The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 17 October 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, 17 October 2023, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 13 November 2023, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamb er (10.10 am to 12 noon)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 DR M RYAN: To present a Bill for an Act to establish a scheme to promote and enhance transparency, integrity and honesty in dealings between lobbyists and Government representatives, and for related purposes. ( Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill 2023 )
(Notice given 16 October 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 STEGGALL: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 , and for related purposes. (Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Voter Protections in Political Advertising) Bill 2023 )
(Notice given 17 October 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 BATES: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Government has released an Aviation Green Paper projecting a tripling of flight volumes by 2050;
(b) since the opening of the new parallel runway at Brisbane Airport, that airport is now by far the most complained about airport in Australia;
(c) increased large aircraft traffic and light aircraft flights are already posing significant noise issues for people in Melbourne; and
(d) the Prime Minister and the Government support a curfew and flight cap on Sydney Airport; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) support a curfew and flight cap on Brisbane Airport;
(b) accelerate the development of High Speed Rail to provide competition to the aviation industry, and reduce noise and pollution impacts on communities; and
(c) address the aircraft noise concerns of people living in Melbourne.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Bates — 5minutes.
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 MR LAXALE: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the release of the Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia's Visa System on 4 October 2023, which found:
(a) abuses of sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and other organised crime in Australia's immigration system;
(b) significant gaps and weaknesses in Australia's visa system; and
(c) criminals routinely abusing Australia's visa system;
(2) notes that the problems identified in the report are systemic and will take time to fix but commends the Government's commitment not to turn a blind eye to the exploitation of Australia's visa system by:
(a) increasing resourcing by $50 million;
(b) establishing a new division within the Department of Home Affairs to re-prioritise immigration compliance and protect the integrity of the visa and migration system;
(c) strengthening fit and proper person assessments for registered migration agents (RMAs);
(d) improving the ability of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) to sanction unscrupulous RMAs;
(e) providing a stronger framework for the OMARA to address criminality in the migration advice industry; and
(f) increasing financial penalties for providing unlawful immigration assistance; and
(3) condemns the Leader of the Opposition for overseeing a migration system that was used to facilitate some of the worst crimes in our society.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Laxale — 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.
5 MR PEARCE: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) obesity is a public health crisis;
(b) today about 14 million Australians, or two in three adults, are overweight or obese;
(c) the Class III category (body mass index of 40 or higher) has seen the highest relative growth during the past decade;
(d) according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in four children aged five to 17 years are either overweight or obese and one in two young people aged 18 to 24 are overweight or obese;
(e) vulnerable sections of our community, such as First Nations Australians, Australians living in regional and remote areas, and older Australians aged 65 to 74 are particularly affected;
(f) Australians living with obesity are at a far higher risk of developing chronic conditions, including at least thirteen different forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, back pain, chronic kidney disease, dementia, gallbladder disease, gout and osteoarthritis;
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) overweight and obesity are among the highest contributors to disease burden in Australia;
(b) by addressing obesity, benefits will be realised in multiple areas of the healthcare system and economy;
(c) despite the implementation of well-intentioned preventative health measures, more is needed to combat the surge of overweight and obesity rates;
(d) new pharmacotherapies for obesity have the potential to be a real game changer in the fight against obesity; and
(e) the former Government developed the first National Obesity Strategy and remains committed to policy that halts the rise and reverses the trend in the prevalence of obesity in adults; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) elevate obesity as a National Health Priority Area;
(b) ensure pharmaceutical therapies that have been approved by Therapeutic Goods Administration can be made available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to Australians as an additional tool against overweight and obesity, alongside a healthy and balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Mr Pearce — 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 (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Orders of the day
1 STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME: Resumption of debate ( from 16 October 2023 ) on the motion of Mr Chester—That this House:
(1) notes that the:
(a) Stronger Communities Programme delivered on the former Government's commitment to deliver social benefits in communities across Australia;
(b) programme provided grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 to community organisations and local governments for small scale projects; and
(c) programme helped fund over 15,000 community-based projects across Australia; and
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) the Government has failed to provide funding for future rounds of the programme, with no replacement for small-scale projects; and
(b) community groups, already struggling with the increased cost of living, will have no other option than to fundraise for projects that otherwise could have been funded under the programme.
