Agreement for Members to Contribute Remotely to Parliamentary Proceedings

Member for Pearce

Petitions Committee

Women's Sport

Many Australians are alarmed at the sports policies implemented by Sport Australia, AHRC and Australian sporting organisations allowing men and boys to compete in the female sports category.

We call on the Australian parliament to protect the female sports for biological females. Fair competition, player safety and welfare, and inclusion are the foundational principles of sports competition, but when men and boys are allowed to compete in the female category, women and girls lose out. Males have an observable performance advantage in strength, stamina, size and speed that puts females at a disadvantage and results in elevated risk of injury in contact, collision and combat sports.

Bodies play sports, not identities, girls and women are being excluded when men and boys are included in their category.

Save Women's Sport Australasia.

We therefore ask the House to amend the Sex Discrimination Act 1984:

• Definitions of man and woman reinserted;

• Definitions for female, male, sex and gender inserted;

• "Gender identity" and "intersex status" be removed from s 42;

• "Competitive" and "where strength, stamina and physique are relevant" to be removed from s 42;

• s 42 unequivocally express that the female sports category is for biological females only;

• For a provision to unequivocally express that "sex" is the paramount protected characteristic in the SDA, and that it cannot be displaced by, or conflated with "gender identity".

Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion Policy published by AHRC and Sport Australia be withdrawn, and a proper, transparent consultation process be undertaken incorporating all stakeholders and considering all available evidence.

from 5,329 citizens (Petition No. EN2874)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Not to make it mandatory for any aged care or health care workers to have the COVID-19 vaccination. It should be recommended, but not made mandatory.

We therefore ask the House to consider making it voluntary for ALL Australians, including aged care and health care workers to have the vaccine. It should be our choice if we want to put something into our bodies or not.

from 444 citizens (Petition No. EN2919)

Asylum Seekers

Direct family who are still living in South Africa have lost their livelihood, and their businesses have been looted, and destroyed beyond repair. They live in fear of their lives now that the unrest in South Africa has escalated even further, with the political unrest.

We wish to be allowed to invite our close family members the opportunity to enjoy a free life here in Australia, so that they can come over, and work hard, and make Australia proud of its decision and mercy.

We therefore ask the House to please allow close family members of its Australian residents and citizens, who are in dire need of mercy, and a second chance at a future in a safer part of the world, Australia, to enter on refugee status.

from 19 citizens (Petition No. EN2921)

COVID-19: International Travel

Australians like my self are stuck over seas due to high flight prices and hotel quarantine. No normal person can afford these things it adds up to like 10 thousand dollars. Also Australians with over seas partners are stuck inside Australia and most are unable to leave to see there kids and family. Also the Australian government is not letting defacto partners and marriage partners from overseas enter Australia. so a lot of people can't see there family and loved ones because of the laws in place. It should be each persons own choice if they wanna leave the country. Australia is acting like North Korea.

We therefore ask the House to

Lift the travel restrictions and allow people to come in and out of the country as they please. Change hotel quarantine to a home quarantine. Let everyone make there own decision and stop controlling everyone and forcing people to wear masks.

from 69 citizens (Petition No. EN2924)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The current mRNA sars COV2 vaccines that are being administered to the public of Australia are in experimental trials untill 2023.

This fact actually places the public of Australia as test subjects.

The spike protein within mRNA vaccines has a dangerous effect which has been well documented.

The sars COV2 mRNA vaccines have no intergenerational scientific data to show long term effects regarding birth defects or sterilization for future generations.

There are far too many deaths and serious side effects being reported world wide for these to be "rare" cases.

The vaccine companies have had numerous documented law suits where criminal charges were placed on them with fines in billions of dollars for, Death, Injury from their products.

This was all due to their misinformation and yet we find ourselves at the mercy of the same vaccine companies particularly PFIZER whom are habitual offenders.

This time these vaccine companies with huge backing of investors have been given legal indemnity.

We the people of Australia ask the government of Australia who are placed in power by the people to stop these dangerous and lethal vaccine trials immediately.

There are far too many Deaths and injuries along with the damage to mental health and economic damage to our society.

These sars COV2 mRNA dangerous trials must be stopped immediately!

We therefore ask the House to represent the informed and concerned people of Australia be them Citizens or residents and have these vaccine trials stopped immediately or at the very least have no mandatory vaccines without informed consent or any form of coercion.

from 432 citizens (Petition No. EN2925)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Public health measures as well as Covid-19 vaccinations are working however Australians need to have a clear pathway out of this pandemic. A Health Pass is an opportunity to move on to a new normal and allow economic recovery.

We therefore ask the House to introduce a Health Pass which is required to partake in public life once every person living in Australia had the chance to get vaccinated. Activities like visiting concerts, amusement parks, public transportation and indoor dining will require attendees to have a Health Pass. This Health Pass can be acquired by

• being fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

• having recovered from a Covid-19 infection.

• testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 within the last 72 hours.

from three citizens (Petition No. EN2926)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Public heath measures as well as COVID-19 vaccinations are working, however Australians need to have a clear pathway out of this pandemic. A Health Pass is an opportunity to move towards a 'new normal' and allow economic and social recovery.

We therefore ask the House to introduce a national Health Pass which is required to partake in public life once every person living in Australia has had the chance to get vaccinated. Activities like attending concerts, amusement parks, sporting events, public transportation, and indoor dining will require attendees to have a Health Pass. This Health Pass can be acquired by:

* being fully vaccinated.

* having recovered from COVID-19.

* testing negative within the last 72 hours.

from 267 citizens (Petition No. EN2927)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Public health measures as well as Covid-19 vaccinations are working however Australians need to have a clear pathway out of this pandemic. A Health Pass is an opportunity to move on to a new normal and allow economic recovery.

We therefore ask the House to Health Pass which is required to partake in public life once every person living in Australia had the chance to get vaccinated. Activities like visiting concerts, amusement parks, public transportation and indoor dining will require attendees to have a Health Pass. This Health Pass can be acquired by

• being fully vaccinated.

• having recovered from a Covid-19 infection.

• testing negative within the last 72 hours.

from four citizens (Petition No. EN2928)

Foreign Investment

Australians cannot buy freehold land or become Citizens in many Overseas Countries furthermore the children of mixed marriages are also exempt from foreign Citizenship.

Malcolm Fraser changed the law whereby Foreign Companies were formerly required to have a Australian partner in purchasing land and Agricultural Businesses the result being millions of square kilometres being controlled by Foreign Companies and Citizens and millions of tonnes of produce being diverted to one market ( Country of Ownership)

Australians do not object being forced to have a Native Partner when purchasing land or forced to lease land when doing business these Countries therefore they should not object to reciprocal rights on our Land.

We therefore ask the House to change the laws of Foreign Ownership (including Dual Citizens) restricting all such ownership of Freehold Land Titles and Businesses to 99 year leases and or equal 50% Australian Partners.

from 39 citizens (Petition No. EN2929)

Eczema

Patients are reporting debilitating adverse effects from the use of topical and oral steroids, as well as immunosuppressive drugs prescribed to treat eczema. More evidence-based research needs to be conducted to;

1. Understand Topical Steroid Withdrawal.

2. Prevent further suffering by providing dermatologists information on how to recognise someone with steroid-induced eczema or at risk of TSW.

Symptoms often last for 12-36 months and include burning skin, hot red rashes, oozing, excessive skin shedding, cracked skin, severe itches (nerve related), extremes of body temperature, swelling, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, brain fog, adrenal fatigue, mental health issues and insomnia. With further research, awareness can be raised on the side effects of using topical and oral steroids, as well as lobbying for safer corticosteroid labelling. The side effects of overprescribing and overuse will become defined and preventable. In January 2021, the National Eczema Society and British Association of Dermatologists released a statement acknowledging Topical Steroid Withdrawal for the first time.

We therefore ask the House to We therefore ask the House to call on further research to be undertaken in Australia as 1 in 3 children and over 1 million Australians suffer from eczema and are at risk of TSW.

from 1,144 citizens (Petition No. EN2934)

South Africa

The civil unrest going on in South Africa The death toll is now officially at 72 but in reality it is much higher.

Entire towns in KZN South Africa have been burned to the ground and the situation is spiralling out of control. Most retailers and bulk distribution centres in the greater Durban area are closed-looted, burned or shut down-and residents are struggling to access essential supplies. South Africa's largest oil refinery, based in Durban, has shut down, claiming force majeure. This is going to become a humanitarian emergency if left unchecked.

South African police service is outnumbered and overwhelmed and don't have enough military to support them. Civilians are defending their communities from mobs of armed rioters but they are also exhausted and outnumbered after 3 solid days of violence, destruction of infrastructure and looting of public and private property, most of which occurs during the night and early hours of the morning. Please, we are desperately concerned about the safety of loved ones in South Africa, who are on the frontline day and night risking their lives to defend their families

We therefore ask the House to intervene diplomatically and to assist with aid

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN2935)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Many countries have suffered great loss of life due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Australia could potentially suffer similar loss of life and an over burdened hospital system if this disease is allowed to spread through the Australian population.

We therefore ask the House to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for the entire Australian population.

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN2936)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Since death is a possible side effect of vaccines, mandatory vaccination amounts to mandatory human sacrifice of the few for the benefit of the many. Forcing people to play a death-lottery (or they will lose their job or cant travel) is barbaric. In legal terms, vaccine mandates violate the right to life by arbitrarily killing a minority for the benefit of the majority. Vaccine mandates also imply that all children are born in a defective, inherently harmful state that must be technologically augmented to allow their unrestricted participation in society, and this constitutes discrimination on the basis of healthy, innate characteristics of the human race.

We therefore ask the House to prohibit mandatory vaccination and any discrimination on the basis of vaccination status.

from 24,608 citizens (Petition No. EN2939)

COVID-19: Superannuation

Quite a lot of Australians can't access any extra assistance from the government as they are already receiving some form of payment. Students, carers and jobseekers aren't entitled to any help EVEN if they were also working part time.

We therefore ask the House to please let COVID lockdown affected people access their super again. Make this available nationwide until we can return to having no lockdowns.

from 17 citizens (Petition No. EN2941)

Family Law

Fathers and men that are expectant Fathers have less than equal rights to their children and due to such abuse have higher than average suicides, self harm including tobacco, prescribed depression drug and alcohol dependency and suffer mental health issues directly associated with the loss of access and joint parenting rights.

Fathers cannot escape the financial responsibility of Child Maintenance paid tax free to the Mother when no access is possible due to the Mother refusing to share parenting or mediate.

Children without access to Fathers suffer loss, depression and find themselves having similar higher than average suicides, self harm including depression drug and alcohol dependency and suffer mental health issues directly associated with the loss or access to their Father.

It is beyond belief that a Mother in the absence of a Family Court Order without a claim of abuse or AVO can rule over the Father deny equal parenting or shared custody demand 100% custody holding her female gender as Dictator of her child/children.

How depressing and sad that equal rights is a one way road once a woman dictates the rights of a man to be zero.

A Father without access 0% to a child is 100% responsible for child maintenance but may not call, be sent school reports, photos, notes or cards and yet more contact financing sponsoring one child from a Charity.

We therefore ask the House to change the legislation default 50/50 child custody in the absence of a Family Court Order and AVO or abuse claim.

from 13 citizens (Petition No. EN2942)

Gun Control

To prevent waste and misappropriation of Police resource and tax; prevent confiscation of lawful, legal private property; ensure valid, specific distinction between lawful gun owners and illegally carrying violent criminals; end the pre-criminalisation of responsible, lawful gun owners; ensure lawful safety of Commonwealth citizens from criminal violence, international conflict, and strengthened retention of lawful, Constitutional liberties.

We therefore ask the House to abolish the unlawful, non-binding "National Firearms Agreement", re-recognising firearms as private property under the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900. As gun control only punishes lawful shooters, only employ strong prosecution of violent offenders by mandatory background checks at POS for dis-qualified applicants to replace molestation of legal carry by licensure and pre-crime suspect treatment of responsible, accepted, licensed shooters.

from five citizens (Petition No. EN2946)

Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action

In 2019, 12 countries signed the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action for which UNICEF, YOUNGO and the Children's Environmental Rights Initiative are the joint custodians, but Australia still has not signed the Declaration.

As Earth goes into climate emergency whilst we embark on the UN Decade on Ecosystem Regeneration to resuscitate her, it is ever more urgent and more critical for the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it, to be united to avoid intragenerational confrontations.

Therefore, it is imperative for the government to recognise and mobilise the enormous capacity of children and youth to be mighty agents of change by consistently considering the latter's specific needs, rights, and perspectives in climate actions at all levels.

The Declaration represents an opportunity for Australia to commit to the adoption of a comprehensive framework to rectify the widespread omission of children and youth from climate policies across different tiers of government.

We have already squandered 30 years, there is simply no more time for mankind to be divided and conquered by this climate crisis due to infighting between younger and older members of this last generation who can ensure the survival of our future generations.

Let's put our Earth where our mouth is!

We therefore ask the House to debate and vote on a motion urging the executive government to sign the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action by 31 December 2021 at the latest.

from 16 citizens (Petition No. EN2947)

Charitable Organisations

Churches are now run as businesses and should be made to pay tax just like any other business

We therefore ask the House to declare that Churches of all denomination pay taxes

from 91 citizens (Petition No. EN2948)

COVID-19: Vaccination

This goes against the Nuremberg code.

Everyone should have their FREE choice in taking the vaccine. NO vaccine is mandatory, therefor Covid-19 vaccines should not be made mandatory for ANY work profession

We therefore ask the House to not make the vaccine mandatory, and remove the current status of aged care workers being forced to take the vaccine in order to keep their job

from 575 citizens (Petition No. EN2951)

COVID-19: Income Support Payments

All individuals of Australia should have support during the ongoing covid lockdowns,

Only businesses and working people are supported covid payments stopped in March 2021 Victoria has had 3 further lockdowns this means we are at home our bills are higher we are isolated young families like myself can't access childcare in rural areas we rely on playgroup and playgrounds for our mental health we are falling below poverty because of this many of us will be paying bills higher than usual which means less money for food and other activities when we come out of lockdown. We can't even get medical treatment as single parents some your not aloud to have an ultrasound with your children present. I want to work but I can't there is no childcare this is unfair

We therefore ask the House to Re introduce covid suppliment payment for people on benifit payments we are raising the future of Australia but at breaking point stuck at home can't get on top of higher bills that would normally be lower in winter because we can be outside of the home. Under high stress with children who don't understand they can't go to normal activities or a playground. This needs to be across the bord for every Australian not just businesses and workers we are also struggling mentally and financially 5 lockdowns for VIC how many more are there going to be in the future Help financially is needed more so in winter than spring or summer

from eight citizens (Petition No. EN2954)

COVID-19: Vaccination

There is no action from Australia to assist Australians living in Vietnam to receive Covid-19 anti-virus vaccination.

We therefore ask the House to consider the Australian business and expatriate community in Vietnam is in mortal danger from this pandemic. Without vaccinations to protect them from Covid 19 it is highly likely that there will be Australian citizens dying.

The Australian Government has commendably stated that they will soon supply 1.5 million anti-covid doses to Vietnam. This is direct to the Vietnamese authorities.

We therefore respectfully request that the Australian Embassy in Vietnam arrange with the Vietnamese authorities for allocating part of the donation to vaccinate Australian citizens in Vietnam to ensure a catastrophe is avoided

from 29 citizens (Petition No. EN2956)

COVID-19: International Travel

Many Australians have family overseas who they need to visit. Surely allowing vaccinated Australians and residents to travel internationally without hotel quarantine this is the first safest step towards reopening our borders. This will also support an industry which has been heavily impacted by covid. Perhaps we need to wait till we have 50% or more vaccinated but for goodness sake put a stake in the ground and provide light at the end of this long tunnel!

We therefore ask the House to allow international travel for vaccinated residents once 50% of the Australian population is fully vaccinated.

from 23 citizens (Petition No. EN2957)

COVID-19: International Travel

Hundreds of Australian stranded in Bangladesh almost a year now. Our spouses, kids, parents are separated from family for months. Apparently, our government don't care us at all. Can anyone promise when this virus issue will be over? We are sure no one can. So, we have to start learning living with covid19. We need to fight rather running from this virus.

We understand this virus is more destructive than normal flu and we need special care. But we can't just stop living being afraid of virus and can't stop our citizens to come home from overseas specially when we don't know when this will be over. Please don't forget that coming home from overseas for a citizen is a very basic human right.

Our government mentioned that we have the best quarantine facilities in the world. Moreover, we are ready to pay for our quarantine cost and will follow all the health directions required. We are keep buying tickets and getting cancellation now and then however the price of ticket is sky rocketing about $5000 which is impossible for us to afford. On the other hand, Qanats is running some repatriate flights from India regularly which is an example of double standard of your government. (Ref: Qantas website).

We therefore ask the House to arrange some Chartered Flights urgently so that we can return to our home and we all work together to fight this issue.

from 430 citizens (Petition No. EN2960)

Veterans' Entitlements Act

Veterans Entitlement Act 1986(VEA) S196B outlines that "the main function of the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) is to determine Statements of Principals (SoP) for the purpose of the VEA/MRCA". SoPs list factors, one of which "must" exist before an injury, disease or death can be related to service....

The legislative governance Parliament has placed on the RMA has, in effect resulted in a dictation that constrains the RMA to such a degree, that it has no option other than to draft SoP's, where in some instances factors are quantified to a single gram, second, or millimetre. And this may be the sole consideration that determines if an injury, disease or death is related to service....

The complexities of this legislative constraint are such that VEA/MRCA decision makers are deprived from being able to have regard to compelling evidence, including circumstances peculiar to the person, including information which is adduced IAW the Evidence Act S177 Certificate of Expert Evidence....

Natural Justice resides firmly on the foundation of logic, common sense and experience, and in this instance the legislation has the consequence of rendering "expert medical evidence" as an irrelevant consideration for the purposes of making VEA/MRCA determinations. This raises the questions whether Parliament has advertently legislated a breach of Natural Justice.

We therefore ask the House to initiate such processes, as to cause amendments to the VEA, which would allow VEA/MRCA Decision makers to consider "expert medical evidence" in making decisions, and reinstall natural justice to the acknowledged "beneficial" Veterans legislation.

from 62 citizens (Petition No. EN2961)

COVID-19: Parliamentarians' Entitlements

Calling on politicians to show true leadership and illustrate to the people what it means to be "we are all in this together" to take a pay-cut like all citizens of Australia who are suffering due to Government Mandated Health Orders restricting their Essential Right to earn an income and feed their families.

Lockdowns Mandated by Government are affecting small businesses, sole traders, contractors and lower income earners more than most and as it is their taxes that are paying the politicians we ask our expenses to be minimised in this time and also for the load to be borne by ALL

We therefore ask the House to introduce and Approve a bill on behalf of the Australian Public to cap the income earned by politicians in line with government covid disaster payments

from 144 citizens (Petition No. EN2964)

COVID-19: Statistics

The proper reporting of deaths via Government and Media when it comes to Covid and any other such future infection where it is a contributing factor rather that the main factor.

That is to say for example an 80 Year old dies from hart disease as the main cause where the contributing factor is old age and contracting Covid.

Yet the main factor is reported as Covid and misleading to the public. Proper reporting of Vaccine death and adverse reactions (AEFI reports) for the same purposeful misleading intentions to the public.

We therefore ask the House to enforce the true reporting via Gov & Media for Covid-19 & Vaccine AEFI reported deaths to the public.

from 330 citizens (Petition No. EN2966)

Climate Change

We are in the midst of abrupt, irreversible climate change and resource depletion. As a consequence, civilization is likely to collapse before the middle of this century. It would therefore be advisable that Australian citizens have access to euthanasia and/or assisted suicide before this occurs.

We therefore ask the House to allocate responsibility for euthanasia and assisted suicide to the Federal Government and to provide euthanasia and/or assisted suicide services to Australian citizens facing civilization collapse as a result of abrupt, irreversible climate change and resource depletion.

from seven citizens (Petition No. EN2970)

Welfare

The discriminatory Indue Cashless Debit Card rollout within the Widebay region causes demoralization, financial disadvantage and embarrassment to the most vulnerable people and family's in our region.

The inequality and shame this card inflicts by assuming that all people on Centrelink waste there money on alcohol and gambling is abhorrent.

To force it on people who have done nothing wrong is financial abuse.

We therefore ask the House to scrap the forced Indue Cashless Debit rollout in the Widebay region. Make it optional not mandatory.

from 247 citizens (Petition No. EN2971)

Foreign Investment

With local home ownership becoming increasingly difficult in Australia, the country must take a 'quid pro quo' perspective to the real estate market. If a resident of another country can freely purchase large amounts of Australian property, with the income and profits going overseas, why can't an Australian do the same in their country? Australia should match these foreign country rules about foreigner owned real estate, as so much money is being lost from the local economy and will increasingly put a strain on Australian residents with this unfair trade-off that is only benefitting foreign residents and economies.

We therefore ask the House to consider new rules for new and existing real estate that is foreign resident owned in Australia, to match the rules for the owners of their country on foreign owned real estate.

from 21 citizens (Petition No. EN2972)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Vaccine uptake is low and people lack choices, transparency and confidence in the performance and safety of current choices Pfizer and the phased out AstraZeneca.

Improve uptake with more choices and transparency.

We therefore ask the House to

1. Be transparent regarding test results of vaccines, eg performance, safety, side effects. This to restore confidence to vaccinate as a choice (not made mandatory).

2. Provide people more vaccine choices. Consequently people can make informed decisions (not based on limited mandatory choices).

from 41 citizens (Petition No. EN2973)

Medical Workforce

The Department of Health has decided that the Hunter Region has enough GPs, so are not Distribution Priority Areas (DPA). Therefore, most International and some Australian Medical Graduates can't work here. With less than 4% of all Australian Medical Graduates choosing to be rural GPs, Hunter practices can't replace their retiring GPs or plan for community growth. The situation in most townships IS dire. The Department counts Medicare items to decide DPA. They don't consider poor public transport, overcrowded emergency departments, ambulance ramping, or some of the State's worst hospital waiting lists. The demand forces GPs to see lots of patients quickly, so Medicare "looks" like there are plenty of appointments. In reality, patients get little time with their doctor, doctors get over-worked and burned out, leave and then everyone suffers. It also doesn't consider what doctors do. GPs who supervise trainees, do home and aged care visits, take calls overnight, provide specialised care - like mental health or women's health - won't show up with Medicare as much as doctors seeing 6 patients per hour in their office. The loss of some GPs will barely show up on the DPA radar, even though it leaves a major hole in the community. DPA restrictions for GPs are not the only problem, but they are a big part of it, and it's damaging the health of the HUNTER Region. FIX it Please.

We therefore ask the House to reverse the non DPA status in the HUNTER REGION.

from 21 citizens (Petition No. EN2977)

COVID-19: Domestic Travel

Unrestricted domestic travel during lockdowns for fully vaccinated citizens.

Unrestricted domestic travel during state board restrictions for fully vaccinated citizens.

Vaccinated citizens need to travel and promote vaccinations and stimulate the economy.

It would also be a trial/test to prove it stops the spread interstate.

We therefore ask the House to start vaccinated domestic passports asap.

We therefore aslo ask to start vaccinated international passports after tested domestically.

from seven citizens (Petition No. EN2979)

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) launched its new parallel runway at Brisbane Airport on 12 July 2020, resulting in changes to flight paths across Brisbane with a significant negative impact on local communities.

Ministerial approval of BAC's Environmental Impact Statement was granted in 2007 under Section 160 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as part of the new parallel runway's Major Development Plan.

The Brisbane Flight Path Community Alliance has found evidence that Brisbane Airport's Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) data - endorsed by Airservices Australia - was flawed. This inaccurate data formed the basis of noise modelling, which misrepresented the true impact that Brisbane communities are now experiencing as a result of these flight path changes. This was exacerbated by inadequate consultation and engagement with affected communities, and a failure to reduce the negative impacts of the noise pollution on the health and wellbeing of residents.

BAC's flawed data and inadequate consultation undermines Federal approval and any social licence relied on to support the new flight path design.

We therefore ask the House to

1. Amend the Air Services Act 1995 to free Airservices Australia from its regulatory capture by the aviation industry and ensure it protects the human and natural environment, community amenity and residential areas from the effects of the operation and use of aircraft.

2. Review to what extent the ministerial approval granted in 2007 relied on flawed and misleading data, with a view to revoke the approval of the current aviation airspace management plan for Brisbane Airport.

from 2,455 citizens (Petition No. EN2983)

COVID-19: Biosecurity

Deaths in UK where the underlying cause was respiratory illness were 10,000 fewer in 2020 than in 2018, despite millions of cases of Covid. This proves that, even at its peak, SARS-CoV-2 was not a public health emergency and therefore the associated human biosecurity emergency measures under Biosecurity Act 2015 are no longer justified.

We therefore ask the House to cancel the human biosecurity emergency status of Covid-19.

from 3,798 citizens (Petition No. EN2988)

Broadband

Since the start of 2021 there has been numerous ADSL outages in the Moore Creek, Daruka and Moonbi Gap area. Outages have been for a length of 1-4 weeks at a time, leaving residents unable to be contactable, work from home, home school or have access to reliable internet.

The NBN is not available to residents of this area, and installing a satellite internet service would mean slower speeds and a decrease in the resale value of the property.

Telstra has been unable to provide the residents with a reason as to why the outages are occurring so often.

We therefore ask the House to provide the residents of the Moore Creek, Daruka and Moonbi gap areas with a provider who is able to provide a reliable and consistent internet service.

from 35 citizens (Petition No. EN2989)

COVID-19: Statistics

The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) was invented by Kary Mullis Nobel Laureate. Its was to amplify a very small amount of material, so another process can test it. It's a lab tool, it does not tell you are sick Mullis said many times. In 2007 in Dartmoor NH USA its use created a false epidemic of Whooping cough ( on record), But it has been chosen to be the main way we choose the test for the presence of Covid 19. For no errors max 15-17 cycles are used. Above this false positives occur.

It cannot distinguish between a live virus and non-effective RNA.

Most countries used 40-55 cycles, thus massive false positives ( saying the person is ill, when not) Even 28 cycles too many false positives. Why has the he Australian public been tested above 15-17 cycles. Why did governments use cycle rates that creates many false positives. Why was a lab tool, incorrectly used for disease diagnosis, when it was not designed for that purpose

In Austria and and Portugal courts have ruled that the PCR is unlawful to determine use of lockdowns masks and restrictions.

