The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 14 November 2023.
2. The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 14 November 2023, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 27 November 2023, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION
Australian Parliamentary Delegation — United States of America
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made — all statements to conclude by 10.20 am.
Speech time limits —
Mr J Wilson — 5minutes.
Next Member speaking — 5minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MS TINK: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Migration Act 1958 , and for related purposes. (Migration Amendment (Limits on Immigration Detention) Bill 2023 )
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
2 MR COLEMAN: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Online Safety Act 2021 , and for related purposes. (Online Safety Amendment (Protecting Australian Children from Online Harm) Bill 2023 )
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
3 MS CLAYDON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 25 November 2023 marks the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, beginning 16 days of activism against gender-based violence;
(b) in Australia, it has been publicly reported that approximately 47 women have been killed by acts of violence as of 9 November this year;
(c) one in three Australian women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by a man since the age of 15; and
(d) violence affects women of every age, from every cultural background, with different jobs and levels of education or income, living in different areas and leading different lives;
(2) commends the work of the family, domestic and sexual violence sector, which is delivering vital services to women, children and men;
(3) further notes that the Government is taking immediate and practical steps to prevent violence against women by:
(a) investing a record $2.3 billion in this area;
(b) launching the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032;
(c) establishing a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander action plan;
(d) establishing six ambitious targets to hold all governments to account for progress under the national plan;
(e) reducing the time it takes victim-survivors to access the Escaping Violence Payment;
(f) securing funding for states and territories to deliver frontline services;
(g) increasing support for temporary visa holders experiencing violence from $3,000 to $5,000;
(h) legislating ten paid days of family and domestic violence leave for all employees, including casuals; and
(i) making the family law system simpler and safer for people fleeing family violence; and
(4) acknowledges that there is still more work to done to end violence against women and children, but the Government is committed to ending this scourge within a generation.
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Claydon — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.
4 MS DANIEL: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) violence against women is a national emergency;
(b) in October 2023, six women in Australia were killed within a fortnight, five allegedly by men known to them;
(c) approximately one Australian woman is killed every nine days by a male intimate partner;
(d) Aboriginal women are 11 times more likely to die from family violence than non-Aboriginal women;
(e) intimate partner violence is the biggest preventable threat to the health, wellbeing and safety of Australian women; and
(f) eliminating family violence requires national leadership, coordination and investment to build the evidence base needed to identify definitive points of intervention to prevent violence and change perpetrator behaviour;
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) Australia currently has no national toll recording fatal violence against women and children;
(b) Australia currently has no funded national reporting mechanism dedicated to the detailed reporting of femicide, and the killing of children; and
(c) tolls are an effective tool for prevention and awareness; and
(3) calls on the Government to establish The Australian Family Homicide Index to generate the evidence required to inform new and improved responses to family violence and help save lives.
(Notice given 13 November 2023.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Daniel — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
5 MR VAN MANEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that the cost of living keeps going up under the Prime Minister and Treasurer, and since this Government took office:
(a) food and grocery prices are up by 8.2 per cent;
(b) housing prices are up by 10.4 per cent;
(c) insurance is up by 17 .3 per cent;
(d) electricity is up by 18.2 per cent;
(e) gas is up by 28 per cent; and
(f) interest rates have increased 12 times;
(2) recognises it has not been easy under the Government since their election in May 2022;
(3) acknowledges that the Government has no plan to address spiralling costs and bring down inflation; and
(4) calls on the Government to deliver real cost of living relief to the Australian people.
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Mr van Manen — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR THOMPSON: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) Australia's 370,000 first responders are the brave individuals on the frontline tackling compounding and cascading disasters, risking their lives to safeguard communities and property;
(b) the work of first responders is a service to our nation and we honour it, and that some experiences can be distressing, traumatic and dangerous;
(c) it is crucial to provide ongoing, comprehensive national support and enhance the resilience and capability of first responders, especially during and immediately after the current severe bushfire season; and
(d) Fortem Australia is the leading provider of this support for first responders nationwide, providing effective care to 15,000 unique first responders and their families across the nation, including 37,000 wellbeing activity registrations and delivery of over 6,100 clinical psychology sessions;
(2) notes the Government's delay in confirming additional continued funding for this important work to continue beyond March 2024, resulting in significant uncertainty and a risk that Fortem Australia will need to begin to scale down its operations from November 2023; and
(3) urgently calls upon the Government to announce continued funding for Fortem Australia prior to the commencement of the upcoming summer bushfire period, ensuring that first responders know where to tum in their time of need, and ensuring the seamless delivery of nation-leading support to these dedicated individuals.
