The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. John Hog g) took the chair at 09:30, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2013
GA provided technical advice to the Review on the known and potential (undiscovered) mineral and energy resources in the WPA. The WPA has a diversity of mineral deposits and energy resources. The WPA contains four operating mines: Challenger, a mid-sized gold mine in the west; Cairn Hill, a small iron ore (magnetite)-copper-gold mine; Prominent Hill copper-gold mine in the south east; and the iron ore mine at Peculiar Knob (Southern Iron). There are some 150 known occurrences of minerals dominated by gold, iron ore, copper and opal but including uranium, silver, zinc, lead, diamonds, and heavy mineral sands. The potential for undiscovered deposits of the different mineral and energy commodities varies across the WPA and reflects the range of geological environments.
The WPA is one of the more prospective areas for mineral and energy resources in Australia and will continue to attract exploration activity. The proposed legislation provides a framework within which such exploration can occur.
(i) holds an existing pastoral lease; and
(ii) is in the Woomera Prohibited Area for purposes related to the lease …
IMX Resources Ltd stressed the need for more responsive communication from Defence in relation to its decision making processes so as to achieve more commercially acceptable response times.
The Coalition has agreed to complete the Senate Inquiry prior to the September 14 election and is committed to progressing the legislation so that broader access to the WPA lands will commence before Christmas 2013 .
The Defence Minister should have discretion to suspend all non-Defence access to the WPA when there is an urgent national Defence requirement.
In addition to suspension due to the accumulation of demerit points—
it is proposed that the Minister for Defence would have the discretion to suspend all non-Defence access to the WPA for the defence of Australia.
For the purposes of section 72TL of the Act, the amount payable by the Commonwealth in respect of a claim by a person against the Commonwealth for loss or damage suffered in the Woomera Prohibited Area is limited to $2 million.
It—
differed markedly from the Interim Report in that it no longer included “indigenous freehold land” in the Terms and Definitions, and almost all of the many references to indigenous people, usually regarding the cultural and spiritual significance of the land, had been excluded from the final report.
While the explanatory memorandum does provide information about the rationale, the committee is not persuaded that strict liability will significantly enhance the enforcement of the regime. Perhaps the appropriateness of strict liability may depend on the nature of the conditions; however the explanatory memorandum does not address these issues. The committee therefore seeks a more detailed justification from the Minister as to the possible scope of any conditions and the appropriateness of the use of strict liability.
The fact that there will now be, to use the government's term, a 'coexistence scheme' which will allow other non-Defence users to access the Woomera Prohibited Area may be acceptable if the appropriate steps are taken to ensure the area remains available and suitable for testing of defence capability. This is a unique capability that we possess and it is of the highest priority that we retain that capability. At this point, it is important to note that the bill will not alter the current arrangements as they apply to Indigenous landholders or pastoralists with an established presence or to existing mining operations. The provisions of the bill and new coexistence scheme will apply to new users—a line in the sand, if you will. Existing users will have the option of voluntarily joining the coexistence scheme established by these measures.
Given the Woomera Prohibited Area contains recognised traditional owners and significant Indigenous sites, it is appropriate the bill regulate how non-Defence users who gain access to it treat and protect those sites and comply with all relevant native title and Aboriginal heritage laws. The coalition is very comfortable with that. The bill ensures that Indigenous groups with current statutory and access rights expressly retain these rights and will not need to re-apply for permission under the bill. We support that; it is sensible.
The Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2013 currently before the Senate is the final step in delivering a co-existence model for Resources, other stakeholders, and Defence industries to operate in this well regarded test range and highly prospective area. The Bill enables the Defence and Resources Ministers to develop a set of rules to allow permitted access to the Woomera Prohibited Area for a variety of new stakeholders.
It is SACOME’s opinion and that of the wider industry that the legislative framework as written is sufficient in outlining the detail for a permitting system to exist and for access arrangements to be organised through the Woomera Prohibited Area Rules 2013.
The current draft as tabled by Senator Farrell contains amendments to the 2013 Bill that are acceptable and within the scope of the Hawke Review especially as it relates to the principles of co-existence. SACOME recommended in a previous submission on the bill that there be no amendments to section 72TP. The amendment to include the Resources Minister in creating Rules for the WPA is welcomed. Furthermore the refining of the definitions of Indigenous land owners is acceptable, and provides surety for these important land owners.
Since July 2013—
Defence has been continuing consultation with different stakeholders of the WPA.
Indigenous groups
Defence has continued consultations with Indigenous groups around the proposed new arrangements. Indigenous groups sought formal written confirmation of their existing access permissions under the Defence Force Regulations, including confirmation that any entitlement to compensation would be on ‘just terms’. This has been provided by Defence.
Some Indigenous groups have also sought agreements to formalise working level consultation and communication as part of range administration. Defence is working with them on the shape and detail of these arrangements.
Immigration—Border protection operations—Lifeboats—Letter from the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Senator Cash) to the Clerk of the Senate (Dr Laing) responding to the order of the Senate of 12 February 2014, dated 13 February 2014.
SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE
REPORT NO. 1 OF 2014
1. The committee met in private session on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 at 7.16 pm.
2. The committee resolved to recommend—That the following bills not be referred to committees:
The committee recommends accordingly.
3. The committee deferred consideration of the following bills to its next meeting:
(Helen Kroger)
Chair
13 February 2014
That the report be adopted.
That—
(a) government business orders of the day as shown in the list circulated in the chamber be considered from 12.45 pm today; and
(b) government business be called on after consideration of the bills listed in paragraph (a) and considered till not later than 2 pm today.
That the order of general business for consideration today be as follows:
(a) general business notice of motion no. 123 standing in the name of Senator Carr, relating to Australian jobs; and
(b) orders of the day relating to government documents.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that 13 February 2014 marks the 6th anniversary of the National Apology to Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
(b) recognises the significance of the apology and its meaning to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
(c) confirms its support for the recognition in the Constitution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians; and
(d) confirms a multi-party commitment to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Close the Gap on Aboriginal disadvantage.
That the Economics References Committee be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate on Thursday, 13 February 2014, from 3.30 pm.
That the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties be authorised to hold public meetings during the sittings of the Senate, from 11 am to 1 pm, as follows:
(a) Monday, 3 March 2014;
(b) Monday, 17 March 2014; and
(c) Monday, 24 March 2014.
