Agreement for Members to Contribute Remotely to Parliamentary Proceedings

Petitions Committee

Climate Change

Australia's share of global CO2 emissions from domestic use of fossil fuels is about 1.4% of global fossil fuel and if you add on the domestic use of our exports then it is raised by 5%. Fossil fuels are one of the dominant causes of climate change and contribute to 89% of global Co2 emissions. If Australia cuts its use of fossil fuel emissions by 50% by the year 2030 and lower it to zero by 2050 then we can still prevent ourselves from contributing to setting off an irreversible chain of human caused events related to climate change. Australia is in a very bad position related to climate change with the flooding, fires and cyclones being multiplied across the country, but we can still save ourselves from a world of pain if we meet these targets.

We therefore ask the House to half Australia's fossil fuel emissions to 50% by the year 2030 and lower them to zero by the year 2050 and look into more renewable energy and exports.

from 8 citizens (Petition No. EN2028)

COVID-19: Australians Overseas

I urge the House to consider the lives of Australians who are stuck overseas and stuck in difficult positions. The situation Australia finds itself in now was unpredictable. We are not asking to come back and return to normal. We are asking to return to our home and families and agree with the quarantine, however we are asking to not be forced into a hotel alone for 2 weeks isolation and then be given the bill for which most of us are unemployed and cannot pay. We are being treated like criminals for wanting to return home, when not done anything wrong. We feel abandoned by our countries and are left worrying about our futures.

We therefore ask the House to reconsider alternatives options and allow us to quarantine in our our homes should we provide a negative COVID test on arrival. If we are going to be forced into the situation, we ask thee house to reconsider the cost, as most are unable to pay for the bill after losing our jobs overseas having to pay for a Business Class ticket to just come home. Furthermore we ask for compassion in this situation, as most people are struggling financially due to losing their jobs as well as mentally from already being isolated in a foreign country and being separated from their families.

from 14 citizens (Petition No. EN2029)

Members of Parliament: Conduct

Like many other citizens I'm aghast at the site of our Prime Minister constantly turning his back on debate when he doesn't like what he is hearing. I ask that all swivel chairs be removed from the house, then if the Prime Minister wishes to turn his back, at least he'll have to make an effort to do so.

We therefore ask the House to replace all swivel chairs with fixed chairs that face the other side of the house.

from 26 citizens (Petition No. EN2030)

Australian Republic

Since federation, Australia has been at the whims of the United Kingdom, our head of state being a monarch appointed Governor General. For obvious reasons, this is not something the average Australian is okay with in 2020. Twenty-one years has passed since the original referendum regarding this issue occurred, where Australia returned a verdict of No. But twenty-one years on, there are entirely new generations with differing world views than those common a mere two decades ago, and I believe it is for this reason that a referendum on Australia becoming a republic is necessary.

A Parliament-elected President is much more democratic and Australian than a foreign-monarch-appointed Governor General who assumes a mere ceremonial role. Republicanism is on the rise in Australia and I believe it is only a matter of time before new members get elected to Parliament who posses these republican views and establish an Australian republic. Why delay the inevitable and leave it up to the politicians? Australian citizens deserve to vote on this issue

We therefore ask the House to launch a referendum into the creation of an Australian republic.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2031)

Climate Change

JUST OUTRAGEOUS ATTACK ON AUSTRALIA DEMOCRATIC ECONOMY .

WE WANT OUR OWN DECISIONS NOT ORDERED BY FOREIGN ELLITES WE DID NOT VOTE FOR.

THE WROLD IS NOT ABIDING BY THE RULES BY SIGNING TO THESE NON ELECTED BEURACRATES

SO WHY IS AUSTRALIA ?

We therefore ask the House to GIVE AUSTRALIANS A REFERNDUM NOW TO GET OUT OF PARIS & UNITED NATIONS AGREEMENTS

from 22 citizens (Petition No. EN2033)

Human Rights

Australia is the only western country in the world that does not have a Human Rights Act.

We therefore ask the House to review the motion to legislate a Federal Human Rights Act, following the summary from the 2019 House of Representatives Discussions stating:

"[To give] effect to certain provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment by: declaring an Australian Bill of Rights; providing that any Commonwealth, state or territory law that is inconsistent with the Bill of Rights is invalid to the extent of the inconsistency; specifying that Commonwealth, state and territory laws must be interpreted consistently with the Bill of Rights; and providing the Australian Human Rights Commission with a range of additional powers and functions in relation to the rights and freedoms in the Bill of Rights."

from 48 citizens (Petition No. EN2035)

Pensions and Benefits

Grandparents raising grandchildren should receive full centrelink payments. For the grandparents that work full time your annual income shouldn't count, yes for raising your own children but not grandchildren. there are a lot of people raising grandchildren and don't get any help from centrelink simply because it goes on annual income.

We therefore ask the House to Receive full centrelink payments for working Grandparents who are raising grandchildren

from 18 citizens (Petition No. EN2044)

Welfare

The administrative cost of welfare within Australia is rocketing upwards year after year while the funds received by the people the system is intended to help has not increased substantially in real terms since 1994. When factoring in cost of living increases such as rent, childcare and utilities governmental income supplement are actually becoming less and less over time, despite living in the land of the "Fair Go". As a result Australia is suffering a widening income inequality between the richest and the poorest that must be addressed. With the numerous recent scandals suffered by Centrelink such as the robo-debt scandal and the increased fracturing of services into numerous different categories, we need an overhaul of the welfare system in order to address the changing needs of Australia. We need to examine if programs such as the Universal Basic Income which has resulted in such success in countries such as Canada, Finland and the Netherlands. We also need to compare if the costs of such a program would be offset by the simplification of Government programs such as Newstart, JobSeeker and the disability pension.

We therefore ask the House to support a pilot program to test the feasibility of implementing a program such as Universal Basic Income, one that will compare income and poverty levels before and after the pilot program in comparison to equivalent communities

from 9 citizens (Petition No. EN2045)

Kurri Kurri: Gas Plant

I petition the House to repeal their idea of a gas plant and terminus in Kurri Kurri on the old Kurri Kurri Aluminium Smelter site. Kurri Kurri is a small town of 6044 at the last census of 2016, it is one of the last bastions that has a small-town feel in the Hunter Valley. But, due to development and expansion of housing which cannot be sustainable because of the lack of infrastructure (roads, hospital closures etc) the area and surrounds have seen a degradation of community and social connectedness. The government may see this gas an employment opportunity for the area however, this kind of energy has detrimental effects on the community at health and societal levels as has been witnessed in Queensland. There has been no community consultation, but the local council had it on their last agenda. We must not let Australia's small towns become fodder for what a politician would not have in their own backyard. These gas lines are notorious for infiltrating our waterways, water that lights up (as seen on 4 Corners) and devastating chronic and incurable diseases. We can not allow this kind of roughshod approach with no evidence-based scientific proof that no harm will be done. Save our small country towns. Kurri Kurri - Aboriginal for the Very First. Saver it!

We therefore ask the House to reconsider the idea of gas energy in Kurri Kurri to protect this area of natural beauty and allow our indigenous species the protection they deserve.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2046)

Climate Change

Climate change is the most important issue of our times.

Our children and Grandchildren must be guaranteed a secure climate for the sake of their futures

Australia is lagging in its commitment to cutting carbon admissions.

The economics of failing to act on climate change can no longer be ignored.

Renewable energy is the way forward both environmentally and economically.

We therefore ask the House to back legislation reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Back a move toward renewable energy.

Ban importation and manufacture of diesel and petroleum cars by 2025.

Subsidize solar energy systems for all households and industry. Until all energy production in Australia is renewable

from 17 citizens (Petition No. EN2047)

COVID-19: Vitamin D

The science on Vitamin D in the prevention of acute severe respiratory infections is settled.

Over half the population is deficient in vitamin D, with vulnerable communities, including the aged and those with co-morbidities at significant risk due to lower production in the body and much more time spent inside.

In May 2020, France's National Academy of Medicine recommended that Vitamin D be used for COVID-19 defense. Since then many countries, including the United Kingdom and Spain are now encouraging supplementation with Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc.

COVID-19: Vitamin D

As Victoria emerges out of a second lockdown, the petitioners encourage the implementation of evidence-based strategies to avoid a third wave of COVID infections. Fundamental to this is addressing common nutrient deficiencies that are prevalent in the community and known to negatively impact an individual's immune response.

Vitamin D is affordable and available at pharmacies. Over the course of the year, a daily dose of Vitamin D would cost $40 per person.

We therefore ask the House to

1. Introduce a government-subsidised national Vitamin D (and other critical nutrients) supplementation program;

2. Re-introduce Medicare-funded pathology testing for Vitamin D and other critical nutrients;

3. Increase funding through the NHMRC (and other sources) for research in nutritional medicine with a particular emphasis on the future management of epidemic and pandemic outbreaks;

4. Encourage further education in nutritional medicine for Medical Practitioners, allied health professionals and the broader health workforce; and

5. Improve community access to evidence-based, safe nutritional medicines through the pharmacy sector.

from 65 citizens (Petition No. EN2048)

Aged Care

* Requesting that the house of representatives legislate Nurse Ratio to patients in aged care as a priority.

* Requesting that the house of representatives put forward the need for a Advocacy group to help and represent families in the complaint processes, that include RN, social workers etc so they have a voice not just a telephone hotline to complain in the aged care sector.

*Requesting that the house of representatives address the shortage of trained nurses in aged care

We therefore ask the House to please forward these requests as a matter of urgency, whilst there has been a royal commission into what is happening in the aged care sector, Neglect and irresponsible mistakes are still being made. The covid crisis whilst has put safety measures in to protect our older residents against this virus has also enabled nursing homes to lapse in Hygiene and medication safety among many other issues, that instead of just a hotline there is a set advocacy group in each state of Australia that consists of third parties including, nurses, and social workers who can sit down face to face with families and assist them in going to meetings with the provider when there is a issue and that it is flowed through the correct channels not have one hotline in a completely different state, Im sure we have discovered from covid people need human face to face interaction.

not just one RN chasing up 5 carers on a floor of 46 patients.

from 112 citizens (Petition No. EN2051)

Glenmorgan Street: Broadband

Glenmorgan Street is a beautiful leafy heritage street in Brunswick East, close to the City with beautiful cascading trees aligning it. The roots of the trees affect the cabling of NBN which means we are affected by frequent drop outs. This is causing considerable problems working from home, home work for students etc. There is reluctance to recable because of the cost that it would incur to the NBN , due to the trees, and the possible impact recabling could have on the trees themselves. The Government cannot boast that it has met it's NBN targets and then provide us with an inadequate and band aid service.

We therefore ask the House to find a solution to enable the cabling in our Street to be fixed. There may be consideration of replacing the existing trees with mature alternatives that enhance the heritage overlay on our street; as well as replacing the outdated copper wiring that exists and is old and inadequate.

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2054)

Education

WE HATE ENGLISH

We therefore ask the House to consider the petition and make changes to remove compulsory English units.

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN2055)

Climate Change

We the people of Australia do humbly petition the Australian Government to end the Climate Wars. Climate change is an existential threat to the way that Australians conduct their everyday lives, in work and at play. Moreover, climate change threatens our close neighbours, island nations that are exposed to rising sea levels and the threat of displacement and relocation.

We therefore ask the House to adopt a target of Net Zero Emissions by 2050, just as each State and Territory has.

from 18 citizens (Petition No. EN2057)

Climate Change: Old Growth Forests

Our Old Growth Forests are home to our unique, diverse, and often endangered flora and fauna, as well as being carbon sinks that when clear-felled, as is the modern method of harvesting timber, exacerbate climate change and contribute to global warming.

We therefore ask the House to

To terminate all Regional Forest Agreements across Australia and cease altogether the logging of our Old Growth Forests

from 135 citizens (Petition No. EN2059)

Pensions and Benefits

Currently the Child support agency makes assesment based on an individuals "adjusted taxable income" where by a full grossed up value of any fringe benefits received is applied.

This over simplistic blanket rule results in an adjusted income for an individual which can be inflated well above net income value.

Low income employees of public hospitals and registered charities are particularly effected by this rule. Applying a full grossed up amount unfairly inflates payment for a fringe benefit receiving child support "payer", or unfairly decreases payment for a fringe benefit receiving child support "receiver".

Centrelink currently makes fairer adjustments to an individuals taxable income, based on fringe benefit "cash value" rather than grossed up value. This rule better, and more fairly, considers the maximum possible benefit that could be obtained from the fringe benefit received. An individuals adjusted income will never be more than Net income earned.

Currently low income earners with access to fringe benefits to help boost their wage are severely disadvantaged in the Child support system. The rules used by the Child Support agency are unjust.

We therefore ask the House to bring the rules used by the Child Support agency to obtain an adjusted taxable income, in line with those used by Centrelink. We ask that the cash value of a fringe benefit is considered, rather than its grossed up value, when calculating an individuals adjusted taxable income. This will result in a fairer child support assesment for both payers and receivers.

from 14 citizens (Petition No. EN2060)

Media

The Murdoch press is consistently biased and unfair in their reporting to a point where it is working against democracy in Australia. This need to be investigated and highlighted to ensure future reporting is fair and equal. Murdoch press should be brought to justice for any gross breaches and should pay compensation to victims.

We therefore ask the House to investigate the fairness of the Murdoch press and their biases and inaccurate reporting that work against democracy in Australia.

from 175 citizens (Petition No. EN2061)

Mental Health: Medicinal use of Psychedelics

Requesting that the House take into consideration the existing studies on the potential psychopharmacological benefits of psychedelic substances such as psilocybin (known colloquially as "magic mushrooms"), LSD and ketamine - such as Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol dependence: A proof-of-concept study. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2015;29(3):289-299 and Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68(1):71-78 to name two - and allow for further studies and also consider decriminalizing the possession of these plants in Australia.

We therefore ask the House to allow further scientific studies/trials to be done on the psychopharmacological benefits of psychedelic substances such as magic mushrooms, LSD and ketamine.

from 28 citizens (Petition No. EN2067)

Diabetes

The Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a medical device for Type1 Diabetes management approved by TGA in June 2020. The device offers several improvements on the Dexcom G4 and G5 that are currently part of the Federal Government CGM initiative.

Improvements include, but are not limited to:

o Greater accuracy

o No requirement for blood glucose checks for calibration

o Integration with Tandem insulin pumps to suspend insulin delivery to

o Prevent dangerous low blood glucose levels which improves time in

o Range and prevention of long-term complications

o Longer usage time with Dexcom G6 sensors lasting 10 days compared to older versions lasting 7 days

o Less painful insertion, being less stressful for the child and parents

o Immediate start up after warm up time of two hours therefore can be inserted at night when small children are asleep without the parents having to wait for two hours to calibrate, as is the case with all other CGM devices.

These issues are of significant benefit to children living with Type 1 Diabetes. Their medical management and quality of life will improve. The children will be at less risk and the condition will have less burden for families.

We therefore ask the House to advise the NDSS to include Dexcom G6 in the Federal Government Continuous Glucose Monitoring Initiative from World Diabetes Day on 14th November 2020

from 2546 citizens (Petition No. EN2070)

Ex-Offenders: Ban the Box Campaign

A criminal record should not be requested by a potential employer if it is not directly related to that crime. There needs to be repercussions if it's breached. Incarceration and/or criminal records should Not continue to negatively affect someone's entire life. Government agencies should be made to employ these people who are judged for a mistake they made and paid for.

We therefore ask the House to "ban the Box" an initiative implemented in the USA and UK to stop potential employers from being able to ask for a criminal history.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2071)

COVID-19: Australians Overseas

The current rules in place for travel to Australia have hugely impacted families of citizens and residents of Australia living overseas.

We understand that the regulations in place is for good and to control the pandemic. But there are numerous cases where pregnant women including who have just given birth to new born are unable to get support from family as their parents reside overseas.

Immigrants normally have little support and they deserve to be happy and at ease during important events like pregnancy. These regulations are impacting heavily on pregnant women.

Hence, we request you to consider this under compassionate and compelling reasons to travel. We would be happy and relieved if Australia allows at least one of the family for support as its not feasible to depend on neighbours or friends in this matter.

Medical practitioners believe women require regular assistance during their antenatal and post-partum period. Delivering this kind of support at a crucial time will let women have a good outcome and reduce delivery complications. Women need optimum mental and physical support and lack of this can lead to post-partum depression and poor growth of new born.

Its our responsibility to ensure that the future of Australia and the women who are helping these future generations to evolve are given the required support.

We therefore ask the House to consider these factors and provide exemption to parents of pregnant women and women in post partum period to travel to Australia

from 33 citizens (Petition No. EN2074)

COVID-19: Australians Overseas

Australian citizens overseas feel defeated and are being ignored by every avenue. We are being treated inhumanely and forgotten by our own Government. COVID has obviously turned the world upside down, but during this pandemic, no other country has abandoned its citizens like this. We don't want special treatment, grants, money. We just want to return to our home country. To be with our families, and get through this pandemic together.

Further to this, the media is portraying us to be the bad people as we should have come home sooner. A lot of us couldn't at that time, and still can't today. We have been trying for months. We are unable to secure flights. We have already been subjected to harsh lockdowns overseas, we've lost our jobs and a place to call home. Hundreds should be enough for the Government to take action, but you have thousands pleading with you.

We therefore ask the House to lift the cap on returning citizens or work with the airlines to secure our flights. Also to consider alternative options to forced hotel quarantine for returned travelers, such as home quarantine, the implementation of Global Positioning System trackers, or allowing return travelers to choose a hotel within their budgets.

from 51 citizens (Petition No. EN2075)

COVID-19: Quarantine

Section 474 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (hereunder 'the act') states that the emergency powers of the Health Minister "may only be exercised by the Minister personally" if an emergency declaration has been made. Quarantine is an emergency power pursuant to s 477 of the act (and s 97). The Governor-General made an emergency declaration pursuant to s 475(1) of the act 18 March 2020 which was extended 14 May 2020 and again 3 September 2020.

Victorian Government quarantine capability provided for by section 200(1) of the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic) is thus in conflict with s 474 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth), and is therefore invalid to that extent as per s 109 of the Constitution. The Federal Minister for Health is the only person that has the power to administer quarantine for persons returning to Australia when a declaration has been made by the Governor-General - as is currently the case.

We therefore ask the House to either repeal s 474 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) or enforce it.

from 2 citizens (Petition No. EN2076)

Transport: Noise Pollution

There are too many noisey vehicles which disturb pedestrians and degrade our quality of life.

The requirements for testing are onerous and so many vehicles are never tested by police.

We therefore ask the House to introduce a law that gives pedestrians the right to forward video evidence of noisey vehicles to a national register, which can be pursued by the police who can follow up offenders with a formal inspection.

Convicted offenders should have to pay the person whi submitted the video a $500 inconvenience fee.

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2078)

National Disability Insurance Scheme

1."Reform" & "Expand", NDIS; "Criteria", so that the "Criteria" does not; "Discriminate" against vulnerable Parties; who have: "SENSORY" DISABILITIES: IE VERTIGO, ACROPHOBIA, EXTREME ANXIETY, CLAUSTROPHOBIA . The NDIS "Criteria" is causing serious "Disability Discrimination" .

2. Be "Transparent"

We therefore ask the House to please,

1. Request House; Urgently "Reform" and "Expand", The National Disability Insurance Scheme; their "Criteria" , so that the "Criteria" used for the NDIS "Access Application" and inother "Processes" , does not any longer; "Discriminate" against the Australian Public, Parties; who have: "SENSORY" DISABILITIES: IE VERTIGO, ACROPHOBIA, EXTREME ANXIETY, CLAUSTROPHOBIA .

2. Request House take swift action to; "Expand" and "Reform" the NDIS "Criteria to include people with "Sensory Disabilities" at all Levels.

3. Both; 1) The National Disability Insurance Scheme and 2) The National Disability Insurance Agency; pay Maximum Financial Compensation and other Maximum Remedies to:1) Mr. Adrian Praljak, an Admitted Australian Lawyer for their recent very serious; "Disability Discrimination" / "Errors in Handling my NDIS Application" and 2) To Any Other Australian Public Parties, who have been "Discrimianted" over many Decades by Both; 1) The National Disability Insurance Scheme and 2) The National Disability Insurance Agency.

4. Request House take; Other necessary; "Postive", swift actions.

5. Request House swiftly and regulary updates the following Parties: 1) All Australian Government Agencies at All Levels IE Local/State/Federal/United Nations, 2) The Global Media, 3) The Australian Public People , 4) Mr. Adrian Praljak, (Admitted Australian Lawyer), 5) Other Relevant Parties both Nationally and Internationally (Globally).

Thank You

from 2 citizens (Petition No. EN2079)

Social Media

Social media websites such as Facebook have data ( posts uploaded, content liked, tagged in, commented on etc..). The websites do not offer an option to delete all historical data held by the company.

Users especially younger users are likely to have embarrassing information publicly available which they may regret in the future. A quick and easy option to delete all historical data should be provided to protect user privacy.

We therefore ask the House to mandate that websites such as Facebook that have user data provide an option to delete all historic data held on it's website in a one-click solution.

Currently manually deleting several years worth of data for users is extremely time consuming and almost-near impossible due to server lags in loading the historical data.

from 4 citizens (Petition No. EN2080)

Online Shopping: Country of Origin

Online purchasing is becoming more common for everyone. However, country of origin information is not currently required to be published on e-commerce websites. In many cases, it is impossible to work out where it is manufactured. This makes it difficult for people to make informed decisions about where their products come from, if for example, they would like to support the local economy. Online shoppers should have the right to know the country of origin, just like they would if they went to a store, and looked at the label on the product.

We therefore ask the House to legislate to require online retailers operating in Australia to include country of origin labelling for all products.

from 5 citizens (Petition No. EN2081)

Coeliac Disease: Availability of Gluten Free Food

Coeliacs and gluten intolerant Australians are together almost a 10% of the population. This population struggles to buy gluten free food every week due to the high prices in the supermarkets which are double or triple the price in some cases for the same grams of food than a gluten containing similar food.

We therefore ask the House to interfere and regulate the prices of gluten free food to make it more accessible to all Australians.

Thank you very much.

from 137 citizens (Petition No. EN2083)

Social Media

With the rise of Social Media giant's like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube a larger majority of political debates have been taking place online with the citizens of this country. My concern is that these sites are run by people who have no laws prevented them from Censoring people with different political ideologies, which could be harmful for the democracy of this nation. These sites have shown time and time again that they are willing to meddle in political discussion as was the case with the US Election.

We therefore ask the House to conduct a Royal Commission into Social Media and to introduce new laws that protect the Citizens of Australia Freedom of Speech.

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN2084)

Members of Parliament: Conduct

1. Australian Politicians, are elected by; The Public, they have to behave at a "Professional" Level 24/7 & to the highest standards.

2. Create a "Royal Commission", to "Comprehensively Investigate" all; Serious; Past/Current/Future Misconduct & Unlawful Offences committed by Australian Politicians.

3. "Reform" the "Culture".

We therefore ask the House to please;

1. Urgently Reform The Culture of the Australian Parliament. Australian Politicians are appointed to represent The Australian Public and use Ethically, The Public Purse. At all times we submit, Politicians need to behave Professionally at the highest levels which is expected.

2. Request House, immediately Ban at all Levels, IE Local, State, Federal; Australian Parliament; Politicians having Sexual relationships with their young, vulnerable, "Interns" and/or "Staff Members". There is a Power inbalance and this may be a form of both; "Direct" and "Indirect" Rape and Serious Sexual Assault of younger woman and men.

3. Request House create an; "Urgent Royal Commission", to comprehensively investigate, all; PAST, CURRENT, FUTURE; Politician Sexual Affairs. Please hold all offenders to account under the Australian Law.

4. Request House be 100% "Transparent", in their Findings of; "Misconduct"/"Unlawful Offences" and inform the following parties; 1) All Australian Government Agencies at all Levels; Local, State, Federal 2) Inform The Australian Public 3) Inform The Global Media on a; "Consistent" and "Frequent" basis to ensure; Ethics, Transparency, Accountability; in Australian Politics and The Legal Profession.

5. Request House take all "Other" "Positive Actions" and keep Mr Adrian Praljak and The Australian Public regularly Informed.

Thank You.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2086)

COVID-19: Income Support Payments

Social security measures were announced on 22 March 2020 resultant in a Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight to assist struggling Australians without adequate income to support themselves.

This has a transformative outcome for most of Australia's lowest income households. It brought comfort and assurance of meeting essential costs of living. It also evened the playing field in a country where inequality has been growing.

The health of our nation improved. With sufficient resources, medical appointments occurred, more nutritious and fresh food brought and trips to the dentist became real. Children stayed warm and for six-months they had a childhood like their mates. Cars were safely back on the road; study was underway and planning for a future could happen. It brought safety for women and children who had the financial capacity to leave domestic abuse. Mature women, who had become the face of homelessness, could live with hope and dignity.

A permanent increase will not only benefit individuals' well-being, but also support the broader economy both as we recover from the pandemic and in its aftermath. It will also better serve the next generation and long-term future of Australia.

We therefore ask the House to permanently add $550 per fortnight to the nine eligible claimant categories as announced on 22nd March 2020. Extend eligibility to Carers payment, and Disability Support Payment and Temporary Visa applicants.

from 2818 citizens (Petition No. EN2087)

United States Presidential Election

Media

A lot of things are currently playing out in the US regarding their presidential election. However, little can be read from Australian main stream media about the Trump Campaign stories (eg, the observation made by Federal Election Commission Chairman Trey Trainor that voter fraud is taking place; court proceedings currently underway in various US states for vote recount; Lucian Lincoln Wood joining the Trump Campaign team in support of court proceedings on vote recount, etc), except the negative portrayal of President Donald Trump's refusion to concede an election defeat. Considering the powerful influence the media may have on public opinions and, potentially, on government policy-making or even election outcomes, this single-sided leaning of the main stream media in Australia sets an alarm that the democratic system of our nation has been dangerously eroded or compromised and there could be unthinkable consequences continuing this path unchecked. Australians do not want to see our media system operates the same way as a propaganda machine of a totalitarian regime.

We therefore ask the House to take necessary legislative measures to review the current code of conduct in Australian journalism and to enact effective laws to protect the freedom of information and freedom of speech for ordinary Australians.

from 21 citizens (Petition No. EN2088)

National Anthem

Our existing national anthem is a relic of a racist and deeply shameful period of Australian history. It does not and never has represented the entirety of our people and particularly ignores the traditional custodians of our continent. Our current anthem is not representative of contemporary Australia and should be considered a national embarrassment.

'I Am Australian' reflects and acknowledges the cultural diversity of our country and inspires pride in the ideals that bind Australians together as one people. It is time for change, it is time to embrace our diversity and adopt a national anthem that reflects who we are and what binds us together as Australians. We are one, but we are many. We are Australian.

We therefore ask the House to abandon our current national anthem in favour of 'I Am Australian' as it reflects the cultural diversity of our people and inspires pride in our national ideals.

from 6 citizens (Petition No. EN2094)

Immigration

I hate being forced to be a part of a nazi-like "Border Protection at Any Cost" society. I REFUSE to be complicit! I stand for COMPASSION and HUMAN RIGHTS! Consideration of individual, family or group cases - on COMPASSIONATE grounds, and HUMAN RIGHTS considerations should guide POLICY and EXECUTION of Border Protection Actions and Laws - NOT POPULIST and SCARE MONGERING, PARTISAN or RACIST ideologies.

We therefore ask the House to PLEASE consider creating a LAW, stipulating:

- the establishment and running of a representative JURY OF PEERS in cases referred to it by popular petitions, or community representatives, and/or political electives, regarding immigration issues and cases, concerning families, individuals, or groups

- whose purpose it will be be to determine whether such cases, on merit and compassionate grounds, override Ministerial and Legal decisions which prevent them from being allowed permanent and/or protective residency in Australia.

- For the purpose of RE-ESTABLISHING Australia as a JUST, FAIR, and COMPASSIONATE member of the International Family of Nations on this planet.

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2096)

COVID-19: International Students

The main reason is the rapidly declining student visa applications caused by tightening pathways to permanent residency, stringent work limitations on students, and the outbreak of COVID-19. Universities have estimated a drop in $3-4.6 billion in the education sector and $19 billion over the next three years. A loss of 38,400 Australian jobs to follow. International students are vital to our country's aging rate, and the opportunity to work and settle in our country should be thoroughly considered. Removing work limits will encourage students abroad to emigrate; and those who currently reside in Australia to stay and contribute to our economy; and our society. This is very relevant to the state of Victoria as small and large businesses look to kickstart their production for the busiest time of the year allowing student workers to become a part of the rebuilding process.

We therefore ask the House to remove 20-hour work limits for international students. Modifications to working terms for a period of time, or allowing concessions for certain sectors would be invaluable.

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2098)

National Anthem

The line we are young and free in Australia's national anthem should be changed to we are one and free. This line symbolises that all Australians are equal and united instead of the current line which is misleading, because Australia is home to the oldest continuing culture it the world. The Aboriginal people have a long and rich cultural history however this line seems to forget that and assume Australia only became a country after British settlement. We need to change this insensitive and impractical line in Advance Australia fair so that it represents all Australian citizens.

We therefore ask the House to change the line in advance Australia fair 'we are young and free' to 'we are one and free' and make sure the change in well lyrics is well publicised.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2099)

Australian Consumer Law

Australian Consumer Law is for the protection of consumers and provides guarantees when they engage the services of professionals. S60 has a guarantee that services will be provided with due care and skill. S61(1) guarantees that where a consumer expressly or by implication makes known to the provider any particular purpose for which the services are being acquired that any product resulting from the service will be reasonably fit for that purpose. S60(2) includes where prior negotiations or arrangements in relation to acquiring the services conducted or made that the services and any product resulting from the service will be of such a nature, quality, state, condition that they might reasonably be expected to achieve that result. Engineers and architects are an integral part of construction building and many other industries ensuring building/product design standards, safety standards, suitability and durability of materials/products to be used for a particular purpose will meet Statutory requirements therefore they should be required to provide a product fit for purpose.

We therefore ask the House to remove Australian Consumer Law S61(4) , this section does not apply to the supply of professional services by Engineers and Architects, so that the professional services of Engineers and Architects are rendered in accordance with ACL S61 (1) and (2). No other business, trade or profession, who is required under ACL S60 to provide a service with due care and skill, is exempt from providing a service with a guarantee as to the fitness for a particular purpose.

from 16 citizens (Petition No. EN2101)

Australian Parliament House Petitions Website

Requesting that the House support the democratic process by reducing the barrier to signing petitions due to the tediousness of the website which forces the entering of the same details, and associated verification of the same email for each petition signed.

Also to proactively prevent the waste of effort and cost due to attempts to sign petitions that have already been signed by providing a list of petitions signed to the registered member

We therefore ask the House to update the Parliament of Australia website petitions list to prefill the signing details with the details of the person signed in to the site. and enhance the website to display which petitions have been signed.

from 2 citizens (Petition No. EN2102)

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting the brain. It affects adults, children more than half have a secondary illness or disability. Most adults can't drive, work or even function and need multiple medications, therapy and neurological appointment. This is the same for children.

Currently, epilepsy is not classed as a disability. The government needs to change this as many need more assistance and more education.

NDIS covers only the tools for epilepsy sufferers. For example cameras to watch the person in a room and watches. Nothing else is covered under NDIS as it is not classed as a disability, it's only classed as a neurological disorder.

Epilepsy should be classed as a disability when it affects the brain mentally, physically and emotionally. Seizures due to epilepsy can lead to death, including children and includes sleep seizures. Adults can lose their jobs and are unable to work. Epilepsy sufferers who have a secondary disability are covered for the second disability but not epilepsy on its own. This has significant cost implications due to the significant fees associated with medications, neurologist appointments, therapists and operations. These factors are not covered. Many people and children lose their lives because they cannot afford the support needed to help them with epilepsy.

We therefore ask the House to consider epilepsy as a disability to ensure funding and support for epilepsy sufferers.

from 164 citizens (Petition No. EN2104)

COVID-19: Australians Overseas

Many Australians have been stranded overseas for months directly due to the caps applied by the Australian Government. Australians have already paid thousands of dollars to secure flights, which haven't taken off. Many Australians who ended up stuck overseas have already lost their jobs, and are either paying for accommodation out of savings, borrowing money from friends, or the one-off Government loan. Whilst returning Australians agree quarantining on arrival is the first line of defense and helps in keeping Australia safe, Australians stuck abroad are asking for a review into the fees.

We therefore ask the House to consider alternatives payments or options for quarantine, such as allowing us to find our own hotels in our budgets or allowing us to pay back the fee through community services. We also ask that the amount of time we have been trying to get home is taken into consideration. Further to this, we again ask for compassion in this already difficult time.

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2105)

Renewable Energy

Australia should transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 because the switch will create many jobs, help the economy before its inevitable plunge in the future due to the fact that other countries have committed to be carbon neutral by a certain date meaning they will no longer buy our coal or gas, it will greatly help the environment and it will help limit the environmental catastrophes that are soon to come.

We therefore ask the House to create a plan to insure Australia's transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 and to stick to it.

from 14 citizens (Petition No. EN2106)

Commonwealth Bank

ASIC was supplied with ample black and white evidence that the Commonwealth Bank has been operating a fraud for the last 12 years. Fraud is a significant breach. According to ASIC's regulation 78, significant breaches must be reported to ASIC. ASIC has not received a report. The Commonwealth Bank's failure to report the breach violated ASIC's regulation 78. ASIC is duty-bound to ensure the rules are enforced. ASIC has constantly refused to act against the Commonwealth Bank.

We therefore ask the House to inquire into ASIC's blatant contempt for the law.

from 8 citizens (Petition No. EN2111)

United States Presidential Election

Australian Elections

The use of vulnerable equipment and offshore systems has given rise to many serious allegations of fraud and interference in the US Presidential Election, thereby eroding trust in the democratic process. This is a threat to National Security, National Sovereignty and Democracy itself.

We therefore ask the House to launch a full, public and independent audit of the Australian electoral process which includes a full review of: 1) all electoral policies, 2) all election processes in all states at all levels of government, 3) the identification, vetting and appointment of all election officials, paid and volunteer, 4) the balloting process, including the printing, distribution, posting, collection, counting and storage of ballots, 5) all assets and resources, physical and digital, used to conduct and report on elections, 6) the management and location of all election data including electoral rolls, votes, results and the access to and control thereof. The audit must look for all possible vulnerabilities that pose a risk to an honest and fair election, free from interference by such means as: 1) counterfeiting ballots, 2) ballot tampering, 3) exclusion of legal ballots, 4) fraudulent or multiple voting, 5) coercion, 6) manipulating results, 7) exploiting vulnerable systems, 8) exploiting the chain of custody of ballots, electoral rolls or voting results. We ask for proof and a guarantee of the security and integrity of all election systems, processes and data, including protection from: 1) terrorist groups, 2) foreign powers, 3) fraudulent actors, 4) offshore or unauthorized access, 5) manipulation of results.

from 328 citizens (Petition No. EN2112)

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

I, Mr. Adrian Praljak, an Admitted, Australian Lawyer submit to the House that;

- Currently People who Lodge/File their, "Official Submissions" with The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, The Royal Commission is not currently making everyones, "Official Submissions" Public. All peoples submissions are being kept in "Secret", "Private".

- Transperency is now required.

- We Submit House, please compel or ask The Royal Commission to "Publish" Everones "Official Submissions" & Materials" from the very start of 2019 to the end of September 2023.

