QUEENSLAND’s attractiveness as an investment destination for mining has dropped out of the global top ten according to a report from Canada’s Fraser Institute highlighted by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the clear message is that global investors have marked Queensland down because of policy uncertainty. 

"Investors don’t like surprises, which is why the sector is always talking about the need for policy certainty," said Mr Macfarlane. 

"The Queensland Government needs to be aware investors are watching every potential change in policy as having a direct impact on the investment profile of the State.

THOUSANDS of anonymous reports from concerned members of the community are assisting the Fair Work Ombudsman to target unlawful practices in workplaces across Australia and deliver outcomes for workers who might otherwise not seek help.

Since the launch of its Anonymous Report tool in mid-2016, the regulator has received more than 20,000 tip-offs alleging potential workplace breaches.

The reports from the public are leading to positive outcomes for vulnerable workers who may be unwilling or unable to reveal their identity and approach the Fair Work Ombudsman.

In one matter, Fair Work inspectors conducted an unannounced visit at a Sydney retail business after receiving an anonymous report alleging employees received as little as $8 per hour, cash in hand.

An audit of the company’s records uncovered evidence of contraventions in relation to pay rates, break entitlements and pay slip requirements.

Inspectors issued the company with a Compliance Notice and a contravention letter, resulting in approximately $50,000 in wages and entitlements being paid back to workers.

The company also increased pay rates to ensure compliance in the future.

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has launched an inquiry into the 2016-17 Defence Major Projects Report.

The JCPAA is a central committee of the Parliament with the power to initiate its own inquiries on the Commonwealth public sector.

The Committee has inquired into the Defence Major Projects Report on an annual basis since 2009 and will continue its oversight of the reporting of major Defence acquisitions through its inquiry into the 2016-17 Major Projects Report.

The total approved budget for the Major Projects included in this report is approximately $62 billion, covering nearly 59 per cent of the budget within the Approved Major Capital Investment Program.

The Committee invites submissions to the inquiry by Friday, 9 March 2018. A public hearing will be held on Friday, 23 March 2018.

Further information about the inquiry can be accessed via the Committee’s website.

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THE Defence Sub-Committee of the Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is holding a public hearing in Canberra on Friday 23 August for its inquiry into a Bipartisan Australian Defence Agreement.

Chair of the Defence Sub‑Committee, Senator Linda Reynolds CSC, said the Sub-Committee will hear from representatives from the defence industry, unions, academia and Defence on the risks and benefits of reaching a bipartisan agreement on defence capability planning.

“Strategic planning for Australia’s Defence is one of the fundamental tasks of government,” Senator Reynolds said. “The Sub-Committee looks forward to meeting with defence industry experts to explore options for providing long-term stability for the planning of Australia’s Defence capabilities, including a possible bipartisan defence agreement.”

Public hearing details: 9:00am to 2:30pm, Friday 23 February, Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

The full program for Friday’s hearing is available from the committee’s website.

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

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