The SPEAKER (Mr Harry Jenkins) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Social Security Amendment (Student Income Support Reforms) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
Higher Education Support Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
Migration Legislation Amendment (Offshore Processing and Other Measures) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
… under certain circumstances, the processing of international protection claims outside the intercepting State could be an alternative to standard ‘incountry’ procedures. Notably, this could be the case when extraterritorial processing is used as part of a burden-sharing arrangement to more fairly distribute responsibilities and enhance available protection space.
That the debate be adjourned.
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Significant Incident Directions) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
Consumer Credit and Corporations Legislation Amendment (Enhancements) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No. 7) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Mrs Mirabella speaking for a period not exceeding 10 minutes.
Clean Energy Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates Amendments) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Household Assistance Amendments) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Tax Laws Amendments) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Fuel Tax Legislation Amendment) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Customs Tariff Amendment) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Excise Tariff Legislation Amendment) Bill 2011
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Amendment Bill 2011
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Amendment Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Unit Shortfall Charge—General) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Unit Issue Charge—Auctions) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Unit Issue Charge—Fixed Charge) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (International Unit Surrender Charge) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Charges—Customs) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Charges—Excise) Bill 2011
Clean Energy Regulator Bill 2011
Climate Change Authority Bill 2011
Steel Transformation Plan Bill 2011
All Australians want to know where the new jobs and new incomes will come from…
The program—designed to jump-start the nation’s clean technology industry by giving energy companies access to low-cost, government-backed loans—has directly created 3,545 new, permanent jobs after giving out almost half the allocated amount;
Obama’s efforts to create green jobs are lagging behind expectations at a time of persistently high unemployment. Many economists say that because alternative-energy projects are so expensive and slow to ramp up, they are not the most efficient way to stimulate the economy.
I always take these job estimates with a big grain of salt.
There tends to be a lot of fuzzy math when it comes to calculating these benefits…
…the agency appears to be counting every employee working in upgraded plants, when the more relevant question is how many workers would have been laid off without the loans.
The introduction of a carbon tax ahead of effective international action can lead to perverse incentives for such industries to relocate or source production offshore—
… and there is no point in imposing a carbon price domestically which results in emissions and production transferring internationally for no environmental gain.
… certainly what we rejected is this hysterical allegation that somehow we are moving towards a carbon tax … We certainly reject that.
No, it's not possible that we're bringing in the carbon tax. That is an hysterically inaccurate claim being made by the coalition.
The introduction of a carbon price ahead of effective international action can lead to perverse incentives for such industries to relocate or source production offshore. There is no point in imposing a carbon price domestically which results in emissions and production transferring internationally for no environmental gain.
… is a recipe for abrupt and unpredictable changes, as the government would need to adjust the tax frequently to try to meet the emissions reduction target, each time subjecting these adjustments to the inherent uncertainties embedded in the political process.
A carbon tax does not guarantee emissions reductions.
Noting that there are many uncertainties in predictions of climate change, particularly with regard to the timing, magnitude and regional patterns thereof …
The Parties should take precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent or minimize the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects.
Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty—
should not be used as a reason for postponing such measures …
… taking into account that policies and measures to deal with climate change should be cost-effective so as to ensure global benefits at the lowest possible cost.
Take climate change considerations into account, to the extent feasible, in their relevant social, economic and environmental policies and actions, and employ appropriate methods, for example impact assessments, formulated and determined nationally, with a view to minimizing adverse effects on the economy, on public health and on the quality of the environment, of projects or measures undertaken by them to mitigate or adapt to climate change.
I would love to know how I can help stop this Carbon Tax.
I wish to register my disagreement with the carbon tax, which I do not believe our current government has a mandate to introduce. I have emailed the Prime Minister my concern along the same lines … Please voice my concern against this tax.
I will be ineligible for any type of compensation under the proposed new carbon tax scheme. I am already struggling to pay ever-increasing electricity bills. I cannot afford solar panels or other expensive green gadgets to cut energy consumption. I have a heart condition that requires me to use air conditioning in summer, but I will no longer be able to afford it—
The worst thing about it is that there are no proven facts that is going to change anything. I am keen to help the environment but not to be the only country in the world that is taking these steps. Costs are high enough running a business. We have a lot of staff here and we want to move on past the GFC, not go backwards.
