The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms AE Burke ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Fair Work (Job Security and Fairer Bargaining) Amendment Bill 2012
Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament
That:
(1) the following bill be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration:
Fair Work (Job Security and Fairer Bargaining) Amendment 2012; and
(2) the following order of the day, private Members' business, be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate:
Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.
I now doubt whether it will be possible to get any of these people to remain with us, in order to get their language, without using force; they see no advantage that can arise from us that may make amends for the loss of the part of the harbour in which we occasionally employ the boats in fishing.
… one of the natives was seized for the purpose of learning the language and reconciling them to us.
I am … of opinion that, in attempts to civilise and convert native tribes, systematic efforts should be always made to teach them English; and that translations even of the Bible into their own language are of very doubtful utility … The object is to raise the native, not to descend to his level, or apparently even below it, by imperfect, and therefore necessarily in many cases ludicrous, efforts to use his jargon.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Do Not Knock Register Bill 2012
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Food Labelling) Bill 2012
As food is ingested and taken into ourselves, unlike most other consumer goods that are just used, naturally consumers are primarily focused on the components and ingredients of foods and not with their substantial transformation, packaging or value adding.
There are mutual market benefits (to buyer and seller) of promoting food with positive/aspirational origins (e.g., chocolate from Switzerland), yet non-reciprocal benefits from withholding such information when it relates to origins with perceived negative connotations (e.g., food products from countries with poor human rights records). This situation constitutes market failure and the reason for government intervention on the issue of CoOL—country-of-origin labelling.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Making Marine Parks Accountable) Bill 2012
… hundreds of thousands of people throughout Australia and around the world—including recreational anglers.
The Gulf offers excellent angling opportunities, and sport and commercial fishing generates billions of dollars and fresh seafood to much of the nation—
All we want to achieve here is to ensure that our marine reserves are implemented with thorough scientific planning, scientific principles and practical outcomes that work for all user groups. All recreational fishing groups support closed off areas, but only when thorough scientific processes have shown that these closed off areas are required. The current process is closing off huge areas to recreational fishermen simply so the government can keep green groups happy and stay in power.
The current process is proposing to close off the main area of the Perth trench to all gamefishing activities, essentially shutting down the entire gamefishing industry and community in Perth. We asked the minister why this zone had been placed in it's proposed position. We were told that the minister drew that zone himself because they needed one in that area, and there was no information to tell him where to put it, so he just placed it where he thought was appropriate.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) mitochondrial disease:
(i) is an incurable and debilitating genetic disorder that saps the body's cells of their energy; and
(ii) reduces the ability of mitochondria to produce energy required for vital bodily functions, disrupting important muscle and organ function and leading in some cases to organ failure or death;
(b) a child is born every 30 minutes who will develop a mitochondrial disease before their tenth birthday;
(c) one in every 200 people is affected by mitochondrial disease, but many are misdiagnosed;
(d) each year 50 children will develop a severe or life-threatening form of mitochondrial disease;
(e) there:
(i) is a widespread lack of awareness about this disease, its symptoms or effects; and
(ii) are few effective treatments for this disease; and
(iii is currently no cure for this disease;
(f) clinical trials are underway, however research into this disease requires greater monetary and community support and recognition;
(g) scientists have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to other major diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and diabetes; and
(h) advances in treatment for mitochondrial dysfunction could also improve treatments for millions of people who suffer these other illnesses;
(2) recognises that:
(a) 16 to 22 September 2012 is Global Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week;
(b) 23 September 2012 is Global World Stay in Bed Day to raise awareness and funds for research into mitochondrial disease; and
(c) the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation has been working since 2009 to support patients and their families, spread information and raise the profile of this disease in the community and medical field; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) encourage the public and private sectors to promote greater awareness of mitochondrial disease;
(b) help raise the profile of mitochondrial disease within the medical profession to overcome the lack of knowledge that contributes to misdiagnosis and improper treatment of this condition; and
(c) ensure there is appropriate support for patients of mitochondrial disease and their families.
With a few years at most to live, our gorgeous girl is disappearing. I am literally watching my daughter slowly die in front of me and there is nothing I can do.
(a) mitochondrial disease:
(i) is an incurable and debilitating genetic disorder that saps the body’s cells of their energy; and
(ii) reduces the ability of mitochondria to produce energy required for vital bodily functions, disrupting important muscle and organ function and leading in some cases to organ failure or death …
(i) is a widespread lack of awareness about this disease, its symptoms or effects;
(ii) are few effective treatments for this disease; and
(iii) is currently no cure for this disease;
(f) clinical trials are underway, however research into this disease requires greater monetary and community support and recognition;
(g) scientists have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to other major diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes …
(2) recognises that:
(a) 16 to 22 September 2012 is Global Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week …
My husband Steven and I have four special, fantastic, gorgeous, much loved children—William, Georgia, Dimity and Thomas.
