The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms AE Burke ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Further 2012 Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
Corporations Legislation Amendment (Derivative Transactions) Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
Higher Education Support Amendment (Maximum Payment Amounts and Other Measures) Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Declared Fishing Activities) Bill 2012
(3) The Minister must not make an interim declaration—
unless the Minister—
and the Fisheries Minister agree that:
(a) there is uncertainty about the environmental, social or economic impacts of the fishing activity.
We make no excuses for arguing that if this bill passes we will see dozens if not hundreds of businesses exit the industry. In our view the answer is not to give the department of the environment in Canberra greater control over fisheries management but rather for the fisheries portfolio to secure a competent minister who can effectively fulfil their duties as minister for fisheries. As an example, if this bill passes, it will give the department of the environment in Canberra the authority to stop recreational anglers all the way down the east coast from fishing for Bluefin tuna in Commonwealth waters.
(2) When making an interim declaration, the Minister may identify a fishing activity by reference to all or any of the following:
(a) a method of fishing;
(b) a type of vessel used for fishing;
(c) a method of processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken;
(d) an area of waters or of seabed.
It is going to be hard to have to tell those employees, some of them who were long-term unemployed, that we no longer have a job for them.
It seems that after we have met every rule, regulation and request made of us, after years of working with the relevant authorities, that in the end the government reacted to the size of the Abel Tasman and not the size of the quota and the science that supports it.
AFMA has found no evidence that larger boats pose a higher risk to either commercial species or broader marine ecosystems when total catches are limited and the limits are enforced. This type of fishing, mid-water trawling, is one of the most selective, which means the bycatch will be very low. AFMA works closely with fishers to minimise bycatch, and they will be required to follow several rules to ensure wildlife isn't impacted …
The science shows that localised depletion is unlikely in this fishery, but AFMA will be keeping a close eye on this issue, given the concerns raised.
The setting of catch limits in the small pelagic fishery are based on strong precautionary principle. Under the harvest strategy for this fishery, the catch limit is capped at a maximum of 20 per cent of the estimated available biomass …
This is a very conservative limit … Even with that cap, the current management plan sets the quota to less than 10 per cent … These stock limits are based on science and assessed by the experts.
The disallowance motion being moved by the Greens is misplaced and could harm fisheries across Australian Commonwealth waters.
This disallowance motion is a message that the Greens political party do not support sustainable catch limits based on science … As minister for fisheries, I will not allow the emotive politics of the Greens political party to run fisheries management policy in this country.
So what I have signed off on today is effectively the big vessel will have to fish with the rules so the impact it has on the environment is no more than for fishing like a small vessel.
… considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large-scale factory freezer vessels.
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House calls on the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities to explain:
(1) the reasons for his decision to reverse the policy that he introduced as Fisheries Minister in October 2009 which stated: "There are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels";
(2) why he effectively invited the Margiris into Australia by promoting ‘large scale factory freezer vessels’; and
(3) what actions he will take to compensate the 50 Australian workers who are losing their jobs as a consequence of this legislation."
… there are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
The amendments to the bill will allow for emergency power to be introduced to partly close or close a fishery without stakeholder consultation in case of emergency.
What is a declared fishing activity ?
(1) A declared fishing activity is a fishing activity that is specified in:
(2) A fishing activity means an activity that constitutes fishing.
390SD Interim declaration
Making an interim declaration
(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a declaration … that a specified fishing activity is a declared fishing activity.
(2) When making an interim declaration, the Minister may identify a fishing activity by reference to all or any of the following:
(a) a method of fishing;
(b) a type of vessel used for fishing;
(c) a method of processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken;
(d) an area of waters or of seabed.
390SA Civil penalty—declared fishing activities
… … …
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units;
and then:
390SB Offence—declared fishing activities
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person takes an action; and
(b) the action is taken in a Commonwealth marine area; and
(c) the action is a declared fishing activity.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.
Sometimes you've got to stick with what you believe is right when popular opinion might not agree. You have faith in your institutions and you demand they be accountable, but if through sheer populist sentiment you push your institutions aside, what hope have you got?
Sid Sidebottom … today welcomed the news today that the Federal Government will introduce legislation to toughen up environmental controls on vessels like the super trawler.
The explanations given by ministers Ludwig and Burke throughout a range of media interviews over their knowledge and handling of the so-called super trawler have been watched closely by all involved.
The majority of comments raise very serious concerns about whether both ministers, especially Minister Burke, have actually misled the Australian community. Perhaps more on this will be exposed by a freedom of information request and almost certain court action.
But we are largely ignorant about the effective population structure of these species. Of the four species considered for exploitation, the population structure of blue mackerel is uncertain, and jack mackerel and redbait are believed to have eastern and western subpopulations. No dedicated population studies have been conducted on redbait nor is any information available for Peruvian jack mackerel. Moreover, little is reported about adult movements of any of these species except that larger jack mackerel are found in deeper waters.
Science's role is to provide the information on which policy can be made, its role is not to create policy. Policymakers certainly need to take the science into account, which means they are satisfied it is fully up to date … But policymakers also need to take into account a range of other factors, including the opinions of the public who elected them. Science may tell us what can happen but that does not mean to say it should happen. And in any case, the science here is focused on a specific species, not the whole ecosystem, is out of date and statistically wrong according to Dr Wadsley and others.
Trials and cost-benefit analyses have shown that the more data that is required for a fishery, the cheaper it will become to use e-monitoring systems, rather than observers.
… fishing activity by reference to all or any of the following:
(a) a method of fishing;
(b) a type of vessel used for fishing;
(c) a method of processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken;
(d) an area of waters or of seabed.
This government, like those before it, takes the position that output controls, particularly individual transferable quotas, are the preferred approach to fisheries management.
… incorporate a new chapter into the EPBC Act—
that will allow the environment minister to prohibit a declared fishing activity while an independent expert panel undertakes an assessment of the potential environmental, social or economic impacts of the activity.