Time allotted — 35 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices
1 MR RAE: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Government was elected on the promise of getting wages moving again after a decade of deliberate wage stagnation under the previous Government;
(2) notes that Australian Bureau of Statistics' data released in August, and new analysis, shows that:
(a) the average earnings of a full-time worker increased 3.9 per cent in the first year of the Government, in dollar terms, an extra $3,700 per year;
(b) the average worker is earning $1,400 more than they would have because of the higher rate of wages growth under the Government compared to if wages had continued to grow at the sluggish pace they did under our predecessors; and
(c) low paid workers are receiving the largest pay rises;
(3) further notes that the Government's economic plan is all about getting wages moving in a sustainable way by:
(a) securing a pay rise for minimum and award wage earners;
(b) funding a wage rise for aged care workers;
(c) changing our industrial relations laws to support secure jobs and better pay; and
(d) funding more TAFE and university places and investing in strategic industries to help deliver well-paid jobs into the future; and
(4) acknowledges this is another example of the Government working for Australia and delivering on our election commitments to build a better future for Australians.
(Notice given 12 September 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Rae — 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.
2 DR HAINES: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) Commonwealth grants are vitally important to the positive and meaningful work carried out by community organisations, local governments, businesses and not-for-profits, particularly in regional and rural areas;
(b) the current system of Commonwealth grants administration means grants can be awarded based on the discretion of ministers and against official departmental advice, without merit and without meeting the aim of promoting proper use and management of public resources; and
(c) the current system means grants awarded by ministerial discretion escape parliamentary and public scrutiny;
(2) notes that Commonwealth grants programs administered by the former and current governments have been misused for political purposes, including the Building Better Regions Fund, the Commuter Car Parks Project, the Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program, the Mobile Black Spot Program, and the Community Batteries for Household Solar Program; and
(3) calls on the Government to introduce legislation to reform grants administration to ensure public money is not misused, and that this legislation must include:
(a) clear requirements for published Commonwealth grant guidelines and selection criteria;
(b) robust and public reporting requirements about how grants programs are administered, including grants that are awarded contrary to departmental advice; and
(c) a framework for a parliamentary joint committee on grants administration to improve grant administration oversight.
(Notice given 16 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Dr Haines — 5minutes.
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.
3 MS MURPHY: To move:
That this House:
(1) recognises the vital role played by Community Legal Centres in Australia, emphasising that Community Legal Centres:
(a) serve as pillars of support for individuals and families navigating legal matters, offering essential guidance and assistance; and
(b) contribute significantly to ensuring equal access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised communities;
(2) notes recommendation 12.4 of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme that states, 'When it next conducts a review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership, the Commonwealth should have regard, in considering funding for legal aid commissions and community legal centres, to the importance of the public interest role played by those services as exemplified in their work during the Scheme'; and
(3) acknowledges that the Government has initiated an independent review of the National Legal Assistance Partnership.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Murphy — 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.
4 MR CHESTER: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that Australia has a world-class and sustainable commercial fishing industry which contributes to national food security and delivers significant employment and economic benefits, particularly in regional areas;
(2) notes that:
(a) commercial fishing in Commonwealth waters is already highly regulated to ensure sustainable resource management;
(b) the world-wide demand for seafood is increasing; and
(c) reducing the Australian wild-catch will result in the consumption of more imported seafood products; and
(3) urges the Government to:
(a) recognise the:
(i) long-term sustainability of the commercial fishing industry is an issue of national importance because of the social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits of the industry; and
(ii) pressures placed on the commercial fishing industry by environmental activism and plans to lock up more productive fishing grounds in marine parks or other activities including offshore wind farms; and
(b) undertake to consult and work constructively with the commercial fishing industry to ensure its interests are fully respected and recognised in any proposals to increase exclusion zones which undermine the viability of operators.
(Notice given 8 August 2023.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Mr Chester — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVAT E MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices — continued
5 MR BURNELL: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to transform access to the vocational education and training sector, support quality training and implement reforms to address critical skills needs, by delivering:
(a) a landmark five-year National Skills Agreement, that will take effect from January 2024, unlocking billions of dollars to build Australian skills and prosperity, including by:
(i) establishing nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence;
(ii) establishing a National TAFE Network to promote cutting edge curriculum;
(iii) growing the capability of the vocational education and training (VET) workforce;
(iv) implementing Closing the Gap initiatives to be designed in partnership with First Nations peoples and led by them;
(v) improving VET completions and access to foundation skills training; and
(vi) increasing women's participation and gender equality;
(b) 300,000 further Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education places from 2024, following the 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE places allocated in 2023; and
(c) investment in the creation of TAFE Centres of Excellence, to strengthen the collaboration between TAFEs, universities and industry, and the creation and delivery of higher apprenticeship qualifications, in critical areas of the economy;
(2) congratulates the Government along with state and territory governments on the historic five-year National Skills Agreement which will be delivered through a new National Stewardship model to coordinate strategic investment in skills across the economy and support delivery of skills needed in national and regional priority areas; and
(3) condemns the Liberal and National parties for their opposition to important skills policies such as Fee-Free TAFE and the former Government for their decade of neglect, and for failing to reach a National Skills Agreement with any state or territory government.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Sp eech time limits —
Mr Burnell — 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.
