The SPEAKER ( Hon. Tony Smith ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Constitution Alteration (Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press) 2019 [No. 2]
That this bill be now read a second time.
Nobody is above the law and the police have a job to do under the law.
Constitution Alteration (Water Resources) 2019 [No. 2]
That this bill be now read a second time.
The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not, and it is one of the great adventures of all time …
After all, the earth itself is a spacecraft. It's an odd kind of spacecraft, since it carries the crew on the outside instead of the inside.
If you're going to run a spaceship, you've got to be pretty cautious about how you use your resources, how you use your crew and how you treat your spacecraft.
We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.
We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard …
Participation in most Year 12 mathematics and science subjects is declining, and for science is the lowest in 20 years.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the incredible performances of Australia's top athletes in recent times including:
(a) the Matildas reaching the final 16 in the FIFA World Cup;
(b) Ash Barty winning the French Open and acing her way to the top of the world tennis rankings;
(c) Sally Fitzgibbons making waves by winning the 2019 Oi Rio Pro - World Surf League event and surfing her way to the top of the world rankings;
(d) Hannah Green winning the Women's PGA Championship and in doing so taking home Australia's first major win in a women's golf tournament in over a decade; and
(e) the Hockeyroos reaching the final of the inaugural Women's International Hockey Federation Pro League;
(2) acknowledges the teams that support our athletes including their coaches, managers, physiotherapists, dieticians and their families; and
(3) encourages Australian athletes in upcoming competitions including:
(a) the Australian Diamonds who will be competing in the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England between 12 and 21 July 2019; and
(b) the Australian Women's Cricket Team who will be competing in the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup in 2020.
Saying players shouldn't be paid because they don't bring in the money is punishing them for historical under-investment.
Girls worldwide who play sport are more likely to attend and stay in school, more likely to finish their education, more likely to be in better health and earn higher wages during the course of their lives.
Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2019
Counter-Terrorism (Temporary Exclusion Orders) Bill 2019
… troublous times in the half century that lies ahead …
We are experiencing a revolutionary societal change in time, space and power.
That the consideration of the message be made an order of the day for the next sitting.
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"the message be considered immediately."
… establish a culture of respect for people living with disabilities and the families who support, love and care for them.
Some recovery in income growth is likely, because employment growth is expected to remain solid, wages are expected to increase and the tax offset for low- and middle-income taxpayers is set to come into effect in the second half of this year.
There is no evidence before me of the CFMEU taking any compliance action … in order to prevent the re-occurrence of contravening conduct by them in the future.
Nor is there any evidence before me of any compliance regime ever put in place by the CFMEU to address its long history of prior contraventions.
... gone far beyond the bounds of normal industrial behaviour. … the thuggery, violence and intimidation have had a disastrous impact not only on building employers but also on fellow workers in the industry.
Farm Household Support Amendment Bill 2019
That all 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 criticises the Government’s lack of action to assist drought-affected farmers including those who have experienced difficulty accessing the Farm Household Allowance since the scheme’s commencement in July 2014'.
… it is not the case that you apply for the money and then you have to wait for your application to be approved … You actually get the money straight away.
I am writing to advise you that I no longer have confidence in my capacity to resolve matters relating to integrity with you. This follows the sequence of events before and following the alterations to Hansard that were made in October 2014.
I have been very careful to avoid having officers of the department involved in any of my recent decisions relating to the Hansard matter.
Were concerns raised in the review about farming families that have exhausted the Farm Household Allowance and are still facing drought conditions?
I would have to take that on notice. I do not recall them.
I can help you. The answer to that is 'yes'. It is very widespread.
You could be forgiven for thinking Australia's farmers are front and centre in the national debate this week.
Between drought tours and bush summits, the Basin plan and activists trespassing on farms, you can barely turn on the box without seeing a pair of boots kick the dirt.
Farmers don't just make for pretty pictures, they're solid fodder for party politics.
While the attention is often welcome, it doesn't always translate to meaningful action.
That all words after "reading" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"the House:
(1) is of the view that the income support provided to farmers and their families through the Farm Household Allowance is inadequate due to the current maximum of four cumulative years of income support provided; and
(2) calls on the Government to consider extending this maximum period to seven years, the average duration of droughts in Australia".
That this bill be now read a third time.
That Members be appointed as members of certain committees in accordance with the following list:
Publications Committee—Mrs Phillips be appointed a member of the committee;
Standing Committee on Petitions—Ms Templeman be appointed a member of the committee;
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights—Mr Georganas be appointed a member of the committee; and
Select Committee on Regional Australia—Ms L. M. Chesters, Mr Clare, Dr Haines, Ms Swanson and Mr J. H. Wilson be appointed members of the committee; and
Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training—Dr Haines be discharged from the committee.
Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Ensuring Integrity) Bill 2019
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"the House:
(1) declines to give the bill a second reading; and
(2) notes that:
(a) this Government has not proposed legislation to deal with important workplace relations matters, such as wage theft, flat lining wages growth, or deaths in the workplace;
(b) this bill and the Act it seeks to amend represent an inconsistent approach by the Government to responding to Royal Commissions; and
(c) the Government's entire approach to workplace relations laws is to attack workers' organisations with the specific intention of weakening the capacity of those organisations to combat wage theft, achieve wage growth, and ensure that workplaces are safe".
Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Ensuring Integrity) Bill 2019
Legislative provisions which regulate in detail the internal functioning of workers' and employers' organizations pose a serious risk of interference by the public authorities. Where such provisions are deemed necessary by the public authorities, they should simply establish an overall framework in which the greatest possible autonomy is left to the organizations in their functioning and administration. Restrictions on this principle should have the sole objective of protecting the interests of members and guaranteeing the democratic functioning of organizations. Furthermore, there should be a procedure for appeal to an impartial and independent judicial body so as to avoid any risk of excessive or arbitrary interference in the free functioning of organizations.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER Mr Hogan took the chair at 10:00.
That this House:
(1) notes the valuable contribution the Australian Defence Force (ADF) cadets make to youth development in our communities;
(2) recognises cadet leaders and staff who give up their time to mentor and shape Australia's youth; and
(3) acknowledges that ADF cadets, in cooperation with the community, benefit the nation by developing an individual's capacity to contribute to society.
… you equip yourself for life not solely for your own benefit but for the benefit of the whole community.
It was nothing short of emotional to graduate alongside my peers in front of our supportive friends and families, having come so far together in such a short period of time.
I remember seeing veterans, ADF members and all services of cadets marching together, and feeling pride and respect for each individual which passed my line of sight. I told my mum that one day I'd like to be marching there too.
I have been lucky enough to be mentored by staff members at both squadron and wing level, who volunteer their time to enhance cadet careers and create life-changing experiences.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the latest Government report indicates more than 129,000 older Australians are waiting for their approved home care package;
(b) more than 75,000 older Australians on the waiting list have no home care package at all; and
(c) since 2017 the wait list for home care has grown from 88,000 to more than 129,000 older Australians;
(2) recognises:
(a) the majority of older Australians are waiting for level three and level four packages, who have high care needs;
(b) some older Australians have been waiting more than two years for their approved package; and
(c) older Australians are entering residential aged care or even emergency departments instead of receiving their approved home care package;
(3) condemns the Government for failing to stop the wait list growing; and
(4) calls on the Government to immediately fix the home care packages waiting list and properly address this growing crisis.
After nearly two years of waiting, the funding for my dad's Federally allocated home-care support package finally arrived, last week.
The letter came on Tuesday. The day after his funeral. Dad died waiting.
… their level of health is likely to decline and their need for support increase, making it difficult to live at home unless they have family and friend carers who can provide the level of care they need. Working carers may have to give up their jobs, while partner carers may also be ageing and not able to provide the level of care needed, or can only do so at the risk of compromising their own health and wellbeing.
It needs to be remembered that 36 per cent of all carers are over the age of 65 and most are caring for a partner. Their ability to keep on providing high levels of care will frequently depend on additional support from the aged care system.
He is my primary carer, doing all the cooking, shopping and gardening and I do worry about the stress. I don't want to see my husband get worn out.
That this House:
(1) congratulates the Government on:
(a) the extensive urban and regional infrastructure investment of $100 billion announced in the 2019 Budget; and
(b) its focus on national freight challenges, congestion busting and road safety;
(2) recognises that every state of the Commonwealth is benefitting from the Government's infrastructure program; and
(3) commends the Government on providing the infrastructure that will build our future and generate growth for our economy.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) after being neglected by successive State and Federal Liberal Governments, Tasmania is now in the depths of a housing crisis;
(b) under the Liberals, the Tasmanian housing market is failing renters, first-home buyers and people at risk of homelessness;
(c) the average middle-income Tasmanian household is in rental stress, paying about 30 per cent of their income just to put a roof over their head, and 20 per cent more Tasmanians are accessing homelessness and crisis housing services than two years ago;
(d) sadly, behind these statistics, Tasmanians are hurting;
(e) the new Federal Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services wants to put a 'positive spin' on the housing crisis, which is disgraceful and shows an arrogant contempt for ordinary Tasmanians; and
(f) these unacceptable comments illustrate the failure and incompetence of the Liberals in Tasmania;
(2) calls on the Federal Government to outline a plan to address this crisis—if there is a deal with Senator Lambie, the Government should release the details; and
(3) recognises that:
(a) this continuing record of neglect is yet another example of the State and Federal Liberals failing to stand up for Tasmania; and
(b) only Labor can be trusted to take the housing crisis seriously.
