The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. John Hogg) took the chair at 12:30, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
That the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate today, from 1:50 pm.
That—
(1) On Tuesday, 19 June, Thursday, 21 June, and Tuesday, 26 June 2012, any proposal pursuant to standing order 75 shall not be proceeded with.
(2) On Wednesday, 20 June and 27 June 2012, consideration of government documents shall not be proceeded with, and instead the routine of business shall be government business only.
(3) Divisions may take place on:
(a) Thursday, 21 June and 28 June 2012, after 4.30 pm; and
(b) Monday, 25 June 2012, before 12.30 pm.
(4) On Tuesday, 19 June and 26 June 2012:
(a) the hours of meeting shall be 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 10.40 pm;
(b) the routine of business from not later than 7.30 pm shall be government business only; and
(c) the question for the adjournment of the Senate shall be proposed at 10 pm.
(5) On Thursday, 21 June 2012:
(a) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to 6 pm and 7 pm to 10.40 pm;
(b) the routine of business from not later than 7 pm shall be government business only; and
(c) the question for the adjournment of the Senate shall be proposed at 10 pm.
(6) The Senate shall sit on Friday, 22 June 2012, and that:
(a) the hours of meeting shall be 9.30 am to 3.40 pm;
(b) the routine of business shall be:
(i) notices of motion, and
(ii) government business only; and
(c) the question for the adjournment of the Senate shall be proposed at 3 pm.
(7) On Wednesday, 27 June 2012, consideration of the business before the Senate be interrupted at approximately 5 pm, but not so as to interrupt a senator speaking, to enable Senator Whish-Wilson to make his first speech without any question before the chair.
(8) The following government business orders of the day shall have precedence over all government business, be called on in the following order and be considered under a limitation of time, and that the time allotted for all remaining stages be as follows:
(9) Paragraph (8) of this order operate as an allocation of time under standing order 142.
The government has a number of key appropriation and budget related bills which require passage before 1 July 2012. I have attached a list of these bills for your consideration.
That the question be now put.
The Senate divided. [13:31]
(The President—Senator Hogg)
The Senate divided. [13:35]
(The President—Senator Hogg)
Sources who declined to be named—
say a ceremony planned at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney on Monday, July 2—the first working day of the new system—has been cancelled.
The minister's office was tight-lipped when The Australian asked whether the event had been postponed to a later date.
There is currently a concerning dissonance between the assurances of the Government and the very real concerns raised by practitioners and experts in the e-health industry.
… NeHTA is not subject to the standard Government accountability processes, including FOI, this has led to perceived culture of secrecy and a lack of responsiveness to key stakeholders around strategic issues.
Many households spend an increasing proportion of their income on electricity bills, particularly those in low-income high consumption households.
Building a nationwide broadband network will strengthen our economy and put more Americans back to work ... By connecting every corner of our country to the digital age, we can help our businesses become more competitive, our students become more informed and our citizens become more engaged.
That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation (Senator Wong) to questions without notice asked by Opposition senators today.
There will be price impacts. The whole point of pricing carbon is to say that goods that have got a lot of carbon pollution in them get relatively more expensive, people innovate, they start to make things with less carbon pollution in them and those things are cheaper.
Now I wasn't going to get involved in a semantic and ultimately sterile debate about what you call that fixed price period. That's why I was upfront and said it's effectively like a tax. And it will take us through to a cap and trade emissions trading scheme, a market mechanism to price carbon.
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
REPORT NO. 6 OF 2012
1. The committee met in private session on Monday, 18 June 2012 at 8.19 pm.
2. The committee resolved to recommend—That—
(a) the provisions of the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Improved Access to Television Services) Bill 2012 be referred immediately to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2012 (see appendix 1 for a statement of reasons for referral);
(b) the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill 2012 be referred immediately to the Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2012 (see appendix 2 for a statement of reasons for referral);
(c) the provisions of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012 be referred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 13 September 2012 (see appendix 3 for a statement of reasons for referral);
(d) the provisions of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Bill 2012 be referred immediately to the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2012 (see appendix 4 for a statement of reasons for referral);
(e) the provisions of the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012 be referred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 14 August 2012 (see appendix 5 for a statement of reasons for referral);
(f) the provisions of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Fair Incentives to Work) Bill 2012 be referred immediately to the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 22 August 2012 (see appendices 6 and 7 for statements of reasons for referral); and
(g) the provisions of the Tax Laws Amendment (Cross-Border Transfer Pricing) Bill (No. 1) 2012 be referred immediately to the Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 14 August 2012 (see appendix 8 for a statement of reasons for referral).
3. The committee resolved to recommend—That the following bills not be referred to committees:
The committee considered the Corporations Amendment (Proxy Voting) Bill 2012 and, noting that the bill had passed the Senate on 18 June 2012, resolved to recommend that the bill not be referred to a committee.
The committee recommends accordingly.
4. The committee deferred consideration of the following bills to its next meeting:
(Anne McEwen)
Chair
19 June 2012
Appendix 1
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
Broadcasting Services Amendment (Improved Access to Television) Bill 2012
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
The Bill amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to introduce new legislative requirements, and increases some existing requirements for the provision of captioning services by commercial, national, and subscription television broadcasters.
The inquiry to examine:
The commercial and regulatory implications on broadcasters of making compliance with these captioning obligations a condition of a commercial television broadcasting license, a subscription television broadcasting licence, and a class licence.
Implications for free-to-air commercial networks in breach of the new licence condition if they are unable to provide a captioning service for reasons beyond their control, such as failure by a third party captioning provider to provide the service for reasons beyond the broadcasters control.
Implications for the long-term viability of services provided by subscription television, primarily international pass-through channels such as BBC World News, CNN, and Aljazeera.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Free TV
ASTRA
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Special Broadcasting Service
Human Rights and Disability Groups
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Senate Environment and Communications Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
To be determined by committee
Possible reporting date:
To be determined by committee
(signed)
Senator Fifield
Selection of Bill Committee member
Appendix 2
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill 2012
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
To allow consideration of the legislation
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Economics Legislation Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
Possible reporting date:
25 June 2012
(signed)
Anne McEwen
Whip
Appendix 3
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Whether the Bill adequate addresses the full range of circumstances and issues that it could
Whether victims are adequately supported
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Lawyers
Legal Aid commissions
AHRC
Migration Agents
Social services
Relevant government departments
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Possible hearing date(s):
Late July or August
Possible reporting date:
13 Sept
(signed)
Senator Ludlam
Selection of Bill Committee member
Appendix 4
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
FAIR WORK (REGISTERED ORGANISATIONS) AMENDMENT BILL 2012
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
To ensure the Bill would achieve the objectives of the Bill and has no unintended consequences.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations;
Relevant trade union organisations;
Relevant employer organisations;
Institute of Public Affairs;
Law Council of Australia; and
Any other relevant individuals with expertise in this area.
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
To be determined by committee
Possible reporting date:
To be determined by committee
(signed)
Senator Fifield
Selection of Bill Committee member
Appendix 5
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Consideration of the adequacy of the proposed Australian Privacy Principles; Consideration of the efficacy of the proposed measures relating to credit reporting; Consideration of whether defences to contraventions should extend to inadvertent disclosures where systems incorporate appropriate protections; Consideration of whether provisions relating to use of depersonalised data are appropriate.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Australian Retail Credit Association Australian Consumers Association Attorney-General's Department
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Possible hearing date(s):
To be determined by committee
Possible reporting date:
(signed)
Senator Fifield
Selection of Bill Committee member
Appendix 6
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Fair Incentives to Work)
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Removal of the 'grandfathering' transitional arrangement from the parenting payment
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Civil society organisations and affected persons
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Community Affairs Legislation Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
TBC
Possible reporting date:
22/8/12
(signed)
Senator Ludlam
Selection of Bill Committee member
Appendix 7
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Fair Incentives to Work) Bill 2012
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Consideration of lack of programme support within Employment Services for parents transitioning from Parenting Payment to Newstart Allowance, and the impact on families.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Single parents lobby Job Services agencies
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Possible hearing date(s):
To be determined by committee
Possible reporting date:
To be determined by committee
(signed)
Senator Fifield
Selection of Bill Committee member
Appendix 8
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee
Name of bill:
Tax Laws Amendment (Cross-Border Transfer Pricing) (No. 1)
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Retrospective tax change
Rationale for retrospectivity
Quantum of revenue at risk
Consultation with treaty partners
Consultation with affected taxpayers
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Taxpayers (possibly impacted taxpayers: GE, Chevron, Power Corp, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Ford, Holden)
Treasury
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Senate Economics
Possible hearing date(s):
To be determined by committee
Possible reporting date:
To be determined by committee
(signed)
Senator Fifield
Selection of Bill Committee member
That the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Wednesday, 20 June 2012, from 12.30 pm to 1.45 pm, to take evidence for the committee's inquiry into the National Capital Authority annual report 2010-11.
That the Joint Select Committee on Cyber Safety be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Wednesday, 27 June 2012, from 4.15 pm to 5.30 pm.
