The SPEAKER ( Hon. Tony Smith ) took the chair at 09:30, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The committee met in private session on Wednesday, 14 February 2018.
2. The Committee determined to amend the order of precedence and times to be allotted for consideration of committee and delegation business and private Members' business on Monday, 26 February 2018, as follows, with amended entries marked with a *:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION
Report of the Parliamentary Delegation to the 38 th AIPA General Assembly, September 2017.
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made — all statements to conclude by 10.15 am.
Speech time limits —
Mr Christensen — 5minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR BANDT: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 , and for related purposes. (Fair Work Amendment (Making Australia More Equal) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 6 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
2 MR WILKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 , and for related purposes. (Competition and Consumer Amendment (Misleading Representations About Broadband Speeds) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
3 MR HAMMOND: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 , and for related purposes. (National Consumer Credit Protection Amendment (Small Amount Credit Contract and Consumer Lease Reforms) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 13 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
4 MS SHARKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Banking Act 1959 in relation to loans to primary production businesses, and for related purposes. (Banking Amendment (Rural Finance Reform) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 13 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
*5 MR GEORGANAS: To move
That this House:
(1) notes that the latest:
(a) waiting list for Home Care Packages (HCP) indicates that more than 100,000 older Australians are waiting for the package they have been approved for; and
(b) figures showed that the HCP waiting list grew by more than 12,000 between 1 July and 30 September 2017 and it is likely to continue growing without funding for the release of more packages;
(2) recognises that the majority of older Australians on the waiting list are those seeking level three and level four packages, who have high care needs including many with dementia;
(3) condemns the Government for failing to stop the waiting list from growing; and
(4) calls on the Government to immediately invest in fixing the HCP waiting list and properly address this growing crisis.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 30minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Georganas — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.
6 MR CREWTHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that commemorations are underway for the eighty-fifth anniversary of Holodomor, to mark an enforced famine in Ukraine caused by the deliberate actions of Joseph Stalin's Communist Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
(2) recalls that it is estimated that up to seven million Ukrainians starved to death as a result of Stalin's policies in 1932 and 1933 alone;
(3) condemns these acts aimed at destroying the national, cultural, religious and democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian people;
(4) condemns all similar acts during the twentieth century as the ultimate manifestations of racial, ethnic or religious hatred and violence;
(5) honours the memory of those who lost their lives during Holodomor;
(6) joins the Australian Ukrainian community and the international community in commemorating this tragic milestone under the motto Ukraine Remembers—The World Acknowledges;
(7) recognises the importance of remembering and learning from such dark chapters in human history to ensure that such crimes against humanity are not allowed to be repeated; and
(8) pays its respects to the Australian Ukrainians that lived through this tragedy and have told their horrific stories.
( Notice given 5 February 2018. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members ' business time prior to 12 noon
Speech time limits —
Mr Crewther — 10minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 10 mins + 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MS O'TOOLE: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that ongoing cuts to public sector jobs in regional cities like Townsville have had a detrimental impact on the local economy and include:
(a) the relocation of Royal Australian Air Force's 38 Squadron King Air fleet from Townsville to East Sale in Victoria resulting in the loss of more than 40 aviation jobs in Townsville;
(b) the Government's change of process in second division resulting in the loss of up to 10 Townsville Australian Public Service defence support staff;
(c) Townsville having 50 fewer defence staff in June 2017 than it had in December 2012;
(d) 19 jobs having been cut from CSIRO in Townsville over the last few years;
(e) regional Queensland Customs staffing being cut by 50 per cent with 30 job losses from Gladstone to Thursday Island with Townsville being one of the hardest hit; and
(f) the consolidation of the Australian Taxation Office in 2014 resulting in the loss of 110 jobs in Townsville;
(2) acknowledges that maintaining public sector jobs is important in regional Australia and notes that job cuts are harmful to regional cities like Townsville; and
(3) calls on the Government to ensure the coming federal budget puts a moratorium on these regional jobs cuts in public sector agencies.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 40minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms O ' Toole — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
2 MR CHRISTENSEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) supports the Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project because:
(a) its proponents, Adani Australia, already employ 800 workers in Queensland;
(b) it will open up the Galilee Basin and lead the way in creating as many as 15,000 jobs across five potential mines for the workers of Central and North Queensland; and
(c) it will improve the lives of millions of Indians by providing their country with affordable and safe electricity; and
(2) notes that the Opposition is now opposed to the project, endangering both existing and future jobs in regional Queensland as evidenced by:
(a) the Leader of the Opposition stating that 'Labor is increasingly sceptical and today's revelation, if true, is incredibly disturbing, and if Adani's relying on false information, that mine does not deserve to go ahead';
(b) Senator Singh stating that 'I believe the Adani coal mine is a big mistake for this country';
(c) the Shadow Minister for Environment and Water stating that the Carmichael coal mine 'will simply displace existing coal operations elsewhere in Australia. There will be jobs lost elsewhere in Queensland or there will be jobs lost in the Hunter Valley...The demand for thermal coal exports around the world is in rapid decline and I think instead we should be talking about other economic developments and job opportunities for North Queensland'; and
(d) the Member for:
(i) Charlton tweeting that 'Hunter coal mining jobs are endangered by the Adani project'; and
(ii) Gellibrand stating that 'the reality is, the Adani coal mine has always been something that regional Queenslanders know well: snake oil'.
