The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PETITIONS COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 18
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
27 November 2023
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Chair Ms Susan Templeman MP
Deputy Chair Mr Ross Vasta MP
Mr Sam Birrell MP
Ms Alison Byrnes MP
Ms Lisa Chesters MP
Mr Garth Hamilton MP
Ms Tracey Roberts MP
Ms Meryl Swanson MP
This committee is supported by staff of the Department of the House of Representatives
Report summarising the petitions and ministerial responses being presented.
The committee met in private session in the 47th Parliament on 18 October 2023 and 15 November 2023.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 47 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 18 October 2023
From 10 petitioners—regarding additional supply of international flights in the Australian market (EN5453)
From 109 petitioners—requesting the addition of VISANNE(R) to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for endometriosis treatment (EN5454)
From 7 petitioners—requesting increased funding to the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme (EN5455)
From 27 petitioners—requesting the implementation of an enforceable airline passenger compensation scheme (EN5456)
From 11 petitioners—regarding processing times for Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa and Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa (EN5459)
From 7 petitioners—requesting legislation to prevent the sale of energy drinks to consumers under 18 years of age (EN5461)
From 20 petitioners—regarding the release of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant (EN5462)
From 33 petitioners—regarding the release of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant (EN5463)
From 269 petitioners—regarding Medicare-subsidised mental health sessions (EN5465)
From 11 petitioners—regarding the processing of Permanent Residency Visa (190) applications from 2021 and earlier (EN5466)
From 527 petitioners—requesting the implementation of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade's recommendations from its inquiry on human rights violations in Iran (EN5467)
From 51 petitioners—requesting the introduction of an extension provision in appealing matters to the Veterans' Review Board (EN5468)
From 20 petitioners—requesting a parliamentary inquiry into geoengineering (EN5472)
From 34 petitioners—requesting an extension to the Paid Parental Leave scheme from 20 paid weeks to one year (EN5473)
From 29 petitioners—requesting the removal of relationship status in eligibility considerations for Centrelink payments (EN5477)
From 16 petitioners—requesting legislation to prevent online service providers from auto-rebilling inactive accounts (EN5478)
From 17 petitioners—regarding the federal budget for Indigenous affairs (EN5481)
From 32 petitioners—regarding improvements to travel accessibility for immigrants (EN5483)
From 39 petitioners—requesting a public inquiry into the federal and state government response to the COVID-19 pandemic (EN5484)
From 106 petitioners—regarding the draft Digital Identity Bill 2023 (EN5485)
From 4 petitioners—requesting the introduction of a 100% capital gains tax on property (EN5486)
From 6 petitioners—regarding needs-based funding to address domestic violence in the Northern Territory (EN5490)
From 48 petitioners—regarding the treatment of Julian Assange (EN5493)
From 17 petitioners—regarding retailers driving up the cost of groceries without adequately compensating producers (EN5495)
From 8 petitioners—requesting the continuation of the live export industry (EN5496)
From 2 petitioners—regarding the processing of Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa applications (EN5497)
From 9 petitioners—requesting the reconsideration of the security alliance with India (EN5499)
From 481 petitioners—requesting the Australian Government to meet with Iran's exiled Crown Prince, Reza Pahlavi (EN5506)
From 18 petitioners—requesting the restoration of the original phrasing of the Australian National Anthem (EN5507)
From 49 petitioners—requesting parliamentary debate on certain amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (EN5509)
From 472 petitioners—requesting the rejection of certain amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (EN5517)
From 5 petitioners—requesting the approval of Tumour Treating Fields (TTF) such as Optune(R) for treatment of Glioblastoma in Australia (EN5518)
From 239 petitioners—requesting additional funding for Medicare rebates to allow General Practitioners to bulk bill everyone (EN5528)
From 21 petitioners—requesting weekly publication of the number of national COVID-19 related deaths (EN5529)
From 26 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government no longer resettle refugees in Australia (EN5536)
From 35 petitioners—requesting that Qatar Airways be granted additional international flights in and out of Australia (EN5537)
From 15 petitioners—regarding legislation to progress the development of fusion nuclear technology in Australia (EN5544)
From 60 petitioners—regarding processing delays for Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa applications (EN5545)
From 259 petitioners—regarding the processing times of Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa applications in the Amman Embassy (EN5547)
From 8 petitioners—regarding cultural support in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants (EN5549)
From 17 petitioners—requesting standards and education for medical practitioners to support their patients to apply for the NDIS (EN5550)
