Category: Australian News

The Liberal National Government is providing an additional $51.5 million to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) and the Federal Court of Australia to enable further prosecutions of criminal misconduct by banks and other financial institutions and to ensure civil claims are dealt with effectively and expeditiously.
ASIC’s increased enforcement activity, stemming from the additional $70 million in funding from the Liberal National Government, is expected to give rise to more prosecutions by the CDPP and more civil corporate misconduct cases before the Federal Court. This includes cases highlighted by the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.
As part of this funding boost, an additional $41.6 million will be provided to the CDPP over eight years. This funding will allow the CDPP to consider more prosecutions put forward by ASIC and hire additional prosecutors to manage the increased caseload. This additional funding will also allow the CDPP to prosecute cases faster to ensure individuals and companies that have broken the law face justice sooner.
A further $9.9 million will also be provided to the Federal Court of Australia over four years to fund the appointment of additional resources including two new judges to support civil cases. These appointments will enable the Federal Court to accommodate an increase in disputes with financial institutions as well as civil claims resulting from ASIC’s increased enforcement activity.
The Government has also asked the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) to conduct a review of whether the Federal Court’s criminal jurisdiction should be expanded to include corporate crime. Any criminal prosecutions for misconduct by banks and other financial institutions are currently heard in state courts and hence have to compete with state cases for resources and scheduling. The creation of this additional criminal jurisdiction in the Federal Court would allow these prosecutions to be prioritised and penalties for breaches of the law to be handed out faster. The AGD will consult with relevant stakeholders including the states in undertaking the review and provide its report to the Government in January next year.
Further, the Government will establish a Committee of Regulatory Enforcement Strategy chaired by the Attorney-General’s Department and comprising representatives from the relevant agencies that regulate the financial services sector. These agencies will meet on a regular basis to discuss enforcement matters in the sector and provide feedback to the Government on regulatory and civil enforcement policy.
These initiatives and the additional funding underscore the Liberal National Government’s commitment to ensuring that these agencies and our broader justice system are appropriately resourced to effectively hold banks and other financial institutions to account for misconduct. A strong financial sector which is trusted by Australians is part of the Coalition’s plan for a stronger economy.

As part of centenary commemorations of the Armistice that ended the First World War, the Australian War Memorial today hosted a special one-day symposium exploring the last year of the war: 1918: The end of “the war to end war”.
11 November 2018 marked 100 years since the guns of the Western Front in France and Belgium fell silent, after more than four years of the bloodiest conflict the world had then seen. The end had come more suddenly than most military and political leaders anticipated.
The Memorial’s symposium brought together a program of leading military historians including Professor Robin Prior, Visiting Professorial Fellow at the University of Adelaide, to cast fresh light and discuss the climactic events of 1918 – from the failed German Spring Offensives to Australia’s final infantry action in the costly capture of Montbrehain.
Historians from the Memorial’s Military History Section, including Ashley Ekins, Lambert Western Front Fellow Dr Aaron Pegram, and Dr Meleah Hampton, also delivered papers as part of the event.
Head of the Memorial’s Military History section, Ashley Ekins, said one of the Memorial’s principal aims is to disseminate knowledge and understanding of Australia’s military history.
“This symposium hosted by the Memorial provided an opportunity for historians to examine the end of the war and Australia’s role in it, sharing their knowledge and insights with symposium participants.
The event brought together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and knowledge. It provided a forum for informed discussion and debate, connecting people seeking to understand a pivotal event in history and its impact on Australia,” Mr Ekins said.
The event included a question and answer session and an opportunity for attendees to engage with historians and authors in an informal environment.

Significant progress on Australia’s biggest aviation project in decades took substantial steps forward today, with two major contract milestones achieved on Western Sydney Airport.
Experienced planning, design and engineering firm Arup won the Airport Planning Services contract, following a competitive procurement process.
Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann said Arup has a strong track record in planning and building major infrastructure, both in Australia and across the world.
“They’ve been working in various capacities on huge infrastructure projects including Optus Stadium in Perth, Brisbane’s new international cruise terminal, as well as projects at Melbourne and Perth airports,” Mr Cormann said.
“As Airport Planner, the Arup team will work closely with Western Sydney Airport to develop an overarching plan and functionality design for airside and landside facilities.”
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said early planning will be key to unlocking the airport’s potential in terms of job creation and new export opportunities.
“Western Sydney Airport has been projected to support 11,000 jobs during construction and a further 28,000 in the first five years of operation,” Mr Tudge said.
Functional planning for the airport to develop the architectural design of the terminal and other airport buildings will be delivered under a separate contract that is yet to be procured.
In addition, Western Sydney Airport has released requests for tender to three organisations for the first bulk earthworks package for airport construction, following an expressions of interest phase:

• CPB Contractors and Lendlease joint venture;
• Ferrovial Agroman and QH & M Birt joint venture;
• Salini Impreglio.