We therefore ask the House to

Give the Australian pubic full history of test rates used nationally. Have access to the rates on their test tests, and the further analysis done. If too many cycles used, businesses and people to be able to have legal redress Plus stop all use. Setup tribunal to indite on misuse.

from 913 citizens (Petition No. EN2991)

South China Sea

Australian naval forces have been deployed to the South China Sea in support of British, American, Japanese, and French naval forces. This has happened without appropriate consultation with, and approval by, the Australian people or their elected parliamentary representatives, and without any form of referendum. This is wholly unacceptable. While it is true that China and the Communist Party of China have effected an enormous military infrastucture buildup in the South China Sea, this buildup does not threaten Australia, nor any Commonwealth or 'Quad' nation. Certainly not militarily. ASEAN nations in the region such as Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia are together easily able to co-secure the waters of the SCS with China, and to negotiate with China over territorial matters. The USA has never even joined the UNCLOS treaty which it claims to be defending. US and British claims to be defending the democratic freedom of Taiwan are dubious at best, and more likely misinformational propaganda designed to divert attention away from their real objective of ongoing and unnecessary aggressive economically and geostrategically motivated 'surround and contain' campaign against China. ADF naval personnel in this region are being completely needlessly placed in harm's way.

We therefore ask the House to order the chief of defence to immediately withdraw all Australian Naval forces from the South China Sea and redeploy them in Australia's Northern waters, and/or return them to Australian ports, pending a digital referendum of the Australian people regarding, and a proper parliamentary review of, the current deployment.

from six citizens (Petition No. EN2992)

COVID-19: Vaccination

People over 50, but under 60 did the right thing and went and got their first AstraZeneca jab. However, it was then advised that the Pfizer is preferred for this age group.

We therefore ask the House to allow people between 50 and 60, who've already had the first AstraZeneca jab to be allowed to have the Pfizer as their second shot, regardless of whether they had serious side effects from the first AstraZeneca.

from nine citizens (Petition No. EN2994)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Only about 10% of Australia's population is properly vaccinated. Vaccination, combined with appropriate social measures, is the best chance that we have of defeating COVID-19 and returning to pre-COVID living and economic circumstances. This is of enormous importance to our children and future generations. There is at least one vaccine now available (Pfizer) that is known to have few side effects and to be highly effective. A democratic referendum should be performed to determine if vaccination should be mandatory for individuals without compromised immune systems or other conditions prohibiting safe vaccine consumption.

We therefore ask the House to hold an on line referendum to determine democratically if COVID-19 vaccination using the safest vaccines should be mandatory for those without pre-existing conditions which render them vulnerable to vaccination.

from 15 citizens (Petition No. EN2995)

Superannuation

The concessional contributions cap has been increased to $27500 in 2021, but this amount is too lower for those people who migrate from other countries and start work here after 45 years old, they will not be able to have a decent retirement life style. If the cap can be increased to a reasonable amount like $35000 or more to allow people who has ability and willing to put more money into their superannuation and this can also help government on the pension cost.

We therefore ask the House to increase s superannuation concessional contributions cap to $35000 or more for people having a decent retirement lift style without too much help from government

from five citizens (Petition No. EN2997)

Telecommunications

The community of Moore Creek, Upper Moore Creek, Daruka and Moonbi Gap Road NSW need mobile phone coverage.

Our community currently has very minimal to mostly no mobile phone coverage, this is further impacted by also having no standard NBN service available and a poor ADSL service, which experiences frequent outages, this leaves our community without Internet access for long periods of time.

We therefore ask the House to oversee the provision of a fair and reliable mobile phone coverage for our community, by any mobile service providers within Australia.

Moore Creek NSW is a rapidly developing suburb of Tamworth NSW and it would benefit many; now and into the future.

from 91 citizens (Petition No. EN2998)

COVID-19: Homelessness

Every night, there are about 116,000 Australians who are considered homeless. There are even more that "sleep rough," and can't afford food and other staples. According to the 2020 Australian census, there are 3.24 million people living below the poverty line in Australia.

When Australian states go into lockdown, and have a mask requirement, the prices of masks shoot up. Most of those who live in poverty are not able to purchase masks in advance, as they cannot afford to buy non-essentials. Many of them cannot simply use a cloth mask as they do not have a reliable method of washing it. On average, a pack of 50 disposable masks costs around 20 dollars when there is low demand. However, when demand is high, a pack of 50 masks can cost around 40 dollars. The majority of those living in poverty simply cannot afford that.

We therefore ask the House to make steps towards creating a program that provides masks for those living in poverty. This can be through providing discounted mask packs at certain locations, or it can be free masks at homeless shelters and/or soup kitchens. However it is executed, it is the government's responsibility to protect it's citizens, and this program would be doing just that.

from 72 citizens (Petition No. EN3001)

COVID-19: Vaccination

I think that nurses and doctors shouldn't have to have the vaccination if they choose not to. They should only have to wear masks and do social distancing (as usual) I know a few nurses who would not like the covid vaccinations because they believe in no vaccination. Their voices should be heard. Besides the vaccination has killed many people, what about those who react to the vaccinations. I humbly ask that for the sake of the nurse's lives, that they get a choice. This a free country. Thank you for hearing/reading my petition.

We therefore ask the House to Make vaccination not mandatory for nurses and doctors alike. Thank you.

from 388 citizens (Petition No. EN3002)

Vaccination

Any vaccine mandate to any or all parts of Australian society is contrary to section 51.xxxiii of The Australian Constitution.

Any vaccine mandate that marginalises any sector or section of the population which would occur if mandated to a few industries like age care is discriminatory and against UN Human rights especially article 23.

We therefore ask the House to support the Australian Constitution and the UN Human Rights bill in voting against any pharmaceutical conscription, vaccine mandate and make any person, company, individual or government liable to federal criminal offences who or which conscripts by any means any person, company or individual for any injection, vaccine or pharmaceutical.

from 252 citizens (Petition No. EN3006)

Gun Control

Australians have been gradually disarmed over a number of years .Now many believe that the politicians of Australia to a large degree have sold the people out and are following the dictates of the UN the WEF and WHO and the faceless individuals who control them in order to bring in a global communistic New World Order.

We therefore seek the protection of the Constitution to give to us the right to openly carry firearms of any calibre in order to form militia and protect ourselves and family against a government gone rogue if it becomes necessary .

We therefore ask the House to take the steps necessary to put a referendum to the people to alter the Constitution of Australia to include in it the right of all citizens to bear arms of any calibre or type and to be able to carry them openly or concealed without permit or back ground check.

from 328 citizens (Petition No. EN3011)

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear power is a cheap, safe, and the cleanest and most efficient and effective source of energy. If we really want to reach a 0-Carbon Emissions goal, we need to take the cleanest and more environmentally friendly role which is economically viable - ie. Nuclear Power. After removing the ban on nuclear power, either private or public companies and contractors can create a new Australian job boom, and Australia will have a cheap and clean energy source which everyone can agree with. Hence signing this petition is a way to a new Australia, and to create a new job boom which will improve lives for all Australians.

Australians have the right to be provided with services that will not results in electrical blackouts (solar and wind power) whilst moving towards a carbon-neutral future.

We therefore ask the House to amend the 1983 Nuclear Power Ban, by legalising and encouraging the use of nuclear power, allowing Australia to head towards a sustainable, strong economical, and overall successful future.

from 76 citizens (Petition No. EN3012)

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (IBD) prior approval to be implemented to avoid severe suffering of patients, health and mental state. As some cases can have adverse effects and take approximately a week to recover, dependent on the severity of the IBD, of that individual.

The Medicare approval please be made, at least three days or a week prior, so that no delays occur or can be catered for due to backlog or other unforeseen circumstances. So, individuals do not have to take LEAVE of ABSENCE from employers for prolonged periods of time for recovery and are not suffer to the point that it is detrimental to their health causing permanent damage to cells, including their general wellbeing/mental state on a periodic cycle.

This will also provide flexibility for individuals to obtain the injection within the due course and assist in accommodating the individual's employment and other commitments and assist in leading a normal life to an extent.

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 the date of administration of the injection to avoid delays.

Your consideration and approval of this matter will be highly appreciated. Thank you.

from nine citizens (Petition No. EN3013)

COVID-19: International Travel

We are stuck in the global epicentre of a worsening pandemic. Scores of people around us are becoming sick every day, including children. The health care system is collapsing, if it has not collapsed already. We are in a situation of despair. The recent change in Australian Government policy on permitted numbers of international arrivals has made it impossible for us to get home. We have had flights cancelled, remained on flight waiting lists for months and tried to organise private plane charters only to be blocked either by the regulations in Australia or by the exorbitant costs.

We therefore ask the House to immediately makes recommended vaccines and affordable repatriation flights available for Australians in Indonesia so that we may be safe and safely come home.

from 38 citizens (Petition No. EN3014)

COVID-19: Income Support Payments

Our business's average daily takings are down 71% from normal trading.

Our approximate daily overheads are over $2,300.

To afford our team their regular wages, plus superannuation,

during this lockdown amounts to $14,000 for 12 days.

To cover the entirety of our overheads for the 12 days is $28,000.

Our income is predicted at being $11,700, based on our takings in

the last 7 days and including the $4,800 Victorian government subsidy.

In summary, to keep all our team employed and pay our rent, utilities, and suppliers,

we would be looking at generating an estimated $16,000 deficit over these next 12 days.

This is without consideration of the enormous financial strain we, and many others,

are already experiencing from the ongoing effects of these lockdowns and restrictions.

The reality of our options, as we see them, are either continuing to sacrifice our team's shifts, with the ongoing potential of cuts to their hours as we attempt to recover the effects of the lockdowns to get back on our feet.

Or closing our business, therefore sacrificing dozens of jobs, our local economic input & the incredible investment we have made thus far.

We have no desire to undertake either of these options and so we wish to present the most reasonable option, of which we believe our government is entitled to provide us.

We therefore ask the House to present our sincere request to immediately reinstate Job Keeper and other financial supplements to ensure the survival of our countries businesses, workers & economy.

from 22 citizens (Petition No. EN3015)

E-Cigarettes

A healthier alternative for those who wish to give up tobacco smoking and cannot give up nicotine

We therefore ask the House to

Legalise the use of nicotine Vaping solution in Australia

from 24 citizens (Petition No. EN3016)

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

To stop the CSIRO for carrying out Gain of Function research in any Laboratories and to stop funding Gain of Function research in Australia and or around the world.

We therefore ask the House to make any information on Gain of Function research from the CSIRO to be made available to the house & to the public or Members of Parliament for review and to implement change in the laws to stop Gain of Function research.

from 90 citizens (Petition No. EN3017)

Missing Persons

A young Aboriginal man missing for 11 days was last seen by police entering a river in north-western New South Wales, with his family now accusing the force of withholding information about his disappearance.

Gordon Copeland, 22, has been missing since the early hours of Saturday 10 July.

Police issued a statement on Tuesday 13 July saying officers had seen a black hatchback speeding on the Newell Highway in Moree about 2.30am that Saturday and later found the car bogged near a bridge on the Carnarvon Highway.

"Officers attempted to speak with a man at the scene, however, he allegedly ran from police and was seen entering the Gwydir River," a NSW police spokesperson said at the time.

A search by emergency services including the Rural Fire Service and SES failed to locate Copeland. A further search involving police divers and additional volunteers was also unsuccessful, police said.

Police later said the search had been called off only to be resumed by a collective group of people whom we will be indebted forever

while the matter was being investigated. A critical incident team was sent to investigate "all circumstances surrounding the incident", overseen by the professional standards command.

On Wednesday morning, police issued a statement saying: "the matter is subject of a critical incident investigation and there will be no further comment."

We therefore ask the House to deploy the ADF and all additional resources and assistance to the Moree Community and demand that Gordon Copeland be returned home.

from 10 citizens (Petition No. EN3018)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Forcing people to be vaccinated and controlling our movements are against our Constitution

We therefore ask the House to stop this passport/ID from coming in. The High Court ruled that vaccines cannot be made mandatory, and this Passport/ID is in breach of this by forcing people to be vaccinated against their Will to enable us to keep the freedoms we have

from 1,620 citizens (Petition No. EN3019)

Parliamentary Procedure

Section 116 of our Constitution stops the Commonwealth from imposing any religious observance.

The Solicitor General said "The power given by section 50 to each House to make rules and orders with respect to the order and conduct of its business and proceedings does not confer power to make rules and orders which are inconsistent with the Constitution. "

This quote comes from the House of Representatives Practice.

The matter has been asked in a previous petition but for some reason the Petitions Committee sent that petition to the Speaker who has no right to answer a petition because he is not a Minister or alter Standing Orders. The Petitions committee got it very wrong, this petition should be considered the only petition with regard to prayers. The Leader of the House is the best to answer and action this petition by putting a motion to the House to remove prayers from the Standing Orders.

We therefore ask the House to put a motion to alter Standing Orders to remove prayers before the start of a session so that Parliament doesn't breach S116 by imposing a religious observance.

from 16 citizens (Petition No. EN3021)

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (IBD) prior approval to be implemented to avoid severe suffering of patients, health and mental state. As some cases can have adverse effects and take approximately a week to recover, dependent on the severity of the IBD.

The Medicare approval please be made, at least 3 days or a week prior, so that no delays occur or can be catered for due to backlog or other unforeseen circumstances. So, individuals do not have to take LEAVE of ABSENCE from employers for prolonged periods of time for recovery due to delayed administration of medication and are not suffering detrimental health effects causing permanent damage to cells, including their general wellbeing on a periodic cycle.

This will also provide flexibility for individuals to obtain the injection within the due course and assist in accommodating the individual's employment and other commitments to lead a normal life to a large extent.

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

We therefore ask the House to bring the Medicare approval for the medication to be earlier by 3 days to a week prior to the date of administration of the medicine, to avoid delays.

Your consideration and approval of this matter will be highly appreciated.

Thank you

Nafeesa

from nine citizens (Petition No. EN3022)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Mandating COVID Vaccines in Aged Care, Health Care & other industries is UNLAWFUL and does not comply with legislated requirements relating to:

- Effectiveness

- Safety

- Less intrusive options

- Informed consent

- Workforce impacts

We therefore ask the House to PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING EVIDENCE to prove the mandates COMPLY WITH LEGISLATION or stop mandating COVID vaccines. (Note, overriding individual human rights can only be justified by high quality scientific evidence, not 'expert opinion' and must show a high magnitude of effect):

1. Provide quality scientific evidence to prove COVID vaccines have a high magnitude of EFFECTIVENESS TO SPECIFICALLY PREVENT TRANSMISSION (as required in WHS & Biosecurity Act).

2. Provide scientific evidence showing ALL SHORT & LONG TERM RISKS of the COVID vaccines are significantly less than risks of not vaccinating, for all age brackets (as required in WHS Laws).

3. Please provide an explanation with supporting scientific evidence why you have not considered the following LESS INTRUSIVE OPTIONS (as required by Biosecurity Act & Human Rights Laws):

- Recognition of immunity gained by recovered COVID-19 individuals.

- Ivermectin

- Vitamin D. .

4. Human Rights Law requires FREE INFORMED CONSENT for all who receive experimental interventions. Please explain how mandating COVID vaccines still in stage 3 trials complies with this.

5. Negative IMPACTS ON THE WORKFORCE need to be considered (as required under WHS Law). Please quantify this impact and provide a plan to avoid it.

from 2,905 citizens (Petition No. EN3023)

COVID-19: International Travel

(CONTEXT: COVID-19) There are numerous Australian citizens and Permanent Residents who are stuck overseas due to border closures post COVID-19 restrictions. These citizens are going through challenging circumstances and wish to come back home safely. AstraZeneca is produced locally in abundance, however, due to reluctance to this vaccine, people are not keen to take the jab. We should make these vaccines available to Australians living/stuck abroad if they are keen to go ahead with it. AstraZeneca has proven efficacy towards the COVID-19 virus. In many countries, Citizens/PR holders have no or limited access to vaccines.

We therefore ask the House to consider sending the AstraZeneca vaccines on humanitarian grounds to AU citizens/PR holders living/stuck in other countries. This will also make sure that we get our loved ones back and reduce the risk of the virus affecting more citizens.

from 13 citizens (Petition No. EN3025)

COVID-19: Vaccination

As children of the almighty God, we repent in any National Emergency Vaccination Rollout or Strategy and we repent Australia to enter into Martial law.

We therefore ask the House to take an oath to God and to the citizens of Australia that Martial law will never govern us nor that there will ever be any kind of National Emergency Vaccination Strategy / schedule condemned upon us as citizens and as children of Jesus Christ the almighty God.

from 495 citizens (Petition No. EN3026)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Many people will be leaving their jobs if it is forced that they receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

We therefore ask the House to not let it be mandatory for any worker in any sector be forced to have the covid-19 vaccine.

from 679 citizens (Petition No. EN3029)

COVID-19: Law Enforcement

The organisers are breaking the laws and putting the lives of other Australians at risk by not wearing masks and disobeying laws

We therefore ask the House to make a special law allowing the arrest and detainment of anyone organising or participaing/participated in the Covid "Freedom Marches". Making it a Federal Offence rather than just a State offence. We ask that ASIO identify persons and have them detained until a court can hear the matter.

from 13 citizens (Petition No. EN3031)

COVID-19: Statistics

Governments in Australia are using the medical term 'case' incorrectly when reporting results of PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 virus. The result of falsely describing positive tests as cases means the community is misled.

Medically speaking, a 'case' refers to a sick person. Since COVID, this well-established medical term has been arbitrarily redefined to mean someone who tested positive for the presence of viral RNA.

A positive PCR test for the virus does not mean the person has COVID-19 disease and therefore cannot be called a case. Symptoms must also be taken onto account. If a person has symptoms and then receives a positive PCR test it is likely they have COVID-19.

Another significant issue is that a positive PCR test is unable to distinguish between live (infectious) or dead viral material. And, since the test cannot distinguish between live virus and dead viral material, a person may not even be carrying live virus at all and not be infectious.

We therefore ask the House to recommend that Federal and State Governments stop using the term 'case' for people who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. We ask that governments only use the term 'case' for people who have COVID-19 symptoms and who also test positive using the PCR or other appropriate test.

from 568 citizens (Petition No. EN3035)

Human Rights

1. On 7 December 2020, the Human Rights Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade tabled its report to the Parliament recommending enactment of a standalone, Magnitsky-style targeted sanctions Act during the 46th [current] Parliament.

2. The US, Canada, Britain, and European Union already have Magnitsky-type laws.

3. The purpose of Magnitsky laws is to name serious human rights abusers and corrupt actors, limit their ability to travel, seize assets and prevent transfer of corrupt wealth.

4. A Magnitsky law is a sensible and proportionate response to criminal actors who are expert in flouting the rule of law or sanctions imposed on their country.

5. The Chinese Communist Party stands out because of its hostility to the rule of law, its deteriorating human rights, its threats to Australia and the expansion of its ideology to control the world.

6. Magnitsky laws work as they target what corrupt/totalitarian actors fear most - loss of image, prestige, loss of corrupt wealth and escape destinations upon regime collapse.

We therefore ask the House to request the Prime Minister Scott Morrison to:

1. Listen to the bi-partisan voice of Federal Parliament and uphold Australian values.

2. Protect Australians from the perverse influence of serious human rights abusers and corrupt actors by preventing their entry to Australia.

3. Help people suffering gross human rights abuses in other countries by fulfilling Australia's international obligations to expose those responsible.

4. Immediately enact a Magnitsky-style Act during the current term of Federal Parliament.

from 613 citizens (Petition No. EN3036)

Veterans' Entitlements Act

Veterans Entitlement Act 1986(VEA) s138(2)(a), makes reference to "Statement of Principles" (SoP's). These SoP's refer to a non-legislative "Guide to aetiology of diseases", which was first referenced at (9.8) in the "Independent Report into the Repatriation System"…

In 1993 in response to the Bushell decision, and a report from the Auditor-General, the Minister DVA established the Veterans' Compensation Review Committee. A resulting recommendation triggered Parliament to pass legislation that empowered the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) to decide on SoP's…

Despite having the same title these documents are created by different processes, and legislation clearly constrains the decision maker in a manner which a guide will not….

Notwithstanding the evident conflict between VEA s139(3) and VEA s138(2)(a), up until the legislated SoP's came into being it was necessary that the Repatriation Commission (Commission) made the SoP's available to the Board, because in effect the "guide" SoP's were the property of the Commission. However once the SoP's became legislation they ceased to be the property of the Commission, and the Board could access the legislated SoP's for itself without a contribution from the Commission…

That the non-legislated SoP's continue to be referenced in the VEA highlights inappropriate administration of the Act which results in systemic mismanagement and confusion, and demonstrates procedural contempt to Veterans wellbeing.

We therefore ask the House to initiate such processes as to cause VEA s138(2)(a) to be repealed, in order to eliminate confusion, with a view to restoring some semblance of sensibility and rationality into the VEA.

from 43 citizens (Petition No. EN3037)

Commonwealth Electoral Act

The current system of voting for the House of Representatives is not truly democratic.

This petition is asking for a one-word amendment to allow Choice. Choice to number one, some, or all squares on the ballot slip, as each Voter decides.

The current system COMPELS Voters to number ALL squares of the ballot slip. This legal COMPULSION is not democratic. For true democracy, VOTERS must be allowed to choose and DECIDE if they wish to number one square, or some squares, or all squares.

Currently, a vote may be deemed informal if voters do not number all squares. However, some voters may prefer to choose just one, or a few, candidates and ignore the remainder. The introduction of choice allows a true democratic decision for Voters.

This is similar to the Senate system of voting, where not all squares need to be numbered. A Senate ballot without all squares numbered may still be valid, even though it may 'expire' during distribution of preferences.

We therefore ask the House to amend the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 section 240 (1) (b) by adding the word "optionally", so as to read, "optionally writing the numbers 2, 3, 4 (and so on, as the case requires) in the squares opposite the names of all the remaining candidates so as to indicate the order of the person's preference for them."

And, accordingly, the House to redefine the definition of an informal vote in section 268 (1) (c).

from 71 citizens (Petition No. EN3038)

Australian Constitution

The Australian Constitution contains the pronouns "his" and "he" around 70 times in reference to the Governor General, Justice of the High Court, Justices of Courts, Members of the House of Representatives and Senators. These positions are no longer exclusively held by males.

We therefore ask the House to introduce bills that call on the Federal Parliament via a resolution in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to propose a change to the Constitution by requesting the Governor General to approve a referendum to replace the words "his" and "he" in the Constitution with a neutral term that is inclusive of all genders such as "this person" or "these people".

from 148 citizens (Petition No. EN3040)

Iran

To support the Iranian's latest uprising against Islamic Republic of Iran which denying them from the very basic and fundamental human rights like having access to clean water and air.

We therefore ask the House to intervene and prevent further loss of life by urging the Islamic Republic of Iran to stop these brutal attacks and obey and uphold international agreements and domestic laws. We further implore the Australian Government to release a statement of solidarity with the people of Iran and to condemn the Iranian regime's violent treatment of its citizen

from five citizens (Petition No. EN3041)

Australian Constitution

The Uluru Statement, regarding an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, is not representative of grass-roots Aboriginal opinion. The Uluru elders themselves were not consulted appropriately. The process was and is being manipulated by a small group of elite activists and is an abuse of power, something the Australian Crime Commission Final Report of the National Indigenous Intelligence Task Force (2006-14) found is widespread in Aboriginal communities. The small group pushing this divisive Voice to Parliament has, for decades, dismally failed Aboriginal people, who are rarely consulted.

Many Aboriginal communities have also been overtaken by fake Aboriginal people, who control their resources and access to money. An effective Aboriginal Voice to Parliament is impossible while widespread Aboriginal identity fraud is allowed to continue.

There have been numerous parliamentary enquiries into Aboriginal affairs, which have achieved little. The billions spent on public servant salaries, failed experiments and consultancies should have achieved specific measurable results by now. Law and order, domestic violence, victimisation, poor quality housing, poor education outcomes, poor school attendance, youth suicide, drug abuse and life expectancy and more, remain unresolved. This Voice to Parliament is just another elite project aimed at covering up these failures.

We therefore ask the House to end race-based funding and to reject the unrepresentative and divisive Uluru Statement and any separate Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Instead the House should request and assist a truly representative group of Aboriginal elders and traditional owners to meet and discuss a way forward, in consultation with the Federal Government.

from 116 citizens (Petition No. EN3042)

National Education Standards

The ATSI advisory group on the Australian school curriculum should be disbanded because it is not representative of people with Aboriginal heritage and its advice is not trustworthy.

There is no reason to have confidence in this unrepresentative group. Its capability, integrity and/or knowledge of Aboriginal people and their wishes is highly questionable and it is not worthy of advising the government.

For example, members of the group have:

•called for the introduction of Aboriginal mathematics because Maths is systematically racist.

•defended and promoted critical race theory

•criticised tests written 'through the cultural lens of the dominant society'

•made ridiculous claims such as boomerangs led to the invention of the propeller and flight

Group members also appear to support discredited books like Dark Emu and their distortions of historical records.

Children should learn consistent Mathematics and English and be taught accurate historical facts, so they can successfully participate in Australian society, gain economic independence and live fulfilling lives. The curriculum should also promote national unity, not division.

Aboriginal cultural practices are variable across the country. If Aboriginal Cultural Studies is to be part of a national curriculum, extensive consultation with Aboriginal elders would be required from every region and involve local Aboriginal communities. Such a mammoth undertaking could take years.

We therefore ask the House to move for the disbanding of the ATSI advisory group on the Australian school curriculum and to ensure the national school curriculum is robust and accurate and not compromised by cultural relativism.

from 87 citizens (Petition No. EN3043)

Medicinal Cannabis

Cannabidiol(CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) have health benefits for a large degree of health issues and disorders. Effects through the combined use of both THC and CBD also have individual healing properties.

Rescheduling and decriminalisation of Cannabidiol (CBD) & Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) means people could legally be an end user of the product.

Our argument

1.The product people purchase off the street can often be low quality, tainted, unhealthy, moldy, etc.

2.People are going to use this medication regardless of its safe and it's effective.

3. Australia should sell tested controlled quality THC and CBD products.

4. No one is going to disagree today that marijuana has medical benefits & in no way should be outlawed.

5. Prohibition has proven a negative effect on the public due the black market and unregulated products being sold.

6. Decriminalisation would give Australians an opportunity to supply and manufacture quality cannabis products for domestic and international sales

7. Regulated cannabis products have proven to be cleaner and safer option then cannabis sold on the black market let's not worry about the current flawed system. There is no way Australia will not embrace the $20b+ market of recreational cannabis tourism.

We therefore ask the House to decriminalise and legalise

1.(Tetrahydrocannabinol-delta-9-thc) and Cannabidiol (CBD) federally by rescheduling cannabis from Schedule 8 to Schedule 3.

