The SPEAKER (Mr Harry Jenkins) took the chair at 13:15, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent Mr Hockey speaking in reply to the ministerial statement for a period not exceeding 17 minutes.
Bad fiscal design always has an unexpected cost. Why is a flood tax being introduced just as the economy slows?
We recommend targeting a budget surplus of more than 1 percent of GDP, on average, for the period beyond 2013/14, while the mining boom continues to support growth.
… a further strengthening of the Commonwealth government balance sheet should continue to contain economy-wide debt-servicing costs.
This would imply running surpluses during upswings to avoid overheating, and these surpluses should be larger than in past upswings.
That the order of the day be referred to the Main Committee for debate.
That order of the day be referred to the Main Committee for debate.
That further statements by indulgence in relation to the death of Margaret Hannah Olley AC be permitted in the Main Committee.
That further statements by indulgence in relation to the death of Robin Donald (Rob) Chalmers be permitted in the Main Committee.
That further statements by indulgence in relation to Cadel Evans be permitted in the Main Committee.
We believe that on balance, the sectoral approach announced today by the Prime Minister for the steel industry, including the introduction of the—
is both appropriate and sensible. We are pleased that the Government has responded by adopting this approach.
On fiscal policy, we commend the authorities for remaining committed to returning the Commonwealth budget to surplus by 2012/13 … This consolidation is faster than in many other advanced economies and is more ambitious than earlier envisaged …
… the impact of coal-seam gas on water quality has become a pressing matter … there are also significant potential risks to water and our water management as a result of the scale of the development … there is a level of uncertainty … as a result of the less-than-perfect information …
The Budget is coming back to surplus, no ifs no buts; it will happen.
It's happening, David. Failure is not an option.
If it doesn't?
Well, failure is not an option here and we won't fail.
I have to acknowledge that life has dealt Alby a tough hand. For him some days are really difficult and one of the toughest for him was the day that I, as chairman of the National Party, rejected his application to become a member of the National Party. He has had a lot of trouble getting over that, and some of his statements should be taken bearing in mind that rejection.
That the House take note of the following documents:
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service—Report for 2009-10—Correction.
Australian Human Rights Commission—Reports—
No. 44—Mr Toro-Martinez v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Citizenship).
No. 45—Mr Al Jenabi v Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Citizenship), incorporating an erratum.
Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Act 1997 —Live-stock mortalities for exports by sea—Report for the period 1 January to 30 June 2011.
Ministerial statement—Live animal exports—Senator Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 7 July 2011.
Parliamentary Budget Office—Joint Select Committee—Inquiry into the proposed Parliamentary Budget Office—Government response.
Productivity Commission—Reports—
No. 53—Caring for older Australians, 28 June 2011—
Volume 1, incorporating an erratum.
Volume 2, incorporating an erratum.
No. 54—Disability care and support, 31 July 2011—
Volume 1.
Volume 2.
That Mr Briggs, Mrs Griggs, and Mr Entsch be appointed participating members of the Joint Select Committee on Australia's Immigration Detention Network.
The adverse effects on the nation of the Australian people's lack of confidence in the Government.
Sweating a great deal and looking for alternative employment.
The … argument is absolute crap.
I certainly think that there is a credible scientific counterpoint but, in the end, I'm not going to win an argument over the science, I'll leave that to the scientists.
I think climate change is real.
I've always thought that climate change was real.
I don't think we can say that the science is settled here.
… recognises the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport, which currently comprise around 14 per cent of Australia's total emissions. By bringing transport fuels into the Australian emissions-trading system, consumers will be given greater incentive to improve the energy efficiency of their transport choices.
… the Labor Party is the party of truth telling. When we go out into the electorate and make promises, do you know what we would do in government: we would keep them. When we say them, we mean them.
I think when you go to an election and you give a promise to the Australian people, you should do everything in your power to honour that promise. We are determined to do that. We gave our word to the Australian people in the election and this is a Government that prides itself on delivering election promises. We want Australians to be able to say well, they’ve said this and they did this …
We'll be back in the black by 2012-13, on time, as promised.
The alternative—meandering back to surplus—would compound the pressures in our economy and push up the cost of living for pensioners and working people.
We will reach surplus despite company tax is not recovering like our economy.
Our spending restraint means real growth in spending averages 1 per cent …
I mean, the issues are everywhere. How is the backbench reacting to all of that?
Well, a lot of them just simply delude themselves into believing that next May when the money starts going into people’s pockets a couple of months in advance of the tax that suddenly there’ll be this massive change of heart and they’ll be saved, they’ll be delivered. I wouldn’t have thought that’s going to happen myself. So I think that’s just delusional, but that’s what a lot of them are doing. Some of the others are ... already looking at what they’re going to be doing next because they know they won’t be in parliament. And some of the others—
Is she up to it?
No. I don’t think anyone really believes it at the moment. She’d have to have a magnificent year to come; this was to be the year of delivery. Well so far the delivery has been pretty poor.
... (a) will she lead the Labor Party into the next election and (b) what will happen to the Labor Party at the next election?
Well, I don’t believe that she will and there’s a slim chance for the Labor Party if they changed to the right leader and acted quickly.
