The SPEAKER ( Hon. Bronwyn Bishop ) took the chair at 12:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That this House:
(1) acknowledge that the 25th April 2015 marked 100 years since Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli;
(2) pay its respects to the 60,000 Australians who fought in the Gallipoli campaign, the nearly 9,000 who died, the 20,000 who were wounded and the thousands more who carried the unseen scars for the rest of their lives;
(3) remember the brave soldiers of Great Britain, France, India and Newfoundland who fought alongside the ANZACS 100 years ago;
(4) note that on the 25th of April, solemn services of remembrance were conducted at Anzac Cove and at Lone Pine in Turkey, attended by some 8,000 Australians, including the widows of Australian veterans;
(5) extend its thanks to the people and the government of Turkey for their support of the centenary commemorations and their ongoing and faithful care of the Gallipoli battlefields; and
(6) note that on Anzac Day, millions of our fellow Australians gathered to remember the ANZACs and all those who have worn our uniform and served in the name of Australia, and that the people of every electorate represented in this parliament have honoured this milestone, the centenary of the landings at Gallipoli.
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the honourable the Leader of the Opposition speaking to the Prime Minister’s motion for a period not exceeding 12 minutes.
And there is no more. You turn the pages quickly: perhaps he's only wounded, he'll write when he gets to hospital. But you are on to the back cover before you see his hand again: 'In the event of my death I wish this book to be sent to my Dear Wife to let her know that my last thoughts were of her and Essie my darling daughter …
It is a legend not of sweeping military victories so much as triumphs against the odds, of courage and ingenuity in adversity. It is a legend of free and independent spirits whose discipline derived less from military formalities and customs than from the bonds of mateship and the demands of necessity.
Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (Norfolk Island Reforms) Bill 2015
A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge—Fringe Benefits) Amendment Bill 2015
Health and Other Services (Compensation) Care Charges Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
Health Insurance (Approved Pathology Specimen Collection Centres) Tax Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
Private Health Insurance (Risk Equalisation Levy) Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
Cognate debate.
Debate resumed on the motion:
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (Norfolk Island Reforms) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge—Fringe Benefits) Amendment Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Health and Other Services (Compensation) Care Charges Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Health Insurance (Approved Pathology Specimen Collection Centres) Tax Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Private Health Insurance (Risk Equalisation Levy) Amendment (Norfolk Island) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Bill 2015
The Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 … establishes … (the Comcare scheme) to provide compensation and rehabilitation support to injured Australian Government and Australian Capital Territory employees, as well as employees of private corporations that hold a licence under the Act.
That the resumption of the debate on the Prime Minister's motion of condolence in connection with the death of the Honourable Peter Alexander Walsh be referred to the Federation Chamber.
That the resumption of the debate on the Prime Minister's motion of condolence in connection with the death of the Honourable Michael John Randal MacKellar AM be referred to the Federation Chamber.
That further statements on indulgence on the death of Elizabeth Ann Dewar (Betty) Churcher AO be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
That further statements on indulgence on the death of Richie Benaud be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
That further statements by indulgence on the Queensland and New South Wales floods and storms be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
These historic reforms … will make access to early learning services more affordable for the majority of working families.
… a big step forward for affordable child care and early learning.
The shift in thinking about childcare as a facilitator of workforce participation rather than welfare is essential for the sustainability of Australia's economic future.
Providing more government benefits to employed mothers than to stay-at-home ones is not only unfair but it's going to strike many people as an attack on the traditional family.
The Government’s failure to act in the national interest by protecting Australia’s standard of living.
… you could go back 10 or 15 years—
and find some statements that they have made—
which were sincerely made and believed then—
but which are no longer quite believed in exactly the same way.
Providing more government benefits to employed mothers than to stay-at-home ones—
is not only unfair—
but it's going to strike many people as an attack on the traditional family.
… conservatives thought: 'My God, has he suddenly abandoned the faith?"' … "Progressives thought: 'My God, is China no longer a progressive country?'
The four years of surpluses that I announce here tonight …
It's not unlike, you know, the way that a prop forward takes the ball up. I'll be the prop forward talking it up and he can be the one who will score the try and that's what he'll be doing on budget day.
… … …
He's our Greg Bird.
It's put a dampener on our wedding weekend.
Increasing the age pension age is a responsible reform to meet the challenge of an ageing population and the economic impact it will have for all Australians.
… … …
Australia must move towards a higher pension age over the next decade.
Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill 2014
Australian River Co. Limited Bill 2015
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2014-2015
Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2014-2015
Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2014-2015
Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2015
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2015
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Miscellaneous Matters) Bill 2015
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Regulatory Levies) Amendment (Miscellaneous Matters) Bill 2015
Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014
Public Governance and Resources Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2015
Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Amendment Bill 2014
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014
Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2015
Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2015
Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims Amendment Bill 2015
Construction Industry Amendment (Protecting Witnesses) Bill 2015
Tribunals Amalgamation Bill 2015
Customs Amendment (Anti-dumping Measures) Bill (No. 1) 2015
Customs Tariff (Anti-Dumping) Amendment Bill 2015
That Mr Christensen and Ms Claydon be appointed supplementary members of the Standing Committee on the Environment for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into the Register of Environmental Organisations.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Bill 2015
… if you leave your workplace in your lunch hour and you go down the road and perform hang-gliding—or go rock-climbing, go for a run, or play Rugby League—you would expect the employer to cover these things if you are injured.
… the crane's chain became snagged, causing an object to strike the man's face. WorkSafe is making inquiries.
… is a lowest common denominator approach that absolves big business their responsibility for protecting and compensating their workers if they are injured.
This means less health and safety rights for workers and in the long term less viable state-based workers' compensation systems.
Workers, especially those in high-risk jobs—
could be excluded from compensation if they were moved onto Comcare, this is simply unacceptable …
(1) Schedule 1, item 12, page 11 (after line 9), at the end of section 97CA, add:
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), if, under subsection 97HA(5), Comcare has permitted an amount of exit contribution payable by the body corporate to be paid in instalments, assume that all of those instalments have been paid to Comcare.
(2) Schedule 1, item 12, page 12 (after line 21), at the end of section 97CB, add:
(6) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(d), if, under subsection 97HA(5), Comcare has permitted an amount of exit contribution payable by the successor to be paid in instalments, assume that all of those instalments have been paid to Comcare.
(3) Schedule 1, item 12, page 13 (after line 21), at the end of section 97CC, add:
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), if, under subsection 97HA(5), Comcare has permitted an amount of exit contribution payable by the Australian Capital Territory to be paid in instalments, assume that all of those instalments have been paid to Comcare.
(4) Schedule 1, item 21, page 19 (line 4), omit "3 years", substitute "7 years".
