The SPEAKER (Mr Harry Jenkins) took the chair at 10 am, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That this House:
(1) condemns the Gillard Government's deal with Malaysia that would see 800 asylum seekers intercepted in Australian waters and sent to Malaysia; and
(2) calls on the Government to immediately abandon this proposal.
We don't see it in terms of a swap or a bargain ...
We see this as a commitment by the Australian Government to provide resettlement for 4000 people in need of an opportunity to rebuild their lives safely.
To us, it's a real commitment by Australia in burden-sharing with a country like Malaysia that is now coping with a large number of refugees and asylum seekers.
We think the agreement has the potential to enhance the protection for refugees in Malaysia, as well as the region as a whole.
If it realises more resettlement opportunities for refugees, this would be a positive outcome."
As we understand the MOU, Australia's obligations under the refugee convention are not compromised provided that the fundamental rights of asylum seekers and refugees are assured in Malaysia.
I think in that sense it has the potential to... make a significant practical contribution to what we're trying to achieve in the region.
And if it's a good experience other countries can look at it and say 'yes, that's a positive way of managing these issues. Perhaps we want to embark on similar or other initiatives under a regional cooperation framework.
… under this agreement, to the extent to which we have all the details— and of course we know that it's a work in progress which is still being discussed...we see that there are opportunities for better protection for refugees here in Malaysia, and more broadly in the region.
That:
(1) a Select Committee on the Crisis in Australia's Immigration Detention Network be appointed to inquire into and report on:
(a) the riots and disturbances in detention facilities on Christmas Island commencing 12 March 2011, and Villawood from 19 April 2011, in particular:
(i) the nature and circumstances of these events;
(ii) the nature and adequacy of the response of Commonwealth agencies to the events;
(iii) any warning, briefings or advice that had been provided to the Government by agencies and individuals in the lead up to, during and after the events and the nature and adequacy of the response to such information;
(iv) the adequacy of security protocols, procedures and resources to mitigate the escalation of tension and conflict in the detention network;
(v) the extent and cost of the damage to facilities as a result of the events; and
(vi) any other matter deemed relevant by the Committee to understand why these events occurred; and
(b) the performance and management of Commonwealth agencies and/or their agents or contractors in discharging their responsibilities associated with the interception, detention and processing of less irregular maritime arrivals or other persons;
(c) the resources, support and training for employees of Commonwealth agencies and/or their agents or contractors in performing their duties;
(d) the health, safety and wellbeing of employees of Commonwealth agencies and/or their agents or contractors in performing their duties relating to the interception, detention and processing of irregular maritime arrivals or other persons;
(e) the health, safety and wellbeing of asylum seekers and other persons, including specifically children, detained within the detention network;
(f) the level, adequacy and effectiveness of reporting incidents and the response to incidents within the immigration detention network, including relevant policies, procedures, authorities and protocols;
(g) compliance with the Government's immigration detention values within the detention network;
(h) any issues relating to interaction with States and Territories regarding the interception, detention and processing of irregular maritime arrivals or other persons;
(i) the management of good order and public order with respect to the immigration detention network;
(j) the impact of length of detention on and the appropriateness of facilities and services provided for detainees, including asylum seekers within the detention network;
(k) the total costs of managing and maintaining the immigration detention network and processing irregular maritime arrivals or other detainees;
(l) the expansion of the immigration detention network, including the cost and process adopted to establish new facilities;
(m) the length of time detainees have been held in the detention network, the reasons for their length of stay and the impact on the detention network;
(n) processes for assessment of protection claims made by irregular maritime arrivals and other persons and the impact on the detention network;
(o) the management and impact of detention on children and families, and viable alternatives;
(p) the cost, effectiveness and long term viability of outsourcing immigration detention centre contracts to provide providers and the policy alternatives;
(q) impact, effectiveness and cost of existing and prospective Government policies, including mandatory detention and any alternatives, including community release, with respect to irregular maritime arrivals and other persons detained within the detention network;
(r) any reforms needed to the current immigration detention network in Australia; and
(s) any other matters relevant to the above terms of reference.
