The SPEAKER ( Hon. Bronwyn Bishop ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
The challenges that we have been listening to today have been, in my opinion, extremely positive. The NDIS was brought around to challenge people so that we could decide what level of life was going to be lived for people with disabilities.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment (Restoring Merits Review) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Anyone who is arrested shall be informed, at the time of arrest, of the reasons for his arrest …
Anyone who is deprived of his liberty by arrest or detention shall be entitled to take proceedings before a court …
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment …
All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Australian Red Cross (ARC) was founded in 1914 following the outbreak of World War I; and
(b) hundreds of thousands of volunteers signed up during World War I, and by World War II the ARC had become Australia’s largest charitable organisation with nearly half a million members out of a population of seven million;
(2) recognises that the ARC has served the Australian people for the last 100 years, most notably through its immediate response to national disasters, blood service, and everyday work to help vulnerable people;
(3) values the important contribution of volunteers and staff across the country through their local ARC including members, branches and committees; and
(4) acknowledges the ARC’s proud history of service in its centenary year.
These words, spoken by the President of the International Red Cross Committee during WWII, sum up what the organisation stood for and did, namely alleviating suffering, bringing hope and saving lives. During WWII, the Red Cross provided help to people on the frontlines, in prison camps, to refugees and the families of the soldiers fighting for their life.
Its fundamental principles are ‘Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality’. In short, they mean that the Red Cross will help wherever there is a need, and every human is treated equally without discrimination of race, gender, nationality, or political opinion. Given that wars are fought and people are killed in the name of nationality, ethnicity and religion, their impartial mission and sense of human solidarity is extremely important as it puts protecting and respecting lives above anything else. During WWII in Australia, the Red Cross was mainly made up of women volunteers who made clothing and linen to be delivered to the soldiers on the frontlines, or refugees of war. Besides food provision, fundraising and medical work, the Red Cross also provided services such as hospital visits, vocational training, home help, transport and ambulance services.
Members of the International Committee of the Red Cross coordinated a central “prisoner of war” agency, which was responsible for making sure captured soldiers were treated fairly, with enough food, appropriate shelter and without violence, to stop diseases and help the soldiers feel like humans, not animals. For example, at Christmas, Italian Red Cross volunteers sent all POW parcels of biscuits, cake and wine. A British Red Cross delegate went to French field hospitals and provided the patients with soap, toothpaste, shoelaces, and musical instruments.
Although I have no relatives who have served with the Red Cross, I read some personal stories in the book ‘Dunant’s Dream’, which tells the Red Cross’ history. I was particularly moved by those Red Cross workers who helped reunite families, and looked after displaced children in Europe during this time.
All this reflects the spirit and mission of the Red Cross, which is to be ready to help wherever and whenever there, is a need. After reading about the horrors of WWII, and seeing that wars today cause just as much suffering, I feel that the Red Cross’ role, then and now, is extremely important. It should be everyone’s mission to serve others.
That the motion be amended to read—that this House:
(1) condemns the actions of the Islamic State in Iraq which amounts to attempted genocide of minorities including the Assyrian, Chaldean, Mandaean and Yezidi people;
(2) re-affirms the rights of the Christian and other minorities of Iraq to live in peace and freedom and calls for all steps to be taken to ensure that all members of the affected communities can live in freedom in Iraq;
(3) calls on the Australian Government and the international community to provide humanitarian, financial and other forms of appropriate assistance to support those Christian and other minorities who have been internally displaced within Iraq;
(4) notes the aspirations of the Assyrian and Chaldean people for the establishment of an autonomous region in the Ninevah plains and welcomes the in-principle agreement of the Iraqi Government to this request earlier this year; and
(5) calls on the Australian Government through its seat on the United Nations Security Council and the international community to take appropriate steps to protect the rights of minorities in Iraq, including the Assyrian and Chaldean Christian people.
… no decent country can support the horrors perpetrated by ISIS, and no civilized country should shirk its responsibility to help stamp out this disease.
Extremists are defeated only when responsible nations and their peoples unite to oppose them.
That so much of standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the House debating immediately whether Australian forces should be deployed to Iraq and that all other business before the House be deferred until the conclusion of the debate.
That the member no longer be heard.
… I stress, peaceful democracies, peaceful pluralist democracies like Australia shrink rightly and understandably from reaching out to these conflicts but just because we would prefer to stand aside from these conflicts doesn't mean that these conflicts will stand aside from us.
The people who are active in the terrorist groups in northern Iraq and elsewhere hate us as much as they hate the people that they are currently attacking. They hate us not for what we've done, they hate us for who we are and for what we are.
The life of indigenous Mesopotamians in their hereditary habitat is irreplaceable. Villages and towns that hold the presence of time and extend rituals and ways of life passed down through generations; the vernacular richness of spoken Aramaic dialects born of shared experiences in the same places; and a disappearing architectural legacy—this living history, the very source of its own future, is at stake. The tragedy of this loss would never be lifted from the conscience of the world.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the House:
(1) debating immediately whether Australian forces should be deployed to Iraq; and
(2) defer all other business before the House until the conclusion of the debate.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) Vietnam Veterans Day is held on 18 August each year to commemorate the iconic Battle of Long Tan in 1966;
(b) on that day, 108 Australian and New Zealand soldiers in Delta Company, 6 RAR fought for hours in torrential rain to fend off a regimental assault on the Australian base by approximately 2000 regular Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops;
(c) 18 Australians were killed and 24 were wounded, and approximately 500 enemy soldiers were killed;
(d) despite their victory, our veterans were treated appallingly upon their return to Australia; and
(e) the number and degree of awards presented to Australian soldiers following the Battle of Long Tan is today widely regarded as ‘being little short of insulting in view of the heroism displayed’; and
(2) recognises:
(a) the tireless efforts of retired Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith, over almost half a century, to seek recognition for his soldiers;
(b) that Delta Company was awarded a Unit Citation for Gallantry in late 2009, however, two officers and ten other ranks still have not received the individual awards that were recommended in 1966, despite several reviews and inquiries naming the men; and
(c) the Delta Company Commander and four Platoon Commanders, who recommended the awards in 1966, have provided supporting material to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, and Part 2 of the Valour Inquiry is currently underway.