6 MR VAN MANEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the sport of golf provides $3.3 billion in annual benefits to the Australian community, economy and environment;
(b) household expenditure on golf activities and facilities is $10.3 billion, including $6.7 billion by golfers and locals, and $3.6 billion for golf tourism;
(c) there are over 1,603 places to play golf across Australia, including 1,406 golf courses, 184 driving ranges, 115 mini golf courses and growing indoor simulator and entertainment venues;
(d) the social benefits of golf via physical and mental health and neighbourhood amenity by golf courses is valued at over $1 billion; and
(e) the health benefits of golf are highlighted by the fact that Australian golfers walk 280 million kilometres annually; and
(2) acknowledges the great work that peak national bodies including the PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and WPGA Tour of Australasia have done and continue to do to promote the game of golf.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr van Manen — 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 DR ANANDA-RAJAH: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes the clear message the Australian people sent in May 2022, demanding real action on climate change by electing the current Government;
(2) further notes the Government has not wasted a day by:
(a) increasing Australia's emission reduction targets from 26 per cent to 43 per cent;
(b) legislating to bring back the Climate Change Authority;
(c) putting net zero in the objects of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Australian Renewable Energy Agency Acts;
(d) legislating our $20 billion Rewiring the Nation Fund;
(e) taking substantial steps to create an offshore wind industry in Australia;
(f) agreeing to a sensible capacity investment scheme with the states;
(g) working with states and territories to put emissions reduction into the National Energy Objectives, and to develop a new National Energy Transformation Partnership;
(h) signing the Global Methane Pledge and joining the Climate Change Club and Global Offshore Wind Alliance;
(i) reforming the safeguard mechanism so that our biggest industrial emitters are doing their fair share;
(j) passing the electric vehicle discount, releasing the National Electric Vehicle Strategy and commencing the rollout of the Driving the Nation charging program;
(k) committing $1.7 billion to the Energy Savings Program, providing real financial support to households, businesses, and local governments to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency;
(l) signing funding agreements to deliver more than 50 community batteries around Australia;
(m) establishing the Net Zero Economy Agency to have a laser-like focus on the economic opportunities for the regions at the centre of the energy transformation; and
(n) budgeting $2 billion for the vital Hydrogen Headstart Program; and
(3) acknowledges that this is just another way the Government is working for Australia and delivering on the promise of building the better future Australians voted for.
(Notice given 17 October 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 matter should continue on a future day.
8 MRS ARCHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 13 November to 16 November 2023 is 'Youth Voice in Parliament Week'; and
(b) the prompt of the 2023 Youth Voice in Parliament Week is 'What change would make Australia a better place for future generations?';
(2) acknowledges our responsibility for protecting the interests of future generations of Australians; and
(3) calls on the Government to consider opportunities to further engage with future generations across all areas of Government policy to secure our nation's long-term prosperity.
(Notice given 17 October 2023.)
Time allotted — 35 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mrs Archer — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
9 MR PERRETT: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the recent United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) decision not to list the Great Barrier Reef as in danger;
(2) notes that the Government is tackling climate change and protection of the Great Barrier Reef to make a real difference, including action that has:
(a) invested a record $1.2 billion in the reef;
(b) legislated to reach net zero, with a 43 per cent emissions reduction target in 2035, and committed to reaching 82 per cent renewable energy supply by 2030;
(c) invested $150 million to improve water quality through projects such as revegetation, grazing management and engineering work like gully stabilisation;
(d) with the Queensland Government, announced the phase-out of gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with a $160 million package;
(e) rejected a coal mine that could have direct impacts on the reef;
(f) engaged more Indigenous rangers to manage sea country, including combatting crown of thorns starfish outbreaks, marine plastics and ghost nets;
(g) withdrawn federal funding for dams that would have had a detrimental impact on reef water quality;
(h) invested an extra $163.4 million in the May 2023 budget to guarantee the future of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, doubling funding for reef science; and
(i) committed to rewriting Australia's broken environmental laws; and
(3) confirms that UNESCO's decision makes clear that Australia's environmental policies have fundamentally changed under this Government and changed for the better.