( Notice given 6 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 40minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Christensen — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
HOME CARE PACKAGES: Debate to be resumed on the motion of Mr Georganas:
That this House:
(5) notes that the latest:
(a) waiting list for Home Care Packages (HCP) indicates that more than 100,000 older Australians are waiting for the package they have been approved for; and
(b) figures showed that the HCP waiting list grew by more than 12,000 between 1 July and 30 September 2017 and it is likely to continue growing without funding for the release of more packages;
(6) recognises that the majority of older Australians on the waiting list are those seeking level three and level four packages, who have high care needs including many with dementia;
(7) condemns the Government for failing to stop the waiting list from growing; and
(8) calls on the Government to immediately invest in fixing the HCP waiting list and properly address this growing crisis.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 40minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
1 TRADE: Resumption of debate ( from 12 February 2018 ) on the motion of Mr van Manen:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the importance of open trade and investment policies in growing the Australian economy and creating local jobs;
(2) commends the Government for leading efforts to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership 11 nation (TPP-11) agreement;
(3) welcomes the recent conclusion of this landmark deal which will eliminate more than 98 per cent of tariffs in a trade zone with a combined GDP of AUD $13.7 trillion;
(4) notes the significant opportunities offered by new trade agreements with Canada and Mexico and greater market access to Japan, Chile, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei;
(5) recognises the importance of the agreement for Australia's farmers, manufacturers and service providers in increasing their competitiveness in overseas markets;
(6) notes indicative modelling by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which found that the TPP-11 agreement would boost Australia's national income by 0.5 per cent and exports by 4 per cent; and
(7) encourages the Parliament to work co-operatively to ratify the TPP-11 agreement so that Australian exporters can take advantage of the many benefits it delivers.
Time allotted — remaining private Members ' business time prior to 1.30 pm
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes 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 (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices – continued
3 MR CREWTHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) genocide is a crime under international law, which has been enacted into Australian law through Division 268 of the Australian Criminal Code;
(b) the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic found that ISIL committed, and is continuing to commit, genocide against the Yazidis; and
(c) the Iraqi Council of Ministers, United Nations institutions, and many parliaments have recognised that ISIL's crimes against the Yazidis constitute genocide;
(2) welcomes the Australian Government's decisive action in resettling Yazidi refugees;
(3) condemns the continuing genocide perpetrated against Yazidis by ISIL;
(4) calls for an investigation by Iraqi and international organisations into the disappearance of Yazidi women and children taken as captives by ISIL, and for continued support for the international coalition to defeat ISIL and liberate Yazidis in ISIL captivity;
(5) recognises the importance of justice for Yazidi victims and survivors of ISIL and calls on the Australian Government to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of ISIL's crimes against the Yazidis where possible in Australian courts, including by providing mutual legal assistance, and supporting other national, international and/or hybrid investigations and prosecutions of crimes committed by ISIL against Yazidis;
(6) calls on the Australian Government to continue supporting the formation of an Investigative Team pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2379 (2017) and, once established, to support it in the collection, preservation and storage of evidence of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide; and
(7) supports the:
(a) continued efforts to defeat ISIL militarily and ideologically via de-radicalisation and countering violent extremism programs;
(b) continued consideration of the plight of the Yazidis in the development of Australian humanitarian policies and programs;
(c) continued provision of psychological and other social support services for Yazidi refugees living in Australia;
(d) right of the Yazidis and all minorities to live in peace, safety and freedom in Syria and Iraq and to participate in relevant political processes; and
(e) protection of Yazidis, Christians and other minorities in Iraq, under United Nations supervision and in cooperation with relevant authorities and minorities.
( Notice given 5 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 30minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Crewther — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes 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.
Orders of the day – continued
*2 UNIVERSITIES FUNDING: Resumption of debate ( from 12 February 2018 ) on the motion of Ms T. M. Butler:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Government's short-sighted $2.2 billion in cuts to universities are equivalent to more than 9,500 Australians missing out on a university place in 2018, and again in 2019;
(b) across the country this month, students will be attending university, with orientation periods beginning, and that these students are faced with more uncertainty about how the cuts will affect their student experience; and
(c) the Government's short-sighted cuts will hurt regional and outer metropolitan universities and their students the most; and
(2) calls on the Government to reverse its short-sighted, unfair cuts to universities, which are closing the door of opportunity to thousands of Australians.
Time allotted — 70minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 14 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 ORDER OF AUSTRALIA HONOURS: Resumption of debate ( from 12 February 2018 ) on the motion of Mr Leeser:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Order of Australia is the highest national honour award and the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens;
(2) recognises that since being established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, there have been more than 500 recipients of Companion of the Order of Australia, almost 3,000 awarded Officers of the Order of Australia, more than 10,000 inducted as Members of the Order of Australia and more than 23,000 honoured as recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia;
(3) notes the almost 900 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia on Australia Day in 2018, from an array of fields including education, arts, sport, science and social work; and
(4) encourages all Members to congratulate recipients from their electorates on this immense achievement.