Vietnam Veterans Day is held on 18 August each year to commemorate the iconic Battle of Long Tan in 1966 …
… the Delta Company Commander and four Platoon Commanders, who recommended the awards in 1966, have provided supporting material to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, and Part 2 of the Valour Inquiry is currently underway.
Debate adjourned.
That this House acknowledges:
(1) that as we approach the Centenary of ANZAC we also reflect on the forgotten war in which Australians first participated—the Boer War;
(2) that as a parliament and parliamentarians we remember the beginning of Australian military history in which more than 23,000 Australian men and women put on uniforms to fight in South Africa and that about 1,000 paid the ultimate sacrifice;
(3) the amazing work that the National Boer War Memorial Association is undertaking to ensure that this war is not forgotten by advocating and raising funds for the erection of a specific National Memorial on ANZAC Parade, Canberra, to honour those Australians who served in the Boer War; and
(4) the need for additional funding to see this beautiful memorial, with its 1.5 times life size mounted troopers in bronze, which already has Government approval, a designated site and finalised design, to be completed by 2015 as part of our celebrations of Australia’s proud military history.
Although, they joined up for a variety of motives, as young men do, including seeking adventure, economic pressure, or even to escape an unhappy home life, patriotism generally played a part. There is a common theme in many of the contemporary records of fighting to help the mother country, for empire, and also for Australia—to show we were worthy of nationhood in our own right.
We had already redefined our attitudes to the British military. While we desired their respect as professionals, we knew we were better. We knew this because during the Boer War we had begun the process of defining our military characteristics: toughness, good humour, compassion and a healthy disregard for useless rules. We were fighters, not spit and polish parade ground soldiers; men and women who kept on under all conditions.
They ran along the line of saddles and shot men in their beds.
The memorial recognises that all Australian troops in the Boer War were mounted or dependent on horses to tow their ambulances, artillery and supply wagons, to match the highly mobile Boer soldiers. It recalls their endurance and sacrifice, cast in enduring bronze.
That business intervening before order of the day No. 20, Government Business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2013 [No. 2]
That the bill be laid aside.
That the motion be put.
The House divided. [12:20]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to taxation, superannuation, social security and family assistance, and for other purposes, being presented and proceeding immediately through all stages this sitting.
That the question be now put.
The House divided. [12:29]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
The House divided. [12:34]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent that standing order 43 be suspended for this sitting.
The House divided. [12:55]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
The House divided. [13:20]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
[The House divided. [13:27]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the honourable member for McMahon from moving the following motion forthwith—That the debate be adjourned until the next sitting day to provide members with an opportunity to examine the legislation.
That the question be now put.
The House divided. [13:36]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
The House divided. [13:43]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
That the question be now put.
The House divided. [13:50]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
The House divided. [13:52]
(The Speaker—the Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
That the bill be now read a third time.
That the motion be put.
The House divided. [13:57]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
The House divided. [13:59]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
That further statements on indulgence on the Prime Minister's statement on Iraq be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
Over 320,000 Australians are afflicted by dementia …
These numbers will only increase as our population gets older.
… the confused, elderly lady rocking in the corner for her $7?
… there is a better way of operating a health system, and the change should hardly hurt at all. As economists have shown, the ideal model involves a small co-payment—
… at all times pushed the commencement date of 1 July 2009 despite any concerns expressed by others as to whether it was properly attainable …
It is outrageous that they have washed their hands of responsibility for the mess they created.
Unless there is reform we will continue to drift, we will fall behind the emerging universities of Asia and we will fall out of touch with the vital global centres of knowledge.
You've got to get rid of the idea that there is or ever has been or ever could be free education.
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Seniors Health Card and Other Measures) Bill 2014
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent notice No. 5, private members’ business, having priority over other business in the Federation Chamber for 20 minutes from 4.45 pm.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Repeal) Bill 2014
Financial assistance, largely through grants, has been provided to nearly 200 renewable energy developments, including the construction of renewable energy projects, the research and development of various technologies and the development and deployment of renewable energy, along with activities to capture and share knowledge gained through all of these projects, to advance the sector towards full commerciality.
ARENA has made significant progress towards achieving its objectives.
ARENA has played an important role of increasing the competitiveness of technologies and the supply of renewable energy in Australia.
Delivering on these projects will allow Australia to take a pragmatic approach, focusing on our capabilities to ensure that Australia is well positioned to take up technologies that work as they become commercial.
Look, we originated a renewable energy target. That was one of the policies of the Howard government, and yes, we remain committed to a renewable energy target … we have no plans to change the renewable energy target.
We will be keeping the renewable energy target. We’ve made that commitment. We have no plans or proposals to change it.
We have no plans or intention for change and we’ve offered bipartisan support to that.