She’ll lead Labor, it’s far more likely, and I believe Labor will be slaughtered.
She's the next one for the knife.
Consumer sentiment fell by 3½% in August, coming after a fall of 8.3% in July.
... this latest fall is sending a significant message ... the index is at its lowest level since May 2009.
... this financial turmoil has added another dimension of risk to consumers over and above those issues associated with interest rates, house prices, carbon tax and, potentially, jobs.
… it is proposed that regulations to prescribe the curriculum implementation timelines be authorised by the Standing Council.
The non-government school sector does not have specific representation on the Standing Council or on its advisory officials’ committee …
… neither national nongovernment school peak body has any representation on MCEECDYA—
the body that governs the work of ACARA and thus the work on the Australian Curriculum. NCEC therefore calls on Australia's Ministers of Education assembled at MCEECDYA to be always mindful of their responsibilities as Ministers of Education for all students in their jurisdiction, rather than act simply as heads of major state department school systems, when making decisions about the Australian Curriculum.
The Australian Government recognises and respects the role of the non-government sector as equal and active partners in the process to develop the Australian Curriculum … Through its representation on the ACARA Board and its participation in consultation processes, the non-government sector will continue to play a critical role in the development of the Australian Curriculum.
Further delay in the passing of the Schools Assistance Amendment (Financial Assistance) Bill 2011 can only increase the current feelings of uncertainty.
National Health Reform Amendment (National Health Performance Authority) Bill 2011
In many ways we are lucky that Australia has one of the most impressive public health systems in the world—our doctors and nurses are world class, our public system provides free hospital care for all and it delivers outcomes such as low infant mortality and long life expectancy.
But we’re faced with a health system that is fragmented, costly, underresourced, unsustainable, overly focused on acute care and with constant pressure to deliver for more patients with more complex needs.
Cost and queues is what ensures that services aren't overused … So [hospital] waiting lists and gap payments are a necessary part of the system …
Dr Neal Blewett, the former federal Labor health minister who retired on Thursday, used his retirement speech in the House of Representatives to praise the Victorian government’s health changes and to congratulate its health minister, Mrs Tehan, for introducing casemix funding in public hospitals.
In calling her changes ‘the most imaginative set of reforms to deal with the hospital system in this country in the last half a dozen years’, Dr Blewett not only speaks the truth, but gives a generous and genuine endorsement his former colleagues could do well to acknowledge.
This lack of detail combined with the lack of power attributed to the Authority raises questions about the extent to which the Authority can achieve its objectives as set out in the Bill … or as articulated by Government.
… does not give the Authority any enforcement powers; it cannot compel state and territory governments, private and non-government organisations to provide performance data and it cannot compel individual providers to make changes that will lead to better performance.
The National Government was given defined powers—either exclusive or concurrent—whereas the States retained the residual. Where there is overlap, Commonwealth laws prevail to the extent of any inconsistency.
ABS is one of many providers of statistics (albeit the largest) that are used to inform research, discussion and decision making within governments and the community. The organisations and arrangements, formal and informal, which together provide such statistics, form Australia’s national statistical system.
(a) to constitute the central statistical authority for the Australian Government and, by arrangements with the Governments of the States, provide statistical services for those Governments;
(b) to collect, compile, analyse and disseminate statistics and related information;
Firstly, in relation to the scope and functions of the NHPA, the Bill as currently drafted allows for the possibility that the real work of the NHPA could be broadened in scope beyond that contemplated by the HoA.
Health Ministers agreed that States and Territories are the system managers and as such the performance managers of public hospitals in Australia. The Performance Authority will report on the performance of hospitals and health networks, and these reports will be provided to State and Territory Health Ministers, as the system managers, prior to public release;
There is no detail on the commitment to local control, but it won't mean local boards. There are vague references to Local Hospital Networks established by appointment. The news from Health SA is they don't expect to make any changes, in their opinion the current model meets the criteria! For the record this means, no local boards, regional bureaucrats, HACC committees with no teeth and effective control in Adelaide. No change!
The government has promulgated a view that state governments are broke and the Federal Government has a bottomless bucket of money. The fact is, while both have the ability to raise taxes to pay for services, whichever level of government raises the tax, it is the same Australians who will pay the bill.
… that a number of stakeholders that wanted to contribute to the Inquiry were unable to due to the haste with which the Inquiry was conducted.
… fails to recognise the formal role of state/territory governments as majority funders and system managers of public health services including overall responsibility … for the performance …
From July 1, the Commonwealth's share of hospital funding will increase to sixty per cent … GST retention and dedication to health care will commence.
… I regard health care as one of the greatest responsibilities of any government.
If my government is returned to office on August 21, I will pursue our national reforms until the job is done.
… there are far too many unanswered questions about the National Health Performance Authority … The House should not debate this bill until the Government clarifies …
… a number of stakeholders that wanted to contribute to the Inquiry were unable to due to the haste with which the Inquiry was conducted.
… harm the current high standard of medical services, and consequently health services, delivered to the community.
The legislation as currently drafted is very broad – indeed vague – on the scope, range and detail of data that will be required to be submitted.
