Skip to main content

Business News Releases

Public Accounts Committee starts new inquiries

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has launched new inquiries into Commonwealth procurement, performance and risk management as part of its examination of Auditor-General reports.

These new inquiries form the first tranche of the Committee’s work in the 45th Parliament.

The JCPAA is a central committee of the Parliament and has the power to initiate its own inquiries on the Commonwealth public sector. The Committee examines all reports of the Auditor-General tabled in the Parliament and can inquire into any items, matters or circumstances connected with these reports. A large number of Auditor-General reports have been tabled since the Committee last met in May 2016, prior to the dissolution of the 44th Parliament.

The newly elected Committee Chair, Senator Dean Smith, said that the JCPAA examines whether public money is used in an efficient, effective, economical and ethical manner.

“As Parliament’s joint public administration committee, the JCPAA has an important role in holding Commonwealth agencies to account, and our inquiries further strengthen the performance and accountability of agencies entrusted with billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money,” Senator Smith said.

“The Committee is focusing on common audit themes identified by the Auditor-General. By taking a thematic approach to these inquiries, the Committee seeks to encourage improvements and shared learning in key areas of public administration.”

“Reports presented by the Auditor-General are valuable because they identify issues requiring improvement and detail examples of sound public administration.”

The Committee has commenced the following inquiries based on audit reports, focused on:

  • Commonwealth procurement—procurement under the OneSKY Australia Program; delivery of health services in onshore immigration detention; and procurement of garrison support and welfare services in offshore processing centres in Nauru and Papua New Guinea
  • Commonwealth performance framework—implementation of appropriate performance information by departments to strengthen accountability, including in the Higher Education Loan Program
  • Commonwealth risk management—risk assessment processes to ensure effective monitoring and reporting of the Disability Support Pension
  • Public sector governance—the cost effectiveness of efforts to streamline regulation

The Committee invites submissions to the inquiries, addressing the terms of reference. Submissions are requested by Monday, 7 November 2016. Public hearings will be held from late November 2016. Further information about the inquiries can be accessed via the Committee’s website.

The Committee’s inquiries are based on the following Auditor-General reports:

Commonwealth procurement:

  • No. 1 (2016-17) Procurement of the International Centre for Complex Project Management to Assist on the OneSKY Australia Program
  • No. 13 (2016-17) Delivery of Health Services in Onshore Immigration Detention
  • No. 16 (2016-17) Offshore Processing Centres in Nauru and Papua New Guinea: Procurement of Garrison Support and Welfare Services

Commonwealth performance framework

Commonwealth risk management

Public sector governance

 ends

  • Created on .

Innovation and Science Australia Bill passes Parliament

THE Australian Parliament has last week passed the Innovation and Science Australia Bill – "cementing innovation and science at the heart of our long-term plan to secure Australia’s future economic prosperity" according to Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Greg Hunt.

"This establishes in legislation Innovation and Science Australia (ISA) – the organisation charged with helping the Government complete the three waves of the National Innovation and Science Agenda," Mr Hunt said.

"Chaired by Bill Ferris, with Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel as Deputy Chair, the talent on the ISA board represents innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs with track records of success.

"Innovation and Science Australia will work across government, providing guidance around our $10.1 billion investment in 2016/17 in innovation, science and research.

"ISA will also promote investment in industry, innovation, science and research in Australia, including showcasing successful innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers," Mr Hunt said.

"And it will directly engage international, business and community sectors to improve the overall performance of the national innovation and science system.

"Science and innovation are national priorities for the Turnbull Government.

"Building our strength in science allows us to capture greater opportunities for our people.

"Innovation is a serious, long-term plan to secure Australia’s future economic prosperity and create more jobs."

www.industry.gov.au

ends

  • Created on .

Call for Encouraging Entrepreneurship facilitators

THE Australian Government is calling for organisations and individuals to apply to be one of three new Encouraging Entrepreneurship Facilitators.

From December, Entrepreneurship Facilitators will operate in three priority regions that are experiencing high levels of youth unemployment—Cairns, the Hunter region (including Newcastle) and Launceston— to help young Australians start their own small business.

Minister for Employment, Senator Michaelia Cash, said the pioneering initiative will provide practical support to young people who want to turn a business idea into a real-life, self-employment enterprise.

"Self-employment and entrepreneurship provide real opportunities for young people who are unemployed, but only a small number take up this option,” Minister Cash said.

Ms Cash said Entrepreneurship Facilitators in priority regions will help provide practical support to assist local young people develop their ideas into successful businesses.

"The Turnbull Government is supporting entrepreneurship and self-employment among young people as we fundamentally believe that the best form of welfare is a job,” Minister Cash said.

"Entrepreneurship is a powerful option for overcoming unemployment; however, only a small number of job seekers pursue this pathway.”

Encouraging Entrepreneurship Facilitators is part of the Government’s Youth Employment Package that was announced in the 2016-17 Budget. Entrepreneurship Facilitators will:

  • promote entrepreneurship and self-employment
  • encourage young people to develop new business ideas
  • assist potential young entrepreneurs in accessing assistance to support and establish their own business
  • link potential entrepreneurs to existing programs, including the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).

