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THE FAWCETT FLYER NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

APRIL 2018 Each year in November, Australians commemorate Remembrance Day 1 at the 11th hour on the 11th day to remember the 102,800 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice across wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, 2020 commemorations were different to years past and required physical distancing to be adhered to in order to take place. As Remembrance Day in 2020 coincided with a parliamentary sitting week, I attended the commemoration event in Parliament House’s Great Hall. With 2020 drawing to a close, December’s two parliamentary sitting weeks provided the Government with the final opportunity of the year to pass legislation, including the Foreign Relations Bill (more on Page 2), among others. In 2020, the Government has passed 130 Bills, despite the challenges of COVID-19, including dozens of Bills which provided financial support for Australians who have been impacted by the pandemic. This year, the Government has delivered tax relief which is now increasing take-home pay for approximately 790,000 South Australians, supported 3.8 million Australians through the JobKeeper program, supported 412,543 people through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, finalised or enacted 5 export agreements including PACER Plus and the RCEP Agreement (more on Page 7), as well as adding 246 new and updated medicine listings to the PBS, among other significant initiatives. Australia’s economic recovery is underway and will continue into 2021. Over the past 6 months, Australia’s economy has added 734,400 jobs, and now approximately 85% of the jobs lost due to COVID-19 have returned. Australia has retained its AAA credit rating and Australia’s GDP grew 3.3% in the September quarter – further reassurance that our economy is bouncing back. Our GDP is forecast to grow by 4.5% in 2021 and our unemployment rate is expected to fall to 6.25% by approximately mid- to-late 2022. While 2021 may still prove to be challenging, our economy has demonstrated its resilience through the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression.

For more information on these or other matters of a Federal nature, please contact my office via the details available on the back cover. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and trust that we will all have a healthy, secure and prosperous 2021. Kind regards, SENATOR

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 PROTECTING AUSTRALIA’S 2 NATIONAL INTERESTS In the final parliamentary sitting 2020, the Government’s Foreign weeks of 2020, the Senate passed Investment Reform (Protecting the Foreign Relations Bill 2020 - Australia’s National Security) created to ensure agreements with Bill 2020 passed parliament foreign nations entered into by in December. Commencing in state and territory governments, January, these reforms ensure our local councils or public universities foreign investment framework keeps comply with Australia’s Federal pace with emerging risks and global foreign policy and national security developments – the most significant framework. reforms to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 in nearly This legislation aligns all three tiers of 50 years. government and public universities on national issues to ensure any This Bill requires foreign investors agreements are consistent with our to seek approval for all investments foreign policy and the interests of in sensitive national security land or Australians are protected. The Bill businesses (including starting such allows the Federal Government, a business), regardless of value; and through the Foreign Minister, to be subject to enhanced monitoring reject agreements which adversely and investigation powers, as well affect Australia’s foreign relations as stronger and more flexible or are inconsistent with our foreign enforcement options and penalties. policy. Australia continues to welcome foreign investment for the significant As a member of the Senate benefits it provides, while also Foreign Affairs, Defence and ensuring such investments are not Trade Legislation Committee, I contrary to the national interest. contributed to the Committee’s Inquiry into this Bill. The Committee’s For more information on the recommendations – following committee’s report on the Foreign consultation with a wide range Relations Bill, click here or scan the of stakeholders – resulted in the QR Code below. Government making 2 subsequent amendments, ensuring the bill is fit- for-purpose.

Alongside the Foreign Relations Bill

THE FAWCETT FLYER 3 COMMITTEE UPDATE

Delivering the tabling statement for JSCFADT’s COVID-19 implications Inquiry in the Senate Within the committees of which needed to identify and manage risk I have membership – as Chair of to ensure Australia has resilience the Joint Standing Committee on across key enablers such as Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade health, defence, transport and food (JSCFADT), and as a member of the sectors. Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS), The COVID-19 pandemic has among others – November and removed any doubt that the efficient December have proven to be busy and effective functioning of some months. critical systems are reliant on the integrity of supply chains which we This month in my role as Chair of currently do not control, and which JSCFADT, I tabled the Committee’s may be subject to disruption. report on the Inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 Through government partnering pandemic for Australia’s foreign with industry to reduce or eliminate affairs, defence and trade, in the such vulnerabilities in critical supply Senate (pictured, above). chains, Australia can be better prepared in the face of future Following 15 hearings held over the threats. course of this Inquiry, the report concludes a systemic approach is Also in my capacity as Chair, I tabled

