Federal Parliament is releasing the report of its inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade policy.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 8 December 2020

Federal Parliament is releasing the report of its inquiry into the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade policy. The Committee found that the lessons from COVID-19 are not primarily about health. The Chair of the Committee, Senator the Hon David Fawcett said that “the behaviour of nation states in response to COVID-19 has called into question some assumptions about the willingness of nations to support the global rules-based order”. He added that “these assumptions have underpinned many aspects of Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade in recent decades”. Senator Fawcett stressed that “any decrease in support for the norms of the rule-based order negatively affects collaboration and conflict resolution between nation states, as well as the efficacy of commercial relationships between companies.” The Committee concluded that the pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in Australia’s security and critical national systems “caused by supply chains that rely on just-in-time supply from the global market, particularly where companies are subject to extrajudicial and coercive direction from foreign governments”. Senator Fawcett said that because of the increased risks identified in the Strategic Update 2020, Australia must have a timely and strategic, whole-of-government response and that “returning to ‘business as usual’ is not an option”. Senator Fawcett said that “unexpected, sustained disruption due to another pandemic or grey-zone, coercive or military actions by state actors could degrade if not disable one or more of Australia’s critical national systems.” The Committee recommended that the Australian Government should change procurement rules to partner with Australian industry sectors which provide priority enablers to critical national systems. This partnership should be through the use of procurement to build and sustain sovereign capability, not just by offering one-off grants. The Committee concluded that Australia also required more investment and diplomatic effort to increase Australia’s resilience through trusted and transparent partnerships with like-minded nations. Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will conclude its program of public hearings with two days of hearings on the 15th and 16th of September. The first day will focus on international affairs, defence and maritime issues, while the second will focus on international development aid.

Media release issue date: Monday, 14 September 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will conclude its program of public hearings with two days of hearings on the 15th and 16th of September. The first day will focus on international affairs, defence and maritime issues, while the second will focus on international development aid. Senator the Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said that the pandemic has put great pressure on individual nations and international relationships as countries have struggled to contain the virus. "The pandemic has highlighted some serious challenges in Australia's defence and diplomatic environment and has put real pressure (both health and economic) on many countries in the Asia Pacific region," Senator Fawcett said. "These hearings will help the Committee understand what we need to do better as a nation to work with others in our region to get through these difficult times, to protect our national interest, and to maximise the positive impact of our international influence.” Programs for each day’s hearings are available at this link. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 15 September Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference Date: Wednesday 16 September Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in two separate public hearings this week.

Media release issue date: Monday, 31 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in two separate public hearings this week. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said that the two Departments have vital roles to play in Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Industry Department will have to identify and transform industries critical to national sovereign capabilities to ensure Australia is less vulnerable to future shocks, while DFAT will need to lead Australia through a rapidly changing and uncertain regional and global environment. Senator Fawcett said “The work done by the Departments of Industry and Foreign Affairs will be crucial to Australia’s pandemic recovery as we look to build local capability and ensure international markets and institutions remain strong and open. Our challenges are to make sure we have a strong and resilient national economy and that we do what we can to make sure the global rules-based order is not unduly disrupted by changes in the international environment.” Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 1 September Witness: Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Time: 4.30 – 5.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference Date: Wednesday 2 September Witness: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Time: 8.00am – 9.00am AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Finance.

Media release issue date: Monday, 24 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Finance. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said that Australia’s government procurement policies—overseen by the Department—could be a barrier to the survival of capability in some industry sectors that have invested heavily to help carry the nation through the worst of supply chain disruption brought about by the pandemic. Generating and sustaining industry capabilities that are important to Australia’s sovereign national interest must be recognised as a factor in evaluating value for money if Government procurement is to be a strategic part of Australia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic Senator Fawcett said “In addition to the human cost of the pandemic, Australia has experienced supply chain disruptions and economic instability. Smart government procurement which contributes to the development of sovereign capability and builds economic resilience could be an important part of Australia’s recovery from the pandemic.” Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 25 August Time: 4.30 – 5.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media enquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Health.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Department of Health.   Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says the Department has been at the forefront of Australia’s COVID-19 response. Senator Fawcett said “Australians can rightly be proud of the achievements of our health authorities in responding to and managing the COVID-19 pandemic, though of course there is still work to be done. The committee looks forward to hearing from the Department about recent developments in the fight against COVID-19 and the steps we might take as a nation to build our resilience as we emerge from the pandemic.” Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 13 August Time: 3.00pm – 4.30pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at its next public hearing.

