The SPEAKER ( Hon. Bronwyn Bishop ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Migration Amendment (Character and General Visa Cancellation) Bill 2014
Fair Work Amendment (Bargaining Processes) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Federal Courts Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
ACT Government Loan Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Biosecurity Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Biosecurity (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Quarantine Charges (Imposition—General) Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Quarantine Charges (Imposition—Customs) Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Quarantine Charges (Imposition—Excise) Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Corporations Legislation Amendment (Deregulatory and Other Measures) Bill 2014
Hefozullah, a seller of cooking oil, was arrested at the marketplace for keeping his shop open during Friday prayers. He was sent to jail for four days and became No. 3,183 in a registry of arrests at the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
Those who fly pigeons—a favorite Afghan pastime—will be imprisoned until ''their pigeons disappear from their home.''
A kite seller will be imprisoned for three days.
… cinematography, any equipment that produces the joy of music, pool tables, chess, masks, alcohol, tapes, computer, VCR's, televisions … wine, … nail polish, firecrackers, statues, sewing catalogs, pictures, Christmas cards.
Nothing was left to chance or the imagination under the Taliban. Merchants importing products like shampoo would find that Taliban customs officials had gouged out the eyes of the female models on the boxes. The merchants were then required to display the products with black tape over female faces, or be subject to a beating or jailing.
It is no wonder that residents here react as if waking from a grotesque dream.
That this bill now be read a third time.
Treasury Legislation Amendment (Repeal Day) Bill 2014
… I declare Australia is under new management and is once more open for business.
Australian War Memorial Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a third time.
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014
Treasury Legislation Amendment (Repeal Day) Bill 2014
Improving productivity growth is just about the sole source of improving living standards …
GOVERNMENT ministers are flouting requirements that the impact of new regulations be assessed before decisions are made …
None of the ministers consulted saw that regulatory impact statements had any real relevance to their, or cabinet's decision-making …
… most agencies indicated that in the majority of cases, a RIS is prepared after the relevant decision has already been made …
… the evidence before the Review suggested that things were often left too late with there being a last minute scramble to pull the RIS—
together. Often this results in ministers being uninformed or frustrated by the time taken to prepare a RIS which is seen as holding up rather than informing their decision.
If the … Process were operating and performing as intended, Ministers … would rely on and refer to the analysis and evidence contained within it in coming to their decisions – however, this rarely happens in the cases discussed during the Review’s consultation.
If this seemingly low hurdle is an obstacle, it begs the question whether there is, in fact, a ‘real’ Government commitment to take ownership of RIA.
It is clear from the consultation undertaken by the Review that none of the participants or stakeholders believe that the RIA Process (and the RIS) is delivering the benefits that the OECD suggests it should.
Reducing red tape and removing redundant laws, particularly in the customs portfolio, improves the efficiency of businesses engaged in importing and exporting and makes things simpler for all Australians.
Our Health spending growth at record lows. Government claim that it's out of control is completely wrong.
PM must clarify position on #copayment now. Confusion reigns.
Our policy stands, our policy stands': Hockey on GP fee. Asked why govt had briefed out that it was dumped, he says: 'I haven't heard that.'
Wouldn't it be good tactics for gov to just plainly say what it plans on Medicare? Or does it enjoy its barnacled boat taking water?
This is the look of a Govt that knows what it's doing and in control.
Good afternoon politicians, we would like to let you know that we pray for you to make good decisions for our nation. We are from a small independent school located in Castlereagh at the foot of the Blue Mountains. We have a great school environment with amazing students and fabulous staff such as Mrs Donoghue, Mr Fowler and Mr Bell. To help Australia we would like you to continue being wise with money and consider the future generations. An example of this foresight was shown by previous politicians in the planning and construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to ensure that it is still useful today. We would also like to see more opportunities in our area to play and have fun. Thank you for listening and working long hours to keep our Country running smoothly.
… Labor honours contracts. Labor in Government honours contracts entered into by previous governments. Even if we don’t like them for issues of sovereign risk Labor honours contracts in office signed by previous governments.
… we're more likely to get back to surplus under a Labor government than this current mob.
The Government’s incompetence, broken promises and complete failure to provide leadership and vision for Australia.
You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
Treasury Legislation Amendment (Repeal Day) Bill 2014
… grew a five-inch beard to hide his mangled mouth; his four children were embarrassed about the way he looked.
You forget how important [it is] and how much your hair and your appearance affects how you feel as a person and gives you the confidence to overcome challenges.
