The SPEAKER ( Hon. Tony Smith ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a second time.
That:
(1) Mr Pasin be discharged from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and that, in his place, Mr Sukkar be appointed a member of the committee;
(2) Mr Taylor be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities;
(3) Dr Chalmers be discharged from the Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue and that, in his place, Mr Ripoll be appointed a member of the committee.
Customs Amendment (China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2015
Customs Tariff Amendment (China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2015
I have since been advised that the methodology was inaccurate.
As a nation we rely on access to foreign markets to grow our economy.
Australia has been offered a unique competitive opportunity through the China Free Trade Agreement that it should not miss … It is an important fact that China has not made agreements with any other countries that compete with Australia in beef or iron ore or raw materials and other things like that—
To be clear: this agreement means more to Australia's future than any other of our Free Trade Agreements.
Almost all Australian tariffs are reduced to zero, but Australia's market access to Chinese markets is much more limited, with selected gains for some farm products and service industries.
This means even if the Australian Government wished to constrain the number of 457 visa holders more generally because local unemployment was high or to reflect changing economic circumstances, it could not do so with respect to Chinese citizens … The absence of a cap means that Australians employers can engage unlimited numbers of Chinese citizens on 457 visas.
After losing two cases before the appellate courts of a western democracy should a disgruntled foreign multinational pharmaceutical company be free to take that country to private arbitration claiming that its expectation of monopoly profits had been thwarted by the court's decision? Should governments continue to negotiate treaty agreements where expansive intellectual property-related investor rights and investor-state dispute settlement are enshrined into hard law?
In the light of widespread abuse over the past decades, the Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism, which accompanies most free trade and investment agreements must be abolished … because it encroaches on the regulatory space of States and suffers from fundamental flaws including lack of independence, transparency, accountability and predictability …
More trade is a pathway to a high-skill, high-wage future for … Australians.
South Australian growers are extremely optimistic about the future trade conditions with China—with all tariffs on horticulture products to go within four to 8 years.
The recent special signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Adelaide Produce Markets and GungZhou Jiangnan Fruit and Vegetable Market is a prime example of the FTAs working for local growers.
The potential of how much value we can derive from this announcement is really now back in the hands of industry.
This free trade agreement ... will also have a particular effect on particular food characteristics, such as wine, meat, dairy produce, seafood.
China is our largest trading partner. China also is our fastest-growing trading partner. This free trade agreement will give us the impetus to grow that trade opportunity even further.
It is now up to businesses to seize this opportunity to grow by being smart with their marketing, branding and positioning.
We certainly have had a heightened focus on China with the Free Trade Agreement in mind. We are working closely with our clients to ensure they are aware of the benefit of the FTA.
Mr. Matheson
I spent thirty years as an Electoral contractor. If what Labor is saying i.e. that on a project worth more than $150 million the Chinese can bring their own workforce ... then someone needs to think about the future of their own kids.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection has made it clear that employers seeking to engage overseas workers under a labour agreement must provide evidence of labour market testing.
The trade agreement with China is an unambiguously good deal for Australia. It is a high quality agreement that will deliver stronger economic growth, more jobs and better living standards.
ChAFTA is a game-changer for Australian agriculture: providing unprecedented access to the world’s second largest economy and underpinning the competitiveness of many of our key agricultural exports.
If the ChAFTA is ratified this year, the dairy industry alone will see a growth in job creation across the value chain. This means more jobs for farmers and more jobs in processing plants and logistics. We expect that around 600 to 700 jobs will be created within the first year of ratification. The flow-on effects of this growth would undoubtedly benefit the rural and regional communities where dairy plays an important role.
Even the announcement of the trade agreement … has led to hundreds and thousands more cases of wine leaving the Hastings valley on the mid-north coast in the north of the Lyne electorate and heading to China.
With the slowdown in mining, the service economy share of exports to China will only grow further. For the service economy, this agreement is crucial.
… when we look back in 20, 30, 40 or 50 years time—
the idea of starting an Australia business with the intention to sell to a marketplace of just 23 million people will seem somewhat archaic and retro. The opportunities the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement will unlock mean … we will have access to billions of people …
Foremost among these will be its anticipated critical contribution to regional strategic security.
… I think history will see, in 20 years time, that these are the most profound changes of this era of Australian history, because trade integration is the beginning of a much deeper integration with countries that will shape the world in the coming years, and we absolutely must be part of it.
