The SPEAKER ( Hon. Tony Smith ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That this House require all Members to provide statements in relation to citizenship in the following terms:
Members ' statements in relation to citizenship
(1) By not later than 9 am, 5 December 2017 (and otherwise within 21 days of making and subscribing an oath or affirmation as a Member of the House of Representatives) each Member shall provide to the Registrar of Members' Interests a statement containing the following:
(a) a declaration by the Member that, at the time the Member nominated for election to the House of Representatives in this 45th Parliament, he or she was an Australian citizen;
(b) a declaration that the Member is not a citizen of any country other than Australia;
(c) a declaration stating:
(i) the place and date of the Member's birth;
(ii) the citizenship that the Member held at the time of birth; and
(iii) if he or she did not obtain Australian citizenship at birth, the date he or she was naturalised as an Australian citizen;
(d) so far as the Member is aware the place and date of birth of the Member's parents, grandparents and spouse (if applicable);
(e) whether the Member has ever been a citizen of another country and, if so, which country or countries;
(f) what steps the Member has taken to assure him or herself that the Member has not acquired citizenship of another country by descent, marriage or other means;
(g) if the Member has answered the question in (e) in the affirmative, details and evidence of the date and manner in which the Member's citizenship of that other country was renounced (if it was renounced) and/or the date and manner in which it came to an end in accordance with the laws of that other country;
(h) if the Member's citizenship of that other country had not come to an end at the date of his or her nomination for the House of Representatives, details and evidence of any steps the Member has taken to renounce the citizenship of that other country prior to the date of nomination; and
(i) if the Member has declared that he or she was at the time of nomination or is now a citizen of a country other than Australia, on what basis the Member contends that he or she is, nonetheless, not disqualified under section 44(i) of the Constitution.
(2) if at any time the Member becomes aware that information provided in the statement is no longer accurate he or she shall update the statement as soon as practicable but by no later than 21 days of being so aware;
Committee of Privileges and Members ' Interests
(3) Statements shall be made in accordance with this resolution and in a form determined by the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests. The Registrar shall, in accordance with procedures determined by the committee, maintain a Citizenship Register comprising statements provided under this resolution. Other than as specifically provided for in this resolution, the committee has the same powers and functions in relation to the citizenship register as it does in relation to the Register of Members' Interests.
Citizenship Register published on website
(4) The Registrar shall, upon the expiry of the time for providing statements under this resolution, and at other times determined by the committee, publish the register and any alterations or additions to the register on the Parliament's website.
False statements or omissions regarded as contempt
(5) Any Member who:
(a) knowingly fails to provide the statement required by this resolution to the Registrar of Members' Interests by the due date; or
(b) knowingly fails to correct an inaccuracy in his or her statement within the required timeframe; or
(c) knowingly provides false or misleading information to the Registrar of Members' Interests;
shall be guilty of a serious contempt of the House of Representatives and shall be dealt with by the House accordingly; a question of whether any Member has committed such a serious contempt shall first be referred to the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests for inquiry and report.
Referrals to the Court of Disputed Returns
(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in the standing orders or any other resolution, referral of a Member to the Court of Disputed Returns may be moved without notice by a Minister or the Manager of Opposition Business.
Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017
That this bill be now read a second time.
I was humbled to hear your/our story in today's Sunday Mail.
For the sake of those families that differ in composition to the Prime Minister's ideal I hope you are successful in your campaign. As you and I know, there is absolutely no family in the country that can assume it will be immune to having a child/grandchild/relative that is gay or transgender. There was certainly never a straighter family/community than the one I was born into. Hopefully, these families would then want that person to have the same rights in their relationships that other Australian's take for granted. In closing—
I will just give you an update on my life since we last saw each other. I went back to school and university, graduating from medicine at The University of Melbourne and am now working as a doctor in Victoria.
… does not provide for special rights for gay and lesbian couples. It provides universal rights, equal rights, for those people.
Some time in the not too distant future, people will look back on this desperate attempt at wedge politics and treat it with the contempt it deserves. Some time in the not too distant future, there will be formal recognition of same-sex couples, and the sky will not fall in, and we will not be destroyed … and life will continue. The main difference will be fewer violent or abusive attacks on gay men and lesbians, and fewer teenagers suiciding, because they will not be taught to feel shame about their sexuality as many are now.
It gives us a new dignity, a new status, a new place in society. We are the same as everyone else.
The primacy of the human right to freedom of worship should not be simply dismissed in pursuit of advancing the civil right to non-discrimination.
Marriage strengthens society, mutual responsibility strengthens the social fabric and interdependence is the core of every community, the law should support and affirm the most important of human relationships - the person we choose to share our life with.
Every day it is a great privilege to stand in this place, but there are some days which are of great moment, which change our country for the better. This is such a day.
A minister of religion may refuse to solemnise a marriage despite anything in this Part, if any of the following applies:
(a) the refusal conforms to the doctrines, tenets or beliefs of the religion of the minister's religious body or religious organisation;
(b) the refusal is necessary to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of adherents to that religion;
(c) the minister's religious beliefs do not allow the minister to solemnise the marriage.
This section does not limit the grounds on which a minister of religion may refuse to solemnise a marriage.
(1) A religious marriage celebrant may refuse to solemnise a marriage despite anything in this Part, if the celebrant's religious beliefs do not allow the celebrant to solemnise the marriage.
(1) A body established for religious purposes may refuse to make a facility available, or to provide goods or services, for the purposes of the solemnisation of a marriage, or for purposes reasonably incidental to the solemnisation of a marriage, if the refusal:
(a) conforms to the doctrines, tenets of beliefs of the religion of the body; or
(b) is necessary to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of adherents of that religion.
We have been together for seven years. I am truly blessed to have him in my life. We are more in love today than ever before.
He is a saint in my eyes—he completes me and he makes me a better person. He is my rock, my best friend, my wisest counsel and my confidant.
So thank you for fighting for us to be recognised as being as good as anyone else, and thank you for fighting to affirm that our love—our great great love affair—is as valuable and worthy of being cherished and affirmed like anyone else's.
And to anyone who has reservations, I say: Yes, it's about equality, but it's also about something else: commitment. Conservatives believe in the ties that bind us; that society is stronger when we make vows to each other and support each other. So I don't support gay marriage despite being a Conservative. I support gay marriage because I'm a Conservative.
The Marriage Act amendments need to include adequate protection for freedom of religion in the conduct of marriage ceremonies. Other issues of religious freedom should be dealt with by the tweaking of existing legislation …
Australians were not asked to vote on the complex intersection between religious freedom and anti-discrimination protection, so it is appropriate that any major changes are not bundled with amendments to the … Bill.
Thy blessing has rested upon us here yesterday and we pray that it may be the means of creating and fostering throughout all Australia a Christlike citizenship.
… the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania, humbling relying on the blessing of Almighty God, have agreed to unite in one indissoluble Federal Commonwealth … with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal …
Brother, the Christian faith is hopelessly optimistic because it's based on the faith of a guy who died on a Friday and everybody said it was utterly and completely hopeless–ignominious defeat. And Sunday He rose.
That all the words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House notes that it is vital that individuals and entities are not disadvantaged nor suffer any adverse effects as a result of conscientiously holding a particular view of the nature of marriage".