We need, for example, to learn from the recent experience of the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust in United Kingdom, where it has been reported that between 400 and 1200 excess deaths together with appalling lapses of patient care and hygiene occurred between 2005 and 2009 as a result of the local board and hospital management focusing more on meeting performance and cost cutting targets than on actual patient care.
... the House declines to give the bill a second reading until provisions establishing the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, including its functions and responsibilities, are presented to the House for its consideration.
(a) The equipment supplied does not form part of a proposed project type, or
(b) … if the equipment supplied or installed does not form part of the proposed project type then Australia Government funding will not be sought for that equipment supplied or installed with the relevant cost met as part or in kind cash contribution of the applicant.
Each day nearly one in every 200 Australians is homeless, without safe, secure or affordable housing.
Homelessness means that every day almost one in every 200 Australians lives without their most fundamental human rights as they are often excluded from participation in a range of social, cultural and recreational activities because of their circumstances.
The department and the Minister have been picking off chunks of the infrastructure fund like vultures around a carcass.
(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, the Department 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 in line with Appendix 2 of Supporting Ministers, Upholding the Values.
The Special Minister of State has responded on behalf of all ministers in respect of costs incurred by DPS and DoFD.
I am advised that the costs incurred by the Department of Veterans' Affairs is $43,952.11. The breakdown is as follows:
Note that I was appointed as Minister for Veterans' Affairs on 14 September 2010. As such, no data is provided for the period prior to this date.
(1) In respect of all variants of F-111 aircraft, how many has the department decided to
(a) scrap, and
(b) preserve for historical purposes.
(2) Of those in part (1)(b), how many
(a) have been allocated to
(i) government museums, and
(ii) private and/or not-for-profit aeronautical heritage organisations,
(b) have not yet been allocated, and
(c) are to be held and maintained by the department for historical purposes.
(3) Has the department approached the United States Department of Defence about International Traffic in Arms Regulations regarding the disposal of Australian F-111 aircraft to non-government administered museums or heritage institutions; if not, why not.
(4) Where is asbestos located in each F-111 aircraft and in what quantities; and if the asbestos is not disturbed, does it need to be removed to render an F-111 aircraft safe for public display.
(5) What is the estimated cost per aircraft of removing
(a) all asbestos from a single F-111 aircraft; and
(b) such smaller amount as may allow an F-111 aircraft to be deemed safe for public display.
(6) What portion of asbestos
(a) was removed from the F-111 aircraft currently on display at Point Cook,
Victoria, and
(b) will be removed from F-111 aircraft planned for display at both RAAF Amberley and Edinburgh.
Response to all:
Two at the RAAF Museum, Point Cook Victoria;
Two at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland; and
One at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.
A number of other aircraft are currently being assessed to determine if they can be preserved by public or private museums for heritage purposes.
Providing aircraft to public or private museums requires two things: United States Government approval and finding a way to deal effectively with the asbestos on the aircraft.
The F-111s were produced in the United States and are subject to United States legislation. This requires the Australian Government to seek United States Government permission to transfer the aircraft to non-Government or non-Defence organisations. Based on previous experience this is difficult and takes some time.
I am advised by Defence that over 80 per cent of the aircraft's surface panels have the potential to contain asbestos
Defence is currently assessing how asbestos could be removed, remediated or safely contained, so that the aircraft could be safely displayed in public and private museums.
In respect of the ten operational GP Super Clinics, how many presentations (a) were made while the clinics were offering early services, (b) have been made since the clinics became operational, and (c) have been made each month since September 2009.
As at 16 June 2011, there are currently 11 operational GP Super Clinics.
As advised previously, the Department of Health and Ageing provides self reported numbers of service presentations at an aggregated level only. Self reported services numbers for individual clinics are not made publicly available as:
(i) there are commercial-in-confidence and privacy protection considerations around releasing data at the individual clinic level; and
(ii) service numbers are not comparable (depending on when the Clinics commenced services, the size of the community, the number of service providers engaged etc) and could be open to misinterpretation.
The current presentation data collection framework was implemented from 1 February 2011. The framework provides for the identification of GP, nursing and allied health presentations and the collection of data every two months by the Department from operational GP Super Clinic sites and those delivering early services.
(a–b) Noting that a number of sites providing early services became operational part way through a reporting period, it is estimated that of the approximately 428,000 presentations at the 11 operational GP Super Clinics sites as at 31 May 2011, approximately 371,000 presentations were while sites were operational and 57,000 were early services provided prior to clinics becoming operational.
(c) Prior to 31 January 2011, there were approximately 289,000 presentations at the eight operational GP Super Clinic sites, including early services that had been delivered, if any, at those sites.
From 1 February 2011 to 31 March 2011, there were approximately 66,000 presentations at the operational GP Super Clinic sites.
From 1 April 2011 to 31 May 2011, there were approximately 73,000 presentations at the operational GP Super Clinic sites.
In respect of the GP Super Clinics Program, how many presentations were made in (a) October, November and December 2010; and (b) January, February, March and April 2011.
(a-b)
The current presentation data collection framework was implemented from 1 February 2011. The framework provides for the identification of GP, nursing and allied health presentations and the collection of data every two months by the Department from operational GP Super Clinic sites and those delivering early services.