(5) Schedule 1, item 40, page 25 (after line 18), after subsection 97Q(2), insert:
(2A) A determination under subsection (1) may only be made during the 7‑year period beginning at the cessation time.
(6) Schedule 1, item 40, page 26 (after line 23), after subsection 97QA(2), insert:
(2A) A determination under subsection (1) may only be made during the 7‑year period beginning at the cessation time.
(7) Schedule 1, item 40, page 27 (after line 21), after subsection 97QB(2), insert:
(2A) A determination under subsection (1) may only be made during the 7‑year period beginning at the cessation time.
(8) Schedule 1, item 40, page 27 (after line 26), after section 97QB, insert:
97QBA Refund of exit contributions to former Commonwealth authorities
(1) If:
(a) a body corporate ceases to be a Commonwealth authority at a particular time (the cessation time ); and
(b) the body corporate continues in existence; and
(c) the amount that represents so much of available scheme funds as is attributable to:
(i) premiums paid by the body corporate before the cessation time; and
(ii) special premiums paid by the body corporate before the cessation time; and
(iii) interest earned on the premiums and special premiums referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
(iv) exit contributions, or instalments of exit contributions, paid to Comcare by the body corporate after the cessation time; and
(v) interest earned on exit contributions and instalments referred to in subparagraph (iv);
exceeds Comcare's liability (if any) under this Act (including liability under actions for non‑economic loss), in respect of injuries suffered before the cessation time:
(vi) if the body corporate did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII—by employees of the body corporate; and
(vii) if the body corporate held such a licence—by employees of the body corporate in respect of whom the body corporate was not authorised to accept liability;
Comcare may make a determination that a specified amount is payable to the body corporate by way of a refund of the whole or a part of the exit contributions, or instalments of exit contributions, paid to Comcare by the body corporate.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the specified amount must be equal to or less than the excess.
(3) The specified amount is to be paid by Comcare within 28 days after the determination is made.
(4) A determination under subsection (1) may only be made during the 7‑year period beginning at the cessation time.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c):
(a) liability includes prospective liability; and
(b) assume that Comcare's liability is not contingent on:
(i) the making of a claim for compensation; or
(ii) the giving of a notice under section 53.
(6) Comcare may defer making a determination under subsection (1) of this section in relation to the body corporate until Comcare has made a payment to the body corporate under section 97Q.
97QBB Refund of exit contributions to successors of former Commonwealth authorities
(1) If:
(a) a body corporate (the first body corporate ) ceases to be a Commonwealth authority at a particular time (thecessation time ); and
(b) the first body corporate ceases to exist at the cessation time; and
(c) under a law of the Commonwealth that was in force at the cessation time, another body corporate (the successor ) becomes the successor in law of the liabilities of the first body corporate; and
(d) the amount that represents so much of available scheme funds as is attributable to:
(i) premiums paid by the first body corporate before the cessation time; and
(ii) special premiums paid by the first body corporate before the cessation time; and
(iii) interest earned on the premiums and special premiums referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
(iv) exit contributions, or instalments of exit contributions, paid to Comcare by the successor after the cessation time; and
(v) interest earned on exit contributions and instalments referred to in subparagraph (iv);
exceeds Comcare's liability (if any) under this Act (including liability under actions for non‑economic loss), in respect of injuries suffered before the cessation time:
(vi) if the first body corporate did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII—by employees of the first body corporate; and
(vii) if the first body corporate held such a licence—by employees of the first body corporate in respect of whom the first body corporate was not authorised to accept liability;
Comcare may make a determination that a specified amount is payable to the successor by way of a refund of the whole or a part of the exit contributions, or instalments of exit contributions, paid to Comcare by the successor.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the specified amount must be equal to or less than the excess.
(3) The specified amount is to be paid by Comcare within 28 days after the determination is made.
(4) A determination under subsection (1) may only be made during the 7‑year period beginning at the cessation time.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), liability means any liability, duty or obligation, whether actual, contingent or prospective.
(6) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(d):
(a) liability includes prospective liability; and
(b) assume that Comcare's liability is not contingent on:
(i) the making of a claim for compensation; or
(ii) the giving of a notice under section 53.
(7) Comcare may defer making a determination under subsection (1) of this section in relation to the successor until Comcare has made a payment to the successor under section 97QA.
97QBC Refund of exit contributions to the Australian Capital Territory if it ceases to be a Commonwealth authority
(1) If:
(a) the Australian Capital Territory ceases to be a Commonwealth authority at a particular time (the cessation time ); and
(b) the amount that represents so much of available scheme funds as is attributable to:
(i) premiums paid by the Australian Capital Territory before the cessation time; and
(ii) special premiums paid by the Australian Capital Territory before the cessation time; and
(iii) interest earned on the premiums and special premiums referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
(iv) exit contributions, or instalments of exit contributions, paid to Comcare by the Australian Capital Territory after the cessation time; and
(v) interest earned on exit contributions and instalments referred to in subparagraph (iv);
exceeds Comcare's liability (if any) under this Act (including liability under actions for non‑economic loss), in respect of injuries suffered before the cessation time by employees of the Australian Capital Territory;
Comcare may make a determination that a specified amount is payable to the Australian Capital Territory by way of a refund of the whole or a part of the exit contributions, or instalments of exit contributions, paid to Comcare by the Australian Capital Territory.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the specified amount must be equal to or less than the excess.
(3) The specified amount is to be paid by Comcare within 28 days after the determination is made.
(4) A determination under subsection (1) may only be made during the 7‑year period beginning at the cessation time.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b):
(a) liability includes prospective liability; and
(b) assume that Comcare's liability is not contingent on:
(i) the making of a claim for compensation; or
(ii) the giving of a notice under section 53.
(6) Comcare may defer making a determination under subsection (1) of this section until Comcare has made a payment under section 97QB.
(9) Schedule 1, item 40, page 27 (line 28), omit "or 97QB", substitute ", 97QB, 97QBA, 97QBB or 97QBC".
(10) Schedule 1, item 40, page 27 (after line 34), after section 97QC, insert:
97QD Remission of exit contributions payable by former Commonwealth authorities
(1) If:
(a) a body corporate ceases to be a Commonwealth authority at a particular time (the cessation time ); and
(b) the body corporate continues in existence; and
(c) under subsection 97HA(5), Comcare has permitted an amount of exit contribution payable by the body corporate to be paid in instalments; and
(d) one or more of those instalments have not been paid; and
(e) the amount that represents so much of available scheme funds as is attributable to:
(i) premiums paid by the body corporate before the cessation time; and
(ii) special premiums paid by the body corporate before the cessation time; and
(iii) interest earned on the premiums and special premiums referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
(iv) instalments of exit contribution paid to Comcare by the body corporate after the cessation time; and
(v) interest earned on instalments referred to in subparagraph (iv);
exceeds Comcare's liability (if any) under this Act (including liability under actions for non‑economic loss), in respect of injuries suffered before the cessation time:
(vi) if the body corporate did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII—by employees of the body corporate; and
(vii) if the body corporate held such a licence—by employees of the body corporate in respect of whom the body corporate was not authorised to accept liability;
Comcare may remit the whole or a part of the amount of any or all of the unpaid instalments.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the total amount remitted must be equal to or less than the excess.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(e):
(a) liability includes prospective liability; and
(b) assume that Comcare's liability is not contingent on:
(i) the making of a claim for compensation; or
(ii) the giving of a notice under section 53.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(e), assume that all instalments of exit contributions payable by the body corporate have been paid to Comcare.