To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
This petition of Corangamite and Geelong residents draws to the attention of the House that: the East West Link is a vital infrastructure project which will deliver more than 6,000 construction jobs and cut travel times for Geelong commuters. Only a Coalition Government will build East West Link. State Labor!
has vowed to stop it, threatening $3 billion of Federal funding and thousands of jobs. It is critical that Federal Labor MPs including in Geelong, western Melbourne and Ballarat support this project.
We therefore ask the House to: stand up for more than 6000 new jobs and back East West Link.
Since 7 September 2013, what (a) has been the cost of the fit-out of ministerial offices (including Assistant Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries), and (b) is the breakdown of these costs by category of expenditure, including but not limited to, furnishings and information technology.
The total DPS cost of fit-outs to ministerial offices, including Assistant Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, for the period 7 September 2013 to 31 August 2014 was $7,950. The cost relates to a new bookcase installed in the Attorney-General’s Suite.
The total cost of the bookcase was $15,442 (excluding GST), of which the Attorney-General’s Department paid $7,492, with DPS funding the remaining $7,950. The DPS funding contribution reflected the fact that the book case is a DPS asset.
DPS has carried out routine maintenance activities for the same period in ministerial offices, including Assistant Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries which included painting, tiling, carpet replacement and door installations.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Hon. BC Scott ) took the chair at 9:30.
… takes everyone's side but Australia's.
… I am the mother of Liam who is 12 years old and profoundly disabled. I am writing this letter to you to make you aware of a problem you possibly do not know even exists.
I love my home: it is filled with a lifetime of our family's memories. I despair over having to leave my community where I attend church, volunteer at the local primary school and have the love and support of my friends and neighbours.
… necessary principle for a vast country, where the economic tides come and go … If we didn't respect that we'd wind up half of rural white Queensland, which costs us far more money than Aboriginal communities do.
The only solution is the Government has to empower Aboriginal leadership in the local organisations and the local communities …
I see no sign that any government is prepared for the consequences. If governments simply let things rip by withdrawing services and driving people into towns without careful and comprehensive preparation, the outcomes will be shameful. That shame will reflect on you and your governments and on all of us.
Australia's economic future depends on the leadership and innovation of women like these, and the inspiration that they are giving younger women.
Australian War Memorial Amendment Bill 2014
One knew that the Brigades which went in last night were there today in that insatiable factory of ghastly wounds. The men were simply turned in there as into some ghastly giant mincing machine. They have to stay there while shell after huge shell descends with a shriek close beside them—each one an acute mental torture—each shrieking tearing crash bringing a promise to each man—instantaneous—I will tear you into ghastly wounds—I will rend your flesh and pulp an arm or a leg –fling you half a gaping quivering man (like these that you see smashed around you one by one) to lie there rotting and blackening like all the things you saw by the awful roadside, or in that sickening dusty crater. Ten or twenty times a minute every man in the trench has that instant fear thrust tight upon his shoulders—I don't care how brave he is—with a crash that is a physical pain and a strain to withstand.
I remember in August 1916 when after his busy days tramping the Pozieres battlefield and visiting units in the line he would roll out his blankets on the chalk firestep of the old British front line … on the edge of Becourt Wood and Sausage Gully. We used to sleep feet to head—C.E.W.B., Padre Dexter, myself, and others—and although I cannot recall the actual conversations today I do remember that on a number of occasions he talked about what he had in his mind concerning some future Australian war memorial museum.
… on some hill-top—still, beautiful, gleaming white and silent, a building of three parts, a centre and two wings. The centre will hold the great national relics of the A.I.F. one wing will be a gallery—holding the pictures that our artists painted and drew actually on the scene and amongst the events themselves. The other wing will be a library to contain the written official records of every unit.
We do not know this Australian's name, we never will … He is one of them, and he is all of us.
Here is their spirit, in the heart of the land they loved; and here we guard the record which they themselves made.
The AWM—
is to remind the community that it was built on the blood of our nation and you cannot put a price on that.
It is a monument to our Australian (military) history and it displays a myriad of records and all types of memorabilia for community members to view and reflect on our history from the beginning of our nation.
Australians who went to war helped to provide us with a free world.
The collection of records, mementos, collectables and relics that are placed on display is paramount to all members of the community so they can pass on—
to … other family members—
the memories they gained from their experience.
People travelling from all regions of Australia who have already paid for travel and accommodation do not deserve to pay for parking or entry into the AWM, particularly those who wish to have access to the Research Centre where they can research their family's military history.
It is a place where it provides first hand education for Australian school students and a place—
enhance the development of teachers.