Our two gorgeous girls—Georgia who is nine and Dimity who is six—are both such good fun, full of life, great at sport and love their friends and school. And then we have our two great, loving boys: Will who is ten and Thomas who is six, who are also both full of life. They, however, are not so healthy or as active as our girls, due to a debilitating and potential fatal genetic disorder … mitochondrial disease.
It was a disease neither Steven, nor I, had ever heard of before it arrived in our family.
Our firstborn son William was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease at just three, but only after enduring many doctors, endless tests and various misdiagnoses.
He'd developed slowly, struggled with his feeding, had tortacollis (wry neck), and was a shocking sleeper—just a really difficult baby. My GP at the time told me Will was just a lazy boy, a clumsy boy: oh, he just has low muscle tone, he will strengthen up … don't worry about it.
But as time went on things just weren't right and we started on the hunt for answers. During this time I had my second child, Georgia, who was a healthy and happy dream baby, thank goodness.
Just before Will turned two, we finally got in to see a specialist who took one look at Will and told us he had cerebral palsy. We were referred to another neurologist. The good news was Will didn't have cerebral palsy, but the bad news was that he had brain lesions, with a movement disorder. But this didn't give us a diagnosis to explain why our son just couldn't do what his other two-year old mates could … walk, feed himself, catch a ball, hop, float, ride a bike, hold a paint brush, or build with blocks.
I switched to practicalities, hoping that with ongoing physio and speech therapy all of this early intervention will fix our little boy. We went on with our lives with a wobbly, clumsy Will and Georgia. We kept going back to see the neurologist for routine visits, but no answers. Will hadn't got any worse but he hadn't got any better. Then the next bombshell hit: I was pregnant with twins. Will was only just three and Georgia was 18-months old. In the meantime poor Will the human pin cushion was a target again. This time we were referred to a neurogeneticist. What does a neurogeneticist want with our family? In May 2003, our lives took a turn for the worse: we were the ones responsible for Will's condition. This was the first time Steven or I had heard the words 'mitochondrial disease' or, in our case, 'Juvenile Leigh's disease', one of a hundred types of mito disease.
This was crazy. This 'whatever it is' is a genetic condition that we both passed on to our son. But how can our daughter be okay? I remember asking, 'She is okay, isn't she?' 'Yes, Georgia is fine, but'—that long pause—'it's about the twins you're carrying. There is a 25 per cent chance that each of your twins could have it.'
When our twins came along, Dimity met all her milestones easily, but her twin Thomas lagged behind. Steven and I got a sinking feeling that we'd seen it all before—and we had. This time we knew how to get the diagnosis and more about what we were dealing with. Thomas was diagnosed with Juvenile Leigh's at just nine months of age. We watched Thomas eagerly, hoping he might somehow recover or that it was a mistake, but now, at six years of age, our youngest boy's symptoms are more severe than William's were at the same age. Thomas now needs his walker every day. His eyesight is also deteriorating and he has respiratory problems, poor growth, swallowing difficulties and laboured breathing. At times it's difficult to understand his speech.
William is now ten ... His life has never been really easy for him: the constant health setbacks, the constant fatiguing of his body, the rapid deterioration of his vision and his developmental delays. It's something no parent wants to ever see. We used to watch him struggle to walk ... now he needs a walker every day at school because he gets so tired—and a walker helps to ensure his safety. Some days he is so fatigued he struggles to put one foot in front of the other. It is heartbreaking that as a parent you cannot give your child the right answer. We would love to be able to tell him everything will be okay and that he will get better soon, but we can't as we just don't know what lies ahead for him.
We all want to try and do something positive about a condition that's anything but. I and others, including Dr Lamont, have set up the WA branch of the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, which aims to fund research into the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders, and to support those who are affected. Steven and I now watch both our boys and wonder what mitochondrial disease is going to do to them. We simply don't know. We live our lives with uncertainty and fear as at present there is no cure... and all we have is hope.
Mitochondrial Disease can happen to any person at any age and affect any organ. We now know that many women with mito have Cesarean sections as their bodies are too tired to labour, and we know it's at the basis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's, Cardio Myopathy, some cancerous tumors, some diabetes and some hearing loss. In fact it can affect any organ that uses a lot of energy as the mitochondria are the cells in your body that break food down into energy. Everybody needs mitochondria in order to function.