We fear that kids who are exposed to this type of highly sexualized content may become very likely to develop stress and high levels of confusion regarding sensitive topics such as sexuality, reproduction and gender.
Over the course of 2016, the global security landscape darkened as the international community failed to come effectively to grips with humanity’s most pressing existential threats, nuclear weapons and climate change …
These twin perils are not unrelated. As the full horror of climate change unfolds, conflict among nations and peoples over diminishing liveable environments and disrupted food and water supplies will increase. Nuclear holocaust is a plausible component of a climate change endgame.
First. Why is the government continuing to promote the mining, combustion and export of coal and other fossil fuels, despite the stern warning by science and the growing calamity of global warming, including the rise in hurricanes and wildfires around the world?
Second. There exist some 14,900 nuclear weapons threatening to be triggered by accident or design, with the probability for such an event growing with time. Why has the government decided not to sign the nuclear weapons ban treaty despite the fatal consequences of these weapons?
Refugees and Migrants, I don't care about the difference, we're all human beings aren't we? Yeah.! That's what I thought! They don't want to be bought. Never judge a book by its cover! They probably lost someone they love. Refugees aren't the problem! The problem is those who don't accept them.
Machine-gun fire from Marrows' Sunderland silenced the gunners of U-461. He skimmed in so low over the wave-tops that the other two boats did not have a clear shot past U-461. Marrows released his depth-charges and zoomed over the conning tower—
That the House acknowledge the passing on 29 October 2017 of former Governor-General the Right Honourable Sir Ninian Martin Stephen KG AK GCMG GCVO KBE QC, and place on record its gratitude of his service to our nation and tender its profound sympathy to Lady Stephen and his family in their bereavement.
… he was also a romantic, writing beautiful, touching lines to our mother throughout their life together.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
The South China Sea is China's own affair. On this issue Australia should remain neutral and respect China's decision.
A consistent theme heard by the Commission was that there is insufficient funding in the Northern Territory to address the issues it is grappling with. However, having reviewed financial data available to the Commission, the Commission considers that the underlying problem is not the level of overall funding but that Commonwealth and Northern Territory Government investment is not rigorously tracked, monitored or evaluated to ensure that it is appropriately distributed and directed. Value for the money expended cannot be demonstrated.
The major investment in Aboriginal affairs over many years has delivered mixed success, often with dismally poor returns. The combination of under-performing programs, poor coordination across governments and a lack of engagement with Aboriginal people in the design and delivery of services is producing continually poor results. The approach must be changed.
NSW Labor assistant secretary John Graham … wants more details about the involvement of Labor Senator Sam Dastyari's office in changing the mailing addresses of scores of leadership ballots—
Let's stop kidding ourselves. People are not safer because our government stopped the boats.
Fair Work (Building Industry) Act 2012—Commonwealth Ombudsman's report on reviews conducted under Division 3—Report for 2015-16.
Australian National Audit Office—Report by the Independent Auditor—Review of cyber security—Performance audit.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Tax Integrity) Bill 2017
Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Fees Imposition Amendment (Vacancy Fees) Bill 2017
Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Omnibus) Bill 2017
Defence Legislation Amendment (Instrument Making) Bill 2017
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services on its inquiry into the life insurance industry be extended to report by 31 March 2018.
That Mr Hastie be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and that, in his place, Mr Wallace be appointed a member of the committee; and that Ms M. M. H. King be discharged from the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs and that, in her place, Mr Hammond be appointed a member of the committee
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1) Bill 2017
That this bill be now read a third time.
Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2017
That this bill be now read a third time.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Quality and Safeguards Commission and Other Measures) Bill 2017
That the amendments be agreed to.
… current mechanisms at State and Territory level are varied and inconsistent, with some consisting of relatively weak policy functions within government departments and others having established regulatory bodies and mechanisms.
It doesn’t address the scale of violence and abuse against people with disability, its many different forms and the range of service and other settings where it occurs.
That the question be put.
The House divided. [15:33]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
The Senate transmits to the House of Representatives the following resolution which was agreed to by the Senate on 29 November 2017:
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern, has continued to pressure Australia to accept New Zealand's offer to resettle 150 refugees who are currently in offshore detention;
(ii) New Zealand will begin work to expedite processing refugees if, and when, the offer is accepted; and
(iii) Prime Minister Ardern stated 'We made the offer because we saw a great need. No matter what label you put on it there is absolute need and there is harm being done'; and
(b) calls on the Government to accept New Zealand's offer to resettle 150 refugees and negotiate conditions similar to the United States refugee resettlement agreement.
The Senate requests the concurrence of the House of Representatives in this resolution.
That the House does not concur with the resolution of the Senate.
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words: "the resolution of the Senate be agreed to".
That is appropriate and necessary because not everyone ultimately will be picked by the US. There will be a number of cases that will not be successful …
… we want to assist as much as we are able in expediting resolution on this issue …
We should give consideration to what New Zealand is offering …The reality is that we have an intractable problem at the present time.
We have sent a clear message to people smugglers, and that is that the full force of the law should come down on anyone who exploits people who are vulnerable by taking money, risking their lives by taking to the ocean … The argument that people smugglers will then use that as an excuse to continue to smuggle … you could … make that argument for the United States as much as you could New Zealand.
This petition of certain citizens of Australia from the Victorian municipality of Indigo and adjacent municipalities and communities draws the attention of the House to:
The House divided. [16:49]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
That the House divide again under standing order 132.
That the motion be put.
The House divided. [17: 02]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
The House divided. [17:18]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
The House divided. [17:23]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
The House divided. [17:29]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
Fair Work Amendment (Repeal of 4 Yearly Reviews and Other Measures) Bill 2017
That the amendments be considered at the next sitting.
That all words after 'That' be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
The amendments be considered immediately.
The House divided. [17:48]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Competition Policy Review) Bill 2017
Australian Border Force Amendment (Protected Information) Bill 2017
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Abolition of Limited Merits Review) Bill 2017
Defence Legislation Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1) Bill 2017
Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Measures No. 6) Bill 2017
Customs Amendment (Anti-Dumping Measures) Bill 2017
Customs Amendment (Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement Amendment Implementation) Bill 2017
Customs Tariff Amendment (Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement Amendment Implementation) Bill 2017
Australian Grape and Wine Authority Amendment (Wine Australia) Bill 2017
Fisheries Legislation Amendment (Representation) Bill 2017
Regulatory Powers (Standardisation Reform) Bill 2016
Defence Legislation Amendment (Instrument Making) Bill 2017
Treasury Laws Amendment (Housing Tax Integrity) Bill 2017
Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Fees Imposition Amendment (Vacancy Fees) Bill 2017
Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Omnibus) Bill 2017
To meet our regulatory requirements, variable interest only home loan rates for owner-occupiers and investors will increase by 30 basis points.
To meet our regulatory requirements, variable interest only home loan rates for owner-occupiers and investors will increase by 30 basis points.
It's not a specific requirement that APRA has imposed, that they need to change interest rates.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017
In the plebiscite, I will vote against changing the definition of marriage. However … in the event that the plebiscite is carried nationwide, I will vote to implement the result of the plebiscite.
… … …
My view of marriage is a personally held view. One advantage of the plebiscite is that it gives all Australians the chance to have their own say on what is a deeply moral and personal issue. Another advantage of the plebiscite is that, because it is a vote of the Australian people, the result will carry a political weight much greater than a vote in the parliament. Whatever the result, following a plebiscite I think activists on both sides should regard the issue as being settled.
