The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. John Hogg) took the chair at 12:30, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
That:
(a) the order of the Senate of 20 September 2012, authorising the Select Committee on Electricity Prices to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate today, be varied by omitting “1 pm” and inserting “12.30 pm”;
(b) 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; and
(c) 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 1.45 pm.
This package has nothing to do with moving people from welfare to work and everything to do with extreme cuts to the household budgets of Australian families who can least afford it.
Labor is opposed to the changes in this bill and it opposes them on the basis that these changes simply dump people from one welfare payment onto a lower welfare payment and push the most vulnerable Australians over the edge by making extreme cuts to their household budgets.
… the vulnerable people at whom this legislation is targeted are the ones not able to get the ear of the government. They are not able to walk these corridors with expensive, paid consultants to influence the government's policy, and the government refuses to listen to their advocates.
I have gained casual employment with the Salvos' retail, maybe two days per week, which is usually Saturday or Sunday, and occasionally one day during the week. It has taken me two years to find this job as employers don't seem to offer parent friendly hours for people who have limited child care. My elderly parents are two hours away and come when they can to look after her. We are just managing but won't on Newstart. I won't be able to keep what I have earned.
Ever since the announcement I have been looking for a second job so that we can afford to live for next year. Who even knows how I'll juggle the child care. I can't get there, I'm just terrified. I've had one interview since May—
so where are these jobs they're talking about? I'm educated and already employed yet I am still finding it difficult. I can only imagine how desperate someone suffering after a difficult divorce with a very few children, no recent work history and little education must be feeling. It is hopeless, and hopelessness does not help people work and raise their children.
Simply cutting payments for people on welfare does nothing to help them get paid work, which is the best way out of poverty. By cutting payments to vulnerable Australians who are already financially disadvantaged, the Howard Government's budget will increase income inequality rather than reduce it.
At the end of the motion, add:
but the Senate calls on the Government to bring forward additional legislation to provide appropriate indexation of the liquid asset maximum reserve threshold.
Children who grow up in jobless families are far more likely to be out of work as adults compared to those who had a working parent—
It is therefore vital that the income support system seeks to incentivise work in order to break the dependency cycle. The system must provide the right balance of support and incentive to work to ensure that parents are in a position to benefit from the opportunities the economy has to offer, particularly as their children get older and the parent's capacity for work increases, and provide their families with positive role models and greater financial security.
We would like to be very clear in that we are fully supportive of moving as many people as possible—single parents or unemployed people in general—towards being able to work, and some of the focus of our submission has been around our experiences in working with the most disadvantaged group of those people in the community and recognising that they need additional support and incentives to move them into the paid workforce.
We recognise that that is the best way out of poverty and the best way to ensure participation both for them and for their children in the community.
Schedule 1 of the bill seeks to remove 'grandfathering' provisions established on 1 July 2006 and would supersede transitional amendments passed in 2011 and earlier this year. If the bill is passed, from 1 January 2013—
• eligibility for parenting payment for partnered recipients would cease when the youngest child under their care turns 6 years old, or when the youngest child of a single parent turns 8 years old.
• all grandfathered recipients would have participation requirements when their youngest child turns 6 (currently this is not until that child turns 7).
• If Newstart combined with other benefits is not sufficient to provide an adequate standard of living for affected individuals, the measures risk being a violation of human rights under article 9 of the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights.
Newstart allowance is inequitable and inadequate as it is lower than pensions for retirees, below the poverty line, and has a more restricted earning threshold compared to the Parenting Payment.
The Senate divided. [14:02]
(The President—Senator Hogg)
This Ashby seems more rehearsed than a kabuki actor.
… by deferring Defence acquisitions and adjusting the Defence capital equipment program … There will be no adverse impact on operations—they are all fully funded. There will be no adverse impact on military numbers in the navy, army or air force. There will be no adverse important implications for kit for forces about to be deployed or in deployment. There will be no reductions in conditions or entitlements for servers—
QUESTION TAKEN ON NOTICE
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION TO SENATOR KATE LUNDY —FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2012
IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP PORTFOLIO
On Friday 21 September Senator Xenophon asked:
Does the government consider it acceptable that an overseas based flight crew works on a domestic flight which is tagged as an international flight but where the overwhelming majority of passengers are; indeed; domestic passengers—that that could be seen as an abuse of either the 457 or the special purpose visa arrangements?
Answer:
If a valid subclass 457 Temporary Long Stay Business visa with appropriate sponsorship was held, international aircrew working on flights tagged international, but carrying domestic passengers, would not be considered an abuse of subclass 457 visa arrangements.
Special purpose visa provisions relating to airline crew were not designed for foreign airline crew to perform identifiably separate tasks from their international airline crew work in Australia.
Special purpose visas are not appropriate for use by international airline crew on domestic sectors that do not have a reasonable connection to an international service. Any work performed in relation to a domestic leg of an international flight should be incidental and in no way separate from the international sector.
A separate issue is the economic regulation of these flights. For example, to whom airlines may sell tickets, specifically in terms of whether they may be allowed to sell passengers domestic tickets. These are questions for the Infrastructure and Transport portfolios.
The Government understands that some regions and communities will face more significant impacts than others from reforms like the carbon price. A central element in the Australian approach to economic reform over the past three decades has been structural adjustment assistance. The Government will maintain this approach under the clean energy plan to help to ease the transition for strongly affected regions and communities.
The $200 million Regional Structural Assistance Package will be set aside for structural adjustment assistance for regions and communities, and if required there will be other initiatives which assist strongly affected areas and sectors.
The Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government will monitor the impacts of the carbon price on regions to determine areas where structural adjustment assistance may be required.
For identified regions, structural adjustment assistance will be delivered through arrangements that engage state, territory and local governments, community groups and unions, including through place-based investment and service delivery approaches.
Funding will support regional communities on a case-by-case basis. Examples of programs that may be supported include support for displaced workers and their families, support for affected small businesses, community development programs and economic diversification programs.
That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Senator Ludwig) to questions without notice asked by Senators Birmingham and Sterle today relating to the carbon tax and to the wheat industry.
We don't want to play games with the planet. So we are taking this issue seriously and we would like to see an ETS …
You will not find an economist anywhere who will tell you anything other than the most efficient and effective way to cut emissions is by putting a price on carbon.
That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (Senator Conroy) to a question without notice asked by Senator Whish-Wilson today relating to National Heritage listings.
That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the following bills, allowing them to be considered during this sitting period:
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill 2012
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2012
Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Bill 2012
National Portrait Gallery of Australia Bill 2012
National Portrait Gallery of Australia (consequential and transitional provisions) Bill 2012
Australian Charities a nd Not-For-Profits Commission Bill
Australian Charities a nd Not-For-Pro fits Commission (Consequential a nd Transitional) Bill
Purpose of the Bills
The bills establish the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission and make consequential amendments relating to the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission.
Reasons for Urgency
The Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission was announced to commence operations from 1 October 2012.
It will be important for the bills to be enacted at the beginning of the 2012 Spring sittings to allow time for regulations and appointments to be completed prior to the commencement of the Commission’s operations on 1 October 2012.
Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Bill - Statement of Reasons
Purpose of the Bill
The bill would amend the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 (the ICNA Act) to:
Reasons for Urgency
It is important that introduction and passage of the bill take place within the 2012 Spring sitting to enable the Government to deliver on its commitment to implement the measures in the CRIS, particularly the revised tier structure for NICNAS registration, by 1 January 2013. Consequential amendments to the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Regulations 1990 will be required to give effect to new fees and charges in the 2013 14 financial year beginning 1 July 2013. A delay in passage of the bill may result in insufficient time to give effect to the revised NICNAS registration structure and delay the Government’s commitment to lower fees for small business.
National Portrait Gallery of Australia Bill 2012
National Portrait Gallery of Australia (consequential and transitional provisions) Bill 2012
Purpose of the Bills
The purpose of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia Bill 2012 is to establish the National Portrait Gallery of Australia as a Commonwealth statutory authority subject to the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 from 1 July 2013.
The companion Bill, the National Portrait Gallery of Australia (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2012 contains consequential amendments and transitional arrangements related to the establishment of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia.
Reasons for Urgency
The National Portrait Gallery currently operates as a Branch within the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (the Department). These Bills need to be dealt with in one sitting period in order to ensure arrangements to transition the Gallery to a statutory authority are effective on 1 July 2013.
A range of administrative arrangements must be finalised following the passage of the Bills to ensure that the National Portrait Gallery of Australia is fully functional from 1 July 2013. These include: the required Regulations; the recruitment of a Director and the appointment of a governing Board; transfer of assets and liabilities; transitioning of the Gallery building, collection, property and staff from the Department; and processes and procedures in relation to financial and other systems.
The passage of these Bills in the 2012 Spring sittings will enable all administrative arrangements to be completed and ensure the operation of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia is not affected and the transition is seamless for visitors and staff.
That general business order of the day no. 95 (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Making Marine Parks Accountable) Bill 2012) be considered on Thursday, 11 October 2012 under the temporary order relating to the consideration of private senators’ bills.
That leave of absence be granted to Senator Singh from the 9th of October to the 11th of October 2012 on account of Parliamentary business.
That the Joint Standing Committee on the National Broadband Network be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate today from 6pm.