From 47 petitioners—regarding the outcome of the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum (EN5551)
From 7 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a program to implement the provision of facilities for remote Indigenous communities (EN5555)
From 190 petitioners—requesting that the tax rate for big corporations and high-earning individuals be raised (EN5557)
From 24 petitioners—requesting stricter deportation laws in Australia (EN5560)
From 3085 petitioners—requesting an amendment to the standing orders to replace daily prayers in the parliament (EN5562)
From 12 petitioners—requesting legislation to ban individuals from flying flags that are not the Australian or Aboriginal flags (EN5563)
2. The following 65 ministerial responses to petitions were received:
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 15 November 2023
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding the introduction of legislation to ban telecommunication companies from locking phones to networks (EN3653)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the amendment of legislation prohibiting the use of nuclear fusion energy (EN4147)
From the Minister for Housing to a petition requesting the creation of a grant directed towards people with disabilities or their immediate carers (EN4158)
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding the lowering of the price of diesel fuel to better match the price of unleaded fuel (EN4179)
From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition requesting a moratorium on regional bank closures and the establishment of a Parliamentary inquiry (EN4244)
From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition regarding previously announced changes to the Australian individual tax residency rules (EN4259)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the consideration of using nuclear power in Australia (EN4269)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the consideration of using nuclear power in Australia (EN4278)
From the Minister for Housing to a petition regarding the utilisation of unoccupied housing for those suffering from a lack of rental properties (EN4283)
From the Treasurer to a petition regarding the penalisation of companies and individuals who engage in price gouging activities (EN4297)
From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding offshore student visa processing matters for Bangladeshi nationals (EN4315)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting the removal of the prohibition on nuclear power in Australia (EN4387)
From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding the raising of the minimum age of criminal responsibility (EN4390)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition regarding drug and alcohol testing for Members of Parliament (EN4408)
From the Minister for Sport to a petition regarding the development of gender-neutral amenities at AFL and AFLW playing grounds and venues (EN4440)
From the Minister for Defence to a petition requesting the naming of a nuclear submarine after former Prime Minister Harold Edward Holt CH (EN4473)
From the Minister for Education to a petition regarding the incorporation of Punjabi language into the national curriculum (EN4600)
From the Minister for Social Services to a petition regarding reforms to address issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (EN4648)
From the Minister for Indigenous Australians to a petition regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice referendum (EN4769)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting financial incentives for Australians to convert internal combustion engines of existing vehicles to electric motors (EN4880)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the state of democracy and timing of elections in Pakistan (EN4979)
From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding Australia's Humanitarian and Settlement Programs (EN5031)
From the Minister for Skills and Training to a petition regarding skills assessments for occupations on the Skilled Migration Occupation List (EN5055)
From the Minister for Indigenous Australians to a petition regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice referendum (EN5059)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the Australian Government's decision to increase maximum dispensing quantities for some medications listed on the PBS (EN5091)
From the Minister for Home Affairs to a petition requesting an increase to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (EN5093)
From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition regarding investment property loan data-matching (EN5111)
From the Minister for Defence to a petition regarding a formal review of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (EN5115)
From the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to a petition regarding amendment to the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 in relation to governance for the Repatriation Medical Authority's consideration of sound medical-scientific evidence (EN5125)
From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition requesting that financial institutions outline potential risks associated with joint bank accounts and loans to minimise impacts of domestic abuse (EN5144)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the World Health Organisation's instrument on pandemic preparedness (EN5174)
From the Minister representing the Attorney-General to a petition requesting a federal prohibition on conversion practices and the establishment of federal anti-vilification laws (EN5207)