97QE Remission of exit contributions payable by successors of former Commonwealth authorities
(1) If:
(a) a body corporate (the first body corporate ) ceases to be a Commonwealth authority at a particular time (thecessation time ); and
(b) the first body corporate ceases to exist at the cessation time; and
(c) under a law of the Commonwealth that was in force at the cessation time, another body corporate (the successor ) becomes the successor in law of the liabilities of the first body corporate; and
(d) under subsection 97HA(5), Comcare has permitted an amount of exit contribution payable by the successor to be paid in instalments; and
(e) one or more of those instalments have not been paid; and
(f) the amount that represents so much of available scheme funds as is attributable to:
(i) premiums paid by the first body corporate before the cessation time; and
(ii) special premiums paid by the first body corporate before the cessation time; and
(iii) interest earned on the premiums and special premiums referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
(iv) instalments of exit contribution paid to Comcare by the successor after the cessation time; and
(v) interest earned on instalments referred to in subparagraph (iv);
exceeds Comcare's liability (if any) under this Act (including liability under actions for non‑economic loss), in respect of injuries suffered before the cessation time:
(vi) if the first body corporate did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII—by employees of the first body corporate; and
(vii) if the first body corporate held such a licence—by employees of the first body corporate in respect of whom the first body corporate was not authorised to accept liability;
Comcare may remit the whole or a part of the amount of any or all of the unpaid instalments.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the total amount remitted must be equal to or less than the excess.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c), liability means any liability, duty or obligation, whether actual, contingent or prospective.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(f):
(a) liability includes prospective liability; and
(b) assume that Comcare's liability is not contingent on:
(i) the making of a claim for compensation; or
(ii) the giving of a notice under section 53.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(f), assume that all instalments of exit contributions payable by the successor have been paid to Comcare.
97QF Remission of exit contributions payable by the Australian Capital Territory if it ceases to be a Commonwealth authority
(1) If:
(a) the Australian Capital Territory ceases to be a Commonwealth authority at a particular time (the cessation time ); and
(b) under subsection 97HA(5), Comcare has permitted an amount of exit contribution payable by the Australian Capital Territory to be paid in instalments; and
(c) one or more of those instalments have not been paid; and
(d) the amount that represents so much of available scheme funds as is attributable to:
(i) premiums paid by the Australian Capital Territory before the cessation time; and
(ii) special premiums paid by the Australian Capital Territory before the cessation time; and
(iii) interest earned on the premiums and special premiums referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and
(iv) instalments of exit contribution paid to Comcare by the Australian Capital Territory after the cessation time; and
(v) interest earned on instalments referred to in subparagraph (iv);
exceeds Comcare's liability (if any) under this Act (including liability under actions for non‑economic loss), in respect of injuries suffered before the cessation time by employees of the Australian Capital Territory;
Comcare may remit the whole or a part of the amount of any or all of the unpaid instalments.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the total amount remitted must be equal to or less than the excess.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(d):
(a) liability includes prospective liability; and
(b) assume that Comcare's liability is not contingent on:
(i) the making of a claim for compensation; or
(ii) the giving of a notice under section 53.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(d), assume that all instalments of exit contributions payable by the Australian Capital Territory have been paid to Comcare.
(11) Schedule 1, item 47, page 29 (line 2), omit "and".
(12) Schedule 1, item 51, page 29 (line 15), omit "and".
(13) Schedule 1, item 55, page 29 (line 28), omit "and".
(14) Schedule 1, item 59, page 30 (line 13), omit "and".
(15) Schedule 1, page 30 (after line 13), at the end of the Schedule, add:
60 Subparagraph 97QBA(1)(c)(vi)
Omit "did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII", substitute "was not a licensee".
61 Subparagraph 97QBA(1)(c)(vii)
Omit "such a licence", substitute "a single employer licence".
62 At the end of subparagraph 97QBA(1)(c)(vii)
Add "and".
63 After subparagraph 97QBA(1)(c)(vii)
Insert:
(viii) if the body corporate was covered by a group employer licence—by employees of the body corporate in respect of whom a relevant authority for the licence was not authorised to accept liability;
(16) Schedule 1, page 30, at the end of the Schedule, add (after proposed item 63):
64 Subparagraph 97QBB(1)(d)(vi)
Omit "did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII", substitute "was not a licensee".
65 Subparagraph 97QBB(1)(d)(vii)
Omit "such a licence", substitute "a single employer licence".
66 At the end of subparagraph 97QBB(1)(d)(vii)
Add "and".
67 After subparagraph 97QBB(1)(d)(vii)
Insert:
(viii) if the first body corporate was covered by a group employer licence—by employees of the first body corporate in respect of whom a relevant authority for the licence was not authorised to accept liability;
(17) Schedule 1, page 30, at the end of the Schedule, add (after proposed item 67):
68 Subparagraph 97QD(1)(e)(vi)
Omit "did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII", substitute "was not a licensee".
69 Subparagraph 97QD(1)(e)(vii)
Omit "such a licence", substitute "a single employer licence".
70 At the end of subparagraph 97QD(1)(e)(vii)
Add "and".
71 After subparagraph 97QD(1)(e)(vii)
Insert:
(viii) if the body corporate was covered by a group employer licence—by employees of the body corporate in respect of whom a relevant authority for the licence was not authorised to accept liability;
(18) Schedule 1, page 30, at the end of the Schedule, add (after proposed item 71):
72 Subparagraph 97QE(1)(f)(vi)
Omit "did not hold a licence in force under Part VIII", substitute "was not a licensee".
73 Subparagraph 97QE(1)(f)(vii)
Omit "such a licence", substitute "a single employer licence".
74 At the end of subparagraph 97QE(1)(f)(vii)
Add "and".
75 After subparagraph 97QE(1)(f)(vii)
Insert:
(viii) if the first body corporate was covered by a group employer licence—by employees of the first body corporate in respect of whom a relevant authority for the licence was not authorised to accept liability;
That this bill be now read a third time.