Time allotted — 35minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices – continued
4 MR PERRETT: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) both the Building Code 2013 (2013 Code) and theCode for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016 (2016 Code) require code covered entities to protect freedom of association on building and construction worksites;
(b) the 2016 Code includes requirements in respect of building association logos, mottos or indicia; and
(c) the Australian Building and Construction Commission's fact sheet Freedom of Association—Logos, Mottos and Indicia specifies that 'logos, mottos and indicia' that would breach the 2016 Code include 'the iconic symbol of the five white stars and white cross on the Eureka Stockade flag';
(2) recognises that:
(a) the Eureka Stockade flag was:
(i) first used in 1854 at Ballarat; and
(ii) a symbol of resistance of the gold miners during the rebellion;
(b) beneath the Eureka Stockade flag, the leader of the Ballarat Reform League, Peter Lalor, said 'We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties';
(c) the people at the Eureka Stockade defending the original flag came from nearly forty nations from around the world; and
(d) the Eureka Stockade flag design has gained wider acceptance in Australian culture as a symbol of democracy, protest and the notion of the Australian 'fair go';
(3) further notes that:
(a) freedom of speech and freedom of association are valued by all fair-minded Australians;
(b) the Eureka Stockade flag has been a symbol associated with building and construction unions for over 40 years;
(c) restricting an individual's right to wear union logos or preventing a construction site from displaying a union flag implies that workers cannot join a union; and
(d) it is an attack on:
(i) an individual's freedom of association to prevent them from wearing the Eureka Stockade flag on their clothing; and
(ii) freedom of association to prevent a construction site from displaying the Eureka Stockade flag; and
(4) calls on the Government to immediately act to protect the rights of workers in the construction industry by making clear that displaying the iconic symbol of democracy, the Eureka Stockade flag, is not a breach of the 2016 Code.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members ' business time prior to 7.30 pm
Speech time limits —
Mr Perrett — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes 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.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Putting Consumers First—Establishment of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority) Bill 2017
That this bill be now read a third time.
That consideration of government business order of the day No. 1, Migration Amendment (Clarification of Jurisdiction) Bill 2018, be postponed until a later hour this day.
Bankruptcy Amendment (Debt Agreement Reform) Bill 2018
That this bill now be read a second time.
Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (Student Loan Sustainability) Bill 2018
That this bill be now read a second time.
Migration Amendment (Clarification of Jurisdiction) Bill 2018
That this bill be now read a second time.
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2017-2018
Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2017-2018
… pick-up in publicly funded work has been underwritten by the commonwealth government's Infrastructure Investment Program as well as strong growth in state government infrastructure programs.
New public final demand, across all levels of government, was up a solid 1.2 per cent in the quarter, to be 4.4 per cent higher through the year.
The strain and pressure on our public hospitals is having a detrimental impact on the health of our doctors.
The PC inquiry has already demonstrated in its interim report that the system is broken and needs a real fix.
Any attempt to undermine this principle will be met with a fierce fight from me and, I would expect, every other South Australian in Federal Parliament …
South Australia continues to suffer from challenging socioeconomic issues such as a high unemployment rate, a low workforce participation rate, an ageing population … among other things.
Consumer debt levels are rising steadily in Australia as a result of record mortgages and a surge in everyday essentials such as utilities, petrol and healthcare. These factors, combined with weak wage growth, are putting pressure on the wallets of Australians.
We are not currently drafting that legislation.
The Government will introduce legislation this year to implement the SACC and consumer lease reforms.
If you’ve got a shop in town you can escape it for a period of time. For farmers, they can't. They're sitting there looking at brown dirt day in and day out praying for rain. So many farmers I speak to have a big debrief about what's going on but then they say "but mate, I'll be right when it rains". I have to sit there and say: "It’s about being alright when it's not raining".
Overall, the Code has a disproportionate focus on promoting industry interests and fails to address the harm caused by bad practices in the retirement industry. Much of the Code reads as a public relations exercise without genuine regard given to how resident outcomes might be improved or measured. Importantly, it fails to address key resident concerns, which include:
• lack of mandatory training and qualification standards;
• inadequate skills and poor attitude of management;
• problems with maintenance including delays, poor quality work and lack of clarity about responsibilities; and
• lack of resident consultation and limited opportunities to participate in village/park decision making.
If you are against cutting company tax, you are against economic growth. If you are against economic growth, then you are also against jobs. And, if you are against economic growth and jobs, then you are also against increasing wages ...
… lowering the corporate rate for smaller businesses only … creates an artificial incentive for Australian businesses to downsize.
… we want a level playing field regardless of the size of the company.
… corporate tax reform helps Australia's private sector grow and it creates jobs right up and down the income ladder.
Bill Shorten promises Nauru and manus detention centres will be closed under a Labor government.
The Deputy Prime Minister has sought advice from the Implementation Group on options for the initial $300 million in Government expenditure
The fact that Inland Rail stops at Acacia Ridge, and double-stacked trains will have to be unloaded there, means Brisbane residents could see millions more trucks driving through Brisbane suburbs.