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Thompson — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
2 DR FREELANDER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes the:
(a) increasing importance of research in the field of genetics in advancing our understanding of better treatments and healthcare policy for the betterment of patients; and
(b) opportunities provided by genetic research and that the findings from life-changing treatments should be regarded as ways and means to provide targeted treatments for patients suffering from disorders such as epilepsy, auto-immune diseases, cancers, heart disease and many others;
(2) acknowledges:
(a) with the rush of new information and understanding of genetic treatments, comes the responsibility to protect the privacy of individuals from being exploited by third parties;
(b) the are imperative in protecting the field of genetics from exploitation and limiting the risk of patient records and disorders being used in discriminatory manners by third parties, such as the life insurance industry, whose current ability to use genetic test results in assessing applications and claims has led to great frustration and should be stopped; and
(c) this concern with privacy must not damage research in the genetics field and the benefits that advances in treatments provide, however, it is in the interest of this field that individuals are not discouraged from sharing information of their disorders; and
(3) calls on Commonwealth, state and territory governments to work towards legislation that will restrict third party access to genetic information and ensure that the only party able to choose when and how to disclose genetic information is the individual themselves.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Dr Freelander — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 MR FLETCHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) the release of Services Australia's 2022-23 annual report, which confirmed that customer satisfaction and other key performance measures went backwards;
(b) that Services Australia has become a basket case under the current Government, with sky-rocketing call and claims processing wait times; and
(c) that the under performing Minister for Government Services reduced Services Australia's average staffing levels in the 2023-24 budget and decreased funding for technology and transformation;
(2) acknowledges the work of the former Government in ensuring service delivery was seamless, simple and safe, with a strong emphasis on digital uplift; and
(3) calls on the Government to help get Services Australia back on track by launching a root and branch review into the embattled agency.
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Fletcher — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MR GEORGANAS: To move:
That this House:
(1) recognises that the Government's commitment to a Future Made in Australia includes pathways and access to the jobs of the future;
(2) acknowledges the Government's commitment to reach 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030 and ensure Australians are equipped with the skills needed for these jobs through;
(a) the delivery of over 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE places in 2023, including in the priority areas of technology and digital, and an additional 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE places to be made available from next year;
(b) its implementation of a Digital and Tech Skills Compact to help workers earn while they learn in entry leave tech roles;
(c) a diversity in STEM review to deliver a more diverse and representative STEM workforce for Australians from all walks of life;
(d) delivering Australia's first National Quantum Strategy;
(e) supporting the safe, inclusive uptake of technologies like artificial intelligence that reflect community interests; and
(3) notes the Government is committed to transforming Australian industry through:
(a) the $1.5 billion National Reconstruction Fund that will help Australia capture new, high value market opportunities; and
(b) the $392 million Industry Growth Program to support Australian small and medium enterprises to commercialise their ideas and grow their businesses.
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Georganas — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
5 MS STEGGALL: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) small businesses are the backbone of our economy, making up 97.5 per cent of all businesses in Australia;
(b) these 2.5 million small businesses include cafes, newsagencies, hairdressers, builders and start-ups, all improving the way we live and work and contributing to Australia's low unemployment rate;
(c) many small businesses are facing the perfect storm of increased debt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing interest rates, ongoing inflation and resulting decrease in consumer spending, labour shortages, reducing consumer confidence as well as the critical challenges of substantial industrial relations reform, cybersecurity, technological advancements and changes in the workforce;
(d) small businesses were significantly impacted by the recent Optus outage, costing some small businesses up to $10,000;
(e) that we must proactively support small businesses in adapting, innovating and maintaining productivity to survive these pressures; and
(2) calls on Government to:
(a) deliver immediate relief for energy costs;
(b) amend the Treasury Laws Amendment (Support for Small Business and Charities and Other Measures) Bill 2023 to:
(i) increase the amount and extend the period for the small business instant asset write off; and
(ii) increase the amount and extend the period for the small business energy initiative;
(c) ensure that any legislative changes to PayDay superannuation do not disproportionately impact small business and that measures are taken to improve cash flow for businesses to offset the impact of PayDay reform from 2023;
(d) take necessary steps to allow the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman to compel Optus to compensate small businesses for the November 2023 Optus mobile and broadband outage;
(e) implement a comprehensive tax system review over the longer term that specifically focuses on:
(i) simplifying small business and taxation reporting requirements;
(ii) investigating the potential to reduce tax for small businesses or afford them the same advantages as those offered to all corporations in the economy (for example, the concessions to fossil fuel companies under the Petroleum Rent Resource Tax); and
(iii) considers the potential for tax credits for small business including for the payment of Domestic Violence leave; and
(f) deliver a small business strategy, agreed by National Cabinet, to ensure all levels of government are working to reduce the burden on small business and acting to cut regulation to ensure the sustainability of small businesses around Australia.
