP said, “This Bill implements a number of recommendations from the committee’s review of police powers in 2021, and the committee looks forward to hearing a range of views to inform its consideration of the Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023.”

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

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

 

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Australia's transition to a green energy superpower: report published

THE Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth has released its report on Australia's transition to a green energy superpower, which examined how Australia can build on its strengths and opportunities to become a leading destination for trade and investment in the future global green economy.

Chair of the Committee, Steve Georganas MP, said, "Throughout the inquiry the committee heard about the vast range of current and emerging opportunities for Australia, capitalising on our unique strengths and comparative advantages to develop new export-led industries, driving economic growth and creating jobs.

"Australia is well-placed to benefit from the global green energy transition and is well on its way to becoming a green energy superpower. The 16 recommendations made by the committee in this report aim to ensure that we are doing everything possible to strengthen the transition and to maximise Australia’s potential in the global green economy."

Recommendations made by the committee focussed on the role for the Australian Government to accelerate Australia’s opportunities and address challenges, including:

  • Leveraging Australia’s existing trade and investment architecture to maximise opportunities in the global green economy;
  • Supporting value-added manufacturing and export opportunities;
  • Developing a national green energy superpower strategy;
  • Aligning trade and investment promotion and awareness building functions with Australia’s green energy superpower ambitions; and
  • Enhancing sovereign manufacturing capability in industries subject to supply chain constraints.

Over the course of the inquiry, the committee held 10 public hearings in Canberra, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Gladstone, in addition to receiving over 120 written submissions from individuals, organisations and government bodies.

The committee thanked people and organisations who took part in the inquiry by providing written submissions, giving evidence at public hearings or hosting the committee for site visits.

The full report can be found on the committee’s ​inquiry webpage.

 

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