The government failing rural and regional Australia.
Australian wheat exports have slowed to a trickle as traditional markets in south-east Asia turn to cheaper alternatives.
I welcome today's announcement by the federal government of Tweed Shire Council's success under the latest funding round for the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail,' Cr Byrnes said. 'The rail trail will be a great injection into our tourism and small business sector, particularly in Murwillumbah.
… the strain and the pressure on our public hospitals is having a detrimental impact on the health of our doctors.
Financial Sector Legislation Amendment (Crisis Resolution Powers and Other Measures) Bill 2017
That consideration of order of the day No. 2, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
Proceeds of Crime Amendment (Proceeds and Other Matters) Bill 2017
… major crime, particularly drug trafficking and serious fraud on the revenue, is growing and is becoming increasingly international in scope. Traditional methods of punishment by imprisonment and fine are not enough.
That the Proceeds of Crime Amendment (Proceeds and Other Matters) Bill 2017 be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation and Other Measures) Bill 2017
That the Communications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation and Other Measures) Bill 2017 be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration.
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2017-2018
Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2017-2018
I cannot honestly say that I liked Canberra very much; it was to me a place of exile; but I soon began to realize that the decision had been taken, that Canberra was and would continue to be the capital of the nation, and that it was therefore imperative to make it a worthy capital; something that the Australian people would come to admire and respect; something that would be a focal point for national pride and sentiment. Once I had converted myself to this faith, I became an apostle …
It's also disingenuous to talk about a 30 per cent rate when so few companies pay anything like that—
… it's worth noting that business investment as a share of GDP was 2.4 per cent higher in Australia in 2016 than in 2000, as against only 1.5 per cent higher in Canada, despite Canada's massive cut in company tax.
Australia's effective tax rate, at 10.4 per cent, is amongst the lowest in the world.
The average rate paid by American companies in Australia is just 17 per cent.
Over the decade since the Global Financial Crisis, the wealth of Australian billionaires has increased by almost 140 per cent to a total of $115.4 billion last year. Yet over the same time, the average wages of ordinary Australians have increased by just 36 per cent and average household wealth grew by 12 per cent.
The richest one per cent of Australians continue to own more wealth than the bottom 70 per cent of Australians combined. While everyday Australians are struggling more and more to get by, the wealthiest groups have grown richer and richer.
While Qantas workers have seen pay rises of less than 3 per cent on average over the past decade, we've seen the CEO's salary balloon to almost $100,000 a day—much more than most workers earn in a year. It doesn't trickle down—it trickles up, and the rules need to change to give workers a better deal in this country.
1. The committee met in private session on Wednesday, 14 February 2018.
2. The Committee determined to amend the order of precedence and times to be allotted for consideration of committee and delegation business and private Members' business on Monday, 26 February 2018, as follows, with amended entries marked with a *:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION
Report of the Parliamentary Delegation to the 38 th AIPA General Assembly, September 2017.
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made — all statements to conclude by 10.15 am.
Speech time limits —
Mr Christensen — 5minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR BANDT: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 , and for related purposes. (Fair Work Amendment (Making Australia More Equal) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 6 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
2 MR WILKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 , and for related purposes. (Competition and Consumer Amendment (Misleading Representations About Broadband Speeds) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
3 MR HAMMOND: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 , and for related purposes. (National Consumer Credit Protection Amendment (Small Amount Credit Contract and Consumer Lease Reforms) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 13 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
4 MS SHARKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Banking Act 1959 in relation to loans to primary production businesses, and for related purposes. (Banking Amendment (Rural Finance Reform) Bill 2018 )
( Notice given 13 February 2018. )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
*5 MR GEORGANAS: To move
That this House:
(1) notes that the latest:
(a) waiting list for Home Care Packages (HCP) indicates that more than 100,000 older Australians are waiting for the package they have been approved for; and
(b) figures showed that the HCP waiting list grew by more than 12,000 between 1 July and 30 September 2017 and it is likely to continue growing without funding for the release of more packages;
(2) recognises that the majority of older Australians on the waiting list are those seeking level three and level four packages, who have high care needs including many with dementia;
(3) condemns the Government for failing to stop the waiting list from growing; and
(4) calls on the Government to immediately invest in fixing the HCP waiting list and properly address this growing crisis.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 30minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Georganas — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.
6 MR CREWTHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that commemorations are underway for the eighty-fifth anniversary of Holodomor, to mark an enforced famine in Ukraine caused by the deliberate actions of Joseph Stalin's Communist Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
(2) recalls that it is estimated that up to seven million Ukrainians starved to death as a result of Stalin's policies in 1932 and 1933 alone;
(3) condemns these acts aimed at destroying the national, cultural, religious and democratic aspirations of the Ukrainian people;
(4) condemns all similar acts during the twentieth century as the ultimate manifestations of racial, ethnic or religious hatred and violence;
(5) honours the memory of those who lost their lives during Holodomor;
(6) joins the Australian Ukrainian community and the international community in commemorating this tragic milestone under the motto Ukraine Remembers—The World Acknowledges;
(7) recognises the importance of remembering and learning from such dark chapters in human history to ensure that such crimes against humanity are not allowed to be repeated; and
(8) pays its respects to the Australian Ukrainians that lived through this tragedy and have told their horrific stories.