That the Economics References Committee be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Wednesday, 10 October 2012, from 6 pm, to take evidence for the committee’s inquiry into the effects of the global financial crisis on the Australian banking sector.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) important steps have been taken towards political reform in Burma,
(ii) on 19 September 2012 Burmese authorities released several dozen political prisoners, and
(iii) on 29 August and 30 August 2012, the Burmese Government removed the names of 1 147 foreign citizens, including ex-citizens, as well as 935 political dissidents from the Blacklist; and
(b) calls on the Government to:
(i) call on the Burmese Government to release all remaining political prisoners, to lift any restrictions imposed on already freed political prisoners and repeal laws that allow for the detention of political prisoners,
(ii) call on the Burmese Government and all other parties to immediately cease hostilities and implement a ceasefire in remaining conflict areas,
(iii) encourage both the Burmese Government and all other parties to take further steps beyond the current ceasefire agreements and enter into a comprehensive, inclusive and time-bound political dialogue that fully engages the democratic opposition, genuine representatives of all ethnic opposition groups, and civil society actors, and
(iv) support the inclusion of language into the 2012 United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Burma that reflects developments on the ground there.
That the Senate calls:
(a) the attention of the Prime Minister (Ms Gillard) to a resolution of the Senate of 21 June 2012; and
-(b) on the Prime Minister to indicate whether or not she intends to retract prejudicial statements regarding the illegality of Wikileaks publishing endeavours and, if so, when.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) on 20 September 2012 thousands of students, parents, teachers, staff and friends of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) rallied in Victoria, and in other states, to support TAFE students and staff who are bearing the brunt of state government budget cuts such as the Baillieu Government’s devastating $300 million TAFE cuts, which will lead to campus closures, job losses, more course cuts, further increases to students’ fees and charges, and will damage the economy,
(ii) the Baillieu Government’s $300 million vocational education and training (VET) budget cuts result from a drastic shift in VET market share, where private VET courses have overtaken TAFE courses for the first time, coupled with a 310 per cent growth in enrolments in private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), a failure of state and federal VET policy that TAFE should not be punished for,
(iii) the New South Wales Government in the week beginning 9 September 2012 delivered a $1.7 billion education budget cut that includes 800 job losses at TAFE NSW and will result in a 9.5 per cent increase in TAFE NSW course fees, and
(iv) the market-based student-entitlement model that is failing in Victoria and being adopted in other states poses a risk to the viability of the TAFE system and to the economy as it is unlikely to deliver the skilled workforce mix that Australia needs; and
(b) calls on the Government to:
(i) urgently introduce measures to curtail the growth in enrolments in private VET providers and RTOs which is draining state government VET budgets, and
(ii) revise the National Partnership Agreement to phase out entitlement-based funding and fee help, and instead focus on funding and developing public providers.
The Senate divided. [15:53]
The Deputy President—Senator Parry
Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion:
The failure of the Attorney-General, the Hon Nicola Roxon MP, to uphold the standards expected of the First Law Officer of the Commonwealth, by her undermining of public confidence in the courts and inappropriate interference in litigation.
… there is still a live matter before the court between Mr Slipper and Mr Ashby. So we do have to be careful in commentary that we want to provide about any detail of that case that’s still before the court.
The Commonwealth has been mindful of its obligations to taxpayers to achieve the most cost-effective outcomes for legal proceedings amongst other considerations.
… the Attorney-General has traditionally been seen as having a special independent public interest responsibility within government; that is, as distinct from a responsibility to protect the Government's interests.
Politicians are going to be judged on what they say and do …
Women in many workplaces around Australia have to put up with this sort of behaviour, I'm in a position to do something about it by publicising it - I don't think it is right to just let it go all the time.
I think it's unrealistic given the public interest in this matter that there will not be commentary. And the art, if you like, from my perspective, is that we do that in an appropriate way.
… justice should not only be done, but be seen to be done.
The Commonwealth strongly believes that this process has been one which is really for an ulterior purpose, not for the purposes of an ordinary workplace complaint.
… written advice is received from the Australian Government Solicitor or other legal adviser external to the agency that the settlement is in accordance with legal principle and practice.
Monetary claims covered by this policy are to be settled in accordance with legal principle and practice, whatever the amount of the claim or proposed settlement. A settlement on the basis of legal principle and practice requires the existence of at least a meaningful prospect of liability being established.
In particular, settlement is not to be effected merely because of the cost of defending what is clearly a spurious claim.
We must not weaken the system.
We must not weaken the system to the extent that we leave the powerful to run roughshod over others or, worse, resort to violence and intimidation to get their way. I am committed in the next 26 years to further strengthening our country's institutions.
I intend to continue to call to the attention of the Australian people the extremely alarming, frightening similarities between the methods employed by contemporary green politics and the methods and the values of the Nazis.
I think Julia Gillard who … has chosen not to be a parent … shows that she just doesn't understand the way parents think about their children when they reach a particular age.
Documents presented out of sitting
(a) Committee reports
1. Community Affairs Legislation Committee––Report—Low Aromatic Fuel Bill 2012—
Interim ( received 21 September 2012 )
Final, together with the Hansard record of proceedings and documents presented to the committee ( received 26 September 2012 )
2. Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee––Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012 [Provisions]—
Report, together with the Hansard record of proceedings and documents presented to the committee ( received 25 September 2012 )
Correction ( received 2 October 2012 )
3. Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee––Management of the Murray-Darling Basin; Second interim report: the Basin Plan ( received 3 October 2012 )
4. Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee––Report, together with the Hansard record of proceedings and documents presented to the committee––Detention of Indonesian minors in Australia ( received 4 October 2012 )
(b) Government responses to parliamentary committee reports
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee––Report––Held Hostage: Government’s response to kidnappings of Australian citizens overseas ( received 26 September 2012 )
1. Medibank Private Limited––
Report for 2011-12 ( received 27 September 2012 )
Statement of corporate intent 2012-13 ( received 27 September 2012 )
2. Department of Finance and Deregulation––Campaign advertising by Australian government departments and agencies––Report for 2011-12 ( received 28 September 2012 )
3. Final budget outcome 2011-12––Report by the Treasurer (Mr Swan) and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation (Senator Wong) ( received 28 September 2012 )
4. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry––Report for 2011-12 ( received 5 October 2012 )
(d) Reports of the Auditor-General
1. No. 5 of 2012-13––Performance audit––Management of Australia’s air combat capability––F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet fleet upgrades and sustainment: Department of Defence; Defence Materiel Organisation (received 27 September 2012)
2. No. 6 of 2012-13––Performance audit––Management of Australia’s air combat capability––F-35A Joint Strike Fighter acquisition: Department of Defence; Defence Materiel Organisation ( received 27 September 2012 )
3. No. 7 of 2012-13––Performance audit––Improving access to child care––The Community Support Program: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations ( received 3 October 2012 )
(e ) Returns to order
1. Immigration—Nauru—Service provisions––Order for the production of documents (motion of Senator Hanson-Young agreed to 17 September 2012) ( received 21 September 2012 )
2. Indigenous Australians––Study of Indigenous children––Order for the production of documents (motion of Senator Siewert agreed to 20 September 2012) ( received 28 September 2012 )
3. Taxation––Minerals Resource Rent Tax––Monthly revenue collection updates––Order of the production of documents––Statement (motion of Senator Cormann agreed to 11 September 2012) ( received 28 September 2012 )
(f) Letters of advice relating to Senate orders
1. Letters of advice relating to lists of contracts:
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio ( received 5 October 2012 )
2. Letters of advice relating to lists of departmental and agency appointments and vacancies:
Finance and Deregulation portfolio ( received 3 October 2012 )
Department of Immigration and Citizenship ( received 4 October 2012 )
Human Services portfolio ( received 5 October 2012 )
Infrastructure and Transport portfolio ( received 5 October 2012 )
Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio ( received 5 October 2012 )
Attorney-General’s portfolio ( received 5 October 2012 )
3. Letters of advice relating to lists of departmental and agency grants:
Australian National Preventative Health Agency ( received 2 October 2012 )
Finance and Deregulation portfolio ( received 3 October 2012 )
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy ( received 4 October 2012 )
Department of Immigration and Citizenship ( received 4 October 2012 )
Human Services portfolio ( received 5 October 2012 )
Office for Sport ( received 5 October 2012 )
Department of Infrastructure and Transport ( received 5 October 2012 )
Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio ( received 5 October 2012 )
That the Senate take note of the document.
The missing element for the future is an investment in research that will give Australians confidence of being able to identify those at risk of dementia and to develop new treatments to modify the progression of the disease.
Review of the Rollout of the National Broadband Network
Third Report - Australian Government Response to the Committee’s Third Report of 25 June 2012 - October 2012
Introduction
In March 2011 the Parliament established the Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network (the Committee) to enable the ongoing parliamentary scrutiny of all aspects relating to the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN). The Committee is required to report to the Parliament on the rollout of the NBN on a six monthly basis until the completion of the project.
The Committee has been asked to provide progress reports on:
The Committee tabled its first report on the Review of the Rollout of the National Broadband Network on 31 August 2011 and its second report on 24 November 2011. The government’s responses to the Committee’s first and second reports were tabled in the Parliament on 1 March 2012 and 16 April 2012 respectively.
On 25 June 2012, the Committee tabled its third report, entitled Review of the Rollout of the National Broadband Network: Third Report. The Committee’s third report was informed by two public hearings, one site inspection and public consultation which attracted
22 submissions and two exhibits. The report made fifteen recommendations ranging across: clearance processes for responding to questions on notice; the provision of information on the NBN including key performance data on targets and actual results; communications around voice services to communities in fixed wireless and satellite areas; publishing details of NBN Co’s procurement processes; NBN Co’s policy position for the provision of costing extensions to its NBN fibre footprint, especially for regional and remote Australia; private equity funding and Telstra workforce issues.
