19 July 2024

Highlights

• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Australia in October.
• The unemployment rate rose to 4.1 per cent in June, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
• Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen addressed the National Press Club, where he described the next ten years as the “critical decade” for Australia’s energy sector in the transition to net zero.
• The Federal Government marked 10 years since the downing of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which resulted in the tragic death of all 298 passengers, including 38 Australians.
• Former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced his resignation on social media as the Member for Epping after 13 years in politics. Mr Perrottet will deliver his valedictory speech to the NSW Parliament on 11 August with a by-election likely to be held in Epping later this year.

CFMEU allegations

The Federal Government and multiple state governments distanced themselves from the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) in response to allegations [paywall] of widespread and systemic criminal activity within the union. In a media release, Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke described the allegations as “abhorrent” and “intolerable”. Minister Burke revealed the Federal Government would support a move to appoint an independent administrator to oversee the east coast branches of the CFMEU. However, the Minister said that at this stage the Government would not seek to deregister the union due to concerns it would simply continue to operate without regulatory oversight.

The Australian Labor Party’s national executive subsequently suspended ties with the construction division of the CFMEU and confirmed the Labor Party would not accept donations going forward. Similar actions have been taken in New South Wales, Queensland, and in Victoria where the CFMEU has a strong political presence. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed she will refer the matter to the state’s corruption watchdog, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission.

Prime Minister condemns Trump assassination attempt

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed shocked at the attempted assassination of former United States President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Prime Minister called for the temperature of the debate to be lowered and labelled the incident as “an inexcusable attack on democratic values that Australians and American share and the freedoms that we treasure”.

When asked if recent vandalism of electorate offices in Australia might lead to domestic political violence, Mr Albanese said law enforcement and security agencies are continually monitoring the situation. However, he emphasised escalating rhetoric in political debate serves no purpose and that it would be a tragedy if security risks prevented Australian politicians from closely interacting with the general public.

Looking Ahead

Budget estimates will be held in QLD and the ACT.

Federal Developments

As part of its ongoing response to the PwC tax scandal, the Federal Government opened consultation on education, qualification, and experience registration requirements for tax practitioners. The paper seeks feedback on proposed measures to strengthen the Tax Practitioners Board registration pathways. Consultation closes 7 August.

The Productivity Commission published its final report on the inquiry into philanthropy in Australia, entitled ‘Future foundations for giving’. The Report makes several findings and recommendations, including introducing reforms to the philanthropy regulatory framework and establishing reporting requirements for corporate donations. Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh confirmed the Federal Government will respond to the recommendations in due course.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) registered the ASIC Corporations (Amendment) Instrument 2024/554, following the passage and assent of the Treasury Laws Amendments (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Act 2024 (DBFO Act). ASIC’s updates to regulatory guidance will see consequential amendments to ASIC instruments to reflect the changes to Financial Services Guide requirements as a result of the DBFO Act.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFENCE AND TRADE

Federal Developments

Foreign Minister Penny Wong visited Tokyo for the 10th Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting. Climate resilience, infrastructure, health, and digital connectivity were on the agenda for the summit, which has been held every three years in Japan since 1997.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman travelled to France to promote Australia’s trade and tourism interests. Mr Gorman’s visit includes celebrating the first direct flight from Perth to Paris, meeting members of the Australian Olympic Committee ahead of the 2024 Paris Games and engaging with senior officials from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The Federal Government released its Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy which outlines a framework designed to enhance the independent media sector throughout the region. The Strategy accompanies $40.5 million committed in the Federal Budget to foster connections between Australian and Pacific media outlets and content creators.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy announced the government is investing over $100 million for the acquisition of two small uncrewed aerial systems (SUAS) to be used for surveillance and reconnaissance. The Quantum-Systems Vector 2-in-1 and the Sypaq Systems CorvoX will support both the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force in various environments, with the two SUAS to be delivered in 2025.

State Developments

Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick confirmed Justin McGowan will continue as CEO of Trade and Investment Queensland, having first been appointed to the role in January 2023.