(Notice given 1 August 2023.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7 .30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Mr Perrett — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
THE HON D. M. DICK MP
Speaker of the House of Representatives
18 October 2023
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring in relation to proceedings on Wednesday 18 October 2023:
(1) further statements, with each Member speaking for no longer than 10 minutes, on Hamas attacks on Israel and ongoing conflict being permitted immediately following the conclusion of the Matter of Public Importance and the presentation of any reports from committees;
(2) notwithstanding standing order 31, if statements have not concluded earlier, at 8 pm statements resuming until no further Members rise to speak, at which point, the House immediately adjourning until Thursday, 19 October 2023 at 9 am; and
(3) any variation to this arrangement being made only on a motion moved by a Minister.
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Supporting the Transition to Work) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Primary Industries (Services) Levies Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Primary Industries (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Crown References Amendment Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.
It has been Commonwealth drafting practice since the early 1980s for statutory provisions to be drafted so as to avoid the use of gender-specific language.
Customs Tariff Proposal (No. 5) 2023.
Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023
The House divided. [10:02]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [10:12]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 1, page 10 (after line 29), after item 20, insert:
21 After Division 4 of Part 2
Insert:
Division 4A — Annual progress reports relating to water recovery targets
85AB Secretary to prepare annual reports
(1) The Secretary must prepare an annual report on the activities undertaken for the purpose of making progress towards the following:
(a) increasing the volume of the Basin water resources that is available for environmental use by 450 gigalitres;
(b) the Commonwealth's water recovery target in relation to SDL resource units (as defined in the Basin Plan);
(c) projects that relate to adjustments of long-term average sustainable diversion limits under section 23A;
(d) any other matter specified by the Minister in writing.
(2) The Secretary must prepare a report under subsection (1) in relation to:
(a) the financial year beginning on 1 July 2023; and
(b) each subsequent financial year up to and including the financial year beginning on 1 July 2027.
(3) The Secretary must provide each report under subsection (1) in relation to a financial year to the Minister by 30 October in the following financial year.
(4) The Minister must cause a copy of each report under subsection (1) to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.
The House divided. [10:46]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 1, page 5 (before line 3), before item 2, insert:
1A At the end of subsection 86AA(2)
Add:
Note: Environmental outcomes can also be enhanced in other ways, including increasing the volume of water resources available for environmental use in the Darling-Baaka or in other northern parts of the Murray-Darling Basin.
(2) Schedule 1, page 7, after line 16, after item 11, insert:
11A After subsection 86AJ(3)
Insert:
(3A) In conducting a review under subsection (1), a panel must also consider the effectiveness of payments made, or expected to be made, under paragraph 86AD(2)(c) in relation to a purchase referred to in paragraph 86AD(2)(b).
The House divided. [11:19]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
11A After subsection 86AJ(3)
Insert:
(3A) In conducting a review under subsection (1), a panel must also consider the effectiveness of payments made, or expected to be made, under paragraph 86AD(2)(c) in relation to a purchase referred to in paragraph 86AD(2)(b).
(3) Schedule 2, item 21, page 16 (lines 3 to 5), omit subsection 7.08A(3), substitute:
(3) The roadmap, and any substantive amendments of the roadmap, must be prepared in consultation with:
(a) the Basin States; and
(b) the Commonwealth; and
(c) affected communities and landholders; and
(d) the public.
Consultation must be active, timely and address the underpinning science for the intended measures and outcomes.
(4) Schedule 2, item 49, page 24 (lines 9 to 13), omit the item.
(5) Schedule 2, page 24 (after line 13), after item 49, insert:
(4) Schedule 2, item 49, page 24 (lines 9 to 13), omit the item.
(5) Schedule 2, page 24 (after line 13), after item 49, insert:
49A After subsection 7.27(1)
Insert:
(1A) The Inspector-General may:
(a) audit calculations made by the Authority for the purposes of Parts 2 and 4; or
(b) appoint or establish a person or body that is independent of the Authority to audit calculations made by the Authority for the purposes of Parts 2 and 4.