The AWM holds an abundance of unreplaceable artefacts, which is unique to this country, and they belong to all Australians, the tax payers of this nation.
Every family has a history of some member of their family having served our country or have lost their lives defending it.
The AWM is … like a Mecca to our Australian people where it becomes a central location to pay homage to our fallen.
When commemoratives services and parades are conducted on the grounds, politicians and guests do not pay for parking, so why should members of the community, the tax payer, attending these events have to pay?
The new parking arrangements that were introduced on 1st July 2014 seem appropriate but 4 hours limit can be a restriction to those enthusiastic visitors.
The Government of the day has always provided funding, but maybe the Members of Council could look at—
… to encourage more organisations to become Friends of the Memorial ,
… perhaps increase the membership fee to Friends of the Memorial ,
… maybe enhance the content of the AWM shop,
… entice more organisations to place advertisements into the magazine (quarterly issues I think),
… actively seek more funds and regular donations by way of additional sponsorship from larger business corporations, mining corporations, RSL Clubs and the like …
… maybe have a government policy introduced that all clubs and registered organisations donate a small % of poker machine profits.
I cannot recall the actual conversations today I do remember that on a number of occasions he talked about what he had in his mind concerning some future Australian war memorial museum.
… on some hill-top-still beautiful, gleaming white and silent, a building of three parts, a centre and two wings. The centre will hold the great national relics of the A.I.F. One wing will be a gallery—holding the pictures that our artists painted and drew actually on the scene and amongst the events themselves. The other wing will be a library to contain the written official records of every unit.
We have gained a legend: a story of bravery and sacrifice and, with it, a deeper faith in ourselves and our democracy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be Australian.
It is not too much to hope, therefore, that this Unknown Australian Soldier might continue to serve his country—he might enshrine a nation's love of peace and remind us that in the sacrifice of the men and women whose names are recorded here there is faith enough for all of us.
That further proceedings be conducted in the House.
Thank you, Queensland. You've been good to me. I hope I've left you a better place.
Wayne changed Queensland, the state we love, for the better. He dragged it into the sunlight after 32 years in the darkness.
The main purpose of education is the betterment and development of individual people and their contribution to the good of the community. Technical and further education should be planned accordingly. Emphasis on the needs of the individual should lead to easier access to learning, to better physical conditions of learning, to suitable student and teacher amenities, to welfare facilities, and to the highest standards of health and safety in workshops and laboratories.
While the COAG framework broadly recognises the important role of public VET providers, the crucial position and role of TAFE within VET is not explicitly recognised. For the Committee this is integral to the issues raised in the inquiry and is a deficiency that should be rectified. As stated above, it became evident to the Committee over the course of the inquiry that a foundational articulation of the role and function of TAFE is necessary.
The Australian Government should, through the Council of Australian Governments, make a value statement comprehensively defining the role of TAFE within the VET sector together with its future direction in the competitive training market, from a national perspective.
This statement should recognise that the affordability and accessibility of the training market is underpinned by a strong public sector provider and acknowledges the following functions that TAFE, as a major and significant not-for-profit public provider, can uniquely bring to the VET sector …
AUSTRAC encourages banks to continue to assess the particular risks relating to their customers in line with the risk-based approach. Further, AUSTRAC encourages banks to engage with alternative remitters on measures that the sector could take both immediately and in the longer term to meet banks' internal risk standards.
AUSTRAC will continue to work with alternative remitters and banks in conjunction with other Government agencies to address the complex set of issues underlying this problem.
It is within the grasp and the gift of the government to work with the banks and have this issue fixed.
In respect of the review into the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), (a) will he publicly release the outcome and commence the development of a Regulatory Impact Statement; if so, when, (b) will he consider re-establishing the Livestock Export Standards Advisory Group; if so, when, and (c) can he confirm that there are no inversion boxes being used by any countries importing Australian livestock.
(a) The final report of the review of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock and draft standards developed by the steering committee was released on the 20th of May, 2014 and is available on the department’s website: http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/export/live-animals/livestock/about/history/review-of-the-asel-lesag. The report will be considered, including any need for a Regulatory Impact Statement, in line with the government’s reform agenda for livestock exports.
(b) The Livestock Export Standards Advisory Group was reviewed under the former Labor government in 2012 and has subsequently not reconvened.
(c) Inversion boxes that are consistent with World Organisation for Animal Health standards have been used in some approved supply chains under ESCAS since 2011.
