The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PETITIONS COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 2
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
7 November 2022
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Chair Ms Susan Templeman MP
Deputy Chair Mr Ross Vasta MP
Mr Sam Birrell MP
Ms Alison Byrnes MP
Ms Lisa Chesters MP
Mr Garth Hamilton MP
Ms Tracy Roberts MP
Ms Meryl Swanson MP
Report summarising the petitions and Ministerial responses being presented.
The committee met in private session in the 47th Parliament on 7 September, 14 September 2022, 28 September 2022 and 26 October 2022.
1. The committee resolved to present the fo llowing 172 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 7 September 2022
From 4 petitioners—funding for an arena in Canberra (EN4104)
From 12 petitioners—requesting federal action to address the Australian housing crisis (EN4105)
From 1 petitioner—requesting review of the TGA decision to not recognise Sinopharm for over 60s (EN4107)
From 1 petitioner—requesting review of the TGA decision to not recognise Sinopharm for over 60s (EN4108)
From 6 petitioners—requesting abolition of the pre-approval for Australian Partner Visa Pathways (EN4109)
From 11 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a film task force to develop and fund G.I. Jane 2 (EN4114)
From 5 petitioners—requesting the removal of any Medicare levy surcharge penalty applied to fully insured spouse (EN4118)
From 5 petitioners—requesting assistance for 491 and 494 visa holders for buying property (EN4119)
From 6 petitioners—requesting assistance for Ukraine (EN4122)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the government to bring back JobKeeper for flood affected regions (EN4125)
From 2 petitioners—requesting non-for-profit homeless support be available 7 days a week (EN4130)
From 10 petitioners—requesting the end of international travel restrictions for all unvaccinated Australians (EN4135)
From 3 petitioners—requesting amendment to the Distribution Priority Area classification for the electorate of Bowman (EN4139)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the reintroduction of the Cadet Corps in schools (EN4143)
From 5 petitioners—requesting a 10- point Plan for Nature (EN4145)
From 2 petitioners—requesting Government assistance scheme to help with cladding rectification (EN4146)
From 10 petitioners—requesting legislation to allow nuclear fusion energy development in Australia (EN4147)
From 2 petitioners—requesting financial support for Vaxine and their COVAX- 19/Spikogen vaccine (EN4149)
From 4 petitioners—requesting that the IPCC Climate Change recommendations are made into law (EN4156)
From 2 petitioners—requesting safer communities through rehabilitation under Medicare (EN4157)
From 3 petitioners—requesting FHO grants for people with lifelong disabilities and carers (EN4158)
From 6 petitioners—requesting compulsory Covid-19 vaccines for all members of parliament. (EN4159)
From 177 petitioners—requesting labelling that includes the amount of food in a serving size (EN4163)
From 36 petitioners—requesting payment for healthcare trainees during their placement hours (EN4166)
From 10 petitioners—requesting it be a criminal offence to provide false political advertising (EN4167)
From 30 petitioners—requesting the legalisation of the use, cultivation and processing of recreational cannabis (EN4168)
From 3 petitioners—requesting AstraZeneca EVULSHELD be available for all immunocompromised Australians (EN4169)
From 3 petitioners—requesting an increase to the bridging visa b application process speed (EN4177)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a lower price of diesel fuel (EN4179)
From 11 petitioners—requesting a ban on mobile phone base stations in residential/rural residential lots (EN4182)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a functioning computer system for detainees at the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation (EN4186)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the ability to smoke within the MITA compound and buildings (EN4187)
From 1 petitioner—requesting the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) funding /grant for infant formula be rescinded or redirected (EN4188)
From 7 petitioners—requesting amendments to the Veterans Acts (EN4196)
From 4 petitioners—requesting an update to the Fair Work Act to validate employee grief from losing pets (EN4198)
From 4 petitioners—requesting an audit on visa processing timeframes (EN4200)
From 195 petitioners—requesting the prevention of 'outing' of lgbt youth (EN4201)
From 2 petitioners—requesting Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) (EN4202)
From 13 petitioners—requesting that the WHO pandemic treaty only be approved via public referendum (EN4203)
From 10 petitioners—requesting an amendment to the Spam Act to include a mandatory unsubscribe option for political messaging (EN4204)
From 6 petitioners—requesting a new definition for "evidence" under the Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA) (EN4205)
From 6 petitioners—requesting mandatory CO2 vehicle emissions standards (EN4208)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a new single-site regional public hospital for Albury-Wodonga (EN4211)
From 3 petitioners—requesting sanctions for a corrupt individual (EN4213)
From 9 petitioners—requesting Australia does not enter into any WHO pandemic treaty (EN4216)
From 9 petitioners—requesting Australia does not enter into any WHO pandemic treaty (EN4218)
From 8 petitioners—requesting Australia does not sign amendments to the WHO Pandemic Treaty (EN4220)
From 13 petitioners—requesting Australia does not sign the WHO Pandemic Treaty (EN4224)
From 9 petitioners—requesting a public referendum before entering into any WHO pandemic treaty (EN4225)
From 22 petitioners—requesting Australia does not enter into any treaty with the World Health Organisation (WHO) (EN4229)
From 10 petitioners—requesting the disclosure of outcomes associated with signing the WHO pandemic treaty (EN4230)
From 10 petitioners—requesting a public referendum before entering into any WHO pandemic treaty (EN4232)
From 10 petitioners—requesting a public referendum before entering into any WHO pandemic treaty (EN4233)
From 13 petitioners—requesting a public referendum before entering into any WHO pandemic treaty (EN4236)
From 2 petitioners—requesting the government sign the Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action (EN4242)
From 4946 petitioners—requesting a moratorium on regional bank closures and a new inquiry (EN4244)
From 8 petitioners—requesting increased wages for aged care and disability support workers (EN4246)
From 3 petitioners—requesting all Australians to pay the Medicare levy (EN4248)
From 16 petitioners—requesting a public referendum before entering into any WHO pandemic treaty (EN4255)
From 1 petitioner—requesting all 489 visa holders to have equal rights (EN4256)
From 8 petitioners—requesting actions to expand media diversity (EN4258)