Applications are sought from organisations and individuals with strong and relevant regional knowledge and a commitment to youth business development.

The Department of Employment will host an information session for potential applicants via a webinar on 21 October 2016.

For more information on Encouraging Entrepreneurship Facilitators and/or how to apply, call 1300 733 514 or visit:https://www.employment.gov.au/employment-services-procurement-information

Applications close at 5pm AEDT on 3 November 2016. 

ends

 

  • Created on .

Applications closing soon for the 2017 Rural Women’s Award

JUST three weeks remain to submit applications for the 2017 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. This is one of Australia’s highest honours for rural women. It is a powerful program supporting women who aspire to lead positive change in rural industries and communities.

The Award has produced a networked alumnae of more than 200 rural women. It works to underpin and grow this dynamic and talented pool of rural leaders. Much more than just an award, it offers unique development opportunities, as well as access to a nation-wide network of business, community and industry professionals. 

All state and territory winners receive a bursary of $10,000 to bring to life an idea benefiting rural Australia. The bursary can be used for a broad range of project ideas, including overseas study tours and developing pilot programs and community initiatives. The national winner and runner-up, selected from the state winners, receive a further $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

John Harvey, RIRDC’s Managing Director, encourages industry and the community to get involved and nominate emerging rural leaders. “This Award is an important avenue to recognise exceptional rural women from diverse backgrounds who contribute in many different ways. They’re community volunteers, farmers, business leaders and industry representatives,” he said.

Sophie Hansen from Orange, New South Wales was recently announced as the national winner of the 2016 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. Sophie’s project ‘My Open Kitchen’ is a unique online learning course. Sophie is assisting food producers to embrace the power of social media to share their food stories and better connect with their consumers.

Sophie is thrilled to be part of this life-changing experience saying, “the Award celebrates inspiring women and the positive impact they have on rural industries, businesses and communities.”

The Award is an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in partnership with the state and territory agencies responsible for agriculture, primary industries and resources. The Award is proudly supported by Platinum Sponsor, Westpac Agribusiness and media partners, RM Williams OUTBACK Magazine, ABC Radio and Fairfax Agricultural Media.

Application forms can be downloaded from the RIRDC website: www.rirdc.gov.au/rwa

ends

  • Created on .

Locals invited to public open day at world class venue, ICC

INTERNATIONAL International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is inviting Sydneysiders to explore Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct on Saturday 22 October, 10am – 4pm, before it officially opens this December. 

The Public Open Day will be the first time the community can venture through the doors of the highly anticipated, world class venue that is set to redefine the way business and entertainment events are delivered in Sydney.  

Visitors can take a tour through ICC Sydney’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the five star convention and exhibition centres, the largest purpose-built Grand Ballroom in the region, 9,000 capacity ICC Sydney Theatre, which houses Australia’s biggest stage plus red carpet arrival area.

Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney, said this is an exciting opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore the iconic new venue and be immersed in its innovative integrated design.

“As one of Asia-Pacific’s most technologically advanced venues, ICC Sydney will host a calendar of high profile events year round. We already have more than 380 events locked in, including world leading exhibits like The Hunger Games: The Exhibition and performances from international superstars Keith Urban and PJ Harvey. We can’t wait to show Sydney the venue that will change the face of events for the city.”

NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance said the reinvigorated domain sits at the heart of the AU$3.4 billion redevelopment of Darling Harbour, and will play a significant role in boosting the local economy.

“ICC Sydney will contribute at least $5 billion to NSW’s economy over the next 25 years, employing at least 300 full time staff and a further 1,500 casual workers. The venue will support local food and wine industries and launch local producers onto the global stage. ICC Sydney is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to our vibrant city, driving enduring gains including business relationships, knowledge transfer and industry investment,” he said.

The Public Open Day is part of a three-month period of intensive testing, training and commissioning by the ICC Sydney team.

“ICC Sydney will be capable of holding multiple large conventions, shows and exhibitions simultaneously, all supported with world class service, facilities and technology. The crucial testing period will ensure our exceptional team is prepared for every type of event and that the venue is fully functioning to its industry leading benchmark ahead of our official launch,” said Mr Donaghy.

ICC Sydney can be easily accessed via public transport and features seamless pedestrian access and walkways plus a connective public domain.

ICC Sydney Public Open Day Information

  • When: 10am – 4pm Saturday, 22 October 2016
  • Where: International Convention Centre Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour, Sydney
  • What: ICC Sydney will be open to the public, with the community able to undertake tours of the Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre and stunning ICC Sydney Theatre
  • How: Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, ICC Sydney is easily accessible public transport, including light rail, ferry and train and is only a 10 minute walk from Central and Town Hall train stations. Secure parking is available and conveniently located within the Darling Harbour precinct. ICC Sydney has multiple public access points with step-free access to every entertainment, exhibition and conference venue.

For more information on ICC Sydney, visit www.iccsydney.com or join ICC Sydney on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter

ENDS

  • Created on .

More Articles …