Make it legal to use, cultivate and possess marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes.

Regulate cannabis products bought sold and produced in Australia for medical and or recreational use.

from 10,918 citizens (Petition No. EN3044)

Paid Parental Leave

As a mum of a premature baby born at 27 weeks the paid parental leave is not adequate and puts a stress on a new mum that doesn't want to be in that situation but has to make hard calls. I had to choose between leaving my daughter at hospital for the 13 weeks she was premature and return to work or start my 18 week paid parental leave.

I choose to start my paid parental leave as we were not financially set up to take time off unpaid.

Now I have to start thinking about returning to work when all the doctors tell me I have a 5 week old.

We therefore ask the House to consider extending paid for all mums that have premature babies for the number of weeks the baby is premature.

from 47 citizens (Petition No. EN3045)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The TGA advises we will only register a vaccine if its benefits are much greater than its risks. For children 12-16 the benefits do not outweigh the risk.

The COMIRNATY BNT162b2 (mRNA) shot is still in clinical trials for all age groups and will not conclude until 2023. There is no short, medium or long term data to support the benefits outweigh the risk for this age group, this is a gamble on children's lives and the largest experiment known to man.

The government has looked at the data from the USA, so we have as well. The data available with age recorded on the CDC's website as of Monday 26th July 2021 is 27,787,790 people have had Covid-19, of that 2,759,997 are in the age group 0-15. There have been 500,144 deaths recorded, in the age bracket of 0-15 0.01% died. Data shows the vaccine is not stopping transmission, so why do our children need it?

The data available from VAERS shows there have been, 15,308 adverse reactions to the vaccine recorded in children between the ages of 6-17.

The vaccines are in experimental phase - trials are incomplete, and approvals were given without complete safety and efficacy data being available

We therefore ask the House to immediately stop the use the COMIRNATY BNT162b2 (mRNA) vaccines in children ages 12-16, our children will not be part of the biggest world experiment. COMIRNATY BNT162b2 (mRNA) does not outweigh the risk to our children, it only adds to the risk.

from 108,891 citizens (Petition No. EN3046)

Internet Content

Onlyfans is a Content Subscription service based in the United Kingdom, founded in 2016. It is mainly associated with explicit services and pornography. Investigations have found that it does not prevent children from being abused in the creation of explicit images and videos for the site. As well, the number of content creators on the site increased substantially during the coronavirus pandemic.

We therefore ask the House to establish a Royal Commission to examine Onlyfans and similar services and websites and their relationship to crimes such as child abuse and sex trafficking.

We also ask the House to examine the relationship between Onlyfans and it's relationship with the Mental Health of both young and older adults and children under the age of eighteen, and it's relationship with unemployment and income.

from 28 citizens (Petition No. EN3048)

COVID-19: Vaccination

WHY IS THE GOVERNEMENT DESCRIMINATING AGAINST OVER 60s

MAN Y OF US ARE STILL WOKING & PAYING TAX SO WHY ARE WE NOT ENTITLED TO THE PFIZER VACCINE?

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY DESCRIMINATORY & AEGIST!

ARE WE NOT MORE VORNUBLAE THEN PEOPLE UNDER 60s?

HIW DARE YOU GIVE THE PFIZER TO YOUNG ATHLETS TO GO TO THE OLYMPICS WHILE US THE OVER 60s ARE NOT ALLOWED?

THE ATHLETHS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PFZER UNTIL ALL THE OVER 60S HAD THE CHOICE OF VACCINE!

JUST TELL ME WHO HAS PRIORITY!

We therefore ask the House to GIVE OLDER AUSTRALIANS OVER 60+ THE CHOICE OF COVID VACCINE - THE PFIZER!

THE GOV & ATAGI ARE AGEIST & DESCRIMINATORY & AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS!

from 50 citizens (Petition No. EN3049)

Euthanasia

In 1997, the Commonwealth Parliament inserted a clause into the ACT and NT's Self Government Acts which states that these two jurisdictions have no power to make laws with respect to voluntary assisted dying. This is unfair and unreasonable - and increasingly untenable - as states around the country are passing legislation in this area. Territory citizens are being denied their democratic rights and are disadvantaged on the basis of where they live. This situation should not be allowed to persist.

The citizens of the Northern Territory deserve the same rights as any other Australian.

We therefore ask the House to give back to the Northern Territory the right to enact laws dealing with voluntary assisted dying. The Petitioners respectfully request the House to repeal section 50A of the Northern Territory (Self Government) Act 1978 so as to allow the NT Legislature to enact laws dealing with voluntary assisted dying.

from 707 citizens (Petition No. EN3052)

Migration

SCV444 minors born in NZ, many begin their life in Australia as early as turning 12 months old. They attended ELC, completed primary school followed by high school. Many have younger siblings who are born in Australia. Some minors are registered through social security institutes such as Medicare with vaccination completed on their Immunisation records, through Centrelink with no existence records in NZ accept their birth certificate. Impacts having no Pathway varies mentally and emotionally but ultimately they question their identity of belonging after only knowing the Australian way. Collectively many need a PR Pathway to enable them to have security after leaving their education environment, to enable them to cement their lives in Australia into adulthood.

We therefore ask the House to We therefore ask the House of Representatives to allow a pathway for SCV444 Minors, to gain PR at the age 16 years old if they were present in Australia by 2 years and 3 months old.

from 514 citizens (Petition No. EN3053)

Australian Currency

The $50 dollar note is commonly referred to as a "Fiddy", the $10 dollar note a "Tenner" and the $5 dollar note a "Fiver", hence the reason why this petition exists. This petition is to change not only the spoken name of the note but also the appearance. e.g. instead of the note having the number 50 on it, it should have the word "Fiddy".

For example instead of saying "can I have two $50 dollar notes, a $10 dollar note and a $5 dollar note?" you would say "can I get two Fiddys, a Tenner and a Fiver?"

We therefore ask the House to change not only the spoken name but also the written name of the $50, $10 and $5 dollar note.

from 14 citizens (Petition No. EN3055)

Age Pension

Age pension is not enough to live on. Won't even cover rent. For people with minimum super.

We therefore ask the House to increase the age pension at least in line with minimum wage. It currently only half of minimum wage.

from 97 citizens (Petition No. EN3058)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Vaccinating children under the age of 16 is not included in the current "roadmap out of covid."

We do not yet know the long term effects of covid and we cannot risk the health of our children by not affording them the opportunity to be vaccinated.

When the government says "All Australians will have the opportunity to be vaccinated before the end of the year" this must be afforded to our children under the age of 16 - the future of our country.

If children die from contracting covid before we are able to protect them with a vaccination we will rightly be judged harshly and leave a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Transitioning to reduced restrictions based on the "roadmap out of covid" targets vaccination percentages of "eligible population" to be achieved. This percentage is not a percentage representative of the entire population.

Leave no one behind.

We therefore ask the House to

Ensure covid vaccination is afforded to "All Australians" and include children under the age of 16. Do this before the current roadmap out of the pandemic relaxes restrictions and is initiated.

Update the roadmap out of covid to include "All Australians".

Ensure the roadmap out of covid is not qualified by "eligible Australians" ensure "All Australians" are eligible and offered an opportunity to be vaccinated against covid.

from 28 citizens (Petition No. EN3062)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The use of experimental COVID19 vaccines in young people/students is a danger to Australian health:

(1) Experimental COVID19 vaccines have not been adequately tested - at all, and specifically in young people/students. i.e. studies that started in 2021 to test the vaccine in young people will not conclude until 2024

(2) Despite the lack of studies, young people/students are the least likely of any age group to have a severe illness from COVID19 i.e. Of the 923 deaths related to COVID19 as at 30 July 2021, ZERO were aged under 20 years, whereas 901 were aged 60 years+.

(3) In Australia, the youngest person to die with COVID19 was aged 20-29 years and Australian Health reporting does not verify whether this person died FROM or WITH COVID19, or whether this person had an underlying medical condition e.g. cancer!

We therefore ask the House to stop use of experimental COVID19 vaccines in young people/students

from 1,840 citizens (Petition No. EN3070)

HomeBuilder Program

When the Federal Government announced the Home Builder Grant (HBG), they stated that whoever signed a building contract between 04/06/2020 and 31/12/2020 and met the set requirements, would receive the grant. This was irrespective of completing the online application. The Minister also assured that applications were just a formality. The deadline was not mentioned in media releases nor included in the requirements.

Due to the high demand for construction and renovations, local councils were overwhelmed and resulted in long delays in building approvals. Also a shortage of building supplies and Covid-19 restrictions has seen construction time frames extended significantly. Added to this a flawed HBG website and confusing information saw many hard-working Australians unable to apply for this grant even though, according to the Minister for Housing, they are eligible.

Recently, the HBG portal has reopened for people who started their application. However, this was not the case for people who met the requirements but did not start the application. This is because they were unaware of the closing date, caused by confusion or other misinformation.

Missing out on the grant has affected the financial stability, mental health and relationships within families of eligible recipients. Single parents are at a disadvantage already and this has caused an even greater financial burden.

We therefore ask the House to use its power, as per the National Partnerships Agreement, to extend the application deadline for the HBG to comply with promises made by the Government and Minister for Housing and Homelessness.

from 863 citizens (Petition No. EN3071)

COVID-19: Statistics

Government decisions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic rely on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests to detect an infection. The problem is that the PCR test is not designed to be used as a diagnostic tool because it can only report whether you have viral DNA or not, and it cannot determine your viral load (and therefore whether you are infectious).

An important issue people need to be aware of is the amount of amplification the person's specimen undergoes in the laboratory process. Due to its tiny size, the DNA in the viral specimen must be amplified to become detectable in the test. Each round of amplification is called a cycle or cycle threshold, CT. The higher the CT the greater the risk that inconsequential sequences of viral DNA end up being magnified to the point that the test reads positive when it isn't. One study revealed that when you run a PCR test at a CT of 35 or higher the accuracy drops to 3%, resulting in a 97% false positive rate. So, when labs use these excessive CTs you clearly end up with a grossly overestimated number of positive tests. The public is not informed of the CT used in laboratories in Australia. And we don't know if the CT setting has been consistent for the past 18 months of COVID.

We therefore ask the House to recommend that pathology labs specify the cycle threshold used when reporting PCR test results.

from 1,335 citizens (Petition No. EN3072)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Despite limited testing and only provisional approval of the experimental COVID19 vaccine, federal and state governments have proposed discriminating restrictions for anyone who chooses NOT to take the experimental vaccine, such as prohibiting use of public transport. This is anti-democratic and a failure to uphold the Australian Constitution.

NOTE: As at 30 July 2021, 923 deaths across Australia are attributed to COVID19 - of these, 901 are aged 60 years and above. Compare this figure to the 3,500 to 4,400 deaths from Influenza each and every year - whilst the (fully tested and approved) flu vaccination is available OPTIONALLY to those who want it.

We therefore ask the House to stop discrimination of Australians who choose not to take the experimental COVID19 vaccine, and instead take specific measures (PPE for health workers, hygiene protocols) to protect those most vulnerable to a severe outcome from COVID19.

from 4,054 citizens (Petition No. EN3073)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The Hospitality Industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and successive lockdowns. The Hospitality Industry is an integral part of the Australian economy. While we do have COVID Safe Plans, we are expected to have thousands of people through our doors with face masks and sanitiser as the first line of defence. A large proportion of staff in the Hospitality Industry are aged below 40 and currently ineligible for the Pfizer vaccine, and the Astra Zeneca not recommended for individuals in this age group. As an industry, we deserve the right to remain open; and remain open safely.

We therefore ask the House to include the Hospitality Industry to the priority COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

from four citizens (Petition No. EN3078)

COVID-19: International Travel

I and a lot of Australians are migrants with families living around the world, due to current COVID situation and border restrictions we are unable to visit our parents and our kids unable to see their grandparents and our parents are not allowed in Australia either.

I would like to bring this situation to your attention and to allow fully vaccinated Australians to visit our parents and let our fully vaccinated parents visit us in Australia without having to quarantine at hotel as parents are immediate family.

Not being able to see hope to see our parents in near future is contributing significantly towards depression and anxiety amongst a lot of migrants in the community.

Please also consider that our parents are aged and a lot of us might have only few years to spend with them.

We therefore ask the House to allow vaccinated Australians travel overseas to visit parents without having to quarantine at hotel but home quarantine. And allow fully vaccinated parents of Australians to visit us.

from 153 citizens (Petition No. EN3079)

COVID-19: Maternal Health

My name is Alexandra, I was diagnosed with Postnatal Depression and Anxiety after the traumatic birth of my son in May 2020. I am advocating for all women whose perinatal mental health has been affected by the pandemic. Perinatal mental illness can be debilitating, it affects one in five women following the birth of their baby. It has been identified as a major public health problem with long lasting detrimental effects on families and children. Children of parents with postnatal depression are more likely to go through an adverse childhood experience. The impact of COVID-19 on perinatal mental illness has been devastating, isolation exasperates perinatal mental ill health placing a larger number of women at heightened risk for PNDA. A strong support system can help mitigate the risk and trauma perinatal mental illness may cause and minimise the stress with caring for young children during a pandemic. Perinatal mental illness has a substantial economic cost to the community, by investing in perinatal mental health, it reduces the long-term impacts to the economic cost. The prenatal period is a significant life transitioning event, no new parent or child should be at a heightened risk of developing a mental health illness.

We therefore ask the House to

Allow compassionate travel exemptions for a support person e.g. grandparent, to be present during the perinatal period, taking appropriate precautions to address transmission risks of COVID. Increase funding to perinatal services to ameliorate the effects of the pandemic.

from 1,460 citizens (Petition No. EN3080)

Immigration Detention

This petition draws to the attention of the House to the fact that the Health Minister, The Hon. Greg Hunt MP Minister for Health and Aged Care, has ignored repeated correspondence directing him to the fact that detainees at the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation, within view, full knowledge and acceptance of Serco staff, smoke cigarettes within the detainee housing and common areas.

Further, the cigarettes are lighted by the compound toaster thereby ensuring cigarette ash is deposited within an appliance that is used by the detainees to make toast. Serco staff make the toaster available to detainees within the compound so they can continue the practice of smoking cigarettes inside the unit without restriction.

Several detainees suffer lung ailments and have made numerous complaints to Serco management. To date the management of Serco do nothing to stop the practice thereby forcing sick detainees to live in a smoky environment at great detriment to their health.

We therefore ask the House to investigate and report on this matter and determine that the practice is to stop immediately.

from 11 citizens (Petition No. EN3082)

COVID-19: Vaccination

In the last 5 months since the rollout of these vaccines in Australia, we have had up to the 25/7 43811 adverse reactions & 407 deaths following vaccination reported to the TGA.

These vaccines are only Provisionally approved & still in trials until 2023, so the Australian public are being used as guinea pigs in a world trial. We also know that they do not stop you catching or transmitting Covid 19. They also are not technically a true vaccine and are a brand new medicine with no long term study data on them. This is extremely dangerous when we have no idea how these shots will affect people not only in the short term, a few weeks, a few months or in years to come. They do not have any safety data for use in pregnant women, children or people with already compromised health issues.

Leading world virologists, epidemiologists, Doctors, vaccine researchers etc have all spoken out about the immediate concerns regarding these vaccines and have also advised that they should be taken out of use. There are other treatments readily available & proven to be extremely effective in treating Covid.

You can not come to any other reasonable assumption than that the risk from these vaccines DO NOT OUTWEIGH ANY BENEFIT that anyone would get from these shots & THEY SHOULD BE HALTED FROM USE IMMEDIATELY.

We therefore ask the House to put a stop to rolling out these experimental vaccines immediately.

from 128,492 citizens (Petition No. EN3083)

COVID-19: Vaccination

A risk-benefit analysis does not support giving COVID-19 vaccines to children and young people.

Children and young people DO NOT benefit from the COVID-19 vaccine as their risk from the disease is almost nil. Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from children to adults is also MINIMAL.

Putting children and young people at risk of adverse events and death from the vaccine to protect others is contrary to biomedical ethics. The COVID-19 vaccines are still under investigation through clinical trials.

Their long-term adverse events have not yet been studied, and their short-term safety profiles are rapidly emerging. Mass vaccination of the young and vaccine trials on children are therefore UNETHICAL, IRRESPONSIBLE and UNJUSTIFIED, and must stop immediately.

This petition is based on ACTION 1.2 from the Declaration for The Protection of Children and Young People from the COVID-19 Response.

PANDA (2021) ALL RISK ZERO BENEFIT, Pandemics Data and Analytics

Ballan, A (2021) DECLARATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE COVID-19 RESPONSE, Pandemics Data and Analytics

We therefore ask the House to stop the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine to children and young people.

from 42,760 citizens (Petition No. EN3084)

Parliamentarians

Most major companies require their staff to be sober when at work.

Any person driving a car, a truck or heavy machinery must be sober at all times.

We therefore ask the House to institute alcohol testing of MPs to match the rest of society where sobriety at work is the norm.

from 170 citizens (Petition No. EN3085)

Economy

A cashless society will give international corporations and the banking sector power to control judges which in turn will compromise the integrity of our nation. By keeping cash as an option, the amount of control will be limited to reasonable risk. Having a cashless society won't stop criminals being criminals. It will how ever create a new system by which they will thrive. That's the reason we hire a police force. That's their job. Removal of financial freedom from the people is akin to abuse and slavery as well as great risk to National Security.

We therefore ask the House to ensure liberty and separation from government by passing into law, reforms to prevent digital currency as being the only choice

from 536 citizens (Petition No. EN3086)

Research and Development

"Allegedly" Gain-of-Function research, paid for by American taxpayer dollars, funnelled via US companies to a Chinese Laboratory was the source of the now known COVID-19 Pandemic. Therefore with the COVID-19 Virus it is apparent that the risk of this Gain-of-Function research is far greater to the global health, economic and freedoms than natural processors, and a precursor to germ or biological weapons. The potential for abusing Gain-of-Function research by corrupted Big Pharma and Cowboy Labs to create a virus and "accidently" release it only to provide a vaccine for the purposes of profit or to thin out the population, is TOO GREAT A RISK.

We therefore ask the House to promote (1) the banning of Gain-of-Function research and (2) the banning of any current and future relabelling of the practice, to the WHO and any or all Global Authority with teeth or testacies to preserve the health, economic and freedoms our forbears have lived and given their lives for, Thank You.

from 1,942 citizens (Petition No. EN3088)

COVID-19: Vaccination

People under 40 years of age, many of whom are frontline or essential workers, are currently not eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Australia. We believe that our health has not been prioritised.

Young people have been neglected in the vaccine rollout and wrongly labelled as 'peak spreaders'. We are tired of being blamed while we have not been given the opportunity to receive the recommended vaccine, Pfizer.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16-59. It is unfair that AstraZeneca, which presents higher risks for under 60, is the only vaccine available to people under 40.

The number of cases are evidently highest in the 20-39 age groups. Individuals within this age bracket are prone to the exposure and potential spreading of COVID-19 due to the nature of work or studies; more so than those 40+ and under 18. Young people have the lowest vaccination rate due to being ineligible for Pfizer, posing a greater risk for the wider community.

We therefore ask the House to grant immediate access of the Pfizer vaccine to under 40s. We demand to have the same medical protections and options as older age groups across Australia. We ask that current Pfizer reserves be reallocated to the under 40s age groups, and for our vaccines to be prioritised.

Please give us access to the Pfizer vaccine. We want to help make our communities a safer place for all.

from 240 citizens (Petition No. EN3089)

COVID-19: Quarantine

Australians will no longer tolerate lockdowns due to the lack of an effective COVID-19 Federal Quarantine System. The Hotel Quarantine program has unacceptable failure rates, and has resulted in multiple leaks into State capitals, resulting in the deprivation of liberty for millions of law abiding citizens. It defies common sense to manage a biohazard in the centre of a city, dedicated quarantine facilities are to be constructed immediately and are to be located outside of population centres. These quarantine facilities will have the capacity to provide medical treatment, resulting in absolutely no medical evacuations to public hospitals. All travellers will pass through a dedicated quarantine facility, and international airports will contain temporary sleeping facilities for international flight crews. Keeping COVID-19 out of Australia should be top priority, as experts cannot reach consensus on vaccination targets/acceptable death rates, and there is no guarantee vaccine targets will be reached.

We therefore ask the House to cease immediately the Hotel Quarantine Program. The House should take responsibility for quarantine as it affects the health of all Australians. Dedicated Quarantine facilities are to be constructed as quickly as possible. International airports will only accept freight flights and aircrews will not be permitted to leave the airport - they will not pass through customs - and if necessary will be able to rest on airport grounds (e.g. airport lounges).

from 192 citizens (Petition No. EN3090)

Environmental Conservation

We need to protect Australia's coral reefs for future generations. Banning sunscreens that contain toxic chemicals, that are proven to damage corals is a vital step in achieving this goal.

We therefore ask the House to ban all sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor or butylparaben.

Similar bans have been introduced by the Pacific island of Palau and the US state of Hawaii.

from 128 citizens (Petition No. EN3093)

COVID-19: International Travel

Australia is a multicultural country where many of it's citizens and permanent residents (PR) migrated from overseas. Therefore, thousands of Australian's and PR have parents living abroad. Currently parents are unable to to travel to Australia to be reunited with family because they are not classed as 'immediate family'. Parents are essential and connection with family is equally as important to migrants as it is to families living in Australia. Australians and PR have not seen their parents for a significant amount of time due to the travel ban and a strict exemption criteria which prevents people from obtaining exemptions unless they have a 'compelling reason'. Covid-19 has impacted many Australians, however, being apart from parents for an extended period of time without an indication of when they will be reunited puts unrealistic expectations on those desperate to see family. This has had a profound impact, mental health has significantly declined, children have not met grandparents, people have had to give up work due to limited support and families are having to re-evaluate their lives in Australia and have had to leave despite being here for many years. Citizens and PR have jobs and responsibilities with they cannot leave for 3 months or more.

We therefore ask the House to add parents as an exemption category. If exemptions cannot be obtained for parents coming to Australia please consider allowing exemption for people with family overseas to travel. Reunification with family should be a compelling and compassionate reason.

from 485 citizens (Petition No. EN3094)

Parliamentarians

It is often publicly reported that Ministers, Senators and or their Staff are abusing alcohol in Parliament and do regularly accept Gifts of Alcohol and have access to free and subsidised alcohol at the Parliament Bar and elsewhere contributing to such abuse and other embarrassing behaviour including alleged Crimes.

It is known that Senators Members and Ministers offices contain Fridges, Ice, Bars, Wine Cabinets and or have alcohol on display and are permitted to drink alcohol at will without any restriction.

No testing for alcohol drugs is conducted nor are sobriety tests performed on visibly affected Members in Parliament.

Meal Allowances and Accommodation Allowances should not be used to purchase Alcohol and Parliament and;

All Government Buildings should be declared Drug & Alcohol Free workplaces with routine testing introduced to prevent non compliance.

We therefore ask the House to introduce Legislation declaring Parliament House and all Federal Government Buildings be declared Drug & Alcohol Free with routine Drug & Alcohol testing to prevent non compliance and remove Alcohol spending from Meal and Accommodation allowances.

In the event of a breach the Member/Senator/Minister/Employee be removed from Parliament or their Workplace and fined $5000

from 85 citizens (Petition No. EN3099)

COVID-19: International Travel

Greg Hunt recently amended the Biosecurity Act such that on the 11 August Australian citizens ordinarily resident elsewhere cannot enter and leave without an exemption. No other country in the world has this restriction and it forces Australians with degrees, jobs, children overseas to choose between this and their parents/other immediate family in Australia who they may or have seen for over 18 months now.

We therefore ask the House to Reconsider this amendment and enable Australian citizens ordinarily resident elsewhere to enter and leave.

from 105 citizens (Petition No. EN3102)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Many of us have been waiting for these vaccines. We would go and get our shots tomorrow if this vaccine was available. You have let us down.

What are you doing to rectify this situation?

The FDA is filing for emergency approval of the vaccine.

Novavax is saying: "Initially, our doses may be prioritised to low-income countries, where we'll be able to support critical unmet demand for primary vaccinations"

So again, these vaccines will surpass our country, when we have supply issues here too.

Thousands, due to allergy, autoimmune, or other medical reasons are unable to take the two measly options available in Australia. We need alternative options like Novavax, a non-mRNA protein subunit vaccine.

Citizens in other countries are having access to multiple vaccine options. Yet us Australian citizens are being bullied unfairly into taking one of two options!.

Novavax uses a well-tested traditional vaccine platform, and has been used for years in some annual flu vaccines, Hep B vaccines, and HPV vaccines. Clinical trials had noticeably lower rates of side effects compared to the mRNA and AZ shots. It has also proven to be one of the most effective against Delta variant and has a short turnaround for full vaccination (3 weeks between two shots).

Rather than just push a certain type of vaccine on us Australians, why not consider listening to our concerns, so that we can solve this issue together?

We therefore ask the House to take necessary action to deliver Novavax to the Australian people.

from 147 citizens (Petition No. EN3104)

COVID-19: International Travel

To reconsider the recent change to the exemption for Australian expats to leave Australia.

We therefore ask the House to reconsider this legislation and reinstate the previous ruling that Australians who normally reside overseas are allowed to leave Australia with applying for an exemption.

from 16 citizens (Petition No. EN3107)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Domestic vaccine passports would be catastrophic to the structure of Australian society. It will divide the nation and create tension between vaccinated and unvaccinated. We all deserve the same rights regardless of what vaccinations we have and we need to draw the line at some point before all these new restrictions take away all our freedoms and abilities to make make our own decisions as tax paying adults.

We therefore ask the House to approve and pass the NO domestic covid vaccine passports bill supported by independent MP Craig Kelly. Please help ease the mental stress many Australians are facing right now by making a promise not to introduce domestic vaccine passports.

from 14,787 citizens (Petition No. EN3108)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Medical information should be kept private. This should be no exception, and remain a conversation between each person and their GP only. Our medical information which includes or vaccination status is protected by both Privacy and Personal information Protection Act 1998 and Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002

Pubs, hairdressers and even sports stadiums could soon be allowed to ask patrons to show proof of Covid vaccination as a condition of entry but only if the states agree to enact new public health orders.

It is currently illegal to ask customers their vaccination status.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has again confirmed the controversial idea is a live option currently being weighed by the national cabinet.