(2) the Committee consist of 7 members, 3 Members to be nominated by the Government Whip or Whips, 3 Members to be nominated by the Opposition Whip or Whips, and 1 non-aligned member;
(3) the Committee may supplement its membership by up to four members, with a maximum of two extra Government and two extra opposition or non-aligned members. Supplementary members shall have the same participatory rights as other members, but may not vote;
(4) every nomination of a member of the Committee be notified in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(5) the members of the Committee hold office as a select committee until presentation of the Committee's report or the House of Representatives is dissolved or expires by effluxion of time, whichever is the earlier;
(6) the Committee elect a Government or a non-government member as chair at its first meeting;
(7) the Committee elect a member as its deputy chair who shall act as chair of the Committee at any time when the chair is not present at a meeting of the Committee, and at any time when the chair and deputy chair are not present at a meeting of the Committee the members present shall elect another member to act as chair at that meeting;
(8) in the event of an equally divided vote, the chair, or the deputy chair when acting as chair, have a casting vote;
(9) 3 members of the Committee constitute a quorum of the Committee provided that in a deliberative meeting the quorum shall include 1 Government member and 1 non-Government member;
(10) the Committee have power to appoint subcommittees consisting of 3 or more of its members and to refer to any subcommittee any matter which the Committee is empowered to examine.;
(11) the Committee appoint the chair of each subcommittee who shall have a casting vote only and at any time when the chair of a subcommittee is not present at a meeting of the subcommittee the members of the subcommittee present shall elect another member of that subcommittee to act as chair at that meeting;
(12) 2 members of a subcommittee constitute the quorum of that subcommittee;
(13) members of the Committee who are not members of a subcommittee may participate in the proceedings of that subcommittee but shall not vote, move any motion or be counted for the purpose of a quorum;
(14) the Committee or any subcommittee have power to call for witnesses to attend and for documents to be produced;
(15) the Committee or any subcommittee may conduct proceedings at any place it sees fit;
(16) the Committee or any subcommittee have power to adjourn from time to time and to sit during any adjournment of the House of Representatives;
(17) the Committee may report from time to time but that it present its final report no later than 7 October 2011; and
(18) the provisions of this resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the standing orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the standing orders
You get the sense, walking in, of disturbed people, depressed people, agitated people. There is not a sense of normality around you.
I think the average Australian would be disturbed if required to spend even a short period of time living there.
… 6819 people, including 1030 children, in immigration detention in Australia – 4304 on the mainland and 2515 on Christmas Island. More than half of those people had been detained for longer than six months, and more than 750 people had been detained for longer than a year.
That this House:
(1) recognises that:
(a) there are about three million Au stralians who still smoke; and
(b) tobacco is a le thal product, killing around 15 000 Australians every year; and
(2) calls on all Members and political parties to immediately stop accepting political donations from tobacco companies.
The Fund will provide … $10.0 million … to unions to enable them to provide tailored information and education resources to their membership.
Such payments can only be made for the purpose of influencing the debate on issues affecting the company or Group.
What I've said before, and I don't back away from it one minute, is I don't like poker machines. I've said that even though I was working in the Queensland government at the time when poker machines were introduced. That was a decision, together with other decisions, to introduce poker machines which I don't think have been helpful for working families.
My great-grandfather, grandfather, father and one of my uncles all died from smoking-related conditions. Each of the latter three died 20-30 years before the life expectancy for their generation. My father's addiction contributed to two decades of poor health prior to his premature death, resulting in frequent periods where he was unable to work.
My siblings and I grew up in poverty, the effects of which are still evident, and the taxpayer bore the cost of his many hospitalisations as well as the cumulative years of income support our family depended on in lieu of employment. I say this so that you will understand my absence of sympathy for the 'principle argument', that tobacco companies have a right to make a profit from pushing legal drugs.
Conservatism prefers facts to theory, practical demonstration to metaphysical abstraction; what works to what's in the mind's eye … Conservatives are not optimists or pessimists but realists.
Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2011
We are convinced that sharing responsibility is the best way to ensure as many children as possible grow up in a caring environment. To share all the important events in a child's life with both mum and dad, even when families are separated, would be an ideal outcome.
(a) Is consistent with any family violence order; and
(b) Does not expose a person to an unacceptable risk of family violence.
She had already strung the case out by falsely claiming her ex-husband had been sexually assaulting their children after one judgment went against her. Then she falsely claimed the father's new wife had been assaulting them. 'The mother has over the years attempted to manipulate the court system,' Justice Barry said.
In fact family violence, as people know, occurs in many ways. That includes not just physical assault but dominating, controlling behaviours; stalking; friendship isolation; familial isolation; emotional manipulation; financial abuse; harassment; and cultural isolation.
We need to protect children from these types of activities. We need to protect spouses as well, if we can.
… is embarking on a personal crusade to tackle the hidden ''monster'' of child sexual abuse.