(Notice given 14 November 2023.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Ms Steggall — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices — continued
6 MR R MITCHELL: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges 2023 as the centenary of the Republic of Turkiye and congratulates the people of Turkiye on this significant milestone for their nation;
(2) remembers with respect the founder of the Republic and commander of Turkish forces at Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and his unprecedented efforts to heal the wounds of ANZAC mothers, paving the way for our two nations to become friends from foes in less than a decade; and
(3) recognises the sons and daughters of Turkiye who have since made their home in Australia and the contribution they have made to building our nation.
(Notice given 13 November 2023.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr R Mitchell — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
7 MR HAMILTON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes the increase in youth crime across Queensland;
(2) acknowledges the increase in digital material featuring criminal activity by young offenders for the purpose of gaining notoriety;
(3) further notes the impact on victims of crime, as a result of such material being posted online and elsewhere, which demeans victims and flaunts a blatant disregard for the law and policing agencies;
(4) further acknowledges that digital platforms and online content depicting criminal activity material are being used as a tool to attract young people into criminal behaviour;
(5) notes the important role of the eSafety Commissioner as an independent regulator helping to safeguard young Australians at risk from online harms; and
(6) calls on the Government to:
(a) enhance protections of children and young people online, from digital content that depicts criminal activity material and prevent them from a life of crime; and
(b) protect victims of crime by empowering the eSafety Commissioner to explicitly handle online content of criminal activity material in a similar way to how cyber-bullying and cyber-abuse material is treated.
(Notice given 13 November 2023.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Hamilton — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
8 MR PERRETT: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the recent United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decision not to list the Great Barrier Reef as in danger;
(2) notes that the Government is tackling climate change and protection of the Great Barrier Reef to make a real difference, including action that has:
(a) invested a record $1.2 billion in the reef;
(b) legislated to reach net zero, with a 43 per cent emissions reduction target in 2035, and committed to reaching 82 per cent renewable energy supply by 2030;
(c) invested $150 million to improve water quality through projects such as revegetation, grazing management and engineering work like gully stabilisation;
(d) with the Queensland Government, announced the phase-out of gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with a $160 million package;
(e) rejected a coal mine that could have direct impacts on the reef;
(f) engaged more Indigenous rangers to manage sea country, including combatting crown of thorns starfish outbreaks, marine plastics and ghost nets;
(g) withdrawn federal funding for dams that would have had a detrimental impact on reef water quality;
(h) invested an extra $163.4 million in the May 2023 budget to guarantee the future of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, doubling funding for reef science; and
(i) committed to rewriting Australia's broken environmental laws; and
(3) confirms that UNESCO's decision makes clear that Australia's environmental policies have fundamentally changed under this Government and changed for the better.