From the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations to a petition regarding the introduction of legislation of overtime rates for work outside of scheduled hours (EN5212)
From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to a petition requesting a ban on the use of glyphosate as a desiccant or harvest aid on crops and that foods containing glyphosate be labelled accordingly (EN5225)
From the Assistant Treasurer to a petition requesting legislation to mandate that businesses operating in Australia accept all forms of legal tender (EN5226)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the provision of subsidies to encourage people to use gas cooking appliances (EN5228)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition requesting a ban on all coal seam gas operations until safe, long-term salt storage technology can be created (EN5230)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting an immediate pause on the use of Pfizer and Moderna Sars-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines (EN5233)
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting the building of a new city in the Mount Kosciuszko National Park to help solve the national housing crisis (EN5241)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister requesting the cessation of resources provided to former Prime Ministers (EN5267)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition regarding the use of toxins for the control of vertebrate pest animals, specifically feral cats and foxes (EN5268)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting that online poker be brought back to Australia (EN5272)
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting legislation be passed that forces airlines to compensate passengers who experience significant disruption due to delays or cancellations (EN5275)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting a change to the Commonwealth prohibition on civil nuclear power (EN5285)
From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting ministerial intervention in a personal visa matter (EN5289)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the imposition of responsibilities on public electric vehicle (EV) charger owners to ensure operational chargers (EN5297)
From the Minister for Resources to a petition requesting a ban on hydraulic fracturing (EN5299)
From the Assistant Minister for Social Services to a petition regarding a change to Commonwealth Rent Assistance (EN5300)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the security situation and its negative impacts on the population in Kurram District, Pakistan (EN5316)
From the Minister for Education to a petition requesting that research students receive a liveable wage (EN5321)
From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to a petition requesting a legislated end date for the phase out of live sheep exports by sea (EN5323)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding the development of nuclear fusion reactors (EN5335)
From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding processing times for a Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191) visa in the Regional Provisional stream (EN5341)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the Australian Government's decision to increase maximum dispensing quantities for some medications listed on the PBS (EN5343)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the sanctioning of key sources of the Myanmar military regime's revenue (EN5344)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition regarding the implementation of water-friendly policies (EN5345)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding support for the formation of a national eczema strategy (EN5346)
From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the purchase of residential property for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa holders (EN5347)
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition regarding the regulation of Event Data Recorders in vehicles (EN5398)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the latest COVID-19 subvariant (EN5416)
From the Assistant Minister for Social Services to a petition regarding financial abortions (EN5430)
From the Minister for Education to a petition requesting reform to the education sector to minimise bullying (EN5433)
From the Minister for Housing to a petition requesting the introduction of a government-regulated organisation to maintain minimum rental standards in Australia (EN5441)
From the Minister for Education to a petition regarding education support staff that specially accommodates disabled children in schools (PN0544)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition regarding overhead powerlines (PN0564)
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Migration Amendment (Limits on Immigration Detention) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Online Safety Amendment (Protecting Australian Children from Online Harm) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a second time.
Develop, implement, and evaluate a pilot before seeking to prescribe and mandate age assurance technologies for access to online pornography.
With pornography now overwhelmingly consumed online and via mobile devices, it is both prevalent and pervasive, perpetuating sexist, misogynistic and degrading views about women. This is a serious concern in addressing the drivers of violence against women and children.
It is our strong view that the Government has allowed itself to be swayed by industry resistance to an age verification system. Vested interests should not have been put before the wellbeing of children.