We therefore ask the House to stop any any future reforms that will allow anyone other medical professions to ask about our private medical information.

from 5,693 citizens (Petition No. EN3112)

Australian Defence Force

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 (Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Office, SeMPRO), 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 16 citizens (Petition No. EN3114)

COVID-19: Vaccination

To prevent more detrimental consequences of the ongoing evolution of Sars-CoV-2, we have no choice but to mitigate erosion of natural, Coronavirus (CoV)-nonspecific immunity in non-vaccinated individuals and exertion of strong immune selection pressure on immunodominant vaccinal epitopes in vaccinated individuals. This is to say that we must stop mass vaccination and lower viral infectivity rates immediately. Continued mass vaccination will only lead to a further increase in morbidity and hospitalization rates, which will subsequently culminate in a huge case fatality wave when expansion of more infectious, vaccine-resistant variants will explode.

A rapid and substantial decrease in viral infectivity rates could be achieved by a short-term course of large-scale antiviral chemoprophylaxis and adequate infection prevention measures while early treatment of symptomatically infected subjects and implementation of a healthy eating (including certain dietary supplements) and lifestyle (including exercise!) plan would further contribute to building herd immunity. Although this strategy is unlikely to eradicate the virus, it should allow forcing the pandemic into transitioning to a kind of 'artificial' endemicity. Large-scale chemoprophylaxis campaigns using antiviral drugs would likely need to be repeated at specific time intervals and for as long as no sterilizing immune intervention is available.

We therefore ask the House to action that the plan proposed above should immediately be implemented. Once the virus will become entirely resistant to the current vaccines, will no longer be able to prevent a dramatic rise in casualties, unless campaigns of antiviral chemoprophylaxis are conducted.

from 389 citizens (Petition No. EN3115)

COVID-19: International Travel

Entry exemption for people holding Student, prospective marriage, skilled, and work visas who are fully vaccinated and do not pose any danger to enter Australia. The above-mentioned categories are essential participants in the Australian community and their absence will put families in turmoil and will leave businesses hurt, and their presence may even help the progress of vaccination within Australia, all while being safe from covid and completely vaccinated. It is also our opinion that banning their entry into Australia would be a violation of their rights. Should there be a need for the verification of their vaccination, Australian consulates worldwide can intervene by approving local trusted clinics for vaccination verification and testing.

We therefore ask the House to exempt vaccinated people (the above-mentioned categories) holding student, prospective marriage, skilled and work visas to be allowed to enter Australia.

from 315 citizens (Petition No. EN3116)

COVID-19: Vaccination

We petition the House to vote YES and pass Craig Kelly's "No Domestic Vaccine Passports Bill".

This bill is for the protection of all Australians against Civil Conscription and medical apartheid of their freedom to choose whether or not they partake in any medical procedure, or be discriminated against as a result of these criminal vaccine passports being implemented. This bill must be voted into Legislation, to protect our future generations, and maintaining our free democratic Society in Australia.

We therefore ask the House to vote YES to the No Domestic Vaccine Passports bill, and pass this bill into Legislation.

from 6,532 citizens (Petition No. EN3119)

Sport

From 2017 to 2020 the Federal Government has granted 40 million dollars for the exhibition of niche market Sports in taxpayer funds without a tender. The lack of tender process can have ramifications for government engagement with the business community and potentially have a damaging effect on the tender process promoting competition in industry. While there is no allegation of impropriety or illegality, in lieu of a tender process it is appropriate for the house to launch an inquiry that will examine some of the issues such a process might have done.

We therefore ask the House to establish a parliamentary inquiry into the granting of taxpayer funds to exhibit niche sports content. This should be informed by the criteria in which other similar tenders have been granted

from 20 citizens (Petition No. EN3122)

Commonwealth Electoral Act

The Current voting system is set to assure that the major parties receive all the votes from citizens of Australia who clearly are not voting for the Major Parties. This is not Democratic, Nor is it the choice of the person casting their vote.

We therefore ask the House to remove all preference voting. A persons Vote is for the Person or Party they vote for, Not to be handed to any other Person or Party, Period.

from 128 citizens (Petition No. EN3126)

COVID-19: Vaccination

It is common knowledge that the current vaccines do not prevent transmission or infection. There is a huge body of knowledge that Ivermectin (FDA/TGA approved) is a highly effective therapeutic for SARS-COV-2 which DOES prevent transmission and infection. This is a petition to request that the House take a serious and honest examination of the medical and scientific evidence of Ivermectin for the safe and effective treatment of COVID19 and the associated variants.

We therefore ask the House to request Emergency Use Authorisation and to make it a legal accessible treatment of COVID 19 and the associated variants. It is currently being used in 17 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and even in the US, where it is legal but where families sometimes have to get court orders to force hospitals to use it, to save their relatives lives. Please consider the benefits to public health and the country by letting us have the option to use this 60-year-old safe medicine without any difficulty or red tape.

from 856 citizens (Petition No. EN3127)

COVID-19: Vaccination

There are doctors around the world that are voicing concerns that the Covid-19 vaccines contain Graphene Oxide, which is a known as toxic. Full disclosure of the ingredients of Covid-19 vaccines need to be declared as part of informed consent before administering Covid-19 vaccines.

We therefore ask the House to ensure there is full disclosure as to whether the Covid-19 vaccines contain Graphene Oxide, and that informed consent of all the ingredients of the Covid-19 vaccines are provided prior to administering Covid-19 vaccines.

from 4,712 citizens (Petition No. EN3128)

South Africa

South Africa has been in the hands of the communist's for 27 years and since taking over in 1994 South Africa has gone from one of the safest and strongest economies in the world to one of the worst. There has been a steady increase in murders and rapes within the country. Farm murders have made some headlines but that is only one sample of the population. 58 murders per day and 175 rapes per day. The system in South Africa is geared around complete discrimination against White, Coloured and Indian people and whites being at the lowest level on the list of the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), which excludes any race except Blacks from acquiring work and government assistance. This is particular difficult for families that cannot leave their country and for the parents of Australian citizens who cannot leave due to the balance of family Visa requirements.

We therefore ask the House to please allow non Black South Africans the opportunity to live and work in Australia and at a bare minimum allow the families of current Australian citizens to be allowed permanent residency.

from 52 citizens (Petition No. EN3129)

COVID-19: International Travel

The Biosecurity (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2021 Law recently passed requiring Australian Citizens living abroad to request permission to leave Australia after visiting is an egregarious infringement on civil liberties implemented under the guise of preventing potential cases of Delta Covid-19 from entering the country. There is already a cap on how many people enter Australia, extortionately expensive quarantines and PCR tests to stem the flow of virus. The rest of the world has a thriving vaccination program. The largest amount of Australian diaspora lives in the UK. As of today, the 9th of August, 84-91% of British Citizens have had their first Coronavirus Vaccine and 73-82% have had their second. The world has moved on from closing borders and lockdowns, this virus is not going anywhere and we have to live with it. Australia has fallen behind with its vaccination program through fear tactics and mis-information and its ex-patriate citizens must not be penalised and treated like children who need permission slips to leave their country of birth after visiting their families; often for the first time in two years because of forced separation. This policy to be the zero- covid case country in the world is damaging to the mental health of its citizens, terminal for businesses and frighteningly authoritarian in its policies. Australia is populated with people who have fled from dictatorships. How is it now turning into one?

We therefore ask the House to rescind the above law.

from 64 citizens (Petition No. EN3132)

Climate Change

The 2021 findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change deemed the climate emergency as 'code red'. The Liberal Party of Australia's 'Protecting Our Environment' plan is not ambitious enough to appropriately respond to the climate emergency. We believe that the Honourable Scott Morrison needs to commit to stronger action at the 2021 Glasgow United Nations Climate Change Conference.

We therefore ask the House to commit to reaching net zero or net negative emissions by 2050 or sooner. Additionally, we ask the House to reduce Australia's dependence on fossil fuels and transition to as near to 100% renewable energy as possible.

from 68 citizens (Petition No. EN3134)

Climate Change

The Paris Agreement leading to net zero emissions by 2050 is too little too late. The UN has reported findings that the likely hood of temperature changes affecting the global community will continue and increase with their best estimations in the mid term being 2.4C in 2041. This is significant as predicted extinction risks double to 5.2%, and at the current rate of increase, the temperature rise will result in a 16% risk of species extinction by 2081, at 4.4C. These are based on non changing factors and a continuous rate of change, however emissions are compounding and long lasting, meaning these numbers will increase and grow rapidly and most probably before the best dates of estimation.

We therefore ask the House to legislate drastic changes to every key factor of emissions production and other atmospheric pollutants, provide more efforts to green power and sustainable change, reduce import and exports to and from countries that do not strive for renewable goals, and provide incentives for green schemes to Australians. We implore you to take these requests seriously, this nation will not outlive climate change and taking actions based on profits are not viable for the survival of our nation, or global community.

from 20 citizens (Petition No. EN3135)

Tobacco

1. Cost to Australian taxpayers- $130 BILLION pa

2. Cost to smokers- $130 BN + suffering & death

3. Cost to family & loved ones - lifelong grief & despair

Government revenue is trivial compared to financial costs so how can it justify this grotesque state of affairs?

Smoking kills far more than Covid, road deaths and many other causes yet is ignored; we all pay to kill, smokers included.

We therefore ask the House to ban the growing, sale & importation of all tobacco products.

("Freedom of Choice" is NOT a rational argument!)

from 22 citizens (Petition No. EN3137)

Renewable Energy

With regard to the recent IPCC Report, it is clear that an increase in the use of renewable energy is vital to combat worsening climate change.

We therefore ask the House to legislate to mandate that businesses with an annual profit of more than $1 million employ more than 50% of their energy usage from renewable technologies.

from 20 citizens (Petition No. EN3139)

COVID-19: Health Care

Ivermectin has shown promising trials and is an effective treatment to fight COVID-19. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic with known anti-viral properties, it is currently used world-wide and is slowing down the death rate from the disease especially in India. It is a novel drug that has been researched and proven to work with little or no side effects. Some people can not take vaccines and Ivermectin is another way to kill the virus.

We therefore ask the House to to let all Medical Doctors prescribe IVERMECTIN with people diagnosed with COVID-19 and take immediately when initial symptoms occur as vaccines may be not suitable for some people with low platelet and T-cell counts and with known chronic diseases.

from 11,072 citizens (Petition No. EN3141)

Medicinal Cannabis

We therefore ask the House to Create a Cannabis Access Scheme similiar to the Pharmaceutical Benefits scheme.

Over 5 years ago Medicinal Cannabis was approved for use in Australia as Medicine.

Since then more then 75000 plus Australians will be Prescribed Medicinal Cannabis this year.

The price of the Medicinal Cannabis is a challenge for people needing it as there only available Medicine that works for there treatment. Pensioners, Patients and Children are exoected to pay in excess of 600 dollars a month for Medicines and a lot of Patients pay more

We therefore ask the House to stralian Government to create a Cannabis Access Scheme that will Subsidize Medicinal Cannabis. We are experiencing a very stressful time right now and this would ensure the health of many Australians and give access to life changing Medicine for some that can not access it now due to costs.

from 165 citizens (Petition No. EN3145)

Climate Change

The first volume of the latest IPCC report has re-emphasised the need to stop carbon emissions as soon as possible to reduce the impacts of climate change. The report shows that the amount of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere has a linear relationship with the warming of the climate. It also shows that as the temperature increases, so too will the frequency of bushfires, droughts and floods across Australia. The year that we will reach an increased global temperature of 1.5 degrees celcius from pre-industrial levels was previously estimated to be between 2030 and 2052. The IPCC now estimates we will cross this threshold in the early 2030s.

The race to end carbon emissions, like the race to vaccinate Australia's population for COVID-19, is urgent, essential and has global ramifications if not managed appropriately. We ask the government to learn from its mistakes in being complacent with the vaccination race and treat the race to end carbon emissions with the required degree of attention and urgency.

We therefore ask the House to enact legislation committing Australia to a legally binding target of net zero emissions by 2050.

from 21 citizens (Petition No. EN3146)

National Day of Prayer

The last year and a half have been a humbling and eye-opening experience. We have come to the full understanding of how cruel our world is and how governments and other persons/institutions in positions of power, are unable to protect us against many seen/unseen, powerful agents of destruction (i.e. viruses). We are now fully aware of how much we need GOD - to help us. We have great regret for attempting to evict Him from our governments; schools; Commerce; Science; Religion; Legislative authority; etc.

We therefore ask the House to authorize a National Day of Prayer, to be held at our nation's seat of authority - Parliament House - in the chamber. We request this based on the scripture of 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 in which GOD promises: "If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now Mine eyes shall be open, and Mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place."

Humanity has a powerful enemy and our only help and hope, during these desperate times is Christ Jesus, our powerful LORD.

from 269 citizens (Petition No. EN3152)

Nuclear Energy

If you agree, please sign this petition to request the House of Representatives to ensure the Nuclear Power Ban remains in place.

Nuclear power should never be introduced into Australia due to its adverse risks, as the alternative renewable energy is the best form of power supply, is cheap, and very successful in eliminating fossil fuel use and its greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear power is not totally without long term risk to populations and future generations through accidents and waste disposal, as no-one can guarantee that radiation leaks will not occur anywhere in the supply and disposal chain.

Radiation leaks to the atmosphere, waterways, land and sea can impact the air people breathe and the water and food consumed. Spillages from mining and transport may occur and power station leaks, although accidental, do occur. International examples of radiation releases include Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima.

The other major concern is that populations cannot prevent their radiation exposure or contamination after any radiation leak has occurred.

The Ban legislation is the "Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999".

Renewable energy includes solarPV, wind and hydro. Further actions needed are promoting and implementing renewable energy, energy-efficiency, and reducing energy consumption in communities and businesses throughout Australia.

If you agree, please sign this petition.

We therefore ask the House to ensure Australia's Nuclear Power Ban legislation remains in place, and to promote and implement renewable energy, energy-efficiency, and reducing energy consumption in communities and businesses throughout Australia.

from 59 citizens (Petition No. EN3153)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Due to the serious COVID-19 epidemic situations in Australia, and due to the shortage of vaccines, and in China, More than 770,000,000 people have been injected the China made vaccines. The China made Vaccines is safe, effective and efficient and cheaper! And China made vaccines have been supplied to millions of people around the world already!

We therefore ask the House to introduce and import China made vaccines against COVID-19 as soon as possible !

from 8,553 citizens (Petition No. EN3158)

Afghanistan

"Afghanistan is spinning out of control. Every day, the conflict is taking a bigger toll on civilians, especially women & children", says United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, 13 Aug 2021. There are thousands of Afghan-Australians who have come either by boat or by air who have applied to bring their partner/children to Australia. Those who have come by boat are waiting for over 10 years and those who have come through legal channels are waiting for over 30 months to be reunited with their loved ones trapped in Afghanistan. The future is uncertain and Australian sponsors are concerned for their safety. With the current situation in Afghanistan where more than 80% of the country is controlled by the Taliban, the sponsors are worried about their families more than ever.

Also, the Taliban are prosecuting Afghan citizens, particularly vulnerable women, religious and ethnic minorities, journalists, civil activists, etc. The US and Canadian governments have announced plans to grant visas to thousands of vulnerable Afghan citizens. The Australian government has the duty to rescue vulnerable Afghan citizens as well.

We therefore ask the House to put pressure on the Department of Home Affairs to:

1. Immediately process the visa applications by applicants who are sponsored or proposed by Afghan-Australian sponsors regardless of their mode of arrival to Australia.

2. Like the US and Canada, allocate and immediately bring 20,000 vulnerable Afghan citizens, i.e. women at risk, journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, to Australia.

from 525 citizens (Petition No. EN3159)

Afghanistan

Following the withdrawal of coalition forces, Afghanistan has been overtaken by the Taliban and is currently facing a humanitarian crisis. At the time of writing this petition, the Taliban controls over two-thirds of Afghanistan and is closing in on Kabul.

In mid-July, the UNHCR estimated that 270,000 Afghans have become displaced since January 2021 due to insecurity and violence, bringing the total displaced population to over 3.5 million. These numbers are increasing day by day. Afghan families, women and children are unable to access medical care, basic shelter, food and water.

Afghan women are losing their identities. They are being sent home from their places of education and work. They are also being treated as bounties. The Taliban has been forcibly removing single and widowed Afghan women from their homes to marry them to Taliban fighters.

The significant gains made by the Afghan people in the past two decades are being reduced to nothing. The visions for democracy, freedom and peace that led coalition forces to intervene in Afghanistan, for which 30,000 ADF personnel have served and 41 have died, are being abandoned.

It is Australia's responsibility to act now to protect the security and dignity of the Afghan people.

We therefore ask the House to

1. urgently provide humanitarian aid to the internally displaced population in Afghanistan;

2. urgently increase Australia's humanitarian intake of Afghan refugees;

3. expedite visa processing for Afghans who assisted Australian forces; and

4. provide permanent resettlement to Afghan temporary protection visa holders.

from 34 citizens (Petition No. EN3161)

Afghanistan

Today Afghanistan is under attack.

With the troop's withdrawal, the Taliban have now taken over almost all of Afghanistan.

We therefore ask the House to for opposition to:

The Taliban's indiscriminate military engagements, targeted assassination campaigns (against Afghan citizenry, including but not limited to journalists, writers, poets, civil servants and activists), and attacks on Afghan infrastructures and institutions.

The Taliban forcefully and illegally marrying Afghan women - as young as 15 - to their fighters, and the gender-based violence and discrimination.

The extrajudicial killings of Afghan citizens in groups - for example, the mass round-up and execution of civilians in Spin Boldak, Kandahar, the ethnic cleansing of Hazaras in Malistan.

Most importantly, it has been established that the military/intelligence establishment of Pakistan and Pakistan's civilian government support, promote and direct the Taliban's insurgency and militancy inside Afghanistan. This is not merely claimed by Afghanistan, the U.S., and their international partners, but also proudly bragged about by senior Pakistani military generals and high-ranking Pakistani diplomats. Pakistan's continued support and protection of the Taliban not only directly contravenes the international community's efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan, but also creates the necessary conditions for destabilizing regional and international security.

Accordingly, we urge House to voice your opposition to promoting and supporting the Taliban militarily, financially, and diplomatically, and to the rhetorical, financial, and other support provided to the Taliban by Pakistan and other regional powers.

from eight citizens (Petition No. EN3164)

Nurses

Many of Nursing students who have graduated from Uni are trying to get Resistered in AHPRA as a Registered Nurse but even after completing NCLEX course, due to uncertainty on lockdown and Pandemic, the exam are postponed again and again and possible skilled health care workforce like RNs are waiting for dates and exams to be conducted.

We therefore ask the House to look into the issue and for the good of Australian health care industry, if APHRA can activate the old course which will take 6 month to finish the course and then get registered through the process would generate 1000s of nurses work force in the time of Pandemic when Nurses are needed the most

from 974 citizens (Petition No. EN3168)

COVID-19

For something that is so hard to detect, yet is supposedly so easily transmissionable. Im asking the Government to provide evidence that the COV2 mRNA & the Delta variant actually exists in reality.

To justify their emergency declaration & lockdowns.

These are going against the actual Australian Constitution, the biosecurity act, the discrimination act & other treaties as per the Nuremburg trials that have been signed into law.

We therefore ask the House to provide any & all factual evidence of their existence & if it cannot, to have all restrictions against the innocent healthy Australians be lifted & declared illegal!

I also want the ones that have supported these restrictions be tried under our sovereign laws.

from 5,852 citizens (Petition No. EN3169)

Afghanistan

As the world's leading nations withdrew defence forces from Afghanistan, the Taliban invasion escalated, overtaking the country.

The world bore witness to notorious Taliban acts during their reign from 1996 to 2001. Depriving women from education and work, forcefully marrying young girls, whilst torturing, and killing their men. History repeats itself as we witness the displacement of families, abuse of human rights and loss of life.

We need our government to take a stand and support the immediate evacuation of civilians. Minister Payne has expressed her position for an 'Afghan'-led' and 'Afghan-owned' peace process. But we fear the increase in death tolls and war crimes eventuating whilst the Afghan government attempts to pursue a peaceful outcome.

We therefore ask the House to play a significant role in supporting this crisis through serious consideration of extending refuge to Afghan nationals through Humanitarian programs and visas.

Whilst the impacts of the pandemic caused a deduction in our Federal budget towards the Humanitarian Program, the government has the power to elicit change and increase capacity under exceptional circumstances such as this humanitarian disaster. Australia should make comparable efforts like Canada in offering resettlement to the vulnerable.

This action will recognise Australia as a nation that provides safety, security, and sanctuary to those in need, whilst also reaping the benefits that refugees bring to our community.

We urge our government to make necessary assessments and adjustments to increase intake through immigration categories such as SPH, Refugee Visas, Women at Risk Visa, and Family sponsorships.

from 423 citizens (Petition No. EN3174)

National Education Standards

Science. One Law For All: Scientifically refusing to lie! Discriminate, or deceive our Children in any way, informs us; Politically and legally using "Human-Evolution Education" will design a legal moral-code to govern the conduct of human-affairs. So let's remember our belief and faith in all Children, as they become excited in going to School, having 'pleasurable anticipation' to receive Scientific-Education, about anatomical changes to their body organisms over Millions of years.

We therefore ask the House to debate this 'EDUCATION BILL: Australian Education Act 2013, make this proposed legislation into law. Part 1: Introduce one Subject (Human-Evolution Education) compassionately touched and designed for 'ALL' Students in 'EVERY' Australian School-culture; building a high-quality early Childhood Education for those Students, on their journey through School, and University. Part 2: Introduce one (H-E.E.L. HUMAN-EVOLUTION EDUCATION LAW) holding authority, or mandate authority if-required, over one (Compulsory Separate Curriculum) in grades 1 to 12, for all students in all cultures to receive the Scientific Proven-Facts about, "How they Evolved." Part 3: Introduce (The Human-Evolution Book of Knowledge) to all Students in all School-cultures, to study the evolutionary process that created all Human-kind; "Then defend Humanity's future," by placing this Education Bill part 1, 2, and 3, in-to the Australian constitution, having 'one' Federal Education Department holding management, and financial-control; (after deliberating with States and Territories)

Or, hold an Australian referendum (Vote YES, Human-Evolution Education) (Vote NO, Human-Evolution Education)

from 14 citizens (Petition No. EN3175)

Afghanistan

Since the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan commenced, every day the Taliban have taken over yet another district, provincial capital, and swaths of territory in Afghanistan. In the process, the fundamentalist Taliban destroyed homes, displaced thousands of people and have reintroduced draconian laws synonymous with their previous rule. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans have been killed or displaced.

We therefore ask the House to implement a one-off humanitarian intake from Afghanistan. Provide permanent protection to all Afghans already in our communities. And lift the effective ban on family reunion for those already on a Permanent Visa .

from 38 citizens (Petition No. EN3176)

Afghanistan

The situation in Afghanistan is an extraordinary humanitarian crisis, to which Australia's response is grossly inadequate and behind the rest of the world. Australia has offered 570 protection Visas since mid-April. Canada has since offered 20,000.

-Human rights advocates, journalists, media workers, female professionals and activists and people who assisted the Australian Defence Force are at extreme risk, as well as ethnic and religious groups facing discrimination and violence under the Taliban.

-Communities such as Hindus and Sikhs, and ethnic minority Hazaras, who have historically experienced atrocities of ethnic violence at the hands of the Taliban, are under extreme risk of violence. Attacks have already begun.

-Attacks have intensified after the withdrawal announcement, with targeted killings and bomb blasts in Hazara communities.

We therefore ask the House to immediately implement a substantial resettlement plan, over and above the current intake cap, to evacuate and grant protection visas for people at risk of violence and death from the Taliban.

from 19 citizens (Petition No. EN3177)

NT Working Women's Centre

To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

This petition from certain citizens of Australia draws the attention of the House to the matter of the NT Working Women's Centre (NTWWC) requiring urgent, ongoing funding, without which it faces closure by December 2021.

NTWWC is a community-based non-profit organisation that supports women by providing free, confidential advice about work-related matters, particularly gender discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace. In FY21, NTWWC had 3,470 contacts with women — a 29.6% increase from the previous year, as well as a seven-fold increase in the number of sexual harassment matters. CALD women represented 47% of sexual harassment matters and 62% of sexual assault matters.

In response to the National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, independent economic modelling found that workplace sexual harassment costs the economy a "conservative estimate" of $3.8 billion, with lost productivity representing $2.6 billion. The Sex Discrimination Commissioner recommended in the Respect@Work report that "Australian governments provide increased and recurrent funding to working women's centres to provide information, advice and assistance to vulnerable workers who experience sexual harassment..." (Recommendation 49).

Despite increasing demand, the NTWWC's core Federal funding ceased in December 2020. As a result, it is facing inevitable service and staff cuts.

We therefore ask the House to allocate $700,000 per year of Federal funds to NTWWC so it can remain operational and continue providing this vital service to some of Australia's most vulnerable women.

from 1,487 citizens (Petition No. EN3178)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The Australian public has so far funded covid vaccine manufacturers to the tune of $5bn, and this may rise. At the same time the government is attempting to mandate these novel therapies on the public using public health orders, the media and calls for "mandatory vaccination". The TGA who are tasked with ensuring the safety of drugs provided to the public have established that they have abrogated their responsibility to do so by refusing to disclose information regarding these drugs despite freedom of information requests.

It is now time that the right of the public to inspect any documents for vaccines that are funded by them is restored. The TGA must no longer be the sole arbiter of what documents should be considered confidential if the public is paying pharma companies for their products. The public should have the right to access that information. All animal and and clinical studies should be available to open inspection in the interests of safety and transparency.

If pharma companies wish to maintain confidentiality of their products or the studies that they conduct they should be allowed to do so but only for drugs that do not attract public funding (e.g. PBS)

We therefore ask the House to pass legislation, effective immediately, to release all documents held by the TGA in relation to any vaccines that have been approved (provisionally or fully) by them for products that have been paid for using public funds. This should start urgently with the release of all covid vaccine documents.

from 102,614 citizens (Petition No. EN3179)

Environment

I want to stop Marine Pollution, mainly the killing of marine wildlife such as animals and coral under the sea.

We therefore ask the House to Stop the dumping of rubbish in/near the oceans and reduce plastics being used as it's a massive percentage of rubbish in the ocean.

from 41 citizens (Petition No. EN3180)

COVID-19: Vaccination

The people of Australia need a safer and more effective vaccine against the cv19 virus and we demand Novavax..which has a high and safe effective vaccines against covid. We demand the government immediately approve and roll out Novavax asap..and to give people a choice of what vaccine they take. The current vaccines are showing signs of serious health and internal injuries and they need to be terminated.