Prior to 31 January 2011, there were approximately 289,000 presentations at the (then) eight operational GP Super Clinic sites. This figure includes early services that had been delivered, at some of these sites. In addition, there were approximately 273,000 presentations at those sites delivering early services but not yet fully operational.
From 1 February 2011 to 31 March 2011, there were approximately 66,000 presentations at the operational GP Super Clinic sites. In addition, there were approximately 35,000 presentations at those sites delivering early services.
From 1 April 2011 to 31 May 2011, there were approximately 73,000 presentations at the operational GP Super Clinic sites. In addition, there were approximately 52,000 presentations at those sites delivering early services.
The $280.2 million allocated over 5 years to the 2007-08 GP Super Clinics Program included:
$184.3 million for the GP Super Clinics Program (including $2.6 program support costs);
$36.8 million for Pharmaceutical Benefits flow on costs;
$50.0 million for Medicare Benefits flow on costs; and
$9.2 million for Veterans' Entitlements flow on costs.
Medicare Benefits, Pharmaceutical Benefits and Veterans' Entitlements are demand driven programs funded under Special Appropriations Acts. As such, actual costs incurred are not able to be separately identified against estimated flow on measures.
(a—d)
Of the $184.3 million Administered funding allocated to the GP Super Clinics Program, as at 30 June 2011, actual expenditure was:
The forward estimates figures are as follows:
All figures are rounded to one decimal place which may affect totals.
(1) Was the 2002 Parsons Brinckerhoff Study into the Salt Ash Weapons Range released to (a) the public, (b) Port Stephens Council, (c) the National Library of Australia, and (d) the Auditor General;
If so, when; if not, why not.
(2) What data and/or reports does he use to qualify that the continued use of Salt Ash Weapons Range is safe for the surrounding community.
(3) When approving the use of the Salt Ash Weapons Range, did he take into consideration the NSW Pollution Control Commission's statement that the F/A-18 Hornet's use of the Salt Ash Weapons Range does not meet its environmental criteria; if not, why not; if so, why was approval still given.
(4) Why was the site between Tea Gardens and Nerong not seen as a viable alternative to the current target and danger area at the Salt Ash Weapons Range, and was the cost of transporting Defence personnel to this alternative site a factor in the decision not to use it.
(5) Has he considered the risk to Defence personnel and civilians, of a single engine aircraft such as the Joint Strike Fighter, if shrapnel was to enter its only engine during strafing exercises at the Salt Ash Weapons Range.
(1) Defence is not aware of a Parsons Brinkerhoff study in 2002. There was a study by PPK Environment and Infrastructure ((PPK) a Parsons Brinckerhoff Company) in 2000. This study was provided to the Community Consultative Committee which comprised representatives of Defence, Port Stephens Council and residents. The study was also included as an appendix to the 2002 Hawk Aircraft Environmental Impact Statement which was made available to the public and the National Library of Australia. Defence has no record of providing the PPK report to the Auditor General.
(2) Information used to determine the continued use of Salt Ash Weapons Range is safe for the surrounding community includes:
(3) No. The Environmental Impact Statement for introduction of the F/A-18 Hornet, including its use of Salt Ash Air Weapons Range, was approved by the (then) Minister for Home Affairs and Environment on 5 July 1983. The Pollution Control Commission statement was made on 13 July 1983 as part of its submission to the Public Works Committee for the F/A-18 facilities development at RAAF Base Williamtown.
(4) According to the 2000 PPK study, considerable residential development was predicted in the Tea Gardens study area and would likely result in a higher number of complaints than was occurring at Salt Ash. The study also found that disturbance to internationally important habitats and a breeding colony of Goulds Petrel could be significant impacts. Additional costs to transport personnel were considered to be minimal and were not a factor in deciding where to conduct testing.
(5) The operation of aircraft with a single engine has been considered for all military operations, including those conducted at Salt Ash Air Weapons Range. All strafe passes developed by military aircraft, which include those conducted at Salt Ash Air Weapons Range, are designed to avoid the fragmentation envelope of delivered weapons. At no time are aircraft planned to fly through areas that could be affected by ricochet from the ground. Aircraft operations at Salt Ash Air Weapons Range are such that if a catastrophic engine failure was to occur, for any reason, sufficient energy is available to ensure the pilot can manoeuvre the aircraft safely away from populated areas. The RAAF operates, and has operated, single engine aircraft throughout its history, such as the Hawk, Macchi, Mirage and Sabre.
In respect of Table J-5 (Appendix J) in her department's 2009-10 Annual Report which indicates that in 2008-09, six families with incomes over $1,000,000 received Family Tax Benefit A, and three families with incomes over $1,000,000 received Family Tax Benefit B, what criteria were used to assess the eligibility of these families for such payments.
The criteria used to assess Family Tax Benefit eligibility for those families with more than $1,000,000 in annual income was the same as that used for all other eligible families, as outlined in the Family Assistance Act 1999.
Key factors taken into consideration when assessing eligibility to Family Tax Benefit include family income throughout the financial year, changing circumstances such as a new birth, separation or partnership, receipt of income support payment, child age and the residential status of the claimant.