… the environment minister and the fisheries minister agree that there is uncertainty about the environmental, social or economic impacts …
… the nature of this vessel and in particular its capacity to remain in the same area of ocean for extended periods of time …
Experience over the last couple of months has however shown that the act does not provide sufficient powers to suspend a fishing activity where there is uncertainty as to the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of the activity …
The development of the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) Harvest Strategy (HS) reflects obligations under the Commonwealth's Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines … the HS is to provide—
the Australian community with a high degree of confidence that commercial fish species are being managed for long-term biological sustainability and economic profitability.
are an important food source for many threatened, endangered and protected species (TEPs) and other species and it is therefore important that the SPF HS takes into account the ecosystem role of these species …
Increasing the total allowable catch to 18,000 tonnes represents an unsupported 10-fold increase over previous landings. This is a significant increase from one year to the next. The calculation of this new quota assumes that the estimates of biomass are reliable. It is notable that the estimates are generally based on old information (blue mackerel in the East 2004), inferred from other species (jack mackerel—East), or actually entirely absent (jack mackerel—West, Peruvian jack mackerel, redbait—West). It is thus likely that biomass estimates (and associated quotas) are much more uncertain than is currently reported.
This proposal for a super trawler is clearly an example where significant uncertainty exists in biological knowledge, both in terms of the species themselves and their unfished biomass. The entry of the Margiris is appropriately considered a new fishery from an ecological perspective given it represents effectively a new gear and the Western region is largely unfished and as such, should not be initiated. Moreover, precautionary spatial closures are not yet in place. As such, the Forage Fish Taskforce recommendations do not appear to support entry of a super trawler into Australian waters.
In closing, I had the privilege of introducing the documentary "The End of the Line" for a showing at Parliament's theatre in 2011. At the time, I was asked "how is this relevant to Australia? We don't have this kind of highly industrialized supertrawling here." I answered that the film provided a salutary lesson in terms of the negative impacts that such fishing can have on ocean health and how important it is to protect Australia's oceans because they are still relatively healthy. At a time when Australia is leading the world in marine conservation by establishing a legacy network of reserves, it seems incredibly counterproductive and short sighted to introduce more unnecessary opportunities for the overexploitation of our oceans.
Quotas are set at sustainable levels using the best available science that takes broader ecosystem impacts into consideration.
Because total catch levels are strictly limited by total allowable catches not quota, the size of the boat does not matter from a sustainability perspective.
As always AFMA will apply strict management, monitoring and compliance powers to ensure any boat operating in the fishery is doing so sustainably.
As an independent government regulator, AFMA takes advice from Australia's and the world's best scientists to set sustainable catch limits. Total catch limits are less than 10 per cent of the fish stock, which is far more stringent than internationally accepted standards.
This type of fishing, midwater trawling, is one of the most selective which means the bycatch will be very low. AFMA works closely with fishers to minimise bycatch and they will be required to follow several rules to ensure wildlife isn't impacted.
The science shows that localised depletion is unlikely in this fishery but AFMA will be keeping a close eye on this issue given the concerns raised.
Think of your happiest moments, your most vivid memories. A holiday. Summer. It's always summer, isn't it?
… … …
In mine I'm always standing on a beach, beside an estuary, on a jetty. Holding a fishing rod. Or a net, a mask and snorkel. Hunting and gathering is in my blood. As a boy I loved the freedom, the direct engagement with the physical world, the feeling of competence. Now, I didn't know it at the time but I'd inherited two great treasures: a cultural tradition and the living ocean that sustains it.
… … …
Australians are islanders. Coastal people. Almost all of us live on the edge of the world's biggest island. On the veranda of the continent. … This is what we tap into when we go on holiday now. … That yearning is deeply embedded. We still want to engage with our physical surroundings. And the thing is we can. In the developed world that's rare.
… … …
During my own lifetime the world's oceans have suffered a terrible decline. I've read about it. And I've seen it up close and ugly. When I lived in Greece I saw the results of oil spills, dynamite fishing, lax regulation. I've surfed in raw sewage in Indonesia and putrid medical waste in Brazil. And I've wondered: am I swimming in the future? Will my grandkids inherit a sea of … plastic? The global trends aren't great. Collapsing fisheries, dying corals, gyres of plastic the size of entire countries, catastrophic oil spills that ruin the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of fishing families and poison the food chain for decades.
We all know we're pushing the ocean too hard. And the pressure to relegate marine protection—to defer it—that pressure is intense. And the balance is not in the ocean's favour. Taking a loss has become business as usual. …
We have to stop spending beyond our means. Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Otherwise we'll be the generation—the richest, most mobile and well-educated generation in Australia's history—that passes on a dud inheritance, and leaves the estate in arrears. Bequeathing a loss to a family, a community, a nation, that's a despicable thing to do. 'Kids, all this … plastic is yours. Don't spend it all at once.'
Increasing the total allowable catch to 18,000 tonnes represents an unsupported 10-fold increase over previous landings. This is a significant increase from one year to the next. The calculation of this new quota assumes that the estimates of biomass are reliable. It is notable that the estimates are generally based on old information (blue mackerel in the East 2004), inferred from other species (jack mackerel — East) or actually entirely absent (jack mackerel —W est, Peruvian jack mackerel, redbait— West). It is … l ikely that biomass estimates … are much more uncertain than is currently reported ... such assessments do not allow us to infer that the populations will remain sustainably fished with a sudden 10-fold increase in landings as would be allowed under the new quotas.
To address concerns around localized depletion and hyperdepletion that may occur when super trawlers are active, we need to understand population structure (how do young fish recruit across the region?) and adult movements (will adults replenish depleted areas?). Yet again, our information is uncertain. Of the four species considered for exploitation, the population structure of blue mackerel is uncertain, whilst jack mackerel and redbait are believed to have eastern and western subpopulations . In addition no dedicated studies have been conducted on redbait, and no stock structure information is available for Peruvian jack mackerel, a species that is often assumed to behave like its cousin, the jack mackerel, despite having very different life history characteristics.
N othing is known about adult movements in any of these species except that larger jack mackerel are found in deeper waters. In the event of localized depletions by the super trawler, we therefore have no evidence that these regions will be replenished by eith er mobile adults or recruits—
M any forage fish have been or are being overexploited; their rapid growth rates and high reproductive output are not sufficient to protect them against the sustained rates of harvest of super trawlers ... the species available to the super trawler (blue mackerel, jack mackerel, Peruvian jack mackerel and redbait) are larger, live longer, and feed higher up the food chain than do species typically classed as forage fish ... the species potentially allocated to the super trawler show great similarity with cool water, reef-associated species already recognized as vulnerable to overexploitation ... in Western Australia.