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Community Affairs References Committee on health services and medical professionals in rural areas be extended to 15 August 2012.
That the Joint Standing Committee on Migration be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Wednesday, 27 June 2012, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.
That the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate on Thursday, 21 June 2012, from 3.45 pm.
That the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate on Tuesday, 19 June 2012, from 8.15 pm to 9.30 pm.
That the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Monday, 25 June 2012, from 10 am to noon.
That the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate on Thursday, 21 June 2012, from 11 am.
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee on the detention of minors be extended to 19 September 2012.
That there be laid on the table no later than 28 June 2012 by the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the following:
(a) any draft or final legal advice regarding the Murray Darling Basin Draft Plan obtained by the department;
(b) any legal advice regarding the Murray Darling Basin Draft Plan obtained by another party and provided to the department;
(c) any draft or final legal advice that comments on whether the Murray Darling Basin Draft Plan is consistent with the Water Act 2007 ;
(d) any draft or final legal advice that comments on the constitutionality of the Murray Darling Basin Draft Plan; and
(e) any draft or final legal advice that comments on the prospects of a legal challenge of the Murray Darling Basin Draft Plan by an Australian state or territory.
That the Senate take note of the report.
… Australians are entitled to expect that intelligence collection agencies are properly scrutinised and held to account.
That the Senate take note of the report.
It gives me pleasure today on behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration to present the Committee's advisory report on the Migration (Visa Evidence) Charge Bill 2012 and the Migration Visa Evidence Charge (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2012.
These bills, were referred to the Migration Committee by the House of Representatives Selection Committee on the 10th of May.
The bills will introduce a charge for the issuing of hardcopy evidence that a visa is held by a non-citizen visa holder.
Evidence in hardcopy form that such a person holds a visa is usually provided as a visa label or as an imprint placed in the visa holder's passport. Currently Australia does not charge a fee for issuing these visa labels and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship provided over one million labels or imprints during 2011.
Despite the issue of these labels, the government actually relies on an electronic visa entitlement verification system, called VEVO, to validate a person's visa status and entitlements online. VEVO is also accessible to registered organisations which may need to verify a person's visa status as well as to visa holders themselves.
According to the department, two-thirds of its current visa caseload is processed electronically. Yet, 90 per cent of clients at migration counters still request hard copy evidence of their visa even though it is not necessary.
Currently, visa holders are entitled under the Migration Act to hard copy evidence of their visa status. These bills will amend the Migration Act to introduce a charge for the issue of hard copy evidence—on the basis that the electronic visa evidence accessible through VEVO makes the need for hard copy evidence redundant.
The charge is to discourage people requesting the hard copy evidence. The maximum charge limit will be $250, although the department has indicated that the actual amount charged will be much less. There will be different scales of charges, exemptions to the charges and nil fees for certain visa classes. The department estimates that the charge will recover some $90 million over the three years following implementation.
The Selection Committee and members of the Migration Committee questioned the scale of the charges, the projected revenue to be raised and whether the electronic VEVO system really does replace the need for hard copy evidence of visas.
The committee conducted its inquiry by issuing questions on notice to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The list of questions asked is contained in the appendix to the committee's report.
The committee was satisfied overall with the department's responses. The committee accepts that the main justification for introducing the fees is to encourage visa holders and registered organisations to accept electronic verification alone. This is part of a global transition towards visa label free travel and electronic confirmation of visas.
The committee has recommended that the legislation be passed. However, the committee does believe that the associated explanatory memoranda should be more comprehensive. Accordingly, we have recommended that the explanatory memoranda be expanded and re-tabled.
The Chair, the Member for Calwell in the other place, thanks all on the committee for their work on this inquiry. I commend the report to the Senate.
That senators be discharged from and appointed to committees in accordance with the document circulated in the chamber.
Economics Legislation Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Milne to replace Senator Xenophon for the committee's inquiry into the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill 2012
Participating member: Senator Xenophon
Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Hanson-Young to replace Senator Wright for the committee's inquiry into the provisions of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012
Participating member: Senator Wright
Procedure—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Siewert
Appointed—Senator Ludlam.
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE AMENDMENT BILL 2012
This bill amends the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act 1999.
Gender inequality is a significant disincentive to women's workforce participation.
Improving women's workforce participation is central to improving productivity and addressing current and future skills shortages.
This package of reforms delivers on the government's 2010 election commitment to retain and improve the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency and the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Act.
It is a significant reform to support and help drive improved gender equality outcomes in Australian workplaces.
It is an important component of the government's workforce participation and human rights agenda.
We said we would reform the act to support gender equality and improve workforce participation and workplace flexibility—and that is what we are doing.
This bill will improve gender equality outcomes as well as simplifying reporting for businesses.
It will assist in striking the right balance between the need to drive and encourage change within business, without increasing the regulatory burden.
This legislation follows a review of the act by the Office of Women in the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
The review found that since the act was last amended in 1999, there had been a number of economic, social and legislative changes, making it important for the act and the agency to provide a contemporary response to national challenges.
The review made it clear that gender equality is essential to maximising Australia's productive potential and to ensuring continued economic growth.
It has been estimated that closing the gap between men's and women's workforce participation could boost gross domestic product by 13 per cent.
The bill changes the name of the act to the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 to emphasise the focus of the act on gender equality in the workplace.
The name of the Agency is changed from the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency.
The title of the director of the agency is also changed to the Director of Workplace Gender Equality.
The principal objects of the act are amended by the bill to reflect the focus on gender equality in the workplace. They are:
The coverage of the act is expanded to include men, as well as women, particularly in relation to caring responsibilities.
The new legislation will mean that for the reporting period commencing 1 April 2013, a relevant employer must prepare and lodge a public report containing information relating to gender equality indicators.
Smaller organisations with fewer than 100 employees will not be required to report, but they will be able to access the agency's advice, education and incentive activities.
The proposed outcomes-based reporting will streamline and simplify reporting.
This will deliver certainty to organisations in what they are required to report on and provide an invaluable means of measuring progress over time.
Organisations will be able to measure their performance against other similar organisations.
This change will represent the first time the agency will be able to gather and analyse a rigorous and standardised data set.
We will know exactly what is happening, and where, in Australian workplaces regarding gender equality practices and outcomes.
Businesses will now be able to complete and submit reports online using a secure web-portal. Businesses have wanted this change and it will save them time and money.
The gender equality indicators are set out in the act and include reporting on equal remuneration for men and women.
Equal remuneration is explicitly referred to in the objects of the act. Organisations will be required to report on pay data. Salary data will be removed from the public reports.
More standardised data will provide insight as to where gender pay gaps are emerging or growing at the industry or sector level.
With the gender pay gap in Australia sitting at just under 18 per cent, this focus on equal remuneration is particularly important.
Over time, the legislation will enable the agency to develop benchmarks. This will allow employers to consider their performance compared to others in their industries.
The legislation will also enable the minister to set industry specific minimum standards, in consultation with industry and experts. These minimum standards will have to be determined before 1 April 2014.
Minimum standards will be used for the identification of those organisations that are struggling and the targeting of advice and assistance.
The new bill will also allow for more transparency in reporting.
It will be a requirement that public reports be signed by the chief executive officer of the relevant employer. This will help to ensure that management at the highest level engages in the issue of gender equality.
A relevant employer must inform employees and shareholders that the report has been lodged and employees and employee organisations will then be provided with the opportunity to comment on the report.
The bill also improves the transparency and fairness of the compliance framework and consequences for non-compliance.
Checks on the compliance of a relevant employer may be undertaken and may, by written notice, require a relevant employer to provide information that is relevant to the employer's compliance with the act.
Consequences for non-compliance, without reasonable excuse, include naming the employer in a report to the minister or naming the employer by other means.
There are also possible consequences in relation to Commonwealth procurement, grants and financial assistance.
This new legislation puts gender equality in the workplace firmly under the spotlight.
This is an important reform aimed at the genuine and sustained removal of barriers to women's full and equal participation in the workforce.
The government is determined to improve women's economic security—and this begins with fair and equitable treatment in the workplace.
This is a sophisticated and meaningful package of reforms—a significant step forward in enabling employers and government to measure and drive better outcomes for women and men in Australian workplaces.
That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time.
That these bills be now read a second time.
SUPERANNUATION LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (STRONGER SUPER) BILL 2012
This bill introduces a framework to support the implementation of superannuation data and payment standards that will apply to specified superannuation transactions undertaken by superannuation entities and employers.
These amendments are part of the SuperStream package of measures designed to enhance the ‘back office’ of superannuation. The Superannuation industry is currently dominated by paper based transactions that are inefficient in both processing costs and the time taken for transactions to occur and superannuation to be deposited into member accounts.
Both members and employers will benefit from the changes. For example, fund members will benefit from being able to easily manage their superannuation accounts, have low value inactive accounts consolidated automatically, and easily check if their superannuation contributions have been paid.