While I had hoped for a different outcome, I readily acknowledge the result of this survey and respect the firm decision made by the Australian people.
… … …
I want to stress, once more, that I never considered this a 'referendum' on the worth or dignity of gay and lesbian people, which is beyond question. My concern has always been with the question of what constitutes marriage as a distinctive kind of relationship, and the unique roles of husband and wife in a family.
I am afraid I have no dramatic answer to offer: only that if these ultimate human values by which we live are to be pursued, then compromises, trade-offs, arrangements have to be made if the worst is not to happen. So much liberty for so much equality, so much individual self-expression for so much security, so much justice for so much compassion. My point is that some values clash: the ends pursued by human beings are … generated by our common nature, but their pursuit has to be to some degree controlled—liberty and the pursuit of happiness, I repeat, may not be fully compatible with each other, nor are liberty, equality, and fraternity.
So we must weigh and measure, bargain, compromise, and prevent the crushing of one form of life by its rivals. I know only too well that this is not a flag under which idealistic and enthusiastic young men and women may wish to march—it seems too tame, too reasonable, too bourgeois, it does not engage the generous emotions. But you must believe me, one cannot have everything one wants—not only in practice, but even in theory. The denial of this, the search for a single, overarching ideal because it is the one and only true one for humanity, invariably leads to coercion. And then to destruction, blood—eggs are broken, but the omelette is not in sight, there is only an infinite number of eggs, human lives, ready for the breaking. And in the end the passionate idealists forget the omelette, and just go on breaking eggs.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
… [reform] should aim to provide States with the fiscal capacity to provide a reasonable level of services.
− Equalisation should no longer be to the highest—
state, but instead the average or the second highest State …
The Territory strongly objects to, and is extremely concerned with, the Productivity Commission Draft Report's recommendations to diminish the level of equalisation achieved in Australia without a strong evidence-based policy rationale to support such a fundamental change to Australia's federal financial relations.
If adopted, the Draft Report's recommendations will result in a change to the fabric of the federation in a way that would entrench inequity and result in one state's fiscal capacity being allowed to rise above national levels.
We urge the Productivity Commission to carefully consider the implications its recommendations will have on states fiscal capacities and the achievement of equity of access to government services for all Australians, before it provides its final recommendations to the Commonwealth.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Coulton ) took the chair at 10:30.
When it comes, will it come without warning
Just as I'm picking my nose?
Will it knock on my door in the morning,
Or tread in the bus on my toes?
Will it come like a change in the weather?
Will its greeting be courteous or rough?
Will it alter my life altogether?
O tell me the truth about love.
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1) Bill 2017
Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2017
Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2017
For modern veterans, it is likely that suicide and self-harm will cause more deaths and injuries for their contemporaries than overseas operational service.
People with depression and anxiety, and their family and friends, experience significant levels of stigma and discrimination.
… … …
People with depression and anxiety report that the stigma and discrimination they experience may be worse than their mental health condition(s).
Australia will receive a bigger economic growth dividend in the long-run by spending on education than offering an equivalent amount of money on a tax cut to business.
In respect of the NBN rollout on the North Coast NSW, (a) can the Minister provide a timetable of expected dates for its completion, and (b) will additional satellite capacity be made available for regional and rural consumers on the North Coast.
(a) NBN Co. Limited (nbn) is on track to complete the rollout nationally, including the North Coast of NSW, by 2020. Anticipated Ready for Service (RFS) dates for individual addresses are available using the 'Check your address' function on nbn's website at www.nbnco.com.au.
(b) On 27 June 2017, Minister Fifield announced that nbn would double the maximum monthly wholesale data limits and increasing average peak download plans by up to 50 percent on the Sky Muster service. While it is up to retailers to decide what plans they offer, nbn will increase the average allowable download per customer from 30 gigabytes (GB) to 45GB of peak data a month, and around another 150 GB of off‑peak data per month.
Going forward, nbn will continue to optimise the pricing model and data plans of the Sky Muster service, with further offerings on business and education services expected to be available in the next 12-18 months. nbn also has a process to provide more capacity to "Public Interest Premises" such as eligible education and health locations.
(1) Why did it take more than a week to restore NBN services for some customers after the recent flooding in Northern NSW.
(2) Why were there no effective alternatives offered for these customers to access the NBN, especially given such delays were not experienced when the copper network was in use.
(1) The companies that own telecommunications infrastructure, whether NBN Co Limited (nbn) or another company, are not able to restore services when it is not possible to access the site or sites where remediation activities need to take place. Where communities are recovering from severe weather and flooding, there will often be impacts to communications services. Telecommunications companies make every effort to ensure the continuity of their services and work to restore telecommunications services as quickly as possible, once areas are deemed safe to enter by emergency services.
nbn acted to restore services across NSW and Queensland after Tropical Cyclone Debbie as quickly as possible. In the case of NBN services in Northern NSW, end users serviced by the fixed wireless towers at Tygalgah and Clothiers Creek experienced a lengthier loss of service as a consequence of flooding in the area. The Tygalgah site is built on a two metre high raised platform; however, the extreme flood waters rose above this, inundating the wireless tower cabinets. End users at Clothiers Creek experienced a loss of service due to the upstream dependency on the Tygalgah site. It should be noted that migration of telephone and data services from the legacy copper service to the nbn infrastructure is not compulsory in areas serviced by fixed wireless.
Despite a number of attempts over five days, issues accessing the Tygalgah site caused delays in restoration activities. When nbn first accessed the site on 4 April 2017, impact assessment identified that a full cabinet replacement was required. Further difficulties were experienced in getting the required equipment to the wireless tower due to flood damage to the site access track. Once technicians were able to reach the site with replacement cabinets and equipment, the site rebuild was completed and end user services were restored.
(2) It is not correct to say that outages or delays were not experienced "when the copper network was in use". In fact, the copper network is still in use in many of these areas and Telstra reported very similar issues: www.crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Announcements/Tropical-Cyclone-Debbie-Telstra-Service-Update/ba-p/664409. As noted above, all network equipment can be subject to damage and disruption from extreme weather events and natural disasters. Accordingly, emergency services agencies recommend that people do not rely on a single form of communication or source of information during an emergency. This also applies to the period when services are being restored. Operators of some telecommunications services are able to offer temporary alternatives to end users. However, in this case offering a temporary nbn service would require an installation of new equipment. It would not be feasible for nbn to provide temporary services to premises in this way in a shorter timeframe than repairing the infrastructure that usually provides the nbn service. However, nbn has provided access to its satellite Road Muster trucks in situations where a concentrated population of end users has been impacted by a network outage (for example Rockhampton in the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie).
(1) How many Australians now suffer from chronic disease.(2) What (a) number, and (b) proportion, of (i) rural, and (ii) metropolitan, Australians suffer from chronic disease, and how has the Government addressed this disparity in available medical and surgical services.
(1) According to self-reporting in the 2014-15 National Health Survey reviewed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 11 million Australians (50 per cent of the population) have one or more prominent chronic conditions (arthritis, asthma, back problems, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or a mental or behavioural condition).
The Department of Health has provided input to this answer, as it falls outside my Portfolio responsibilities.