(1) Title, page 1 (line 1), after "Customs Act 1901", insert "and the Migration Act 1958".
(2) Clause 1, page 1 (line 5), after " Customs ", insert "and Migration ".
(3) Schedule 1, page 17 (after line 17), after Part 2, insert:
Part 2A—Labour market testing
Migration Act 1958
2A After section 38B
Insert:
38C Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visas
(1) This section applies in relation to an applicant for a visa referred to in the regulations as a Subclass 400 (Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity)) visa if:
(a) the applicant is applying for the visa on the basis that he or she will be engaged to undertake work that is highly specialised; and
(b) the applicant will be engaged to undertake work as an installer or servicer of equipment or machinery that was supplied on the condition that it be installed or serviced by persons engaged by the person for whom the applicant is undertaking the work; and
(c) it would not be inconsistent with any international trade obligation of Australia determined under subsection 140GBA(2) to require the person for whom the applicant is undertaking the work to perform testing of the Australian labour market, and give evidence and information to the Minister, in relation to the work as set out in paragraph (2)(a).
(2) It is a criterion for the visa that:
(a) the person proposing to engage the applicant to perform the work has:
(i) performed testing of the Australian labour market, in accordance with the regulations, to demonstrate whether a suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident is readily available to undertake the work; and
(ii) given the Minister the evidence in relation to that labour market testing, and the information about redundancies or retrenchments in a business or associated entity of the person, that is prescribed by the regulations, and
(b) having regard to that evidence, and information (if any), the Minister is satisfied that:
(i) a suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident is not readily available to undertake the work; and
(ii) a suitably qualified and experienced eligible temporary visa holder is not readily available to undertake the work.
(3) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, exempt applicants in a specified class from the operation of subsection (2) in relation to specified work if:
(a) the Minister is satisfied that:
(i) an event has occurred in Australia, whether naturally or otherwise, that has such a significant impact on individuals that a government response is required; and
(ii) the exemption is necessary or desirable in order to assist disaster relief or recovery; or
(b) the Minister is satisfied that:
(i) either or both a qualification prescribed by the regulations, or experience of a kind and for a period prescribed by the regulations, is required to undertake the specified work; and
(ii) the work is of a kind prescribed by the regulations.
(4) The Minister must ensure that, as soon as reasonably practicable after the commencement of this subsection, and at all later times, there are in force regulations for the purposes of subparagraphs (2)(a)(i) and (ii).
(5) Words and expressions used in this section have the same meanings as in section 140GBA.
(4) Schedule 1, page 17, after proposed item 2A, insert:
2B Paragraph 140GBA(1)(a)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
(a) the approved sponsor is:
(i) approved under the regulations as a standard business sponsor; or
(ii) in a class of sponsors prescribed by the regulations; or
(iii) a party to a work agreement that is entered into on or after the commencement of this subparagraph (other than a Minister); and
That this bill be now read a third time.
Customs Tariff Amendment (China-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Social Services Legislation Amendment (More Generous Means Testing for Youth Payments) Bill 2015
I wanted to communicate to you how bad it is in my suburb.
We get download rates of between 0.5 to 1 meg ... appalling speeds that are all but un-usable.
Why was Bedford left off the list? How can a suburb so close to the city experience such poor connectivity?
I have never written to a Member of Parliament before, but I feel this is required as I have no other option with the latest NBN rollout plan being a proverbial kick in the face.
We have long campaigned for a better banking system in Australia and the Federal Government's decision today to crush sky-high credit card surcharging delivers on a big priority for consumers.
That:
(1) Dr Gillespie be appointed a member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit
(2) Dr Stone be discharged from the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs
The failure of the Treasurer to provide economic leadership.
I guarantee if you walk into any pet shop in Australia, the resident galah will be talking about microeconomic policy.
As we drove past parked car, after parked car, after empty space that required a parking permit … It then hit us. Wouldn't it be great if we could just knock on someone's door and ask to park at their place for a small fee? … The more we thought about it, the more it made sense … We don't need more parking spaces, we just need to utilise the parking spaces we already have.
That order of the day No. 4, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 , the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report:
Fit-out of existing leased premises for the Australian Taxation Office located in Northbridge, WA.
Social Services Legislation Amendment (More Generous Means Testing for Youth Payments) Bill 2015
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Prentice ) took the chair at 09:30.