Spurred by a spike in the report of assaults, particularly those that occur behind the closed doors of family homes, the Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, has told the Herald the community can no longer afford to turn a blind eye.
This is a monster that is eating at the very heart of our society and we cannot afford to pretend that it's not happening.
… … …
Published material is limited by legal obligations preventing the identification of victims. In the case of incest, identifying the offending family member would also identify the child.
Defying common misconceptions about 'stranger danger', many had to share a dinner table and bathroom with their abuser …
There's much more we could be doing to improve the system in terms of protecting kids and in protecting victims of violence … However, it requires resources and it requires services. Changing the Act only changes the margins because most cases are decided without a Judge. About 93per cent of cases are resolved without the Judge giving a judgement. Changing how Judges decide cases concerns only seven per cent of all the cases in the family law system. While these changes help, they don't really make a huge difference. What would make a huge difference is to have resources for investigation and assessment at an early stage of the process.
… there is considerable concern that a vulnerable parent may elect not to disclose family violence or child abuse for fear of being considered an 'unfriendly parent'.
… two specific aspects of the current legislative framework operate to discourage allegations of family violence from being raised: FLA s60CC(3)(c) ("friendly parent" provision) and s117AB (costs orders for knowingly made false statements). This evidence supports the repeal of these provisions in the proposed Bill.
(1) Schedule 1, item 2, page 3 (lines 19 to 22), omit the item.
(2) Schedule 1, item 3, page 3 (lines 23 to 25), omit the item.
(3) Schedule 1, item 6, page 4 (lines 6 to 9), omit the item.
(4) Schedule 1, item 8, page 4 (line 12) to page 5 (line 23), omit the item.
... violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person's family (the family member ), or causes the family member to be fearful.
(5) Schedule 1, item 18, page 7 (lines 5 to 15), omit the item.
(6) Schedule 1, item 20, page 7 (lines 20 and 21), omit the item.
(7) Schedule 1, item 26, page 10 (lines 9 and 10), omit the item.
(8) Schedule 1, item 27, page 10 (lines 11 and 12), omit the item.
... the appropriate message might be that the parent needs first to make sure the children are safe. There may still be a need to try and preserve some benefit from the children’s relationship with the other parent, but it should not compromise the children’s safety.
That the amendments be agreed to.
To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
This petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the House the decision of the Federal Labor Government to decommission 395 houses on RAAF Base Darwin in the midst of the Territory's worst ever housing crisis. We therefore ask the House to support the desperate need for housing in the Territory and the interests of local businesses which rely on support from local residents by excising from Commonwealth ownership the residential housing area of RAAF Base Darwin and handing the houses over to Territorians for a range of housing options including public housing and houses for first home buyers as a matter of urgency.
To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
This petition of the undersigned Citizens of Queensland
draws to the attention of the House: Australia Post is planning to close the Australia Post Business Centre at 37 Douglas Street Milton, Queensland. We believe the decision not to reopen in the Milton business district will cause great inconvenience for local families and business owners rebuilding after the recent flood devastation.
We therefore ask the House to: Seek assurances from Australia Post that they will commit to re-opening a full Australia Post Business Centre facility in the Milton business and shopping precinct.
If the imposition of a carbon price led to production being moved offshore to a country without a comparable carbon constraint, we could end up with a worse environmental outcome as well as the loss of Australian jobs.
Look, you've got to price carbon as the centrepiece for any adequate response to the challenge of climate change.
'Do we really have to be doing this?' he asked. He argued that smoking was a matter of 'personal responsibility' and people had 'freedom to choose.'
Too many Parties ... err on the side of populism ... That is ultimately self-defeating because you end up standing for nothing...
We can’t keep agreeing with government spending measures opposing savings and ... keep our financial credibility intact.
That so much of standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the member for Warringah moving immediately—
That this House calls upon the Prime Minister to come clean with the Australian people, our forgotten families, the manufacturing sector, our exporters, our small businesses and our farmers and:
(1) own up to the following fact, that yes:
(a) she did say, five days before the last election, "there will be no carbon tax under the Government I lead";
(b) she did say, one day before the election, "I rule out a carbon tax";
(c) she did promise there would be no carbon tax without a "deep and lasting community consensus";
(d) around the world, our global competitors, Russia, Japan, Canada and the US, are walking away from the next round of Kyoto carbon-cuts; and
(2) that as Prime Minister, she should declare, "yes, I won’t introduce a carbon tax without first seeking a mandate at a new election".