(6) Schedule 2, item 50, page 24 (line 15), after "Inspector-General", insert "(unless the Inspector-General is conducting the audit)".
The House divided. [11:39]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Clause 2, page 3 (at the end of the table), add:
(3) Schedule 2, page 11 (after line 7), after item 1, insert:
1A Subsection 6.08(5)
Omit "following the commencement of a water resource plan".
1B Subsection 6.08(6)
Repeal the subsection.
(4) Page 99 (after line 18), at the end of the Bill, add:
Schedule 7 — Responding to climate change
Water Act 2007
1 Before paragraph 3(a)
Insert:
(aa) to recognise and acknowledge:
(i) the threat of the impacts of climate change to the communities, environment and industries of the Murray-Darling Basin; and
(ii) the need for immediate and urgent action in response; and
2 Subsection 4(1)
Insert:
National Standard means the standard determined under section 53A.
3 Before paragraph 20(a)
Insert:
(aa) immediate, urgent and adaptive responses to the impacts of climate change; and
4 Before subsection 21(1)
Insert:
Basin Plan to respond to the impacts of climate change
(1A) The Basin Plan (including any environmental watering plan or water quality and salinity management plan included in the Basin Plan) must be prepared so as to provide immediate, urgent and adaptive responses to the impacts of climate change.
5 Subsection 21(4)
After "Subject to subsections", insert "(1A),".
6 After subsection 53(1)
Insert:
(1A) There is to be a National Standard for Managing Water in a Changing Climate. Water resource plans must be consistent with this National Standard.
7 After Subdivision A of Division 2 of Part 2
Insert:
Subdivision AA — National Standard for Managing Water in a Changing Climate
53A National Standard for Managing Water in a Changing Climate
(1) The Minister must, by legislative instrument, determine a National Standard for Managing Water in a Changing Climate that sets out minimum standards for water planning and management rules and practices.
(2) The Minister must ensure that the minimum standards are an immediate, urgent and adaptive response to the impacts of climate change.
53B Basin State water planning and management rules and practices must meet the National Standard
Each Basin State must ensure that its water planning and management rules and practices comply with the National Standard.
8 Before subsection 55(1)
Insert:
(1A) A water resource plan for a water resource plan area must comply with the National Standard.
9 After paragraph 172(1)(a)
Insert:
(aa) to review Basin State water planning and management rules and practices to ensure objectives can be achieved under likely climate scenarios;
… with the prospect of long-term climate change, we need radical and permanent change.
That means looking at the evidence as it emerges …
(2) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 6), omit "2027", substitute "2026".
(1) Schedule 2, item 2, page 11 (line 16), omit "publish guidelines", substitute "issue and publish guidelines under subsection 215V(1)".
(2) Schedule 2, item 2, page 11 (after line 18), at the end of subsection (2), add:
Note: The Inspector-General must consult the Basin States, and have regard to any submissions made by the Basin States, in preparing guidelines under section 215V: see section 215VB.
(3) Schedule 2, item 2, page 12 (line 8), omit "publish guidelines", substitute "issue and publish guidelines under subsection 215V(1)".
(4) Schedule 2, item 2, page 12 (after line 10), at the end of subsection (2), add:
Note: The Inspector-General must consult the Basin States, and have regard to any submissions made by the Basin States, in preparing guidelines under section 215V: see section 215VB.
(5) Schedule 2, item 48, page 24 (line 4), after "SDL", insert "resource".
(6) Schedule 3, item 2, page 47 (after line 18), at the end of subsection 100ZH(3), add:
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see section 154E.
(7) Schedule 3, item 2, page 48 (after line 5), at the end of subsection 100ZJ(3), add:
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see section 154E.
(8) Schedule 3, item 2, page 48 (after line 21), at the end of subsection 100ZK(3), add:
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see section 154E.
(9) Schedule 3, item 3, page 49 (line 15), definition of material effect , before "a decision", insert "for the purposes of Part 5A,".
(10) Schedule 3, item 4, page 52 (after line 11), after subsection 101B(3), insert:
(3A) A person who provides a water markets decision to the Bureau under paragraph (1)(a), or reports the announcement of a water markets decision to the Bureau under paragraph (3)(a), must comply with the requirements (if any) prescribed by the regulations in relation to the manner or form in which one or more of the following are provided:
(a) the decision;
(b) the report;
(c) details in relation to the decision or the report.
(11) Schedule 3, item 4, page 52 (line 13), omit "or (3)", substitute ", (3) or (3A)".