That business intervening before order of the day No. 35, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
He devoured paper at work, at The Lodge, at Nareen, in cars and planes, at home and abroad … He processed information, recycled it, recalled it; the telephone was his companion in calm, conundrums and catastrophes.
The time has come to expect a sign from the USSR that it understands this and that it is serious about reaching global accommodation with the West. A tangible signal is required from the USSR in the form of a restraint in its military expansion. The pace is being set by the USSR, not by the US.
Our challenge is not to say goodbye; it is to be more magnanimous in his death than we were in his life and to acknowledge this giant, who was surely one of us.
Multiculturalism is about diversity, not division—it is about interaction not isolation.
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2015-2016
That this bill be now read a second time.
Budget Strategy and Outlook
Budget Measures
Australia's Federal Relations
Agency Resourcing
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2015-2016
That this bill be now read a second time.
Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2015-2016
That this bill be now read a second time.
Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2014-2015
That this bill be now read a second time.
Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2014-2015
That this bill be now read a second time.
(1) How many applicants responded to the call for Expressions of Interest for the G20 Volunteer Program announced in April 2014, and of these, how many were of a suitable calibre to progress to the second round short-list of potential volunteers.
(2) What, if any, (a) stipends, (b) reimbursements, or (c) entitlements will be offered to the volunteers who are successful in being selected for the program (for example, meal allowances, transport and parking costs, accommodation).
(3) What is the expected duration of daily volunteer shifts during the G20 summit.
(4) What are the (a) minimum, and (b) maximum number of hours that an individual volunteer will be permitted to work on any given day of the G20 summit.
(1) 1215 applicants responded to 2the call for Expressions of Interest for the G20 Volunteer programme. 65% were shortlisted. This short-listing process was based on a number of factors including skills and availability. The Government appreciates the efforts of all these people volunteering for the G20 and those who expressed an interest in volunteering.
(2) (a) Nil. (b) Nil. (c) Volunteers received one catered meal per five and eight hour shift. Tea, coffee and water were available for consumption. Each volunteer received a Translink go card for travel on Translink services. The Translinkgo card was activated for G20 Volunteers' first rostered shift until their last rostered shift on 17 November 2014. Free parking was provided for G20 Volunteers at three locations: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Rocklea and Airport.
(3) Between six and eight hours. The Prime Minister visited the volunteers during the summit and thanked them for their friendly and high quality contribution to the G20. A number of world leaders remarked to the Prime Minister how well the G20 was run, with volunteers a pivotal part of this success.
(4) (a) Four hours. (b) Eight hours. Only in extenuating circumstances will a volunteer be requested to work additional hours.
In respect of the business delegation to China in April 2014, (a) what was the total cost of travel and hospitality, (b) who was in attendance, and (c) who paid.
Two business delegations travelled to China in April 2014: a 700-strong delegation to attend the inaugural Australia Week in China, and a smaller delegation which accompanied the Prime Minister on his official visit to China. The answers below relate to this smaller delegation. Queries about the Australia Week in China delegation should be directed to the Minister for Trade and Investment.
(a) Delegates paid for their travel and accommodation, including flights to and from and within China.
(b) 36 business representatives, five state premiers and the Chief Minister of the ACT accompanied the Prime Minister to China as part of the business delegation. I refer you to the response to Senate Question on Notice No. 885 which lists the delegation members.
(c) The delegates paid for their travel and accommodation. Some hospitality costs were covered.
The Prime Minister's trade mission to North Asia in April 2014 was a success. The Korea Free Trade Agreement was signed, negotiations with Japan on a Free Trade Agreement were concluded. In China, leading Australian CEOs and Chairmen participated in the first ever Australia-China week. The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, announced in November, will add billions to the economy, create jobs and drive higher living standards for Australians.
In respect of departmental staff overseas travel since 7 September 2013, what: (a) was the total cost, (b) is the breakdown of this cost ie, airfares, accommodation, hospitality, official passports and minor incidentals, and (c) was the travel for.
(a) On election, the Government implemented new controls on the approval of officials' overseas air travel; consequently, expenditure has been less than for the former government over a comparable period.
(b) The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (the Department) does not record travel data in a way that would readily allow such data to be identified. To attempt to provide this level of detail would involve an unreasonable diversion of departmental resources.
(c) For significant international events and conferences such as the 13th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Five Eyes Chief Information Officer Forum.
(1) In respect of my Freedom of Information (FOI) request (2014/15-23), (a) why did his Chief of Staff (i) accept, in a telephone conversation with his department on 4 November 2014 (see email file note sent from Catherine Smith to Lauren Johnson and others at 9.09 am on 5 November 2014), transfer of my request to his office only to order his department not to proceed with the transfer two days later, and (ii) order his department not to proceed with the transfer, contrary to his obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (see email from Di Hallam to his department at 1.25 pm on 6 November 2014), (b) when did he first become aware of the decision not to proceed with the transfer, and did his Chief of Staff discuss this decision with him first, (c) is he trying to avoid scrutiny of his claim that the HouseHansard for 20 October 2014 was altered without his authority and knowledge; if so, why, and (d) why did he provide conflicting information to me on the transfer and attempt to conceal his Chief of Staff's order not to proceed with the transfer.
(2) In respect of Senator Heffernan's remarks that he had 'just spoken with the minister's office' (Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, Estimates , 20 November 2014, page 81) about my request, (a) does he realise that disclosing personal information to Senator Heffernan concerning my request may not be consistent with the Privacy Act 1988 , and (b) in processing FOI requests, does he give consideration to the identity of an applicant and/or their motives; if so, (i) why, and (ii) is he handling my request in the way that he is because I am an Opposition Shadow Minister.
(1) (a) to (d) The department's initial handling and processing of Mr Fitzgibbon's FOI request has been discussed extensively by the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee at Additional Estimates Hearings for 2014-15 held on 23 February 2015 and 5 March 2015. The department has acknowledged a number of errors were made in the handling of the FOI request lodged by Mr Fitzgibbon's office on 29 October 2014. I am advised an independent review of the department's FOI processes is underway.
(2) (a) to (b) I am advised FOI requests received in my office have been handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
(1) How many immigration detention centres does Australia have, and where is each one located.
(2) How many people are currently in (a) each detention centre, and (b) community detention.
(3) Of those currently in a detention centre, what is the (a) longest period, and (b) average length, of time spent in detention.
(4) What is the total cost per annum of administering the detention centres.
(5) What action is the Government taking to resolve cases of people in detention to have them released into the community, or returned to their country of origin.
(1) This information is available online at www.immi.gov.au
(2)(a) This information is available online at www.immi.gov.au
(2) (b) This information is available online at www.immi.gov.au
(3) As at 31 January 2015;
(a) the longest period in detention was 2 875 days. This individual has a criminal history and had his visa cancelled under section 501 of the Migration Act on character grounds.