ENVIRONMENT, RESOURCES AND ENERGY

Federal Developments

The Federal Government announced it will fast track the development of the Guarantee of Origin Scheme, as part of the Future Made in Australia (FMIA) package. The Scheme involves digital certificates being issued to producers, exporters, and users of clean energy products. Certificate holders will be able to claim tax incentives under FMIA. Subject to the legislation passing, the scheme aims to be operational by the second half of 2025.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission granted interim authorisation with conditions to major supermarkets, including Coles Group, Woolworths Group, and ALDI Stores, allowing the soft plastics instore collection pilot program to continue. The interim authorisation is largely subject to the same reporting conditions as those due to expire on 22 July. Submissions for the public consultation on the substantive application are due by 6 August.

The Federal Government, in partnership with South Australia, is investing $20 million towards advanced soft plastic recycling technology at Recycling Plastics Australia’s soft plastic collection facility in Kilburn, SA. Delivered under the Recycling Modernisation Fund’s Plastics Technology Stream, the project aims to support the facility’s processing of soft plastics, including cleaning, purifying, and recycling waste back into packaging.

State Developments

The NT Environmental Protection Authority approved SunCable’s Australia-Asia Power Link project which aims to build a solar farm in the NT and supply renewable energy to land-deprived Singapore via a sea cable. The project is the world’s largest renewable energy and transmission project in development with electricity supply expected to start in the early 2030s.

The Queensland Government named two special advisors to examine CS Energy’s operations and efficacy. Commercial lawyer Tom Fletcher and electrical engineering expert Howard Morrison will provide the Government and CS Energy board with independent advice on CS Energy’s organisational structure, culture, and governance frameworks, as well as legal and commercial matters. The final report into the Callide incident was also published.

INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Federal Developments

The Federal Government launched a review into the community impact of online keno and foreign-matched lotteries. The review delivers on a recommendation from the Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications inquiry into interactive gambling legislation. An Issues Paper has been released with consultations to include various stakeholders, focusing on gambling risks, consumer experiences and possible policy options.

The Federal and Queensland Governments signed a Federation Funding Agreement for the first five approved projects for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, comprising the Chandler Indoor Sports Centre and Precinct, Brisbane Aquatic Centre, the Sunshine Coast Stadium, the Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, and the Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre. The agreement includes project delivery timelines and payment slots.

State Developments

The NSW Government welcomed the release of the Final Report of the Independent Toll Review[PDF]. The Report makes 41 recommendations to Government, including establishing a government-owned agency to strengthen transparency around toll prices and implement reforms aimed at making tolling more equitable across Sydney. The Government will consider the recommendations and respond in due course.

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson announced 750 publicly owned homes will be repaired under the Government’s $1 billion Repair and Restore Maintenance program, providing the NSW Government oversight of essential maintenance services. Homes in Newcastle, Canterbury-Bankstown, Blacktown, Wollongong, Campbelltown and Cumberland will be the first to be repaired.

The NSW Government is proposing strict new safety standards for e-bikes and e-scooters to prevent fires and protect properties. The initiative follows a rise in lithium-ion battery related fires, with 90 incidents reported in 2022 and 2023. Large penalties will apply for e-mobility products that enter the market before meeting appropriate testing, certification, and safety requirements.

Federal Developments

The Federal Government allocated $1.5 billion to Australia’s RNA Blueprint funded by the National Reconstruction Fund. The Blueprint outlines five key goals and actions including strengthening supply chain coordination, increasing workforce skills, and building international partnerships.

The Federal Government released its consultation paper on a needs-based funding system for university students from disadvantaged backgrounds, students with a disability, and Indigenous Australians. The initiative contributes to the Government’s goal of having 80 per cent of the workforce with a university degree or TAFE qualification by 2050. Consultation closes 9 July.

State Developments

The NSW Government announced a $4.5 million investment in the Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net) to advance alternatives to using animals in medical research and improve clinical trial success rates. The initiative includes three pillars of funding: a competitive research grant program, infrastructure for NAT-Net, and a working group to develop regulatory frameworks for non-animal technologies.

The WA Government committed to investing $16 million to five Future Health Research and Innovation funding programs to advance health and medical research. These programs include the Early Career Child Health Research Fellowships aimed at retaining local PhD graduates in child health research, and the Targeted Call – Health System Solutions program which supports innovative solutions to public health challenges.