The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Ms AE Burke) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for North Sydney from moving the following motion forthwith—That the resolution of the House of Representatives of 8 May 2012, regarding the management of proceedings in respect of Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2012-2013, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2012-2013, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2012-2013, Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2011-2012 and Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2011-2012, be rescinded to allow the House to properly consider the proposal contained in Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2012-2013, to increase the Commonwealth debt ceiling from $250 billion to $300 billion.
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [09:07]
(The Deputy Speaker—Hon. Anna Burke)
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [09:26]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Flinders from moving the following motion forthwith—That this House requires the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency to come into the Parliament:
(1) to tell the truth and correct his statement that “on road fuel costs are not increasing under the carbon price and in fact off road costs will decrease. Excise is being cut. It will fall from July the 1st for local Governments”, given that:
(a) the carbon tax will apply to off road commercial activity from 1 July 2012;
(b) the carbon tax will apply to on road commercial activity from 1 July 2014;
(c) the Government’s own projections show a total increase in fuel excise revenue as a result of the carbon tax package of $920 million over the first three years of operation;
(d) the Minerals Council estimates that the fuel tax changes will hit 60,000 businesses in year one and will hit almost 100,000 businesses by year three; and
(e) the South Australian Local Government Association has confirmed in its report, Financial Implications of the Carbon Price on South Australian Councils, that councils will have increased off road charges from 1 July 2012 and increased on road charges from 1 July 2014; and
(2) to explain why he says fuel taxes are going down when in fact they are going up by $920 million.
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [09:44]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [09:58]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
The House divided [10:14]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That the bill be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
It is important to note that the consultation on this bill has been negligible. The consultation process has been virtually zip.
The Corporation will finance Australia's clean energy sector using financial products and structures to address the barriers currently inhibiting investment.
The Corporation will apply capital through a commercial filter …
Premier Peter Beattie welcomed news today that development of vital technology to help secure the future of Queensland’s coal industry and the thousands of jobs it creates had reached a major milestone.
The true engine of economic growth will always be companies like Solyndra.
Ten years ago I simply parroted what the IPCC told us. One day I started checking the facts and data – first I started with a sense of doubt but then I became outraged when I discovered that much of what the IPCC and the media were telling us was sheer nonsense and was not even supported by any scientific facts and measurements. To this day I still feel shame that as a scientist I made presentations of their science without first checking it.
… … …
Scientifically it is sheer absurdity to think we can get a nice climate by turning a CO2 adjustment knob.
The CO2-climate hysteria … is propagated by people who are in it for lots of money, attention and power.
Life in Africa is often nasty, impoverished and short. AIDS kills 2.2 million Africans every year according to WHO (World Health Organization) reports. Lung infections cause 1.4 million deaths, malaria 1 million more, intestinal diseases 700,000. Diseases that could be prevented with simple vaccines kill an additional 600,000 annually, while war, malnutrition and life in filthy slums send countless more parents and children to early graves.
And yet, day after day, Africans are told the biggest threat we face is – global warming.
… … …
It’s the almost total absence of electricity keeping us from creating jobs and becoming modern societies. It’s that these policies KILL.
… … …
Not having electricity means millions of Africans don’t have refrigerators to preserve food and medicine.
… … …
Not having electricity also means disease and death. It means millions die from lung infections, because they have to cook and heat with open fires …
… … …
Hypothetical global warming a hundred years from now is worse than this?
Telling Africans they can’t have electricity and economic development – except what can be produced with some wind turbines or little solar panels – is immoral. It is a crime against humanity.
The investment mandate may include, but not be limited to, directions on matters of risk and return, eligibility criteria of investments in renewable energy technologies, low-emission technologies and energy efficiency projects, allocation of investments, limits on concessional investment, types of financial instruments in which the Corporation may invest and broad operational matters.
… the power to invest in financial assets for the development of Australian-based renewable energy technologies, low-emission technologies and energy efficiency projects.
… at any time on or after 1 July 2018, at least half of the funds invested at that time for the purposes of its investment function are invested in renewable energy technologies.
… the power to enter into investment agreements itself, and make investments through subsidiaries.
The Bill gives the responsible Ministers powers of direction over the broad mandate of the Corporation …
The investment mandate may include, but not be limited to, directions on matters of risk and return, eligibility criteria of investments in renewable energy technologies, low-emission technologies and energy efficiency projects, allocation of investment, limits on concessional investments, types of financial instruments in which the Corporation may invest and broad operational matters.