Employers will benefit from having standardised simplified administrative processes when dealing with superannuation funds. Conversely, superannuation funds will benefit from standardised simplified administrative processes when dealing with employers and other funds.
It is estimated that the SuperStream proposals could save the industry up to $1 billion per year. Much of the benefit of these savings should flow through to members in the form of lower fees and charges.
The standards will be mandated for superannuation entities (including Approved Deposit Funds), Retirement Savings Account providers and for employers.
A new penalty framework is also introduced to ensure trustees of superannuation entities, RSA providers and employers comply with the standards.
This bill also enables the Commonwealth to collect the costs associated with the implementation of the SuperStream measures and enables the minister to make a determination that specifies the proportion of levy money paid to Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) that is to be credited to the APRA Special Account.
The cost of implementing the SuperStream reforms is $467 million in total over seven years to be paid for by a temporary SuperStream levy on APRA-regulated funds. If you averaged the full levy increase of $121 million to apply in 2012-13 across the approximate 33 million accounts existing today, the cost is roughly in the order of $4 per account.
Estimates undertaken by the superannuation industry have identified that SuperStream will save in the order of $1 billion each year in processing costs. Averaged over the approximate 33 million accounts existing today, this saving is in the order of $30 per account each year.
This is a significant saving for each and every member of a superannuation fund.
The coalition has acknowledged that the SuperStream measures have the potential to deliver real savings that will benefit superannuants and they support changes that make the superannuation system more efficient, transparent and competitive.
Full details of the measures in this bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum.
SUPERANNUATION SUPERVISORY LEVY IMPOSITION AMENDMENT BILL 2012
This bill provides the Treasurer with the ability to make a subsequent determination of the amount of the Superannuation Supervisory levy to be paid, for a financial year.
The Superannuation Supervisory levy will pay for implementation costs to improve the administration and management of super accounts making the processing of everyday transactions easier, cheaper and faster for both members and employers.
It is part of the 'SuperStream' package of measures designed to enhance the 'back office' processing of superannuation.
Key measures include the introduction of data and payment standards and consolidation of accounts.
Estimates undertaken by the superannuation industry have identified that SuperStream will save in the order of $1 billion each year in processing costs. Averaged over the approximate 33 million accounts existing today, this saving is in the order of $30 per account each year.
The cost of implementing the SuperStream reforms is $467 million in total over seven years to be paid for by a temporary SuperStream levy on APRA-regulated funds. If you averaged the full levy increase of $121 million to apply in 2012-13 across the approximate 33 million accounts existing today, the cost is roughly in the order of $4 per account.
This bill will provide the Treasurer increased flexibility in determining the maximum restricted and unrestricted levy amounts, the restricted and unrestricted levy percentages and the superannuation entity levy base to be used in finalising the levy amount.
Full details of the measure in this bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum.
Submitters to the inquiry have been in favour of the benefits that will result from the implementation of the PCEHR system, many recognising that it is time that such a system were implemented.
... most members are enthusiastic about using a shared electronic health record. They know that with the right system they can improve the patient's healthcare experience. The right sort of shared record system will help doctors deliver better care. They will have important information about their patients to help them to make good clinical decisions.
We also very much see that the proposed legislation has great potential to enhance better patient outcomes in Aboriginal communities. Our sector also sees that this has a role to play in terms of Closing the Gap. It is also very clear from what the government is saying they are trying to do that this particular legislation and the proposal would support people who are in remote and regional centres.
After the outstanding success of the e-health conference in Melbourne earlier this month, there is strong momentum behind delivering the Government’s $466.7 million PCEHR system by July 2012.
… a key foundational component for eHealth in Australia. It is essential that the identity of people and organisations involved in each eHealth transaction can be assured, and this requires high quality digital credentials. The NASH, Australia’s first nationwide secure and authenticated service for healthcare delivery organisations and personnel to exchange sensitive eHealth information, will provide this.
… will have no impact on the launch of the personally controlled eHealth records system in July, or the ability for consumers to register for an eHealth record.
Australians will be able to register for an eHealth record in July as intended.
THE Gillard government's $1.1 billion e-health records program will launch without the key user verification system in place, with the National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) conceding it has failed to deliver the project on time.
(1) Clause 5, page 8 (line 15), omit "amended.", substitute "amended; or".
(2) Clause 5, page 8 (after line 15), at the end of the definition of Ministerial Council, add:
(c) if that Agreement is not in force—the COAG council (however described) responsible for health matters.
(3) Clause 5, page 11 (line 1), before "System", insert "performance of functions under this Act by the".
(4) Clause 9, page 17 (line 26) to page 18 (line 3), omit subclause (3), substitute:
(3) Each of the following is identifying information of an individual, other than an individual in the capacity of a healthcare provider:
(a) if applicable, the Medicare number of the individual;
(b) if applicable, the Veterans' Affairs Department file number of the individual;
(c) the name of the individual;
(d) the address of the individual;
(e) the date of birth, and the date of birth accuracy indicator, of the individual;
(f) the sex of the individual;
(g) if the individual was part of a multiple birth—the order in which the individual was born;
Example: The second of twins.
(h) if applicable, the date of death, and the date of death accuracy indicator, of the individual.
(5) Page 18 (after line 25), at the end of Part 1, add:
13A System Operator may arrange for use of computer programs to make decisions
(1) The System Operator may arrange for the use, under the System Operator's control, of computer programs for any purposes for which the System Operator may make decisions under this Act.
(2) A decision made by the operation of a computer program under an arrangement made under subsection (1) is taken to be a decision made by the System Operator.
(6) Clause 15, page 21 (after line 5), after paragraph (m), insert:
(ma) to prepare and provide de identified data for research or public health purposes;
(7) Clause 38, page 32 (after line 20), at the end of the clause, add:
(3) The health information referred to in subsection (2) in relation to a consumer may include the name of one or more healthcare providers that have provided healthcare to the consumer.
(8) Clause 44, page 35 (line 30), after "provider", insert "organisation".
(9) Clause 51, page 40 (lines 9 to 12), omit subclause (2), substitute:
Cancellation or suspension if consumer no longer eligible, etc.
(2) The System Operator may, in writing, decide to cancel or suspend the registration of a consumer if:
(a) the System Operator is no longer satisfied that the consumer is eligible to be registered; or
(b) the System Operator is no longer satisfied, having regard to the matters (if any) specified in the PCEHR Rules, that the identity of the consumer has been appropriately verified; or
(c) the System Operator is satisfied that, unless the registration of the consumer is cancelled, the security or integrity of the PCEHR system may be compromised, having regard to the matters (if any) prescribed by the PCEHR Rules; or
(d) the System Operator is satisfied that the consent referred to in subsection 41(3) in relation to the consumer has been withdrawn; or
(e) the System Operator is satisfied that the consent referred to in subsection 41(3) in relation to the consumer was given by an authorised representative or nominated representative of the consumer, and:
(i) the authorised representative or nominated representative who gave the consent ceases to be an authorised representative or nominated representative of the consumer; and
(ii) the System Operator requests the consumer to give consent of the kind referred to in subsection 41(3); and
(iii) the consumer does not, within a reasonable period, give the consent.
(10) Heading to subclause 51(4), page 40 (line 26), omit "whether consumer eligible", substitute "action in relation to consumer's registration".
(11) Clause 51, page 40 (line 29), omit "whether a consumer is eligible to registered", substitute "whether to take action under subsection (2) in relation to the consumer's registration".
(12) Heading to subclause 51(5), page 41 (line 1), omit "whether other entity eligible", substitute "action in relation to entity's registration".
(13) Clause 51, page 41 (lines 3 to 8), omit all the words from and including "consumer" to and including "registration", substitute "consumer while the System Operator investigates whether to take action under subsection (3) in relation to the entity's registration".
(14) Clause 58, page 46 (line 9), omit "has applied", substitute "is applying, or has applied,".
(15) Clause 58, page 46 (lines 29 and 30), omit "has applied", substitute "is applying, or has applied,".
(16) Clause 73, page 57 (lines 6 to 15), omit the clause, substitute:
73 Contravention of this Act is an interference with privacy
(1) An act or practice that contravenes this Act in connection with health information included in a consumer's PCEHR or a provision of Part 4 or 5, or would contravene this Act but for a requirement relating to the state of mind of a person, is taken to be:
(a) for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988, an interference with the privacy of a consumer; and
(b) covered by section 13 or 13A of that Act.
(2) The respondent to a complaint under the Privacy Act 1988 about an act or practice, other than an act or practice of an agency or organisation, is the individual who engaged in the act or practice.
(3) In addition to the Information Commissioner's functions under the Privacy Act 1988, the Information Commissioner has the following functions in relation to the PCEHR system:
(a) to investigate an act or practice that may be an interference with the privacy of a consumer under subsection (1) and, if the Information Commissioner considers it appropriate to do so, to attempt by conciliation to effect a settlement of the matters that gave rise to the investigation;
(b) to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of those functions.
(4) The Information Commissioner has power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection with the performance of his or her functions under subsection (3).