- Provide More Checks & Balances & Accountability

We therefore ask the House to;

- "Compel" and/or "Ask", The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, to now "Publish" All Peoples "Official Submissions" which are lodged between the very start of 2019 to the end of September 2023.

- Create More "Transperency"

- Create More "Checks and Balances" on The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

- House to keep informed various parties: IE All Australian Government Agencies at all Levels, Local, State, Federal, The Global Media, All Australian People and All Other Relevant Parties on any concerns about The

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

- House take all other "Positive" Ongoing Actions.

Thank You

from 4 citizens (Petition No. EN2113)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The Australian government has committed more than $3.3 billion to access COVID-19 vaccines, through 5 agreements. Only $200 million of that funding (6%) is invested in COVAX, an initiative led by WHO, GAVI and CEPI to ensure a fair and equitable access of COVID-19 vaccines to every country in the world.

Australia's contribution to COVAX represents only 2.6% of global donor contributions, lagging significantly behind countries with comparable GDPs, who have been more severely affected by COVID-19, including UK (23% of total donor contributions), Norway (11%), Italy (5.5%), France (5.5%) amongst others.

Australia's COVID-19 situation is amongst the most privileged worldwide, and as such we are in a position to be global leaders in helping fight this disease for the entire world, not just for us.

Given current situation, Australia is not in urgent need of early access to vaccines, and helping ensure that vaccines get distributed fairly around the world is not only a necessary act of kindness to less privileged countries, but will also help speed up the reactivation of international business and travel for Australia.

We therefore ask the House to redistribute the $3.3 billion currently aimed mostly at ensuring early access to vaccines only for Australians, to increase our donation and participation in COVAX. In the case where vaccine supply agreements with companies and institutions cannot be modified, we ask the House to pledge to donate the bulk of our early supply of vaccines to COVAX.

from 8 citizens (Petition No. EN2114)

COVID-19: Australians Overseas

Hard working work visa holders are living far away from their immediate family members from past 9 months. There are cases where new born never saw their parents & grand parents . Please exempt work visa holders at-least to travel once in an year . Many people are ready to pay for their own quarantine charges and flight charges .

We therefore ask the House to please consider our request to Exempt Work Visa Holders to Enter Australia with Quarantine per-planned & prepaid by themselves.

from 13 citizens (Petition No. EN2115)

Government Accountability

A report released by the Grattan Institute on the 20th October 2020 has revealed that the Federal Government over the period of the last 10 years has reduced funding to five seperate Government accountability agencies: the Australian National Audit Office, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority, the information commissioner (who handles all FOIA requests), the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and the Commonwealth ombudsman.

Integrity and faith in the democratic process is essential for a healthy democracy, and all elected representatives should be subject to stringent oversight to ensure no conflict of interest or corruption.

In addition, the bodies charged with Government oversight and investigation should be protected from the very Government they oversee. Although the members of Government are our representatives, we rarely see them representing the issues of the Australian people. Instead they protect their own job and financial security, while ensuring their own personal interests and backroom deals are out of reach of oversight and investigation.

We therefore ask the House to support legislation to ensure a minimum budgetary increase for all government accountability agencies every fiscal year, and that the House also supports legislation that ensures these agencies are free from interference of the Government they are charged with observing and investigating.

from 9 citizens (Petition No. EN2116)

Social Security Arrangements between Australia and France

There is currently no social security agreement between Australia and France, although Australia has 31 social security agreements with other countries.

For thousands of Australians living in France, this means there is no avenue to claim an Australian pension if they would otherwise be eligible. Those who wish to apply for a pension - many of whom have lived in France for a long time - must uproot their lives and return to Australia or move to a country with which Australia does have an agreement.

The Social Security Act 1991 makes residency a fundamental requirement to claiming a pension. Under s 7(3), several factors must be taken into consideration in determining a person's residency, including frequency and duration of the person's travel outside Australia. The Department of Social Services advises that if a person regularly spends more than six months a year outside Australia, their residence in Australia is deemed questionable. Further, taken in isolation, a three-year continuous absence would be regarded as an upper limit to being considered residing in Australia, unless there are special circumstances.

Negotiations took place with France several years ago but stopped amid disagreements over their respective social security systems.

We therefore ask the House to urge the Federal Government to re-commence negotiations with the Republic of France with a view to concluding a social agreement between the two countries that enables Australians living in France to claim a pension without being required to meet the residency rule under Australia's social security legislation.

from 684 citizens (Petition No. EN2117)

Stokes, Mr Kerry, AC

Australian War Memorial Council

On the 19th of November 2020 the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, announced the findings of the Afghanistan Inquiry. The report details 36 instances of serious war crimes allegedly committed by Australian SAS soldiers in Afghanistan. The report is the result of years of independent investigation undertaken by Assistant Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Paul Brereton and contains strong evidence that these acts were not the result of war conflicts, but instead the result of a culture of brutality within the SAS.

Immediately after the report's publication Kerry Stokes, Chairman of Seven West Media and the Australian War Memorial (AWM), announced that he would fund the legal defence of any of the 19 SAS soldiers implicated by the alleged killings detailed in the report. Mr Stokes has a long history of supporting the SAS and is free to use his funds how he sees fit. However, it is not appropriate for the Chairman of the AWM to fund the defence of soldiers accused of heinous war crimes. Mr Stoke's conduct shows blatant disrespect for the innocent civilians and their families allegedly killed by SAS soldiers in Afghanistan. Mr Stoke's actions do not align with values the Australian public expect of the Australian War Memorial.

We therefore ask the House to request his Excellency the Governor General David Hurley AC to terminate the appointment of Kerry Stokes to the Council of the Australian War Memorial under section 14(1) of the Australian War Memorial Act 1980.

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2118)

Human Rights

1. Defamation of PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) whether it be by hate speech, depictions or any form of comments which are sensitive to Muslims trigger an emotional response from Muslims globally which can lead to violent actions. This type of response can have a destructive effect on individuals, societies and countries. Not only this act of defamation will increase islamophobia but the Muslims may get radicalised because PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) along with all ALLAH'S prophets are forbidden to be defamed in any manner. Acting against is part of our faith for which a Muslim can go to any extent. E g: French economy has suffered so much due to boycott of Muslims that french President came on air to plead to Muslims to not to boycott French products.

Australia doesn't have laws to protect sanctity of PROPHETS OF ALLAH(SAW) especially PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)

We therefore ask the House to present a bill for following legislations; that

Australian Government to comply with international covenant on civil and political rights (ICCPR, Effective 1976) especially Article 20 which explicitly obligates states to prohibit " any advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence. This provision is the one used now in western countries to apply religious hate speech laws and limit the rights found in article 18 and 19

DEFAMING prophets of ALLAH(SAW) will be a crime and there will be penalty enforced on individuals breaking this law.

Australian Government will condemn such an action on media

from 3336 citizens (Petition No. EN2121)

Medicinal Marijuana

Calling for the decriminalisation and potential legalisation of cannabis medicines federally through the rescheduling of the Poisons Standard. As it stands, marijuana prohibition is having negative health effects on Australians due to the black market only seeking profit which has allowed for unregulated growing conditions and unknown chemicals used in the cultivation of plants. Many citizens have turned to cannabis products as an alternative means of medical treatment to help deal with the side effects of medication, to reduce pain from cancer, chronic and neuropathic conditions/disease as well as reducing the severity of epilepsy, anxiety, autism, treatment-resistant depression, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting amongst countless other debilitating conditions. There are also tremendous socioeconomic benefits that come with making this decision.

We therefore ask the House to consider rescheduling cannabis from Schedule 8 to Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard which will reduce the criminality surrounding cannabinoids, permit more research to be done and allow for faster access of medicinal CBD products for disease burdened individuals who are confused by the current restrictions imposed on marijuana.

from 22 citizens (Petition No. EN2122)

Tudge, Hon. Alan

The Canadian High Commission in Canberra and Mr Mendicino the Canadian Minister for Immigration were asked to look at the citizenship of Mr Tudge to determine if Mr Tudge were a Canadian citizen.

Both responded saying " Canada's Privacy Act provides Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals present in Canada with the right to access their personal information held by the government and protection of that information against unauthorised use and disclosure." Canadian Privacy law only protects Canadian citizens, residents of Canada and visitors to Canada.

Simple logic would indicate the Canadian authorities can not say anything about Mr Tudge because he is a Canadian citizen.

Mr Tudge's citizenship was queried in an article in Independent Australia 14/11/20 entitled "Alan Tudge's eligibility in question over possible citizenship breach" resulting in the Canadian authorities becoming involved.

We therefore ask the House to remove Mr Tudge from parliament for being a dual citizen and in breach of S44 of our constitution. I understand the House has to use S47 of the constitution as per the High Court's directions in Mr Gillespie's case, which were not implemented.

from 8 citizens (Petition No. EN2127)

Australian Defence Force: Reparation Payments

As of 30 June 2014, the Australian Government via the Commonwealth Ombudsman maintains that people could have confidence in the advances being made by Defence in reforming its culture and in Defence's ability to appropriately address complaints of abuse where it occurred. Despite an adoption of programs for specialised training on the matter of misconduct in the workplace, instances of serious abuse are still occuring and a culture of sexism, sexual misconduct, bullying and impunity are still prevalent in the Australian Defence Force. Claiming that Defence culture has reformed to an appropriate standard since the introductions of such programs and enforcing the "cut-off" date for Reparation Payments, infers that either 1) serious abuse no longer occurs within the Defence Force and/or 2) that people who experience 'serious abuse' after 30 June 2014 are not deserving of reparation or acknowledgment. Both of which are unacceptable and antithetical to Defence values of Professionalism, Loyalty, Integrity, Courage, Innovation and Teamwork.

We therefore ask the House to 1) reinstate reparation payments and 2) continue such payments indefinitely.

from 32 citizens (Petition No. EN2128)

COVID-19: Vaccination

As pharmaceutical companies around the world rush to bring a coronavirus vaccine to market, I strongly object to being forced to receive the vaccine when it becomes available. I oppose any government measures that call for coerced or mandated medical interventions, including mandatory coronavirus vaccinations, and I will vote for my representatives accordingly. No pharmaceutical product or procedure should ever be forced, particularly a fast-tracked, experimental vaccine that is free from liability for any harm it might cause — be it a reaction, injury or death.

I recognize that our officials are charged with safeguarding public health by slowing the spread of infectious disease, but they also took a sworn oath to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of their constituents. One cannot be sacrificed or exchanged for the other. Medical mandates have no place in a free society and violate free, prior and informed consent

We therefore ask the House to immediately reject all calls for mandatory coronavirus vaccinations. Without health freedom there is no true freedom.

from 612 citizens (Petition No. EN2129)

Climate Change

It is possible to change, but those who are in power MUST support a healthy environment before it is too late. We call on the House of Representatives to represent the Australian public and

We therefore ask the House to pass the recent acts, concerning climate change, introduced by Adam Bandt M.P. and Zali Steggall M.P., as named below:

Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) 2020

Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) 2020

Climate Emergency Declaration 2020

from 11 citizens (Petition No. EN2130)

Members of Parliament: Entitlements

Former politicians are being provided taxpayer funded resources to assist with job applications for their future career. Any resources provided should be strictly limited to entitlements as per their previous job description.

We therefore ask the House to limit resources strictly to those entitlements earned as a course of their previous public service.

from 14 citizens (Petition No. EN2131)

COVID-19: Vaccination

As an Australian citizen and as a Human Being under the United Nations Charter of Human Rights I have the explicit right to choose which medical interventions, if any, I accept for my own body.

I love to travel and I travel internationally regularly for both work and leisure.

No airline should be able to require, coerce, or otherwise "force" me to provide "proof of having had a vaccination" (or any other invasive medical procedure) as a pre-requisite to being allowed to travel internationally.

By attempting to require "proof of COVID-19" vaccination as a pre-requisite to being allowed to travel internationally Qantas (and any other airlines) are breaching my rights under the UN Charter of Human Rights and also under Australia's anti-discrimination laws.

We therefore ask the House to create any necessary legislation, bills or other legal instruments which will prevent airlines and other travel companies from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations (or any other vaccinations) as a pre-requisite to being allowed to travel internationally.

from 8860 citizens (Petition No. EN2132)

Men's Health and Wellbeing

We ask that the speaker presents to the House, That the Australian Prime Minister introduce a Ministry for Men.

The Minister for Women works well across government to deliver positive policies and programmes to advance the lives of women.

As we focus on strengthening women's position in society, the health and well-being of Australian men is on the decline.

For every 100 women who die on the worksite, 1294 men die.

The death rate of men aged 25 to 34 years old is 132% higher than women.

Homelessness rates for men are 142% higher than women.

8 Australians a day suicide, 6 are men. More alarming 8 people an hour attempt suicide.

For every 100 girls in public schools classified as having emotional disturbance, there are 355 boys.

And for every 100 women in adult correctional facilities, there are 1000 men.

When it comes to educational, behavioural, and mental health outcomes, men are seriously left disadvantaged.

Alcohol, drug addiction, suicide, murder, violent crimes, and incarceration, men are again overwhelmingly disadvantaged.

Australians are demanding for equality, a national plan to support mens health.

We therefore ask the House to create a Ministry, like they have successfully done for Woman, for "MEN" to tackle the growing epidemic with mens health in Australia.

To have a Minister to focus on issues causing damage on todays mens mental health, and the escalating devastating mens suicide.

A Federal Ministry to understand issues men face, and implement working strategy to improve life for men in Australia.

from 2334 citizens (Petition No. EN2133)

Republic of Artsakh

Nagorno Karabakh, declared independent via a 1991 vote for self-determination (under international law and then-Soviet Constitution) as the Republic of Artsakh, is currently under occupation following a ceasefire agreement Armenia was forced to sign after 44 days of war crimes committed by aggressor Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey and Islamist Jihadist terrorists.

On 27th September 2020, Azerbaijan's dictator Ilham Aliyev broke ceasefire obligations to attack the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh, using missiles, tanks, drones and other artillery. They illegally dropped cluster bombs in civilian areas, white phosphorus munitions on forests, beheaded POWs, bombed churches, schools, hospitals and civilian homes.

Russia eventually brokered a new ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, however Artsakh's indigenous Armenian land was invaded and thousands of civilians and service people were killed. Azerbaijan has already begun desecrating and destroying ancient Armenian churches, as well as other religious and cultural sites in Artsakh.

The international community's culpable silence during the war allowed Azerbaijan to occupy Armenian territory, and to ethnically cleanse a large portion of Artsakh of its indigenous Armenian population.

We call on Australia to recognise the right to self-determination of all peoples, including those of the Republic of Artsakh, and we call on the Federal Government to also recognise the Republic of Artsakh as the only permanent solution to the conflict.

We therefore ask the House to recognise the fundamental right to self-determination of the indigenous Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh, expressed by their declaration of independence of the Republic of Artsakh following the democratic referendum in 1991.

from 3164 citizens (Petition No. EN2134)

Afghanistan

We request the House to engage and ensure its continued efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Afghanistan after nearly four decades of ongoing war. We draw the attention of the House to the frightening political situation in Afghanistan and state of chaos under which its people and Australian humanitarian members are working.

The dire state of unrest and political instability in Afghanistan includes genocide, targeted killings of students and journalists as well as the deteriorating climate for women and children.

The significant gains made in moving towards peace and especially the gains achieved in women's participation in public life, education and employment, are at risk of being lost. Afghanistan is Australia's longest war and there are strong and enduring ties between Australians and Afghans.

We therefore ask the House to: Work with the United Nations to ensure that Afghan women are integral to the peace process and achieving lasting peace. Prioritise Australian Aid funding for education and training for young Afghans to be part of rebuilding Afghanistan. Negotiate with the US President-Elect and his administration for a commitment towards a durable peace.

from 282 citizens (Petition No. EN2135)

Child Support Agency

The Child Support Agency and its legislative framework continue to hurt Australian families. The scheme is incapable of delivering and does not represent Australian democratic values. It continues to alienate fathers from their children. It manufactures debt and uses draconian measures to collect from payers, who are 85-90% men. Resentment is high and paying parents are being treated discriminately based on sex. Key legislative components need to change; such as:

1. Assessing paying parents using their gross income yet collecting from after tax monies

2. Assessment formula needs to be urgently reviewed and changed to reflect realities.

3. Do not Gross Up paying parent taxable income if they have contributed to their superannuation

4. Address all legislative elements that serve to create indirect discrimination toward paying parents.

5. Abolish tax refund interceptions when a payment plan is in place.

The scheme has always been controversial and continues to be. Governments should remain outside of private lives of citizens. The Australian government needs to reflect on its vales and its role to libertarian principles. Reform is needed now. Reform is needed urgently. The CS scheme is a failure and needs to be recognised as such.

We therefore ask the House to Urgently and sincerely make key legislative changes to address the many flaws and inconsistencies impacting on everyday Australians which causes them financial, emotional and psychological distress.

from 21 citizens (Petition No. EN2138)

Parliament

At present Parliament imposes a religious observance at the start of each parliament and sitting day. This is in breach of S116 of our constitution which says:-

"The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth."

The various laws applying to Parliament House and the standing orders for the House should insist on not complying with not imposing a religious observance at the start of proceedings.

We therefore ask the House to alter the various laws applying to the governance of Parliament House and the standing orders for the House to comply with S116 of the constitution by not imposing a religious observance at the start of proceedings.

from 70 citizens (Petition No. EN2141)

National Gold Supply

Australia has a national gold reserve of 80 tonnes. This gold is owned by the Australian government, controlled by the Reserve Bank of Australia and represents a sizeable portion of the wealth of the Australian people.

However these national gold reserves are not located on Australian soil, but rather are held deep within the vaults of the Bank of England. Australia holds little physical gold bullion. Instead Australia possesses a claim-check from the BoE for our own national gold supply.

The problem is that we have no proof that our gold is really there or whether the Bank of England can even honour these claim-checks. The RBA has never conducted a full audit!

We therefore ask the House to:

1. Compel the RBA to conduct a full and complete audit of 100% of Australia's gold bars. Australia needs to know for certain whether our gold is still within the Bank of England's control. If the BoE is found to no longer own the bars of gold, the BoE must replace these gold reserves (with gold, not cash or paper certificates).

2. Initiate the immediate repatriation of all of Australia's gold reserves from the Bank of England. To ensure we have access to our gold in times of emergency, Australia's national gold reserves must be returned to Australian soil.

3. Compel the RBA to begin accumulating physical gold as a primary objective of monetary policy. A proportion of national gold production to be exclusively reserved for national reserves may be appropriate.

from 31 citizens (Petition No. EN2143)

Veterans

Successive governments have continually scoffed at a royal commission into suicide of our veterans. Yet, we've lost more veterans to to suicide than we lost in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers rises on a daily basis but those who sent us, discard us on our return. They deserve better!

We therefore ask the House to pass the required action to conduct a royal commission into veteran suicide and investigate the branches whose purpose is meant to support them.

from 20 citizens (Petition No. EN2147)

Land Ownership

1/ It is an Australian birth right to be able to buy land within our great country if you choose to do so

2/ Non Australian citizens buying property within Australia increases demand beyond supply and therefore increases price of property beyond the reach of most tax paying Australian Citizens

3/ Tax paying Australian Citizens should have first right to buy land, property within their own country over a non contributing person from another country

4/ Providing our tax paying citizens with the opportunity of being able to afford a roof over their head or land to farm should be our first obligation as it provides our citizens with hope and prosperity.

5/ There are may other countries around the world whereby a non citizen, foreigner cannot own property. They protect their citizens first

We therefore ask the House to stop all non Australian citizens from being able to own any land or property within Australia

from 163 citizens (Petition No. EN2149)

COVID-19: Vaccination

We're already seeing restrictions being placed against those who have decided they will not be receiving the covid-19 vaccination when it is made available. Understandably, stopping a public companies policies in regards to those who have not received the covid-19 vaccination can not be swayed. However, federal policies should be put in place which eliminate any discriminations/restrictions on those who decide not to receive the vaccination. Any restrictions put in place go against human rights to choose bodily autonomy. The vaccine lacks sufficient research for people like me to feel safe receiving it.

We therefore ask the House to ensure restrictions will not be placed on those who refuse the covid-19 vaccination

from 20949 citizens (Petition No. EN2151)

Media

Advertiser published what i believe is a misleading story about me which resulted in serious violence against me and my property costing me my entire life savings and property. They are not open to discussion and told me not to bother them. I am now homeless and existing on a pension. There is no recourse i have other than the option of going to court.

We therefore ask the House to investigate the influence of Murdoch on our news papers and media as well as a more easier definition on the laws which enable us to take better action against the media. I media funded department would also be a good idea who could take up the cause for people like myself.

from 13 citizens (Petition No. EN2152)

Veterans

Requesting that the House funds and supports a Royal Commission into Department of Veteran Affairs and Ex Service Organisations funded to provide financial support, advocacy, services and support to Australian Veterans. Scope of the Royal Commission to investigate include (but not limited to); Veteran Suicides, Delays in Veteran Claims, Lack of Support and Services for Veterans; Lack of Legal Representation for Veterans drafting DVA Claims; Veteran Advocates and creating a more open and transparent system that Veterans can navigate with ease.

We therefore ask the House to submit a request for a Royal Commission into the Department of Veteran Affairs; Veteran Services, Supports and Advocates. We ask the House to fund the Royal Commission, so Veterans and Australian citizens can hear Veterans stories, past and present of the bureaucratic bastardy experienced by Veterans on a daily basis.

from 885 citizens (Petition No. EN2154)

Airport Noise

We have no objection to emergency movements during Coolangatta Airport curfew, such as organ donations, fire fighting, emergency landings etc. We have serious objections to commercial movements in the curfew period such as the Qantas/Australia Post plane that lands around 4:30 am up to 4 times a week. There was limited consultation with community. We coexist happily with the airport but frequent out of hours commercial flights need to cease.

We therefore ask the House to stop all commercial flights that take place during the curfew hours of 11 pm to 6 am cease. We are a community that do not mind the airport operations during normal hours.

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN2155)

Taxation

Considering the plethora of taxes that already exist in Australia, GST, Income, etc, it seems reasonable to include alcohol and tobacco imports in the duty free concession ($1000 value or less)

We therefore ask the House to remove, for example, the duty rate of $1,576.57 per kg of tobacco and allow duty free concessions be applied in the same manner to alcohol and tobacco.

from 4 citizens (Petition No. EN2156)

Waste Management and Recycling

In Australia we have a confusing and disjointed recycling system that simply won't work and every new "revolution" is adding to the mess. Recycling is doomed until it is taken seriously as an essential industry, centralized at a Federal - or at least State - level with uniformity amongst the individual recycling organizations providing a common platform for disseminating information on the separate collection and appropriate recycling of materials. Uniformity sends clear messages. Investment is required to "revolutionise" the recycling industry Australia wide - drop off recycling banks at supermarkets with uniformity and a mandatory product stewardship scheme for manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer packaging and certain single-use plastics and implement certain single-use plastic bans.

We therefore ask the House to Invest in a uniformed recycling system Australia wide, invest in operational plants and introduce a mandatory product stewardship scheme for manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer packaging and certain single-use plastics.

from 26 citizens (Petition No. EN2158)

Climate Change

The Climate Change threat is existential and will impact every facet of Australian life. The very nature of Climate Change threatens the safety, stability and lives of not just the Australian people but the security of the state as a whole. Australia must acknowledge the impact of the coal industry on this issue, it is no longer a sustainable nor economically logical long-term investment for the state. With so much of Australian industry relying on the health of our land, environment and peoples, the Australian government must do all that it can to protect and mitigate against such global threats.

We therefore ask the House to push for the creation of an Australian Green New Deal that enshrines comprehensive, evidence-based climate action in legislation. The primary goal of this would be to strive for net-zero emissions by 2040 and to place a strong focus on the strengthening of the Australian renewable energy industry. As an established threat to the security of the Australian peoples, economy and nation, it is essential that the government and House take meaningful action to mitigate the effects of climate change as soon as possible.

from 119 citizens (Petition No. EN2159)

Gender Based Pronouns

Request to formally remove the multiple marrital status female pronouns such as Miss and Mrs, for the purpose of equality, from all documentation legal or otherwise.

We therefore ask the House to use only one pronoun, for example Ms, to address females in all documentation for the purposes of equality as males are only identified as Mr which is independent of marriage as it should also be for women. Alternatively, create and enforce male marriage pronouns.

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN2162)

Southern Moreton Bay Islands

The Southern Moreton Bay Island group faces significant land use problems. The SMBI is the largest Australian offshore population .

Access to federal funding for remote areas cannot be access subsequent to current accepted ABS definition of remote. This does not recognise that the SMBI group is effectively remote due to geographic position, being separated to the mainland. This significant separation denies all access to basic infrastructure including reticulated swerage. This is an unfair situation where the SMBI population cannot access basic health utilities as compared to mainland residents.

We therefore ask the House to revise the definition of "remote area" Australian Statistical Geography Standard used by ABS to enable federal funding of the SMBI community. The complete separation from the mainland should be considered in an updated definition.

from 31 citizens (Petition No. EN2163)

Ambulance Services

Requiring an ambulance can be a life and death situation, and nobody should ever have to think about it twice before calling one. Right now, in most states of Australia, this essential service is extremely expensive for the uninsured. Why shouldn't our free healthcare start as soon as first responders arrive? Most other wealthy nations have already provided this service for their citizens free of charge for a long time.

We therefore ask the House to extend Medicare coverage to all emergency ambulance transportation.

from 9 citizens (Petition No. EN2164)

Graduate Visas

Graduate Visas are a fundamental path to skilled employment and contributing to the Australian economy. Due to Covid, job seeking has been extremely difficult for many graduates and has also led to many existing employees losing their job as small-medium sized companies have had significant workforce reduction. This has led to an unfair amount of time left for graduates to find skilled employment.

We therefore ask the House to extend all current 485 graduate visas for an additional year as it would provide equal opportunity for graduates to find skilled employment and provide them with a pathway to contribute to the Australian economy for years to come.

from 543 citizens (Petition No. EN2165)

Tobacco Taxation

The tax on tobacco products has increased out of all proportion to inflation in the last few years. This has unfairly caused great financial strain on that section of the population who have been unable to conquer the smoking habit.

We therefore ask the House to reduce the tax on tobacco products to a fairer level, or no more than $0.50 per cigarette or per 0.7g of tobacco.

Failing this, we ask the government to put the revenue from tobacco taxes toward provision of free services to facilitate the cessation of smoking, including but not limited to medications, patches, mental health support and in-house rehabilitation centres.

from 13 citizens (Petition No. EN2166)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The government has stated that COVID vaccinations will not be mandatory, yet current law allows denial of travel, refusal of entry and service at certain establishments, and are potentially an abuse of Human Rights. We, the undersigned, request that no entity, commercial or otherwise, be permitted to discriminate against those who decline the COVID vaccine

We therefore ask the House to amend, adapt, or otherwise adopt laws preventing discrimination based on the above

from 363 citizens (Petition No. EN2167)

Diabetes

Constant Glucose Monitoring devices (CGM) are an essential tool that helps avert life threatening hypoglycemic episodes as well as allows Type 1 diabetics to attain much greater blood sugar control on a daily basis. For fully self funded Type 1 diabetics CGM costs are prohibitively high, currently up to $8000 per year and starting at $4000. CGM is already fully subsidised for under 21 year olds and for those over 21 with valid concessional status. By providing fully subsidised CGM to all Type 1 Diabetics, hospital and medical costs through diabetes associated complications and emergency admissions will be greatly reduced. As a Type 1 diabetic, or relative/friend/carer of a Type 1 diabetic, using CGM is the single most effective tool I have used/seen for a Type 1 diabetic to achieve significantly greater blood glucose management and overall quality of life. It is therefore imperative that the House extend fully subsidised Constant Glucose Monitoring devices (CGM) to all Australian Type 1 diabetics.

We therefore ask the House to extend fully subsidised Constant Glucose Monitoring devices (CGM) to all Australian Type 1 diabetics through existing mechanisms in the National Diabetes Supply Scheme (NDSS)

from 30951 citizens (Petition No. EN2168)

Trade with China

Australian residents draw to the attention of the house to the recent actions of China in placing trade tariffs on Australian goods in retaliation to Australia taking a stand on our national and sovereign interests.

We therefore ask the House to request the Prime Minister to take firm action as a demonstration to the Chinese Government that Australian will not be bullied by such action.

Your petitioners, therefore, requests the Prime Minister and Foreign Minster expel the Chinese Ambassador as a clear message to the Chinese Government that Australia will not be bullied by such actions nor will we tolerate these actions on an on going basis.

from 2 citizens (Petition No. EN2170)

Climate Change

Right now, we are facing an existential climate crisis that threatens human civilisation and our government must begin paying attention.

Biodiverse wilderness is dying. It's damaging our health, our water, our ability to farm fruit, vegetables and meat, the very air we breathe. Millions of species are going extinct. If we don't phase out coal and gas, we'll see more of these events and the risks for us and the generations to come will only become more extreme.

The science is crystal clear: the mining and burning of coal, oil and gas increases the climate crisis. Every tonne of fossil fuels burnt, and biodiverse wilderness destroyed, increases the intensity and speed of changes to our climate, which means more floods, more droughts, more heatwaves and more bushfires. Our seasons will continuously become less predictable.

Scott Morrison's government has been ignoring the impacts of climate change, while the threat gets worse right in front of their eyes. They do not consider our children.

Other first world countries - like Denmark and New Zealand - have recognized the threat and declared a Climate Emergency, and, we must now take responsibility for our role in climate change and fight to rectify it.

The Australian people, along with every living creature on this great land, need a balanced and healthy climate in order to thrive and be safe from threat.

We therefore ask the House to consider the science and Declare a Climate Emergency.

from 18 citizens (Petition No. EN2174)

COVID-19: Vaccination

As an Australian citizen and as a Human Being under the United Nations Charter of Human Rights I have the explicit right to choose which medical interventions, if any, I accept for my own body.

Personal choice, not public pressure or coercion, must be the only factor in getting a vaccine.

Informed consent matters. Citizen's rights must not be removed.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine must be a personal choice. No pharmaceutical product should ever be forced, especially a fast tracked experimental vaccine that its producers have freedom from liability for any harm it may cause.

Medical Mandates have no place in our free Democratic Society.

We therefore ask the House to

Please allow personal choice, not coercion or public pressure, to be "the" only factor in getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

from 272 citizens (Petition No. EN2175)

Vaccination

The people of Australia call on the government to implement a Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme in Australia to protect its citizens from adverse reactions to vaccinations which can impact them lifelong.

With the impending introduction of a Covid vaccine in 2021, a Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme in Australia is needed more than ever.

Many Covid vaccines have been produced in less than 8 months, use new biotechnology where adverse reactions are unknown and although trials have comprised of 30,000-40,000 volunteers, these trials simply do not account for the rarer adverse effects that the millions of Australians who take this vaccine might be subjected too, both in the short and long term.

It is a known fact that vaccinations, like any medical procedure, can cause adverse reactions and the Australian government should implement a Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme to protect its citizens.

Australia trails behind the UK, Europe, United States and New Zealand who have had a Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme in place for decades.

Currently the only way people in Australia can receive any acknowledgement of a vaccine injury or financial compensation from a pharmaceutical company is through the courts, however this is renowned as a complex, next to impossible to prove and costly process.

Children and adults who receive a vaccine injury will suffer for the rest of their lives, a risk which was taken to achieve herd immunity which the Australian government strives for.

We therefore ask the House to implement an Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme in Australia.

from 543 citizens (Petition No. EN2176)

Film Industry

We there for request the house examine the federal grant system

We therefore ask the House to examine the grant process for movie industry . Request of funding grant paperwork ask you to get a confirmation letter from the distributor the distributor will not give you a letter without a trailer you can't get a trailer without paying people as independent it's hard financially so apply for federal grant is out of reAch . Independent film makers employ 1000s of people from across all walks of life . As you can see a grant would help but the process is written wrong and asks for information that is never going to happen

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2177)

National Security

I, Mr. Adrian Praljak, an Admitted, Australian Lawyer in both; The Supreme Court of The Australian Capital Territory and in The High Court of Australia, submit as follows to the House;

- New Laws are urgently required to substantially improve; Australia's National Security.

- New Laws are urgently required as it is in Australia's Public Best Interest.

- Reforms are urgently required by the House, please.

- Other Positive Action is required from the House, please.

We therefore ask the House to please,

- Create Laws Banning Dishonest Political Advertising in Australia.

Thank You.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2181)

COVID-19: Business

Under the current legislation, businesses are being dis/advantaged in access to the government's Cash Flow Boost stimulus response to COVID-19 based on the way in which they lodge their Business Activity Statements with The ATO. The legislation requires a business must have made a lodgement showing 'taxable supply' prior to March 12th in order to access the Cash Flow Boost. This means a business created on or after Jan 1st 2020 which files their BAS quarterly is automatically deemed ineligible. Equally, a business formed on or after 1 July 2019 which files their BAS Annually is automatically deemed ineligible. If those same businesses had filed their BAS lodgements on a monthly basis, they would be deemed eligible. Two identical businesses with different BAS lodgement periods receive vastly different outcomes. The red tape of when a business lodges its business activity statement is creating unequal support under the current legislation.

The previous response was poor and still left discrimination in place for the way some businesses report.

We therefore ask the House to amend the current legislation to waive the Business Activity Statement lodgement requirement for those businesses that were created on or after: • 1 July 2019 and lodge their Business Activity Statement annually • 1 January 2020 and lodge their Business Activity Statement quarterly This action would remove discrimination against businesses based on the way in which they complete their Business Activity Statements.

from 2 citizens (Petition No. EN2184)

Welfare

If the cashless debit card is fine for the citizens of Australia, then the members of parliament who voted on it, should show some leadership and use the card, under the exact same terms as those who they are forcing to use it. If it's good enough for those they lead, then it's good enough for the leaders & if there is any disagreement to this then the cashless debit card should be abolished.

We therefore ask the House to:

Apply the cashless debit card, with the exact same terms of use that are applied to welfare recipients on the card, to members of parliament. Including but not limited to having 80% of their salary quarantined onto the card and being unable to purchase alcohol or tobacco or use the card to gamble and with the same inability to withdraw or transfer money from the card.

from 25 citizens (Petition No. EN2185)

Climate Change

Requesting that the House both commit to and implement a plan to combat climate change by listening to First Nations Australians and reducing national carbon emissions.

We therefore ask the House to demand that Australia commit to a Net Zero emissions target by 2050 and listen to the advice and wishes of First Nations people on climate change management in Australia.

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN2186)

Cybersecurity

- A parliamentary committee has called for cyber security reviews to become a more permanent fixture on the national auditor's annual work program after a string of subpar audit results.

The finding is contained in the accounts and audit committee report into cyber resilience, which said existing accountability mechanisms under the protective security policy framework (PSPF) were "limited".

- To swiftly, Improve and Secure further; Australia's National Security; from National and Global; "Serious Security Threats" and "National Security Risks.

- Other "Positive" Reasons.

We therefore ask the House too;

- Create Urgent Reforms on Cyber Security Reviews.

Thank You.

Kind Regards,

Mr. Adrian Praljak

(Admitted Australian Lawyer)

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2187)

Medicinal Marijuana

While cannabis is still quite new in the medical space, it has tremendous benefits, especially when compared to current treatments for many conditions which can have unacceptable side effects, build tolerance quickly and can have horrendous withdrawals. In comparison, cannabis based products tend to build tolerance slowly, has a mild side effect profile (when used appropriately) and if people experience withdrawals, they are mild and short lived.