If child wellbeing was a national priority, we would act on e-Safety's plan to trial ways to protect young kids from online porn. This would help to reduce child sex abuse, youth crime, domestic and family violence.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 25 November 2023 marks the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, beginning 16 days of activism against gender-based violence;
(b) in Australia, it has been publicly reported that approximately 47 women have been killed by acts of violence as of 9 November this year;
(c) one in three Australian women have experienced physical violence perpetrated by a man since the age of 15; and
(d) violence affects women of every age, from every cultural background, with different jobs and levels of education or income, living in different areas and leading different lives;
(2) commends the work of the family, domestic and sexual violence sector, which is delivering vital services to women, children and men;
(3) further notes that the Government is taking immediate and practical steps to prevent violence against women by:
(a) investing a record $2.3 billion in this area;
(b) launching the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032;
(c) establishing a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander action plan;
(d) establishing six ambitious targets to hold all governments to account for progress under the national plan;
(e) reducing the time it takes victim-survivors to access the Escaping Violence Payment;
(f) securing funding for states and territories to deliver frontline services;
(g) increasing support for temporary visa holders experiencing violence from $3,000 to $5,000;
(h) legislating ten paid days of family and domestic violence leave for all employees, including casuals; and
(i) making the family law system simpler and safer for people fleeing family violence; and
(4) acknowledges that there is still more work to done to end violence against women and children, but the Government is committed to ending this scourge within a generation.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) violence against women is a national emergency;
(b) in October 2023, six women in Australia were killed within a fortnight, five allegedly by men known to them;
(c) approximately one Australian woman is killed every nine days by a male intimate partner;
(d) Aboriginal women are 11 times more likely to die from family violence than non-Aboriginal women;
(e) intimate partner violence is the biggest preventable threat to the health, wellbeing and safety of Australian women; and
(f) eliminating family violence requires national leadership, coordination and investment to build the evidence base needed to identify definitive points of intervention to prevent violence and change perpetrator behaviour;
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) Australia currently has no national toll recording fatal violence against women and children;
(b) Australia currently has no funded national reporting mechanism dedicated to the detailed reporting of femicide, and the killing of children; and
(c) tolls are an effective tool for prevention and awareness; and
(3) calls on the Government to establish The Australian Family Homicide Index to generate the evidence required to inform new and improved responses to family violence and help save lives.
That this House:
(1) notes that the cost of living keeps going up under the Prime Minister and Treasurer, and since this Government took office:
(a) food and grocery prices are up by 8.2 per cent;
(b) housing prices are up by 10.4 per cent;
(c) insurance is up by 17.3 per cent;
(d) electricity is up by 18.2 per cent;
(e) gas is up by 28 per cent; and
(f) interest rates have increased 12 times;
(2) recognises it has not been easy under the Government since their election in May 2022;
(3) acknowledges that the Government has no plan to address spiralling costs and bring down inflation; and
(4) calls on the Government to deliver real cost of living relief to the Australian people.
(1) Mr Pike be appointed a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights;
(2) Mr Caldwell be appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library;
(3) Mr Leeser be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Appropriations and Administration; and
(4) Mr Caldwell be appointed a member of the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests.
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 2) Bill 2023
Bankruptcy Amendment (Discharge from Bankruptcy) Bill 2023
Health Insurance Amendment (Professional Services Review Scheme No. 2) Bill 2023
Disability Services and Inclusion (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
Ministers of State Amendment Bill 2022
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2023
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Supporting the Transition to Work) Bill 2023
Messages received from the Senate returning the bills without amendment.
Disability Services and Inclusion Bill 2023
That the amendments be agreed to.
Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports Amendment (Animal Welfare) Bill 2023
That the amendment be agreed to.
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment (Regulator Performance) Bill 2023
Statutory Declarations Amendment Bill 2023
Migration Amendment (Bridging Visa Conditions) Bill 2023
Bankruptcy Amendment (Discharge from Bankruptcy) Bill 2023
National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry Bill 2023
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Support for Small Business and Charities and Other Measures) Bill 2023
The House divided. [12:19]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 1, heading, page 4 (line 1), omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(2) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 6), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(3) Schedule 1, item 2, page 4 (line 9), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(4) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 15), omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(5) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 18), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(6) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 21), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(7) Schedule 1, item 5, page 4 (line 24), omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(8) Schedule 1, item 5, page 4 (line 27), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(9) Schedule 1, item 6, page 5 (line 1), omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(10) Schedule 1, item 6, page 5 (line 4), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(11) Schedule 1, page 5 (after line 4), after item 6, insert:
7 Review of instant asset write-off for small business entities
(1) The Minister must cause an independent review to be conducted of the operation of section 328-180 of the Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 .
(2) Without limiting subitem (1), the review must consider how the operation of that section has helped small business entities.
(3) The persons undertaking the review must give the Minister a written report of the review by 30 June 2025.
(4) The Minister must cause a copy of the report of the review to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House after the report is given to the Minister.
(12) Schedule 2, item 1, page 6 (line 12), omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(13) Schedule 2, item 1, page 6 (line 14), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(14) Schedule 2, item 1, page 7 (line 6), omit "1 July 2024", substitute "1 July 2025".
(15) Schedule 2, item 1, page 7 (line 11), omit "1 July 2024", substitute "1 July 2025".