Bycatch is a concern. In a study fur seals, interacted—
with over 50% of all mid-water trawl shots ... most fishing activity occurred on the shelf ... within the animals diving range... It is unclear... how fur seals would respond to a much larger net in terms of their ability to maintain orientation and exit the net, particularly given its substantially larger size.
We have a set of species that we know little about that are relatively vulnerable to overfishing based on their life history... We do know from global experience that super trawlers are incredibly efficient and can cause local depletions, from which these species may not recover quickly. We also know that super trawlers have been problematic globally in terms of their sustainability. Opening Australian waters to a super trawler at a time when our knowledge base for this species is uncertain is risky and inconsistent with the precautionary principle.
This proposal for a super trawler is clearly an example where significant uncertainty exists in biological knowledge, both in terms of the species themselves and their unfished biomass.
At a time when Australia is leading the world in marine conservation by establishing a legacy network of reserves, it seems incredibly counterproductive and short sighted to introduce more unnecessary opportunities for the overexploitation of our oceans.
When your grandkids ask you what you did as a member of parliament some of them, I'll admit, will be entranced by your stories of tax reform. Stands to reason. They'll love the story about that parliamentary committee. But think of the day when you help your granddaughter reel in her first flathead, the day you take your nephew to the aquarium, the morning you take your grandkids snorkelling in a marine sanctuary and their eyes are out on sticks. There's always that quiet moment you get on the way home. After they've seen that turtle, those dolphins, the rockpool full of life. That'll be when you let it slip. Offhand. You know, real casual, about what you did when you were in parliament. You helped save Australia's oceans.
While pursuant to Standing Order 101(b) the Speaker, or other occupant of the chair, has unfettered discretion with respect to supplementary questions, in an endeavour to make Question Time more spontaneous, on 7 and 8 February 2012 I outlined what would be my general approach to supplementary questions on a trial basis.
The effect of this approach means that usually:
(a) One supplementary question can be asked by the Leader of the Opposition or his or her delegate specifically, and up to one additional supplementary question can be asked by any opposition member, including the Leader of the Opposition, each day;
(b) Up to two supplementary questions can be asked by government private members each day;
(c) One supplementary question can be asked, each week by a non-aligned member.
This general approach does not override Standing Order 101(b) which gives the occupant of the chair unfettered discretion with respect to supplementary questions. In fact, I allowed two crossbench supplementary questions on 27 February 2012 and 1 March 2012 during the same sitting week, but this was not intended to be a regular practice.
As I considered the ability to ask supplementary questions had introduced a welcome dynamic into Question Time in a statement on 22 March 2012, I advised I was considering expanding the number of supplementary questions and also allowing one side to ask supplementary questions to an original question asked by the other side.
I have not yet had the opportunity to implement these further innovations but plan to consider them upon my return to the chair.
I trust this clarifies the matter raised by the Honourable Member for Lyne.
These are our people in western Sydney, the aspiring, and these are the ones we should be supporting, not cutting them down.
As Townsville's already-stretched public hospital staff face an uncertain future, Premier Campbell Newman has announced a flash new Brisbane office for himself - and it's not a good look.
Every dollar that we pay in carbon tax is a dollar less that we reinvest into our organisation. … So we are looking at $84,000 that could have improved patient care …
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for North Sydney from moving the following motion forthwith:
That this House:
(1) condemns this Government for failing to adequately detail how it will pay for its $120 billion of new spending on disability services, additional funding for aged care, new funding for low-paid workers, increased costs of its border protection failures, funding of new defence projects, establishment of a new dental care scheme, and provision of additional education funding for everyone everywhere;
(2) calls on the Treasurer to immediately explain which new or increased taxes will be introduced to fund the Government's $120 billion Budget black hole; and
(3) further condemns the Government for refusing to release Treasury's taxpayer funded costings of Greens taxation policies, and rejects the Government's claims that the documents would "allow a direct inference to be drawn about subsequent Cabinet deliberations", and that they contained "material prepared to inform deliberations of Government".
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [15:20]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
It is not unusual in the functioning of the House for it to be found necessary to suspend standing orders, or a particular standing order, to permit certain action to be taken.
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [15:34]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private M embers' business
1. The committee met in private session on Tuesday, 11 September 2012.
2. The committee determined the order of precedence and times to be allotted for consideration of committee and delegation business and private Members' business on Monday, 17 September 2012, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10:10 am to 12 noon)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Our Land, Our Languages: language learning in Indigenous communities
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to conclude by 10:20 am.
Speech time limits —
Mr Neumann—5 minutes.
Next Member speaking—5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
2 Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs
Advisory Report on the Do Not Knock Register Bill 2012
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to conclude by 10:30 am.
Speech time limits —
Mr Georganas—5 minutes.
Next Member speaking—5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR BANDT: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to competition and consumers, and for other purposes (Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Food Labelling) Bill 2012).
Presenter may speak for a period not exceeding 10 minutes—pursuant to standing order 41.
2 MR CHRISTENSEN: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and for related purposes (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Making Marine Parks Accountable) Bill 2012).
Presenter may speak for a period not exceeding 10 minutes—pursuant to standing order 41.
