The SPEAKER ( Hon. Tony Smith ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Disclosure of Political Donations) Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
Social Media (Basic Expectations and Defamation) Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
It's not an unknown world—but it is a bit of a scary world—where people can share whatever they like and it's only by going through legal cases that things can change.
Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Stop the Lies) Bill 2021
Coal Prohibition (Quit Coal) Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
Privacy (COVID Check-in Data) Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
The OAIC considers that personal information collected for contact-tracing purposes should not be used for other purposes such as law enforcement or even direct marketing. Allowing personal information to be used for other purposes may undermine the effective and efficient contact-tracing system, for example, by discouraging individuals from giving accurate information.
… personal information is de-identified if the information is no longer about an identifiable individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable
Unsolicited Political Communications Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
Aged Care Amendment (Making Aged Care Fees Fairer) Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
The problem we often wonder (is) how they arrive with their exorbitant charges and on top of that the costs they add to the services they provide.
Protecting Pensioners from the Cashless Debit Card Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a second time.
We are seeking to put all income management onto the universal platform which is the cashless debit card.
The reason we haven't done it in the major cities is because we need to deal with the technology issue, which we are now close to resolving.
That this House:
(1) notes that 29 November 2021 is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People as declared by the United Nations in 1977;
(2) recognises the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self determination and a future built on peace, dignity, justice and security;
(3) acknowledges the obstacles to the ongoing peace process, particularly the need for urgent action on issues such as settlements, Jerusalem, the Gaza blockade and the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories;
(4) further recognises that the ongoing humanitarian situation in Palestine is far-reaching, with many in the Australian community affected by this ongoing conflict; and
(5) calls on the Government to ensure Australia is working constructively to support security and human rights in Palestine, in advance of a just and enduring two-state solution in the Middle East.
(1) notes:
(a) last week, the Morrison-Joyce government voted down a privileges motion given precedence by the Speaker for the first time since Federation;
(b) media reports that "Liberal backbenchers were completely horrified" by that vote, which protected the Member for Pearce from having to disclose the sources of donations;
(c) this renders the Register of Members' Interests completely meaningless; and
(d) those same backbenchers now have the chance to put things right and restore basic standards of transparency and integrity to this Parliament;
(2) provides leave for the Manager of Opposition Business to once again move a motion to refer the Member for Pearce to the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests.
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the Manager of Opposition Business from moving the following motion immediately:
(1) notes:
(a) last week, the Morrison-Joyce government voted down a privileges motion given precedence by the Speaker for the first time since Federation;
(b) media reports that "Liberal backbenchers were completely horrified" by that vote, which protected the Member for Pearce from having to disclose the sources of donations;
(c) this renders the Register of Members' Interests completely meaningless; and
(d) those same backbenchers now have the chance to put things right and restore basic standards of transparency and integrity to this Parliament;
(2) provides leave for the Manager of Opposition Business to once again move a motion to refer the Member for Pearce to the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests.
That the Member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [12:07]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
That the Member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [12:12]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
The House divided. [12:14]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
Customs Amendment (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2021
Customs Tariff Amendment (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Implementation) Bill 2021
Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response—Better Advice) Bill 2021
Joint Select Committee on Australia's Family Law System;
Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme;
Joint Standing Committee on the National Broadband Network; and
Joint Select Committee on Road Safety; and
that Senator Sheldon had been appointed a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
That:
(1) Ms Flint be appointed a member of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit;
(2) Mr Irons be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training and the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources;
(3) Mr Hamilton be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Economics; and
(4) Mr Alexander be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy.
Question agreed to.
That this bill be now read a second time.
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:
(1) notes the importance of rights protection for hosting major sporting events, and supports the changes in this bill to protect the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 from ambush marketing; and
(2) calls on the Government to further support Australia's ability to host international sporting events by implementing an effective national quarantine system to ensure COVID-safe travel for sports teams and officials".
(2) calls on the Government to further support Australia's ability to host international sporting events by implementing an effective national quarantine system to ensure COVID-safe travel for sports teams and officials".
The idea that … vaccine mandates are needed to create safe workplaces is a complete lie.
… it doesn't protect you against catching the disease and it doesn't protect you against passing it on.