From 5235 petitioners—requesting tax changes for Australians living overseas (EN4259)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a change to asylum seeker policy (EN4260)
From 26 petitioners—requesting Australia not sign any W.H.O. Pandemic Treaty (EN4266)
From 5 petitioners—requesting a review of the Child Support System (EN4267)
From 12 petitioners—requesting Australia to formally recognize the nation of Taiwan (EN4268)
From 9 petitioners—requesting initiation of the IAEA milestones approach to implement nuclear technology (EN4269)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the grant of eligible 887 visa applications immediately (EN4271)
From 7 petitioners—requesting changes to the Interactive Gambling Act to include video game loot-boxes and microtransactions (EN4272)
From 20 petitioners—requesting the removal of a ban on online poker (EN4274)
From 33 petitioners—requesting Make Trikafta available for all persons with Cystic Fibrosis (EN4275)
From 8 petitioners—requesting the imposition of a total economic embargo on the Russian Federation (EN4276)
From 19 petitioners—requesting the removal of legislation preventing nuclear power plants in Australia (EN4278)
From 39 petitioners—requesting more extensive military aid to Ukraine (EN4279)
From 31 petitioners—requesting that Ukraine be included into the Australian Generalized System of Tariff Preferences (EN4280)
From 4 petitioners—requesting early retirement for veterans and emergency service personnel (EN4281)
From 3 petitioners—requesting that Hawkesbury be removed from 491 visa Regional Area (EN4282)
From 7 petitioners—requesting the utilisation of unoccupied dwellings (EN4283)
From 4 petitioners—requesting dedicated PTSD counselling for generational victims (EN4294)
From 11 petitioners—requesting top surgery and bottom surgery should be covered by Medicare (EN4296)
From 10 petitioners—requesting strengthened penalties for price gouging activities (EN4297)
From 9 petitioners—requesting controls of state expenditure of funds to ensure fair access to medical facilities and resources (EN4298)
From 20 petitioners—requesting solar feed in tariff rates to rise with electricity rates (EN4301)
From 4 petitioners—requesting the allocation of more case officers to process 887 visa applications (EN4306)
From 49 petitioners—requesting the Australian government insist on the return of Julian Assange to Australia (EN4310)
From 5 petitioners—requesting that social media be made illegal for under 18s in Australia (EN4314)
From 2 petitioners—requesting the return of consulate services in Bangladesh for visa processing (EN4315)
From 5 petitioners—requesting homeowners be allowed to install data cabling (EN4318)
From 5 petitioners—requesting a ban on products produced by Uyghur forced labour (EN4321)
From 7 petitioners—requesting play therapy to be included in the NDIS (EN4324)
From 2 petitioners—requesting funding for an integrated road and public transport plan for the electorate of Ryan (EN4326)
From 2 petitioners—requesting extension of stays in Australia for stranded temporary visa holders through COVID (EN4327)
From 12 petitioners—requesting the recognition of endometriosis as a disability (EN4330)
From 23 petitioners—requesting Government inquiry into HECs (EN4332)
From 2753 petitioners—requesting a declaration of the Russian government and armed forces as terrorist organisations (EN4333)
From 1 petitioners—requesting help for Temporary Graduate visa (485) holders (EN4339)
From 5 petitioners—requesting help for Temporary Graduate visa (485) holders (EN4340)
From 4 petitioners—requesting a co-payment CGM subsidy for insulin dependent type 2 diabetics (EN4341)
From 6 petitioners—requesting a review and update child support services and payments (EN4342)
From 30 petitioners—requesting an investigation into chem trails (EN4343)
From 2 petitioners—requesting full marriage equality in Australia for consensual incest-oriented adults (EN4345)
From 8 petitioners—requesting Viagogo and its website be banned from trading in Australia (EN4350)
From 5 petitioners—requesting processing time standards for Australia Border Force cargo release (EN4352)
From 9 petitioners—requesting changes to the Veterans Entitlement 1986 Act (VEA) to avoid procedural apprehended bias (EN4353)
From 3 petitioners—requesting action on humanitarian issues in occupied Jammu and Kashmir (EN4356)
From 38 petitioners—requesting legislation to prevent non-Australian citizens owning land in Australia (EN4359)
From 36 petitioners—requesting Mr Morrison be referred to the High Court as disqualified for election as a New Zealand citizen (EN4361)
Petitions c ertified on 14 September 2022
From 179 petitioners—requesting stricter laws to hold airlines accountable (EN4362)
From 3 petitioners—requesting 485 replacement stream for onshore visa holders (EN4366)
From 29 petitioners—requesting a change in Standing Order 38 to remove prayers (EN4367)
From 2 petitioners—requesting action to stop the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (EN4368)
From 6 petitioners—requesting a change to the Australian flag (EN4369)
From 9 petitioners—requesting an increase in the Medicare rebate for all doctors and GPs (EN4373)
From 811 petitioners—requesting a Hawkesbury/NSW mitigation flood plan (EN4377)
From 17 petitioners—requesting the timeframes of 99-year lease agreements with overseas entities be reduced (EN4379)
From 2 petitioners—requesting amendment to the Veterans' Entitlement Act 1986 (EN4381)
From 3 petitioners—requesting legislation to confirm the definition of "clinical onset" (EN4382)
From 6687 petitioners—requesting medicinal cannabis products be listed on the PBS (EN4383)
From 29 petitioners—requesting the cost of general dental and dental procedures be lowered (EN4385)
From 44 petitioners—requesting a removal of the ban on nuclear energy (EN4387)
From 10 petitioners—requesting the age of criminal responsibility be raised (EN4390)
From 8 petitioners—requesting a new national Motorsport Strategy (EN4392)
From 9 petitioners—requesting the NDIS Chair be a person with a disability (EN4393)
From 1 petitioners—requesting continued drug and alcohol funding for Mallee-Murray (EN4399)
From 12 petitioners—requesting access to social security for regional skilled visa holders (EN4400)
From 84 petitioners—requesting more funding and help for carers (EN4403)
From 37 petitioners—requesting a stop to all methods of geoengineering in Australia (EN4406)
From 52 petitioners—requesting drug and alcohol testing for MPs (EN4408)
From 5 petitioners—requesting extension of rural locum pharmacists in extenuating circumstances (EN4410)
From 5169 petitioners—requesting the legalization of the consumption and growing of cannabis (EN4411)
From 16 petitioners—requesting help for the film and TV industry (EN4414)
From 48 petitioners—requesting the retention of bulk billing in Medicare (EN4416)
From 12 petitioners—requesting an investigation into the appointment to ministries of the Member for Cook (EN4417)
From 71 petitioners—requesting an urgent increase in Medicare rebates for general practice (EN4418)