Mr Tudge said the announcement follows initial earthworks on the airport which began in September.
“The first bulk earthworks contract is to level the northern half of the 1,780-hectare site, which involves moving around 11 million cubic metres of earth,” he said.
The northern half of the site will be the location of the first 3.7-kilometre runway.
A second runway is expected to be required in the 2050s.
The contract for this first bulk earthworks package is expected to be awarded in mid-2019. The four remaining major works packages will be released to the market progressively and cover a range of work, including earthwork on the southern half of the site and construction of the terminal, runways, car parks and supporting buildings.

We are currently seeking input from interested parties on proposed changes to Australia’s IP regulations.
The draft regulations make consequential amendments to the regulations as a result of the changes proposed in the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Productivity Commission response Part 2 and Other Measures) Bill 2018. They also improve and streamline processes involved with obtaining and maintaining IP rights and ensure Australia’s compliance with international treaties.
We invite you to provide a written submission on the draft regulations by 21 December 2018. Further information (including details on how to provide a written submission and what input we are seeking) is available on our consultation page.

The National Capital Authority (NCA) is delighted to have experts from John Taylor and Co visiting from the UK to commence works in preparation for the restoration of the iconic Carillon Bells.
Gifted to the people of Australia by the British Government in 1970, 2020 will mark an important milestone birthday for this iconic musical instrument in the heart of the National Capital.
With signs of wear and tear on the musical instrument after 48 years of use the NCA is undertaking an extensive repair and upgrade works in preparation for the 50th anniversary when it is proposed a yearlong celebratory program will be held.
Representatives from John Taylor & Co, founders of some of the world’s finest bells  began detailed planning which has involved measurements to cross check the instrument against the original 1970 drawings, the development of an enhanced design,  the clavier to be built to new World Carillon Federation standards, the installation of larger bell clappers to create an increased depth of tone from the bells as well as enhancements to the practice instrument located on the upper floor to the main clavier.
“Sitting on Aspen Island the Carillon has become an instrument and landmark that resonates with visitors and locals alike.  With such an iconic building and with the instrument itself  one of only a few in the world, it is important that the sounds the carillon produces is first class. We have brought in the experts [John Taylor and Co] and look forward to working with them over the next few years  to ensure the sounds of the carillon are heard better than ever come 2020.” Said Sally Barnes Chief Executive, National Capital Authority.
The NCA manages the Carillon on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia and the Carillon is  played on a regular basis by Carillonneur’s at weekly recitals and special events.

2018 New Year’s Eve event – Last Coin of the Year
This will be your chance to secure the last coins produced by the Royal Australian Mint in 2018. On December 31 at 3:30 pm, a lucky door draw will be held at the Mint for the last coins of the year.We will draw the last ten customers to strike a coin and each lucky winner will receive a certificate authenticating their coin. Ticketing closes at 3.25 pm.
2019 New Year’s Day event – first 100 by 9.30 am!
On 1 January 2019, the first 100 people at the Mint by 9.30 am will receive a ticket to go into the draw to be the first person to strike a coin in 2019! Tickets will be drawn to declare all 100 places, with those drawn receiving corresponding certificates authenticating their piece.
Similar to 2018’s event, the public will no longer be required to line up at the Mint overnight. In fact, due to concerns about health and safety issues, there is likely to be a ruling introduced which disallows people to line up at the Mint before 6 am on New Year’s Day.

There are more full-time jobs in Australia than ever before following a surge in October.
The latest ABS jobs figures show the economy added more than 300,000 jobs in the past year, including 238,800 new full-time jobs. Full-time employment now stands at a record high of 8,703,700.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was steady in October, at 5.0 per cent, and is at its equal lowest rate since June 2011. Seasonally adjusted employment increased by 32,800 to stand at a record high of 12,671,500.
Encouragingly, female full-time employment rose strongly by 29,000 over the month – total female employment is now at a record high.
The Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP said the figures showed the Coalition Government’s plan for a stronger economy is working.
“We have again seen the number of Australians in work reach a record high. Importantly, we have seen a strong surge in full-time jobs, with an increase of 42,300 over the month,” Minister O’Dwyer said.
“The figures come as we have seen the strongest wages growth in three years, showing how important a strong economy is to both jobs growth and wages growth,” she said.
“While there is still work to do, we know that the RBA expects wages to pick up further as the labour market tightens, so today’s jobs numbers are very encouraging.
“Since the Government came to office in 2013, a total of 1,183,800 jobs have been created.
“By contrast, Labor doesn’t have a plan for the economy, only a plan for $200 billion higher taxes on electricity, workers, housing, savings, investments and retirement which would hit millions of Australians,” Minister O’Dwyer concluded.