3 MR MORRISON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) mitochondrial disease:
(i) is an incurable and debilitating genetic disorder that saps the body's cells of their energy; and
(ii) reduces the ability of mitochondria to produce energy required for vital bodily functions, disrupting important muscle and organ function and leading in some cases to organ failure or death;
(b) a child is born every 30 minutes who will develop a mitochondrial disease before their tenth birthday;
(c) one in every 200 people is affected by mitochondrial disease, but many are misdiagnosed;
(d) each year 50 children will develop a severe or life-threatening form of mitochondrial disease;
(e) there:
(i) is a widespread lack of awareness about this disease, its symptoms or effects; and
(ii) are few effective treatments for this disease; and
(iii) is currently no cure for this disease;
(f) clinical trials are underway however, research into this disease requires greater monetary and community support and recognition;
(g) scientists have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to other major diseases including alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease and diabetes; and
(h) advances in treatment for mitochondrial dysfunction could also improve treatments for millions of people who suffer these other illnesses;
(2) recognises that:
(a) 16 to 22 September 2012 is Global Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week;
(b) 23 September 2012 is Global World Stay in Bed Day to raise awareness and funds for research into mitochondrial disease; and
(c) the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation has been working since 2009 to support patients and their families, spread information and raise the profile of this disease in the community and medical field; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) encourage the public and private sectors to promote greater awareness of mitochondrial disease;
(b) help raise the profile of mitochondrial disease within the medical profession to overcome the lack of knowledge that contributes to misdiagnosis and improper treatment of this condition; and
(c) ensure there is appropriate support for patients of mitochondrial disease and their families. (Notice given 10 September 2012; amended 12 September 2012.)
Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Mr Morrison— 10 minutes.
Next 5 Members speaking—10 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 10 mins + 2 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (8 to 9:30 pm)
3 Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
Review of the Defence Annual Report 2010-2011
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to conclude by 8:10 pm.
Speech time limits —
Dr Jensen—5 minutes.
Next Member speaking—5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
Notices—continued
4 MR NEUMANN: To move:
That this House:
(1) commends the Australian Government's:
(a) commitment to meeting Australia's future workforce needs;
(b) strong investment record in skills and training; and
(c) partnership with industry to meet Australia's skills challenges;
(2) notes that all Australians should have the opportunity to get the education and skills they need for the jobs on offer, and the importance:
(a) that the TAFE system plays in providing training opportunities; and
(b) of federal, state and local initiatives to provide jobseekers with customised employment and training to meet their individual needs and the demands of the labour market for a skilled workforce; and
(3) calls on Governments at all levels to:
(a) provide funding for employment and skills services; and
(b) continue to invest in TAFE and skills training. (Notice given 10 September 2012.)
Time allotted—40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Neumann—10 minutes.
Next Member speaking—10 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 10 + 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
1 RETURN OF AUSTRALIAN TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN: Resumption of debate ( from 19 March 2012 —Mr E. T. Jones, in continuation) on the motion of Mr Bandt—That this House calls on the Government to set a date for the safe return of Australian troops from Afghanistan
Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 9:30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Mr Bandt—10 minutes.
Next 2 Members speaking—10 minutes each.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 10 + 2 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (approx 11 am to approx 1:30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Orders of the day
1 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT: Resumption of debate ( from 10 September 2012 ) on the motion of Mr Oakeshott:
That this House:
(1) endorses the draft code of conduct at Appendix 5 of the report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests, Draft Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament; and
(2) requests the Leader of the House to bring forward urgently for the House's consideration the proposed changes to standing orders and resolutions of the House necessary to give effect to the Code, procedures for considering complaints under the Code, and for the role of the Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests in oversight of the Code.
Time allotted—20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices
1 MR CHESTER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that with more than 150,000 members and 310 affiliated surf lifesaving clubs, surf lifesaving is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in Australia;
(2) recognises the outstanding contribution made to health and safety of beach goers by volunteer and professional surf lifesavers;
(3) highlights that the economic value to the Australian economy of surf lifesaving's coastal drowning and injury prevention efforts in 2009-10 was independently assessed to be $3.6 billion;
(4) supports the important role played by surf lifesaving clubs in developing young people's health, fitness and leadership skills through an extensive junior program; and
(5) acknowledges the Coalition's commitment to implement a $10 million fund if elected into government to:
(a) assist clubs to purchase vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies; and
(b) extend the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Program. (Notice given 23 August 2012.)
Time allotted—100 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Chester—10 minutes.
Other Members—10 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 10 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.
2 MR HAYES: To move:
That this House:
(1) observes National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September;
(2) acknowledges the pivotal role police play in our community and the great deal of sacrifice and risk that come with the job;
(3) honours the lives and memories of the many fine men and women who have had their lives tragically cut short in the execution of their duties, in particular, Senior Constable David James Rixon, who was shot and killed in Tamworth on 2 March 2012;
(4) pays tribute to the families and friends of police officers that have been killed in the line of duty throughout our nation's history, and acknowledges the good work of Police Legacy, who look after the families of the fallen; and
(5) affirms its support for the nation's 56,000 police officers and praises them for their courage, commitment and dedication in protecting our community. (Notice given 21 August 2012.)
Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to approx 1:30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Mr Hayes—5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (approx 6:30 to 9 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Orders of the day—continued
2 FAIR WORK (JOB SECURITY AND FAIRER BARGAINING) AMENDMENT BILL 2012 (Mr Bandt): Second reading (from 27 February 2012)
Time allotted—5 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Bandt—5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices—continued
3 MS GRIERSON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) dementia is the greatest cause of disability in Australians aged 65 and over;
(b) there are almost 280,000 Australians living with dementia and 1.2 million who provide support and care; and
(c) every week an estimated 1,600 new cases of dementia occur, with the number expected to grow to 7,400 new cases per week by 2050, resulting in 1 million Australians living with dementia by 2050;
(2) recognises the significance of Dementia Awareness Week (21 to 28 September) in promoting and advocating the needs of those living with dementia, their families and carers;
(3) welcomes the Health Ministers' designation of dementia as the ninth National Health Priority Area; and
(4) acknowledges the ongoing contributions of Alzheimer's Australia and its State and Territory associations in supporting and advocating for those affected and leading the charge in the fight against dementia. (Notice given 11 September 2012.)
Time allotted—60 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Grierson—5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 12 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MS HALL: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) Stroke Awareness Week is 10 to 16 September 2012; and
(b) the focus of National Stroke Week in 2012 is to encourage people to understand their stroke risk;
(2) notes with concern that:
(a) stroke remains the second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability in Australia;
(b) one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime; and
(c) around 60,000 people will suffer new or recurrent strokes this year;
(3) recognises that:
(a) the risk of stroke is influenced by a number of factors beyond our control, including age, gender and family history;
(b) there are many lifestyle risk factors that are within our control and with this knowledge we can act to reduce our risk of stroke; and
(c) lifestyle risk factors which can be controlled include:
(i) high blood pressure;
(ii) high cholesterol;
(iii) smoking cigarettes;
(iv) poor diet and lack of exercise;
(v) being overweight; and
(vi) drinking too much alcohol;
(4) understands:
(a) that every Australian needs to know their stroke risk; and
(b) lifestyle changes can have a significant impact in reducing a person's risk of stroke;
(5) acknowledges the:
(a) important role of families and carers of stroke victims; and
(b) valuable work of the National Stroke Foundation; and
(6) asks all Members to raise awareness of stroke risk and the preventative actions that people can take to help reduce their risk of stroke. (Notice given 21 August 2012.)