We all work so hard when our children are small to give them everything they need; we have sleep deprivation, anxiety, stress and more. During my first few years with Shayli I was often suffering fatigue, muscle soreness and migraine headaches, hardly surprising when my child slept 2 hours in 24 (every night for 2 years), and in the mornings I was taking her for physio at the Children's Hospital, all of which I put down to being a single mother with a disabled child. Now I know we both had mito disease. What I am finding now is that as I age, my previous symptoms worsen and a few new ones have appeared.
Finding a cure is vital, but that can only happen through research which also requires awareness of this devastating disease.
Still in 2012 there is no cure or even satisfactory treatment due to minimal funding. In the last 2 years, with the aid of research—mostly funded by public donations—a study has been done showing several conditions are Mitochondrial based …
So research remains the key to the cure of many diseases and is as essential today as it was in years past …
Until the 1990s, mitochondrial disease was thought to be rare (1 in 20,000 people), but it is now recognised as the most common subgroup of inherited metabolic disorders. Recent research shows one in 200 people, or more than 100,000 Australians, may carry genetic mutations that put them at risk for developing mitochondrial disease or other related symptoms such as diabetes, deafness or seizures during their lifetimes.
Have you ever wondered where your 'get up and go' comes from? The answer lies inside your cells were a multitude of microscopic structures called mitochondria are working industriously to maintain your health and physical well-being.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons for mitochondrial inefficiency, including lack of exercise, poor diet, toxins and a range of environmental stressors.
Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2012
Transport Safety Investigation Amendment Bill 2012
Legislative Instruments Amendment (Sunsetting Measures) Bill 2012
Statute Law Revision Bill 2012
Customs Tariff Amendment (2012 Measures No. 1) Bill 2012
Customs Tariff Amendment (Schedule 4) Bill 2012
Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Bill 2012
Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Registration Fees) Bill 2012
International Monetary Agreements Amendment (Loans) Bill 2012
Statute Stocktake (Appropriations) Bill (No. 1) 2012
Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012
Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012
That the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012 be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Wide Bay’s private Members’ business notice relating to the disallowance of the Road User Charge Determination (No. 1) 2012 made under the Fuel Tax Act 2006, being called on immediately.
That the Road User Charge Determination (No. 1) 2012 made under the Fuel Tax Act 2006, be disallowed.
… full recovery from heavy vehicle users and the removal of cross-subsidisation across heavy vehicle classes.
… heavy vehicles are already benefiting from past government investment in road infrastructure … [and] The revised charges … ensure that heavy vehicles pay their fair share of this investment.
… truck drivers were 30 times more likely to die than other professions …
… recover an attributable portion of heavy vehicle's share of increased government road expenditure to ensure they continue to pay their way.
It's a huge issue for the industry!
With all the other costs hitting us it's going to devastate some of the smaller transport operators particularly.
Subcontracted Truckies simply can't pass on these costs, so must absorb them, reducing their margins to such an extent many are leaving the industry.
Add this to the other taxes, rising cost of parts, registration, compliance and general cost of living, this will be a fatal blow for some.
It's disappointing to hear this federal government has again knocked money off the trucking industry and hit us so hard. We are aware that in 2014 we will be hit again with the carbon tax on diesel. Any increase in costs are going to have to be passed onto consumers. In a typical month we pay anywhere up to $10,000 for our fuel. In a busy month this can and has been up to $15,000.
We are continually getting rego price hikes and parts and oils are continually creeping up. It is very demoralising for any truck operator to see this continual whacking we are getting from the government. I would envisage the professional drivers, ie blokes like my husband who has been a truck driver for 42 years, might say that enough is enough if this trend keeps up. Hitting an industry already very competitive with pricing will only push the operators who are competent and good at their job out. It is unfair to continually use this industry as a milking cow.
Can they name anything they buy, from furniture to fresh meat and vegetables that has not been on a truck? What plan would they have to service this huge country when the truckies say that enough is enough?
If you are going to have a discussion about changing the GST the states have to lead the argument because they are the ones that need the revenue.
The House divided. [16:22]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
A spokeswoman for the Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen, said the former attorney-general Philip Ruddock had rejected calls in 2007 for the group to be banned.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill 2012
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development) Bill 2012
That Senate amendments Nos (2) and (4) to (13) be disagreed to.
That the amendments set out in the schedule circulated to honourable members be made in place of the Senate amendments which have just been disagreed to.