A Shorten Labor Government will deliver $750,000 in funding towards the revitalisation of the Kinglake community, transforming the face of the town in the lead up to the ten year anniversary of the 2009 bushfires.
Black Saturday in Victoria remains Australia’s worst bushfire disaster, devastating rural and regional communities across the state. The town of Kinglake was particularly hard hit, and ten years on, the region continues to rebuild.
This project marks a turning point in Kinglake’s future, ten years on from the devastation.
Federal Labor will partner with State Labor and the Murrindindi Shire Council, providing a $750,000 investment to make the revitalisation a reality.
The project will deliver a significant economic boost to the region, with new streetscape for providing a focal point and sense of pride for the communities of the Kinglake Ranges.
The revitalisation will include a revamped town centre and streetscape, renewal of visitor facilities, upgrades of key roads and new planting and signage.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is returning to the region today to make the announcement and meet with the local community.
“I have a clear message to the Kinglake community, and those towns that were changed forever by the Black Saturday bushfires – I have never forgotten what a terrible time you went through.
“The devastation I saw in the wake of Black Saturday will stay with me forever – but so will the courage and strength of the communities impacted.
“This region was particularly hit by unimaginable devastation in terms of loss of lives and livelihoods.  Over the last decade, this is a community who has united and worked hard to rebuild their lives – their homes, businesses, and their community.
“But I know they need our support to continue this work of rebuilding. That’s why this commitment is so important to me.
“This funding gives some modest certainty to the community ahead of the ten year anniversary next year. It’s a sensible investment in this region’s future and a testament to the community’s ongoing resolve and spirit to rebuild.”

A Shorten Labor government will invest $17 million towards the Ellenbrook Indoor Leisure Centre, delivering the community a long overdue swimming pool.
The Ellenbrook Indoor Leisure Centre is the final stage of the Ellenbrook District Open Space and will include a 25 metre lap pool, indoor multi-purpose ball courts and facilities for other service providers.
Ellenbrook is one of Australia’s fastest growing suburbs,  with the population forecast to reach over 70,000 residents by 2036.
And Labor knows that investing in infrastructure isn’t just about building roads and rail – it’s about investing in better lives for the community, through increased access to sports and leisure facilities like the Indoor Leisure Centre.
Labor believes every child has the right to learn to swim, but parents shouldn’t have to drive 20km to make sure their kids can learn to swim. And with the nearest swimming facilities in Midland or Joondalup, we don’t want local kids missing out on swimming because of the lack of facilities.
A local pool is long overdue – the community has been campaigning long and hard for a new pool and thanks to the advocacy of Kim Travers, Labor is delivering.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be $51 million. Labor will work in partnership with Premier Mark McGowan and City of Swan to make sure it is delivered. The State Government has already allocated $7 million towards the project.
We led the way in announcing funding for the Morley-Ellenbrook rail line and we’re leading the way again to make sure this community has a leisure centre and a swimming pool.
Labor has made hard budget decisions to ensure our priorities are fully paid for – we will make multinationals pay their fair share and close unsustainable tax loopholes, because we want all kids to have access to sports and swimming facilities.

The Australian Conservation Foundation’s nation-wide air pollution report today proves our national environmental laws do not go far enough to protect us from harmful pollution.
“Our environmental laws are not up to scratch. We need environmental laws with teeth and national standards that view every Australian as equal, no matter where they live,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“The Morrison Government is not up to the task of taking on the big polluters. They allow lax regulations for their rich corporate mates and it’s poor Australians who are first and worst affected.
“It shouldn’t matter what state you live in, or what your postcode is, we all have the right to breathe clean air. Our environmental laws must do more for not only the natural environment but the people who call Australia home.
“We cannot clean up our air pollution crisis and break down the divide by sticking to business as usual. The Greens in the senate are standing up to big polluters and the politicians that give them free reign to pollute.
“The Morrison Government cannot be trusted to reverse this dirty pollution trend, and end the dirty politics that allows it to continue.”