Cannabidiol (CBD) also has preliminary evidence that it can be effective as an antipsychotic and mood stabiliser, as opposed to many current antipsychotic agents which studies have shown, may ease symptoms of psychosis but also have major drawbacks and in many cases decrease the quality of life for those using them. In contrast CBD does not have the problems & is safer.

The main problem for people seeking to access medical cannabis products (MCP) is the price, if there is any level of evidence to say that MCPs can be useful and good therapeutic agents, then the decision should lay with doctors as to whether or not these products should be accessed, but with the major financial barriers, many people don't have the option to trial these products, even if they have trialled every other option.

We therefore ask the House to:

Remove the barriers to accessing medical cannabis products by re-scheduling them & putting a variety of different medical cannabis products on the ARTG.

Remove the financial barriers of access to medical cannabis by providing funding for these products through the PBS.

from 9 citizens (Petition No. EN2188)

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

Employers hire us and lodge our file. Once they lodged it, they got power to exploit us. As their is no rule to save employees on any nomination visas.

Employees applied for 187 visa during lodgement contract is for 38 hours per week. 50 hours per week after lodging visa file. Employee left with no option Because no rule in law book to save employees. If we not agree to their terms either they withdraw nomination which leads to visa refusal or get kicked from Australia or section 48 bar.

Please make a law to stop all this nonsense.

We therefore ask the House to please take some action to protect employees on or while waiting for 187 or any job sponsor visa, on waiting for AAT appeal or not, it do the same mental damages to the employees and benefit the Employers. Only law makers have the power to stop this exploitation and save employees. Department of Home affairs can bring new power to save employees from getting exploited and provide them with visa what they applied for.

For example if someone applied for 187 visa via Employer. And Employer step back as they just want to exploit or harass or threat employees. Immediately they must bring to the department attention. Once it been prove to Department that yes Employers exploited the employee. They grant employee with that 187 visa and set them free from cage of Employers and charged huge fines to the Employers.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2190)

Compulsory Voting

This report has made recommendations which will undermine democracy in Australia.

To remove compulsory voting is a craven attempt to disenfranchise voters, especially those who are less well-off. In this country we are lucky to trust that all of our citizens will have their say, and removing compulsory voting opens Australia up to voter suppression and further disenfranchisement. It is worth repeating that this will disproportionately affect poorer Australians for whom taking the time to vote often comes at a higher cost.

To introduce stricter voter identification laws is an undemocratic and feckless move to hurt the voting power of less well-off Australians through voter suppression. Poorer Australians are less likely to have valid ID and therefore less likely to be able to vote. This is a calculated move to silence the voices of less fortunate Australians. This country takes pride in the strength of its democracy, and to take this recommendation and indeed, the raft of recommendations in this report, would weaken this democracy and move Australia closer to the darkened democracy of the United States.

The entirety of this report appears designed to disenfranchise voters, disproportionately those in demographics which typically do not vote for recommending party.

We therefore ask the House to reject any legislation based on the recommendations of the JSC on Electoral Matters' Report on the conduct of the 2019 federal election, or indeed any legislation which would align with the recommendations in this report.

Australia is doing OK; let's keep it that way.

from 5 citizens (Petition No. EN2191)

COVID-19: Vaccination

We want the Government to confirm that there will be no restrictions placed on citizens or residents who refuse a COVID-19 vaccination. This includes restrictions on travel, right to re-enter the country, social events such as concerts or sports, and access to shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. I believe that such a move would be against our human rights as outlined in the UNESCO Bioethics & Human Rights 2005, as well as Australian Rules on Consent to Medical Treatment and the Ethical Standards of Helsinki. Consent should be voluntary and informed.

We therefore ask the House to consider the legality of imposing any restrictions on the citizens and residents of Australia should they chose not to have a COVID vaccination, and to endorse this petition by confirming that this will not happen. We also ask the House to agree to provide advice to all business operating within Australia or in partnership with Australia that they should also not impose any such restrictions on our right to travel, re-enter the country, access social events, such as concerns or sports, and should not restrict access to shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. Any decision to be vaccinated should be voluntary and informed.

from 76116 citizens (Petition No. EN2192)

Fuel

Recently the oil companies once again increased the price of fuel by 50% from one day to the next. The ACCC said they have no control over the oil company pricing and that this needs to be addressed by the federal government. Because the ACCC cannot provide consumer protection, it falls into the hands of the government to provide protection the Australian consumer. The price of fuel always increases when holidays are occurring. When Australia needs a hand getting back to normal, the oil companies don't want to assist and only want to make more money. All tenders for government should have a rise and fall term which is associated with the rise and fall of the price of fuel. The oil companies should either be regulated or have a price ceiling that cannot be negotiated.

We therefore ask the House to establish a bench price based on the Singapore fuel price with a maximum of a 10% variation of pricing.

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2193)

Parliamentarians' Superannuation

THERE IS NO REASON WHY POLATINCS ARE ALLOWED TO HAVE SUCH A HIGH SUPER PAYMENT,

THEY ARE WORJERS AS ALL AUSTRALIANS TAX PAYERS

We therefore ask the House to LOWER ALL POLATICNS SUPERUNATION TO 9.5%

from 8 citizens (Petition No. EN2195)

Citizenship

WHY ALLOW FOREIGNERS OVER 40 YEARS OLD TO BE PERMANENT CITIZANS ESPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE NO GUARANTEED JOB IN AUSTRALIA & NOT TO BE ALLOWED TO BE ON OUR MEDICARE OR ALLOWED TO COLLECT ANY AUSTRALAIN BENEFITS

We therefore ask the House to STOP ANY FOREIGNERS OVER 40 YEARS OLD TO BE PERAMANET AUSTRALIAN CITIZANS

from 2 citizens (Petition No. EN2196)

Asylum Seekers

The asylum seekers who have been granted Australian permanent visas can sponsor spouse and dependent children to join them in Australia on a partner visa. However, the processing of the partner visas sponsored by these permanent residents are significantly delayed. As a result, families of PRs are unreasonably kept apart.

The main reason for delay in the processing is due to the existence of Direction No. 80 of the Ministerial Directions as per the Migration Act 1958. This current ministerial directions (Direction No. 80), stipulates the order for considering and disposing of Family visa applications. The applications sponsored by asylum seeker permanent residents are provided with the lowest priority. Applications affected by this can take as long as 8 years or even more for an outcome. There are very limited circumstances in which these applicants are given priority in processing.

The ramifications of such harsh regulations include inability of families to reunite for close to a decade, severe emotional and psychological impacts on the sponsor and their family members and an unfair loss of years of prime time the families or couple are meant to spend together as a unit.

Refugee sponsors are PRs and tax payers of Australia. Once they have been accepted as PRs, they must be treated accordingly.

We therefore ask the House to provide the partner visa applications sponsored by asylum seeker permanent residents with the same order of priority as applications sponsored by other permanent residents or citizens of Australia.

from 522 citizens (Petition No. EN2197)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The travel ban rules in place for international travel have hugely impacted the mental health state of citizens and residents of Australia whose families reside overseas. We appreciate that the current regulations are to safeguard Australian health system and population, but if it is saving Australians from the virus infection in the one hand, in the other hand it is causing immense mental health deterioration due to the separation of families from loved ones for an extended period of time. As the public health system data can show, not only is the number of mental health issues increasing sharply, but also creating physical health complications, which is increasing the cost of public health in the country.

Numerous immigrants financially support their parents and families overseas, who therefore cannot leave their jobs for 3 months to be allowed to leave Australia in exemption. Moreover, parents are not considered 'immediate family' to be allowed to enter Australia either.

I believe an application for early vaccination for residents who need to travel overseas to receive the deserved love of their families, will ban the need to quarantine and alleviate the state of mental health scenario in the country, as well as give people their basic right to come and go.

We therefore ask the House to legislate and apply early vaccination program for international travelers under compassionate grounds. Let us allow the residents of Australia to leave and relieve their emotional stress and heal their mental health conditions with the love of family.

from 18 citizens (Petition No. EN2199)

Medicare

Why should anyone on the wage threashold of not paying any tax, unemployed ect. NOT PAY THE MEDICARE LEVY.

Everyone in Australia should pay the Medicare levy (ONLY AGED PENSIONERS & AUSTRALIAN STUDENTS SHOULD NOT PAY)

We therefore ask the House to Make everyone pay the Medicare Levy (EXCEPT AGED PENSIONER & AUST. STUDENTS - NOT FOREIGN STUDENTS)

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2200)

Sport

it has been scietifically proven that these people have mens hormonal advantages & this is just not equatable to any women/girl playing sport in Australia.

Womens sport will go backwards & many young girls will stop playing sport

We therefore ask the House to Do no allow any transitioning male to play ANY womens/girls sport in Australia

from 4 citizens (Petition No. EN2202)

Elections

we have seen in Australia illegal or double voting in Australia as just seen in America

Australian voters should prove who they are by photo IDs &

Austrlalia should not be allowed early mail voting unless there is special approval from AEC (eg sickness, in hospital or travelling overseas)

We therefore ask the House to at All Australian elections PHOTO IDs to be presented at election booths & STOP any early mail voting without special approval from AEC (being in hospital, sick, or travelling overseas)

from 11 citizens (Petition No. EN2203)

Sport

Queensland ($130 billion debt) & many other states of Australia are also in big DEBT & should not be funded by Federal Gov for any Olyimpic bids or COMMONWEALTH games

We therefore ask the House to Srtop Fedral Funding to the Queenslands Olympic bid or any other Aust. state that has huge outrageous debt

from 1 citizen (Petition No. EN2204)

China: Human Rights

Australia's largest economic trading partner is carrying out genocide against Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang. Since 2016, millions of Uyghurs have disappeared into the grinding maw of Xinjiang's gulag archipelago in the largest incarceration of a people based on their ethnic or cultural identity since The Holocaust. Whole villages have been emptied out and levelled; ancient mosques, shrines and Uyghur cemeteries bulldozed. Chinese state-sponsored sterilization campaigns and forced abortions lower Uyghur birth rates in a bid to preserve the primacy of Han settlers in the region and big data helps assist Chinese authorities in their detention sweeps. Former detainees tell of extensive political indoctrination and psychological torture. They tell of brutal bashings and beatings for prisoners who refuse to give up Islam or announce their loyalty to the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Australia can no longer be complicit in these historic crimes by continuing to do business with this regime. One day, generations from now, young people will ask: who elevated themselves above the cowards and appeasers to say, 'Not in our name'? We hope and pray they will learn that of all the nations of the world, Australia stood up in the face of this genocide.

We therefore ask the House to hold a vote to cancel the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement in response to the Chinese government's genocidal campaign against Uyghurs.

from 12 citizens (Petition No. EN2206)

Human Rights: Africa

Boycott trade & sport with Sth Africa or any other African country from sieging white farmers land without any compensation

This is discriminations against white people & should be reported to United Nations Human Rights

as with Chine boycotting them is in violation of also human rights against their own people & breaching agreements in relation to Hong Kong, breaking trade agreements with Australian businesses, breaching the WHO policies & coverup of the origins of Covid-19, bulling other countries with their Road & Belt" deals, building the Keswick Island & NOT allowing Australians on it & building the artificial island in the Pacific & why are we allowing the signing deals with Dan Andrews of Victoria of the Road & Belt Initiative, ban Confucius centres in Aust. Universities

We therefore ask the House to Boycott African countries that a forcefully taking white farmers land &

boycott Chine due to their continuous attack & breaches on our trade agreements with them & breaches of human rights on

alleged persecution of the Uighurs

from 5 citizens (Petition No. EN2207)

Fuel Excise

Why are pertol & deisel excises indexed twice a year but others are not?

Petrol & diesel are regressive in that people on low incomes pay a higher proportion of their incomes in the form of excise than people on high incomes, given the same level of fuel use. Many on the outscurts of major cities have no public transport but pay the taxes for the public transport

this is full descrimination on car, motorbike & truck drivers

while electric cars, bicye & electric bikes are not levied or made to pay any licenses or registration or even the Vicotiran TAC insurance

We therefore ask the House to REMOVE THE REGESSIVE PETROL & DIESEL EXCISE & INDEX

from 2 citizens (Petition No. EN2208)

China: Human Rights

China is suspected of harvesting Falun Gong organs, persecuting human rights, and carrying out human rights persecutions in Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and other provinces and municipalities that are cruel, and control the words and deeds of the people, as well as various inhumane and anti-human crimes such as building a firewall.

We therefore ask the House to The Australian House of Representatives should condemn this behavior and propose counter-sanctions and blockade Chinese senior officials' assets in Australia and deny entry, and impose trade sanctions on China such as increased tariffs.

from 4 citizens (Petition No. EN2210)

Compulsory Voting

1. God made everything including us, not you politicians! You are not God! God gave us free will therefore we should be able to exercise freedom in everything especially when it comes to voting. Free will is the ability to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded. Free will is closely linked to the concepts of moral responsibility, praise, guilt, sin, and other judgements which apply only to actions that are freely chosen.We should not be forced to vote, if we choose not to there should be no penalty enforced. when you enforce voting people will simply choose to not show up or they just choose a candidate randomly without thinking and it won't count anyway. You are just causing resentment and disbelief in the system.

We therefore ask the House to stop enforcing voting and make it a choice that australians make themselves, you might be suprised at the outcome. When you don't force someone to do something they normally choose it in the end anyway becuase it was a decision they made and not something that was imposed on them. Everyone deserves the freedom of choice!

from 5 citizens (Petition No. EN2211)

China: Human Rights

China persecutes human rights, mutilates Falun Gong's live organ harvesting, carries out genocide in Xinjiang, and persecutes human rights in Hong Kong and the mainland.

We therefore ask the House to The Australian House of Representatives should condemn this behavior and propose counter-sanctions and blockade Chinese senior officials' assets in Australia and deny entry, and impose trade sanctions on China such as increased tariffs.

from 12 citizens (Petition No. EN2212)

Members of Parliament: Religious Affiliation

Recent movement into and out of the government cabinet seems to show a big increase in Members of Parliament who proclaim they are Pentecostal Christians. It may be of benefit to the average person to find out who the Pentecostal Christians are so that they can frame their queries to the right person.

We therefore ask the House to create a list of Pentecostal Christian Members of Parliament.

from 15 citizens (Petition No. EN2215)

Herpes Simplex Virus

Herpes should be included in all standard STD and STI testing, not just when symptoms appear. Herpes is one of the most common STDs because it is spread through skin contact however the stigma around it is disgusting, sex education around STDs and STI in Australia is laughable. People claim that blood tests can show false results however the longer one has the virus the more antibodies it creates which always live in the system and will show in blood work. Adding HSV to standard testing will help destroy the nasty stigma around it.

We therefore ask the House to include HSV (herpes simplex virus) in all standard STD and STI tests regardless of if symptoms are shown or not.

from 62 citizens (Petition No. EN2216)

Overseas Students

International students suffer terribly from the travel ban.

High school students cannot go to school.

University students struggle with online lessons with bad quality. We are forced to defer because of invalid internships and in-person courses.

Lots of students do not have online classes and they have to be exempted to enter Australia to schools as soon as possible.

Our human rights of attending school are being deprived and leads our family to horrible mental illness. We do not pay our family's saving for video lessons or rent for house which we cannot even live in.

International students contribute millions of dollars to Australia community and benefit Aussie society in various areas.

We appeal exemptions for international students not only for student's future and human right but also for the recovery of Australia economy.

International students are willing to quarantine, obey any rules and pay all the fees. We are willing to quarantine in students apartments and will not take any stranded Australians' places.

Please allow international students who do not have online lessons and are at urgent to study enter Australia, go back to their schools and continue their education on a voluntary basis.

We therefore ask the House to give exemptions to international students and allow them to enter Australia to continue their education on a voluntary basis.

from 17317 citizens (Petition No. EN2217)

Australian Public Service

Cut all public servant numbers & anyone earning over $150,000.00

Why do we need all these public pen pushers.

Yes we need more for security as IT , policing & border control

but why do we need so many if we have the States doing the same

remove duplication & red tape

where is the efficency/productivity or reason for increases in personell or wages.

Move departments to other states.

Remove the so called independent Federal or state wage tribunials all wages to be determined as per all wage earners of Australia.

We therefore ask the House to Cut all pubic servant numbers & wages over $150,000.00

remove departments to other states not just Canbberra (the swamp of Australia)

Remove the Federal/State so called Independent waste tribunial & to be determined as per ALL AUSTRALIAN WAGE EARNERS

from 11 citizens (Petition No. EN2221)

Aged Care

how can you give millions for new films & foreign actors to come here while only funding 10,000 while there are over 100,000 on the waiting list?

Jumping straight away to help Fiji, still subsidizing toxic solar panel & wind turbines built by bully Chine, giving free Medicare to many unemployed or refugees, even fully funding the NDIS BUT CANNOT FULLY FUND THE AGED CARE HOME PACKAGES?

THIS SHAMEFULL

We therefore ask the House to FULLY FUND THE HOME CARE PACKAGES & PRIORITZE AUSTRALIANS TO OVERSEAS

from 3 citizens (Petition No. EN2222)

Income Tax

why should our personal tax statements from employers or other statements being directed to "my gov"

without our prior approvals.

Employees should have a choice.

We therefore ask the House to Remove compulsury sending of our personal tax staements/other staements going to "my gov" without prior approval from the tax payer

from 11 citizens (Petition No. EN2223)

Climate Change

The United Nations Secretary General indicated global warming has already reached 1.2°C, while the UN IPCC 2018 special report indicated committed warming of no more than a 0.5°C temperature rise. This means we are potentially committed to 1.7°C global warming. This situation will continue to be exacerbated, and harder to deal with, until we decarbonise.

The special report also stated we are already seeing the consequences of 1°C warming 'through more extreme weather, rising sea levels and diminishing Arctic sea ice, among other changes'. We have already endured unprecedented bushfires, floods, heat, drought, and impacts globally on corals with multiple bleaching events on the renown Great Barrier Reef.

The fossil fuel Industry predicted the global warming we are now seeing, as a consequence of fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, along with the substantial climatic impacts that would occur after a 1°C temperature rise. In 1982 EXXON predicted a 1.5°C rise around 2030. In 1991 Shell promoted up to a 4°C rise by 2050 stating it was 'change too fast perhaps for life to adapt without severe dislocation'.

We therefore ask the House to:

1. Respect and support any First Nations community opposition to coal seam gas mining, fracking, and coal mining.

2. Stop using public funds for gas or other fossil fuel projects.

3. Support 100% renewables by 2030

4. Support Solar Schools

5. Support a renewables Million Jobs Plan

6. Support a Climate Change Act that provides for zero emissions by 2030

7. Declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency

from 29 citizens (Petition No. EN2224)

No Call Register

I am sick & tired of many of our Gov Institutions, businesses (especially energy companies telemarketing solar panels, switching energy providers or LED lights when we the Australian public were forced into the PRETEND FREE ENERGY MARKET & changes to how our electricity, gas, phone, water ect. are provided to us.

We as consumers have no choice anymore but are forced into the Governments subsidized solar panels & wind turbines & expensive pushing water uphill & then downhill to provide energy. THIS IS NOT A FREE MARKET IS IT?

Why are many businesses & Governments not allowing free market especially the choice of COAL POWER to compete in A FREE MARKET with solar or wind? How many elections did the Australian votes VOTE FOR NO GREEN RUBBISH PROPOSALS BY THE GREENS & LABOR? NO CARBON TAX! The polaticns have NO RIGHT TO PUSH THEIR AGENDAS BUT SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE WANT (cheap reliable competitive energy market) never have I been so harassed throughout the year by these solar panel companies or energy or LED telemarketers. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

We therefore ask the House to Automatic inclusion of all phones (landline or mobile/s) on the "NO CALL REGISTER"

It would benefit especially the older people

from 7 citizens (Petition No. EN2227)

Multiculturalism

It is causing opprtunities fom minority activist to create division & favouritism in Australian public

NO ONE SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY ,

NOT BY RACE, RELIGION OR GENDER

Any Multicultrual offics in existance now should be removed as this is now causing DESCRIMINATION & HUMAN RIGHTS BREACHES FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS

We therefore ask the House to Remove any refernce in Australias legisaltion/laws to Multiculturism & departments

from 7 citizens (Petition No. EN2232)

Energy

Why should tax payers subsidize private sector energies that Governemtns sold off.

Where is the FREE MARKET that we are supposed to be in?

It is just making our energy more expensive & giving private investor HAND OUTS while many Australain citizans/busiensses are struggling in this subsidized Gov. unaffordable

We therefore ask the House to REMOVE ALL THE CLEAN ENERGY FINANCE CORPOROTION, CLEAN ENERGY FUND, REMOVE THE GRID RELIABILITY FUND, REMOVE UN DERWRITTING NEWGENERATION INVESTMENTS.

from 8 citizens (Petition No. EN2233)

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

This is a matter for federal government to act on. I'm on disability . like many others low income . I need medicine. Recently. Got put on buscopan for pain relief and it worked on pain cramps and spasm the problem is expense. Is $50 a box this medicine is as I recently found out works for me. . if you take 2 a day from box of 30. Goes fast. .

We therefore ask the House to examine. Why buscopan is not on Medicare list and why it should be put on Medicare list

from 8 citizens (Petition No. EN2235)

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (IBD) prior approval to be implemented to avoid severe suffering of patients. As some cases can have adverse effects and take around a week to recover, dependent on the severity of the IBD, of that individual. The Medicare approval can be made at least three days or a week prior so that no delays occur or can be catered for due to back log or other unforeseen circumstances and therefore individuals do not have to take leave of absence from employer for prolonged periods of time and are not suffer to the point that it is detrimental to their health causing permanent damage to cells, including their mental state. This will also provide flexibility for them to obtain the injection within due course and assist in accommodating for the individual's employment commitments.

This in turn will reduce absences and suffering to these individuals, which will assist immensely to their health and mental state increasing efficiency, effectivity and create a less stressed environment for individuals to function at, which will in turn boost the economy due to reduced absences, suffering and stress for each individual associated with this disease.

We therefore ask the House to increase the period of approval by Medicare for the injection to be made, three to a week prior to date of administration of the injection.

Your consideration to this matter will be highly appreciated. Thank you.

from 28 citizens (Petition No. EN2238)

Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

The Australian people call on the Federal Government to address our Indigenous Deaths in Custody. Many of these deaths were due to medical episodes, and very likely preventable. Improving socioeconomics is key to reducing our deaths in custody.

455 deaths, and no indication as to why nothing is being done.

The people of Australia are desperate for answers, we must act before another life is lost to negligence in the justice system.

The Maranguka Project, Bourke, NSW, brought to light remarkable ways we can re-imagine Justice Management; and benefit the flow on effects of reducing incarceration rates, improving mental health and see a decrease in domestic violence and drug use. For all Australians.

Indigenous kids make up 52% of those incarcerated in juvenile detention centers; a lost generation. We are seeing overwhelming results from reinvestment programs to empower and invest in our young people. These findings must be taken into consideration for funding services to address root issues leading to unlawful acts.

We therefore ask the House to address the remaining recommendations to the 1991 Royal Commission into Indigenous Deaths in Custody, and make due legislative amendments.

We request unscheduled, mandatory police and prison guard mental fitness assessments to ensure mentality matches active service.

Reinvestment programs must be investigated, funded and implemented, consultation with key community services being vital to the programs effectiveness.

We request that family and public consultation plays a prominent part in these legislative amendments, to ensure the best implementation and outcomes possible for all Australian people.

from 228 citizens (Petition No. EN2246)

Defence (Inquiry) Regulations 2018

Reforms to the Redress of Grievance and Defence inquiry processes are urgently needed. Currently they are seriously flawed, and often result in significant mental trauma and reputational harm to serving ADF members. Defence Inquiries are not bound by rules of evidence or legal technicalities. Witnesses can and do provide false testimony that is then protected by legal privilege. Defence Inquiry officers are not constrained by the fundamental concepts of justice and equality. Most are not legally trained and some have only ever undertaken four days of non-mandatory training in how to conduct an inquiry. These processes are supposed to be timely but most cases drag on for years, prolonging the mental trauma to the ADF member. Their anxiety is compounded by feeling victimised. Those who succeed in arguing their case, find their situation unchanged because too much time has passed and there is no policy for corrective action. ADF members will carry unresolved grievances into life beyond service which will impact the Government's efforts to realistically reduce the number of suicides currently plaguing the ADF veteran community.

We therefore ask the House to support changes to the Defence (Inquiry) Regulations 2018 so that Defence Inquiries are subject to legal technicalities, rules of evidence, principles of open justice and common law; Defence Inquiry officers undertake legal training; witness testimony taken under oath/affirmation; introduce an appeal process outside the Chain of Command and corrective action policy to ensure procedural fairness, and access to genuine mediation for ADF members to resolve workplace complaints.

from 3015 citizens (Petition No. EN2256)

Health Care

This petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the House: People in our community cannot afford to see a doctor and their health is suffering. They are unable to afford the fee for a consultation in the local clinic. Whilst patients can receive their Medicare rebate in seconds, the local clinic waits days, weeks, even months for their rebate, with Medicare sending the payment via patients in the form of a cheque. The clinic is therefore unable to offer the gap only payment to its patients due to the financial burden the payment delay places on them. Improving the gap payment process for GP clinics will allow the local clinic to provide a more affordable service to the community, which will deliver better health outcomes.

We therefore ask the House to improve the gap payment process for GP clinics to ensure timely delivery of rebates to allow clinics to offer cheaper services in their communities.

from 112 citizens (Petition No. PN0491)

Falun Gong

This petition of certain citizens of Australia draws to the attention of the House that Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. Millions of Falun Gong practitioners in China have been fired, jailed, tortured or killed by the Chinese Communist regime since July 1999. There have been persistent reports of systematic, state-sanctioned organ harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience in China, primarily practitioners of Falun Gong. The Independent China Tribunal, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, concluded in its Final Judgement in 2019: "Forced organ harvesting has been committed for year, throughout China on a significant scale and that Falun Gong practitioners have been one - and probably the main - source of organ supply" and that crimes against humanity against Falun Gong have been proved "beyond reasonable doubt".

We therefore ask the House to request the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Australian government to: 1. Pass a motion or make a statement to openly request and immediate end to the 20-year persecution of Falun Gong in China and the immediate release of all Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners of conscience; 2. Urge China to immediately end the practice of organ harvesting from all prisoners of conscience and conduct a thorough public education campaign to ensure Australians do not unknowingly participate in forced organ harvesting in China; 3. Deny visas and bar entry to Chinese officials and policemen who are involved in the persecution of Falun Gong.

from 498 citizens (Petition No. PN0493)

Migration

Stabilising our population will immediately halt the growth of our cities at the expense of our green spaces, minimise further environmental destruction and maximise employment opportunities for Australians. We note that each additional Australian resident requires over $100,000 of public infrastructure investment to maintain the same standard of living, and this more than negates the tax revenue from immigration anticipated in the federal Budget. We also note that the "baby bonus" children will be leaving school next year, and by 2025 an extra 50,000 Australians will seek to enter the workforce each year. An ecologically sustainable level of permanent migration is less than 70,000 per year. The pandemic provides an ideal opportunity to reset Australia's immigration program.

We, the undersigned, call on the House of Representatives to support a reduction in Australia's permanent immigration to 70,000 per year after the COVID-19 border closure is lifted.

from 90 citizens (Petition No. PN0494)

COVID-19: Tourism

This petition of certain citizens of Australia draws the attention of the House to the continued adverse impacts of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry. Currently, JobKeeper payments are due to end on 28 March 2021. However, given the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in NSW and border closures across Australia (and international), the travel and tourism industry continues to be heavily impacted and will continue to suffer the effects of the pandemic at least until the end of 2021. Unlike other industries such as retail, fitness and certain sectors of hospitality which have seen a rebound in business to sustainable and almost normal operations for a number of moths now, travel agencies have not been as fortunate due to sustained domestic and international border restrictions. We have and will continue to experience little to no business or achieve profitability in the foreseeable future. Travel and tourism is a key contributor to the Australian economy. In order to support and preserve this multi-billion-dollar industry, it is crucial that we receive the government's continual support without which thousands of Australian jobs will be lost.

We therefore ask the House the extend the current JobKeeper payments for travel and tourism agencies beyond its current deadline of 28 March 2021.

from 1 citizen (Petition No. PN0495)

Petitions received.

Trade with China

Dear Chair

I refer to your email of 24 August 2020 to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, regarding Petition EN1538 asking to place tariffs on all Chinese imports; stop selling China our coal and materials; bring all manufacturing from China; and charge higher import tariffs. As the matter falls within my portfolio responsibility, your letter has been passed to me for reply.

Australia's openness to trade is a key driver of our national prosperity, supporting jobs and higher wages. China is an important part of this story. It is the second-largest economy in the world, the biggest goods market in our region, and our two economies have strong mutual complementarities. It will remain our largest two-way trading partner for the foreseeable future.

Access to global markets allows our businesses to secure economies of scale that are simply not possible with our relatively small population and domestic market. Trade drives innovation and productivity and allows our businesses to access the inputs they need at the lowest prices, which in turn helps ensure they remain internationally competitive. Australian consumers benefit too through having access to greater choice at lower prices. Without trade, our standard of living would be substantially lower.

Since the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) entered into force, Australians have benefitted immensely from the lower prices of imported goods from China. Many Australian companies could not thrive without access to the Chinese market or to the many benefits from good, value for money Chinese manufactures and inputs.

The Australian Government is committed to a mutually beneficial relationship with China. It is guided by our national interests. Australia has benefitted from China's economic growth and the corresponding growth in our bilateral trade and investment relationship. And at all times, we will continue to be true to our values and the protection of our own sovereignty.

I acknowledge the pandemic has been tough for many Australian and assure you that getting Australians back into jobs is the priority of the Australian Government. Only where Australians are not able to fill positions can foreign workers take up these roles. Foreign workers have helped to fill persistent labour shortages in rural and regional Australia whilst also contributing to enhanced economic integration and development in our region.

I thank the petitioners for sharing their concerns and I assure them we remain committed to building a strong open economy at home, enabling our capacity to protect and pursue our national interests.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator Birmingham

Climate Change

Dear Chair

Thank you for your letter of 24 August 2020 regarding Petition EN1588 requesting Australia withdraw from its current international environmental and energy commitments.

The Australian Government is resolutely committed to meeting our obligations under the Paris Agreement and ambitious climate action, including to the goals of the Agreement and to limit global emissions to net zero in the second half of the century.

Australia's Paris target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 is a significant contribution to global climate action. Our national target is achievable, balanced and responsible, and is part of coordinated global action to take climate action for future generations while keeping our economy strong.

Our climate action agenda is a practical one, driven by technology rather than taxation. On 22 September 2020, the Government released the Roadmap's first annual Low Emissions Technology Statement. The Statement articulates five priority technologies and accompanying stretch goals—ambitious but realistic goals to bring priority low emissions technologies to economic parity with existing mature technologies:

clean hydrogen under $2 per kilogram

long duration energy storage dispatched at under $100 per MWh to enable wind and solar to be delivered at prices around or below today's average

CO2 compression, transport, and storage under $20 per tonne

low emissions steel production under $900/t and aluminium under $2,700/t

soil carbon measurement for less than $3/ha/year.

The Roadmap, along with other key strategies such as our National Hydrogen Strategy, will reduce our emissions and help provide global partners with clean energy for the transition to low emission economies.

Australia is committed to making clean energy technologies globally scalable, commercial and achievable, including by developing low emissions pathways through global partnerships.

We are working to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors through the Leadership Group for Industry Transition, including promoting private sector investment in transitioning carbon-intensive industries such as steel making from fossil fuels to hydrogen.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne

United States of America

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 24 August 2020 referring to Petition Number EN1615, which calls on the House to 'officially register a complaint with the United States Government' over protests and allegations of police brutality.

Australia considers there is no place for violence against protestors, the media, or medical personnel. During the protests and civil unrest in the United States earlier this year, I called on all involved - be they government, police or protestors - to exercise restraint and avoid violence.

Australia supports all people's right to peaceful protest, and the media's freedom to cover such protests. Freedom of expression is a fundamental part of a vibrant democracy and a culture of accountability. It underpins good governance and strong institutions.

Having seen the footage of the police treatment of an Australian Channel 7 news team in Washington DC on 1 June 2020, the Prime Minister and I both publicly expressed the Australian Government's concerns at the seriousness of this incident. The Australian

Embassy in Washington followed up to register our concerns with relevant US authorities, and assisted Channel 7 News to make a formal police complaint.

Australia continues to support efforts around the world to combat racism, uphold freedom of expression and protect the right to peaceful protest, including through our recently concluded term as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator Birmingham

Education

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your emails of 19 October 2020 referring two petitions (EN1639 and EN1731) received by the Standing Committee on Petitions, regarding the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (the test).

For all teachers, no matter the year level or subjects they teach, strong personal literacy and numeracy skills form an essential part of the attributes and skills needed to be effective in the classroom. While personal literacy and numeracy skills are only one element of what makes a good teacher, they are critical to fostering the development of strong personal literacy and numeracy in students.

The requirement for students undertaking an initial teacher education program have personal literacy and numeracy skills that are in the top 30 per cent of the adult population was introduced by agreement of all Education Ministers. This requirement has been implemented through the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures (the Standards and Procedures) since 2011, with the test being used since 2016 as the means for demonstrating a student has achieved this standard.

Under Standard 3.5, higher education providers have a key role in the process. The Standard states that 'Entrants to initial teacher education will possess levels of personal literacy and numeracy broadly equivalent to the top 30 per cent of the population. Providers who select students who do not meet this requirement must establish satisfactory arrangements to ensure that these students are supported to achieve the required standard before graduation.'

As the test requirement is related to accreditation of initial teacher education programs and/or registration as a teacher, each state or territory is responsible for imposing the requirement relating to the test in that jurisdiction under the relevant state or territory legislation.

This includes specifying how the test interacts with progression through an initial teacher education program and/or subsequent registration as a teacher. As a result, some states and territories have different requirements regarding the test. Students should contact the teacher regulatory body in their state or territory to confirm specific jurisdictional requirements, including requirements to sit the test at a particular point in their program. As states and territories manage accreditation of initial teacher education courses, the Australian Government is not able to grant exemptions to the test requirement.

Even in these unprecedented times, maintaining an expectation of high-quality teaching is important. As such, the requirement for initial teacher education students to meet the standard of the test prior to graduation remains in place. The Australian Council for Educational Research, which administers the test, has put in place arrangements so that all people who need to sit the test in 2020 can do so. Further information about arrangements for the test is available online at www.teacheredtest.acer.edu.au.

The Government actively monitors the delivery of all national programs and commissioned an independent review of the implementation of the test. Decisions regarding the test implementation review are matters for all Education Ministers through Education Council and it is anticipated that it will be considered in December 2020.

The Government remains committed to ensuring high quality graduates enter Australian classrooms. The test is an important component of providing this assurance.

Further information regarding the test is available on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment's website at www.education.gov.au/literacy-and-numeracy-test-initial­teacher-education-students.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Education, Mr Tehan

Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020, referring petition EN1643 regarding deaths in custody. I appreciate the signatories taking the time to petition the Australian Government on this important issue.

Every death in custody is a tragedy, and it is important for governments to consider the recommendations of reviews and inquiries, including those from coronial investigations, to ensure those in custody are kept safe and treated appropriately.

The petitioners may wish to visit the National Coronial Information System (NCIS), which may in part addresses the call for a database to include coronial findings on deaths in custody. It can accessed at: www.ncis.org.au. The NCIS was established in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and produces research to identify trends and similar cases nationally, and contribute to health policy development and prevention strategies.