Background
The NBN is a telecommunications network that will provide access to high-speed broadband to 100 per cent of Australian premises using a combination of fibre to the premises, fixed-wireless and satellite technologies. NBN Co’s objective is to provide 93 per cent of premises with access to a high-speed fibre network capable of providing broadband speeds of up to one gigabit per second (Gbps). Seven per cent of premises will be served by a combination of next-generation fixed-wireless and satellite technologies providing peak speeds of 12 megabits per second (Mbps).1
The NBN will be Australia’s first national wholesale, open access broadband network offering equivalent terms and conditions to all access seekers or service providers. The Australian Government has established NBN Co to design, build and operate a new high-speed NBN. NBN Co will roll out the network and sell wholesale services to retail service providers. In turn retail service providers will offer retail services to consumers. This is a significant structural change to Australia’s telecommunications industry, aimed at encouraging vibrant retail competition.
On 7 March 2012 the Definitive Agreements between NBN Co and Telstra came into force. The Agreements pave the way for a faster, cheaper and more efficient rollout of the NBN. They include the reuse of suitable Telstra infrastructure, avoiding infrastructure duplication and for Telstra to progressively structurally separate by decommissioning its copper network during the NBN rollout. The Definitive Agreements will mean less disruption to communities, less use of overhead cables and faster access to the NBN for Australians.
Planning and construction of the NBN is well underway. On 29 March 2012 NBN Co released its first 3 year fibre rollout plan, which has an objective of construction commenced or completed for approximately 3.5 million fibre premises by 30 June 2015, in every state and territory in Australia2.
At the public launch of the three year fibre rollout plan NBN Co CEO, Mr Mike Quigley, set out the principles which govern the planning of the rollout and the locations to receive fibre under the first three year plan, including:
1 NBN Co is designing the NBN to be capable of delivering these speeds to NBN Co’s Retail Service Providers (RSPs) and Wholesale Service Providers (WSPs) via Fibre, Fixed Wireless and Satellite. Speeds actually achieved by End Users will depend on a number of factors including the quality of their equipment and in-premises connection, the broadband plans offered by their service provider and how their service provider designs its network to cater for multiple End Users.
2 The terms ‘construction commences’ and ‘construction completed’ throughout this document have the meaning given in NBN Co’s 2012-15 Corporate Plan dated 6 August 2012.
On 8 August 2012, the Shareholder Ministers released NBN Co’s 2012-15 Corporate Plan, which confirms that the NBN is on track to be delivered to all Australians. The NBN Co 2012-15 Corporate Plan confirms:
The key elements of the rollout are now in place, with NBN Co making the transition from planning and initial implementation towards a full-scale rollout.
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
The Australian Government has considered the Committee’s Third Report and provides the following response to the recommendations.
Performance Reporting
Recommendation 1
The Committee recommends that the NBN Co and the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy review the efficiency of their current clearance processes for providing answers to questions on notice so that:
The government notes this recommendation.
The government recognises the importance of providing information to the Committee, noting that time is required to prepare accurate responses to requests for information on the NBN rollout, and for necessary due diligence processes of NBN Co and the government.
The level of interest in the rollout of the NBN attracts considerable inquiries from a range of parliamentary committees. It is worth noting that NBN Co responded to more than 320 Questions on Notice arising from Senate Estimates hearings in 2011-12 and 80 Questions on Notice from the Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network since its establishment. Many questions asked by Members of Parliament or Senators have multiple sub-parts and a level of complexity around the information sought that requires significant investment of resources and time to prepare comprehensive responses.
The government and NBN Co are committed to publishing as much information as possible on the rollout, the company and the benefits of the NBN.
Shareholder departments and NBN Co continue to prioritise clearance processes for responding to questions on notice from Parliamentary Committees.
Recommendation 2
The Committee recommends the government include key performance information in its six-monthly National Broadband Network performance report, listing and detailing: (1) established Business Plan targets and (2) actual results for:
The government supports this recommendation.
The government and NBN Co are committed to publishing as much information as possible on the NBN rollout.
The government’s six-monthly report to the Committee is based on information from NBN Co and provides:
The initial performance reports reflect the early stages of the rollout and as such, contain in addition to financial reports, a growing range of performance indicators as the rollout proceeds.
Key Performance Indicators to date have included information on actual results for occupational health and safety, complaint handling, and network deployment (including the number of premises under construction, passed, and activated).
The indicators included in future reports will be expanded so that, over time, the reports will include further detail as the company and its reporting systems mature and the rollout ramps up.
NBN Co’s 2012-15 Corporate Plan, released on 8 August 2012, includes annual targets for premises passed and premises activated for brownfields, greenfields and satellite/fixed wireless.
NBN Co’s rollout forecasts in the 2012-15 Corporate Plan are consistent with the objective of construction commenced or completed for approximately 758,000 fibre premises by 31 December 2012, in line with NBN Co’s ‘12 month Fibre Rollout Schedule’ and an objective of construction commenced or completed for approximately 3.5 million fibre premises by 30 June 2015, in line with NBN Co’s ‘3 year Fibre Rollout Plan’.
Recommendation 3
The Committee recommends that the NBN Co as soon as possible, provide further key information on its website in a user-friendly format, and also include this information in the six monthly Shareholder Ministers’ Performance Report. This information should include:
The government supports this recommendation.
The government and NBN Co are committed to publishing as much information as possible on the NBN rollout including its progress in each service area and connection advice relevant to end-users.
On 29 March 2012 NBN Co released its first 3 year fibre rollout plan, which has an objective of construction commenced or completed for approximately 3.5 million fibre premises by 30 June 2015, in every state and territory in Australia. On average it will take 12 months from the start of the fibre network rollout in a given area until services are available.
NBN Co’s three year national fibre rollout plan is updated annually with new rollout information. The plan and updates are published on NBN Co’s website www.nbnco.com.au and include advice on progress with construction, as well as listing new rollout sites where construction activity will begin.
Expected timings around the commencement and completion of work in areas within the fibre footprint area are provided in NBN Co’s Monthly Ready for Service Rollout Plan, published on NBN Co’s website http://www.nbnco.com.au/getting-connected/service¬providers/network-rollout.html and includes advice on the:
NBN Co has also published information on its website about connecting to the NBN including a step-by-step guide for individuals and businesses, a brochure on Getting Connected and a guide on Preparing for the NBN.
As of 20 August 2012, 43 service providers were listed on NBN Co’s website as active certified service providers of fibre, satellite or wireless services. The list of service providers is further divided into the following categories to assist members of the public in identifying an appropriate service:
The decision to provide services to a specific location is a commercial matter for retail service providers.
Further information on NBN service providers is available from NBN Co’s website at http://www.nbnco.com.au/getting-connected/certified-service-providers.html. NBN Co is also exploring the possibility of including additional information on its website to enable the identification of retail service providers in service areas within each state and territory.
Recommendation 4
The Committee recommends that the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, in the development of future public education activities, undertake a study of similar international networks, with a view to adoption of:
The government broadly supports this recommendation.
The government notes that a range of reviews and inquiries – including the House of Representatives Inquiry on role and potential of the NBN, reports by the Joint Committee on the NBN and submissions to the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee, together with a range of other surveys and research – encourage the Australian Government to provide further education and information about the NBN to promote greater awareness and understanding of the NBN and the value and benefits of being connected to, and participating, in the digital economy.
NBN Co is already undertaking a range of comprehensive public education activities at the local level and continues to engage with state-based NBN taskforces, local government and regional interest groups.
NBN Co has provided a call centre 1800 number and public website (www.nbnco.com.au) where the community and stakeholders can contact NBN Co directly with questions, queries, and problems.
To further support its public education activity, NBN Co has established two demonstration facilities; the Discovery Centre in Docklands, Melbourne and the NBN Co Discovery Truck travelling across Australia.
The government’s information-based NBN regional advertising campaign was conducted earlier this year and aimed to improve perceptions and understanding of the NBN in regional and rural Australia, including that the NBN will deliver high-speed reliable and affordable broadband to all of Australia and will have a positive impact on regional businesses.
Public information on migration activities will be undertaken by NBN Co, in consultation with government, Telstra (as the existing infrastructure provider) and the wider industry, to support the migration of consumer services during the transition from the copper network to the new fibre optic NBN.
The objective of the public information on migration activities will be to ensure to the maximum extent practicable that end users receive advance notice of the planned migration and are familiar with the action required to be taken by them to migrate to the NBN.
Further to this NBN Co, in consultation with the department, has developed a framework for engaging key stakeholders to assist with the development of public information on migration. This framework includes consulting government, relevant industry regulators, retail service providers, industry and peak bodies, and consumer groups such as ACCAN.
Regulatory and Pricing Issues
Recommendation 5
The Committee recommends that NBN Co include the consumer protection components of the Customer Service Guarantee in its Wholesale Broadband Agreement.
The government notes this recommendation.
The Customer Service Guarantee (CSG) sets minimum standards, such as connection and repair timeframes that apply to the supply of standard telephone services by retail service providers to retail customers (i.e. residential/small business end-users). NBN Co is a wholesale company that does not supply services directly to retail customers. As such it is
not appropriate to include service levels directly relating to retail customers in its Wholesale Broadband Agreement (WBA).
Notwithstanding this, the current WBA acknowledges the role of NBN Co in enabling its customers to meet their retail level obligations. To this end NBN Co’s Product Catalogue, which is part of its WBA, includes a Service Level Schedule3 which sets out a full range of connection and service assurance timeframes. NBN Co is working with its customers through its Contract Development Process (CDP) to further refine these service level commitments. NBN Co has also indicated that its revised Special Access Undertaking will address service levels and commit to an ongoing Product Development Forum.4
Prior to executing the interim WBA in February 2012, Telstra negotiated an amendment that acknowledged that nothing in the WBA amends, limits or negates the rights and obligations of the parties under section 118A of the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards Act) 1999 (TCPSS Act). Relevantly, this provision imposes an obligation on a carriage service provider (here, NBN Co) to contribute to a retail service provider’s CSG liability to a retail customer as a result of a contravention of the CSG, where the contravention is wholly or partially attributable to acts or omissions by the first-mentioned carriage service provider. NBN Co subsequently offered the benefit of this amended clause to its other customers (through a variation to the WBA they had previously signed up to).
