The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That further statements in relation to the death of Constable Anthony Woods be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 20 June 2023.
2. The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 20 June 2023, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 31 July 2023, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security
Review of Administration and Expenditure No. 20 (2020-2021) — Australian Intelligence Agencies
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made — all statements to conclude by 10.20 am.
Speech time limits —
Mr Khalil — 10minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 10 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MS SHARKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 , and for related purposes. (Commonwealth Electoral Amendment ( Real Time Disclosure of Political Donations) Bill 2023 )
(Notice given 28 March 2023.)
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 MS SHARKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 , and for related purposes. (Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Lowering the Donation Disclosure Threshold) Bill 2023 )
(Notice given 28 March 2023.)
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 KATTER: To move:
That this House calls on the Government to prescribe that Australian superannuation monies be invested in Australian industries and projects by ensuring:
(1) superannuation funds holding the money of Australian citizens be encouraged to investigate mechanisms that will enable them to invest that money in:
(a) entities that have majority Australian ownership; and
(b) projects or industries that are based, or predominately operate, in Australia;
(2) the Government partner with such superannuation funds, under public-private partnerships (PPPs), to invest in Australian industries for money-making projects;
(3) that such PPPs are listed as critical economic generators and have streamlined assessment and approval processes; and
(4) that the Government consider all other necessary measures to maximise the income stream from such investments and offer maximum returns for Australian citizens.
(Notice given 20 June 2023.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Katter — 5 minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MS J RYAN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that since the last sitting of the House, the following have come into effect:
(a) cheaper child care;
(b) strengthened paid parental leave;
(c) reform to the Safeguard Mechanism;
(d) registered nurses in aged care, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;
(e) the National Anti-Corruption Commission;
(f) a pay rise for aged care workers;
(g) the Small Business Energy Incentive;
(h) additional support for more social and affordable rental housing;
(i) expanding eligibility for the Home Guarantee Scheme;
(j) the net zero economy agency;
(k) a pathway to citizenship for New Zealand citizens; and
(2) further notes that the Government has delivered on these commitments in the face of relentless negativity and opposition from the Liberal-National Coalition; and
(3) acknowledges that while the Government hasn't wasted a day since coming to Government by laying strong foundations.
(Notice giv en 20 June 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms J Ryan — 5 minutes.
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.
5 MR VAN MANEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) under the current Government labour productivity growth has slumped to a historic low of -4.6 per cent; and
(b) the collapse in labour productivity represents a loss of almost half of the growth achieved during the Coalition's time in office;
(2) acknowledges that the Government's:
(a) excuses and blame shifting on productivity are no substitute for a lack of a growth plan for the economy; and
(b) indifference to the productivity challenge should alarm all Australians because it shows indifference to the challenges Australians are facing; and
(3) calls on the Government to take real action to address cost of living pressures and labour productivity growth.
(Notice given 20 June 2023 .)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Mr van Manen — 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.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR SUKKAR: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) the importance of income management in keeping vulnerable communities safe, particularly women and children, and in protecting the integrity of our social security system;
(b) the Coalition's commitment to listening to affected communities;
(c) the Coalition's plan to reinstate the successful cashless debit card;
(d) that since the abolition of the cashless debit card, there have been reports of widespread abuse of alcohol, drugs and other anti-social behaviour; and
(e) the Government's decision to spend over $217 million in taxpayers money to launch the so-called SmartCard; and
(2) calls on the Government to join with the Coalition in committing to re-establish the cashless debit card.
