The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. John Hog g) took the chair at 09:30, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
The Berry Amendment … contains a number of domestic source restrictions that prohibit DOD—
from acquiring food, clothing (including military uniforms), fabrics (including ballistic fibers), stainless steel, and hand or measuring tools that are not grown or produced in the United States. The Berry Amendment applies to DOD purchases only.
There are two pieces of legislation in the US. There is the Buy American Act, that has been in place since President Hoover in 1933; there is also more recent legislation that requires flags on US government buildings and defence establishments to be made in the United States. How do you say that those key pieces of legislation in the US sit with the US's interpretation of the free trade agreement that we have with them?
I have always been puzzled by that. I have never understood how America can enter into these agreements and have legislation like that at home. It baffles me.
The Australian Government’s procurement framework is non-discriminatory. All potential suppliers to government must, subject to these CPRs, be treated equitably based on their commercial, legal, technical and financial abilities and not be discriminated against due to their size, degree of foreign affiliation or ownership, location, or the origin of their goods and services.
These commitments provide access for Australian suppliers to the government procurement markets of other countries, whilst also placing obligations on the Commonwealth Government to open up access to our procurement market. These commitments limit the extent to which the Commonwealth Government can preference local suppliers.
Mr Watts: … for the last seven years that I am aware of, all flag purchases that are flown on flagpoles that we have purchased have been Australian made. That has been my choice for the organisation.
Senator XENOPHON: You might be in breach of WTO obligations, according to the Department of Finance.
Mr Watts: That has been our choice of procurement over the last seven years. There have been reputable suppliers in Australia for that.
In recent times we have seen a shift in purchasing emphasis by the Australian Government that places at risk the ability of companies such as ours the opportunity to compete fairly with overseas sourced flags. Local importers can easily bring in container loads of flags and swamp our market with cheap and inferior products. The manufacturing plants they source these imported products do not have the meet the stringent conditions placed on local companies to meet a host of legislative and regulatory requirements.
… we have seen the most difficult customer to convince of the need to support and buy Australian Made Flags is the Commonwealth Government itself through its departments. The reason offered by public servants is that their hands are tied because of the requirement they have under the present Commonwealth Procurement Procedures and our WTO obligations. I cannot think of any other country in the world that would allow its National Flags to be made in another country and then imported to the detriment of local companies who are willing and capable of making the flag.
Our flag itself displays two symbols, the Southern Cross, which is widely regarded as a symbol of our region, our history, and our foreign relations. Australians, New Zealanders and others in our region use the Southern Cross for a wide variety of regional identity purposes.
Having begun as a British colony, we have grown as a significant Commonwealth member and as a leader in many multinational pacts, treaties and organisations. Again, this demonstrates our outward focus as an energetic, involved partner on the global scene.
This world-class facility is key to the ongoing success of our global R&D strategy and reflects our commitment to providing better treatment options for people who are managing certain bleeding disorders and other life-threatening conditions.
The ongoing development of new and improved therapies for haemophilia couldn't be more important to the bleeding disorder community. It's very heartening to see CSL working with governments in Australia to invest in new technologies and facilities that may benefit people with haemophilia all around the world.
The Commonwealth must only fly, use or supply a designated flag if the flag was made in Australia.
… while the Commonwealth procurement rules seek to be non-discriminatory, in reality they offer a free kick to many importers. We do not compete with overseas suppliers who want to sell here; they sell through local importers. Obviously, the manufacturer overseas does not have to comply, so it is not a level playing field with regard to legislative requirements, regulations, standards, fair work, income tax, payroll tax, superannuation, and occupational health and safety. Clearly the local importer has to, but the local importer may well be two people and a little factory out the back.
… no artistic value, no national significance … Australia is still Britain's little boy … that bastard flag is a true symbol of the bastard state of Australian opinion …
A decade from now the most probable effect of the Agreement on Australia's real gross domestic product is an increase of $6.1 billion per year, or nearly 0.7 per cent above what it might otherwise be
The only significant limitation on the benefits of the Agreement flowing from the rules of origin—
is that it may preclude over 90 per cent of textile and wearing apparel products from Australia receiving preferential tariff treatment on entry into the US.
The deal with Australia is a huge setback in the process of liberalising global agricultural trade. …
The agreement since a chilling message to the rest of the world.
… found that a free-trade agreement with the United States would shrink the Australian economy by 0.03 per cent per year and increase the bilateral trade deficit.
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
REPORT NO. 8 of 2014
1. The committee met in private session on Wednesday, 25 June 2014 at 7.41 pm.
2. The committee resolved to recommend—That—
(a) the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Amendment (A Stronger Land Account) Bill 2014 be referred immediately to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 2 September 2014 (see appendix 1 for a statement of reasons for referral);
(b) the provisions of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (Abolition) Bill 2014 bereferred immediately to the Economics Legislation Committee but was unable to reach agreement on a reporting date (see appendices 2 and 3 for statements of reasons for referral);
(c) the provisions of the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No.2], the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2], the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2], the True-up Shortfall Levy (General) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2], the True-up Shortfall Levy (Excise) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2], the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013 [No. 2], the Customs Tariff Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2], the Excise Tariff Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2] and the Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates and Other Amendments) Bill 2013 [No. 2] bereferred immediately to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee but was unable to reach agreement on a reporting date (see appendices 4 and 5 for statements of reasons for referral);
(d) the provisions of the Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013 [No. 2] bereferred immediately to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committeebut was unable to reach agreement on a reporting date (see appendices 6 and 7 for statements of reasons for referral);
(e) the provisions of the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2014 bereferred immediately to the Education and Employment Legislation Committee but was unable to reach agreement on a reporting date (see appendices 8 and 9 for statements of reasons for referral); and
(f) the provisions of the Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014 bereferred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 26 August 2014 (see appendices 10 and 11 for statements of reasons for referral).
3. The committee resolved to recommend:
That the following bills not be referred to committees:
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential Modifications of Appropriation Acts (No. 1), (No. 3) and (No. 5)) Bill 2014
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential Modifications of Appropriation Acts (No. 2), (No. 4) and (No. 6)) Bill 2014
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential Modifications of Appropriation Acts (Parliamentary Departments)) Bill 2014.
The committee recommends accordingly.
4. The committee deferred consideration of the following bill to its next meeting:
(Helen Kroger)
Chair
26 June 2014
APPENDIX 1
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Amendment (A Stronger Land Account) Bill 2014
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Investigating the role that this Bill can play in:
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Indigenous Land Council
Department of PM&C
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Finance and Public Administration
Possible hearing date(s):
29 August 2014
Possible reporting date:
2 September 2014
(signed)
Senator Siewert
APPENDIX 2
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (Abolition) Bill
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
New Senators need time to get across complex detail of the legislation. Need to understand the negative economic consequences of repeal.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Clean energy Finance Corporation, ARENA, finance recipients
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Economics Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
29 July, 12 Aug
Possible reporting date:
28 August
(signed)
Senator Siewert
APPENDIX 3
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Clean energy Finance Corporation (Abolition) Bill 2013
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
To allow proper scrutiny of this Bill, including the impact of abolishing the Clean Energy Finance Corporation on the Budget bottom line and Australia's efforts to tackle climate change.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Senate Economics Legislation Committee.
Possible hearing date(s):
Possible reporting date:
7 July 2014
(signed)
Senator McEwen
APPENDIX 4
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Clean Energy Legislation Package
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
New Senators need time to get across complex detail of the legislation and to understand the negative economic consequences of repeal.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Clean Energy Regulator, Department of Environment, Treasury and affected businesses.
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Possible hearing date(s):
30 July, 14 Aug, 18 Sept
Possible reporting date:
2 October
(signed)
Senator Siewert
APPENDIX 5
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax
Repeal) Bill 2013
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Amendment (Carbon
Tax Repeal) Bill 2013
True-up Shortfall Levy (General) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013
True-up Shortfall Levy (Excise) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) (Transitional Provisions) Bill
2013
Customs Tariff Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013
Excise Tariff Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013
Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates and Other Amendments) Bill 2013
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
To ensure proper scrutiny of these Bills and their impact on Australia's efforts to tackle climate change and carbon pollution.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Possible hearing date(s):
Possible reporting date:
(signed)
Senator McEwen
APPENDIX 6
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
To allow scrutiny of the Bill and the impact of the abolition of the Climate Change Authority on the Government's ability to receive independent advice on climate change and on efforts to reduce carbon pollution.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Possible hearing date(s):
Possible reporting date:
7 July 2014
(signed)
Senator McEwen
APPENDIX 7
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
New Senators need time to get across the detail of the expert advice that the Climate Change Authority provides to the Parliament and the Australian public.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Climate Change Authority, Treasury, ABARE, BREE
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Environment and Communications Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
28 July, 19 Aug
Possible reporting date:
4 September
(signed)
Senator Siewert
APPENDIX 8
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Family Assistance legislation Amendment (Child Care Measures) Bill (No.2) 2014
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Detailed scrutiny of this bill is required including information on the impact of these measures on the families currently receiving financial assistance and how this Bill will impact on decisions that parents are making about working, training or improving their education. Submissions and evidence is needed to fully assess and consider the Bill.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Parents and carers, child care educators, child care service providers, employers, families groups, welfare groups, the Department of Education.
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
Possible reporting date:
28 Aug 2014
(signed)
Senator McEwen
APPENDIX 9
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Family Assistance legislation Amendment (Child Care Measures) Bill (No.2) 2014
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Implications that this Bill will have on Australian families
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Goodstart Early Learning
Early Childhood Australia
Australian Childcare Alliance
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Education and Employment Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
18-22 September 2014.
Possible reporting date:
Wednesday, 3 September, 2014
(signed)
Senator Siewert
APPENDIX 10
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
Implications that this Bill will have on asylum seekers seeking protection in Australia
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Amnesty International Australia
Human Rights Law Centre of Australia
Law Council
Refugee Council of Australia
Refugee and Immigration legal Centre
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
8-11 September 2014.
Possible reporting date:
Tuesday, 21 October, 2014
(signed)
Senator Siewert
APPENDIX 11
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:
Name of bill:
Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014
Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:
To clarify the operation of schedules contained within the Bill, in particular to ensure procedural fairness is afforded to visa applicants throughout the application process including during merits review.
To ensure the Bill does not breach or negatively impact upon Australia's non-refoulement obligations under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and to investigate the impact of possible changes to the threshold engaged when considering risk of harm from potential refoulement.
Possible submissions or evidence from:
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Australian Human Rights Commissioner
Law Council of Australia
Committee to which bill is to be referred:
Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee
Possible hearing date(s):
Possible reporting date:
26 August 2014
(signed)
Senator McEwen
That the report be adopted.
At the end of the motion, add, "but, in respect of:
(a) the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (Abolition) Bill 2014, the provisions of the bill NOT be referred to a committee;
(b) the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No.2] and associated bills, the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee report by 14 July 2014; and
(c) the Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013[No. 2], the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee report by 14 July 2014.".
(1) Paragraphs (b) and (c), omit "14 July 2014", and substitute "2 October 2014".
in respect of paragraphs (b) and (c), omit "14 July", substitute "7 July"
That the question be now put.
The Senate divided [12:21]
(The President—Senator Hogg)
The Senate divided. [12:24]
(The President—Senator Hogg)
At the end of the proposed amendment, add the following new paragraphs:
(d) the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2014, the Education and Employment Legislation Committee report by 28 August 2014;
(e) the Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014, the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee report by 22 September 2014."
In respect of paragraph (d), omit "28 August", substitute "7 July", and in respect of paragraph (e), omit "22 September" and substitute "26 August".