Note: An act or practice that is an interference with privacy may be the subject of a complaint under section 36 of the Privacy Act 1988.
(17) Page 57 (after line 16), at the end of Division 4, add:
73A Information Commissioner may disclose details of investigations to System Operator
The Information Commissioner is authorised to disclose to the System Operator any information or documents that relate to an investigation the Information Commissioner conducts because of the operation of section 73, if the Information Commissioner is satisfied that to do so will enable the System Operator to monitor or improve the operation or security of the PCEHR system.
(18) Page 57, after proposed clause 73A, insert:
73B Obligations of System Operator in relation to correction, etc.
(1) The System Operator may, in order to meet its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 in relation to the correction and alteration of records:
(a) request a participant in the PCEHR system to correct personal information contained in a record included in the PCEHR system and, if the participant does so, to upload the corrected record to the PCEHR system; and
(b) if the participant refuses to do so—direct the participant to attach to the record a note prepared by the consumer in relation to personal information included in the record, and to upload the record and note to the PCEHR system.
(2) A participant in the PCEHR system who is given a direction under paragraph (1)(b) must comply with the direction.
(19) Clause 74, page 58 (line 9), after "provider", insert "organisation".
(20) Clause 76, page 60 (line 10), after "provider", insert "organisation".
(21) Clause 77, page 60 (line 16), before "The", insert "(1)".
(22) Clause 77, page 60 (after line 29), at the end of the clause, add:
(2) Despite subsection (1), the System Operator is authorised, for the purposes of the operation or administration of the PCEHR system:
(a) to hold and take such records outside Australia, provided that the records do not include:
(i) personal information in relation to a consumer or a participant in the PCEHR system; or
(ii) identifying information of an individual or entity; and
(b) to process and handle such information outside Australia, provided that the information is neither of the following:
(i) personal information in relation to a consumer or a participant in the PCEHR system;
(ii) identifying information of an individual or entity.
(3) This section does not limit the operation of section 99.
(23) Clause 97, page 73 (line 28), after "must", insert "take such steps as are reasonably necessary in the circumstances to".
(24) Clause 99, page 76 (line 17), after "provider", insert "organisation".
(25) Clause 105, page 80 (line 9), omit "operator", substitute "organisation".
(26) Clause 105, page 80 (line 12), omit "provider operator", substitute "provider organisation".
(27) Clause 108, page 84 (after line 2), after subclause (4), insert:
(4A) Without limiting the matters to be covered by the review, the review must consider the following matters:
(a) the identity of the System Operator;
(b) alternative governance structures for the PCEHR system;
(c) the opt in nature of the PCEHR system, including the feasibility and appropriateness of a transition to an opt out system.
(28) Heading to subclause 109(2), page 85 (line 7), omit "jurisdictional advisory committee", substitute "committee and council".
(29) Clause 109, page 85 (line 9), after "committee", insert "and the independent advisory council".
(30) Clause 109, page 85 (line 10), after "committee", insert "or the independent advisory council".
(31) Clause 109, page 85 (after line 30), after subclause (4), insert:
PCEHR Rules may relate to agreements
(4A) The PCEHR Rules may specify that a person must enter into a specified kind of agreement in order to be, and remain, a registered healthcare provider organisation, registered repository operator, registered portal operator or registered contracted service provider.
(32) Clause 109, page 86 (after line 27), after subclause (7), insert:
PCEHR Rules may relate to research
(7A) The PCEHR Rules may specify requirements with which the System Operator and other entities must comply in relation to the preparation and provision of de identified data for research or public health purposes.
That these bills be now read a third time.
The failure does not really lie with Skills Australia; it rests with the government …
… it is appropriate that the training sector also be represented as part of the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency membership … such an appointment would add valuable expertise to the AWPA as it develops advice for government.
...[A] unique strength of our national training system is that co-funded training delivery is administered primarily by states and territories. This arrangement supports a cohesive national system and targets the available funding efficiently to complementary local, state and national objectives...A far more effective system would be for the funds to be allocated to the States, with clear performance benchmarks on how the funds were to be invested to support an industry led system.
Skills Australia was tasked, together with the Industry Skills Councils, with addressing Australia’s current—and future—skills needs.
(1) Schedule 1, items 14 and 15, page 4 (lines 14 to 21), omit the items, substitute:
14 Section 960
Insert:
life risk insurance superannuation product has the meaning given by subsection 963B(2).
15 Section 960
Insert:
MySuper product has the meaning given by subsection 963B(3).
(2) Schedule 1, page 4 (after line 21), after item 15, insert:
15A Section 960
Insert:
personal intra fund superannuation advice has the meaning given by section 964N.
(3) Schedule 1, item 21, page 5 (lines 18 and 19), omit "a meaning affected by section 964A", substitute "the meaning given by subsection 964A(2)".
(4) Schedule 1, item 23, page 7 (line 6), after "identified", insert "through instructions, so far as is reasonably possible in the circumstances".
(5) Schedule 1, item 23, page 7 (line 30), omit "circumstances;", substitute "circumstances.".
(6) Schedule 1, item 23, page 7 (lines 31 to 33), omit paragraph 961B(2)(g).
(7) Schedule 1, item 23, page 9 (lines 15 to 22), section 961E TO BE OPPOSED.
(8) Schedule 1, item 24, page 16 (after line 10), before paragraph 963B(1)(a), insert:
(aa) the benefit is given to the licensee or representative solely in relation to the provision of general advice;
(9) Schedule 1, item 24, page 16 (lines 13 to 18), omit paragraph 963B(1)(b), substitute:
(b) the benefit is given to the licensee or representative solely in relation to a life risk insurance product, other than a life risk insurance superannuation product (see subsection (2));
(ba) each of the following is satisfied:
(i) the benefit is given to the licensee or representative solely in relation to a life risk insurance superannuation product;
(ii) the product is not issued to an RSE licensee of a registrable superannuation entity, or a custodian in relation to a registrable superannuation entity, in relation to a MySuper product (see subsection (3));
(iii) the benefit is given by, or on behalf of, a person to whom the licensee or representative provided advice in relation to the life risk insurance superannuation product;
(10) Schedule 1, item 24, page 16 (lines 23 to 26), omit subparagraph 963B(1)(c)(ii), substitute:
(ii) the benefit is not for financial product advice in relation to the product, or products of that class, given to the person as a retail client by that licensee or representative;
(11) Schedule 1, item 24, page 16 (after line 32), after paragraph 963B(1)(d), insert:
(da) the benefit is given to the licensee or representative by an authorised representative of the licensee (the purchaser) in relation to the sale of a financial services business by the licensee to the purchaser;
(12) Schedule 1, item 24, page 16 (line 35) to page 17 (line 18), omit subsections 963B(2) and (3), substitute:
(2) A life risk insurance product is a life risk insurance superannuation product if the product is issued to an RSE licensee of a registrable superannuation entity, or a custodian in relation to a registrable superannuation entity, for the benefit of a class of members of the entity or for one or more members of the entity.
(3) MySuper product has the same meaning as in the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993, as in force on and after the commencement of item 6 of Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Legislation Amendment (MySuper Core Provisions) Act 2012.
(13) Schedule 1, item 24, page 17 (lines 34 and 35), omit "the provision of financial product advice to persons as retail clients", substitute "carrying on a financial services business".
(14) Schedule 1, item 24, page 17 (line 37), at the end of subparagraph 963C(c)(iii), add ", which must not require the benefit, or the education or training, to be provided in Australia".
(15) Schedule 1, item 24, page 18 (lines 4 to 6), omit all the words from and including "in relation to" to the end of subparagraph 963C(d)(ii).
(16) Schedule 1, item 24, page 18 (after line 14), after paragraph 963C(e), insert:
(ea) the benefit provider is the employer of the licensee or representative;
(17) Schedule 1, item 24, page 21 (line 21), omit "a financial services licensee or an RSE licensee", substitute "the responsible entity of a registered scheme, an RSE licensee or the issuer of a managed investment product".
(18) Schedule 1, item 24, page 22 (lines 11 to 29), omit subsections 964A(2) and (3), substitute:
(2) A volume based shelf space fee is a monetary product access payment which is not administrative in nature paid by a funds manager to the platform operator.
(3) To the extent that the benefit is not a volume based shelf space fee, a platform operator may accept an investment management fee scale discount on an amount payable or a rebate of an amount paid to the funds manager.
(19) Schedule 1, item 24, page 25 (after line 7), at the end of Division 5, add:
Subdivision C—Fees for personal intra fund superannuation advice
964J Application to a financial services licensee acting as an authorised representative
If a financial services licensee is acting as an authorised representative of another financial services licensee in relation to the provision of personal intra fund superannuation advice, this Subdivision applies to the first licensee in relation to the advice in that licensee's capacity as an authorised representative (rather than in the capacity of licensee).
964K Financial services licensees must not accept fees for personal intra fund superannuation advice other than from member to whom advice provided
(1) A financial services licensee that is a trustee of a regulated superannuation fund must not accept a fee in relation to the provision of personal intra fund superannuation advice to a member of the fund, other than from that member.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 1317E).