From 2081 petitioners—requesting changes to visa requirements and processing for parents of Australians and Permanent Residents (EN4419)
From 4 petitioners—requesting plasma exchange clinics for patients with autoimmune dementia (EN4420)
From 11 petitioners—requesting clear labelling of food products (EN4423)
From 23 petitioners—requesting a referendum to change our Constitution to acknowledge First Nation peoples (EN4425)
From 20 petitioners—requesting censure of secret ministerial appointments (EN4426)
From 29 petitioners—requesting childcare subsidy for grandparents (EN4430)
From 37 petitioners—requesting censure of the Member for Cook for secret appointments to cabinet roles (EN4432)
From 666 petitioners—requesting changes to 491 visas (EN4433)
From 28265 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into best practice for children identifying as transgender (EN4434)
From 5 petitioners—requesting funding for improved facilities for AFL players and umpires (EN4440)
From 40 petitioners—requesting funding for research to save the endangered Baw frog (EN4441)
From 13 petitioners—requesting changes to allow self-managed superannuation funds to make capital improvements to rental properties (EN4442)
From 40 petitioners—requesting a change to the national anthem to 'I Am You Are We Are Australian' (EN4444)
Petitions certif ied on 28 September 2022
From 272 petitioners—requesting the reduction of the three-year requirement for a 491-visa (EN4448)
From 1873 petitioners—requesting the Classifications Board to classify content containing non-consensual sexual acts (EN4451)
From 356 petitioners—requesting the Inland Rail Route be changed to bypass Wagga's centre (EN4453)
From 8 petitioners—requesting to stop the stage 3 tax cuts (EN4454)
From 36 petitioners—requesting NDIS funding extension for children turning 7 in 2022 (EN4457)
From 307 petitioners—requesting to stop the stage 3 tax cuts (EN4458)
From 9 petitioners—requesting food labelling changes to prevent non-meat products labelled as meat (EN4459)
From 13 petitioners—requesting the removal of Peter Dutton from Parliament on the grounds of disqualification (EN4465)
From 4 petitioners—requesting the removal of Mr Tudge from Parliament on the grounds of disqualification (EN4466)
From 3 petitioners—requesting new federal education legislation (EN4467)
From 14 petitioners—requesting a public holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II (EN4468)
From 11 petitioners—requesting 485 visa extension for onshore visa holders during COVID-19 pandemic (EN4469)
From 8 petitioners—requesting Bitcoin should be considered foreign currency for tax purposes (EN4470)
From 2228 petitioners—requesting Steve Irwin on the $5 Note (EN4471)
From 336 petitioners—requesting Steve Irwin on new $5 notes (EN4472)
From 144 petitioners—requesting the new class of Australian Submarines be named the Holt Class (EN4473)
From 9057 petitioners—requesting financial assistance be provided to university students on extended placements (EN4474)
From 522 petitioners—requesting the provision of dialysis treatment buses (EN4477)
From 11 petitioners—requesting the appointment of HRH Prince William as Governor-General (EN4478)
From 13 petitioners—requesting Parliament to sit 140-160 days per year (EN4480)
From 48 petitioners—requesting a referendum on the republic (EN4483)
From 2180 petitioners—requesting a review of the decision to close Benalla Centrelink Office (PN0541)
From 151 petitioners—requesting repeal of the 1997 Euthanasia Act (PN0542)
From 1 petitioners—requesting a review of the Royal Commission into Banking (PN0543)
Petitions certified on 26 October 2022
From 20 petitioners—requesting intervention and support staff for disabled children in every school (PN0544)
The following 8 ministerial responses to petitions were received:
Received by the Committee on 28 September 2022
From the Minister for Education to a petition regarding the implementation LCBTQIA+ education into the sex ed curriculum (EN3892)
From the Minister of Veterans' Affairs to a petition regarding review of DVA dental implant policy (EN3937)
Received by the Co mmittee on 26 October 2022
From the Minister for the Arts to a petition requesting respect from the Federal Government for the contribution of creative industry (EN1674)
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Infrastructure to a petition regarding TGV train for Australian cities (EN3432)
From the Minister for Environment and Water to a petition regarding protection of Brumby population in all states and territories (EN3929)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding MBS item for treatment options of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (EN4062)
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services to a petition regarding the removal of the fuel tax (EN4085)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the legalisation of cannabis (EN4102)
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
That this House:
(1) notes that the:
(a) Optus and Medibank data-breaches highlight the threats faced by Australians and Australian businesses from cyber-criminals;
(b) previous Government passed significant legislation to help protect Australians and our critical infrastructure from cyber-criminals; and
(c) Government's lacklustre response to the data breaches does nothing to allay the concerns and fears of Australians who may have been impacted by these cyber-attacks; and
(2) calls on the Government to support the passage of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Ransomware Action Plan) Bill 2022, which would help law enforcement disrupt and deter cyber-criminals who engage in ransomware and cyber-extortion activities targeting Australians and Australian businesses.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Government's $2.57 billion in funding in the 2022 October Budget for the infrastructure Victoria, and Victorians need, including:
(a) $2.2 billion for the Suburban Rail Loop;
(b) $57 million for the Ison Road Rail Overpass in Wyndham;
(c) $150 million for the Camerons Lane Interchange in Beveridge; and
(d) $125 million to upgrade Barwon Heads Road;
(2) notes this funding will make journeys quicker, and make sure Victorians can get home to their families safely, and comes after a decade of neglect for Victorian Infrastructure from the former Government; and thanks the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and the Prime Minister for working with the Victorian Government.
Labor will make sure that those investments really stack up, using the Infrastructure Australia model that I established …
That this House:
(1) notes the Government's Budget gives billionaires and politicians a $9,000 a year tax cut but delays cost of living relief for everyday people; and
(2) calls on the Government to scrap the stage three tax cuts that cost the public over a quarter of a trillion dollars, and instead spend this money providing immediate cost of living relief, through measures such as getting dental and mental health into Medicare and making childcare free.