(Notice given 1 August 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Perrett — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
9 MR L O'BRIEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that industrial scale reckless renewable energy proposals, and their associated transmission lines are economically, socially and environmentally untenable for the following reasons:
(a) they involve significant land clearing and invasive construction, destroying prime agricultural land, native bushland and wildlife habitats;
(b) the location and proximity of transmission lines lead to the devaluation of land and the interruption of agricultural businesses;
(c) the proposals divide communities and cause mental anguish; and
(d) the costs of these proposals are prone to blow out; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) impose a moratorium on industrial scale renewable energy projects until the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is amended to require the automatic referral of such projects for assessment under the Act;
(b) support a Senate inquiry into the economic, social and environmental impacts of industrial scale reckless renewable energy projects, and their associated transmission lines;
(c) conduct a thorough and transparent feasibility study into the alternative development of next generation zero-emission nuclear technology as a future sustainable energy source;
(d) require state and territory governments to avoid the use of private land for projects and transmission lines where such projects attract Commonwealth funding; and
(e) work with state and territory governments to review energy and transmission line project evaluation processes to ensure that environmental, social and economic impacts are given full consideration as part of the assessment process.
(Notice given 14 September 2023.)
Time allotted — 45 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr L O'Brien — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: Resumption of debate on the motion of Ms Claydon—That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 25 November 2023 marks the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, beginning 16 days of activism against gender-based violence;
(b) in Australia, it has been publicly reported that approximately 47 women have been killed by acts of violence as of 9 November this year;
(c) one in three Australian women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by a man since the age of 15; and
(d) violence affects women of every age, from every cultural background, with different jobs and levels of education or income, living in different areas and leading different lives;
(2) commends the work of the family, domestic and sexual violence sector, which is delivering vital services to women, children and men;
(3) further notes that the Government is taking immediate and practical steps to prevent violence against women by:
(a) investing a record $2.3 billion in this area;
(b) launching the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032;
(c) establishing a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander action plan;
(d) establishing six ambitious targets to hold all governments to account for progress under the national plan;
(e) reducing the time it takes victim-survivors to access the Escaping Violence Payment;
(f) securing funding for states and territories to deliver frontline services;
(g) increasing support for temporary visa holders experiencing violence from $3,000 to $5,000;
(h) legislating ten paid days of family and domestic violence leave for all employees, including casuals; and
(i) making the family law system simpler and safer for people fleeing family violence; and
(4) acknowledges that there is still more work to done to end violence against women and children, but the Government is committed to ending this scourge within a generation.
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
THE HON D. M. DICK MP
Speaker of the House of Representatives
15 November 2023
National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Australian Human Rights Commission Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Attorney-General's Portfolio Miscellaneous Measures Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Australian Taxation Office—Proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 15 Sydney Avenue, Barton, ACT.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 , it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Department of Defence—Edinburgh Defence Precinct mid-term refresh.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 , it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: National Capital Authority—Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra, ACT, Renewal Project.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 , it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: National Capital Authority—Scrivener Dam Dissipator Strengthening Project.
Health Insurance Amendment (Professional Services Review Scheme No. 2) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
That the House take note of the report.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Australia's Engagement in the Pacific) Bill 2023
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Supporting the Transition to Work) Bill 2023
The House divided. [10:15]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Bankruptcy Amendment (Discharge from Bankruptcy) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 2) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Federal Courts Legislation Amendment (Judicial Immunity) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Judicial immunity is an important institutional requirement in facilitating the fearless administration of justice by judges across Australia. When occasions arise, such as the present, that in a significant way impact the understanding of its boundaries, it is always appropriate to consider whether the immunity remains appropriately calibrated to securing that fearless independence.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023
She was excellent at her job and she was willing to accept casual employment without any allowance for the time she must inevitably take off.
Employed for a short period of time on a rate that is high compared with permanent staff rates but which does not include benefits such as holiday pay.
Australians should have safe jobs, well paid jobs and rewarding jobs, but the government's radical shake-up of the industrial relations system will not deliver that.
Nick's saving for an overseas holiday and his higher hourly rate as a casual is helping him reach his goal quickly.
My name is Alexis Pallister. I am 22 years old and currently live in Western Australia.
Respect for women, this is the change I want to see to better future generations of young women.
On average one woman a week is murdered due to male violence towards women. This year we have devastatingly lost 56 women to gendered violence. 56 women.
Why is this violence so normalised, where does it stem from? Could it be a lack of respect for women, which in turn creates a culture whereby gendered violence is normalised as women are seen as less than?
Well, if respect is one piece of this violent puzzle the question, I want to post to you all here today is, are women being respected in parliament?
And if they are not being respected, what sort of precedent is that setting for our country?
If women are torn down, excluded, ridiculed, called names and told that their experiences are invalid in a place that is meant to govern and protect us, what sort of message are we sending?