We therefore ask the House to approve and rollout the vaccine Novavax asap to save the lives of Australians.

from 676 citizens (Petition No. EN3182)

Afghanistan

Australia was heavily involved in the war in Afghanistan. We saw 26,000 men fight for the freedoms of the Afghani people. And now our Prime Minister is unwilling to carry on the work of our soldiers and deliver a higher amount of humanitarian places (only 3000?!) for stranded Afghani people — this goes against our DNA as a nation. These people are educated, incredibly traumatised and in need of a home.

We therefore ask the House to consider increasing the number of Humanitarian visas allowed for the Afghani people to 20,000 (this is comparable to Canada and UK). We also ask that this may be recognised as a special intake of refugees and does not decrease the already pathetically low 13,750 places that Australia currently offers.

from 172 citizens (Petition No. EN3183)

Petitions

The existing petition review system may lawfully disregard petitions signed by very large volume of electors, due to possible minor legal or procedural flaws during their formulation and submission. As electors are not legal practitioners, to avoid such situations, petitions signed by very large number of electors (suggested minimum of 20% of all registered electors, which at this point equates to around 3.5 million signatories) shall be subject to unconditional hearing by the House and - if required - procedural errors corrected.

We therefore ask the House to suggest ammending the existing legislation, so petitions signed by very large number of electors (suggested minimum of 20% of all registered electors, which at this point equates to around 3.5 million signatories) shall be subject to unconditional hearing by the House.

from 232 citizens (Petition No. EN3188)

COVID-19: Income Support Payments

$750 a week disaster payment is not enough to live on. Covid and Lockdowns are destroying lives and livelihoods

We therefore ask the House to llow access to Superannuation up to $10,000 as was done in 2020 during the previous states of lockdown

from 216 citizens (Petition No. EN3190)

COVID-19: Vaccination

I have reasons to believe the world has been over populated since the 1970s and the covid vaccine is a legal way to depopulate, the covid vaccine is in clinical trial, and government is telling everyone to come forward and get vaccinated, if one has a side effect, bad enough to pass on, government should be help responsible due to unprofessional roll outs in clinical trial vaccinations

We therefore ask the House to properly investigate Vaccinations and own up to rolling out mass clinical trial Vaccinations and stop taking the public's freedoms

from 3,025 citizens (Petition No. EN3193)

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is in a state of disaster with many people attempting to flee the country out of safety concerns.

Australia has the capacity to take in many more people than we currently have.

We therefore ask the House to open up Australia and allow more Afghan people to seek safety in Australia.

from 35 citizens (Petition No. EN3194)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Millions of Australians are extremely concerned about the federal government's push to force hastily approved and poorly tested novel vaccines on the population, when adequate long term safety data is unavailable. It is also is of great concern that many notable doctors and medical researchers reporting successful treatment using cheap, safe generic anti viral drugs appear to be ignored by the government and TGA, due to these generic drugs being of little commercial value and not sponsored by pharmaceutical companies for approval by the TGA

We therefore ask the House to formally request that the TGA assess the use of Ivermectine and Hydroxycloriquine, in the recommended dosages and combination with complimentary drugs, based on the peer reviewed studies and data, and the recommendation of notable Australian medical researchers such as Professor Thomas Borody and Professor Robert Clancy. We ask that the house requests this of the TGA in the absence of sponsorship by a pharmaceutical corporation, seeing as both of these drugs are generic and of little commercial value to an individual company, and due to the conflict of interest many of these companies have with competing patented vaccines of far higher commercial interest. We believe that if this is performed thoroughly and transparently it will restore public faith in the federal government, and also provide confidence to the public that all options for treatment are being honestly explored.

from 1,536 citizens (Petition No. EN3196)

Afghanistan

The recent Taliban offensive and capture of the capital Kabul alongside the majority of Afghanistan's provincial capital . The remnants of the internationally recognised Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have retreated and have formed an anti-Taliban resistance movement in the naturally protected Panjshir Valley. As the sole legally recognised government of Afghanistan, as well as a strategic ally in the region, the Commonwealth of Australia should investigate options to aid in the strengthening and continued supplying of these forces, to enable them to maintain presence within the country. The support of these remnants of the internationally recognised government will be necessary for the mitigation of a major humanitarian catastrophe.

We therefore ask the House to investigate options for the provision of assistance and logistical support to the remnants of the internationally recognised Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (more commonly referred to as the 'National Resistance Front of Afghanistan' or 'Panjshir resistance'.

from nine citizens (Petition No. EN3199)

COVID-19: Vaccination

Teachers, educators, early childhood, SLSO, teachers aides and educational staff say no to MANDAToRY Covid19 Vaccines and passports.

As well as prison workers, health care staff, disability workers and hospital staff!

We therefore ask the House to condemn the recent direction of public policy regarding vaccination, the disturbing trend to remove the right to opt-out of one or more vaccinations, and the increasing tendency of public health officials to scapegoat the unvaccinated as being responsible for disease outbreaks when vaccine failure provides a more plausible explanation.

We are opposed to the human rights 'dialogue' model being promoted by the government and its officials, which will have no effect on the powers of the parliament, and which we consider amounts to coercion, bullying, fear, bribes and corruption. The NSW Public Service Commission has been notified of this in a formal complaint.

We support a constitutional bill of rights, as representing the strongest form of protection against legislative overreach, by affording citizens the opportunity to have laws which breach human rights invalidated by the court; and a constitutional charter of medical ethics as representing the strongest form of protection against medical or scientific overreach.

We want No Mandatory Covid19 Vaccines or Health Passports for all Government Workers.

from 10,565 citizens (Petition No. EN3203)

Bill of Rights

While all Australians live by the Australian values, it is bizarre that these values, or any of the citizens' basic rights are not defined in the Australian constitution. Australia is the only major democracy where this is the case. While some laws/acts provide limited protection of these rights, those are very specific, and unlike the constitution, can be changed by parliament without the will of the majority of citizens, especially when the going gets tough. The gravity of this situation became clearly evident in the recent past, where the existing law allowed Australian citizens to be declared criminals if they tried to enter their own country. And courts threw out any challenges to this law because our constitution, the ultimate law of the land, says nothing about it. In order to ascertain that under ALL circumstances, the basic rights of Australian citizens are always protected, it is mandatory that these rights should be enshrined in the country's constitution.

We therefore ask the House to commence the process of drafting and including a Bill of Rights within the constitution which will clearly define the individual rights of all Australians.

from 2,353 citizens (Petition No. EN3205)

COVID-19: Income Support Payments

Due to repeated restrictions and lockdowns, the small businesses and traders are operating with uncertainty. Hundreds if not thousands of businesses have closed down. Govt's repeated mishandling and fear-mongering since Feb 2020 has brought about instability and insecurity - be it financial, mental, career, educational and/or interpersonal. $750 is just not enough. How can a family of 3-4 people afford to pay rent, mortagage, food, electricity, education, vehicle insurance, personal/health insurance, simple luxuries like mobile phone recharge, internet etc. in a city like Sydney with just $750? One thousand dollars - that's what we need to live off respectably. $1000 should be paid every week with immediate effect and up to 2022 Jan end for people to recover because loss of business can't be expected to turn even the day lockdown ends. It can take days, weeks even months to recover.

We therefore ask the House to raise the current Covid support from $750 to $1000 with immediate effect and up to Jan end 2022.

from 159 citizens (Petition No. EN3206)

JobKeeper Payment

Many large business shareholders have profited from JobKeeper payments made during the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 at the expense of Australian taxpayers, welfare recipients and government revenue.

We therefore ask the House to close the ability to manipulate such payments and that such businesses be required to return the excessive money claimed. The simple calculation for each company is that the value of any dividends paid during the 2020/2021 financial year up to the value of JobKeeper (plus any other COVID -19 support payments) received be returned to the federal treasury.

from 87 citizens (Petition No. EN3207)

Fridge Magnets

The delivery of fridge magnets via Australia Post mass mail outs (or hand delivery) is environmental vandalism as the vast majority end up in landfill, without ever being used. On average, our household receives 1-2 per week, nearly every week of the year. At 10g each (assuming only 1 per week) that is 1/2 kilo of plastic/magnetic waste our household adds to landfill every year! With 40 households in our street we are contributing 20kg per year or, as a nation of over 8 million households, this equates to over 4 million KGs per year in Australia alone!

The production process is also unsustainable as Magnets are made from non-renewable rare-earth metals which are mined causing significant destruction and degradation of natural ecosystems. Even if companies are using recycled materials the energy and resources used to create an item that generally is thrown straight into landfill is irresponsible and completely unnecessary.

We therefore ask the House to make the mass distribution of Fridge Magnets illegal as the vast majority end up in landfill and are an unnecessary burden on our fragile environment.

from 65 citizens (Petition No. EN3208)

Census

The Census and Statistic Act 1905 requires the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to maintain the confidentiality of information collected. The form provided online has throughout the form the first name and it is linked to our personal information. If this is for statistical analysis only it does not need the telephone number, the date of birth and the name throughout the form. This data is handed to private companies, such as Adecco and is used for Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP). Each agency involved in the MADIP is authorised by law to collect personal information as part of its core functions, to share that information with the ABS for MADIP. This data then becomes available to government employees, government contractors and individuals sponsored by government, academics and researchers from public policy research institutes. Hence, the private data is not only shared between government agencies, but by government contractors and individuals outside the government. Nowhere in all this description is it said that our name, telephone number and date of birth are detached from the data we provided.

We therefore ask the House to implement that our name, exact address, telephone number and date of birth are deleted from the information provided and not stored, and that in the future the census form does not require the information about the name, telephone number or date of birth and that our private information is not shared without our consent by any government department.

from 179 citizens (Petition No. EN3211)

Migration

The reason(s) for filing this Petition are-

A) EOI(s) that were valid in DHA's Skill select system since the beginning of this pandemic i.e. March 2020 and haven't received any invitation for VISA subclass 189 due to change in policy and quarterly execution of invitation rounds since Sep 2020: These EOI(s) should be extended as many of us has been sitting at max points; Myself submitted with 90 points under ANZSCO Occupation 263111 and have been waiting patiently for an invitation ever since.

As per the trends of pre-covid invitation round- any applicant with 90 points used to receive an invitation within three months or so.

B) Many of us have invested more than 5 years of their life and were just about settle into their life and covid has hit us very badly as DHA had to change the policy.

-EOI not only contains a lot of information about our qualifications but it also demonstrates our hard work as a skilled migrant in Australia.

-As a migrant we can still wait but seeing our EOI(s) getting expired is having devastating effect as we are not responsible for the chaos caused by COVID- Its same for everyone in every corner of the world.

-These EOI(s) should be extended to allow more time to receive an invitation for eligible applicants

We therefore ask the House to look into the issue and ask DHA to extend the validity of eligible EOI(s) who haven't received any invite due to changes in DHA Policy.

from 123 citizens (Petition No. EN3212)

COVID-19

We request all white papers describing the isolation of the Covid19 aka SARS-CoV-2 virus in human beings, directly from a sample taken from a diseased patient, where the patient sample was not first combined with any other source of genetic material.

Note: The word 'isolate' indicates: a thing is separated from all other material surrounding it.

We are not requesting white papers where 'isolation' of SARS-Cov-2 refers to:

- the culturing of something, or

- the performance of an amplification test (PCR), or

- the sequencing of something

We therefore ask the House to disclosure all white papers showing isolation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human beings in your possession or in the possession of the Federal Health Department, as these white papers would have been integral in the crafting of the orders and statutes made under the Federal and State Covid Related Legislation.

from 12,525 citizens (Petition No. EN3213)

COVID-19: Health Care

"Millions of Australians are extremely concerned about the federal government's push to force hastily approved and poorly tested novel vaccines on the population, when adequate long term safety data is unavailable. It is also is of great concern that many notable doctors and medical researchers reporting successful treatment using cheap, safe generic anti viral drugs appear to be ignored by the government and TGA, due to these generic drugs being of little commercial value and not sponsored by pharmaceutical companies for approval by the TGA"

We therefore ask the House to formally request that the TGA assess the use of Ivermectine and Hydroxycloriquine, in the recommended dosages and combination with complimentary drugs, based on the peer reviewed studies and data, and the recommendation of notable Australian medical researchers such as Proffesor Thomas Borody and Professor Robert Clancy. We ask that the house requests this of the TGA in the absence of sponsorship by a pharmaceutical corporation, seeing as both of these drugs are generic and of little commercial value to an individual company, and due to the conflict of interest many of these companies have with competing patented vaccines of far higher commercial interest. We believe that if this is performed thoroughly and transparently it will restore public faith in the federal government, and also provide confidence to the public that all options for treatment are being honestly explored".

from 8,465 citizens (Petition No. EN3214)

National Disability Insurance Scheme

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affect childrens abilities to concentrate and function in their daily lives. The condition affects children's working memory and that leads to other difficulties such as behavioural issues and depression and anxiety. With these diagnoses, children are classed as difficult and troublesome and no added support is given to them in schools and other settings. However, there is treatment available that is not covered under NDIS because it is not recognised as a debilitating disability affecting our children. Despite treatment and support being available there are GAPS If covered under which families cannot afford and any hope of helping the child is abandoned. Any public funding through the state system is let with long wait queue and limited funding for support. Therefore these children do not have good career and life prospects as they are neglected thus leading to high crime rates as they get older and parents losing hope due to limited financial support. With the correct funding under NDIS such as learning support, social interactions skills these children have a great chance of succeeding. Research shows that Medication alone, does not treat ADHD, when other diagnoses are made and any available treatment is extremely expensive to fund.

We therefore ask the House to allow ADHD with Anxiety and ODD diagnosis is covered under NDIS and funded.

from 1,216 citizens (Petition No. EN3215)

Climate Change

+ Australia currently does not have a net zero target by 2035 resulting in severe negative economic consequences for our nation. Australia must commit to the target at upcoming COP26, Glasgow, 2021.

+ Australia has ability to lead renewable energy technologies globally - strengthen/diversify economy, reduce costs, curb emissions, improve safety, gain global investor support

+ Fossil fuel industrial communities will suffer economic hardship unless an effective and fair transition plan to alternative employment is implemented forthwith.

+ Australia is blessed with renewable energy sources and smart storage - solar, hydro, wind which can lead the global transition.

+ Major financial institutions are not funding fossil fuel projects

+ 83% of the domestic market is increasing investments into renewables, 39% say it will have a transformative effect.

+ A reduction in greenhouse gases (IPCC Report), is essential to provide an equitable future for all Australians, our economy, and our environment - for all of humanity and other species.

We therefore ask the House to create a Climate Action Plan that all Australians can support , including but not limited to:

+ Cease approval and funding of new fossil fuel developments, including natural gas

+ Increase investment in renewables and emission reduction technologies, research and industries

+ Implement a fair work transition plan for communities reliant on fossil fuel industries

from 316 citizens (Petition No. EN3222)

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme

An appalling problem exists within our agriculture sector. Australia cannot find enough people to pick our fruit and vegetable crops. Overseas people pick our crops under the Seasonal Worker Programme or the Pacific Labour Scheme. Research indicates poor accommodation offerings at high prices. Examples include The 2020 McKell Institute Blue Harvest, and the 2020 Unions NSW Wage Theft: The Shadow Market in the Horticultural Industry. Young overseas backpackers reported undesirable Australian experiences, and they shared their memories back home with others, tarnishing Australia's image. Commonwealth-level inquiries such as the 2006 Perspectives on the Future of the Harvest Labour Force, and the 2018 Harvest Trail Inquiry Report also indicate the same broken or non-existent standards. It is common to pay more than $160 per bunkbed per week, in cramped overcrowded rooms with 10 or more people. They share one old, and often broken, washing machine, shower and toilet. No Commonwealth minimum standards exist for what is reasonable accommodation, and what is unreasonable accommodation. Today, documented overseas workers from Pacific nations pay more rent to harvest our crops, than they would pay to rent a flat in Vaucluse or Toorak. One overseas worker lost his eye because his top bunkbed was directly under a ceiling fan. Belgian backpacker Olivier Max Caramin died from heat stress in Ayr in 2017. Australians don't want those jobs, at those wages, in those poor accommodation settings.

We therefore ask the House to develop national minimum accommodation standards for Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme workers.

from 108 citizens (Petition No. EN3223)

Responses

Taxation

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition EN1265, which requests that the Government conduct a petition on compulsory donations to bushfire and drought relief. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

The proposal to fund bushfire and drought relief through a mandatory debit from bank accounts would essentially create a new tax. The Australian Government is committed to keeping the tax burden on Australians as low as possible. In the 2021-22 Budget, the Government delivered $7.8 billion in personal income tax cuts to support more than 10 million low- and middle-income earners by retaining the low- and middle-income tax offset for an additional year. The Government has also legislated the abolition of the 37 per cent tax bracket and the reduction of the 32.5 per cent marginal rate to 30 per cent from 2024-25. This means in 2024-25, around 95 per cent of taxpayers will pay a marginal rate of 30 per cent or less.

I note that the Australian public has always gone to great lengths to support communities impacted by natural disasters. The response to the Black Summer bushfires was a perfect example of this, with over $640 million raised for charities providing vital relief and recovery services. The Government is committed to encouraging donations to recovery efforts and ensuring that communities receive the support necessary to recover from natural disasters.

Public donations to recovery efforts are underpinned by the trust and confidence that donations are funding critical services. Recent natural disasters, including the Black Summer bushfires, have demonstrated that transparent communication from charities is crucial to ensuring Australians have the trust and confidence to keep donating.

For this reason, the Government recently released a consultation paper, developed in collaboration with the charities sector, that identifies possible features of a voluntary code to improve the transparency around the use of charitable donations during natural disasters. These features include prescribing specific information for charities to report, including how donations are used, and minimum reporting frequencies. The Government is seeking views from charities and the public on these features to ensure the code is a workable and effective solution to improving transparency.

The Government is also continuing its broader efforts to improve Australia's collective ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters in response to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. The Royal Commission made over 50 recommendations involving the Commonwealth, and the Government intends to support every recommendation for which it is responsible.

As part of its response to the Royal Commission, the Australian Government recently launched a new National Recovery and Resilience Agency to support local communities to respond to major natural disasters. The new Agency will assist communities with relief and recovery efforts following large-scale natural disasters and will also deliver initiatives to reduce risk and lessen the impact of future disaster events. The Agency represents an important step for Australia's ability to respond to natural and other disasters.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Baby Formula

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning the Petition EN1483 - Proof of identity to purchase baby formula. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

I note the concerns raised regarding the bulk purchase of infant formula and the proposal to require identification to be presented when making a purchase. Decisions to restrict or limit supply to consumers are matters for individual businesses. Some retailers have restricted the number of cans of infant formula that can be purchased in one transaction, however, there is no information to suggest that there is a shortage of Australian-manufactured infant formula.

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 correspondence, originally directed to the Attorney-General, concerning Petition EN1825 - Compulsory retirement which totalled two signatures. Your correspondence has been referred to me as I have responsibility for this matter.

As outlined in the 2021-22 Budget, Australia is set to avoid the significant economic scarring effects seen following past recessions. The size of the COVID-19 shock, coupled with the speed of labour market deterioration, made economic scarring a real possibility as the crisis unfolded. In the 1990s recession, the unemployment rate took a decade to recover to its pre-crisis level. In contrast, the unemployment rate has already returned to below its pre-COVID level.

Youth were initially the cohort whose employment was most heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, employment has since rebounded and in June, the youth unemployment rate decreased to 10.2 per cent in June. This is the lowest youth unemployment rate since January 2009.

It was with this potential for scarring in mind that the Government's large and rapid fiscal response was developed. The response was designed to maintain productive employee-employer relationships, support productive and viable businesses, and provide income support to those most affected by the downturn.

Further support in the 2021-22 Budget is targeted at getting vulnerable cohorts into work and driving the unemployment rate down to further mitigate scarring from extended periods of unemployment.

As an example, the Government has a range of current measures to aid young job seekers to find employment:

The JobMaker Hiring Credit is supporting growth in employment during the recovery by giving businesses incentives to take on additional employees aged 16 to 35 years old This will help unemployed young people access job opportunities and strengthen their connection to the labour force as the economy recovers.

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements program assists employers that engage a new Australian apprentice, with an additional $2.7 billion investment committed to the program in the 2021-22 Budget.

The JobTrainer Fund is expected to support over 450,000 free or low-fee training places. This will help upskill and retrain job seekers and young people, including school leavers.

Regarding compulsory retirement, I note that there is no official 'retirement age' in Australia. Australia's retirement income system is designed so that older Australians have the flexibility to retire whenever their financial circumstances allow. Additionally, the retirement income system has measures in place which acknowledge the valuable contributions that older Australians can make in the workforce. This is why the Government has introduced policies such as the Work Bonus, which incentivise Age Pension recipients to re-enter or remain in the workforce.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy, Senator Hume

Climate Change

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning petition EN1995 which requests the House of Representatives implement a progressive procreation tax. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response.

The Australian Government is committed to keeping the tax burden on Australians as low as possible. In the 2021-22 Budget, the Government delivered $7.8 billion in personal income tax cuts to support more than 10 million low- and middle-income earners by retaining the low- and middle-income tax offset for an additional year. The Government has also legislated the abolition of the 37 per cent tax bracket and the reduction of the 32.5 per cent marginal rate to 30 per cent from 2024-25. This means in 2024-25, around 95 per cent of taxpayers will pay a marginal rate of 30 per cent or less.

The Government monitors trends in population growth and has committed to publish a Population Plan every three years to assist in developing forward planning by all levels of government. In July 2021 the Treasurer launched the 2021 Intergenerational Report, which includes chapters on Population and the Environment. The 2021 Intergenerational Report can be found here:

www.treasury.gov.au/publication/2021-intergenerational-report.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Gambling

Dear Chair,

Thank you for your email dated 24 May 2021 concerning Petition EN2593, which relates to gambling promotions.

I understand the petition requests the House of Representatives "...to ban ALL forms of gambling/betting ads on television and radio."

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 1992. This co-regulatory system recognises the importance of television and radio content reflecting community standards. Codes of practice are available on the Australian Communications and Media Authority's (ACMA's) website at acma.gov.au/industry-codes-practice.

The Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (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 freetv.com.au/what-we-do/industry-standards.

The Subscription Broadcast Television Codes of Practice (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 of Practice (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 commercialradio.com.au/legal/regulation-codes.

Gambling advertising restrictions during children's viewing hours on broadcast platforms

The Commercial TV Code prohibits gambling advertisements:

during General (G), Preschool (P) or Children's (C) rated programs broadcast between:

6.00 am and 8.30 am; and

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 to children.

These prohibitions do not apply during a news, current affairs or sports program broadcast in 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 radio and the Special Broadcasting Service.

More information about these restrictions is available on ACMA's website at acma.gov.au/gambling-ads-during-live-sports-broadcasts.

Review of broadcasting co-regulatory codes

Broadcasting co-regulatory 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 44 Avenue Road

Mosman NSW 2088

Phone: (02) 8968 7100

Web: freetv.com.au

For subscription television broadcasters, ASTRA's contact details are: Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association

Email: admin@astra.org.au Web: 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

Web: commercialradio.com.au

Thank you for bringing the petitioners' concerns to my attention. I hope the information in this letter is of some help.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Mr Fletcher

Gambling

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email dated 24 May 2021 regarding Petition EN2595, which relates to gambling promotions.

I understand the petition requests the House of Representatives "...to bring into effect an advertising ban similar to that faced by cigarette companies, in that [sports betting apps and websites] can no longer advertise on any medium or sponsor sporting events at any level across any sport in Australia, and that media that do not meet that expectation face fines and potential legal action."

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 1992. This co-regulatory system recognises the importance of television and radio content reflecting community standards. Codes of practice are available on the Australian Communications and Media Authority's (ACMA's) website at acrna.gov.au/industry-codes-practice.

The Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice (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 freetv.corn.au/what-we-do/industry-standards.

The Subscription Broadcast Television Codes of Practice (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 of Practice (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 commercialradio.com.au/legal/regulation-codes.

Gambling advertising restrictions during children's viewing hours on broadcast platforms

The Commercial TV Code prohibits gambling advertisements:

during General (G), Preschool (P) or Children's (C) rated programs broadcast between:

6.00 am and 8.30 am; and

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 to children.

These prohibitions do not apply during a news, current affairs or sports program broadcast in 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-live-sports-broadcasts.

Review of broadcasting co-regulatory codes

Broadcasting co-regulatory 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 44 Avenue Road

Mosman NSW 2088

Phone: (02) 8968 7100

Web: freetv.com.au

For subscription television broadcasters, ASTRA's contact details are:

Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association

Email: admin@astra.org.au

Web: 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

Web: 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.

Other regulatory arrangements

In relation to gambling advertisements at sporting venues and on sporting apparel, these are matters for each State and Territory.

Thank you for bringing the petitioners' concerns to my attention. I hope the information in this letter is of some help.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Mr Fletcher

Housing Affordability

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 24 May 2021, originally directed to the Treasurer, concerning Petition (EN2600) which relates to the way the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is measured as well as the level the cash rate is set. Your correspondence has been referred to me for response. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

It is important to bear in mind that lending and interest rates on individual products are commercial decisions for individual financial institutions. Monetary policy in Australia is conducted independently by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Government does not have any power to intervene in these decisions.

While the RBA controls the rate at which banks can borrow in the overnight cash market (the official cash rate), the cash rate is one of many factors that influence the cost of funds for Australian banks, including competition for deposits and conditions in wholesale funding markets.

Further, lower interest rates support economic activity and employment by stimulating spending. While this may help the economy as a whole, I understand that savers will receive less interest income as a result. The RBA has to balance these competing effects when making decisions about interest rates and does not do so lightly.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 24 May 2021 to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, regarding House of Representatives Petition EN2603 - Australia becoming a party to the third Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). As the issues raised fall within my portfolio responsibilities as the Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, your email was referred to me for reply.

The Australian Government is not proposing to ratify the Optional Protocol to the CRC on Communications Procedures at this time. The Government considers the rights and opportunities afforded by this instrument are adequately protected in the existing instruments to which Australia is a party. Children are able to bring communications under the complaints mechanisms to which Australia is a party.

I trust this information is of assistance. I have copied this letter to Senator Payne.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Senator Cash

Internet Content

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter dated 21 June 2021, on behalf of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Petitions, concerning Petition EN2614 - Proof of age for online pornography.

The Australian Government understands the concerns raised in the petition regarding access to online pornography, and the need for Australian children to be protected from unwanted exposure to this kind of content. Online Safety is a key priority for the Government. We have successfully implemented a number of world first protections, such as establishing the Children's eSafety Commissioner (now the eSafety Commissioner), but there is more to do.

This year, the Government passed the tough new Online Safety Act 2021 (the Act), which will commence in January 2022. Under the Act, there are a number of measures that aim to protect children from accessing inappropriate content.