That the motion (Mr Abbott's) be agreed to.
That this House:
(1) condemns the Gillard Government’s deal with Malaysia that would see 800 asylum seekers intercepted in Australian waters and sent to Malaysia; and
(2) calls on the Government to immediately abandon this proposal …
Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2011
(9) Schedule 1, item 40, page 14 (lines 14 and 15), omit the item.
(10) Schedule 1, item 43, page 14 (lines 27 and 28), omit the item.
There can be no room for misunderstanding or doubt; objectively, the person making the statement cannot believe the statement to be true.
That the amendments be agreed to.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre Supervisory Cost Recovery Levy Bill 2011
If law practices become subject to AML/CTF—
reporting obligations and consequently the cost recovery regime, the Law Council would have particular concerns about the impact on smaller firms.
… … …
The proposed cost recovery levy, which would apply other than beyond a legal practice's compliance costs, would almost certainly lead, in the Law Council's opinion, to an increase in the cost of legal services, making such services less affordable.
We recommend that the composition of the levy be reassessed to ensure a more equitable distribution reflective of the designated services that AUSTRAC monitors and supervises.
"As the paper currently stands, the potential cost of compliance would be high," he said. "Charge-backs to internal groups and agencies would add significant overheads in tracking costs and reconciling payments."
Institute of Chartered Accountants executive general manager Lee White said members already incurred significant costs in supporting AUSTRAC's regulatory aims, and it was unreasonable to ask them to bear more.
"Our members provide legitimate services to clients who overwhelmingly are law-abiding individuals and businesses," he said.
"If these legitimate services are exploited by criminals, it is these wrong-doers who create the need for regulation and who should contribute to the costs through the confiscated proceeds of their crimes."
In its regulatory role, AUSTRAC oversees compliance with reporting obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act) and theFinancial Transactions Reports Act 1988 for approximately 18,000 businesses across diverse industry sectors that include financial services providers, the gambling industry and other specified 'regulated entities'. As Australia’s financial intelligence unit, AUSTRAC collects and analyses financial information provided by regulated entities to assist Australian law enforcement, national security, social justice and revenue agencies and certain international counterparts in the investigation and prosecution of serious criminal activity, including terrorism financing, organised crime and tax evasion.
In 2011–12, AUSTRAC will continue to improve and supplement its systems to enhance all aspects of its dealings with its diverse regulated population. AUSTRAC will also review the way in which it provides guidance to regulated entities on their obligations.
As Australia’s financial intelligence unit, AUSTRAC disseminates financial intelligence to Commonwealth, state and territory partner agencies and international counterparts. In 2011–12, AUSTRAC will continue to strengthen its support to whole-of-government initiatives and priorities focused on combating organised crime, tax evasion and threats to Australia’s security. As part of this commitment, AUSTRAC will also continue to provide critical financial intelligence support to national investigations and taskforces.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre Supervisory Cost Recovery Levy (Collection) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a third time.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre Supervisory Cost Recovery Levy (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a third time.
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2011
Personal Property Securities (Corporations and Other Amendments) Bill 2011
Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Dividend and Other Measures) Bill 2011
Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Provisional Voting) Bill 2011
Autonomous Sanctions Bill 2011
Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (Copyright) Bill 2011
Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test and Other Provisions) Bill 2011
Character can have regard to a number of factors: whether somebody has been sentenced for a criminal activity to prison for more than 12 months, and also general conduct and whether somebody’s general conduct implies that they are not of good character … character considerations will be taken into account for those on Christmas Island who have organised and perpetrated this sort of activity. It will be taken into account by our decision makers and ultimately by me.
You've said that you'll take into account the character test when you're considering whether those protesters should be granted asylum in Australia. Is that still the position? Have you made any more decisions on that?
No, the decision, as I outlined last week, is that the Migration Act allows for character issues to be taken into account; that can take into account whether somebody is sentenced to a jail term for 12 months or more, also more general character considerations can be taken into account.
But whatever people's frustrations, there is no excuse for violent behaviour. It is simply unacceptable and it is appropriate that the character test be taken into account.
I've said on a case by case basis I'll be taking the character concerns into very serious consideration.
I will abide by the Act, but what I have indicated is that the character provisions of the Act allow me or my delegate to take into account prison terms and also general conduct. I will be taking that into account and examining it very seriously.
(1) Protection of the Australian community and members of the community;
(2) The expectations of the Australian community and;
(3) The best interests of the child, or children, where they are involved.