We are a group of hardworking people who believe the carbon tax is a tax on both businesses and the people in them. We do not want bigger Government to re-distribute wealth in the name of the environment. We feel this tax is a front to fund an ideology, with no material benefit to the environment. We run a flourishing recycling business which we formed and funded to assist the environment, and we did not ask others to pay for it, based on our ideologies. Care of the environment is a science not a religion.
I do not like to be negative and I've always believed in attacking the job and not the person. I travel over sea's several times a year mostly to China and India. I tell myself these places are humanity out of control and the planet cannot sustain this grow, more and more people relying on less and less people to grow their food. I believe all of us need to be accountable for the life we live.
This applies to carbon emissions and the Gillard Government proposal is fundamentally flawed by just penalizing a few big companies and cooking the books to show how it will financially viable for everyone. I believe we all should be accountable for the carbon emissions not just a few big companies. If everyone is accountable for reducing carbon emissions then it is logical that one simple law effecting everyone will change everyone's outlook, which will automatically control the big polluters.
If we are not all held accountable there will always be an excuse why it's someone else's problem. If Australia set a simple effective template on carbon control for everyone to embrace, then the worlds big countries and polluters will hopefully follow.
The Carbon Tax will just be used by the Prime Minister to redistribute money to people three months before the election to buy votes. It will have no positive impact on the environment, but the companies affected will just pass on their costs and many smaller businesses will take advantage of this and increase their prices. All this for no real impact on the environment.
Climate change is the ultimate long-term problem. We have to make decisions today, bear costs today so that adverse consequences are avoided, dangerous consequences are avoided many decades into the future. It is always easy to argue we should do nothing, or little or postpone action.
This year, the Government decided to implement a national emissions trading scheme, to commence no later than 2012. It will be the most comprehensive scheme in the world.
And it seems that notwithstanding the dramatic increases in man-made CO2 emissions over the last decade, the world’s warming has stopped.
A Carbon Tax does not guarantee emissions reductions.
... the reality is that a price on carbon is little more than a multi billion dollar new tax that would decrease Queensland and Australian businesses competitiveness and the incentive to invest and provide jobs.
Let there be no doubt about the intentions of the authors of this carbon tax legislation: they want to kill manufacturing industry in this country.
We aren't going to stop using steel under a carbon tax, it's just that it's much more likely to be imported steel than locally made steel.
This carbon tax is going to drive the cost of living for vulnerable pensioners up and up and up.
One of the things that people haven't quite twigged to is that carbon dioxide is invisible, it's weightless and it's odourless, how are we going to police these emissions?
The New South Wales Treasury modelling—
predicts that 31,000 jobs will be lost in New South Wales by 2030 as a result of the carbon tax …
If the world as a whole cut all emissions tomorrow, the average, the average temperature of the planet's not going to drop for several hundred years perhaps as much as a thousand years …
Since 2008, advances in climate change science have broadly confirmed that the earth is warming, that human activity is the cause of it and that the changes in the physical world are likely, if anything, to be more harmful than the earlier science had suggested. I have replaced the premise of the 2008 Review that the reputable science was right 'on a balance of probabilities', with the premise that it is 'beyond reasonable doubt'.
Managing climate change will be one of the great challenges of the 21st century: it represents an important economic shift, and will require a portfolio of responses.
In Australia's case, we are moving toward the progressive pricing in of the cost of carbon into the way our economy operates. This is 'big history' in the making—perhaps the most significant economic decision in a generation.
You won't find an economist anywhere that will tell you anything other than that the most efficient and effective way to cut emissions is by putting a price on carbon!
Project financing in Australia has become a bit more problematic. We're a bit of an anomaly globally. The only thing we could put it down to was we were having one of the most ferocious debates in the world on a price of carbon.
Until the opposition makes it clear what its actual policy is, there will be uncertainty.
When it comes to the carbon tax fiasco, I used to be, and I say used to be, a Labor supporter. But now with the recent events over the past 12 months, I can no longer support the Labor movement. I am totally disgusted with the push for the carbon tax that will hurt my family who is already struggling to pay the bills, the mortgage and put food on the table. I have been told by my employer that if this tax goes through, that I would LOSE my job along with others because they will not be able to afford to pay the tax and keep the current workforce.