It is increasingly a cause for concern that more than two years after $38 million was pledged to extend the runway … there remains no sign of the project on the ground.
… the Tasmanian government returned with a smaller scope of $119 million for the project …
Employing people from the age of 14 and a half to 50 years of age means we have a diverse workforce. Employees with a disability, others with difficult home lives all play an integral role in the success of our business. Flexibility in employing young people on varied school and extra-curricular activities has meant we can employ more.
Every drop of blood spilled in Jerusalem is pure, every martyr will reach paradise, and every injured person will be rewarded by God.
No amount of frustration is appropriate to license any violence anywhere at any time. No violence should occur. And the Palestinians need to understand … President Abbas … needs to be condemning this, loudly and clearly …. And he needs to not engage in some of the incitement that his voice has sometimes been heard to encourage. …
We stretched the girls both physically and mentally, and at the same time, exposed them to concentrated mentorship from successful women in their community. The tangible realisation of the ultimate price our soldiers paid was also very evident within the group.
I have learnt to appreciate all the simple things in life. I have definitely come back with a stronger mindset, at training if I'm finding something tough I sit and think I pushed through this pain on the track I can accomplish this, if I put my mind to it I can achieve anything I believe.
Whilst I was experiencing the Kokoda trek I learnt a lot about myself that I never knew before. If I believe in myself i can do anything that comes my way. Also I am now not as shy as I was before—
the trek.
The lessons I've learnt along the way, such as just how resilient I can be, and the connections I've made will be with me for the rest of my life. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn more about Australia's history, and walk in the footsteps of some of our bravest soldiers.
My Kokoda trip was amazing!
I met some amazing people who have become lifelong friends and some amazing and inspirational woman. This trip for me was a trip of self conquer and self proof of what I am capable of.
Our group started and finished as a team; no one was more equal than the other.
I felt that this trip was like a kaleidoscope - extreme highs, some personal lows but learnt the true meaning of camaraderie. No matter what challenges we faced, we supported each other and faced it as one.
Even though I was in a foreign country, the people were beautiful, friendly and encouraging which leant towards my understanding of my country's war history and the unique relationship we have with PNG—
It's hard to explain the difficulty of Kokoda as it is also hard to describe the impacts of the trail on myself. As of all the lessons I've learnt, challenges I faced, I've found self discipline is what I adapted to best.
… misleading the Prime Minister, and through him the Parliament;
… disagreement with actions of the Prime Minister;
A vague campaign committee for Turnbull began to take shape. There was no chairman except for Turnbull himself.
Julie Bishop had been aware of the rumblings for weeks, having been approached by colleagues seeking out her disposition to a change on and off since February. But Turnbull was always counting numbers. She would not go to Abbott with every rumour.
… had come to believe that the PMO had become a locus of dysfunction infecting the entire government. Cash brought credibility to the argument that sections of the Right in the party were seriously on the move.
… kids have healthy happy childhoods when they live in loving and nurturing communities. We believe that disadvantaged kids should be supported to rise above their circumstances and this is not achieved by current government policies of separating them from their communities and locking them up.
… such initiatives have enormous potential to reduce the numbers of incarcerated indigenous children, create safer communities and reduce government expenditure on juvenile detention.
The particles of most concern are fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). Unlike larger particles, these smaller particles invisible to the naked eye can be breathed deep into the lungs and even pass into the bloodstream.
… the warmth and eloquence with which you welcomed Israel into the family of nations, have earned for you the undying gratitude of our people.
Yitzhak Rabin's vision, strength and commitment were instrumental to achieving the breakthrough in the peace process. His death is a tragedy for Israel, the Middle East and the world.
The best way the world can honour Mr Rabin is to push ahead with the work he began. For Australia's part, we will continue to give our full support to the peace process. Our support for Israel's right to exist in security and safety will remain a guiding principle of our policy.
In respect of the provisions of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement allowing Chinese electricians to work in Australia,
(a) will there be any skills based assessment of these workers; if so, who will perform the assessment,
(b) who will check that the qualifications of Chinese electricians are genuine,
(c) will there be any gap training requirement,
(d) will Chinese electrical workers need licences at a state level,
(e) how will applicants demonstrate to his department that they possess the requisite skills and experience to work in Australia, and
(f) were the provisions of the side letter discussed with the:
(a) National Electrical Switchboard Manufacturers Association, National Electrical Contractors Association, Fire Protection Association, and Electrical Trades Union, or with state based regulators of electrical safety.