(Notice given 23 May 2023.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Sukkar — 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 DR ANANDA-RAJAH: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes the Government's announcement of a new $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator to deliver thousands of new social rental homes across Australia;
(2) acknowledges the Government's commitment to an ambitious housing agenda which will boost the supply of all housing, with more social housing, more affordable housing, more homes to rent and more homes to buy, and includes:
(a) establishing the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee three months early, helping regional Australians purchase a home with as little as a 5 per cent deposit and avoiding paying Lenders' Mortgage Insurance;
(b) widening the remit of the National Housing Infrastructure Facility, making up to $575 million available to invest immediately in social and affordable rental homes, with projects already under construction as a result of this funding;
(c) working with the states and territories through the National Housing Accord and National Cabinet to support planning and zoning reforms to contribute to the aspiration of building one million new homes over 5 years from 2024, as well as investing $350 million in additional federal funding to deliver 10,000 affordable rental homes over five years from 2024 as part of the accord—matched by the states and territories;
(d) further establishing the interim National Housing Supply and Affordability Council to provide expert advice to Government on housing supply and affordability;
(e) delivering the largest increase to Commonwealth Rent Assistance in more than 30 years, with a 15 per cent increase in the maximum rates;
(f) increasing the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation's liability cap by $2 billion to provide lower cost and longer-term finance to community housing providers through the Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator;
(g) providing tax incentives to encourage more build-to-rent developments to boost new supply in the private rental market;
(h) further providing an additional $67.5 million of funding to the states and territories to help tackle homelessness challenges as part of a one-year extension to the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement which provides $1.7 billion a year to the states and territories for housing and homelessness services; and
(i) expanding eligibility for the Home Guarantee Scheme, which helps people purchase a home sooner by reducing the deposit they need to save; and
(3) condemns the Opposition and the Australian Greens for blocking the Housing Australia Future Fund, and notes that every day of delay is $1.3 million not being spent on social and affordable housing for Australians who need it today.
(Notice given 20 June 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Dr Ananda-Rajah — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this m atter should continue on a future day.
3 MRS ANDREWS: To move:
That this House:
(1) recognises the insidious nature of foreign interference and the threat it poses to our democracy, businesses and to individuals;
(2) notes:
(a) ongoing reports of attempts by Cambodia's Hun Sen regime to infiltrate and monitor activity within the Australian community, particularly in the diaspora communities; and
(b) reports of potential money laundering in Australia by key figures of the regime; and
(3) expresses concern about these activities and calls on the Government to ensure that appropriate and thorough investigations occur into these concerning reports.
(Notice given 23 May 2023.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mrs Andrews — 5 minutes.
Other Members — 5 minutes 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.
4 MS CLAYDON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released in June 2023 show that since, May 2022:
(a) women's total employment is up by 249,000;
(b) 233,500 more women have joined the labour force;
(c) women's part-time work has increased by 20,500
(d) women's full-time jobs have boomed, increasing by 228,600; and
(e) women have accounted for 59.3 per cent of the growth in full-time jobs;
(2) further notes that this comes off the back of recent Treasury analysis showing that the first 12 months of the Government have had the strongest jobs growth of any new Australian government in history; and
(3) recognises the Government is laying strong foundations for a better future for women in the workforce by delivering on its key election commitments of:
(a) cheaper child care;
(b) expanding paid parental leave;
(c) action to boost wages of the low paid through submissions to the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review and aged care work value case;
(d) delivering the recommendations of the Respect@Work report; and
(e) delivering our Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislation which:
(i) has opened up bargaining to workers in low-paid industries which are most likely to be female dominated through the supported bargaining stream;
(ii) made gender equality an object of the Fair Work Act;
(iii) set up new expert panels in the Fair Work Commission focused on pay equity and the care and community sector, and introduced a statutory equal remuneration principle to address low wages and gender-based undervaluation of work;
(iv) made the right to request flexible working arrangements an enforceable right; and
(v) prohibited pay secrecy clauses.
(Notice given 20 June 2023.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Ms Claydon — 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.
Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices — contin ued
5 MR L O'BRIEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Government has scrapped the monitoring of domestic airlines by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission at a time when Australian consumers are paying more for airfares but are subject to increased flight cancellations and delays;
(b) domestic airfares were 32 per cent higher in May 2023 than they were prepandemic in May 2019; and
(c) 1,700 flights were cancelled, and 12,000 flights arrived more than 15 minutes late in April 2023.
(Notice given 20 June 2023.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Spee ch time limits —
Mr L O'Brien — 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.