I note that the review by Deloitte Access Economics, cited in the petition, found significant progress has been made in implementing the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody recommendations, with 91 per cent of the recommendations for which the Australian Government had responsibility found to be fully or mostly implemented.

As states and territories are responsible for their police and justice systems, including protecting those in custody, the petitioners may wish to raise their concerns around specific coronial findings and Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody recommendations directly with jurisdictions.

As the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths "in Custody found, the fundamental issue is that 'too many Aboriginal people are in custody too often'. Reducing the number of Indigenous Australians in contact with the justice system, through addressing the underlying factors that lead to offending, will reduce the number of lndigenous deaths in custody.

I believe we need a co-operative approach between governments, and with communities, to address issues raised by the Royal Commission, including factors that contribute to high incarceration rates for Indigenous Australians, through initiatives such as the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the Agreement).

The Agreement outlines a better way of working, with governments working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to get better outcomes.

This means that there is shared decision making, shared responsibility and shared accountability to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The Agreement is also an important opportunity to address the issues raised in the petition, with all parties working to develop their Implementation Plans. More information can be found at: www.closingthegap.gov.au.

The petitioners may be interested to know about actions already underway that aim to divert Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people away from the justice system. As part of the Morrison Government's commitment to work with states and territories, we have committed $261.3 million in 2020-21 to fund a range of activities to complement efforts by states and territories to improve justice and community safety outcomes for Indigenous Australians. These activities aim to reduce alcohol and other drug misuse; reduce re-offending; reduce family violence and promote Indigenous women's safety and leadership; improve wellbeing; create safe and functional environments; and improve community safety in remote Indigenous communities.

The Morrison Government has also offered to fund the establishment of a Custody Notification Service (CNS) in each state and territory, as an important safeguard recommended by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody to reduce the likelihood of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody. The services provide culturally appropriate health and welfare support and basic legal advice for Indigenous Australians detained by police. Australian Government funded CNS' are operational in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Victoria, with a service soon to be established in South Australia.

I have also copied my colleagues the Attorney-General, the Hon Christian Porter MP and the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, into this response given the links between the matters raised by the petitioners and their portfolio responsibilities.

Thank you for referring this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Mr Wyatt

Economy

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition Ministerial Referral (EN1655) to enact legislation to stop businesses not accepting cash. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

As noted in the petition, the refusal by a business to accept payment in cash is not unlawful. The Australian Government has no plans to alter this approach, which is based on the principle that businesses can choose the terms upon which a sale (which is a contract between parties) of goods or services are offered, and consumers have the freedom to accept or refuse those terms by making or not making purchases with those businesses.

The recent trend towards cashless payments is the result of consumers and businesses choosing the payment method that works best for them, with an increasing number of Australians preferring the convenience, security and versatility of cashless payment methods. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, some businesses are also encouraging consumers to pay via cashless methods (including tap n' go card payments) to promote the safety of their employees and reduce the risk of infection.

These changes have led to more businesses accepting cashless payments and an overall reduction in the use of cash for day to day payments. However, cash is still a vital part of our payment system and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future.

The Government supports innovation and believes most Australians will benefit from cashless payments. However, the Government is also aware that cashless payment methods are not suitable for everyone and there are no plans to force Australia to become a cashless society. The Government is also committed to ensuring technological developments do not exclude vulnerable Australians from day to day activities. To this end, the Government continues to monitor developments in the payment system to ensure it remains accessible for all Australians.

I trust this information will be of assistant to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

E-Cigarettes

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 19 October 2020 to Minister Wood concerning Petition EN1664 to the House to reject the proposal for the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 to be effective from 1 July 2020. This matter has been referred to me as the Minister for Health.

You may be aware that the proposed restriction on the importation of personal nicotine vaporisers and, separately, nicotine for use in e-cigarettes has been deferred. This is in the context of the Therapeutics Goods Administration Delegate's consideration of the final decision on whether nicotine for all human use (except in nicotine replacement therapy and in tobacco packed and prepared for smoking) should be included in the Poisons Standard as a prescription only medicine.

The Delegate's primary reasons for the interim decision are to arrest the rapid uptake in use of e-cigarettes by youth whilst facilitating their simple and legal access for smoking cessation.

To proceed, at the present time, with the amendment to the Customs Regulations (Prohibited Imports) would unnecessarily pre-empt any further deliberations the Delegate is required by the therapeutic goods regulatory framework to take in reaching that final decision.

The Government will also monitor the impacts of the changes to the Poisons Standard if the Delegate's final decision confirms the interim decision.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Royal Commission: Disability Services

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 19 September 2020 regarding House of Representatives Petition EN1689 - Request to 'Reform' all current and future Royal Commissions to accommodate people who are disabled. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this matter to my attention.

Royal Commissions are independent of the Government and have responsibility for determining operating procedures and the direction of the inquiry in accordance with the terms of reference. They operate under the Royal Commissions Act 1902. Ultimately the Commissioner/s are responsible for conducting the inquiry and determining processes. This means that each Royal Commission has its own unique identity and challenges.

It is commonplace for the terms of reference to include a direction that Royal Commissioners have regard for putting in place arrangements that are accessible to support people who wish to share their experience. This is the case with two inquiries established under this Government that are currently on foot, the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Administratively, Royal Commissions are a part of the Executive and operate under the auspices of my department. There is a legal requirement for the department to ensure services are usable and accessible to people with disabilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). With regards to online services, Australian Government agencies are further required to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA. This includes Royal Commissions, who are responsible for managing their own digital content.

There are various complaints mechanisms available to individuals that believe they have been unlawfully discriminated against. If a person believes they have been unlawfully discriminated against, they may wish to consider lodging a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

The Commission has the power to investigate and attempt to conciliate complaints of disability discrimination. If the conciliation is unsuccessful, in certain circumstances, a person may commence legal proceedings regarding the complaint in the Federal Court of Australia or the Federal Circuit Court.

Information on the Commission's complaint handling process is available online at:

https://www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints-information.

Further, under the DDA, the Commission's functions include promoting_ an understanding of, and compliance with, the DDA and undertaking educational programs to promote the objects of the DDA. You wish to raise the concerns outlined in your correspondence with the Disability Commissioner in the Commission.

The Commission's contact details are as follows:

Post:

Australian Human Rights Commission

GPO Box 5218

SYDNEY NSW 2001

Phone: 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888

Email: infoservice@humanrights.gov.au

TTY: 1800 620 241 (toll free)

Fax: 02 9284 9611

Thank you for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney General, Mr Porter

COVID-19

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence concerning petition EN1721 requesting the establishment of a Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Australia in response to COVID-19. I regret the delay in responding.

The Australian Government has taken a strong and decisive approach in responding to COVID-19 based on the latest medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). The relatively low number of COVID-19 cases in Australia is the result of the swift and successful implementation of public health measures.

The Government continues to strengthen its disease isolation, surveillance and case-tracing procedures. Our emergency response arrangements are flexible and scalable, enabling my Department to take a tailored response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

This has been a difficult time for all Australians and I acknowledge that, while saving lives, our public health actions have come at an economic cost, affecting businesses and individuals. The Petitions Committee can be assured the Government continues to act decisively in the national interest to support households and businesses and address the significant economic consequences of the disease through the Australian Economic Recovery Plan.

A national CDC would not add to Australia's proven expertise and capacity to effectively respond to national communicable disease outbreaks. Additional structures could risk overlap and duplication with existing communicable disease control functions.

My Department through the Office of Health Protection and Response (Office), is leading the COVID-19 response. This Office, which is responsible for the operation of the National Incident Room, is staffed by a range of expert medical advisers (including a pathologist), epidemiologists, pandemic policy and logistics specialists, and is the central coordination area that utilises its networks to collaborate with internal and external experts and stakeholders, including state and territory governments, through established mechanisms, such as National Cabinet.

National Cabinet is advised by the AHPPC. The AHPPC is supported by a number of expert advisory committees including the jurisdictionally based Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN) and the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA).

PHLN and CDNA are both comprised of directors and managers from Australian public health pathology laboratories and public health units. These networks, among several others, are providing technical advice on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Australian context, to inform response activities.

Countries with CDC style arrangements do not appear to have better outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of lives lost. For instance, as at 5 November 2020 Australia's death toll is 3.58 per 100,000 population. Whereas Spain (68.67 per 100,000), Sweden (57.89 per 100,000), Luxembourg (20.57 per 100,000) and Austria (9.19 per 100,000), as well as the United States (64.10 per 100,000), all have higher death rates. The key infectious disease centres for these countries being the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, respectively.

Further, in 2017 Australia voluntarily requested the World Health Organization undertake a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) as part of our ongoing commitment to the monitoring and evaluation of our core capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005).

The JEE review reported that Australia has a comprehensive system of capabilities and functions to prepare, detect and respond to health security threats and has fully implemented the necessary legislation to implement the IHR (2005). The JEE team commended Australia on our proactive support to other Member States in the region to achieve their core capacities under IHR (2005). The full JEE review, including results and priority actions, is available at:

www.who.int/ihr/publications/WHO-WHE-CPI-REP-2018.8/en.

The Petitions Committee can be assured that the Australian, state and territory governments are fully committed to working together to keep Australians as safe and well as possible during this and any future pandemics.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Medicare

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1750, which requests that facial feminization surgery be listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

I appreciate the challenges faced by patients who suffer from gender dysphoria in relation to medical treatment and mental health.

As raised in the petition, currently facial feminization surgery as a single specific medical service does not attract a Medicare rebate. However, rebates are available for a wide range of medical services that may be provided as part of the gender confirmation process including specialist consultations and some plastic and reconstructive surgery if the treating practitioner deems these to be clinically relevant.

In order for a specific facial feminization surgery MBS item to be considered for public funding an application will need to be submitted to the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) by the medical profession, medical industry or others. MSAC appraises medical services and technologies proposed for public funding and provides advice to me on whether a medical service or technology should be publicly funded based on an assessment of the comparative safety, clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness and total cost of the medical service, using the best available evidence. More information about the MSAC process is available on the MSAC website at: www.msac.gov.au.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Education

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 19 October 2020 to the Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, regarding Petition EN1754, which suggests a new payment called Education Seeker. As the matter raised falls within my portfolio responsibility, your email has been forwarded to me for reply.

The Government is committed to giving all Australians an opportunity to gain a first class education. The Government has a number of payments and measures in place to assist people who are undertaking education and training.

Youth Allowance and Austudy are means tested payments for students who are in full-time education (generally 75 per cent or more of a full-time study load), at an approved educational institution or undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship. They are designed to encourage people to undertake further education and training.

The Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) is designed to help certain disadvantaged groups with the costs of study. Assistance is provided over a defined period to help recipients to gain an initial qualification, up to a postgraduate level, that would make them competitive in the labour market. To receive PES a person must be receiving a qualifying payment such as, but not limited to, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or Parenting Payment Single and must also be undertaking an approved course of study in an accredited institution.

The ABSTUDY scheme provides a means-tested living allowance and a range of supplementary benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander full-time students and Australian Apprentices. Some supplementary benefits are available to part-time students. Assistance based on the Australian Postgraduate Awards model is also provided for students to undertake higher degrees at the masters and doctorate levels. There is also a Pensioner Education Supplement payable under ABSTUDY that reflects the Pensioner Education Supplement payable under Social Security law.

In some circumstances, full-time or part-time study can contribute to meeting a JobSeeker Payment recipient's mutual obligation requirements, either alone or in combination with job search or other activities. Employment services providers are responsible for approving study for the purposes of meeting mutual obligation requirements. Providers can approve participation in a short course of education or training if they determine that participation is necessary and the course is:

vocationally orientated

less than 12 months (two semesters) in duration

highly likely to provide a job seeker with a qualification that will result in an employment outcome, improve their employability or lead to qualifications in an identified area of skills shortage.

These rules reflect the intention of JobSeeker Payment, which is to support unemployed people while they look for work.

You may be interested to know that the Government has partnered with the states and territories (the states) to provide more Australians with access to free or low-fee training places in areas of identified skills needs through the establishment of a new $1 billion JobTrainer Fund. The JobTrainer Fund includes $500 million from the Government for 2020-21, contingent on matched contributions from the states. This will provide around 340,700 additional training places to help job seekers and young people gain the skills they need to get a job.

The Government is currently working through the details of the JobTrainer Fund with the participating states. Training places are now available in South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales, with other jurisdictions to follow shortly. Information on the courses available in each jurisdiction, and relevant training providers, is available on the MySkills website at www.myskills.gov.au/jobtrainer.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston

Australian Red Cross

Dear Chair

I refer to your letter of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1755, Royal Commission of inquiry into Australian Red Cross mismanagement of our nation's blood supply.

Australia has one of the safest blood supplies in the world. Effective and robust national arrangements are in place to manage the safety and quality of the Australian blood supply. Comprehensive care and treatment services are available through the National Blood Authority (NBA) for patients with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, and national strategies and programs to address blood borne viruses including hepatitis and HIV continue to be implemented.

The Australian Government's strong commitment to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat is also clear through our investment of over $1 billion to provide access to curative direct acting antiviral (DAA) medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), to all eligible Australians regardless of how they acquired hepatitis C or their current circumstances. Since 2016, over 87,000 people living with chronic hepatitis C in Australia had received DAA treatment through the PBS.

Further, in 2015 the Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health examined the prevalence, testing, treatment, prevention options, and cost impacts with treating hepatitis C. The Standing Committee's report: The Silent Disease -Report on the Inquiry into Hepatitis C in Australia recommended enhanced reporting, raising awareness of hepatitis C, improving testing and treatment regimens and reaching populations at high risk of infections. These recommendations continue to be implemented through the Fifth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2018-2022 that has been endorsed by all Australian governments.

Historically, there were crucial advances in the 1980s and early 1990s for identifying, and testing for, pathogenic blood-borne viruses (BBV), along with changes such as the uniting of separate state and territory based blood services into a national blood service in 1996.

The establishment of the NBA in 2003 to manage national arrangements for the safe and secure supply of blood, and blood products and services has led to the virtual elimination of the risk of transmission of BBV from a blood transfusion in Australia.

In 2004, the Australian Senate's Community Affairs Reference Committee examined extensively, the policies and practices of the Australian Red Cross and the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories in relation to the safety of the blood supply during the 1980s.

The Reference Committee's report Hepatitis C and the Blood Supply in Australia found that the most effective way to address viral contamination in the Australian context was to improve access to services, education of medical personnel, and support research efforts to develop more effective treatments.

This led to a range of initiatives to support patients who acquired hepatitis C from the blood supply, including ongoing funding through the NBA for the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's Lookback program and Commonwealth contributions to state and territory hepatitis C settlement schemes. These initiatives continue today.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Legal Industry, Education

Dear Chair

PETITION MINISTERIAL REFERRAL (EN1764)

PETITION FOR A ROYAL COMMISSION INTO THE LEGAL PROFESSION, INDUSTRY, EDUCATION SYSTEM, OTHER RELATED SECTIONS

Thank you for your email of 19 October 2020 regarding a request for a New Royal Commission into the Legal Profession, Industry, Education System and other related sections.

Royal Commissions are a form of non-judicial and non-administrative governmental investigation and are only established in exceptional circumstances. Royal Commissions are established by the Governor-General, in accordance with the Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth) and on the advice of the Government, to inquire into matters of public importance. The Government of the day determines the need to request a Royal Commission.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney General, Mr Porter

Lebanon

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 regarding a petition on Lebanon that was presented in the House of Representatives.

The Australian Government recognises Lebanon is facing the shock of a severe economic crisis combined with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Syrian crisis.

Australia has been a long-standing supporter of Lebanon's sovereignty and national unity. We have supported Lebanon's humanitarian needs, providing $98 million in humanitarian support since 2015. Following the tragic explosions on 4 August, Australia provided $5 million in humanitarian assistance and delivered three planeloads of relief supplies.

The Government welcomes current international efforts to help Lebanon's leaders find common ground and work on urgent reforms to extract Lebanon from its crises.

Prime Minister Morrison said on 10 August that we want to see Lebanon as a functional, prosperous state. Australia stands with the people of Lebanon at this difficult time and supports their calls for the formation of a new government to implement much-needed reforms.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne (Petition No EN1770)

COVID-19: Health Care

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1794, which requested an increase to the number of sessions available under the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners (Better Access) through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) initiative and additional funding for Primary Health Networks (PHN) for the next four years.

On 6 October 2020 as part of the 2020-21 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced $100.8 million to make available an additional 10 Medicare-subsidised individual psychological therapy sessions under the Better Access initiative. This means eligible people can now access up to 20 individual sessions each calendar year until 30 June 2022.

This investment was made by the Government in recognition of the severe and enduring mental health impacts the COVID-19 pandemic is having on many Australians. While the additional sessions have been available nationally since 9 October 2020, people subject to public health orders restricting their movement within a state or territory, including Victoria, have been able to access the additional sessions since 7 August 2020.

My Department continues to work with health and system experts to monitor and review the implementation, use and impact of the temporary (Better Access) MBS items. This includes both the COVID-19 mental health response more broadly and the temporary telehealth measures. As recommended in the Productivity Commission's Report on Mental Health, which was released on 16 November 2020, the Government intends to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Better Access initiative.

PHNs are an integral part of the primary health care system. In recognition of the role PHNs play in commissioning mental health services, particularly for those at risk of poor health outcomes, PHNs are provided with flexible funding which enables PHNs to respond to identified regional priorities. These services include the provision of psychological therapies to underserviced groups that complements the Better Access initiative.

The recommendations from the Productivity Commission, together with the outcomes of my Department's work in monitoring and reviewing implementation of the Better Access initiative, will be essential in determining any reforms to the Better Access initiative and PHN funding.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Family Court

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 regarding Petition No EN1796, presented to the Standing Committee on Petitions, raising privacy concerns about websites that preserve and re-publish court lists containing the names of parties to family violence related proceedings.

The Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) sets outs rights and obligations in relation to the collection, use, disclosure and handling of personal information. These are contained in

13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). The Privacy Act generally applies to Commonwealth government agencies and certain private sector organisations with an annual turnover of $3 million or more, as well as certain smaller organisations where they deal specifically in personal information.

The Privacy Act applies to the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court only in relation to acts and practices of an administrative nature, such as information about the day-to-day running of these courts, which may include information about court staff, those who supply goods and services, complaints and feedback, and about security matters. It does not apply to documents and information that the courts hold for judicial purposes. This is information that the courts hold in records relating to cases. Instead, this information is protected under the Family Law Act and the applicable rules of court.

As identified in the petition, section 121 of the Family Law Act limits publication of identifying accounts of family law proceedings, with certain exceptions. One such exception is where a court authorises the publication. Any complaints in relation to how the Family Court or Federal Circuit Court lists matters or otherwise deals with personal information can be directed to the relevant court in the first instance.

The Federal Circuit Court of Australia and the Family Court of Australia both publish daily court lists of matters to be heard by the courts. Those lists are accessible electronically on the courts' respective websites and in hard copy in the foyer of family law court registries.

The lists are accessible for a limited period of time. The lists identify the matters by stating the surname and initials of the given names of the parties. The lists do not identify issues to be heard or determined by the courts, such as whether the matter involves allegations of family violence. The publication of such lists by the courts is explicitly permitted by section 121.

A notice is published on both the Family Court and the Federal Circuit Court websites, directly above the daily court lists, providing that under the Family Law Act, serious penalties can apply if section 121 is breached, and outlining that it is unlawful, in certain circumstances, to publish or disseminate the identity of parties and witnesses involved in family law proceedings and information relating to an account of those proceedings.

The petition refers to the publication of court lists relating to domestic violence orders (DVOs). The laws relating to DVOs (however described) are the responsibility of state and territory governments and these matters are heard by state and territory courts. Similarly, criminal prosecutions for breaches of DVOs and other criminal offences relating to domestic, family and sexual violence are the responsibility of the states and territories. The prosecution of such offences are heard by state and territory courts. Concerns around the publication of court lists for such matters would be more appropriately raised with state and territory governments. As these proceedings do not arise under the Family Law Act, section 121 of the Act is not applicable.

In respect of the website specifically referenced in the petition, 'Domestic Violence Court Records Australia', as at 24 November 2020, this database appears to have ceased operations.

The Privacy Act may apply to an entity if it meets the $3 million annual turnover threshold, or can be classified as a business that deals specifically in personal information. In the event of a complaint, whether the Privacy Act (and the APPs) apply to an entity would be for the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to determine. If the Privacy Act does apply, the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) prevent an entity from collecting personal information unless the information is reasonably necessary for, or directly related an entity's functions or activities (APP 3). In addition, an entity must take reasonable steps to notify an individual of the collection of personal information (APP 5) and must not use or disclose such information for a purpose other than the primary purpose of collection, unless the individual to whom the personal information relates has consented or an exception applies. An entity must take reasonable steps to protect personal information that it holds from misuse, interference and loss, as well as unauthorised access, modification or disclosure (APP 11).

The OAIC is responsible for investigating breaches of the Privacy Act. If there is a concern that an entity is breaching the APPs, a complaint could be made to the OAIC. Information on how to make a privacy complaint, as well further information on the Privacy Act, is available from the OAIC website at: www.oaic.gov.au.

Of general relevance to the petition, the Government has established a Joint Select Committee to inquire into the family law system. On 7 October 2020, the Committee released an interim rep01i covering a broad range of topics consistent with its terms of reference. The Committee is scheduled to deliver its final report by the last sitting day in February 2021. The interim report, the Committee's terms of reference and further information about the inquiry are available from the Committee's website at:

www.aph.gov.au/Parliarnentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Family_Law_System.

Lastly, the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC), in its report Family Law for the Future -An Inquiry into the Family Law System (March 2019) recommended that the Australian Government amend section 121 of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) to ensure that the public are aware of their obligations under the Act (recommendation 56). Section 121 provides for the non-publication of identifying accounts for family law proceedings subject to certain exceptions, including court approval. The Government is considering and will respond to the ALRC's report and its 60 recommendations in the near future.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Mr Porter

COVID-19: Vaccine

Dear Chair

I refer to your letter of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1801—Right for non-vaccinated persons to be able to travel.

The Australian Government supports immunisation in recognition that it is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or sometimes even death.

The Government is committed to providing all Australians with access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as available. A COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect the Australian community.

There is overwhelming support for a strong stance on immunisation and the Government has formed the view that the benefits of vaccination to the community are sufficiently important to underpin certain policy decisions.

While the Government supports immunisation, it is not compulsory, and people maintain the right to choose whether to vaccinate themselves and their family.

Any decisions regarding the availability of a potential COVID-19 vaccine and related policies will be based on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatments for Australia - Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group and other experts, and will be contingent on a vaccine candidate meeting all requirements with regard to testing and safety.

Vaccines, like any other medicines can have side effects, however all vaccines used within Australia provide benefits which greatly outweigh their risks. A number of organisations including the Australian Academy of Science, an independent scientific body, have produced documents such as The Science of Immunisation: Questions and Answers which the petition authors may be interested in, available at: www .science.org.au.

The Government has invested in AusVaxSafety, the national, monitoring and surveillance system which actively monitors vaccine safety throughout Australia. Current results are available on their website at: www.ausvaxsafety.org.au. Parents/carers and immunisation providers can also report adverse events to the Therapeutic Goods Administration via the Adverse Event Management System at: www.tga.gov.au

However, a vaccine for COVID-19 does not currently exist. If and when a vaccine becomes available, decisions on how to best implement a vaccination program will be made taking into account all available public health, medical and epidemiological data available at that time.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

JobSeeker Payment

JobKeeper Payment

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition Ministerial Referral (EN1805) request to extend the current rates of JobSeeker and JobKeeper Payments. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

The Australian Government is committed to temporary, targeted and scalable support during the COVID-19 pandemic that balances additional financial assistance for job seekers with incentives to work, and taking account of public health advice. On 10 November 2020, the Prime Minister and Minister for Social Services announced the extension of the Coronavirus Supplement at a rate of $150 per fortnight from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021. This decision was informed by economic conditions and the experience with the changes to JobSeeker that applied from 25 September 2020, striking a balance between providing an elevated level of support for people who need it with incentives for people to re-engage with the workforce.

Other temporary income support measures will also continue until March 2021, including the higher income free area, the relaxed partner income test taper rate, expanded eligibility criteria and waiving of certain waiting periods.

With regards to the JobKeeper Payment, on 21 July 2020, the Government announced an extension to the JobKeeper Payment for a further six months until 28 March 2021 with changes made to eligibility criteria and payment amounts to ensure the program remains targeted to those businesses and employees most significantly impacted by COVID-19.

The wage subsidy amount is being stepped down as part of the extension to continue to support those businesses who require additional support, while also helping businesses adjust and gradually transition from the JobKeeper Payment.

Two payment tiers were introduced from 28 September 2020 to better align the JobKeeper Payment with an employee's usual income. The lower JobKeeper Payment rate is paid for those who worked for less than 20 hours per week on average over four weeks prior to either 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020. Having two tiers strikes a balance between making payments more aligned with usual hours worked while limiting complexity for employers.

From 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021, the payment rate will be $1,200 per fortnight for those working an average of 20 hours or more per week in the test period prior to either 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020 and $750 per fortnight for all others.

From 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021, the payment rates for these cohorts will be $1,000 per fortnight and $650 per fortnight.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Employment

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 19 October 2020 to the Attorney-General, the Hon Christian Porter MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, regarding petition number EN1806, which asks the House of Representatives to legislate a ban on unpaid internships. As the issue raised falls within my portfolio responsibilities as Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, your email has been referred to me for response.

The Australian Government has strong safeguards and protections in place to support appropriate work experience opportunities, which can come in many forms and in certain circumstances can include unpaid internship placements. Genuine unpaid work experience arrangements provide students, recent graduates and other job seekers with valuable industry or professional experience and contacts which makes them more employable. Unpaid work experience may include vocational placements or volunteer arrangements.

Under the Fair Work Act 2009, whether a person is an employee or an unpaid intern depends on whether an employment relationship exists, under the common law test, or if an arrangement involves a vocational placement. If an employment relationship exists then the employee is entitled to conditions under the Fair Work Act, including minimum wages, the National Employment Standards (NES) and provisions under the applicable award or enterprise agreement.

The Government does not condone any sort of sham working arrangements and has zero tolerance for the exploitation of any employee no matter their age, nationality or visa status. All employees are entitled to the basic workplace rights and protections under the Fair Work Act. This includes the NES, redress for wage underpayments and general protections against workplace discrimination and harassment.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has a range of educational and enforcement tools to promote and ensure compliance with workplace laws. Education and engagement by the FWO is vitally important to inform Australians about their workplace rights, and is backed up by strong enforcement.

The FWO provides free advice and assistance, including dedicated fact sheets about unpaid work on its website at www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/templates-and-guides/fact­sheets/unpaid-work.

If any employee has concerns about their employment conditions or entitlements, including pay and conditions, they should contact the FWO for assistance on 13 13 94. A telephone interpreter service is also available on 13 14 50 and a hearing and speech impairment service on 13 36 77. Employees can also report concerns anonymously in English or another language using the FWO's online reporting tool at www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will­help/how-we-help-you/anonymous-tipoff.

The Government is committed to providing job seekers with the support they need to move into work. Government-funded work experience opportunities are helping to level the playing field by assisting Australians from all socioeconomic backgrounds to access the benefits of work experience.

The Government continues to invest strongly in a number of work experience and internship programs. For example, the Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare, Trial, Hire) program helps young job seekers aged 17-24 gain valuable skills and experience through voluntary internships of four to twelve weeks duration. Participants in PaTH Internships receive an incentive payment of $200 per fortnight on top of their regular income support. Since the start of the program in April 2017, over 14,400 PaTH internships have been commenced with 65.6 per cent of those who completed their internships achieving a job placement immediately after their internship, and a further 8.2 per cent achieving a job placement within three months.

As the issues raised by the petitioners also fall within the portfolio responsibilities of the Attorney-General, I have forwarded a copy of the petition and this response for his information.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Cash

COVID-19: Hydroxychloroquine

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 19 October 2020 regarding a petition requesting that hydroxychloroquine be made available over the counter (Petition Number EN1819).

By way of background, the circumstances under which medicines can be accessed by the Australian public are determined through a classification process known as 'scheduling'. Medicines and chemicals are classified into schedules, which are published in the Poisons Standard. Classification is based on the risk of harm and the level of access control required to protect public health and safety. The scheduling process is managed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) which is part of my Department. Scheduling decisions are made by a senior medical officer at the TGA acting as a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Health. These are not decisions of the Minister for Health or the Australian Parliament.

In Australia, hydroxychloroquine has been assessed as a prescription only medicine because it is used for conditions that require the diagnosis and intervention from a medical practitioner. Hydroxychloroquine is approved to treat malaria and certain autoimmune conditions, including Lupus. It is important to be aware that hydroxychloroquine can have serious side effects, including cardiac toxicity (potentially leading to sudden heart attacks), irreversible eye damage and severe depletion of blood sugar (potentially leading to coma). As such, it is appropriate for hydroxychloroquine to remain a prescription medicine.

After COVID-19 emerged, there was a sudden increase in demand for hydroxychloroquine in the community which resulted in some patients not being able to fill their regular prescriptions. As such, prescribing restrictions were

introduced to ensure an ongoing supply of hydroxychloroquine to patients who need it to treat the conditions for which the product was approved. More information is available at: www.tga.gov.au/alert/new-restrictions­prescribing-hydroxychloroquine-covid-19.

The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce is closely monitoring clinical studies in Australia and around the world that are investigating the use of potential COVID-19 treatments, including hydroxychloroquine. This taskforce comprises 29 peak health professional bodies whose members are providing clinical care to people with COVID-19. The taskforce undertakes continuous surveillance to identify and rapidly synthesise emerging research in order to provide national, evidence-based guidelines for the clinical care of people with COVID-19. You can view the taskforce guidelines at: www.covid19evidence.net.au.

Based on the current available evidence, my Department strongly discourages the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent COVID-19, unless the patient is enrolled in a clinical trial which will have safety monitoring protocols and oversight by a Human Research Ethics Committee. Information on clinical trials for hydroxychloroquine being undertaken in Australia can be found on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trails Registry at: www.anzctr.org.au/TrialSearch.aspx using the search term 'hydroxychloroquine'.

Similar to my Department's and TGA's current position on the use of hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19, the US FDA has cautioned against the use ofCOVID-19 outside of hospital or clinical trial settings, due to the risk of adverse effects. The UK medicines regulator has suspended recruitment to all studies of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment or prevention ofCOVID-19.

The TGA continues to publish updated information on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 on their website at: www.tga.gov.au/alert/amendments-new-restrictions-prescribing-hydroxychloroguine-covid-19.

More information on the scheduling of medicines, including the application process for changing the schedule of a medicine is available at: www.tga.gov.au/scheduling-medicines-poisons.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Vaccine

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1820—End state of emergency across Australia.

The Australian Government is taking a strong and decisive approach in responding to COVID-19, based on the latest medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

I appreciate this is a very difficult time for all Australians, especially for those citizens who have concerns about possible delays in returning home, as well as impacts from being unable to visit friends and family interstate and overseas.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have taken unprecedented steps to contain the outbreak and respond to its impacts.

The human biosecurity emergency period in place under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Act) is made through a non-disallowable instrument, and the House of Representatives is unable to make decisions on its timing. Instead, the Act vests the Governor-General with these powers.

On 18 March 2020, the Governor-General declared the human biosecurity emergency in relation to COVID-19 under section 475 of the Act. The Governor-General has extended the hum.an biosecurity emergency period on two occasions, and it is currently in place until 17 December 2020.

All changes to the human biosecurity emergency period are made on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and the AHPPC. The current medical evidence establishes that COVID-19 is continuing to pose a severe and immediate threat to human health, on a significant scale both internationally and domestically. AHPPC has noted with particular concern the continued escalation of case numbers internationally.

In my capacity as the Minister for Health, the human biosecurity emergency declaration enables me to determine emergency requirements or issue directions to respond to COVID-19.

There are currently four emergency determinations made under section 477 of the Act:

restrictions on the entry and movement of cruise vessels within Australian territory

restrictions on outbound international travel for Australian citizens and permanent residents

prohibition of price-gouging for essential goods (such as personal protective equipment)

restrictions on trade of retail outlets at international airports.

An exact time period for how long the emergency period and travel restrictions under the Act will remain in force is unable to be determined at this time. Opening our borders too soon could see a resurgence in cases, undoing progress and placing strain on healthcare resources and systems. The Government is currently considering when and how to reopen our borders safely. However, this will be a step-by-step process underpinned by the latest medical advice and based on robust risk assessments.

In addition to the Act, it is important to note that state and territory governments have primary operational responsibility for emergency management and public health in their jurisdictions, which is based on the medical advice from their respective Chief Health Officers. The specific measures imposed to control the spread of COVID-19 in each state and territory, including managing restrictions on the movement of residents within a state/territory, is the responsibility of the respective jurisdiction.

The Government is a strong supporter of immunisation. It is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death. Vaccination however is not mandatory and individuals maintain the option and right to choose not to vaccinate. This right will extend to any COVID-19 vaccination that may become available. It is important that everyone who can benefit from a COVID-19 vaccine, can access it to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community.

The Petitions Committee can be assured that the Government, along with the states and territories, is taking an evidence-based approach to COVID-19, and is committed to keep Australians safe.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Health Care

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 November 2020 in regards to petition number EN1882.

l. Ban the consumption and sale of cigarettes nationwide.

The Australian Government, together with the state and territory governments, is committed to reducing the prevalence of smoking and its associated health, social and economic costs, and the inequalities it causes. In line with this commitment, the Government has set a target of reducing smoking rates below 10 per cent by 2025.

There is strong evidence that comprehensive public health strategies focussing on both the supply and demand of tobacco are most likely to achieve long-term health gains, prevent the uptake of smoking and reduce smoking prevalence. This comprehensive approach has led to historically low smoking rates in Australia, particularly among children and youth. At the national level, the Government's tobacco control measures include tobacco excise and excise-equivalent customs duty; education programs and campaigns; plain packaging of

tobacco products; labelling tobacco products with larger graphic health warnings; prohibiting tobacco advertising and promotion; providing support for smokers to quit, and measures to minimise the illicit tobacco trade.

The Government is currently developing a new National Tobacco Strategy in consultation with the states and territories and non-government stakeholders. As part of this work, the Government will continue to explore a range of new evidence based measures to further reduce smoking prevalence.

2. Ban food I beverages which contain extreme amounts of sugar.

The Government recognises the burden of disease attributable to poor diets and related chronic conditions. Supporting Australians to eat a healthy, balanced diet is a complex public health issue with multiple contributing factors requiring community-wide approaches as well as behaviour change by individuals.-The Government's preferred approach is to actively educate, support and encourage Australians to adopt and maintain a healthy diet, rather than introducing additional regulations and taxes.

The Government undertakes a wide range of initiatives to encourage and support Australians to adopt a healthier lifestyle, including:

The Healthy Food Partnership (Partnership)—a non-regulatory, collaborative forum between the Government, food industry and public health groups which is aimed at tackling obesity, encouraging healthy eating and empowering food companies to make positive changes to their products. Further information on the Partnership can be found at: www.health.gov.au/healthyfoodpartnership.

Health Star Rating (HSR) system—a front of pack food labelling system which rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged food and assigns it a rating from half a star to five stars. The HSR system allows consumers to make informed choices about healthier foods and encourages industry to reformulate their foods to achieve a better star rating. Further information on the HSR is available at: www.healthstarrating.gov.au.