That these gendered atrocities are somehow, okay? What behaviours are we unconsciously normalising?
Respect for women, respect for women in parliament and in every facet of life, this is the change I want to see to better the future generations of young women.
Ms Le, My name is Matt Keo, I am of the age of 11 and am part of the Fowler electorate. I would like to express my concern about the issue of property prices in Sydney. Property value in Sydney is among one of the most expensive in the world as well as being the least affordable.
Australia's housing prices has been a major issue for quite a while. This could result in the housing market and economy in Australia crumbling. Causes of this could be things such as population, material shortages and more. Some of these can't be prevented, but some can. Home building has been quite a problem for a while, increased home building would over time result in housing prices being more affordable. Other ways this can be solved is investing in the housing market. Yes, this would cost a fortune, however the economic market would fall without it.
In conclusion, housing prices are a major problem that could cause the fall of the economic market and should be a major concern. Ways to fix this problem are increased home building and investment in the housing market. This could save Australia from an economic disaster.
What change would make Australia a better place for future generations? I have a few ideas. Less fossil fuels should be burned to create electricity so we have a cleaner future. The burning of fossil fuels is causing climate change, and that is worrying me. I feel like in the future our earth will die. Burning fossil fuels creates pollution, which is bad for our planet.
Climate change is making the weather wilder. Storms and droughts are more common. This means that we risk not being able to grow food and people will starve.
The extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which comes from burning fossil fuels, is trapping heat, making Earth's temperature rise. A rising temperature on Earth will cause the ice to melt in the Arctic and Antarctica. This will mean that many people around the world will lose their homes.
Human beings are harming planet Earth in other ways too. Waste from factories and houses can pollute rivers, and our forests are being cut down, which destroys animals and homes. But there are solutions to this problem, and this would make Australia a better place for future generations for people like me.
I think we should use more solar power and wind turbine electricity. This is because solar and wind power are renewable resources which do not harm planet Earth. They don't release carbon dioxide, and they won't eventually run out.
We live in such a sunny place, every house should have solar panels and battery storage. It should be cheaper. The Australian government should make it—
The Palestinian people have lived through generations of turmoil, conflict, and uncertainty.
I believe it is our moral duty to advocate for a peaceful, two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist side by side in harmony, each with their own sovereign and secure states.
We must … address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza … Access to clean water, healthcare, education, and basic necessities remains a daily struggle for many Palestinians.
It is our responsibility to ensure that their suffering does not go unnoticed. The Palestinian people deserve nothing less than a brighter and more secure future.
One change Australia can make is to focus on providing support and education around mental health for young people at school. Mental health is not a separate subject to be timetabled, but must be integrated into all learning experiences.
The world is changing so quickly that youth in particular need to feel prepared for taking on the future.
Many young men in my culturally diverse community, don't know how to talk about their feelings and mental health.
Some of the stresses felt by young people in my electorate include the cost of living for their families.
As a young 16-year-old, living in the outer northern suburbs of Melbourne, I work a casual job to help support my family.
Many of my peers do the same and often struggle to keep up with the academic demands at school.
This is something young people find difficult to speak about and don't often ask for help when they are feeling under pressure or stressed out.
To make Australia a better place for future generations, we need to invest in giving young people and educators access to learning spaces and the skills to talk openly about how mental health impacts on our learning and our growth as young people.
It will return Australia to the dark ages. It would close down the economy. It would leave supermarket shelves bare. There will be nothing there.