My name is Dipika Choudhury. I'm 16 years old and go to Perth Modern School which is in the electorate of Curtin.
Every morning, 4 out of 10 Australians wake up and look in the mirror feeling unsatisfied with their looks. Particularly today with social media being paramount, many young people, myself included, often feel pressured to look a certain way and fit into increasingly unrealistic beauty standards that are portrayed by the media.
In a time where the isolation felt by many due to COVID-19 restrictions is already damaging people's mental wellbeing, we cannot afford to lose young people to their internal conflicts regarding their appearances.
In 20 years, I aspire for Australia to be a frontrunner in the international quest to help those struggling with insecurities. Whilst it may seem like an impossible task, I believe if we ourselves seek small change, it is achievable.
A kind caring voice can be all it takes to slice through a person's mental torment. So, I would like to encourage everyone to compliment those around them, because as Mother Theresa once said, 'kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless'.
In 20 years I hope the endless echoes of compassionate Australians will create a society where we can live free of anxiety.
Although the wording of the Regulations would permit an argument about the effects of violence on children the Australian courts have so strictly interpreted these Regulations that violence has not been treated as relevant.
Each box represents a portfolio. Cabinet Ministers are shown in bold type. As a general rule, there is one department in each portfolio. However, there can be two departments in one portfolio. The title of a department does not necessarily reflect the title of a Minister in all cases. Ministers are sworn to administer the portfolio in which they are listed under the 'Minister' column and may also be sworn to administer other portfolios in which they are not listed. Assistant Ministers in italics are designated as Parliamentary Secretaries under the Ministers of State Act 1952 .
We have some of the best renewable resources anywhere on the planet. Those renewable energy resources can be used to create heavy industry, used to support things like green aluminium and green steel and provide the world's energy needs in—
…future.
We need an education system that provides both intellectual rigour and respect for our traditions. It is the foundation of a civilised social order.
In my view, the condemnation of this country has gone too far.
Australia's been a remarkably successful democracy and that's something that we should teach kids to be proud about.
That the House of Representatives supports a legislated target of net zero emissions by 2050.
That so much as standing orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition moving the following motion immediately—
That the House of Representatives supports a legislated target of net zero emissions by 2050.
That the Member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [15:16]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
That the Member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [15:20]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
The House divided. [15:22]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
That this bill be now read a third time.
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 2) Bill 2021
We will need at least 17,000 more direct aged-care workers each year in the next decade just to meet basic standards of care.
My father is a tradesperson and ran a successful company for most of his working life. He started work after completing his national service and without a break he was still actively working part time at age 80. Surely he is entitled to live out the remainder of his life in the way that he chooses? Given the appropriate level of care then this should be possible. Sadly though this is not the case. As Dad's daughter I am his advocate. I am sure that he would not even be getting this level of support if I had not pursued this on his behalf.
Sadly, no one seems to have learnt a thing from the Royal Commission and the situation in the centre was too terrible and quite traumatic for my Mum.
I got to know some of the other residents while visiting my Mum, and they weren't as lucky as they had no one to stand up for them while they were being treated so dismally.
It would be great if there would be someone to stand up and make a change within the aged care community.
Our families' only concern is our parents care, motivation and well-being to improve their quality of life.
My main concern is the staffing to provide the highest quality of care that all residents deserve. On many occasions there are no staff at ward D our parents nursing station. Minimum staffing requirements are absolutely essential because without staff, workers become tired and stressed and can't provide the best outcomes for residents. My mother walked out of the facility recently and was luckily picked up by a good samaritan and dropped at a local hospital where I was then contacted. The door alarm would have been activated but no staff were in the ward to hear the alarm.
Also the quality of food is of concern, one evening I stayed with my parents for dinner. They were given a hamburger which they didn't eat and their meal didn't appeal to me either. Variety of healthy, tasty and appealing food is essential. There should be food control random inspections.
I consider my parents are in one of the better residences compared to what I have seen but there are always improvements that can be made.