The Senate divided. [12:29]
(The President—Senator Hogg)
That—
(a) government business orders of the day as shown in the list circulated in the chamber be considered from 12.45 pm today; and
(b) government business be called on after consideration of the bills listed in paragraph (a) and considered till not later than 2 pm today.
That the order of general business for consideration today be as follows:
(a) general business notice of motion no. 312 standing in the name of Senator Moore relating to the Abbott Government’s budget; and
(b) orders of the day relating to government documents.
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee on Manus Island be extended to 24 September 2014.
That leave of absence be granted to Senator Colbeck for today, on account of ministerial business.
That the following matters be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 27 October 2014:
(a) the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in Australia as it affects all Australians and, in particular, as it affects:
(i) women living with a disability, and
(ii) women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds;
(b) the factors contributing to the present levels of domestic violence;
(c) the adequacy of policy and community responses to domestic violence;
(d) the effects of policy decisions regarding housing, legal services, and women's economic independence on the ability of women to escape domestic violence;
(e) how the Federal Government can best support, contribute to and drive the social, cultural and behavioural shifts required to eliminate violence against women and their children; and
(f) any other related matters.
That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 October 2014:
The history, effectiveness, performance and future of the National Landcare Program, including:
(a) the establishment and performance of the Natural Heritage Trust;
(b) the establishment and performance of the Caring for Our Country program;
(c) the outcomes to date and for the forward estimates period of Caring for Our Country;
(d) the implications of the 2014-15 Budget for land care programs, in particular, on contracts, scope, structure, outcomes of programs and long-term impact on natural resource management;
(e) the Government's policy rationale in relation to changes to land care programs;
(f) analysis of national, state and regional funding priorities for land care programs;
(g) how the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture have, and can, work together to deliver a seamless land care program;
(h) the role of natural resource management bodies in past and future planning, delivery, reporting and outcomes; and
(i) any other related matters.
(1) That the following matters be referred to the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by the seventh sitting day in March 2015:
(a) progress in implementing the recommendations of the committee's 2012 reports into the performance of the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), with particular reference to:
(i) workplace culture and employment issues,
(ii) heritage management, building maintenance and asset management issues, and
(iii) contract management;
(b) the senior management structure of DPS and arrangements to maintain the independence of the Parliamentary Librarian;
(c) oversight arrangements for security in the parliamentary precincts and security policies;
(d) progress in consolidating Information and Communication Technology services and future directions;
(e) the future of Hansard within DPS;
(f) the use of Parliament House as a commercial venue;
(g) further consideration of budget-setting processes for the Parliament and the merits of distinguishing the operating costs of the parliamentary institution and such direct support services such as Hansard, Broadcasting and the Parliamentary Library, from the operations and maintenance of the parliamentary estate;
(h) consideration of whether the distinction between the operations of the parliamentary institution and its direct support services, and the operations and maintenance of the parliamentary estate, is a more effective and useful foundation for future administrative support arrangements, taking into account the need for the Houses to be independent of one another and of the executive government; and
(i) any related matters.
(2) That, in undertaking the inquiry, the committee have access to relevant records and evidence of the committee in the previous Parliament.
That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 3 December 2014:
The adequacy of arrangements to prevent the entry and establishment of invasive species likely to harm Australia's natural environment, including:
(a) recent biosecurity performance with respect to exotic organisms with the potential to harm the natural environment detected since 2000 and resulting from accidental or illegal introductions from overseas, including:
(i) the extent of detected incursions, including numbers, locations and species, and their potential future environmental, social and economic impacts,
(ii) the likely pathways of these recently detected incursions and any weaknesses in biosecurity that have facilitated their entry and establishment,
(iii) the extent of quarantine interceptions of exotic organisms with the potential to harm the natural environment, including numbers, locations, species and potential impacts, and
(iv) any reviews or analyses of detected incursions or interceptions relevant to the environment and any changes in biosecurity processes resulting from those reviews or analyses;
(b) Australia's state of preparedness for new environmental incursions, including:
(i) the extent to which high priority risks for the environment have been identified in terms of both organisms and pathways, and accorded priority in relation to other biosecurity priorities,
(ii) the process for determining priorities for import risk analyses and the process for prioritising the preparation of these analyses,
(iii) the current approach to contingency planning for high priority environmental risks and the process by which they were developed,
(iv) the adequacy of current protocols and surveillance and their implementation for high-priority environmental risks,
(v) current systems for responses to newly detected incursions, the timeliness and adequacy, and the role of ecological expertise,
(vi) the extent to which compliance monitoring and enforcement activities are focused on high priority environmental risks,
(vii) the adequacy of reporting on incursions, transparency in decision-making and engagement of the community, and
(viii) institutional arrangements for environmental biosecurity and potential improvements; and
(c) any other related matter.
That the Senate acknowledges that:
(a) the week beginning 21 June 2014 is Motor Neurone Disease Global Week of Action when the International Association of ALS/MND highlights research and action seeking a world free from Motor Neurone Disease (MND);
(b) MND Week began with the winter solstice on Saturday, 21 June, a turning point when the global MND community comes together to express their hope that there will be a turning point in the search for the causes, effective treatments and ultimately a cure;
(c) MND is a rapidly progressive, terminal neurological disease for which there is no known cure and no effective treatment and that two Australians are diagnosed with the disease every day;
(d) the average life expectancy from diagnosis is 27 months;
(e) about 1 900 Australians have MND and thousands more families and carers live daily with the effects of MND;
(f) the International Association of ALS/MND seeks support for the five rights of people with MND:
(i) the right to an early diagnosis and information,
(ii) the right to access quality care and treatment,
(iii) the right to be treated as individuals with dignity and respect,
(iv) the right to maximise their quality of life, and
(v) that their carers have the right to be valued, respected, listened to and well supported; and
(g) today Members of Parliament and others wear cornflowers as a symbol of the courage of those with MND and their carers.
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Finance and Public Administration References Committee on its inquiry into Commonwealth procurement procedures be extended to 10 July 2014.
That the following matters be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 4 September 2014:
(a) the work undertaken by the Australian Federal Police's Oil for Food Taskforce;
(b) the level of resourcing that was provided and used by the taskforce; and
(c) any other related matters.
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) the current gender pay gap of approximately 17.5 per cent in Australia,
(ii) recognition by industry of the need to address the gender pay gap,
(iii) support by key industry figures for current gender equality reporting requirements within Schedule 1 of the Workplace Gender Equality (Matters in relation to Gender Equality Indicators) Instrument 2013 (the Instrument) under the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012,
(iv) the Government's deferral of increases to gender equality reporting matters by delaying the commencement of Schedule 2 of the Instrument in order to consult industry, and
(v) that such consultation on gender equality reporting requirements is currently underway; and
(b) calls on the Government to retain the existing gender equality reporting requirements contained in Schedule 1 of the Instrument.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, no later than 8 July 2014, all correspondence, whether written or in email form, between the Department of Agriculture and the Minister's office relating to the cattle industry's compensation claim resulting from the 5 week suspension of live export trade to Indonesia in 2011, and all correspondence, whether written or in email form, between the Minister's office and the Department of Finance, the Australian Government Solicitor and the Attorney-General's office, relating to the same matter.
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) the findings of the Youth Mental Health Report by Mission Australia and the Black Dog Institute, which states that 60 per cent of young people with a mental illness are not comfortable seeking information, advice or support from community agencies, online counselling or telephone hotlines, and
(ii) the judgement of the High Court in Williams v. Commonwealth of Australia (no. 2), which found the Commonwealth's National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program to be unconstitutional; and
(b) calls on the Federal Government to bring legislation before the Parliament supporting access to professional mental health support in schools by redirecting funding allocated to the National School Chaplaincy Program from 2015 to qualified mental health workers.
The Senate divided. [12:51]
(The Deputy President—Senator Parry)
(1) Schedule 1, item 5, page 15, (lines 2 to 14), omit the item, substitute:
5 After regulation 36
Insert:
36A Compensation for acquisition of property
(1) If the operation of regulation 34 or 35 would result in an acquisition of property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) from a person otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph), the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person.
(2) If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia or another court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.
That this bill be now read a third time.
That these bills be now read a third time.
This supports the overall sustainability of MBS arrangements by reducing expenditure.
That this bill be now read a third time.
That these bills be now read a second time.
PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CONSEQUENTIAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS) BILL 2014
Today I bring forward a package of four bills to support the implementation of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (the PGPA Act).
The PGPA Act will replace, from 1 July 2014, the existing model for Commonwealth financial management established through the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 (FMA Act) and theCommonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 (CAC Act). The PGPA Act will become the primary resource and governance legislation for Commonwealth entities and companies.
The PGPA Act marks an important evolution in public sector management, in the same way that the introduction of the FMA Act and the CAC Act did, more than 15 years ago.
The PGPA Act was passed in the last days of the last Parliament. While the Government, then the Opposition, supported the aims of the reform process enshrined in the PGPA Act, we understandably had concerns about how its underlying principles would work in practice.
The Government continues to support the aims of the PGPA Act and places great importance on ensuring it is properly implemented.
The PGPA Act consolidates under one law the governance, performance and accountability framework for the Commonwealth and relevant entities. Detailed arrangements on how these principles will be applied are to be set out in the PGPA Rule.
The package of Bills I am introducing today involves:
The PGPA C&T Bill would, if enacted, amend more than 250 Acts across the Commonwealth to support the implementation of the PGPA Act and its related rules and instruments.
As you can see from the sheer size of the legislative package the effect of these amendments goes across all of government and is essential to effective implementation of a new resource and governance framework.
The legislation affects every portfolio, covering amendments ranging from the Auditor-General Act to the Water Act and many in between.
The legislation covers the details on when certain provisions of the PGPA Act start and when certain provisions of the FMA and CAC Acts cease operating.
It is extensive and wide-ranging in its coverage and ensures that legislation currently based on the working of the FMA and CAC Acts can work under the PGPA arrangements.
This includes clarifying where Commonwealth entities should operate in a consistent fashion and where, as a result of decisions by Parliament, an entity has particular obligations that depart from the standard approach – as in the case of the Parliamentary Departments or the Reserve Bank or the Research and Development Corporations.
The Bill would also amend the Public Service Act 1999 to address a recent recommendation of the Parliamentary Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (the JCPAA).
In considering the development of draft rules under the PGPA Act, the JCPAA recommended that the Department of Finance and the Australian Public Service Commission work collaboratively to develop amendments to the PGPA Act and the Public Service Act to reduce potential confusion regarding the duties for public officials and the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct for APS employees. This is being achieved through making amendments to the Code of Conduct to align the wording of the Code with the general duties of officials in the PGPA Act.
To ensure continuing alignment with the Public Service Act, the Bill also proposes making amendments to the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and its Code of Conduct similar to those proposed for the PS Act.
I wish to thank the Speaker and the Senate President for their prompt consideration of - and support for - these proposed changes.
The amendments to these two Acts will complement amendments to the duties of officials under sections 25-29 of the PGPA Act that were moved on the floor of this House on 4 June 2014 to amend the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment Bill 2014 , and would ensure an improved alignment of the duties of officials under the PGPA Act with the corresponding duties under the PS Act and the Parliamentary Service Act.
The other three Bills in this package modify the application of the annual Appropriation Acts for 2014-15 (once passed by the Parliament) and for the two previous financial years. These Bills are designed to change the terminology in existing Appropriations Acts from the current financial legislation to the equivalent PGPA Act terminology.
Separate Bills are needed, rather than just making the amendments through the PGPA C&T Bill, as an Appropriation Act can only be amended by a subsequent Appropriation Bill.