(1) Schedule 1, item 2, page 3 (line 29), after "water resources", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(2) Schedule 1, item 4, page 5 (line 17), after "water resources", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(3) Schedule 1, item 4, page 5 (line 23), after "water resources", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(4) Schedule 1, item 4, page 6 (line 2), after "water resources", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(5) Schedule 1, item 4, page 6 (line 5), after "water resources", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(6) Schedule 1, item 4, page 6 (line 9), after "water resources", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(7) Schedule 1, item 4, page 6 (line 13), after "development", insert ", including from any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(8) Schedule 1, item 4, page 6 (line 17), after "resources", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(9) Schedule 1, item 6, page 7 (line 15), after "area", insert ", including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity".
(10) Schedule 1, item 7, page 7 (line 20), after "water resources", insert "(including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity)".
(11) Schedule 1, item 10, page 8 (line 8), after "resources", insert "(including any impacts of associated salt production and/or salinity)".
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (cell at table item 2, column 2), omit the cell, substitute:
(3) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 30), after "qualifications", insert "or expertise".
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill 2012
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2012
Schools don't mind being transparent it is just very hard when you need to redo numbers in four different formats depending on who you report to ...
The lengthy list of powers proposed in the ACNC Bill focuses on matters which appear more appropriate for a criminal investigation authority rather than a body which is intended to promote and educate.
The current regulatory framework for the sector is fragmented, inconsistent, and uncoordinated across a range of government agencies.
For some entities the reductions [in red tape] will happen immediately, particularly those entities that are regulated at the Commonwealth level.
I do not think people quite realise how often charities have to demonstrate their bona fides, and the capacity to do that, by having the equivalent of a charities passport, has incredible appeal
… it was never intended (nor has it wanted) to be the sector’s regulator; and the relationship between the sector and the ATO is less than positive as a result.
The committee is concerned that either the directors' liability regime is unduly onerous, as suggested by a significant portion of expert evidence presented to the committee, or that, as presented in the Bill, it is not sufficiently comprehensible for people to understand its intent or purported mode of operation. … Placing an unnecessary burden of liability could be seen as … a disincentive, which is opposed to the purpose and objects of the Bill. The committee therefore recommends that Treasury read draft this section of the legislation with a view to clarifying its intent and operation.
… no agreement has been reached with the States...
As it currently stands, the Bill therefore adds an existing layer of regulation for charities currently required to comply with State legislation.
… supports the ACNC Bills on the basis that they provide for the establishment of an independent and responsive regulator for the charities and not-for-profit sector.
A fundamental value is the independence of the charities. Their ability to organise their structure and governance to suit their own activities should not be compromised by prescriptive and unnecessary standards.
That the time and order of business for the sitting tomorrow, Tuesday, 18 September 2012 being as follows:
(1) The House, at its rising, adjourn until tomorrow at 12 noon;
(2) during the period from 12 noon until 2 p.m. any division on a question called for in the House, other than on a motion moved by a Minister during this period, shall stand deferred until the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance,
(3) during the period from 12 noon until 2 p.m. if any member draws the attention of the Speaker to the state of the House, the Speaker shall announce that he will count the House at the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance, if the Member then so desires; and
(4) any variation to this arrangement to be made only by a motion moved by a Minister.
Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a third time.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill 2012
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2012
The establishment of a national regulator for community services has long been championed by ACOSS. We welcomed the Government’s commitment to this reform in 2011 and have worked closely with Government and our members towards its establishment.
The Smith Family would welcome the passing of this legislation and the establishment of the Commission.
RSPCA Australia supports of the Government’s reform agenda for the charities and not for profit sector. The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission—
is an integral part of the reforms and provides the enabling mechanism for future regulatory changes that should lead to the reduction of "red tape"—
and I will come back to that in a moment—
efficiencies and a "level playing field" in the consideration of charitable status and mechanisms that will support charities and financial giving.
CSA strongly supports the establishment of the independent statutory office, the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission … We have long supported the adoption of a new, dedicated regulator and a reduced compliance burden for the NFP sector and the amended bill is a very positive step in achieving the most appropriate reforms for the sector.
The Bill does not yet contain any provisions that make it explicit that the reduction of unnecessary compliance and regulatory burdens is a core object of the Bill, nor does it identify these kinds of reforms as policy directions or drivers of the ACNC’s purpose or activities. There must be a direct link between the reduction of red tape and the objectives and functions of the ACNC.
… the effect of the Bills would be to add additional regulation to the operation of most not-for-profit organisations.
A key objective is the reduction of red tape and duplication with regards to compliance, accountability and transparency.