Media release issue date: Monday, 10 August 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will hear from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at its next public hearing.   Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says ANSTO is a leading producer and exporter of some of the most important nuclear medicines used in diagnosing and treating cancers, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Senator Fawcett said “ANSTO has worked hard to ensure Australians have ongoing access to vital nuclear medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is also doing important work in the processing of rare earth metals, an area that has great potential to enhance Australia’s sovereign capabilities.” Witnesses from ANSTO will give evidence on their work in nuclear medicine, and their work in international forums like the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in rare earth mineral processing. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 11 August Time: 4:30m – 5.30pm AEST  Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Witnesses from CSIRO will give evidence at a public hearing on the organisation’s work in vaccine research, data services and advanced manufacturing capabilities in response to the pandemic. (Hearing time amended to 3.30pm)

Media release issue date: Monday, 3 August 2020

Witnesses from CSIRO will give evidence at a public hearing on the organisation’s work in vaccine research, data services and advanced manufacturing capabilities in response to the pandemic. The hearing is part of the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Committee, says that in addition to its research work, CSIRO has provided valuable services to Australian state and Federal governments during the pandemic. Senator Fawcett said “CSIRO is doing valuable work in support of global efforts to find a vaccine for COVID-19. But it is also helping Governments to understand and manage the pandemic in a variety of ways. Their work in supporting the rapid development of advanced materials for use in the manufacturing of face masks and the testing of respirators against Australian standards has been invaluable.” Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 4 August Time: 3.30-4.30pm AEST (please note time change) Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to the pandemic’s impact on Australia’s freight and shipping industries at its next public hearing.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 29 July 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to the pandemic’s impact on Australia’s freight and shipping industries at its next public hearing. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says that an effective and trusted maritime freight system is critical to Australia’s economy. Senator Fawcett said “Australia’s import and export supply chains, including our ports, have underpinned our economy to date and have kept many goods that we depend on moving during the pandemic. Our ongoing prosperity depends on an efficient and resilient shipping and logistics industry.” Witnesses from the Freight and Trade Alliance, the Australian Peak Shippers Association, and Ports Australia will give evidence on the freight, shipping and logistics sector’s response to the pandemic. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 30 July Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST  Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to public health at its next public hearing.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 July 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to public health at its next public hearing. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says that the pandemic has exposed problems in Australia’s pharmaceutical and medical equipment supply chains. Senator Fawcett said “Although our health system is amongst the best in the world, it can’t function without reliable supplies of drugs and equipment, especially during severe public health events like the pandemic.” Witnesses from Aspen Medical, an Australian-owned health services supplier, and the Public Health Association of Australia will give evidence on aspects of Australia’s healthcare response to the pandemic. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 24 July 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 23 July Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to Australia’s export sector in a public hearing tomorrow.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 July 2020

A parliamentary inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will turn its attention to Australia’s export sector in a public hearing tomorrow. Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, says many sectors of the export industry have been hit hard by COVID-19 although Government support to ensure freight capacity remains available has enabled some exports to hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong to continue. ‘Like many other sectors of the Australian economy, Australia’s exporters have struggled during the pandemic,’ Senator Fawcett said. ‘While much focus has been on supply chains that Australia draws from, it is also the case that we are a major supplier for other nations. At tomorrow’s hearing, we’ll explore what else Australia can do to support our export sector. Importantly, the Committee will explore any underlying weaknesses in global supply and export systems the pandemic has revealed. In particular, the Committee will assess how the nation can enhance its role as a supplier of choice in resilient and transparent supply chains for critical goods and services with like-minded nations.’ Witnesses from the Export Council of Australia and the University of Western Australia’s Perth USAsia Centre will talk about the trade and economic impacts of the COVID pandemic on Australian businesses and about how Australia can support its export sector during and after the pandemic. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 17 July 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 16 July Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

How can Australia define and improve its sovereign manufacturing capability to ensure national resilience during unplanned events such as the global pandemic? This is one of the questions to be addressed by the next public hearing of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade’s inquiry into the implications of the pandemic for Australia’s defence, trade and international relations.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 7 July 2020

How can Australia define and improve its sovereign manufacturing capability to ensure national resilience during unplanned events such as the global pandemic? This is one of the questions to be addressed by the next public hearing of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade’s inquiry into the implications of the pandemic for Australia’s defence, trade and international relations. Witnesses from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and Ethical Clothing Australia will talk about manufacturing resilience, the importance of strong local supply chains and how businesses can collaborate for improved results. Committee Chair Senator the Hon David Fawcett says that knowing what it is the nation needs our industry to be able to provide at short notice and ensuring the capability for flexible and innovative adaptation in the manufacturing sector is one of the precursors to successful crisis response. ‘This inquiry will explore not only how to ensure Australia’s manufacturing sector is resilient to a crisis, but also the opportunities the pandemic provides for improving collaboration and productivity into the future’ Senator Fawcett said. Dr Jens Goennemann, the Managing Director of AMGC, will discuss the organisation's submission and describe AMGC’s COVID response. This includes the creation of the Manufacturer Response Register that has been able to connect manufacturing capability with areas of need. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 30 June 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 9 July 2020 Time: 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson 08 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the responsiveness and flexibility of Australian systems and its people, as well as exposing some structural weaknesses, the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will tomorrow hold a public hearing as part of an inquiry into the resilience of Australia’s supply chains and the impact of COVID-19 on the global rules based order.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 July 2020