(a) Yes. All States and Territories require mandatory registration for electricians. State and Territory authorities conduct skills assessments as part of the registration application process. This is in addition to the visa skills and/or qualification assessments which can be required by the Department prior to approving a visa. Only qualified electricians are eligible to be granted a 457 visa.
(b) The Department reviews evidence of qualification as part of the visa application process, and where any doubt exists refers applicants to Trades Recognition Australia for verification of skills and qualifications. In addition, skills based assessments are undertaken by State and Territory governments as part of the registration licensing process for electricians.
(c) The relevant State or Territory registration body will determine if there are any gap training requirements.
(d) Yes.
(e) By providing evidence such as relevant qualifications and other supporting evidence, for example a summary of work history, work references or a successful 457 skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia.
(f) This is a question for the Minister for Trade and Investment.
In respect of recruitment, training and service contracts undertaken by the Minister's department(s) in 2014-15,
(a) how many new staff contracts were entered into, and of these, what are the relevant staffing levels, and
(b) what total sum was spent on recruitment, and of this, what is the breakdown for
(i) recruitment agency fees,
(ii) advertising,
(iii) assessment processes, and
(iv) other associated costs.
(a) The number and staff levels of new staff contracts (non-ongoing employees) engaged during 2014-15 is provided in Table 1:
Table 1: 2014-15 Department of Immigration and Border Protection Non-Ongoing Staff Contracts
(b) The total sum spent on all recruitment for 2014-15 is $2,868,611. This figure includes recruitment advertising, recruitment agency fees, assessment processes and associated costs. The Department is unable to report separately on these specific activities for this financial year due to the complexities associated with combined the two agencies financial systems as a result of integration.
In respect of labour hire firms contracted by the Minister's department(s) in 2014-15,
(a) how many positions were filled using casual staff from labour hire firms,
(b) what sum was spent on the provision of these casual staff, and
(c) what roles did these casual staff fulfil.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has not filled any positions in 2014-15 using casual staff from labour hire firms.
In respect of fees for late or delayed payment of contracted services or products by the Minister’s department(s) in 2014-15, (a) which services or products do these fees relate to, and (b) what sum was spent.
The DIBP and ACBPS paid a total of $9,015.74 in fees for late or delayed payment of contracted services or products in 2014-15. Below is the list of services and products with the amounts paid:
In respect of office space leased or owned by the Minister's department(s), (a) where are these offices located, (b) how much space (in square metres) is each office, (c) how much of this space is currently unused, and of this, what is the cost of (i) rent per month, (ii) utilities, including electricity and/or gas, telephone and internet, (iii) office furniture and/or hired equipment, including artwork and plants, and (iv) any other associated services.
Part (a) and (b) – Please refer to Attachment A.1 and A.2
Part (c) – The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) currently has a 19.5% accommodation unused rate for sites in the ACT, and a further 30% across all onshore offices.
Parts (c) (i) (ii) and (iii) (iv) – To answer these questions would be an unreasonable diversion of departmental resources.
Attachment A.1
NOTE: The Immigration Detention Facilities noted above are administration areas within Immigration Detention Facilities and are not classified as "office space".
Attachment A.2
NOTE: Where there are two leases identified at one post, this is because we have separate leases for the former Department of Immigration and Border Protection and former Australian Customs and Border Protection Services offices.
In respect of the Minister's departmental office(s), has the building(s) received energy efficiency upgrades; if so,
(a) when, and
(b) how has this upgrade affected
(i) average energy use, and
(ii) average energy cost.
The Portfolio has not undertaken any energy efficiency upgrades in the last financial year to any of the office buildings.
In respect of the use of:
(a) consultants, and
(b) contractors, by the Minister's department(s) in 2014-15,
(i) what total sum was spent,
(ii) what services were provided, and
(iii) which firms provided the services.
Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)
In respect of the use of (a) consultants by DIBP in 2014-15:
(i) The department entered into 59 new consultancy contracts involving total actual expenditure of $23.495 million (inclusive of GST). In addition, 21 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during 2014-15, involving total actual expenditure of $1.623 million (inclusive of GST).
(ii) The consultancy services provided were in relation to:
Information technology, management advisory services, audit services, education and training services, strategic planning, safety and risk analysis, financial modelling, project management, research programs, architectural and building, business intelligence, human resources, refugee programs and procurement.