1. MEDICATION INCIDENTS
There have been several incidents with medications. These have included:
• wrong medications being dispensed
• wrong medications being ingested
• medications being missed completely
• time critical medication not being dispensed in a timely manner after several requests by Dad to have his medication
2. BED LINEN NOT BEING CHANGED
3. PERSONAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NOT BEING PROPERLY CLEANED
4. URINE POURED DOWN VANITY SINK
5. ADVOCACY
• If Dad passes before Mum, there is no longer someone on-site to advocate on her behalf.
These may seem like small issues to some, but for people who have to live with these problems on a daily basis, it is simply not good enough.
Families are paying a lot of money for very average, and in some cases, below average care.
Minimum staffing numbers need to be set by governments. Care workers need to be more skilled. Care residents deserve to be heard and validated. Has anyone gone into Aged Care and actually spoken to the residents themselves? How about someone dignify them by asking THEM what needs to change?
The House divided. [17:59]
(The Speaker—Hon. Tony Smith)
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (at the end of the table), add:
(2) Schedule 1, page 10 (after line 4), after item 37, insert:
37A Subsection 44-21(2) (Care subsidy reduction calculator, step 4, paragraphs (a) and (b))
Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:
(a) the adjusted basic subsidy amount for the care recipient for the day (see subsection (6A));
(b) any primary supplement amounts for the care recipient for the day.
37B Subsection 44-21(2) (Care subsidy reduction calculator, step 5, paragraphs (a) and (b))
Repeal the paragraphs, substitute:
(a) the adjusted basic subsidy amount for the care recipient for the day (see subsection (6A));
(b) any primary supplement amounts for the care recipient for the day.
37C Subsection 44-21(3)
Omit all the words after " care subsidy reduction ", substitute:
for a day is the total of the following amounts:
(a) the adjusted basic subsidy amount for the care recipient for the day (see subsection (6A));
(b) any primary supplement amounts for the care recipient for the day.
37D After subsection 44-21(6)
Insert:
(6A) The adjusted basic subsidy amount for a care recipient for a day is an amount:
(a) determined by the Minister by legislative instrument; or
(b) worked out in accordance with a method determined by the Minister by legislative instrument.
(3) Schedule 1, items 40 and 41, page 10 (lines 11 to 25), omit the items.
(4) Schedule 1, item 71, page 14 (lines 22 to 25), omit the item, substitute:
71 Subsection 44-21(3) (Income tested reduction calculator, step 4, paragraph (c))
Repeal the paragraph (not including the note), substitute:
(c) the subsidy related amount for a care recipient for a day (see subsection (4)).
71A At the end of section 44-21
Add:
(4) The subsidy related amount for a care recipient for a day is the total of the following amounts:
(a) the adjusted basic subsidy amount for the care recipient for the day (see subsection (5));
(b) the amounts of any primary supplements worked out using Subdivision 44-C for the care recipient for the day;
less the amounts of any reductions in subsidy worked out using Subdivision 44-D for the care recipient for the day.
(5) The adjusted basic subsidy amount for a care recipient for a day is an amount:
(a) determined by the Minister by legislative instrument; or
(b) worked out in accordance with a method determined by the Minister by legislative instrument.
71B Paragraph 44-23(4)(b)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
(b) the subsidy related amount worked out under subsection 44-21(4) for the care recipient for that day.
(5) Schedule 1, items 80 and 81, page 16 (line 30) to page 17 (line 17), omit the items.
(6) Schedule 1, item 90, page 20 (after line 10), after paragraph (1)(c), insert:
(ca) section 44-21;
(7) Schedule 1, item 90, page 20 (line 24), omit paragraph (3)(f), substitute:
(f) section 44-21;
(fa) paragraph 44-23(4)(b);
(8) Schedule 1, page 25 (after line 15), after item 97, insert:
97A Saving — care subsidy reduction under the Aged Care Act
Despite the amendments of section 44-21 of the Aged Care Act made by the amending Part, that section, as in force immediately before the commencement day, continues to apply, on and after that day, in relation to a payment period that starts before that day.
97B Saving — daily income tested reduction under the Transitional Act
Despite the amendments of section 44-21 and paragraph 44-23(4)(b) of the Transitional Act made by the amending Part, those provisions, as in force immediately before the commencement day, continue to apply, on and after that day, in relation to a payment period that starts before that day.