As a resident of Stanthorpe and an Australian tax payer, I urge you to strongly come out and force Julia Gillard to not bring in this new tax. We, like many other families are struggling to survive as it is with out any further rises in the cost of living. Every time we turn around, power, fuel and food are going up. All this government can think of is how to waste our tax dollars.
A carbon tax will flow through the economy, affecting the price of all goods and services and increasing costs for all businesses including those without a direct carbon price liability. Trade exposed and small and medium-sized businesses have limited ability to pass these costs on to customers and are at even greater risk of business competitiveness and viability. Given the importance of coal mining and minerals processing in this state, Queensland businesses face an even greater impact from the introduction of a carbon price. These industries are key employers in regional and rural areas in Queensland, directly and indirectly supporting a large number of local and medium-sized businesses.
Australia's position within the global financial community has never been stronger than it is today. Its banking system is strong and the envy of many other developed nations. Its economic foundations are sound, with strong exports, low unemployment and rising incomes.
Congratulations on your award. I'm a small business owner and I'm thankful for your good work. Well done.
Congrats mate, plenty of us young families appreciated the government response to the GFC and are grateful for the state of interest rates, thanks.
… asylum-seekers should be treated the same regardless of how they land … they should be dealt with … on Australian soil.
… from our point of view we’ve said that the regional processing centre would need to be for the sake of decency, in a country which is a signatory to the refugee convention.
… there is no evidence that the Indonesian Government did refoule people in the past. We have no reason to think they wouldn't be prepared to enter into the same kind of understandings again.
... the opportunity given to Members to raise topical or urgent issues is invaluable. Ministers accept the fact that they must be informed through a check of press, television or other sources of possible questions that may be asked of them in order that they may provide satisfactory answers.
It is also a time when the intensity of partisan politics can be clearly manifested.
When we look back at what happened at the time of the 2010 election we see the way in which Treasury was used and directed to find every possible way to undermine and cast doubt on the figures of the opposition.
That the House take note of the following documents:
Migration Act 1958 —
Section 91Y—Protection visa processing taking more than 90 days—Report for the period 1 March to 30 June 2011.
Section 440A—Conduct of Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) reviews not completed within 90 days—Report for the period 1 March to 30 June 2011
The failure of the Government to confront Australia's immediate economic challenges.
When Euromoney sought comment from the only other Australian ever to have received our award, the famously flinty Keating's instinctive reaction was to tell us "to just f*** off" and "I couldn't give a f***", while curtly offering what appeared to be travel advice, suggesting we visit some place called "buggery".
… the careful stewardship of its treasurer, Wayne Swan, has played a key role in making it the best-performing economy among the world’s richer developed nations.
… his work as treasurer is acknowledged as much for what didn't happen to Australia on his careful four-year watch, economic Armageddon in the trail of the 2007-08 sub-prime meltdown, which he confronted in his first year of office, as for what he positively did: positioning Australia to power through the new crisis looming from abroad.
At one point when we were in government, he asked for funding to pay for telephone and electricity wires to be put underground throughout the whole of his northern Sydney electorate to improve the amenity of the area. He also wanted the Commonwealth to take over the building of local roads and bridges in his electorate.
Tony is genuinely innumerate. He has no interest in economics and no feeling for it.
Australia's economic fundamentals are strong, strengthening Wayne Swan's global influence.
This is the second time in the history of the awards that Euromoney's finance minister of the year has gone to an Australian treasurer—
a demonstration that Australia has benefited from the continuity of effective, influential treasurers.
I want to congratulate my colleague Wayne Swan on his selection as Euromoney's Finance Minister of the Year. He was a key ally as we weathered the global recession and worked with our international colleagues to strengthen the global economy moving forward. Treasurer Swan has been a strong supporter of our work in support of strong, sustainable and balanced growth in the context of the G20 framework for growth.
But you would have spent money as well.
The coalition actually backed the first stimulus package, didn't it?
Yes, which was about a quarter the size of the second stimulus package, which we opposed.
But certainly that money was necessary, and it appears to have done the trick.