These Bills are split to cover Appropriation Acts across the three years dealing with:
They confirm the continuing ability of entities to access the appropriations approved by the Parliament.
The package of Bills I am introducing today would, if enacted:
These Bills arise from the development of the detail needed for the implementation of the PGPA Act.
While the changes are technical in nature they provide greater certainty in relation to the operation of the Act as well as supporting the design of more operationally effective supporting rules.
The Bills, if enacted, will support the PGPA Act and simplify the regulatory requirements and contribute to long-term efficiencies, in terms of achieving improved governance, transparency and accountability arrangements for Commonwealth entities (including both non-corporate Commonwealth entities and corporate Commonwealth entities) within the Australian Government.
They are part of a broader public management reform agenda that is intended to support the government’s deregulation agenda and the active management of risk in delivering services to the Australian community.
Officials who are better able to engage with risk are less likely to develop regulatory frameworks which are unnecessarily prescriptive and out of step with commercial practice.
These Bills represent, accordingly, another crucial step to help ensure the smooth transition to a more effective financial framework for the Commonwealth.
I commend the Bills.
PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CONSEQUENTIAL MODIFICATIONS OF APPROPRIATION ACTS (No. 1), (No. 3) AND No. 5)) BILL 2014
As I outlined previously, today I bring forward a package of four bills to support the implementation of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (the PGPA Act).
I now introduce the second of those Bills, the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential Modifications of Appropriation Acts (No. 1), (No. 3) and No. 5)) Bill 2014.
This Bill will modify the application of the annual Appropriation Acts for 2014-15 (once passed by the Parliament) and for the two previous financial years, in relation to amounts for the ordinary annual services of government contained in Appropriations Acts No. 1, 3 and/or 5 for each of those years.
This Bill will confirm the continuing ability of entities to access the appropriations approved by the Parliament.
I commend the Bill.
PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CONSEQUENTIAL MODIFICATIONS OF APPROPRIATION ACTS (No. 2), (No. 4) AND No. 6)) BILL 2014
The third Bill in the package is the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential Modifications of Appropriation Acts (No. 2), (No. 4) and No. 6)) Bill 2014 .
This Bill will modify the application of the annual Appropriation Acts for 2014-15 (once passed by the Parliament) and for the two previous financial years, in relation to amounts other than the ordinary annual services of government contained in Appropriations Acts No. 2, 4 and/or 6 for each of those years.
This Bill will confirm the continuing ability of entities to access the appropriations approved by the Parliament.
I commend the Bill.
PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CONSEQUENTIAL MODIFICATIONS OF APPROPRIATION ACTS (PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS)) BILL 2014
The final Bill in the package is the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential Modifications of Appropriation Acts (Parliamentary Departments)) Bill 2014.
This Bill will modify the application of the annual Appropriation Acts for 2014-15 (once passed by the Parliament) and for the two previous financial years, in relation to amounts for the Parliamentary Departments for each of those years.
This Bill will confirm the continuing ability of entities to access the appropriations approved by the Parliament.
I commend the Bill.
I want to make it absolutely crystal clear that no cleaner's pay is reduced… This government has not reduced the pay of any cleaner full stop, end of story. This government has not reduced the pay of any cleaner.
Schedule 2, page 28 (after line 15), after item 58, insert:
58A Guidelines
The amendments to section 65 of the FMA Act made by this Schedule do not affect the continuity of the Commonwealth Cleaning Services Guidelines 2012, as in force immediately before the commencement time.
Recommendation 1
The Committee recommends that the Department of Finance review all Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 guidance material to improve consistency in:
- the context provided
- document structure
- distinguishing between mandatory requirements and good practice terminology
Recommendation 2
The Committee recommends that the following additional guiding principle be included as one of the guiding principles for the Public Management Reform Agenda:
- The financial framework, including the rules and supporting policy and guidance, should support the legitimate requirements of the Government and the Parliament in discharging their respective responsibilities.
Recommendation 3
The Committee recommends that the Department of Finance work to ensure that any necessary amendments are made to the Auditor-General’s Act 1997 such that the Australian National Audit Office has the power to audit the full planning, performance and accountability framework under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Recommendation 4
The Committee does not recommend a change to the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) at this time, to address the potential confusion from dual coverage with the Public Service Act 1999 (PS Act).
Instead, the Committee recommends that the Department of Finance and the Australian Public Service Commission work together to draft the necessary amendments to the PGPA Act and/or the PS Act to remove overlaps and reduce potential confusion from dual coverage, and that amendment proposals be put to the Parliament.
Recommendation 5
The Committee recommends that the Department of Finance (Finance) amend the draft guidance to s17 and s28 of the draft Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 to emphasise that nothing in the draft rule precludes the chair, chief executive officer and chief financial officer of a Commonwealth body from attending audit committee meetings as an observer. Finance should also widely communicate this point.
Recommendation 6
The Committee recommends that draft rule s18 (Approving commitments of relevant money) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 be amended to explicitly place an obligation on all individual officials to consider proper use and management of public resources before approving commitments of relevant money.
Recommendation 7
The Committee recommends that the issue of commitments of relevant money, and the appropriateness of spending limits and associated documentation requirements set by accountable authorities, be included by the Department of Finance in the first independent review of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
Recommendation 8
The Committee recommends that the draft guidance material supporting s18 (Approving commitments of relevant money) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 be amended to include discussion of the reasonable use of, and the risks involved in, officials approving aggregate expenditure proposals.
Recommendation 9
The Committee recommends that the Department of Finance continue its consultation process with stakeholders on the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 rules development for the post July 2014 rules and the broader Public Management Reform Agenda, based on the comprehensive consultation approach taken to date.
Recommendation 10
The Committee recommends that the Department of Finance prepare and communicate a plan clearly outlining the anticipated dates for development and consultation of all future rules and guidance materials under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and the broader Public Management Reform Agenda.
That these bills be now read a third time.
(1) Schedule 1, page 7 (after line 14), after item 31, insert:
31A At the end of section 31 of the Code set out in the Schedule
Add:
(4) The APVMA must, as soon as is reasonable after the commencement of this subsection and in accordance with this Division, reconsider:
(a) the approval of an active constituent for a proposed or existing chemical product, if subsection (5) applies to the active constituent; or
(b) the registration of a chemical product, if subsection (5) applies to the chemical product.
(5) This subsection applies to an active constituent or chemical product if, at the commencement of this subsection, the active constituent or chemical product:
(a) is included in Schedule 7 to the current Poisons Standard (within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 ); or
(b) is categorised as any of the following under the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals of the United Nations:
(i) Category 1A or 1B carcinogen;
(ii) Category 1A or 1B germ cell mutagen;
(iii) Category 1A or 1B reproductive toxicant;
(iv) Category 1 chronic hazard to the aquatic environment; or
(c) is included in Class 1a or 1b of the WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard of the World Health Organization; or
(d) is listed in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, done at Stockholm on 22 May 2001, (the Stockholm Convention ); or
Note: The Convention is in Australian Treaty Series 2004 No. 23 ([2004] ATS 23) and could in 2014 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
(e) taking into consideration the criteria in paragraph 1 of Annex D to the Stockholm Convention, exhibits the characteristics of persistent organic pollutants; or
(f) is listed in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, done at Rotterdam on 10 September 1998; or
Note: The Convention is in Australian Treaty Series 2004 No. 22 ([2004] ATS 22) and could in 2014 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
(g) is a controlled substance (within the meaning of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, done at Montreal on 15 September 1987); or
Note: The Protocol is in Australian Treaty Series 1989 No. 18 ([1989] ATS 18) and could in 2014 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
(h) is an active constituent or chemical product possession of which is generally prohibited under the law of Canada, the European Union, New Zealand or the United States that corresponds to this Code; or
(i) has shown a high incidence of severe or irreversible adverse effects on human health or the environment.
That leave of absence for personal reasons be granted to Senator Peris for today, 26 June 2014.
That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs (Senator Scullion) and the Assistant Minister for Health (Senator Nash) to questions without notice asked by Senators Cameron, Sterle and Collins today relating to funding for Indigenous programs and to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Action Plan.
During the past decade, funding on indigenous affairs has increased by 80 per cent in real terms.
Australian Government response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Inquiry: Australia ' s overseas development programs in Afghanistan
This is the Australian Government's response to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report entitled Australia ' s overseas development programs in Afghanistan , as tabled on 16 May 2013.
The Government thanks the Committee for its work and welcomes its consideration of the challenges confronting Afghanistan and the best mechanisms through which to deliver Australian aid in this environment. These considerations are timely as Afghanistan undertakes the important transition to Afghan‑led security.
In particular, the Government welcomes the Committee's acknowledgement of the Australian aid program's substantial achievements in a difficult and high-risk environment, and its recognition of Australia's contribution to the development gains that have occurred in Afghanistan over the past decade.
Australia's future development assistance to Afghanistan is subject to the Government's review of the aid budget.
The Government will take advantage of future opportunities, in particular the 2014-15 Budget, to provide further details on its approach to Australia's development engagement with Afghanistan.
Review of Australia ' s civil-military-police role in Afghanistan
Recommendation 1 paragraphs 8.51 and 8.52
The committee recommends that the Australian Civil-Military Centre undertake a comprehensive review of Australia ' s civil-military-police mission in Uruzgan Province that includes taking submissions from NGOs, local NGOs and civil society organisations working in the province. The scope of the review to include whether, or to what extent, the ADF ' s involvement in delivering development assistance in Afghanistan has:
The committee also believes that it is important for the review to consider whether Australian development assistance had any role in empowering local individuals in Uruzgan and, if so, the lessons to be learnt from it.
Agreed in principle.
This recommendation calls for a comprehensive review, which may require in-country research in Afghanistan. Such a review will have significant cost, logistic and risk implications. The Australian Civil Military Centre (ACMC) was already scoping an Afghan 'lessons learned' analysis for whole-of-government consideration. This project will enable the ACMC to address the Senate Standing Committee's recommendation for a review of Australia's whole-of-government effort in Afghanistan, using existing resources and a process already in train. ACMC is at the concept development stage. The study will be led indicatively by a former senior Australian official. The comprehensive review is expected to take several months, and consultancy fees are expected to be in the vicinity of $400,000.
More broadly, the specific issues identified by the Committee fall beyond the expertise and mandate of the ACMC, which is to support the development of national civil-military capabilities to prevent, prepare for and respond more effectively to conflicts and disasters overseas. It is beyond the competence and authority of the ACMC to inquire into all the matters identified by the Committee.
Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships
Recommendation 2 paragraph 9.42–9.43
The committee recommends that AusAID conduct its own internal investigation into, and report on, the circumstances around the administration of the Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships program for Afghanistan. The investigation to include, but not limited to, AusAID ' s due diligence; the adequacy of its oversight of the program; its promptness in responding to indications that something may have been amiss, and the reasons for its failure to inform the committee of allegations of fraud when the matter was discussed in December 2012.
The committee recommends further that, using Mr Niamatullah Ibrahimi ' s experiences as a case study, this investigation also look closely at the processes for communicating with applicants, including the accuracy and timeliness of advice; the transparency of the application and selection process; and the overall level of competence evident in the administration of this program.
The committee recommends that AusAID provide the committee with a copy of the report.
Recommendation 3 paragraph 9.44
The committee also recommends that AusAID provide the committee with a copy of the report from Protiviti, an independent audit company, following its investigation into the Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships program for Afghanistan.
Noted
In January 2013, AusAID initiated a comprehensive independent investigation into the Australian Awards program in Afghanistan. This investigation is expected to conclude shortly.