Recommendation 6
The Committee recommends the Government more effectively deliver its Digital Enterprise Program to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with the aim of improving SME access to online resources and enabling interested SMEs to achieve an online presence.
The government recognises that small businesses need to be digitally literate in order to maximise opportunities and productivity benefits offered by the digital economy.
NBN Co has released the first of a series of enhancements to the fibre optic network to help enable Australian businesses to make the most of high-speed broadband. NBN For Business is available to telephone and internet service providers and is designed to meet the needs of SMEs.
These enhancements include business grade service levels, higher internet speeds than the existing residential offering and multi-line telephony capabilities.
NBN Co’s business offering is also designed to provide higher reliability, guaranteed bandwidth and faster upstream speeds to end-users. However, it is important to note that
3 NBN Co, WBA Product Catalogue, 26 June 2012, http://www.nbnco.com.au/assets/documents/w-z/wba-sfaa-wba¬product-catalogue-20120626.pdf, pp.143
4 NBN Co, Incentive Based Modular SAU: Design Principles, 20 June 2012, http://www.accc.gov.au/content/ item.phtml?itemId=1060326&nodeId=ffb8fb54e17f0ecec20acf908f518257&fn=NBN%20Co%20Revised%20SAU%20propos al%20(20%20June%202012).pdf
while these services are still under development, businesses in areas where the fibre rollout has been completed are still able to obtain a standard NBN service.
The government has already provided $10 million in grant funding over three years to establish the Digital Enterprise program. The program is helping SMEs and not-for-profit organisations in 40 communities that benefit from the NBN, where work on the rollout has already commenced. The program will help these communities to better understand how they can maximise the opportunities from greater digital engagement, enabled by the NBN.
The Digital Enterprise program services are now available in the communities of Townsville in Queensland, Kiama and Armidale in New South Wales, Midway Point, Smithton and Scottsdale in Tasmania, and Willunga in South Australia.
The establishment of another 34 Digital Enterprise services are proposed for the 2012-13 financial year in the communities of St Helens, George Town, Triabunna, South Hobart, Deloraine, Launceston and Kingston Beach in Tasmania; Prospect, Adelaide City, Adelaide Hills, Salisbury and Modbury in South Australia; South Morang, Bacchus Marsh, Brunswick, Ballarat, Golden Plains Shire, Hepburn Shire and Pyrenees Shire in Victoria; Toowoomba, Goodna, Lockyer Valley and Brisbane in Queensland; Victoria Park, Geraldton and Melville in Western Australia; Richmond, Riverstone, Auburn, Penrith, Tamworth and Liverpool Plains in New South Wales; Darwin in the Northern Territory; and, the Australian Capital Territory.
Funding for the program is available until June 2014. Any extension to the program will require further consideration by the government.
The government is providing practical guidance to Australian SMEs and community organisations about how to get online and maximise the opportunities of the digital economy through its Digital Business website (digitalbusiness.gov.au). Launched in December 2010, the website is specifically designed for people who want to get the most out of the internet for their organisation, but may have limited experience, modest budgets or be busy running their business. It contains easy to understand information on establishing and enhancing an online presence, using online productivity tools to increase business efficiencies, and protecting business data. The Digital Business website contains video case studies that share real examples of Australian businesses and community organisations that are engaging in online activities, as well as a blog that provides updates on the latest trends and advice from industry experts. The website is one of the resources being used by Digital Enterprise service providers.
To give some context to the online engagement by businesses, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that in 2010-11, while 90 per cent of businesses had broadband Internet access, only 43 per cent had a web presence5. Australian Communications and Media Authority
5 ABS, Summary of IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business 20010‐11, Cat. No. 8166.0, 26 June 2012 research found that 35 percent of people had bought, sold or shopped online in the month of June 20116.
The department commissioned a study7 on the potential for small business and community organisations to take advantage of the NBN. This study identifies key opportunities presented by the NBN, in addition to outlining a number of challenges to SMEs realising the NBN’s full potential. The government is taking these challenges into consideration in relation to the delivery of its Digital Enterprise Program. They include:
Contracting
Recommendation 7
The Committee recommends the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy review its internal processes where the public interest test is used to assess whether material is commercial-in-confidence, and provide details of this review to the Committee.
The government notes this recommendation.
The department considers and responds to requests for information from the Committee in a transparent and accountable manner. Where requests involve the potential disclosure or provision of information that is considered commercially confidential, an assessment is made
6 http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC410254 p153
7 The Allen Consulting Group, Opportunities for small business and community organisation in NBN first release areas, Feb 2011,http://www.dbcde.gov.au/data/assets/pdffile/0020/135506/Opportunitiesforsmallbusinessandcommunity organisationsinNBNfirst‐releaseareas.PDF regarding the potential commercial harm that disclosure may cause including to third parties such as suppliers and contractors, and to NBN Co. The assessment takes account of the particular facts of the matter and:
Each of the interests is weighed up to determine, on balance, whether it is in the public interest to disclose the information.
Requests for the release of information that the Committee may make in relation to the rollout of the NBN are considered on a case-by-case basis as set out above and includes an analysis, for example, as to whether potential disclosure or provision of information may cause adverse effects on commercial relationships and NBN Co’s ability to achieve its business, financial or commercial objectives and hence negatively impact upon Australian taxpayers’ investment in NBN Co.
Matters relating to departmental or NBN Co claims for non-disclosure of information to the Committee are ultimately referred to the Minister for consideration.
Recommendation 8
The Committee recommends that, as a matter of urgency, for all future contracts the NBN Co
update, and regularly maintain, its tender registry to include the following basic information:
The government is supportive of NBN Co being subject to a high level of transparency and accountability regarding its tendering activities.
NBN Co’s overall corporate governance framework is set out in the
Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act) complemented by Commonwealth Government Business Enterprise Governance and Oversight Guidelines of October 2011 (GBE Guidelines), its constitution and the Corporations Act 2001. Under the CAC Act and GBE Guidelines, NBN Co is required to notify responsible Ministers of significant events and the operations of the company and its subsidiaries, including major procurement activities.
While there are no formal requirements for tender outcomes to be published by GBEs, NBN Co publishes the details of current, closed and awarded tenders on its website at http://www.nbnco.com.au/working-for-us/tenders.html. The Company also regularly publishes announcements on its website detailing major procurement outcomes. Further, the government’s six-monthly report to the Committee includes commentary regarding major procurements, the percentage of local content in NBN Co’s contracts and a schedule of commitments detailing the aggregate value of commitments payable by type and maturity.
While contract negotiations are a matter for NBN Co, the government is confident that NBN Co has a comprehensive and documented approach to achieving value for money in procurement and undertakes the appropriate levels of due diligence in its approach to tender processes, recognising its responsibilities to demonstrate alignment with the principles of probity, transparency and value.
Services in regional and remote Australia
Recommendation 9
The Committee recommends that the NBN Co revise its terminology and language to clarify community understanding of what the three National Broadband Network services can and cannot support, to enable the community to prepare for the network’s services appropriately and become fully informed.
The government supports this recommendation.
NBN Co has developed and published material on its website (www.nbnco.com.au) that demonstrates the opportunities created by the NBN and explains the capabilities of the three technology platforms; fibre, fixed wireless and satellite. This material includes case studies, fact sheets, videos, presentations, brochures and a range of other web content.
NBN Co has provisioned additional resources for the marketing and execution of public education activities over the deployment period and this will support the delivery of more information about the NBN in regional communities. Public education activities will be aimed at addressing consumer needs including highlighting the benefits of the different NBN technologies and ensuring information is available on how to prepare for the transition to the NBN.
Over the longer term it is expected that NBN Co will play a primary role in this activity as it aligns with the Company’s current communications plans.
Recommendation 10
The Committee recommends that the NBN Co include in its web-based interactive rollout map specific information on the provision of voice services for communities in fixed wireless and satellite access areas.
The government supports the provision of further information for consumers of voice services in fixed wireless and satellite areas.
The government is committed to the continued provision of voice services to residents and businesses in NBN fixed wireless and satellite areas. Under an agreement reached between Telstra and the Commonwealth, as administered by the Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency (TUSMA), Telstra has a contractual obligation to maintain the copper network in non-fibre areas, and provide voice-only services nationally (including locations outside the fibre footprint) for a period of 20 years from
1 July 2012. TUSMA’s agreement with Telstra to deliver key services such as standard telephone services and public payphones ensures continuity of basic safeguards for all Australians and in particular, strengthens the safety net for rural and regional Australia.
For premises in NBN fixed wireless and satellite areas, residents that have existing telephone services will have the choice to maintain those services or access a voice service provided over the NBN’s fixed wireless or satellite network.
Further, the 2012 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee recently examined telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia (‘the Sinclair Review’). The Committee’s report ‘Regional Communications: Empowering digital communities”, was tabled in the Parliament on 23 May 2012. Recommendation 2.3 of the Sinclair Review was that “the government should develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to raise awareness of consumer safeguards for people in regional Australia.”
The Australian Government responded to the recommendations of the Sinclair Review on 23 August 2012. In response to recommendation 2.3, the government has stated that the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy will work with the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport to develop and implement a strategy to disseminate information on consumer safeguards to people living in regional Australia, for example through Regional Development Australia committees and the ‘myregion’ website. This will include providing information on TUSMA and associated arrangements for ongoing availability of voice services, including for communities in fixed wireless and satellite access areas.