With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the responsiveness and flexibility of Australian systems and its people, as well as exposing some structural weaknesses, the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee will tomorrow hold a public hearing as part of an inquiry into the resilience of Australia’s supply chains and the impact of COVID-19 on the global rules based order. Witnesses appearing before the Committee will represent an inter-disciplinary consultancy group, an Australian policy, geopolitical and economic think-tank, and experts specialising in ‘grey zone’ defence tactics, strategies increasingly used by other nation states. Committee Chair Senator the Hon David Fawcett says that COVID has heightened awareness for many Australians that a “business as usual” approach is not sustainable with the dual impacts of the pandemic and the changing strategic environment. ‘Reducing acquisition cost has been a major feature of business supply-chain decisions since the turn of the century, including off-shoring production and just-in-time replenishment.’ Senator Fawcett said. ‘This disruption is forcing a national discussion into the weaknesses in some of Australia’s key supply-chain models and an analysis of what can be done to build-in resilience. COVID 19 has prompted a rethink of our current trade and manufacturing architecture and ensuring defence strategy responds to the new environment, from both a health and a strategic perspective.’ Dr Alan Dupont AO, the CEO and founder of consultancy firm Cognoscenti Group, will discuss his submission highlighting the threats to the current global rules-based order and the likely implications for Australia as supply chains ‘decouple’. The Committee will explore this—and the possible emergence of new geopolitical blocs—with Dr Dupont and with another submitter, Mr John Blackburn AO, retired RAAF Air Vice Marshal and founder of the Institute of Integrated Economic Research Australia. Australia’s exposure to geopolitical risks, the stability of near neighbours and its defence and cyber security capabilities will be discussed with joint submitters: Professor Sascha Dov Bachmann, Professor in Law, University of Canberra; and Dr Andrew Dowse AO, Director of Defence Research, Edith Cowan University and also retired RAAF Air Vice-Marshal. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 2 July 2020 Time: 3.00pm—5.00pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson (08) 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The health system will be the focus of the first public hearing of the inquiry on the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.

Media release issue date: Monday, 22 June 2020

The health system will be the focus of the first public hearing of the inquiry on the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Witnesses from pharmaceutical company IDT, and peak body the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, will give evidence on the impacts on the healthcare sector of the pandemic. Senator Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the JSCFADT, emphasised the importance of the healthcare system to Australia’s national resilience. ‘Australia’s health system is both domestically critical and sensitive to disruption in international supply chains,’ Senator Fawcett said. ‘Hearing more about the impact of the pandemic is a logical first step in this inquiry, which aims to develop ongoing effective national framework to ensure the resilience required to underpin Australia’s economic and strategic objectives.’ Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 30 June 2020. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 25 June 2020 Time: 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm AEST Location: By teleconference The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson (08) 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The impact of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods has been severe around the globe, including Australia. While Australian, State & Territory governments continue to lead the nation into a containment and recovery phase, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade has today voted to adopt Terms of Reference for an inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade policies.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 13 May 2020

The impact of COVID-19 on lives and livelihoods has been severe around the globe, including Australia. While Australian, State & Territory governments continue to lead the nation into a containment and recovery phase, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade has today voted to adopt Terms of Reference for an inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade policies. Senator Hon David Fawcett, Chair of the JSCFADT, emphasised the strategic shock that COVID-19 has delivered to long-held assumptions that have underpinned some of Australia’s policy frameworks in recent decades. Learning from the impacts of COVID-19, and understanding future risks and opportunities, will play a key role in considered decision-making as Australia charts a path into a changed world. “Although the effects of the pandemic are still unfolding, Governments will be making decisions that are going to underpin Australia’s future international position” Senator Fawcett said. “The Committee’s inquiry will bring together a range of expert stakeholders to help inform and test the basis of those decisions”. One of the core questions for the inquiry is how to balance the risks and opportunities presented by global connectivity in trade and security partnerships within the international rules-based order. “The pandemic has reinforced the fact that the efficient and effective functioning of critical domestic systems such as health and transport are currently linked to – and reliant on – the integrity of supply chains which we do not control and may be subject to disruption” Senator Fawcett said. “Now is the time to analyse how Australia can take a systemic, risk based approach to ensuring supply chain integrity, even in the event of market failure due to unforeseen external factors such as pandemic, conflict or natural disaster”. The inquiry will consider policy and practical measures that could form an ongoing effective national framework to ensure the resilience required to underpin Australia’s economic and strategic objectives. Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website. Submissions can be made until 30 June 2020. Media inquiries Senator David Fawcett Contact: Simeon Lawson (08) 8205 1040 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.