(2) A financial services licensee contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the licensee is a trustee of a regulated superannuation fund; and
(b) a representative, other than an authorised representative, of the licensee accepts a fee in relation to the provision of personal intra fund superannuation advice to a member of the fund, other than from that member; and
(c) the licensee is the, or a, responsible licensee in relation to the contravention.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 1317E).
(3) The regulations may provide that subsections (1) and (2) do not apply in prescribed circumstances.
964L Licensee must ensure compliance
A financial services licensee that is a trustee of a regulated superannuation fund must take reasonable steps to ensure that representatives of the licensee do not accept a fee in relation to the provision of personal intra fund superannuation advice to a member of the fund, other than from that member.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 1317E).
964M Authorised representatives must not accept fees for personal intra fund superannuation advice other than from member to whom advice provided
(1) An authorised representative, of a financial services licensee that is a trustee of a regulated superannuation fund, must not accept a fee in relation to the provision of personal intra fund superannuation advice to a member of the fund, other than from that member.
Note: This subsection is a civil penalty provision (see section 1317E).
(2) The regulations may provide that subsection (1) does not apply in prescribed circumstances.
964N What is personal intra fund superannuation advice?
(1) Advice is personal intra fund superannuation advice if:
(a) the advice is personal advice; and
(b) the advice is provided by a trustee of a regulated superannuation fund, or an authorised representative of the trustee, to a member of the fund as a retail client; and
(c) the trustee holds an Australian financial services licence that covers the provision of personal advice in relation to superannuation products; and
(d) the advice relates to the member's interest in the fund and does not also relate to:
(i) any other financial product (except eligible insurance (see subsection (2)) in relation to the member's interest in the fund); or
(ii) anything mentioned in subsection 765A(1) that would be a financial product but for that subsection (except eligible insurance in relation to the member's interest in the fund); or
(iii) any other matter specified in the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph; and
(e) the fund is not a self managed superannuation fund (within the meaning of section 17A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993).
(2) For the purposes of subparagraphs (1)(d)(i) and (ii), eligible insurance is insurance of a kind that the trustee maintains in relation to the members of the fund for the purpose of financing benefits to the members that are within the scope of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993.
964P Meaning of trustee and member of a regulated superannuation fund
The following expressions have the same meaning when used in this Subdivision as they have in the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993:
(a) member;
(b) regulated superannuation fund;
(c) trustee.
(20) Schedule 1, item 28, page 26 (lines 7 and 8), omit paragraph (jaah).
(21) Schedule 1, item 28, page 26 (after line 26), after paragraph (jaap), insert:
(jaapa) subsections 964K(1) and (2) (financial services licensee responsible for breach of fees accepted for personal intra fund superannuation advice);
(jaapb) section 964L (financial services licensee to ensure compliance with duty about accepting fees for personal intra fund superannuation advice);
(jaapc) subsection 964M(1) (authorised representative must not accept fee for personal intra fund superannuation advice other than from relevant member);
(22) Schedule 1, item 30, page 27 (lines 12 and 13), omit subparagraph (1E)(b)(v).
(23) Schedule 1, item 30, page 27 (after line 30), after subparagraph (1E)(b)(xiii), insert:
(xiiia) subsections 964K(1) and (2) (financial services licensee responsible for breach of fees accepted for personal intra fund superannuation advice);
(xiiib) section 964L (financial services licensee to ensure compliance with duty about accepting fees for personal intra fund superannuation advice);
(xiiic) subsection 964M(1) (authorised representative must not accept fee for personal intra fund superannuation advice other than from relevant member);
(24) Schedule 1, item 30, page 27 (line 34), omit "or (v)".
(25) Schedule 1, item 30, page 28 (line 3), omit "or (v)".
(26) Schedule 1, item 33, page 29 (lines 15 to 18), omit all the words from and including "if:" to the end of subsection 1528(1), substitute "if the benefit is given under an arrangement entered into before the day on which that item commences".
(27) Schedule 1, item 33, page 29 (line 33) to page 30 (line 1), omit "a financial services licensee, or an RSE licensee", substitute "the responsible entity of a registered scheme, an RSE licensee or the issuer of a managed investment product".
(28) Schedule 1, item 33, page 30 (lines 4 and 5), omit "a financial services licensee, or an RSE licensee", substitute "the responsible entity of a registered scheme, an RSE licensee or the issuer of a managed investment product".
(29) Schedule 1, item 33, page 30 (after line 28), at the end of Part 10.18, add:
1532 Application of ban on other remuneration—fees for personal intra fund superannuation advice
(1) Subdivision C of Division 5 of Part 7.7A, as inserted by item 24 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act, applies in relation to the provision of personal intra fund superannuation advice on or after the day on which that item commences (whether or not the advice was sought before that day).
(2) Despite subsection (1), that Subdivision does not apply in relation to the provision of personal intra fund superannuation advice to the extent that the operation of that Subdivision would result in an acquisition of property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) from a person otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph of the Constitution).
We have fought hard for our members from the first hurdle to the last. We hope they will see that the end result is what counts. For FPA members the formal opt-in process may not apply and they may not be subject to the law at all. Our members are also in the best possible position to be captured under the restricted definition of the term 'financial planner' which will be tabled in parliament next year. There are no other groups or bodies that can claim these concessions for their members.
… there is a general downward gradient in health and health services from major cities to remote areas: the more remote the community, the poorer the health status of its people and the less access it has to health services and health promoting infrastructure.
Professionals come to work in ECEC because they love working with children. But, as the draft report reveals, that there's a huge issue with staff leaving the sector because of wages. There needs to be higher wages for all professionals in ECEC who work so hard to educate the next generations of Australians at a crucial time in their development.
The amount of people who have been in the sector for less than 6 years is a huge problem. There's high turnover, and it's because of massive burn out.
Who's going to implement these educational reforms if we don't have the staff to do it?
The sector's low wages lead to high turnover, creating problems for specialised, long-term care for our children. The Workforce Census showed that about 60% of qualified staff have worked in the sector for 6 years or less. This means that committed professional educators are unable to stay in the sector long-term because of poverty wages.
I believe that the ratio changes promote better care of the children and more focused time to the children, hence us being able to better educate them.
We warned that without Government intervention the childcare funding crisis would continue to deteriorate. The current system is well past its use by date and is a threat to standards in the sector. This situation cannot continue: it is damaging to children and the workforce dedicated to meeting their developmental needs.
... childcare educators across Australia are delighted Prime Minister Gillard is listening.
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non-ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
The following table responds to question (1) (a-f) as related to the Department of Defence:
Notes:
The above information does not include office functions located on Defence bases, high security sites or premises of less than 500 square metres in area.
Outgoings may or may not be included in the Annual Rent amount. This will impact the ability to conduct a like for like comparison.
The information on staff levels and locations was derived by merging data from the Defence human resources system and the internal Defence telephone directory. It is not possible to match the two systems exactly as each stores details in slightly different formats.
(1) (g)
The work undertaken by Defence covers a broad range of disciplines and job types, including administration, procurement, logistics, research and development, planning, training, information communications technology and engineering. Work performed will also include Service-specific trades and employment categories and the broad range of unit-specific work undertaken by soldiers, sailors and airmen/airwomen. A mix of these work types will be performed at most Defence sites.
(2) (a) to (c) The majority of staff engaged in public affairs roles within the Department of Defence are located in the Communication and Media Branch and Strategic Communication Branch.
As at 31 December 2011 the Communication and Media Branch employed 58 civilians, nine military personnel and four contractors.
As at 31 December 2011 the Strategic Communication Branch employed 41 permanent military and 15 part-time military and five civilians.
In addition, as at 31 December 2011, outside of the Communication and Media and Strategic Communication Branches there were 44 civilians and 15 military staff who provided public affairs support as part of their regular duties within the Defence Groups and Services.
Further detail is provided in the following table. A key detailing the acronyms used is at the end of the table.
Communication and Media Branch
Key
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non-ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
QUESTION 1
Attorney-General's Department
(1)(a) The Attorney-General's Department.
(b) & (c) See Table 1.1.
(d) See Table 1.2.
(e) See Table 1.1
(f) The Department owns 71 State Circle, Yarralumla ACT 2600. The land is valued at $865,000.The building has a book value at 29 February 2012 of $305,222.21 and has accumulated depreciation of $29,777.79. The Acquisition cost is $335,000.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1.1
*Yearly basis on whole of property.
Table 1.2*
*AGD does not readily capture the location of staff by office location. For that reason staffing figures are compiled at State/Territory level only.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
(1)(a) Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
(b-f) See Table 1.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity
(1)(a) The Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI).
(b) ACLEI has one office located in Canberra.
(c) 868 square metres.
(d) 34 total staff with classifications from APS4 to SES Band 3 (including the Integrity Commissioner).
(e) Rent per square metre is $416 per annum.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Australian Crime Commission
(1)(a) The Australian Crime Commission (ACC).
(b-d) See Table 1.