(b) the average time in detention was 442 days
Figures based on DIBP systems data
(4) The total cost of administering onshore immigration detention facilities for the 2010-11 financial year to 2013-14 financial year is outlined below in Table 1:
Table 2: Total cost of administering onshore immigration detention facilities for the 2010-11 financial year to 2013-14 financial year.
*Costs are exclusive of Capital and Depreciation.
Includes departmental and administered costs.
(5) The department engages with individuals in immigration detention to ensure that cases are assessed comprehensively, managed to a consistent standard, conducted in a fair manner and subject to rigorous ongoing review. This is achieved through the case management service, which was introduced in 2005 in response to external review of the department's management of people in detention and is fully implemented across the immigration detention network.
The case management service is a principal risk mitigator, ensuring continued oversight of individual cases to:
Where the case of a detainee is finally determined and no relevant visa options exist, or where a detainee indicates interest in voluntary return to their country of origin, the department will facilitate the return or removal, including engagement with the International Organization for Migration if appropriate.
(1) Is he aware of statistics concerning migration to Australia released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in December 2014, and reported by Sarah Whyte in 'Indian citizens head immigration queue for Australia' ( The Sydney Morning Herald , 6 December 2014).
(2) Is it a fact that 62,700 people whose temporary visas had expired or been cancelled are living illegally in Australia; if not, what is the correct figure.
(3) Does his department have sufficient resources to locate and deport visa over-stayers; if so, what action is it taking to do so.
(4) Is he aware that in October 2014 the Fair Work Ombudsman estimated that over 20,000 workers in Australia on a 457 visa had 'gone missing'; if so, what action has his department taken to locate these missing temporary entrants, and what success has it had.
(1) Yes.
(2) Australia's unlawful non-citizen (UNC) population is the total number of people at a given point in time who are still in Australia after their temporary visa has expired or been cancelled. The figure 62,700 was correct as at 30 June 2013.
(3) The department uses a wide range of tools to address visa overstayers in Australia, including exercising a range of legislative powers with detention and removal from Australia as final enforcement action. The department prioritises compliance activities according to risk, with particular focus on criminality, threats to the protection of the Australian community or repeated non-compliance with visa conditions.
The department responds to those who pose a risk to the Australian community or the integrity of Australia's migration programme as a matter of priority, including long-term overstayers.
The establishment of the Australian Border Force provides an opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of compliance outcomes in relation to overstayers.
(4) The claim that the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) "estimated that over 20,000 workers in Australia on a 457 visa had 'gone missing'" is not accurate. This inaccurate claim was made by the Transport Workers' Union based on extrapolating figures from a monthly referral report from the FWO to the department obtained under freedom of information laws. In the report, the FWO referred to the department 243 subclass 457 sponsors employing a total of 338 visa holders for further investigation on the basis that the visa holders were no longer employed by the sponsor.
There are a number of legitimate reasons why a visa holder may not be with their original sponsor which do not necessarily indicate wrong-doing on the part of the sponsor or visa holder.
In respect of the raid on the Serana (WA) Pty Ltd premises on 11 December 2013, (a) how many officers attended the raid, (b) how many officers were sent to Western Australia from other states for the raid, and (c) how many Western Australian based officers attended the raid.
(a) There were nine (9) departmental officers in attendance when the search warrant was executed.
(b) There were three (3) departmental officers from states other than Western Australia in attendance.
(c) There were six (6) departmental officers from Western Australia in attendance.
In respect of the investigation into Serana (WA) Pty Ltd (Serana), (a) on what date did the investigation, which resulted in the raid on the Serana premises on 11 December 2013, commence, and (b) how many return flights from the eastern states to Western Australia were made over the course of the investigation.
(a) Tracing of the movement of bovine serum product and management of biosecurity risk was initiated on 7 May 2013.
The department's criminal investigation concerning contravention of the Quarantine Act 1908 commenced on 15 August 2013
(b) As at 19 February 2015 there have been 22 return flights to various locations for the Serana investigation. Nine (9) have been return flights, to and from Western Australia.
Is the investigation into Serana (WA) Pty Ltd ongoing given the company is no longer operating.
There are two components to the department's action: management of the biosecurity risk, and the criminal investigation into potential contravention of Australian quarantine laws. The criminal investigation involves a number of business entities and people and is ongoing.
In respect of his answer to question in writing No. 492 (House Hansard , 9 February 2015, pages 165-6), (a) why did it take two months to test the labelled and unlabelled serum to determine its provenance, and (b) given his department's concern that the serum was likely to pose a threat to Australia's biosecurity, why was independent verification of the provenance not a priority.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has completed an investigation into the Department of Agriculture's (the department) actions relating to Serana. The Deputy Ombudsman found that the department acted appropriately.
All other matters relating to the department's investigation into bovine serum imports are the subject of an ongoing investigation.
In respect of his answer to question in writing No. 497 (House Hansard , 9 February 2015, page 166) in which it was said that Mr Andrew Baxter was a Regional Investigations Manager within the Central East Region, (a) why was he given responsibility for an investigation into a Western Australian company operating in Western Australia, (b) prior to launching the raid on Serana (WA) Pty Ltd on 11 December 2014, what discussion did Mr Baxter have with Western Australian officers who had recently completed a successful audit at the Bunbury laboratory, and (c) why were officers flown over from the eastern states to undertake the raid, rather than using local officers.
(a) Mr Baxter had responsibility for the department's criminal investigation which concerns a number of business entities and people across Australia.
(b) The Department of Agriculture officer who conducted the audit was not spoken to prior to the execution of the warrant. The department's criminal investigation concerns breaches of the Quarantine Act 1908 . The audits relate to Serana (WA) Pty Ltd being recorded as an Export Listed Establishment. These audits and the department's certification of the non-prescribed goods being exported by Serana (WA) Pty Ltd are a government requirement of the overseas importing country. The audit outcomes do not have any bearing on the department's criminal investigation.
(c) The search warrant involved officers from Sydney, Canberra, and Perth due to the requirement for specialist skills and specific case knowledge.
In respect of his answer to question in writing No. 499 (House Hansard , 9 February 2015, pages 166-7) highlighting that parts (1) and (2) of that question sought information about knowledge of his Ministerial office, not knowledge of his department, (a) how many representations have been made to his office regarding the handling of the Serana (WA) Pty Ltd investigation by his department, and (b) on what date was the first representation made to his office.
(a) The department doesn't maintain records about representations made to the Minister.
(b) The department doesn't maintain records about representations made to the Minister.
Has Mr Philip Moss concluded his inquiry into child abuse at the Nauru detention centre; if so, when will his report be made public.
Mr Philip Moss has concluded his Review into recent allegations relating to conditions and circumstances at the Regional Processing Centre in Nauru .