(16) Schedule 2, item 1, page 7 (line 21), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(17) Schedule 2, item 1, page 8 (line 28), omit "1 July 2024", substitute "1 July 2025".
(18) Schedule 2, item 1, page 9 (line 14), omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(19) Schedule 2, page 10 (after line 32), after item 1, insert:
2 Review of small business energy incentive
(1) The Minister must cause an independent review to be conducted of the operation of section 328-465 of the Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 .
(2) Without limiting subitem (1), the review must consider how the operation of that section has helped small business entities.
(3) The persons undertaking the review must give the Minister a written report of the review by 30 June 2025.
(4) The Minister must cause a copy of the report of the review to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 7 sitting days of that House after the report is given to the Minister.
The House divided. [12:39]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 1, heading, page 4 (lines 1 and 2), omit "$20,000 instant asset write-off for small business entities", substitute "$30,000 instant asset write-off for small and medium business entities".
(2) Schedule 1, page 4 (after line 2), after item 2, insert:
2A After subsection 328-180(3)
Insert:
Extension to medium business entities
(3A) If you are an entity covered by subsection (3B) for an income year, then for the purposes of doing any of the following:
(a) deducting under subsection 328-180(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 a proportion of the adjustable value of a depreciating asset for an income year in circumstances where paragraph (4)(d) of this section applies to you and the asset;
(b) deducting under subsection 328-180(2) of that Act a proportion of an amount included in the second element of the cost for an asset in circumstances where paragraph (5)(e) of this section applies to you and the amount;
(c) applying subsection 328-180(3) of that Act to you and an asset in circumstances where:
(i) paragraph (5)(e) of this section applies to you and an amount included in the second element of the asset's cost; and
(ii) paragraph (6)(e) of this section applies to you for a deduction for the asset for an income year;
Subdivision 328-D of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 applies to you for an income year and the asset as if you were a small business entity for the income year.
(3B) An entity is covered by this subsection for an income year if:
(a) the entity is not a small business entity for the income year; and
(b) the entity would be a small business entity for the income year if:
(i) each reference in Subdivision 328-C of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (about what is a small business entity) to $10 million were instead a reference to $50 million; and
(ii) the reference in paragraph 328-110(5)(b) of that Act to a small business entity were instead a reference to an entity covered by this subsection.
(3) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 15), omit "$20,000", substitute "$30,000".
(4) Schedule 1, item 5, page 4 (line 24), omit "$20,000", substitute "$30,000".
(5) Schedule 1, item 6, page 5 (line 1), omit "$20,000", substitute "$30,000".
The House divided. [12:56]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Crown References Amendment Bill 2023
The House divided. [13:06]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) All references to the monarchy and or a British sovereign be omitted from all Acts listed in Schedule 1 and substituted with the words "Sovereign people of Australia".
That this bill be now read a third time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
Counter-Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Health Insurance Amendment (Professional Services Review Scheme No. 2) Bill 2023
Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Bill 2023
Australia's Parliament is a diverse and ever-evolving landscape; it is a symbol of our Nation's democratic values.
It is essential that as we look towards our future, our Parliamentarians continue to respect the framework that our democracy has provided for more than 120 years.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'the future depends on what we do in the present'. With this in mind, continuing to uphold our parliamentary structure with the principles of our democracy will underpin the future stability and success of our Nation. We must ensure any future challenges our great Country meets are addressed with the strong, reliable, and resilient foundations of our Constitution. We should, as a Nation work to elevate our democratic standing on the international stage, in order to continue to be the democracy others aspire to.
While I cannot imagine changes to make Australia better for future generations, I can believe that if we continue to be guided by innovation and knowledge through the voices of our democratically elected representatives, the safety, security, and success of our Nation will endure.
Dear Members of Parliament,
I strongly suggest that we lower the costs for fuel because so many people around Australia have to travel a lot.
And some people even have to drive from a whole other town to get to work, like my teacher.
To start with, I have a teacher who drives all the way from Ayr to Bowen to teach art.
But then she has to go to the service station to get fuel and uses the money that she has worked hard for just to drive all the way back to Ayr.
I also know for a fact that some people from Bowen, including me, have to drive to Proserpine in the afternoons for dance lessons.
On the way we have to stop for fuel most of the time and pay an overpriced amount per litre.