We've said that the Defence budget should be within the envelope that's already been established …
… I can't commit to increased spending …
That the House:
(1) expresses its grave concern at the vicious rise of antisemitic vilification in our country, and the breakdown in social cohesion occurring in our communities;
(2) expresses its grave concern that social disharmony has reached dangerous levels, and that community safety is now at significant risk;
(3) condemns the Prime Minister's failure to show the strong leadership required to overcome divisions within his own caucus, to stamp out antisemitism and bring our country together;
(4) expresses its concern that community safety in this country has been further threatened by the release of more than 80 hardcore criminals from immigration detention into the Australian community;
(5) expresses its deep concern that this cohort includes individuals who have committed acts of child rape, murder, sexual assault, and other violent crimes;
(6) condemns the Government for catastrophically and demonstrably failing to prepare contingencies for High Court proceedings where it fully aware of the risks;
(7) condemns the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs for consequently undertaking an unprecedented and shocking mass release of dangerous criminal non-citizens into the Australian community; and
(8) therefore calls on the Prime Minister to:
(a) understand that his priority must be the protection of the Australian community at home;
(b) cancel his plans to travel to the United States;
(c) urgently convene a National Cabinet meeting to formulate a strong and coherent response to combat the rise of antisemitism, repair social cohesion and protect community safety;
(d) urgently bring forward any legislation necessary to neutralise the threat posed by the hardcore criminals his Government has released into the Australian Community; and
(e) amend the days and hours of sitting to facilitate the passage of such legislation prior to the rising of the Parliament this week.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Leader of the Opposition from moving the following motion immediately—
That the House:
(1) expresses its grave concern at the vicious rise of antisemitic vilification in our country, and the breakdown in social cohesion occurring in our communities;
(2) expresses its grave concern that social disharmony has reached dangerous levels, and that community safety is now at significant risk;
(3) condemns the Prime Minister's failure to show the strong leadership required to overcome divisions within his own caucus, to stamp out antisemitism and bring our country together;
(4) expresses its concern that community safety in this country has been further threatened by the release of more than 80 hardcore criminals from immigration detention into the Australian community;
(5) expresses its deep concern that this cohort includes individuals who have committed acts of child rape, murder, sexual assault, and other violent crimes;
(6) condemns the Government for catastrophically and demonstrably failing to prepare contingencies for High Court proceedings where it fully aware of the risks;
(7) condemns the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs for consequently undertaking an unprecedented and shocking mass release of dangerous criminal non-citizens into the Australian community; and
(8) therefore calls on the Prime Minister to:
(a) understand that his priority must be the protection of the Australian community at home;
(b) cancel his plans to travel to the United States;
(c) urgently convene a National Cabinet meeting to formulate a strong and coherent response to combat the rise of antisemitism, repair social cohesion and protect community safety;
(d) urgently bring forward any legislation necessary to neutralise the threat posed by the hardcore criminals his Government has released into the Australian Community; and
(e) amend the days and hours of sitting to facilitate the passage of such legislation prior to the rising of the Parliament this week.
Can the minister advise the House whether any of the 81 hardcore criminals released into the community following the High Court's decision last week were released into the community without a visa?
The ABC has just reported that following the High Court decision the government released some of the 80 hardened criminals—including murderers, rapists and child sex offenders—into the community without a visa. Is this true?
How many hardcore criminals released from detention got a letter from the Department of Home Affairs which said they were being released as an unlawful noncitizen?
Individuals who are required to be released as a result of the High Court's order will have appropriate visa conditions imposed on them in line with the need to protect the community.
That would be the worst possible message to send at a time of increasing fear, insecurity and polarisation. It would be a serious abrogation of principled leadership by government.
I'm not going to comment on individual cases because in some of those cases, I will have been a decision maker, and in relation to that case, I believe that I was. So, if the matters go to the Court again, I don't want to interfere or taint that process.
The House divided. [15:04]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The failure of the government to keep Australians safe.
My question is to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. Under the Albanese Labor government, the decision to release 80 hardcore criminals will result in more violent crimes against Australians. Why hasn't this government drafted any legislation to keep Australians safe from these criminals?
We moved quickly to ensure that we issued visas to impacted individuals with appropriate conditions to ensure that community safety can be upheld …
The first responsibility of government is to provide for the safety and security of its people.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Primary Industries (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Bill 2023
The House divided. [16:29]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Bill 2023
That the amendments be agreed to:
(1) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 12), after the definition of animal , insert:
Animal Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(2) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 22), after the definition of charge , insert:
emergency animal biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
emergency plant biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(3) Clause 4, page 4 (after line 11), after the definition of plant , insert:
Plant Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(4) Clause 7, page 6 (lines 19 to 22), omit paragraphs (3)(c) and (d), substitute:
(c) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants, animals, fungi or algae;
(d) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under:
(i) the emergency animal biosecurity response deed; or
(ii) the emergency plant biosecurity response deed;
(5) Clause 10, page 8 (lines 17 to 20), omit paragraphs (2)(a) and (b), substitute:
(a) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants, animals, fungi or algae;
(b) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under:
(i) the emergency animal biosecurity response deed; or
(ii) the emergency plant biosecurity response deed.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Primary Industries (Services) Levies Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023
The Labor MP Julian Hill, a member of the joint standing committee on migration—
also blames the government's decision—
to freeze the minimum rate of pay for workers on temporary skilled visas as a factor in wage suppression.