(9) Schedule 1, items 99 and 100, page 25 (line 28) to page 26 (line 10), omit the items, substitute:
99 Application — maximum daily amount of resident fees on or after the commencement day under the Aged Care Act
Section 52C-5 of the Aged Care Act, as amended by the amending Part, applies in relation to a day that is on or after the commencement day.
100 Saving — maximum daily amount of resident fees for a day that is before the commencement day under the Aged Care Act
Despite the amendment of section 52C-5 of the Aged Care Act made by the amending Part, that section, as in force immediately before the commencement day, continues to apply, on and after that day, in relation to a day that is before the commencement day.
(10) Schedule 5, item 16, page 71 (lines 8 to 24), omit subsections 63-1D(3) and (4), substitute:
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply in relation to an approved provider at a particular time if both of the following apply at that time:
(a) the *governing body of the provider has fewer than 5 members;
(b) the provider provides *aged care through one or more *aged care services to fewer than 40 care recipients.
(4) Paragraph (2)(a) or (b) does not apply in relation to an approved provider at a particular time if a determination under section 63-1E that the responsibility set out in that paragraph does not apply in relation to the provider is in force at that time.
(11) Schedule 8, item 49, page 112 (line 15), omit "subsections (3) and (4)", substitute "subsection (4)".
(12) Schedule 8, item 49, page 112 (lines 25 to 29), omit all the words from and including "anyone" to the end of subsection 161(3), substitute "a member of the Pricing Authority".
(13) Schedule 8, item 124, page 137 (line 9), omit "subsection 161(3) of the National Health Reform Act 2011 ", substitute "subsection 161(1) or (2) of theNational Health Reform Act 2011 (other than a member of the Pricing Authority (within the meaning of that Act))".
(14) Page 145 (after line 5), at the end of the Bill, add:
Schedule 9 — Restrictive practices
Aged Care Act 1997
1 After subsection 54-10(1)
Insert:
(1A) The Quality of Care Principles made for the purposes of paragraph 54-1(1)(f) may make provision for, or in relation to, the persons or bodies who may give informed consent to the use of a *restrictive practice in relation to a care recipient if the care recipient lacks capacity to give that consent.
2 Subsection 54-10(3)
After "Subsections (1)", insert ", (1A)".
3 At the end of Division 54
Add:
54-11 Immunity from civil or criminal liability in relation to the use of a restrictive practice in certain circumstances
(1) This section applies if:
(a) an approved provider provides aged care of a kind specified in the Quality of Care Principles made for the purposes of paragraph 54-1(1)(f) to a care recipient; and
(b) a *restrictive practice is used in relation to the care recipient; and
(c) the care recipient lacked capacity to give informed consent to the use of the restrictive practice.
(2) A *protected entity is not subject to any civil or criminal liability for, or in relation to, the use of the *restrictive practice in relation to the care recipient if:
(a) informed consent to the use of the restrictive practice was given by a person or body specified in the Quality of Care Principles made for the purposes of this paragraph; and
(b) the restrictive practice was used in the circumstances set out in the Quality of Care Principles made for the purposes of paragraph 54-1(1)(f).
(3) Each of the following is a protected entity :
(a) the approved provider referred to in paragraph (1)(a);
(b) an individual who used, or assisted in the use of, the *restrictive practice in relation to the care recipient referred to in that paragraph.
4 Clause 1 of Schedule 1
Insert:
protected entity has the meaning given by subsection 54-11(3).
That this bill be now read a third time.
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Remote Engagement Program) Bill 2021
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:
(1) notes:
(a) the proposed pilot remote engagement program is intended to replace the current remote employment program, the Community Development Program (CDP);
(b) the Government are the architects of the current failed CDP and the bill again delays long-overdue changes to this program;
(c) concerns this bill could entrench a welfare model, rather than job creation, economic development and self-determination; and
(d) this bill does not address fundamental issues in remote Australia such as housing and essential services; and
(2) calls on the Government to adopt Labor's policy of a remote employment program with real jobs, proper wages with full conditions, and meaningful community control".