As stated in the explanatory notes for Table J-5 in my Department's 2009-10 Annual Report, there are a number of reasons families with high incomes can receive payment.
These include customers receiving income support for part of the year and earning higher incomes for the remainder of that year, customers whose partnership status changes during the year and whose new partner's income is high enough to preclude payment for the remainder of the year, Disability Support or Age Pension recipients who are legally blind and not required to declare their income or assets and customers who were eligible for a minimum rate of Family Tax Benefit for a specified Carer Allowance or Double Orphan Pension child.
The six families with income over $1,000,000 who received Family Tax Benefit A and the three families with income over $1,000,000 who received Family Tax Benefit B all fall into one or more of the above categories.
Is the $18.1 billion of funds to be invested in the National Broadband Network included in the 2011-12 budget deficit of $23 billion and the forward estimates figures for the underlying cash balance over this period; if not, why not.
As outlined in the Budget papers, the Government will invest $3.1 billion in 2011-12, and $18.2 billion over the period 2011-12 to 2014-15, in NBN Co. This investment is in the form of an equity injection to a public non-financial corporation (PNFC), and therefore has no direct impact on the underlying cash or fiscal balances. This is because the equity injection involves swapping one financial asset (cash) for another (equity).
The classification of NBN Co as a PNFC is determined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Australian System of Government Finance Statistics Concepts, Sources and Methods 2005 .
Additional public debt interest (PDI) costs associated with debt issued to finance the equity injections will impact on the underlying cash and fiscal balances. The Australian Office of Financial Management undertakes a single PDI calculation on the basis of the Government's overall financing requirement, which is outlined in Note 10: Interest Expense on page 9-21 of Budget Paper No.1 2011-12.
In respect of the GP Super Clinics program and clinics offering early services, (a) which clinics have offered early services since November 2007 and over what timeframe have early services been offered, and (b) how many total presentations have been made to (i) GPs, and (ii) allied health practitioners, at GP Super Clinics which are offering early services.
(a) The following clinics are offering/have offered early services since November 2007:
(b) As at 31 May 2011, the sites that were providing early services and were not yet operational had provided approximately 360,000 presentations. Of these, approximately 207,000 were GP services and approximately 153,000 were nursing and allied health services.
In addition, as at the end of May 2011, the 11 operational GP Super Clinics reported approximately 428,000 presentations, including early services, if any, at those sites. Of these presentations, approximately 318,000 were GP services and approximately 110,000 were nursing and allied health services.
Noting that a number of sites providing early services became operational part way through a reporting period, it is estimated that approximately 57,000 of the 428,000 presentations were early services provided prior to clinics becoming operational. These are estimated to include approximately 47,000 GP services and approximately 10,000 nursing and allied health services.
Further to the Minister’s answer to question in writing No. 110 (House Hansard , 10 May 2011, page 47), was the Implementation Study a feasibility study.
The purpose of the Implementation Study was to advise the government on how best to implement its stated policy objectives, not to evaluate those objectives, given that the policies had already been agreed by the government. The report focused on translating high-level policy objectives into tangible actions for both the government and NBN Co to implement.
Specifically, the Implementation Study did not:
(1) Is he aware that a request for air-conditioning in the sleeping quarters of the Training Ship Pioneer Australian Navy Cadet (TS Pioneer ANC) in Mackay that was made by the TS Pioneer ANC Parents'Committee in late 2007 is still unfulfilled even though the Committee offered to pay for the entire cost of the air-conditioning system, including installation.
(2) Is he aware that, while the TS Pioneer ANC parents' committee gained a quote for $25,000 for the purchase and installation of the air-conditioning system, his department, after consideration of the request, costed the purchase and installation of an air-conditioning system at $80,000.
(3) Can he explain why there is such a discrepancy between the quote obtained by the TS Pioneer ANC Parents' Committee and the estimate provided by his department for the purchase and installation of this air-conditioning system.
(4) Can he explain why an air-conditioning system has been installed inside the wet mess at the Komiatum Barracks before an air-conditioning system is due to be installed inside the neighbouring TS Pioneer ANC sleeping quarters.
(5) Is he aware that temperatures reach 36 degrees Celsius inside the TS Pioneer ANC sleeping quarters, which is in breach of Comcare regulations.
(6) Is he aware that the TS Pioneer ANC Parents' Committee has been advised by his department that the purchase and installation of the air-conditioning system at the TS Pioneer ANC sleeping quarters could occur in 2011-12.
(7) Is there anything preventing the installation of this air-conditioning system from occurring on 1 July 2011; if so, what, and on what date then, is the installation scheduled to occur.
(1) Defence is aware of an offer by the Parents' Committee to provide funding to air condition the dormitory. Defence does not generally accept funds from third parties to undertake facilities works on Defence owned buildings. Defence has agreed to fund the purchase and installation of an air conditioning system into the dormitory.
(2) Defence does not have a copy of the quote obtained by the Parents' Committee but understands that it was for the purchase and installation of off-the-shelf split air-conditioning systems. The Defence cost estimate of $80,000 is for an engineer designed solution that meets the requirements of Commonwealth and Defence building codes that apply to all Defence facilities and are stringently applied to sleeping areas.