Recommendation 11
The Committee recommends that the NBN Co finalise its policy for the provision of costing extensions to its planned National Broadband Network fibre footprint:
The government supports this recommendation.
NBN Co has recently published its Network Extension Policy on its website (refer to http://www.nbnco.com.au/assets/documents/network-extension-policy.pdf).
The government is supportive of NBN Co publicising its Network Extension Policy and committed to making this information widely available in fixed wireless and satellite service areas.
The policy outlines NBN Co’s process for individuals, businesses and governments to apply for a Network Extension to build an alternate technology to that which was planned as part of NBN Co’s national rollout.
The company conducted a network extension trial process in Tasmania, which informed development of the final policy. The trial’s most important finding was the need for effective community consultation activities at the commencement of the rollout process in relevant areas. As such, the company has now published its Network Extension policy, and provides significant information to interested parties at NBN Community Information Sessions which are generally held at the commencement of the rollout in a particular area.
Further, to support the rollout in any one area, NBN Co undertakes extensive engagement with the relevant local council and information about Network Extension options is provided as part of these discussions.
There are three types of Network Extensions categorised by the size and complexity of the extension.
1. Adjacent Fibre Network Extensions - covering premises located on the edge of a fibre serving area module. These premises can be individual (e.g. a house) or a group of premises (e.g. a group of houses or a group of businesses in an industrial area);
2. Large Fibre Network Extensions - covering small communities or towns that are not planned to be serviced by fibre or individual premises or multiple premises that cannot be considered for an Adjacent Fibre Network Extension; and
3. Fixed Wireless Network Extensions - covering small communities or towns that are planned to be serviced by satellite services.
A key objective behind the Network Extension Program is to give Australian households, businesses and other premises the ability to choose, where possible, an alternative technology through which they can access the NBN.
NBN Co’s Network Extension Fact Sheet can be viewed on their website at http://www.nbnco.com.au/assets/documents/network-extension-fact-sheet.pdf
The fact sheet explains what the Network Extension Program is and outlines the process which is to be followed to apply for a network extension. The fact sheet and application form will be available at NBN Co’s Community Information Sessions held in towns where there is a potential for Network Extension projects.
NBN Co has established a dedicated group whose task is to engage with communities and stakeholders throughout the project rollout. A structured program of community and stakeholder activities has been designed and promoted.
Community engagement activities are designed to ensure that landowners, tenants, businesses and end-users are kept informed of activities and rollout progress. They include:
Private Equity Funding and Telstra Workforce Issues
Recommendation 12
While noting possible revisions in this area in NBN Co’s next corporate plan, the Committee recommends that NBN Co progress its consideration of debt financing arrangements as a priority.
The government supports this recommendation.
In its Statement of Expectations to NBN Co dated 17 December 2010, the government noted that during the NBN rollout period, private sector debt raised by the Company will complement government equity to fund rollout activities.
NBN Co’s 2012-15 Corporate Plan includes external funding assumptions and estimates that the total debt funding to be raised from banks and financial markets is forecast at $13.7 billion from 2014-15 to 2020-21.
By the time of raising private sector finance, NBN Co will have demonstrated a strong track record in the delivery of its key objectives, established investor confidence in both the rollout and take up of this critical infrastructure, with clear visibility of positive earnings and cashflows.
The government notes, however, that debt arrangements are subject to market conditions outside of NBN Co and the government’s control and will need to be assessed closer to the point that debt is required.
Following completion of the rollout, the government will consider the optimum capital structure for the Company, noting that NBN Co is required to operate within the ownership and investment settings determined through the National Broadband Network Companies Act 2011.
Recommendation 13
The Committee recommends that the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy publicly disseminate a reporting document on annual progress under the Telstra Retraining Funding Deed.
The government broadly supports this recommendation and considers that information about the progress of the Telstra Retraining Funding Deed could be included in the annual statement outlining the direct and indirect employment benefits of the National Broadband Network in response to Recommendation 15.
Under the Telstra Retraining Funding Deed, the Commonwealth provided Telstra with $100 million in funding to assist it to retrain its eligible staff to operate in an NBN environment. The retraining funding will be spread over an eight year period in which Telstra will develop courses and train staff focussing primarily on retraining staff who currently work on the copper and Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) networks, and staff whose roles are linked to supporting the copper and HFC networks including the wholesale copper workforce and the direct field support workforce. Telstra will also give priority to retraining Telstra employees in NBN related technical, process and system activities.
The provision of funding followed the government’s acceptance of Telstra’s comprehensive Training Plan which formed a key requirement of the Deed. Telstra must provide a Training
Plan covering three years which sets out the training needs, courses to be developed, training methodology, and training targets. Six months prior to the cessation of the then current Training Plan, Telstra will submit the next Training Plan to the department for review. Under the Deed, not less than 70 per cent of funds spent in any three years of a Training Plan must go towards the development and delivery of Accredited Training Courses by a Registered Training Organisation.
The Deed includes a comprehensive reporting regime, covering both financial and training activities. Telstra must create and maintain full and accurate accounts and records of the conduct of the retraining, the use of funds, progress against the training targets and plan and the creation, acquisition and disposal of assets. Telstra is required to provide a half yearly report to government on progress against the Training Plan and a more detailed annual report to government on the Training Plan. Telstra will also meet with the department every six months and, unless agreed otherwise, hold quarterly meetings with its Unions which the department will attend as an observer.
Recommendation 14
The Committee recommends that NBN Co publicly communicate major areas of emerging training need and workforce demand with regard to the rollout of the National Broadband Network, to assist with future Australian workforce planning in this sector.
The government supports this recommendation.
NBN Co is focused on growing a pool of skilled labour within Australia and maximising local industry participation in the rollout of the NBN.
NBN Co has forecast direct employment demand for total employment in the construction phase of 16,000 to 18,000 jobs at the peak of construction. There are five key roles which make up around 80 per cent of forecast workforce demand:
NBN Co is working with all levels of government, its principal construction contractors, the industry skills boards and training organisations to facilitate partnerships and support an appropriately skilled workforce to support the rollout.
To date NBN Co has:
The workforce development strategy also recognises the dispersed nature of the rollout which will enable it to leverage workers from both regional and metropolitan areas.
As part of the strategy, NBN Co undertakes workforce modelling using the national rollout schedules to:
The modelling is currently being reviewed against the three year rollout plan announced in March 2012. The review will also consider the impact of the Telstra agreement which was finalised in March 2012.
Information on this strategy is publicly available on the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.
NBN Co is also:
Traineeships will play an important role in the development of the NBN workforce, and to date construction companies appointed by NBN Co have already taken on more than 45 trainees with plans for a further 50 to be engaged in the coming months.
The NBN Co website features information on preferred qualifications to provide clear advice to both the vocational education and training (VET) system, and individuals’ training for NBN Co’s preferred qualifications. This will assist in influencing decisions on delivery and participation in telecommunications training courses.
Other than the construction task, jobs will be created through direct NBN Co employment; through NBN Co’s purchase of inputs for the rollout and related companies; industries gearing up to deliver applications and services over the NBN infrastructure; and the flow-on effects to the businesses these firms interact with. Initial estimates prepared by the Australian Government in April 2009 indicated that the NBN would support up to 25,000 local jobs every year, on average, over the life of the project, with up to 37,000 jobs at the peak of the rollout.
NBN Co seeks local content and sourcing arrangements in its major contracts particularly where there is known local supply capacity or the potential to promote additional local production through NBN Co contracts.
Certain contracts are inherently local such as construction of the fibre network. NBN Co has awarded over $1.1 billion in construction contracts, including:
The contract for construction in Tasmania is an example of where the NBN is not only expected to see the creation of 800 new jobs at the peak of the rollout, but it will also create a permanent workforce based in Tasmania to undertake ongoing maintenance and future upgrades.
NBN Co anticipates that between 250-300 Australian jobs will be generated by the rollout of the Long Term Satellite Service. This includes approximately 200-250 equivalent full-time positions (likely to be contractors) who will install satellite dishes and modems on the roofs and inside the homes of up to 200,000 homes and businesses across Australia from 2015.
In January 2011, NBN Co awarded three contracts worth over $1.6 billion to Australian located companies—Warren & Brown, Corning and Prysmian—to supply equipment for the NBN, including optical distribution frames, fibre optic cabling and other passive network equipment. As a direct result of being awarded an NBN contract:
Recommendation 15
The Committee recommends that the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy publish, on an annual basis, a detailed statement outlining the direct and indirect employment benefits of the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout, including in terms of local/regional employment and major areas of emerging NBN workforce demand.
The government broadly supports this recommendation.
The government established NBN Co to design, build and operate the NBN, a project that will create jobs in upstream industries as new applications are developed to utilise the network, as well as create new jobs in related sectors supplying to NBN Co and its
subcontractors in the construction, manufacturing, IT and telecommunications industries. The rollout of the NBN will also assist in developing new and wider workforce opportunities in regional areas in the sectors of health and education, and with the greater use of new online markets.
NBN Co projects that between 16,000 and 18,000 construction jobs alone will be created at the peak of the rollout. To ensure a suitably qualified and skilled workforce is available to support the rollout of the NBN, NBN Co has developed a workforce development strategy which recognizes the dispersed nature of the rollout, enabling NBN Co to leverage workers from both regional and metropolitan areas.
Other than the construction task, jobs will be created through direct NBN Co employment, through NBN Co’s purchase of inputs for the rollout and related companies, and industries gearing up to deliver applications and services over the NBN infrastructure and the flow-on effects to the businesses these firms interact with.