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Lifting the Income Limit for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) Bill 2022
Supply Bill (No. 3) 2022-2023
Supply Bill (No. 4) 2022-2023
Supply (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2022-2023
Aged Care Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (AFP Powers and Other Matters) Bill 2022
Treasury Laws Amendment (More Competition, Better Prices) Bill 2022
Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Amendment (Selection and Appointment) Bill 2022
Health Legislation Amendment (Medicare Compliance and Other Measures) Bill 2022
Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022
The introduction of these reforms in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 specifically focused on sex discrimination and sexual harassment provides an invaluable pilot for broader reforms that are needed across all areas of federal discrimination law.
The current legal and regulatory system is simply no longer fit for purpose. In this report—
I have recommended a new model that improves the coordination, consistency and clarity between the antidiscrimination, employment and work health and safety legislative schemes.
Workplace sexual harassment is not inevitable. It is not acceptable. It is preventable.
… the rate of change has been disappointingly slow. Australia now lags behind other countries in preventing and responding to sexual harassment.
(1) Schedule 1, item 5, page 4 (line 9), after "conduct", insert "in relation to the second person".
(2) Schedule 1, item 5, page 4 (lines 11 and 12), omit "or after".
(3) Schedule 2, item 8, page 7 (line 7), omit "possible", substitute "reasonably practicable".
(5) Schedule 2, item 8, page 7 (line 16), omit "possible", substitute "reasonably practicable".
… from a practical perspective, there are unique circumstances in which an extended lapsed period of time could unfairly punish employers, even where they have taken action to address workplace hostility. For example, consider a scenario in which there exists a cultural problem of sexism at a workplace. If an employer takes action to rectify the situation and ensures that the workplace is no longer "offensive, intimidating or humiliating" to prospective female employees, but a female employee is employed at the workplace at a later date, hears about the prior conduct and is subsequently intimidated, it is likely that proposed section 28M is enlivened. Intimidating conduct has been engaged in and an intimidated person has been in the workplace after the conduct occurred, although the two events were not contemporaneous and there is otherwise no connection between the events and the person.
… section 47C would require employers and PCBUs to take measures to eliminate "as far as possible" certain conduct. Under work health and safety law, the obligation imposed on PCBUs is to ensure the health and safety of their workers "as far as is reasonably practicable". The widespread use of "reasonably practicable" under work health and safety law has provided PCBUs with a substantial degree of understanding about the meaning of that threshold. There is also extensive case law about the meaning of these words which offers further clarity.
The new phrase "as far as possible" does not share such clarity.
The House divided. [12:49]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(4) Schedule 2, item 8, page 7 (lines 9 to 11), omit ", including inquiring into compliance, giving compliance notices and accepting undertakings".
(5) Schedule 2, item 8, page 7 (line 16), omit "possible", substitute "reasonably practicable".
(6) Schedule 2, items 17 to 25, page 11 (line 7) to page 18 (line 4), omit the items.
(7) Schedule 2, Part 2, page 18 (after line 30), at the end of the Part, add:
Sex Discrimination Act 1984
31 Subsection 4 (1)
Insert:
compliance notice means a notice mentioned in subsection 49E(1).
positive duty in relation to sex discrimination means section 47C.
Regulatory Powers Act means theRegulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Act 2014 .
32 After Part III
Insert:
Part IIIA — Functions of Fair Work Ombudsman relating to positive duty in relation to sex discrimination
49 Functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman relating to positive duty in relation to sex discrimination
(1) The following functions are conferred on the Fair Work Ombudsman:
(a) to inquire into a person's compliance with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination;
(b) to ensure compliance with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination.
Note: The positive duty in relation to sex discrimination is section 47C.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman do not include inquiring into an intelligence agency's compliance with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination.
(3) If the Fair Work Ombudsman reasonably suspects that an intelligence agency is not complying with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination, the Fair Work Ombudsman must refer the matter to the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security.
(4) A reference in subsection (3) to an intelligence agency is a reference to the following:
(a) the Australian Secret Intelligence Service;
(b) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation;
(c) the Office of National Intelligence;
(d) the Australian Signals Directorate;
(e) that part of the Defence Department known as the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (including any part of the Defence Force that performs functions on behalf of that part of the Department);
(f) that part of the Defence Department known as the Defence Intelligence Organisation.
49A Performance of inquiry function relating to positive duty in relation to sex discrimination
(1) The Fair Work Ombudsman may inquire into a person's compliance with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination if the Fair Work Ombudsman reasonably suspects that the person is not complying.
(2) The Fair Work Ombudsman must act fairly in the performance of the function referred to in paragraph 49(1)(a).
(3) Subsection (2) does not impose a duty on the Fair Work Ombudsman that is enforceable in court.
(4) Subsection (3) does not affect a legally enforceable obligation to observe the rules of natural justice.
49B Fair Work Ombudsman to notify person and give opportunity for making of submissions
(1) As soon as practicable after commencing an inquiry into a person's compliance with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination, the Fair Work Ombudsman must give the person a written notice stating the grounds on which the Fair Work Ombudsman commenced the inquiry.
(2) The Fair Work Ombudsman must not find that a person is not complying with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination unless it has given a reasonable opportunity to the person, to do, at the option of the person, either or both of the following:
(a) to appear before the Fair Work Ombudsman, whether in person or by a representative, and make oral submissions in relation to the person's compliance;
(b) to make written submissions to the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to the person's compliance.
49C Application of certain provisions of Fair Work Act
Sections 708 to 714A and 718 to 718A of the Fair Work Act 2009 apply in relation to the functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman set out in section 49 of this Act, and in relation to the performance of those functions, as if an inquiry under this Part were an investigation into a suspected contravention of theFair Work Act 2009 .
49D Notification of findings and recommendations
If, as a result of an inquiry into a person's compliance with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination, the Fair Work Ombudsman finds that the person is not complying, the Fair Work Ombudsman:
(a) must notify the person in writing of its finding and the reasons for the finding; and
(b) may notify the person of any recommendations by the Fair Work Ombudsman for preventing a repetition or continuation of the failure to comply.
49E Giving of compliance notice
(1) If, as a result of an inquiry into a person's compliance with the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination, the Fair Work Ombudsman finds that the person is not complying, the Fair Work Ombudsman may give the person a written notice.