( Notice given 5 February 2018. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members ' business time prior to 12 noon
Speech time limits —
Mr Crewther — 10minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 10 mins + 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MS O'TOOLE: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that ongoing cuts to public sector jobs in regional cities like Townsville have had a detrimental impact on the local economy and include:
(a) the relocation of Royal Australian Air Force's 38 Squadron King Air fleet from Townsville to East Sale in Victoria resulting in the loss of more than 40 aviation jobs in Townsville;
(b) the Government's change of process in second division resulting in the loss of up to 10 Townsville Australian Public Service defence support staff;
(c) Townsville having 50 fewer defence staff in June 2017 than it had in December 2012;
(d) 19 jobs having been cut from CSIRO in Townsville over the last few years;
(e) regional Queensland Customs staffing being cut by 50 per cent with 30 job losses from Gladstone to Thursday Island with Townsville being one of the hardest hit; and
(f) the consolidation of the Australian Taxation Office in 2014 resulting in the loss of 110 jobs in Townsville;
(2) acknowledges that maintaining public sector jobs is important in regional Australia and notes that job cuts are harmful to regional cities like Townsville; and
(3) calls on the Government to ensure the coming federal budget puts a moratorium on these regional jobs cuts in public sector agencies.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 40minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms O ' Toole — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
2 MR CHRISTENSEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) supports the Carmichael Coal Mine and Rail Project because:
(a) its proponents, Adani Australia, already employ 800 workers in Queensland;
(b) it will open up the Galilee Basin and lead the way in creating as many as 15,000 jobs across five potential mines for the workers of Central and North Queensland; and
(c) it will improve the lives of millions of Indians by providing their country with affordable and safe electricity; and
(2) notes that the Opposition is now opposed to the project, endangering both existing and future jobs in regional Queensland as evidenced by:
(a) the Leader of the Opposition stating that 'Labor is increasingly sceptical and today's revelation, if true, is incredibly disturbing, and if Adani's relying on false information, that mine does not deserve to go ahead';
(b) Senator Singh stating that 'I believe the Adani coal mine is a big mistake for this country';
(c) the Shadow Minister for Environment and Water stating that the Carmichael coal mine 'will simply displace existing coal operations elsewhere in Australia. There will be jobs lost elsewhere in Queensland or there will be jobs lost in the Hunter Valley...The demand for thermal coal exports around the world is in rapid decline and I think instead we should be talking about other economic developments and job opportunities for North Queensland'; and
(d) the Member for:
(i) Charlton tweeting that 'Hunter coal mining jobs are endangered by the Adani project'; and
(ii) Gellibrand stating that 'the reality is, the Adani coal mine has always been something that regional Queenslanders know well: snake oil'.
( Notice given 6 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 40minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Christensen — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
HOME CARE PACKAGES: Debate to be resumed on the motion of Mr Georganas:
That this House:
(5) notes that the latest:
(a) waiting list for Home Care Packages (HCP) indicates that more than 100,000 older Australians are waiting for the package they have been approved for; and
(b) figures showed that the HCP waiting list grew by more than 12,000 between 1 July and 30 September 2017 and it is likely to continue growing without funding for the release of more packages;
(6) recognises that the majority of older Australians on the waiting list are those seeking level three and level four packages, who have high care needs including many with dementia;
(7) condemns the Government for failing to stop the waiting list from growing; and
(8) calls on the Government to immediately invest in fixing the HCP waiting list and properly address this growing crisis.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 40minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
1 TRADE: Resumption of debate ( from 12 February 2018 ) on the motion of Mr van Manen:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the importance of open trade and investment policies in growing the Australian economy and creating local jobs;
(2) commends the Government for leading efforts to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership 11 nation (TPP-11) agreement;
(3) welcomes the recent conclusion of this landmark deal which will eliminate more than 98 per cent of tariffs in a trade zone with a combined GDP of AUD $13.7 trillion;
(4) notes the significant opportunities offered by new trade agreements with Canada and Mexico and greater market access to Japan, Chile, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei;
(5) recognises the importance of the agreement for Australia's farmers, manufacturers and service providers in increasing their competitiveness in overseas markets;
(6) notes indicative modelling by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, which found that the TPP-11 agreement would boost Australia's national income by 0.5 per cent and exports by 4 per cent; and
(7) encourages the Parliament to work co-operatively to ratify the TPP-11 agreement so that Australian exporters can take advantage of the many benefits it delivers.