On commencement, Government will issue industry with a new set of Basic Online Safety Expectations (BOSE). Under the BOSE, online providers will be subject to expectations to keep users safe on their platforms. Australia's eSafety Commissioner will have the power to order tech companies to report on how they are responding to harms and issue hefty fines of up to $555,000 if they don't respond. Government is consulting on what should be included in the BOSE, and interested parties can make a submission by visiting www.communications.gov.au/have-your-say/draft-online-safety-basic-online-safety-expectations-determination-2021-consultation.

Also on commencement, the eSafety Commissioner will establish a new Restricted Access System to ensure that access to RI 18+ material hosted in Australia is limited to people who are aged 18 years and over. Under the new Act, the eSafety Commissioner is empowered to take down R18+ and X18+ content that is provided from Australia if children's access to it is not restricted by an appropriate restricted access system.

The development of a new Restricted Access System aligns closely to a separate but related process - a roadmap on age verification, due to be presented to the

Government in 2022. Government has asked the eSafety Commissioner to develop this roadmap as part of it's response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee report, 'Protecting the Age of Innocence'.

The eSafety Commissioner has released a discussion paper and is calling for submissions. More information is available at www.esafety.gov.au/about- us/consultation-cooperation/restricted-access-system.

The new Act also requires industry to register new codes with the eSafety Commissioner to keep their users safe in relation to Class 1 and Class 2 content, which covers things like adult pornography and child sex abuse material. Further information about the Act is available at www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021B000l8v.au.

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, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Mr Fletcher

COVID-19: India

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 21 June 2021, regarding the Standing Committee on Petition's request for the Government to provide medical supplies to India in response to the recent COVID-19 surge in infections (petition EN2636).

The Australian Government has delivered on the Prime Minister's commitment to support India's COVID-19 response.

Across four deployments, we delivered over 37 tonnes of essential medical supplies worth $37.1 million, including 3,000 ventilators and 250 oxygen concentrators. These supplies have been distributed to 19 Indian states and union territories and provided life-saving support to people affected by COVID-19.

Australians have generously donated a further $12.2 million to the response through the Australian Council for International Development.

On 7 June, the Indian government formally conveyed it no longer requires international assistance. We continue to work closely with India as we face this pandemic together.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairsand Minister for Women, Senator Payne

Freedom of Speech

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 21 June 2021 enclosing Petition EN2638 concerning religious freedom and the Religious Discrimination Bill and associated legislative package.

The Australian Government believes that all Australians, regardless of their religious belief, should be able to fully participate in our society within the framework of Australian law. The Government recognises that there is an opportunity to further enhance and better protect freedom of religion under Australian laws.

For this reason, the Government has prepared the package of draft legislation to implement recommendations from the May 2018 report of the Expert Panel to the Religious Freedom Review, including the Religious Discrimination Bill. The Government conducted extensive consultations on the proposed legislation, including roundtable discussions and meetings with interested stakeholders. Approximately 13,000 submissions were received.

The right to freedom of religion is one right among many others and must co-exist with the broad suite of human rights, including the right to equality and non-discrimination. The Religious Discrimination Bill will ensure that religious belief and activity is protected in the same manner as other existing attributes covered by anti-discrimination law, including race, age, disability and sex.

I am working to progress the Religious Discrimination Bill and associated legislative package so that it can be introduced to Parliament before the end of the year.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Senator Cash

Film Industry

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter dated 21 June 2021, in relation to Petition EN2656, concerning grant processes in the Australian screen industry.

Screen Australia is the Australian Government's primary agency for supporting Australian film, television, documentary and digital media makers. It provides direct investment in screen development and production, and understands the importance of independent screen producers to the production ecosystem.

There have been a number of reviews and consultations undertaken on support for the screen sector and its appropriateness, including the recent process to consult on the Supporting Australian Stories on our Screens: Options Paper. This process resulted in additional funding of $33 million to support Screen Australia for drama, documentary and children's content.

A number of Screen Australia's funding programs require that producers demonstrate that there is an acceptable offer to exhibit the project in cinemas in Australia, and an acceptable offer to represent the project for Rest of World (ROW) sales.

This requirement ensures that there is a genuine intention for the cinematic release of the productions that are funded. While it is a requirement that finance is in place, and a distributor and international sales agent are attached, Screen Australia exercises discretion for low-budget projects. Applicants are encouraged to contact

Screen Australia's Program Operations team on 1800 507 901 before submitting an application to discuss any eligibility questions and ensure al1 the required supporting material is in place.

In addition to production funding, Screen Australia offers a broad range of funding programs to support the development and marketing of Australian screen content, as well as for the development of Australian talent and screen production businesses.

Screen Australia's 'Story Development: Generate' funding program supports content creators to take advantage of existing and emerging opportunities to develop compelling drama stories. Applicants can apply for funding for a lower budget series or one-off long form drama project for any platform. The development budget can include whatever the project and team need including, but not limited to, a treatment, scriptment, draft script, series bible, research, time critical filming, writers rooms, actors' workshops and/or the production of a proof of concept (POC), which could be a short film that speaks to the long form, a pilot episode, short shareable online content or sizzle reel.

Whilst there is no cap on the amount of funding that applicants can apply for in

Story Development, the requested amounts must be reasonable relative to the scope of the project, the phase of development and any additional sources of development financing raised or expected. Screen Australia's maximum contribution under the funding program for POCs/shareable content is $5,000 to $50,000. More information on the 'Story Development: Generate' funding program can be found at www.screenaustralia.gov.au/funding-and-support/feature-films/development/generate.

State and territory governments also provide support for screen development and production through a range of mechanisms. Further information relating to each of the state agencies can be found at www.arts.gov.au/what-we-do/screen/filming-australia.

Thank you for bringing Petition EN2656 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Mr Fletcher

Suicide Prevention

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 8 August 2021 to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, concerning petition EN2684 for a three digit suicide prevention hotline. Your correspondence has been referred to me as the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention as the matter falls within my portfolio responsibilities.

Mental health and suicide prevention remain one of the Australian Government's highest priorities. Through the 2021-22 Budget, the Government is investing a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform. This builds on the estimated $5.8 billion in 2020-21, taking the total estimated health portfolio investment in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021-22 to a record high $6.5 billion- doubling since 2012-13.

Prioritising calls and managing response times is an issue for helplines around the world. I understand national helplines from many countries discuss issues of service demand and exchange best practice approaches, identify issues, and look to continuously improve their services. This includes considering whether introducing a new phone number to access mental health services would increase the complexity of an already busy service landscape, and increase the complexity for those seeking help in choosing a service to contact.

The United States National Suicide Prevention Helpline will shortly be replaced by a three-digit phone number in July 2022, and I look forward to hearing about how this is implemented and its effect and impact.

Australia's triple zero emergency response phone line accepts calls concerning possible self-harm including when life is in danger. During the call, the call-taker will ask a number of questions to help determine if additional emergency services are required. Many helplines, including Lifeline Australia and Beyond Blue, also direct callers to contact triple zero if there is an immediate threat to life to ask for attendance by an emergency service organisation.

Lifeline Australia is investing in a range of initiatives designed to address the demand for crisis support, including:

increasing access options for help-seekers designed to better match help-seeker need with type of care provided (online tools, short form messaging, voice support, face-to-face)

proactive supports and alternate models of care for repeat, non-acute crisis callers

undertaking further national research into service outcomes and help-seeker experience to guide a strategy through evidence-informed insights

investing in skills and capability to best match demand to resources through enhanced workforce planning.

The Government continues to provide significant funding to a range of phone and online mental health services, including crisis services, and is working in close partnership with each of them to ensure high answer rates and appropriate service responses.

Thank you for raising this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Mr Coleman

Middle East

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 August 2021, regarding petitions EN2692, EN2710 and EN2715. The Australian Government notes the petitioners' concerns regarding Israeli policies towards Palestinians.

As Australia said at the United Nations General Assembly on 20 May 2021, the cycle of violence and bloodshed must end. The Australian Government has been clear in calling for all parties to return to direct and genuine peace negotiations as soon as possible, with a view to defining a durable and permanent peace arrangement. Australia continues to urge all sides to refrain from violent or provocative acts, or actions that increase tensions. This includes terrorism, land appropriations, annexation, forced evictions, demolitions and settlement activity. Holy sites are for peaceful worship. They must never be places of chaos and violence.

While Australia affirms Israel's right to self-defence in accordance with international law, we also unquestionably affirm the right of Palestinians to live in peace and with dignity. The Government regularly makes representations to Israel with respect to human rights issues, both in Tel Aviv and Canberra. The Government does not support calls to boycott or embargo Israel. This harms Israelis and Palestinians economically and is unhelpful to the peace process.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairsand Minister for Women, Senator Payne

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning petition EN2695.

Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is underpinned by Australia's COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy (published 18 August 2020). This strategy outlines how the Australian Government is investing in promising vaccines and treatments, and how they will be delivered to Australians, safely, fairly and rapidly.

The Government aims to provide everyone in Australia with access to a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, if they choose to be vaccinated. The Government is committed to providing COVID-19 vaccination to everyone in Australia for free, including non-Australian citizens and permanent residents. This includes people without a Medicare card, overseas visitors, international. students, migrant workers and asylum seekers.

Introducing a mechanism to allow individuals to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine may lead to confusion in the Australian community and may have an impact on Australia's vaccination uptake. The Government acknowledges that each individual has the right to·decide whether or not to receive a vaccine according to their own circumstances and principles.

Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary, as are all vaccinations in Australia, and people maintain the option to choose.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 August 2021 on behalf of petitioners concerned about the removal of the Avastin brand of the medicine bevacizumab, from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 June 2021 (petition number EN2697).

The medicine bevacizumab has been eligible for subsidy through the PBS prior to and after 1 June 2021 and has not been subject to any reported medicine shortages. Bevacizumab is a biological medicine used to treat a range of cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer, a form of bowel cancer. Bevacizumab is available in two vial strengths, 100 mg in 4 mL injection and 400 mg in 16 mL injection.

The Avastin brand of bevacizumab was removed from the PBS at the request of the manufacturer, Roche Products Pty Ltd (Roche), following a decision to discontinue Avastin in Australia.

Notices of Roche's decision to discontinue Avastin in Australia have been published on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website at: apps.tga.gov.au/Prod/msi/Search/Details/bevacizumab. The 100 mg in 4 mL injection was discontinued from the market on 30 June 2021 and the 400 mg in 16 mL injection will be discontinued from the market on 3 December 2021. Roche has advised the reason for the discontinuation is due to 'commercial changes/commercial viability'.

Medicine manufacturers are private entities that make their own decisions regarding their products, and cannot be compelled by the Government to continue to list a product on the PBS or to continue to market their product in Australia. When a medicine manufacturer discontinues their product, the subsequent decision to keep or remove the product from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods lies with the medicine manufacturer.

The biosimilar brand of bevacizumab, Mvasi(R), has been listed on the PBS from 1 June 2021. Mvasi(R) has been assessed by the TGA, Australia's medicine and therapeutic regulatory agency, to be highly similar to the Avastin brand, based on evidence from comparability and clinical studies. This means patients can be assured that Mvasi provides the same health outcomes, and is as safe and effective, as Avastin.

Regulatory standards for biosimilar medicines have been carefully developed over 20 years, through a collaborative effort among major regulatory agencies worldwide, including agencies in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Mvasi obtained regulatory approval in the United States in 2017 and Europe and Canada in 2018, and currently has regulatory approval in many other countries.

All manufacturing sites used for medicines supplied in Australia, whether located in Australia or overseas, must be approved by the TGA. All manufacturing facilities must comply with Australian manufacturing standards and are regularly inspected and monitored to help ensure compliance. This means that all medicines supplied in Australia are manufactured to the same standards whether they are manufactured in Australia or in an overseas country.

Biosimilar medicines are manufactured in facilities that met the same standards as the innovator medicine.

Under legislation the Australian Government cannot list a product on the PBS unless the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) - an independent, expert advisory committee - makes a recommendation in favour of its listing.

The PBAC considered applications for Mvasi to be listed on the PBS in November 2020 and March 2021. The PBAC recommended Mvasi and Avastin should be treated as equivalent. The PBAC provided this advice after considering clinical evidence provided by the manufacturer of Mvasi and advice from the TGA.

The PBAC also recommended that bevacizumab be PBS listed as an unrestricted benefit, which allows subsidised access to bevacizumab for all Australians who receive a script for this medicine from their prescriber. This change was implemented from 1 June 2021.

The Government worked with the manufacturer of Mvasi to ensure continuity of supply of bevacizumab on the PBS from 1 June 2021.

The following resources are available to support both patients and healthcare professionals through this change:

Information on changes to the PBS listings published in RADAR, a journal for healthcare professionals published by NPS MedicineWise at: www.nps.org.au/radar/articles/bevacizumab-biosimilar-now-pbs-listed. NPS MedicineWise is an independent organisation funded by the Government to provide services supporting quality use of medicines.

A fact sheet explaining the PBS listing changes for bevacizumab from 1 June 2021 that is available on the Biosimilar Awareness Initiative webpage of my Department's website at: www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/biosimilar-awareness-initiative.

The Australian Public Assessment Report (AusPAR) for Mvasi of November 2020, which is available on the TGA website at: www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-bevacizumab-4.

The Public Summary Document for Mvasi from the November 2020 and March 2021 meetings of the PBAC, documenting the Committee's recommendations on subsidising Mvasi on the PBS, available at: www.pbs.gov.au/pbs/industry/listing/elements/pbac-meetings/psd by searching for the relevant meeting dates.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Alcohol

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning petition number EN2704 to introduce health warning labels on alcohol products and to protect children exposed to alcohol advertisements from the sponsorships in sports broadcasts.

I would like to assure you that the Australian Government recognises and shares your concerns about the effects of alcohol and is committed to preventing and reducing the impact of alcohol-related harms on individuals, families and communities.

To this end, the Australian Government, in collaboration with states and territories, has developed the National Alcohol Strategy 2019-2028 (Strategy). The Strategy aims to prevent and minimise alcohol-related harms among individuals, families and communities by identifying agreed national priority areas of focus and policy options. Implementation of the Strategy is a shared responsibility of governments and non-government sectors.

One of the objectives identified in the Strategy is to improve the understanding and awareness of alcohol related harms in the Australian community, particularly to those experiencing disproportionate risks and harms. A key action to meet this objective is to promote and translate key messages of the revised National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol (Guidelines) to support informed decisions about alcohol consumption and promote better public understanding of alcohol related harms. The revised Guidelines were released by the NHMRC on 8 December 2020 and were developed using the most recent and best available evidence on the health effects of alcohol consumption.

In 2020-21, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation was engaged by my Department to promote the newly revised Guidelines through a national awareness raising campaign. Additionally, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has also been engaged by my Department to develop a complementary campaign targeting women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Another objective of the Strategy is to improve communication to target groups, including the implementation of health warning labels. The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Food Standards Code) contains labelling requirements all foods and drinks sold in Australia and New Zealand must meet. The independent statutory authority, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, develops and sets the Food Standards Code.

On 31 July 2020, the Food Standards Code was amended to include new requirements for pregnancy warning labels on packaged alcoholic beverages. Pregnancy warning labels inform the community of the risks to an unborn child developing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder by consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The prescribed pregnancy warning label will be required on packaged alcoholic beverages with more than 1.15 per cent alcohol by volume for sale. Businesses have three years from 31 July 2020 to comply with the new requirements. The pregnancy warning label must include a pictogram, signal words and warning statement, as below:

Concerning your request to protect children exposed to alcohol advertisements from the sponsorships in sports broadcasts, we acknowledge that young people's exposure to alcohol advertising and promotion is an issue. This is why an objective of the Strategy is to minimise inappropriate marketing which incorporates reducing alcohol advertising exposure and alcohol promotion to young people.

You may also be interested to know that alcohol advertising in Australia is regulated under the Broadcasting Service Act and several intersecting codes, which cover issues such as content, platform and placement. These codes include the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice, the Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association Code of Practice and the voluntary Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code Scheme.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning petition number EN2716- to set up mass vaccination centres and launch a national media campaign to positively promote the COVID-19 vaccine.

Providing all Australians with access to effective COVID-19 vaccines is a key priority for the Australian Government. The rollout of effective COVID-19 vaccines is being guided by the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Australian Government and state and territory governments.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Program is gaining momentum, with millions of doses administered. Primary Care has been the backbone of the Program and has consistently administered more than half of all COVID-19 vaccinations across the country.

As at 17 August 2021, more than 15.8 million doses had been administered across Australia and more than 8.6 million were administered in primary-care settings. More information on the number of doses provided can be found on my Department's website at: www.health.gov.au.

As at 18 August 2021, there are more than 8,000 primary care vaccination sites across the country administering COVID-19 vaccines. This includes:

more than 5,200 general practices

136 Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics

162 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services

more than 2,400 community pharmacies.

Of these sites, more than 2,000 are primary care vaccination sites administering the Pfizer vaccine, of which more than 1,800 are general practices. A further approximately 3,000 general practices will transition to administering Pfizer in the coming months.

Primary care is also continuing to ramp up, with more general practices and community pharmacies joining the program each week and more general practices transitioning to administering Pfizer in the coming months. To encourage high levels of vaccinations, general practices can administer vaccinations off-site. This includes vaccinating people in their home, residential aged care facility or disability accommodation facility.

The Government provides vaccination opportunities through general practice, Commonwealth vaccination clinics, community pharmacy and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. State and territory governments across Australia are currently implementing high throughput/mass vaccination clinics.

The Government is working with vaccination providers, in particular the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and state/territory vaccination services to run targeted clinics that meet local needs, such as for remote communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Pharmacy services are an essential part of the Australian health care system and pharmacists are highly accessible health care professionals who provide patients with access to vital medicines, health care services and support.

National Cabinet has agreed to formulate a National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response (National Plan) from its current pre-vaccination settings, focusing on continued suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination settings focused on prevention of serious illness, hospitalisation and fatality, and the public-health management of other infectious diseases. The Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, has published a full version of the National Plan on his website at: www.pm.gov.au/media/national-cabinet- statement-10.

National Cabinet agreed in-principle that the National Plan consists of four phases, each triggered by the achievement of vaccination thresholds expressed as a percentage of the eligible population (people aged 16 years and over), based on the scientific modelling currently being conducted for the COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response Task Force. Phases include the pre-vaccination, post-vaccination, consolidation and final phases.

National Cabinet agreed that the COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response Task Force be tasked to make recommendations on finalising the National Plan, including recommended vaccination targets for each phase of the plan based on the modelling. Phases will continue to maintain simple risk mitigation and prevention measures such as hygiene, tracing and testing.

In January 2021, the Government launched the public-information campaign to educate the community on the rollout of the vaccines and encourage Australians to get a COVID-19 vaccine. To ensure everyone in Australia has access to accurate and up-to-date information, the campaign runs across a variety of media channels, including television, radio, press, digital, social, mobile, search, and out-of-home. Special committees representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, and the multicultural community are informing the communication approach.

Other aspects of the public-information campaign include: shopping-centre kiosks to help people book their vaccination appointments; partnerships with UNICEF; working closely with public figures to build confidence in the vaccine; and dissemination of stakeholder packs with resources to be distributed in communities. Further, the communication activities are responsive to changes to the vaccination rollout and eligibility, to help Australians know when and how they can be vaccinated.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Yoga

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning Petition EN2724 in relation to the promotion of yoga in Australia.

I acknowledge the advocacy of individuals through this petition in support of yoga in community settings including schools, workplaces and yoga retreat centres.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring all Australians can participate in sport and physical activity. The Government's National Sport Plan, Sport 2030, promotes a diverse sector which represents our population and a varied range of activities, including yoga, to get more Australians active.

Regular exercise is particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic in maintaining physical and mental health, including activities with minimal equipment requirements that can be undertaken with physical distancing or in the home environment.

The Government has developed evidence-based Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines and 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for all ages. The Guidelines do not promote any form of physical activity, rather the benefits of movement and activity in general.

They provide advice on what duration and intensity of physical activity and what sedentary behaviour is considered appropriate to benefit overall health and wellbeing.

The Government is in the final stages of developing a National Preventive Health Strategy, expected to be launched in the second half of 2021, which will provide the overarching approach to prevention in Australia for the next 10 years. Encouraging physical activity will be an important component of the Strategy.

In relation to private health insurance, yoga along with other natural therapies have been excluded from the definition of private health insurance general treatment since 1 April 2019 and are no longer indirectly subsidised through the Private Health Insurance Rebate.

The Government notes many members of the community find these natural therapies beneficial and has commissioned a further review. The review is examining additional evidence which has emerged and will provide advice on whether any natural therapies should be covered by private health insurance. Further information about the review is available online through the National Health and Medical Research Council at: www.nhmrc.gov.au/natural-therapies-review.

Thank you for raising this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, SenatorColbeck

Gig Industry

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 9 August 2021 regarding petition number EN2730, concerning workers engaged in the gig economy.

The Australian Government recognises the gig economy is diverse and covers many varied working arrangements and sectors of the economy. The gig economy presents significant opportunities for flexibility and variety in how people work, build their skills, and how businesses operate. The Government recognises that those working in the gig economy often value the freedom and flexibility this type of work offers, and the important opportunities created for many people to participate in the labour market.

Many people who participate in the gig economy are independent contractors and not employees. The nature of engagement will determine the types of entitlements workers may be afforded under various Australian workplace laws.

The Australian Government has a strong track record supporting and protecting Australians who choose to be their own boss, including independent contractors. Self-employed Australians have protections from unfair and harsh contracts under the Independent Contractor Act 2006, including against contracts that provide a pay rate lower than for an employee performing similar work.

There are now also greater protections from unlawful unfair contract terms, including preventing terms in standard form contracts that allow one party to take advantage of another by unilaterally avoiding or limiting their obligations, varying the terms, or terminating the contract. Independent contractors now also have the ability to collectively bargain alongside other self-employed Australians under the ACCC's small business and independent contractor exemptions which came into effect on 3 June 2021.

This is in addition to access to general protections against adverse action, coercion and abuses of freedom of association and coverage by work health and safety laws, just like employees. The Government has zero tolerance for any exploitation of workers, including the underpayment of wages and entitlements, and takes allegations of non-compliance with workplace laws seriously.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is the national workplace relations regulator, responsible for providing education, assistance and advice about the Commonwealth workplace relations system and impartially enforcing compliance with workplace laws. The Fair Work Ombudsman can also assist independent contractors who may have concerns about certain protections at work. The Fair Work Ombudsman can be contacted on 13 13 94 or visit www.fairwork.gov.au for more information.

The gig economy is just one sector of the modern Australian labour market. Consideration of any legislative change deserves careful, thorough, detailed analysis and consideration of any potential benefits and any unintended consequences. This includes, for example, the impacts on the ability for workers to work flexibly, any potential impacts on consumers and businesses, and any potential negative impacts on workers in other occupations that prefer their independent contractor status, such as plumbers, electricians and owner-drivers in the transport industry.

In relation to the safety of people working in the gig economy, the Government is clear that every single worker, no matter how their employment arrangements are structured, has the right to a safe working environment and to come home safe at the end of each day.

Australia has model work health and safety (WHS) laws that have been adopted by the Commonwealth and the majority of states and territories. These laws already capture arrangements in the gig economy. Under the model WHS laws, any person conducting a business or undertaking, including gig economy platforms, has a duty to ensure that workers and other persons in the workplace are not exposed to health and safety risks as far as is reasonably practicable. This includes risks to both physical and psychological health.

In relation to workers' mental health, State and Territory Ministers finalised the response to the independent review of the model WHS laws and agreed to amend the model WHS Regulations to deal with psychological risks at work. The development of these regulations is now being progressed by Safe Work Australia.

The Government supports giving Australia's genuinely self-employed and independent contractors, including in the on-demand economy, the freedom and flexibility to enter into contracts, negotiate their own rates of pay, set their own times and duration of work, and perform services for multiple organisations at the same time - ultimately deciding for themselves how they want to operate.

I trust this information is of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Senator Cash

COVID-19: International Travel

I refer to your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning a petition to impose 28 days quarantine for returning travellers to Australia.

The Australian Government has strict border and quarantine measures in place to protect the health of the Australian community from COVID-19. Quarantine constitutes a first line of defence in preventing the importation of COVID-19 into Australia. National quarantine requirements are continually being assessed based on emerging evidence and medical expert advice.

Managed quarantine with COVID-19 testing at frequent intervals is currently considered the best strategy for incoming travellers and remains a key pillar of Australia's response to COVID-19.

All incoming travellers are required to quarantine for 14 days in a designated facility in their city of entry unless they are granted an exemption. This is based on the expert medical advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and reflected in the National COVID-19 guidelines for Public Health Units.

National Cabinet is responsible for considering Australia's national quarantine policy, including quarantine durations, informed by the expert medical advice of the AHPPC. The requirement for 14 days quarantine is based on extensive international evidence regarding the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and is consistent with quarantine durations implemented by many countries internationally. At this time, National Cabinet has not recommended changes to the quarantine duration.

The AHPPC considers options to strengthen Australia's end-to-end quarantine arrangements on a regular basis. Through the Continuous Improvement Framework, the AHPPC considers lessons learned, including the results of audits, evaluations, and reviews, to inform national guidance and protocols. This has resulted in the implementation of post-quarantine testing (days 16 or 17) for international travellers, daily routine testing for quarantine workers, and mandatory vaccination for quarantine workers. These measures are aimed at minimising the risk of incursion in Australia and keeping the Australian community safe.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Middle East

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 August 2021, regarding petition number EN2741.

Australia condemns the indiscriminate use of rockets, incendiary balloons, and other methods of attack by Hamas. As Australia said in its address to the United Nations General Assembly on 20 May 2021, attacks on civilians are utterly reprehensible and the reckless disregard that Hamas has shown towards the people of Gaza and Israel must end.

Australia imposes strict financial and criminal sanctions on Hamas. Hamas is subject to financial sanctions under the Charter of the United Nations Act 1945. The military wing of Hamas, the lzz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is listed under the Criminal Code as a terrorist organisation. This means it is prohibited to join, direct, recruit, or provide support to Hamas.

Thank you for bringing petition number EN2741 to my attention.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairsand Minister for Women, Senator Payne

National Education Standards

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 9 August 2021, providing a copy of a petition (EN2747) presented to the House of Representatives regarding the Australian Curriculum (the curriculum).

I can advise the Standing Committee on Petitions that I always welcome the opportunity for Australians to engage in our democratic process.