As at 30 June 2012, NBN Co had 1,674 employees, including contractors and labour hire.
The initial estimates prepared in April 2009 by the government on the local jobs that would be supported by the NBN relate to the broad economic impact of the government’s decision to invest in the NBN policy and include the jobs created in related sectors that have started gearing up to support or deliver services over the NBN.
NBN Co seeks local content and sourcing arrangements in its major contracts particularly where there is known local supply capacity or the potential to promote additional local production through NBN Co contracts. During 2011, NBN Co awarded a range of contracts with a total value of almost $4 billion, the majority of which was for Australian-based manufacturing and services, leading to direct new employment of approximately 700 to 1,000 new jobs.
On 20 December 2010, the government publicly released its Statement of Expectations to NBN Co. The document highlighted the government’s expectation that NBN Co will actively promote opportunities for small and medium enterprises to participate fully in this project in meaningful and continuing ways. To assist NBN Co, the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education funds an NBN National Sector Manager through the Supplier Access to Major Projects program to liaise with Industry Capability Network Consultants, suppliers, industry associations and NBN Co, to facilitate links between Australian companies and supply opportunities. The NBN National Sector Manager is working with NBN Co to identify Australian companies for tenders, verify tenders and substantiate capability statements from Australian companies including those from regional areas.
The government has also outlined the jobs benefits created by the NBN in its response to the Committee’s first report on the Review of the Rollout of the National Broadband Network and will provide future updates on an annual basis, including information about the progress of the Telstra Retraining Funding Deed.
… because Australia needs real welfare reform. After nine long years of talking about welfare reform, all we have here today is the Howard government legislating to import the worst of the American social security system. All the Howard government is doing today is creating a new army of working poor, vulnerable Australians who have no choices and very few chances to share in our nation’s wealth. This is the Americanisation of our social security system. It is not welfare reform. It is a fraud on the most vulnerable in our society.
All this bill will do is dump people from one welfare payment to a lower welfare payment. This is not the Australian way. Australians look out for each other when they are down on their luck. We give people a hand so that they can get back on their feet. That will not happen any more in Australia, as a result of these changes.
… amongst other things, an eight-week non-payment period for failing the activity test or the activity agreement three times in 12 months,
… … …
… the Howard government just repeating a mantra. It is the Howard government in a public policy rain dance. It cannot just say that it is moving people from welfare to work. It cannot just repeat its mantra over and over again. It cannot just do a rain dance and expect employment opportunities to shower down on people. It certainly cannot expect people’s job opportunities to improve when it is doing only one thing—and that is cutting people’s income support. Australia cannot have a government plagiarising America’s social failures. Australia needs real welfare reform.
… … …
Labor does believe that people who can work should work, but for those who cannot work we should provide care and respect. That certainly is not what is demonstrated in this legislation.
What Labor wants is real welfare reform that tackles the reasons why people are not working and delivers practical solutions. We support welfare reform that goes far beyond moving people from one welfare queue to another—the dole. That is what this bill will do. It will move people from one welfare queue to the dole. Real welfare reform would give people the chance to get the skills an employer needs and then get a job. Real welfare reform would make sure people get a fair reward for effort. When someone gets paid for working, their pay should not be eaten up by tax and the loss of welfare payments.
… … …
Real welfare reform understands that being a parent is an important job in itself and that work makes families more secure. Real welfare reform helps parents find the balance between supporting their family and raising their kids … But instead of real welfare reform, these welfare changes will just shuffle people from one Centrelink database to another. These changes will cut income support for the most vulnerable Australians and reduce the rewards from work. That is the real result of the legislation we are debating today. This legislation will cut income support to vulnerable Australians and reduce the rewards from work.
The government consistently ignores the impact of putting people on lower welfare payments. There is the immediate loss of money, but it also has a disastrous effect on people’s ability to work their way out of poverty.
This means in plain and ordinary language that when this government dumps these people on the dole, they will get to keep less of every dollar they earn. What sort of welfare reform is it that says to people, ‘We’ll cut your payment and, when you get a job, you will keep less of what you are earning than you can keep now’?
(3) Schedule 1, page 3 (lines 1 to 22), TO BE OPPOSED.
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 2), omit the table item.
(2) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 2), omit the table item, substitute:
The committee divided. [17:48]
(The Temporary Chairman—Senator Stephens)
That this bill be now read a third time.
That the committee does not insist on amendments (2) and (4) to (13) and agrees to the amendments made by the House—
That the committee does not insist on amendments (2) and (4) to (13) and agrees to the amendments made by the House of Representatives in place of the Senate amendments.
… the opposition 'is delighted to provide its support,
… … …
This is a good bill.
I think it is important that an issue such as coal seam gas rise above a partisan political position and become something that represents a joint concern.
I am sorry, but you will not find land or its use anywhere in the statement you have just read, and without that this parliament would look ridiculous.
You have asked for advice regarding amendments proposed by you (also on behalf of a number of other senators) and made by the Senate to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coat Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development) Bill 2012.
As you know, the bill amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) to establish an Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coat Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development. Under the bill, this committee is an independent statutory committee set up under a new Division under Part 19 of the EPBC Act. The amendments provide that the committee may advise on "land and its use", in addition to "water resources" in the context of its research and advice to the Minister in relation to particular coal seam gas issues.
In my view, these amendments do not raise constitutional issues, for a range of reasons.
First, the amendments are within the existing constitutional authority of the Commonwealth in this area, as reflected in the EPBC Act. Under the EPBC Act, the Commonwealth Minister for Environment is responsible for assessing and making decisions on coal seam gas proposals, if those proposals are likely to impact on matters protected under Commonwealth environmental Law. Although the states have primary responsibility for environmental protection, the Commonwealth has authority over defined matters of national environmental significance (of which approval of coal seam gas projects, in certain circumstances, is one). Neither these amendments - nor the bill for that matter - disrupt the existing responsibilities of states in respect of environmental matters. The amendments are solely limited to conferring an additional ability on the Committee to look at "land and its use" (in addition to "water resources") in the course of its advice to the Minister and do not expand the Minister's powers in any way.
Secondly, the committee is established to provide advice, primarily to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment, on a range of matters to do with coal seam gas and large coal mining developments. The committee does not exercise any power, and its advice is provided to inform the Minister prior to him or her deciding whether or not to approve a project. The Minister is not bound by the committee's advice, and any decision that the Minister took would of course need to be within the bounds of the Minister's constitutional power, and that of the Commonwealth (through the EPBC Act, and other relevant Acts).
Thirdly, section 13 of the EPBC Act confirms that the Act is not intended to exclude or limit, in any way, the operation of a law of a State or Territory. These amendments, having amended a bill which seeks to insert new provisions into the EPBC Act, will be subject to section 13.
The amendments I am proposing now clarify a few things. First of all, they clarify that I must obtain advice from the committee when I believe a coal seam gas or large coalmining development will have a significant impact on water resources, including but not limited to the impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity.
Salt production and consequent salinity impacts are major issues in considering coal seam gas and large-scale coalmining proposals. Salt and related salinity impacts may arise from co-produced water during coal seam gas development, including aquifer interactions and groundwater and surface water diversions from large coalmining developments. They are therefore relevant considerations in working out whether these developments will have a significant impact on water resources. The amendments make it clear that the coal seam gas Committee will have to consider the impact of salt production and/or salinity.
That the Senate do now adjourn.
… a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental well-being component included in the WHO's definition of health: "A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease". It is related to the promotion of well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, and the treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by mental disorders.
… the most significant announcement by any political party in relation to a targeted, evidence-based investment in mental health.
The funding response to date from the Government has been a paltry $112 million for four years, which hardly makes up for the $354 million cut from mental health services since Labor came to federal power.
Can a list be provided detailing all payments and grants made to unions or employee organisations, listed per year since 1 January 2008.
Attachment 'A' lists all grants and payments made to unions or employee organisations per year, since 1 January 2008.
Attachment A
The listing is based on organisations registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (the RO Act) but also includes the Australian Council of Trade Unions and The Union Education Foundation.
With reference to the answer to question on notice no. 1792 (Senate Hansard, 20 June 2012, proof p.103), is this to be interpreted to mean that all the investments and jobs referred to have been created as a result of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax; if not, can an answer relevant to the question be provided.
The employment growth in the mining sector is a function of investment and growth in the sector. As a profits-based tax, unlike royalties the Minerals Resource Rent Tax is not expected to impact on investment and production decisions of the industry.
With reference to the May 2010 Consultation Regulation Impact Statement on reducing emissions from non road spark ignition engines and equipment:
(1) What action regarding the regulation of emissions from non-road spark ignition engines and equipment has occurred since the regulation impact statement (RIS) consultation period closed in July 2010.
(2) Was there to have been a ‘decision RIS’; if so, has this been completed and what has happened since; if not, why not.
(3) Based on a cost benefit analysis of options to manage emissions from selected non road engines which was completed by McLennan Magasanik Associates in August 2008, is it reasonable to conclude that the delay: (a) to date has cost the health budget approximately $394 million; if not, can an estimate be provided; and (b) is costing the economy $67 million a year in fuel costs and producing more than 170 000 tonnes in carbon emissions every year.
(4) Is it correct that industry peak bodies, representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers and marine outboard engines, have approached the Minister’s office on a number of occasions since 2009 seeking early implementation of small engine emissions standards that would bring Australia into line with standards already in place for up to 13 years in the United States of America, Europe, Japan, Canada, China and India.