(2) According to self-reporting in the 2014-15 National Health Survey, the AIHW has estimated that 3,546,500 Australians, or 54 per cent of those living in regional and remote areas of Australia, have one or more prominent chronic conditions (as outlined above), compared with an estimated 7,890,200 Australians (or 48 per cent) living in major cities.
The Australian Government seeks to ensure that access to services for chronic disease patients in rural and remote areas is maintained through programs such as the Rural Health Outreach Fund, which supports increased visiting specialist, general practitioner, nursing, allied and other health services in regional, rural and remote areas of identified need and increases and maintains the skills of rural and remote health professionals in accordance with local need. Additionally, the General Practice Rural Incentives Program (GPRIP) is a component of the Rural Health Workforce Strategy, a 2009-10 Budget measure that provides for a range of initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining medical practitioners in regional and remote areas of Australia, and supports increased delivery of services in rural and remote communities. The GPRIP provides financial incentives to medical practitioners who are providing eligible primary health care services to the communities within eligible regional, rural or remote areas.
There are also telehealth services available under the Medicare Benefits Schedule that provide rebates for services provided by metropolitan-based medical specialists to regional and rural locations.
The Department of Health has provided input to this answer, as it falls outside my Portfolio responsibilities.
(1) Has the Government completed modelling on the impact of the rising cost of health care on sufferers of chronic disease; if not, why not.(2) How does the Government provide additional support to sufferers of chronic disease in recognition of these conditions being ongoing and incurable, causing a prolonged detrimental effect upon the sufferer's mental and physical health.
(1) The Australian Government funds activities that measure and report on chronic disease in Australia, including the National Health Survey, the Australian Burden of Disease Study, and Longitudinal Studies.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Australian Burden of Disease Study: Impact and causes of illness and death in Australia 2011 measures the level of disability associated with a disease, as well as loss from premature death (www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-impact-and-causes-of-illness-and-death-in-australia-2011/contents/highlights). Further work is ongoing to assess health system expenditure.
In order to assess the broader context of health and chronic disease through the life course, the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health investigates factors such as annual out-of-pocket costs, and the characteristics of women who reached the Medical Benefits Schedule safety net including their area of residence, educational status, health care card status, and their ability to manage on income (www.alswh.org.au/publications-and-reports/annual-reports).
The Department of Health has provided input to this answer, as it falls outside my Portfolio responsibilities.
(2) Through the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council, the Commonwealth Government, in partnership with states and territories and following extensive public and targeted consultation, developed the National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions (the Framework). The Framework was endorsed by all Health Ministers, through the COAG Health Council, in February 2017 and publicly released in May 2017.
The Framework's primary role is to provide high-level guidance to support the planning and development of specific policies, strategies, actions and services so that all Australians may live healthier lives through effective prevention and management of chronic conditions.
The Government also provides support for patients with a chronic disease through the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Medicare items listed in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). These items enable GPs to plan and coordinate the health care of patients with chronic or terminal medical conditions. GPs are able to use Medicare items for GP‑managed care planning and/or team-assisted care planning, depending on the health needs of their patients.
Once eligible CDM items are in place, patients are able to be referred by their GP for up to five Medicare rebateable allied health services each calendar year. Eligible allied health services are: Aboriginal health work; audiology; diabetes education; chiropractic; dietetics; exercise physiology; mental health work; occupational therapy; osteopathy; physiotherapy; podiatry; psychology; and speech pathology.
The Government is also undertaking a stage one trial of the Health Care Home model. The trial seeks to establish a new model of health care for up to 65,000 patients with chronic and complex conditions, in up to 200 general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services that are supported by innovative technology and new payment approaches.
These enablers will: support greater team-based care; support patients to improve their health literacy and play a greater role in their health care; and more effectively allocate resources in accordance with need.
The trial responds to key recommendations of the final report of the Primary Health Care Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Steve Hambleton, Past President of the Australian Medical Association.
The Department of Health has provided input to this answer, as it falls outside my Portfolio responsibilities.
(1) Has his department undertaken an analysis to assess the greater costs to rural Australians for accessing medical care; if so, (a) what was the Government's response to the findings, and (b) can this response be published.(2) Are the additional costs to rural Australians for accessing medical care taken into account when determining Health Care Card eligibility.(3) Is the level of support and access to medical care determined by location.
(1) No, my department has not undertaken such analysis, as this does not fall within the responsibility of the Social Services Portfolio.
(2) Eligibility for a Health Care Card is based on universally applied criteria.
(3) The Social Services Portfolio does not have responsibility for determining the level of support and access to medical care.
(1) Are the partners of people with chronic and serious illness included in the income test for eligibility for the Health Care Card; if so, (a) what is the policy rationale for this, and (b) are there any exemptions; if so, (i) how many Australians are exempt from partner means testing, (ii) on what basis are they exempt, and (iii) what will this cost the Government in 2017-18.(2) Has the Government considered only including the income of the person suffering from chronic and serious illness in the means test for Health Care Card eligibility; if so, what is the estimated cost to the Government of removing partners from the income test, and does this estimation take into account the improved mental and physical health prospects of providing an independent income and therefore, greater autonomy to those with chronic illness.(3) Will the Government acknowledge that means testing (a) Australians suffering from chronic disease as well as their partners creates a work disincentive for both of them, and (b) to include a partner's income adds significant burden to relationships already stressed by ill health.
(1) The social security income test for a health care card uses the gross income of both partners of a couple.
(a) This is based on the principle that couples are able to pool their resources for their mutual benefit. Taking into account the combined gross income and assets of both partners ensures that partnered couples with similar combined levels of resources receive similar support from the social security system.
(b) There are no exemptions for special circumstances from the social security income test for health care card.
(2) No.
(3)
(a) Means testing is designed to target income support payments to those who need it the most and to encourage recipients to supplement their payments with employment income.
(b) Taking account of the income available to both partners in a relationship is the fairest way to assess the relative financial needs of members of a couple.
What appeal mechanisms are available to those whose health is being negatively impacted by the ongoing costs of living with chronic disease but who do not qualify for a Health Care Card.
A person who is not satisfied with a decision made by the Department of Human Services may lodge an appeal for a review. The process includes asking for a full and detailed explanation of the decision and, where they are not satisfied, they may request an internal review by an Authorised Review Officer. If the person is still not satisfied, an appeal can be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of the decision. There are two levels of review at the AAT; if the outcome of the review at AAT1 is not to the person's satisfaction, a further appeal may be made within 28 days to AAT2 for another review. The person can also appeal to the Federal Court, if they are not satisfied with a decision at AAT2.
The review system is designed to ensure correct decisions are made in accordance with legislation.
(1) For each month in 2016-17, what was the average number of days taken for an age pension application to be processed to completion? (2) What are the remaining inconsistencies in Centrelink's automated debt raising and recovery system and what steps are being taken to address these inconsistencies? (3) What was his response to recommendations 1 to 8 of the Commonwealth Ombudsman report Centrelink's automated debt raising and recovery system (April 2017). (4) What supports are currently available to the most vulnerable Australians to navigate the Centrelink debt raising and recovery system.