But at a high price. And if you look across the Tasman, New Zealand has done just as well, it seems, as Australia without going into anything like the same level of debt and deficit that we have.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the member for North Sydney (Mr Hockey) speaking in reply to the minister's statement for a period not exceeding 15 and a half minutes.
It is the most comprehensive inquiry into our tax system in over 50 years.
Average prices for our resources exports have increased by around 200 per cent since the end of 2003—
The mining boom is an overwhelming positive for Australia.
During mining boom mark I, revenues were boosted by a sharply rising terms of trade—
Mining boom mark II will have all the pressures of the first boom, without the surge in revenues.
Australian households will ultimately bear the full cost of the carbon price.
That business intervening before notice No. 6, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent:
(1) the time and order of business for Tuesday, 11 October 2011 being as follows:
(a) the House shall meet at 9 a.m.;
(b) Government business shall have priority from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and
(c) during the period from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. any division on a question called for in the House, other than on a motion moved by a Minister during this period, shall stand deferred until the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance; and
(2) any variation to this arrangement to be made only by a motion moved by a Minister.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent:
(1) the time and order of business for Tuesday, 11 October 2011 being as follows:
(a) the House shall meet at 9 a.m.;
(b) Government business shall have priority from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.; and
(c) during the period from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. any division on a question called for in the House, other than on a motion moved by a Minister during this period, shall stand deferred until the conclusion of the discussion of a matter of public importance; and
(2) any variation to this arrangement to be made only by a motion moved by a Minister
2. Principles
The Parties agree to work together to pursue the following principles:
(a) transparent and accountable government;
(b) improved process and integrity of parliament …
… economic and financial briefings from the Treasurer and the Minister for Finance and the Secretaries of the Departments of Treasury and Finance and Deregulation at regularly agreed times.
Should Senator Brown, Mr Bandt and other Greens … with portfolios, wish to propose new policies, these proposals may be formally submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister and forwarded to the appropriate Department and Minister for analysis. Where the proposal is likely to involve costs, it may also be sent to the Department of Treasury, and the Treasurer, and the Department of Finance … for costing.
Proposals to reassess defence spending could lead to paralysis and indecision for defence manufactures ... Effectively it would mean further delays in projects.
… have the potency and range to deny an enemy the use of the sea. It can stay at sea for long periods of time, much further away from home and strike targets on land as well as sea. They can provide earlier warning of impending danger and are more habitable for the crew. The larger submarine—
… can fight as part of a coalition force …. To call a spade a spade, it can contribute to US forces in the Asia-Pacific, where as the smaller submarine is limited.
I agree with you about Australian companies charging more than the parent companies in overseas locations for the same goods.
This is a constant gripe ... We are constantly getting told by customers what their buy prices are for the same goods purchased overseas...
… … …
...we are constantly sending this information thru to the sales managers and product managers at say Canon and HP here in Australia—Bugger All response—or some waffle about company confidential and trade practices act.
Dedicated to the memory of Sapper Jacob 'Snowy' Moerland, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan on 7th June 2010. Never above you; never below you; always beside you. Lest we forget.
… the authority was not aware of claims of a missing boat. No boat had been detected and no rescue mission carried out in the period in which the vessel may have been near or in Australian waters.
A number of enquiries were received by the Department relating to people who were believed by family members to have travelled from Indonesia to Australia on or around 13 November 2010 and had not been heard from since. These calls were received via the SIEV 221 hotline established following the Christmas Island boat crash disaster on 15 December 2010.
"subsequent credible information" showed its difficulties had been resolved.
… surveillance activities that day by border protection command did not detect a vessel in distress.
Following the publication of the report in The Age of 18 January 2010, Customs and Border Protection reviewed its information holdings to ascertain if the agency had any relevant information. This review concluded that information Customs and Border Protection received about a vessel in distress on 3 October 2009 may have referred to this incident.
… rural students are handicapped, relative to their metropolitan counterparts, by more limited schooling opportunities, smaller cohorts of peers with whom to collaborate and to compete and less specialist teaching in the critical final years of secondary education. They must find accommodation, develop the resilience to manage their own living needs away from home, cope with potential isolation from their peers from school, and adapt to sitting in classes alongside better prepared students from larger friendship groups who return to home comforts each day.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. Peter Slipper) took the chair at 09:30.