The investigation does not deal with the experiences of Mr Ibrahimi, as the suspension of the Australia Awards Program [Scholarships and Leadership] in August 2012 did not impact on the selection of Afghan candidates for the Australia Awards Leadership Program in 2012. The Australia Award Leadership Program is a separate program managed through a separate selection process.
The Government will decide separately on the release of the independent investigation report.
Recommendation 8 paragraph 13.19
The committee recommends further that DFAT together with AusAID encourage, assist and fund the establishment of an alumni organisation designed to foster and strengthen the people-to-people links between Afghan graduates from Australian institutions under the various scholarship programs and the respective institutions.
Agreed
An Afghan alumni organisation for the Australia Awards was established in 2012.
Recommendation 9 paragraph 13.21
The committee recommends that the Australian Government ensure that the Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships for Afghan students, or a suitable replacement, commence as soon as possible.
Recommendation 20 paragraph 14.78
The committee recommends that AusAID monitor its Australia Development Scholarship Program to ensure that its administration is sound; that the selection process is open and transparent; that there is a close correlation between the courses undertaken and the development needs of Afghanistan; and that the students return to Afghanistan to take up positions in that country.
Noted
The Government will decide separately on the future of the scholarships program to Afghanistan.
Resettlement for Afghans who have assisted Australia ' s mission in Afghanistan
Recommendation 4 paragraph 11.24
The committee supports the Australian Government ' s initiative to offer resettlement to Australia to locally engaged Afghan employees at the greatest risk of harm as a consequence of their support to Australia ' s mission in Afghanistan. The committee recommends, however, that the Australian Government ensure that the resettlement program is available to all such locally engaged staff at credible risk and not just those at the greatest risk of harm .
Agreed
On 13 December 2012, the former Ministers for Immigration and Citizenship and Defence announced that Australia would offer resettlement to eligible locally engaged Afghan employees at risk of harm due to their employment in support of Australia's mission in Afghanistan. The policy came into legislative effect on 1 January 2013 and applications are being considered.
The resettlement program is available to local Afghans who are, or have been, employed with Australian agencies, and are assessed to be at significant risk of harm due to their role, location, employment period and currency of employment. Applicants will also need to meet standard visa criteria covering health, character and security checks.
Recommendation 5 paragraph 11.25
In light of problems with the Australian Leadership Awards Scholarships program for Afghanistan and the delay in processing visas for visiting Afghans detailed in chapter 9, the committee recommends that DFAT, AusAID, and DIAC review carefully the procedures and protocols governing this resettlement scheme. The committee recommends that together they build measures into the administration of the scheme that will expedite the process, minimise risks to the safety of those in Afghanistan seeking eligibility for resettlement and uphold the integrity of the scheme (especially guarding against corruption). The committee recommends that all relevant agencies give close attention to strengthening inter-departmental communication, liaison, oversight of the program, and streamlining administrative processes .
Noted
Comprehensive protocols and procedures govern implementation of the policy for resettlement of eligible locally engaged Afghan employees. A standing inter-departmental committee (IDC) comprising members from, Defence, DIAC, AFP, and DFAT/AusAID has been in place since January 2013 to assist each agency develop consistent procedures and protocols for implementing the policy.
The procedures and protocols of each agency cover the administrative and legal requirements to enable efficient, thorough and consistent implementation of the policy.
Education
Recommendation 6 paragraph 13.17
The committee recommends that AusAID should ensure that its support for the education sector includes an adequate focus on education quality, and specifically on learning outcomes and teacher training.
Recommendation 7 paragraph 13.18
The committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to support the Malaysia Australia Education Project for Afghanistan and to explore ways to build on its successes. The committee recommends that the Australian Government give particular attention to achieving a significant quota of women for the program, which may require additional effort to ensure that young women are graduating from year 12 and then have the opportunity to take up the offer of a scholarship.
Noted
Australia is helping Afghanistan to improve service delivery in education by expanding access to schools, improving the quality of education, and improving the Government of Afghanistan's capacity to deliver education services. Education programs include a focus on education quality, including by measuring learning outcomes and training more teachers, especially female teachers.
The Government will decide separately on future support to the Malaysia–Australia Education Project for Afghanistan (MAEPA). MAEPA is not a scholarships program— it supports professional development for qualified Master Teacher Trainers (not high school graduates).
Recommendation 10 paragraph 13.28
The committee recommends that the Australian Government expand its support for girls ' education in Afghanistan.
Noted
DFAT support for education programs in Afghanistan will continue to emphasise expanding support for girls' education.
Recommendation 11 paragraph 13.29
The committee recommends that the Australian Government support the Afghan Ministry of Education to disaggregate enrolment figures by gender.
Agreed
DFAT supports the Ministry of Education, through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), to strengthen data collection and reporting on school enrolment and attendance, including gender-disaggregated data, through the Education Management Information System and ARTF results reporting.
Recommendation 12 paragraph 13.30
The committee recommends that AusAID increase its support for programs that aim to increase community participation in the management of schools, including supporting local governance structures.
Noted
DFAT supports community-based education in Afghanistan. The community-based education model ensures community participation by establishing village education and school management committees. This is currently being applied through activities such as the Empowerment Through Education Program, implemented by CARE Australia.
Recommendation 13 paragraph 13.31
The committee recommends that AusAID continue its support for the ' Children of Uruzgan ' program providing a clear commitment to a reliable and secure source of funding post 2014.
Agreed
The Children of Uruzgan program is planned to continue until June 2015.
Agriculture and food security
Recommendation 14 paragraph 14.35
The committee recommends that the Australian Government ensure that as Australia ' s ODA increases in the coming years that the funding for food security and agriculture increases proportionately.
Recommendation 15 paragraph 14.36
The committee recommends that AusAID and DFAT use their influence with the Government of Afghanistan, relevant line ministries and major multilateral organisations delivering agricultural assistance to reinforce the importance that such assistance:
- ensures that poorer farmers have affordable and easy access to seed centres and appropriate technologies;
- takes account of the need to train farmers, especially those in the poorer communities, to apply the benefits of agricultural research and development;
- involves women in all aspects of aid funded agricultural projects to enable women and their families to benefit from reforms in agriculture; and
- includes disaster risk management, especially building the resilience of poor Afghan farmers to withstand natural disasters, as a necessary component.
The committee recommends further that the four principles identified above are given priority when designing, planning and implementing Australian-funded agricultural projects in Afghanistan.
Recommendation 16 paragraph 14.38
The committee also recommends that the Australian Government provide direct support for agricultural development programs based on the four principles in recommendation 15.
Noted
Assistance to rural development and food security is a focus for Australia's aid program to Afghanistan.
The considerations outlined in the Committee's recommendation 15 will continue to inform the development of Australian agricultural and rural development programs in Afghanistan.
Mining
Recommendation 17 paragraph 14.75
The committee recommends that AusAID continue to encourage and offer advice and technical assistance to help Afghanistan become and remain a fully-compliant member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
Recommendation 18 paragraph 14.76
The committee recommends that AusAID continue to encourage and offer advice and technical assistance to the relevant line ministry in Afghanistan to develop a robust legal and regulatory regime for extractive industries in Afghanistan.
Recommendation 19 paragraph 14.77
The committee recommends that the Australian Government should, through the Afghan Government, make itself available to support local community involvement in all aspects of a proposed mining activity in their locality, including matters such as planning and oversight, particularly when it comes to the environment, local employment and investment of some of the mining revenue in local industries.
Noted
Australia is providing support to improve governance of the Afghan mining sector as a well-regulated mining sector that has the potential to unlock significant socio-economic benefits and increased revenues in the medium to longer term.
Funding through Afghan ' s National Budget—Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund
Recommendation 21 paragraphs 15.7–15.9
The committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to channel a substantial proportion of its ODA (at least 50 per cent) to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund.
The committee also recommends that the Australian Government use its influence with other donor countries to encourage them to abide by the Kabul communiqué and channel 50 per cent of their ODA through the Afghan national budget.
The committee recommends further that, in light of the findings of the recent 2012 independent review of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, the Australian Government continue to encourage the World Bank to implement the review ' s recommendations.
Noted
The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) is an effective mechanism for assisting the Afghan Government to deliver basic services and provide economic opportunities for its people.
Local NGOs
Recommendation 22 paragraphs 15.35
The committee understands the importance of ensuring that development assistance reaches the local level and the most vulnerable. It recognises that Australia works through multilateral organisations and NGOs that in turn team up with local organisations. The committee, however, is of the view that more could be done to foster the use of local NGOs. The committee recommends that Australian agencies providing development assistance in Afghanistan place a high priority on selecting international partners that have deep connections and relationships with the local community and use local organisations to help deliver aid.
Recommendation 23 paragraphs 15.36
The committee recommends further that any proposed cut to the aid budget to Afghanistan should take account of the need to defend the gains made to date. One key means of doing so, is by building the capacity of local communities to assume responsibility for delivering front-line services such as education and health. In this regard, the committee notes the deferral of the Australia Afghanistan Community Resilience Scheme and recommends that the Australian Government strengthen not weaken its efforts to involve local NGOs in the delivery of development assistance.
Noted
Australia's aid program makes significant use of civil society and NGOs that are effective in achieving results and delivering value for money.
The Australian Government has stated that Afghanistan remains an enduring interest and that Australia will continue to support Afghanistan's development.
The Australia Afghanistan Community Resilience Scheme Request for Submissions was publically released in April 2013. The five successful tenderers were advised on 3 December 2013.
Afghanistan ' s private sector
Recommendation 24 paragraph 15.44
Considering the commitment that Australia has given to help Afghanistan rebuild and the important role of the private sector in this recovery, the committee recommends that DFAT consider establishing an Australia–Afghanistan Institute. The intention would be for the institute to have a business and education focus that would help pave the way for increased academic and business engagement between both countries and strengthen institutional links between their universities, research institutes and NGOs.
Noted
DFAT has considered this recommendation but has no plans at this time to establish an Australia-Afghanistan Institute.
DFAT has welcomed the establishment of an Australia-Afghan Business Council (AABC).
Recommendation 25 paragraphs 15.46–15.47
The committee recommends that AusAID and DFAT look at implementing concrete and practical ways in which they could assist members of the Afghan community in Australia to contribute to the development of Afghanistan. The proposed Australia–Afghanistan Institute could provide one such avenue.
The committee recommends further that AusAID look carefully at the requirements for an organisation to be accredited as an overseas operating NGO with a view to giving positive encouragement and support (both funding and administrative) to Afghans in Australia seeking to assist Afghanistan with its recovery.
Noted
DFAT supports the development of people-to-people links between Australia and Afghanistan, within the constraints imposed by the current 'Do Not Travel' recommendation of the travel advice.
Women in Afghanistan
Recommendation 26 paragraph 16.23
The committee recommends that the ADF and AFP take the opportunity in their training, mentoring and advisory role with their Afghan counterparts to help create an awareness of the importance of gender equality and human rights and to encourage greater participation of Afghan women in Afghanistan ' s military and police forces.
Agreed
Defence supports greater participation and empowerment of Afghan women within their local communities. The ADF has encouraged this by employing a variety of measures, including deploying female ADF personnel to work in Female Engagement Teams to meet with Afghan women to develop vocational skills, health services and employment opportunities. Female Engagement Teams and female personnel from the Uruzgan Provincial Reconstruction Team have engaged with local women to discuss security concerns. Additionally, the Special Operations Task Group has deployed patrols of female medics to provide health services to women and girls. The ADF has also constructed the Malalai girls ' school in Tarin Kowt and developed the Dorafshan Basic Health Centre, which has specialised female clinics and separate staff accommodation.