Time allotted—30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Hall—5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
5 MS ROWLAND: To move:
That this House:
(1) calls on the Sudanese Government and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement—North, to:
(a) promptly implement the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United Nations, African Union and Arab League on allowing unrestricted humanitarian access to all areas of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states in Sudan; and
(b) immediately conclude a ceasefire agreement;
(2) supports the involvement of an international mediation team to assist in negotiations for a ceasefire agreement;
(3) calls on:
(a) the Sudanese and South Sudanese governments to cease any support for armed rebel militias in each other's territories; and
(b) both sides to urgently work towards a final, negotiated agreement on outstanding issues arising from separation, including Abyei;
(4) notes that the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudan's President, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, on five counts of crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape), two counts of war crimes (attacking civilians and pillaging), and three counts of genocide; and
(5) acknowledges the:
(a) contribution of the Sudanese and South Sudanese Diaspora in Australia to our economic and cultural diversity; and
(b) excellent work being undertaken by the international community in assisting the 170,000 refugees who have been displaced from Sudan's Blue Nile and South Kordofan states since late 2011. (Notice given 23 August 2012.)
Time allotted—30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Rowland—5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
6 MS PARKE: To move:
That this House:
(1) commends the Government for its four year commitment to provide $50 million to support the global eradication of polio;
(2) notes:
(a) that in February 2012, India was removed from the list of countries where polio remains endemic, proving that eradication strategies are effective when they are fully implemented and that polio can be eradicated even in the toughest circumstances, and there has not been a single reported case of polio in India since January 2011;
(b) that polio eradication should, wherever possible, be part of routine immunisation efforts to improve population immunity for all priority, vaccine preventable childhood illnesses;
(c) that there are now only three countries in the world where polio has never been stopped, namely Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, and unless the polio program is fully funded and emergency plans are implemented as planned, polio could make a comeback in countries that are currently polio-free;
(d) estimates show that global re-infection over time could result in as many as 200,000 children per year being paralysed;
(e) that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative currently faces a funding shortfall of US$945 million for the full implementation of its 2012-13 Emergency Action Plan, and this has caused immunisation campaigns to be cancelled or scaled back in 33 countries in Africa and Asia, leaving more children vulnerable to the disease and increasing the risk of the international spread of polio; and
(f) the recent landmark resolution by the Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly declaring the completion of polio eradication, a programmatic emergency for global public health, with member states highlighting the feasibility of eradication in the near-term, while expressing concern at the ongoing funding gap threatening success; and
(3) encourages the Government to continue to support efforts to deliver a polio-free world and to encourage other countries to do likewise. (Notice given 19 June 2012.)
Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 9 pm.
Speech time limits —
Ms Parke—10 minutes.
Next Member speaking—10 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 10 + 1 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
3. The committee determined that the following bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Resources, Fisheries and Forestry:
4. The committee recommends that the following items of private Members' business listed on the notice paper be voted on:
Orders of the Day—
Australian Green's policy costings (Mr Briggs)
National Landcare Week (Mr Chester)
Meniere's disease (Mr Billson).
That the House take note of the following documents:
Airservices Australia Corporate plan for the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2017.
Department of Health and Ageing Report to Parliament on the meeting of the Pharmaceutical Industry Discussion Group (PIDG) to identify and examine potential unintended consequences of the 2010-11 Budget Measure Further Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Pricing Reform Second meeting, September 2012.
The importance of education for regional and disadvantaged communities and concern about cuts in education budgets.
There have been significant changes made to TAFE in Victoria, for instance which have led to closures of dozens of courses at regional TAFE colleges within Victoria … It is of significant concern to industry that we won't be able to then drive that skills pool into the future and kids in regional Australia will miss out on opportunities to gain skills and then get into the workforce.
This is another broken election promise from this government.
Prior to this election they guaranteed an investment in TAFE funding and in quality teaching, and (said) they would ensure affordable access for all.
Now in a stroke of a pen, they have ensured that 800 teaching jobs will be cut over the next four years - that's 20 per cent of the workforce - which will probably mean up to 100 jobs will go at Illawarra campuses.
Executive director of schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, Greg Whitby, said he understands the deep level of anger in NSW school communities and sense of betrayal by a government which has shown a lack of understanding of what is needed to deliver quality learning and teaching in today’s world.
‘It is appalling to note that Australia already lags behind many of the OECD countries in its spending on education and now the O’Farrell Government has chosen to make even more cuts to this level of expenditure,’ Greg said. ‘The decision by the government not to invest in education jeopardises the very future of this state.’
… for the last 10 years, we've been obsessed about class size and being obsessed about class size, when all the evidence suggests that when you get down to 25 students, going a lot lower than that makes no dramatic difference and, in fact, is tremendously expensive, clouds the other issues in education like teacher quality, like parental involvement, like a robust curriculum.
I can't see why building the north-west rail link and keeping the [electricity] 'poles and wires' is more important than education.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development) Bill 2012
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Declared Fishing Activities) Bill 2012
… there are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
… I will not allow the emotive politics of the Greens political party to run fisheries management policy in this country. We will ensure that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is independent, that it makes independent decisions based on the science through its expert commissioners and on the facts that are presented to them.
There are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
In our view the answer is not to give the department of the environment in Canberra greater control over fisheries management but rather for the fisheries portfolio to secure a competent minister who can effectively fulfil their duties as minister for fisheries.
As an example, if this bill passes, it will give the department of the environment in Canberra the authority to stop recreational anglers all the way down the east coast from fishing for Bluefin tuna in Commonwealth waters.