Tasmania is now solely in third position. In fact the strength on relative population growth, home purchase and construction could see the Apple Isle battling with NSW and Victoria for top position in the year ahead.
Angelo Marangou
Con Marangou
Kim McCausland
Kellie Gale
Warren Harris
Greg West
Janet Frame
Emma Cutmore
Ashleigh Fiseris
Elsa Collardo
Greg Warren
Sukur Khan
Sharon Freelander
Rosie Freelander
Adam Abdul
Salim Kabir
Anisul Afsar
Brydan Toner
Shannon Toner
Garth Toner
Todd Steele
Soliette Maree Roa
Geoff Scott
Geoff Berry
Don Voegt
Greg Brasil
Jimmy Lopez
Vince Sellars
Rajkumar Verma
Lita Smith
Jenny O'Hehir
Sukur Khan
Anne Young
Susannah Combe
Bijendar Gautaum
William Freelander
Rudi Kollcman
Payton Rae Salta
Mark Smith
Simone Warren
Darcy Warren
Lourdes Kaiser
Kathy Sullivan
Susie Sullivan
Caroline Sullivan
Ashleigh Moss
Josephine Riley
Mitch Purser
George Breticivic
Haromi Jones
Cheryl Roberts
Dwayne Roberts
Suzie Sefian
Greg McCauley
Faird Payenda
Sylwia Wisniewska
Isabella Plust
Isabella Wisniewska
Ben Gilholme
Sharif Alam
Wayne Prior
Neil Murphy
Tom Gersback
James O'Neil
Ethan Stein
Jessica Cartwright
Antonio Parragalli
Cindy Cagney
Stuart Einfield
Patrick Duffy
Annette Duffy
Nazli Hocaoglu
Chelsea Barker
Charlie Roberts
Aidan O'Rourke
Mufazzal Bhuiya
Dempsey Bloom
Margaret Chivers
Graham Chivers
Beth Michie
David/Richard Bligh
Michelle Doan
Susie Weston
Muhammad Farooq
Madison Lord
Greg O'Keefe
Masood Chowdhury
Ramesh Niperty
Raunaq Miah
Meg Oates
Ross Oates
Danelie Lockyer
Alison Poole
Rey Manoto
Anoulack Chanthivong
Michael Manoto
Mon Calvelo
Lestor Rivero
Al Munn
Peter Brennan
Andrew Mcdonald
Jenny McDonald
Manuel Rodriguez
Tony Wagner
Beth Wagner
Warren Small
Jasaman Sethi
Darren Hixon
Mohammad Fedous Omi
Robert McGill
Jannene Kyytsonen
Damien Quinnell
Thomas Huang
Jason Kirkably
Gail Smith
Cliff Smith
Edward Freelander
Sally Quinnell
Tumpa Rahman
Rheuben Freelander
Lyn Santiago
Leigh Ninham
Mark Vine
Renee Estrella
Dianne Vidalla
Dennis Allsop
Merryn Allsop
Jennifer De Sousa
Hannah Miggins
David Ibric
Darcy Lound
George Stauffer
Garry Stanshell
John Browlee
Steve Goodwin
Matt Spalding
Edward Seulig
Mick O'Neil
Tilly O'Neil
Gary Cremming
Aaron Rule
Andrew Sekhar
Naoreen Chowdhury,
Kathryn Millar
Pikes Garcia
Tanya Bova
Azam Sarder
Foaad Abduralunan
Joanne Warwick
Lisa Steele
Julian Welfare
Blake Horcika
Chris Needs
Glenn Nightingale
Ian Fulton
Rajenda Balaretnaraja
Brian Hatton
Vicki Meadows
Linda Perrett
John McLoughlin
Sanjay Bedekar
Robyn Warren
Shirine Alroufaii
That this House:
(1) notes the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach is an evidence-based, best practice approach to early childhood intervention for children aged zero to six years with developmental delay or disability, and there have been some challenges with rolling out the ECEI approach;
(2) welcomes the Government's announcement to reduce delays and backlogs in delivering early childhood early intervention supports through the NDIS; and
(3) notes that:
(a) a six-month recovery plan to be implemented by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will include working with ECEI partners to secure additional resources to ensure children are able to receive early childhood supports in a more timely manner;
(b) the NDIA will provide a standardised interim six-month plan for children who have been found eligible for the NDIS, but who are experiencing significant waiting periods for a plan (that is, where the period between an access decision and getting a plan is greater than 50 days) and that these interim plans will be replaced by a full NDIS plan no later than six months after being issued;
(c) new participants who are not categorised as complex and who are not transferring from an existing Commonwealth, state or territory disability program will be given a standardised interim plan for $10,000;
(d) participants who are transferring from an existing Commonwealth, state or territory disability program, their interim NDIS plan and funding package will reflect their existing support levels, however, if that amount is lower than $10,000 they will also receive the $10,000 standardised interim plan for up to six months; and
(e) participants with complex support needs, will immediately be streamed to an NDIA early childhood specialist to develop their plan and appropriate funding package.