I feel proud of the contributions I have made. It never occurred to me that the work I was doing was in any way extraordinary. I’m honoured to be receiving this award.
As far as the bureaucrats, these turkeys, out of the bureaucracy in Canberra who are prognosticating somehow or other about Australia becoming Paris or London burning—they should be out on their ears.
They should be removed from that position and put into something where they can twiddle their pencils without causing so much harm to the integrity and decency of Australia's projection in dealing with asylum seekers.
Overall the condition of the Lakes has been rated as Moderate . The condition of Wetlands and Water Quality was highest rating—Good . Birds, Algal Blooms and Seagrass were rated—Moderate . Fish were rated—Poor .
When I was a lad I served a term
As office boy to an attorney's firm.
I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor,
And I polished up the handle of the big front door.
I polished up that handle so carefullee
That now I am the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
He polished up that handle so carefullee
That now he is the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
When you were elected in 1975, Australia welcomed a mere 516,000 international visitors. Tourism was not particularly well-regarded within the bureaucracy and indeed the future of the fledgling Australian Tourist Commission was in doubt.
Enter David Jull. Your hard work through the late 70s as Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Tourism, culminating in a seminal report, and your heartfelt lobbying of the Hon Phillip Lynch saved our industry at one of its darkest moments.
From that point on, inbound tourism didn't look back. Thanks to your hard work, the ATC's budget was increased significantly, its Act was reformed, and parliamentarians began to learn of the importance of distribution and airfares in tourism development. For this you were recognised by ITOA with its Award for Excellence in 1982.
… As an industry made up largely of small businesses, you continued to pursue the cause of small to medium enterprises, a visionary crusade which started with your maiden speech.
In later years you have been instrumental in cementing tourism's place at a level befitting one of Australia's largest export-earners.
… And so, as you retire from Parliament, you have left behind an industry that welcomes over 5 million international visitors, earns us $22 billion in foreign exchange and employs hundreds of thousands of Australians, many in regional and remote areas.
The depth and breadth of understanding of, and appreciation for, tourism that today exists in Australian politics and public discourse would have been far less were it not for David Jull.
It was a pleasure to be in David's company. His intellect and political ability was matched only by a wit and joy in sharing a laugh, connecting with others, and appreciating life.
His participation in the "Friends of Tourism" parliamentary association was one of its key driving factors, and made a real difference to the quality of debate in this place about the services sector.
This explains why David was drawn to tourism and those who make their careers in hospitality. It's a serious business—and it is serious fun.
David was well travelled and a great travelling companion. Travel, in itself, was never an objective for him, but a means to extract value for the industry and his country. His advocacy on behalf of the sector has contributed much to its strength today.
David inspired his colleagues, journalists, the bureaucracy and the Australian public to become aware as never before about tourism's importance to our economy, to our quality of life, and even to Australia's reputation on the world stage.
He will be missed.
I see my new role to a great degree as that of an ombudsman for the people of the electorate.
That further proceedings be conducted in the House.
I worked at it and, over the years, my cycling improved. It's what happens to anyone when they're passionate about what they do. You ride your bike and enjoy it. Ride more, get better at it. Ride more, perfect your method … It's a natural progression when you're having fun.
… a place where we can come and not be anything but ourselves. We don't have to be mothers or partners or workers or students or daughters. All we are is us.'
Further to the Minister's answer to question in writing No. 179 ( House Hansard , 10 May 2011, page 54):
(1) Is it a fact that the cost of transit capacity on the Internet is a cost which must be met in providing a service to end users over the National Broadband Network; if so, will this cost be met by NBN Co. or the retail service provider.
(2) If this cost is to be met by NBN Co., will NBN Co. know in advance the likely sum in order to recover it from retail service providers in the final price charged.
(3) If this cost is to be met by retail service providers, will NBN Co. know in advance the likely sum, so that in setting a price for retail service providers it is able to consider the likely margins to be earned by the retail service provider, taking account of all of the retail service provider's costs (including amounts paid by both the retail service provider to NBN Co. and the service provider for transit capacity).
(4) Has NBN Co. developed estimates of what the cost of transit capacity on the Internet (per megabit) will be; if so, what are they; if not, why not.