(iii) The following firms provided the consultancy services:
Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd
Anne Markiewicz & Associates Pty Ltd
ARTD Pty Ltd
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health Inc.
Biometix Pty Ltd
Clark Corporate Consulting Pty Ltd
Customer Driven Solutions Pty Ltd
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Delv Pty Ltd
Diskdome Pty Ltd
Dr Gillian Singleton
Enzyme International Pty Ltd
Ernst & Young
Executive Central Group
Gartner Australasia Pty Ltd
Grosvenor Management Consulting Pty Ltd.
Hudson Global Resources Pty Ltd
IBM Australia Ltd
Intelligent Business Research Services Pty Ltd
International Organization for Migration
K&L Gates
Knuckey Family Trust
KPMG
Langtree Information Management Pty Ltd
MDA Ltd
Menzies School of Health Research
Microsoft Pty Ltd
NGS Global Pty Ltd
OOBE Pty Ltd
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Pepworldwide Pty Ltd
Price Water House Coopers
Profmark Consulting Pty Ltd
South Western Sydney Local Health District
Synergy Group Australia Ltd
Tanner James Management Consultants Pty. Ltd.
Technology Partners Internation Inc
The Distillery Pty Ltd
The Trustee for Integrity Advisory Trust
The Trustee for Projects Assured Trust
The Trustee for Providence Consulting Group Unit Trust
The Trustee for ThinkPlace Unit Trust
University of Technology Sydney
Urbis Pty Ltd
WDScott ASIA Pty Ltd
Whon Pty Ltd
Woolcott Research Pty Ltd
In respect of the use of (b) contractors by DIBP in 2014-15:
(i) The detailed information sought is not readily available in a consolidated form and it would be an unreasonable diversion of resources to respond.
(ii) Typical services provided by contractors include:
Management advisory, project administration, temporary personnel, information technology, security and access control systems, audit services, advertising, administration, health, education and training, human resources and recruitment, legal and temporary personnel.
(iii) All contracts for the portfolio in excess of $10 000 are reported on the AusTender website, www.tenders.gov.au.
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS)
In respect of the use of (a) consultants by ACBPS in 2014-15:
(i) ACBPS entered into 31 new consultancy contracts involving total actual expenditure of $5.903 million (inclusive of GST). In addition, 17 ongoing consultancy contracts were active during 2014-15, involving total actual expenditure of
$5.480 million (inclusive of GST).
(ii) The services provided were for strategic planning consultation services.
(iii) The following firms provided the consultancy services:
Accenture Australia Ltd
accessUTS Pty Limited
Ajilon Australia Pty Ltd
APIS Group Pty Ltd
Applied Outcomes Pty Ltd
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
Australian Radiation Services Pty Ltd
Australian Valuation Solutions Pty Ltd
Bendelta Pty ltd
Callida Pty Ltd
Carolyn Scheetz
Centre for Customs and Excise Studies Pty Ltd
Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis
Cogent Business Solutions Pty. Ltd.
Cordelta Pty Ltd
Curtin University
Department of Defence
Dr James Wayman
Ernst and Young
Fellows Medlock & Associates Pty. Limited
Forensic Medical Consultants
Galent Pty Ltd
Human Systems Group Pty Ltd
Incat Crowther Pty Limited
International Centre for Complex Project Management Limited
KGH Border Services AB
Noetic Solutions Pty Ltd
Nous Group Pty Ltd
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
P3 Pty Ltd
Peter Ross Hill & Associates Pty Ltd
PWC Strategy & Australia Pty Ltd
Red Elephant Research Pty. Ltd.
SMS Consulting Group Pty Ltd
Synergy Group Australia Limited
SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd
Tarcus Pty Ltd
ThinkPlace Pty Ltd
Third Horizon Consulting Pty Ltd
Warren Lee T/as CPM Reviews
In respect of the use of (b) contractors by ACBPS in 2014-15:
(i) The detailed information sought is not readily available in a consolidated form it would be an unreasonable diversion of resources to spend.
(ii) Typical services provided by contractors include:
Accounting services, education and training services, project management, strategic planning consultation services and temporary personnel services.
(iii) All contracts for the portfolio in excess of $10 000 are reported on the AusTender website, www.tenders.gov.au.
Migration Review Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal (MRT-RRT) in 2014-15:
In respect of the use of (a) consultants by the MRT-RRT in 2014-15:
(i) The total sum spent was $177,117.