(2) The notice must:
(a) set out the name of the person to whom the notice is given; and
(b) set out brief details of the failure to comply; and
(c) specify action that the person must take, or refrain from taking, in order to address the failure; and
(d) specify a reasonable period (starting at least 21 days after the day the notice is given) within which the person must take, or refrain from taking, the specified action; and
(e) if the Fair Work Ombudsman considers it appropriate—specify a reasonable period within which the person must provide the Fair Work Ombudsman with evidence that the person has taken, or refrained from taking, the specified action; and
(f) set out any other matters prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph.
(3) However, if the Fair Work Ombudsman has accepted an undertaking from a person under Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act in relation to the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination, a notice must not be given to the person under subsection (1) unless the undertaking is withdrawn, cancelled or expired.
49F Reconsideration of compliance notice
Fair Work Ombudsman must reconsider compliance notice if requested
(1) A person to whom a compliance notice is given may request the Fair Work Ombudsman to reconsider the compliance notice.
(2) The request must:
(a) be made in writing; and
(b) set out the reasons for the request; and
(c) be given to the Fair Work Ombudsman within 21 days after the day the compliance notice is given to the person.
(3) If requested, the Fair Work Ombudsman must reconsider the compliance notice.
Fair Work Ombudsman may reconsider compliance notice on own initiative
(4) The Fair Work Ombudsman may reconsider a compliance notice given to a person without receiving a request if satisfied there is sufficient reason to do so.
Reconsideration
(5) The Fair Work Ombudsman must act expeditiously in reconsidering a compliance notice.
(6) After reconsidering a compliance notice, the Fair Work Ombudsman must:
(a) affirm the compliance notice; or
(b) vary the compliance notice; or
(c) revoke the compliance notice.
(7) The Fair Work Ombudsman must give written notice of a decision under subsection (6) to the person to whom the compliance notice was given, setting out the reasons for the decision.
Decisions by delegates
(8) If the Fair Work Ombudsman's functions under this section are performed by a delegate, the delegate who reconsiders a compliance notice:
(a) must not have been involved in giving the compliance notice; and
(b) must hold a position, or perform duties, of at least the same level as the person who gave the compliance notice.
49G Review of complian ce notice
(1) A person who has been given a compliance notice may apply to the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) for a review of the notice on either or both of the following grounds:
(a) the person has not failed to comply as set out in the notice;
(b) the notice does not comply with subsection 49E(2) or (3).
(2) At any time after the application has been made, the court concerned may stay the operation of the notice on the terms and conditions that the court considers appropriate.
(3) The court concerned may confirm, vary or cancel the notice after reviewing it.
49H Enforcement of compliance notice
(1) The Fair Work Ombudsman may apply to the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) for an order under subsection (2) if:
(a) a person has been given a compliance notice; and
(b) the notice has not been revoked or cancelled; and
(c) the notice is not being reconsidered under section 49F or reviewed under section 49G; and
(d) the Fair Work Ombudsman considers that the person has not complied with the notice.
(2) If the court concerned is satisfied that the person has not complied with the notice, the court may make any or all of the following orders:
(a) an order directing the person to comply with the notice;
(b) any other order that the court considers appropriate.
49J Enforceable undertakings
Enforceable provision
(1) Section 47C of this Act is enforceable under Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act.
Note 1: Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act creates a framework for accepting and enforcing undertakings relating to compliance with provisions.
Note 2: Section 47C of this Act is the positive duty in relation to sex discrimination.
Authorised persons
(2) For the purposes of Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act, the Fair Work Ombudsman is an authorised person in relation to section 47C of this Act.
Relevant court
(3) For the purposes of Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act, each of the following courts is a relevant court in relation to section 47C of this Act:
(a) the Federal Court;
(b) the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2).
Enforceable undertaking may be published on the Fair Work Ombudsman's website
(4) The Fair Work Ombudsman may publish on the Ombudsman's website an undertaking given in relation to section 47C of this Act.
Extension to external Territories
(5) Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act, as that Part applies in relation to section 47C of this Act, extends to every external Territory.
49K Delegation by the Fair Work Ombudsman
(1) The Fair Work Ombudsman may, in writing, delegate all or any of the Fair Work Ombudsman's functions or powers under this Part (including the Fair Work Ombudsman's powers and functions under Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act in relation to section 47C of this Act) to a member of the staff of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman who is:
(a) an SES employee; or
(b) an acting SES employee; or
(c) classified as Executive Level 2 or equivalent; or
(d) acting in a position usually occupied by a member of the staff of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman who is so classified.
Note: The expressions SES employee andacting SES employee are defined in theActs Interpretation Act 1901 .
(2) In performing functions or exercising powers under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Fair Work Ombudsman.
49L Jurisdiction of Federal Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2)
The Federal Court and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia (Division 2) have concurrent jurisdiction with respect to civil matters arising under this Part.
(8) Schedule 3, page 19 (line 1) to page 21 (line 22), omit the Schedule, substitute:
Schedule 3 — Inquiries into systemic unlawful dis crimination
Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986
1 Subsection 3(1)
Insert:
systemic unlawful discrimination : see subsection 46PYA(4).
2 After Part IIC
Insert:
Part IID — Systemic discrimination
46PYA Functions of Fair Work Ombudsman relating to system ic discrimination
(1) The following functions are conferred on the Fair Work Ombudsman:
(a) to inquire into any matter that may relate to systemic unlawful discrimination or suspected systemic unlawful discrimination;
(b) to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the preceding functions.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman do not include inquiring into a matter that may relate to systemic unlawful discrimination or suspected systemic unlawful discrimination of an intelligence agency.
(3) A reference in subsection (2) to an intelligence agency is a reference to the following:
(a) the Australian Secret Intelligence Service;
(b) the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation;
(c) the Office of National Intelligence;
(d) the Australian Signals Directorate;
(e) that part of the Defence Department known as the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (including any part of the Defence Force that performs functions on behalf of that part of the Department);
(f) that part of the Defence Department known as the Defence Intelligence Organisation.
(4) In this Act:
systemic unlawful discrimination means unlawful discrimination that:
(a) affects a class or group of persons; and
(b) is continuous, repetitive or forms a pattern.
46PYB Performance of functions relating to systemic discrimination
The Fair Work Ombudsman may perform the functions referred to in paragraph 46PYA(1)(a) when:
(a) the Fair Work Ombudsman is requested to do so by the Minister; or
(b) it appears to the Fair Work Ombudsman to be desirable to do so.