In 2013-14, how many Commonwealth grants were approved by the Minister’s department, and at what total cost, and of these, how many recipients have
(a) signed funding agreements, and at what total cost, and
(b) received payment, and at what total cost.
All approved grants are published on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) website. The information recorded is in accordance with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines (5.2 web-based reporting). Lists of all approved and executed grants, as per the web-based reporting guideline, can be found at:
http://www.dva.gov.au/ex-service_organisations/grants/Pages/ApprovedGrantsList.aspx
http://www.dva.gov.au/ex-service_organisations/grants/Pages/OPCMR.aspx
In respect of departmental staff overseas travel since 7 September 2013, what (a) was the total cost, (b) is the breakdown of this cost ie, airfares, accommodation, hospitality, official passports and minor incidentals, and (c) was the travel for.
The total cost for Department of Agriculture officials travelling overseas from 7 September 2013 to 31 August 2014 is: $5 145 433.
(b) The breakdown of total cost for Department of Agriculture officials travelling overseas in the table below:
*Prior to July 2014 overseas travel costs were not broken into categories.
(b) cont’d
Hospitality Cost
Overseas hospitality costs are not identified under the travel finance reporting mechanism.
Official Passports
During the period 7 September 2013 to 31 August 2014, 108 passports were issued. The provision of Official Passport costs would entail a substantial diversion of resources. It is complex to identify which passports were requested on an urgent basis and would have been charged an additional fee.
(c) Department of Agriculture officers undertake travel on an ‘as required’ basis and in accordance with the Whole of Australian Government Travel Arrangements and entity policy.
In respect of departmental staff overseas travel since 7 September 2013, what
(a) was the total cost,
(b) is the breakdown of this cost ie, airfares, accommodation, hospitality, official passports and minor incidentals, and
(c) was the travel for.
(a) & (b) The following table identifies the cost of overseas travel by departmental staff for the period 7 September 2013 to 30 September 2014.
The spend on hospitality in relation to overseas travel undertaken by departmental staff is not readily available. The financial systems do not easily separate hospitality costs from the overall costs of a particular project or mission.
(c) The majority of overseas travel by departmental staff is associated with: commemorative events and activities in France and Turkey; inspection and maintenance of war graves in Papua New Guinea and Malaysia; arranging, and accompanying veterans on, overseas missions; bilateral discussions with the New Zealand government.
Since 7 September 2013, how many corporate credit cards have been issued to departmental staff, and what is the total cost of all transactions made on them.
Of the 242 credit cards currently issued to DVA staff, 22 have been issued since 7 September 2013.
The total cost of all transactions made on those 22 cards is $150,980.97
Since 7 September 2013 to 30 June 2014, what training has been provided for (a) Executive, and (b) Senior Executive Service, level departmental officials, and what (i) total sum has the Minister’s department spent, and (ii) is the breakdown in cost, for such training.
(a) and (b) For the period 1 September 2013 to 30 June 2014, Defence executive and senior executive service staff completed 12,909 courses, including mandatory awareness training courses such as ethics and fraud, work health and safety, security and workplace behaviour. As many of the courses completed were also common to employees at all classification levels, it is not possible, within available resources, to apportion the expenditure attributable solely to the executive levels.
Expenditure on procured training for all Defence APS employees, across all classifications, during this period was $26.9 million.
Can she provide details in respect of the procurement of specialised and recreational vehicles as per tender agency reference number DFAT/CPO/017, and what is the (a) use for, and (b) itemised cost of, these vehicles.
Armoured vehicles procured by DFAT for use by overseas Missions are all commercial vehicles modified and security-enhanced by third-party manufacturers using Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and BMW base vehicles. The vehicles are used only for official purposes for the safe and secure transport of Government personnel and visiting VIPs at posts located in high-threat locations where there is a need for blast and/or ballistic protection. This need is determined according to the level of security threat assessed by the department for each relevant post. Using the United Nation’s Standard Products and Services Code, the department’s armoured vehicles are technically classified for procurement and reporting purposes as ‘specialised and recreational’. The cost of armoured vehicles ranges from between AUD200,000 and AUD525,000 depending on the security threat of the vehicles’ deployment location and protective fit-out requirements.
Since 7 September 2013 can the Minister provide details as to the use of all consultants within his/her department, including reasons for engaging their services, and the costs involved.
The department engages consultants where it requires specialist expertise or when independent research, review or assessment is required. Details of contracts valued at or above $10,000, including consultancies, are available on AusTender. Details of the consultancy arrangements entered into by the department each financial year are also published in the department’s annual report available from the department’s website.