(ii) The consultancy services provided were for the production of an Information and Communication Technology strategic direction roadmap, and for the concept and design of a network consolidation and system integration.
(iii) The firms that provided these services were O'Connor Marsden & Associates Pty Ltd and Computer Systems (Australia) Pty. Limited.
In respect of the use of (b) contractors by the MRT-RRT in 2014-15:
(i) The total sum spent was $197,034.
(ii) The services provided were for:
IT-related system architecture design and development
The production of website video guides for applicants
The development of the case management system
The audio-visual fit out and design work for a new tenancy
The development of website branding for the Immigration Assessment Authority (IAA)
Undertaking due diligence reports on shortlisted buildings associated with property searches.
(iii) The firms (in order of the above) that provided these services were:
Code from the Corner Pty Ltd
EE Films Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
IA Group Pty Ltd
Zoo Advertising Pty Ltd
Cardno (NSW/ACT) Pty Ltd
What sum was spent by the Minister's department(s) on media monitoring and associated services in 2014-15.
In 2014-15, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources spent $185,684.19 on media monitoring and associated services, which is $13,434.75 less than the previous financial year.
In 2012-13 the Department of Agriculture spent $208,495.61 on media monitoring and associated services.
In 2011-12 the department of Agriculture spent $207,622.90 on media monitoring and associated services.
What sum was spent by the Minister's department(s) on media monitoring and associated services in 2014-15.
In 2014-15, both the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protections Service (ACBPS) contracted iSentia to manage daily media monitoring.
To assist with streamlining financial processes due to the integration of the media sections of DIBP and the ACBPS, it was agreed upon that the iSentia related expenditure for the 2014-15 financial year would be split between the two agencies.
ACBPS met the costs for both contracts for the first two quarters (01/07/2014-31/12/2014) and DIBP covered the costs for the last two quarters (01/01/2015-30/06/2015).
a. The value of the ACBPS iSentia contract for 2014-15 - $117,672.17
b. The value of the DIBP iSentia contract for 2014-15 - $ 221,455.28
Monitoring costs depend on the number of media clips delivered per period.
What sum was spent by the Minister's department(s) on market research and associated services in 2014-15, and what policy areas did this inform.
During 2014–15, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services spent the following on market research and associated services for the anti-people smuggling communication campaign that informed the Operation Sovereign Borders policy to stop the boats, prevent people risking their lives at sea in the hands of criminals and preserve the integrity of Australia's borders.
During 2014–15, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection spent the following on market research and associated services:
What sum was spent by the Minister's department(s) on advertising and associated services in 2014-15, and what policy areas did this relate to.
During 2014–15, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection spent the following on advertising and associated services:
During 2014–15, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services spent the following on advertising and associated services for the anti-people smuggling communication campaign that informed the Operation Sovereign Borders policy to stop the boats, prevent people risking their lives at sea in the hands of criminals and preserve the integrity of Australia's borders.
What sum did the Minister's department spend in 2014-15 on the purchase and/or lease of
(a) food and beverage equipment, and
(b) exercise equipment, for staff in the
(i) Minister's office, and
(ii) departmental office(s).
(a) (i) Departmental records indicate that there was no purchase and/or lease of food and beverage equipment in the Minister's office during 2014-15.
(a) (ii) To answer this question would be an unreasonable diversion of departmental resources.
(b) (i) Departmental records indicate that there was no purchase and/or lease of exercise equipment in the Minister's office during 2014-15.
(b) (ii) The Minister's departments spent $40,861 on the purchase and/or lease of exercise equipment for staff in departmental offices in 2014-15.
What sum did the Minister's department spend in 2014-15 on
(a) legal services, and
(b) credit cards.
(a) The table below outlines the total spend of $ 66,352,358 on legal services for the Minister's department in 2014-15.
*please note all figures above have been rounded to the nearest dollar and are exclusive of GST.
(b) The table below outlines the total credit card spend of $91,133,603 for the Minister's department in 2014-15:
(1) What sum did the Minister's department spend in 2014-15 on the purchase and/or lease of
(a) mobile phones, and
(b) tablet devices for
(i) Ministerial staff, and
(ii) departmental staff.
(2) What sum was spent on telecommunications contracts associated with these devices by
(i) Ministerial staff, and
(ii) departmental staff.