(e) See table 1.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
(1)(a-e) See Table 1.
Note: The answers to (d) identify where staff are located for administrative purposes . This may not include where operational staff are physically located . For example, operational staff based in Sydney International Airport are included in the staff numbers for Customs House Sydney (10 Cooks River Drive, Mascot NSW) for administrative purposes.
TABLE 1
(f) Customs House Gove, NT, is the only premises owned by Customs. It is valued at $2,569,678.16 with depreciation of $191,585.18.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Australian Federal Police & the Australian Institute of Police Management
(1)(a) Australian Federal Police.
(b)-(f) See Table 1.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
TABLE 1
*The Woden premises are used for office space and records storage.
**The property at Majura ACT is owned by the AFP, with a land value of $16.2 million and $680,423 worth of depreciation of the buildings.
***The Oxford St premises are used for operational staff office space.
Notes
(1) 'Non-office' locations consistent with the principles of Australian Government Property Data Collection (PRODAC) have been excluded. These include:
- ACT Policing
- Airport Police Stations
- Operational, training and storage facilities
- Discreet locations
- Offshore sites
(2) Some of the rental costs per m2 are averaged across the site, that is, they are comprised of the average rent for all components of the site e.g. storage, basement, office space, etc.
Australian Government Solicitor
(1)(a) Australian Government Solicitor (AGS).
(b-d) See Table 1.
(e) AGS leases all its office premises. As a GBE operating in a competitive environment, AGS regards detailed information about its overhead costs, such as its office lease costs in each location, as being commercially sensitive including because disclosure of its current lease rates could disadvantage AGS business interests when negotiating lease and sublease terms.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
Notes:
1. The response to part (c) represents the total office space leased by AGS. AGS sublets some of this space in a number of the locations referred to in the response to part (b).
2. AGS is a government business enterprise (GBE) operating on a commercial and competitive basis in providing legal and related services to government and its agencies. AGS is not subject to the Public Service Act 1999 and its employees are not Australian Public Service (APS) employees. AGS has a broadband classification structure which is significantly different to that for APS agencies. For the purposes of responding to part (d), AGS staff are classified as either 'lawyers' or 'legal and business support'. The numbers include casuals but not employees on unpaid leave nor contractors.
Australian Human Rights Commission
(1)(a) Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
(b) AHRC has one office located in Sydney.
(c) 4142.2 square metres (of which 1346 square metres is subleased tothe Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the Secretariat of the Asia Pacific Forumunder long term lease arrangements).
(d) AHRC employs 147 staff ranging from APS1 to SES Band 2, plus 6 Statutory Office Holders.
(e) The premises are rented at the cost of $520 (excluding GST) per square metre per annum.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Australian Institute of Criminology & the Criminology Research Council
(1)(a) Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC).
(b) AIC has one office located in Canberra.
(c) 1729 square metres, representing total office space.
(d) AIC employs 52 staff ranging from APS2 to SES Band 1.
(e) Total rent payable per annum for total office space as at February 2012 is $474,213 at a rate of $274.27 per square metre.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Australian Law Reform Commission
(1)(a) Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC).
(b) ALRC has one office located in Sydney.
(c) 390 square metres.
(d) ALRC employs 17 staff ranging from APS4 to SES Band 3.
(e) The premises are rented at the cost of $755 per square metre including outgoings.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
(1)(a) Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
(b) ASIO has one declared office building located in Canberra.
(c) The agreed Net Lettable Area is 14,500 sqm.
(d) For security reasons, ASIO does not reveal specific details on staff members, including the number of staff in specific locations and their classifications.
(e) The premises are rented at the cost of $241.53 per square metre per annum ex GST, inclusive of office space, storage and parking.
(f) ASIO Central Office is located in a building owned by the Department of Finance and Deregulation.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre
(1) (a) Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC).
(b-e) See Table 1.
(f) Not applicable as AUSTRAC leases all its tenancies in commercial premises.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
*The Adelaide and Perth staff are located in partner agency premises (the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and state police forces) and undertake FIU-related work.
Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions
(1)(a) The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP).
(b-e) See Table 1.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
CrimTrac
(1)(a) CrimTrac.
(b) CrimTrac has one office located in Canberra.
(c) 3872.2 square metres.
(d) CrimTrac employs 198 staff ranging from APS 1 to SES Band 1, plus one CEO.
(e) The office is leased at a cost of $1,534,758.84 per annum (excluding GST). This equates to a cost of $396.35 per square metre (excluding GST).
(f) The office is not owned by the agency.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Family Court of Australia
(1)(a) Family Court of Australia.
(b-e) See Table 1.
Note: The Commonwealth Law Courts tenancies are shared with other jurisdictions and the lease is not specific to the exact space leased, areas are based on the percentage of the building occupied by the Family Court.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
Federal Court of Australia
(1)(a) Federal Court of Australia.
(b-e) See Table 1.
(f) Regarding the Sydney office, an agreement is in place to provide accommodation free of charge, but it is recognised in our accounts as a notional market rent.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
Federal Magistrates Court of Australia
(1)(a) Federal Magistrates Court of Australia.
(b),( c), and (e) See Table 1.
(d) See Table 2. Staff work out of the same locations as those of the Family Court, as well as the three locations listed below.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
Table 2
High Court of Australia
(1)(a) The High Court of Australia.
(b-e) See Table 1.
(f) The High Court owns the Canberra building. The building value is $184.615 million as at 22 March 2012. The building depreciation is valued at $2.617 million for the period to 29 February 2012.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia
1(a) Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia (ITSA).
(b-e) See Table 1.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates statements.
Table 1
Note: All work in all locations is office based but may also involve visits/inspections to other workplaces including courts, other government agencies, commercial and private businesses, or private residences. Additionally the Adelaide office operates a seven day a week phone contact centre.
National Native Title Tribunal
(1)(a) National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT).
(b-e) See Table 1.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Please refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Budget statements.
Table 1
Office of Parliamentary Counsel
(1)(a) Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC).
(b) OPC has one office located in Barton, Canberra.
(c) 1953 square metres.
(d) OPC employs 53 staff with classifications from APS2 to SES Band 2 and 3 statutory officers.
(e) $415 per square metre.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Budget statements.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
(1)(a) Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
(b-e) Please see Table 1.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Refer to the 2011-12 Portfolio Budget statements.
Table 1
QUESTION 2
Attorney-General's Department
(2)(a)(i) See Table 2.1 below
(ii) See Table 2.1 below
(iii) All are located in Canberra
(b)(i),(ii) See Table 2.2 below
and (iii): All are located in Canberra
(c) Nil.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
(2)(a-c) Nil.
Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity
(2)(a)(i) Two ongoing staff have media and communications functions as part of their roles, 1 EL2 and 1 EL1.
(a)(ii) Media and communications functions—respond to questions from the media and draft briefings, presentations and speeches on behalf of the agency.
(a)(iii) These staff work in Canberra.
(b) and (c) ACLEI employs no non-ongoing or contracted staff in media or communications roles.
Australian Crime Commission
2(a)(i),(ii) See Table 1.
Table 1
*These positions also oversee other areas.
(a)(iii) All staff are based in the ACC's National Headquarters in Canberra.
(b-c) Nil.
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
(2)(a)(i) As at 22 March 2012, 29 ongoing staff were employed within the Customs and Border Protection Communications and Media team. See Table 1.
Table 1
(a)(ii) The Communication and Media team delivers communication advice, services and tools to support Customs and Border Protection's strategic aims. This includes responding to media inquiries and developing both internal and external communication strategies.
(a)(iii) These staff are located in Canberra.
(b)(i) ,(ii) and (iii) As at 22 March 2012, no non-ongoing staff were employed within the Customs and Border Protection Communications and Media team.
(c)(i), (ii) and (iii) As at 22 March 2012, no contracted staff were employed within the Customs and Border Protection Communications and Media team.
Australian Federal Police
(2)(a)(i) See Table 1.
Table 1
(a)(ii) These staff undertake public affairs, marketing, production and online services work.
(a)(iii) These staff are located in Canberra.
(b)(i)-(iii) There is one non-ongoing staff member at Band 6 level who is involved in marketing and based in Canberra.
(c)(i)-(iii) Nil.
Australian Government Solicitor
(2)(a), (b), (c) AGS does not have any positions that are dedicated to public relations, communications of government policies and programs, or media management/liaison. AGS has a media contact person at the SES equivalent level but these duties form a very small part of their role. AGS has a corporate communications team that is responsible for marketing and promotional activities associated with AGS's provision of legal services, as well as for internal communications.
Australian Human Rights Commission
(2)(a)(i), (ii) See Table 1.
Table 1
(a)(iii) All staff are located in Sydney.
(b)(i) See Table 2.
Table 2
(b)(iii) All staff are located in Sydney.
(c) (i)-(iii) Not applicable.
Australian Institute of Criminology & the Criminology Research Council
(2)(a)(i)-(iii) Not applicable.
(b)(i) One EL2 staff member.