The public report was published on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website on 20 March and can be accessed at http://www.immi.gov.au/about/dept-info/nauru.htm.
(1) Is the Government monitoring the seismic testing that is taking place on the coast of the electoral division of Shortland as a precursor to coal seam gas extraction.
(2) Is a study being undertaken by the Government on the impact of seismic testing on fish, sea grass and other marine life; if so, could he release the results; if not, why not.
(1) Australia's offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities are subject to the stringent protections provided under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (the OPGGS Act) and associated Regulations. The legislation and regulations provides a robust regulatory framework for ensuring safety, well integrity and environmental protection. The regulator for offshore petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters is the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Management Authority (NOPSEMA).
The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2009 (the Environment Regulations) require titleholders to consult with all relevant stakeholders and then submit an environment plan to NOPSEMA prior to undertaking an activity. This includes seismic activities.
No activity can commence until an environment plan has been accepted by NOPSEMA.
To date, no environment plan has been submitted to NOPSEMA in respect of seismic testing in Commonwealth waters off New South Wales.
(2) As an independent statutory authority, NOPSEMA is funded through levies and fees paid by industry. As such, its legislated function is restricted to the regulation of offshore petroleum activities and it is the responsibility of the titleholder to utilise scientific evidence and academic studies relating to the impacts of their activities within their environment plans. NOPSEMA also has an obligation to ensure that it is aware of, and takes into account, studies relating to the fields it regulates.
Studies have been undertaken by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, WA Department of Fisheries and the CSIRO relating to the possible impacts of seismic testing on the environment and these studies, as well as other published and refereed studies. These feed into NOPSEMA's assessment processes to ensure the impacts of offshore petroleum activities are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable.
In respect of the Government's announcement on 11 February 2015 that the screening threshold for foreign land will be reduced, will this measure apply equally to purchases from countries that have a free trade agreement with Australia.
As outlined in Australia's Foreign Investment Policy (2015), consistent with Australia's free trade agreement commitments, the cumulative $15 million threshold will apply to all privately-owned investors except those from the United States, New Zealand, Chile, Singapore and Thailand.
Privately-owned investors from these countries are subject to the following (non-cumulative) investment thresholds:
All foreign government investors must notify the Government and get prior approval to acquire an interest in land, regardless of the value of the investment.
For what purpose did his department sign contract CN2857782 with Woolcott Research for $28,380.
This information is available at AusTender (www.tenders.gov.au).
Given the increasing body of research that indicates the critical role played by dingoes in suppressing feral cats and foxes, can he indicate when he will list (a) the dingo as a threatened species, or (b) critical populations/habitats of dingoes, and/or (c) develop a national dingo conservation strategy, to help protect this Australian predator and mitigate threatening processes.
The Australian Government accepts that the dingo is a native species and is aware of the research on the ecological benefits of having apex predators such as the dingo.
The Australian Government provides considerable support for broader habitat protection which may assist the dingo. Many of the 70 threatened ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), such as the Arnhem Plateau Sandstone Shrubland Complex in the Northern Territory, provide habitat for the dingo. The National and World Heritage listed Fraser Island also provides habitat for the dingo.
I am also conscious of the complexities around the status of the dingo as both a native species and as an agricultural pest in different state and territory jurisdictions across Australia. Farmers and graziers have legitimate concerns that wild dogs prey on their livestock.
To list the dingo or any populations of the dingo as a threatened species under the EPBC Act it must be nominated, prioritised for assessment, and assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. The dingo was nominated for listing as a threatened species under the EPBC Act in 2010 and considered again in 2011 and 2012. However, it was not prioritised for assessment due to the lack of data on population numbers and geographic distribution that would provide for its consideration relative to the listing criteria. The Committee found that it presents a complex range of issues, relating particularly to definition of the species' bounds, cultural and ecological significance, interbreeding with wild dogs, and contested management and legislative requirements at regional, state and national levels. This information is publically available on the Department's website.
The listing of critical habitat under the EPBC Act only applies to species that are listed as threatened and the dingo is not currently listed under the EPBC Act.
Anyone is able to develop and implement a national conservation plan for the dingo. The EPBC Act provides for me to make and implement a Wildlife Conservation Plan, with which Commonwealth agencies must take all reasonable steps to act in accordance with. However the Act only allows me to develop such a plan for an Australian marine or migratory species, a cetacean occurring in the Australian Whale Sanctuary, or a species that is listed as conservation dependant under the Act. As the dingo is not listed as conservation dependant under the EPBC Act, the Australian Government is not in a position to develop a Wildlife Conservation Plan for this species.
Given the listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 of 'Land Clearance' as a key threatening process, can he indicate when he will move to list under the Act, recognised endemic Threatened Ecological Communities currently listed under New South Wales (NSW) law, thereby conveying Commonwealth protection given the NSW Government plans to seriously weaken vegetation clearance laws in that state.
Since August 2013, what proportion (as a percentage) of general practitioner services in the electoral division of Brand were bulk billed each quarter.
Brand Electorate - GP Bulk Billing Rate
Since August 2013, how many prescriptions in the electoral division of Brand were subsidised each quarter under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for (a) concessional patients, and (b) non-concessional or general patients.
This data is derived from patients postcodes within the Brand Electorate. This data is by 'date of supply', which will differ from data availability on a 'date of processing' basis, through the Department of Human Services.
What is the Government doing to minimise the impact of its changes to the Age Pension in 2014-15, on the 21,300 pensioners in the electoral division of Brand.
Pensions will continue to increase twice a year under a Coalition government.
Age pensioners in Brand have received payment increases of $51.80 per fortnight for singles and $78 per fortnight for couples since the Coalition Government was elected.
The latest indexing of the age pension that came into effect on 20th March 2015, gave single age pensioners a $5.90 boost to their fortnightly payments or $153.40 a year. Couples will now receive an extra $8.80 a fortnight or $228.80 a year.
These increases will see the maximum age pension rise to $860.20 a fortnight for single pensioners and $1,296.80 for couples.
These increases are in addition to the boost pensioners received from the abolition of the carbon tax and the government's decision to retain the carbon tax compensation of $14.10 per fortnight for single pensioners and $21.20 for couples.
This means that pensioners in Brand are now $65.90 better off per fortnight for singles and almost $100 better off, with a $99.20 effective increase, for couples since the election.
This would not have been the case under the former government who would have retained the carbon tax.
This exposes Labor's scare campaign that pensions are being cut.
Income tested part-pensioners have received a double boost to their payments as lower deeming rates come into effect in March.
On average, part pensioners will get an extra $3.20 a fortnight or $83.20 a year as a result of this Coalition Government decision.