Industry is aware of the desire by the minister to retrospectively change the rules for the small pelagic fishery and block the operations of the Abel Tasman, but this is not the way to do things.
Responding to community issues over this single boat by damaging all Australian fishing operations, both commercial and recreational, and creating massive uncertainties in the professional fishing industry in Australia is simply not acceptable in our view.
The issue that I see with this supertrawler is not that the impact of such a wide net on non-target species of wildlife in our Southern Ocean ecosystem are unknown. This can only be found out by conducting trials. Given the boat is here anyway, they should at least enable some experimental trials so they are in a better position to assess it. No government inquiry will come up with the answer. It could well be a trawler of this size is the only economically viable means to harvest the substantial redbait and jack mackerel quota of 18,000 tonnes, and it may even have a lower bycatch than 15 smaller vessels taking the same catch, given the exclusion devices, sophisticated electronics and 24/7 monitored plans.
The more immediate concern is the bill to be debated in parliament today that has been hastily drafted by Minister Burke and that will give the minister for the environment and his department almost unfettered authority over all forms of fishing.
"It is a sad day for Australia when a green campaign has shut down a fishery which was based on a sound scientific footing," Professor Buxton told The Australian Financial Review. "Anyone who says there is no science behind this quota is talking complete nonsense. There are 50-odd papers out there anybody can read. I understand that is politics but it is a slap in the face for the scientific community."
This disallowance motion is a message that the Greens political party do not support sustainable catch limits based on science. It is a message that says the Greens want fisheries managed by politics, not qualified fisheries managers. And it says that the Greens do not support the commercial operators who fish in some of the world's best managed fisheries. That message should be well understood, because I have no doubt that the same disregard for the science and management of our commercial fisheries will be extended to the legitimate pursuit of recreational fishing … I will not allow the emotive politics of the Greens political party to run fisheries management policy in this country. We will ensure that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is independent, that it makes independent decisions based on the science through its expert commissioners and on the facts that are presented to them. They will continue to make decisions based on sound judgement to ensure that fisheries are sustainable and meet all the ecological requirements—and, moreover, predicated on the precautionary principle so often espoused by the Greens. Why? Because AFMA will continue to apply sound policy to ensure that we will have sustainable fisheries now and into the future.
The Minister and the Fisheries Minister agree that there is uncertainty about the environmental, social or economic impacts of the fishing activity …
One of the tragic things about environmental policy is that it tends to follow the principle of factor sparsity, or what is more generally known as the 80-20 rule—80% is for show, 20% for go. Put another way, 80% of policy is designed to do nothing more than send political signals to the electorate or make voters feel better about themselves. The remaining 20% is actually intended to change environmental outcomes.
There is no better example of the 80% in action than the government’s treatment of the Abel Tasman supertrawler issue.
Since the early 1990s, Commonwealth fisheries policy has largely been based on three simple principles. First, overfishing is addressed by placing caps (or quotas) on how many fish can be taken in each fishery. Second, government policy should encourage the caps to be filled at least cost—
that is, the fish should be caught in the cheapest way possible to free up resources for other uses. Third, the use of fishing gear is regulated in order to reduce by-catch, or the unintentional capture of non-commercial species.
Sitting above the fisheries regime are environmental protection laws. Under federal environmental law, all Commonwealth-managed fisheries are strategically assessed on a rolling basis. These assessments look at the environmental impacts of the management arrangements for each fishery and determine whether they are sustainable. After the completion of the assessment, if the environment minister is satisfied with the arrangements, the fishery is approved for the purpose of export and an exemption is granted to ensure individual fishers do not have to comply with project-based environmental approval requirements.
Despite the noise in the media, the proposed operations of the Abel Tasman tick all the boxes of the fisheries and environmental regime. The fishing will occur within the quota set for the Small Pelagic Fishery. The fisheries management arrangements for this fishery have been strategically assessed by the Environment Department on four occasions: 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2012. Moreover, the introduction of the larger vessel is in keeping with the desire to improve efficiency as it will lower unit costs, and Environment Minister Tony Burke had set stringent bycatch conditions on the operation of the vessel.
This is not to say that the general management arrangements for the Small Pelagics Fishery or any other Commonwealth-managed fishery are sustainable. Several of them are overfished—
and subject to serious bycatch and environmental degradation issues (noting that the Small Pelagics Fishery is probably among the better-managed Commonwealth fisheries). However, the operator of the Abel Tasman , Seafish, has done everything—
according to the book. Its only crime was to run into a government in a tight political spot that is looking to attract votes on the back of a populist environmental campaign.
As if to highlight the absurdity of the situation, the government is rushing through legislation today in order to give it the power to stop the Abel Tasman from fishing pending an environmental assessment, even though it already possesses this power. There are provisions in theEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act that allow Burke to call in theAbel Tasman ’s proposed activities and subject them to the project-based environmental assessment and approval process. It is unclear why the government thinks it needs to duplicate these existing powers.
Given the way the process has unfolded, at the very least, Seafish should be offered compensation for its treatment. If it isn’t, the company is justified in asking why its losses are any different from those incurred by the fossil-fuel generators and other emissions-intensive polluters, which have been so grossly overcompensated for the effects of the carbon pricing scheme.
Beyond that, this incident shines a light toward more serious policy questions, particularly the sustainability of the current fisheries management arrangements and efficacy of the Commonwealth’s strategic assessment process.
To date, there has been only one independent analysis of the fisheries strategic assessment process. It found that the strategic assessments rarely led to material changes in fisheries practices and that its environmental achievements were modest. If there is a need for change, it is in the way these assessments are conducted and the level of transparency in environmental and fisheries regulation.
As Seafish has pleaded today, fishers need certainty in the regulatory environment in which they operate. Equally, the community is entitled to ask that its marine resources are effectively and sustainably managed, and that it is provided with the data to make these judgments.
Seafish Tasmania director Gerry Geen says his company's failed super-trawler venture has cost it millions, and he is embarrassed for his Dutch business partners.
The 142-metre Abel Tasman is set to be banished from Australian waters for at least two years by federal government legislation—
while fisheries science is updated.
The decision comes with the boat already in Australia, having made the voyage from the Netherlands, after what Seafish says was years of negotiation with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Asked what the venture had cost Seafish, a furious Mr Geen told ABC Radio in Tasmania: "Millions."
