Acts of Parliament assented to – Act Nos 112 to 122 of 2023

Overview

The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Act 2023 was enacted to establish a committee tasked with advising the government on economic inclusion matters, ensuring that economic policies and initiatives are designed to promote inclusivity and fairness in the economy. This Act was introduced to address the gap in advisory mechanisms specifically focused on economic inclusion, which is crucial for developing policies that cater to all segments of the population. The enactment of this Act was passed by the Australian Parliament, with the policy objective of enhancing economic participation and reducing disparities by providing expert advice to the government. This legislative move underscores the government's commitment to inclusive economic growth and ensuring that economic policies are equitable and beneficial for all Australians.

Scope and Application

The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Act 2023 applies to individuals and entities involved in economic inclusion initiatives, aiming to provide advice on matters related to economic participation and inclusion. This Act operates on a national level, with its provisions extending across Australia to support the establishment and functions of the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions or thresholds, but its application may be limited by the scope of advice it seeks to provide. The Act may also extend its application through subordinate instruments that define the committee's specific roles and responsibilities. Similarly, the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Act 2023 modifies the Criminal Code Act 1995 by introducing new prohibitions against the display of hate symbols and other related conduct. This Act applies to individuals and entities within Australia, aiming to prevent and punish conduct that promotes, facilitates, or provides support for terrorist acts, particularly those involving hate symbols. The geographic reach of this legislation is nationwide, and it includes provisions for subordinate instruments that may further define the types of symbols and conduct subject to the prohibitions.

Key Provisions

The Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Act 2023 (section 4) establishes the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee, which is tasked with providing advice to the government on matters related to economic inclusion. This advice is to be delivered through reports submitted to the relevant ministers as outlined in the Act. The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Act 2023 (section 3) introduces amendments to the Criminal Code Act 1995, focusing on prohibiting the display of hate symbols in public and enhancing measures against terrorist activities. The Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Act 2023 (section 5) modifies the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to include stricter controls on credit facilities and other measures intended to safeguard vulnerable individuals from harm caused by interactive gambling. The Identity Verification Services Act 2023 (section 6) sets out the requirements for entities providing identity verification services, including the collection, storage, and use of personal information. This Act mandates that providers must adhere to specific standards to protect the privacy and security of individuals' data. The Identity Verification Services (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 (section 7) ensures that other related legislation is updated to reflect the new requirements and standards set out in the Identity Verification Services Act 2023. The Infrastructure Australia Amendment (Independent Review) Act 2023 (section 8) modifies the Infrastructure Australia Act 2008 to require an independent review of Infrastructure Australia's performance and recommendations. The Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 (section 9) imposes restrictions on the sale and use of tobacco and other harmful products, aiming to reduce public health risks. The Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2023 (section 10) makes necessary adjustments to other legislation to align with the new provisions in the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023. The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023 (section 11) amends various Acts to strengthen workplace relations, health and safety, workers' compensation, and the regulation of independent contractors. The Nature Repair Act 2023 (section 12) establishes a framework for voluntary projects aimed at enhancing or protecting biodiversity. The Nature Repair (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 (section 13) ensures that other legislation is updated to accommodate the new framework. Entities and individuals subject to these Acts must comply with the specific requirements set out in each piece of legislation. For instance, providers of identity verification services must ensure they adhere to the stringent data protection standards outlined in the Identity Verification Services Act 2023. The Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Act 2023 imposes obligations on individuals and organisations to refrain from displaying hate symbols in public, while the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 restricts the sale and use of tobacco products. Non-compliance with these provisions can result in various penalties. For example, breaches of the Interactive Gambling Amendment Act 2023 may result in civil penalties, while violations of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Act 2023 could lead to criminal charges and imprisonment. The maximum penalties vary depending on the specific offence and the severity of the breach, with some provisions carrying fines of up to $1.1 million for corporations and lesser amounts for individuals, as well as potential imprisonment terms.