(1) Yes. Depending on the application, transit capacity is required to connect from the NBN Point of Interconnect (POI) to other parts of the internet. The cost of this connectivity is the responsibility of the retail service provider.
(2) The cost of this capacity is the responsibility of the retail service provider.
(3) NBN Co considered a range of inputs when developing the wholesale costs for the NBN, including the prices in the ACCC's Declared Transmission Capacity Services Interim Access Determination. Whilst NBN Co can model a number of likely cost scenarios, it cannot know precisely all retail service provider's costs as these will depend on a range of commercial choices made by the RSP.
(4) See answer to (3) above.
Is the Minister able to provide the Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA's) input towards the development of policy on the communications infrastructure to support emergency services and alerts; if so, what advice did ACMA provide on (a) a Radio Data System versus public mobile and fixed networks as platforms for delivering emergency services and alerts, (b) L and/or S band services to deliver such infrastructure and (c) its discussions with NBN Co. Limited about the potential for its satellite services to include an S band transponder for providing emergency alert facilities.
The question relates to the carriage of alerts via the short message system (SMS), with a supplement being via an L or S band transponder on the National Broadband Network satellite. The ACMA advises that there is no planned L or S band transponder on the NBN filing and notes that it has not had discussions with NBN Co. Limited on this issue. The ACMA advises that the management of emergency alerts is a matter for the Attorney-General's Department.
(1) Is the Minister aware that mobile phone coverage is poor in Alligator Creek at the Bowling Green Bay National Park?
(2) Is the Minister aware that good mobile phone coverage in this area could aid the community in seeking assistance during emergencies, such as the accidental drowning of Che-Nezce Perrie Shepherd on Sunday 12 December 2010?
The Australian Government understands the importance of mobile telephony to Australians, in particular in emergency situations.
In recent years the mobile phone carriers have significantly expanded their terrestrial mobile networks. Vodafone Hutchison Australia claims its networks currently cover more than 94 per cent of the Australian population. Optus claims its 3G network provides services to 97 per cent of the Australian population. Telstra claims its Next G network now provides mobile coverage to 99 per cent of Australians.
For the most part the recent extension of mobile coverage across Australia has been based on commercial decisions by carriers. In making a decision to extend coverage to a particular area, carriers will consider a range of factors, including site availability, cost structures, likely levels of demand from users and overall economic viability of the service.
Local governments can assist in identifying potential demand for mobile services in the area. Information such as projections of population growth, visitors to the region and records of traffic volumes can be helpful in assisting carriers to make informed decisions about whether to extend coverage to certain areas.
There are a number of factors that can interfere with mobile reception and, therefore, affect a user's ability to obtain or maintain a mobile phone signal at any given time or in any particular place. These factors include mountainous or hilly terrain, road cuttings, buildings and tunnels. While not all potential sources of interference can be overcome, service providers should be able to advise of ways to minimise interference.
I understand there is unreliable mobile phone reception in the Bowling Green Bay National Park.
In areas where no terrestrial mobile coverage exists, satellite mobile phones provide an alternative means of accessing communications. Satellite phones are not as reliant on the local power supply infrastructure and are more reliable than ground based systems during an emergency. Satellite mobile phone services cover the entire Australian landmass and are available from a number of providers.
Residents of Alligator Creek may be eligible to apply for a subsidy under the Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme. The scheme improves the affordability of mobile communications for people living and working in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage, by providing subsidies for the purchase of satellite phone handsets.
The scheme provides up to $1000 for eligible applicants who live in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage or up to $700 for eligible applicants who live in areas that have coverage, but spend more than 180 days across a two year period in non-coverage areas.
Under the scheme's rules, those eligible to apply include individuals, small businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, Indigenous corporations, emergency service organisations, health organisations and educational institutions.
Information on the scheme is available from the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy website at www.dbcde.gov.au/satphone. An information kit can be obtained by contacting the scheme administrator on 1800 674 058 or via email at satphone@dbcde.gov.au.
An alternative to telephone communications is the use of distress beacon units, such as Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) or Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs). These devices are designed to assist in an emergency by alerting rescue authorities and indicating location. More recent models in corporate Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, enabling much more accurate determination of the location compared with earlier models.
These devices are not as limited by terrain as mobile phones and, by providing the location, will speed up any rescue effort. A variety of providers around Australia offer these for sale or hire.