(b)(ii) AIC's communications resources publish hard copy, web, social media and via events are an essential and recognised component of its outcome of disseminating research on crime and justice, which it does to an external audience.
(b)(iii) The staff member is located in our Canberra office.
(c) Not applicable.
Australian Law Reform Commission
(2)(a)(i) The ALRC has no communications, public relations, or media staff. This function is part of the Executive Director's role (SES Band 1).
(a)(ii) Type of work is to prepare media releases regarding inquiries, appointments, release of consultation papers and final reports, answer media inquiries to the ALRC, oversee communications to stakeholders, coordinate publication of consultation papers and final reports.
(a)(iii) The staff member is located in our Canberra office.
(b) Nil.
(c) Nil.
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
For security reasons, ASIO does not reveal specific details of staff members, including the number of staff in specific areas, their classifications and the work they undertake.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre
(2)(a)(i) See Table 1.
Table 1
(a)(ii) The acting EL1 is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the team; developing, implementing and evaluating a range of internal and external communication strategies; coordinating responses to media enquiries; and oversees the production of printed publications including AUSTRAC's annual report, and annual typologies and case studies report.
The APS6 is responsible for providing strategic website advice and projects, production of articles for various forums/media; editing/proofreading; and contributing to communications projects as required.
The APS5 is responsible for the application of AUSTRAC branding (that is, graphic design); design and layout of external/internal corporate publications; management of photo gallery; and production of various documents, forms and presentations; publishing material on the AUSTRAC website; and contributing to communications projects as required.
All staff in this team may be called upon to provide assistance in the completion of other correspondence to a range of stakeholders including government, partner agencies, industry and the community.
(a)(iii) These staff are located in Melbourne.
(b)(i) There is one non-ongoing staff member in Communications & Products at EL2 level.
(b)(ii) The EL2 is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of various communications strategies and providing strategic advice on communication and media matters. This staff member also oversees the Communications & Products team.
(b)(iii) This staff member is located in Melbourne.
(c)(i-iii) Nil.
Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions
CDPP does not employ any public relations, communications and media staff.
CrimTrac
(2)(a)(i) CrimTrac employs two ongoing staff in its Strategic Communication team, one at the APS 6 level and one at the EL 2 level.
(a)(ii) The Strategic Communication Team is responsible for ensuring that the Agency engages effectively, influences and develops relationships with its partner agencies, stakeholders and clients. The Team manages the agency's communication strategy, media liaison and corporate publications and assists with presentations and functions.
(a)(iii) All staff are located in the Canberra office.
(b)(i)-(iii) CrimTrac does not employ any non-ongoing staff in public relations, communications and media roles.
(c)(i)-(iii) CrimTrac does not employ any contracted staff in public relations, communications and media roles.
Family Court of Australia
(2)(a)(i), (ii) See Table 1.
Table 1
Note: All the staff in the media and communications team are employed by the Family Court of Australia; however, as part of the single administration with the Federal Magistrates Court, the staff are shared 50/50 between each court and perform their functions accordingly.
(a)(iii) All staff are located in Canberra with the exception of one EL1 member who is located in Melbourne.
(b)(i) There is one non-ongoing APS6 staff member.
(b)(ii) This person performs internal and external communications work.
(b)(iii) This person is located in Canberra.
(c)(i)-(iii) Not applicable.
Federal Court of Australia
(2)(a)(i) The Federal Court employs one staff member at EL2 level.
(a)(ii) The EL2 performs public relations, communication and media liaison.
(iii) The EL2 is located in Melbourne.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
Federal Magistrates Court of Australia
The Federal Magistrates Court does not employ public relations, media and communications staff, however, as part of the single administration with the Federal Magistrates Court, the staff are shared 50/50 between each court and perform their functions accordingly.
High Court of Australia
The High Court of Australia does not employ any public relations, communications and media staff.
Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia
(2)(a)(i), (ii) See Table 1.
Table 1
(a)(iii) All staff are employed in Canberra.
(b)(i) ITSA employs one APS 5 and one part-time APS 6.
(b)(ii) These staff are employed as a Communications Officer and Media Adviser respectively.
(b)(iii) All staff are employed in Canberra.
(c) Not applicable.
National Native Title Tribunal
(2)(a)(i)—(iii) Not applicable.
(b)(i) NNTT employs one APS6 Communications Officer.
(b)(ii) The Communications Officer develops content for the NNTT's intranet and internet; writes and edits a range of business focused information products (publications, external newsletters, corporate documents and procedures). The NNTT does not engage in externally focused public affairs activities such as promoting events to media or engaging media on a daily basis. However, the Communications Officer deals with media inquiries when they arise.
(b)(iii) The Communications Officer is located in Perth.
(c) Not applicable.
Office of Parliamentary Counsel
The Office of Parliamentary Counsel does not employ any public relations, communications or media staff.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
(2)(a)(i) OAIC employs two staff members in public relations and communications.
There is one EL 2 (this is a full time role, but only about 20 per cent of it relates to externally focused public affairs activities) , plus one EL 1 staff member.
(ii) The EL1 staff member is the Director, Corporate and Public Affairs and Deputy Director, Corporate and Public Affairs.
(iii) The EL1 and EL2 staff members are located in Sydney.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
—————
1 Human resource information system data does not currently specify the physical office location of staff located in Canberra.
2 This figure includes operational staff based at Newcastle Container Examination Facility
3 This figure includes operational staff based at Sydney International Airport.
4 This figure includes operational staff based at Darwin Container Examination Facility.
5 This figure includes operational staff based at Brisbane International Airport.
6 This figure includes operational staff based at Cairns International Airport.
7 Human resource information system data does not currently specify the physical office location of staff located in Fremantle and Albany.
8 This figure includes operational staff located within the Perth Detector Dog Unit.
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
(1) (a) to (g) A response is provided at Attachment A for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) properties; Attachment B for Portfolio Bodies less Aboriginal Hostels Limited; and Attachment C for Aboriginal Hostels Limited.
(2) (a) to (c) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, the number of public relations, communications and media staff at 31 January 2012 is:
FaHCSIA's SES Band 1 position, located in Canberra, provides high level strategic communications advice to Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, and represents FaHCSIA on internal and interdepartmental committees and working groups.
FaHCSIA communication positions, located in Canberra, Melbourne and Darwin, develop and implement communication and media strategies and campaigns; write, edit and proofread, design, print and market research briefs, online content, media releases, speeches, editorial, reports, minutes and correspondence; contract management; event management; organise the placement of advertising; organise and manage photographic and film shoots; and organise website content updates.
The Aboriginal Hostels Limited positions, located in Canberra, manage internal publications such as the Hostel News, general media enquiries, website creation and maintenance.
The Anindilyakwa Land Council position, located on Groote Eylandt, prepares the community magazine and manages general media.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies positions, located in Melbourne, undertake programmed public relations and corporate communications activities.
The Central Land Council (CLC) positions, located in Alice Springs, undertake general media and public relations duties such as answering public enquiries; liaising with the media and arranging interviews; issuing press releases; issuing written educational and promotional material; maintaining the website to Australian Government standards; editing and publishing the CLC Annual Report and arranging it to be tabled in the Australian Parliament; and managing stakeholder engagement.
The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency position, located in Sydney, manages external communication including media.
The Indigenous Business Australia positions, located in Canberra and Sydney, manage public relations, communications and marketing and undertake graphic design.
The Indigenous Land Council (ILC) positions, located in Adelaide, coordinate the preparation and release of ILC publications, including the Annual Report, newsletters, media releases, speech writing exetara and are the first point of contact for all media enquiries.
The Northern Land Council positions, located in Darwin, undertake general media and public relations duties; provide media related briefings; process media permits; contribute to media releases, interviews and publications; and undertake marketing, educational and public awareness activities.
The Social Security Appeals Tribunal position, located in Melbourne, prepares the Annual Report; maintains internal and external publications, brochures and forms; maintains website content; responds to media enquiries; and assists with other external communication activities.
The Tiwi Land Council position, located in Darwin, attends to public relations as a function of the Chief Executive Officer's role.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority positions, located on Thursday Island, undertake media liaison, website maintenance and develop media releases, speaking notes, speeches, publications, artwork descriptions, marketing and advertising.
—————
Attachments A, B and C are available from the Senate Table Office.
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Ministers' portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Ministers' portfolios, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non-ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
DFAT
(1) (a) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
(b) (c) and (e) Refer to locations in Australia only.
(d) The number of staff at each location as at 31 December 2011 was as follows:
*Includes Thursday Island Office; ** Includes NSW State Office, Sydney Passports Office and Newcastle Passports Office
The classification of employees by location as at 31 December 2011 was as follows:
*Unattached includes staff on leave without pay, long service leave, seconded to other agencies and staff covered by the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984. ** Director of Safeguards, a statutory officer responsible to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, occupies the position of Director General of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office
(f) All Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade premises are leased.