It has been interesting to note the claims being made about what the Coalition will or won’t do. All of it is simply conjecture. The Coalition supports the current system, including the 41,000 giga-watt hours target.
Look, we originated a renewable energy target. That was one of the policies of the Howard Government and yes we remain committed to a renewable energy target. … we have no plans to change the renewable energy target.
We will be keeping the renewable energy target. We’ve made that commitment. We have no plans or proposals to change it. We have no plans or intention for change and we've offered bipartisan support to that.
Look, we originated a renewable energy target. That was one of the policies of the Howard Government and yes we remain committed to a renewable energy target.
… we have no plans to change the renewable energy target.
… the Opposition Leader told the partyroom that people saw generating renewable energy as an important issue and the Coalition had to commit to it.
It has been interesting to note the claims being made about what the Coalition will or won’t do. All of it is simply conjecture. The Coalition supports the current system, including the 41,000 giga-watt hours target.
May I register with you my strong objection to any proposal to weaken or reduce the Renewable Energy Target. Any such step is retrograde and gives no benefit to the community at large, whilst encouraging the fossil fuel industries.
The Renewable Energy Target has been remarkably successful in building clean wind energy throughout regional Australia. With bipartisan support, it has driven over $18 billion of investment thousands of jobs, delivering community benefits and bolstering rural economies.
Clean wind energy guards Australian consumers against the risk of power price rises. It cuts the wholesale cost of power and reduces our exposure to the swiftly rising price of gas.
The coalition is not proposing and has not proposed any changes to the target…
Can I make clear, the Coalition supports the current [RET] system, including the 41,000 GWh target.
Look, we originated a renewable energy target. That was one of the policies of the Howard government and yes we remain committed to a renewable energy target. I certainly accept that the renewable energy target is one of the factors of the current power system which is causing prices to go up but we have no plans to change the renewable energy target.
Unfortunately, the current pace of progress is not nearly rapid enough, with many rich industrialised countries being slow to make the transition to cleaner and more efficient forms of economic growth.
The lack of vision and political will from the leaders of many developed countries is not just harming their long-term competitiveness, but is also endangering efforts to create international co-operation and reach a new agreement …
Delay is dangerous. Inaction could be justified only if we could have great confidence that the risks posed by climate change are small. But that is not what 200 years of climate science is telling us. The risks are huge.
The IPCC has concluded from all of the available scientific evidence that it is 95% likely that most of the rise in global average temperature since the middle of the 20th century is due to emissions of greenhouse gases, deforestation and other human activities.
Wind, solar and other renewable power capacity grew at its strongest ever pace last year and now produces 22% of the world's electricity, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday in a new report.
… … …
Maria van der Hoeven, the executive director of the IEA, said governments should hold their nerve: 'Renewables are a necessary part of energy security. However, just when they are becoming a cost-competitive option in an increasing number of cases, policy and regulatory uncertainty is rising in some key markets. This stems from concerns about the cost of deploying renewables.'
Nearly 98% of the people seriously affected, 99% of all deaths from weather-related disasters and 90% of the total economic losses are now borne by developing countries. The populations most at risk it says, are in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, south Asia and the small island states of the Pacific.
There is no rational reason for a political person to oppose the growth of renewable energy in Australia. These are new industries being implemented by small and medium-sized businesses, creating jobs and supporting technological innovation.
Significant challenges, mostly linked to a lack of joined‐up policies to reduce investor risk and the resulting funding gap, hamper the smooth … transition from demonstration to deployment for viable—
The absence of adequate financing means that the point at which innovative energy technologies might be deployed in the market and prove themselves on a large scale may be delayed or at worst fail, a phenomenon commonly termed the commercialisation 'valley of death'.
The need for low-cost and reliable energy is going to grow … Engineers and businesspeople all over the world see the demand and are working to figure out a way to generate supply. In the global economy, the old line fossil fuel companies will not be able to prevent the diffusion of new technology once it is developed. Ask Kodak what happened to companies that do not change their strategies to reflect the emerging technologies.
Australia’s renewable energy future poses important national choices. We can adopt the reactive path of minimisation of known economic costs, leading to the slow uptake of renewables mapped above. Or we can be proactive in stimulating research and installation of renewables, a path that will lead to a more rapid uptake. The second option has the potential to put Australia at the leading edge of renewable energy technology, an objective of particular importance to the Australian Academy of Science. It may also have the potential for sustainable job creation and stimulation of export business opportunities. Government policies are crucial in determining both the rapidity of evolution and the future potential net economic value of our energy future …
We are keeping ARENA and ARENA is the body looking at specific support for development projects in the solar space.
But we certainly expect some great results from those programs that have already been funded under ARENA.
This government supports the energy and resources sector. We recognise it as one of our economy's most significant drivers of jobs, private sector investment and national revenue.
The long-term stable framework of the RET policy has provided the confidence for Tindo to establish the solar PV manufacturing plant in 2011.
The weakening of the SRES—
will impact significantly on the solar industry. Tindo Solar as a manufacturer and installer of solar systems nationally would be impacted significantly—which would certainly lead to job losses. This would happen right at a time when the future looks bright for Tindo with imminent expansion of our workforce …
… the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering estimated the annual externalised costs of fossil-fuel generated electricity in Australia to be $2.6 billion.
Paul Epstein at Harvard Medical School found the health and environmental consequences of coal cost the US economy between one third and one half a trillion dollars each year.