"This has been a long project," he said.
"We brought our Dutch partners over to meet with AFMA eight or nine months ago and we were assured if the vessel was an Australian vessel properly flagged it would be treated the same as every other vessel.
"We've been badly let down on that one."
Mr Geen said Tuesday's announcement by government ministers Tony Burke and Joe Ludwig had left him feeling red-faced.
"I'm responsible for bringing this Dutch company … to Australia on the basis that we had strong rules, we had laws which would be upheld and we had strong fisheries management based on science," he said.
"On that basis they and we have invested millions of dollars to do this venture and I'm bitterly disappointed and embarrassed at what the government has done."
Asked where the decision left Seafish financially, Mr Geen said: "That's something we're going to have to look at."
The company is exploring its options, which reportedly include seeking compensation, but Environment Minister Burke has said the government is on "strong ground" because the vessel had no fish quotas assigned to it.
The ban will mean the loss of 50 jobs, for which Mr Geen said he was "sorry".
He did not know when or where the boat would head next.
Mr Geen said he was hopeful of speaking to politicians in a last-ditch bid to stop them supporting the government's legislation.
There are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
… absolutely astonished that this could actually happen in Australia, bitterly disappointed. It feels like a third world country reaction to me. I think this is just unbelievable.
This disallowance motion is a message that the Greens political party do not support sustainable catch limits based on science. It is a message that says the Greens want fisheries managed by politics, not qualified fisheries managers. And it says that the Greens do not support the commercial operators who fish in some of the world's best managed fisheries. That message should be well understood, because I have no doubt that the same disregard for the science and management of our commercial fisheries will be extended to the legitimate pursuit of recreational fishing.
As minister for fisheries, I will not allow the emotive politics of the Greens political party to run fisheries management policy in this country. We will ensure that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is independent, that it makes independent decisions based on the science through its expert commissioners and on the facts that are presented to them. They will continue to make decisions based on sound judgement to ensure that fisheries are sustainable and meet all the ecological requirements—and, moreover, predicated on the precautionary principle so often espoused by the Greens. Why? Because AFMA will continue to apply sound policy to ensure that we will have sustainable fisheries now and into the future. For those reasons, the government oppose this motion.
Sometimes you've got to stick with what you believe is right when popular opinion might not agree. …
You have faith in your institutions and you demand they be accountable, but if through anecdotal or sheer populist sentiment you push your institutions aside, what hope have you got?
Medfly is a very serious production issue and many growers do not see a future without dimethoate and fenthion.
In all analyses, daily energy expenditure among the Hadza hunter-gatherers was indistinguishable from that of Westerners.
Australians are dying and suffering needlessly. We have one of the best health care systems in the world, yet we have one of the worst organ transplant rates in the developed world.
… … …
Past mistakes are being repeated when, globally, new and very successful systems are proven to be working.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. BC Scott) took the chair at 9.30.
I would like to have a fairy all sparkly and pink,
With beautiful wings and diamonds I think,
I'd ask for one wish of this it would be, please
Take away my disease, this horrible "D"
I'd wish to do sleepovers with friends without a care
I'd wish to be like other kids, it just doesn't seem fair
I'd wish to do sports and not have to think
About my blood sugars, I think it stinks!
My head sometimes hurts, and feels really funny
It feels like I'm dreaming, but for the pain in my tummy
Cramping and hurting, I know I must be low
Quick I need some honey to feed the horrible foe
Finger pricks and needles and sleepless nights
I know I need to be strong and put up a fight
How I got my disease, nobody knows why
It makes me so sad, and makes my mum cry
She hasn't slept through the night for nine years
She checks me so often for the lows that she fears
If we all work together then a cure we should find
This is my one wish and always on my mind
Please hear my story and take it to heart
Cause this is the place where my one wish will start.
We have over 200 families at the school, the majority of them struggling to pay any fees. This places a burden on our system as a whole because we carry these families financially.
The Pittwater MP, Rob Stokes, was quoted as saying: 'I can't see why building the north-west rail link and keeping the [electricity] 'poles and wires' is more important than education.'
Education should be last place for funding cuts as those most affected by this are the most important people in our society, our children.
They're faced with the return of their loved one in a way they most certainly wished would never occur.
We'd heard a lot about the green-on-blue attacks and I said to him, 'keep an eye on the ANA [Afghan National Army]'.
They're a fantastic bunch of people, they just love us Aussies, they play cricket with us.
All you've got to do is respect their customs and there's no problems.
I do not lack good companions
To pick a man up when he's down
We go to the track on Saturdays
Spread our money 'round
I go up and down
And every single sound says
No you! No you! No you! No you!
No you, no you, no you!
All day long I've been walking
And mostly to myself I've been talking
The lonesome night is too quickly falling
In this unfriendly town
It's cold when the sun goes down
So I'll head for the river and look for smoke under the bridge
I'll keep on moving 'til I find smoke under the bridge
A little shelter, a friendly fire under the bridge
Once I had a place I could call my own
Now wherever I lay my head is home
Ran into some trouble back on down the road
They didn't like the look of me
Someone took a hook at me
I'll keep my eyes open for smoke under the bridge
Keep on hoping for smoke under the bridge
A warm fire, some company under the bridge
I'll keep on looking for smoke under the bridge
Keep on walking to smoke under the bridge
A little shelter, a friendly fire, some company under the bridge
I'll keep walking
All we have of freedom—all we use or know—
This our fathers bought for us, long and long ago.
It was a sad morning this morning when we farewelled the bodies of the guys killed last week, and I understand you're concern but I want you to take a second and read something for me.
Read Mark Chapter 8 verses 31 to 38.
We have lost some men, but to impose some knee-jerk reaction as a consequence only serves to trivialise their lives and the sacrifice that they and their families have made.
Coming to this country I had ideas about what I was doing and why I was doing it, but the incidents around this week have crystallised that understanding for me. I guess that you have heard about the 17 young people that were beheaded by the Taliban. They were in a province just a little distance from us here, just kids having a party whose only sin was to be playing music and dancing at that party. According to the news reports it is becoming their preferred form of social intimidation. Surely pure evil in is basest form.
