THE House Standing Committee on Agriculture has today commenced an inquiry into the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024, which will end the live sheep export trade by sea from May 1, 2028.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson MP, said the Bill fulfilled the government’s election promise to end the live export of sheep while providing time and funding for industry to adjust to the end of the trade.

The committee will examine the provisions of the Bill and its application to the live sheep export trade, especially in Western Australia. This includes the end of live sheep exports by sea and authority for Commonwealth spending to assist sheep farmers, businesses and communities to prepare and adapt.

The committee will hold two public hearings for the inquiry in Canberra on June 12 and in Muresk, Western Australia on June 14, 2024.

“There are a range of views on this issue. The committee is looking forward to meeting and talking with stakeholders in Western Australia,” Ms Swanson said.

“The public hearing in Muresk will provide an opportunity for the Committee to meet those most affected. Anyone who would like to share their views on the Bill can engage with the committee in a number of ways including by making a written submission, or attending a public hearing where the Committee plans to hold a community statements session.”

Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the secretariat as soon as possible to register your interest. Submissions to the inquiry will be open until  June 11, 2024.

Further information about this inquiry, including how to make a submission can be found on the Committee’s website.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water has concluded its inquiry into plastic pollution in Australia’s oceans and waterways.

The committee’s final report, tabled today in Parliament, makes 22 recommendations aimed at strengthening Australia’s plastics management framework to minimise plastic waste to landfill, incentivise the use of recycled materials in the production of new plastics and strengthen management of the plastics that are already in the environment.

Chair of the Committee, Tony Zappia MP, said, "Without urgent action, plastic waste will increase and continue to negatively impact our oceans and waterways. Australia needs to act now to protect its natural environment for future generations."

A key recommendation is the development of an updated National Plastics Plan in consultation with state and territory governments, industry, and the community. Mr Zappia said, "The plan should be nationally coordinated and increase industry accountability to reduce the amount of plastics ending up in landfill."

"Many Australians want to recycle correctly but inconsistencies among states and territories have led consumers to believe that certain items are recyclable or compostable when they are not. The committee recommends nationally harmonising the single-use plastic bans, waste collection standards and the Container Deposit Scheme," Mr Zappia said.

"Packaging and recycling labelling need to be standardised and simplified to reduce confusion and help consumers recycle the right containers," he said.

"We also need to better understand the potential risks and effects of microplastic pollution on human health. The committee has recommended investment in research and the development of a microplastic reduction strategy to limit microplastic pollution in our marine environments.’

The full report, including the committee’s complete list of recommendations, can be found on the inquiry website.

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THE HOUSE Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hear from peak industry bodies from the spirit and craft distilling sector as part of its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia on Wednesday, June 5.

Committee Chair, Rob Mitchell MP said, “The Australian spirits industry has seen immense growth over the past decade, with the number of Australian distilleries increasing significantly.

“The committee is interested to hear about the barriers the industry faces, and what innovations are on the horizon to enable the Australian spirits industry to realise its full potential.”

The committee will conduct further public hearings between June and August 2024. Further information about the inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, is available on the committee's website: aph.gov.au/isr.

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday, 5 June 2024
Time: 8:30am to 9:30am (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Witnesses: Spirits & Cocktails Australia and Australian Distillers Association.

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TODAY, Dr Stein Helgeby has advised the Presiding Officers that he will not seek reappointment as the Parliamentary Budget Officer when his term expires in November 2024.

Senate President, Senator Sue Lines, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, have thanked Dr Helgeby for his contribution and his stewardship of this important institution over the past four years.

Under Dr Helgeby’s leadership, the department has upheld a reputation for providing independent and non-partisan economic and fiscal analysis to Parliament. The demand for Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) services has continued to grow, which is testament to the quality of its modelling and analysis and approach to client service.

“We extend our gratitude to Dr Helgeby for his outstanding service and contribution to the role,” Senator Lines said. “His expertise will be missed."

Dr Helgeby was appointed to the role on November 18, 2020, after serving as a Deputy Secretary in the Commonwealth Department of Finance and in several roles within the Commonwealth and Victorian public service.

“The PBO plays a very important role within the Australian Parliament and contributes to Australia’s great democracy. We thank Dr Helgeby for his professionalism and dedication and wish him all the best,” Speaker Milton Dick said.

After advising the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, the Parliamentary Services Commissioner, Dr Gordon de Brouwer, will undertake a merit-based recruitment process to appoint a new Parliamentary Budget Officer.

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