(g) Refer to Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2011-12:
(2) (a) (b) and (c) Number of staff by function and location:
(a) (b) and (c) Type of work by classification:
AusAID
(1) (a) Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
(b) the location of AusAID's office accommodation is shown in Table 1
(c) the size of AusAID's office accommodation is shown in Table 1
(d) the number of AusAID staff at each location and their classification is shown in Table 1
(e) the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre for AusAID's office accommodation is shown in Table 1
(f) Not applicable.
(g) in Canberra, AusAID staff undertake public administration, policy development and oversight the programs to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. At overseas posts AusAID staff manage the delivery of the aid programs by designing, planning, managing, coordinating and monitoring poverty reduction activities in partnership with developing countries and international development organisations.
Table 1
(2) (a) 34
(i) their classification (refer to table 2),
(ii) the type of work they undertake, (refer to table 2),
(iii) their location (refer to table 2)
(b) 3
(i) their classification (refer to table 2),
(ii) the type of work they undertake, (refer to table 2),
(iii) their location (refer to table 2)
(c) 1
(i) their classification (refer to table 2)
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and (refer to table 2),
(iii) their location (refer to table 2)
Table 2
Austrade
(1) (a) Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
(b) (c) (d) and (e)
Note: The response for (1) (b) (c) (d) and (e) applies to Australian office locations and is accurate as of 31 March 2012.
1 This staff member is located in an ally office (Wyndham City Council) and therefore has no location details recorded.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Austrade advances Australia's trade and investment interests through information, advice and services to businesses, industry and governments as well as contributes to the protection and welfare of Australians abroad through timely and responsive consular and passport services in specific locations overseas.
(2) (a) (b) and (c)
Nine (five as Austrade ongoing staff, two as non-ongoing and two on contract)
(i) From APS5 to EL2.
(ii) Media, communications and content production.
(iii) Austrade Sydney office.
EFIC
(1) (a) Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)
(b) Export House, Level 8-10, 22 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW
(c) Approximately 1,939 m2
(d) Sydney: 85.2 Full-time equivalent (FTE) staff
Perth: One FTE based in Austrade office (Level 26, Exchange Plaza, Sherwood Court, Perth WA)
Melbourne: One FTE based in Austrade office (Level 31, 140 William Street, Melbourne VIC)
N.B. EFIC is not an Australian Public Service (APS) body.
(e) N/A
(f)
(i) Freehold land and building at last valuation—$32.8 million.
Net book value as at 1 July 2011—$29.6 million
(ii) Accumulated depreciation as at 30 June 2011 – ($3.2 million)
(g) Export House (Sydney) is EFIC's central office and caters for the range of activities related to the execution of EFIC's mandate to support Australian exporters with export finance and insurance solutions across Australia. The two EFIC staff outside of Sydney based in Austrade offices (1 FTE in Perth and 1 FTE in Melbourne) are both Directors in EFIC's SME and Mid-Market team. Both staff undertake business development activities.
(2) Two ongoing staff:
(a) (i) Not under APS classification.
(ii) One FTE Senior Manager, PR and Communications
One FTE Manager, Marketing Communications
Public relations and communications activities for EFIC.
(iii)Export House, Sydney (22 Pitt Street)
(b) Nil.
(c) Nil.
ACIAR
(1) (a) Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
(b) 38 Thynne Street, Fern Hill Park, Bruce ACT 2617
(c) 1500m2
(d)
(e) $32.83/m2 (including GST)
(f) Not applicable
(g) ACIAR is a statutory authority that operates as part of Australia's overseas aid program. ACIAR's functions are to:
(2) (a) Five ongoing staff
(b) Nil
(c) Nil
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non-ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
A response to Questions 1 and 2 are provided in the attached table.
Response to Question 1 – Senate Question on Notice 1750
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC)
Note: Where actual cost per m2 for office space is available it has been provided, otherwise the average cost per m2 for the total net lettable area of the tenancy has been provided.
Note: SEWPaC ' s Australian Antarctic Division also has staff located at Macquarie Wharf in Hobart, the Kettering Watercraft training Facility, Antarctic research stations, Macquarie Island, the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystem Research Centre at the university of Tasmania and expeditioners not included in these figures. SEWPaC also has 25 staff hosted by FaHCSIA in offices around Australia. DSEWPaC ' s Supervising Scientist Division also has a field station at Jabiru, NT.F igures exclude staff in Parks Australia Division reported under Director of National Parks.
Director of National Parks
Director of National Parks
Figures include staff employed by the Director of National Parks and staff employed by DSEWPaC in the Parks Australia Division.
National Water Commission
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT)
Employees in SHFT are employed under the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act 2001, and not the Public Service Act 1999, and as such are not Australian Public Service (APS) employees, or Senior Executive Service (SES) officers . SHFT may have ' SES-equivalent ' employees, but they are not formally classified as SES officers.
Bureau of Meteorology
The Bureau of Meteorology were unable to provide a response at the time of this report.
Response to Question 2 – Senate Question on Notice 1750
The Bureau of Meteorology were unable to provide a response at the time of this report.
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non-ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
(1)
Attachment A
* Square metres and rental costs are for office accommodation only (excludes costs relating to storage, car parks, non-office areas, as well as any operating expenses relating to the leases)
# Square metres and rental costs relate to the whole depot and may include office space, storage areas, parking for COMCARS and non-office areas . The cost excludes any operating expenses related to the lease.
^ For the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, only the office space and rental costs relating to departmental staff has been reported (not including visiting or resident Senators and Members Offices, associated visiting car parks or storage, or any operating expenses related to the leases.)
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
Please refer to the answer provided to Senate Parliamentary Question on Notice 1738.
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
iii)their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
(1) (a) to (c) Please refer to Attachment A)
(d) The provision of details relating to the number of staff by classification level at each location at this time would involve an unreasonable diversion of resources.
(e) to (g) Please refer to Attachment A)
(2) (a) to (c) Please refer to Attachment B)
Attachment A
* Serviced Office Tenancy Agreement - Shared facility with St Vincent's Hospital including all corporate and library overheads
** Properties with shared leasing arrangements between the Department and Portfolio Agencies
Attachment B
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
Please refer to the answer provided to Senate Parliamentary Question on Notice 1738.
(1) Can a list be provided of all office locations for each department or agency within the Minister's portfolio, detailing:
(a) the department or agency;
(b) the location;
(c) the size;
(d) the number of staff at each location and their classification;
(e) if the office location is rented, the amount and breakdown of rent paid per square metre;
(f) if the location is owned by the department or agency, the:
(i) value, and
(ii) depreciation, of the building; and
(g) the type of functions and work undertaken.
(2) For each department and agency within the Minister's portfolio, can details be provided of all public relations, communications and media staff, listed by department or agency, including:
(a) the number of ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location;
(b) the number of non ongoing staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location; and
(c) the number of contracted staff, specifying:
(i) their classification,
(ii) the type of work they undertake, and
(iii) their location.
Please see the following tables for (1) (a) (b), (c), (e), (f) and (g):
The Department of Veterans ' Affairs
* Rent figures under 1(e) are per SQM, per annum. Properties with 'MOU' listed under 1(e) are paid under a Memorandum of Understanding licensing arrangement.
** Outcomes listed under 1(g) are detailed in the 2011-12 Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements, and descriptions are below:
Outcome 1 : Maintain and enhance the financial wellbeing and self-sufficiency of eligible persons and their dependants through access to income support, compensation, and other support services, including advice and information about entitlements.
Outcome 2 : Maintain and enhance the physical wellbeing and quality of life of eligible persons and their dependants through health and other care services that promote early intervention, prevention and treatment, including advice and information about health service entitlements.
Outcome 3 : Acknowledgement and commemoration of those who served Australia and its allies in wars, conflicts and peace operations through promoting recognition of service and sacrifice, preservation of Australia's wartime heritage, and official commemorations.
*** Note: Floors Mezzanine to level 6 of Lovett Tower are sublet.
The Australian War Memorial
* Value as at 31 st March
**Accumulated Depreciation as at 31 st March
(1) (d) Both the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Australian War Memorial's management sytems do not group staff by office location. Below are tables showing the staff numbers by classification and/or state location as at 22 March 2012.
The Department of Vetetrans ' Affairs
* full Time Statutory Office Holders
The Australian War Memorial
(2) The following details are provided for all public relations, communications and media staff in:
The Department of Veterans ' Affairs :
(a) there are 16 ongoing staff:
(i) 3 are Public Affairs Officer Grade 1
4 are Public Affairs Officer Grade 2
8 are Public Affairs Officer Grade 3
1 is a Senior Public Affairs Officer
(ii) the work undertaken by public affairs officers is outlined in the 2010-11 Annual Report – see page 64
(iii) 15 are located in Canberra; 1 is located in Sydney.
(b) there are 4 non-ongoing staff:
(i) 2 are Public Affairs Officer Grade 1
2 are Public Affairs Officer Grade 3
(ii) the work undertaken by public affairs officers is outlined in the 2010-11 Annual Report – see page 64
(iii) 3 are located in Canberra; 1 is located in Brisbane.
(c) there are no contracted Public Affairs Officers.
The Australian War Memorial