It has not to date, and remains, unclear that the Bill will achieve this. This is a potentially a significant failing, but remains pivotal to the success of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. This needs to be more prescriptive.
… is not sufficiently well balanced by a commitment to enable the not-for-profit sector, to reduce duplication of reporting and to provide public confidence in the sector …
Removing the current regulatory duplication and providing a one-stop shop for not-for-profits can only be achieved through a collaboration between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
There has been no discussion whatsoever with the states or, indeed, with the Commonwealth department that I am aware of that has involved the independent sector on any reduction in reporting requirements.
The level of regulatory powers of the ACNC, such as procedural fairness and sanctions, are concerning and could lead to a misuse of law in dealing with organisations justly and fairly. It is also contrary to the concept of ‘light touch’ regulation.
I do believe that the information-gathering, monitoring and sanctioning powers, including the ability to remove a director, are very heavy-handed. I would think they would be quite problematic from a regulator's perspective. It is not something that any other regulator in Australia has any experience with and I do wonder why this regulator would want to have those powers and whether they would know how to use them.
The establishment of a national regulator for the community sector has long been championed by ACOSS, which welcomed the government's commitment to this reform in 2011 and has worked closely with the government and our members towards its establishment. We strongly support the ACNC opening on 1 October.
CCA strongly supports the ACNC bills on the basis they provide for the establishment of an independent and responsive regulator for the charities and not-for-profit sector.
Once again we are at the altar of the reforms we want and need and we ask for the support of our national parliament and of the states and territories to deliver for us better and smarter regulation. We do not want to be jilted again. The establishment of the ACNC under the terms of the bills represents a very good start down a better and smarter regulatory road.
RSPCA Australia supports of the Government’s reform agenda for the charities and not for profit sector. The Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission is an integral part of the reforms and provides the enabling mechanism for future regulatory changes that should lead to the reduction of ‘red tape’, efficiencies and a ‘level playing field’ in the consideration of charitable status and mechanisms that will support charities and financial giving.
It is far from clear that an agreement could be reached with the states, territories and government agencies to remove many of the operational requirements for non-government schools already in existence.
The regulatory burden will be increased on individual non-government schools creating costly and confusing duplicative governance and reporting situation.
Requiring independent schools to report similar but different data to the ACNC is supplicating effort and adding to the red tape.
Cost of living pressures have taken their toll on low income families with an increasing number of people accessing welfare agencies for food and some even stealing items such as frozen vegetables to get by.
For many OECD member countries, reducing the burden of government regulations on business and citizens is a large part of their strategy to improve economic performance and productivity. In particular, small companies may spend disproportionately high resources to understand government regulations and to transmit required information to governments. The European Commission estimates that GDP would increase by 1.4% in the European Union, if member countries reduced administrative burdens by a quarter.
The establishment of a national regulator for the community sector has long been championed by ACOSS. We welcomed the Government’s commitment to this reform in 2011 and have worked closely with the Government and our members towards its establishment …
We strongly support the ACNC opening on 1 October.
Philanthropy Australia supports the principles of the ACNC being an independent regulator to deliver smarter regulation, reduce red tape, and improve transparency and accountability within the sector. Philanthropy Australia believes that this will foster a strong, growing and accountable not for profit sector, which is vital for a vibrant, inclusive and resilient civil society in Australia.
The Smith Family would welcome the passing of this legislation and the establishment of the Commission.
… generic regulation, such as occupational health and safety requirements, are imposing disproportional costs on NFPs—
These and more specific qualification requirements are raising the costs of using volunteers. Such … costs come at a time when volunteers are tending to volunteer for fewer hours on average, with younger volunteers preferring episodic and work-based volunteering. Some NFPs have dealt well with the changing environment … but others struggle.
That the House take note of the report.
That this House:
(1) commends the Australian Government’s:
(a) commitment to meeting Australia’s future workforce needs;
(b) strong investment record in skills and training; and
(c) partnership with industry to meet Australia’s skills challenges;
(2) notes that all Australians should have the opportunity to get the education and skills they need for the jobs on offer, and the importance:
(a) that the TAFE system plays in providing training opportunities; and
(b) of federal, state and local initiatives to provide jobseekers with customised employment and training to meet their individual needs and the demands of the labour market for a skilled workforce; and
(3) calls on governments at all levels to:
(a) provide funding for employment and skills services; and
(b) continue to invest in TAFE and skills training,
In recent years, the Government of Queensland embarked on an unsustainable level of spending which has jeopardised the financial position of the State.