(1) A suite of changes have been implemented which are speeding up the Age Pension claim process, making it quicker and easier for older Australians. The improvements have reduced processing time by several weeks for most claims submitted online from August 2017. These include:
Of the Age Pension claims assessed in 2015-16 more than 10 per cent were rejected as the claims lacked crucial information. The new online claim will help ensure more claims contain all the information needed to be processed quickly.
(2) and (3) The Government acknowledges the thorough investigation and report into the online system by the Ombudsman in April 2017, which recommended constructive and practical enhancements, which were agreed to in full by the Department and have already been largely implemented.
(4) Vulnerable people have always been a priority. As acknowledged by the Ombudsman, the fully automated system was never intended to, nor will it be, rolled out to vulnerable recipients. Standard practice is to make outbound calls to vulnerable people to assist them to meet their compliance obligations. The Department offers to review debts and negotiate repayment arrangements for any person taking into account their individual circumstances.
In respect of competitive tenders for Project AIR 7003:
(a) why did the department bring forward the due date from November to August 2017,
(b) what is the anticipated impact of this change on competition for the tender, and
(c) can the department demonstrate that it has done a comparative analysis to include
(i) capability,
(ii) Australian Industry Content, and
(iii) best value to evaluate all systems and proposals provided.
a. The evaluation process is ongoing for AIR 7003.
b. N/A.
c. Defence utilises a risk based decision support process called 'Smart Buyer' to develop capability acquisition strategies. The Government is committed to ensuring that all capability options are properly assessed when considering capital acquisition projects, to deliver the best value for money across the capability life cycle. As with any materiel acquisition $20 million and above, the project will include an Australian Industry Capability Plan as a contract deliverable.
Can he detail any current or future plans to provide public funding for transcranial magnetic stimulation, a treatment for major depressive disorder.
In order for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of major depressive disorder to become available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), it would need to be assessed and recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC). MSAC is an independent, expert committee that advises the Australian Government on whether a medical service should be publicly funded based on an assessment of its comparative safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
rTMS was considered by MSAC in 2008 (Application 1101) and 2014 (Application 1196), and both times MSAC advised the Government it did not recommend public funding.
In its more recent consideration, MSAC did not recommend public funding because of uncertain clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness due to insufficient comparative data in treatment-resistant patients against current antidepressant treatments and uncertain costs. MSAC considered that any reapplication should include: better definition of the patient population; better definition of the clinical setting for this treatment; evidence comparing rTMS against contemporary alternative antidepressants in this patient population; and further consideration of the treatment costs of anti-depressants. Further information can be found by searching for 'Application 1196' on the MSAC website: www.msac.gov.au.
To date, no further submissions have been made to the Department of Health or to MSAC regarding rTMS.
In respect of the NBN rollout on the North Coast NSW, (a) why has the timetable for completion been delayed, (b) why have 15,000 premises in Ballina had their completion date pushed back to 2019, (c) why have 7,500 businesses and residential premises in Kingscliff been told that completion will be delayed to 2018, (d) why may people living in (i) Mullumbimby, (ii) Brunswick Heads, (iii) New Brighton, and (iv) South Golden Beach, have to wait until the end of 2018, and (e) will the Minister commit to fast tracking the rollout in the electoral division of Richmond.
(a)-(d): NBN Co. Limited (nbn) uses an iterative network planning process to determine the technologies and timeframes for the rollout and this plan is continually optimised as the rollout progresses. This means that timeframes for individual areas can change, in order to ensure the overall rollout is completed as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
(e): The Government has committed to rolling out the network to all Australians as soon as possible and has fast-tracked the rollout through moving to a multi-technology mix.
It is important to understand nbn is building and operating the network on a commercial basis at arm's length from Government, in line with the Statement of Expectations of 24 August 2016. Day-to-day technology selection and network design are matters for nbn. In addition to this, nbn's plans and rollout boundaries are based on its own network planning, which does not consider electorate boundaries. nbn will continue to complete the rollout nationally as quickly and efficiently as possible.
In respect of the Prime Minister's election promise that every Australian would have access to the NBN by 2016, (a) why has the rollout in regional and rural areas, including in the electoral division of Richmond, been delayed by up to three years, (b) why will over 30,000 premises in the electoral division of Richmond not have access to the NBN for more than two years, (c) why are there delays in regional and rural Australia, and (d) what measures is the Minister taking to address these delays.
The Australian Government has put the National Broadband Network (NBN) on track to provide high‑speed broadband services to every home and business in Australia by 2020. This is much quicker than would have been the case under the previous Government. The Strategic Review released just a few months after the September 2013 election showed that the project was in a fundamentally worse position than the previous Government had at any time disclosed to Parliament or the Australian public. Three years into the rollout it was two years behind schedule. At that time the then Shareholder Ministers for NBN Co Limited (nbn) advised that the accumulated delays and state of the nbn company meant the Government's aim of ensuring nationwide access to fast broadband by 2016 could not be achieved.
(a) Rollout in regional and rural areas has not been delayed. By 7 September this year, 81 per cent of homes and businesses outside major urban areas were in ready for service areas. The rollout to homes and businesses to be served by fixed wireless and satellite is particularly advanced, with over three‑quarters of premises to be served by fixed wireless now able to order services and all premises eligible for satellite across the country able to connect to Sky Muster satellite services since April 2016.
(b) It is not correct that there will be 30,000 premises awaiting NBN access in the electorate of Richmond in two years' time. As at 7 September 2017, just under 37,000 homes and businesses, were already able to access services in the electorate. By the end of 2018 just over 21,000 additional premises are expected to be in ready for service areas with the remaining premises (fewer than 8,000 homes and businesses) mainly expected to be able to order services during the first half of 2019. This means that almost all premises in the electorate of Richmond will be able to connect to an NBN service by the middle of 2019.
(c) As noted above, rollout is progressing very well in regional Australia. Naturally there are some changes in timing as nbn coordinates the massive logistics involved in a project of this size. Since earlier this year, nbn has been advising when locations can expect to be able to order services. Prior to that, the company had been advising when network construction would commence. There is an intrinsic time gap between these two points as in most cases network construction begins well before services will become available.
(d) The Government has already taken prudent steps to allow the network to be rolled out as quickly as possible. This has included giving nbn flexibility in network design, installing a highly experienced board and management team and providing ongoing funding through a loan to allow the company to focus on the rollout at this point in network construction.
In respect of the Bass Highway intersections at Leith in North West Tasmania, at Short Street and at Braddons Lookout Road, has he received any representations from the Tasmanian Government for work on these intersections to address local road safety issues and, if so, (a) when were those representations received and (b) what form did they take.
The Tasmanian Government provides the Federal Government with updates on roads across the state regularly and through a variety of channels.
In respect of the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400):
(1) Does his department publish statistical information about the subclass 400 visa, including the number of visas granted each quarter (by State and by Occupation) and the number of visa holders in Australia each quarter (by State and by Occupation), if so, where can this be found and if not, why not.
(2) Does his department collect similar statistical information for the subclass 400 visa as it does for the subclass 457 visa, and if not why not.
(3) What number of subclass 400 visas were applied for in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14, (c) 201415, (d) 2015-16, (e) 2016-17, and (f) 2017-18 (to 10 September 2017).
(4) What number of subclass 400 visas were granted in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14, (c) 2014-15, (d) 2015-16, (e) 2016-17, and (f) 2017-18 (to 10 September 2017).