The Australian community expects non-citizens to obey Australian laws while in Australia. Where a non-citizen has breached, or where there is significant risk that they will breach this trust or where the non-citizen has been convicted of offences in Australia or elsewhere, it may be appropriate to refuse the visa application or cancel the visa held by such a person. Visa refusal or cancellation and removal of the non-citizen may be appropriate simply because the nature of the character, concerns or offences are such that the Australian community would expect that the person would not be granted a visa or should be removed from Australia. Decision makers should have due regard to the government's view in this respect.
… notwithstanding international obligations, the power to refuse or cancel must inherently remain a fundamental exercise of Australian sovereignty. The responsibility to determine who should be allowed to enter or remain in Australia in the interests of the Australian community ultimately lies with the discretion of the responsible minister.
If a person fails the character test, this can be used as a basis for the refusal of a visa application or the cancellation of a visa that is held by a person.
Similarly, section 500A of the Migration Act provides that the minister may refuse the grant of a temporary safe haven visa—
Federal police officers have carried out 100 wrist X-rays of Indonesian crew members claiming to be under the age of 18 since 2008.
But results of the scans have shown 60 of the so-called "children" to be aged over 18.
It does not matter what penalty is imposed by a court as a result of the conviction. This creates a clear and objective basis for a person to fail the character test.
Presently, and even in his own words, the Minister for Immigration has 'very extensive' powers to deal with people in detention convicted of a crime, including criminal damage. There is no need to bolster these powers with legislation that could see them widened to include refugees who commit more minor offences while in the pressure cooker environment of long-term detention. Our concern is that a refugee who commits one misdemeanour could be denied protection and unity with his or her family for life.
… it is intended by the Government to ensure that any conviction for an offence of the kind covered by this Bill results in the person automatically failing to pass the character test.
Mr Ruddock said he had decided not to go to Woomera, despite demands from the boat people, because he did not feel it appropriate to go there under duress.
The secretary of the Immigration Department, Mr Bill Farmer, had been sent instead .
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Further Election Commitments and Other Measures) Bill 2011
Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test and Other Provisions) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this House:
(1) notes that the Government has:
(a) admitted there is a problem with the criteria for independent youth allowance for inner regional students;
(b) committed to bringing forward its review of the matter with the broad purpose of finding a permanent solution to address the disadvantages that currently exist for rural and regional students in qualifying for financial assistance; and
(c) indicated it will remove the difference between the inner regional areas and the other regional zones for the eligibility criteria for independent youth allowance; and
(2) calls on the Government to bring forward its timetable for resolving the matter, and in particular ensure that:
(a) the review is completed and funds to pay for the measure are secured by l July 2011;
(b) the current eligibility criteria for independent youth allowance for persons whose homes are located in Outer Regional Australia, Remote Australia, and Very Remote Australia according to the Remoteness Structure defined in subsection 1067A(10F) of the Social Security Act 1991 also apply to those with homes in Inner Regional Australia from 1 July 2011; and
(c) all students who had a gap year in 2010 (ie, 2009 Year 12 school leavers) and who meet the relevant criteria qualify for the payment.
In summary the outcome of your review needs to be immediate action to fix this mess and give all regional students the same access to independent youth allowance. The entire community does not want to hear hollow rhetoric about an education revolution when the government's own actions with respect to youth allowance are inhibiting the education of our country students.
That this House:
(1) notes the release on 28 March 2011 of an Amnesty International report entitled Death Sentences and Executions 2010 and that:
(a) over the last 10 years, 31 countries have abolished the death sentence in practice or in law; and
(b) in December 2010:
(i) the United Nations General Assembly adopted its third resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty; and
(ii) 23 countries had carried out executions in 2010 compared to 19 countries in 2009; and
(2) recommits to its bi-partisan condemnation of the death penalty across the world.
The death penalty is an act that decreases the store of human dignity. It is a practice that has no social justification, for all the evidence indicates that it does not function as a deterrent, and ... it is not right that our system of justice function as an instrument of vengeance.
The state does not honour the victim by emulating his murderer.
I am opposed to the death penalty in all cases.
I hold this position for a number of reasons: these include the fundamental nature of the right to life; the unacceptable risk of executing innocent people by mistake; the absence of proof that the death penalty serves as a deterrent; and what is, to my mind, the inappropriately vengeful character of the sentence.
… is the ultimate and the most incomparably extreme form of punishment … It is the last, the most devastating and the most irreversible recourse of the criminal law involving … the planned and calculated termination of life itself; the destruction of the greatest and most precious gift which is bestowed on all humankind.