The deterioration in Queensland's financial position results from a lack of fiscal discipline—
Queensland's financial position is unsustainable. The State is currently locked into a debilitating cycle of over expenditure, ever-increasing levels of debt, and crippling increases in debt servicing costs. A major task of fiscal repair is imperative to prevent further damage to the future prosperity of the State.
Australia's aid will help Afghanistan expand basic service delivery in health and education, including for women and girls.
Our assistance will also help improve livelihoods in agriculture, promote rural development and help improve governance and public financial management.
The Prime Minister said it was:
... Important for the international community to provide sustained, reliable support to help Afghanistan meet its development challenges and to protect recent gains in areas like health and education.
International development assistance, together with support for security, will help underpin Afghanistan's stability.
THIS is a terrifically well-made documentary about a 1975 landmark industrial case, in which a band of local men, who had laboured in the darkest and most dangerous tunnels of Australia's most primitive coalmine, staged a daring worker rebellion.
Nymboida is just a dot on the map, a little to the west of Grafton, in northern NSW. Things begin there with a contemporary reunion of the men who forged such a close bond almost 40 years ago. This allows for well-edited interviews to camera before we move back in time to see archival footage and splendid old photographs of a rebellion that ultimately was to have an impact on mining practices worldwide.
Hi Janelle,
At 9-05 this morning I rang Country Energy Bill enquiries to complain about a 20% increase in the kW price on my current bill. The woman I spoke to stated that it was because of the Governments "Carbon Tax". She made this statement about four times and each time I refuted her claim until she finally confessed that part of the 20% was for infrastructure but would not say what percentage was what. This same lady then informed me that it was a govt charge put on by Ipart. I have now discovered that Ipart only recommends The maximum amount that an increase may be.
I send this Email to make you aware of what is going on with this Company.
The 18-year-old self-described geek with a stutter graduated from Trinity Catholic College, Lismore last year.
He works the checkout at his family's supermarket at Coraki during his gap year.
Dear John,
Two minutes ago I finished reading your 'Glasgow Road to Canberra'. To say I was delighted and impressed by it would be an understatement. I felt inspired by your courage, commitment, integrity and by the successes you have achieved throughout your life. Your love for Michiko—
has clearly been a great inspiration to you.
Your experiences have closely paralleled many of the major issues in Australia's political and industrial development and your contribution towards those events has been really substantial.
The book is an outstanding presentation of your own growing consciousness and the development of your trade union and political skills. There are many profound observations about the great issues of the time which imparted on your own experiences and achievements. You have presented much evidence to confirm the great, positive and principled role of the progressive-left elements of the community and of the broad labour movement in pursuing justice and decency.
From your principled and innovative approach to unionism, you initiated and encouraged the development of attitudes, structures and practices which strengthened the trade union movement.
When you were elected to the Commonwealth parliament in the same election as me, you entered that role with a massive background of enlightenment and experience which you continued to draw on during your years in Canberra.
I was especially pleased to have my memories rekindled around many of the issues we confronted—the MX missile trials, uranium to France, racial discrimination, British atom tests, privatisation and many more.
John Scott you can look back on a life well lived. My warmest regards to you and Michiko.
Your colleague and comrade
Bob Brown.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help little men by tearing down big men. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by destroying a man's initiative and independence. And finally, you cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Ms AE Burke) took the chair at 10:29 am.
(2) recognises the outstanding contribution made to health and safety of beach goers by volunteer and professional surf lifesavers …
(3) highlights that the economic value to the Australian economy of surf lifesaving's coastal drowning and injury prevention efforts in 2009 10 was independently assessed to be $3.6 billion …
(4) supports the important role played by surf lifesaving clubs in developing young people's health, fitness and leadership skills through an extensive junior program …
When Australians decided to embrace the ocean as a site of active recreation in the early part of the 20th century, our love of the beach emerged. The need for a lifesaving movement—to protect and save lives—grew, and from that day onwards, Surf Life Saving became part of the fabric of our country.
That this House:
(1) notes that with more than 150,000 members and 310 affiliated surf lifesaving clubs, surf lifesaving is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in Australia;
(2) recognises the outstanding contribution made to health and safety of beach goers by volunteer and professional surf lifesavers;
(3) highlights that the economic value to the Australian economy of surf lifesaving's coastal drowning and injury prevention efforts in 2009-10 was independently assessed to be $3.6 billion;
(4) supports the important role played by surf lifesaving clubs in developing young people's health, fitness and leadership sills through an extensive junior program—
and
(5) acknowledges the Coalition's commitment to implement a $10 million fund if elected into government to:
(a) assist clubs to purchase vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies; and
(b) extend the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Program.
