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Final report tabled: Rebuilding the employment services system

THE Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services today tabled its final report, recommending large scale reform to fundamentally rebuild the Commonwealth Employment Services System. The report is available on the committee’s website.

Committee Chair, Julian Hill MP, said, "This first-principles review is the first of its kind since services were privatised by the Howard Government nearly 25 years ago.

“It’s harsh but true to say that Australia no longer has an effective coherent national employment services system; we have an inefficient outsourced fragmented social security compliance management system that sometimes gets someone a job against all odds.

“It should not be controversial to state that full privatisation has failed. Even the previous government implicitly admitted this by bringing a large caseload back to the public sector with Workforce Australia Online.

“The current system is inefficient, tying clients and providers up in red tape, driving away businesses and effectively making too many people less employable by requiring them to do silly courses, pointless activities or apply for jobs they simply cannot do. It has failed to prepare people for today’s red-hot labour market and to effectively address long-term unemployment, with 150,000 people stuck in the system for over five years. This must change," Mr Hill said.

“The review has identified significant and numerous flaws in the employment services system that cannot be addressed by mere tweaks to policies and programs. Fundamental change is needed to better support the most disadvantaged in society and to get better value for money. Over $9.5 billion will be spent over the next four years and employment services are the Commonwealth’s largest single procurement outside Defence.

“The nature of competition is counterproductive. In regional towns or disadvantaged suburban centres it seems there is an employment services provider on every street block, heavily regulated and providing largely the same service with little variation or innovation. Five ice-cream shops all selling the same vanilla ice-cream lined up side-by-side, while the Department studiously manages market share so everyone gets a lick. It’s nonsense.

“The world’s best systems and other human services all have a public sector core to steward the system and benchmark quality and price – think TAFEs, public hospitals, universities, schools, aged care. Just as a GP helps someone navigate the health system, a rebuilt public sector core should help clients navigate employment services.

“The committee’s report sets out a comprehensive and ambitious blueprint to rebuild the Commonwealth Employment Services System, underpinned by the guiding vision that all people in Australia be able to enjoy decent employment and participate in economic and social life regardless of who they are or where they live.”

The committee makes 75 recommendations supported by over 600 pages of detailed analysis. Fundamental changes recommended include:

  • A stronger, more active role for the Commonwealth government, by establishing Employment Services Australia as a rebuilt public sector core, to steward the system, be a large digital-hybrid provider for people with the fewest barriers to work, and lead each region via physical hubs. ESA Regional hubs would be tasked with assessment, referral, employer engagement and delivery of industry transition and local projects, driven by Jobs and Skills Australia labour market data. The public sector would undertake some direct service delivery including in thin markets, for people furthest from the labour market, and in some places to rebuild capability and experience.
  • An enhanced and—in some respects—radically different service model, which recognises that clients will have different pathways to employment, social and economic participation, moving away from rigid one-size-fits all rules. This would include referrals to other human services, ‘life first’ and social participation goals for some people, a Youth Employment Service, specialist services for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people, and a revamped service for ex-offenders.
  • A new regulatory culture and more relational contracting model, moving from obsessively contracting services out and denying responsibility, to a system where service partners are contracted in to work with government and employers in local communities.
  • Dialling back pointless competition in local areas and service fragmentation, by engaging only one ‘generalist’ case management service partner and one youth specialist per location – this will usually mean more than one partner per region.
  • Focusing far more on demand and employer engagement, including a dedicated employer engagement service via ESA’s regional hubs to ‘hide the wiring’ for business.
  • Broadened and tailored approach to mutual obligations and a new Shared Accountability Framework for compliance, supported by an individualised Participation and Jobs Plan, to cut red tape and compliance burden, stop driving employers away and more effectively support disadvantaged people into work.
  • Seriously considering integrating digital employment marketplaces, such as SEEK, LinkedIn, Indeed, and competitors into the system.
  • Re-professionalising the sector’s workforce, to reduce the shocking 40 per cent staff turnover rate and improve the pay, skills, and conditions of critical frontline staff.
  • Establishing and Employment Services Quality Commission as an independent regulator, responsible for workforce standards, continuous learning, advising on pricing and funding mechanisms for quality services, data collection and complaints management.