(3) Defence is unaware of the process, design parameters, or compliance requirements that the Parents' Committee may have used to obtain their quotation and is therefore unable to discuss a direct comparison between the Parents' Committee quote and the Defence project costs.
Defence is required to follow a very prescriptive process through design and procurement to ensure that the designed solution achieves compliance with the Building Code of Australia, Defence fire protection engineering requirements, energy efficiency and environmental regulations, and competitive tendering. Defence needs to ensure maintainability and fitness for purpose for the life of the systems. This discrepancy is assumed to be a result of the differing approach taken by the Parents' Committee.
(4) The air-conditioning installed in the mess area at Komiatum Barracks was a maintenance upgrade to an existing system not a new installation. This upgrade was part of a separate project for refurbishment of the existing structures at Komiatum Barracks.
(5) The Komiatum Barracks' dormitory is designed to be cooled with flow through ventilation and ceiling fans. Defence is not aware that the temperature reaches 36 degrees Celsius inside the Komiatum Barracks' dormitory.
(6) Defence has approved funding and a project to air condition the Komiatum Barracks' dormitory for the financial year 2011-12.
(7) A procurement process will be undertaken shortly and once a sub-contractor has been identified the purchase of the air conditioners and installation works can commence. The works are planned for delivery in the July to September 2011 quarter.
(1) What was the total cost (including the pro-rata rate of Commissioners' wages, employees' wages, hall hire, equipment, advertising, etc.) of staging the Climate Commission's recent forum in Mackay.
(2) Is he able to indicate what total amount of carbon dioxide emissions was created as a result of this forum, including those produced by Commissioners, staff and contractors, as well as the energy sources used to stage it.
(3) Were the carbon dioxide emissions created as a result of the forum offset; if so, at what cost, to whom, and for what.
(4) Is the Climate Commission funded to support the Government's carbon tax policy; if so, how can it operate independently; if not, why did Commissioners at the forum
(a) indicate there is no bipartisan support for climate change, and
(b) refer to 'carbon pricing'.
(1) I am informed that the cost of the Climate Commission's (the Commission) two-day visit to Mackay and community forum held on 20 May 2011 was $59,222.
This includes costs of event management services (including venue and equipment hire, technical staff, filming and onsite editing, security and host fees), forum catering, travel costs for Commissioners and GST.
(2-3) I understand that the Commission is monitoring emissions generated by its airline travel and will review its total emissions at the end of 2011 to consider options for purchasing appropriate offsets.
(4) The Commission is an independent body and, as stated in the Commission's Terms of Reference, will not comment on policy matters nor provide policy advice or recommendations.
(1) Is land within a one kilometre radius of the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range (SAAWR) essential for the training requirements of personnel operating from the Royal Australian Air Force Williamtown Base, and/or operation of SAAWR.
(2) If so, is the Government interested in voluntarily acquiring this land, specifically residential property in the vicinity of Rookes Road, Salt Ash, NSW, 2318.
(1) No. Land within a one kilometre radius of the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range is not essential for training requirements.
(2) Defence has no current plans to acquire residential properties in the Salt Ash area, including residential property in the vicinity of Rookes Road, Salt Ash.
(1) Is it a fact that restrictions have been imposed on Australian Army Cadets concerning the use of polyester style ceremonial uniforms.
(2) If so, what will happen to the existing stock of such uniforms.
(1) The removal of the polyester uniforms from the cadet block scale was identified as a part of the rationalisation of garrison uniforms which has been undertaken by the Army. The decision was made to remove this uniform due to its infrequent use by Cadets and to reflect the reduction in the overall issue within Army. Cadets are still able to perform ceremonial activities in the standard Disruptive Patterned Camouflaged Uniform (DPCU). Cadets will continue to maintain access to polyester uniforms if requested for specific activities such as representational duties. Each request will be assessed by Army Headquarters on a case by case basis.
(2) All existing, unused stock will be returned to the supply chain for use by Army.
What total sum of funding is provided by the Government to Malaysia and Indonesia as part of any regional, bilateral or other arrangements to improve the sophistication of border clearance procedures and technology generally, and specifically in relation to the (a) installation of (i) forgery detection, and (ii) bio metric identification, technology at primary clearance points, and (b) training of immigration and border officers in detecting fraud.
The Government does not provide funding to Malaysia and Indonesia. The Government provides technical assistance to these countries through the provision of training and capacity building activities. Under the Regional Skills Development Program (RSDP) my Department provides training to immigration officials on document examination, intelligence, facial recognition and investigation.
My Department has also supported the installation of Indonesia’s border management system which has delivered sophisticated border management systems to 30 ports in Indonesia to enable reliable detection of people of concern to Indonesian authorities. This work includes the installation of bio-metric technology. My Department has been working with Indonesia since 2006 on this project.
In 2010–11, the Department and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service provided the Immigration Department of Malaysia with document examination equipment that is being used on a daily basis at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
(1) Can he indicate what caused a French Eurocopter Tiger helicopter to crash in Afghanistan's eastern district of Lateh Band, near Kabul on 5 February 2011.