It is expected that the Corporation will apply a commercial filter when making its investment decisions, focussing on projects and technologies at the later stages of development. By adopting a commercial approach, it is expected the Corporation will invest responsibly and manage risk so it is financially self-sufficient and achieves a target rate of return.
The objective is to overcome capital market barriers that hinder the financing, commercialisation and deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency and low emissions technologies.
The Corporation is intended to be self-sustaining once mature.
… a prudent recognition that some investments will not be recovered.
In theory, complementary policies such as the CEFC should do one of two things: (a) realise cheap abatement opportunities that won't be picked up by the carbon pricing scheme; or (b) accelerate the decline in the cost of low- and zero-emission technologies. If a complementary policy isn't achieving one of these two objectives, it is wasting money.
The CEFC doesn't appear to have been designed with these principles clearly in mind.
The key problem with throwing $10 billion of taxpayer money at subsidies for clean energy while the mandatory renewables target scheme remains in place, however, is that the fund won't actually reduce carbon emissions or lead to more renewable energy capacity being added—it will simply displace what would otherwise have occurred without subsidy. We'll spend $10 billion for no material benefit.
Having enjoyed their international junkets, the suits on the CEFC will hardly reject every proposal put to them. Rather, to justify their existence, they will make some high-profile investments, no matter how dubious.
As for the politicians, they will crave the photo ops from contract signings and factory openings. Since the CEFC's mandate includes helping existing manufacturers convert to "green energy", every constituency can have one, presumably with a billboard advertising the government funding. Ever alert, the rent seekers won't take long to cotton on. And with the CEFC excluded from the Productivity Commission's periodic reviews of the government's package, there will be little to slow the gravy train.
But none of this will come cheaply. Rather, analyses consistently conclude that each dollar spent on this type of government venture simply crowds out one dollar of private investment elsewhere in the economy. But that government dollar both achieves less than the dollar it displaces and costs more, because distorting taxes are needed to raise it. It therefore ends up costing two or more dollars in lost income.
So make that $20bn wasted on painting the pork barrel green.
The investment mandate may include, but not be limited to, directions on matters of risk and return, eligibility criteria of investments in renewable energy technologies, low-emission technologies and energy efficiency projects, allocation of investment, limits on concessional investments, types of financial instruments in which the Corporation may invest and broad operational matters.
The fiscal and underlying cash balance impacts include a prudent recognition that some investments will not be recovered, and interest revenue.
We know mortality goes up in heatwaves.
… people are so fed up with the current situation, they are starting to blame Tony for the decline in public discourse …
HOST: Do you think he’s seen as too negative and too aggressive at the moment?
JOYCE: At times that can be the case …
… on-road fuel costs are not increasing under the carbon price and, in fact, off-road fuel costs will decrease. Excise is being cut.
The carbon tax is a deadly threat to the economy of Gladstone …
… it wouldn't cost us anything like the $3 million per year claimed in the email. We're sick of people using our business as a political pawn without checking the facts.
We have been quite specific, saying that the carbon tax is not the reason—but shorter term market conditions and the macro-economic environment.
The decision to initiate consultation with a view to close the aluminium production at Kurri Kurri would have been the same—with or without the carbon tax.
Fact is that Kurri Kurri is already losing significant amount of cash every month—before any carbon tax has been implemented.
The application from Roy Hill came in—
The application from Roy Hill came in, as I recall it, in the few months after that. It was, perhaps, in early 2012 or late 2011. I updated—
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent:
(1) the Federation Chamber continuing to meet today until 8pm or until the adjournment of the House, whichever is the earlier.
(2) the Federation Chamber continuing to meet on Thursday, 31 May 2012 until 1.30pm and Government business having precedence from the conclusion of Members constituency statements until 1.30pm; and
(3) any variation to this arrangement to be made only by a motion moved by a Minister.
The urgent need to provide households with financial relief based on facts surrounding the introduction of a carbon price on July 1.
This will destroy the steel industry, the cement industry, the aluminium industry, the motor industry. It will be, over time, the death of heavy manufacturing in Australia.
I am actually more optimistic and confident of the outlook and potential of the Rex Group than I have ever been for the past nine years.