Several reforms are proposed as urgent or to be undertaken in the short term during the current financial year to address critical issues and obvious pain points. For other reforms, the Committee recommends that the Government develop and publish a roadmap to a rebuilt Commonwealth Employment Services System by the end of 2024. This roadmap should be a living document and be periodically reviewed and updated.

Information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, published submissions, and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website.

 

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Australian Defence Force Academy billion dollar rebuild

UNDER the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works will consider two new referrals from the Department of Defence.

The projects are:

Department of Defence – RAAF Base Learmonth Redevelopment Enabling KC-30A Operations – $662.2 million – Exmouth, Western Australia

  • The works will deliver upgrades to the airfield at RAAF Base Learmonth to meet Defence requirements for the support of KC-30A operations and to improve overall airfield resilience.

Department of Defence – Canberra Defence Precinct Tranche 1 Australian Defence Force Academy Living-in Accommodation Project – $1.25 billion – Canberra, ACT

  • The works will replace existing living-in accommodation facilities and associated infrastructure at ADFA with contemporary, safe and suitable accommodation that will support recruitment, retention, and wellbeing of trainee officers.

It is anticipated that the committee will conduct public and in-camera hearings for the inquiries in 2024. The committee wants to hear from all individuals or organisations interested in the project. The deadline for public submissions is 29 January 2024, with more information available on the Public Works Committee website.

Committee Chair Graham Perrett MP  said, "Public submissions and the public hearings will allow the committee to review the purpose, need and public value of the proposed works."

Note: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Inquiries on these matters should be addressed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

 

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Trade Subcommittee hearing with ASEAN members

THE Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

The subcommittee will be speaking with the Ambassador of Thailand and a representative from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia.

Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, "Continuing to build robust people to people links with Australia’s neighbours is important for strengthening and maintaining existing strategic relationships in the region. Education and tourism have proven to be a key part of doing so.

"The subcommittee looks forward to hearing from representatives of the Royal Thai Embassy and the Royal Embassy of Cambodia on how Australia can further its engagement with their respective countries through education and tourism links," Senator O’Neill said.

Further information about the inquiry and program are available on the inquiry webpage. This hearing will be broadcast via the APH website.

Public hearing

Date: Wednesday, 29 November 2023Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, CanberraTime: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEDT)

 

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Report released on inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Australia

THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has today published its report on its inquiry into the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in Australia.

The report makes six recommendations, including that the Commonwealth Government ensure that its policies and legislation on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people be consistent with the Articles of UNDRIP.

To realise this, the committee makes further recommendations to:

  • Amend parliamentary human rights scrutiny processes to formally include consideration of UNDRIP;
  • Develop a National Action Plan, in consultation with First Peoples, to outline a coordinated approach to implementing UNDRIP across all Australian jurisdictions;
  • Improve education on Australian history, civics, and human rights; and
  • Establish an independent process of truth-telling and agreement-making.

Committee Chair Senator Patrick Dodson said, "At the heart of this report is a call for all Australian governments and civil society to engage with the rights of First Peoples through UNDRIP.

"The committee heard clear evidence about how the enhanced application of UNDRIP offers a blueprint for a renewed relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian nation that strengthens our democracy and improves the wellbeing of First Peoples."

Through the course of the inquiry the Committee received evidence from a range of domestic and international experts, as well as many Indigenous representatives, including from Canada, New Zealand, Finland and Norway.

For more information about this committee and its report, visit the inquiry webpage.

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Treaties Committee to consider Amendments to the Annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will hold a public hearing today for its inquiry into the Amendments to the Annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention).

The FAL Convention aims to prevent unnecessary delays in maritime traffic, aid cooperation between states and secure uniformity in formalities and procedures. The Annex to the convention contains Standards and Recommended Practices on formalities, documentary requirements and procedures that are to be applied to ships, crews, passengers, baggage, and cargo from arrival through to their departure.

The proposed changes to the Annex focus on topics such as definitions, illicit activities, digitalisation of vessel reporting requirements, identification, treatment of stowaways and public health.

Committee Chair, Josh Wilson MP said, “Australia has been a signatory to the Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic since 1986 and over time, has been an active contributor to the work of the International Maritime Organisation. If adopted, these amendments would support Australia to continue to modernise its maritime sector operations and take further steps towards full compliance with the convention.