6 MS MILLER-FROST: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes the Government's commitment to Medicare through the largest increase to Medicare rebates in thirty years and a tripling of the bulk billing incentive;
(2) acknowledges the Government's commitment to making it easier to see a doctor and making medicines cheaper and strengthening Medicare after nine years of cuts, neglect and rorts; and
(3) calls on the Opposition to support the Government's policy to halve the cost of medicine for over six million Australians.
(Notice given 20 June 2023.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Miller-Frost — 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.
7 MR WILKIE: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety provided a clear blueprint on how to fundamentally change and improve our aged care services, but the majority of the 148 recommendations have still not been implemented; and
(b) the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the point of contact for concerns and complaints about aged service provider responsibilities but it appears to be understaffed, have limited powers of investigation and be restricted in the way sanctions can be imposed on providers; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) establish an independent body to oversee the implementation of the essential aged care service reforms in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety; and
(b) expand the powers and resourcing of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to enable it to effectively manage complaints and impose meaningful sanctions.
(Notice given 20 June 2023.)
Time allotted — 15 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Wilkie — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
8 MS FERNANDO: To move:
That this House:
(1) recognises that:
(a) up to one in six recent migrants to Australia is paid less than the minimum wage;
(b) exploitation does not just affect individual workers but effectively drives down wages and worsens conditions for all Australian workers; and
(c) about 20 per cent of anonymous reports and disputes resolved by the Fair Work Ombudsman, and up to 80 per cent of litigations initiated by the Ombudsman in recent years involved migrants;
(2) acknowledges the Government is delivering on its commitment to improving employer compliance in the workplace by:
(a) introducing new criminal offences, additional enforcement tools, increased pecuniary penalties and a prohibition measure; and
(b) enhancing safeguards and protections for workers through co-designing a range of initiatives; and
(3) commends the Government for introducing stronger protections for temporary migrant workers to ensure a better future for all workers.
(Notice given 19 June 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minut es.
Speech time limits —
Ms Fernando — 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.
9 MR MCCORMACK: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which was established by the Coalition, has been embraced by industry and Pacific Island communities alike as a program that has efficiently reduced labour shortages, increased financial opportunities for workers and strengthened ties between Pacific countries and Australia;
(b) the Government's union-backed reforms to the PALM scheme are a huge threat to farmers, consumers, Pacific workers and our foreign relations;
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) farmers are now threatening to boycott the program which will force those from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to be paid a minimum of 30 hours a week, every week under Labor's plans; and
(b) the changes to the scheme were made without adequate consultation with stakeholders and the adverse reaction shows the Government needs to go back to the drawing board; and
(3) recognises that Labor's changes are being rammed through without warranted consideration and attention and have the potential to cause major disruptions to the scheme which would see an increase of labour shortages, a breakdown in Pacific relations and increased costs being passed onto the consumer at the grocery store.
(Notice given 20 June 2023.)
Time al lotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Mr McCormack — 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.
THE HON D. M. DICK MP
Speaker of the House of Representatives
21 June 2023
Biosecurity Amendment (Advanced Compliance Measures) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Treasury Laws Amendment (2023 Law Improvement Package No. 1) Bill 2023
… the system of law under which people live is responsive to the social needs of our time. The rules which govern the relationship of persons with each other and with the Government should reflect current values and philosophies.
If Australia's corporations and financial services statutes were likened to a house, it would be a large and disordered one. A house in which new annexes have been added with little thought to overall design, and in which objects are scattered and hidden, with little regard to how they may be found in the future. In short, a house that is thoroughly disordered. A house that needs re-design and serious tidying.
… the law today does not reflect any single design philosophy. It is disorganised, unwieldy, incoherent, and difficult to navigate (let alone comprehend).
… we might embrace a bit more minimalism, relocate some of our clutter, and throw out the broken toys and scattered pizza boxes.
Treasury Laws Amendment (2023 Measures No. 3) Bill 2023
… new rules that prohibit schemes designed to avoid the application of a product intervention order (in relation to a credit facility) made under Part 7.9A of the Corporations Act.