1) The sum spent during 2014-15 on the purchase and/or lease of
a) Mobile phones
i) for Ministerial staff was $15,110.41 and
ii) for departmental staff was $519,666.40
b) tablet devices
i) for Ministerial staff was $6,588.30
ii) for departmental staff was $1,481,013.40 .
2) The sum spent on telecommunications contracts associated with these devices was
i) $57,167.88 for Ministerial staff and
ii) $2,989,456.40 for departmental staff.
What sum did the Minister's department spend in 2014-15 on
(a) office refurbishment, and when and where did this occur, and
(b) the purchase and/or lease of office furniture.
(a) The DIBP and ACBPS spent a total of $16.053 million on office refurbishment in 2014-15.
Office refurbishments 2014-15
(b) The DIBP and ACBPS spent a total of $1.354 million on the purchase and/or lease of office furniture in 2014-15.
In respect of departmental staff
(a) how many redundancies were made in 2014-15, and
(b) what is the total cost of payments associated with these redundancies.
(a) In 2014 -15 there were 84 redundancies (49 in Department of Immigration and Border Protection and 35 in Australian Customs and Border Protection Service)
(b) The total cost for the 84 redundancies was $8,571,482.
In 2014-15, what sum was spent on replacing lost, stolen or misplaced equipment of departmental staff, and what goods were replaced.
In 2014-15, $30,147 was spent replacing equipment that was lost, stolen or misplaced for Departmental staff. The following goods were replaced:
In 2014-15, what sum was spent on replacing lost, stolen or misplaced equipment of Ministerial staff, and what goods were replaced.
In 2014-15, no sum was spent replacing equipment that was lost, stolen or misplaced for Ministerial staff. No goods were replaced.
(1) In 2014-15, what sum was spent on
(a) domestic travel, and
(b) international travel, for departmental staff.
(2) Of this,
(a) on what dates, and to what locations, did the Minister travel,
(b) how many departmental staff accompanied the Minister on this travel, and
(c) for what purpose was the travel.
Travel costs for portfolio officials as defined under the Public Service Act 1999 , including ongoing and non-ongoing staff, for financial year 2014-15, are as follows:
1. Portfolio staff travel costs
DIBP staff travel costs
ACBPS staff travel costs
2. Ministerial travel
Questions relating to the travel by the Minister will be answered by the Department of Finance. Details of when the Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer travelled with the Minister are as follows:
DIBP
ACBPS
Details of other portfolio officials who accompanied the Minister on travel during financial year 2014-15 are not identified in the financial system. To provide this level of detail would be an unreasonable diversion of resources.
In 2014-15,
(a) what sum was spent on training for departmental staff,
(b) on what date(s), and at what location(s), did the training occur, and
(c) what outcomes were achieved.
The recorded Departmental combined spend on training and development in the 2014-15 financial year was $13,727,275.
The information requested in (b) and (c) is not available in Departmental systems. Manually sourcing this information would constitute an unreasonable diversion of resources.
In 2014-15,
(a) what sum was spent on training for Ministerial staff,
(b) on what date(s), and at what location(s), did the training occur, and
(c) what outcomes were achieved.
In 2014-15, there was nil expenditure by the department on training for Ministerial staff.
In respect of departmental costs for media events and photo opportunities in 2014-15, what
(a) date was each event held,
(b) location was each event held at,
(c) sum was spent on each event,
(d) announcement and/or issue did the event relate to, and
(e) was the expenditure for.
The Department is unable to provide a list of locations and dates for these sorts of events in 2014-15 as this would be an unreasonable diversion of resources. However, the management of these events are considered to be low cost, as the venues for such events are usually departmental locations and are managed by staff with minor travel costs.
In respect of ministerial costs for media events and photo opportunities in 2014-15, what
(a) date was each event held,
(b) location was each event held at,
(c) sum was spent on each event,
(d) announcement and/or issue did the event relate to, and
(e) was the expenditure for.
Departmental support to ministers is delivered through business as usual activities
Did the Minister's department host any conferences in 2014-15; if so
(a) on what date(s) did each conference occur, and at what location(s),
(b) what total sum was spent on each conference, and of this, what sum was spent on
(i) meals and accommodation, and what are the details,
(ii) travel, and what are the details, and
(iii) social events, and what are the details,
(iv) travel, and what are the details, and
(c) what outcomes were achieved at each conference.