(5) What are the top 10 reasons a subclass 400 visa is not approved.
(6) What number of people overstayed, or are suspected to have overstayed, with subclass 400 visa in (a) 2012-13, (b) 2013-14, (c) 2014-15, (d) 2015-16, (e) 2016-17, and (f) 2017-1.8 (to 10 September 2017).
(7) What is the breakdown of all subclass 400 visas granted, by each Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code, in the financial years (a) 201213, (b) 2013-14, (c) 2014-15, (d) 2015-16, (e) 2016-17, and (f) 2017-18 (to 10 September 2017).
(8) What is the breakdown of the number of subclass 400 visas approved for a period of (a) three months and (b) six months for the financial years (i) 2012-13, (ii) 2013-14, (iii) 2014-15, (iv) 2015-16, (v) 2016-17, and (vi) 2017-18 (to 10 September 2017).
(9) What are the precise data/fields which are (a) collected in applications for subclass 400 visas, (b) stored in his department' s systems, and (c) searchable in his department' s systems.
(10) Did his department issue any subclass 400 visas in respect of Ships Engineers, Ships Masters and Ships Officers prior to 18th April 2017and if so, how many in each classification.
(11) What procedures did his department follow to determine whether the work of these Ships Engineers, Ships Masters and Ships Officers is Highly Specialised Work for the purposes of the Migration Regulations, and did his department (a) consult with any other State, Territory or Federal Government bodies about the nature of the work to be performed by the Ships Engineers, Ships Masters and Ships Officers, and (b) consult with or seek the views of any external bodies.
(12) What steps has his department taken to ensure that when issuing subclass 400 visas to Ships Engineers, Ships Masters and Ships Officers, such skills are not readily available in Australia, and that such visas will not have adverse consequences for employment or training opportunities for Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents.
(13) Are subclass 400 visa approvals only available in occupations that are on a recognised skills shortage list.
(14) Does Ship' s Engineer (classification ANZCO 231212) fall within ANZSCO Major Groups 1-3.
(15) Does Ship' s Master (ANZCO 231213) fall within ANZSCO Major Groups 1-3.
(16) Does Ship' s Officer (ANZCO 231214) fall within ANZSCO Major Groups 1-3.
(17) Has his department contacted any of the Ships Engineers, Ships Masters and Ships Officers, whose contact details it has, and who are unemployed and ready willing and able to work in the maritime industry, and has his department contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to seek advice about the Ships Engineers, specifically the qualifications of these Certified Officers.
(18) What advice has AMSA provided to his department about the qualifications required for working as Chief Engineer or First Engineer on vessels working in Australian waters.
(19) What steps does his department take, if any, to check the answers provided by applicants for subclass 400 visas, particularly in respect of questions about character and background, including questions about criminal record and security issues.
(20) Is he or his department aware that on the offshore support vessel ' Southern Ocean' owned by Oceanteam Bourbon 4 AS and managed by North Sea Shipping AS (both Norwegian companies), non-Australian Engineer Officers who have held subclass 457 visas are now seeking subclass 400 visas in order to continue working in Australian waters.
(21) Is the subclass 400 visa intended to be a long-term work visa.
(22) Is it appropriate for the subclass 400 visa to be used to replace and extend a subclass 457 visa when the 457 visa has expired.
(23) Are subclass 400 visas being used as a substitute for 457 visas now that the 457 visa is not available for Ships Engineers, Ships Masters and Ships Officers.
(24) Is he aware that the department has been provided with the names and details of unemployed Australian Engineer Officers who hold the necessary qualifications to fill all Engineer Officer positions on vessels including Offshore Support Vessels such as ' Southern Ocean' .
(25) Is he aware of applications for subclass 400 visas from persons employed by Programmed Marine Engineering to work on the vessel POSH Arcadia (a Bahamas Flagged vessel contracted to work off WA until late 2017 associated with the commissioning of Shell' s LNG plant).
(26) How many subclass 400 visas have been issued for personnel to work for ProgrammedMarine Engineering on the POSH Arcadia, and which countries are the workers from.
(27) What positions on board the POSH Arcadia vessel will be filled by the personnel issued with subclass 400 visas.
(28) Do these circumstances result in an adverse impact on Australian employment opportunities for Australian Deck and Engineer Officers.
(29) What instructions has he given to the department about the subclass 400 visa in the last 12 months.
(3) Has he provided any direction to the department to restrict the issuing of subclass 400 visas for Marine Engineer Officers, Masters and Ships Officers as long as there are unemployed Australian personnel available to do such work.
Question 1 Response
No. The Department administers over 99 different visa types and publishing details on all subclasses is not practicable.
Question 2 Response
No. The information collected by the Department as part of visa applications reflect the different requirements of each visa.
Question 3 Response
Question 4 Response
Question 5 Response
Providing this level of detail would be an unreasonable diversion of resources.
Question 6 Response
*Estimate of Unlawful Non-Citizens (UNC):
Source: DWARS and Immigration Compliance Statistics Section (SP Division).
There are known errors in the Estimate of Unlawful Non-Citizens and numbers are provided as an estimate only. Numbers are rounded which can result in rounding errors and are only provided yearly. Some people included may have since resolved their immigration status and further interrogation of DIBP systems is required to ascertain an individual' s actual current status.
Question 7 Response
Providing this level of detail would be an unreasonable diversion of resources.
Question 8 Response
Subclass 400 PRIMARY visas granted between 2012-13 and 2017-18 to 10 September 2017 by visa grant period
Source: Department of Immigration and Border Protection, 2017 (BE11181.04b)
Note 1: The subclass 400 visa was introduced in March 2013
Note 2: This table includes the Invited Participant stream, which was removed on 19/11/2016
Note 3: The maximum stay period was increased to six months in 2014-15
Question 9 Response
(a) Below are the main fields captured on the application form, which must be lodged online. The online form is dynamic and some fields (questions) only appear when a particular response is provided by the applicant to a previous question. Providing a greater level of detail would be an unreasonable diversion of resources:
(b) The information entered in the online application form (including supporting documentation) is stored in the Department' s systems.
(c) Not all fields are searchable.
Question 10 Response
Question 11 Response
The Department assesses each application on its own merits to ensure the applicant meets the subclass 400 visa requirements. The Department may request additional supporting evidence from the applicant or their employer, to ensure the activities to be undertaken by the applicant do not have an adverse consequence on the employment and training opportunities for Australians.
(a) and (b) State/Territory/Federal Government and external bodies are generally not consulted on individual visa applications.
Question 12 Response
To minimise risks to the integrity of the subclass 400 program and help ensure that any adverse trends are quickly identified and addressed, the Department:
- the position is unable to be filled by available Australian skilled workers with similar experience and qualifications
- the number of Australians being employed on the project;
- employment conditions, including remuneration;
- evidence from: the relevant peak industry body; a large reputable employment agency; and/or comment from the relevant union that the employment skills cannot be found within Australia
- details regarding arrangements for Australian workers to be trained for the position(s) in the longer-term, and
Question 13 Response
No.
Question 14 Response
Yes.
Question 15 Response
Yes.
Question 16 Response
Yes.
Question 17 Response
No. This is a matter for employers.
Question 18 Response
Nil. This is a matter for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Question 19 Response
All non-citizens who wish to enter and remain in Australia must meet the character and security requirements of the Migration Act 1958 .