A rigorous, balanced and evidenced-based curriculum is an important contribution to lifting Australia's performance, especially in literacy, numeracy and science. In addition, it is essential that the curriculum embeds values that encourage young Australians to be proud and active citizens. Students should understand our deep Indigenous history, the Judeo-Christian foundations which underpin our democracy, and our multicultural character.

In June 2020, all Education Ministers tasked the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to refine, realign and declutter the content of the curriculum. Between 29 April and 8 July 2021, ACARA released a draft curriculum for public consultation. Unfortunately, the draft does not lift learning standards, bolster evidence-based practices or comply with the terms of reference to significantly simplify and declutter the curriculum. In addition, the draft history and civics content is not balanced and has an overly negative view of our nation.

ACARA received thousands of surveys and submissions. It is critical that within its consideration of these submissions, ACARA gives appropriate weight to the feedback from our top mathematics associations, reading experts, and historians, among others.

I recently wrote directly to the Chair of ACARA to outline my views and expectations. Education Ministers are due to consider the curriculum later this year and must agree to it before it is published. I can assure you I will not be agreeing to the curriculum unless it is significantly improved from the draft.

We all know the education landscape has been disrupted over the past 18 months with school systems adapting to remote learning-in some States and Territories much more than others.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Education and Youth, Mr Tudge

COVID-19: Vaccination

I refer to your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning petition number EN2753-No mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.

While the Australian Government encourages all eligible Australians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible, vaccination in Australia is currently voluntary, and individuals need to undertake appropriate individual risk-benefit analysis and give informed consent before receiving the jab.

Before a prescription medicine (including a COVID-19 vaccine) can be legally supplied in Australia, it must be approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and it will be subject to well-established and rigorous assessment and approval process of the TGA to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

The TGA provisionally approved the Pfizer and AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccines after a complete assessment of all the available data. This is the same process as any vaccine approved in this country. The TGA will only register and approve a COVID-19 vaccine if it is safe and effective, and its benefits outweigh any risks. No part of the process has been rushed, and there was no emergency authorisation granted as the TGA does not have an 'Emergency Use Authorisation' pathway for COVID-19 vaccines.

The TGA is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of all vaccines approved for use in Australia and has robust procedures in place to investigate any potential new safety issues. The TGA's vaccine safety monitoring system can rapidly detect, investigate and respond to any emerging safety issues identified for COVID-19 vaccines. The post-market monitoring relies on reviewing and analysing adverse events reports, working with international regulators and reviewing medical literature, media and other potential sources of new safety information. Active surveillance is also occurring through the AusVaxSafety surveillance system, which sends follow up messages to recipients of COVID-19 vaccines to ask if they have experienced any potential side effects.

The Nuremberg Code provides research ethics principles for human experimentation. As detailed above, the COVID-19 vaccines have been provisionally approved by the TGA and are therefore not experimental.

Additionally, the COVID-19 vaccine is currently voluntary and vaccine administrators are required to seek the informed consent of individuals prior to administering the vaccines. In Australia, a health practitioner is not able to provide medical treatment without the patient's informed consent. This is set out in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency's code of conduct for registered health practitioners, available online at: www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Code-of-conduct.aspx.

Therefore, we consider that the Nuremberg Code does not apply to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Foreign Investment

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence concerning Petition EN2757 on foreign investment in Australia.

Australia's foreign investment framework is open and welcoming, as it needs to be for Australia to continue to attract the high inflows of foreign investment that it requires to supplement domestic savings and support Australia's economic development. Without foreign investment, Australia's production, employment and household income would all be lower.

At the same time, the Australian Government recognises that foreign investments must be in our national interest. The foreign investment review framework allows the Government to consider Australia's national interest while ensuring Australia remains an attractive place to invest. If it is determined that a proposed investment is contrary to the national interest, it will not be approved or conditions will be applied to safeguard the national interest.

Since taking office, the Government has strengthened the rules around foreign investors owning Australian land, including by placing a cap on foreign ownership in new residential developments; lowering the agricultural land monetary screening thresholds; and clarifying that foreign investors can only acquire agricultural land where Australian bidders have had an equal opportunity to participate in the sales process.

The Government has also enacted comprehensive reforms to the foreign investment review framework which came into effect from 1 January 2021. These reforms update the framework in three broad ways: address national security risks; strengthen the compliance regime foreign investors are subject to and the enforcement powers available to the Treasurer; and streamline investment in non-sensitive businesses.

I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours sincerely

from the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Sukkar

Human Rights

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 9 August 2021 regarding House of Representatives Petition EN2762 - Australian Bill of Rights.

Australia has a strong institutional framework for protecting and advancing human rights, built on the core foundation of representative democracy and the rule of law. As a federation, responsibility for implementation of Australia's human rights obligations is shared by federal, state and territory governments. Each of these jurisdictions enjoys a robust rights-protecting framework of laws and institutions including an independent judiciary, statutory oversight mechanisms and independent human rights commissions.

The Australian Government considers that existing mechanisms to protect and promote human rights, including the protections in place under anti-discrimination legislation at the federal, state and territory levels, are appropriate. On this basis, the Government does not propose to introduce a charter or bill of rights at the federal level.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Attorney-General, Senator Cash

India

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 9 August 2021 regarding petition EN2784, concerning the welfare of Indian farmers.

The Australian Government strongly supports the democratic right to peaceful protest and the rights of citizens to speak out if they disagree with government policies. We consider free, robust civil society engagement to be a critical element of a credible, accountable democracy.

Australia is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights globally, and raises human rights concerns through bilateral, regional and multilateral processes. As a sovereign nation, it is important that India uphold its constitution and the rights of its citizens to speak freely without fear.

The Australian Government has long highlighted the benefits of trade liberalisation to the Indian Government, including on agricultural goods, and the importance of a transparent, predictable, and rules-based multilateral trading system. Australia acknowledges the challenges India faces in the pursuit of a long-term agricultural reform agenda and the importance of supporting farmers through that reform process.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Foreign Affairsand Minister for Women, Senator Payne

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning petition number EN2785.

The safety of the Australian population has always been the highest priority of the Australian Government. For this reason, decisions concerning COVID-19 vaccines have been guided by the expert medical advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

On 8 April 2021, based on emerging data relating to the increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TIS) following the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine in those aged under 50 years, ATAGI recommended that the Pfizer vaccine be preferred over AstraZeneca in those under 50 years. On 17 June 2021, ATAGI extended this advice to include those aged 50--59 years.

In following the advice of the medical experts, the Government has accepted ATAGI's recommendations. On 22 April 2021, National Cabinet agreed to limit access to the Pfizer vaccine to eligible people under 50 years of age and select other groups. On 17 June 2021, the Government agreed that those aged 50-59 years would also have access to the Pfizer vaccine.

Access to the Pfizer vaccine has been limited to preserve supply for younger cohorts for whom the Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently recommended. For people aged 60 years and over, there are different risks, benefits, and health needs in relation to vaccination compared to people under 60 years. ATAGI has recommended that the Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged over 60 years who have some rare conditions or contraindications. Where an individual has a demonstrable need to receive the Pfizer vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is in line with advice from ATAGI, this option will be made available to them.

The most effective way for people to protect themselves from the serious risks of COVID-19 is to be vaccinated, including with the AstraZeneca vaccine where recommended. As supply of COVID-19 vaccines increases later this year, access to vaccines will be expanded to additional groups. We are expecting greater supply of Pfizer across the remainder of the year. Last week, more than 1 million doses of Pfizer were released for distribution.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 9 August 2021 concerning petition EN2787.

The safety of the Australian population has always been the highest priority of the Australian Government. For this reason, decisions concerning COVID-19 vaccines have been guided by the expert medical advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

Priority groups for vaccination have been identified by considering current public health, medical and epidemiological evidence on who would be most at risk of contracting COVID-19, or of serious illness if they contracted COVID-19. Vaccines are being administered based on these priority groups, ATAGI recommendations on preferred· vaccines for certain age cohorts, and the supply of vaccines.

Based on emerging data relating to the increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine, ATAGI has recommended that the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine be preferred over AstraZeneca in those under 60 years.

In following the advice of the medical experts, the Government has accepted ATAGI's recommendations. National Cabinet agreed to limit access to the Pfizer vaccine to eligible people under 60 years of age and select other groups. Access to the Pfizer vaccine has been limited to preserve supply for younger cohorts for whom the Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently recommended.

For people aged 60 years and over, there are different risks, benefits and health needs in relation to vaccination compared to people under 60 years. For those aged 60 years and over, the individual benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine are greater than in younger people. The risks of severe outcomes or death from COVID-19 increase with age, and are particularly high in older, unvaccinated individuals. At the same time, the AstraZeneca vaccine remains highly effective at preventing death and severe illness among people who have contracted COVID-19, and the incidence of TTS is very rare. The benefit of preventing COVID-19 through AstraZeneca vaccination therefore outweighs the risk of TTS in this age group.

ATAGI has recommended that the Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged over 60 years who have some rare conditions or contraindications. Where an individual has a demonstrable need to receive the Pfizer vaccine instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is in line with advice from ATAGI, this option will be made available to them.

While the Government supports immunisation, it is not mandatory, and individuals maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate. As supply of COVID-19 vaccines increases later this year, access to the Pfizer vaccine will be expanded to additional groups.

The most effective way for those aged 60 years and over to protect themselves from the effects of COVID-19 is to be vaccinated, including with the AstraZeneca vaccine where recommended. The Government encourages everyone to be vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Census

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 9 August 2021 regarding Petition number EN2792. In response to the issues raised in the petition I can provide the following advice.

The Australian Government worked with States and Territories to develop a national curriculum from Foundation - Year 10. The Australian Curriculum (the curriculum) is overseen by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

The Languages learning area in the curriculum is designed to enable all students to engage in learning a language in addition to English. It recognises the features that languages share as well as the distinctiveness of specific languages.

The curriculum includes thirteen languages (Indonesian, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese) as well as the Framework for Classical Languages and the Framework for Aboriginal Languages and Torres Strait Islander languages. Cantonese is not one of the thirteen languages included in the curriculum. Further information about the curriculum is available at www.australiancurriculum.edu.au.

The curriculum, including the Languages curriculum, is currently under review. The terms of the review, agreed by all Education Ministers in June 2020, are to refine, realign and declutter the content of the curriculum within its existing structure. In undertaking the review, ACARA has drawn on the expertise of curriculum experts, the teaching profession and stakeholders. ACARA undertook public consultation from 29 April to 8 July 2021 and the community had the opportunity to provide feedback.

ACARA is now considering that feedback before providing the revised curriculum to all Education Ministers for endorsement later this year. Further information about the review is available at www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/curriculum-review.

Responsibility for delivery of the curriculum, including which languages are taught in schools, rests with State and Territory Governments and education authorities, in conjunction with individual schools and their communities. States and Territory Governments and education authorities may choose to approve curriculum, syllabuses and assessment material for languages other than the thirteen languages in the curriculum for teaching in schools. Further details about this process, including contact details for the accreditation bodies in each State and Territory, can be found on the website of the Australasian Curriculum, Assessment and Certification Authorities at www.acaca.edu.au/index.php/schooling/curriculum.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Education and Youth, Mr Tudge

Cashless Debit Card Program

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 9 August 2021, to Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, Minister for Government Services, concerning Petition EN2799 Cashless Debit Card (CDC). Minister Reynolds has referred this petition to me for response as I have portfolio responsibility for Cashless Debit Card policy.

The Government remains committed to promoting positive outcomes for communities and the responsible spending of welfare payments. The CDC is a useful tool that operates alongside other measure to address the devastating impacts of drug and alcohol misuse and problem gambling. Participants continue to receive their full income support entitlements, and for those that spend their money responsibly, there is very little impact. The CDC offers a positive financial management tool, with access to one million points of sale across Australia and one of the highest interest bearing everyday transaction card's in Australia.

The Government commissioned the University of Adelaide to undertake a second independent impact evaluation of the CDC. The report found clear and consistent evidence of a reduction in alcohol use in CDC sites as well as signs of improvement in relation to gambling and drug use. Around 45 per cent of respondents reported the CDC had improved things for themselves or their family. The majority of frontline service workers wanted the CDC program to continue.

The report found the CDCs introduction made it better for those who are most vulnerable and who need it the most. Both stakeholders and participants reported the CDC was prioritising, and therefore encouraging, greater spending on essential items such as food, bills, clothes, household goods and fuel. This is a particularly important outcome for children.

These findings are consistent with findings from the first independent impact evaluation, which also found reductions in alcohol consumption and gambling. The CDC is contributing to positive change in communities.

However, the Government takes the feedback received on the program seriously and is responding. Some people felt stigmatised by the CDC. In response, the Government has changed the look of the card, introduced contactless purchasing and invested in both electronic wallet and Product Level Blocking technology to reduce perceptions of stigma. In addition, a further card issuer will be trialled in the Northern Territory.

Government has heard calls for better access to services. The 2021-22 Budget provided an $82 million package containing funds for better treatment services in the four longest running CDC communities, as well as strategies to help people become job ready and get into work.

The Second Impact Evaluation was unable to consider objective administrative data as part of its report. The Government is working with State and Territory governments so this data can be considered in future considerations on the CDC.

The Government intends to honour its commitment to work with community leaders to address the social harm caused by drugs, alcohol and gambling, including continuing to offer the CDC program.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Families and Social Services, SenatorRuston

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition number EN2802 calling for multiple dedicated federal quarantine facilities to manage incoming travellers.

The Australian Government is committed to bringing home Australians overseas who wish to return, including the most vulnerable Australians, and has worked hard to ensure both their safety and that of the broader Australian community.

The Government's approach to quarantine is based on emerging evidence and the best available medical advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). Managed quarantine for international arrivals to Australia, including hotel quarantine and other highly controlled settings, is Australia's first line of defence against COVID-19 and continues to play a vital role in Australia's public health response.

The National Cabinet agreed on 27 March 2020 that state and territory governments would have primary responsibility for managed quarantine arrangements under their public health legislation. This enables jurisdictions to best manage their public health response to COVID-19, reflecting the practicalities of an effective quarantine system which needs to bring together healthcare, logistics and law enforcement.

International arrivals are being hosted in approved quarantine facilities around the country that are located close to the necessary health and transport infrastructure. The AHPPC sets out minimum standards and best practice guidance for quarantine facilities in the National Principles for Managed Quarantine and is committed to continuous improvement.

To prioritise the return of vulnerable Australians stranded overseas, who have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as wanting to return, the Australian and Northern Territory Governments formed a partnership to establish the Centre for National Resilience at Howard Springs. This arrangement is supported by a $513.5 million bilateral agreement. The Centre prioritises the return and quarantine of our most vulnerable Australians and since its establishment in October 2020 has seen more than 13,000 Australians return in a way that is safe for them and the broader Australian community.

In addition, the Government is also working with states and territories to explore options for complementing (not supplanting) hotel quarantine capacity. This includes the establishment of purpose-built quarantine facilities, in partnership with states and territories to support their quarantine activities.

The Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, has committed that the Commonwealth is willing to consider a partnership on any proposal from states and territories that meet the Key Assessment Criteria (including health criteria) for Standalone Quarantine Facilities, which were published on 4 June 2021.

The Government continues to progress proposals from states and territories to establish dedicated quarantine facilities, including those put forward by the Victorian, Queensland and Western Australian Governments. The Prime Minister has entered into Memorandums of Understandings for the construction of facilities in each of these jurisdictions which will see additional quarantine capacity by the end of 2021 and throughout 2022.

Regarding the request for Australia's international borders to be reopened, the measures taken under Australia's Biosecurity Act 2015 are in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our community, particularly our most vulnerable Australians.

The Government acknowledges the impact of these measures on all Australians.

On 6 August 2021, the National Cabinet agreed to the four-step National Plan to Transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response (National Plan). The National Plan provides a graduated pathway to transition Australia's COVID-19 response from its current pre-vaccination settings focused on continued suppression of community transmission to post-vaccination settings focused on public health management of COVID-19 consistent with other infectious diseases.

The National Plan will move between phases once Australia reaches key vaccination thresholds - moving to Phase B once 70 per cent of the Australian population 16 years of age and older are fully vaccinated and Phase C once the 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold is met.

The Government continues to seek health advice regarding decisions on when it is safe for Australians to travel internationally and the impact of vaccination on public health measures such as travel requirements and quarantine. At this time, vaccination status is not considered to be a complete or sufficient substitute for other measures that remain in place to minimise the COVID-19 health risks associated with international travel. If favourable data on vaccination continues to be published, there may be a scale-back of other public health measures.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2807 a COVID-19 roadmap towards zero lockdowns and international travel.

The National Cabinet agreed in-principle to an updated four-step National Plan to Transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response (National Plan) taking into account the Doherty Institute COVID-19 modelling and the Commonwealth Department of Treasury economic analysis. The modelling is publicly available online at: pmc.gov.au/national-plan-transition-australias-national-covid-response.

The National Plan provides a graduated pathway to transition Australia's COVID-19 response from its current pre-vaccination settings focused on continued suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination settings focused on prevention of serious illness and fatalities, whereby the public health management of COVID-19 is consistent with other infectious diseases.

The National Plan sets out four phases to affect this transition. Each phase will be triggered by the achievement of vaccination thresholds of both the nation, and the individual state or territory expressed as a percentage of the eligible population (16 plus), based on the scientific and economic modelling conducted for the COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response Taskforce.

Phase B of the National Plan provides for possible ease of some restrictions on vaccinated Australians. It is not until Phase C of the National Plan that Australia will be able to see a 'gradual reopening of inward and outward international travel with safe countries and proportionate quarantine and reduced requirements for fully vaccinated inbound travellers'.

The National Cabinet will commission further detailed modelling over the coming months to update and refine the National Plan as required. A sub-group of National Cabinet consisting of Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory will also prepare options on the treatment of vaccinated Australians in Phase B.

In addition, state and territory governments are responsible for managing their COVID-19 response under their own public health legislation. State and territory governments' responsibility for on-the-ground measures has allowed an appropriate response adapted to each jurisdiction's local conditions and pandemic response stage.

Both the federal and state and territory governments are committed to continuous quality improvement, so we can strengthen our capabilities and learn from the experience of COVID-19.

The Australian Government is considering when and how to reopen our borders safely. This will be a step-by-step process, underpinned by the latest medical advice and based on robust risk assessments.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Organ and Tissue Donation

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning Petition number EN2811 requesting all citizens over the age of 18 to be automatically registered as organ donors.

Organ donation rates in Australia have seen a trend of significant growth since the National Program started in 2009, resulting in the number of deceased organ donors and the number of transplant recipients more than doubling since the program started.

The Australian system of organ donation is based on an informed consent or 'opt-in' model. Individuals have the option to record their intent to donate their organs and/or tissue on the Australian Organ Donor Register. The family will always be asked to support the donation wishes of the deceased before donation for transplantation can proceed. Donation will not proceed if the family does not agree to the donation.

There are very few people who have the opportunity to be an organ donor at the end of their life. Around 80,000 people die in Australian hospitals each year but only around two per cent of them can be considered for organ donation. To be an organ donor, a person must die in a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department (ED) and be medically assessed as suitable to donate organs for transplantation. In 2020 this equated to approximately 1,250 potential donors.

The donation system in Australia promotes that all patients with planned end of life in ICU and ED are referred to DonateLife for consideration of donation, irrespective if the person was a registered donor. Where there is potential for donation, families are approached, with best practice being with a donation specialist. At this point families are made aware if their family member was on the Australian Organ Donor Register. In 2020, requests to families to donate were made in 1,170 cases, with 680 families (58 per cent) saying yes to donation.

Registration and/or prior family knowledge does result in a higher consent rate by families, with the majority wanting to honour the wishes of their family member.

There is often debate about opt-in versus opt-out models for organ and tissue donation and which legal consent system is the best to increase donation rates. While some people believe that Australia's organ donation rates will dramatically increase if the law is changed to an opt-out system, where an adult is presumed by law to have consented to donation unless they have expressly objected, is not necessarily the case. In the majority of opt-out countries, even when a person has not registered to opt-out, donation will not proceed if the family objects.

Therefore, in practice at the hospital level, it is similar to an opt-in consent system.

International experience shows that there is not one simple solution to increasing organ donation. There is agreement that the key to achieving a sustained increase in organ donation is the implementation of a nationally consistent and coordinated approach, such as the donation system we now have in place in Australia led by the national Organ and Tissue Authority and delivered in hospitals by the DonateLife Network. This incorporates a properly funded and organised system, with donation specialist staff involved in the donation process and supporting families of potential donors in hospitals.

The Australian Government continues to monitor the impacts of changes to consent legislation overseas, to determine whether the shift to an opt-out framework correlates with an increase in donation rates.

We continue to look at ways to improve the donation and transplantation system and help and improve the lives of more Australians. In 2018, the Government agreed to an independent review of Australia's organ donation, retrieval and transplantation system. The Final Report's recommendations are being considered by all governments and a national strategy developed in line with evidence-based international best practice donation.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2812 requesting that vaccinated Australians be allowed to travel overseas and quarantine at home upon their return.

The Australian Government appreciates that Australians have concerns about possible delays in returning home, as well as impacts from being unable to visit friends and family overseas. The purpose of the outbound and inbound travel restrictions is to control and manage the entry of COVID-19 in Australian territory and abroad as well as reduce the burden on Australia's public health and quarantine system. On 6 August 2021, National Cabinet fully agreed to the four-step National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response (National Plan).

The National Plan provides a graduated pathway to transition Australia's COVID-19 response from its current pre-vaccination settings focused on continued suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination settings focused on public health management of COVID-19 is consistent with other infectious diseases.

The National Plan will move between phases once Australia reaches key vaccination thresholds - moving to Phase B once 70 per cent of the Australian population 16 years of age and older is fully vaccinated and Phase C once 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold is met.

Of note, the National Plan will look to ease restrictions to international travel at Phases C and D such as:

lift all restrictions on outbound travel for vaccinated Australians (Phase C)

gradual reopening of inward and outward international travel, with safe countries and proportionate quarantine and reduced requirements for fully vaccinated inbound travellers (Phase C)

open international borders (Phase D)

allow uncapped inbound arrivals for all vaccinated persons, without quarantine (Phase D)

allow uncapped arrivals of non-vaccinated travellers (Phase D).

States and territories have primary operational responsibility for emergency management and public health measures within their jurisdiction, including quarantine. Jurisdictions are at different points in their outbreak response.

Local decisions are based on the advice of the local Chief Health Officer, informed by local epidemiology. Local circumstances may prompt jurisdictions to introduce additional public health measures for a period to further control community transmission.

Regarding home quarantine, National Cabinet agreed to commence pilots of home quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers who had been vaccinated in Australia, with an Australian approved vaccination, arriving from low and medium risk countries.

South Australia has committed to commence the first trial. At this time, outside of these rials, the current quarantine arrangements remain in place, and mandatory 14-day quarantine applies to all incoming travellers regardless of vaccination status.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2824 to mandate easier terms for fully vaccinated Australians returning from overseas.

On 6 August 2021, National Cabinet agreed to the four-step National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response (National Plan). The National Plan provides a graduated pathway to transition Australia's COVID-19 response from its current pre-vaccination settings focused on continued suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination settings focused on public health management of COVID-19 is consistent with other infectious diseases. This will include easing of restrictions to international travel, both incoming and outgoing.

The National Plan will move between phases once Australia reaches key vaccination thresholds - moving to Phase B once 70 per cent of the Australian population 16 years of age and older is fully vaccinated and Phase C once 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold is met.

As part of the National Plan, South Australia will trial modified quarantine arrangements. This will include a pilot of 14-day home quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers who had been vaccinated in Australia, with an Australian approved vaccination, arriving from low and medium risk countries. At this time, outside of these trials, the current quarantine arrangements remain in place, and mandatory 14-day quarantine with COVID-19 testing at frequent intervals applies to all incoming travellers regardless of vaccination status.

In addition, all people travelling to Australia must provide proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result, provided by a laboratory, at the time of check-in. The PCR test must be conducted 72 hours or less prior to the scheduled departure time of their flight (or first flight if they have one or more connecting flights booked). People who have been vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine are still required to provide evidence of a negative PCR test.

It should be noted that, states and territories have primary operational responsibility for emergency management and public health measures within their jurisdiction, including quarantine. Jurisdictions are at different points in their outbreak response.

Local decisions are based on the advice of the local Chief Health Officer, informed by local epidemiology. Local circumstances may prompt jurisdictions to introduce additional public health measures for a period to further control community transmission.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2839 requesting the opening of Australia's borders.

The Australian Government is committed to opening Australia's borders as soon as it is safe to do so. On 2 July 2021, the National Cabinet agreed to a National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response (National Plan) from its pre-vaccination settings, focussing on continued suppression of community transmission, to the final phase of post-vaccination settings focussed on prevention of serious illness, hospitalisation and fatality.

The National Plan highlights the possibility of eased restrictions for vaccinated individuals in the event of community transmission prior to the final phase where public health measures may still be implemented by jurisdictions, such as lockdowns and border controls. The National Plan can be found at: www.pmc.gov.au/national-plan-transition-australias-national-covid-response.

On 2 August 2021, the Prime Minister announced the National Plan will move between phases once Australia reaches key vaccination thresholds - moving to Phase B once 70 per cent of the Australian population 16 years of age and older is fully vaccinated and Phase C once the 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold is met.

Of note, the National Plan will look to ease restrictions to international travel at Phases C and D. Measures may include:

lift all restrictions on: outbound travel for vaccinated Australians (Phase C)

gradual reopening of inward and outward international travel, with safe countries and proportionate quarantine and reduced requirements for fully vaccinated inbound travellers (Phase C)

open international borders (Phase D)

allow uncapped inbound arrivals for all vaccinated persons, without quarantine (Phase D)

allow uncapped arrivals of non-vaccinated travellers (Phase D).

Travel exemption guidelines and policy settings are reviewed as circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic situation change.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning Petition EN2841 regarding a request to donate doses of the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) COVID-19 vaccine to Sri Lanka.

I understand the current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka is challenging. The pandemic is having significant impacts on the community, health system and economy. Australia appreciates there is no higher priority for countries than access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, which will be vital for recovery.

Australia is committed to providing equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in our region and globally. Australia has allocated a total of $623.2 million for vaccine procurement and delivery support for the benefit of 18 Pacific and Southeast Asian regional neighbours.

Australia is also supporting access to COVID-19 vaccines in the Pacific and Southeast Asia through our $523 million regional Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative. This includes $212 million for the procurement of vaccines in 2021 through UNICEF on behalf of 15 partner countries. Australia has also contributed $130 million to the COVAX Facility's Advance Market Commitment (AMC) in support of equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in the 92 AMC eligible countries.