Information is not maintained on conferences hosted by the department. An official hospitality register is maintained, but conferences are not captured in this register. The provision of food and drink in relation to conferences comes within the definition of 'Business Catering' which does not constitutes official hospitality under the Department's Accountable Authority Instructions. Additionally, there are no specific general ledger codes specifically for 'conferences' nor is travel information linked to business catering costs.
Did the Minister host any conferences in 2014-15; if so
(a) on what date(s) did each conference occur, and at what location(s),
(b) what total sum was spent on each conference, and of this, what sum was spent on
(i) meals and accommodation, and what are the details,
(ii) travel, and what are the details, and
(iii) social events, and what are the details,
(iv) travel, and what are the details, and
(c) what outcomes were achieved at each conference.
The department does not record or hold information about what conferences the Minister hosted in 2014-15.
In respect of catering and hospitality by the Minister's department in 2014-15,
(a) what total sum was spent,
(b) for what functions was the catering and hospitality,
(c) on what date(s) did each function occur, and at what location(s), and
(d) for each function, what sum was spent on
(i) meals,
(ii) drinks,
(iii) hospitality staff, and
(iv) other costs.
(a) what total sum was spent
Answer:
The portfolio's financial systems do not differentiate between catering and hospitality. The total expenditure on hospitality by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) for the period
1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 is set out in the table below:
(b) for what functions was the catering and hospitality,
Answer:
Details of the hospitality functions for DIBP are set out in Attachment A. Details for the ACBPS are set out in Attachment B. Expenses reported relate primarily to meals provided to foreign dignitaries or key stakeholders in order to build stakeholder relationships.
(c) on what date(s) did each function occur, and at what location(s), and
Answer:
As per the answer to question (b).
(d) for each function, what sum was spent on
(i) meals,
(ii) drinks,
(iii) hospitality staff, and
(iv) other costs.
Answer:
The portfolio's financial systems do not capture detail down to this level.
In respect of catering and hospitality by the Minister in 2014-15,
(a) what total sum was spent,
(b) for what functions was the catering and hospitality,
(c) on what date(s) did each function occur, and at what location(s), and
(d) for each function, what sum was spent on
(i) meals,
(ii) drinks,
(iii) hospitality staff, and
(iv) other costs.
For the period 1 July 2014 to 22 December 2014, the total sum spent by the former Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, in respect of catering and hospitality was nil.
For the period 23 December 2014 to 30 June 2015, my expenditure in respect of catering and hospitality was $1,665.75.
In February 2015, I travelled to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to meet with the
PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration. I hosted a dinner following this meeting. The cost of this function was AUD $571.33. A further break down of these costs is not available as the department does not keep records down to this level of detail.
In May 2015, I travelled to Sri Lanka to meet the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and other key Ministers. I hosted a dinner following this meeting. The cost of this function was
AUD $1094.42. A further break down of these costs is not available as the department does not keep records down to this level of detail.
(1) Why have no refugees been resettled to or integrated in Papua New Guinea (PNG) under the regional resettlement arrangement between Australia and PNG, and has the Australian Government approached the PNG Government about this; if so, what was the response.
(2) Why is the PNG Government restricting the freedom of movement of at least seven refugees, and preventing them from obtaining employment, despite having issued them with work and identity documents, and has the Australian Government made any representations on behalf of these refugees; if not, why not.
(3) Will the Australian Government urge the PNG Government to allow journalists and human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights Law Centre, access to the detention centre on Manus Island; if not, why not.
(1) Former PM Rudd signed the PNG Regional Resettlement Arrangement on 19 July 2013 with PNG PM O'Neill. The Coalition has consistently highlighted the serious challenges involved in implementing this deal, in which resettlement was a blank sheet of paper sweetened with $420 million of taxpayers money. The Coalition is working with PNG to implement resettlement and resolve the deficiencies in the arrangement we inherited from Labor.
(2) The Government of PNG has indicated that broader settlement in PNG will not occur until the NEC endorses the National Refugee Policy. Refugees residing at the East Lorengau Refugee Transit Centre are permitted to engage in volunteer work in Manus Province. The Australian Government continues to encourage the Government of PNG to endorse the Policy and commence broader settlement in PNG.
(3) The Manus Regional Processing Centre is managed and administered by the Government of PNG. Decisions regarding access to the Centre therefore rest with the Government of PNG. Organisations including the International Committee for the Red Cross and the Commonwealth Ombudsman make regular visits to the Manus Regional Processing Centre to inspect facilities and report on issues.