As part of the ADF ' s mentoring, Afghan National Security Forces personnel also receive human rights training and advice on the correct procedures for handling detainees. They are also trained on the applicable international legal obligations for the treatment of detainees and the protection of the local civilian population.
Afghan National Security Forces personnel in Uruzgan also receive specific human rights training from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, which specifically covers the application of those rights when conducting detention operations.
Defence supports greater participation by Afghan women in the military by providing a concrete example of women undertaking these roles. For example, the ADF has employed women ADF members in mentoring roles for the senior leadership of the Afghan National Army ' s 205 Corps based at Kandahar. Female ADF members have also worked alongside Afghans with the Afghan National Army ' s 4/205 Brigade in Uruzgan province.
Australia is a partner with the United Kingdom, New Zealand and other countries in establishing an academic institution within the Afghan National Security University in Kabul dedicated to graduating officers for the Afghan National Army. While participation by women is currently low, the university as a whole anticipates having 10 per cent of the enrolled cadets being women by 2017. The ADF is also planning to deploy women members to assist with the integration and training of women at the officer academy.
In compliance with Government direction the AFP Mission in Afghanistan formally ceased on 9 January 2014; however the AFP supported this recommendation for the duration of its Mission.
The AFP is committed to supporting the five strategies as set out under the 'National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security' and principles of development effectiveness and is represented on the Women, Peace and Security Interdepartmental Working Group which is chaired by the Office for Women (Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet). Through to the end of the AFP's Mission in Afghanistan in January 2014, the AFP maintained involvement with the Afghan National Police (ANP) executive in the development of strategies applicable to gender related issues. The AFP ceased direct training and mentoring roles in August 2013, deploying a smaller contingent focusing upon strategically influential positions with ANP and Ministry of Interior counterparts. Development of two year plans and ten year visions by AFP secondees to the International Police Coordination Board encouraged the ANP to provide female ANP officers with greater levels of access to formal training and opportunities within the organisation.
The AFP had previously developed and implemented a 'Violence Against Women Program' which was adopted as a mainstream program of the European Police Union in its support for the Afghan National Police. The European Police Union continues to provide the training, albeit without AFP support. The program is designed to teach the participants specific skills to deal with offences which directly impact on women in Afghanistan.
The AFP International Deployment Group is currently developing a Gender Strategy which will guide the IDG in its implementation of the recommendations of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and the 'National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security'. This Gender Strategy will also be used as a guiding tool during the design phase of IDG's capacity development missions overseas and will address women in policing, access to policing services for women and the involvement of women in the peace process.
The IDG Gender Strategy will also be incorporated into the Pre-Deployment Training undertaken by all members prior to their deployment into overseas capacity building missions.
Implementation of Australia's Elimination of Violence Against Women Program in Afghanistan commenced in June 2013. This Program includes two projects which provide training and mentoring support for police and other legal sector actors on the implementation of the Afghan government's Elimination of Violence Against Women Law (2009), as well as on women's rights more broadly.
Recommendation 27 paragraphs 16.27
The committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to provide funding for the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission.
Noted
Australia has provided $4.5 million, since 2004, to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) to monitor, promote and protect human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls, through advocacy, training and education.
Recommendation 28 paragraph 16.28
Considering that gender equality is an objective that cuts across all sectors covered by development assistance, the committee recommends that all relevant recommendations in this report give special attention to promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women.
Recommendation 29 paragraph 16.29
The committee recommends that AusAID prioritise long-term support for the delivery of services for women and girls and for programs that advocate for women ' s rights. It recommends further that the Australian Government include Afghanistan as a key country focus for implementing Australia ' s National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security in order to address the related issues of violence against women and women ' s political participation.
Recommendation 30 paragraph 16.30
The committee recommends that the Australian Government directly fund Afghan women ' s organisations with both core and project funding, to enable these organisations to develop their capacity to hold their government to account and realise their leadership potential.
Noted
Australia's development assistance programs to Afghanistan will continue to support activities which aim to achieve both long‑term development outcomes for women and girls, and promote and protect women's rights.
Gender equality is integrated into the design of all of DFAT development activities in Afghanistan along with targeted policy dialogue, to improve the lives of women and girls.
Recommendation 31 paragraph 16.31
The committee recommends that AusAID works closely with the Afghan Education Ministry and relevant NGOs to encourage the implementation of community-based education schemes with the objective of increasing the accessibility of schooling and bridging the gender gap with respect to illiteracy.
Noted
Australia supports community-based education activities which target the inclusion of women and girls, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Recommendation 32 paragraph 16.32
The committee recommends that the Australian Government commit adequate funds over three years towards the National Priority Program: ' Capacity development to implement the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan ' .
Noted
Australia aligns all of its development programs in Afghanistan with relevant government policy and planning documentation, including the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan (NAPWA) and theMinistry of Women ' s Affairs National Priority Program: Capacity Development to Accelerate NAPWA Implementation (MoWA NPP).
Oversight and evaluation of Australia ' s ODA
Recommendation 33 paragraph 17.63
The committee recommends that AusAID review its Afghanistan Annual Program Performance Report in order to ensure that the document reflects its title—program performance report. This means that the report ' s main aim would be to convey information on:
It should contain a section providing a comprehensive account of the effectiveness of Australia ' s whole-of-government effort in Afghanistan.
Recommendation 34 paragraph 17.64
The committee recommends that the Australian Government implement new reporting and evaluation requirements for departments and agencies delivering Australian ODA that are timely, consistent, transparent and more stringent. They should also require information on:
Unless there is a compelling reason otherwise, reporting and evaluation reports should be publicly available from AusAID ' s website.
Recommendation 35 paragraph 17.65
The committee recommends that the Office of Development Effectiveness conduct a critical analysis of the effectiveness of Australia ' s ODA to Afghanistan with a particular emphasis on the sustainability of projects and Australia ' s whole-of-government effort.
Noted
The Annual Program Performance Report (APPR) provides a thorough assessment of performance of Australian aid in Afghanistan. The APPR is a key performance report at the country/regional program level, and an important management tool to improve the effectiveness of Australia ' s aid by providing an annual assessment of how the program has performed against its objectives.
' Lessons learned from aid to Afghanistan ' is identified in the Office of Development Effectiveness ' Rolling Evaluation Work Plan: 2013-14 to 2015-16. It is part of the Reserve List of Evaluation Topics, which may be progressed in future years. This Work Plan is endorsed by the Independent Evaluation Committee.
Recommendation 36 paragraph 17.68
The committee recommends that the Parliament consider establishing a parliamentary standing committee or dedicated subcommittee of an existing standing committee charged with examining and reporting on Australia ' s ODA. Among other benefits, this committee could be the catalyst needed to improve the standard of reporting on Australia ' s ODA, especially Australia ' s whole-of-government effort in delivering overseas aid. It may also be a means of raising public awareness of the work being done with Australia ' s ODA.
This is an issue for Parliament to consider.
Australian Government response to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit Report No. 437
Review of the Auditor General ' s Reports
Nos. 2 to 10 (2012 ‑2013)
May 2014
Response to the Recommendations
Response
Supported in part
The Recommendation is consistent with the Government's current commitment to improve Indigenous representation and involvement in decision-making processes in relation to Indigenous service delivery.
The Government has established the Prime Minister's Indigenous Advisory Council, chaired by Mr Warren Mundine. While the Advisory Council is not a representative body it brings a diversity of views and experience, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to the task of ensuring programmes achieve real, positive change in the lives of Indigenous people—changes that can increase participation, preserve Indigenous culture and build reconciliation.
The Advisory Council also supports the Government's strong commitment to turning around the gross disadvantage suffered by Indigenous Australians in fundamental areas of life: that is, school attendance, jobs and safe communities.
The Government is also developing the Empowered Communities model proposed by the Jawun Indigenous Leadership Group which is part of Jawun Corporate Partnerships. This is a non-government organisation that places secondees from over 20 of Australia's leading companies and government agencies to work with Indigenous organisations.
In addition, the Government is going to engage in consultations with Indigenous communities in advancing the Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians.
The Government does not support an agreement with the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples for it to be consulted during Council of Australian Governments processes on Indigenous issues. The National Congress is an independent body and not an advisory body to government. The National Congress has a role to play in representing Indigenous Australians and the Government will continue to engage with them in a constructive way. It currently represents around 8,000 members nationally.
Recommendation 2
The Committee recommends that the Prime Minister request the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to undertake a review of leadership and collaboration arrangements in Indigenous affairs for Cabinet consideration; and that the review investigates options for strengthening the authority of the lead agency to better drive changes across departments.
Response
Supported
This recommendation has been addressed by machinery of government changes made by the Government following the September 2013 election.
The Government is consolidating Indigenous policies, programmes and service delivery into the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) with the aim of streamlining arrangements, reducing red tape and prioritising expenditure to achieve practical outcomes on the ground.
Government initiatives that will strengthen leadership and collaborations in Indigenous affairs include the establishment of:
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
Supported
The consolidation of Indigenous policy and programmes in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet presents an opportunity to strengthen whole-of-government approaches to capacity building of both Indigenous organisations and government agencies. The Government is considering approaches to strengthen the governance and capacity of Indigenous organisations to reduce the risk of corporate failure and support effective delivery.
Australian Public Service Commission
The Australian Public Service Commission supports this recommendation.
The Commission has a role in leading and shaping a unified, high performing Australian Public Service (APS), consistent with its statutory responsibilities under the Public Service Act 1999 . This includes supporting APS agencies in leadership development, building organisational capability and supporting a diverse workforce. The Commission is responsible for progressing activities that are designed to build the capability of APS employees and agencies in engaging with Indigenous communities and working with, and for, Indigenous Australians. These activities include the following programmes and strategies:
In addition, in 2012, the senior leadership group of the APS—the Secretaries Board—established the APS Diversity Council, chaired by the Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and comprising agency heads from nine APS departments and agencies. The Council provides leadership across the APS on workforce diversity issues, and has a dual focus on the employment of Indigenous Australians and people with disability. The Diversity Council's work in enhancing the capacity of APS agencies to support a strong, high performing Indigenous workforce will improve the APS's ability to constructively engage and work with Indigenous Australians and communities.
Report no. 51 of 2013-14—Performance audit—The improving school enrolment and attendance through welfare reform measure: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Department of Human Services
Report no. 52 of 2013–14—Performance audit—Multi-role Helicopter Program: Department of Defence; Defence Materiel Organisation
Report no. 53 of 2013-14—Performance audit—Management of the national medical stockpile: Department of Health
Report no. 54 of 2013–14—Performance audit—Establishment and use of multi-use lists: Across agencies
That the Senate take note of the report.
That the Senate take note of the report.
That senators be discharged from and appointed to committees as follows:
(1) That senators be discharged from and appointed to committees as follows:
Abbott Government's Budget Cuts—Select Committee—
Appointed—Senators Dastyari, Lines and Urquhart
Education and Employment Legislation Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Hanson-Young to replace Senator Rhiannon for the committee's inquiry into the provisions of the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2014
Participating member: Senator Rhiannon
Environment and Communications Legislation Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Milne to replace Senator Waters for the committee's inquiry into the provisions of the Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014
Participating member: Senator Waters
Finance and Public Administration References Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Waters to replace Senator Rhiannon for the committee's inquiry into violence against women
Participating member: Senator Rhiannon
Health—Select Committee—
Appointed—Senators Cameron, Edwards, McLucas, O'Neill, Seselja and Williams
Participating members: Senators Back, Bernardi, Bushby, Fawcett, Fifield, Heffernan, Macdonald, McKenzie, O'Sullivan, Ruston and Smith
Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Hanson-Young to replace Senator Wright for the committee's inquiries into the Migration Amendment (Protecting Babies Born in Australia) Bill 2014, and the provisions of the Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014
Participating member: Senator Wright.