That the time for the presentation of reports of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee be extended, as follows:
(a) future of beekeeping and pollination service industries in Australia—to 19 June 2014;
(b) grass-fed cattle levies—to 30 June 2014; and
(c) public transport—to 30 June 2014.
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) with deep concern, the charges the Egyptian Government has laid against Australian citizen and journalist, Mr Peter Greste, and fellow Al Jazeera journalists,
(ii) calls by the White House, the United Nations, and global news agencies for their release
(iii) the excellent support Australian consular officials are providing to Mr Greste and his family; and
(b) calls on the Prime Minister (Mr Abbott) and the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms Bishop) to make direct contact with the Egyptian Government to seek the immediate release of Mr Greste and the other 19 individuals detained.
Great Barrier Reef Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
That the following bills be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to the Great Barrier Reef and for related purposes.
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
The Great Barrier Reef Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 implements in our national environment laws key recommendations of the World Heritage Committee to ensure the Great Barrier Reef does not get added to the "World Heritage In Danger" list. Further, the Bill prohibits sludge dredged up for port developments from being dumped anywhere within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The Australian Greens share the World Heritage Committee's "extreme concern" that the Australian World Heritage icon, the Great Barrier Reef, is being overrun by industrialisation.
In June 2012, the World Heritage Committee stated that unless the Australian Government makes substantial progress on improving our management of the Great Barrier Reef, the Committee would have to consider inscribing the Reef on the "List of World Heritage in Danger". This concern was reiterated at the Committee's meeting in mid-2013, where they noted that the Government had made limited progress in tackling the issues facing the Reef, particularly with regard to the industrialisation of the Reef's coastline.
The World Heritage Committee is due to make its decision on whether our Reef has to be downgraded to "World Heritage in Danger" when the Committee next meets in June 2014. Such a declaration would be a tragedy for our Reef, and the extraordinary number of Australians who love this place, and the 63,000 people who rely on it for their livelihood. The only other countries that have had their World Heritage properties inscribed on this list are among the world's poorest, and war-torn nations—Afghanistan, the Congo, Yemen.
Following the World Heritage Committee's initial raising of the alarm on the Reef, the Australian Government has submitted two State Party Reports in response to the Committee's concerns. The Australian Greens have reviewed these reports, and are very concerned they contain a predominance of greenwash and obfuscation. The World Heritage Committee has clearly recommended against new ports, or port expansions where they significantly impact the Great Barrier Reef. Yet within three months of taking office, this Government approved the expansion of the Abbot Point coal terminal to become the world's biggest coal port - within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This project will involve the dumping of five million tonnes of port sludge offshore in the Great Barrier Reef's waters, where it will drift for untold kilometres, smothering sea grass and corals – the habitat of turtles, dugongs and countless other species who call the Reef home.
In late 2013 the Abbott Government also approved yet another LNG plant to be built on Curtis Island in Gladstone Harbour within the World Heritage Area, and they've indicated support for a second shipping channel in Gladstone, involving huge dredging of the sea bottom of the Harbour, further increasing pressure on this important inshore Reef ecosystem.
Natural (pre-colonial) sediment run-off from the Reef's river catchments into the Reef is estimated at 3 million tonnes per year. On top of that, the Reef is now subject to significant increased sediment run-off due to agriculture of approximately 6 million tonnes per year – which the Reef Rescue program is making very positive steps to combat. In light of this, allowing a further five million tonnes of sediment to be dumped offshore directly into the Reef's waters, for just one of many planned port developments, completely undermines the efforts of farmers and communities to date to protect the Reef, and makes a mockery of any stated commitments to protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
The Greens take the concerns of the Queensland community, our fishers, tourism operators and reef scientists and the UN World Heritage Committee seriously. It is for this reason that this Bill proposes to ban offshore dumping of port dredging sludge within the Great Barrier Reef's waters, and this amendment is backdated to ensure that the plan to dump dredge spoil offshore at Abbot Point is stopped.
It's the Great Barrier Reef, it's World Heritage, and it's at risk. We have to step up to protect the Reef for the generations to come. It's time to stop dumping on the Reef.
This Bill proposes a number of other measures that need to be taken urgently to secure the future of the Reef. To that end, we have identified a number of key recommendations by the Committee and the UNESCO Reactive Monitoring Mission which are suitable for implementing through our national environment laws.
This Bill proposes to put in place a permanent ban on any new port development outside of the existing and long-established major port areas within or adjoining the GBR WHA, including specifically banning new port developments in the ecologically valuable Port Alma, Balaclava Island, northern Curtis Island and the entire northern section of the Great Barrier Reef. This would implement, under our national environment laws, Recommendation 5 of the World Heritage Committee's decision of June 2012 (Decision 36 COM 7B.B), and reflects the findings of UNESCO's Reactive Monitoring Mission's report, which identifies a number of pristine areas along the Great Barrier Reef coastline that should not be destroyed by industrial port developments.
This Bill also proposes to stop port expansions if they impact individually or cumulatively on the Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier Reef. This implements Recommendation 5 of the World Heritage Committee's decision of June 2012 (Decision 36 COM 7B.B).
This Bill also proposes to put in place a moratorium to stop the national environment minister from approving any new developments that would seriously affect the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area until the Strategic Assessment currently underway, and a resulting long term plan for the sustainable development of the Reef, has been completed and considered by the World Heritage Committee. This implements Recommendation 2 of UNESCO's Reactive Monitoring Mission's report, which the World Heritage Committee has requested the Australian Government address (per the Committee's Recommendation 4 of Decision 36 COM 7B.B). The critical point of this amendment is to ensure that the Minister can no longer continue to tick off the very projects that have prompted the World Heritage Committee's extreme concern, while they are undertaking their strategic assessment to work out what the Reef in fact can handle. Since the World Heritage Committee first made this recommendation in June 2012, the Australian Government has flouted this request and approved expansions of Abbot Point (including 5 million tonnes of dredging), a fourth liquefied natural gas plant in Gladstone Harbour and two huge coal mines in the Galilee Basin for export through the Reef. The terms of reference for the strategic assessment currently underway to assess coastal development impacting on the Great Barrier Reef explicitly say, despite the World Heritage Committee's request, that project level assessments and approvals will continue to be progressed unhampered by the strategic assessment process. That is, anything that is applied for before the strategic assessment finishes cannot have its approval impacted by the strategic assessment—like a smoker going to the doctor and getting everything but their lungs checked. That's why this amendment requires the World Heritage Committee to assent to the strategic assessment before the moratorium is lifted, to ensure that it does adequately address the parameters which the World Heritage Committee said it should.
