THE Australian Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has released its report for its inquiry into food security in Australia. The inquiry examined ways to strengthen and safeguard Australia’s food security, focussing on production, supply chains and key inputs, as well as climate change, biosecurity and food insecurity.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson MP said, "Despite Australia being one of the most food secure countries in the world, recent developments both at home and abroad have shown that food security presents real and growing challenges to the nation.

"Food security is not something that any of us can take for granted. COVID-19, floods, the effects of the war in Ukraine, and outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia have highlighted risks to our food system.

"Systemic change is required so that all Australians, and those that depend on Australian food production, will be food secure. Consultation, cooperation, coordination and innovation are the keys to food security," Ms Swanson said.

The committee has made 35 recommendations to address food security in Australia, including:

• creating a comprehensive National Food Plan;
• appointing a Minister for Food;
• establishing a National Food Council;
• developing a National Food Supply Chain Map;
• measures to facilitate innovation in the production of food; and
• measures to eliminate food waste.

The report also proposes measures to improve sustainability and resilience in the food supply chain, improve access to labour, and reduce food insecurity.

Over the course of the inquiry, the committee held 24 public hearings, visited numerous sites around Australia, and received 188 written submissions from individuals, industry and community groups and government bodies.

The committee has thanked all those who took part in the inquiry by providing written submissions and giving evidence at public hearings or hosted the committee on site visits. The committee said it was "particularly grateful to those who took time out of their days to host the committee at various sites around the country and the insights this provided into the work of providing for the food security of Australians".

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

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THE Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its report titled ‘The pursuit of equality: Inquiry into the rights of women and children.’

Chair of the Subcommittee, Maria Vamvakinou MP, said, “Almost every witness and submitter to the inquiry noted that the rights of women and children were in decline globally.

“This regression of the rights of women and children has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and conflict and instability. Growing inequality and resistance from some nation-states who are hostile to the international human rights agenda has further exacerbated the situation,” Ms Vamvakinou said.

The report makes 10 recommendations aimed at strengthening and furthering measures to better support the rights of women and children globally, including:

• the creation of an international policy aimed specifically at children that is similar to the current gender strategy;
• the implementation of a suite of strategies designed to counteract orphanage trafficking and tourism;
• highlighting gender-based violence as a key strategic issue in the new International Gender Equality Strategy that is to be developed and implemented by the Australian Government; and
• improving legislative responses to the rights of victims of child exploitative material distributed online.

The report is now available on the JSCFADT website.

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THE Mining and Energy Union (MEU) is registered with the Fair Work Commission as a standalone trade union effective today, formalising the withdrawal of the Mining and Energy Division from the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU).

MEU general president Tony Maher said it was a historic day for the union, which delivered on members’ strong wish to become independent.

“Today, we are a brand new union as well as being one of the oldest unions in Australia,” Mr Maher said.

“We have been representing coal miners since the 1850s, in various forms. Today’s Mining and Energy Union builds on our proud tradition and track record, with a clear focus on meeting the current and future challenges facing workers in mines, ports and power stations.

“Our industries face constant change, but we will always stand for well-paid jobs in safe workplaces within strong communities.”

MEU general secretary Grahame Kelly said the transition from CFMEU to MEU would be seamless for members, with all the day-to-day work and structures of the union remaining unchanged.

“The significance of our independence will be felt over time, with the ability to make our own decisions based entirely on our members’ interests," Mr Kelly said.

“We thank our members, delegates, officials, staff and supporters for their dedication, enthusiasm and hard work in pursuing independence.

“We look forward to the next chapter of our history as the Mining and Energy Union starting today.”

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THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has initiated a new inquiry to examine the Department of Home Affairs’ procurement of a replacement IT system for processing visa applications.

Home Affairs engaged in a multi-stage procurement for the visa processing capability which commenced in September 2017, with a new related process beginning in October 2020.

Chair of the Committee, Julian Hill MP, said the inquiry would consider the expenditure incurred and whether value for money was achieved, the impact of anticipated savings on the Department of Home Affairs, the conduct of entities or persons involved or interested in the process, the ethical use of resources and ethical behaviour, and any lessons arising.

“The previous Government wasted $92 million on a failed attempt to privatise visa processing, yet after they abandoned their tender process still forced Home Affairs to bear a $180 million cut from fake savings that never materialised," Mr Hill said.

“The Auditor-General examined some of these issues in a report tabled this year, but further questions that have emerged warrant a stand-alone inquiry.

“The Parliament and public should understand what went on regarding this aborted, wasteful privatisation and what lessons should be learnt given the critical importance of actually doing something to upgrade Home Affairs’ antiquated IT systems.

“The committee looks forward to hearing from Home Affairs and to considering the conduct of entities or persons involved or interested in that procurement process," Mr Hill said.

The inquiry will focus on matters contained in or related to Auditor-General Report No. 34 of 2022-23 - Procurement of the Permissions Capability.

The committee is inviting submissions from interested parties by 31 January 2024.

Further information about the inquiry is available on the Committee website.

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