The March indexation of the pension occurred in line with the Consumer Price Index. If, since the last election, base pensions had only been benchmarked to Male Total Average WeeklyEarnings (MTAWE) then single age pensioners would currently be $22.30 worse off a fortnight and couples $33.60 worse off.
The Coalition Government is pleased to deliver these increases to help pensioners in Brand keep up with the cost of living.
The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring our welfare system looks after those who need it most and that this assistance is sustainable.
Are there any foreign certification or inspection arrangements other than, and similar to, the foreign government certification arrangements with Thailand, France and Canada; if so, what are they.
Information on foreign government certification arrangements is available from the department's website at:
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/food/inspection-compliance/foreign-government-certification
In respect of the Government's budgetary cuts to funding for community based and youth programs, (a) how many organisations providing these services in the electoral division of Richmond will have their funding cut, (b) what are the names of these organisations, (c) what programs will be reduced or cut because of these funding cuts, and (d) what total sum of funding will be cut.
(a) There is an element of community based or youth in many of the DSS programmes, however there is not a specific community based or youth programme. Therefore we cannot provide precise information under this descriptor. Furthermore, service areas are mapped in line with the Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) not by electorates. The ASGS boundaries are relatively stable (more so than boundaries such as Local Government Areas) and are derived based on a range of factors such as population counts, and social and economic characteristics.
(b) Information on individual grants is updated regularly on the Department's website in accordance with requirements under the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Guidelines. The DSS Grants report can be found at:
https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/overview/grants-funding.
(c) and (d) As there have been several changes to programme and process designs under the New Way of Working, it is not possible to directly compare funding under previous programmes against current grants or programmes.
In respect of the Government's budgetary cuts to funding for community based and youth programs, (a) can he outline the exact funding cuts to programs delivered by the (i) Byron Youth Service, and (ii) Byron Community Centre, and (b) how will these services now be provided.
(a) In response to your first question:
(i) Byron Youth Service is funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) under the Strengthening Communities – Community Development and Participation activity (formerly Community Investment Program) to provide youth with the opportunity to develop enterprise projects to assist in the development of their skills and increase community connectedness. The total funding amount is $338,230 over 4 years. The funding commenced on 1 July 2011 and will cease on 30 June 2015. The organisation did not submit an application for this project in the 2014 DSS grants selection process.
(ii) Byron Bay Community Association Inc. operates the Byron Community Centre. The organisation is funded by DSS to deliver Emergency Relief in the Richmond-Tweed SA4 region under the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity (formerly the Financial Management Programme). Emergency Relief helps people address immediate basic needs in times of financial crisis. The total funding amount is $166,967 from 1 July 2011 to 31 March 2015. This amount includes bridging funding to enable referrals to new contract organisations which will be providing services in the local area.
(b) Community based and youth programmes in the region will be provided by:
The Northern Rivers Social Development Council is funded to deliver two services that target youth, families and children in the Byron Bay area.
The following providers have been offered funding to deliver Emergency Relief in the Richmond-Tweed SA4 from 1 March 2015 to 30 June 2017:
In respect of the Government's budgetary cuts to funding for community based and youth programs, (a) can he outline the exact funding cuts to programs delivered by the Family Centre in Tweed Heads, and (b) how will these services now be provided.
As Tweed Heads is not one of the 139 identified Priority Service Areas, no services, including The Family Centre, were funded under Children and Parenting Support in Tweed Heads.
The Government is investing around $180 million into Children and Parenting Support services nationwide.
Last year the Government undertook a competitive tender for organisations seeking funding under an $800 million Department of Social Services grants round to support a broad range of vital frontline services that support communities. The Government's first priority is ensuring there are no gaps in critical frontline services during the transition of services to the new funding arrangements.
The Department of Social Services is working with new and existing providers to ensure clients are referred to new services where required, and to identify critical service gaps.
Bridging funding was announced on 30 January 2015, and the Family Centre has accepted bridging funding to the end of June 2015.
(1) What is the Government's plan post-June 2015 for the delivery of Commonwealth Financial Counselling (CFC) services in the electoral division of Indi given the reduction of staff, trust and networks.
(2) What CFC services arrangements exist in the electoral division of Indi, including the:
(a) total sum of funding,
(b) organisation(s) responsible for delivering the services, and
(c) local government areas that are covered.
(3) How many agencies providing CFC services in the electoral division of Indi followed Government instructions to finalise their staff by 28 February 2015 due to cessation of funding, and how many staff were affected.
(4) How many agencies providing CFC services in the electoral division of Indi took up the four month extension of funding granted in February 2015, and how will the Government communicate the availability of services during this four month extension period to service providers, local government and individuals.
(5) Has the Government extended the catchment area for CFC services in the electoral division of Indi without increasing the funding; if so, what checks and balances for quality control have been implemented to ensure quality service across the catchment.
(6) What criteria will the Government use to measure the outcome of CFC services in the electoral division of Indi, and how will the outcomes be communicated to stakeholders.
(1) The electoral division of Indi is covered by the Statistical Areas (SA4) of Hume (80 per cent of the SA4 is located in the electorate based on population); Melbourne – North East (one per cent of the SA4 is located in the electorate based on population); and Shepparton (one per cent of the SA4 is located in the electorate based on population). Six organisations are funded to deliver Commonwealth Financial Counselling (CFC) and Financial Capability (FC) services to the SA4s of Hume, Melbourne-North East and Shepparton (refer to Question 2(b)).
(2) (a) Funding is allocated at the SA4 level, not on an electorate basis.
(b) Two organisations have been offered funding to deliver CFC and FC services in the Hume SA4: VincentCare Victoria and Family Mediation Centre. Two organisations have been offered funding to deliver CFC and FC services in the Melbourne-North East SA4: The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust and Family Mediation Centre. Two organisations have been offered funding to deliver CFC and FC services in the Shepparton SA4: VincentCare Victoria and The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust.
(c) The Australian Bureau of Statistics website indicates that the SA4 of Hume (primary coverage for the electoral division of Indi) wholly or partly covers the following Local Government Areas (confirmation of these boundaries should be sought through the Australian Bureau of Statistics if required): Wodonga, Indigo, Towong, Benalla, Wangaratta, Alpine, Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie and Mitchell.
(3) Any decisions relating to staffing are the responsibility of the organisation.
(4) Four organisations providing CFC services in the SA4's of Hume, Melbourne – North East and Shepparton have accepted the four month extension funding to 30 June 2015: Uniting Care Wodonga, Broadmeadows Uniting Care, Kildonan and Primary Care Connect.
The Department of Social Services is working closely with organisations to ensure a smooth transition to the new grant arrangements. The priority is ensuring that access to critical community services is not interrupted while new services are being established.
Under the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines, the Department is required to publish on its website information on individual grants, no later than fourteen working days after the grant agreement for the grant takes effect.