From 2014 onwards every Liberal minister for immigration (initially Scott Morrison)— ( Quorum formed)
The businesses which use these loopholes are able to undercut Australia's best employers in a race to the bottom.
If we want workers to be paid properly we need to close the loopholes.
If we want casuals to have a pathway to secure work we need to close the loopholes.
If we want enterprise agreements to determine minimum rates of pay at a workplace, we need to close the loopholes.
If we want gig workers and those in road transport to have minimum standards, we need to close the loopholes.
to ensure it is not "cost effective" for employers to fail to keep records entirely in order to obscure evidence of underpayments.
I've done 17,800 trips and my only recognition is a photo of a cake, delivered as an emoji, in the app. Things are getting worse because of the cost of living and fuel prices. We don't have any rights, no access to any claim beyond what's in the app. It's like we are removed from the concept of being a worker.
The situation is that with regards to working conditions, we're creating a two-track economy when it comes to workers' rights, and this will have an impact on the entire industrial legislations system. We are second class employees. Everyone knows that we're not really a business, but conveniently hide behind notions of contract work. In any other industry, it wouldn't be accepted. We are letting technology drive us, without understanding its impact on workers and working conditions.
An independent contractor can set their own price; they can factor in things such as superannuation contributions and other aspects into their consumer-facing pricing. We don't have any of that capacity at all.
For years, Uber and Lyft systematically cheated their drivers out of hundreds of millions of dollars in pay and benefits while they worked long hours in challenging conditions. These drivers overwhelmingly come from immigrant communities and rely on these jobs to provide for their families. These settlements will ensure they finally get what they have rightfully earned and are owed under the law.
This government will not say to workers who are being underpaid that their concern is somehow not so controversial, that it's a second-rate concern and something that we would vote to delay. We're not going to say to gig workers, 'You can just wait as long as possible before you have any minimum rates.' We're not going to say to the families of people who have died at work, 'Oh, we'll just delay industrial manslaughter into the never-never.' We're not going to say to people who have their wages stolen deliberately by their employers that it's somehow not urgent or that it's too controversial to make wage theft a crime …
The idea of this reform is effectively to give the Fair Work Commission the same level of flexibility that the platforms have …
… represents one of the most radical overhauls of Australia's system in decades and will impact every worker, contractor and business at a time of rising economic uncertainty and a cost of living crisis
The nation's ongoing prosperity is under assault.
So why now would it be wise to place even greater restraints on the Australian economy? Why would it be prudent, at this very time, to increase the burden on Australia's productive workplaces and threaten investment and job creation?
The government is seeking to deputise union delegates, establishing them in proxy law enforcement roles
The majority of the amendments will negatively impact the over 440,000 businesses that operate in building and construction and the 1.3 million people they employ.
… represents a fundamental upheaval of many tried and tested components of Australian workplace laws … and is simply bad law and policy.
It is complex, complicated, costly and unnecessary. It will hurt small business and undermines people's rights to be their own boss.
It will be a lawyers picnic and despite comments suggesting it won't impact building and construction, the Bill as introduced very clearly opens the door by taking a general approach of 'you are in, unless you can argue your way out.'
The Bill forms part of a specific policy framework which seeks to reinvigorate participation in both trade unions … and the enterprise bargaining regime …
builds on the already significant changes made in December 2022 to further entrench the role of unions in Australian workplaces …
This bill proposes extensive changes to all casual employment from commencement. Changes unnecessary to address the "permanent casual" loophole the minister aims to close.
Unless what the government really wants is to stamp out casual employment more widely. And this is an old-school bait and switch: using the example of the "casual" truck driver with a 12-month roster … to substantially restrict something the government and unions dislike …
These measures, however well-intentioned, risk having precisely the opposite effect. Driving uncertainty and insecurity for those people who actually want, and feel well-served by, casual employment.