(2) What:
(a) lessons were learnt from this crash, and
(b) subsequent changes in procedures and training has the Australian Defence Force adopted to prevent a similar occurrence happening to one of Australia's Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters.
The results of the French Tiger accident investigation are yet to be released to Australia. The French continue to operate the Tiger in Afghanistan.
(a—b) Any lessons learnt and changes to procedures will be considered in detail when accident investigation information is made available to Australia.
In respect of irregular maritime arrivals detained at RAAF Base Scherger, does Defence monitor the (a) phone calls that detainees make, (b) and (c) emails that detainees send; if so, does Defence keep a log of what is monitored; if so, have detainees visited pornographic websites, and/or websites considered to be violent in nature; if so, can he provide a list of those websites that are considered to be violent in nature.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship and its Detention Service Provider do not monitor phone calls, websites or emails of Irregular Maritime Arrivals detained at RAAF Base Scherger; due to the requirements of the Privacy Act (2001).
However, clients are supervised when accessing the internet to ensure appropriate behaviour, age-appropriate material and equitable access is maintained.
Furthermore, computers at all Immigration Detention Centres have content filters, which block access to inappropriate websites.
In respect of irregular maritime arrivals detained at RAAF Base Scherger, does Defence monitor the:
(a) phone calls that detainees make,
(b) websites that detainees visit, and
(c) emails that detainees send;
If so, does Defence keep a log of what is monitored;
If so, have detainees visited pornographic websites, and/or websites considered to be
violent in nature;
If so, can he provide a list of those websites that are considered to be violent in nature.
In respect of irregular maritime arrivals detained at RAAF Base Scherger:
(a) Defence does not monitor phone calls that detainees make.
(b) Defence does not monitor websites that detainees visit. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has a service provider, SERCO AP which provides all internet services at the site.
(c) Defence does not monitor emails that detainees send. The DIAC service provider SERCO AP provides all email services at the site.
Defence does not monitor calls, websites or emails for detainees at RAAF Base Scherger. Defence provides 25 extensions from the Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) at RAAF Base Scherger for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's ( DIAC's) use. Defence logs call events for the purposes of cost recovery from DIAC as a tenant at RAAF Base Scherger.
In respect of the Better Start for Children with a Disability program, why is eligibility restricted to a child having one of only five identified categories of disabilities, and not instead based on an assessment of the needs of an individual child with a disability of any description.
The Government's Better Start for Children with Disability program commenced on 1 July 2011. It will help ensure children with disabilities that affect their development have access to early intervention therapies and treatments. Around 9000 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and sight or hearing impairments will be eligible to receive up to $12,000 for early intervention services.
The categories of disability included in the Better Start initiative were based on existing evidence that targeted early intervention in the preschool years is effective in preparing this cohort of children for school.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers has asked my Department to seek expert advice about evidence for early intervention in relation to other types of childhood disability and developmental delay, including an analysis of current research. Along with the planned evaluation of Better Start program, this will help inform the future direction of the program, including consideration of extending it more broadly.
Does the proposed arrangement with Malaysia on irregular maritime arrivals include provision for the education of children; if so, will all children transferred be sent to school for the entire duration of their stay.
Negotiations with Malaysia are well advanced. The Australian Government will ensure that appropriate measures are in place as part of the formal arrangement for the education of children.
What audit process is intended to be implemented to monitor and report on the disbursement of funds in Malaysia provided under the proposed irregular maritime arrangement, including how the Government will report to the Parliament, and whether the disbursement of funds will be subject to scrutiny by the Auditor-General and how often.
The transfer arrangement with Malaysia will be managed in accordance with standard arrangements for agreements between governments. Disbursement of funds in Malaysia to organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration will be managed in accordance with standard requirements and processes for the expenditure of public money. The Department will report on its activities through its annual report, as required by section 63 of the Public Service Act 1999.
(1) In respect of the statement made by Senator Sherry in June 2011 that in five years time, other than a few specialty bookshops in capital cities, bookstores will cease to exist because of online distribution, was the Minister's statement based on any evidence currently available to the Government; if so, is the Minister able to say:
(a) What proportion (as a percentage) of current total retail sales of books will be transferred from bookstores to online book retailers over the next five years.
(b) How many bookstores in Australia will close down in the next five years.
(c) How many jobs in bookstores will be lost in the next five years.
(d) What proportion (as a percentage) of bookstore sales will be lost to online retailers based (i) overseas, and (ii) in Australia.
(2) Is the Minister able to estimate the potential loss of revenue (ie, GST and import duty) from the predicted shift in sales by Australian consumers from bookstores to online off-shore retailers.
(1) There is no evidence currently available to the Government which states that in five years time, other than a few specialty bookshops in capital cities, bookstores will cease to exist because of online distribution. However, an unpublished study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the Department of Innovation has estimated that up to 24.6 per cent of total book sales could be made online by 2014.
At the core of my comments was that businesses need to recognise and adapt to the changing marketplace to ensure that they stand out among their competitors. They need to be innovative, develop new niche markets and new business models. Many bookstores are already being proactive and adapting to the digital and online age by building their capacity to sell online and providing the capacity for customers to access digital books in store.
