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

In launching the inquiry, Committee Chair, Tony Zappia MP said, "Australia produces some 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and of this, around 130,000 tonnes leaks into the environment, including our oceans and waterways.

"The impact of plastic pollution on marine environments is significant, particularly as larger plastic items break down and leave microplastic remnants that are absorbed by plants, wildlife, and humans," Mr Zappia said.

"The inquiry will consider the effectiveness of existing frameworks and engagement initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution while also examining impactful approaches across the world."

The committee’s inquiry will examine the impact of plastic pollution, including microplastics, having regard to:

• the environmental impacts of plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways;
• the effectiveness of Australia’s plastics management framework under the National Plastics Plan and related policies to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways;
• the effectiveness of the Australian Government’s engagement with states, territories, industry and non-government organisations to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways;
• the effectiveness of community campaigns to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways and encourage the use of alternative materials;
• global initiatives underway to reduce plastic pollution particularly in oceans and waterways;
• any other relevant matter.

The committee is inviting submissions to the inquiry addressing any or all of the terms of reference by December 22, 2022.

Further information about the committee’s inquiry is available on its website.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has recommended the Australian Government ratifies the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). This comes shortly after the committee recommended ratification of the free trade agreement with the United Kingdom.

Committee Chair, Josh Wilson MP said, “This ‘early harvest’ agreement with India paves the way for further trade, market access, investment and regulation that requires global cooperation. The AI-ECTA also ensures that Australia will not be excluded from improved trade and market access which may arise from agreements India subsequently negotiates with other nations.

“As an interim agreement however, the AI-ECTA is not as comprehensive in its scope and coverage as other trade agreements and under-achieves in areas of potential and immediate interest to Australia such as wine.

“As Australia moves towards a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, the committee has noted the importance of improved tariff reductions, greater access to services, and on broader matters like intellectual property, cultural heritage, the environment, and labour rights.”

The committee also took the opportunity in this report to express concerns regarding the extent and quality of consultation, transparency of negotiations, and lack of independent modelling and analysis of trade agreements.

In doing so, the committee again recommended the Australian Government implements the recommendations made in Report 193: Strengthening the Trade Agreement and Treaty-Making Process in Australia.

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

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BUSINESSES and communities can now have their say in shaping SafeWork NSW’s new strategy to enhance health and safety measures for workers across the State.

Head of SafeWork NSW, Natasha Mann said the NSW Government wanted to hear from workers, employers and business stakeholders to help inform the Towards Healthy Work Plan due to be launched in late 2023.

“Prevention of workplace incidents has mainly focused on identifying physical hazards in the workplace but research shows health and safety can be improved further when work is designed to be physically and psychologically healthy and workers are engaged in the way work is done,” Ms Mann said.

“SafeWork NSW is encouraging the business community to review our principles of ‘Healthy Work’ and to contribute to ideas, stories and examples of work practices that are healthy.

“Recent amendments to the WHS regulations have introduced specific obligations to consider employees’ psychological health when designing systems at work. SafeWork NSW now wants to encourage an integrated approach towards healthy work in their plan," mS mANN SAID.

“During the consultation period, we want your input, including examples of how healthy work is good for business, how leadership is fundamental to creating healthy work, and the ways in which healthy work can positively influence lives.

“This ‘have your say’ proposes to strengthen an already robust work health and safety framework and ensure clarity and consistency across various industries.

“We want all stakeholders to have an opportunity to provide feedback and to share examples of what they look for in a healthy workplace," she said.

“This work builds on SafeWork’s commitment to improving work health and safety by ensuring businesses meet their compliance obligations, and are supported to achieve healthy, safe and productive workplaces.”

Read more and have your say at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/healthy-work?utm_medium=email&utm_source=MR

Consultations close 5pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

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THE PARLIAMENTARY Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has recommended the Australian Government ratifies the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (AUKFTA).

Committee Chair Josh Wilson MP said, “The AUKFTA reflects the longstanding importance, quality, and depth of the political, cultural, and economic relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom while looking to set a framework for future trade and cooperation.

“The AUKFTA would contribute to diversifying Australia’s trade and addresses both traditional free trade agreement concerns while incorporating a range of wider social and economic principles. At the same time, the AUKFTA preserves policy and regulatory space for Parties in rapidly evolving sectors such as digital trade and financial services”, Mr Wilson said.

The committee agreed the liberalisation outcomes appeared balanced and while noting there remained some barriers to trade in goods, it was recognised that on entry into force 99 percent of Australian goods exports by value would enter into the UK without tariffs. They also saw the liberalisation of the rules for services and investment as having the potential to open new markets for Australian service suppliers.

The committee did however, express ongoing concern regarding the lack of independent economic impact analysis, and the substance and quality of consultation.

As such, the committee also recommended the Australian Government implement the recommendations of its previously made Report 193: Strengthening the Trade Agreement and Treaty-Making Process in Australia.

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

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