Time allotted — remaining private Members ' business time prior to 1.30 pm
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes 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 (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices – continued
3 MR CREWTHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) genocide is a crime under international law, which has been enacted into Australian law through Division 268 of the Australian Criminal Code;
(b) the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic found that ISIL committed, and is continuing to commit, genocide against the Yazidis; and
(c) the Iraqi Council of Ministers, United Nations institutions, and many parliaments have recognised that ISIL's crimes against the Yazidis constitute genocide;
(2) welcomes the Australian Government's decisive action in resettling Yazidi refugees;
(3) condemns the continuing genocide perpetrated against Yazidis by ISIL;
(4) calls for an investigation by Iraqi and international organisations into the disappearance of Yazidi women and children taken as captives by ISIL, and for continued support for the international coalition to defeat ISIL and liberate Yazidis in ISIL captivity;
(5) recognises the importance of justice for Yazidi victims and survivors of ISIL and calls on the Australian Government to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of ISIL's crimes against the Yazidis where possible in Australian courts, including by providing mutual legal assistance, and supporting other national, international and/or hybrid investigations and prosecutions of crimes committed by ISIL against Yazidis;
(6) calls on the Australian Government to continue supporting the formation of an Investigative Team pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2379 (2017) and, once established, to support it in the collection, preservation and storage of evidence of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide; and
(7) supports the:
(a) continued efforts to defeat ISIL militarily and ideologically via de-radicalisation and countering violent extremism programs;
(b) continued consideration of the plight of the Yazidis in the development of Australian humanitarian policies and programs;
(c) continued provision of psychological and other social support services for Yazidi refugees living in Australia;
(d) right of the Yazidis and all minorities to live in peace, safety and freedom in Syria and Iraq and to participate in relevant political processes; and
(e) protection of Yazidis, Christians and other minorities in Iraq, under United Nations supervision and in cooperation with relevant authorities and minorities.
( Notice given 5 February 2018. )
Time allotted — 30minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Crewther — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes 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.
Orders of the day – continued
*2 UNIVERSITIES FUNDING: Resumption of debate ( from 12 February 2018 ) on the motion of Ms T. M. Butler:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Government's short-sighted $2.2 billion in cuts to universities are equivalent to more than 9,500 Australians missing out on a university place in 2018, and again in 2019;
(b) across the country this month, students will be attending university, with orientation periods beginning, and that these students are faced with more uncertainty about how the cuts will affect their student experience; and
(c) the Government's short-sighted cuts will hurt regional and outer metropolitan universities and their students the most; and
(2) calls on the Government to reverse its short-sighted, unfair cuts to universities, which are closing the door of opportunity to thousands of Australians.
Time allotted — 70minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 14 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 ORDER OF AUSTRALIA HONOURS: Resumption of debate ( from 12 February 2018 ) on the motion of Mr Leeser:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Order of Australia is the highest national honour award and the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens;
(2) recognises that since being established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, there have been more than 500 recipients of Companion of the Order of Australia, almost 3,000 awarded Officers of the Order of Australia, more than 10,000 inducted as Members of the Order of Australia and more than 23,000 honoured as recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia;
(3) notes the almost 900 recipients in the General Division of the Order of Australia on Australia Day in 2018, from an array of fields including education, arts, sport, science and social work; and
(4) encourages all Members to congratulate recipients from their electorates on this immense achievement.
Time allotted — 35minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices – continued
4 MR PERRETT: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) both the Building Code 2013 (2013 Code) and theCode for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016 (2016 Code) require code covered entities to protect freedom of association on building and construction worksites;
(b) the 2016 Code includes requirements in respect of building association logos, mottos or indicia; and
(c) the Australian Building and Construction Commission's fact sheet Freedom of Association—Logos, Mottos and Indicia specifies that 'logos, mottos and indicia' that would breach the 2016 Code include 'the iconic symbol of the five white stars and white cross on the Eureka Stockade flag';
(2) recognises that:
(a) the Eureka Stockade flag was:
(i) first used in 1854 at Ballarat; and
(ii) a symbol of resistance of the gold miners during the rebellion;
(b) beneath the Eureka Stockade flag, the leader of the Ballarat Reform League, Peter Lalor, said 'We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties';
(c) the people at the Eureka Stockade defending the original flag came from nearly forty nations from around the world; and
(d) the Eureka Stockade flag design has gained wider acceptance in Australian culture as a symbol of democracy, protest and the notion of the Australian 'fair go';
(3) further notes that:
(a) freedom of speech and freedom of association are valued by all fair-minded Australians;
(b) the Eureka Stockade flag has been a symbol associated with building and construction unions for over 40 years;
(c) restricting an individual's right to wear union logos or preventing a construction site from displaying a union flag implies that workers cannot join a union; and
(d) it is an attack on:
(i) an individual's freedom of association to prevent them from wearing the Eureka Stockade flag on their clothing; and
(ii) freedom of association to prevent a construction site from displaying the Eureka Stockade flag; and
(4) calls on the Government to immediately act to protect the rights of workers in the construction industry by making clear that displaying the iconic symbol of democracy, the Eureka Stockade flag, is not a breach of the 2016 Code.
( Notice given 12 February 2018. )
Time allotted — remaining private Members ' business time prior to 7.30 pm
Speech time limits —
Mr Perrett — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes 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.