The death penalty sanctions the deliberate annihilation of life. As I have previously said it
"is the ultimate and the most incomparably extreme form of punishment … involving … the planned and calculated termination of life itself; the destruction of the greatest and most precious gift which is bestowed on all humankind".
The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Rob Mitchell) took the chair at 10:30.
Australia needs to be well harnessed for our future mainly when we are seeing enhanced technology being released every year from phones to air conditioners.
I would love to see big retailers manufacture technology in Australia it will boost our economy and our job growth and also we will need to embrace and create new master piece technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology in Australian industries, and reduce emissions to maintain a globally competitive equal quality lifestyle for our citizens.
With the nations population expected to rise we need to stand shoulder to shoulder and boost infrastructure and services to help create more growth and strengthen our economy.
If this is looked upon it could result in a financially well harnessed and highly-skilled dynamical enhanced Australian future.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) Australia has a severe timber shortage;
(b) a report by the Master Builders Association and the Australian Forest Products Association concludes Australia is heading towards a deficit of 250,000 house frames by 2035;
(c) the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment states numerous studies show the need for 400,000 hectares of new plantations over the next decade to meet Australia's demand for timber;
(d) data from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences reveals there are only 2,750 hectares of new plantations of softwood;
(e) the Government first promised to expand Australia's timber plantations by 1 billion trees in 2018; and
(f) answers to questions in the Senate reveal the concessional loan program set up to help meet the 1 billion trees target is yet to even open after the Government promised $500 million before the last election;
(2) acknowledges the impact the timber shortage is having on the construction and forestry industries and those Australians undertaking building and do-it-yourself projects; and
(3) conveys its disappointment that the Government has failed to do the necessary work for Australia to have sovereign capability to provide softwood and to grow jobs across the forestry and construction sectors.
… a sustainable forest management strategy aimed at maintaining or increasing forest carbon stocks, while producing an annual sustained yield of timber, fibre or energy from the forest, will generate the largest sustained mitigation benefit.
Parkside has come to Western Australia and made significant investments because it had confidence that this government supports the ongoing native forest industry. For the member to say that we are undermining confidence is simply not true.
That this House:
(1) recognises the critical work of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in safeguarding Australia's security and national interests;
(2) notes that ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess recently observed that 'Australia's threat environment is complex, challenging and changing';
(3) commends the Government for providing $1.3 billion over ten years in the 2021-22 Budget to help further improve ASIO's capabilities; and
(4) thanks the men and women who work in ASIO and our other national security agencies for their dedication to keeping Australians safe from a range of threats and to protecting our national sovereignty.
In suburbs around Australia, small cells regularly meet to salute Nazi flags, inspect weapons, train in combat and share their hateful ideology.
Violent extremist narratives … particularly appeal to teenagers, and may resonate with some minors' feelings of alienation, unease about the future and mistrust of adults.
The extremists are security conscious and adapt their security posture to avoid attention. In their online forums and chat rooms, they show that they're savvy when it comes to operating at the limits of what is legal and discuss ways to 'beat the system' in what they say and do.
ASIO anticipates that the threat from this form of extremism will not diminish anytime soon—and may well grow.
Based on current trends, we anticipate that espionage and foreign interference will supplant terrorism as Australia's principal security concern over the next five years.
… espionage and foreign interference attempts by multiple countries remain unacceptably high.
These attempts occur on a daily basis. They are sophisticated and wide-ranging. They are enabled and accelerated by technology.
Australia's threat environment is complex, challenging and changing. In terms of threat to life, terrorism threat level remains at probable and unfortunately will do so for the foreseeable future. Right now ASIO is aware of multiple religiously motivated violent extremists who want to kill Australians.
At the same time our investigations in ideologically motivated violent extremism such as racists and nationalists are approaching 50 per cent of our priority counterterrorism onshore caseload.