46PYC Application of certain provisions of the Fair Work Act
Sections 708 to 714A and 718 to 718A of the Fair Work Act 2009 apply in relation to the functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman set out in section 46PYA of this Act, and in relation to the performance of those functions, as if an inquiry under this Part were an investigation into a suspected contravention of theFair Work Act 2009 .
46PYD Fair Work Ombudsman to give opportunity for making of submissions
In an inquiry into a matter under this Part, the Fair Work Ombudsman must not make an adverse finding about a person unless it has given a reasonable opportunity to the person, to do, at the option of the person, either or both of the following:
(a) to appear before the Fair Work Ombudsman, whether in person or by a representative, and make oral submissions in relation to the matter;
(b) to make written submissions to the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to the matter.
46PYE Reports
(1) If the Fair Work Ombudsman has undertaken an inquiry into a matter under this Part, the Fair Work Ombudsman may do either or both of the following:
(a) report to the Minister in relation to the inquiry;
(b) publish a report in relation to the inquiry.
(2) The Fair Work Ombudsman may include in its report any recommendations by the Fair Work Ombudsman for addressing the matter.
46PYF Reports to be tabled in Parliament
The Minister must cause a copy of every report furnished to the Minister by the Fair Work Ombudsman under section 46PYE(1) to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is received by the Minister.
46PYG Delegation by the Fair Work Ombudsman
(1) The Fair Work Ombudsman may, in writing, delegate all or any of the Fair Work Ombudsman's functions or powers under this Part to a member of the staff of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman who is:
(a) an SES employee; or
(b) an acting SES employee; or
(c) classified as Executive Level 2 or equivalent; or
(d) acting in a position usually occupied by a member of the staff of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman who is so classified.
Note: The expressions SES employee andacting SES employee are defined in theAc ts Interpretation Act 1901 .
(2) In performing functions or exercising powers under a delegation, the delegate must comply with any directions of the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The House divided. [13:03]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(9) Schedule 4, page 22 (line 1) to page 25 (line 12), omit the Schedule.
(10) Schedule 5, page 26 (line 1) to page 28 (line 28), omit the Schedule.
The House divided. [13:13]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(11) Schedule 8, item 2, page 44 (lines 9 and 10), omit the item.
The House divided. [13:21]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
"We will do what is necessary to achieve it"—
"This is not optional, it's necessary."
That resumption of the debate on the Prime Minister's motion of condolence in connection with the death of the Hon. Anthony Austin Street be referred to the Federation Chamber.
Australia needs a government that will accept responsibility and not seek to blame others …
Australia needs a government that will accept responsibility and not seek to blame others …
The development of interconnectors and transmission is critical to bringing new generation capacity into the energy system, while shoring up reliability and affordability across state borders.
Labor has dropped former Nationals MP John McVeigh as the head of an expert Murray-Darling rivers panel …
… … …
… as chair of the Modernising Murray River Systems Review Panel …
That:
(1) a Joint Select Committee on Fair Work Amendment Legislation be established to inquire into and report on the provisions of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022;
(2) the committee consist of 12 members, being two from the House of Representatives and two from the Senate nominated by the Prime Minister, two from the House of Representatives and two from the Senate nominated by the Leader of the Opposition, and two from the House of Representatives and two from the Senate to be nominated by any minority group or independent Member or Senator;
(3) every nomination of a member of the committee be notified in writing to the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(4) in the event that a house is not sitting and is not expected to meet for at least two weeks, the relevant whip in the House of Representatives, the Leader of the Government in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, minority groups or independent Senators may nominate any appointment or discharge of a member of a committee in writing to the relevant Presiding Officer. The change in membership shall take effect from the time the Presiding Officer received the written nomination. At the next sitting, the Presiding Officer shall report the change to the relevant house and the house shall resolve that membership of the committee;
(5) the persons appointed for the time being to serve on the committee shall constitute the committee notwithstanding any failure by the Senate or the House of Representatives to appoint the full number of Senators or Members referred to in this resolution;
(6) members of the committee hold office as a joint select committee until presentation of the committee's report;
(7) the committee elect a chair and deputy chair;
(8) in the event of an equally divided vote, the chair, or the deputy chair when acting as chair, have a casting vote;
(9) four members of the committee constitute a quorum of the committee provided that in a deliberative meeting the quorum shall include at least one Government member of either house and one non-Government member of either house;
(10) the committee have power to:
(a) call for witnesses to attend and for documents to be produced;
(b) conduct proceedings at any place it sees fit;
(c) sit in public or in private; and
(d) adjourn from time to time and to sit during any adjournment of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
(11) the committee report on or before the last sitting day in February 2023;
(12) the bill not proceed past its second reading until the committee has reported; and
(13) the provisions of this resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the standing and sessional orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the standing and sessional orders.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Manager of Opposition Business from moving the following motion:
The House divided. [15:54]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Anti-Discrimination and Human Rights Legislation Amendment (Respect at Work) Bill 2022
The House divided. [16:05]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 5, item 3, page 26 (line 12) to page 27 (line 13), omit section 46PSA, substitute:
46PSA Costs
(1) In proceedings under this Division against a respondent to a terminated complaint, an applicant in the proceedings may be ordered by the court to pay costs incurred by another party to the proceedings only in accordance with subsection (3).
(2) The court may not make an award of costs against an applicant who conducts the proceedings in a reasonable manner, in respect of any costs which relate to:
(a) the complaint; or
(b) any appeal in respect of the complaint.
(3) The applicant may be ordered to pay:
(a) all, or part of, the costs referred to in subsection (2) if the court is satisfied that the applicant instituted the proceedings vexatiously or without reasonable cause; or
(b) so much of another party's costs that the court is satisfied were incurred as a result of conduct by the applicant in the course of the proceedings which the court determines to be unreasonable.
(2) Schedule 5, item 6, page 27 (lines 24 and 25), omit "if the Court considers that there are circumstances that justify it in doing so", substitute "in certain circumstances".
(3) Schedule 5, item 9, page 28 (lines 8 and 9), omit "if the Court considers that there are circumstances that justify it in doing so", substitute "in certain circumstances".
Legal costs can be prohibitive to any person seeking compensation for damage, and the risk of being ordered to pay the costs of other parties to the proceedings may deter whistleblowers and other victims of victimisation from bringing the matter to court.