Local governments are in a unique position to work with the community to increase the numbers and participation of women in public life, so that decision-making more clearly represents and reflects the interests and demography of communities.
We’re the main employer in country regions, after mining, and we want to be here for the long haul. It’s devastating when vulnerable rural communities suffer industry closure and job losses … caused in part by the live export industry.
One of the most effective ways to abate or stop graffiti is rapid removal. Graffiti artists want their tags to be seen, and if it's removed quickly it discourages them. It's the best way we can fight back.
When the council works with the community you get better results and, while we have been working with LAGG, I don't think it's fair they should have to pay for this themselves.
Yes, I do commit to keeping the promises at a local level that Labor and Labor candidates made at the last election.
There will be no carbon tax under the government I lead.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. Peter Slipper) took the chair at 10:30.
The real issues are not technical or economic. The crisis we face demands a profound philosophical discussion, a reappraisal of who we are and what progress means. Debating these matters makes us neither saints nor communists; it shows only that we have understood the science.
While its massacre in Hama was horrendous and it has an abysmal record on human rights, engaging in torture and severe political repression, it—
had a good, even excellent one when it came to protecting the pluralism of the religious culture that is one of Syria's most enduring and attractive qualities. Some of these virtues are captured in Brooke Allen's engaging account of her travels in Syria, The Other Side of the Mirror , where she meets ordinary people from different backgrounds and rejoices in the natural friendliness of Syria's people and the extraordinary richness of its past. Instead of the Soviet-style grayness she expected to find from accounts in the US media, she discovers a sophisticated cosmopolitan society where life is being lived in many different styles and varieties.
Visiting several mosques, churches, and shrines, she provides impressive testimony of the country's religious diversity and the regime's commitment to religious freedom. It would be tragic if the pursuit of democracy led to the shredding of this bright human canopy, where religious and cultural differences seem to have flourished under the iron grip of a minority sectarian regime.
For more than 1,000 years Christians, Jews and Muslims have lived in peace and harmony as good neighbours, and we have no doubt that they will continue to do so. The present suffering of Christians is a part of the tragic political situation suffered by all the people of Iraq. The Christians in Iraq are a part of Iraq. The majority of the Christians are not likely to leave Iraq and, if they do so, those who are left there are likely to be more vulnerable …
It is important that the Muslims in Iraq and the world over should come forward to express their condemnation of persecution of the Christian minority and to give whatever spiritual, material and practical help they can.
… that there is a continuing strategic need to retain the housing land at RAAF Base Darwin to accommodate future Defence capability and contingency needs.
Tourism is set to be a major business in the electorate, taking advantage of our exquisite coastline which stretches in pristine condition for many kilometres. New marinas in the future will no doubt mirror the success of existing marinas at Hillarys and Mindarie, which producevaluable tourist dollars.
The Government's own expert committee has said making these medicines available is cost effective, is value for money and is the right thing to do. It's unclear what expertise or experience cabinet ministers have at their disposal to override the decisions of their own expert committee. The Government has brought politics into what was an effective and depoliticised process in a highly-sensitive area where people's health and indeed their lives are at stake .
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2011-2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"while not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:
(1) condemns the Government for incorporating in an annual appropriation bill provisions to increase the limit on government borrowings above the total of $200 billion;
(2) recognises that a special case must be made for such a significant increase in borrowing limits and that the Government must explain any special circumstances that it believes justify such an increase; and
(3) demands that the Parliament be given the opportunity to consider separately and vote on the proposed increases in borrowing limits set out in Part 5 of Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2001-12."
Overall, it is a smart budget, and a budget right for the times and challenges ahead.
The conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.
… that wetlands constitute a resource of great economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value, the loss of which would be irreparable …
... the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.
Like the shorebirds that rise into the air to cross continents and oceans, so too we must all rise to the challenge—to secure a future for the birds, the tidal flats and the living world which we all share.
The monitoring committee must hold the NPA commanders to account for their actions. Likewise, the Philippine military and police should avail themselves of this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to human rights by cooperating fully with the joint investigations that the committee will undertake once convened.
... to the City and Police Department of Detroit for the speed with which they have apprehended the alleged killer, and urge that the investigation is continued until such time as police are certain that no other parties were complicit.
(2) respectfully call on the Mayor and City of Detroit to create a public park in the vacant land adjacent to where Mr McNicol was both working and lost his life, with an appropriate recognition of Mr McNicol's vision for a better local community.