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 the Human Rights Sub-Committee recommendations which propose report on their Inquiry into whether an increase to transparency around 4 Australia should examine the use the use of the mandatory data of targeted sanctions to address retention, increase the threshold human rights abuses, which for when data can be accessed by considered submissions from over law enforcement and intelligence 160 individuals and organisations agencies, as well as to reduce from around the world. the currently very broad access to telecommunications data under the The Committee scrutinized the Telecommunications Act, among options available to the Australian other recommendations. Government in relation to sanctions, and ultimately recommended the In addition to the completion follow the of the review of the mandatory lead of like-minded nations such as data retention regime, PJCIS has the US and UK, and most recently reported on the review of the the EU, to enact Magnitsky-style Australian Security Intelligence targeted sanctions along with 32 Organisation (ASIO) Amendment other recommendations. Bill 2020, which seeks to amend the compulsory questioning framework Introducing Magnitsky-style currently in the ASIO Act. legislation would enable the Australian Government to impose The review recommends the travel restrictions and freeze assets Bill be passed, however only – functioning both punitively and as following implementation of 8 a deterrent for those engaging in recommendations made by such acts. the committee. These include introducing a sunset clause and Cooperation with like-minded legislating a PJCIS review to nations on this matter has the consider the effectiveness and potential to protect the human implications of the powers, among rights of countless citizens around others. the world. To view my tabling statement for In November, PJCIS has added a JSCFADT’s COVID-19 implications new inquiry into the national security Inquiry, click here or scan the QR risks affecting the Australian higher Code below. education and research sector, and completed another, reporting on the review of the mandatory data retention regime.

This report included 22

THE FAWCETT FLYER 5 NAVAL SHIPBUILDING PLAN ON TRACK

Ongoing defence and shipbuilding standard. projects are creating opportunities for the Australian businesses Announced in June, Australia’s involved and strengthening our BlueScope Steel is delivering more local supply chains – creating and than 1,500 tonnes of steel plate sustaining Australian jobs – while used to construct the 5 prototype protecting our national and security ship blocks. interests. At Osborne South Naval Shipyard, Marking the beginning of the Australian Naval Infrastructure prototyping phase in December, I completed handover to ASC attended the official steel cutting Shipbuilding – lead contractor for for Australia’s 9 new Hunter Class the Hunter Class Frigate Program Frigates alongside my parliamentary – in early December, ahead of the colleagues (pictured, above). prototyping phase commencement.

A major milestone for the SA-built In December, the Royal Australian Hunter Class Frigates, this phase Navy’s newest fleet of 3 Air Warfare will see 5 prototype blocks built Destroyers – built here in , to test the production systems, at the Osborne Naval Shipyard – develop the facilities and ensure have exercised together for the first the workforce is trained to a high time (pictured, Page 6).

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 HMA Ships Hobart, Brisbane and $900 million. Sydney comprise Navy’s most 6 capable warships to date and one This Package, made possible of the world’s most capable multi- through the Government’s mission ships. investment in the Future Submarine Program, will provide contracts Undertaken to test and develop to Australian businesses for their cooperative air surface the manufacture of 23 major and warfare capabilities, these components for the regionally exercises demonstrated the fleet’s superior 12 Attack Class interoperability and capacity to Submarines – to be built at the respond to a more complex and Osborne North Naval Shipyard. contested maritime zone. I also recently joined Defence Minister Senator the Hon and State and Federal Government representatives at the official opening of Naval Group Australia’s new office in Port Adelaide (pictured, Page 10).

These offices have been built to accommodate up the 350 administrative and management staff expected at the peak of the submarine build.

Throughout the Attack Class build These 3 naval vessels are the program, Naval Group’s workforce latest example of an Australian- is expected to increase to over produced capability being available 1,700 direct jobs by 2028, providing to respond, when needed, to keep thousands more indirect jobs along Australians safe and defend our supply chains. national interests. For more information on the Hunter Lead contractor for the Australian Class Frigate’s prototyping phase, Government’s Attack Class click here or scan the QR code Submarine Program, Naval Group below. Australia, has recently attracted more than 100 applications from Australian businesses wishing to be part of the first ‘Local Manufacturing Package’ – worth approximately