At this stage, Australia is sharing AstraZeneca vaccines with close neighbours and will expand our dose sharing to other countries in our region when capacity allows.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Education

Dear Chair

Thank you for your email of 23 August 2021 regarding petition EN2847, which relates to the cost of higher education.

The Job-Ready Graduates package of higher education reforms (the package) announced in June 2020 is focused on Australian students. It will ensure that more Australians will get the opportunity to study for a university degree, makes it cheaper to study in areas of expected job growth, and provides more support to regional students and universities.

On 27 October 2020, the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill 2020 received Royal Assent. The package started in January 2021 and includes the following measures:

there will be more university places for Australian students, growing to 100,000 additional places in 10 years

regional students and regional universities will benefit from additional support worth more than $400 million, including access to a $5,000 Tertiary Access Payment to help with relocation costs

students will pay less to study in areas of expected future job demand, with discounted fees for teaching, nursing, clinical psychology, English, languages, agriculture, maths, science, health, architecture, environmental science, information technology and engineering

a $900 million National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund will support universities to work with local industry to produce job-ready graduates.

Under the package, the Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding clusters and student contribution bands have been simplified to make Government funding for universities clearer, simpler and more sustainable. The redesigned funding better aligns with the costs of delivering teaching and scholarship. Any savings created through this redesign have been reinvested in other elements of the package. The package represents a part of the Commonwealth Government's record high funding to the higher education sector of $20.4 billion in 2021.

Overall, Australian taxpayers continue to pay more than half of the costs of Commonwealth supported places (CSPs), with funding prioritised to the areas of high public benefit and those most needed by the labour market.

Under these changes, around 60 per cent of students see a reduction (or no change) in their contributions. Students who were enrolled in a CSP before 1 January 2021 will be grandfathered so they pay either the new lower rates or current rates.

Students enrolling in 2021 will continue to have access to the course of their choice under Australia's world leading higher education funding model. Under the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), no student needs to pay anything up front and student loans are only repaid when the student is earning over $47,014 in 2021-22. Access to HELP is not determined by age, income or background and means that eligible students can participate in higher education without the barrier of upfront fees. From 1 January 2021, students eligible for HECS-HELP will receive a 10 per cent discount on upfront payments of $500 or more.

On top of the additional funding provided as part of the package, the 2020-21 Budget provides over $1.2 billion to support the university research sector to ensure the ongoing capability and excellence of Australian research. This includes an additional $1 billion in 2021 to alleviate the immediate financial pressures on universities caused by the reduction of international students who are unable to enter Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Budget also provided $550 million for 12,000 extra university places and 50,000 short course places for Australians to upskill or reskill.

Further information about the Job-Ready Graduates package and 2020-21 Budget measures can be found on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment's website at www.dese.gov.au/job-ready.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Education and Youth, Mr Tudge

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning Petition EN2855 asking the House to formally request that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) assess the use of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that Australians have access to, and delivery of, safe and effective vaccines and treatment options for COVID-19 as soon as they are available, through our COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatment Strategy.

My Department, which includes the TGA, is regularly meeting with researchers, developers and manufacturers regarding a wide range of potential treatments for the prevention and· treatment of COVID-19 in a variety of clinical settings. The TGA welcomes and encourages discussions with prospective sponsors at any time about the regulation process for potential COVID-19 treatments.

The TGA cannot initiate an evaluation of a new prescription medicine de novo under the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 - in other words they cannot make an application to themselves. A sponsor is first required to make an application to the TGA which must include a comprehensive data package to support the medicine's safety, quality and efficacy. This long-standing and well-established process provides rigorous safeguards to ensure that Australians have access to safe, effective and high-quality medicines.

If a sponsor holds the appropriate evidence, they are entitled to make an application to the TGA at any time. Following registration on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), the sponsor importantly remains legally responsible for the product, including any safety, compliance and recall actions that may arise. On these lines, I can confirm that the TGA has recently had a technical meeting with a company regarding an application for an ivermectin product for potential therapy for COVID-19. In this case the TGA treated this meeting with the highest priority, assembling a team of senior technical experts for the meeting and holding the meeting within three working days of the request to meet being made. There have not been any approaches by any sponsors requesting a pre-submission meeting on hydroxychloroquine.

The existing regulatory framework also provides substantial flexibility, for example to enable earlier access to promising new medicines under the provisional approval pathway. To date, · the TGA has provisionally approved two COVID-19 treatments: remdesivir (VEKLURY) and sotrovimab (XEVUDY) and has provisionally designated three other COVID-19 medicines. The TGA also continues to work very closely with international regulators to harmonise regulatory approaches, share information and where it speeds up evaluation, collaboratively review new treatments.

I am confident that the TGA continues to respond appropriately and with great priority to ensure the timely availability of new COVID-19 treatments without compromising on Australia's high standards of safety, quality and efficacy.

Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine

I strongly reject the assertion that the Government and the TGA has ignored the use of medicines such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19. While ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are already registered in Australia for other uses, it does not automatically mean they are safe and effective when used to treat other conditions.

Neither ivermectin nor hydroxychloroquine have received regulatory approval in Australia, or by any other comparable Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development regulator, for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. It is the consensus view of international regulators and top-tier medical journals that more evidence is required before these medicines could be considered safe and effective treatment options.

With regard to ivermectin, I note that a very recent analysis of published ivermectin trials by the Cochrane Collaboration, the main independent group globally responsible for looking at evidence on the effectiveness of medicines or other medical therapies, concluded that ivermectin could not be recommended for COVID-19 treatment or prevention. The report is titled Ivermectin for preventing and treating COVID-19 and can be found on the Cochrane Library website at: www.cochranelibrary.com. The Cochrane Collaboration also found that the available evidence for ivermectin is low to very low quality and insufficient to draw clinically meaningful conclusions. In addition, several studies claiming to support the use of ivermectin have not yet been peer-reviewed, with one of those studies recently being withdrawn from preprint due to allegations of data manipulation[1]

The United States Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency have both released statements throughout this year warning consumers and health professionals not to use ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment, including warning against human use of veterinary preparations. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a recent warning against the use of ivermectin to treat COVID-19 on 26 August 2021.

With regard to hydroxychloroquine, interim results of a large trial conducted by the World Health Organization in 2020 (the SOLIDARITY trial) found that hydroxychloroquine produced little or no reduction in the death of hospitalised patients with COVID-19, leading to the halting of the hydroxychloroquine arm of that study[2]. Similar studies by the US National Institutes of Health (the ORCHID study) and Oxford University (the RECOVERY trial) were also halted after showing no benefit of hydroxychloroquine[3][4]

In Australia, the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce, consisting of a large group of independent Australian clinical experts, also advises against the use of ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment outside of properly conducted clinical trials with appropriate approval. The living guidelines and the evidence relied upon are continuously updated and are available online at: www.covid19evidence.net.au.

In general, it remains open for doctors to prescribe existing medicines 'off-label' based on their own clinical judgement. Off-label use is not illegal but is subject to the clinical discretion of the prescriber with consideration of the potential risks and benefits in the setting of informed consent. However, there may be a number of reasons, including medicolegal, clinical evidence and safety reasons, why a doctor may choose not to prescribe off-label.

COVID-19 vaccines

I also strongly reject the petition's statement that COVID-19 vaccines being supplied in Australia were hastily approved and poorly tested. The Standing Committee can be reassured that the TGA has comprehensively evaluated each of the provisionally registered COVID-19 vaccines, to ensure that they meet Australia's high standards of safety, quality, and efficacy. This formal regulatory approval and inclusion in the ARTG means they are not classified as experimental.

Before a COVID-19 vaccine can be provisionally approved in Australia, the TGA undertakes a comprehensive evaluation of a wide range of information including clinical studies, non-clinical and toxicological studies, chemistry, risk management and manufacturing information.

A large team of clinical and scientific experts at the TGA carefully review these data and seek advice from the Advisory Committee on Vaccines, an independent clinical expert committee, prior to a senior medical officer making a regulatory decision. Even though this is an expedited process, no element of the evaluation is rushed, and no data is overlooked. This is also a similar process to that undertaken by other major regulators such as the European Medicines Agency and Health Canada.

A vaccine is only provisionally approved by the TGA if this rigorous process is completed and the benefits are considered to be much greater than any potential risks. As part of the provisional approval, sponsors are also required to continue to submit longer-term data to the TGA, such as the duration of effectiveness in order to guide the need for future boosters similar to other vaccines.

It should be noted that the primary focus of global COVID-19 research and development to date has been to develop vaccines which are highly effective at reducing the priority health outcomes of severe disease, hospitalisation and death. Pleasingly, evidence continues to emerge globally on the durability of protection and the effectiveness of vaccines in reducing asymptomatic disease and transmission.

The TGA has robust procedures in place to detect and investigate signals for potential safety concerns with COVID-19 vaccines. If the TGA detects a safety concern, rapid action will be taken to address the safety issue and promptly provide information to the public. The TGA also undertakes an independent quality assessment of every batch of vaccine supplied in Australia.

Further information on the COVID-19 vaccine evaluation process, safety monitoring reports and batch release assessment is available at: www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines.

Thank you for writing this matter.

[1]Elgazzar, A. et al. Preprint at Research Square https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-100956/v3 (2020).

[2]www.who.int/news/item/04-07-2020-who-discontinues-hydroxychloroquine-and-lopinavir-ritonavir-treatment-arms-for-covid-19

[3]www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-halts-clinical-trial-hydroxychloroquine

[4]www.recoverytrial.net/files/hcq-recoverv-statement-050620-final-002.pdf

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2859 to allow fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents to leave the country in case of an emergency or for compassionate reasons.

I understand the frustration many Australians are feeling by not being able to visit their families overseas during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian Government recognises citizens and permanent residents may have exceptional circumstances or compelling reasons for needing to leave Australian territory. The exemption process overseen by the Department of Home Affi,1irs ensures that the travel restriction is no more restrictive or intrusive than required in the circumstances of the current global pandemic. The exemption criteria already include travel on compelling or compassionate grounds.

At this time, the Government is not considering including visiting family as a 'compassionate' or 'compelling' reason to leave Australia. This is in line with the National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response (National Plan).

On 6 August 2021, National Cabinet agreed to the four-step National Plan which provides a graduated pathway to transition Australia's COVID-19 response from its current pre-vaccination settings focused on continued suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination settings focused on public health management of COVID-19.

The National Plan will move between phases once Australia reaches key vaccination thresholds - moving to Phase B once 70 per cent of the Australian population 16 years of age and older is fully vaccinated and Phase C once 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold is met.

The National Plan will look to ease restrictions to international travel at Phases C and D such as:

lift all restrictions on outbound travel for vaccinated Australians (Phase C)

gradual reopening of inward and outward international travel, with safe countries and proportionate quarantine and reduced requirements for fully vaccinated inbound travellers (Phase C)

open international borders (Phase D)

allow uncapped inbound arrivals for all vaccinated persons, without quarantine (Phase D)

allow uncapped arrivals of non-vaccinated travellers (Phase D).

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning Petition EN2869 requesting Australia provide doses of the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) COVID-19 vaccine to Bangladesh.

I understand the current COVID-19 situation in Bangladesh is challenging and having significant impacts on the community, health system and economy. Australia appreciates there is no higher priority for countries than access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting Bangladesh to respond to its surge in cases. Australia has provided funding to trusted non-government organisation partners in the region, including the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, to procure critical medical supplies, equipment and training for health systems strengthening in Bangladesh.

Australia is also supporting access to COVID-19 vaccines in the Pacific and Southeast Asia through our $523 million regional Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative. This includes $212 million for the procurement of vaccines in 2021 through UNICEF on behalf of 15 partner countries. Australia has also contributed $130 million to the COVAX Facility's Advance Market Commitment (AMC) in support of equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines in the 92 AMC eligible countries.

At this stage, Australia is sharing AstraZeneca vaccines with close neighbours and will expand our dose sharing to other countries in our region when capacity allows.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: International Travel

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2875 requesting a hard deadline for international travel for fully vaccinated Australians.

The Australian Government is committed to opening Australia's borders as soon as it is safe to do so. On 2 July 2021, the National Cabinet agreed to a National Plan to transition Australia's National COVID Response (National Plan) from its pre-vaccination settings, focussing on continued suppression of community transmission, to the final phase of post-vaccination settings focussed on prevention of serious illness, hospitalisation and fatality.

The National Plan highlights the possibility of eased restrictions for vaccinated individuals in the event of community transmission prior to the final phase where public health measures may still be implemented by jurisdictions, such as lockdowns and border controls.

The National Plan can be found at: www.pmc.gov.au/national-plan-transition-australias-national-covid-response.

On 2 August 2021, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced the National Plan will move between phases once Australia reaches key vaccination thresholds - moving to Phase B once 70 per cent of the Australian population 16 years of age and older is fully vaccinated and Phase C once the 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold is met.

The National Plan will look to ease restrictions to international travel at Phases C and D such as:

lift all restrictions on outbound travel for vaccinated Australians (Phase C)

gradual reopening of inward and outward international travel, with safe countries and proportionate quarantine and reduced requirements for fully vaccinated inbound travellers (Phase C)

open international borders (Phase D)

allow uncapped inbound arrivals for all vaccinated persons, without quarantine (Phase D)

allow uncapped arrivals of non-vaccinated travellers (Phase D).

Travel exemption guidelines and policy settings are reviewed as circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic situation change.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Air Quality

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your email of 23 August 2021 to the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, concerning a petition from the Standing Committee on Petitions to ban all wood fires and open fireplaces (EN2878). Your correspondence has been referred to me as it falls under my responsibilities as the Minister for the Environment.

The Australian Government is working with state and territory governments through the National Clean Air Agreement. Under this agreement, Australia's Environment Ministers have committed to address air quality issues that would benefit from national focus and collaboration, including reducing emissions from wood heaters. More information on the National Clean Air Agreement can be found at: environment.gov.au/protection/air- quality/national-clean-air-agreement.

State, territory and local governments have direct responsibility for the day-to-day management of air pollution in their jurisdictions and have procedures in place to respond to concerns relating to air pollution, including from wood heaters. Most states and territories have now adopted new wood heater emissions and efficiency standards set by Standards Australia and have published best practice guidance for using wood heaters.

I hope this information is of assistance.

Thank you for bringing the petition to my attention.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Environment, MsLey

Petitions

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter of 23 August 2021, requesting a response to petition EN2881 relating to specific information on the webpage of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Petitions.

I understand that all principal petitioners (whether submitting an e-petition or paper/hard copy petition) receive a response from the Petitions Committee, confirming receipt of the petition and outlining the next stages in the process. I note that this process is also outlined on the Committee's website, and the subject matter of lnfosheet no. 11-Petitions.

I appreciate that on the website, the Committee provides as much information and detail as is practicable (including petition number, petition title, principal petitioner, status of the petition and number of signatures) and that feedback on the website is invited.

The suggestions raised by the petitioner have been noted for consideration in future system and webpage updates. Thank you for bringing this petition to my attention.

Yours Sincerely

from the Speaker, MrSmith

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition number EN2886 to allow aged care workers to have a choice to not have the COVID-19 vaccine and instead use full protective personal protective equipment (PPE).

Aged care residents are the most vulnerable population and managing their risk of infection can be assisted by decreasing transmission from people entering residential aged care facilities. In Australia to date, most residents who have contracted COVID-19 have been infected through the virus being imported into the residential aged care facility (RACF) by staff or visitors.

This means that in an outbreak, vaccinated individuals are less likely to be significant drivers of spread, and transmission will be dominated by unvaccinated people. This is despite the best infection, protection and control procedures, including use of PPE.

In January 2021, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) strongly encouraged the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination by the residential aged care workforce and noted ongoing efforts to facilitate access for aged care workers. In June 2021, the AHPPC noted less restrictive measures have not yet achieved high levels of residential aged care worker coverage, which increases the risk for senior Australians.

On 28 June 2021, National Cabinet agreed to establish mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for residential aged care workers. This will mean residential aged care workers must have at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 17 September 2021.as a condition of working in a RACF. National Cabinet agreed these arrangements will be implemented through shared state, territory and Commonwealth authorities and compliance measures.

The AHPPC endorsed the approach to define who the relevant directions will apply to and the targeted exemptions that may be available. The proposed workforce in scope for the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements includes:

full time, part-time and casual staff employed or engaged on behalf of the RACF (such as agency staff working onsite) including volunteers engaged by the RACF

students on placement

medical practitioners who attend and provide care to residents.

It is expected there will be a limited number of circumstances in which an exemption will be granted. The scope endorsed by the AHPPC includes medical exemptions and some narrow temporary exemptions.

My Department is working closely with the states and territories to implement the National Cabinet decision. It is at the discretion of states and territories to determine the scop AHPPC workforce and exemptions within their jurisdictions to give effect to the National Cabinet decision. As much as possible, these directions will be aligned to ensure consistency across state borders.

To date all jurisdictions except Victoria have published directions to implement the National Cabinet decision. Links to all public health directions is available on my Department's website at: www.health.gov.au by searching 'mandatory vaccination'.

While the Government encourages all eligible Australians to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible, vaccination in Australia is voluntary, and individuals need to undertake appropriate individual risk-benefit analysis and give informed consent before receiving the jab. Residential aged care workers have a choice of vaccine and priority access to Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines irrespective of their age. This applies to all people who work at a RACF and are responsible for resident care, support and services for residents, maintenance and administration.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for monitoring the safety of all vaccines approved for use in Australia. The TGA closely assesses safety data prior to approval and continues to monitor the safety of vaccines after they are registered in Australia so that any safety concerns can be detected and responded to. Active surveillance is also occurring through the AusVaxSafety surveillance system, which sends follow up messages to recipients of COVID-19 vaccines to ask if they have experienced any potential side effects.

Outside of RACF workers, who are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the risk of transmission remains in instances where other workers are coming into close contact with residents or other staff Therefore, vaccination is strongly encouraged for anyone entering a RACF.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

COVID-19: Vaccination

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2887 calling for the establishment of a COVID-19 vaccination passport to facilitate exemption from public health order arrangements such as lockdowns and mandatory mask wearing.

The Australian Government has not taken any decision on whether an individual's vaccination status will facilitate changes to current public health measures. State and territory governments have primary operational responsibility for emergency management and public health in their respective jurisdictions, including decisions on lockdowns and lockdown rules (such as those relating to mask-wearing). States and territories may consider the potential future value of COVID-19 digital certificates when considering automatic travel exemptions for interstate travel during state-determined lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Whilst vaccination significantly decreases your risk of developing infection and transmitting the virus, some risk remains. Fully vaccinated people are much less likely to get infected in the first place but if they do get infected the evidence suggests that they can still transmit disease especially in the early days of infection. However, when the effect of vaccination is combined with other measures such as mask wearing for example, the risk to others can be kept to a minimum. The Government continues to work with states and territories to identify a way forward that manages residual risk while retaining a layer of precaution as new variants of the virus emerge.

Should they wish to do so, Australians can already provide voluntary proof of vaccination by accessing their immunisation history statement through Medicare Online, via the Express Plus Medicare mobile app or via their My Health Record. People can also seek a hard copy of their immunisation history statement by contacting the Australian Immunisation Register enquiries line, or through their doctor or immunisation provider.

The Government, through Services Australia and my Department, has also developed a safe and secure COVID-19 Digital Certificate which may help Australians provide proof of vaccination if it were required. The certificate is already available through the Medicare Express app for those who wish to use it.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in the process of developing a vaccination passport compatible with international systems, that may help facilitate international travel, subject to other countries' entry requirements.

National Cabinet has fully agreed to the four-step National Plan to Transition Australia's National COVID-19 Response (National Plan). The National Plan provides a graduated pathway to transition Australia's COVID-19 response from its current pre-vaccination settings focused on continued suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination, public health management settings. These settings, consistent with the approach for other infectious diseases, will focus instead on the prevention of serious illness, hospitalisation and fatality.

The National Plan will move between phases once Australia reaches key vaccination thresholds - moving to Phase B once 70 per cent of the eligible population (16 years and older) is fully vaccinated. Phase C will be triggered at 80 per cent.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Food Labelling

Dear Chair

Thank you for your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2888, which relates to the labelling of meat

As you are aware, Australia's agricultural Industry has a global reputation for producing clean, safe and high-quality products. Australia is a leader In producing quality meat products which are consumed domestically and exported around the world.

The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) mandates labelling requirements for food sold in Australia. The code requires food for retail sale, unless otherwise exempt, to be labelled with a statement of ingredients. Each Ingredient, unless otherwise exempt, must be declared in the statement of ingredients In order of ingoing weight.

There are some exemptions for labelling added water as outlined In paragraph 1.2.4-3(2) (c) of the Code. These Include If:

the water is added to reconstitute dehydrated or concentrated Ingredients; or

the water forms part of broth, brine or syrup that is declared in the statement of Ingredients or is part of the name of the food; or

the water constitutes less than five per cent of the food.

Therefore, if added water constitutes five per cent or more of the final food, water must be declared in its correct place in the ingredient list based on Ingoing weight.

Where water Is added to food for example, as part of a broth, brine or syrup In canned foods, or water added to processed meat producers, food identification requirements stipulate that a label on a package of food must Include a name or a description of the food that is sufficient to explain the true nature of the food.

While the Australian Government, through Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), Is responsible for the maintenance of the Code, responsibility for the enforcement of the Code lies with the state and territory governments. If any food product does not meet the standards in the Code, it may be reported to the relevant state or territory government authority where the food product was purchased.

I have copied this letter to the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, as the government Minister responsible for FSANZ.

Thank you for raising this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, Mr Littleproud

Parliament

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your letter of 23 August 2021, requesting a response to petition EN2895 relating to replacing the religious observances at the start of parliamentary proceedings.

Standing order 38 clearly sets out the requirement for the Chair to commence each sitting day with an acknowledgement of country followed by prayers, with the exact form of words included. It is for the House itself to decide whether and how to amend this, or any standing order, if it wishes.

The prayer read at the start of a sitting day remains largely unchanged since it was adopted in 1901, other than when additional words were introduced in 1918 for the remainder of World War I. While the standing orders have been reviewed and amended over the years, the House has not chosen to change the practice of commencing with prayers.

Ultimately, as you know, responsibility for the operation of the House rests with the Members themselves, and any changes to the standing orders can only be approved with the support of a majority of Members.

I have forwarded the petition to the Standing Committee on Procedure in light of its current inquiry into the maintenance of the standing orders. I trust this information will be of assistance to you.

Yours Sincerely

from the Speaker, MrSmith

National Diabetes Services Scheme

Dear Chair

I refer to your correspondence of 23 August 2021 concerning petition EN2914 - request to extend access to subsidised FreeStyle Libre to all Australians living with diabetes using insulin through the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Initiative.

The Australian Government is aware of the significant impact diabetes has on people with diabetes and their families, and is committed to working towards the broad prevention of the disease in the Australian community.

The Government provides considerable financial support to people with diabetes through the subsidy of essential medicines, like insulin, under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and diabetes-related products, like blood glucose test strips, through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

The NDSS provides subsidised syringes and needles, blood glucose test strips, urine ketone test strips and insulin pump consumables to people with diabetes. It also provides educational and information services to assist in the best use of products and self-management of diabetes.

The CGM Initiative began in 2017, and provides fully subsidised CGM products to eligible people. Since that time, the eligibility criteria have been expanded to allow more people to benefit.

On 2 February 2020, I announced changes to the eligibility criteria that will result in more than 20,000 additional people having free access to CGM products.

The changes allow all people with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have concessional status to access CGM products, removing the requirement for these people to be assessed as having 'high clinical need'. This change will increase the total number of people eligible for CGM products to over 58,000.

The Government now provides fully subsidised CGM products to:

children and young people, under 21 years of age, with type 1 diabetes

children and young people with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes, such as cystic fibrosis related diabetes and neonatal diabetes, who require insulin

women with type 1 diabetes who are planning for pregnancy, pregnant or immediately post-pregnancy

people with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have concessional status.

On 1 March 2020, the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring system was added to the range of products subsidised under the CGM Initiative. This increases options for eligible people with diabetes in managing their condition.

Any decision to further expand the CGM Initiative would need to be considered against competing priorities in the Health Budget.

More information about the CGM Initiative is available on the NDSS website at: www.ndss.com.au/cgm.

Thank you for writing on this matter.

Yours Sincerely

from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mr Hunt

Asylum Seekers

Dear Mr O'Dowd

Thank you for your correspondence of 9 August 2021 enclosing Petition PN0513, concerning the Australian Governments regional processing arrangements.

The Government remains committed to its strong border protection policies, including regional processing arrangements, which have successfully stemmed the flow of illegal maritime ventures to Australia, disrupted people smuggling activities in the region and prevented loss of life at sea.

Regional processing arrangements provide illegal maritime arrivals an opportunity to have their protection claims assessed, and for those found to be refugees, resettlement in a third country, without compromising Australia's strong border protection policies.

No transitory persons under regional processing arrangements in Nauru or Papua New Guinea (PNG) are detained. Transitory persons reside in community accommodation arrangements and have no restrictions on their movement. Transitory persons receive a range of services to support their residence in Nauru or PNG, including health and welfare, accommodation, education and empl1oyment opportunities.

Medical services are provided through a range of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, psychiatrists, counsellors, and mental health nurses who provide clinical assessment and treatment. Where clinically indicated specialist medical treatment is not available in a re9ional processing country, mechanisms are in place for temporary transfers to a third country, including Australia, for assessment or treatment. Consistent with this position, transitory persons brought to Australia from a regional processing country, whether for medical treatment or as accompanying family, are in Australia for a temporary purpose only.

Implementing a strong border policy requires significant commitment and financial investment. Australia has committed to meet all costs associated with regional processing in PNG and Nauru. Australia is working with the Governments of PNG and Nauru to support durable migration pathways for the regional processing caseload.

The Government's strong border protection policies and associated management of transitory persons under regional processing arrangements has not changed - illegal maritime arrivals will not be settled in Australia.

Transitory persons under regional processing arrangements, including those temporarily in Australia, have permanent resettlement options and are being resettled. Transitory persons can seek to resettle in the United States (US) or another third country, settle in PNG, or voluntarily return home or to another country in which they have a right of entry. Transitory persons are encouraged to engage in third country resettlement options and take steps to start the next phase of their lives. As of 31 July 2021, the US resettlement arrangement has enabled 977 individuals to resettle in the United States. Thank you for raising this matter.

Yours sincerely

from the Minister for Home Affairs, MsAndrews

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