Bookstores that set themselves apart from their competitors by offering services that are not available online are already cementing their future success. Many bookstores, particularly in regional and rural areas, act as a community hub, offering personal book recommendations and reviews; book clubs; live readings; and author events. Many also contribute to local literacy programs by providing free books to schools, hospitals and other community groups.
The Government is committed to ensuring that Australia's book industry remains sustainable and thrives in the digital economy. Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research formally established the Book Industry Strategy Group (BISG) in April 2010 to address the challenges of the increasingly digital industry. The BISG has undertaken extensive consultations with the public and industry and will present its final report to Minister Carr in September 2011. I congratulate the retail book industry for working closely with the BISG to ensure that retail bookstores adapt to technological change and remain sustainable into the future.
(a) As stated in response "1" above an unpublished study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the Department of Innovation has estimated that up to 24.6 per cent of total book sales could be made online by 2014 but there is no evidence to prove that all of these sales will be transferred from bookstores. Studies in the United States and Europe have provided evidence which show that the growth of e-books, in particular, expand the entire market for books and therefore the impact on print book sales is not proportional to the growth in e-books. However, the full impact of these changes, including the impact of the online sale of printed books is still unknown and unquantified.
(b) There is no information available that projects and quantifies the number of bookstores that will close down in the next five years.
(c) There is no information available that projects and quantifies the number of jobs in bookstores that will be lost in the next five years.
(d) There are no projections on what proportion (as a percentage) of bookstore sales will be lost to online retailers based (i) overseas, and (ii) in Australia from any increase in online sales.
(2) No.
(1) Is she aware of allegations of financial mismanagement of Government funding by the Mackay Division of General Practice (MDGP); if so, (a) how did her department become aware of the allegations, (b) can she indicate the substance of the allegations, and (c) what investigation of the allegations has her department undertaken, and can she indicate the outcome(s).
(2) Is it a fact that a staff member of the MDGP substantiated the allegations; if so, was this because her department's system for monitoring the expenditure of funding did not independently identify the problem.
(3) Did her department (a) suspend all funding to the MDGP specifically as a result of its investigations, and (b) require General Practice Queensland to continue the administration of federally funded clinical services in the Mackay Region after funding of the MDGP was suspended.
(1) Yes.
(a) The Department has been concerned about MDGP's financial position since late 2009 as a result of losses incurred in property transactions and business ventures reflected in audited financial statements for MDGP, submitted to the Department under the Divisions of General Practice Program (DGPP) funding agreement. These concerns resulted in a monthly payment and financial reporting regime being instituted for MDGP in 2010.
(b) The substance of the allegations was ongoing financial problems and inappropriate use of Commonwealth funds.
(c) A review of MDGP's financial records was undertaken by the Department's Audit and Fraud Control Branch. The review concluded inappropriate allocation of Commonwealth funds. A Debtor Tax Invoice was provided to MDGP for unspent/inappropriately used Commonwealth funds.
(2) Yes, staff confirmed the Department's concerns.
As outlined in 1(a), the Department's system for monitoring expenditure had already identified MDGP as a concern and had already put additional monitoring in place.
(3)
(a) Funding was suspended as a result of the Department's investigations.
(b) The Board of MDGP indicated to the Department their intention to cease trading on Friday, 6 May 2011 and recommended that General Practice Queensland (GPQ) would be an appropriate organisation to continue providing Commonwealth funded services which were currently provided by MDGP. The Department and GPQ agreed and entered into a contract with GPQ to assume responsibility for auspicing Commonwealth funded services in the Mackay region.
(1) Is she aware that (a) all employees of the Mackay Division of General Practice (MDGP) were terminated as a result of the Government suspending its funding to MDGP, and (b) some of these employees were offered ongoing employment with General Practice Queensland (GPQ) on Friday 3 June 2011, at which time, they were told that the offer was contingent on their immediate acceptance of an employment contract.
(2) Why were these former employees of MDGP not given more time to consider the terms of the contract for employment with GPQ.
(1)
(a) Yes.
(b) The Department does not interfere with, or have control of, employment matters of independent entities.
(2) This is a matter between the Mackay Division of General Practice and General Practice Queensland.
Why did the Adult Migrant English Program cancel its tender for the NSW Adult Migrant English Service.
The Request for Tender for the Provision of the Adult Migrant English Program and Related Services was released on 25 November 2009 and closed on 22 February 2010. The successful tenderers were announced in April 2011.
The NSW Adult Migrant English Service, under consortium arrangements with the NSW Department of Education and Communities, successfully won contracts in three NSW contract regions: Northern Sydney and Other Rural, Hunter/Newcastle and Illawarra/Wollongong. They were not selected to provide services in the other NSW contract regions.
The selection of preferred tenderers was made in line with the principles of Commonwealth procurement policy which include: value for money, the need to encourage competition, ensuring the efficient, effective and ethical use of resources, and consideration of the need for accountability and transparency. All tender responses were evaluated against publicly advertised evaluation criteria, taking into consideration the technical merit, relative risk, price, and financial viability of each tenderer.
In 2011-12, what total sum of expenditure has Tourism Australia allocated to each country, and what proportion (as a percentage) of the total budget for Tourism Australia is this sum.