The changes aim to get the balance right between the undeniable need for a strong gas sector to support reliable electricity and domestic manufacturing for decades to come and the need for a more sustainable national budget.
If Assange is extradited with the help of the British, and faces prosecution in the US, then no journalist in the world is safe from life imprisonment in the US.
I was available for people to point to and say, we support 'good whistleblowers'. But that's just ridiculous. Whatever he's guilty of, I'm guilty of.
I identify with him totally. The notion that he's guilty of something that I, the good guy, wasn't, is just false.
(iii) the Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to matters relating to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice, including its composition, functions, powers and procedures.
This will further delay solutions to Australia's social and affordable housing crisis, after a decade of neglect. The Society is urging the Government, Coalition, minor parties and independents to support the establishment of the HAFF as a priority …
… this parliamentary conflict helps create the space for a broader campaign in civil society.
Allowing the HAFF to pass would demobilize the growing section of civil society that is justifiably angry about the degree of poverty and financial stress that exists in such a wealthy country.
While Parliament has debated the HAFF, the Greens have also launched a national door-knocking campaign targeted at Labor-held federal electorates.
… we keep going, we maintain this momentum, until we change the system, until we tear down the institutions …
I think the Australian people deserve to know the full details of the implications of this policy including the financial ones. It would beggar belief that they would be contemplating an apology that could open the government up to serious damages claims without knowing what those claims would be.
The Voice is advisory. It won't be Moses handing down the tablets from the mountain. The parliament will still be the democratic centre of our national life. The parliament will still be supreme in matters of law and policy.
Consequently, if the Greens were to wave through the HAFF bill, it would foreclose on the possibility of building the social and political pressure needed to force the government to take meaningful action.
Allowing the HAFF to pass would demobilize the growing section of civil society that is justifiably angry about the degree of poverty and financial stress that exists in such a wealthy country.
While Parliament has debated the HAFF, the Greens have also launched a national door-knocking campaign targeted at Labor-held federal electorates.
The urgent need for the government to accelerate action to help households transition away from fossil fuels and electrify with cheaper renewable energy.
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2022-2023
Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2022-2023
Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2022-2023
Public Interest Disclosure Amendment (Review) Bill 2022
Migration Amendment (Giving Documents and Other Measures) Bill 2023
Treasury Laws Amendment (2022 Measures No. 4) Bill 2022
That the amendments be agreed to.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Refining and Improving Our Tax System) Bill 2023
That order of the day No. 3, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
Nature Repair Market Bill 2023
Nature Repair Market (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023
Just because something is difficult, doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. It means we should … do it properly.
The House divided. [17:13]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Clause 7, page 13 (after line 30), after the definition of non-corporate government body , insert:
offset means a measure that compensates for the residual impacts of an action on the environment, as required under Commonwealth, State or Territory law.
(2) Page 99 (after line 15), at the end of Division 3, add:
76A Use of biodiversity certificates for offsetting
(1) A biodiversity certificate cannot be used for the purpose of offsetting unless:
(a) the biodiversity outcome of the registered biodiversity project in respect of which the biodiversity certificate was issued; and
(b) the impact on the environment to which the offset relates;
affect the same species and ecological community.
Note: This means that a biodiversity certificate that was issued in respect of a project that enhances or protects biodiversity in a particular species and ecological community can only be used to offset impacts on the environment that affect the same species and ecological community.
(2) This section has effect despite any other provision of this Act or any other Act.
(3) Clause 151, page 168 (line 18), before "both", insert "the original biodiversity certificate cannot be relinquished and".
(4) Clause 151, page 168 (after line 33), at the end of the clause, add:
(3) Rules made for the purposes of subsection (2) must provide that a biodiversity certificate (the first certificate ) only meets the relinquishment equivalence requirements in relation to another biodiversity certificate (thesecond certificate ) if the first certificate and the second certificate were issued in respect of registered biodiversity projects that:
(a) are covered by the same methodology determination; and
(b) relate to the same species and ecological community.