Lastly, this Bill proposes to amend the approval criteria for projects that will impact the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, so that projects can only be approved if they deliver a net benefit for the Reef. This amendment also requires that a methodology be developed to underpin this judgement, and that the 'net benefit' reasoning is explained by the Minister for each project that is approved. This will implement part of the World Heritage Committee's Recommendation 8 (Decision 36 COM 7B.B), which calls on the Government to ensure that developments affecting the Great Barrier Reef demonstrate an overall net benefit to the protection of the Reef's Outstanding Universal Value. The Government itself purports to be applying such a test, but its methodology to date is extremely questionable. The Minister has claimed that the Abbot Point coal port will deliver 'net benefit' to the Reef, when it involves dumping of 5 million tonnes of sludge into the Reef's waters, when the entire annual agricultural sediment run-off along the entire Reef coastline is estimated at only 6 million tonnes. Experts such as the eminent Dr John Brodie agree that the Minister's claims here really don't stack up – and it's high time such claims did.
The Australian Government has so far fallen short in acting on the World Heritage Committee's recommendations, but this Bill presents the Government and the Australian Labor Party the opportunity to stand up for our Reef, and do what the Committee has clearly stated the Reef desperately needs.
It should be beyond party politics to protect our Reef, to keep it as one of the seven wonders of the natural world that so inspires our spirit, fills our coffers with $6 billion annual sustainable—and long-term—income, and keeps employing 63,000 people. Political parties of all persuasion must take this warning from the World Heritage Committee seriously and do everything we can to avoid the Reef being placed on the "World Heritage In Danger" list. Such a listing would be a disaster for our tourism industry, and would acknowledge the serious environmental peril the Reef is in from the scourge of dredging, dumping and shipping for fossil fuel exports, and from the climate change impacts when such fossil fuels are burnt.
On behalf of Australia's Reef communities, and all Australians who love our Reef, I implore our elected representatives for their support on this Bill. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is simply too precious to lose.
I commend this Bill to the Senate.
That the Senate—
(a) notes the Queensland Premier (Mr Newman) has made recent public statements that:
(i) any lawyer acting for a member of a motorcycling gang is part of what he described as a criminal gang machine, and will say and do anything to defend their clients,
(ii) members of the legal community, including the judiciary, are living out of touch with society and do not understand what the community wants from the law, and
(iii) the doctrine of separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary is less applicable to Australia than other places;
(b) affirms that these comments do not acknowledge lawyers' professional obligations, including their duty to the court, the integrity of the judiciary or the application of the separation of powers in Australia's parliamentary democracy, and so are incorrect; and
(c) calls on the Commonwealth Attorney-General (Senator Brandis) to acknowledge and uphold the integrity of the legal profession and the judiciary across Australia.
The Senate divided. [12:04]
(The Deputy President—Senator Parry)
That the following matter be referred to the Procedure Committee for inquiry and report:
That consideration be given to amending section 50 of the standing orders to replace the prayer with the following: 'Senators, let us in silence pray or reflect upon our responsibilities to the people of Australia, to the states and territories which we represent, and to all future generations.'
That the following matters be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 15 May 2014:
(a) responses by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Crime Commission (the agencies) to allegations of corruption and of breaches of Commonwealth laws, including allegations:
(i) concerning the Reserve Bank of Australia, Securency and Note Printing Australia,
(ii) in the Leighton group of companies and in the construction industry generally, and
(iii) concerning other entities;
(b) whether the agencies' investigation of allegations of serious fraud, including bribery, and their decisions whether to commence any prosecutions, were appropriate;
(c) whether the agencies appropriately communicated with each other and cooperated in a manner which ensured the optimal effectiveness of law enforcement with respect to serious fraud;
(d) whether the relationship between the agencies is such That the Australian community can have confidence that serious fraud is being properly investigated and any breaches properly prosecuted;
(e) whether the agencies are appropriately resourced;
(f) whether Australia should have a stand-alone Commonwealth agency to investigate and prosecute breaches of laws regarding serious fraud;
(g) whether Australia should have an independent standing commission against corruption, at the federal level;
(h) recommendations for further action by the Commonwealth Government and its agencies; and
(i) any related matters.
That business of the Senate notice of motion no. 5 standing in the names of Senators Xenophon and Madigan for today, proposing a reference to the Economics References Committee, be postponed till the next day of sitting.
That the following matters be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 15 May 2014:
(a) the natural world heritage values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area minor boundary extension passed by the World Heritage Committee in June 2013;
(b) the interaction between the Department of the Environment and the Prime Minister and other ministers' offices, and the process followed in the department's review of the 2013 extension that led to a lesser minor boundary extension being submitted for consideration at the 2014 World Heritage Committee meeting;
(c) any action the Department of Environment has funded, directed and overseen to rehabilitate any degraded areas within the World Heritage Area identified in the department's 2013 review, as per the requirements of the World Heritage Convention;
(d) the extent and description of any areas of degraded forest included in the 2013 boundary adjustment and the World Heritage Committee's rationale for including them;
(e) implications for the World Heritage status of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area of the Government's request to withdraw the 74 000 hectares for logging; and
(f) any related matter.