His tradesman's skills—roofing, plumbing, carpentry—were relics of his previous life; when he left school early he was an RAAF mechanic for seven years. After that he built his own wholesale nursery.
Then he moved to California and got into the building trade, earning US qualifications in plumbing, electrics, construction and building codes.
Neighbours, angry because they liked McNicol and knew he meant well, brought bandages. Some tended to him. But it was too late.
There are people like Greg taking a chance in Detroit, who are not going to get stopped. This time next year this property will be thriving, the way he knew it would. His life won't be in vain.
To the man who cherishes a secret in his breast, there is a still greater secret unexplored. Our most indifferent acts may be matter for secrecy, but whatever we do with the utmost truthfulness and integrity, by virtue of its pureness, must be transparent as light.
Federal Labor has reversed the years of neglect of the Pacific by the Coalition. We have restored strong relationships with countries like Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Federal Labor has taken forward a comprehensive agenda with our Pacific island neighbours.
Our efforts have been welcomed by the region and have ensured that difficult issues like the political situation in Fiji have been met by the region with a unified stance.
(1) How many personal staff are employed by the Minister.
(2) What is the (a) total cost, and (b) breakdown of costs, of all capital works and acquisitions in the Minister’s private office since 3 December 2007.
(1) The employment of staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 is administered by the Department of Finance and Deregulation (DoFD). On 22 February 2011, DoFD tabled with the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee a list of Government Personal Staff Positions as at 1 February 2011.
(2) The cost of capital works and acquisitions for Ministers’ offices is shared by the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), DoFD and home departments. The Special Minister of State will accordingly respond on behalf of all Ministers in respect of costs incurred by DPS and DoFD.
Since my appointment as Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion on 14 September 2010, I am advised that the total cost of acquisitions in my office incurred by the Department of Human Services to 3 March 2011 is $9,337.41. A breakdown is as follows:
In respect of the statement by Mr Mike Quigley, Chief Executive Officer, NBN Co. Limited, that NBN Co. Limited has an arrangement with Telstra for it to provide voice only services to end users for $24 (Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Additional Estimates, 22 February 2011, page 131),
(a) will this arrangement apply only to customers who as at the time of transfer from Telstra's copper network to the National Broadband Network, were Telstra voice only customers;
(b) what arrangements will exist for customers who wish to take a new voice only service from Telstra because, for example, they have moved house or were previously customers of another telecommunications provider;
(c) given that this retail price of $24 will involve Telstra incurring a loss, will Telstra receive payment from NBN Co. Limited (or another party such as government) for all such customers; and
(d) will these arrangements reduce competition in the voice only market, as other retail operators will be unable to match Telstra's retail price without incurring a loss.
(a), (b), (c), (d) These matters concern commercial-in-confidence information which are currently subject to negotiations between Telstra and NBN Co Limited. However, NBN Co Limited is able to confirm that the statement by the CEO is correct and is reflected in the detail of these commercial arrangements between Telstra and the company.
In respect of the Defence Materiel Organisation in:
(a) 2007-08;
(b) 2008-09;
(c) 2009-10; and
(d) 2010-11.
By classification level, how many:
(i) military staff;
(ii) public service staff; and
(iii) professional service providers, are/were employed.
In respect of the Defence Materiel Organisation the numbers of staff (headcount) which are/were employed is as follows:
(a) As at 30 June 2008, the total DMO workforce was 7,335 as follows:
(i) 1,513 Military personnel;
(ii) 5,641 Australian Public Service personnel; and
(iii) 181 Professional Service Providers (Contractors).
(b) As at 30 June 2009, the total DMO workforce was 7,475 as follows:
(i) 1,536 Military personnel;
(ii) 5,763 Australian Public Service personnel; and
(iii) 176 Professional Service Providers (Contractors).
(c) As at 30 June 2010, the total DMO workforce was 7,290 as follows:
(i) 1,504 Military personnel;
(ii) 5,666 Australian Public Service personnel; and
(iii)120 Professional Service Providers (Contractors).
(d) As at 4 March 2011, the total DMO workforce was 7,222 as follows:
(i) 1,426 Military personnel;
(ii) 5,781 Australian Public Service personnel; and
(iii) 15 Professional Service Providers (Contractors).
A detailed breakdown by classification is shown within the below table:
DMO numbers of staff employed by Headcount
Professional Service Provider (Contractor)
NAVY
ARMY
AIR FORCE
(1) How many think tanks or policy institutes are funded by the Minister's department, and (a) what are (i) their names, and (ii) key areas of research, and (b) in what office/agency within the department do they fall.