1. Emissions from non-road spark ignition engines are currently not regulated in Australia. Further work on this matter, since the the completion of the Consultation RIS, has included additional consultation with stakeholders, especially those who did not make submissions as part of the RIS process. Consideration of this matter is continuing in the context of the development of the National Plan for Clean Air which is a strategic priority agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) for the work program of the Standing Council for Environment and Water.
2 .A decision regulation impact statement has not been completed. Consideration of regulation of emissions from non-road spark ignition engines and equipment is continuing under the National Plan for Clean Air, and progression of this matter has yet to be considered by the Standing Council for Environment and Water.
3. Under COAG guidelines a robust assessment of the impacts of proposed regulations is required. The time required to complete a regulatory impact assessment process varies and is subject to a number of factors including the degree of analysis required and the complexity of the problem. The cost benefit analysis prepared in 2008 by McLennan Magasanik Associates provides economic modelling of net social benefits. These costs and benefits are expressed in money terms for the purpose of comparing policy options and cannot be directly compared to the current health budget. Analysis of the policy options has continued, taking into account submissions received on the consultation RIS.
4. Industry organisations representing sections of the market have sought the introduction of emission standards. Key stakeholders have had the opportunity to inform this process, including through engagement with Ministers and their offices.
For each of the following financial years 2009 10, 2010 11, 2011 12, 2012 13, 2013 14, 2014 15 and 2015 16, can details be provided of the overall budget for the Murray Darling Basin Authority, including a breakdown of funding provided, or expected to be provided, by federal and individual state jurisdictions.
Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA)
The MDBA expenditure and revenue budget by financial years, including a breakdown of funding provided, or expected to be provided, by federal and state jurisdictions is as follows:
With reference to the May 2010 Consultation Regulation Impact Statement on reducing emissions from non road spark ignition engines and equipment:
(1) What action regarding the regulation of emissions from non-road spark ignition engines and equipment has occurred since the regulation impact statement (RIS) consultation period closed in July 2010.
(2) Was there to have been a ‘decision RIS’; if so, has this been completed and what has happened since; if not, why not.
(3) Based on a cost benefit analysis of options to manage emissions from selected non road engines which was completed by McLennan Magasanik Associates in August 2008, is it reasonable to conclude that the delay: (a) to date has cost the health budget more than $400 million; if not, can an estimate be provided; and (b) is costing the economy $67 million a year in fuel costs and producing more than 170 000 tonnes in carbon emissions every year.
(4) Is it correct that industry peak bodies, representing manufacturers of outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers and marine outboard engines, have approached the Minister’s office on a number of occasions since 2009 seeking early implementation of small engine emissions standards that would bring Australia into line with standards already in place for up to 13 years in the United States of America, Europe, Japan, Canada, China and India.
1. Emissions from non-road spark ignition engines are currently not regulated in Australia. Further work on this matter, since the the completion of the Consultation RIS, has included additional consultation with stakeholders, especially those who did not make submissions as part of the RIS process. Consideration of this matter is continuing in the context of the development of the National Plan for Clean Air which is a strategic priority agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) for the work program of the Standing Council for Environment and Water.
2. A decision regulation impact statement has not been completed. Consideration of regulation of emissions from non-road spark ignition engines and equipment is continuing under the National Plan for Clean Air, and progression of this matter has yet to be considered by the Standing Council for Environment and Water.
3. Under COAG guidelines a robust assessment of the impacts of proposed regulations is required. The time required to complete a regulatory impact assessment process varies and is subject to a number of factors including the degree of analysis required and the complexity of the problem. The cost benefit analysis prepared in 2008 by McLennan Magasanik Associates provides economic modelling of net social benefits. These costs and benefits are expressed in money terms for the purpose of comparing policy options and cannot be directly compared to the current health budget. Analysis of the policy options has continued, taking into account submissions received on the consultation RIS.
4. Industry organisations representing sections of the market have sought the introduction of emission standards. Key stakeholders have had the opportunity to inform this process, including through engagement with Ministers and their offices.
(1) Is it the case, according to the Government’s Competitive Neutrality Policy Statement, released in June 1996, that ‘within 90 days of receipt of a report the Treasurer, in consultation with the relevant portfolio Minister, will make a determination on whether competitive neutrality will be applied by the business entity or other remedial action to be taken’.
(2) Was the Productivity Commission’s report PETNET Australia: Australian Government Competitive Neutrality Complaints Office: Investigation no. 15 sent to the Assistant Treasurer on 20 March 2012 and publicly released on 4 April 2012.
(3) Has a determination been issued on the report; if so: when and what was the determination; if not, why not.
(1) Yes.
(2) Yes.
(3) It is customary for the question of appropriate remedial action to be dealt with by the relevant portfolio minister, as these ministers are responsible for implementing the Government’s policy objectives and applying competitive neutrality (CN) policy to the agencies for which they bear responsibility.
In mid- April 2012, the Assistant Treasurer, the Hon David Bradbury MP, wrote to the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, drawing his attention to the report PETNET Australia: Australian Government Competitive Neutrality Complaints Office (AGCNCO): Investigation no. 15,and asking him to consider the AGCNCO’s recommendations and the need to implement arrangements to ensure that PETNET is compliant with the Government’s competitive neutrality policy.
I understand that the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), of which PETNET is a subsidiary, has met with the AGCNCO to discuss the recommendations in the report and to obtain guidance to ensure that steps taken by ANSTO in relation to PETNET’s business model will satisfy the Government’s competitive neutrality requirements.
(1) Is the Department considering the Defence Force Posture Review suggestion that the Cocos Islands airfield be upgraded to support the new P 8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft likely to be acquired by the Royal Australian Air Force?
(2) Are talks underway at an official level regarding military use by the United States of America (US) of the Cocos Islands; if so: (a) what are the dates and location of such talks; and (b) at what level are the attendees?
(3) Does the scope of discussion with the US include the stationing and training of US personnel, drones, surveillance planes and ships through the Cocos Islands?
(4) When spokespersons for the Minister indicate that the Cocos Islands is a longer-term option for closer Australian US engagement, what time frame is considered longer-term?
(5) Did Australia’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) in 1984 give verbal undertakings to UN member states that the Cocos Islands would not be used for military purposes; if so; what were the nature of these undertakings?
(1) Yes. As stated by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence on 3 May 2012, the ADF Posture Review forms part of the security and strategic considerations feeding into the 2013 Defence White Paper. Decisions on Australian Defence Force Posture Review recommendations (including the recommendation that Defence upgrade the Cocos (Keeling) Islands airfield facilities to support unrestricted P-8 operations) will be made as part of the 2013 Defence White Paper process.
(2)
(a & b) No.
(3) No
(4) United States use of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands for military purposes is not currently under active consideration.
(5) The Australian Government’s publicly stated position at the time of the Cocos’ association with Australia and the position conveyed by Australia’s diplomatic representatives was that it had no intention of making the Cocos Island a strategic military base.
Further to the answer to question on notice no. 1923 and given that the Treasurer promised in the 2011-12 Budget that the Government would create half a million jobs, how many jobs have been created to date.
The Government's employment forecasts were updated in the 2012–13 Budget released on 8 May 2012. Employment is forecast to grow 1¼ per cent through the year to the June quarter of 2013 and 1½ per cent through the year to the June quarter of 2014. In comparison, employment has grown by 75,000 persons or around 0.7 per cent over the four quarters to the June quarter 2012.
With reference to the:
(a) Carbon Price Claims Hotline; and
(b) online complaints form announced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission,
how many complaints have there been from:
(i) consumers,
(ii) small businesses, and
(iii) other sources.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) launched the Carbon Price Claims Hotline and online carbon price claims complaints form on 18 June 2012. Between 18 June 2012 and 16 August 2012, the ACCC received 2,621 contacts. Contacts include both complaints and inquiries to the ACCC.
Of the 2,612 contacts received, 463 indentified as small businesses and 83 identified from other sources, including industry associations, government, large business, non-government organisations and media.
The remaining 2,075 contacts include contacts from consumers and those who have not identified themselves as part of another category.
With reference to the illegal picket line at the Coles Distribution Centre in Melbourne, managed by Toll, that was subject to a Federal Court injunction:
(1) Did the Minister or Minister’s office speak to any of the union bosses involved in the picket line in relation to the unprotected action; if so:
(a) which union bosses;
(b) when; and
(c) what was the content of the conversations.
(2) Has the Minister expressed any:
(a) concerns and/or;
(b) support, publically or directly to union bosses, in regard to the unprotected action; if so, when.
(3) Did the Minister support the unprotected action.
(1) The Minister discussed the dispute privately with representatives of both sides and encouraged them to seek the assistance of Fair Work Australia to resolve the dispute.
(2) The Minister does not support contraventions of the Fair Work legislation, or the law more generally, by unions, employers or any other parties.
(3) No.
As at 30 June 2012, how many (a) permanent uniformed staff, both part-time and full-time; and (b) civilian staff, both part-time and full-time, were in each of the service areas (i.e Army, Navy and Air Force)?
(a) As at 30 June 2012 there were 56,722 permanent ADF personnel (not including Gap Year or Reserves on Continuous Full-Time Service), consisting of the following:
(b) As at 30 June 2012 there were 3,042 permanent civilian staff, both part-time and full-time in each of the three Service areas:
From the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 there were 2,627 permanent ADF personnel recruited into the services, consisting of the following:
(1) For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 how many:
(a) uniformed staff; and
(b) civilian staff, resigned from each of the services (i.e Army, Navy and Air Force)?
(2) For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 how many:
(a) uniformed staff; and
(b) civilian staff, were made redundant or accepted severance packages in each of the service areas?