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Coulton ) took the chair at 10:00
This 'petition on behalf of Katherine residents draws to the attention of the House: That Katherine residents have access to the same health and well-being packages that are being offered to Australians at other Defence sites dealing with the issue of PFAS. That Katherine deserves the same action and investment by the Commonwealth and we be included in the national health and welfare packages for PFAS. We, the residents of Katherine are simply asking for the same action that have been undertaken by the Commonwealth in other jurisdictions, and they include, but are not limited to: • Voluntary blood testing • Counselling for affected residents • An epidemiological study coordinated by the Commonwealth and Australian National University Katherine residents are very concerned similar assistance and provisions will not be made available to affected residents of Katherine until the completion of Defence's environmental investigations for RAAF base Tindal, a process that will extend well into 2018.
We therefore ask the House to: ensure that the residents of Katherine receive the same level of support and assistance that is available to people in other jurisdictions dealing with the presence of PFAS.
We therefore ask the House to: ensure that the residents of Katherine receive the same level of support and assistance that is available to people in other jurisdictions dealing with the presence of PFAS.
This petition of concerned people of the electorate of Eden Monaro draws to the attention of the House the severe and urgent threat that climate change poses to the health, well-being and security of all people around the world, particularly our poorest and most vulnerable neighbours. We remind the House that Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are the highest per person among wealthy nations while our emissions reduction targets are among the weakest.
We therefore ask the House to do all in its power to protect communities in Australia and our region from the harmful impacts of climate change - such as more severe heat, extreme and unpredictable weather and rising seas by: - committing to deeper and more urgent reductions of our greenhouse emissions; - developing a plan to ensure Australia achieves zero net greenhouse emissions well before 2050, and supporting families and communities affected by the transition towards renewable energy and more sustainable land use; - providing additional assistance to help our poorest neighbours adapt to the harmful impacts of climate change.
I am lucky enough to be on a Disability Support Pension for 8 years because of a car accident and ongoing medical issues. I am told I could have MS but they are not sure.
I am lucky to have a Doctor who understands the pain and restrictions I have, but I have to pay almost seventy dollars which I get back thirty six from Medicare but I have to have that seventy dollars in my bank to see my Doctor.
My Specialist is in Hobart and bulk bills.
I travel from Devonport to Hobart twice a year to see him.
Now this is not cheap, with the cost of fuel and a bite to eat I have to set aside at least one hundred and twenty dollars.
I am lucky enough to be able to get a travel allowance but after my specialist signs it—but then I have to go to my GP and get her to sign it…again this cost me thirty five dollars.
My travel allowance pays me one hundred and three dollars for each trip to Hobart. It makes it hard.
I am lucky enough to get discounted medication, but my Ostemol has been removed from the PBS and instead of purchasing 3 packets for the cost of five dollars twenty I now pay four dollars ninety five per packet.
I am lucky enough to live in a housing Department home.
I have been told I need to reduce the "luxuries" in my life. I have a mobile phone and internet.
Not much else.
I need internet to remain in contact with Government Departments.
I have pre paid power.
I purchase 25 to 30 dollars a fortnight but lately this runs out the day before pay day—so I go 10 hours without power.
I am a very savy shopper for food but because of my medical condition I need to eat healthy, but to be honest, I cannot afford to.
To buy fruit, vegetables and healthy food it takes most of my food budget and leaves very little for meat.
Meat is a luxury.
I am lucky enough to own a little car. I am lucky enough to be able to pay twenty dollars a fortnight for fuel, which never seems to get me through the fortnight.
I am lucky enough that the Government gives me a rise of two dollars, twice a year, but Housing takes one dollar of this as my rent is income based.
So now you know what I and others struggle with each fortnight. I just want you to understand what it is like.
Waminda's work in the community is driven by its vision for women and their Indigenous families being positive, happy and healthy. Waminda is guided by a vision where Indigenous women are admired and proud of their achievements in their own community …
I have run formal cultural awareness days where we can share and yarn about issues. One of the activities I do when taking cultural awareness days is a timeline of the Dja Dja Wurrung history in the Mount Alexander shire. I have historically significant events on cards and ask participants to put them in order …
One of the cards explains how two-thirds of the Dja Dja Wurrung population was wiped out before a white person set foot in Central Victoria. Who knows why? The timeline shows what it was like before the arrival of others. It was basically a paradise, plenty of food, plenty of water, amazing sites to held Ceremony, et cetera.
Then came disease, massacres, poisoning, dispossession of land. Of the whole Dja Dja Wurrung nation in the Mount Alexander shire, which numbered around 2,000 before invasion, only 70 were left on country by 1863. In less than 30 years nearly a whole nation of proud people was decimated by greed. This is part of the history which must be understood, not dwelled on, but understood so that we, as a People, can be understood.
It's around trying to keep our kids in our community and in the care of our own people …
Clearly there is a need to create meaningful links between Indigenous communities and individuals and the mainstream Australian economy.
If you just talk about the problems you're accused of not looking at the successes, if you talk about the successes you're accused of not understanding the problems. It is a mixed record, I understand that.
But one thing I know is that when we work with First Australians, when we genuinely empower First Australians to take control of their lives, when we don't have top-down but bottom-up decision-making we will get it right more than we will get it wrong.
… to build on lessons from the past and work for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the future.
… a powerful reminder that our community's future is shared between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and that our future—
because of it
… who are we in this parliament to simply reject it out of hand?