(2) What sum of funding was provided to each of the think tanks or policy institutes in part (1) in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, and (d) 2010-11.
(3) For each think tank or policy institute in part (1), on what date (a) was an announcement made that it would be formed, and (b) did it commence operating.
Only one think tank or policy institute, i.e. a body established for the purpose of conducting research, has received funding from the Department and the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Australian Institute of Family Studies which researches issues affecting families in Australia has received funding from the Office of Work and Family in the department.
Other details sought are:
What assistance or new initiatives is his department undertaking to increase tourism to North Queensland, in particular Townsville, in light of the high Australian dollar and the recent events that have decimated the tourism sector in the electorate of Herbert.
Since January 28, 2011 my department and Tourism Australia have intensified their work with the Queensland Government to deliver a $12 million Tourism Industry Support Package in response to the Queensland floods and Cyclone Yasi.
The Tourism Industry Support Package marketing campaign has included:
As part of the Queensland mega famil, 10 domestic media visited Townsville and Tropical North Queensland. The media experienced, first hand, local activities such as jet skiing at Palm Cove, walks along Williams Esplanade, day spa experiences, visits to Magnetic Island, snorkelling and diving on the Yongala shipwreck.
The Tourism Industry Recovery Forums program was jointly funded through my department and the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. The program offered workshops for tourism businesses in areas directly and indirectly affected to provide information on what assistance is available, as well as to deliver existing content on business resilience. The objective of the forums was to build tourism business resilience and capability in the recovery phase and beyond. A forum was held in Townsville on 13 April 2011 and 32 operators attended.
Under the “Servicing the China Market” CEO Workshops program, my department has engaged an experienced consultant to conduct a series of workshops from May through July across five Queensland regions where Chinese tourism is most concentrated. The objective is to develop the product currently being offered to the China market in these regions. The regions in which the workshops are being conducted are the Gold Coast, Tropical North Queensland, the Whitsundays, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.
My department will also provide support for up to 100 tourism industry representatives to attend the Australia-China Tourism Summit 2011 in Cairns from 7-9 June 2011. This will include a Queensland tourism industry networking function on 7 June 2011. A number of businesses and industry organisations from North Queensland have been invited to take advantage of this opportunity, including Townsville Enterprise.
The Trade Advisory Support program, funded by my department, will be delivered by Enterprise Connect, through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research who administer the Enterprise Connect program. Known as the Queensland Tourism Service, the Service will provide a Tourism Business Review to eligible tourism businesses which will be carried out on-site by skilled and experienced Business Advisers at no financial cost to the business. The Business Adviser will work with the business to understand the business’ strategy and operations; identify strengths and opportunities, including benchmarking against best practice; assess potential areas for growth and improvement; and help firms access world-class business tools, processes and technology. In addition to the Tourism Business Review, tourism businesses will be eligible for:
A further element of the Tourism Industry Support Package was providing support for tradeshows. Support was made available to assist in the attendance of 300 Queensland tourism businesses at the Australia Tourism Exchange in Sydney on 1 8 April 2011. Seven of these businesses were Townsville operators – Townsville Enterprise Limited, Tropical Horizons Tours, Vision Hotels and Resorts, Wildlife Island and Bush Safari, Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, Dreamtime Journey by Kookaburra Tours and Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive. The subsidy helped many operators attend, who would have been unable to otherwise attend.
In addition to my department’s activities, on 6 April 2011the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, welcomed a group of over 70 Heads of Mission and Consuls-General and their spouses to Queensland. The purpose of the visit was to demonstrate to the world that Queensland is well and truly back in business and to assist the diplomats in knowing first-hand, and being better able to share, the tremendous opportunities on offer there. The visit included a day in Cairns, finishing with dinner in Port Douglas.
It should be noted that the assistance being provided by my department and portfolio agency, Tourism Australia, is in addition to measures taken by the Commonwealth Government under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and the Commonwealth and Queensland Government funded Rural Resilience Fund. It is also over and above other support such as TQUAL Grants and funding for Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Projects. In the 2009 round of TQUAL grants, $100,000 was provided to Mount Flagstone Station Pty Ltd, 45 kms southwest of Townsville, to assist with the refurbishment of the historic homestead to provide quality farm-stay accommodation in the Townsville region. In the first round of Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Projects in 2008-09, over $16 million of funding was provided to the Townsville City Council for redevelopment of the Townsville CBD.