(2) That senators be discharged from and appointed to committees, with effect from 1 July 2005, as follows:
Appropriations and Staffing—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senators McKenzie and Parry
Appointed—Senators Back and Fawcett
Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity—Joint Statutory Committee—
Discharged—Senators Parry and Singh
Appointed—Senators Bilyk, O'Sullivan and Sterle
Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings—Joint Statutory Committee—
Discharged—Senator Parry
Appointed—Senator Marshall
Community Affairs Legislation Committee—
Discharged—Participating member: Senator Parry
Appointed—
Senator Reynolds
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Ketter and McGrath
Community Affairs References Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Smith
Participating members: Senators Bilyk, Parry and Seselja
Appointed—
Senators Bilyk, Reynolds and Seselja
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, McGrath and Smith
Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples—Joint Select Committee—
Discharged—Senator Ruston
Appointed—Senator McGrath
Corporations and Financial Services—Joint Statutory Committee—
Discharged—Senators Bushby, Dastyari and Singh
Appointed—Senators Ketter and Williams
Economics Legislation Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Williams
Participating members: Senators Edwards and Parry
Appointed—
Senators Canavan, Dastyari, Edwards and Ketter
Participating members: Senators Bullock, McGrath, Reynolds and Williams
Economics References Committee—
Discharged—
Senators Bushby and Williams
Participating members: Senators Edwards and Parry
Appointed—
Senators Canavan, Carr, Edwards and Ketter
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Bushby, McGrath, Reynolds and Williams
Education and Employment Legislation Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Back
Participating members: Senators O'Sullivan, Parry and Ruston
Appointed—
Senators O'Sullivan and Ruston
Participating members: Senators Back, Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, McGrath and Reynolds
Education and Employment References Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Back
Participating members: Senators Parry, Peris and Ruston
Appointed—
Senators Peris and Ruston
Participating members: Senators Back, Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, McGrath and Reynolds
Electoral Matters—Joint Standing Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Ruston
Participating member: Senator Parry
Appointed—
Senators Canavan, Ketter and McGrath
Participating members [ for the purposes of the committee ' s inquiry into the funding of political parties and election campaigns ]: Senators Reynolds and Ruston
Environment and Communications Legislation Committee—
Discharged—
Senators Fawcett and Williams
Participating members: Senators Parry and Singh
Appointed—
Senators Canavan, McGrath and Singh
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Fawcett, Ketter, Reynolds and Williams
Substitute member: Senator McEwen to replace Senator Urquhart on 1 July 2014
Environment and Communications References Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Williams
Participating members: Senators Parry and Singh
Appointed—
Senators Bullock, McGrath and Singh
Participating members: Senators Canavan, Ketter, Reynolds and Williams
Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee—
Discharged—Participating members: Senators Faulkner and Parry
Appointed—
Senator Faulkner
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, McGrath and Reynolds
Finance and Public Administration References Committee—
Discharged—Participating members: Senators Faulkner, Ludwig and Parry
Appointed—
Senators Faulkner and Ludwig
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, McGrath and Reynolds
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade—Joint Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Parry
Appointed—Senators Edwards, Gallacher, Ludwig, McKenzie and Reynolds
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Edwards
Participating members: Senators Back, Gallacher and Parry
Appointed—
Senators Back, Gallacher and McGrath
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Edwards, Ketter and Reynolds
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee—
Discharged—Participating members: Senators Back, Gallacher an Parry
Appointed—
Senators Back and Gallacher
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, McGrath and Reynolds
Health—Select Committee—
Appointed—Participating members: Senators Canavan, McGrath and Reynolds
House—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Marshall
Appointed—Senators Brown and Ruston
Human Rights—Joint Statutory Committee—
Discharged—Senator Lundy
Appointed—Senators Brown, Canavan and Moore
Law Enforcement—Joint Statutory Committee—
Discharged—Senator Parry
Appointed—Senators Ketter and O'Sullivan
Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee—
Discharged—
Senators Marshall, Seselja and Singh
Participating members: Senators Bilyk, Collins, O'Sullivan and Parry
Appointed—
Senators Bilyk, Collins, O'Sullivan and Reynolds
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, Marshall, McGrath, Seselja and Singh
Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee—
Discharged—
Senators Marshall, Seselja and Singh
Participating members: Senators Bilyk, Collins and Parry
Appointed—
Senators Bilyk, Collins and Reynolds
Participating members: Senators Bullock, Canavan, Ketter, Marshall, McGrath, Seselja and Singh
Library—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Williams
Appointed—Senators Back, Lines and McGrath
Migration—Joint Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Williams
Appointed—Senator Back
National Broadband Network—Select Committee—
Discharged—
Senator Seselja
Participating members: Senators Bernardi, Bilyk and Parry
Appointed—
Senators Bernardi and Bilyk
Participating members: Senators Canavan, McGrath, Reynolds and Seselja
National Disability Insurance Scheme—Joint Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senators O'Sullivan and Smith
Appointed—Senators Canavan, Reynolds and Urquhart
Northern Australia—Joint Select Committee—
Discharged—Participating members: Senators Parry and Smith
Appointed—
Senators Canavan and Smith
Participating members: Senators McGrath and Reynolds
Procedure—Standing Committee—
Appointed—Senator Ruston
Public Accounts and Audit—Joint Statutory Committee—
Discharged—Senators Gallacher and Ruston
Appointed—Senators Ketter and McKenzie
Public Works—Joint Statutory Committee—
Discharged—Senator O'Sullivan
Appointed—Senators Canavan and Heffernan
Publications—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator McKenzie
Appointed—Senators Marshall, O'Sullivan and Peris
Regulations and Ordinances—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Edwards
Appointed—Senators Reynolds and Williams
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee—
Discharged—
Senators Lines and O'Sullivan
Participating members: Senators Parry and Williams
Appointed—
Senators Bullock and Williams
Participating members: Senators Canavan, Ketter, Lines, McGrath, O'Sullivan and Reynolds
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee—
Discharged—
Senators Gallacher and Macdonald
Participating members: Senators Parry and Williams
Appointed—
Senators Bullock and Williams
Participating members: Senators Canavan, Gallacher, Ketter, Macdonald, McGrath and Reynolds
School Funding—Select Committee—
Discharged—Participating member: Senator Parry
Appointed—Participating members: Senators Canavan, McGrath and Reynolds
Scrutiny of Bills—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senators Macdonald and Ruston
Appointed—Senators Heffernan and Williams
Selection of Bills—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Bushby
Appointed—Senator Ruston
Senators' Interests—Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Brown
Appointed—Senator Faulkner
Treaties—Joint Standing Committee—
Discharged—Senator Smith
Appointed—Senators McGrath and Sterle.
That the Senate concurs with the resolution of the House of Representatives.
That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time.
That these bills be now read a second time.
EXCISE TARIFF AMENDMENT (FUEL INDEXATION) BILL 2014
This Bill amends the Excise Tariff Act 1921. It is part of a package of Bills that will give effect to the Government's commitment to ensure that the rate of fuel excise duty applying to all fuels, with the exception of aviation fuel, crude oil and condensate, will be biannually indexed by reference to the consumer price index.
Excise has applied to domestically produced petrol since 1929. From its introduction up until 1983, changes to the excise rate were largely made in an ad ‑hoc manner. Indexation of excise was introduced by the Hawke Labor government in August 1983 in order to maintain the real value of excise collections and to provide more stability for business and consumers.
Since March 2001, the excise rate applying to petroleum products has been frozen, leaving the excise rate on petrol at its current level of 38.143 cents per litre.
The re-introduction of fuel excise indexation will provide a predictable and growing source of revenue which will be used to assist the Government to deliver road infrastructure projects.
The Bills will establish the Fuel Indexation (Road Funding) special account. This account will ensure that the net revenue raised through the re-introduction of fuel duty indexation is spent on road infrastructure. Its balance will be reported in Budget Paper No. 4.
Consequential amendments will also be made to the Excise Tariff Act 1921 in order to simplify the burden on businesses by rounding the applicable duty rate of indexed fuels from three decimal places in the cent to one decimal place. On the current rate for petrol, this would have the effect of reducing the excise and excise-equivalent customs duty rate from 38.143 cents per litre to 38.1 cents per litre. However, indexation will apply in each indexation period to the three decimal places.
In the 2014-15 Budget, the Government has committed around $26 billion over the forward estimates period to fund new road projects. The indexation of fuel excise and excise-equivalent customs duty will contribute to their funding by raising approximately $2.2 billion over the same time frame.
By indexing fuel excise with the consumer price index, the cost of petrol and diesel will increase by approximately 0.9 cents per litre for consumers in 2014-15. This would mean that fifty litres of fuel per week would cost around $0.45 extra or around $24 extra per annum.
This measure will not increase input costs for businesses using fuel in off-road operations or operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass in excess of 4.5 tonnes. This is because these businesses are able to receive fuel tax credits to offset the fuel excise paid. For off-road activities, this is the full reimbursement of fuel excise while for on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle mass in excess of 4.5 tonnes this is equivalent to the excise rate minus the road user charge.
This Government is committed to budget repair and putting the nation's finances back on to a sustainable path. Indexation of fuel excise will assist the Government to build the road infrastructure for a 21st century economy.
Full details of the measure are contained in the explanatory memorandum.
CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (FUEL INDEXATION) BILL 2014
This Bill is part of a package of Bills that will give effect to the Government's commitment to re-introduce biannual indexation of fuel excise and excise-equivalent fuel duties.
Specifically, this Bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 so that the rate of fuel excise-equivalent customs duty applying to all fuels, with the exception of aviation fuel, crude oil and condensate, will be biannually indexed by reference to the consumer price index.
Consequential amendments will also be made to the Customs Tariff Act 1995 in order to simplify the burden on businesses by rounding the applicable duty rate of indexed fuels from three decimal places in the cent to one decimal place. On the current rate for petrol, this would have the effect of reducing the excise and excise-equivalent customs duty rate from 38.143 cents per litre to 38.1 cents per litre. However, indexation will apply in each indexation period to the three decimal places.
Full details of this Bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum.
FUEL INDEXATION (ROAD FUNDING) SPECIAL ACCOUNT BILL 2014
This Bill is part of a package of Bills that will give effect to the Government's commitment to re-introduce biannual indexation of fuel excise and excise-equivalent fuel duties.
Specifically, this Bill amends the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 to establish the Fuel Indexation (Road Funding) special account.
The Treasurer will be responsible for making a determination to allocate funds to the special account. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development will be able to direct that amounts be transferred from the special account in order to provide funding to the states and territories for road infrastructure investment.
This account will ensure that the net revenue raised through the re-introduction of fuel duty indexation is used to assist the Government in building the road infrastructure for a 21st century economy and will be reported in Budget Paper No. 4.
Full details of this Bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum.
FUEL INDEXATION (ROAD FUNDING) BILL 2014
This Bill is part of a package of Bills that will give effect to the Government's commitment to re-introduce biannual indexation of fuel excise and excise-equivalent customs duties.
Specifically, this Bill amends the Fuel Tax Act 2006 to ensure the fuel tax credits scheme continues to provide the appropriate credit.
The Bill also makes consequential amendments to the Fuel Indexation (Road Funding) Special Account Bill 2014 to ensure its operation once the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 comes into effect.
The Bill also makes consequential amendments to the Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme to ensure it continues to function correctly.
