This week's political news
Federal legislation seeks to clamp down on foreign agreements
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Thursday that the Government would introduce legislation to crack down on state and territory agreements with foreign countries that were not in the national interest. The legislation would seek to cancel and prohibit agreements not consistent with Australia's foreign relations. Mr Morrison said state and territory governments and their entities can presently enter into arrangements with foreign governments in areas ranging from trade and economic co-operation to cultural collaborations and university partnerships, without having to inform the Commonwealth. He said the Federal Government knew of at least 130 agreements between states and territories with up to 30 countries. Under the reforms, the Foreign Minister would have the power to review existing and prospective arrangements between states and territories and all foreign governments.
Cross-border code for agricultural workers
National Cabinet of Federal, State and Territory leaders is due next week (September 4) to consider an Agriculture Workers Code to provide a nationally consistent approach to the movement of workers in the farm sector. Amid trenchant criticism of interstate border restrictions on movement of farmworkers, essential services, supplies and activities, the code would apply to individuals with occupations deemed critical to ensure the continuity of the agricultural sector. It would be enforced by public health orders and emergency management measures.
Victoria’s jobs growth reverses under Stage 4 restrictions
Stage 4 restrictions introduced in Victoria in July have reversed the State’s jobs recovery, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Payroll jobs fell by one per cent across Australia over the month to August 8, but fell by 2.8 per cent in Victoria. The ABS said that around 39 per cent of jobs lost in Victoria by mid-April had been regained by 27 June, but by early August this had reduced to 12 per cent. Nationally, payroll jobs at August 8 were around 4.9 per cent below mid-March, when Australia recorded its 100th confirmed COVID-19 case.
Import levels on the rebound
Australia’s level of imports rebounded by 11 per cent or $2.5 billion in July, as the nation eased restrictions after the first wave of COVID-19. ABS figures for the month show imports of road vehicles and petroleum led the resurgence, increasing by 49 per cent and 15 per cent respectively after major falls in May and June. While imports increased, the value of goods exported in July declined by six per cent, or $2 billion, driven by a drop in the export of resource commodities including iron ore, coal and copper. As the gold price jumped during the month, exports in July of non-monetary gold rose 55 per cent or $3.5 billion.
$1 billion Defence package aimed at jobs
The Australian Defence Force will receive a major $1 billion investment package to increase employment opportunities for ADF Reservists and current and former ADF personnel. Unveiling the package this week, the Federal Government plans to upgrade defence bases in regional areas and accelerate the sustainment of ADF platforms and capabilities. Funding would also be increased for Defence innovation, including skilling, industry grants, micro-credentialing and cyber training for the Defence industry. Prime Minister Morrison said the package would support an estimated 4000 jobs in the defence sector and assist many small and medium businesses in the defence industry supply chain.
Senate passes legislation on superannuation choice
Legislation allowing Australians to choose their own superannuation fund, instead of being forced into a fund because of enterprise bargaining agreements, has passed the Senate. The Federal Government said the legislation would provide a choice of fund for around 800,000 Australians, representing about 40 per cent of all employees covered by a current enterprise agreement. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the findings of the Financial System Inquiry and a separate Productivity Commission inquiry had found that denial of choice of fund could discourage member engagement and lead to their paying higher fees.