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (cell at table item 1, column 2), omit the cell, substitute:
(2) Clause 3, page 3 (line 7), at the end of the clause, add:
; and (f) to promote the enhancement or protection of biodiversity against the urgent threat of climate change, drawing on the best available scientific knowledge.
to promote the enhancement or protection of biodiversity against the urgent threat of climate change, drawing on the best available scientific knowledge.
(3) Clause 172, page 192 (line 21), omit "publish on the Regulator's website", substitute "prepare".
(4) Clause 172, page 192 (after line 24), at the end of the clause, add:
(3) The Regulator must:
(a) give the report to the Minister; and
(b) publish the report on the Regulator's website;
as soon as practicable after the report is prepared.
(4) The Minister must cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is given to the Minister.
(5) Clause 175, page 194 (line 17), before "The Secretary", insert "(1)".
(6) Clause 175, page 194 (line 17), omit "publish on the Department's website", substitute "prepare".
(7) Clause 175, page 195 (after line 14), at the end of the clause, add:
(2) The Secretary must give a report prepared under subsection (1) to the Minister as soon as practicable after the report is prepared.
(3) The Minister must cause a copy of a report received under subsection (2) to be:
(a) tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is given to the Minister; and
(b) published on the Department's website as soon as practicable after the report is given to the Minister.
(1) Clause 7, page 11 (after line 3), after the definition of engage in conduct , insert:
environmental offsetting purpose : a biodiversity certificate is used for anenvironmental offsetting purpose if it is used for the purpose of meeting an environmental offsetting requirement (however described) under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.
(2) Clause 68, page 94 (after line 17), after subclause (1), insert:
(1A) The approved form of application must require the project proponent to indicate whether or not the biodiversity certificate can be used for an environmental offsetting purpose.
(3) Clause 70, page 96 (lines 2 and 3), omit subclause (3), substitute:
(3) A biodiversity certificate must:
(a) if the project proponent has indicated in the application that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose—include a statement that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose; and
(b) set out such other matters (if any) as are specified in the rules.
(4) Page 96 (after line 19), after clause 70A, insert:
70B Variation of biodiversity certificate in relation to envi ronmental offsetting
(1) The project proponent of a registered biodiversity project in respect of which a biodiversity certificate has been issued may request that the Regulator vary the certificate to:
(a) include a statement that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose; or
(b) remove a statement that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose.
(2) The Regulator must vary the certificate in accordance with the request unless:
(a) the request is to include a statement that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose and the Regulator is not satisfied that the certificate is not being used for an environmental offsetting purpose; or
(b) the project proponent is not the holder of the certificate and the holder has not consented, in writing, to the requested variation.
(3) The request must be in a form approved, in writing, by the Regulator.
(5) Clause 71, page 96 (line 26), after "section 70A", insert "or 70B".
(6) Page 99 (after line 15), at the end of Division 3, add:
76A Limitation on use of biodiversity certificate for environmental offsetting
(1) If a biodiversity certificate includes a statement that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose, the certificate must not be used for such a purpose.
(2) This section has effect despite any other provision of this Act or any other law of the Commonwealth, or a State or Territory.
(7) Clause 164, page 186 (after line 11), after paragraph (1)(d), insert:
(da) whether the certificate includes a statement that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose; and
(db) if the certificate does not include a statement that the certificate cannot be used for an environmental offsetting purpose—the following:
(i) whether the certificate is being used for an environmental offsetting purpose;
(ii) if the certificate is being used for such a purpose, the law that creates the relevant environmental offsetting requirement; and
(8) Clause 212, page 233 (after line 19), after paragraph (f), insert:
(fa) a decision under section 70B to refuse to vary a biodiversity certificate;
(1) Page 193 (after line 4), at the end of Division 2, add:
173A Information about market for biodiversity certificates
The Secretary may publish information on the Department's website about the market for biodiversity certificates, including information about any of the following:
(a) the development of the market;
(b) opportunities to participate in the market;
(c) the way in which the market contributes, or could contribute, to the enhancement or protection of biodiversity in native species in Australia.
(2) Clause 219, page 237 (line 15), after "persons", insert "(including Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders, other individuals and small businesses)".