We stand here, together, in the Indo-Pacific region, a region that we wish to be always be free from coercion, where the sovereign rights of all nations are respected and where disputes are settled peacefully and [in]accordance with international law.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) Australia's social security system is a proud Labor legacy;
(b) social security payments provide economic stability, fostering smooth transitions during times of economic uncertainty; and
(c) Centrelink has provided critical support to many Australians over the course of the pandemic;
(2) recognises that:
(a) the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder for all governments about the importance of robust local public services;
(b) there are many people who do not have internet and rely on local Centrelink branch access to conduct their Centrelink business;
(c) the closure of face-to-face Centrelink services will force many vulnerable Australians, carers, people with disability and students to travel excessive lengths to access the services they need;
(d) many people who rely upon Centrelink services live well below the poverty line and have zero capacity to pay more for travel or parking; and
(e) the Government's secret plan to close or reduce access to Centrelink shopfronts across Australia is unconscionable; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) terminate any plans to consolidate, close or reduce access to the Mornington, Newcastle, Tweed Heads, Yarra and Abbotsford Centrelink offices once and for all;
(b) cease the impending closure of the face-to-face Centrelink service in Braddon; and
(c) reinstate all Centrelink shopfronts which have been closed in the last two years, including the services located in Benalla and Newport, Victoria.
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) a number of Australian businesses have been impacted by cyber-attacks including by ransomware in 2021; and
(b) ransomware is a common and dangerous type of malware employed by cyber-criminals that can affect both individuals and organisations, and cause severe damage to reputation, and business bottom lines;
(2) records its concern at the impact and frequency of cyber-attacks on Australian individuals and businesses;
(3) further notes the significant investment by the Government of $15 billion in cyber and defence capabilities, including $1.35 billion through the Australian Signals Directorate/Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), to keep Australians safe online;
(4) recognises the important work done by the ACSC providing advice and technical support to individuals and businesses affected by cyber incidents;
(5) urges all Australians to implement good cyber hygiene measures across their home and business networks; and
(6) encourages all Australians to visit cyber.gov.au and take the steps to protect themselves, their businesses, their families, and Australia's digital sovereignty.
We know that this threat is imminent. We've seen it playing out in the United States over the preceding months. If the Morrison government fails to act to get the word out on this issue now, then the consequences of these attacks in Australia for our nation will be on the government's head.
"What I don't want to do is end up putting the cart before the horse effectively, and moving directly to 'this is a mandatory reporting of ransomware' …"
"What is your definition of gender equality?"
Well mine is having equal rights and the same opportunities no matter what gender you are.
I am a girl and I have faced multiple setbacks in life just because of my gender. At a young age, different people have told me that I can't do specific things because I am a girl. I've realised that this sort of discrimination can happen anywhere. Work, school, anywhere you name.
My experiences are proof that gender inequality starts at a young age, meaning it has a profound influence on how you experience and approach life. When doing group work in primary school, my confidence and sincere efforts often meant I was being called "bossy" and "selfish". However, when a boy took the lead, people thanked and respected them. In saying this, I want people to understand that it's not their fault this happens – it's a disturbing societal problem where people are treated differently for reasons they cannot control.
My name is Brydie, and I'm a proud 18-year-old Wiradjuri woman currently living and studying on Bidjigal land in the Kingsford Smith electorate.
When I think of what I want Australia to look like in the next 20 years, I am immediately reminded of the words of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, specifically the line 'When we have power over our destiny, our children will flourish. They will walk in two worlds and their culture will be a gift to their country.'
This reflects a hope for a future we all share: that we will leave our country in a better place for our children and the generations that follow.
The youth of this country, especially First Nations youth, deserve a future based on justice and self-determination.
We deserve a say on the issues that affect us and for our voices to be taken seriously. We deserve the future our ancestors fought for.
I think of a future where First Nations voices are heard, of my children learning about the true history of this country, and how we all address the issues currently affecting First Nations peoples today.
First Nations youth deserve a future that allows us to take our rightful place in this country, one where we are valued, our culture is respected and our voices heard.
Support for the Uluru statement is clear. Walk with us to ensure this future becomes a reality.
The Green Connect farm was built by the community for the community to create jobs, reduce waste and grow fair food, and is now being highlighted at a global level as an example of best practice in sustainable development.
It is unequivocal that adequate protection and support is provided to young people fleeing domestic violence. No person should be punished for fleeing their abuser by becoming homeless.
We must break the intergenerational cycles of abuse and trauma that have become an everyday reality for so many and replace this with opportunities and an optimistic future for survivors.