The 2011 US EPA review of their Clean Air Act concluded that every dollar spent on cleaner air produced $30 in health benefits.
European studies findings are similar, estimating that health savings more than outweigh costs of emissions reduction, and that those benefits continue to accrue over time.
Many leading specialists in the world in the area of energy economics are predicting a major shift around the world to renewable technologies. Solar panel costs have fallen dramatically, and battery storage cost are also trending sharply downward. The same specialists look with envy at Australia’s resources in renewable energy. But they are amazed and concerned that we have not developed these resources to any great degree, and that we not doing enough in-depth research into our renewable energy potential. ARENA was set up to address these concerns in 2012. It is short-sighted to withdraw this agency so soon. It seems that a political decision has been made which ignores Australia’s long-term interests, and which is aligned to the interests of the non-renewable energy sector. Renewable energy projects are great employers and with the mining boom winding down, we have an opportunity to make a transition to a future economic model that includes lots of renewable energy. Agencies like ARENA are vital to this transition.
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a third time.
Australian Citizenship Amendment (Intercountry Adoption) Bill 2014
The government wants to make it easier to adopt when it is in the best interests of the child. We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past, but we do want to remove the red tape—
So in December last year I announced that the government would improve overseas adoption by the end of this year.
… the government has considered a report by senior officials on options to reform overseas adoption which was informed by over 100 submissions from the public.
We have announced improvements to the process for families adopting children from Taiwan and South Korea.
We have opened a new overseas adoption program with South Africa—and are commencing discussions with seven other countries …
Does the term "government recognised welfare authorities" include both overseas adoption agencies that have been recognised or registered by the Government and the appointed adoption authority of that country, in the terminology used in principle 3 of the Joint Committee report of April 1986.
… the child, for the full and harmonious development of his or her personality, should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding …
Today, this Parliament, on behalf of the Australian people, takes responsibility and apologises for the policies and practices that forced the separation of mothers from their babies, which created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering.
We acknowledge the profound effects of these policies and practices on fathers.
And we recognise the hurt these actions caused to brothers and sisters, grandparents, partners and extended family members.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Repeal) Bill 2014
The House divided. [20:05]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Mitchell)
The House divided. [20.13]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Mitchell)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Australian Citizenship Amendment (Intercountry Adoption) Bill 2014
Thanks for meeting with me Melissa. After I left you, I phoned Adoption Services and found that we had finally received allocation for our son's two sisters!!!
I have been busy getting all the paperwork completed and our immigration papers will be couriered to the Philippines tomorrow!
I am really pushing for an 8 week waiting time until we can meet and bring home our two new daughters.
Melissa, six years of waiting has been too long for them and for us.
I am very thankful to our Prime Minister for taking up the issue of Inter-country Adoption and committing to streamlining the process to make it easier for Australian families to adopt.
For too long adoption has been in the too hard basket.
… … …
… adoption is about giving children a better life.
… … …
The government wants to make it easier to adopt when it is in the best interests of the child.
… … …
It is red tape that impacts on children who legitimately need a safe and loving home and Australians who dream of providing that home.
At present, children adopted under bilateral arrangements require a passport from the home country and an Australian adoption visa to travel to Australia. This imposes additional complexity and cost on adopting families. Under the arrangements to be made by this bill, children will be able to be granted citizenship as soon as the adoption is finalised. They will then be able to travel to Australia on an Australian passport, with their new families, as Australian citizens.
That this Federal Council of the Nationals call on state governments to ensure that all mining contracts include requirements to employ locals and prohibit 100 per cent Fly-in Fly-out … workforces, where a local workforce is available.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Griggs ): took the chair at 10:30.
There has been a seismic shift …
The collective well-being of Australian Jewry has been adversely affected … Jews are neither as free nor as safe as they were prior to this war.
'This is the first time that I actually feel that my identity is a problem,' she said.
'Something new has happened' since the Gaza war, Kimchi added. 'It's never been like that. The anti-Semitism in Australia is much more than in the past.
'The kids are afraid, that's the bottom line,' she said. 'I know the community here is more alerted.'
Kurt was a professional, highly respected and dedicated leader …
Kurt Steel seemed like one of nature's true gentlemen.
Heaven has gained one hell of a community organiser today.
That the House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 2014 is the Centenary year of Red Cross in Australia, a significant milestone in the social history of the nation and commemorating 100 years of humanitarian service to the people of Australia;
(b) most Australians have shared a personal connection with Red Cross, from its humanitarian role during two world wars, to preparing, responding to and recovering from natural disasters, or helping vulnerable people and communities overcome disadvantage, and through its world class national blood service; and
(c) for 100 years the Australian Red Cross has enjoyed a unique auxiliary status to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, working in partnership with governments of all political persuasions, in Australia and internationally, to alleviate suffering in a voluntary aid capacity whilst adhering to its principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality;
(d) Australian Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian movement, with tens of millions of volunteers working in 189 countries, united by the fundamental principle of preventing and alleviating human suffering, without discrimination, wherever it may be found in times of war, conflict, disaster or personal crisis;
(2) recognises that:
(a) today the Australian Red Cross has a network of over one million volunteers, members, staff, donors, aid workers and supporters; and
(b) through this network, the Australian Red Cross mobilises the power of humanity to work right across the country in local communities in every state and territory, and further afield, to help transform the lives of vulnerable people in need, whoever they are; and
(3) calls on all honourable members to:
(a) join the Australian Red Cross in celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding on 13 August 1914, nine days after the outbreak of World War I;
(b) congratulate generations of Australians for their extraordinary contributions through the everyday work of Red Cross; and
(c) continue to support the independent, neutral and impartial humanitarian mission of Red Cross to work with and assist the most vulnerable people in need, both in Australia and internationally.