Full details of this Bill are contained in the explanatory memorandum.
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
CARBON FARMING INITIATIVE AMENDMENT BILL 2014
The Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 provides the framework for administering the Emissions Reduction Fund.
The Emissions Reduction Fund is an important election commitment and the key element of the Government's policy to respond to climate change.
Through the Emissions Reduction Fund, the Government will work in partnership with business and the community to achieve a cleaner environment through practical actions that will achieve real, measurable results.
The Government accepts the science of climate change. However, we reject the carbon tax as the mechanism to respond.
The carbon tax was a $7.6 billion hit on the economy in its first year, yet emissions were only 0.1 per cent lower. It fails to do the job. The carbon tax has led to higher electricity prices, higher gas prices and increased the cost of living. It is estimated that repeal of the carbon tax will reduce Australian household bills by $550 a year on average. It is an unnecessary burden on Australian businesses and a drag on our international competitiveness. For these reasons the Government has moved to abolish the carbon tax as a priority since coming to office.
The Emissions Reduction Fund will be a better way to reduce emissions than imposing a carbon tax that increases energy costs for businesses and households.
The Emissions Reduction Fund is a major environmental programme with benefits for air quality, land management and agricultural productivity and a programme to reduce emissions. It can be supported whatever one's views on climate issues.
Funding for the Emissions Reduction Fund is already allocated in the budget. This Bill sets out the administrative amendments to assist in implementation. Industry and farming groups strongly support implementing the Emission Reduction Fund through the approach set out in the Bill of building on — and streamlining — existing government mechanisms and processes.
Unlike the approach under the carbon tax, the Emissions Reduction Fund will provide positive incentives to help Australian businesses and households lower their energy costs, improve their agricultural productivity and increase their efficiency. It will do this by building on the Carbon Farming Initiative approach of supporting practical projects.
This Bill will implement the Emissions Reduction Fund to replace the carbon tax and provide a transition for the Carbon Farming Initiative. It will do this by amending the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 and related Acts.
The Emissions Reduction Fund
The objective of the Emissions Reduction Fund is to reduce emissions at lowest cost and help Australia meet its emissions reduction target of five per cent below 2000 levels by 2020.
The Government is making a significant investment in the Fund. The 2014-15 Budget sets out an initial commitment of $2.55 billion, with further funding to be considered in future budgets. The Clean Energy Regulator will be able to commit the full amount of funding in emissions reduction contracts from the commencement of the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Existing Carbon Farming Initiative participants will be well placed to bid in and access these funds to support their existing projects.
Three principles have guided the design of the Emissions Reduction Fund. These principles are embedded in the framework that is established by this Bill.
The Emissions Reduction Fund will not create massive new government architecture. Instead, it will leverage and streamline existing structures and processes that are understood by industry.
This Bill does four key things to establish the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Expanding the Carbon Farming Initiative
First, this Bill expands the Carbon Farming Initiative to enable crediting of emissions reduction opportunities across all sectors of the economy.
Expanding the scope of the Carbon Farming Initiative will allow businesses from all over Australia to bring projects forward and receive Australian Carbon Credit Units for the emissions reductions they deliver through their projects.
Under the Carbon Farming Initiative, farmers and land managers are able to earn carbon credits by storing carbon or reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the land. These credits can then be sold to people and businesses wishing to offset their emissions. The Clean Energy Regulator has registered more than 130 Carbon Farming Initiative projects and issued over 6 million Australian Carbon Credit Units since the programme commenced in late 2011.
Under the Emissions Reduction Fund, this Carbon Farming Initiative approach will be expanded so that other parts of the economy can access the system. This includes areas like energy efficiency, waste coal mine gas, cleaning up power stations, the transport sector and large industrial facilities.
The expansion of the Carbon Farming Initiative will be achieved by amending existing legislation, which establishes the Carbon Farming Initiative, and amending the administrative and reporting arrangements that support it, including the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme.
In particular, the Carbon Farming Initiative Amendment Bill 2014 amends theCarbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 , theNational Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 , theAustralian National Registry of Emissions Units Act 2011 and theClean Energy Regulator Act 2011 .
Empowering the Clean Energy Regulator
Second, this Bill empowers the Clean Energy Regulator to conduct auctions, enter contracts and purchase emissions reductions.
It provides for the Clean Energy Regulator to run regular reverse auctions or other procurement processes. This will allow the Government to simply and efficiently buy the lowest cost emissions reductions across the economy from new projects, as well as existing Carbon Farming Initiative projects.
The projects with the lowest cost per tonne will be selected, and the Clean Energy Regulator will enter into contracts to purchase the emissions reductions from these projects. These contracts will give businesses confidence and certainty about the payments they will receive and provide genuine incentives and support to improve energy efficiency and agricultural productivity.
The Clean Energy Regulator will publish information after auctions about auction outcomes to help businesses understand the opportunities available to them under the Emissions Reduction Fund.
The competitive nature of this process will ensure that the Emissions Reduction Fund achieves the best value for taxpayers' money. Payments will be made after emissions reductions are achieved.
Streamlining processes
Third, the Bill streamlines existing processes from the Carbon Farming Initiative, removing red tape to make it easier to register projects and receive credits.
Importantly, the Bill will remove the 100-year permanence requirement, which has been a significant barrier to landholders increasing carbon stores in soils and vegetation. Landholders will now have the option of storing carbon for 25 years.
Approving estimation methods will be quicker and easier than under the Carbon Farming Initiative.
An independent expert body established under the current scheme will be broadened in scope and renamed the Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee. It will advise the Government to ensure methods are consistent with the scheme's focus on genuine emissions reductions. The complex and time-consuming process of assessing every activity against the common practice test under the Carbon Farming Initiative will be removed.
Transitioning the Carbon Farming Initiative
Fourth, this Bill provides transitional arrangements for existing participants in the Carbon Farming Initiative.
Landholders and businesses with existing CFI projects will be able to transition smoothly into the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Existing Carbon Farming Initiative projects — such as projects to manage savannas, plant trees or capture methane from piggeries — will be automatically registered under the Emissions Reduction Fund and will be well placed to secure contracts at auction that will deliver them a guaranteed revenue stream for their existing projects.
Existing Carbon Farming Initiative projects will also benefit from less red tape, and simplified reporting and audit processes under the new scheme.
Finally, the Bill defines the roles and responsibilities of the Clean Energy Regulator. The Clean Energy Regulator has established a reputation as an effective, fair and independent body since its establishment, and has the required expertise to administer the Emissions Reduction Fund.
Safeguard mechanism
The Emissions Reduction Fund also includes a safeguard mechanism to ensure that emissions reductions paid for by the Government are not displaced by a significant rise in emissions elsewhere in the economy.
The safeguard mechanism will commence on 1 July 2015 and its detailed design will be given effect by a separate legislative package.
Consultation and opportunities
In preparing this Bill, the Government has consulted widely with business, environment and community representatives from across the Australian economy.
I would like to acknowledge the more than 300 organisations, businesses and individuals who have taken the time to contribute their expertise and ideas on the design of the Emissions Reduction Fund.
This feedback has made it clear that there are low cost emissions reduction opportunities across Australia that can be unlocked through positive incentives from the Emissions Reduction Fund.
The Emissions Reduction Fund is both an emissions reduction programme and a major environmental programme. It is also about substantial co-benefits to improve both economic and environmental outcomes.
It can be supported as an environmental programme whatever one's position on climate issues.
There are many types of projects that could be supported under the Emissions Reduction Fund. Examples include:
Conclusion
The Government knows that the protection of the environment and pursuit of economic growth are not mutually exclusive objectives.
They are two essential elements of a stronger Australia.
That is why we do not agree with the proposition that the only way to protect the environment is by destroying Australia's competitiveness.
And that is why we moved to abolish the carbon tax as our first act as an incoming Government.
There is a menu of approaches available to reduce emissions in different economies and societies.
For Australia, an approach that directly purchases emissions reductions through an Emissions Reduction Fund is a better way than an approach that raises prices for all Australians.
By building on the successes of the Carbon Farming Initiative, this Bill supports positive action by farmers, businesses and households.
This Bill will use positive incentives to reduce emissions, unlock economic benefits, boost energy efficiency and improve agricultural productivity.
This Bill makes economic sense for Australia. It makes environmental sense for Australia. It can be supported wherever one stands on climate change. The Government stands for practical actions that will achieve real, measureable results for the economy and the environment.
This Bill will deliver these results through the Emissions Reduction Fund.
That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time.
That these bills be now read a second time.
SOCIAL SERVICES AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (2014 BUDGET MEASURES No. 1) BILL 2014
This Bill introduces a package of measures from the 2014 Budget in the Social Services portfolio.
The 2014 Budget is key part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong, prosperous economy and a safe, secure Australia.
The Government’s welfare reforms encompassed in the Budget are aimed at increasing everyone’s ability to contribute to the economy – everyone who can contribute, should contribute.
The Government will continue to provide assistance for families, seniors, people with disability, carers and those most in need. The 2014 Budget includes $146 billion of welfare spending – or 35 per cent of total Budget expenditure. This includes pensions, family payments, unemployment benefits and childcare support.
However, our population is ageing, and government spending has been growing faster than the economy. This is placing greater pressure on our welfare system. We want government assistance to be targeted towards supporting the most vulnerable Australians, while encouraging those who are able to work or study, to do so.
Firm and decisive action is required to put the Budget back onto a secure and sustainable footing.
Budget measures
Seniors Supplement and Energy Supplement
To help ensure that payments to senior Australians remain targeted to those who need them the most, the first Budget measure in the Bill will cease the Seniors Supplement, currently received by holders of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (or the Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card) after the June 2014 payment.
However, other benefits will continue to be available to cardholders, including discounts on medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, health safety net thresholds, and lower fees on medical services.
Recognising the Government’s commitment to abolish the carbon tax, while keeping in place the associated payment increases, this Bill will rename the former Clean Energy Supplement as the Energy Supplement, and maintain it at current levels from 1 July 2014 by permanently removing indexation of the supplement.
The new Energy Supplement will be available to people who formerly received the Clean Energy Supplement in association with their main income support payment, family payment or Veterans’ Affairs payment, or through being a holder of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or an eligible holder of the Gold Card.
Indexation and rates
Several changes and pauses to indexation for Australian Government payments will be implemented. These measures will help reduce our debt, but pausing indexation will not reduce payments.
These measures include pausing indexation of the income and asset free areas for all working age allowances (other than student payments) and for Parenting Payment Single for three years from 1 July 2014.
Family Tax Benefit income thresholds (for the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A and the lower income earner threshold for Family Tax Benefit Part B) will stay at current levels for three years from 1 July 2014.
The Bill will also ensure Parenting Payment Single is indexed only against the Consumer Price Index from 20 September 2014.
Disability Support Pension
The Bill will also introduce changes to help young people with disability to enter the workforce if they are able to do so.
From 1 July 2014, certain Disability Support Pension recipients aged under 35 will undertake compulsory work-focused activities, such as a programme with an employment service provider, work experience, or education and training, to help increase their chances of finding and keeping a job.
A targeted review will also be undertaken of Disability Support Pension recipients aged under 35 who originally accessed the payment under less rigorous impairment tables in operation between 2008 and 2011. Recipients will have their level of impairment reassessed against the current impairment tables, and will also have their work capacity reassessed.
People with a manifest disability or with a work capacity of zero to seven hours a week will not be reviewed under this measure. Recipients assessed as having an ability to work at least eight hours a week will be provided with the support needed to allow them to develop their work capacity, while still receiving the Disability Support Pension.