(12) Schedule 3, item 4, page 58 (after line 31), at the end of subsection 101M(3), add:
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see section 154E.
(13) Schedule 3, item 4, page 59 (after line 19), at the end of subsection 101N(3), add:
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see section 154E.
(14) Schedule 3, item 4, page 59 (after line 34), at the end of subsection 101P(3), add:
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see section 154E.
(15) Schedule 3, item 4, page 60 (before line 1), at the end of Part 5A, add:
Division 8 — Information required under this Part and Part 7
101Q Interaction between this Part and Part 7
If, apart from this section, a person would be required to give the same information to the Bureau under this Part and Part 7:
(a) the person is required to give the information under this Part; and
(b) if the person gives the information under this Part—the person is not required to give the information under Part 7.
(16) Schedule 3, item 17, page 82 (lines 11 and 12), omit the note.
(17) Schedule 4, heading to Part 1, page 84 (line 4), after "water", insert "access".
(18) Schedule 4, item 2, page 84 (line 13), after "water", insert "access".
(19) Schedule 6, item 6, page 89 (after line 10), after paragraph 137(ba), insert:
(baa) the ACCC if the contravention is a contravention of a provision of Part 10AC; or
(20) Schedule 6, item 8, page 89 (line 21), omit ", regulations made for the purposes of Part 5,".
(21) Schedule 6, page 90 (after line 21), after item 9, insert:
9A Subparagraphs 215C(1)(a)(i) and (ii) and (b)(i) and (ii)
Omit "10A", substitute "5, 10A, 10AC".
9B After paragraph 215C(2)(a)
Insert:
(ab) by the ACCC under Part 8; or
(22) Schedule 6, item 10, page 92 (after line 10), after subsection 239AJ(5), insert:
(5A) A person is liable to a civil penalty if:
(a) the person refuses or fails to comply with a notice under subsection (2); or
(b) in purported compliance with such a notice, knowingly gives information or evidence that is false or misleading.
Civil penalty: 100 penalty units.
(23) Schedule 6, item 10, page 92 (after line 14), after subsection 239AJ(6), insert:
(6A) Paragraph (5A)(a) does not apply to the extent that the person is not capable of complying with the notice.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in this subsection: see section 154E.
(24) Schedule 6, item 10, page 92 (after line 23), after subsection 239AJ(7), insert:
(7A) Paragraph (5A)(a) does not apply to the extent that:
(a) the notice relates to producing documents; and
(b) the person proves that, after a reasonable search, the person is not aware of the documents; and
(c) the person provides a written response to the notice, including a description of the scope and limitations of the search.
(25) Schedule 6, item 10, page 92 (lines 24 and 25), omit "paragraph (7)(b), a determination of whether a search is reasonable for the purposes of that paragraph", substitute "paragraphs (7)(b) and (7A)(b), a determination of whether a search is reasonable for the purposes of those paragraphs".
(26) Schedule 6, item 10, page 93 (line 10), after " Code ", insert "and section 154E of this Act".
(27) Schedule 6, item 10, page 93 (line 15), after " Code ", insert "and section 154E of this Act".
(28) Schedule 6, item 17, page 96 (line 1), definition of relevant agency , after "means", insert ", for the purposes of Part 5A".
(29) Schedule 6, page 97 (after line 15), after item 30, insert:
30A Subparagraphs 215C(1)(a)(i) and (ii) and (b)(i) and (ii)
After "5,", insert "5A,".
(30) Schedule 6, page 98 (line 2), heading to Part 3, after "information", add "and annual reporting".
(31) Schedule 6, page 99 (after line 12), after item 41, insert:
41A At the end of section 215Y
Add:
(3) The Minister must cause a copy of each annual report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.
The House divided. [12:09]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [12:18]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023
Identity Verification Services Bill 2023
The House divided. [13:00]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [13:10]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Identity Verification Services (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023
Organised crime and illegitimate labour hire companies are using this loophole to bring out illegal workers who are often vulnerable and open to exploitation. This represents an orchestrated scam that enables these criminal elements to exploit foreign workers in Australia …
So the task remains: to reconcile with the truth, to find the unity and achieve the settlement. A prime minister must lead it and complete it. The leader of the nation should accept his or her commission and simply say what he or she thinks is right, and put that forward for the nation to correct, or to accept, or to reject. Let us have an honest answer from the Australian people to an honest question.