(3) Clause 219, page 237 (line 17), after "applicants", insert "(including Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders, other individuals and small businesses)".
(4) Clause 219, page 237 (after line 30), after paragraph (j), insert:
(ja) to advise and assist persons (including Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders, other individuals and small businesses) for the purpose of supporting participation in the market for biodiversity certificates;
Aboriginal people have been caring for Country for tens of thousands of years. But so much damage has been done in the last two-hundred and fifty years. This new law will help Traditional Owners fix it.
Traditional Owners know their Country. Indigenous Rangers have also played a key role in using traditional knowledge to manage Country through land and sea management across the Territory. This new market is good news for Traditional Owners and Rangers.
Making sure Traditional Owners agree to projects on Aboriginal land goes without saying. I want to see Aboriginal projects on Aboriginal land being run by Aboriginal people. This is our future.
… a vast array of habitats representative of northern Australia which face major threats such as feral animals, weeds and saltwater intrusion into the vast wetland ecosystems.
Without the incentives and interventions available through a nature repair market, there is a high risk these once pristine ecosystems will be further degraded and lost forever. We will be working hard to promote a suitable area in the NLC region for a potential pilot site and method development for the Nature Repair Market.
(2) Clause 224, page 240 (after line 23), after subclause (1), insert:
(1A) Despite subsection (1), the Secretary must not delegate any of the Secretary's functions or powers under Part 6 (purchase of biodiversity certificates by the Commonwealth) to a person who is an official of the Regulator.
(3) Clause 236, page 243 (after line 24), after paragraph (2)(a), insert:
(aa) the extent to which the Regulator has contributed to the achievement of the objects of this Act by performing the Regulator's functions, and exercising the Regulator's powers, under this Act; and
(1) Page 238 (after line 2), after clause 219, insert:
219A Qualifications of members of the Regulator
Despite any other law of the Commonwealth, at least one member of the Regulator must have:
(a) substantial experience or knowledge; and
(b) significant standing;
in at least one of the following fields:
(c) agriculture;
(d) biological or ecological science.
(4) Clause 236, page 244 (after line 4), after subclause (2), insert:
(2A) A review under subsection (1) must consider:
(a) the operation, administration and regulation of the nature repair market established by the Act; and
(b) the extent to which the Act has implemented, or contributed to implementing, recommendations set out in the Final Report of the Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units, published in December 2022; and
(c) levels of compliance with the Act and the adequacy of enforcement powers in the Act; and
(d) any interaction between the nature repair market established by the Act and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ; and
(e) whether the functions and powers of the Regulator should be transferred to a Commonwealth environment protection authority.
(5) Clause 236, page 245 (line 2), omit "5", substitute "3".
(1) Clause 3, page 2 (line 15), omit "or", substitute "and".
(2) Clause 3, page 2 (line 18), after "biodiversity", insert ", including the Biodiversity Convention".
(3) Clause 3, page 2 (after line 18), after paragraph (b), insert:
(ba) to contribute to meeting Australia's domestic goal of no new extinctions; and
(4) Clause 7, page 7 (after line 30), after the definition of biodiversity conservation purchasing process , insert:
Biodiversity Convention means the Convention on Biological Diversity, done at Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992, as in force for Australia from time to time.
Note: The Convention is in Australian Treaty Series 1993 No. 32 ([1993] ATS 32) and could in 2023 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
That this bill be now read a third time.
Nature Repair Market (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Public Service Amendment Bill 2023
… called for the core principles and APS Values to be strengthened, by reaffirming the important and enduring role that all APS employees play in serving successive Governments, the Parliament and the Australian public.
… develop and embed an inspiring purpose and vision to unite the APS in serving the nation.
… called for the APS to adopt best-practice ways of working and improving decision-making, by ensuring Agency Heads empower APS employees to make decisions appropriate to their classification.
… called for regular, future-focused capability reviews to build organisational capacity and accountability, by establishing the power for the Commissioner to cause a capability review …
… strike a better balance between short-term responsiveness and investing in the deep expertise required to grapple with long-term, strategic policy challenges.