Gig work drives down wages and has been spreading like a cancer through the economy …
If the Fair Work Commission determines that a 'deactivation' is unfair, it will be able to order reinstatement to a digital labour platform and where appropriate, make an order to restore lost pay.
Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Bill 2023
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Archer ) took the chair at 09:30.
It would be concerning if the federal member for Ballarat, Minister King, sought to walk away from regional Victoria, that would be concerning and disappointing … Generally the projects that tend to be funded 80-20 are more regional and rural projects.
Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Services) Levies Bill 2023
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2023
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
(1) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 12), after the definition of animal , insert:
Animal Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(2) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 20), after the definition of aquaculture , insert:
emergency animal biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
emergency plant biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(3) Clause 4, page 4 (after line 15), after the definition of plant , insert:
Plant Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(4) Clause 7, page 6 (lines 19 to 22), omit paragraphs (3)(c) and (d), substitute:
(c) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants, animals, fungi or algae;
(d) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under:
(i) the emergency animal biosecurity response deed; or
(ii) the emergency plant biosecurity response deed;
(5) Clause 10, page 8 (lines 17 to 20), omit paragraphs (2)(a) and (b), substitute:
(a) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants, animals, fungi or algae;
(b) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under:
(i) the emergency animal biosecurity response deed; or
(ii) the emergency plant biosecurity response deed.
(6) Clause 13, page 10 (lines 23 to 26), omit paragraphs (2)(c) and (d), substitute:
(c) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants;
(d) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under the emergency plant biosecurity response deed;
Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Bill 2023
(1) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 12), after the definition of animal , insert:
Animal Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(2) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 22), after the definition of charge , insert:
emergency animal biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
emergency plant biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(3) Clause 4, page 4 (after line 11), after the definition of plant , insert:
Plant Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(4) Clause 7, page 6 (lines 19 to 22), omit paragraphs (3)(c) and (d), substitute:
(c) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants, animals, fungi or algae;
(d) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under:
(i) the emergency animal biosecurity response deed; or
(ii) the emergency plant biosecurity response deed;
(5) Clause 10, page 8 (lines 17 to 20), omit paragraphs (2)(a) and (b), substitute:
(a) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants, animals, fungi or algae;
(b) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under:
(i) the emergency animal biosecurity response deed; or
(ii) the emergency plant biosecurity response deed.
Primary Industries (Services) Levies Bill 2023
(1) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 12), after the definition of animal , insert:
Animal Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(2) Clause 4, page 3 (after line 20), after the definition of aquaculture , insert:
emergency animal biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
emergency plant biosecurity response deed has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(3) Clause 4, page 4 (after line 11), after the definition of plant , insert:
Plant Health Australia has the same meaning as in thePrimary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2023 .
(4) Clause 7, page 6 (lines 24 to 27), omit paragraphs (3)(c) and (d), substitute:
(c) expenditure on activities, including biosecurity activities, that:
(i) are undertaken by Animal Health Australia or Plant Health Australia; and
(ii) relate to the promotion or maintenance of the health of plants, animals, fungi or algae;
(d) expenditure on matters relating to a biosecurity response under:
(i) the emergency animal biosecurity response deed; or
(ii) the emergency plant biosecurity response deed;
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2023
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
Treasury Laws Amendment (Support for Small Business and Charities and Other Measures) Bill 2023
… an expression of interest … process was started in August, with local and international firms hand-picked by the government invited to pitch their offerings and to put forward proposals for the financing of the plan.
Australia has established itself as a world leader in quantum computing and it's disappointing to hear that such a massive amount of taxpayer money could be invested without a tender and competitive process.
PsiQuantum is considered a front-runner among the firms, with several sources claiming … that the EOI had been written in a way that benefits the company and its fusion-based approach to quantum computing.
Almost 43 per cent of small businesses are not breaking even and the majority of owners are working longer hours than average and paying themselves less than the average wage to protect their business—
Crown References Amendment Bill 2023
A Member must not refer disrespectfully to the—
… for the purpose of influencing the House in its deliberations.
A Member must not refer disrespectfully to the Queen, the Governor-General, or a State Governor, in debate or for the purpose of influencing the House in its deliberations.
In accordance with section 16 of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, existing references to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Commonwealth Acts, are construed as references to the present Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III.