(1) For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 the number of ADF permanent personnel and civilian staff who resigned are as follows:
(2) For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 the number of ADF permanent personnel and civilian staff that where made redundant or accepted severance packages are as follows:
Note: (ADF permanent personnel does not include Gap Year participants or Reserves on Continuous Full-time Service.)
For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, how many temporary civilian positions, both full-time and part-time, were created in the department, in the Defence Materiel Organisation and in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation?
For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 there were 1542 civilian positions, both full-time and part-time, created in Defence. Of these 639 were created in the Defence Materiel Organisation and 41 in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.
For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, how many temporary civilian positions, including part-time, existed in the department, in the Defence Materiel Organisation and in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation?
For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 there was an average of 326 temporary civilian positions, both full-time and part-time, existing in Defence. Of these an average of 138 existed in the Defence Materiel Organisation and 11 in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.
For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, how many civilian employees, including full-time and part-time, were employed on contract and at what levels of remuneration?
For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, what was the average cost in recruiting each new uniformed person into each of the service areas (i.e Army, Navy and Air Force)?
The simple average cost per recruit across the Navy, Army and Air Force for the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 was $28,241.
What was the total expenditure on recruiting for the period 1 January to 30 June 2012?
The total direct expenditure by Defence Force Recruiting on recruitment into the Australian Defence Force for the period 1 January to 31 June 2012 was $90.372 million.
As at 30 June 2012, what specific savings have been made in the Strategic Reform Program 'Provisional Savings and Costs – Gross SRP Stream Savings' for:
(a) information and communications technology;
(b) inventory;
(c) logistics;
(d) non-equipment procurement;
(e) Reserves;
(f) shared services; and
(g) workforce?
Cost reductions under the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) are based on annual budgets. In 2011-12 the cost reduction target under the SRP is $1284 million. This will be achieved through initiatives under seven SRP streams distributed as follows:
(a) Information and Communication Technologies - $147 million;
(b) Smart Sustainment (including Inventory) - $370 million;
(c) Logistics - $8 million;
(d) Non-equipment Procurement - $207 million;
(e) Reserves - $28 million;
(f) Workforce and Shared Services - $238 million; and
(g) Other cost reductions - $286 million.
*Summation variances are due to rounding
These figures have been updated since their publication in "Strategic Reform Program: Delivering Force 2030".
Defence will publish the stream cost reductions achieved for the full financial year in the Defence Annual Report 2011-12 which will be released in late 2012.
As at 30 June 2012, what specific savings have been made in the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) 'Provisional Savings and Costs – SRP Stream Net Savings' for:
(a) information and communications technology;
(b) inventory;
(c) smart maintenance;
(d) logistic;
(e) non-equipment procurement;
(f) preparedness and personnel and operating costs;
(g) reserves;
(h) shared services; and
(i) workforce.
Please refer to the response to Senate Question on Notice 1583 tabled on 10 May 2012.
Defence will publish the stream cost reductions achieved for the full financial year in the Defence Annual Report 2011-12 which will be released in late 2012.
For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, what specific savings have been made in the Strategic Reform Program 'Other Savings' for the following areas:
(a) zero based budgeting review;
(b) minor capital program;
(c) facilities program;
(d) administrative; and
(e) productivity?
The annual budgets for activities targeted through streams have been reduced by amounts that reflect cost reductions agreed by the Government.
Defence will publish the stream cost reductions achieved for the full financial year in the Defence Annual Report 2011-12 which will be released in late 2012.
With reference to the White Paper and Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workplace Implications':
(1) As at 30 June 2012, how many uniformed personnel, full-time and part-time were employed?
(2) As at 30 June 2011 and 1 January 2012, how many uniformed personnel were employed on the projects?
(1) As at 30 June 2012, there were 57,285 full-time and part-time permanent uniformed personnel employed. This number, like the workforce data detailed in the Strategic Reform Program Indicative Workforce Implications, reflects full-time equivalent average numbers, known as Average Funded Strength (AFS) for military personnel. Using the AFS approach, Defence counts full-time and part-time service as one overall average quantity.
(2) The Government provisioned an additional 1,201 full-time equivalent uniformed personnel for 2010-11 (covering the date 30 June 2011) and 1,375 for 2011-12 (covering the date 1 January 2012) under the White Paper, as reflected in the Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen booklet and updated at Table 2.14 of the Defence Annual Report 2010-11.
This workforce was allocated to the Services to implement a range of White Paper initiatives including the Defence Capability Plan. The personnel ranged from sailors, soldiers and airmen/women to senior officers on an as needed basis according to the particular White Paper projects and initiatives being actioned, including through the Strategic Reform Program.
With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications':
(1) As at 30 June 2012, how many civilian personnel, full-time and part-time, were employed in implementing the White Paper initiatives?
(2) As at 1 January and 30 June 2012: (a) how many civilian personnel were employed: and (b) in what programs?
(1) and (2) (a) and (b) The Government provisioned an additional 1,556 civilian personnel (in Defence and the Defence Materiel Organisation, including Australian Public Service staff and contractors) for 2011-12 under the White Paper, as reflected in the publication The Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen and updated at Table 2.14 of the Defence Annual Report 2010-11. This provision applied on both 1 January and 30 June 2012.
The workforce data detailed in both publications are based on approved allocations at the time of publication and reflect full-time equivalent average numbers. Using the full-time equivalent (FTE) approach, Defence counts full-time and part-time service as one overall average quantity.
This workforce has been allocated across all Defence Groups to implement a range of White Paper initiatives including the Defence Capability Plan.
These Australian Public Service personnel ranged from junior to senior officers on an as needed basis according to the particular White Paper initiatives being actioned.
Because of the breadth and depth of the White Paper initiatives, the number of personnel varied throughout the specified period and it is not possible to provide a specific total referenced to each White Paper initiative.
With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Military Workforce': as at 30 June 2012, what increase or reduction has there been in civilian personnel, full-time and part-time, employed in the department and in the Defence Materiel Organisation since 1 July 2008?
The workforce data detailed in the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications' are based on approved allocations at the time of publication and reflect full-time equivalent average numbers for each financial year.
On 30 July 2008 Defence (including DMO) employed 20,439 full-time equivalent Australian Public Service (APS) personnel and approximately 704 contractors (noting that contractor reporting mechanisms were not mature in July 2008). As at 30 June 2012, Defence (including DMO) was employing 22,284 full-time equivalent APS personnel and 493 contractors.
This represents an increase in APS personnel of +1,845 (+9.0%), and a reduction in contractors of approximately -211 (-30.0%) since 1 July 2008. Of these overall changes, the APS increase in Defence was +1,153 (+7.7%) while in DMO it was +692 (+12.7%). The number of contractors in Defence decreased by -48 (-9.6%) while in DMO they decreased by -163 (-79.1%).
With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Civilian Workforce': for the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, how many personnel, including full-time and part-time, were employed as Australian Public Service staff or contractors?
The workforce data detailed in the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications' are based on approved allocations at the time of publication and reflect full-time equivalent average numbers. Using the full-time equivalent (FTE) approach, Defence counts full-time and part-time service as one overall average quantity.
Over the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, the Defence civilian workforce increased from 21,891 full-time equivalent APS personnel and 422 contractors, to 22,284 full-time equivalent average APS personnel and 493 contractors. The overall averages over the period were 22,117 APS and 524 contractors.
Note that the large average for contractors is due to fluctuations in contractor numbers over the period, peaking at 586 in March 2012.
The number of contractors employed on 1 January 2012 was reported previously as 416 but has subsequently been found to be 422 upon further review. The variation is due to one Division reviewing its reporting procedures in March 2012 and discovering that it had inadvertently missed a small number of contractors.
With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications – Civilian Workforce': for the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, how many Australian Public Service staff or contractors, including full-time and part-time, were employed on White Paper/SRP initiatives?
The Government provisioned an additional 1,556 civilian personnel (in Defence and the Defence Materiel Organisation, including Australian Public Service staff and contractors) for 2011-12 under the White Paper, as reflected in the publication The Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen and updated at Table 2.14 of the Defence Annual Report 2010-11.
When staff savings resulting from the Strategic Reform Program (SRP) are accounted for, the net White Paper/SRP total reflected in the Defence Annual Report 2010-11 reduces to 1,261.
The workforce data detailed in The Strategic Reform Program: Making It Happen and the Defence Annual Report 2010-11 are based on approved allocations at the time of publication and reflect full-time equivalent average numbers. Using the full-time equivalent (FTE) approach, Defence counts full-time and part-time service as one overall quantity.
With reference to the White Paper and the Strategic Reform Program 'Indicative Workforce Implications - Civilian Workforce': For the period 1 January to 30 June 2012, what reduction has there been in the number of Australian Public Service staff or contractors employed in implementing: (a) efficiency improvements; (b) civilianisation; (c) support productivity improvements; and (d) contractor conversion (reduction to contractors)?
(a) With regards to implementing the efficiency improvements component of the Strategic Reform Program, there was a reduction of 59 in the number of full-time equivalent personnel employed.
(b) With regards to implementing the civilianisation component of the Strategic Reform Program, there was no reduction in the number of full-time equivalent personnel employed. The civilianisation program has seen growth to the Australian Public Service (APS) to equalise the reduction to military personnel.
(c) With regards to implementing the support productivity improvements component of the Strategic Reform Program, there was no reduction in the number of full-time equivalent personnel employed. The support productivity improvements program is scheduled to commence in financial year 2014-15, following on from the completed implementation of other workforce and shared services components of the Strategic Reform Program.
(d) With regards to implementing the contractor conversion component of the Strategic Reform Program, there was a reduction of 5 contractor positions in the period 1 January to 30 June 2012 and an increase of 6 APS full-time equivalent, noting there was a lag in filling a position previously vacated by contractors.