The House divided. [16:27]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [16:43]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 2, item 16, page 11 (after line 4), at the end of Division 4A, add:
35AA Performance of functions relating to positive duty in relation to sex discrimination
In performing its functions under section 35A, the Commission must have regard to:
(a) the need for guidelines and other materials to be available in multiple languages; and
(b) the cultural diversity of Australian workplaces.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Workforce Incentive) Bill 2022
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:
(1) notes the severe workforce shortages across the country, record levels of job vacancies and almost a third of employing businesses having difficulty finding suitable staff;
(2) notes hiring and retaining employees remains a key challenge for small businesses; and
(3) calls on the Government to provide certainty by:
(a) increasing the work bonus from $300 to $600 a fortnight to incentivise eligible pensioners to work more hours without penalty from 1 July 2023; and
(b) reviewing this increase every twelve months to ensure these settings remain appropriate".
That all words after "reading" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"the House calls on the Government to lift the rate of all income support payments above the poverty line".
I am 61 years young and have been on JobSeeker for a year or so. I have had two skin cancer operations, both of which required several months off in the last 12 months leaving me unable to work for months at a time. I was working as a casual doing around 30 hours a week before that earning good money.
Trying to live on the Centrelink payments is impossible. After paying rent there is barely anything left—not to mention gas, electricity, phone/internet, water, fuel/car, after which I was left most weeks only able to afford scraps for food. Meat has been out of the question as were most other items and you can forget anything like clothes and underwear etc.
It is the most undignified way to live that I have ever experienced and brought with it a deep feeling of shame, worthlessness and anxiety.
I am good with money and sticking to budgets but this was something that could not be balanced which meant using my credit card for simple things like Christmas and Birthday Presents for my Grandchildren—this also accumulated great shame, depression and despair. I have worked my whole life and been an active part of my children's and grandchildren's lives as well as the community but I am too scared to go anywhere unless I absolutely have to now because I need to be so frugal even when it comes to using fuel.
I am sure I am not the only who has fallen on hard times out of no fault of their own and has been put through this humiliation.
I'm currently on JobSeeker while studying to join the mental health workforce. My disabilities are chronic, without cure, and I've had to stop taking medication for my mental conditions because the impact on my body conditions was too high.
Every week I'm assessing whether the priority is to buy enough protein to sustain myself, or if I need to make room in the budget for my specialist appointment. I want to get to the bottom of my mobility issues.
I want to finish my studies and placements so that I can support the wellbeing of my community.
Scraping by on income support and the measly $50 of 'rent assist' makes me feel like our government has forgotten what people need to survive in the economy they've created.
It is absolutely disgusting and shameful that we do not have adequate facilities to treat our elderly with the respect and dignity they deserve.
The Bounteous Lord heard the anguished cries (of humanity), and so, Guru Nanak, He sent to this world of woe.
Even kings and emperors with heaps of wealth and vast dominion cannot compare with an ant filled with the love of God.
When counsel assisting opened I was belittled and I was humiliated by the severity of the allegations.
They cut me to the core. It was truly harrowing as I knew the allegations were wrong. It's an environment where you're not innocent until proven guilty. If you're there, the reporting is such that you're already guilty.
As I walked into the inquiry on the first day, someone yelled out, 'Suicide is an option, Nick.'
There's something about the way the commission has operated that's conducive to people behaving so abhorrently.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Claydon ) took the chair at 10:30.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Government has signed Australia up to the Global Methane Pledge despite promising the Australian public that it would not sign the pledge during the 2022 election;
(b) this is a broken election promise;
(c) the Global Methane Pledge includes a target to reduce methane emissions by 30 per cent on 2020 levels by 2030;
(d) 48 per cent of Australia's annual methane emissions come from the agricultural sector, where no affordable, practical and large-scale way exists to reduce it other than culling herd sizes;
(e) in the previous Government, the Coalition invested over $18 million to monitor and reduce fugitive methane emissions in the energy and resources sector, and help farmers reduce emissions from livestock; and
(f) this pledge, in effect, creates a cap on the size of Australia's livestock industry;
(2) further notes that:
(a) international research shows the target cannot be realised without taking behavioural and technical measures in the livestock agriculture sector, and recommends people change their diets resulting in lower meat and dairy consumption, leading to a capping or reduction of the national livestock herd;
(b) this will increase the price of a steak at your favourite restaurant or butcher, or a white coffee at your favourite cafe, at a time when small businesses are already struggling with mounting cost-of-doing-business pressures; and
(c) this pledge equally calls to reduce methane emissions from the gas sector—a critical fuel source that complements the increasing share of renewables in our electricity grid—which adds pressure to production and generation and is an invitation for the type of chaos we are seeing in Europe at the moment; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) install financial protections for Australia's agricultural sector which will be impacted by the Global Methane Pledge;
(b) provide assurances to Australia's agricultural sector that there will be no new taxes and regulation to deliver the Government's methane emissions reduction target; and
(c) provide assurances the national livestock herd will not be capped or reduced as a consequence of the Government's methane emissions reduction target.
Signing the pledge signals Australia's voluntary commitment to participation in global action on methane emissions.
For agriculture it will reinforce our demonstrated commitment to sustainability and ongoing access to key markets as an export orientated sector.
Today's announcement shows the government has listened to our concerns and recognises the Australian red meat and livestock industry is proactively addressing emissions and is well advanced in achieving its CN30 target. Industry's net emissions have reduced by almost 60% since 2005, representing by far the greatest reduction by any sector of Australia's economy.
With the right policy settings and ongoing research investment, our industry can be at the forefront of the climate solution.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Government's $9.6 billion of funding in the 2022-23 October budget for the infrastructure that Australia needs, including but not limited to:
(a) upgrading the Bruce Highway in Queensland;
(b) building electric bus charging infrastructure for Perth's electric bus network;
(c) investing in Tasmania's Bass and Tasman highways;
(d) investing in South Australia's Dukes and Augusta highways;
(e) partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop;
(f) improving Canberra's cycle routes;
(g) sealing the Northern Territory's Tanami Road and upgrading the Central Arnhem Road; and
(h) investing in Western Sydney's Road Package; and
(2) notes this funding will make journeys quicker and ensure Australians return home to their families safely.
Good roads are the lifeblood of communities across Tasmania—and improving safety and travel time is really important for local families and the economy.