“The amendments would lead to increased efficiencies for both industry and government and create greater opportunities for adopting new maritime technologies. This includes the standards for the adoption of the Maritime Single Window which is a digital reporting platform which will make the exchange of mandatory information between industry and government easier.”

The committee will hear from officials from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Public hearing details 

Date:               Monday 27 November 2023Time:              11am (AEDT)Location:        Committee Room 2R1

The hearing can be accessed online and the program is available on the Committee website, along with further information about the inquiry.

 

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Workforce Australia Employment Services Committee to table final report on Thursday

THE Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services anticipates tabling a final report for its inquiry into Workforce Australia Employment Services on November 30.

Committee Chair, Julian Hill MP said, "This is not a fairy floss review. It’s the only ‘first principles’ review of Australia’s employment services system conducted in several decades.

“The committee has identified significant and numerous flaws in the system that cannot be addressed by mere tweaks to policies and programs if we are serious about addressing long-term unemployment and entrenched disadvantage.

“It should not come as a surprise to those who have contributed to the inquiry that the committee will recommend wholesale reforms and an ambitious blueprint for a rebuilt Commonwealth Employment Services system.

“There are no sacred cows and the findings will directly challenge long held beliefs, including the flawed ideas that ever more competition in every place will always produce better outcomes for vulnerable consumers.

“The Robodebt Royal Commission’s finding that fraud in the welfare system is minuscule is apt and the current approach to mutual obligations is like using a nuclear bomb to kill a mosquito. Mutual obligations need to be broadened and tailored to the individual, as the current one-size-fits all approach is drowning the system in compliance red-tape, driving employers away and actually making many people less employable," Mr Hill said.

“The guiding vision for a rebuilt system should be to ensure that all people in Australia can enjoy decent employment and participate in economic and social life regardless of who they are or where they live.

“All elements of the system have been carefully interrogated in an open-minded and non-partisan manner, led by evidence not ideology, outside interests or direction.”

The inquiry has been informed by more than 300 submissions, more than 60 hours of witness testimony, over 50 meetings and site visits across all Australian jurisdictions, and direct engagement with OECD experts and representatives of over 10 other countries.

Information about the inquiry, including Terms of Reference, published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry website.

 

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Treaties Committee to receive public briefing from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will receive a public briefing today from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Topics covered during the briefing will potentially include:

  • Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement.
  • Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
  • Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
  • Any other relevant matters.

This is the second biannual briefing in 2023 on the status of upcoming and current free trade agreement negotiations provided by DFAT which is now part of the Committee’s regular work schedule.  

Public briefing details 

Date:               Monday 27 November 2023Time:               approx. 11:40am (AEDT)Location:         Committee Room 2R1

The public briefing can be accessed online. Further information about the committee can be found on the Committee website.

 

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Restoring democracy on Norfolk Island

THE Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has today released its report for its inquiry into local governance on Norfolk Island.

The committee has made seven recommendations which provide the foundation for a new democratically elected governing body to be established on the island.

Chair of the committee, Alicia Payne MP, said, "the committee is proud to be part of the process of restoring democracy to Norfolk Island. It has recommended the creation of a new bespoke governing body comprising a majority of locally elected members working with representatives appointed by the Australian Government to deliver the best outcomes for Norfolk Islanders and Australians alike.

"Central to the committee’s recommendations is the inclusion of a preamble in the governing legislation," Ms Payne said.​"The purpose of this preamble is to recognise the unique culture, traditions, heritage and history of Norfolk Island, and to set out the nature of the relationship between Norfolk Island and Australia now and into the future."

Other recommendations made in the report relate to building local capacity on Norfolk Island to support the new governance arrangements, the need for broad community consultation to inform the final governance model, and for that model to be determined by a binding compulsory vote of registered voters on Norfolk Is.

The committee has recommended that the findings of its report be referred to the newly established Norfolk Island Governance Committee for further consultation with the community.

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

 

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New inquiry on Defence Annual Report 2022–23

THE Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting a new inquiry, focussing on important aspects of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.

Key themes of the inquiry’s focus include:

  • Assistance to Ukraine.
  • Defence Health System.
  • Capability Assurance Mechanism.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons related issues.
  • Armaments manufacture, procurement, and inventory.
  • Other issues as communicated to Defence.

Chair of the Subcommittee, Julian Hill MP, said, “The committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.

“Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was the most significant hostile act against a European country since the end of World War Two," Mr Hill said. "The international community of NATO and non-NATO contributors, including Australia, are continuing to aid Ukraine’s efforts in its fight to retain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The subcommittee is interested in examining Australia’s response to this crisis; specifically, the facilitation of military aid focussed on platforms, munitions, and the contribution to Operation Kudu which is the ADF commitment to the training of armed forces of Ukraine recruits in the United Kingdom.

“A comprehensive and well-equipped health care system for our serving personnel remains a critical enabler to ensure the ADF’s warfighting preparedness. Defence is currently undergoing structural change based on the force posture requirements as detailed within the Defence Strategic Review. This is occurring at a time of significant workforce challenges, and it is through this lens that the subcommittee is interested in analysing Defence’s approach to health care, considering the recent report by the Auditor-General and current performance issues. The focus for this line of inquiry will include the general architecture of its uniformed and contracted health related capabilities, supporting both current personnel and the recruitment function, and the interrelationship with external providers.

“It is imperative that Defence can effectively identify and manage the complexities associated with material procurement and sustainment including the acceptance of new capability into service. The subcommittee is interested in reviewing Defence’s approach to capability assurance including ‘test and evaluation’ and how that impacts and informs accountability and risk identification considering case studies to identify potential systemic issues for attention.

“Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons have an ever-increasing role within militaries worldwide. From systems capable of predictive analysis, to platforms that can prosecute targets without human intervention, careful consideration is warranted as Defence continues to evolve its capabilities by integrating emerging technologies. The subcommittee is interested in examining the role of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons within the ADF and the requisite policy settings that need to account for and address relevant moral, legal, ethical, and regulatory matters within Australia and internationally. This may be informed by a case study to be identified.

“The Defence Strategic Review references the importance that Australia possesses a diverse array of munitions capable of long-range strike across the sea, land, and air domains. The government has announced plans for the rapid procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HiMARS) and Precision Strike Missiles, as well as the creation of a newly appointed head of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance.

"The subcommittee is interested in examining the plans and process for the acquisition of specific munitions from coalition partners, the requirements to enable domestic manufacturing and storage, and the comparison of current stock holdings vice what is required during high intensity conflict."

The subcommittee is inviting written submissions by Monday, 5 February 2024.

For more information about this committee, visit its website.

 

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Electoral Matters Committee highlights transparency, trust and participation in recommendations for reform

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has concluded its inquiry into the 2022 election, making recommendations for reforms to improve donation transparency, reduce the influence of big money, and strengthen trust and participation in Australia's elections.

The committee’s final report, tabled today in Parliament, makes 21 recommendations on top of the 15 made in its interim report released in June.

Committee Chair Kate Thwaites MP said, "Our electoral system is strong, but our democracy is too important to be complacent. The committee heard clear evidence of the need for reform.

‘Based on the evidence we have received, the committee has recommended reforms to improve donation transparency, address the electoral ‘arms race’ of increased spending on elections, limit the potentially corrupting influence of big money, and build public trust."

These include reaffirming recommendations made in the interim report, including:

  • Lowering the donation disclosure threshold to $1,000 and introducing ‘real time’ disclosure;
  • Introducing donation and electoral spending caps; and
  • Introducing truth in political advertising laws.

In addition, the committee’s final report makes further recommendations around representation, participation and other issues, including:

  • Improving representation – increasing Senate representation for the two territories from two to four Senators, and requesting a specific inquiry into increasing the size of the House of Representatives;
  • Encouraging participation and enfranchisement – making voting more accessible, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, older Australians and Australians overseas; and
  • Modernising election campaign legislation, including amending the process for the distribution of postal vote applications.

Through the course of the inquiry the committee received more than 1,500 submissions and held 11 public hearings.

Further information about the inquiry, including submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the inquiry webpage.

 

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Public hearing on National Redress Scheme

THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme.

Legal practitioners, support services and advocates are among witnesses scheduled to give evidence.

The public hearing will start at 9:30am AEDT (Canberra time). The program is available on the Committee’s website.

The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including:

  • The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme.
  • Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates.

The committee is continuing to accept written submissions.

Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available.

Public hearing details

Thursday 23 November 20239:30am to around 4:45pm AEDT (Canberra time)Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, CanberraListen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament

 

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