Question 20 Response
Privacy provisions and commercial confidentiality considerations prevent the Department from commenting on an individual company' s use of the subclass 457 or subclass 400 programs.
Question 21 Response
Under legislation, the subclass 400 visa provides for a maximum period of stay of up to six months.
Question 22 Response
The subclass 400 and 457 visas have different requirements. The subclass 457 allows a stay of up to two or four years whereas the subclass 400 allows a stay of up to six months.
Question 23 Response
No. The Department monitors the use of the subclass 400 visa to ensure any adverse trends are quickly identified and managed.
Question 24 Response
No.
Question 25 Response
No.
Question 26 Response
Privacy provisions and commercial confidentiality considerations prevent the Department from providing information on specific visa applications.
Question 27 Response
Privacy provisions and commercial confidentiality considerations prevent the Department from providing information on specific visa applications.
Question 28 Response
The Department assesses each application on its own merits to ensure the applicant meets the subclass 400 visa requirements. The Department may request additional supporting evidence from the applicant or their employer to ensure the activities to be undertaken by the applicant do not have an adverse consequence on the employment and training opportunities for Australians.
Question 29 Response
The administration of the subclass 400 visa is a matter for the Department.
Question 30 Response
The administration of the subclass 400 visa is a matter for the Department.
However, to minimise risks to the integrity of the subclass 400 program and help ensure that any adverse trends are quickly identified and addressed, the Department:
- the position is unable to be filled by available Australian skilled workers with similar experience and qualifications
- the number of Australians being employed on the project;
- employment conditions, including remuneration;
- evidence from: the relevant peak industry body; a large reputable employment agency; and/or comment from the relevant union that the employment skills cannot be found within Australia
- details regarding arrangements for Australian workers to be trained for the position(s) in the longer-term, and
(1) Why is Australia the only member country of the International Energy Agency not in compliance with the 90-day fuel supply stockholding obligation.(2) Will the 'ticketing' arrangement envisaged in the original Liquid Fuel Emergency Amendment Bill 2017 result in any additional holding of physical fuel stock within Australia, if so,
(a) how many days of physical fuel stocks will Australia have, and (b) what are the calculated delivery delays from the various sources for fuel provided under the ticketing system.(3) Given current global instability and the possibility of a nuclear confrontation between North Korea and the United States, escalating conflict over the South China Sea, and continuing international terrorism, on what basis does the Government believe that reaching 90-day fuel reserve compliance by 2027 is an adequate timetable.(4) What is the detailed timetable for reaching full 90-day fuel reserve compliance.(5) What plans are there to establish in-country storage facilities for each state and territory.(6) What arrangements exist between the federal and state governments to manage a sudden fuel shortage emergency.(7) Is there a public information strategy on how to advise, if necessary, when and how fuel rationing would occur.
(1) The 90-day obligation requires International Energy Agency (IEA) members to hold 90-days' worth of oil based on the previous year's net imports. Australia has historically relied on commercial stock levels to meet the obligation.
Increased demand for liquid fuels and declining domestic production in recent years has resulted in an increase in net imports. This means that the amount Australia is required to hold has increased. The compliance gap has not been caused by a change in our commercial stock levels.
Australia is currently the only non-compliant member, however, other IEA members have also been non-compliant from time-to-time.
(2) The ticketing arrangement envisaged in the Liquid Fuel Emergency Amendment Act 2017 (the amendment Act) under section 40A would permit additional oil stock to be held in Australia if an onshore ticketing contract was successful through the procurement process. Until the ticketing procurement is undertaken, it cannot be determined if, or how many days' worth of, additional stocks would be held physically in Australia.
Delivery times to Australia of offshore held stock will also depend on the procurement process outcome.
(3) The first (pilot) phase of Australia's compliance plan is underway. This will allow Australia to meet its obligation to contribute in the event the IEA calls for an international response to a severe global oil supply disruption. The 400 kilotonnes to be purchased in Phase One is equivalent to five days under the IEA obligation and provides us with twice the amount that the IEA has previously requested Australia release in response to a severe global oil supply disruption.
The 2026 date will give the Australian Government the time to properly assess the outcomes from Phase One to determine the most effective and least cost approach to return to full compliance by 2026 under Phase Two.
(4) Phase One of the Government's two-phase plan to return to compliance is underway.
Mandatory petroleum statistics reporting for businesses will commence on 1 January 2018 under the new Petroleum and Other Fuels Reporting Act 2017 .
The Liquid Fuel Emergency Amendment Act 2017 now provides the Australian Government with legislative authority to purchase oil stock tickets. A procurement process is being developed to allow an initial 400 kilotonnes of oil stock tickets to be purchased in the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Phase Two of the compliance plan will incorporate a long-term, sustainable and least-cost approach to returning to compliance by 2026. As it will be informed by an evaluation of Phase One outcomes and subject to Government decision, a detailed timeline is not yet feasible.
(5) At this time, the Australian Government does not have plans to establish in-country storage facilities for each state and territory. The Australian Government cannot comment on the oil storage policy of the state and territory governments.
(6) Arrangements are in place for the management of a sudden fuel shortage which vary depending on the nature and severity of emergency.
In the first instance, a market response would be sought to any fuel supply disruption. Australia's liquid fuel supply chains have shown over time to be robust and flexible in response to supply disruptions. The primary principle underlying all Australian energy supply emergency responses is for government to only intervene in market operation as a last resort.
Should government intervention be required, Australia's state and territory governments have constitutional responsibility for planning and co‑ordinating the response to fuel shortages within their territorial boundaries and so manage fuel shortages of a jurisdictional scale under jurisdictional specific arrangements.
In the event of an actual or likely fuel shortage with national implications, the Australian Government has primary responsibility for response, with powers to control the refining, distribution and use of liquid fuels in a declared national liquid fuel emergency through the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984 .
In 2006, an Inter‑Governmental Agreementbetween federal and state/territories governmentswas signed whichsets out parameters for a co-operative response in a national emergency. A National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan and supporting documents have been developed to describe these arrangements.
In the event of a major emergency, the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee operates to support the management of widespread liquid fuel shortages. The Committee comprises Australian Government, state and territory governments and fuel supply industry representatives.
(7) Arrangements for fuel rationing vary depending on the nature and severity of emergency, where the Australian Government is only involved in managing emergencies of a national scale.
In the event of a declared national liquid fuel emergency, the National Liquid Fuel Emergency Response Plan provides states, territories and industry with guidance on when and how fuel rationing under the Liquid Fuel Emergency Act 1984 would occur.
More information, developed by the National Oil Supplies Emergency Committee, is at: www.environment.gov.au.
In respect of My Aged Care home care packages:
(1) Can he provide detail on the average waiting time (a) on the national priority queue for a home care package, and (b) for residents of the electorate of Mayo.(2) Are applicants for a home care package notified that there is a national priority queue and that they will have to wait for their application to proceed, and if so, are applicants advised of their expected waiting time.(3) What steps is the Government taking to reduce waiting times, especially for applicants deemed as a high priority.
1. (a) The average wait time is not available.
(b) The average wait time is not available for residents of the electorate of Mayo.
2. Yes. Clients not yet approved for home care can view general information on maximum expected wait times on www.myagedcare.gov.au.