My grandfather was a grader driver during the Great Depression. If a road hasn't had a grader on it since the Thirties why on earth would a responsible federal government make it a priority now while the population in the bush is decreasing?
As a rural bloke, this is the most short sighted and selfish stance I've heard. Essentially this doesn't affect me and I've seen some ppl relocate to the city, so let's keep the access roads, used by many, in a 3rd world condition."
Hit the bricks Graham
Is this honestly the ALP position? That if you live outside an urban area, you should just accept roads that are third world?
It's really important for Territorians to understand we've got some of the most vigorous environmental protections and community impact legislation that we've worked through and this will go through every assessment
Labor will make sure that those investments really stack up using the Infrastructure Australia model that I established.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) Israel, as a sovereign state, is free to decide its own capital; and
(b) for the last 3,000 years Jerusalem has not been the capital of any state other than a Jewish state, and has been the seat of government of Israel since 1950;
(2) recognises that the territory of West Jerusalem:
(a) has been part of Israel's sovereign territory since the state was established in 1948, and is not part of the territory which Israel captured during the 1967 war;
(b) is therefore outside the scope of United Nations (UN) resolutions since 1967, which are limited expressly to territory occupied by Israel since 1967; and
(c) has never been the subject of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians;
(3) further notes that:
(a) Australia's recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2018 did not in any way pre-empt the outcome of peace negotiations, or undermine the prospects of achieving a peaceful settlement of the conflict based on the UN-endorsed principle of two states for two peoples; and
(b) since 2020 four Arab states have officially normalised relations with Israel, thereby disproving claims which were made in 2018 that recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital would worsen the conflict; and
(4) calls on the Government to:
(a) reverse its recent decision to no longer recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel;
(b) apologise to the Australian people for the lack of consultation or opportunity for public debate in the lead-up to the decision, and for effecting an important change of government policy through an amendment to a government website, and then officially denying the change, before a decision was taken by the Cabinet;
(c) apologise to Israel for this ill-considered decision, and the hasty and careless manner in which it was made; and
(d) apologise to the Australian Jewish community for the failure to consult and for announcing its decision on the Jewish Holy Day of Simchat Torah, when Jewish community organisations were precluded from responding.
Australia has for generations spoken with one voice in support of Israel. Labor’s own history of steadfast support for Israel extends back to well before the founding of the modern state in 1948.
… … …
The truth is that you do not have to look far to see the reality, and value, of bipartisanship when it comes to Israel.
Please outline your party's policies on the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, including any additional measures it would take if elected to government.
Significantly, there was no statement as previously, that Labor would reverse the Morrison government's decision. Was this misleading? It was certainly less than full disclosure.
… Australia's recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2018 did not in any way pre-empt the outcome of peace negotiations, or undermine the prospects of achieving a peaceful settlement of the conflict based on the UN-endorsed principle of two states for two peoples …
The former Government made the decision to recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. No decision to change that has been made by the current government.
In light of the way in which this decision was made in Australia, as a hasty response to an incorrect report in the media, we can only hope that the Australian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally.
Today the Government has reaffirmed Australia's previous and longstanding position that Jerusalem is a final status issue that should be resolved as part of any peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian people.
Australia's embassy has always been, and remains, in Tel Aviv.
Matters relating to Jerusalem are subject to final status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
People are clearing the land where they live. If you chop down the trees, they won't be able to find a home and live happily. If we don't protect the masked owl then they won't have babies and there won't be more owls.
In Europe, every agreement, whether it's political or economic or trade, needs to be a net plus on climate change.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the gender pay gap still sits at an unacceptable 14.1 per cent;
(b) men earn an extra $263.90 per week more than women;
(c) the gender pay gap has only narrowed by 5.1 per cent since 1983; and
(d) work in female-dominated industries is disproportionately undervalued because of discriminatory assumptions about the value of the work; and
(2) commends the Government for amending the Fair Work Act 2009 and related legislation to improve job security and gender equity by:
(a) including in the Fair Work Act 2009: gender equity, secure work, an equal remuneration principle, and enhancing the enforcement and compliance framework;
(b) prohibiting pay secrecy clauses; and
(c) establishing new expert panels in the Fair Work Commission for pay equity and the care and community sector.
… popular with employers in Australia because it prevents the free sharing of information that employees need to know, to know where they stand in relation to each other and to effectively bargain to get a higher pay increase.
Pay secrecy means that employees do not have full information about their colleagues' pay; such as formal base salary levels, salary structures, and informal remuneration salary components.
That this House:
(1)notes that the previous Government:
(a)had the foresight to implement Australia's first ever Critical Minerals Strategy in 2019;
(b)provided billions in funding to support the development of Australia's critical minerals sector since 2019;
(c)provided a $1.25 billion loan in April 2022 through the Critical Minerals Facility to Australian company Iluka Resources to develop Australia's first integrated rare earths refinery in Western Australia;
(d)committed $200 million in the 2022-23 budget to develop early and mid-stage critical minerals projects as part of the Critical Minerals Accelerator Initiative funded under the Regional Accelerator Initiative; and
(e)committed $50.5 million in the 2022-23 budget to the Critical Minerals Research and Development Centre;
(2)further notes that the Government is cutting critical minerals funding:
(a)by $100 million under the Critical Minerals Development Program, formerly known as the Critical Minerals Accelerator Initiative; and
(b)to the $50.5 million Critical Minerals Research and Development Centre, now rebranded as a 'hub', by pushing funding out over four years instead of three years; and
(3)calls on the Government to:
(a)explain why it believes renaming an existing program and cutting its funding makes it a 'new initiative' as described by the Prime Minister;
(b)explain why it is undermining its own rush towards an 82 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 by cutting investment in Australia's critical minerals, which are vital to the creation of technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and batteries; and
(c)reverse their cuts to the Critical Minerals Accelerator Initiative and the Critical Minerals Research and Development Centre.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the devastation caused by ongoing native forest logging in this country;
(2) commits to protecting our native forests from logging;
(3) abolishes the effective exemption from environment laws that has been granted to native forest logging currently covered by regional forestry agreements between the federal and state governments; and
(4) further commits to implementing the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 , as soon as possible, to arrest the decline of our iconic places and the extinction of our most threatened plants, animals, and ecosystems.