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) the conditions of the Gunns Pulp Mill approval (EPBC 2007/3385) by the then Minister for the Environment, on 10 March 2011, which requires 'no wood sourced from native forests will be used by the Bell Bay pulp mill',
(ii) the Minister for the Environment (Mr Hunt) has confirmed the Government has asked the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Heritage Committee to delist 74 000 hectares of Tasmanian forest,
(iii) that with the support of the Liberal and Labor parties, the Tasmanian Parliament passed legislation in January 2014 to remove doubts about the validity of the permit for the Bell Bay Pulp Mill project; and
(b) calls on the Government to commit to maintain the environmental requirement in the Gunns Pulp Mill approval (EPBC 2007/3385) that excludes wood sourced from native forests being used as feedstock.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Trade and Investment, by 3 March 2014, the modelling and associated reports referred to by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Trade and Investment that outline the economic costs and benefits of the Korea–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) the recent Senate inquiry into the impacts on health of air quality in Australia recommended health impact assessments for new mining developments and the covering of coal trains that spread dust in populated areas,
(ii) the New South Wales' Environment Protection Authority has, under pollution reduction programs administered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which manages the haulage of coal in the Hunter Valley, directed ARTC to assess whether coal trains contribute to increased pollution particulate emissions,
(iii) that documents released under Freedom of Information requests have shown That the reports from ARTC aimed at meeting these requirements were misleading as they failed to recognise uncovered coal wagons as causing the spike in particulate concentrations,
(iv) that during 2012 the network of 17 Hunter Valley air quality monitoring stations recorded levels of PM10 over the national standard on 115 occasions – more than 30 000 Newcastle residents live within 500 metres of the coal corridor, and
(v) a number of peer reviewed reports have highlighted this problem, which was not addressed in the final report; and
(b) calls on the ARTC to:
(i) require all coal wagons during transport operations to be covered when loaded and unloaded,
(ii) ensure that future reports on particulate pollution it is responsible for producing are subject to thorough methodological scrutiny, and
(iii) publicly disclose all data and peer revision arising from any of its reports into particulate pollution resulting from its operations.
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) that on 3 January 2014, a peaceful protest of garment factory employees in Cambodia for increased wages became violent when government security forces opened fire on the demonstrators, killing five people and injuring more than 30,
(ii) that a number of incidents followed, in which peaceful protesters were forcibly arrested, and reportedly beaten and tortured, resulting in a ban on demonstrations,
(iii) that this decision is reflective of a broader suppression of those who speak and act in defence of human rights in Cambodia, including the Cambodia National Rescue Party leaders Mr Sam Rainsy and Mr Kem Sokha, and
(iv) the ongoing dispute over the July 2013 election and electoral processes, including alleged voter fraud and corruption;
(b) condemns the use of violence and excessive force by the Cambodian Government, and implores it to protect and strengthen human rights, including a repeal of the ban on demonstrations; and
(c) calls on the:
(i) Cambodian Government to accept an international, independent investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption during the July 2013 election, and
(ii) Australian Parliament to affirm its commitment to the protection of human rights and democracy in Cambodia.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is Australia's most trusted news and current affairs broadcaster,
(ii) the ABC is an extremely well loved national institution, and that independent opinion polls regularly reveal high levels of public satisfaction with the broadcaster, and
(iii) the Coalition has cut funding for the ABC in the past, including an 11 per cent cut in 1998 under Prime Minister John Howard;
(b) calls on the Government to:
(i) commit to protecting funding to the ABC in the forthcoming budget, and
(ii) cease threatening the ABC's editorial independence; and
(c) orders that there be laid on the table, by the Minister representing the Minister for Communications (Senator Fifield) by 3 March 2014, the 2006 KPMG report into the adequacy and efficiency of ABC funding commissioned by the Howard Government.
I seek leave to make a very brief statement.
(1) That the order of the Senate of 4 December 2013 relating to estimates hearings for 2014 be amended as follows:
2013-14 additional estimates, add:
and, if required, Friday, 28 February (Groups A and B)
2014-15 budget estimates, add:
and, if required, Friday, 24 October (supplementary hearings—Groups A and B)
(2) That, for the purposes of that order, an additional hearing of a committee considering estimates is taken to be required where any 3 members of the committee notify the chair of the requirement, in writing.
(3) That paragraph (2) operate subject to the restriction in standing order 26(3) that not more than 4 committees shall hear evidence on the estimates simultaneously.
That there be laid on the table by the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection no later than noon on Friday, 21 February 2014, a copy of the report of the Review of Operation Sovereign Borders Vessel Positioning December 2013 – January 2014 and accompanying documents identified in part 10 of the review terms of reference.
That the Senate—
(a) notes:
(i) the concern of communities in South Australia and Western Australia about their land and water being threatened by shale and other unconventional gas mining,
(ii) that landholders lack the legal right to refuse shale and other unconventional gas mining on their land, and
(iii) the scientific uncertainty surrounding the environmental and health implications of hydraulic fracturing ('fracking') for shale and other unconventional gas mining; and
(b) calls on the Federal Government to:
(i) ban the use of fracking by the unconventional gas industry across Australia, and
(ii) support the Australian Greens' bill to give landholders the legal right to refuse shale and other unconventional gas mining on their land.
The Senate divided. [12:23]
The Deputy President—Senator Parry
That the Senate—
(a) notes Australia's co sponsorship of the:
(i) 2012 United Nations (UN) General Assembly Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution calling on the Sri Lankan Government to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission of Sri Lanka and to take credible and independent actions to ensure justice, equity, accountability and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans, and
(ii) 2013 UN General Assembly HRC resolution expressing concern at continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, and reiterating the call on the Government of Sri Lanka to implement the Commission's recommendations and to fulfil its commitment to conduct an independent and credible investigation into allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law;
(b) notes:
(i) continuing reports of violations of human rights in Sri Lanka, and international concerns about insufficient progress by the Government of Sri Lanka in addressing justice, reconciliation and accountability, and
(ii) the forthcoming update to the HRC 24th session on the progress of the 2012 and 2013 resolutions;
(c) calls on the Australian Government to:
(i) maintain Australia's strong record of support for human rights at the 24th session of the HRC, including in relation to Sri Lanka,
(ii) support the United States in its call for the 'international community to establish an independent international accountability mechanism to evaluate reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other human rights violations committed by both sides during and after the war in Sri Lanka',
(iii) co sponsor any United States resolution at the UNHRC in March 2014 regarding Sri Lanka's progress on accountability and human rights, and
(iv) urge the Government of Sri Lanka to:
(A) allow unimpeded access for media, international aid agencies, and human rights groups into all regions of the country, as well as to detention sites that may hold political and war prisoners, and
(B) end its media restrictions, including the obstacles to the flow of information in the north and east, and bring to justice those responsible for attacks on journalists and newspaper offices.
Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013
I live in Tropical North Queensland. I was born here in Innisfail in 1951, grew up on a sugar cane farm in Feluga and later in the town of Tully. This area is World Heritage rainforest and the rainforest area is shrinking.... Several of these cyclones have visited the Tully - Mission Beach area in my lifetime - the first in 1956, then 30 years later Winifred in 1986, 20 years on we had Larry in 2006 and lastly Yasi 5 years later in 2011… if we have another like Yasi in the next few years, I fear it will seriously change things. Already the climate seems to be more like that experienced in Darwin with extreme wet and dry seasons - Tropical Savannah not Tropical Rainforest. Growing up here in the 1950's-1960's, and 1970's the weather could be described as wet and very wet now, there is a definite dry season where we get very little rain for several months and then the heavy wet. I believe action on climate change should have been taken a couple of decades ago and that it may well be too late to stop the changes already in motion but I do not believe that is an excuse to do nothing. We have to harness every safe option we have to halt carbon pollution so that the most extreme result of climate change is not triggered. Australia may have a small population but our reliance on carbon intensive export industries (including coal.) makes us a big part of the problem. We need to set an example. We need to support clean energy solutions such as wind, solar and small hydro …
Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2013
That the bill be now read a third time.
Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2013
That the bill be now read a third time.
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Consumer Protection) Bill 2013
That this bill be now read a third time.
Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment Bill 2013
Most of our big export industries do their business out of sight of city dwellers. Mines are dug and ore extracted without stirring the dust on suburban streets. There is one such industry, though, whose major commodity is visible in our capitals. That commodity is human beings. They are the confused young people trying to serve us in low-rent fast food outlets. They are the lonely kids on city streets or sharing rooms—and even beds—in crowded houses in the suburbs. They are an underclass in the labour market, with working conditions that undermine those for all lower paid workers.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2013 Measures No. 1) Bill 2013
That this bill be now read a third time.
Since last September, Australian Public Affairs has not made representations to either Health Minister, their offices, or the Health Department; and has made no representations to any other Minister of the Commonwealth in relation to the Health portfolio.
As a result, we’ve lost critical foreign intelligence collection sources, including some shared with us by valued partners.
Terrorists … are going to school on U.S. intelligence sources, methods and tradecraft, and the insights they are gaining are making our job much, much harder. And this includes putting the lives … at risk
That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Assistant Minister for Health (Senator Nash) to questions without notice asked by Senators Faulkner, Wong and McLucas today relating to circumstances surrounding the removal of a health star rating website.
The Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Health, Senator the Hon. Fiona Nash, informed the forum that she will direct the Department of Health to broaden the cost-benefit analysis of front-of-pack labelling to include evidence-based research and extensive industry consultations in the absence of a Regulatory Impact Statement, which was not agreed to by the Forum.
… staff are required to take all reasonable steps to avoid, any conflict of interest (real or apparent).
That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Cormann) to a question without notice asked by Senator Siewert today relating to the Western Australian Government’s shark catch-and-kill policy.
That the Senate take note of the answer by Senator Cormann to my question on the shark capture and kill policy of Western Australia.
That the Senate take note of documents tabled by Senator Cash this morning.
Non-compliance with the requirements of the financial management framework, including in relation to procurement, may attract a range of criminal, civil or administrative remedies (including under the FMA Act, the Public Service Act 1999 and theCrimes Act 1914 ).
Joint Select Committee on Cyber Safety Second Interim Report
Cyber Safety for Seniors: A Worthwhile Journey
October 2013
Government Statement of Response
The Australian Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the report of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber Safety titled Cyber Safety for Seniors: A Worthwhile Journey.
Introduction
The Australian Parliament established the Joint Select Committee on Cyber Safety (the Committee) in early 2010. The Committee inquired into and reported particularly on:
The Committee undertook a range of consultation activities in order to investigate these terms of reference, including receiving written submissions, public hearings and an online survey. The Committee tabled an interim report, Cyber Safety for Seniors: A Worthwhile Journey, on 16 April 2013 containing 13 recommendations.
Key messages of the report
The report provides an overview of current cyber safety concerns, as they relate to senior Australians. The report outlines how seniors use information and communication technologies, cyber safety risks and threats for seniors, educating and training seniors, consumer protection, regulation and enforcement and the role of industry.
Key themes that emerged from the inquiry are:
The Government is grateful for the work the Committee has undertaken on this important subject and to all those who contributed with their submissions and evidence to the Committee.
The Government's response on individual recommendations made by the Committee follows.
Government response to individual recommendations
Recommendation 1:
That the Australian Government investigates innovative ways of providing low cost internet connection to financially disadvantaged housebound and geographically isolated seniors who request it.
The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle.
The Government understands that access to fast, affordable and reliable broadband is increasingly essential to the way Australians communicate, access services and do business. This is why the Government is committed to completing the construction of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and in doing so ensure that all Australians have access to very fast broadband as soon, as cost-effectively and as affordably as possible. NBN Co has advised the Government that to deliver broadband sooner, at less cost to taxpayers and more affordably for consumers, the NBN should be completed using a multi-technology mix. This will match the right technology to the right location and make use of existing networks where possible to deliver very fast broadband. This will save taxpayers $32 billion, get the NBN finished four years sooner, and ensure that nine out of ten Australians receive download speeds of 50 megabits per second or more by 2019.
The Government is committed to ensuring that all Australians have access to fast, affordable and reliable broadband, regardless of where they live. Price caps for NBN services will mean that wholesale prices will be fair and affordable while providing NBN Co with flexibility to meet competitive pressure from other network providers.
The Government will be undertaking a series of reviews into the NBN including an independent cost-benefit analysis and review of regulation to analyse the economic and social costs and benefits (including both direct and indirect effects) arising from the availability of broadband via various technologies, and to make recommendations on the role of government support and a number of other long-term industry matters. Specific information on the Government's reviews will be made available on NBN Co's website at www.nbnco.com.au
Current NBN retail service prices compare favourably with prices for ADSL2+ and HFC broadband services and a number of providers offer discounts to eligible pensioners.
Telstra has released its first series of bundled plans that are NBN ready. As part of its pricing announcement on 27 February 2012, Telstra committed to providing its existing suite of voice-only plans on the NBN, including the Homeline Budget, which costs $22.95 per month for those who want a voice only service.
There are a substantial number of providers signed up to provide retail telephone or internet services over the NBN. The Government expects that in future more service providers will release competitive pricing for broadband and voice only services.