Other technologies that could operate in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage include Citizens Band or ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio. It is important to be aware that these technologies cannot connect to the telephone network.
What:
(a) consideration has been given to the fact that the Ka band satellite solutions proposed by NBN Co. Limited will be affected by adverse meteorological conditions, particularly cyclonic events, and
(b) arrangements are being made for remote land and maritime based mining and oil/gas operations that presently use C band services if the frequencies that use this band are re-allocated for commercial wireless broadband purposes.
The Government and NBN Co are aware that all telecommunications platforms are potentially susceptible to catastrophic weather events, such as cyclones. In developing the Ka-band satellite platform, NBN Co is also working to develop strategies to minimize disturbances caused by such events.
The C-band currently supports a number of uses including fixed wireless and satellite services. As such, there are a number of arrangements already in place to allow services to share this spectrum band.
In May 2011, the Australian Communications and Media Authority outlined that, while under consideration, the C-band is not yet formally included as a potential band for mobile broadband. However, it is standard ACMA procedure for any band replanning activity to take into consideration many factors including the operation of existing services and would involve consultation with interested stakeholders prior to any new arrangements being adopted.
What is the (a) name, (b) position, (c) terms of appointment, and (d) tenure of appointment of each member of the Tourism Australia Board of Directors.
The Tourism Australia Board of Directors comprises the Managing Director, Chair, Deputy Chair, and six other members. The current membership of the Tourism Australia Board of Directors is:
Mr Andrew McEvoy
Position: Managing Director of Tourism Australia
Term of Appointment: Five Years
Tenure of Appointment: 25 January 2010 to 30 November 2014
Mr Geoff Dixon
Position: Chair
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2012
Ms Kate Lamont
Position: Deputy Chair
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2012
Ms Terri Janke
Position: Member
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2011 - 30 June 2014
Ms Sandra McPhee
Position: Member
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2009 - 30 June 2012
Ms Janet Whiting
Position: Member
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2011 - 30 June 2014
Mr Brett Godfrey
Position: Member
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2010 - 30 June 2013
Mr Mark Stone
Position: Member
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2010 - 30 June 2013
Mr Didier Elzinga
Position: Member
Term of Appointment: Three Years
Tenure of Appointment: 1 July 2010 - 30 June 2013
In respect of Tourism Australia:
(1) What are the details of all memberships with organisations that are funded by this agency, including the (a) name of the organisation, (b) cost of membership, (c) duration of membership, and (d) reason for membership.
(2) What are the details of all sponsorships, including event sponsorships, funded by this agency, including the (a) name of the recipient, (b) cost, (c) duration, and (d) reason.
(1)(a) Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
(b) $20,000
(c) Annual membership
(d)To ensure representation and engagement in international tourism fora and access to tourism data.
(a) United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
(b) $155,000
(c) Annual membership
(d)To ensure representation and engagement in international tourism fora and access to tourism data.
(2) (a) Foreign Correspondents Association
(b) $3,500
(c) Annual sponsorship
(d) To foster sound relations with foreign correspondents covering international tourism.
(a) John Brown Foundation
(b) $10,000
(c) Annual sponsorship
(d) To support development of young Australian tourism industry professionals.
(a) Australian Hotels Association
(b) $20,000
(c) Annual sponsorship
(d) Sponsorship of annual conference.
(a) Tourism and Transport Forum
(b) $20,000
(c) Annual sponsorship
(d) Sponsorship of annual conference and leadership series.
(a) Australian Regional Tourism Network for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention
(b) $5,000
(c) Event Sponsorship
(d) To foster relations with tourism industry representatives.
(a) National Tourism Alliance—National Tourism Awards
(b) $50,000
(c) Awards Sponsorship
(d) To foster relations with tourism industry representatives and encourage the development of the Australian tourism industry.
(a) ATEC Symposium
(b) $10,000
(c) Event sponsorship
(d) To foster relations with tourism industry representatives and encourage the development of the Australian tourism industry.
How many staff were employed by the Minister's department in the Senior Executive Service (ie, SES) on 1 July (a) 2008, and (b) 2011.
(a) 37 staff employed by the department in the SES on 1 July 2008
(b) 38 staff employed by the department in the SES on 1 July 2011