DIMIA Annual Report 2004-05
External scrutiny
REPORTS BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee
Inquiry into Criminal Code Amendment (Trafficking in Persons Offences) Bill 2004
The Inquiry into Criminal Code Amendment (Trafficking in Persons Offences) Bill 2004 was tabled on 10 March 2005. The Bill proposed amendments to the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 and the Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979 to extend for offences relating to the trafficking in persons including children into Australia. The department provided input to the legislative changes brought forward by the Attorney General's Department. Departmental representatives also appeared before the Committee to provide input. The Bill was passed on 21 June 2005.
Joint Standing Committee on the Australian Crimes Commission
Inquiry into the Trafficking of Women for Sexual Servitude
On 23 June 2003, the Joint Standing Committee on the Australian Crimes Commission (the Committee) decided to conduct its own motion inquiry into trafficking of women for sexual servitude. The department provided a comprehensive submission to the inquiry. In June 2004, the Committee reported on its findings. We provided input into the government's response.
The Committee met again on 23 June 2005 to be updated again on the progress of the anti-trafficking measures outlined in the report. Departmental officers appeared before the Committee and provided information on action taken by the department to address this issue.
Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
Inquiry into Expanding Australia's Trade and Investment Relations with the Gulf States
On Monday 7 March 2005, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade tabled its report entitled Expanding Australia's trade and investment relations with the Gulf States, which included 10 recommendations. The department provided a comprehensive submission to the Committee, outlining a commitment to support Australia's trade and investment relationships with Gulf States by facilitating lawful and orderly entry and stay of people. The government is currently considering the report.
House of Representatives Standing Committee on Ageing
Inquiry into the Long Term Strategies to Address Ageing of the Australian Population Over the Next 40 Years
Report title: Future ageing: Inquiry into the long term strategies to address ageing of the Australian population over the next 40 years.
In the 40th Parliament, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Ageing inquired into long-term strategies to address the ageing of the Australian population over the next 40 years. The election was called before a report was completed for tabling. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing, formed in the 41st Parliament, tabled the draft report from the inquiry without amendment or re-opening of the inquiry. No recommendations were made.
Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee
Inquiry in to Migration Litigation Reform Bill 2005 (formerly the Migration Amendment (Judicial Review) Bill 2004)
On 16 March 2005, the Senate referred the Migration Litigation Reform Bill 2005 to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 11 May 2005. The Bill was introduced by the Attorney-General and included amendments from the Migration Amendment (Judicial Review) Bill 2004, which had lapsed when Parliament was dissolved in 2004. The department participated, along with the Attorney-General's Department, in the Committee hearings. The report was tabled on 11 May 2005. The Attorney-General's Department is coordinating the government's response to the report.