THE FAWCETT FLYER 7 MORRISON GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO A SECURE REGION

As the Indo-Pacific region$26.2 trillion and constituting the experiences the most consequential largest trade agreement in history. strategic realignment in almost 80 Signatory nations include those years, Australia is taking proactive in the Association of South East steps to secure bilateral and Asian Nations (Brunei, Cambodia, multilateral agreements that provide Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, for our region’s continued freedom, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand openness, security, inclusivity and and Vietnam) and ASEAN’s free stability. trade agreement partners (Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and In a post-pandemic world, Republic of Korea). the value of strong trade and defence partnerships with like- RCEP provides certainty and minded nations should not be consistency for the trading of goods underestimated. and services, investment, economic and technical cooperation in the On the 16th November, 14 fastest growing region in the world. Indo-Pacific nations joined Australia in signing the Regional It also provides a common set of Comprehensive Economic rules and improved mechanisms for Partnership (RCEP) Agreement – electronic commerce, intellectual representing the combined GDP of property, government procurement,

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 competition and small and medium Federal Liberal Government with sized enterprises. Australia is Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Peru, 8 working towards ratification of the and Indonesia, among others. RCEP in 2021. New defence partnerships are also Additionally, the Pacific Agreement proving vital for continued stability on Closer Economic Relations Plus and security throughout the Indo- (PACER Plus) entered into force in Pacific. Japan and Australia have December – signed by Australia, now formalised a landmark defence New Zealand and nine Pacific Island treaty – the Reciprocal Access nations. Agreement (RAA).

PACER Plus provides an avenue to Building on our partnership of mutual improve regional security, stability trust, shared values and interests, and prosperity, by delivering the RAA will facilitate increased targeted and responsive technical interoperability and cooperation assistance to help Pacific island between the Australian Defence countries benefit from trade,Force and Japan Self Defense alongside commercial opportunities Forces, as we work towards for Australian exporters and common security objectives. investors in a range of sectors. Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited Despite the ongoing disruption Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide to global logistics as a result of Suga in November (pictured, top COVID-19, Australia achieved a Page 7) – the first foreign leader to record trade surplus for the 2019/20 visit Prime Minister Suga since his financial year of $77.4 billion, appointment. assisted by the Government’s strong focus on growing our export The RAA will enable the market opportunities. streamlining of defence deployment arrangements including through With 1 in 5 Australian jobs reliant joint military training exercises, on trade, our Government remains natural disaster and humanitarian committed to ensuring 90% of support operations. Australia’s trade is covered by free trade agreements (FTA) by For more information on the RCEP 2022 to boost opportunities and Agreement, click here or scan the the competitiveness of Australian QR code below. businesses in the global market.

Ongoing negotiations continue with the UK, EU, Pacific Island nations and India regarding FTAs, adding to deals reached since 2013 by the

THE FAWCETT FLYER 9 OUT AND ABOUT

Great to be with Premier Steven Marshall and Governor of South In December, I represented the Australia, His Excellency The Hon Parliament at the brief ceremony to Hieu Van Le for the announcement mark the transfer of responsibility of South Australian of the Year for for NATO representation in Australia 2021 - Tanya Hosch (top), Local from Canada to the embassies of Hero of the Year for 2021 - Russell the Republic of Croatia and of the Ebert OAM (bottom), Senior South Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Australian of the Year - Professor NATO Contact Point Embassies Richard Bruggemann, and Young in 2021. Alongside Her Excellency South Australian of the Year – Isobel Ms Betty Pavelich, Ambassador Marshall (middle). of Croatia; His Excellency Mr Mark Glauser, High Commissioner for Canada; and Her Excellency Mrs Marion Derckx, Ambassador for the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Good to join Paula Luethen MP, the Hon John Dawkins MLC and Deputy Mayor Damian Wyld (pictured) for City of Tea Tree Gully Council’s Citizenship Ceremony.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 10

I joined Federal and State parliamentary representatives at After a delayed start due to the opening Naval Group Australia’s COVID-19, the second group of new Port Adelaide office – home to veterans to take on the “Setting an initial group of 250 employees a New Course” sailing program and accommodating up to 350 officially completed the course administrative and management and achieved their qualification, staff as the Attack Class Submarine accredited by the Royal Yachting build peaks. Association, in November. The final phase of the program sees team members out on the water for several days, putting their newly learned skills to the test.

Keep up to date on announcements, via Following Remembrance Day, I Facebook: attended the rededication of Mount Barker’s Avenue of Honour by @senatorfawcett Governor of , His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC, with my senate colleague Senator Andrew McLachlan CSC (pictured) and local state member Dan Cregan.

THE FAWCETT FLYER 11

Liberal Senator for South Australia Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

Suite 4 13/100 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000 8205 1040 [email protected] senatorfawcett.com.au

AUTHORISED AND PRINTED BY SENATOR THE HON DAVID FAWCETT, LIBERAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA, SUITE 4, LEVEL 13, 100 KINGAPRIL WILLIAM 2018 STREET ADELAIDE SA 5000