Sugars labelling—there is work underway to consider changing the way sugars are labelled on food packages to help Australians make informed choices in support of the recommendations in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)is currently working on a review that will consider whether the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code should be amended to better assist consumers to make informed choices about added sugars. Further information is provided on the FSANZ website at:

www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/Pages/Sugar-labelling.aspx.

3. Demand mandatory injections for mental health.

The mental health and wellbeing of all Australians remains one of the Australian Government's highest priorities.

The estimated Health Portfolio expenditure for mental health services and suicide prevention in 2020-21 is a record high of $5.7 billion and a 12 per cent increase on expenditure in 2019-20. The Government has rapidly scaled medical advice, care and treatment to meet the unique demands ofCOVID-19, protect the most vulnerable and keep Australians well, including looking after their mental health and wellbeing. However, we recognise that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated response measures are having significant impacts for Australians and may cause people stress, anxiety and concern.

Since March 2020, the Government has made available more than $500 million in direct supports and telehealth services to respond to the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this, key service providers have been supported to boost the capacity of the mental health system, support vulnerable groups and improve access for patients to mental health services through expansion of the Medicare Benefits Schedule including telehealth.

In September 2020, the public facing website of the Suicide and Self Harm Monitoring System, led by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare was launched and over time this will provide more timely access to emerging trends and risks.

Mental illness covers a spectrum of disorders that vary in how severe they are and how long they last. There is no evidence to suggest that a single injection could prevent or treat all forms of mental illness.

4. A ban on alcohol

The Government is committed to preventing and minimising alcohol-related harms among individuals, families and communities.

The National Alcohol Strategy 2019-2028 (Strategy) provides a framework for directing national and local actions to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms. The Strategy represents a commitment by all Australian governments to preventing risky alcohol use and related harms through a combination of law enforcement, prevention, early intervention and health care strategies.

Liquor licensing matters, including the regulation of alcohol sales, are a matter for each individual state or territory governments.

5. Obesity in Australia

The Government recognises the burden of overweight and obesity in Australia. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors (individual, social and environmental).

As such, implementing a fine for those over a certain BMI level is not appropriate and is unlikely to be successful in reducing the prevalence of obesity in Australia. Addressing overweight and obesity in Australia requires a multi-faceted, community wide approach delivered through a range of initiatives and organisations.

Action is required at all levels of government, with a focus on population-level interventions and the environmental factors which are contributing to the issue. Other organisations, such as non-government or community organisations, also have a role to play by delivering community led targeted interventions.

In recognition of the importance of this issue, all Australian Health Ministers have agreed to the development of a national obesity strategy (strategy) to enable a more collaborative and comprehensive national approach to obesity in Australia. The Queensland Department of Health is leading the development of the strategy, in close collaboration with all jurisdictions. It is expected the strategy will include a focus on priority population groups or regions where the prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher. Public consultation to inform the development of the strategy was undertaken in late 2019 and early 2020. More than 2000 individuals and organisations engaged in the consultation. The draft strategy is expected to be considered by Health Ministers in early 2021

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Vaccine

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 November 2020 concerning Petition EN1895—ethical concerns on the use of foetal cell lines in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Australian Government acknowledges that there are faith-based concerns in relation to some COVID-19 vaccine candidates currently in development. In particular these concerns relate to the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, for which a production and supply agreement was announced on 7 September 2020.

The Government understands that the Oxford vaccine candidate is produced from a cell line that was developed from foetal tissue in the 1970s. I can assure you that there are strong ethical regulations around the use of any human cell, particularly human foetal cells.

Other vaccines available in Australia that are manufactured using cell lines that originally came from foetal tissue include rubella, hepatitis A, varicella (chickenpox) and rabies.

The Government has signed a number of production and supply agreements for access to COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to the Oxford vaccine candidate. On 7 September 2020, an agreement for the University of Queensland/CSL COVID-19 vaccine candidate was announced. On 5 November 2020, the Government announced two additional agreements for the supply of promising COVID-19 vaccines from Novavax and Pfizer/BioNTech. None of these three vaccine candidates make use of cell lines derived from a human foetus.

I understand the concerns outlined in the petition concerning the individual's right to choose, on ethical grounds, whether to vaccinate. The Government is a strong supporter of immunisation as it is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death. While the Government supports immunisation, the COVID-19 vaccine will not be mandatory and individuals maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate. The vaccine will be available for free to those who choose to be vaccinated.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Environment

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020 concerning the petition requesting the repeal of section 487 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to eliminate the ability of green charitable groups to mount costly challenges to Adani's operations (EN1902).

Under the EPBC Act, projects which may have, will have or are likely to have a significant impact on a nationally protected matter are subject to a rigorous evidence-based environmental assessment and approval process. Legal review mechanisms under the EPBC Act help ensure that assessment and approval decisions are made in a robust, transparent and accountable manner that the community can have confidence in.

In 2015, the Australian Government introduced a Bill to repeal section 487 of the EPBC Act which provides extended standing to environmental organisations to seek judicial review of EPBC Act decisions. The Bill lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in 2016.

In his Interim Report of the Independent Review of the EPBC Act, Professor Graeme Samuel AC noted that the Review has received highly conflicting evidence and viewpoints about the appeal mechanisms under the EPBC Act. Professor Samuel went on to state that the Review is not yet convinced that extending standing should be curtailed. The Government is now in the process of considering the recommendations of the Final Report of the Independent Review of the EPBC Act.

Thank you for bringing this petition to my attention. I trust this information will be of assistance in responding to the petitioners.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for the Environment, Ms Ley

Health Care

Dear Chair

1 refer to your correspondence of 9 November 2020 concerning Petition EN1926 seeking changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) opioid listings for the treatment of chronic pain.

The opioid reforms are vital to prevent inappropriate prescribing as well as reducing the risk of dependence and overdose. Over the past decade, Australians have experienced a significant increase in the level of harm and deaths arising from the use of pharmaceutical opioids. Every day in Australia, nearly 150 hospitalisations and 14 emergency department admissions involve issues relating to opioid use, and three people die from the harm that results from inappropriate use, more information is available at:

www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/opioid-harm-in-australia/contents/summary.

The United States is in the midst of an opioid crisis with more than 760,000 people dying from drug overdose since 1999, details are available at:

www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/opioid-crisis-statistics/index.html.

Of particular concern is that, in 2018, two out of three overdose deaths involved the use of either prescription opioids or heroin, details are available at:

www.cdc.gov/MMWR/VOLUMES/69/WR/MM6911A4.HTM?S_CID%3DMM6911A4_W

This is something the Australian Government and I, as the Minister for Health, are deeply committed to avoiding. The wider challenge of delivering effective pain management cannot come at the expense of addressing this urgent matter, hence the recent changes.

On 1 June 2020, the PBS listings for opioid medications underwent a number of changes as recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC).

These were recommended in response to the Therapeutic Goods Administration's regulatory reforms implemented to minimise the harms caused by opioid prescription medicines to Australians each year.

PBS-subsidised opioids can continue to be prescribed for the treatment of patients with chronic pain, provided other analgesic medications do not, or will not provide sufficient pain management, or where other analgesic medications are contraindicated or not tolerated.

Prescribers are able to request authority approval from Services Australia for increased quantities and or repeats of PBS-subsidised opioids. These increases may extend treatment up to three months' supply per prescription.

Patients requiring authority for increased quantities and repeats must have an annual review of their condition conducted by a second medical practitioner to confirm ongoing need for opioid medication when they have been receiving treatment with opioids for 12 months or longer. This secondary consult is an annual requirement only where increased quantities and or repeats of opioid medication are required. The annual review does not need to be undertaken by a pain specialist; any Australian registered medical practitioner will suffice. In recognition of the difficulties for patients to see their doctors due to COVID-19, the secondary review may also be undertaken by phone or telehealth consultation where appropriate.

Following the implementation of these changes, the PBAC considered feedback from Palliative Care Australia expressing concerns regarding barriers to pain management for palliative care patients. The PBAC subsequently recommended additional changes to the opioid listings for palliative care patients and restructured the existing opioid restrictions to reduce the administrative burden on prescribers. These changes were implemented on 1 October 2020.

From 1 October 2020, patients who are receiving palliative care whose clinical condition is such that they are unable to seek a secondary annual review will be exempted from this requirement. For those palliative patients who are well enough to meet this requirement, a palliative care nurse practitioner will be also able to conduct annual reviews.

It is a priority of the Australian Government to provide all Australians access to safe, effective and affordable medicines. The PBS is a funding program that enables Australians to access medicines at a subsidised cost in the community.

The Improved Monitoring of Entitlements (IME) measure ensures that only eligible Australian Residents receive PBS subsidised medicines. This measure helps ensure taxpayers dollars go to those who are entitled to them. The IME checks the patient's entitlement arrangements. This reduces the number of subsidies paid to ineligible people. A person may be ineligible if they are a visitor from a country without a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement or an illegal immigrant.

The co-payment is the amount the patient pays towards the cost of their PBS subsidised medicine. Many PBS medicines cost significantly more than the co-payment amount.

From 1 January 2020, all PBS-eligible patients may pay a co-payment of up to $41.00 for most PBS medicines (or $6.60 if they have a concession card). The Government pays the remaining cost.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 November 2020 concerning petition EN1934 requesting Australians be allowed to travel overseas.

The Australian Government recognises that this is a challenging time with significant uncertainty, particularly for people wishing to travel overseas.

The Government is taking a strong and decisive approach in responding to COVID-19, informed by the latest medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). The relatively low number ofCOVID-19 cases in Australia is the result of the swift and successful implementation of public health measures;

The Government has introduced strict border and quarantine measures to protect the health of the Australian community. The purpose of the restriction is to control the spread of COVID-19 through Australia's international ports. Since the ban first came into force on 20 March 2020, it has continued to be effective in helping to achieve this purpose. These requirements are managed and enforced by state and territory governments with Australian Government support, including from the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Border Force.

The Government is unable to provide an exact time period for how long the travel restriction will remain in force. The medical experts guiding our response, the AHPPC, recently reviewed the quarantine arrangements and agreed that risk ofCOVID-19 in travellers returning from many countries is increasing, reinforcing the importance of hotel quarantine. The Government is considering when and how to reopen our borders safely. However, it will be a step-by-step process.

Foreign countries may have also diminished capacity as a result of the pandemic, including in relation to health systems and consular assistance. Australians overseas may not be able to access health care or diplomatic support.

The Government has banned all Australian citizens and permanent residents from travelling overseas unless granted an exemption.

An exemption can be granted if an individual meets at least one of the following:

your travel is as part of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the provision of aid

your travel is essential for the conduct of critical industries and business (including export and import industries)

you are travelling to receive urgent medical treatment that is not available in Australia

you are travelling on urgent and unavoidable personal business

you are travelling on compassionate or humanitarian grounds

your travel is in the national interest.

Further information about applying for an exemption can be found at: https://covidl9.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia.

The Government recognises the impact of these measures on individuals, families and businesses.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Falun Gong

Dear Chair

Thank you for your letter regarding petition number PN0451. The petition raised concerns about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and reports of organ harvesting and trafficking in China.

Australia is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of belief for all people. We remain concerned religious groups in China, including Falun Gong practitioners, continue to be targeted on the basis of their beliefs. We have regularly raised our concerns about this issue with China, including at ministerial level, both directly and in international fora. We will continue to do so while serious human rights abuses continue.

The Government is aware of reports of illegal organ harvesting in China. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is carefully monitoring developments on this issue, and regularly reviews available evidence as new reports are published. We are aware organs have been harvested from executed prisoners in China for use in medical transplants, at least prior to 2015. Australia strongly opposes this practice.

Australia is committed to preventing organ trafficking. Since 2004, the Government has had a comprehensive strategy to combat such crimes and is committed to ensuring that Australia's response to organ trafficking and transplant tourism remains as effective as possible. Australia's states and territories have robust frameworks in place to regulate lawful donation and transplants of human organs and tissue for therapeutic purposes.

In November 2018, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) Human Rights Sub-Committee produced the report 'Compassion Not Commerce: An Inquiry into Human Organ Trafficking and Organ Transplant Tourism'. This report delivered 12 recommendations, which are currently under consideration by the Government. The Department of Home Affairs is leading the Government's response.

I trust this information is of assistance.

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne

Falun Gong

Dear Chair

Thank you for your letter of 4 September 2020 regarding petition number PN0471. The petition raised concerns about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and reports of organ harvesting and trafficking in China.

Australia is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of belief for all people. We remain concerned religious groups in China, including Falun Gong practitioners, continue to be targeted on the basis of their beliefs. We have regularly raised our concerns about this issue with China, including at ministerial level, both directly and in international fora. We will continue to do so while serious human rights abuses continue.

The Government is aware of reports of illegal organ harvesting in China. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is carefully monitoring developments on this issue, and regularly reviews available evidence as new reports are published. We are aware organs have been harvested from executed prisoners in China for use in medical transplants, at least prior to 2015. Australia strongly opposes this practice.

Australia is committed to preventing organ trafficking. Since 2004, the Government has had a comprehensive strategy to combat such crimes and is committed to ensuring that Australia's response to organ trafficking and transplant tourism remains as effective as possible. Australia's states and territories have robust frameworks in place to regulate lawful donation and transplants of human organs and tissue for therapeutic purposes.

In November 2018, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) Human Rights Sub-Committee produced the report 'Compassion Not Commerce: An Inquiry into Human Organ Trafficking and Organ Transplant Tourism'. This report delivered 12 recommendations, which are currently under consideration by the Government. The Department of Home Affairs is leading the Government's response.

The petition you referred to requests the sanctioning of individuals involved in the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. The Government retains the ability to prevent individuals involved in human rights abuses from visiting Australia under the Migration Act. We regularly review our sanctions settings to ensure they remain suitable and effective.

We will continue to monitor closely reports of mistreatment and restrictions against religious groups in China, and seek opportunities to respond strongly to these abuses.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne

Falun Gong

Dear Chair

Thank you for your letter regarding petition number PN0475. The petition raised concerns about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and reports of organ harvesting and trafficking in China.

Australia is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of belief for all people. We remain concerned religious groups in China, including Falun Gong practitioners, continue to be targeted on the basis of their beliefs. We have regularly raised our concerns about this issue with China, including at ministerial level, both directly and in international fora. We will continue to do so while serious human rights abuses continue.

The Government is aware of reports of illegal organ harvesting in China. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is carefully monitoring developments on this issue, and regularly reviews available evidence as new reports are published. We are aware organs have been harvested from executed prisoners in China for use in medical transplants, at least prior to 2015. Australia strongly opposes this practice.

Australia is committed to preventing organ trafficking. Since 2004, the Government has had a comprehensive strategy to combat such crimes and is committed to ensuring Australia's response to organ trafficking and transplant tourism remains as effective as possible. Australia's states and territories have robust frameworks in place to regulate lawful donation and transplants of human organs and tissue for therapeutic purposes. In November 2018, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) Human Rights Sub-Committee produced the report 'Compassion Not Commerce: An Inquiry into Human Organ Trafficking and Organ Transplant Tourism'. This report delivered 12 recommendations, which are currently under consideration by the Government. The Department of Home Affairs is leading the Government's response.

The petition you referred to requests the sanctioning of individuals involved in the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. The Government retains the ability to prevent individuals involved in human rights abuses from visiting Australia under the Migration Act. We regularly review our sanctions settings to ensure they remain suitable and effective.

We will continue to monitor closely reports of mistreatment and restrictions against religious groups in China, and seek opportunities to respond strongly to these abuses.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne

Falun Gong

Dear Chair

Thank you for your letter of 31 August 2020 regarding Petition Number PN0480. The petition raised concerns about the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners and reports of organ harvesting and trafficking in China.

Australia is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of belief for all people. We remain concerned that religious groups in China, including Falun Gong practitioners, continue to be targeted on the basis of their beliefs. We have consistently raised our concerns about this issue directly with China, including at ministerial level, and in relevant international forums. We will continue to do so while serious human rights abuses continue.

Australia is committed to preventing organ trafficking. Since 2004, the Government has had a comprehensive strategy to combat such crimes and is committed to ensuring that Australia's response to organ trafficking and transplant tourism remains as effective as possible. Australia's States and Territories have robust frameworks in place to regulate lawful donation and transplants of human organs and tissue for therapeutic purposes.

In November 2018, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) Human Rights Sub-Committee produced the report 'Compassion Not Commerce: An inquiry into Human Organ Trafficking and Organ Transplant Tourism'. This report delivered 12 recommendations, which are currently under consideration by the Government. The Department of Home Affairs is leading the Government's response.

The Government is aware of reports of illegal organ harvesting in China. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is carefully monitoring developments on this issue, and regularly reviews available evidence as new reports are published. Australia strongly opposes the practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners for use in medical transplants, which we are aware occurred in China, at least prior to 2015.

In relation to the petition's call to sanction individuals involved in the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners through visa bans, the Government retains the ability to prevent individuals involved in human rights abuses from visiting Australia under the Migration Act. We regularly review our sanctions settings to ensure they remain suitable and effective.

We will continue to monitor closely reports of mistreatment and restrictions against religious groups in China, and seek opportunities to respond strongly to these abuses.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne

Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

Dear Mr O'Dowd

I refer to your email of 19 October 2020 regarding House of Representatives Petition PN485, which requests that the House of Representatives address issues around Indigenous incarceration and Aboriginal deaths in custody. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this petition to my attention.

Every death in custody is a tragedy. While state and territory governments are primarily responsible for many of the drivers of Indigenous incarceration, including criminal law enforcement and prison policies and practices, the Australian Government is committed to working with jurisdictions to find effective solutions to address the disproportionate contact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the justice system.

Under the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020-25 (NLAP), the Government will provide more than $2 billion to the states and territories for Commonwealth funded legal assistance. Frontline legal assistance services will be delivered by legal aid commissions, community legal centres, and Aboriginal and Tones Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS). Of the $2 billion, $440 million is being provided specifically to ATSILS to deliver specialised culturally safe and culturally appropriate legal assistance to Aboriginal and Tones Strait Islander Australians. The new legal assistance funding arrangements provide an increase of more than $20 million in legal assistance funding to ATSILS.

An important initiative through which the Government is working with states and territories to address the drivers of Indigenous incarceration is the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (the National Agreement). All governments have worked in partnership with the Coalition of Aboriginal and Tones Strait Islander Peak Organisations and agreed to targets for reducing the rates of youth detention and adult incarceration. This National Agreement is an important oppo1iunity to consider the issues raised in the petition, such as re-visiting recommendations of previous reviews including the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, and their implications for social and justice systems.

Further, as part of the Government's commitment to work with states and territories, $266.7 million in 2020-21 has been committed under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy through the Minister for Indigenous Australians' portfolio to fund a range of activities to complement efforts by states and territories to improve justice and community safety outcomes for Indigenous Australians. These efforts aim to reduce alcohol and other drug misuse; reduce re-offending; reduce family violence and promote Indigenous women's safety and leadership; improve wellbeing; create safe and functional environments; and improve community safety in remote Indigenous communities.

The Australian Government has also offered to fund the establishment of a Custody Notification Service in each state and territory as an important safeguard to reduce the likelihood of Aboriginal and Tones Strait Islander deaths in custody. The service was recommended by the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and provides culturally appropriate health and welfare support and basic legal advice for Indigenous Australians detained by police. Services are operational in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Victoria, with a service soon to be established in South Australia.

Finally, in response to the issues raised in the petition about raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, the Council of Attorneys-General agreed to establish a working group to examine this issue in November 2018. The Australian Government will consider, amongst other issues, the need for adequate processes and services for children who exhibit offending behaviour once the working group's report is finalised. Ultimately, it will be a decision for each jurisdiction whether to raise the minimum age.

I trust the above information provides a helpful overview of the policies and programs the Australian Government has in place to address the important issues raised by this petition.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Mr Porter

Human Rights

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email to the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Hon Christian Porter MP regarding Petition EN1220 requesting that the House of Representatives enact a Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability law substantially similar to United States' version. In addition, I refer to Petition EN0994 requesting that the House of Representatives support the introduction and passage of legislation establishing a Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions regime. As this matter falls within my portfolio responsibility, the petitions have been passed to me.

I have asked the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade to inquire into the use of targeted sanctions to address human rights abuses. This includes considering the establishment in Australia of a global 'Magnitsky-style' human rights sanctions regime to complement those introduced in the United Kingdom and United States.

The Committee has received more than 150 public submissions, and heard from a number of witnesses in public hearings. As a longstanding supporter of protections for individual human rights and freedoms, I have been pleased by the strong interest in the Committee's inquiry.

I expect the Committee to report later this year. The Government will carefully consider the Committee's recommendations once received.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator Payne

Murray-Darling Basin

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your emails of 24 August 2020 on behalf of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Petitions, regarding petitions EN1038 and EN1124. The petitions concerned fish deaths in the Murray-Darling River and called for an independent Federal Royal Commission into water theft and mismanagement of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

The fish deaths in the Murray-Darling Basin in summer 2018-19 were a terrible reminder of the effects drought and limited water flows can have on the environment and rural communities. Last year the Australian Government appointed an independent panel, chaired by Professor Rob Vertessy, to assess the fish deaths in the lower Darling. The panel found that low dissolved oxygen levels caused by factors such as the breakdown of water layers, decomposition of organic matter, algal blooms, and high temperatures followed by cooler periods, contributed to the fish deaths.

In response, the Government announced more than $93 million to help improve river health and assist the long-term recovery of fish stocks. This includes $5 million for development of a Native Fish Management Recovery Strategy, $15 million for fencing northern riverbanks, $10 million for new fish hatcheries, $20 million to expand Murray-Darling Basin scientific research, $25 million for water metering in the northern Basin and $5 million for river level video cameras. These initiatives are currently being delivered across the Basin.

The Government does not support calls to establish a Federal Royal Commission into the Basin Plan. The response to the Vertessy Panel inquiry into the fish deaths was comprehensive. Several other reviews have also taken place recently into Murray-Darling Basin water management. These include the Interim Inspector-General of Murray-Darling Basin Water Resources' inquiry into water sharing arrangements in the southern Basin, the independent assessment of social and economic conditions in the Basin and the First Review of the Water for the Environment Special Account. We do not need another review that would divert valuable resources from the important task of implementing the Basin Plan.

We are taking these reviews seriously and intend to work closely with Basin state and territory governments to find solutions. The Murray-Darling Communities Investment Package I announced on 4 September 2020 outlines the Government's refreshed approach to put communities and jobs at the heart of the Basin Plan. The package contains 11 actions that will help improve community and river health, build trust, transparency and accountability, and improve implementation of the Basin Plan.

Finally, the Government is committed to delivering the highest accountability for managing our scarce water resources. We will do this by establishing a statutory and independent Inspector­General of Water Compliance, a key action of the Investment Package. The Inspector-General will aim to improve trust and transparency in implementing the Commonwealth's Basin water reform, strengthen the Basin Plan compliance and enforcement efforts and deliver greater consistency and harmonisation of water regulation across the Basin.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Mr Pitt

Newstart Allowance

Dear Mr O'Brien

Thank you for your letter dated 25 November 2019, concerning petition EN1094 presented to the House of Representatives, regarding Newstart Allowance.

The petitioners raise concerns that Newstart Allowance is inadequate for covering living costs in Australia and call for an increase of the rate. Additionally, the petitioners recommend a broad based review of Newstart and other social security payments, with further increases to follow if warranted by the review findings.

The Australian social security system aims to support the basic living standards of all Australians and increase their social and economic participation. The Australian Government is committed to a welfare system that supports the most vulnerable, encourages those who are able to work or study to do so, and is sustainable for future generations.

Newstart Allowance is the main income support payment for people of workforce age, while they are unemployed. It is designed to provide a safety net for people who require financial assistance, and to provide incentives to enable them to join or return to the workforce. One of the Government's key objectives is to ensure that people who have the capacity to work and support themselves do so, to the fullest extent possible.

Newstart Allowance, like most social security payments, is means-tested and operates in conjunction with taxation concessions, productivity initiatives, employment services and labour market strategies, as part of an integrated package to support workforce participation objectives.

The rate of Newstart Allowance is indexed twice a year in March and September, in line with movements in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Payment rate increases are calculated according to provisions in social security legislation.

A higher rate of Newstart Allowance is payable to single recipients with dependent children and those aged 60 years and over after nine continuous months on payment. The maximum fortnightly amount at this higher rate is $620.40 a fortnight. This fortnightly amount includes the maximum base rate of $604.70, the Energy Supplement of $9.50 and Pharmaceutical Allowance of $6.20.

In addition to Newstart Allowance, recipients may also receive a range of additional benefits and concessions to increase their economic security, depending on their particular circumstances. These benefits include:

a) assistance for people who rent in the private rental market, through the Commonwealth Rent Assistance payments;

b) Family Tax Benefit for those raising dependent children;

c) subsidised prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme;

d) subsidised health care and related products; and

e) concessions provided by state and territory governments. Concessions offered vary between states and may include subsidies for electricity, gas and water, and reduced public transport and vehicle registration fees.

Thank you again for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston

Climate Change

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 11 February 2020 regarding Petition EN1156. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this matter to my attention.

Australia must play its part in the global response to climate change and we are doing our bit. Australia's emissions were coming down before the pandemic and are continuing to fall. In fact:

Australia's emissions are lower than when the Coalition came to Government in 2013.

Australia's emissions are now almost 17 per cent below 2005 levels (the year from which our 2030 Paris target is measured). This compares favourably with other countries like Canada and New Zealand, whose emissions declined less than 1 per cent.

Australia's emissions are now at their lowest level since 1998.

Australia is committed to the goals of the Paris Agreement, and our aim is to achieve net zero emissions as soon as possible. That is why our focus is on driving down the costs of key technologies that will make net zero emissions achievable here and globally.

Australia's Technology Investment Roadmap will accelerate the development of new and emerging technologies that will create jobs, lower energy prices and reduce emissions. The Roadmap will guide the deployment of an expected $18 billion of Government investment over the next 10 years. Together with other levels of government, research institutions and the private sector, the Government is aiming to leverage at least $70 billion of new investment by 2030.

This investment will create over 130,000 jobs by 2030, more than half of these in regional areas. Getting these technologies right will significantly reduce emissions from sectors like energy, transport, industry and agriculture. These sectors account for around 90 per cent of global emissions and emit 45 billion tonnes each year.

Looking forward, Australia's 2030 target is for a 26-28 per cent reduction on 2005 levels. On a per person basis, our target is more ambitious than the European Union, Germany, Canada, New Zealand or Japan have committed to over the same period. Our 2030 target is a floor on our ambition, not a cap.

Australia is a world leader in renewable energy. We have invested more than $30 billion in renewable energy since 2017. In 2019, Australia deployed new renewable energy 10 times faster per person than the global average and four times faster than Europe, China, Japan or the US. About two million—one in four—Australian households now have solar panels on their roof. Last year, the share of wind and solar in Australia's electricity grids was more than double the global average and projected to rise rapidly in coming years.

One of the great challenges in the climate and emissions debate is recognising that we can only solve this problem together. At 1.3 per cent of emissions, Australia has almost no impact even if it eliminates all emissions. Other countries, particularly in the developing world, are reluctant to commit to policies and targets with material economic costs.

Australia can play a leading role on the international stage by partnering with other nations to accelerate technologies. Real global action through technology, not taxes, is the pathway to realising strong economic and emissions outcomes.

I trust this information has been of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Taylor

Nuclear Energy

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 11 February 2020 regarding the petition EN1184 presented to the House of Representatives on nuclear energy policy, nuclear regulation and construction of nuclear power stations.

The Liberal National Government recognises that nuclear energy is a mature technology used to deliver reliable electricity in many countries, with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions. Given the global significance of Australia's uranium reserves, the Government supports the sustainable development and responsible use of these important energy sources.

Last year, I asked the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy to inquire into the prerequisites for a future government to use nuclear energy in Australia. This is the first inquiry into the use of nuclear power in Australia in more than a decade.

In December 2019, the Committee presented its report - Not without your approval: a way forward for nuclear technology in Australia. The Government is currently considering the report and the Committee's recommendations.

While we acknowledge the work of the Committee, the Government has no plans to lift the long-standing moratorium on nuclear energy in Australia. Any decision to remove the current prohibition on nuclear power generation would require bipartisan agreement and widespread community support.

The first Low Emissions Technology Statement listed small modular reactors as a 'watching brief technology'. This means that while the technology is currently at an early stage of development, it has the potential to play an important role over the long term. The Government will continue to monitor international developments in nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, as part of the Technology Investment Roadmap.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Taylor

Australia Day

Dear Mr O'Dowd

I refer to your email dated 9 April 2020 addressed to the Minister for Government Services, the Hon Stuart Robert MP, regarding a petition to ask the House to declare 27 May the new official date for 'Australia Day' (EN1309). I have been asked to respond on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP.

Australia Day is an opportunity to bind as a nation, where we can reflect, respect and celebrate because we are all part of the story of Australia.

Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and 60,000 year plus journey and an important day to reflect on the impact European settlement had on Indigenous Australians and their way of life. It is a day to respect our different views and backgrounds, by sharing our stories and listening to others. And it is a day to celebrate our nation, its achievements and its people, our resilience in the face of adversity and to better understand the Westminster foundations of our free and fair democracy and the rule of law that underpins who we are as a people.

On Australia Day we welcome our newest Australians alongside the world's oldest living culture and celebrate our diverse background and the extraordinary achievements that have made Australia a successful multicultural society.

On occasion the Government has heard some suggestions, such as the request of this petition, to change the date of Australia Day. Whilst I thank the petitioners for their suggestion, it is the Government's view that Australia Day should continue to be celebrated annually on 26 January.

Recently Australia has faced harsh challenges—drought, floods, Black Summer bushfires and the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. Australia Day 2021 will be a day to reflect, respect and celebrate the contribution all Australians have made in 2020 and mark our nation's resilience and the ability of Australians to rise above these and other challenges. It will also be an opportunity to celebrate our national heroes.

As the Prime Minister said when confirming Australia Day 2021 as a day of thanks for those who have helped our nation through the pandemic: "It would be hard to nominate an Australian who in some way large or small has not had their lives impacted, disrupted by the pandemic. It has called on the bigness of Australians and I think that is something we can genuinely give thanks for and to celebrate our resilient character".

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Morton

Child Support Scheme

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email dated 15 April 2020, concerning petition EN1310 to the House of Representatives requesting a review of various aspects of the child support formula.

The petitioners may be interested in the following information.

The child support scheme exists to assess and collect child support payments for the benefit of children of separated parents. The scheme and the legislation does not make any distinction based on the gender or background of either a paying parent or a receiving parent.

The Australian Government considers that the child support scheme appropriately balances the rights and needs of separated parents and their children.

Self-Support Amount

The current child support formula was introduced in 2008 using extensive research undertaken by the Ministerial Taskforce on Child Support on the costs of caring for children in Australia. The formula includes a self-support amount, which is currently $25,575 for child support periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020. This amount is deducted from each parent's income before the calculation of child support.

The Taskforce recommended that each parent should have the same self-support amount deducted in recognition of their basic living expenses. The self-support amount is the same for both paying and receiving parents and is set at one third of the annualised Male Total Average Weekly Earnings figure to ensure it keeps pace with increases in the cost of living.

While this fixed amount is deducted from each parent's income to account for self-support expenses, parents are only required to pay a proportion of their income above this amount as child support. This means that parents with income above the self-support amount still have other income available at their disposal for self-support and other living expenses.

Relevant dependent children

Where either parent has a new biological or adopted child, the child support formula recognises the costs associated with supporting the child by deducting a 'relevant dependent child amount' from their child support income. The Costs of the Children Table used in child support assessments is also used to determine the costs of any relevant dependent children. This ensures children of first and subsequent families are treated in similar ways.

When calculating the costs of a child of the assessment, both parent's incomes are combined to determine the financial resources available. It is important to note, however, that when calculating the cost of a relevant dependent child, only the income of the assessed child support parent is used. Therefore, while it can appear in an assessment that a relevant dependent child costs less than the children of the assessment, this amount represents only the child support parent's share of the costs of that child, and not that of their new partner.

Earning capacity

Although the Government cannot force parents to make certain decisions about their lifestyle or employment, if either parent believes their child support assessment is unfair because of the special circumstances of their case, they can seek a review under the change of assessment process. Under Reason 8 of the change of assessment process, Services Australia can change an assessment based on the earning capacity of either parent. However, where either parent has caring responsibilities for a new relevant dependent child, Services Australia would be unlikely to find that parent to have a greater capacity to earn income for a number of years after that child came into their care.

In order to establish that a parent has a greater capacity to earn income, Services Australia must be satisfied the parent is not working despite ample opportunity to do so, and their decision is not justified by either their caring responsibilities or state of health. Services Australia must also consider whether the parent's earnings have been reduced due to an intention to vary the level of child support to their own advantage.

This test is framed as a 'rebuttable presumption'. The starting point is that affecting the child support assessment is presumed to be a major purpose of the parent's decision about their working arrangements. The parent can rebut this presumption by demonstrating that affecting the child support assessment was not a major purpose of their decision.

Therefore, if a parent ceases work in the circumstances described by the petitioners, Services Australia is unlikely to make an earning capacity determination against them. The petitioners can find more information about earning capacity under topic 2.6.14 of the Child Support Guide at www.guides.dss.gov.au/child-support-guide.

Income estimates and estimate reconciliation

Child support assessments are generally based on both parents' adjusted taxable income from the last relevant financial year and the level of care they provide for their children. Where a parent's income has reduced by 15 per cent or more from the income used in the assessment, parents can elect to have their child support assessment based on an estimate of their current income. Parents can update their estimate as often as every two weeks by contacting Services Australia on 13 1272 and there is no restriction on the number of times a parent can update their estimate during an assessment period.

It is important to note that after an estimate period ends, Services Australia will reconcile the estimated income by comparing it with the parent's actual income for the estimate period. Estimates are reconciled when the parent's relevant adjusted taxable income becomes available from the Australian Taxation Office. The estimate reconciliation process ensures child support assessments are based on the most accurate income information available.

Where a parent's taxable income is higher than the estimated amount, the child support is reassessed for the estimate period based on the parent's higher actual taxable income, which may result in a paying parent owing arrears or a receiving parent incurring an overpayment.

These rules apply to both paying and receiving parents equally because it is the parent's responsibility to ensure their income estimate is kept up-to-date. This process also helps to prevent the other parent either incurring an overpayment or owing child support arrears through no fault of their own.

The Government is committed to helping families manage their responsibilities for their children following separation and will continue to monitor the effect of child support legislation.

Thank you again for raising this matter with me. I trust the information provided will be of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston

Transport Industry

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 15 April 2020 regarding Petition EN1311. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this matter to my attention.

The Government is committed to reducing emissions without imposing new costs on households, businesses or the economy. At its core, our approach is about technology not taxes. It means reducing emissions, not reducing jobs or the economy.

The Government has a clear focus - back new and emerging technologies that will:

Continue supplying the affordable and reliable energy households and industry need to support jobs and the economy;

Increase the productivity of export sectors like agriculture, energy, metals and minerals processing;

Allow Australia to capitalise on opportunities to develop new industries and jobs; and

Position Australia to support our trading partners' plans to reduce emissions through the export of low emissions technologies, energy and other products.

Development of electric, hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles is being driven by the world's largest car manufacturers.

Many of these technologies are rapidly advancing to cost parity when compared to existing alternatives, so the Government's role is to support consumer choice of these future fuel technologies.

As part of the $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package, the Government is developing a strategy that will enable consumer choice when it comes to future fuel and vehicle technologies, including electric vehicles, hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. However, this will not be done at the expense of current fuel sources and technologies.