… working in programs in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; tackling the social exclusion faced by so many marginalised groups ranging from older vulnerable people living in the community to young offenders or former offenders and the families; and an increasingly place based focus on shifting our work to the most vulnerable communities where social problems have proven so intractable over time.
That this House:
(1) notes that the first major root and branch review of competition policy in more than 20 years, as promised by the Coalition, is being delivered, and:
(a) is being conducted with a focus on the current laws and competition framework, to ensure that efficient businesses, both big and small, can compete effectively and have incentives to invest and innovate for the future; and
(b) will provide a framework for delivering durable benefits to consumers by building a productive and competitive 21st century Australian economy;
(2) recognises the plans of the Government to support efficient markets which deliver lower prices and better services for Australian consumers; and
(3) commends the Government on its approach to this important economic reform.
It is no accident that Australia’s most efficient and commercially successful producers have been those which have been subject to strong competition. And the most stringent competitive standards are those in world markets….
… Labor's guiding philosophy of economic reform has been a commitment to markets and competition—a commitment reaffirmed by Julia Gillard as Prime Minister. Of course there can be a role for government intervention to correct for market failure, including anti-competitive behaviour and inadequate private incentives for research and development. But the presumption must be that competition is good, more competition is better and markets are better than governments in allocating scarce resources among competing commercial uses.
With respect, the result of the analysis in the joint reasons in this Court does not protect or promote competition or the competitive process. It stifles it.
… … …
This is the third recent decision of this Court (Melway and Boral Besser Masonry … being the other two) in which a majority has adopted an unduly narrow view of s 46 of the Act …
In my view, the approach taken by the majority is insufficiently attentive to the object of the Act to protect and uphold market competition. It is unduly protective of the depredations of the corporations concerned. It is unrealistic, bordering on ethereal, when the corporate conduct is viewed in its commercial and practical setting. The outcome cripples the effectiveness of s 46 of the Act … The victims are Australian consumers and the competitors who seek to engage in competitive conduct in a naive faith in the protection of the Act.
I think that as we move into more of a . . . global digital economy, the ability to have different limits on rights and licences from one jurisdiction to another is becoming more futile …
That this House:
(1) recognises that the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) was established in 2012 after external inquiries in 1995, 2001, 2010, Parliamentary committee reviews, issues and discussion papers, exposure drafts and consultations with experts, and is operating efficiently and effectively, helping charities, donors and taxpayers;
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) the vast majority of submissions to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee’s inquiry into the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (Repeal) (No. 1) Bill 2014 speak positively of the ACNC’s work and urge the Government to retain the charities commission as a one-stop shop;
(b) the evidence to this inquiry provided by eminent Australian, Mr Robert Fitzgerald AM, strongly supports the retention of the ACNC;
(c) in a survey, four out of five charities support keeping the ACNC, while only 6 per cent like the Government’s idea of returning the regulation of charities to the Australian Taxation Office;
(d) in an open letter, more than 40 charities, including Lifeline, Justice Connect, ACOSS, Social Ventures Australia, Save the Children, St John Ambulance Australia, Community Colleges Australia, Sane Australia, the Sidney Myer Fund, the Myer Foundation, Danks Trust, the RSPCA, Youth Off the Streets, the Ted Noffs Foundation, Music Viva Australia, Wesley Mission Victoria, the RSPCA Australia, World Vision, the Australian Conservation Foundation, Odyssey House, the McGrath Foundation, the Australian Council for International Development, Changemakers Australia, Volunteering Australia, YWCA Australia, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, the Consumer Health Forum of Australia, Hillsong Church, Churches of Christ Victoria and Tasmania and Wesley Mission Australia, called on the Government to keep the ACNC; and
(e) the Australian Capital Territory and South Australian governments are already working to reduce the paperwork burden on charities and not-for-profits by cooperating with the ACNC to reduce duplication in reporting;
(3) notes that some of those who the Minister for Social Services claims to have consulted with have written to the Government to make clear that they have never been consulted on the ACNC repeal; and
(4) calls on the Government to drop its ill-considered and unpopular plan to axe the ACNC.
… what have the Romans ever done for us?
The Labor members found the evidence in favour of retaining the ACNC compelling—not only because of the sheer numbers of charities and other organisations that strongly supported the work of the ACNC but because of the soundness of their arguments.
… conceptually difficult to reduce red tape by adding red tape, which is what adding new Commonwealth regulation on top of existing State regulation will do. Only if States vacate the field is there any hope of reducing the administrative burden on Charities and NFPs.
Independent schools will be required to report much of the information to the ACNC that they currently report to the Department of Education and Workplace Relation (DEEWR), as well as to state education authorities. Setting aside the issue of duplication with state authorities, if an information-sharing agreement is not reached between the ACNC and DEEWR the ACNC will effectively serve as an additional layer of regulation and red tape for independent schools …
Under the ATO regime, there were no annual or other reporting requirements for charities, although the ATO could revoke endorsement if it became aware of wrongdoing. Realistically, the Tax Office did not have time or resources to regulate the activities of charities. So, in one sense, some regulation is the price these organisations pay for access to the tax concessions.
The ACNC has a mature relationship with the sector as a standalone regulator outside of the revenue office. It is flexible and sensitive to its constituency's needs in a way that allows the sector to thrive.