To achieve this aspiration, the APS will need to undergo a significant transformation, guided by the recommendations in this review — uniting through a clear purpose, building its professionalism and expertise, embracing data and digital, looking out and working with partners to solve problems, getting rid of the excessive silos and hierarchy, and strengthening service-wide leadership and governance.
For strength of self-determination and the love of country, we must not allow unelected, undemocratic and unaccountable international groups of organisations to exert undue influence over the future of Australia. We must be the masters of our own destiny.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Archer ) took the chair at 09:30.
The Australian Government has a responsibility to support and empower parents to achieve full social and economic participation. This is not merely a moral imperative, but an economic priority. ParentsNext grew out of earlier efforts to help young teenage parents, and then highly disadvantaged single mums with positive net outcomes. The Committee's conclusion is that the continuation of a 'program' (we say pre-vocational service) to support vulnerable parents is essential.
ParentsNext, however, is now locked into a punitive frame and does too much harm for the good it also does. Unfortunately, the positive experiences were overshadowed by evidence of harms caused by onerous participation requirements and a harsh compliance regime. The Committee also heard that the program has an undue focus on paid employment, which may not be appropriate for many parents who have made the reasonable choice to focus on caring for their young children.
Watch out for the tail. It has a sting. For COVID, it will be chronic disease and mass illness disrupting lives and constraining our productivity for years to come. This is not inevitable but depends on what we do next.
For many it is a serious, life-changing condition. … The scale of its impact in Australia is not always fully recognised. Many of our members are feeling neglected or forgotten. … This lack of strong data makes it difficult to develop appropriate policy responses and easily dismiss the serious, urgent widespread need.
That the debate be adjourned and the resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for the next day of sitting.
As the sun surely sets: dawn will see it arise, for service, above self, demands its own prize. You have fought the good fight: life's race has been run, and peace, your reward, for eternity begun. And we that are left, shall never forget, rest in peace friend and colleague, for the sun has now set. We will remember. We will remember. Hasten the dawn.
RIP Anthony Woods. You were doing your job serving and protecting us and paid the ultimate price. Thank you for your service and bravery.
An unbelievably sad day for the family and WAPOL. Condolences to all.
So sorry he left us. I was praying for a miracle and rooting for his recovery. Deepest condolences to family, friends, colleagues and WAPOL.
How very sad a young man doing his job is killed so tragically. Condolences to his family and his fellow officers.
Sincerest Condolences to family and friends, a great loss to the world.
This is so damn sad, only doing his job, just awful. I trust the family finds comfort in the love and support being offered to them at this shocking time. In respectful Memory
I know I speak on behalf of everyone in WA, in sending our love and thoughts to Anthony's family, friends and colleagues. His life was dedicated to making our state a safer place for Western Australians and he is to be commended on his dedication and bravery.
It is with great sadness that the WA Police Force confirms the passing of Constable Anthony Woods, who succumbed to injuries suffered in the line of duty, while attending an incident in Ascot earlier this week
Constable Anthony Woods exemplified the values of the WA Police Force, and his memory will be forever etched in our hearts.
WA Police extend heartfelt condolences to Anthony's family, colleagues and all those who knew and loved him.
On behalf of the state government, I offer my sincere condolences to the family, friends and police family of Constable Anthony Woods. May he forever be remembered for his dedication, commitment and sacrifice in the line of duty for the protection of the Western Australian community.
We are shattered to lose our dear Anthony. He was a devoted husband and loving son, brother, and uncle who was taken from this earth far too soon.
Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hard-working man who loved the West Coast Eagles and mucking around with his mates—
He brought light and laughter to every situation, and his wicked sense of humour is irreplaceable.
Our pain at this time is indescribable, and we take comfort in the outpouring of love from the community.
We ask that you keep Anthony's memory alive by telling stories of all of your good times with him.
He was a devoted husband and loving son, brother, and uncle who was taken from this earth far too soon.
Anthony will be remembered as a funny, hard-working man who loved the West Coast Eagles and mucking around with his mates.