Perceptions of intolerance created by some hasn't just cost the votes of those who feel judged, it has hurt the Liberal Party with all who reject nastiness or divisiveness
I think there's also an important point to make that in many Indigenous communities, East Arnhem Land for example, they've got a 90 per cent attendance rate at school, they've got a logging company, they've got a building company, they've got housing, they've got a functioning society, and in that instance it's because of the leadership demonstrated by Yunupingu and others around him over the course of a long period, and that's what we want to see replicated elsewhere.
A weak and incompetent Prime Minister who has failed to deliver cost of living relief for the Australian people.
… senior ministers who had developed economic, national security and social policies and strategies were instructed to put them on ice until after the referendum.
I'm 71 years old & have been an amputee for 43 years. Life has been tough for me … my rent increased—
from $296 per week to $480 per week … that increase is really hurting me—
Not only do I suffer physically every day, but financially also. Is there any chance down the track, that the people in charge of such decisions will look into it & perhaps give old farts like me a financial break.
People feel the quality of life is going down and government makes it worse, with large targets for immigration and people forced out of affordable housing. They think we haven't solved [the cost-of-living crisis] and that [the voice] was a project for elites, not for them.
The government has to focus on cost of living.
… an attack on any religion is an attack on all religions and that we all share a responsibility to unite, condemn and defeat such an attack on our common values and way of life;
… you are not alone. All Australians embrace you in this time of trauma.
We cannot lighten the weight that is upon you, but we hold you in our hearts. We grieve with you. We will stand with Israel.
We always will.
WHO strongly condemns the attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in the north of the Gaza Strip. The hospital was operational, with patients, health and care givers, and internally displaced people sheltering there. Early reports indicate hundreds of fatalities and injuries.
The hospital was one of 20 in the north of the Gaza Strip facing evacuation orders from the Israeli military. The order for evacuation has been impossible to carry out given the current insecurity, critical condition of many patients, and lack of ambulances, staff, health system bed capacity, and alternative shelter for those displaced.
WHO calls for the immediate active protection of civilians and health care. Evacuation orders must be reversed. International humanitarian law must be abided by, which means health care must be actively protected and never targeted.
… an attack on any religion is an attack on all religions and that we all share a responsibility to unite, condemn and defeat such an attack on our common values and way of life;
Protecting innocent people is not a show of weakness. It is a measure of strength because true strength never turns its back on humanity. We care about the lives of everyone caught in this conflict—that is who we are as Australians.
Who is really the victim in all of this? … It is the innocent people on both sides. The children, the families. It is innocent people who always lose the most.
We cannot keep living like this … we cannot continue killing each other and fighting each other.
… … …
We don't need people to import our conflict to their society, you already have problems of your own. We demand of you to be pro-peace, to be against injustice …
My name is Zainab Rezwar and I'm 13 years old.
… … …
Improving sustainability and addressing climate change would make Australia a better place for future generations.
This issue is important to discuss and come up with solutions, as improving sustainability and addressing climate change will contribute to lasting global prosperity and stability.
The changes made will influence all of our futures.
The Parliament will be able to support this by doing the following:
These solutions, along with public participation, will help the Parliament create a better future for generations to come.
As our leaders, you should help improve sustainability and address climate change before there is no earth to take care of.
Act now before it's too late.
The exit package program from the Millenium Drought was devastating. We lost 10 percent of our land production … If water leaves our area, it never comes back.
When they bought Toorale (station and water) it was like taking BHP out of Wollongong. Ten percent of our productivity was gone. It used to employ 100, now it employs three. Schools closed. We lost two tractor dealers and the Ford and Toyota dealerships.
When water trading started, we had about 350GL in our shire. It is now half of that. Schools are down 70 percent; dairy has been decimated … The last thing we want is more buybacks.
If the additional 450GL, plus the remaining 300GL—
is to be sought as well, we expect the impact on our region will be a $900 million economic impact year on year. You rip people out of employment. You also take them out of volunteer work, community work, sporting clubs. The idea that you can compensate for that with a support package is impossible.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Archer ) took the chair at 09:29.
Our Australian environment is unique, powerful and utterly beautiful with countless wonders that we, as the Australian people are deeply proud about.
However, one monumental problem still plagues us: plastic pollution.
Around 3.5 million tonnes of plastic are consumed each year, and 12.4% per cent of that is recycled. Along with that, a massive 80% of all plastic consumed in Australia finds its way into our waterways. These figures are unacceptable and are a blemish on our nation.