Telstra is required by a carrier licence condition to offer a package of products and arrangements aimed at low-income consumers. This package, called 'Access for Everyone', comprises initiatives that address a wide range of low-income consumer needs, including concessions to help offset line rental charges for eligible pensioners. This is a largely self-selecting package, enabling all those in need of assistance and benefits to claim them. Telstra is also required to maintain and appropriately resource a Low-Income Measures Assessment Committee (LIMAC). LIMAC's role is to assess changes to the package or to the marketing plan for the low-income package; and report annually to the Minister on the effectiveness of the package. The current members are representatives of the Australian Council of Social Services, Jobs Australia, The Smith Family, the Council on the Ageing (COTA Australia), Homelessness Australia, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Anglicare Australia and the Department of Social Services (DSS). The Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Department of Communications have observer status.
Retail Price Controls also apply to a number of Telstra fixed line services. Retail Price Controls aim to ensure that efficiency improvements are passed through to consumers in the form of lower prices for telecommunications services in markets where competition is not yet fully developed, and also protect the interests of low-income and regional users of telecommunications services.
The Government also assists pensioners with the costs of home internet connection through the Pension Supplement. Prior to 20 September 2009, a higher rate of Telephone Allowance was paid to pensioners to assist with the cost of their home internet connection. After that date, as part of pension reforms, the higher rate of Telephone Allowance was rolled into the Pension Supplement, along with the Utilities Allowance, the GST Supplement, Pharmaceutical Allowance and an additional amount.
The Pension Supplement is indexed and accrues on a daily basis. Generally, it is added to the regular fortnightly payment made to recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment and other eligible recipients. The maximum Pension Supplement from 20 September 2013 is $61.70 a fortnight for singles and $93.00 a fortnight for couples combined.
Broadband for Seniors also supports senior Australians on low incomes and those living in geographically isolated locations to access the internet by providing free access to computers and the internet at around 1,600 Broadband for Seniors kiosks across Australia. Seniors are able to visit the kiosks and receive free training and assistance, equipping them with the skills and confidence to use a computer and the internet while staying safe online.
Recommendation 2:
That an advertising campaign targeting seniors be devised to alert seniors around the nation to the existence and location of the Broadband for Seniors kiosks.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation in principle.
The Government recognises the importance of raising awareness of the Broadband for Seniors program, particularly among seniors with low internet skills.
To assist with the ongoing promotion of Broadband for Seniors, kiosks are provided with products such as posters and flyers to assist in raising awareness within their community as to the existence and locations of kiosks. Additional awareness raising activities will continue to focus on:
Recommendation 3:
That the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy [now the Department of Communications] prioritise including some cyber safety information on their website in languages other than English.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation in principle, noting it will need to be considered against competing priorities in the budget context.
Communicating in languages other than English is a key element of multicultural access and equity. The Government currently funds agencies to have documents translated into languages other than English on a one-off basis, providing an avenue to improve the availability of translated materials.
The Department of Communications will review its' cyber safety publications and consider which documents are appropriate for translating into languages other than English.
Recommendation 4
That the Australian Government develops, as a supplement to its Web Guide, a web style guide prescribing the key elements of web design to ensure simplicity of language, visual clarity in design and logical navigation tools. This could be supported by graphical step-by-step tutorials for use where applicable.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation in principle.
The Australian Government Web Guide will be redeveloped into a Digital Service Standard and associated Digital Design Guide to ensure consistent design of all current and future digital services and information. It will promote accessibility for all and include the standards and design information that web managers and developers need to comply with in order to meet their legal and policy obligations.
The Australian Government also publishes the Style manual for authors, editors and printers. It includes style guidance on the application of effective and inclusive language, and producing content for a digital audience, including visual design and layout. The Style manual is currently under review for contemporary upgrade to include more detailed digital publishing information.
Better Practice Principles, Guide and Checklists are also available to help executives, business managers, web managers and others to quickly improve their understanding of a range of issues associated with the provision of services online. These include Writing for the web, Designing and managing websites, Testing websites with users and Managing online content.
Recommendation 5
In support of the previous recommendation, the Committee also recommends that, in addition to conducting compliance audits based on the web style guide requirements, the Australian Government Information Management Office should offer an Annual Award for user friendly web design, in part based on public input on the utility of government websites.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation in principle.
The Australian Government requires agencies to report on their progress in implementing the World Wide Web's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) as mandated under the Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy. The Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy: 2010 Baseline Report provides an overview of agency status. A second progress report is expected by the end of 2013.
However, it should be noted that there is no requirement for agencies to report to AGIMO on their compliance with the mandatory criteria set out under the Web Guide. Similarly, AGIMO does not undertake or initiate audits of compliance independently.
The annual 'Excellence in eGovernment Awards' require nominations to demonstrate how they address accessibility and usability issues and the 'Government 2.0' category of those awards allows for members of the public to nominate a project they believe is worthy of recognition.
Recommendation 6
That the Australian Government develops a centralised user friendly reporting and cyber safety awareness portal for all types of cybercrime with links to relevant regulators.
The site should feature a dedicated reporting tab, a seniors tab and be backed up by a telephone service which links individuals to appropriate victim support, training and other advice.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.
In 2012, the Standing Council on Law and Justice and Standing Council on Police and Emergency Management agreed to the implementation of the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN). The Attorney-General's Department (AGD) and CrimTrac, in consultation with relevant state, territory and Commonwealth agencies, are now progressing implementation of the ACORN system.
ACORN will provide a centralised, internet-based system that will allow members of the public to report a number of cybercrimes and access general and targeted educational advice in relation to cybercrime. The system will refer reports to law enforcement agencies for further consideration as appropriate. It will also collect cybercrime data to assist in the development of a clearer cybercrime intelligence picture.
Amongst other things, the ACORN will provide targeted information to members of the public based on a range of inputs, including personal information (such as age) and the type of cybercrime being reported. As such, the ACORN's design will ensure it is accessible to all members of the public, including those with little to no technical or legal knowledge.
AGD will consult with other government departments in relation to linking the ACORN to the Broadband for Seniors website and other relevant cyber safety and cyber security material.
The Government will consider options for providing targeted information about existing victim support, training and other advice services.
Recommendation 7
In support of the above, the Australian Government should investigate options for the contracting of appropriate non-government organisations or private organisations to provide support and advice to victims of online and technology related crime.
The Australian Government agrees that support and advice should be made available to victims of online and technology related crime.
The Government will consider options for providing targeted information about existing victim support, training and other advice services.