One woman is killed every 9 days by a partner. So why do women still lack access to adequate domestic violence support services?
In 2020, the number of police recorded victims of family and domestic violence related sexual assault increased by 13%.
This national crisis is detrimental to community wellbeing and has been going on for too long, disproportionately affecting women and those with a disability or ATSI background.
In 20 years, I hope to see Australia as a place where everyone lives a life of safety and security, where justice is ensured for survivors and where the duty to protect our citizens from violence is upheld.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) asylum seekers are still being held in alternative places of detention, such as hotels, in Australia;
(b) many of these individuals have now been detained for over eight years and have suffered significant psychological harm as result of their prolonged and indefinite detention;
(c) this program costs taxpayers tens of millions of dollars each year and continues despite:
(i) the impact on the physical and mental health of detainees; and
(ii) repeated offers to resettle asylum seekers from New Zealand; and
(d) the Minister for Home Affairs acknowledged in comments on 21 January 2021 that 'it's cheaper for people to be in the community than it is to be at a hotel or for us to be paying for them to be in detention and if they're demonstrated not to be a threat';
(2) applauds the significant contribution migrants and asylum seekers make to our economy, our democracy, and our vibrant, multicultural community; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) address the issue of the indefinite detention of asylum seekers in hotels in Australia;
(b) honour the Minister for Home Affairs' previous comments and ensure that Australians will no longer see an expensive and cruel program of indefinite detention inflicted on people in our care; and
(c) immediately release Priya, Nades, Kopika and Tharaunicaa from detention on Christmas Island and allow them to return to their home in Biloela, Queensland to the community who loves and supports them, and wants them home.
I want to ensure that those who seek a better life in our country are warmly welcomed and made at home, that they are given the same opportunities as all Australians to aspire to a better life.
That this House:
(1) recognises the Government's commitment to ensuring there is a strong, skilled and sustainable National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) workforce by launching the NDIS National Workforce Plan;
(2) acknowledges that the disability workforce will require an additional 83,000 workers over the next few years to strengthen the responsiveness, quality and capability of the NDIS workforce and complements other Government reforms to build a simpler, fairer, faster and more flexible NDIS; and
(3) recognises the Government's 2021-22 budget investment of $12.3 million in the Care and Support Workforce Package over the next two years to cut red tape and promote regulatory alignment across the aged care, disability and veterans' care sectors.
That this House notes that:
(1) dementia is the leading cause of death of women in Australia;
(2) over 42,000 Western Australians are living with dementia and some 242 new diagnoses are made each day;
(3) 472,000 Australians live with dementia and almost 1.6 million people are involved in their care;
(4) it is expected that the number of people living with dementia in Australia is likely to increase to over 1 million by 2058;
(5) we all have a role to play in building dementia-friendly communities such as the initiative of the Memory Cafe in Cambridge;
(6) Western Australians are fortunate to be served by Alzheimer's WA which was founded 40 years ago in Inglewood and has just opened their new base in Subiaco; and
(7) the 42,000 Western Australians suffering from dementia deserve local, well-funded care, support and research.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) on average, 2.5 million containers, 122,000 air and sea vessels, 22 million passengers and 144 million mail items arrive in Australia each year;
(b) around 35,000 pest and disease border detections are recorded across biosecurity regulated pathways each year; and
(c) the global and regional spread of pests and diseases is accelerating and trade volumes are growing; and
(2) further notes that:
(a) Australia has one of the most robust and effective biosecurity systems in the world, which is essential to keeping our nation safe from exotic pests and diseases;
(b) a strong biosecurity system protects and empowers Australia's reputation as a clean and green producer of food and fibre, ensuring primary producers can maintain their production levels and attain premiums for their product in our international export markets; and
(c) the agricultural industry's ambitious goal of $100 billion by 2030 is only attainable through substantial continued investment in biosecurity;
(3) acknowledges and welcomes the Government's history of investment in biosecurity, which saw investment in biosecurity and export services increase from $630 million in 2014-15 to a record 1 billion in 2021-22; and
(4) welcomes the additional $400 million in new funding announced through the 2021-22 budget to further expand biosecurity systems and safeguard Australian agriculture and our environment from exotic pests and diseases.