Disability advocates say the Morrison government’s new plan to reduce lengthy delays in the national disability insurance scheme should only be a stopgap measure.
We had spent all our savings and everything we could spare on reports and therapies. We had run out of money and had to cancel Sophie's speech therapy and preschool days.
The part that has been hugely frustrating is that they didn't give me the correct information or explain the steps clearly when I first called in February. Now I have received the official brochure and the first step in it says "call the NDIA to complete an access request form over the phone" but, back in February, I called two centres and both told me "No".
That this House:
(1) notes that Vision Australia's radio broadcast is at risk of ending at the end of 2019 due to a lack of funding;
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) this organisation is receiving some Government funding, but more is needed to cover running costs; and
(b) 700,000 listeners tune into Vision Australia Radio each year and that there are around 800 volunteers across 10 stations in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and regional Victoria;
(3) recognises that due to changes in the funding received by disability support organisations following the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Vision Australia needs to secure an extra $700,000 per year to ensure the future of the service;
(4) believes the Government can play a vital role in ensuring people with a print disability can remain informed and connected to their local community; and
(5) calls on the Government to provide greater funding support to Vision Australia to continue their radio service.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) according to IDCARE, in 2019 they will provide support to over 50,000 Australians and New Zealanders who have experienced identity takeover, cybercrimes, scams and cyber bullying;
(b) in 2018-19, IDCARE's call centre provided approximately 53,400 hours of specialist identity and cyber security counselling support to Australian residents; and
(c) Australia is being targeted by international organised crime and we need a strong approach to educating people on how they can protect themselves;
(2) recognises the commitment by the Government to prioritise cyber security initiatives as part of the Cyber Security Strategy 2016 and the Action Plan that outlines the steps the Government will take to achieve Australia's cybersecurity goals by 2020; and
(3) acknowledges the need for continued investment, support and education to protect Australians from being victims of international organised crime.
That this House:
(1) congratulates the Government on its commitment to establish a Commonwealth Integrity Commission to investigate and prevent corruption in the public sector;
(2) congratulates the Opposition on its commitment to establish a National Integrity Commission to investigate and prevent corruption in the public sector;
(3) notes the major and significant contribution that a robust and well-functioning integrity commission can make to sustain and reinforce public confidence in the integrity of Australia's democratic government, parliament, and public service; and to help control corruption generally in Australia, in line with our international obligations;
(4) notes that to achieve these objectives, the design and implementation of a robust integrity commission should include:
(a) a broad jurisdiction to investigate and help prevent any serious or systematic abuse of entrusted power for private or political gain ('corruption') at the Commonwealth level, including but not limited to criminal offences;
(b) the ability to self-initiate investigations;
(c) the ability to receive, investigate or refer information about corruption from any person, including directly from Commonwealth staff or other whistleblowers;
(d) improved measures for the protection of whistleblowers in the Commonwealth public sector and more generally;
(e) the ability to hold public hearings for investigative purposes, for any corruption concerns within jurisdiction, where in the public interest to do so;
(f) the other powers needed for effective investigation, including to question people, compel the production of documents, seek warrants to enter and search premises, make public reports including findings of fact and recommendations, and refer matters to relevant prosecutors;
(g) the power and responsibility to properly coordinate the Commonwealth's role in a national anti‑corruption plan, working with state and territory agencies, other regulatory agencies for the private sector, and civil society;
(h) the power and responsibility to lead comprehensive corruption prevention policies and procedures across the Commonwealth public sector, procurement and service delivery;
(i) full jurisdiction over Commonwealth parliamentarians and their staff;
(j) the creation of the commissioner(s) as an independent officer of the Commonwealth Parliament, appointed by and reporting to a bipartisan joint standing committee of the parliament, and only terminable on address from the parliament for proven misbehaviour or incapacity; and
(k) sufficiently well-resourced funds and personnel; and
(5) calls on the Government to work towards implementing an integrity commission that adheres to these key principles.