I want to be very clear with Australians about what pricing carbon does. It has price impacts, it's meant to—that's the whole point.
One tonne of rubbish, according to the government, generates one tonne of carbon tax windfall gas. You might want to ask your own council how many tonnes of rubbish it's piling up every year. If the amount is close to the 25,000 tonne tax threshold, you'd actually be doing the council a favour by throwing your old mattresses and televisions in the river. Dump car bodies in the scrub and save the town library.
That the bills be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.
That Federation Chamber order of the day, Private Members Business No. 26, motion relating to Microbrewery refunds, be returned to the House.
That this bill be now read a third time.
The physical effect of energy subsidies is precisely zero in an environment where the total emissions are pre-determined by a trading scheme. Not a single gram of carbon dioxide is saved by pumping money into renewables.
The physical effect of energy subsidies is precisely zero in an environment where the total emissions are pre-determined by a trading scheme. Not a single gram of carbon dioxide is saved by pumping money into renewables.
Australia is a late starter in the transformation to clean technology due to its access to low cost fossil fuels.
This transformation will require substantial capital which the private sector alone may not be able to provide. Current global financial conditions, the complex nature of Australia’s electricity markets, the cost of renewable energy, and the preference of investing institutions for listed assets inhibit the financing of the clean energy sector.
The fiscal and underlying cash balance impacts include a prudent recognition that some investments will not be recovered, and interest revenue. The fiscal balance impact also includes the concessional component of loans. This treatment reflects budget accounting standards and is consistent with the treatment of similar investments.
Since the formation of Energy Brix Australia in 1993 we have worked hard to survive. We have had to cut back in numbers and have sacrificed pay rises just so the company would remain viable. The company has also spent a lot of money and resources on the plant over the years to make it more reliable and efficient. The company and its employees have endured many hurdles and have turned a loss making business into a profit making business with a future.
Since the introduction of the Carbon Tax, the Company has endured financial difficulties due to low electricity prices. Due to this financial strain on the business the maintenance on the plant has been reduced which has caused a downturn in production due to breakdowns. Once the carbon tax comes into effect at the start of July the business will be unviable. It will have to shut. Over 200 workers will lose their jobs and the community will be greatly affected with families leaving the area.
The Prime Minister promised that no one will lose their jobs or be disadvantaged by the Carbon Tax. The Union (CFMEU) promised that no one will lose their jobs or be disadvantaged by the Carbon tax. The Union promised it would work with the Government in ensuring alternative base load power stations be constructed in the area so that it will provide jobs for the long term. So far nothing has been done. ...
… I worry for the future of my family and I fear for the future of the community that I live in and have invested in as I know it is going to suffer greatly in the very near future and take many years to recover from the effects that this unpopular carbon tax legislation will bring.
I am also tired talk about clean energy transition by local governments and groups. Talk does not produce jobs. We need positive action now. So please take my letter seriously, I am very frustrated and scared about my future.
The House divided. [19:18]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That this bill be now read a third time.
The House divided. [19:25]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That this bill be now read a third time.
The House divided. [19:28]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That this bill be now read a third time.
The House divided [19:32]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That this bill be now read a third time.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr S Georganas ) took the chair at 9:39.
We'll be seeing if we can work out where we came from, how life evolved on this planet, and whether it might have evolved somewhere else.
I have been trying to break into my first job for over 12 months and I am qualified in a field that is apparently in short supply. I have previous experience in management, I'm highly computer literate and I have the highest marks available for my degree, yet I never got a response from many job ads.
… a way to reduce wages and increase profits at the expense of local workers and safety … If a company knows that they can get access to cheaper labour they will offer the initial work at a wage or on terms that no-one here is interested in. Working remotely away from your family and friends should be rewarded, but some companies will start reducing wages or not paying employees for days that are rained out in order to drive interest away.
Hopefully this email provides some perspective from a mining worker and encourages you to get companies to pursue all the opportunities here before we ruin an opportunity for many Australians to prosper rather than just the company bosses.
Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport—Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport—Arts
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Infrastructure and Transport
Immigration and Citizenship
Human Services
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Defence—Defence
Defence—Veterans Affairs
Attorney-General's—Attorney-General's
Attorney-General's—Emergency Management
Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Treasury—Financial Services and Superannuation
Treasury—Treasury
Resources, Energy and Tourism—Resources and Energy
Resources, Energy and Tourism—Tourism
Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Health and Ageing—Health
Health and Ageing—Mental Health and Ageing
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs—Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs—Disability Reform
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs—Housing
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs—Homelessness
Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education—Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research
Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education—Industry and Innovation
Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education—Small Business
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations—School Education, Early Childhood and Youth
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations—Employment and Workplace Relations
Foreign Affairs and Trade—Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs and Trade—Trade and Competitiveness
Finance and Deregulation
Prime Minister and Cabinet—Prime Minister and Cabinet
Prime Minister and Cabinet—Social Inclusion
The Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport will monitor the impacts of carbon pricing on regions to identify regions that may require structural adjustment assistance.
Where structural adjustment assistance may be required, the Government will work in close consultation with communities through a coordinated, whole of Government approach …
Connecting the Sydney Orbital Motorway network to the F3 would provide an efficient an effective national network connection through Sydney.
Calls by the NSW Government to change the funding model for the Pacific Highway from the current 50/50 spilt with the Federal Government is disingenuous and will do nothing to get the road upgraded by the 2016 deadline.
NRMA Motoring & Services President Wendy Machin said comments today by NSW Deputy-Premier Andrew Stoner on North Coast radio—
would be concerning to communities waiting to see the road finally upgraded.
“It was the Howard Government that set the 50/50 funding split for the Pacific Highway from 2006 and the NRMA has supported this approach since day one,” Ms Machin said.
“While in Opposition, the current NSW Government frequently called on the NSW Labor Government to match federal funding for the Pacific Highway dollar-for-dollar and we supported this call too.
The Australian Government’s Economic Stimulus Plan significantly increased capital expenditure in New South Wales in 2009-10 and 2010-11 ($3.0 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively). This expenditure effectively concludes in 2011-12 …
… I have discussed with and updated informally the productivity committee of the cabinet in relation to this enterprise migration agreement.
… You said that that existing monitoring program will be extended to EMAs. Will there be any additional officers or resources to cover that new area of responsibility?
That will be covered within the existing number of inspectors and resources
Never before has there been a nation so completely oblivious to not just their own successes, but the sheer enormity of them, than Australia today.
(1) Clause 2, page 1 (lines 7 to 9), omit the clause, substitute:
2 Commencement
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
Note: This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally enacted. It will not be amended to deal with any later amendments of this Act.
(2) Any information in column 3 of the table is not part of this Act. Information may be inserted in this column, or information in it may be edited, in any published version of this Act.
(2) Schedule 1, page 3 (after line 2), after the Schedule heading, insert:
Part 1—Amendments applying from the 2012-13 year of income
(3) Schedule 1, page 3 (after line 11), after item 2, insert:
2A Paragraph 15(2)(b)
Omit "$732", substitute "$663".
(4) Schedule 1, page 3 (after line 22), after item 4, insert:
4A Paragraph 15(4)(d)
Omit "$732", substitute "$663".
(5) Schedule 1, page 3 (after line 28), after item 5, insert:
5A Paragraph 15(6)(b)
Omit "$732", substitute "$663".
(6) Schedule 1, item 8, page 4 (line 8), omit "this Schedule", substitute "this Part".
(7) Schedule 1, page 4 (after line 9), at the end of the Schedule, add:
Part 2—Amendments applying from the 2015-16 year of income
Income Tax Rates Act 1986
9 Paragraphs 15(2)(b), (4)(d) and (6)(b)
Omit "$663", substitute "$653".
10 Application provision
The amendments made by this Part apply to the 2015-16 year of income and later years of income.
In respect of the Positive Body Image Awards, how many nominations were received as at (a) 23 March, and (b) 10 April, 2012.
A total of eight nominations for the Positive Body Image Awards were received by 23 March 2012.
A further seven nominations for the Positive Body Image Awards were received by 10 April 2012. This brought the total number of nominations for the Positive Body Image Awards to 15.
Since 1 January 2008, has the Minister's department contracted Skills Training Australia Pty Ltd, 92 Copeland Street, Liverpool, NSW, to conduct training; if so, for each type of training, what (a) was the purpose, (b) was the duration, (c) sum was charged per participant, and (d) oversights (if any) occurred on the specified outcome, duration and delivery.
No, the Department of Health and Ageing has not contracted Skills Training Australia Pty Ltd, 92 Copeland Street, Liverpool, NSW, to conduct training since 1 January 2008.