Recommendation 8
That the Australian Government advertise the Broadband for Seniors initiative widely, including:
a) launching a campaign publicising the internet kiosks using seniors clubs, magazines, newspapers, radio and television; and
b) widely advertising the new cyber safety telephone helpline, including on all government websites which host cyber safety information.
The Australian Government agrees in part with recommendation 8(a). Please refer to the response to recommendation 2.
In relation to recommendation 8(b), as mentioned in the response to recommendation 6, the Government will consider options for providing targeted information about existing victim support, training and other advice services.
Recommendation 9
That the Australian Government work with the States and Territories to support public libraries or community resource centres where no public library exists, for the purpose of meeting the demand for cyber safety training for seniors.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.
The Department of Communications has funded COTA Australia to develop and deliver a pilot cyber safety and security training package for senior Australians in Tasmania and New South Wales. The Department of Communications also currently partners with other seniors organisations, such as the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, to directly target senior Australians in delivery of its education awareness activities, including through the Stay Smart Online website, social media channels and the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Week.
The Australian Government is providing $13.6 million in grant funding over four years from 2011-12 under the Digital Hubs program to help community members, including seniors, gain the skills needed to maximise the benefits provided by accessing broadband. The program has established Digital Hubs in 40 communities across all states and territories. Local residents are provided with digital literacy training and the opportunity to experience broadband-enabled services and technology. Digital Hubs are encouraged to run training courses on topics of specific interest to seniors.
The Internet Basics website (www.internetbasics.gov.au) provides a starting point for internet novices to build the skills and confidence needed to get online. The website is designed especially for people who are new to the internet, and those who wish to learn a little more to be confident and safer online. Senior Australians have been identified as a key audience for the Internet Basics website.
Introducing basic digital literacy concepts and internet terms in plain English, Internet Basics incorporates videos and text to help new users understand how the internet can benefit their daily lives. The website is divided into four main topic areas:
From 1 July 2013, existing organisations hosting a Broadband for Seniors kiosks were eligible to apply for additional resources to support delivery of services to seniors including a $2,000 grant to assist with the provision of training, particularly on issues of concern for seniors such as cyber safety and cyber security as well as a new computer with touchscreen monitor.
This training grant is in addition to the free and accessible information and training about cyber safety already provided through Broadband for Seniors, as part of a comprehensive package of training for seniors on how to use computers and the internet.
Public libraries, community resource centres as well as a wide range of other community organisations will continue to play a key role in delivering Broadband for Seniors services.
Recommendation 10
That Australian Government's cyber awareness campaigns should headline clear and practical messages for cyber safety on the central reporting and awareness portal, and appear up front of all published cyber awareness material for the general community.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.
The Department of Communications will work closely with AGD and other relevant departments to ensure that current and future cyber safety campaigns are clearly linked and promoted through all relevant avenues, including through the ACORN.
Recommendation 11
That the cybercrime reporting tab on the central reporting and awareness portal be designed for ease of access to users and to facilitate data collation and assessment. The system should be supported by simple online instructions and accessible to the visually and aurally impaired, and for print in hard copy.
The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.
ACORN will be designed for ease of access to users, and to facilitate data collection and assessment, and be supported by simple online instructions to ensure accessibility for the widest range of people in Australia.
The Government will take the Committee's recommendation into account when finalising the design of the ACORN system, including by ensuring the ACORN meets Australian Government standards for website accessibility.
Recommendation 12
That the Australian Government establish a consultative working group, with wide stakeholder representation, to co-ordinate and promote government and industry partnerships and initiatives in support of a healthy and secure online environment.
The Australian Government supports wide stakeholder consultation to co-ordinate and promote government and industry partnerships and initiatives.
The Government has established a new Online Safety Consultative Working Group (CWG) which will advise the Australian Government and the Children's e-Safety Commissioner (once established) in developing and implementing policies to improve the safety of Australian children online.
The CWG will meet twice a year and members are drawn from community groups, internet service providers, industry associations, business and government. The CWG will provide advice on measures to protect Australian children and young people from online risks including cyber bullying, abuse of children and young people online (including sexual grooming), exposure to illegal and harmful content, and online security issues.
As well as enhancing online safety for children, outcomes from the work of the CWG will help to keep seniors safe online. For example, the previous CWG contributed to the development of the Cybersafety Help Button, which was designed as a one-stop shop to provide cyber safety information for young people. Although designed for young people, the Help Button is available to everyone and has been installed on the Broadband for Seniors' website.
Recommendation 13
That the proposed consultative working group should examine the effectiveness and promote awareness of relevant industry codes of practice, and make recommendations to governments at all levels on these matters.
The Australian Government agrees with this proposal in principle. Please refer to the response to recommendation 12.
Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties' report:
Report 136 Treaty tabled on 14 May 2013 Food Assistance Convention (London, 25 April 2012)
Recommendation 1 :
The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide both in-kind and cash support to meet its food aid commitments, as allowed in the convention and as practiced by other developed countries.
Response - Recommendation 1 :
The Government notes that accepting Recommendation 1would commit the Government to provide some level of in-kind food assistance. The Government considers that mandating such a commitment is not necessary as Australia already has the flexibility to do this under the Food Assistance Convention and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, if the circumstances warranted.
Australian Government policy is to continue to focus on cost effectiveness and efficiency in delivering food assistance. In-kind food assistance does not always represent best value for the aid dollar. The OECD has estimated that tied in-kind food assistance can raise costs by up to 50 per cent.
Australia has not provided in-kind food assistance since December 2005. This correlates with the Government's untying of the aid program, including to improve openness in trade and to maximise the impact of aid spending. Flexible financial support allows the United Nations World Food Programme, our largest humanitarian partner, and one of the aid program's best performing multilateral organisations, maximum flexibility to procure and deliver food assistance efficiently, effectively and in the most timely way possible to those in need.
Providing cash-based assistance reflects Australia's commitment to openness in trade and competition, and supports Australia's advocacy for freer trade, particularly with regard to our efforts to prevent in-kind food assistance from resulting in commercial displacement, or harmful interference with normal patterns of production and international commercial trade.
Australian suppliers can and do bid for United Nations procurement contracts to supply food for humanitarian aid purposes. The Government will endeavour to work more closely with Australian industry to assist potential suppliers to access procurement opportunities within the United Nations system.
Recommendation 2 :
Subject to Recommendation 1 being adopted, the Committee supports the Food Assistance Convention (London, 25 April 2013) and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.