That this House:
(1) recognises that on 3 September 2014 ('Australian National Flag Day') we celebrate the
(2) 113th birthday of the Australian flag; and
(3) notes that:
(a) Australia's flag was the first in the world to be chosen in an open public competition, and this flag design competition brought forth the pride of a newly formed nation by attracting entries from 1 per cent of our population at that time;
(b) on 3 September 1901, Lady Hopetoun, wife of the first Governor-General of the new Commonwealth of Australia, formally opened the Commonwealth Flag and Seal Exhibition and announced the names of the successful competitors;
(c) the winning design was a Blue Ensign including the Union Jack, along with a Southern Cross and a six pointed star;
(d) this latter star (the 'Commonwealth Star') was changed to the seven pointed star we are familiar with today in 1908, to signify the Territory of Papua and future Territories; and
(e) the new flag represents a design by the people, for the people, and since it was first flown in 1901, has become an icon of our shared identity.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the 20th anniversary of the Australian Government's recognition of Australian-born South Sea Islanders as a distinct ethnic group in Australia;
(2) expresses deep regret
(a) over the cruel treatment of the approximately 60,000 South Sea Islanders, mainly young men, who were blackbirded (or essentially kidnapped) or lured onto ships and then transported to Australia for the purpose of indentured labour; and
(b) that a number of discriminatory acts followed, chief among these being the forced repatriation of Pacific Island labourers back to their place of origin in 1906, in many cases against the will of those being repatriated;
(3) acknowledges the considerable economic contribution of Australians of South Sea Islander descent to the establishment of the sugar industry in the state of Queensland, and other agricultural and industrial development in the north;
(4) celebrates the contributions of so many Australians of South Sea Islander descent to Australian life in every field of endeavour, from the football field to the political sphere; and
(5) calls for consideration of measures to ensure that Australians of South Sea Islander descent can achieve equity and assistance in this present day through:
(a) inclusion on the national census as a separate people group, by the simple addition of an extra question;
(b) access to diabetes treatment in the same way this is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; and
(c) access to assistance in all areas of disadvantage such as health, housing, education and training.
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2014
The group is also embarking on a major project, recreating a living Gallipoli Trench complete with sound systems, actors and all the paraphernalia of war to make the experience for visitors as real as possible. Planned to be completed in time to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War and Australia's almost legendary entry into it on 25th April 1915, the trench will be an authentic replica of a captured Turkish trench as taken by the 11th on the night of 31st July 1915 and named for the commander who led the attack, Capt R. L. Leane.
On the night of 31st July/1st August 1915 200 men of the 11th Battalion waited for a series of explosions from mines laid by the engineers to detonate … before charging over the dark void to engage in brutal hand to hand combat. In a tit for tat engagement of bombs and bayonets, blinded by dust and choked by incendiaries, weary and suffering from dysentery and food shortages, the men of the 11th finally secured the trench, soon christened Leane's Trench after the commander of the attack, Capt R L Leane, and were relieved at 1400hrs by the 12th.
24 hours later the 11th were back in the front line and on 6th August were again engaged in extremely heavy fighting when the Turks launched a counter attack. The 11th held on, suffering 154 casualties in the process. And there they remained in continual battle with a tenacious Turkish army until 16 November 1915 when they disembarked for Mudros, never to return.
International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill 2014
Tax treaties facilitate trade and investment by reducing barriers caused by the double taxation of residents in the two countries.
The new treaty will fulfil Australia's ‘most favoured nation’ obligations, contained in the existing tax treaty with Switzerland, to reduce its withholding tax rates on dividends, interest and royalties paid by Australian residents to Swiss residents.
The new treaty will also modernise the bilateral taxpayer information sharing arrangements and permit, for the first time, the exchange of taxpayer information for the purpose of preventing tax evasion. This greater transparency includes access to Swiss bank information that could help Australia better enforce its tax laws.
Businesses are adopting new ways of doing business. That is due in part to the increasing integration of financial systems and economies around the world, as well as to the phenomenal growth of the internet and other technologies.
The international tax framework has not kept pace with these changes. Our tax systems were built for a world where business was predominantly confined to national borders. This is not the reality of the twenty-first century.
As a consequence, we have seen the erosion of domestic tax bases resulting from international tax planning that takes advantage of the gaps in our current taxation systems.
And citizens expect a comprehensive response from the G20 on this, given the inefficiencies and unfairness apparent in the current system.
We are committed to a global response to Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) based on sound tax policy principles. Profits should be taxed where economic activities deriving the profits are performed and where value is created. We continue our full support for the G20/OECD BEPS Action Plan, and look forward to progress as set out in the agreed timetable.
By the Brisbane summit, we will start to deliver effective, practical and sustainable measures to counter BEPS across all industries, including traditional, digital and digitalised firms, in an increasingly globalised economy. We endorse the Common Reporting Standard for automatic exchange of tax information on a reciprocal basis and will work with all relevant parties, including our financial institutions, to detail our implementation plan at our September meeting.
In parallel, we expect to begin to exchange information automatically on tax matters among G20 members by the end of 2015. We call for the early adoption of the standard by those jurisdictions that are able to do so.
We call on all financial centres to match our commitments.
We urge all jurisdictions that have not yet complied with the existing standard for exchange of information on request to do so and sign the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters without further delay.
We stand ready to give tougher incentives to those 14 jurisdictions that have not qualified for Phase 2 of the evaluations.