(5) Funding for CFC and FC (former Money Management and Home Advice) services is distributed based on SA4s. The funding distribution methodology considered the current Financial Management Program CFC, Money Management Service and HOME Advice service footprint and apportioned funding to SA4 regions, based on this limited footprint, subject to available funding.
Service providers are required to meet the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity programme guidelines and their grant agreement with the Department.
(6) The Department's new approach to programme performance reporting, the DSS Data Exchange shifts the focus of performance measurement from outputs to more meaningful information about service delivery outcomes. Reporting requirements are divided into two parts: a small set of priority requirements that all service providers must report, and a voluntary extended data set that providers can choose to share with the Department in return for relevant and meaningful reports, known as the partnership approach . The voluntary data items in the extended data set relate to a client's needs and circumstances, such as their reason for seeking assistance and referrals in and out.
Importantly, the partnership approach introduces a concept known as SCORE which stands for Standard Client Outcomes Reporting. SCORE allows service providers to measure and assess outcomes using their own self-selected tools, but to report these outcomes to DSS in a way that is consistent and comparable.
There are four different types (components) of outcomes measured through SCORE to help tell the story of what has been achieved, three for individual clients (their circumstances, goals and satisfaction) and one for a group/community:
Client Circumstances SCORE is linked to ten outcome domains where changes are sought for clients (physical health; mental health wellbeing and self-care; personal and family safety; age-appropriate development; community participation and networks; family functioning; managing money; employment education & training; material wellbeing; and housing).
Client Goal SCORE is linked to six goal domains (changed knowledge; changed skills; changed behaviours; changed confidence to make own decisions; changed engagement with relevant support services; changed impact of immediate crisis).
Client Satisfaction SCORE relates to three key domains about a client's perceptions of the responsiveness and value of the service received (the service listened to me and understood my issues; I am happy with the services I have received; I am better able to deal with issues that I sought help with).
Community SCORE is linked to three domains where changes occur for a group or a community (changed knowledge, skills and behaviours for a group of client or community members participating in the service; changed knowledge, skills and practices within organisations that the service works with; or changed community structures and networks to better respond to the needs of targeted clients and communities).
The outcomes data collected through the DSS Data Exchange will be shared back with DSS service providers through self-service reports, to help them understand the pathways of their clients over time. Access to data enables organisations to make informed decisions and deliver better outcomes for their clients. Many service providers have requested Departmental data in the past and the self-service reporting in theDSS Data Exchange represents unprecedented access to information. The Department is currently exploring what data and reports from theDSS Data Exchange could be shared publicly and made available to all stakeholders through www.data.gov.au.
For more information about the DSS Data Exchange please visit www.dss.gov.au/grants/programme-reporting.
(1) Is it a fact that letters written by Mr Julian Burnside AO QC to asylum seekers detained on Nauru have been returned unopened; if so, why. (2) Have all child detainees on Christmas Island been released into the community as promised by the previous Minister for Immigration; if not, how many remain in detention, and when will they be released.
All mail sent to the Manus and Nauru Regional Processing Centres is managed by contracted service providers. It is standard operating procedure for service providers to have transferees collect their mail through scheduled appointments. Transferees must collect and open their mail in the presence of a service provider to ensure that no contraband items are taken into the centre. However, in many instances, service providers are unable to facilitate collection of letters because they are either incorrectly addressed, the transferee has departed the RPC or the transferee declines to accept an appointment to collect the letter. Unfortunately, in regards to the letter campaign organised by Mr Julian Burnside, service providers were unable to have most of the letters collected for these reasons. These letters were subsequently returned to Mr Burnside, at his request.
All children who were detained on Christmas Island were transferred to the mainland with their families by December 2014. As at 24 March 2014, one child from this group remains in held detention. There are ongoing issues that require resolution relating to the parents which, at this time, prevent the release of the child into the community.
(1) Is the Government aware that as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) contracts wind down for the National Broadband Network (NBN), demand is decreasing for workers skilled at the last mile from pillar to home and workers are losing their jobs.
(2) What is the Government doing to help NBN workers who are losing their jobs?
(3) Can he indicate (a) the changing workforce demand arising from the shift to the Multi-Technology Mix (MTM), and (b) what the Government is doing to manage this changing workforce demand.
(4) In respect of the Commonwealth's agreement with Telstra in December 2014 to revise the $100 million Retraining Funding Deed, are there provisions in the revised deed that deal with changing workforce demand arising from the shift to the MTM; if so, (a) what are they, and (b) do they cover copper to optic joiners.
(1) NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) has advised that the volume of fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) work is planned to continue at a similar rate to the current rollout in the near term. This is due to FTTP allocated areas, as well as Greenfields (new developments) continuing to be rolled out. The short term demand for an FTTP workforce is therefore expected to remain reasonably constant in the near-term.
NBN Co has indicated that, as FTTP volumes decline and the FTTP workforce demand also declines, the volume of fibre‑to‑the‑node (FTTN) and Hybrid-Fibre Coaxial (HFC) build and rehabilitation activities will have increased substantially. To source the upcoming demand, many of the FTTP workers will have the skills that are directly transferable to the new technologies rollout programs, or require minimal cross-skilling to develop these skills e.g. civils works, traffic management, hauling, fibre and copper jointing, aerial lines work and other copper and HFC-related skills.
NBN Co has advised that it has undertaken a study that articulates the skills required to perform activities under the Mixed-Technology Model (MTM) and is collaborating with Industry to ensure there is smooth transition to the MTM environment and industry can support the planned ramp up in network rollout.
(2) NBN Co has indicated that the external workforce demand profile for the MTM is projected to be significantly greater than the current FTTP workforce. It is also expected that the vast majority of the existing workforce will be required for MTM, either being directly reallocated to perform activities requiring similar skills and experience, or developing the necessary skills and capabilities to permit transition to other MTM activities.
(3) Please see response to Question 1
In addition to response in Question 1, NBN Co has advised that it is continuing to work collaboratively with industry to ensure there is sufficient workforce capability and capacity to build, operate and maintain the NBN.
NBN Co is working with the relevant training providers, technical colleges and industry bodies to ensure required skills are clearly articulated and NBN Co training programs deliver a suitably skilled workforce to both build and run the NBN into the future.
(4) In respect of the Commonwealth's agreement with Telstra in December 2014 to revise the Retraining Funding Deed (the Deed), the Deed was revised specifically to take into account the changing workforce demand arising from the shift to the MTM.
Under the revised Deed, all eligible Telstra employees may be retrained. In order to be eligible, Telstra must be satisfied that the employee may otherwise face redundancy as a consequence of the rollout of the NBN. In addition, Telstra's copper/HFC based field workforce are automatically eligible for retraining.