Our guys are doing great work over here, giving the locals options to that oppressive regime, and hopefully slowing the movement of drugs into the western world. The main focus at the moment is working towards an orderly withdrawal, which I'm sure that your pleased about.
Ultimately we'll probably never know the difference that we, or more particularly those that have lost their lives or been injured over here, will have made. But there is the possibility that because were here one Afghani will have the chance, the courage, or just the idea to make a difference in this country. And if there is one, then there could be many and it could make such a difference in our world as a whole. I only know that if we weren't here they wouldn't have that chance.
The Padre who led the service today quoted the old saying, 'The only thing required for evil to flourish in this world is for good men to do nothing.' I think that this place makes that statement very real.
… as they move
on to small towns where dogs in the frozen sunset
raise muzzles in mute salute,
and on to cities in whose wide web of suburbs
telegrams tremble like leaves from a wintering tree
and the spider grief swings in his bitter geometry
—they’re bring them home, now, too late, too early.
He actually just sent us a postcard earlier this month about how things were going. He showed us footage of what he was doing—how he trained and flew in on his helicopters.
Mervyn was a hell of a guy, he was. Would always do things for you. He was always sending stuff to my kids. He really wanted to start a family; he's a very big family person ... we just can't believe he's gone.
He had a heart of gold. He was always trying to make sure that we were OK. He was just such a top guy...
Merv would have been a fantastic husband and a wonderful dad.
Merv was the warmest guy you’d ever meet. You could see it in his eyes, they had a special sparkle.
He was a real Aussie bloke with a passion for his country, especially its natural splendour.
Merv was the warmest guy you’d ever meet. You could see it in his eyes, they had a special sparkle.
He was a real Aussie bloke …. Merv could often be found four-wheel driving and going for bushwalks, but really his favourite place was the ocean. Merv just loved being in the water and the beach was his second home, where he could often be found swimming, spearing or barbequing.
They were simple pleasures which filled his soul.
… changed my world by showing me new ways to think about things and by teaching me how to really experience life and believe in myself. We jammed so much into our 18 months together. Merv never missed a moment. He would stop to look at a rainbow or to smell the coffee.
We were due to be married in Bendigo next Easter Saturday and we were hoping to start a family soon after. Merv would have been a fantastic husband and a wonderful dad.
Nate wasn’t a ‘showy’ kind of guy, but rather one who would demonstrate his love through the little things which meant the world. He was so loving and grateful.
We never heard Nate say a bad thing about anyone. His love for his family was apparent to all.
Nate idolised Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald, who was also killed in the crash. Merv was generous with his experience and shared it with the other boys in the team, especially Nate. I last saw Nate at the airport when he departed Australia in July. As they were about to walk off to the gate together, Merv turned to me and said, 'don’t worry Jess, I’ll bring him home.' While it’s under the most tragic of circumstances, Merv is honouring his promise.
My pledge to Nate is that his son will understand the wonderful man who his dad was.
There’s no trait of Nate’s that I wouldn’t want his son to inherit.
For (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11, and (d) 2011-12, what was the total cost of overseas travel for departmental staff?
The following table shows the cost of overseas travel for the 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial years.
(1) In respect of applications made to the Department of Health and Ageing for an exemption under section 19AB(3) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 , in the last twelve months (a) how many have been made, (b) how many have been approved, and (c) how much time, on average, has it taken to assess an application.
(2) On what basis was the conclusion reached that 'migration', for the purposes of clause 5.6 of the Health Insurance Act Section 19AB Guidelines, did not refer to the movement of persons from one country to another.
(3) Does she, or her delegate, seek legal advice when considering an application under section 19AB(3) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 .
(4) Does she, or her delegate, seek legal advice when applying clause 5.6 of the Health Insurance Act Section 19AB Guidelines to an application under section 19AB(3) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 ; if not, why not.
(5) Has she, or her delegate, ever sought legal advice on the meaning of the word 'migration' in clause 5.6 of the Health Insurance Act Section 19AB Guidelines.
(6) Has she, or her delegate, ever discussed with the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, application of the Health Insurance Act Section 19AB Guidelines; if not, why not.
(7) Is it a fact that section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973 operates to grant spouses of those on the Skilled Occupation List more favourable employment opportunities if their partner is a foreign citizen migrating to Australia, as opposed to an expatriate returning to Australia; if so, why.
(8) Can she confirm whether the Government intends to amend elements of the Health Insurance Act Section 19AB Guidelines.
(1) (a) During the period 1 June 2011 to 31 May 2012 the Department of Health and Ageing (the Department) received 8,188 applications for exemptions under section 19AB(3) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the Act).
(b) During this period, the Department granted 7,004 exemptions under section 19AB(3) of the Act.
(c) As each application for an exemption under section 19AB(3) of the Act is assessed individually and in accordance with the provisions set out within the Section 19AB Guidelines, the Department does not keep statistics on the average processing times for exemptions. However all exemption applications have been processed within the statutory timeframe of 28 days from the date that the application is received by the Department.
(2) For the purpose of assessing applications for exemptions under the spousal provisions of clause 5.6 of the Guidelines for section 19AB of the Act, only those applicants who are the spouses of certain types of migrants (i.e. migrants skilled in occupations on the Migration Occupations Demand/Skilled Occupation List) may be assessed under the spousal provision (along with the spouses of medical practitioners not subject to 19AB or who have been granted an exemption). Accordingly, when assessing applications for exemptions under the spousal provisions, persons who have not been granted a general skilled migration Visa by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship are not considered to have migrated to Australia.
(3) Applications for exemptions under section 19AB(3) of the Act are assessed by the Minister for Health's delegate. The Minister's delegate may seek legal advice to assist in the assessment of applications for an exemption under section 19AB(3) of the Act where necessary.
(4) Applications for exemptions under the spousal provisions of clause 5.6 of the Section 19AB Guidelines are assessed by the Minister's delegate at the Department. The Minister's delegate may seek legal advice to assist in the assessment of applications for an exemption under Clause 5.6 where necessary.
(5) Yes.
(6) Yes.
(7) No
(8) The Section 19AB Guidelines are currently being reviewed by the Department.