On 17 September 2020, the Government announced a Future Fuels Package to help Australians choose new vehicle technologies. The centrepiece of the Future Fuels Package is a $71.9 million co-investment fund to enable businesses to start integrating new vehicle technologies into their fleets, and address blackspots in public charging infrastructure. These investments are central to the Government's Future Fuels Strategy that will support Australian households and businesses to adopt new technologies where it makes sense for them to do so, including hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles.

This work will also support the implementation of the Technology Investment Roadmap. We will work together with industry and researchers to deploy the right technology when and where it is needed for improved consumer choice, cheaper bills and lower emissions, including through electric vehicle technologies.

I trust this information has been of assistance.

Yours sincerely

From the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Taylor

COVID-19

Dear Chair

Thank you for your letter regarding Petition E1349 urging the Australian Government to schedule a 'flight for evacuating Australian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) who remain trapped in Hubei'. I regret the delay in responding.

COVID-19 represents the largest and most complex consular challenge in our history. As part of the Australian Government's early response, 846 people were assisted to depart Wuhan on two Qantas flights and one Air New Zealand flight in February. Seats on these flights were allocated to the most vulnerable and isolated.

Since this time, commercial flight options have resumed but are still subject to incoming passenger caps at major Australian airports. In June, China's Civil Aviation Authority announced the resumption of commercial flights between Wuhan, Hubei Province, and other locations in China, from which international air services are available for those seeking to return to Australia. Australians requiring consular assistance can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade' s (DFAT's) consular emergency hotline on 1300 555 153 from Australia or +61 6261 3305 from overseas.

More broadly, following the declaration of the global pandemic, more than 377,000 Australian citizens and PRs have returned to Australia from around the world. Of these, DFAT has, through its global diplomatic network, assisted over 27,100 Australians to return.

I would be grateful if you could convey this response to your Committee's members.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne

Pensions and Benefits

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 13 May 2020 about Petition EN1382 and the delivery of income support payments onto the Cashless Debit Card (CDC).

The Australian Government is committed to supporting people, families and communities in places where high levels of welfare dependence co-exist with high levels of social harm. The CDC assists participants as a helpful budgeting and financial management tool to provide them with assistance to budget better for their circumstances.

The CDC does not reduce the welfare payment amount people receive, it only changes the way in which participants receive and spend their fortnightly payments. Under the CDC, 80 per cent of a participant's welfare payment is placed on a card that can be used at most shops which accept Visa or eftpos, including overseas.

The CDC only applies to eligible income support payment recipients in the Ceduna region in South Australia, the East Kimberley and Goldfields regions in Western Australia and the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay region in Queensland. All eligible income support payment recipients in these regions are placed onto the CDC. However, participants are able to apply to be exited from the CDC if they can demonstrate reasonable and responsible management of their affairs, including financial affairs. Other income support payment recipients can volunteer to be placed onto the CDC in the Ceduna, East Kimberley and Goldfields regions.

More information on the CDC can be found on the Department of Social Services website:

atwww.dss.gov.au/cashlessdebitcard.

Thank you again for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston

COVID-19: Biosecurity

Dear Mr O'Dowd

I refer to your letter of 13 May 2020 concerning Petition number EN1401, calling on the Australian Government to counter the spread of COVID-19 in Australia by implementing an immediate lockdown.

The Government took a strong and decisive approach in responding to COVID-19, based on the latest and best medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and the Communicable Diseases Network Australia. Flexible, appropriate and scalable health emergency response measures to contain the virus included:

closing international borders and implementing mandatory quarantine periods

world leading rates of testing

vigilant contact tracing by public health units, supported by the COVIDSafe app

isolation and physical distancing measures, including restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings while allowing essential activities to continue

community adoption of essential hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette.

Australia's COVID-19 response included building capacity across the primary healthcare, aged-care, hospital and medical research systems. As at 26 May 2020, initiatives included:

delivering over 11 million telehealth services to more than 6 million patients under the Medicare Benefits Schedule

opening 121 Commonwealth GP led respiratory clinics and 344 jointly funded state and territory fever clinics

online infection control training accessed by over 655,000 care workers

boosting the National Medical Stockpiles supplies of personal protective equipment, including allocating 75 million masks, receiving over 100 million masks and contracting 500 million more masks

home medicines program - more than 300,000 deliveries from 3,600 pharmacies

$74 million mental health support package

over $350 million funding to develop vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.

The above response has successfully 'flattened the curve', containing the spread of COVID-19, and placed Australia in a good position globally but we remain vigilant in monitoring the situation.

The Government is fully committed to keeping Australians as safe and well as possible during this pandemic. Through their support of COVID-19 measures, Australians have contributed to our success in containing the spread of the virus. Australian governments are now taking a measured approach, gradually removing restrictions to allow work and social activities to resume in a COVID-19 safe environment. Governments are regularly reviewing the impact of changes to determine the pace at which restrictions are relaxed and to enable a prompt response to any resurgence.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Corruption

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter dated 15 June 2020 to the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, regarding petition number EN1524, calling for the House of Representatives to conduct a Royal Commission to assure the public that Australian politicians are against corruption. The Prime Minister has asked me to respond on his behalf. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

I note that this petition is directed to the House of Representatives, rather than the Government. Having said that, the Australian Government condemns corruption in all its forms.

At the Commonwealth level, we have a multi-agency approach to combating corruption, under which a range of government institutions have specialised roles and responsibilities in deterring, detecting and responding to corruption. These institutions include independent statutory authorities and law enforcement agencies, which have the power to detect, investigate, and, where appropriate, prosecute those involved in corrupt activity. Parliamentary committees also have an oversight mechanism to hold the Government and public institutions to account. These arrangements have proven successful in that the Australian public sector is consistently ranked as a low corruption jurisdiction and it is generally accepted that there is no evidence of systemic or endemic integrity issues in the federal public sector.

The Government is firmly committed to ensuring our federal integrity framework is as robust as possible to maximise public confidence in our national institutions.

That is why the Government has announced the establishment of a Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) to enhance national integrity arrangements across the federal public sector. The CIC will be an independent statutory agency, led by a commissioner and two deputy commissioners. It will include a public sector integrity division and law enforcement integrity division, ensuring targeted attention to corruption and fraud across the entirety of the public sector.

Further information on the proposed CIC is available at the following address:

www.ag.gov.au/integrity/publications/consultation-paper-commonwealth-integrity­commission-proposed-reforms.

Through the CIC, the Government will target serious criminal corruption that presents a threat to good public administration. The CIC will not duplicate the roles of existing bodies, but instead will provide expert capability to investigate allegations of serious criminal corruption within the public sector. Existing integrity agencies will be able to refer matters to the CIC, and vice versa.

The Government has been consulting widely to ensure that the model for the new Commission strengthens federal integrity arrangements without compromising fundamental principles of our criminal justice system. To this end, the Government will release draft legislation to establish the CIC for public consultation at an appropriate time, when it has addressed more immediate priorities concerning the management of COVID-19. The petitioners may wish to consider the draft legislation and provide comments once it is released for public consultation.

Thank you for bringing this petition to the attention of the Prime Minister. A copy of this letter has been provided to the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Hon Christian Porter MP, as matters relating to corruption in the federal public sector fall within his portfolio responsibilities.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Morton

Online Travel Agents

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 24 August 2020, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1603, which seeks an inquiry into, and increased regulation of, online travel agents (OTAs). Your correspondence has been referred to me and I apologise for the delay in responding.

The Australian Government recognises that OTAs have a significant impact on accommodation providers across Australia. While OTAs are popular with consumers because of the convenience they provide when searching for and booking accommodation, the Government considers it vital that OTAs comply with Australia's strong competition and consumer laws.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been active in enforcing these laws against OTAs. On 4 November 2020, the Full Federal Court rejected Trivago's appeal against an earlier ruling that it had made misleading representations about hotel room rates in its advertising. The Federal Court will now determine the level of penalties to apply: www.accc.gov.au/media-release/trivago-loses­appeal-after-misleading-consumers-over-hotel-ads. This case puts OTAs on notice that they must not advertise to consumers that they are offering the best deal available if that is not the case. This should encourage consumers to 'shop around' for the actual best room price available, which may well be directly from the hotel itself.

The ACCC has also investigated so-called 'price-parity' clauses imposed by OTAs. Before September 2016, OTAs contractually prevented accommodation owners from offering better rates to other OTAs or to consumers on owner websites. On 2 September 2016, the ACCC announced that Expedia and Booking.com had agreed to cease this practice: www.accc.gov.au/media-release/expedia-and-bookingcom-agree-to­reinvigorate-price-competition-by-amending-contracts-with-australian-hotels. Following this, OTAs contractually prevented accommodation owners from offering consumers better rates on their own websites than they offered OTAs, although owners could offer better rates to consumers who contact them directly. In 2019, Expedia voluntarily ceased this practice.

I trust this information is of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Live Animal Exports

Dear Chair

Thank you and the Committee for referring the petition of 24 August 2020 requesting the House not to consider the compensation claims for loss of income from the export of live cattle from 2011 (Petition number: EN1617). I understand that this petition relates to the judgment in Brett Cattle Company Pty Ltd v Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry & Anor, (Brett Cattle).

The Australian Government has carefully considered the judgment in Brett Cattle and its implications. The government accepts the outcome of this decision and has decided not to appeal. The government does not wish to jeopardise the outcome for live cattle exporters who were affected by the suspension in 2011, which resulted in significant impacts on the cattle industry.

The government remains committed to the benefits that the live export industry delivers to the national economy, to local communities and to families at the farmgate. The decision not to appeal the Federal Court's decision reaffirms that commitment. The government is also committed to ensuring that the welfare of exported livestock is managed and will continue to implement measures to achieve these objectives.

As a number of issues remain before the Federal Court, it is not appropriate to comment further.

Thank you for raising this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, Mr Littleproud

HomeBuilder

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition Ministerial Referral (EN1648) - HomeBuilder eligibility. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

HomeBuilder forms part of a range of Australian Government initiatives intended to support confidence in the residential construction sector and encourage consumers to proceed with purchases or renovations that may have been delayed due to uncertainty around the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

HomeBuilder provides eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) with a tax-free grant to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home where the contract is signed between 4 June 2020 and 31 March 2021, noting that construction must commence within six months of the contract date and no earlier than 4 June 2020.

The Government made a decision that the HomeBuilder program is only open to Australian citizens. For context, eligibility criteria for HomeBuilder was designed to align with the Government' s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, under which permanent residents are not eligible.

Advice on what is considered a couple can be found on the website of your relevant state or territory authority. Generally, and as implemented under the Commonwealth's First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, this would include couples that are legally married, in a registered domestic relationship or those living as a couple on a genuine domestic basis.

Applicants must be listed on the certificate of title for the property. If more than one person is listed on the certificate of title they must jointly apply for the HomeBuilder grant as a couple, and both applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the program. That is, both individuals in the couple must be Australian Citizens.

Whilst eligibility criteria around being an Australian citizen remains unchanged, I note that on 29 November 2020 the Government announced that the HomeBuilder program will be extended (to 31 March 2021).

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Cryptocurrency

Thank you for your correspondence, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1653 with four (4) signatures, regarding cryptocurrency. Your correspondence has been referred to me as I have responsibility for this matter.

Regulation of cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets in Australia depends upon the form of the product and its rights. If the product is financial in nature, such as a security, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has jurisdiction under the Corporations Act 2001, and a range of disclosure requirements and consumer protection provisions apply. ASIC's Moneysmart website provides information for consumers on these products: www.moneysmart.gov.au/ investment-warnings/cryptocurrencies-and-icos and there are mechanisms in place to report misconduct.

If the product is a non-financial good or service, Australian Consumer Law applies, which also has provisions in place for consumer protection. As with other types of property, fraud and theft is subject to police jurisdiction.

Digital currency exchanges are also required to be registered with AUSTRAC, Australia's financial intelligence agency and anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulator.

ASIC and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have noted that scams involving cryptocurrencies are rising, and have published information to assist consumers.

Several Australian digital currency exchanges have committed to an industry code, which sets standards for legal compliance, reputation and consumer protection, including access to dispute resolution services for customers. You can find further information on this at: www.blockchainaustralia.org/about/code-of-conduct/.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology, Senator Hume

Education

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 19 October 2020 regarding petition EN1678 and the provision of funding to schools.

The Australian Government strongly supports the right of parents to choose the best school for their child and provides funding for each child, regardless of the school system their parents choose. There has been longstanding bipartisan support by Australian governments, including both Commonwealth, state and territory, to contribute funding for every student, irrespective of the school they attend. Where parents choose non-government schools, taxpayer funding is discounted by the school community's capacity to contribute.

The Australian Government has historically been the majority public funder for non-government schools, while state and territory governments are majority public funders of the government sector. It is important to note that, although the Government provides substantial funding for schools in Australia, it does not have a direct role in the administration or operation of schools.

All approved authorities in receipt of Commonwealth funding for schools must meet the requirements of the Australian Education Act 2013 (the Act), including not operating for profit, being fit and proper and being financially viable. These requirements apply to all schools, regardless of their educational philosophy.

In relation to the Commonwealth's role in assuring quality of education, under the Act, approved authorities are required to implement a curriculum. This can be either the Australian Curriculum or another curriculum assessed by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) as allowing comparable outcomes to the Australian Curriculum and included in ACARA's Recognition Register.

The nationally agreed Foundation to Year 10 Australian Curriculum (the curriculum) sets the expectations for what all Australian students should be taught, regardless of where they live or their background. The curriculum includes eight learning areas, seven general capabilities and three cross-curriculum priorities. This three-dimensional approach to the curriculum provides many opportunities for students to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their history and culture.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority, which can be taught in any learning area where relevant, provides opportunities for all students to deepen their knowledge of Australia and addresses two distinct needs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education:

that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can see themselves, their identities and their cultures reflected in the curriculum of each of the learning areas, can fully participate in the curriculum and can build their self-esteem

that all students engage in reconciliation, respect and recognition of the world' s oldest continuous living cultures.

In addition, within the eight learning areas of the curriculum there are a number of examples where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture feature. For example, in the humanities and social sciences learning area, the diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are explored through their long and continuous strong connections with country and place, and their economic, cultural, spiritual and aesthetic value of place, including the idea of custodial responsibility.

The curriculum also contains the Framework for Aboriginal Languages and Torres Strait Islander Languages (the Framework) which allows schools and school systems to integrate the learning of local Indigenous languages into the school curriculum. Learning to use these unique languages can play an important part in the development of a strong sense of identity, pride and self-esteem for all Australian students. Further information about the Framework is available at www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/languages/framework-for­aboriginal-languages-and-torres-strait-islander-languages.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I trust this is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Education, Mr Tehan

JobKeeper Payment

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1681 on JobKeeper Payment eligibility for casual employees of universities. Your correspondence has been referred to me by the Treasurer for response.

All Australian public universities are eligible for the JobKeeper Payment if they meet the eligibility criteria including the relevant decline in turnover test.

To qualify for the JobKeeper Payment during the extension from 28 September 2020 to 28 March 2021, Table A universities who have not participated in the original JobKeeper Payment (before 27 September 2020) need to meet the original decline in turnover test by comparing their turnover for January to June 2020 with turnover for the same six month period in 2019 in addition to the new decline in turnover test for the extension period. The six month turnover test period addresses the timing of income for universities, which is focused around the start of academic terms. The clarification was required as the monthly or quarterly turnover decline test was potentially subject to larger variations due to timing issues than underlying economic drivers would suggest.

Universities also receive assistance from the Australian Government through the Higher Education Relief Package announced on 12 April 2020, which has provided $18 billion this year to Australia's public universities. The Higher Education Relief Package supports universities and eligible higher education providers to continue teaching by guaranteeing funding for universities at current levels, and providing greater flexibility in the use of these funds.

The JobKeeper Payment continues to be targeted towards retaining links between employers and employees including for longer term casuals and permanent employees. Short term casuals may be eligible for the JobSeeker Payment if they are unable to find alternative work.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Australian Defence Force

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 19 October 2020 about petition EN1704, which proposes reforms to Australian Defence Force jobs to accommodate people with a disability, and seeks remedies in relation to the petitioner's unsuccessful application to join the Australian Defence Force.

Subsection 12(3) of Defence Regulation 2016 requires that, before a person is appointed or enlisted to the Australian Defence Force, consideration must be given to whether they are a fit and proper person. An assessment of whether an applicant is a fit and proper person may take a number of factors into consideration including, but not limited to, physical fitness, health standards, character and age.

A prescribed level of medical and physical fitness is an inherent requirement for entry to and retention in the Australian Defence Force as all members may be called upon to perform operational service, potentially at short notice. To be able to fulfil their duties, Defence members are required to undertake, to varying degrees, arduous training during initial entry courses and on an ongoing basis throughout their career. Those who cannot meet medical and fitness standards may not be able to perform their duties safely in a deployed or operational setting, placing themselves and others at risk, such that the operation or mission may be compromised. Accordingly, the medical and fitness requirements for Australian Defence Force applicants are necessarily more stringent than for most other forms of employment.

Section 53 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 provides that it is not unlawful for a person to discriminate against a person on the ground of the other person's disability in connection with employment, engagement or appointment in the Defence Force:

(a) in a position involving the performance of combat duties, combat-related duties or peacekeeping service, or

(b) in prescribed circumstances in relation to combat duties, combat-related duties or peacekeeping service, or

(c) in a position involving the performance of duties as a chaplain or a medical support person in support of forces engaged or likely to be engaged in combat duties, combat related duties or peacekeeping service.

Section 8 of the Disability Discrimination Regulations 2019 defines combat-related duties as:

(a) duties which require, or which are likely to require, a person to undertake training or preparation for, or in connection with, combat duties;

(b) duties which require, or which are likely to require, a person to work in support of a person performing combat duties.

Although there are no grounds for the Australian Defence Force to provide the petitioner with employment, the petitioner may apply to join the Department of Defence as an Australian Public Service employee.

On the basis that the petitioner has not been subject to unlawful discrimination, there are no grounds for the Department of Defence to consider compensation to the petitioner and nor would it be appropriate for the department to offer the petitioner a public or private apology.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Mr Chester

Taxation

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition Ministerial Referral (EN1722) increasing income tax for high income individuals. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

In regards to the proposal to impose increased personal income tax on individuals earning over $280,000, the Australian Government is committed to keeping the tax burden on Australians as low as possible. That said, Australians expect the tax system to be fair.

Australia has a progressive tax system. A progressive personal income tax system means those with the greatest ability to pay contribute a larger share of personal income tax revenue. When the Government's Personal Income Tax Plan is fully implemented in 2024-25, an individual with taxable income of $200,000, who earns 4.4 times more income than an individual with taxable income of $45,000, will pay around 10 times more tax. The top 5 per cent of income earners paid around one third of all personal income tax in 2017-18 and will do so in 2024-25 under the Governments legislated plan. This is fair and it helps to deliver the services and the support that Australians rely on.

It is also important to recognise that Australia currently has relatively high rates of tax, cutting in at relatively low levels of income compared with other countries. Australia's top marginal tax rate cuts in at around 2.2 times average full-time earnings, compared with four times in Canada and the United Kingdom and eight times in the United States. Without the Government's legislated plan Australia's ratio is expected to drop further to around 1.7, reducing our international competiveness and ability to attract and retain talent. Increasing the threshold of the top tax bracket from $180,000 to $200,000 as legislated means that this ratio is now expected to fall more modestly to around 1.9.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Azerbaijan

Armenia

Dear Chair

Thank you for your letter of 19 October 2020 regarding petition EN1725 concerning fighting in the South Caucasus that took place along the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan in July 2020.

Australia was concerned by this fighting and the subsequent outbreak of violence in late September along the line-of-contact in Nagorno-Karabakh. We welcome the ceasefire announced on 10 November. We extend our sympathy to the families and communities caught up in the violence.

Australia urges all parties to exercise restraint, avoid provocative rhetoric, including threats, and resolve outstanding issues in good faith. Australia considers the conflict should be resolved by negotiations between the parties, and not by military means.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 enclosing Petition EN1730 concerning the impact of COVID-19 on applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral. The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, has asked that I respond on his behalf.

Section 22 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (the Act), which sets out the general residence requirements for citizenship by conferral, requires applicants to have been in Australia for a period of four years immediately before the day they made their application, and prescribes limited periods of overseas absences allowed during that timeframe. Additionally, under subsection 24(5) of the Act, most applicants for citizenship by conferral are unable to have their application approved if they are not present in Australia.

I note the concerns raised by petitioners regarding the ability of applicants to meet these requirements where they are overseas and unable to return to Australia due to travel restrictions caused by COVI0-19.

Where a person has already made an application for citizenship by conferral and subsequently travels outside of Australia, the requirements under section 22 of the Act would not be affected. Further, applicants who are not present in Australia at the time a decision is ready to be made on their application will not be refused under subsection 24(5) of the Act, without the delegate first reassessing the applicant's intention to reside in, or maintain a close and continuing association with, Australia. In making this assessment, the special circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic would be taken into consideration.

In circumstances where a person has not yet made an application for citizenship by conferral, and is overseas and unable to return, their ability to meet the residence requirement under section 22 of the Act in the future may be affected. However, they should note that there are a number of general exemptions to the residence requirement that may be applied including, for example, a range of Ministerial discretions.

For detailed information, please visit the following link on the Department of Home Affairs' website at: https://immi.homea ffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a­citizen/permanent-resident#Eligibility, followed by the Residence requirement tab, then General exemptions.

These exemptions may not assist all persons who are overseas and unable to return to Australia due to current travel restrictions. Accordingly, the concerns you have raised have been noted and will be taken into consideration in future policy development on this issue.

Thank you for bringing Petition EN1730 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Wood

COVID-19: Employment

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter of 19 October 2020 regarding Petition EN1737. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this matter to my attention.

Australia must play its part in the global response to climate change and we are doing our bit. Australia's emissions were coming down before the pandemic and are continuing to fall. In fact:

Australia's emissions are lower than when the Coalition came to Government in 2013.

Australia's emissions are now almost 17 per cent below 2005 levels (the year from which our 2030 Paris target is measured). This compares favourably with other countries like Canada and New Zealand, whose emissions declined less than 1 per cent.

Australia's emissions are now at their lowest level since 1998.

Australia's Technology Investment Roadmap will accelerate the development of new and emerging technologies that will create jobs, lower energy prices and reduce emissions. The Roadmap will guide the deployment of an expected $18 billion of Government investment over the next 10 years. Together with other levels of government, research institutions and the private sector, the Government is aiming to leverage at least $70 billion of new investment by 2030.

This investment will create over 130,000 jobs by 2030, more than half of these in regional areas. Getting these technologies right will significantly reduce emissions from sectors like energy, transport, industry and agriculture. These sectors account for around 90 per cent of global emissions and emit 45 billion tonnes each year.

Looking forward, Australia's 2030 target is for a 26-28 per cent reduction on 2005 levels. On a per person basis, our target is more ambitious than the European Union, Germany, Canada, New Zealand or Japan have committed to over the same period. Our 2030 target is a floor on our ambition, not a cap.

The $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package maps out how we will meet our 2030 target down to the last tonne. The latest official projections show that we are on track to meet and beat our 2030 target.

On 17 September 2020, the Government announced a Future Fuels Package to help Australians choose new vehicle technologies. The centrepiece of the Future Fuels Package is a $71.9 million co-investment fund to enable businesses to start integrating new vehicle technologies into their fleets, and address blackspots in public charging infrastructure. These investments are central to the Government's Future Fuels Strategy that will support Australian households and businesses to adopt new technologies where it makes sense for them to do so, including hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles.

Australia is a world leader in renewable energy. We have invested more than $30 billion in renewable energy since 2017. In 2019, Australia deployed new renewable energy 10 times faster per person than the global average and four times faster than Europe, China, Japan or the US. About two million - one in four - Australian households now have solar panels on their roof. Last year, the share of wind and solar in Australia's electricity grids was more than double the global average and projected to rise rapidly in coming years.

In 2019, Energy Ministers (formerly COAG Energy Council) agreed to the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, a national plan that aims to achieve zero energy and carbon-ready commercial and residential buildings in Australia. It's a key initiative to address Australia's 40 per cent energy productivity improvement target by 2030 under the National Energy Productivity Plan. The aim of the policies is to lower energy bills, contribute to energy security and affordability, and reduce carbon emissions.

One of the great challenges in the climate and emissions debate is recognising that we can only solve this problem together. At 1.3 per cent of emissions, Australia has almost no impact even if it eliminates all emissions. Other countries, particularly in the developing world, are reluctant to commit to policies and targets with material economic costs.

Australia can play a leading role on the international stage by partnering with other nations to accelerate technologies. Real global action through technology, not taxes, is the pathway to realising strong economic and emissions outcomes.

Thank you again for bringing this petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Taylor

COVID-19: Vaccine

I refer to your correspondence concerning the petition EN1747 on the procurement of potential COVID-19 vaccines. I regret the delay in responding.

The Australian Government is taking a strong and decisive approach in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Government is committed to providing all Australians with access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available.

On 5 November 2020, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, and myself announced two new advance purchase agreements between the Government and Novavax, and the Government and Pfizer/BioNTech for the supply of promising COVID-19 vaccines. The Government has secured 50 million doses of these vaccines, taking our total number of accessible doses to over 134 million if they are proven safe and effective. To date, the Government has invested more than $3.3 billion across five separate agreements with local and international pharmaceutical companies, including the previously announced agreements with the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca, the University of Queensland/CSL, and joining the COVAX Facility. Access to these vaccines is subject to acceptable clinical trial outcomes on the safety and effectiveness of each candidate, and approval by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Before any COVID-19 vaccine is approved for use in Australia it will be subject to the Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) stringent assessment and approval processes, after being tested in large clinical trials on tens of thousands of people. The TGA rigorously assesses all vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness. Clinical trial evidence, as well as non-clinical data, is assessed by technical experts. After product registration, the TGA has an important role in batch release assessment and post-market surveillance to ensure the ongoing safety of the vaccine. Vaccines continue to be tested after their approval via additional clinical trials, surveillance and monitoring for adverse events. Further information on vaccine registration and safety monitoring is available via the TGA website at: www.tga.gov.au/vaccines-overview.

In June 2020, my Department established the COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy Taskforce (Taskforce). The Taskforce is an interagency arrangement hosted by my Department, with representation from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Taskforce works closely with several panels of medical experts and staff from other key areas of the Department to develop advice to support access to, and delivery of, safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in Australia, as soon as they are available.

The Taskforce supports the COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments for Australia - Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group (Advisory Group) who provide advice to Government on the purchasing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. The Advisory Group, chaired by Dr Brendan Murphy, provides advice on the safety and effectiveness of potential COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments, purchasing and manufacturing opportunities for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in Australia, distribution and logistics associated with potential COVID-19 vaccines, and other technical matters related to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

The Taskforce also engages with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation COVID-19 working group and associated subgroups, who provide analysis and advice in relation to vaccine utilisation and prioritisation; vaccine distribution and program implementation; and vaccine safety evaluation, monitoring and confidence.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Consumer Law

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition Ministerial Referral (EN1749) on consumer purchases. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), goods purchased by consumers are covered by statutory consumer guarantees. Consumer guarantees exist to ensure that consumers get what they pay for. Further information about the ACL and consumer guarantees is available from www.consumerlaw.gov.au. The guarantees include that goods:

are of acceptable quality—that is, goods need to reach a basic level of quality given the price of the goods and any description that is provided with the goods;

are fit for the purpose that the consumer described to the trader or that are self-evident;

match any description or sample given to the consumer whether in promotional material, over the phone, in person, on a website or on labelling or packaging; and are free from defects and faults.

Sellers are required to provide remedies to consumers where a product fails to meet a consumer guarantee under the ACL. Remedies include repairs, replacement goods or refunds. For minor issues with goods, the supplier can choose the remedy, but must provide it within a reasonable time. If the supplier doesn't comply within a reasonable time, the consumer can have the failure remedied by someone else and recover reasonable costs from the supplier by taking action to enforce their rights. Where the failure cannot be remedied or is a 'major' failure, a consumer may reject the goods and require a refund or replacement good.

When a consumer obtains a remedy from a supplier for a consumer guarantee failure, they should not be charged a fee for enforcing their rights. If a supplier requests such a fee, this may amount to misleading and deceptive conduct or a false or misleading representation, which would breach the ACL.

There are number of avenues for consumers who need assistance resolving issues relating to consumer guarantee failures. In some cases, local state and territory consumer protection agencies can provide consumers with information regarding their rights and options. They may also be able to help negotiate a resolution between the consumer and retailer. A list of state and territory agencies can be found at: www.accc.gov.au/contact-us/other-helpful-agencies/consumer-protection-agencies.

Additionally, consumers are able to contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for information about their consumer rights and obligations, and possible courses of action they might take. While the ACCC does not resolve individual complaints, they will use the information provided to help understand what issues are causing the most harm to Australian consumers, and where to focus their compliance and enforcement efforts.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

COVID-19: Hydroxychloroquine

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence concerning a petition requesting the removal of restrictions for prescribing hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin (Zithromax) (Petition Number EN1753). I regret the delay in responding.

The circumstances under which medicines can be accessed by the Australian public are determined through a classification process known as 'scheduling'. Medicines and chemicals are classified into schedules, which are published in the Poisons Standard. Classification is based on the risk of harm and the level of access control required to protect public health and safety. The scheduling process is managed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is part of my Department. Scheduling decisions are made by a senior medical officer at the TOA, acting as a delegate of the Secretary of my Department. These are not decisions of the Minister for Health or the Australian Parliament.

In Australia, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin have been assessed as prescription only medicines because they are used for conditions that require the diagnosis and intervention from a medical practitioner.

Azithromycin is approved to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia. No restrictions have been placed on the prescribing of azithromycin due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hydroxychloroquine is approved to treat malaria and certain autoimmune conditions, including lupus. It is important to be aware that hydroxychloroquine can have serious side effects, including cardiac toxicity (potentially leading to sudden heart attacks), irreversible eye damage and severe depletion of blood sugar (potentially leading to coma).

After COVID-19 emerged there was a sudden increase in demand for hydroxychloroquine in the community which resulted in some patients not being able to fill their regular prescriptions. As such, prescribing restrictions were introduced to ensure an ongoing supply of hydroxychloroquine to patients who need it to treat the conditions for which the product was approved. More information is available at: www.tga.gov.au/alert/new-restrictions­prescribing-hydroxychloroquine-covid-19.

The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce is closely monitoring clinical studies in Australia and around the world that are investigating the use of potential COVID-19 treatments, including hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin.

This taskforce comprises 29 peak health professional bodies whose members are providing clinical care to people with COVID-19. The taskforce undertakes continuous surveillance to identify and rapidly synthesise emerging research in order to provide national, evidence-based guidelines for the clinical care of people with COVID-19. You can view the taskforce guidelines at: www.covid19evidence.net.au.

Based on the current available evidence, my Department strongly discourages the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat or prevent COVID-19, unless the patient is enrolled in a clinical trial, which will have safety monitoring protocols and oversight by a Human Research Ethics Committee. Information on clinical trials for hydroxychloroquine being undertaken in Australia can be found on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trails Registry at: www.anzctr.org.au/TrialSearch.aspx using the search term 'hydroxychloroquine'.

Similar to my Department and TGA's current position on the use of hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19, the United States Food and Drug Administration has cautioned against the use of hydroxychloroquine outside of hospital or clinical trial settings, due to the risk of adverse effects. The United Kingdom medicines regulator has suspended recruitment to all studies of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19.

The TGA continues to publish updated information on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 on their website at: www.tga.gov.au/alert/amendments-new-restrictions-prescribing­hydroxychloroguine-covid-19.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Bridging Visas

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 enclosing Petition EN1765 concerning legislative changes to enable expired Bridging B (Class WB) visa (BVB) holders to return to Australia. The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, has asked that I respond on his behalf.

In response to the scale of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government closed its borders to all non-citizens and non-residents on 20 March 2020 in order to protect the health and livelihoods of those in Australia.

As the Migration Regulations 1994 require applicants for a BVB to be in Australia to be granted a BVB, individuals whose BVBs expired before they could return to Australia will need to obtain a different visa to return to Australia. There is currently no ability to extend or reinstate the validity of the BVB.

For further information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs' website at:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder.

Exemptions to return to Australia are available for those with genuine compassionate and compelling reasons. The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force, Mr Michael Outram APM, and authorised decision-makers are responsible for considering these exemptions.

Individuals with the appropriate evidence to support their claims can apply for an exemption on the Department's website at: https://travel-exemptions.homeaffairs.gov.au/tep.

The situation continues to evolve rapidly, and I encourage those affected by border measures to monitor the Department's website for further updates.

Thank you for bringing Petition EN1765 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Wood

Parliamentary Representation

Dear Mr O' Dowd

Thank you for your email of 19 October 2020 regarding Petition EN1768, regarding the creation of a federal judicial complaints commission. I welcome the opportunity to respond to this petition.

As I have stated elsewhere, I am not closed-minded to further considering the merits and proposed design of a federal judicial complaints commission. I am presently considering a range of options.

However, given the constitutional independence of the federal courts, any such proposal would require their unequivocal support and close consultation with key stakeholders.

Thank you again for bringing this petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Mr Porter

Health Care

Dear Chair

I refer to your Correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning a petition requesting that Hydrene be made available in Australia for the treatment of Meniere's disease (Petition Number EN1771).

I appreciate that this medicine has been important in the treatment of Meniere's disease. I understand that it is very important for the health and wellbeing of those who signed the petition.

The sponsor of this medicine, Alphapharm Pty Ltd, informed the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on 21 May 2019 that the supply of Hydrene 25/50 tablet blister pack would be discontinued with a deletion from market date of 31 July 2019.

The decision to discontinue a medicine is made by the sponsor and can occur due to various reasons. The Australian Government does not have the regulatory power to require sponsors to register or supply their medicine in Australia, or manage their global distribution to avoid shortfalls in drug availability.

Hydrene is the only combination of triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide registered in Australia. There are no registered alternative products in Australia that contain triamterene alone. Hydrochlorothiazide, the other active ingredient in Hydrene, is available as a single ingredient product registered in Australia.

The Therapeutic Goods legislation provides a number of avenues through which Australian residents and medical practitioners may access therapeutic goods that are not available in Australia, including the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and the Personal Importation scheme. I encourage those who have previously been prescribed Hydrene to speak to their treating doctor about the appropriateness of seeking access to treatments not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

The SAS refers to arrangements that allow for the import and/or supply of an unapproved therapeutic good for a single patient, on a case-by-case basis. To access unapproved medicines via the SAS, the prescribing doctor should submit an application to the TGA. The Personal Importation scheme allows individuals to legally import up to a three-month supply of certain therapeutic goods for personal use or the use of an immediate family member with a valid prescription from an Australian-registered medical practitioner.

Further information about the SAS and personal importation are available on the TGA website at:

www.tga.gov.au/form/special-access-scheme and www.tga.gov.au/personal­importation-scheme (or search for 'personal importation scheme' or 'special access scheme' from our homepage at: www.tga.gov.au). Health professionals can also contact the SAS team on 1800 020 653 or at: SAS@health.gov.au.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Charitable Organisations

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Petition EN1786 - Transparency arrangements for larger charities

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1786, which discusses transparency arrangements for larger charities. I sincerely apologise for the delay in responding to you.

Charities play a unique and key role in Australian society, both by providing aid and services and by mobilising volunteers and strengthening communities. In recognition of this important role, charities receive significant support from the Australian Government, both directly and through tax concessions, and by donations from members of the general public.