That further proceedings on orders of the day Nos 2 and 3, government business, be conducted in the House.
157 … Police Officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their community.
We can do nothing to bring them back but as a grateful community we can take steps to honour their memory and ensure their sacrifice is acknowledged …
Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Bill 2012
The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not to triumph but to struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.
Everyone who represents his or her country has achieved something extraordinary. But for paralympians it is invariably a triumph of the human spirit as well.
Everyone has an idol when growing up, I was no different. There were a few people on this list but one stood out, that person was my brother Phil. There was something with the way that he conducted himself in training and competition that was inspiring! There was never an excuse.
I must have been around ten maybe even younger when Phil would invite me down the paddock with a football under one arm. We would kick and pass all the way down to a stretch of dirt where we would do some sprint training. He would handicap me so that he had something to chase and I would do my best to stay in front. Once we were done we would grab the footy and head home. This is probably what ignited my competiveness and the realisation that if you want to achieve something you have to be willing to work for it.
On the 10th of July 2002 he became more than an idol of mine, he became a life saver. The day that I lost my leg could have ended very differently if not for him and my family. When faced with a difficult situation their decisions and actions ensured that I am still here. I will give you an idea of this situation. The family farm is located 35 kilometres from the closest town, no mobile phone service, roads that are not clearly named which makes it a nightmare when trying to tell emergency support where you are. So if an accident was to happen in our area the odds aren’t really in your favour. So when my leg was severed down a paddock 2km from our house, there was always going to be a battle to survive.
I remember regaining consciousness on the ground, looking down to discover that the lower part of my leg was no longer attached and realising that I was in a bit of trouble. Instinctively I got up and hopped to the ute, where Phil, 16 at the time, drove the fastest trip back to the house I had ever experienced. The decision was made by mum and dad not to call the ambulance and wait, but begin the trip and meet them on the way. Dad wrapped a belt around my leg and Phil grabbed my leg in attempt to slow the bleeding. Dad was faced with a situation that would have had to do one of the hardest things that I could imagine, drive with his 12 year old son in agony in the back seat knowing that time was short. Somehow he was able to compose himself and keep the car on the road. We had driven around 25km before we met the ambulance, I can only guess times but it would have been around 35 minutes since the accident and I was now in the care of trained professionals, although I was still not out of trouble, Temora hospital is not equipped in severe cases of trauma, so it was vital to obtain external support and that came when Snowy Hydro south care were tasked to stabilise and airlift me to Canberra where I would have more chances of survival.
Over the following 3.5 weeks I underwent around 12 operations where the doctors had to amputate my leg higher, then put me back together. Being an amputee is something that I had to come to terms with, But I was soon to realise the amazing support network that I had always had around me but never appreciated. This support not only came from my family who were amazing but from the entire district. The support that they gave Mum, Dad, brother and sisters, enabled them to keep me in good spirits and get me back home as fast as possible.
Today marks the tenth anniversary since I lost my leg, It is one of mixed emotions, and although the accident took away some of my hopes and dreams, it has enabled me to be a part of something amazing, Three water-ski world championships and now the biggest sporting event for athletes with disability, the London Paralympics. So I think today should be a celebration of what I have rather than what I have lost, which at the end of the day was only a leg!
Phil is still someone that I idolise, but this day made him more than an idol, he became someone that I owe my life to. The word hero gets thrown around regularly; to me my family are my heroes, without them I may not be alive. I am grateful that I have such wonderful people in my life!
Fair Work (Job Security and Fairer Bargaining) Amendment Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
This decision marks a seismic shift in the attitudes of our policy makers …
(a) dementia is the greatest cause of disability in Australians aged 65 and over;
(b) there are almost 280,000 Australians living with dementia and 1.2 million who provide support and care; and
(c) every week an estimated 1,600 new cases of dementia occur, with the number expected to grow to 7,400 new cases per week by 2050, resulting in 1 million Australians living with dementia by 2050;
… inquire into and report on the dementia early diagnosis and intervention practices in Australia, with a particular focus on how early diagnosis and intervention can:
(a) stroke remains the second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability in Australia;
(b) one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime; and
(c) around 60,000 people will suffer new or recurrent strokes this year …
That this House … notes that the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudan’s President, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, on five counts of crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape), two counts of war crimes (attacking civilians and pillaging), and three counts of genocide.
The tensions and the crisis between Sudan and South Sudan have impeded state and nation building efforts. In many ways, these unresolved issues have been like chains on our feet of the new and independent country. They have also constituted significant problems for Sudan.