Workforce age and student changes
As part of a package of changes to simplify the social security system, and strengthen the incentives for young unemployed people to participate in education, training and employment, the Bill will apply the ordinary waiting period of seven days for all working age payments from 1 October 2014.
A further measure will ensure that, while a student can currently continue to receive payment even while they are overseas on holiday, students will continue to receive payments while overseas, from 1 October 2014, only in certain circumstances such as when studying or in a family emergency.
Family payment reform
Several reforms were announced in the Budget to improve the sustainability of family payments, while ensuring they continue to support those most in need of assistance.
The Government will continue to provide payment assistance to families to supplement their incomes. In 2014-15, the Government will provide around $19 billion in Family Tax Benefit. However, the payment should provide assistance to families who need it most, and encourage everyone who can work, to do so.
Amendments in this Bill, effective from 1 July 2014, will maintain the standard payment rates of Family Tax Benefit Parts A and B at current levels for two years until 30 June 2016.
Social and Community Services Pay Equity Special Account
The Bill will also make a non-Budget amendment to add the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission decision of 29 August 2013 as a pay equity decision under the Social and Community Services Pay Equity Special Account Act 2012. This amendment will allow payment of Commonwealth supplementation to service providers affected by the decision.
Conclusion
Our welfare system must be sustainable and it must be fair. It needs to provide a safety net, whilst ensuring we are delivering a work-ready, not a welfare-ready, nation.
Our welfare system is complicated and costly and, in the Budget measures introduced by this Bill, we begin the work of making it strong for the future.
SOCIAL SERVICES AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (2014 BUDGET MEASURES No. 2) BILL 2014
This is the second Bill in the Social Services portfolio to introduce measures from the 2014 Budget.
This second Bill follows up the reforms to indexation and payment rates, supplements, Disability Support Pension, and student and workforce age payments already introduced in the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 1) Bill 2014.
Indexation and rates
Several further changes and pauses to indexation and deemed income arrangements for Australian Government payments will be introduced by this Bill.
Indexation of the income and asset free areas for student payments, and student income bank limits, will be paused for three years from 1 January 2015.
Indexation of the income and asset free areas for all pensions (other than Parenting Payment Single), and the deeming thresholds for all income support payments, will be paused from 1 July 2017 for three years.
The Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 1) Bill 2014 introduced amendments to ensure Parenting Payment Single is indexed only against the Consumer Price Index from 20 September 2014. This second Budget Bill will similarly ensure all other pensions are indexed only against the Consumer Price Index, from the later date of 20 September 2017. This will help ensure the Age Pension in particular is sustainable, while pensions generally still keep up with the cost of living.
The Government will also change the level of a person's financial assets at which a higher return is deemed. From 20 September 2017, the social security and veterans' entitlements income test deeming thresholds will be reset to $30,000 for single income support recipients, and $50,000 combined for pensioner couples. The deeming threshold amount for a member of a couple other than a pensioner couple will be $25,000.
Disability Support Pension and carers
From 1 January 2015, recipients of the Disability Support Pension who travel overseas for more than 28 days in a 12-month period will need to reapply for the payment on their return to Australia. There will be some exemptions – for example, for people with terminal illness who are returning to their country of origin to be with family, or people with permanent and severe disability and no future work capacity.
This Budget has delivered $3 million in funding to honour the Government's election commitment to set up the Young Carer Bursary Programme, which will provide support for young carers in Australia who look after people with disability, people with physical or mental health issues, or older people in need of care.
The responsibilities of young carers can have a significant impact on their personal lives and educational opportunities. The Young Carer Bursary Programme will help reduce the financial burden on young carers by providing around 150 bursaries annually that will allow them to continue their studies.
This Bill will support the new programme by excluding from the social security and veterans' entitlements income test any payments made under the programme from 1 January 2015.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
A measure affecting the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will include untaxed superannuation income received in the form of an account-based income stream in the assessment for the card. This will ensure people with similar incomes are treated consistently, whether they are being assessed for a payment such as the Age Pension or for the health card. Superannuation products purchased before 1 January 2015 by existing cardholders will be exempt from the new arrangements.
Related to this measure, holders of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will benefit from an extension from six to 19 weeks in the length of time they may be absent from Australia without having to reapply for the card on their return.
Workforce age and student changes
From 1 January 2015, young unemployed people aged 22 to 24 will no longer be qualified for Newstart Allowance or Sickness Allowance, and instead will be able to qualify for Youth Allowance (student) or Youth Allowance (other) until they turn 25 years of age.
The changes simplify the social security system, and strengthen the incentives for young unemployed people to participate in education, training and employment.
A six-month waiting period and time-limited income support payments will give young people stronger incentives to earn or learn. Young people will have access to a full range of supports to help them become work-ready, including employment services, training and relocation assistance. Exemptions exist for those with limited capacity to work, who are undergoing study, who have a significant disability, or who have parenting responsibilities.
In recognition of the importance of education and training in preventing future unemployment, young people returning to full-time school, vocational education or university will not be subject to the waiting period.
For every one year of work history, one month will be discounted from their waiting period, pro-rated for part-time or casual work, to a maximum of five months' discount from the waiting period.
Also from 1 January 2015, the current Relocation Scholarship assistance for students relocating within and between major cities will be removed, as will the Education Entry Payment and the Pensioner Education Supplement.
Family payment reforms
Several further reforms will be implemented from 1 July 2015 to improve the sustainability of family payments, while ensuring they continue to support those most in need of assistance:
Pension age
Building on the move by the former Labor Government to increase the pension age to 67 from 1 July 2017, this Bill will continue the gradual increase in the qualifying age for the Age Pension, and the non-veteran pension age, to 70 by 1 July 2035. The Bill does not change the pension age for veterans.
Australians are living longer, and our population is ageing. Between 2010 and 2050, the number of people aged 65 to 84 will more than double, and those aged 85 and over more than quadruple.
This will present challenges for economic growth, living standards and fiscal sustainability. The change in the pension age will encourage greater self-provision. Those who cannot fully support themselves before pension age are protected by the social security safety net, subject to meeting relevant eligibility criteria.
Veterans' Disability Pension
In the last Budget measure, the Bill will remove from 1 January 2015 the three months' backdating of disability pension under the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986.
Conclusion
The Government is committed to ensuring our welfare system is sustainable and fair.
That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time.
That these bills be now read a second time.
TRADE SUPPORT LOANS BILL 2014
Australian Apprenticeships are a critical component in ensuring the Australian economy has the skills it requires for its future competitiveness. On an individual level, apprenticeships also provide a valuable pathway into long term employment.
We know around 20 per cent of trade apprentices drop out by the end of their first year and 30 per cent by the end of the second year. Despite promising employment prospects and earning potential, many young people find the first few years of an apprenticeship financially difficult.
The Government is taking action to support Australian Apprentices when they need it most, to help them complete their apprenticeship and deliver these valuable skills to the economy. The Trade Support Loans Bill 2014 introduces and underpins Trade Support Loans, to provide assistance to Australian Apprentices from 1 July 2014.
Trade Support Loans are concessional, income contingent loans, which function in a similar manner to FEE-HELP loans received by university students, and provide for up to $20,000 over four years directly to apprentices for undertaking an apprenticeship in a priority occupation or qualification.
Implementation of the Bill is estimated to have an impact on fiscal balance of $439.0 million over the forward estimates.
To encourage apprentices to complete their training, the loan amount received by an apprentice will be reduced by 20 per cent when they successfully complete. This means an apprentice who elects to receive the total $20,000 in loans will have their debt reduced by $4,000.
Trade Support Loans will be available to apprentices in occupations and qualifications on a priority list that I will determine. The priority list will include traditional trades such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters whose highly skilled occupations significantly contribute to productivity and the economy.
The Loans will be repayable at the same income thresholds as Higher Education Loans Programme loans for a university student, so apprentices do not have to repay any money until they are earning a sustainable income with repayments made through the Australian Taxation system.
Apprentices will be required to opt in to the Loans regularly, with the intention of giving them the opportunity to reassess their personal circumstances and make an informed decision about continuing to receive loans. This will reduce the risk of apprentices unintentionally accumulating large debts.
To provide support where it is needed most the loans will be paid in monthly in arrears to a total of $8,000 in the first year, $6,000 in the second, $4,000 in the third and $2,000 in the fourth year of the apprenticeship. The loans are more heavily weighted to the first two years when support is needed most. That is when apprentice wages are generally lower and the risk of withdrawal from training is highest.
Australia's future productivity and competiveness depends on a skilled and trained workforce. Learning a trade is invaluable to the individual, the community and the economy, but learning skills doesn't come cheaply. The measures in this Bill will provide the regular financial support required for apprentices to complete their training.
By implementing Trades Support Loans, this Government is actively contributing to improve the apprenticeship completion rate, currently around 50 per cent. When an apprentice does not complete, there is a substantial loss of time and financial commitment which impacts on the Australian economy of skills not delivered and reduced productivity. Ongoing support such as that provided by the Loans will help mitigate these losses to apprentices, employers and the Government.
This Bill will further the Government's commitment to delivering highly skilled individuals in priority trades where there are growing skills shortages and will deliver improved productivity and competitiveness to the Australian economy.
TRADE SUPPORT LOANS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 2014
The Trade Support Loans (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 makes consequential amendments to existing principle legislation as part of the Trade Support Loans Programme.
That the Senate notes the Government's Budget is an affront to Australians' sense of fairness.
still believe in an Australia that includes everyone, that helps everyone, that lets everyone be their best, that leaves no-one behind.
… conservative side of politics normally has to overcome the popular impression that the Labor Party believes in fairness while the Liberal Party just believes in good economic management. In my experience, the Liberals are hardly less passionate about fairness than members of the Labor Party.
I would not have spent the $42 on beer or cigarettes. It would probably go towards my power bill or food. I am, however, more concerned that children will not receive the medical care they need because some parents must decide between food and medical treatment.
The co-payment is unfair and unnecessary. Ideology has pushed this proposal too far. The Prime Minister should step in and scrap this policy.
That the Senate take note of the document.
That the Senate take note of the document.
That Senator Urquhart be appointed as a member of the Environment and Communications References Committee, with effect from 1 July 2014.
When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don't really have to do anything, you just let them talk.
… branded packaging contributes to increased tobacco consumption …
… highly likely that standardised packaging would serve to reduce the rate of children taking up smoking and implausible that it would increase the consumption of tobacco.
Standardised packaging is less appealing than branded packaging.
Graphic and text health warnings are more credible and memorable on standardised packaging than when juxtaposed with attractive branding …
Whereas colours and descriptors on branded packaging confuse smokers into falsely perceiving some products as lighter and therefore "healthier", products in standardised packages are more likely to be perceived as harmful.
Compared with branded pack smokers, those smoking from plain packs perceived their cigarettes to be lower in quality, tended to perceive their cigarettes as less satisfying than a year ago, were more likely to have thought about quitting at least once a day in the past week and rated quitting as a higher priority in their lives.
If plain packaging is so ineffective, if it has been such a failure, and if cigarette consumption is increasing, why all the hysteria from big tobacco and their friends about plain packaging? Why spend all this time and money opposing plain packaging? The truth is tobacco plain packaging works, and the broader war on smoking is working.
... it is expected that, on appointment, a Member will not continue such involvement with political parties. An appearance of continuing ties, such as might occur by attendance at political fundraising events should be avoided.
We only know that the meeting occurred, not what was discussed.
… the Premier met with Rob Millhouse, the vice president of QGC, which is one of the CSG companies the complaints were about.
Secondly, the Attorney-General met with top resources industry lobbyist Michael Roche from the Queensland Resources Council…