The Government is strongly committed to maintaining, protecting and enhancing the public trust and confidence in the sector that underpins this support. This is vital in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the sector.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) was established for this purpose. It plays a key role in assisting charities to achieve their charitable purpose, and also in providing education to the public about the charity sector. This helps to improve public understanding of, and engagement with, the important work of the sector.

As referenced in the petition, the ACNC Commissioner maintains a Charity Register that contains information about Australia's registered charities. This information is free to search and is available to everyone. Each listing on the Register shows details about a charity and its purposes, the names of the people involved in running the charity, and financial information and annual reporting. By providing a single source of easily accessible public information, the Register increases transparency in the sector, enables charities to demonstrate appropriate levels of accountability and governance, promotes public confidence and informs donations and philanthropy.

As you may be aware, the Government recently released its response to Strengthening for Purpose: Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Legislation Review 2018 (the Review) - the inaugural review of the ACNC's governing legislation. The Government's response is centred on the importance of strengthening trust and confidence in the charities sector and agrees reforms to enhance transparency, clarify permissible advocacy and increase information sharing with the public.

Through its response to the Review, the Government has agreed to require charities to make additional disclosures regarding related party transactions and remuneration paid to responsible persons. Requiring charities to be transparent about the finer details of their operations will increase their accountability to donors, beneficiaries and the general public. The Government is currently progressing work to implement these reforms.

The Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) is also making improvements to its accounting standards for Not-for-Profit Entities. This will help to improve the quality of reporting in the sector and provide additional transparency around the operation of individual charities.

I also note that the charity sector has displayed strong aptitude for increasing the transparency of its own operation. Charities' experience in the Black Saturday bushfire crisis recovery effort has highlighted the importance of providing public information on how donations have been and will be used, and giving assurance that all funds are being used for their donated purpose. Charities involved in bushfire assistance have proactively published information on their websites indicating exactly where the funds will be used and what percentage will be used for administration costs.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Finance, Charities and Electoral Matters, Senator Seselja

Temporary Graduate Visas

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 enclosing Petition EN1793 concerning the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, has asked that I respond on his behalf.

The Temporary Graduate visa (TGV) is part of Australia's international education offering. The primary objective of the visa is to provide international students who have spent significant time studying here with the opportunity to work, study and stay for a further period. TGV holders are not required to undertake any particular activity if they do not wish to. It is important to note that the TGV is a temporary visa and does not provide a pathway to skilled migration.

The current focus for the Australian Government is on protecting the health of Australians, supporting businesses and jobs, and maintaining the provision of essential goods and services while combatting the pandemic. The wellbeing of Australians who have become unemployed due to COVID-19 is of particular concern to the Government The Government is also aware of the challenges facing temporary visa holders during these difficult times.

There are a range of options for international graduates to remain in Australia through the skilled migration program, which is driven by Australia's labour market needs. Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs' website at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/skilled-migration-program.

Detailed information about the measures the Government has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available on the Department's website at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Thank you for bringing Petition EN1793 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistance Minister for Customers, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Wood

Banking and Financial Services

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter dated 13 November 2020, seeking my response to Petition EN1812 - Support for people with disability.

The Australian Government is dedicated to improving outcomes for the 4.4 million Australians with disability across all areas of life. All levels of government (the Australian Government, state, territory and local governments), and all sectors of the community, share the responsibility to work together to remove barriers and shape attitudes so people with disability can fully participate as equal members of the community.

The Government is committed to strong action and is currently investing over $32 billion per year on programs and services to improve the lives of people with disability. This includes delivery of services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme to support around 500,000 Australians, giving them choice and control in their lives; ensuring economic inclusion and financial security for people with disability through provision of the Disability Support Pension; as well as helping people with disability prepare for, find and keep a job through the Disability Employment Service.

The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (the Strategy) is Australia's overarching policy framework for disability reform, and the key mechanism for driving more inclusive policy and program design across all levels of government. The Strategy is Australia's main way of implementing our obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is a shared commitment by the Australian Government, state, territory and local governments.

The Strategy focusses on six outcome areas to guide efforts of governments to improve the lives of people with disability:

Inclusive and Accessible Communities - People with disability live in accessible and well-designed communities with opportunity for full inclusion in social, economic, sporting and cultural life.

Rights Protection, Justice and Legislation - People with disability have their rights promoted, upheld and protected.

Economic Security - People with disability, their families and carers have economic security, enabling them to plan for the future and exercise choice and control over their lives.

Personal and Community Support - People with disability, their families and carers have access to a range of supports to assist them to live independently and actively engage in their communities.

Learning and Skills - People with disability achieve their full potential through their participation in an inclusive and high quality education system that is responsive to their needs. People with disability have opportunities to continue learning throughout their lives.

Health and Wellbeing- People with disability attain highest possible health and wellbeing outcomes throughout their lives.

The Government is leading work with states, territories and local government on the development of a new National Disability Strategy (the new Strategy) for beyond 2020. The development of the new Strategy is being informed by public engagement with people with disability, families, carers, advocacy organisations, peak bodies and service providers. You can find information on previous reviews of the Strategy and the public engagement process at www.engage.dss.gov.au/nds-stage2-consultation

Further information about the current and future National Disability Strategy is available on the Department of Social Services' website at https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and­carers.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the most significant social reform of its kind since the introduction of Medicare. Since the NDIS was established in 2013, it has helped more than 400,000 people with permanent and significant disability - many who are receiving supports for the very first time - participate in their community, get a job if they are able to and have greater independence.

The Government is on track to deliver significant improvements to the NDIS that make it simpler, faster, fairer and more flexible for participants, and their families and carers.

Significant improvements have already been made to reduce wait times and bring people with permanent and significant disability, particularly children, into the NDIS quicker so they can get the crucial supports they need. The Australian Government has also provided additional funding of over $3 billion for participant costs and invested a further $798.8 million to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NOIA) and the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission over the forward estimates. This will support the NDIA's continued implementation of a mature and effective NDIS and continue to deliver significant improvements to the NDIS.

Thank you again for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston

Disability Support Pension

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email dated 19 October 2020, concerning Petition Number EN1826 regarding the means testing of Disability Support Pension.

The Government is committed to a welfare system that supports the most vulnerable, encourages those who are able to work or study, and is sustainable for future generations. The income and assets tests are therefore an important feature of the social security system.

Providing targeted assistance through the means test is consistent with the basic principle that individuals should be required to draw on their own resources before calling upon taxpayer funded support.

To remove the means test for all recipients of Disability Support Pension would be costly and would impact on the government's ability to maintain an adequate rate of pension for those people in genuine need.

Thank you again for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator Ruston

Marriage Visas

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 enclosing Petition EN1829 concerning the extension of the 'first entry date' of Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders who have been unable to enter Australia due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, has asked that I respond on his behalf.

On 1 9, March 2020, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced a travel ban on all foreign nationals entering Australia, effective 9pm 20 March 2020. Prospective Marriage (subclass 300) visa holders are not exempt from the Australian Government's current travel ban because they are not permanent residents and have not yet been assessed as immediate family members of Australian citizens or permanent residents. The Government is aware that a number of Prospective Marriage visa holders have been unable to enter Australia due to the travel restrictions, and that their visas have ceased or will cease as a result.

On 6 October 2020 as part of the Federal Budget for 2020-21, the Government announced it will be offering refunds or waivers of visa application charges (VAC) for some temporary visa holders affected by COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

VAC refunds will be available for Prospective Marriage visa holders who have been unable to enter Australia before their visa expired due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

Refunds will ensure that visa holders are able to apply for another visa to travel to Australia as appropriate. For those visas that have already expired, any new application will be prioritised. Visa extensions will also be available for Prospective Marriage visa holders in certain circumstances.

Further information about the VAC refund for Prospective Marriage visa holders is available on the Department of Home Affairs' website at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/refunds-and-waivers-visa-application-charges.

The Department is currently working to finalise policy settings around when and how VAC refunds and visa extensions will become available. Please visit the Department's website regularly to stay up to date with the most recent immigration advice.

Thank you for bringing Petition EN1829 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistance Minister for Customers, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Wood

COVID-19: International Students

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 enclosing Petition EN1834 concerning international students and travel exemptions. The Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, has asked that I respond on his behalf.

The Australian Government understands that travelling to Australia is a critical consideration for students whose studies have been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister's, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, three-step Roadmap to a COVID-safe Australia makes clear that the Government supports the return of international students to Australia. Across government, careful consideration is being given to how and when this can occur in a COVID-safe way.

The Government is working closely with the states and territories, in partnership with education institutions, on arrival pilots for international students to come to Australia in a managed setting. This will occur following the return of Australians and when other circumstances allow.

Any student arrival plan will need to have robust health, quarantine, border and provider protocols in place to ensure a COVID-safe environment for both Australians and international students.

Thank you for bringing Petition EN1834 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistance Minister for Customers, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Wood

Environment

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020 concerning the petition EN1839 seeking reform aligned with the Interim Report of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

On 30 October 2020, the Independent Reviewer of the EPBC Act, Professor Graeme Samuel AC, provided me with his Final Report. The Final Report is comprehensive, and the Government is presently taking the time necessary to fully consider Professor Samuel's recommendations.

The EPBC Act requires that the Final Report be laid before each House of Parliament within 15 sitting days after I receive it. The Government will publish and respond to the Final Report in due course.

The Government remains committed to the early reforms I announced in July 2020, which align with the direction of the EPBC Act review Interim Report. This includes progressing single-touch approvals, which will accredit states and territories to make EPBC Act approval decisions on the Commonwealth's behalf, underpinned by new national environmental standards.

The Independent Reviewer undertook extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders to develop a set of recommended national environmental standards. These have been included in the Final Report. I am currently considering these, alongside the Reviewer's other recommendations, to determine their suitability to underpin single-touch approvals with the states and territories.

Thank you for bringing this petition to my attention. I trust this information will be of assistance in responding to the petitioners.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for the Environment, Ms Ley

COVID-19: Business

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020 originally directed to the Treasurer, on Petition EN1840 concerning the JobKeeper Payment and ABN registration. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

As you would be aware, the JobKeeper Payment has played an important role as a temporary wage subsidy through these challenging times. The program requires both the employer and employee to meet the applicable eligibility criteria.

Employees are generally only eligible to receive the payment in relation to one employer. While the rules make provision in relation to businesses that change hands, these rules are limited to working out whether an employee was employed by the new business at a particular time. As a result, an employee's ongoing eligibility with a new business will ultimately depend on the way that a business changes hands.

Similarly, employer eligibility can also be impacted depending on how a business changes hands. One of the eligibility conditions for employers is holding an ABN on 12 March 2020.

These eligibility conditions are important integrity features which ensure that the JobKeeper Payment applies to genuine businesses and preserves existing employment relationships.

However, under the JobKeeper Rules, the Tax Commissioner does have some discretion to allow some entities, including sole traders, additional time to comply with certain conditions to be eligible for the JobKeeper Payment. In very limited circumstances, the Tax Commissioner has discretion to grant further time to hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) where an ABN was not held on 12 March 2020.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

COVID-19: Vaccine

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence concerning the petition EN1859 on the scientific robustness of clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. I regret the delay in responding.

The Australian Government is committed to providing all Australians with access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as available.

Australians should be assured that any potential COVID-19 vaccines will be subject to Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration's (TGA) rigorous regulatory requirements before it can be legally supplied in Australia, including strong scientific evidence from large clinical trials involving thousands of people. The TGA rigorously assesses all vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness, including evaluation of clinical trial evidence and non-clinical data assessed by technical experts.

The Government has secured access to doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca, Novavax Inc and Pfizer/BioNTech. These vaccines are currently in Phase 3 clinical trials involving large-scale, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials with tens of thousands of participants, including groups that have high risk of severe health impacts associated with COVID-19, such as older adults and people who have underlying health conditions.

After product registration, the TGA has an important role in batch release assessment and post-market surveillance to ensure the ongoing safety of the vaccine. Vaccines will continue to be tested after their approval via ongoing, surveillance and monitoring for adverse events. Further information on vaccine registration and safety monitoring is available at: www.tga.gov.au/vaccines-overview.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely /

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Veterans

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020 regarding petition number EN1867. The petition relates to provisions of the Australian Veterans' Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Act 2019 (the Act), current time taken to process claims by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and resourcing.

The Act includes a commitment by the Australian Government for the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC) to decide a claim under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA) within 90 days from when the MRCC receives the claim or within 90 days of any requested information being provided.

I acknowledge the concerns of signatories to the petition regarding the complexity of claims and the time taken to process.

DVA is working to reduce claims processing times overall but in some cases, the Department is not able to meet expectations. Volumes in relation to the most common claims have doubled in the past two years (120,000 claims were received in 2019-20). Reasons for the increase relate to the success of the Veteran Centric Reform Program, veterans lodging claims closer to the time of injury and a better knowledge throughout the veteran community of entitlements. This scale of increase has, in some instances, led to an increase in the time taken to process.

DVA processes every claim individually, based on veteran circumstances and available evidence. To make a thorough evidence-based decision, the Department often requires information from third parties (e.g. treating doctors). The length of time taken to receive this information is often outside of DVA's control and can impact processing times.

On 6 October 2020, the Australian Government announced an additional $23.2 million in funding for DVA to continue its focus on processing claims as quickly as possible, in particular Initial Liability claims. Additional funding provided earlier facilitated the engagement of additional processing staff resulting in a 57 per cent increase in the number of MRCA Permanent Impairment determinations between January and June 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

At the end of 2019-20, the number of 'on hand' MRCA Permanent Impairment claims was the lowest since June 2019, which in conjunction with an increased number of determinations, indicates MRCA Permanent Impairment processing is tracking well. DVA is working to address the current high volume of Initial Liability claims.

Extended processing times may have a detrimental impact on veteran health. That is why additional measures have been taken to ensure claims are triaged and veterans and their families can access support while claims are determined . These measures include:

upfront access to mental health care and access to medical treatment for a range of common conditions;

interim financial support for mental health claims via the Veteran Payment;

interim payments for Permanent Impairment cases; and

further technological enhancements to make the claim process simpler and easier for veterans and their families.

Claims are screened upon receipt by the Department. If a veteran is experiencing significant life events such as being homeless (or being at the risk of), a terminal illness, life threatening condition(s) and/or extended financial hardship, claims are prioritised. DVA also encourages anyone in these circumstances to contact them immediately to explore available support. Anyone who has concerns about the timeliness of their claim, or feels their circumstances warrant prioritisation, should call DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

Free and confidential counselling and support to service and ex-service men and women, as well as their partners and children is also available from Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling (Open Arms). Open·Arms can be contacted 24/7 on 1800 011 046. More information can also be found at www.openarms.gov.au.

I am confident the measures taken by the Australian Government to improve DVA claim processing timeframes coupled with substantial support arrangements to veterans and their families who may be experiencing delays and simplifying arrangements, is improving the overall claiming experience for the vast majority of veterans and their families.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Mr Chester

COVID-19: Real Estate

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition Ministerial Referral Land Purchase (EN1868). Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

The Australian Government understands that if a family or an individual has a roof over their head, then all of life's other challenges become more manageable. Access to secure and affordable housing has significant economic and social benefits. It can improve education and health outcomes, increase workforce participation and reduce welfare dependency.

While state and territory governments are primarily responsible for housing, the Government provides substantial support to help states and territories to fund important initiatives and improve housing outcomes. States and territories can improve land development laws through removing regulatory impediments imposed by state and local governments' planning, land use and housing infrastructure policies.

The Government provides substantial support to states and territories so they can fund important initiatives to improve housing outcomes. 1n 2020-21, the Government expects to spend around $8.4 billion to support Australians in need of housing assistance, including around $7.5 billion in programs managed by the Social Services portfolio. This includes around $5.5 billion a year in Commonwealth Rent Assistance to help eligible Australians on welfare payments pay their rent and around $1.6 billion a year through the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement to states. Through the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement, $129.1 million is being set aside for homelessness services in 2020-21 and will have to be matched by states.

The Government is also creating the right incentives to improve housing outcomes by helping first home buyers save a deposit through voluntary contributions into superannuation and allowing eligible first home buyers to enter the housing market sooner.

The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme commenced on l January 2020 and provides up to 10,000 guarantees per financial year to help Australians realise their goal of owning their own home, by enabling first home buyers to purchase a modest home sooner with a deposit of as little as 5 per cent. Australian first home buyers have now reserved all of First Home Loan Deposit Scheme guarantees for the 2019-20 financial year. From 1 July 2020, an additional 10,000 guarantees were made available.

As part of the 2020-21 Budget, the Government announced has extended the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme by introducing an additional 10,000 guarantees in 2020-21 (the New Home Guarantee), specifically for first home buyers seeking to build a new home or purchase a newly built dwelling. These changes will help to improve housing outcomes for all Australians.

Under the Government's First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), individuals can make voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year and $30,000 in total, to their superannuation account to purchase a first home. These contributions, which are taxed at 15 per cent, along with deemed earnings, can be withdrawn for a deposit from 1 July 2018. For most people, the FHSSS could boost the savings they can put towards a deposit by at least 30 per cent compared with saving through a standard deposit account. This is due to the concessional tax treatment and the higher rate of earnings often realised within superannuation.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

COVID-19: State and Territory Border Closures

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 9 November 2020 regarding petition EN1879, requesting that the House of Representatives seek an order from the High Court to open state borders. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this matter to my attention.

Freedom of movement

A number of states and territories have taken measures under their own laws, including public health and emergency management legislation, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include those referred to in the petition which limit movement across state borders.

The imposition of some restrictions on interstate travel by governments for public health reasons is permissible under the Constitution, as indicated by the High Court's recent dismissal of Mr Clive Palmer's challenge to the Western Australian border restrictions. On 6 November 2020, the High Court made orders in Palmer v Western Australia, dismissing Mr Palmer's constitutional challenge to the Quarantine (Closing the Border) Directions (WA). The Court found that the enabling legislation, the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA), did not impermissibly infringe section 92 of the Constitution. Section 92 provides for the freedom of interstate trade, commerce and movement. The Court will publish the reasons for its decision at a later date.

I note the petitioners' concern about freedom of movement throughout the Commonwealth. Freedom of movement between the states, within reasonable bounds, is an important constitutional safeguard. However, the Government acknowledges community concern about the spread of COVID-19. The Government is seeking to work cooperatively with state and territory governments to ease domestic border restrictions where it is safe to do so.

Judicial independence

Chapter III of the Australian Constitution provides for the judicial branch of the Commonwealth. The High Court has made it clear that one consequence of Chapter III is that only a court may exercise federal judicial power. Another is that the power must be exercised independently of the other branches of the Commonwealth established under other chapters of the Constitution (the Commonwealth parliament is established under Chapter I of the Constitution and the Commonwealth executive government is established under Chapter II).

This strict separation of judicial power is often acknowledged as a very important element of the 'separation of powers' principle which underpins Australia's constitutional arrangements. In accordance with the separation of powers principle, federal courts exercise power independently of the Australian Government of the day.

It is an essential feature of the Australian system of government that our courts are independent and free of interference from the executive arm of government. Judicial independence is provided under the Australian Constitution to ensure that disputes between people, and between people and governments, are resolved by judges who are impartial and are not subject to improper control or pressure, whether governmental or private. Public confidence in the administration of justice is vital to the maintenance of the rule of law which underpins our democratic system of government. Among the principles which ensure such public confidence is the principle of judicial independence.

Further, under Chapter III of the Constitution, the High Court cannot give advisory opinions or make a declaration of the law divorced from any attempt to administer the law, but rather must only exercise the judicial power of the Commonwealth in matters involving the determination of an immediate right, duty or liability.

It would therefore be inappropriate for the House of Representatives to request the High Court of Australia to make the orders requested in the petition.

Thank you for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr Porter

COVID-19

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 November 2020 concerning petition EN1884 - Urgently Needed Changes to Public Health Policy Regarding Covid-19.

The Australian Government is taking a strong and decisive approach in responding to COVID-19. The relatively low number of COVID-19 cases in Australia is the result of the swift and successful implementation of public health measures. It is also evident that countries where public health measures were either not implemented at all, or were implemented later in the pandemic, have experienced very high case numbers and mortality, which is in stark contrast to Australia's current epidemiology.

Letting the virus transmit through the majority of the community has not been adopted for a number of reasons:

herd immunity via large scale natural infection across the population is not guaranteed by adopting this approach

the length of immunity after natural infection remains largely unknown and reinfection in healthy individuals with a subsequent and more serious bout of the disease cannot be ruled out at this time

although data indicate that increasing age and co-existence of chronic disease are the factors that place a person at higher risk of severe disease, there is no clear delineation between those who are vulnerable and those who are not

being young and healthy does not guarantee that you would have a full recovery if infected with SARS-CoV-2.

In Australia, we continue to pursue an 'aggressive suppression' approach with the goal of no local community transmission, at least until a vaccine or effective treatment is widely available. This has led to periods of elimination in parts of the country.

Our national strategy balances the economic and social costs of suppression against the potential costs associated with widespread disease, such as the number of lives lost and an overwhelmed healthcare system. This has also bought Australia valuable time to enhance its hospital and public health capacity to manage the disease.

Currently, there is no cure or treatment to prevent COVID-19, although a number of medications can help people who are very seriously ill. The Government is closely monitoring worldwide research of treatments for patients with COVID-19. Obtaining robust evidence in the management of the current COVID-19 pandemic is essential in ensuring public safety and we encourage administration and collection of data via clinical trials.

There is currently no definitive clinical trial research evidence that Vitamin C and/or Zinc has a role in preventing or treating COVID-19. The use of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and ivermectin (either alone or in combination with other medications) for the treatment of COVID-19 is not recommended outside of randomised trials. Although a medicine may be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to treat a particular condition, it does not automatically mean that it is safe to treat another condition 'off-label'.

The health and safety of all Australians is of paramount importance to the Government. The Government is committed to also opening up in a COVIDSafe way, alongside strategies of widespread testing, isolation of cases, contact tracing and quarantining of people who are close contacts.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Privacy Law

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020 regarding Petition EN1897, presented to the Standing Committee on Petitions, which raises privacy concerns about photos taken of individuals in public without their consent.

The Australian Government takes seriously the privacy of Australians. The Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act) sets outs rights and obligations in relation to the collection, use, disclosure and handling of personal information. These are contained in 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Personal information is information or an opinion that identifies or could reasonably identify an individual. Personal information may include photographs of individuals. The Privacy Act generally applies to Commonwealth government agencies and any organisation with an annual turnover of more than $3 million, and some other organisations (APP entities). The Act does not, however, cover individuals acting in their own capacity.

The APPs generally prevent APP entities from collecting personal information unless the information is reasonably necessary for an entity's functions or activities (APP 3). In addition, an entity must take reasonable steps to notify an individual of the collection of personal information (APP 5) and must not use or disclose such information for a purpose other than the primary purpose of collection, unless the individual to whom the personal information relates has consented or an exception applies (APP 6).

An entity must also take reasonable steps to destroy information that is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected (APP 11). Individuals can also request access to personal information about them (APP 12) and have it corrected (APP 13).

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is responsible for investigating breaches of the Privacy Act. If there is a concern that an entity is breaching the APPs, a complaint could be made to the OAIC. Information on how to make a privacy complaint, as well further information on the Privacy Act, is available from the OAIC website at: www.oaic.gov.au. Information about social media and online privacy, including what to do if a photo (or video) is taken or posted online without permission can be found at: https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/your-privacy-rights/social-media-and­online-privacy/photos.

The Australian Government has made firm commitments to further strengthen privacy protections, in line with community expectations. The Government is currently preparing legislation that will increase civil penalties for breaches of the Privacy Act and establish a privacy code for social media and other online platforms that trade in personal information. The code will require these companies to be more transparent about any data sharing and require more specific consent of users when they collect, use and disclose personal information.

The Government has also commenced a broad-ranging review of the Privacy Act. The review is considering whether the Act effectively protects personal information and provides a practical and proportionate framework for promoting good privacy practices, including in relation to the erasure of personal information and notification and consent requirements. This includes consideration of the need for additional privacy protections in relation to children. Further information about the review is available at: https://www.ag.gov.au/integrity/consultations/.

Thank you for bringing the concerns raised in Petition EN1897 to my attention. I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr Porter

Australian Currency

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1918 which requests the exclusion of the logo of the Dutch East India Company from Australian legal tender coins. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

The coin referred to in the petition (the Zuytdorp coin) is part of a series of four investment (or bullion) coins depicting historically-significant events in Australian waters, namely shipwrecks which are protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 (Cth). Timbers and artefacts recovered from the four shipwrecks featured in the coin series are housed at the Western Australian Shipwrecks Museum in Perth.

The Royal Australian Mint has advised that the ornamental elements employed on the Zuytdorp coin design, including the Dutch East India Company logo, resemble the ornaments believed to be on the ship's stern. The use of the logo identifies the ship and provides historical context, ensuring the events featured on the coins are reflected authentically. It does not promote or indicate support for the company or its actions.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

COVID-19: Vaccine

Dear Mr O'Dowd

I refer to your correspondence concerning EN1939 - Petition to introduce legislation to unconditionally indemnify all Australians against all out-of-pocket expenses upon receiving notice of a vaccine injury claim and commensurably compensate Australians in the case of a successful vaccine injury claim. I regret the delay in responding.

The Australian Government is committed to providing all Australians with access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they become available. This commitment forms a crucial part of the Government's response to COVID-19 and its strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians and the Australian economy.

On Monday 7 September 2020 the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced production and supply agreements for the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and University of Queensland/CSL COVID-19 vaccine, if the vaccines are proven to be safe and effective and can be registered for use in Australia. On 5 November 2020, the .Prime Minister and I further announced two more COVID-19 agreements for the supply of promising COVID-19 vaccines, between the Government and Novavax Inc and Pfizer/BioNTech. Through these agreements, the Government has now secured access to four COVID-19 vaccines and over 134 million doses. Should these vaccines prove to be safe and effective and can be registered for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Once registered, a COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be closely examined after introduction via ongoing surveillance and monitoring for adverse events.

The Government has acknowledged the need to appropriately share risks associated with achieving early access to a successful vaccine, and has actively engaged with potential COVID-19 vaccine suppliers on this issue. Details of agreements with companies in relation to the potential supply of a COVID-19 vaccine, including liability indemnification, are commercial-in-confidence. However, any contractual agreements with individual companies cannot stop individuals seeking to make a claim, should an individual seek to do this in the future.

The Government is not pursuing a no-fault COVID-19 vaccine injury compensation scheme at this time. While the Government strongly supports immunisation, it is not compulsory and people, parents and carers maintain the right to choose whether to receive a vaccination or vaccinate their children.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Energy

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020 regarding Petition EN1940 presented to the House of Representatives on power prices, renewable energy and climate change. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to this petition.

My priority as Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction is bringing power prices down and keeping the lights on, while meeting Australia's emissions reduction commitments. That's why the Liberal National Government is working to implement our plan for a Fair Deal on Energy that we took to the last election. We are already seeing results.

The Government established the Underwriting New Generation Investments (UNGI) program to support firm generation capacity as part of our government's commitment to lowering electricity prices and increasing reliability in the system. The program is technology neutral, providing a level playing field to enable the best and lowest cost generation options to be supported. The Government agreed to a shortlist of 12 projects representing a range of fuel types, including six renewable pumped hydro projects, five gas projects and one coal upgrade project.

While there is more to do, I am pleased that Australian retail power prices have dropped by 5.3 per cent since December 2018 and wholesale prices have fallen for 14 consecutive months.

The Government does not provide direct funding support through the Renewable Energy Target (RET). The RET is a legislated, market-based mechanism that provides a financial incentive for the deployment of renewable energy projects. The RET operates through the creation of renewable energy certificates, which can be traded with 'liable entities' (primarily electricity retailers) that surrender the certificates to meet their annual renewable energy obligations.

Support for renewable energy provided through the RET is declining. The legislated Large­scale RET peaks in 2020, and with the target expected to be exceeded, the level of support provided under the scheme will decline significantly over the coming years. The level of support per installation provided under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme is also legislated to decline each year until the RET ends in 2030.

The Government's approach is to deliver a secure and affordable energy system as it transitions to a lower emissions future. Technology, not taxes, will be the way we deliver practical action on emissions reduction. We will work together with industry and researchers to deploy the right technology when and where it is needed for cheaper bills and lower emissions.

Australia must play its part in the global response to climate change and we are doing our bit. While it is not widely replied, Australia's emissions are coming down. In fact:

Australia's emissions are lower now than when the Coalition came to Government in 2013.

Australia's emissions are more than 13 per cent below 2005 levels (the year from which our 2030 Paris target is measured). This compares to flatlining emissions in Canada and less than a one per cent decrease for New Zealand.

Australia can play a leading role on the international stage by partnering with other nations to accelerate technologies. Real global action through technology, not taxes, is the pathway to realising strong economic and emissions outcomes.

We see enormous potential in technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, soil carbon sequestration and biofuels to reduce emissions in Australia and globally - all while strengthening our economy.

All of this is focussed on meeting and beating our commitments while maintaining a strong economy.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Mr Taylor

Freedom of Information

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 30 November 2020 regarding Petition EN1950, which seeks freedom of information (FOI) reforms. I welcome the opportunity to respond to this petition.

The Government is committed to the effective operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) and ensuring it continues to meet the objectives of:

improving the quality of decision-making by government

developing further the quality of political democracy by giving the opportunity to all Australians to participate fully in the political process, and

enabling individuals to have access to information about them held on government files.

The FOI Act gives everyone a legally enforceable right to obtain information from most Australian Government ministers and agencies, whether it is information about themselves or information about government policy or operational matters. The FOI Act recognises that this right must be balanced against the need to protect sensitive and confidential information, and provides exemptions for national security and intelligence agencies, as well as for the protection of essential public interests and the privacy of individual persons. Even if exemptions do apply, agencies must generally accept and process an FOI application, assess whether an exemption limiting disclosure applies, and provide reasons to the applicant for refusing disclosure.

To assist the public, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) provides information on their website regarding FOI rights, how to make an FOI request, how to access different types of information, and how to lodge a review or complaint. The OAIC also publishes guidelines about the operation of the FOI Act, which agencies and ministers must have regard to when performing a function or exercising a power under the FOI Act.

The FOI Act closely regulates the way that agencies and ministers must process requests for access to documents, and specifies agencies and ministers have 30 days within which to make a decision, with limited extension of time provisions available.

The FOI Act also requires all regulated agencies provide quarterly and annual statistical returns in relation to FOI matters to the OAIC for inclusion in the OAIC's Annual Report.

The FOI Act applies only to Australian Government ministers and most agencies. Each Australian State and Territory is responsible for their own legislation that is equivalent to the FOI Act that covers their public sectors. Requests for action regarding State and Territory legislation should be directed to the State and Territories.

Thank you for bringing this petition to my attention. I trust this information is of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Mr Porter

Tobacco Regulation

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 30 November 2020, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1987 and the petitioners' request to cease tobacco excise increases. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

The Australian Government discourages the use of all tobacco products as there is no form of tobacco use which has benign health effects for consumers. Despite the recent decline in the incidence of smoking, it remains a leading cause of preventable death and disability in Australia, with smoking estimated to have killed almost 21,000 Australians in 2015.

The World Health Organisation identifies price increases through taxation as one of the most effective ways governments can reduce tobacco consumption. Successive governments have made significant efforts in recent years to reduce tobacco consumption through staged increases in tobacco excise and a swap to wage indexation.

Tobacco rates are indexed biannually to an index of average weekly ordinary time earnings (AWOTE) on 1 March and 1 September every year. In addition to this, in the 2016-17 Budget the Government announced four annual 12.5 per cent rate increases occurring on 1 September every year from 2017 to 2020 inclusive. This continued a series of annual 12.5 per cent increases since December 2013. No further tobacco excise increases were announced in the 2020-21 Budget.

The taxation of tobacco products, apart from discouraging smoking, helps to pay for support for people who wish to quit smoking, essential services such as the delivery of health services and other areas of spending that benefit the whole Australian community.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Mental Health: Youth

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter dated 9 November 2020, on behalf of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Petitions, concerning Petition EN2003 - Investigate the effects of social media phenomena.

The Morrison Government is committed to keeping Australians, and particularly children, safe online. Australia has strong regulatory controls and support systems that mitigate risks and empower Australians to confidently take advantage of the benefits of the internet.

The Government is developing a new Online Safety Act that will strengthen the eSafety Commissioner's powers and increase the responsibility on industry to keep their users safe.

The Online Content Scheme, set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, regulates prohibited and potentially prohibited online content in Australia based on the National Classification Scheme. Content is assessed following a complaint made to the eSafety Commissioner. If the eSafety Commissioner finds content hosted in Australia to be prohibited content, the Commissioner will direct the content provider to remove or prevent access to the content. For content hosted overseas found to be prohibited, the URL to the material is added to the Commissioner's prohibited URLs list.

The eSafety Commissioner's list of prohibited URLs is distributed to PC filter vendors accredited under an Industry Code of Practice. This is more commonly known as the 'family friendly filter' scheme. Internet service providers (ISPs) offer these filters to their customers. However, it is the customer's decision to purchase and use them.

It is unlikely that the content referred to in the petition would be prohibited under these arrangements. However, if the petitioners are of the view that content is prohibited under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, they may wish to report the material to the eSafety Commissioner. Complaints may be lodged by completing the online form at

www.esafety.gov.au/complaints-and-reporting/offensive-and-illegal-content­complaints.

Further information is available at the eSafety Commissioner's website at www.esafety.gov.au.

The petition also raises concerns about the impacts of the internet and social media, particularly for young people. Many families, communities and researchers around the world have expressed concern about the potential association between internet use and personal wellbeing. This is an important policy issue that the Government takes seriously. eSafety undertakes research on the trends in online safety that can be found at www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/research.

The Government is improving online safety outcomes in Australia by providing $39.4 million of new funding for the Office of the eSafety Commissioner in the 2020-21 Budget, developing a new Online Safety Act, providing grants to non-government organisations and supporting those most vulnerable.

Thank you for bringing the concerns of this petition to my attention. I hope the information in this letter is of some help.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Mr Fletcher

Morrison Government

Dear Chair

I refer to your letter of 9 April 2020 and 15 September 2020 regarding petition number EN1347, which requests that the business of the lower house be suspended and a vote of no confidence in the government.

I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this petition to my attention and apologise for the delay in responding.

The Government will not be moving a motion of no confidence in the House of Representatives.

Thank you for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Mr Porter

COVID-19

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition Number EN1716 World Health Organization's Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.

The Australian Government strongly supports international efforts to develop, manufacture and fairly allocate the tools needed to overcome COVID-19, including a vaccine once available.

Australia supports key ACT Accelerator mechanisms established to promote accelerated development, production and equitable access to COVID-19 treatments, diagnostics and vaccines, for both developing and developed countries. Australia is a confirmed self-financing country of the Gavi-led COVAX Facility, one of the main pillars of the ACT Accelerator, which will provide an avenue to vaccines supply across the world and made an upfront payment of$123 million to help in its vital work.

The Government is proud to have also made an investment of $80 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment to benefit the region, particularly the highest risk populations. On 5 May 2020, the Government provided $7.5 million to the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) and $7.5 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) to develop COVID-19 diagnostics and vaccines respectively. FIND's work improving the world's capacity for COVID-19 testing and quality of these tests sits under the ACT Accelerator's diagnostics pillar. CEPI's support for nine COVID-19 vaccine candidates' research sits under the ACT Accelerator's vaccine pillar.