We will engage with, and support low-income and developing countries so that they benefit from our work on tax.
There is a balance to be had between inequality and opportunity and we have failed to get that balance right.
… the share of national income accruing to the top 1 per cent of income earners has increased significantly over the past three decades … Australia had the second highest increase in inequality.
… … …
The top 1 per cent of income earners account for almost 10 per cent of Australia’s annual income. In addition, the biggest gains in income share have been concentrated in the top 1 and top 0.1 per cent of income earners. Remember that for the income share of any of these groups to go up another group has to go down …
… … …
The actual level of income growth over the past thirty years is quite extraordinary and really reinforces how well the ‘elite’ have done compared with the working class. Real income for the bottom 90 per cent of the income distribution rose by just 34 per cent between 1980 and 2010. By comparison, the top 1 per cent has enjoyed income growth of around 178 per cent.
Extreme economic inequality is damaging and worrying for many reasons: it is morally questionable; it can have negative impacts on economic growth and poverty reduction; and it can multiply social problems. It compounds other inequalities, such as those between women and men. In many countries, extreme economic inequality is worrying because of the pernicious impact that wealth concentrations can have on equal political representation. When wealth captures government policymaking, the rules bend to favor the rich, often to the detriment of everyone else.
The particular combination of policies required to reverse rising economic inequalities should be tailored to each national context. But developing and developed countries that have successfully reduced economic inequality provide some suggested starting points, notably:
• Cracking down on financial secrecy and tax dodging;
Globalisation has resulted in a shift from country-specific operating models to global models based on matrix management organisations and integrated supply chains that centralise several functions at a regional or global level. Moreover, the growing importance of the service component of the economy, and of digital products that often can be delivered over the Internet, has made it much easier for businesses to locate many productive activities in geographic locations that are distant from the physical location of their customers. These developments have been exacerbated by the increasing sophistication of tax planners in identifying and exploiting the legal arbitrage opportunities and the boundaries of acceptable tax planning, thus providing MNEs with more confidence in taking aggressive tax positions.
Multinational companies can take advantage of slow-moving tax laws by shifting profits to low-tax countries.
… … …
This has obvious implications for tax revenue: companies avoiding their fair share of tax mean higher taxes or reduced services for you and me. Equally important, however, is the disadvantage incurred by local businesses which lack either the savvy or the scale to implement these complex taxation avoidance schemes.
This is unfortunate.
… … …
I sincerely hope that in the period between now and 2017, the Federal Government will change the presently-budgeted position.
To say that many of the schools in the state systems needed further assistance, both in money and tender loving care, is to me an understatement.
At the medium fee increase scenario, and with a four per cent interest rate, an engineering graduate working full-time faces a HELP debt of between $98,952 and $113,169 and would repay it over a period of 20-25 years.
A nursing graduate under a medium fee increase scenario who works part time for six years after working full time for six years will pay off their student loan of $51,620 over 20 years …
… that the promotion and protection of, and respect for, the human rights and fundamental freedoms of women, including the right to development, which are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, should be mainstreamed into all policies and programmes aimed at the eradication of poverty, and also reaffirms the need to take measures to ensure that every person is entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development and that equal attention and urgent consideration should be given to the promotion, protection and full realization of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
What trade skill shortages currently exist within Australia?
The Department of Employment researches and develops the Skill Shortage List: Australia, from which the following list of trade occupations in national shortage is taken.
This list reflects research undertaken to 31 December 2013, and was published 28 February 2014. Numeric references are codes defined under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations.
3. Technicians and Trades Workers
31. Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians
3129-13 Mine Deputy
32. Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers
3211-11 Automotive Engineer
3212-11,12,13 Motor Mechanics
3212-14 Small Engine Mechanics
3222-11 Sheetmetal Trades Worker
3233-13 Locksmith
3241-11 Panel beater
33. Construction
3311-12 Stonemason
3332-12 Solid Plasterer
3333-11 Roof Tiler
34. Electrotechnology and Telecommunications Trades Workers
3421-11 Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic
3422-11 Electrical Linesworker
35. Food Trades Worker
3511-11 Baker
3511-12 Pastrycook
3512-11 Butcher or Smallgoods Maker
3513-11, 3514-11 Chef/Cook
36. Skilled Animal and Horticultural Workers
3622-12 Arborist
3622-13 Landscape Gardener
Since 7 September 2013, how many manufacturing jobs have been lost?
Data on manufacturing employment is available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Please refer to catalogue number 6291.0.55.003, which is accessible online at
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6291.0.55.003.
Data on business counts is available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Please refer to catalogue number 8165.0, which is accessible online at http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8165.0
How many manufacturing jobs are associated with Australia’s renewable energy industry?
It is not known precisely how many manufacturing jobs are associated with Australia’s renewable energy industry. The manufacturing of renewable energy products is undertaken by a number of companies that also manufacture other products. The Australian Bureau of Statistics advises that the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification system does not have a class solely or mainly allocated to manufacturing of renewable energy products. The Department of Industry is also not aware of any industry estimate of the number of manufacturing jobs associated with Australia’s renewable energy industry. As a result, the Department of Industry is unable to indicate how many manufacturing jobs are associated with Australia’s renewable energy industry.
In respect of the view of the world's scientific community, including the Joint Science Academies, that if carbon emissions continue at the current rate, global temperature will rise above 2 degrees Celsius (and likely as high as 4 degrees Celsius) this century,
(a) in what ways does Government policy (particularly environment and economic) take this into account, and
(b) what kind of economy is the Government positioning Australia for in a world that is warmer by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.