It's time we worked together to deliver—
… a voice enshrined in the Constitution; a declaration to be passed by all parliaments—Commonwealth and state—acknowledging the unique place of the first nations in Australian history, their culture and connection; and a Makarrata commission to oversee a process of agreement making and truth telling.
I think most Australians would be surprised to learn that, in 1997, 20 per cent of the children in out-of-home care were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but today it is 35 per cent and growing.
It's why Labor has listened to First Australians and long called for justice targets to reduce incarceration rates and improve community safety.
It's time we took the Statement from the Heart into our hearts. It's time we worked together to deliver on its key recommendations: a voice enshrined in the Constitution; a declaration to be passed by all parliaments—Commonwealth and state—acknowledging the unique place of the first nations in Australian history, their culture and connection; and a Makarrata commission to oversee a process of agreement making and truth telling.
The truth is that the Statement from the Heart calls for what both sides of the House say they are committed to: genuine partnership with, not to; real empowerment; and solutions constructed by first nations people.
I selected these men and women for IMP because I saw in them the qualities of strength and resilience and the ability to lead by example.
I'm so excited for them. They've completed one of the hardest things you can put yourself through. It's very rewarding to see how proud and happy they are.
The traumatic effects of forced removal and separation from families, communities and culture have been severe and long-lasting for the Stolen Generations and their descendants.
The fund will be administered by the Healing Foundation—an Indigenous-run organisation that supports the ongoing needs of the Stolen Generations with services such as counselling, family reunion, return to country, and support for elderly survivors.
That business intervening before order of the day No. 10, committee and delegation business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
If there were to be any other forums—in parliament, royal commissions or whatever they might be—we would be prepared to come and do what we do here, which is talk about what we're doing and talk about what we can do better.
I think the conversation around the board is on the extent of the regulatory environment and also the intersection with community expectations …
… take responsibility, stop defending the banks and establish the systematic, thorough and transparent investigation that only a Royal Commission can provide.
And, the Commission may choose not to inquire into certain matters otherwise within the scope of this Inquiry, but any such decision will be the Commission’s, alone.
… you put out a press release in 2015 saying that you weren't going to loan any funds to the Carmichael coalmine. At that time, had you been approached for any loans for that project?
Mr Thorburn: I don't think so …
… but you put out a press release saying that you wouldn't loan them the funds.
There is a very healthy price outlook for thermal coal.
We're seeing strong demand for higher quality Australian thermal coal in Asia, and that is what's driving the price.
An orderly approach to the low carbon transition is critical to ensure Australians can continue to have access to secure, reliable and affordable energy and support our economy.
Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield
The Committee recommends that the Attorney-General works with state and territory counterparts through the Council of Australian Governments to establish a trial in one or more specialist state or territory family violence courts (including reaching agreement in relation to resources, education and court infrastructure) enabling family law issues in family violence cases to be determined by the one court, including expedited pathways for breach and enforcement proceedings. One of the trial courts should ideally be located in an area of high Indigenous population.
The Committee recommends that, as a matter of urgency, the Australian Government implements the Family Law Council recommendations from both the 2012 Improving the family law system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients report, and the 2016Families with complex needs and the intersection of the family law and child protection systems – Final Report , as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, including those recommendations addressing—
Labor members are committed to supporting Australian stories being created and told by Australian performers and crew in Australian film and television productions. Labor is the party of the arts and is the only party with developed, integrated and comprehensive policies that set up a vision for the sector and whose policies have been implemented and appropriately funded.
… a long-term commitment to a well-supported and funded Australian film and television industry.
… a distribution planning role that enables planning along the National Electricty Market.
In the alternative, the Committee recommends the establishment of a new independent planning body for the National Electricity Market.
… Australian Energy Market Operator, utilising its current transmission planning functions, consider the establishment of renewable energy zones.
Like many countries around the world, the electricity system in Australia is undergoing a period of significant transition, driven by the changing mix of electricity generation, the emergence of a range of new technologies, and government policies for emissions reduction.
…that the expansion of the green energies is totally out of proportion with the existing power infrastructure, and that even the most perfect grid will not be able to handle the volatile wind and solar energies.
The Committee visited Tomago and heard about the consequences to the plant during peak usage shut downs. The Committee also heard from the Energy Efficiency Council that requiring a very large aluminium smelter to reduce its demand is a very bad idea because it can cause setting of the pots in that industrial facility.
The policy certainty required relates to a mechanism to achieve emissions reduction in the electricity sector. The electricity sector is capital intensive and a lack of policy certainty has undermined investment in the sector.
The Committee recommends that the Commonwealth provide additional funding to expand the Community Hubs Network nationally and to establish similar flexible settlement service programs.
… this government policy order is deficient in a number of key areas. This order is opposed by stakeholders, the agricultural sector, and the regulator itself on the basis that it is 'all cost and no benefit'.
The lack of clarity regarding the decision-making process and the absence of a transparent selection process leads the committee to conclude that there is only one obvious driver for the decision, and that is political self-interest.
Why are we taking this retrograde step, scattering our government?
Why are we spending millions to become less efficient?
Recently I heard Barnaby Joyce say "There is a chemistry when people meet face to face".
Exactly so.
Modern communications are brilliant, but real personal contact remains vital.