However, this data can be improved. And to do that, we need a plan. First, councils across the country must organise clean-up projects to clean up our streets and beaches. These community events are proven to work in the past, and are for our people's good.
If we are to clean up a large amount of plastic, where will it go? Certainly not in the environment, but placed in recycling centres, which is another fundamental part of this plan.
As stated earlier, only 12.4 per cent of plastic is recycled in Australia, and we need to improve that. The government must fund more recycling sites, because the ones we have right now, such as Redcycle, are unable to handle our plastic and have already resorted to compressing and storing plastic in large warehouses …
A larger number of recycling sites and recycling capacity are needed to change the nation, and we need them now, not later.
These measures must be implemented at once, because they are paramount to the condition of Australia when we hand it down to our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations of Australia.
It has never been more dire to act, and we must do it now, as a quote from Mahatma Gandhi says, 'The future depends on what you do today.'
Identity Verification Services Bill 2023
Identity Verification Services (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023
I am not a client of this firm, nor have I every provided them with my information. They have it, because businesses and organisations quite routinely transmit information and move data around without a second thought. The increased use of outsourcing and contracting out of services means our information is passed around without our consent or knowledge.
This exposes a lot of problems, among them, the amounts, and types of data we are providing, the degree to which data is transferred to third parties, the real risk of identity theft and financial loss, the inadequacy of redress schemes and compensation. I have spent a huge amount of time on this. I am severely stressed over this.
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"the House declines to give the bill a second reading until the Privacy Act reforms are in place in recognition of the significant privacy and data implications of this proposal".
Identity Verification Services (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023
Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Bill 2023
Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
As the cost of legal tobacco products continues to rise through frequent increases in excise, serious and organised crime groups are taking advantage of the opportunity to make more illicit profits.
Legislation that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.
(1) Clauses 57 and 58, page 53 (line 3) to page 56 (line 17), omit the clauses.
(2) Clause 60, page 57 (lines 1 to 16), omit the clause.
(3) Clause 63, page 58 (lines 3 to 11), omit the clause.
(4) Clause 67, page 63 (lines 2 to 30), omit the clause.
Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2023
Jim is retired. When he sought financial counselling help, he had moved out of the family house due to gambling related harm. The family had imploded. His wife and children insisted he get help.
Jim's only form of gambling was lottery draws and instant win tickets, i.e. 'scratchies', bought solely from his local newsagency, which ran a lottery franchise.
He only ever paid with credit cards.
He ran up such large credit card debts, that he had re-financed the family home with a very costly reverse mortgage, eroding the couple's life time of hard-earned equity.
A recent episode saw him using his son, Matt's, credit card for lottery purchases. Matt lives overseas and 15 years earlier had taken out a credit card with a $5,000 limit as a "just-in-case" measure. Matt had never used the card. Jim obtained limit increases online resulting in the debt escalating to $30,000. Again, the whole amount was gambled on lottery tickets at their local newsagency.
The children felt betrayed by their father's actions, and relationships were damaged.
… … …
After 6 months of couples counselling, John has retired to the family home. His therapeutic counselling is ongoing.
Mary, a single mother juggled caring for her child and working night shift in a hospital. She became addicted to lottery draws including instant lotteries—
She struggled with this addiction seeking help repeatedly over the years. She paid for her lottery spend exclusively on credit cards and over time had four credit cards maxed out. She presented in financial hardship with over $50,000 in lottery acquired credit card debt. She struggled to afford to pay for her child's school excursions and other activities, and this impacted the child who missed out on these activities and often had to stay behind while the other kids enjoyed the full curriculum activities.
After review of all her available options with a financial counsellor, Mary accepted the decision to become bankrupt. This resulted in her being debt free for the first time in many years. Consequently, her stress levels reduced, allowing her the headspace to full engage in therapeutic counselling for the first time.
If the status quo of online gambling regulation, including but not limited to advertising, was to continue Australians would continue to lose more—more money, more relationships, more love of sport for the game rather than the odds.
Loot boxes were found in 58 per cent of the top games in the Google Play Store, in 59 per cent of the top games on the Apple Store and in 36 per cent of the top games on the Steam store.
Addiction is not a choice. People experiencing gambling harm want nothing more than to stop. Many do, but only with the right treatment, care and support. We show incredible compassion to those struggling with cancer, heart disease and mental health, yet we typically blame people living with addiction.