During the assessment process for a home care package the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will explain the approval and queue process to the client and provide a hard copy of the Your Guide to home care package services for reference after the assessment process. Once approved, clients can check their individual expected wait time for a home care package by calling the My Aged Care contact centre or via the My Aged Care client portal.
3. The Australian Government is taking steps to reduce waiting times for all people approved for a home care package. Due to the evidence provided by the first Home Care Packages Program Data Report 27 February – 30 June 2017, which showed strong demand for higher level packages, the Government immediately responded by releasing an additional 6,000 level 3 and 4 home care packages. This was done by converting some low level (1 and 2) packages in to the higher level (3 and 4) packages.
(1) In respect of special dispensations to land at Adelaide Airport during the curfew period, since 7 September 2013 (a) how dispensations were granted, and (b) what was the (i) airline, (ii) type of plane, and (iii) reason, for each dispensation.(2) During this period, how many planes landed without a dispensation, and (a) what were the results of each investigation, (b) how many fines or warnings have been issued, and (c) how many cases have required further investigation.
(1) (a) Curfew Dispensations are issued in circumstances justifying the take-off or landing subject to specific criteria and conditions. The circumstances are when the reason for the cause of the delay isn't within the operator's control, by what margin the expected time of movement falls into the curfew period, whether the aircraft is able to land on runway 05, or to take off from runway 23, the number of passengers involved and the severity of the likely hardship.
(1) (b) A detailed list of dispensations granted between 7 September 2013 and 23 October 2017 is at Attachment A.
(2) One aircraft landed without a dispensation, on 1 July 2015. An investigation was undertaken and the pilot had declared an emergency which meant the landing was permitted under the Adelaide Airport Curfew Act 2000 . No further action was deemed required.
Attachment A
(1) Since 1 April 2017, how many Centrelink clients who were notified of a debt or the likelihood of a debt with Centrelink through its Online Compliance Intervention program have subsequently had their debt (a) reduced, and (b) cancelled completely.
(2) What is the breakdown of the above by (a) state and territory, and (b) postcode.Answer
1a) and 1b) Since 1 April 2017, the total number of people with debts reduced to non-zero and debts reduced to zero is as below:
1 The period the change is reported is the period the reassessment or review of the debt was completed which may be different to the period the debt was raised.
2 Debts can be reassessed multiple times. This is recorded each time as a reassessment in the appropriate period.
2(a) and 2(b) The number of debts reduced to zero and reduced but not to zero in total, by State and Territory and Postcode for period 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017 is at Attachment A.
Attachment A.
In respect of the Perth South Suicide Prevention Trial, (a) when will it commence, (b) why has it been delayed, (c) for how long will it run, (d) what sum of funding has been allocated, (e) will funding be cut due to delays to the trial, (f) who is responsible for the delivery of the trial, (g) will local community organisations be involved in its implementation, and (h) will the Government keep local community organisations dealing with suicide prevention informed about the trial.
a) The Perth South suicide prevention trial was announced in July 2016. The trial encompasses all stages of planning and consultation, through to implementation of specific trial activities. The Perth South Primary Health Network (PHN) commenced the planning phase of the trial in August 2016.
b) The Perth South suicide prevention trial is progressing at the pace that the region requires to develop models and approaches for meaningful change. Suicide prevention is a complex and sensitive issue and implementing a systems based approach at the regional level takes time and effort.
c) The National Suicide Prevention Trial will run until 30 June 2019.
d) The Perth South PHN is receiving $3 million from 2016‑17 to 2018-19 to lead the Perth South suicide prevention trial.
e) Funding for the Perth South suicide prevention trial has been committed for the period 2016-17 to 2018-19.
f) The Perth South PHN is responsible for leading the Perth South suicide prevention trial.
g) The Perth South PHN is working in partnership with communities to deliver the Perth South suicide prevention trial. A Community Response Working Group is acting as an advisory committee for the trial and includes broad representation from service providers, schools, local communities and other key stakeholders.
h) The Perth South PHN is keeping local community organisations informed about the trial, including through the Community Response Working Group.
(1) Why is cider prepared from the juice or must of fruits other than apples and pears not included in the definition of cider under Standard 2.7.3 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
(2) Why is raspberry, blackberry and blueberry cider currently classified as other excisable beverage not exceeding 10 per cent by volume of alcohol under the Excise Tariff Act 1921 when cider is included in the definition of 'wine' under the A New Tax System (Wine Equalisation Tax) Act 1999 (thereby, not attracting excise duty).
(3) Will the Minister consider including cider prepared from the juice or must of fruits other than apples and pears (such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) as a class of beverage exempt from excise duty under the A New Tax System (Wine Equalisation Tax) Act 1999; if not, why not.
1) During the development of Standard 2.7.3 in the joint Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) there was support for separate definitions for cider and fruit wine.
An expert advisory group was set up to assist Food Standards Australia New Zealand develop Standard 2.7.3. The fruit wine industry representative on this group advised that as there are strong consumer expectations for traditional alcoholic beverages like cider, definitions for both cider and fruit wine were needed.
The definitions for cider and fruit wine were further supported during public consultation for the development of Standard 2.7.3 and have been in the Code since its gazettal in 2000.
The definitions for cider and fruit wine from the Code are copied below.
Cider
'Cider means the fruit wine prepared from the juice or must of apples and pears and with no more than 25 per cent of the juice or must of pears.' (section 2.7.3—2 within Standard 2.7.3 and section 1.1.2—3 within Standard 1.1.2).
Food that is sold as 'cider' must be cider (section 1.1.1—13 and section 2.7.3—3).
Fruit and vegetable wines
Fruit wine or vegetable wine means:
(a) a food that:
i. is prepared from the complete or partial fermentation of fruit, vegetables, grains, cereals or any combination or preparation of those foods;
ii. and is not a wine or a wine product; or
(b) Such a food with any of the following added during production:
i. Fruit juice and fruit juice products;
ii. Vegetable juice and vegetable juice products
iii. Sugars
iv. Honey
v. Spices
vi. Alcohol
vii. Water
(section 2.7.3—2 and section 1.1.2—3).
Food that is sold as fruit or vegetable wine must be fruit or vegetable wine (section 1.1.1—13 and section 2.7.3—3).
(2) and (3) These questions are covered by legislation that is not administered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. These questions need to be directed to the responsible agency.
(1) By make and model, how many Australian built cars were purchased by the Government in (a) 2014-15, (b) 2015-16, (c) 2016-17, (d) 2017-18 (to date), and how many of these were purchased for Defence in each of these financial years.
(2) How many cars built overseas were purchased by the Government in (a) 2014-15, (b) 2015-16, (c) 2016-17, (d) 2017-18 (to date).
(3) What was the approximate total cost of these purchases in each of these financial years, broken down by (a) Australian, and (b) foreign, made.
1(a) – Australian Government vehicles purchased in 2014-15 financial year (Australian made).
1(b) – Australian Government vehicles purchased in 2015-16 financial year (Australian made).
1(c) – Australian Government vehicles purchased in 2016-17 financial year (Australian made).
1(d) – Australian Government vehicles purchased in 2017-18 financial year to date (30 September 2017) (Australian made).
2(a) (b) (c) (d) – Australian Government vehicles purchased in financial years (imported).
3 (a) and (b) – Approximate total cost of purchases for each financial year.