Dear Janelle
On behalf of myself and the GOSS Liaison Mission Office in Australia and Oceania, I would like to take this opportunity to express our profound and heartfelt gratitude to you for your very active support that has ensured that the GOSS Liaison Mission Office in Australia establishes the first formal bank account in the Western world. We were also very thankful for your presence and the ongoing support that Barry Hanson has continued to offer us as he guides our steps during the process of establishing the account. Your commitment has enabled this mission to successfully achieve its first goal towards its main objective. Once again, please accept our sincere gratitude and appreciation.
Yours truly
Mariano Deng Ngor
Principal Liaison Officer
GOSS Liaison Mission Office Australia and New Zealand
… five counts of crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape), two counts of war crimes (attacking civilians and pillaging), and three counts of genocide …
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
On present trends, this region is set to be declared polio-free in January 2014.
You have provided definitive proof that eradication is technically feasible, and you have done so in what was arguably the most challenging of all the remaining strongholds of this virus.
This is what your experience tells the world. The poliovirus is not permanently entrenched. It is not destined to remain a perpetual threat to each new generation of children. It can indeed be driven out of existence.
The high caffeine content in popular beverages such as Red Bull, Mother and V, combined with additives such as Guarana or Taurine, is known to speed up the heart and raise blood pressure.
For someone with an underlying heart condition, this combination of ingredients could have a potentially lethal effect, Prof. Semsarian said.
For (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11, and (d) 2011-12, what was the total cost of overseas travel for departmental staff.
Refer to the annual report.
(1 ) In respect of the Centrelink Office located at 1-3 Macarthur Avenue Revesby, in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2010-11, (c) 2009-10, and (d) 2008-09, how many front counter enquiries were made, and of these, how many were referred to the Bankstown Centrelink office.
(2 ) Is the premises owned, or leased, by the Commonwealth; if leased, (a) on what date will it expire, (b) what is the annual cost of the lease, and (c) what further lease options are available.
(3 ) What is the size (in square metres) of the premises, and what proportion of the space is used for public enquiries and front counter service.
(4 ) How many on-site parking spots exist and of these, how many are available to the public.
(5 ) Has the premises undergone any refurbishments (including new signage, carpeting, furniture, etc) since 24 November 2007; if so, (a) what was the cost of each refurbishment, and (b) on what date was each refurbishment completed.
(6 ) On what date was the carpet last steam cleaned.
(7 ) How many full time equivalent staff will be employed as at (a) 18 August 2012, and (b) 27 August 2012.
(8 ) As at the current date, what proportion of staff offer front counter service.
(1 )
Note: Figures provided in the above table are indicative and do not capture all customer demand. These figures represent those customers that had a more complex interaction with a customer service officer. It should be noted that over this period the sites queuing strategies and recording practices have changed several times. In particular, for the 2010-11 financial year, changes to front-of-house practices led to the number of contacts not being recorded for part of the year and the results are not accurate. The recording of contact numbers resumed in 2011-12. Therefore the yearly figures are not comparable and are a guide only.
The Department is unable to provide the number of referrals of customers between the Revesby and Bankstown sites as this information is not collected.
(2 ) The premises are leased by the Commonwealth.
(a) The lease expires on 2 December 2013.
(b) The annual cost of the lease, including rent and outgoings, is $282,846 GST exclusive.
(c) There are no further lease options available.
(3 ) The size of the tenancy is 1,012 square metres and approximately 20% of space is used for public enquiries and front counter services.
(4 ) There are 10 car parking spots included in the lease and these are not available to the public. They are primarily used for Commonwealth fleet vehicles.
(5 ) Revesby Service Centre has recently had old Centrelink external signage decommissioned and replaced with signage for the Department of Human Services. Works were completed at this service centre on 21 June 2012 at a cost of $5,214 GST exclusive.
(6 ) The carpet was last steam cleaned on 24 February 2012.
(7 ) As at 18 August 2012, at the Revesby Service Centre there were two staff providing face to face services and one Team Leader, plus 52 non-customer facing Smart Centre staff providing processing services.
The staff providing face to face services at Revesby will relocate to nearby sites; the two customer service staff have opted to move to the Bankstown site and the Team Leader is considering options on where they would like to move to. The 52 Smart Centre staff providing processing services will remain at the Revesby site.
(8 ) As per the answer to part 7, as at 18 August 2012, there were two staff providing face to face services with one Team Leader at the Revesby Service Centre.
For (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11, and (e) 2011-12, what grants were provided to the Australian Conservation Foundation, including the amount, purpose, and program each was delivered under.
A list of grants is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Transport website.