Response - Recommendation 2 :
The Government accepts Recommendation 2in part. The Government considers that Australia should ratify the Food Assistance Convention (London, 25 April 2013) while retaining existing flexibility to provide in-kind food assistance if it chooses to.
That—
(a) the documents I have just tabled, together with the final budget outcome 2012-13 tabled on 13 November 2013, be referred to committees for examination and report; and
(b) consideration of the Issues from the advances provided under the annual Appropriation Acts in committee of the whole be made an order of the day for the day on which committees report on their examination of the additional estimates.
Economics Legislation Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Furner to replace Senator Bishop on Thursday, 27 February 2014
Participating member: Senator Bishop
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Rhiannon to replace Senator Whish-Wilson for the committee’s inquiry into overseas aid
Participating member: Senator Whish-Wilson
National Broadband Network—Select Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator O’Neill to replace Senator Thorp on Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Participating member: Senator O’Neill
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee—
Appointed—Substitute member: Senator Ludlam to replace Senator Rhiannon for the committee’s inquiry into public transport on Wednesday, 19 February 2014.
That the Senate—
(a) condemns:
(i) the failure of the Government to:
(A) articulate a comprehensive innovation policy so that Australia has the high skill, high wage jobs of the future, and
(B) fight for Australian jobs,
(ii) the deliberate and hostile actions of the Government in bringing about the end of Australia's automotive manufacturing sector threatening a further 50 000 jobs directly reliant and the 200 000 jobs that rely on it indirectly, and
(iii) the cowardice of the Government for blaming job losses on workers to distract from its own inaction and lack of any plan to deal with the crisis facing Australian manufacturing due to the strong dollar; and
(b) calls on the Government to immediately outline:
(i) its plans to support the 50 000 Australian workers who have lost their jobs since the election,
(ii) the industries in which it expects these workers to find new jobs, and
(iii) its plans to attract the billions in new investment, new jobs, new skills and new technologies to replace those lost in the automotive sector.
Up to 2700 jobs in the Goulburn Valley depend on SPC Ardmona and this co-investment secures these jobs which are vital to this region’s economy.
Our nation is facing a historic shift, the like of which we have not seen in two generations. That does not mean the change will be easy or swift. These are incredibly challenging times.' In 2011 he said, 'These are incredibly challenging times.
Carr relies heavily on the support of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union … Carr’s strategy was to pay huge amounts of public money ... To prop up the union’s membership coverage and consequently, its influence inside the ALP.
I’ve got two agencies that I work for just to keep the work up because every now and then you might get 20 hours one week and then you’ll get 50 hours the next week … you’ve got to take it while it’s there because the next week it might not be. And you don’t get holiday pay and sick pay
The guy I’m working for is not in a very good financial position. I’ve drawn up a wages bill that’s getting a little out of hand and he can’t pay me. So all sorts of promises and I’m looking at going somewhere else. I’ve been to a couple of other places on contract but it’s only for a week at a time and there’s nowhere else to go …
There doesn't seem to be jobs around for people of my age—
and particularly or almost definitely no permanent job. It seems to be casual. They’ll take you on for maybe a couple of days.
Australia is a lucky country, run mainly by second-rate people who share its luck.
… only the 13th richest people in the world, a decline of six places from the heyday of the 1990s.
Australian productivity growth is the third lowest among the 10 countries, just nosing Spain into second-last spot. South Korea's rate of productivity growth has been 3.5 times Australia's—
across the past 20 years. Finland and Sweden's rate of productivity growth—
has been about double Australia's, and that of the US about 70 per cent faster.
That the Senate—
(a) condemns:
(i) the failure of the Government to:
(A) articulate a comprehensive innovation policy so that Australia has the high skill, high wage jobs of the future, and
(B) fight for Australian jobs …
… the forum took a unanimous decision to have an extensive cost-benefit analysis done that was due to report back to the forum in June this year. It was premature to have the website live until this report was completed.
That senators be discharged from and appointed to committees as follows:
Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Siewert to replace Senator Rhiannon on Friday 28 February 2014
Participating member: Senator Rhiannon
National Broadband Network—Select Committee—
Appointed—
Substitute member: Senator Rhiannon to replace Senator Ludlam on Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Participating member: Senator Ludlam
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability of neurological origin. It primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. It is frequently associated with difficulties in phonological processing. It occurs across the range of intellectual abilities with no distinct cut-off points. It is viewed as a lifelong disability that often does not respond as expected to best-practice evidence-based classroom methods for teaching reading.
Jim really epitomises the commitment and resilience of many people who have challenges whilst pursuing education. It's been evident in the support offered to Jim that the university's support services can really make a difference in the lives of people, and the university is incredibly proud of Jim, as are his family and friends. We look forward to seeing his ongoing work in the broader community.
No private member has had as much influence changing a major policy of the major parties.'
I should like, at this stage, to pay a very warm tribute to the Minister for Trade (Mr. McEwen) for the clear-sighted way in which he has worked to do this very thing, that is, to help us sell what we produce. No one could do more, if as much.
We are all apt to be critical of the part played by the United States of America, for instance, in selling her surplus export production at prices which make it difficult for us to compete. Let us make sure that we are doing all that we can before we become too critical.
Do our own restrictive trade practices not make it more difficult for other nations to trade with us? The trade treaties with Japan and Malaya were steps in the right direction, but we still watch with a jealous eye lest Japan sells us too many cheap toys. How can we expect Japan to buy our barley if we will not buy her toys?
Certainly I used to run into criticism from my colleagues that I was rocking the boat, but never from the Prime Ministers of the time, and certainly never from the Liberal Party hierarchy. This independence is something that we should cherish.
I then explained to his Honour, who, I guess, lives a very sheltered life, that I was, and am, engaged in a bitter battle to get our trade barriers lowered.
I then foolishly tried to be funny and explained that, when the PM was overseas, he was a powerful ally of mine in this cause because he then made stirring statements about the evils of protection. However, he was home quite a lot and then I was very busy indeed, because he seemed to spend most of his time at home making sure that our trade barriers were not lowered.
I hoped that this sally would draw at least a snigger from the crowded court room but it went down like a lead balloon.
Evidently, it is regarded as the natural way to behave for politicians to talk eloquently about the evils of protectionism while overseas while doing their damnedest to keep up our trade barriers while at home.
We just have to govern Australia badly for fear that Labor might govern us worse.