The Government is committed to the ACT Accelerator and will continue to engage with the initiatives that are a core part of the ACT Accelerator.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Department of Veterans' Affairs

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your representation of 19 October 2020 concerning petition number EN1717. The petition requests that the House initiate processes for me to suspend the Principal Member of the Veterans' Review Board (VRB), pursuant to section 164 of the Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA) and, that I in turn, then recommend to the Governor-General that the Principal Member for the VRB be removed from office on the grounds of "misbehaviour".

The petition has been lodged in relation to the processes and procedures in place at the VRB and the Repatriation Commission (Commission) which were the subject of the Federal Court decision in Shafran v Repatriation Commission [2019] FCA 1833 (Shafran No. 1). In that decision, the Court considered the operation of section 137 of the VEA, which sets out a process for the Department of Veterans' Affairs to prepare a report of the information relevant to a veteran's appeal to the VRB. In Shafran No. 1, the Court found that the relevant processes adopted by the VRB, the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and the Commission were not consistent with the legislation.

The Court made specific reference to the VRB's Section 137 Practice Direction, which it found did not comply with the relevant legislative requirements. The Practice Direction reflected longstanding DVA practice to allow appeals before the VRB to proceed more quickly, with a view to potentially resolving matters in a more timely way. Accordingly, the Practice Direction was designed with the interests of veterans in mind.

As a result of the Shafran No. 1 decision, the VRB removed the Section 137 Practice Direction from its website. In addition, DVA quickly amended its processes in relation to VRB appeals to ensure conformity with the Court's interpretation. DVA is also currently considering whether further action is necessary to achieve greater clarity and continued compliance with the relevant requirements, for the benefit of veterans. Additional training will also be provided to departmental staff once the new processes have been finalised.

I do not believe there was any intention on the part of the VRB to bypass any legislative processes required in order to properly vest it with jurisdiction over an appeal. In fact, in Shafran {No. 1), the Court noted that the law in relation to VRB appeals is unclear and had not previously been the subject of detailed judicial consideration. The Court also commented that the Principal Member and other members had approached their duties in good faith.

I therefore do not agree that there was any "misbehaviour" on the part of the Principal Member of the VRB. It follows that I will not be suspending the Principal Member of the VRB nor making any recommendation to the Governor-General under s164(3} of the VEA in relation to removal from office. The Principal Member of the VRB is crucial in helping to ensure that relevant processes are in line with the legislation on an ongoing basis.

Thank you for taking the time to bring this matter to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Mr Chester

COVID-19

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1779 seeking a review of Australia's travel restrictions for Australian citizens and permanent residents seeking to leave Australia.

As you know, from 1 February 2020, the Australian Government has progressively announced travel restrictions to curb the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Australia. From 25 March 2020, travel restrictions have been in place prohibiting Australian citizens and permanent residents from leaving Australia, unless they fall within certain exempt categories.

Australia's travel restrictions have been implemented in response to a declared human biosecurity emergency. Declaration of such an emergency empowers the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, to issue directions and set requirements necessary to prevent or control the entry, emergence, establishment or spread of COVID-19 in Australia. Outgoing travel is being managed by exception during this emergency period.

The travel restrictions have been successful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Australia and were implemented on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

The majority of travel exemption requests to depart Australia are finalised within 48 hours, but some complex requests may take longer. Where a prospective traveller presents at the border and they are found not to be in an already exempt category and they do not hold an individual exemption, an authorised decision-maker may decide a request for exemption from Australia's travel restrictions.

Publishing of the Commissioner's guidelines and the Operation Directives has contributed to the transparency in the decision-making processes. Applicants seeking a travel exemption have more information available, enabling them to submit a complete application with the supporting documents to support their claims.. The guidelines and the operation directives are available on the Department of Home Affairs' website at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia.

The publicly available guidelines outline that the Commissioner expects a person requesting an exemption to provide relevant supporting information, as far as can be reasonably expected, in the circumstances of the proposed travel. The Commissioner agrees that there may be some circumstances where documentation may not be provided due to the urgent nature of the grounds for requesting an exemption—such as where a close relative is critically ill and likely to die. A lack of documents in these circumstances, in and of itself, is not a sufficient reason to refuse a person's request for discretionary exemption.

Decisions to grant exemptions must be balanced against the Government's intent for imposing the travel restrictions, that is, the potential health risks posed to the Australian community by returning international travellers.

These measures are temporary and are reviewed regularly. Further information on travel exemptions is available on the Department's website at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Thank you for bringing this Petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Peter Dutton

Environment

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning petition number EN1783, on the sale of plastic cotton buds.

The Australian Government recognises that single-use plastics, including cotton buds, are one of our biggest litter problems. To deal with the impacts of waste plastics including cotton buds, the Government is working with states and territories to implement the National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019. The Action Plan sets out the Australian Government's policy direction for waste management and recycling in Australia to 2030.

One of the targets in the National Action Plan is to phase out problematic and unnecessary plastics through design, innovation or the introduction of sustainable alternatives by 2025 or sooner. In addition, the Australian Government will deliver a National Plastics Plan in early 2021. The National Plastics Plan will consider various options and initiatives to reduce plastic pollution by targeting every stage of the plastic lifecycle. It will also recognise that everyone, including governments, industry and the community, has a vital role to play in how we manage our plastic waste. More information on the Government's plastics strategies can be found at: environment.gov.au/protection/waste-resource-recovery/plastics-and-packaging.

Several states and territories have recently introduced legislation to phase-out certain single use plastics. The ACT and WA are currently investigating phasing out cotton buds with plastic sticks, and other states may consider similar phase outs in the future. The Australian Government will work with the states and territories to harmonise these state-led phaseouts where possible.

I also note that retailers and brand owners are voluntarily phasing out some single-use plastics. For example, ALDI committed to introduce paper-stemmed cotton buds by the end of 2020, which will avoid over 357 million plastic stems ending up in landfill and the environment each year. I look forward to seeing similar commitments from other major retailers in the future.

To encourage industry to take greater responsibility for the products and materials that it creates, the Government has committed $20 million to the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund. I am pleased to advise that through this scheme the Government will fund 9 projects to the value of $7 million that address plastic waste streams. One such project will develop Australia's largest industry-led plastic recycling scheme, which aims to collect and recycle nearly 190,000 tonnes of plastic packaging (such as bread, cereal and frozen vegetable bags and confectionary wrappers) per year.

The petitioners also raise important points on the issue of marine debris. Marine plastic debris, which is largely comprised of land-sourced plastics, poses a significant risk to marine ecosystems and wildlife. That is why the Government has developed the Threat Abatement Planfor the impacts of marine debris on the vertebrate wildlife of Australia's coastsand oceans (2018). This plan seeks to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the oceans and becoming marine debris. A copy of the plan is available at:

environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/marine-debris-2018.

To complement the plan, the Government has engaged the Tangaroa Blue Foundation, working in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia, to deliver a five-year $5 million program of local actions to raise awareness and educate communities on the dangers of marine debris as well as to prevent the flow of debris into the reef lagoons. The Government will make further announcements about reducing the amount of plastic debris entering waterways and oceans when the National Plastics Plan is launched this year. I hope this information serves to demonstrate that tackling plastic pollution is a key priority for the Australian Government and that the we are undertaking ambitious steps to address this national challenge.

Thank you for bringing this petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Mr Evans

Banking and Financial Services

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence concerning petition EN1784 with seven (7) signatures, relating to access to bank loans for people with a disability.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, a person with disability has a right to obtain goods and use services in the same way as people without disability. This includes goods and services from lenders such as banks, credit unions and building societies. Lenders cannot refuse service to people with disability.

However, under their prudential obligations, authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) such as banks, building societies and credit unions, are required to undertake credit assessments of prospective borrowers, including people with disability. Credit providers are also required to adhere to responsible lending obligations in the consumer credit law. The operation of these two obligations may restrict access to credit for some people. I note the Government is reforming the responsible lending obligations to simplify Australia's credit framework to ensure consumers get more timely access to credit, particularly as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

If a person believes they have been discriminated against because of their disability they can make a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. The commission is an independent third party which investigates complaints about discrimination and human rights breaches. A person can also make a complaint about the conduct of their lender to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which has the power to award compensation.

I trust this information will be of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology, Senator Hume

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1787 seeking an end to the travel restrictions in place for Australian citizens to leave Australia.

As you know, from 1 February 2020, the Australian Government has progressively announced travel restrictions to curb the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Australia.. From 25 March 2020, travel. restrictions have been in place prohibiting Australian citizens and permanent residents from leaving Australia, unless they fall within certain exempt categories.

Australia's travel restrictions have been implemented in response to a declared human biosecurity emergency. Declaration of such an emergency empowers the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, to issue directions and set requirements necessary to prevent or control the entry, emergence, establishment or spread of COVID-19 in Australia. Outgoing travel is being managed by exception during this emergency period.

The travel restrictions have been successful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Australia and decisions to ease the travel restrictions will be implemented on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

The travel restrictions for persons departing Australia do not apply to:

temporary visa holders, however, they will require an exemption to re-enter Australia unless exempt;

an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia;

airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers;

a New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category (subclass 444) visa;

a person eng.ag,ed in the day-to-day conduct of inbound and outbound freight;

a person whose travel is associated with essential work at an Australian offshore facility; or

a person who is travelling on official1 government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

On 28 September 2020, the Government expanded the criteria to allow travel for Australian citizens and permanent residents. The Government agreed that:

Australian citizens and permanent residents declaring an intent to depart Australia for three or more months meet the requirement for an outbound travel exemption; and

All outwards international business-related travel is exempt where evidence of business travel is provided.

Decisions to change the existing criteria for outwards travel must be balanced against the Government's intent for imposing the travel ban, that is, potential health risks posed to the Australian community by returning international travellers.

The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force, Mr Michael Outram APM, or authorised decision-makers may consider requests for travel on a case by case basis where there is a compelling reason.

lndividual exemption categories are outlined on the Department of Home Affairs' website at:

https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/leaving-australia#toc-2.

An exemption request should be accompanied by the individual's details, case information and supporting statement.

These measures are temporary and are reviewed regularly. Further information on travel exemptions is available on the Department's website at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Thank you for bringing this Petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Dutton

Gambling

Dear Chairman

Thank you for your email dated 19 October 2020 referring Petition EN1791, which relates to gambling advertising, to me.

I understand the petition requests that the House of Representatives enact legislation to ban all advertisements that promote or encourage any form of gambling from being shown on television, radio and social media.

The Morrison Government recognises the importance of gambling promotions being presented in a responsible manner. Advertising regulation in Australia is intended to strike a balance between legitimate commercial interests and appropriate community safeguards.

Regulation of broadcasting services

Most content broadcast in Australia is regulated by co-regulatory codes of practice developed by broadcasting industry sectors in accordance with the Broadcasting Services Act I 992. This co-regulatory system recognises the importance of ensuring that television and radio content reflects community standards. Codes of practice are available on the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website at acma.gov.au/industry-codes-practice.

The Commercial Television Industry Code ofPractice (the Commercial TV Code) applies to commercial free-to-air television broadcasters. The Commercial TV Code is also available from the website of commercial television industry peak body,

Free TV Australia, at www.freetv.com.au/what-we-do/industry-standards.

The Subscription Broadcast Television Codes ofPractice (Subscription TV Code) applies to subscription television broadcasters. The Subscription TV Code is also available from the website of subscription media industry peak body, the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) at astra.org.au/advocacy/codes-of-practice.

The Commercial Radio Code ofPractice (Commercial Radio Code) applies to commercial radio broadcasters. The Commercial Radio Code is also available from the website of the commercial radio industry peak body, Commercial Radio Australia, at www.commercialradio.com.au/legal/regulation-codes.

Gambling advertising restrictions during children ' s viewing hours on broadcast platforms

The Commercial TV Code already prohibits gambling advertisements:

during General (G), Preschool (P) or Children's (C) rated programs broadcast between:

o 6.00 am and 8.30 am; and

o 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm; and

during any program that is broadcast between 5.00 am and 8.30 pm and which is principally directed at children.

These prohibitions do not apply to advertisements broadcast in a news, current affairs or sports programs during those time periods. They also do not apply to advertisements relating to such things as government sanctioned lotteries, keno or contests, or, generally, to advertisements for entertainment or dining facilities where gambling may take place.

The Subscription TV Code requires relevant licensees to take into account the intellectual and emotional maturity of the intended audience of the relevant channel when scheduling advertising relating to betting or gambling.

Gambling advertisements during live sports broadcasts

In 2018 further restrictions were applied to the showing of gambling promotions during live sporting events broadcast on commercial television, commercial radio, subscription television and the Special Broadcasting Service. More information about these restrictions is available on ACMA's website at acma.gov.au/gambling-ads-during-live­sports-broadcasts.

Review of broadcasting industry codes

Broadcasting industry codes of practice are periodically reviewed. Members of the public may contact the relevant peak industry body to raise their concerns, and to enquire about how they can contribute to future review processes.

For commercial television broadcasters, Free TV Australia's contact details are:

Free TV Australia

First Floor, 44 Avenue Road Mosman NSW 2088

Web: www.freetv.com.au

For subscription television broadcasters, the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association's contact details are:

Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association

Email: admin@astra.org.au

Web: www.astra.org.au

For commercial radio broadcasters, Commercial Radio Australia's contact details are:

Commercial Radio Australia Ltd

Level 5, 88 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Phone: (02) 9281 6577

Fax: (02) 9281 6599

Web: www.commercialradio.com.au

Gambling advertisements during sports streamed over the internet

In September 2018 new rules came into effect which restrict the showing of gambling promotions during online streams of live sporting events. The Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018 (Online Rules) contain gambling promotions restrictions that are, to the extent possible, similar to those which broadcasting industry codes impose on the broadcast of live sporting events.

More information about the Online Rules is available on ACMA's website at acma.gov.au/gambling-ads-during-sport-streamed-over-internet.

Thank you for bringing the petitioners' concerns to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Mr Fletcher

News Media Bargaining Code

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1795—News Media Bargaining Code. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Bill 2020 was introduced into the House of Representatives on 9 December 2020. The Bill has been referred to the Senate Standing Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 12 February 2021.

The Code will ensure that news media businesses are fairly remunerated for the content they generate, thereby helping to sustain public interest journalism in Australia. The Code will do this by:

encouraging the parties to undertake commercial negotiations outside the Code;

enabling digital platforms to publish standard offers, which provide smaller news businesses with an efficient pathway to finalising agreements with digital platforms;

establishing a negotiation framework under the Code that allows both parties to bargain in good faith and reach binding agreements;

ensuring that an independent arbiter can determine the level of remuneration to be paid to news businesses under a fair and balanced arbitration model, should the parties be unable to reach agreement; and

setting clear and workable minimum standards for digital platforms including requiring 14 days' advance notice of major, planned algorithm changes that impact news businesses.

The Code respects privacy principles and expressly does not require digital platforms to share user data with news media businesses.

The Code will initially apply to Facebook NewsFeed and Google Search. A review of the Code will commence within one year of it coming into force.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

News Media Bargaining Code

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1798 relating to the News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code (the Code). Your correspondence has been referred to me for a response. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code) Bill 2020 was introduced into the House of Representatives on 9 December 2020. The Bill has been referred to the Senate Standing Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 12 February 2021.

The Code will ensure that news media businesses are fairly remunerated for the content they generate, thereby helping to sustain public interest journalism in Australia. The Code will do this by:

encouraging the parties to undertake commercial negotiations outside the Code;

enabling digital platforms to publish standard offers, which provide smaller news businesses with an efficient pathway to finalising agreements with digital platforms;

establishing a negotiation framework under the Code that allows both parties to bargain in good faith and reach binding agreements;

ensuring that an independent arbiter can determine the level of remuneration to be paid to news businesses under a fair and balanced arbitration model, should the parties be unable to reach agreement; and

setting clear and workable minimum standards for digital platforms including requiring 14 days' advance notice of major, planned algorithm changes that impact news businesses. This will not allow news businesses to influence search results.

The Code will initially apply to Facebook NewsFeed and Google Search. A review of the Code will commence within one year of it coming into force.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning Petition EN1810 seeking removal of the requirement for Australian citizens to obtain a travel exemption to depart Australia.

As you know, from 1 February 2020, the Australian Government has progressively announced travel restrictions to curb the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Australia. From 25 March 2020, travel restrictions have been in place prohibiting Australian citizens and permanent residents from leaving Australia, unless they fall within certain exempt categories.

Australia's travel restrictions have been implemented in response to a declared human biosecurity emergency. Declaration of such an emergency empowers the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, to issue directions and set requirements necessary to prevent or control the entry, emergence, establishment or spread of COVID-19 in Australia. Outgoing travel is being managed by exception during this emergency period.

The travel restrictions have been successful in slowing. the spread of COVID-19 in Australia and were implemented on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

Decisions to change the existing criteria for outwards travel must be balanced against the Government's intent for imposing the travel ban, that is, potential health risks posed to the Australian community by returning international travellers.

These measures are temporary and are reviewed regularly. Further information on travel exemptions is available on the Department of Home Affairs' website at: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Thank you for bringing this Petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Dutton

Environment

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 19 October 2020 concerning petition number EN1818, on the sale and provision of single-use plastics by major retailers.

The Australian Government is strongly committed to reducing waste, increasing recycling rates and building capacity in Australia's recycling industry. Each year, Australia generates 67 million tonnes of waste, the equivalent of 2.7 tonnes for every person every year. The Government recognises the importance of Australia's environmental sustainability, and both the challenges and opportunities in front of us when it comes to plastics and waste more broadly. We are working with state and territory governments to improve Australia's waste management and increase recycling. The Government encourages and welcomes the contribution and leadership from business, state and local governments and local communities to address Australia's waste and recycling challenges.

On 8 November 2019, all of Australia's environment ministers agreed to the National Waste Policy Action Plan, which sets the policy direction and targets to reduce plastic waste and increase our recycling rates. One of the targets in the National Action Plan is to phase out problematic and unnecessary plastics, with an agreed action for the Government to deliver a National Plastics Plan by the end of 2020. The National Plastics Plan will consider various options and initiatives to reduce plastic pollution by targeting every stage of the plastic lifecycle. It also recognises that everyone, including governments, industry and the community, has a vital role to play in how we manage our plastic waste.

I also note the petitioners' concerns about plastic packaging. The Government supports the industry-led National Packaging Targets, to be achieved by 2025:

70 per cent of Australia's plastic packaging being recycled or composted

50 per cent average recycled content included across all packaging

phasing out problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging through design, innovation or introduction of alternatives.

These targets will help meet the ambitious overall target for 100 per cent of Australian packaging to be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025, as agreed to by all Australia's environment ministers in 2018.

To encourage industry to take greater responsibility for the products and materials that it creates, the Government has committed $20 million for a Product Stewardship Investment Fund to accelerate work on new industry-led schemes and increase recycling rates of existing schemes. I am pleased to announce that through this scheme, the Government will be funding 15 projects to the value of $10.5 million that address plastic waste streams. One such project will develop Australia's largest industry-led plastic recycling scheme, which aims to collect and recycle nearly 190,000 tonnes of plastic packaging (such as bread, cereal and frozen vegetable bags and confectionary wrappers) each year.

Industry is taking note and, in line with the 2025 targets, is shifting practice away from using problematic plastics. For example, Coles and Woolworths supermarkets no longer provide single-use plastic shopping bags in their stores, with customers instead having the option to purchase reusable bags that are mostly made from recycled plastic. Once these bags can no longer be used, these along with other soft plastics can be recycled through the REDcycle bins that can be found in all Coles and Woolworths stores. These actions, combined with state and territory bans on single use plastic bags, have resulted in a 77 per cent decrease in Australia's consumption of lightweight plastic bags in only three years (2016-17 and 2018-19).

You might also be aware that Woolworths has partnered with TerraCycle to help customers recycle their collectible plastic toys. Similar to REDcycle, toys can be returned in-store and recycled into new products such as fences, benches and decks. Coles has also moved towards more sustainable collectible campaigns by offering collectible books which are made from responsibly sourced (Forest Stewardship Council certified) paper and are fully recyclable through your kerbside bin at home.

I also note, ALDI has recently made a commitment to reduce plastic packaging in their stores by 25 per cent. Measures that ALDI plan to take to achieve this target include switching to cardboard punnets for a range of fruit and vegetable lines, introducing compostable zucchini trays (diverting over 76 tonnes of plastic from landfill), and introducing paper-stemmed cotton buds by the end of 2020 which will avoid over 357 million plastic stems ending up in landfill each year.

I hope this background serves to demonstrate that tackling single-use plastics is a major priority for the Government. We are undertaking a comprehensive and ambitious program to address this significant national challenge in close collaboration with industry and state and territory governments.

Thank you for bringing this petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Mr Evans

Airport Noise

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter of 9 November 2020 regarding petition number EN1869 on Brisbane Airports' parallel runway operations.

The petition seeks Airservices Australia (Airservices) to revise the operating plan and modes of operation related to Brisbane Airport operations.

Managing aircraft noise is a difficult issue and I appreciate the concerns of the petitioners about increased aircraft operations from Brisbane Airport affecting residents.

In response to community feedback regarding the new runway operations, the Australian Government (through Airservices) is working closely with Brisbane Airport and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities for improved noise outcomes. The Australian Government remains committed to implementing appropriate measures to encourage noise sharing of operations at Brisbane Airport, ensuring safety requirements are the first priority.

The text of the petition indicates that the night mode of operations is immediately ceased from 6am each morning, even when conditions and traffic levels make the continuation of night­ time modes feasible. Airservices advises that usage of the night-time modes outside of the period between 10pm and 6am is 27.5 per cent, which demonstrates that these operations are being extended when conditions permit. Recent data shows that these extended periods of night-mode operation are extending, where conditions have permitted, through until 9.30am.

Petitioners have also raised the potential opportunity for noise improvement by increasing the current 5 knot tailwind limit to 10 knots in certain conditions. Brisbane Airport is working with Airservices to explore the information and analysis necessary to support such a change. Any change to this tailwind limit would need to be approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), as this limit is applied through regulation at all Australian airports and is consistent with international standards.

Airservices has also identified and put in place an additional noise abatement procedure that restricts the use of the northern approach over the Brisbane River by jet aircraft.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention and I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Mr McCormack

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 November 2020 enclosing. Petition EN1883 concerning seeking a review of Australia's travel restrictions and allowing people with dual citizenship and foreign citizenship to depart Australia.

As you know, from 1 February 2020, the Australian Government has progressively announced travel restrictions to curb the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Australia. From 25 March 2020, travel restrictions have been in place prohibiting Australian citizens and permanent residents from leaving Australia, unless they fall within certain exempt categories.

Australia's travel restrictions have been implemented in response to a declared human biosecurity emergency. Declaration of such an emergency empowers the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, to issue directions and set requirements necessary to prevent or control the entry, emergence, establishment or spread of COVID-19 in Australia. Outgoing travel is being managed by exception during this emergency period.

The travel restrictions have been successful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Australia, and were implemented on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

The travel restrictions for persons departing Australia do not apply to:

temporary visa holders, however, they will require an exemption to re-enter Australia unless exempt;

an Australian citizen or permanent resident ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia;

airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers;

a New Zealand citizen holding a Special· Category (subclass 444) visa;

a person engaged in the day to day conduct of inbound and outbound freight;

a person whose travel is associated with essential work at an Australian offshore facility; or a person who is travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force.

Australian citizens (including dual citizens) require an exemption to leave Australia, unless they fall within one of the categories listed above.

The Outward Travel Restrictions Operation Directive also outlines the circumstances that would generally meet exemption requirements. The document is publicly available on the Department of Home Affairs' website at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions.

The Government acknowledges the difficulties with respect to families seeking to reunite in Australia or overseas. However, the current travel restrictions do not support travel for the purpose of family visit.

Decisions to giant exemptions must be balanced against the Government's intent for imposing the travel restrictions, that is, the potential1 health risks posed to the Australian community by international travellers.

Further information on travel exemptions is available on the Department's website at:

https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au.

These measures are temporary and are reviewed regularly.

Thank you for bringing Petition EN1883 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Dutton

Queensland: Road Infrastructure

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 9 November 2020 regarding the petition (EN1910) submitted to the House of Representatives advocating for the Bruce Highway-Tiaro Flood Immunity Upgrade Project (the Project) to deliver a four-lane highway bypass.

I note that on 2 December 2020 you submitted another petition (PN0488) to the House on this matter, with a notable increase in the number of signatures. Both these petitions highlight concerns that a two-lane bypass design may not adequately address safety issues or cater for future demand.

As you may be aware, the Project scope is to deliver a bypass at Tiaro that will improve flood immunity, reduce congestion and remove heavy vehicle traffic away from Tiaro's township to significantly improve safety and liveability for residents.

The Project's business case is currently under development. As part of this process, traffic modelling for future demand has been undertaken. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads has advised that a two-lane option will provide sufficient capacity to cater for current and foreseeable traffic demand, however the business case will consider opportunities to support future duplication.

The business case will also identify the most appropriate safety treatments for the bypass, including consideration of grade separated interchanges and a concrete dividing barrier to reduce the risk of head-on collisions.

I am advised that the business case is expected to be completed by mid-2021 and its outcomes will inform the preferred design. While I understand that this is a matter of importance to the local community, it would be imprudent for the Australian Government to make any formal amendments to the commitment until the outcomes of the business case are known.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention and I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Mr McCormack

COVID-19: Lockdowns

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 30 November 2020 regarding petition EN2009, which requested that the House of Representatives remove the powers of the states and expressed concern that restrictions imposed by states in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are not based on health considerations. I appreciate the time you have taken to bring this matter to my attention.

State power

The Constitution recognises the states as an integral element of our federation, adopting a federalist model which provides states with a large degree of autonomy over the governance of their own affairs. The Constitution preserves the powers of state parliaments and deals with the relationship between Commonwealth and state legislation. The High Cami has, in addition, held that Commonwealth legislation may not impair the constitutional status of the states or their capacity to function as governments.

Measures taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

A number of states and territories have taken measures under their own laws, including public health and emergency management legislation, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures include the 'lockdown' restrictions referred to in the petition which limit movement within states and across state borders.

The imposition by governments of some restrictions on travel within or between states for public health reasons is permissible under the Constitution, as indicated by two recent High Court decisions.

First, the High Court dismissed Mr Clive Palmer's challenge to Western Australian border restrictions. On 6 November 2020, the High Court made orders in Palmer v Western Australia, dismissing Mr Palmer's constitutional challenge to the Quarantine (Closing the Border) Directions (WA). The Court found that the enabling legislation, the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA), did not impermissibly infringe section 92 of the Constitution.

Section 92 provides for the freedom of interstate trade, commerce and movement. The Court will publish the reasons for its decision at a later date.

Secondly, also on 6 November 2020, the High Court rejected a challenge to Victorian directions restricting the movement of people within Victoria due to the pandemic, in Gerner v Victoria. Mr Gerner had argued that the directions were contrary to an implied constitutional freedom of movement but the-High Court decided that no such general freedom exists.

I note the petitioners' concern that restrictions need to be based on public health considerations. Freedom of movement between the states, within reasonable bounds, is an important constitutional safeguard. However, the Government acknowledges community concern about the spread of COVID-19. The Government is seeking to work cooperatively with state and territory governments to ease domestic border restrictions where it is safe to do so.

State and territory governments will have their own procedures for seeking appropriate advice, including medical and legal advice, when putting in place public health measures. The petitioners may wish to address any specific concerns about state laws to the relevant state government.

Thank you for raising this matter with me.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Mr Porter

Environment

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 30 November 2020 concerning petition number EN2014, on banning the use, sale, import and export of all toxic non-biodegradable plastics.

The Australian Government takes the issue of plastic waste and its impacts on the environment very seriously. The Government is working with states and territories to implement the National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019, which sets out the policy direction for priority actions on waste management and recycling in Australia to 2030. The Plan includes a target to phase out problematic and unnecessary plastics through sustainable design, innovation or the introduction of sustainable alternatives by 2025 or sooner. The Government has also committed to delivering a National Plastics Plan in early 2021 that will address problematic plastics, including non-certified compostable plastic packaging such as oxo-degradable, landfill degradable or other claimed degradable plastics.

While there is increasing interest from industry and consumers about biodegradable plastics, the term biodegradable can mislead users to think that because something is biodegradable it is also non-toxic. Some biodegradable plastics release toxic components into the environment as they degrade, fragmenting into microplastics that further contribute to plastic pollution. It is important that plastics that claim to be biodegradable are certified compostable under Australian Standards to ensure they safely biodegrade. The Australian Competitive Consumer Commission (ACCC) is committed to investigating greenwashing and false claims of plastic biodegradability. The ACCC also has the power to place bans on plastics that contain toxic chemicals, such as the permanent ban on children's toys, dummies and bibs that contain more than one per cent of the toxic chemical DEHP (Diethylhexyl Phthalate).

As Australia transitions towards a circular economy, maximising the lifecycle of plastics through recycling and reuse is critical to minimising its impact on the environment. The Government is taking action through its $167 million Australian Recycling Investment Plan, which includes $100 million to support new recycling and re-manufacturing facilities and $20 million for new product stewardship schemes, and more than $11 million for community groups to clean up plastic and rubbish from our beaches and rivers. The Government has also invested $190 million into the Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF). The RMF will leverage $600 million to transform Australia's recycling capability.

The Government also supports the work of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) to create a sustainable pathway for packaging in Australia and deliver the industry-led National Packaging Targets. The Targets set clear objectives to improve the sustainability of all product packaging which will see by 2025: 70 per cent of plastic packaging being recycled or composted, 50 per cent average recycled content in packaging, and the phase out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging. These targets will help meet the overall target of 100 per cent of Australian packaging being recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.

To assist industry understand compostable packaging, APCO released guidelines for compostable plastic packaging in May 2020. Further, in 2021 APCO, the Australasian Bioplastics Association, and the Australian Organics Recycling Association will deliver a National Compostable Packaging Strategy to optimise the use of compostable packaging in Australia and provide pathways for industry to increase the use of compostable materials.

While it is not currently feasible to make all plastics biodegradable due to their varied applications and technical needs, the Government is committed to improving the recyclability and circularity of plastics. To assist in achieving this objective, the Government is investing over $20 million through a special round of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects to find new and innovative solutions to plastic recycling and waste, including new ways of incorporating recycled plastics in manufacturing and construction.

I note the petitioners raise important points on the issue of marine debris. Marine plastic debris, which is largely comprised of land-sourced plastics, poses a significant risk to marine ecosystems and wildlife. That is why the Government has developed the Threat AbatementPlan for the impacts of marine debris on the vertebrate wildlife of Australia's coastsand oceans (2018). This plan seeks to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the oceans and becoming marine debris. A copy of the plan is available at:

environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/marine-debris-2018.

To complement the Plan, the Government has engaged the Tangaroa Blue Foundation, working in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Australia, to deliver a five-year $5 million program of local actions to raise awareness and educate communities on the dangers of marine debris as well as to prevent the flow of debris into the reef lagoons. The Government will make further announcements about reducing the amount of plastic debris entering waterways and oceans when the National Plastics Plan is launched.

I hope this information serves to demonstrate that tackling plastic pollution in all forms is a major priority for the Government. We are committed to addressing this significant national challenge in close collaboration with industry and state and territory governments. Thank you for bringing this petition to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management, Mr Evans

General Practice

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 30 November 2020 concerning petition number EN2017 improving the gap payment process for GP clinics.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting Australians to access quality, timely and affordable health care by providing rebates for services listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). Government payments for MBS services are administered by Services Australia, including the 90-day Pay Doctor via Claimant cheque for unpaid or partially paid medical accounts referred to in the petition. The decision to use this scheme rather than use the available electronic funds transfer systems are policies of the provider or their practice.

Alternative payment systems offer providers and patients fast and secure transfers of Medicare rebates. The Medicare Online system enables electronic payments for claims generally within two to three days of the claim, while the Medicare Easyclaim system enables patients to pay their private account and have their Medicare rebate paid directly to their bank account through the EFTPOS terminal in the practice. More information on these payment options is available from the Services Australia website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au and by searching the term 'Health Professional Online Services'.

Separately and in relation to the affordability of health care, the Government is committed to ensuring that all Australians have access to timely, affordable and high quality health services. The Government is implementing its significant commitments to guaranteeing Medicare and strengthening primary care. Combined measures with a total investment more than $1 billion were announced through the 2018-19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook and the 2019-20 Budget. This is in addition to more than $1 billion over four years in the 2017-18 Budget to re-introduce annual indexation of Medicare rebates, which commenced in 2017. As of July 2019, all MBS services are indexed annually.

While the Government is responsible for setting the level of the Medicare rebates, doctors are able to place their own value on the services they provide and are free to decide whether to bulk bill all, some or none of their patients. Doctors are encouraged to consider the personal circumstances of their patients when setting the fees that they charge. To encourage doctors to bulk bill patients who may find it more difficult to meet the costs of medical services, the Government provides financial incentives for bulk billed services for Commonwealth Concession Card holders and children under 16 years of age.

If patients require a bulk billed service in their area the 'find a service' feature of Healthdirect at: www.healthdirect.gov.au may be helpful. Healthdirect, funded by the Australian and state and territory governments, helps patients to identify local medical services appropriate to their needs. Using HealthDirect, patients can find information about practice location, available services and billing policies, including whether fees apply, if bulk billing is available for some patients, or if all services are bulk billed.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health, Mr Hunt

Commonwealth Integrity Commission

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 30 November 2020 regarding Petition EN2019, which requests that the Government release exposure draft legislation to establish a federal anti-corruption body for a period of public consultation by 20 March 2021. I welcome the opportunity to respond to this petition.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring our federal integrity framework is as robust as possible to maximise public confidence in our national institutions. That is why the government has committed to establishing a Commonwealth Integrity Commission (CIC) to strengthen integrity arrangements across the federal public sector.

The CIC will be a centralised, specialist centre for investigating corruption in the public sector. It will be established as an independent statutory agency, led by the Integrity Commissioner and assisted by the Law Enforcement Integrity Commissioner and the Public Sector Integrity Commissioner. The CIC will comprise:

a law enforcement integrity division—this will have the same functions and powers as the current Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI), but with a broader jurisdiction; and

a public sector integrity division—this will investigate alleged criminal corruption involving government departments and their staff, parliamentarians and their staff, the staff of federal judicial officers, and in appropriate circumstances, recipients of Commonwealth funds.

The CIC will target serious criminal corruption that presents a threat to good public administration. Existing integrity agencies will be able to refer matters to the CIC, and vice versa.

The first phase of the government's plan for a CIC is already underway. ACLEI's jurisdiction will be expanded from 1 January 2021 to cover four new agencies, with additional funding and staff allocated to ACLEI for those functions in the 2020-21 Budget.

The second phase will be full delivery of the CIC by legislation, which will subsume ACLEI and cover the remainder of the public sector.

On 2 November 2020, the Australian Government released an exposure draft of the legislation to complete the implementation of the CIC. The draft legislation is the result of detailed planning to ensure the new body has both the resources and powers that it · needs to investigate allegations of criminal conduct that could occur across the public sector.

The government is committed to a national comprehensive consultation process on the draft legislation and is inviting feedback on the draft legislation and other considerations via written submissions. Submissions are due to cic.consultation@ag.gov.au by 5pm AEDT on 12 February 2021. Further information about the consultation process, including how to make a submission using the submission template, can be found at

https://www.ag.gov.au/integrity/consultations/commonwealth-integrity-commission­consultation-draft.

Feedback received through the submission process will be used to inform further refinement of the Bills before they are introduced into the Parliament. .

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. I trust this information is of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Mr Porter

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