The Australian Government accepts the science of climate change and supports national and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Government is firmly committed to reducing Australia's emissions to meet its target of five per cent below 2000 levels by 2020.
The Emissions Reduction Fund is the centrepiece of the Government's policy suite to reduce emissions. The Government has committed $2.55 billion to the Fund to invest directly in Australian businesses that reduce their emissions.
The Emissions Reduction Fund will provide the impetus for businesses and the community to improve practices, invest in new technologies, and reduce emissions.
The Government believes that there is a better way to reduce emissions than by imposing taxes or emissions trading systems that increase energy costs for businesses and households. That is why the Government committed to repeal the carbon tax and replace it with the Emissions Reduction Fund.
The Emissions Reduction Fund is a practical policy that will reduce Australia's emissions at low cost, without adding to household and business energy costs. It will support Australian businesses and communities to enjoy the benefits of economic growth, increased productivity and a cleaner environment.
Under Medicare in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, and (c) 2013-14, what number of (i) patients received cataract surgery, and what was the cataract surgery rate, (ii) Indigenous patients received cataract surgery, and what was the cataract surgery rate, (iii) patients were on a waiting list for elective cataract surgery for more than 90 days, and what proportion (as a percentage), (iv) Indigenous patients were on a waiting list for elective cataract surgery for more than 90 days, and what proportion (as a percentage), (v) people with diabetes had a retinal examination within the previous 24 months, and what proportion (as a percentage), (vi) Indigenous patients with diabetes had a retinal examination within the previous 12 months, what proportion (as a percentage), (vii) patients with diabetes received laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy, and what proportion (as a percentage), (viii) number of Indigenous patients with diabetes received laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy, and what proportion (as a percentage), (ix) patients had an eye examination, and what proportion (as a percentage), and (x) Indigenous patients had an eye examination, and what proportion (as a percentage).
a)
i. In the 2011-12 financial year 105,398 patients received cataract surgery under Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item 42702, 0.46 per cent of the Australian population.1
ix. In the 2011-12 financial year 3,259,725 patients received a comprehensive eye examination under MBS item 10900, 14.34 per cent of Australia's population.1
b)
i. In the 2012-13 financial year 108,335 patients received cataract surgery under MBS item 42702, 0.47 per cent of the Australian population.1
ix. In the 2012-13 financial year 3,347,384 patients received a comprehensive eye examination under MBS item 10900, 14.47 per cent of Australia's population.1
c)
i. In the 2013-14 financial year 112,033 patients received cataract surgery under MBS item 42702, 0.48 per cent of the Australian population.1
ix. In the 2013-14 financial year 3,405,394 patients received a comprehensive eye examination under MBS item 10900, 14.47 per cent of Australia's population.1
It is not possible to provide statistical information on the following:
iii. Medicare data is only available after an eligible service has been provided, claimed from Medicare, and the rebate paid. State and Territory governments are responsible for public hospital elective surgery waiting lists.
v. It is not possible to identify Medicare services for patients with specific conditions, such as diabetes. This can only be done where there is a specific MBS item for a specific patient group.
vii. It is not possible to identify Medicare services for patients with specific conditions, such as diabetes. This can only be done where there is a specific MBS item for a specific patient group.
Questions: ii; iv; vi; viii; and x, of each a, b and c also cannot be answered. It is not possible to satisfactorily provide answers to the questions about ophthalmology services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. While Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the option to identify as Indigenous with Medicare, using the Voluntary Indigenous Identifier, the nomination rate is low in older populations. Older people typically have cataract surgery services. Therefore, any estimate of the proportion of services provided to this group would not be reliable. In addition, it is important to note that Medicare data will not capture services provided through other funding sources, including public hospital services.
1 Estimated Resident Population (ERP)
Source: ERP for financial years Prior to 2013-14 based on the ABS catalogue 3101.0 Australian Demographic statistics, table 51 to table 59, released 19 June 2014
ERP for financial year 2013-14; using population figures, based on the ABS catalogue 3222.0 Population Projections, Australia 2012 (base) to 2011, table B1 to table B8, released 26 Nov 2013
National figures include other territories comprising Jervis Bay territory, Christmas Island and CoCos (Keeling) Islands.
Figures in the tables are based on June quarter population.
ERP is used as denominator to calculate statistics for Number of services per capita, benefit paid per capita and patients as percent of population.
Minor variations in per capita statistics might occur compared with the statistics published previously due to the update of ERP figures by the ABS.
(1) Is he aware that in the electoral division of Lalor there is a General Practitioner bulk billing rate of 93.5 per cent, and that Lalor families access bulk billing services more than 1.5 million times each year. (2) Can he advise if the Government has a figure, or an estimated figure, for what the additional out of pocket costs to residents in Lalor will be as a result of the additional co-payments announced in the 2014-15 budget. (3) Can he guarantee that the General Practitioner bulk billing rate will not fall during his term in Government.
(1) My Department provides me with information about bulk billing rates across Australia. This includes information about the bulk billing rates for Lalor.
(2) It is not possible to estimate future out of pocket costs for residents in Lalor as all General Practitioners (GPs) are currently able to set their own fees and this will continue after 1 July 2015 when the Budget measure comes into effect.
(3) The Government has no authority to control the amount that GPs charge for their services, which also means that no guarantee can be provided about whether GP bulk billing rates will rise or fall in any electorate, including that of Lalor.