Another point is that my mum, and other mums, work hard for money to support their children but have to pay for really expensive fuel to take them places.
Don't you want them to give their child a better life?
After all, I believe that you should consider lowering the price of fuel.
Please lower the prices for all of the parents and teachers who work hard and try their best to support their children and students.
Hi Zoe
Since we moved to Capel Sound in 2003, we recognised the need to fix Jetty Rd, as does most of the Peninsula—we all feel the impact of traffic bottleneck and major delays to vehicle movement.
The recent changes will do naught to address either issue.
… … …
[These] locations will only get worse with the holiday season and warmer weather bringing more attraction to the beach and all else.
Both Federal and State Governments have failed us with lies as you have demonstrated—ultimately they will pay at the ballot box.
But don't give up the fight.
I also believe that in the time that has past, (the man) has demonstrated significant repose and repentance, alongside ongoing rehabilitation with the active support and guidance of the … community of WA.
… the Clean Energy Regulator could run tender rounds to select eligible offers on a lowest-cost priority basis up to a benchmark price. This benchmark would be commercial-in-confidence to encourage businesses to submit their lowest price.
We certainly acknowledge that renewable energy infrastructure will impact on a significant amount of land within Australia …
The Australian Aluminium Council welcomes the expansion of the Capacity Investment Scheme bringing forward investment and placing downward pressure on #electricity prices for #consumers, including households and industry.
Today's announcement of an expansion of the existing Capacity Investment Scheme … will greatly expand the scope of capacity contracts from the Federal Government and looks like a very helpful step to addressing fears that inadequate supply would pose to price and reliability this decade.
We welcome the announcement from the Commonwealth as it should provide a level of certainty for investors and consumers in these highly volatile times. We expect this approach will help facilitate the deployment of renewable energy and storage technology while working to shield Australian households and business from significant increases in energy costs.
… a very helpful step to addressing fears that inadequate supply would pose to price and reliability this decade.
We welcome the announcement from the Commonwealth as it should provide a level of certainty for investors and consumers in these highly volatile times.
It's a great policy that the government has put in place, so we'll definitely be looking at that, as they roll it out now across the next states.
Today's announcement by the Federal Government opens the doors to investors like HESTA to play a more significant role in Australia's energy transition.
We've had a very productive and constructive bilateral. It was my first meeting with State Councilor Wang Yi … We have had a good discussion about a number of issues, I'm not going to go into the detail, I regard these things as confidential bilateral engagements …
But on security matters … again, I keep my counsel and discussions with our ally at a private level, at a confidential level. We're in constant engagement with them.
… I am not going to spill the beans on discussions which necessarily should be confidential if they’re to be as constructive and collegial and candid as they need to be …
I think the best way to strengthen relations with Indonesia, which is such a critically important neighbour, such a very important friend, is to respect private conversations.
… I'm not going to comment on private conversations between Australian government ministers and Indonesian government ministers …
What I said is that there was engagement with Fiji, and as to private conversations, detailed briefings, that were conducted by DFAT and others, that's not something we will publicly comment on.
Look, in relation to what I said or what my office said in briefings, I'm not going to comment on that. I act to keep Australians safe.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent:
(1) debate on the second reading resuming immediately, with the time limit for Members speaking being five minutes; and
(2) the second reading debate continuing for no longer than one hour, after which the bill being passed through all its stages without delay.
That all words in paragraph (1) after "immediately" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"with the time limit for the first Opposition speaker being 10 minutes, and the time limit for all other Members speaking being five minutes".
Inside the chaos of Government handballing of GPS trackers as detainee criminals still roam streets without care … the Federal agency tasked with tracking killers and child sex offenders freed from immigration detention may not even have the power to do so as fallout from the High Court judgement continues. It comes as several agencies pass the buck on getting, supplying or using the GPS devices.
The House divided. [16:12]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [16:23]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The Minister for Home Affairs views this case of the utmost importance and wishes all avenues (including difficult ones) progressed. No stone should be left unturned would be an apt summary. I think a further discussion is warranted on the approach to Bangladesh, making further enquiries, and third country options for engagement.
The House divided. [17:30]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
The House divided. [17:36]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee Bill 2023
The Government commit to a substantial increase in the base rates of JobSeeker Payment and related working age payments as a first priority.
Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:
(1) notes:
(a) the Coalition's strong record supporting government funded paid parental leave;
(b) the former Government's commitment to supporting women's participation in the workforce saw women's participation reach record highs;
(c) at both the 2010 and 2013 federal elections, the Coalition's paid parental leave policy sought to deliver 26 weeks paid parental leave based on actual wage;
(d) both Labor and the Greens opposed the Coalition's paid parental leave policy; and
(e) the current paid parental leave scheme disproportionately adversely impacts smaller businesses, imposing an additional red-tape burden on small businesses by making them the pay clerk for the Government's paid parental leave scheme; and
(2) calls on the Government to amend the Paid Parental Leave Act to require the Secretary, as defined by the Act, to pay parental leave pay instalments directly to employees of small businesses except in cases where a small business opts to pay parental leave pay instalments directly to an employee".
…the current (and future) impost on small business employers to act as the administrative payment intermediary between the Commonwealth and new parent employees is unwarranted and disproportionately adversely impacts smaller businesses.
For many small and family businesses, the costs associated with administering the scheme are magnified as they do not have the existing organisational capability or internal expertise to implement complex processes. Allowing small businesses to 'opt-in' to administering the scheme or have Services Australia administer the payment directly to the employee will reduce the disproportionate regulatory burden on the sector, while allowing businesses to administer the scheme if they prefer.
We have arrived at a moment of consequence where a genuine commitment to respecting women, and valuing and nurturing their economic contribution by removing systemic barriers, is vital.
This historic reform is a major win for working families who have been waiting decades for a national Paid Parental Leave scheme.
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself …
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Stevens) took the chair at 10:29.
My 3 year old daughter needed to be seen on a Sunday and we were able to see a doctor and have x-ray all in the one appointment. Thank you for providing such a wonderful service and for your prompt and caring attention.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) Australia's 370,000 first responders are the brave individuals on the frontline tackling compounding and cascading disasters, risking their lives to safeguard communities and property;
(b) the work of first responders is a service to our nation and we honour it, and that some experiences can be distressing, traumatic and dangerous;
(c) it is crucial to provide ongoing, comprehensive national support and enhance the resilience and capability of first responders, especially during and immediately after the current severe bushfire season; and
(d) Fortem Australia is the leading provider of this support for first responders nationwide, providing effective care to 15,000 unique first responders and their families across the nation, including 37,000 wellbeing activity registrations and delivery of over 6,100 clinical psychology sessions;
(2) notes the Government's delay in confirming additional continued funding for this important work to continue beyond March 2024, resulting in significant uncertainty and a risk that Fortem Australia will need to begin to scale down its operations from November 2023; and
(3) urgently calls upon the Government to announce continued funding for Fortem Australia prior to the commencement of the upcoming summer bushfire period, ensuring that first responders know where to tum in their time of need, and ensuring the seamless delivery of nation-leading support to these dedicated individuals.
That this House:
(1) notes the:
(a) increasing importance of research in the field of genetics in advancing our understanding of better treatments and healthcare policy for the betterment of patients; and
(b) opportunities provided by genetic research and that the findings from life-changing treatments should be regarded as ways and means to provide targeted treatments for patients suffering from disorders such as epilepsy, auto-immune diseases, cancers, heart disease and many others;
(2) acknowledges:
(a) with the rush of new information and understanding of genetic treatments, comes the responsibility to protect the privacy of individuals from being exploited by third parties;
(b) these are imperative in protecting the field of genetics from exploitation and limiting the risk of patient records and disorders being used in discriminatory manners by third parties, such as the life insurance industry, whose current ability to use genetic test results in assessing applications and claims has led to great frustration and should be stopped; and
(c) this concern with privacy must not damage research in the genetics field and the benefits that advances in treatments provide, however, it is in the interest of this field that individuals are not discouraged from sharing information of their disorders; and
(3) calls on Commonwealth, state and territory governments to work towards legislation that will restrict third party access to genetic information and ensure that the only party able to choose when and how to disclose genetic information is the individual themselves.
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) the release of Services Australia's 2022-23 annual report, which confirmed that customer satisfaction and other key performance measures went backwards;
(b) that Services Australia has become a basket case under the current Government, with .sky-rocketing call and claims processing wait times; and
(c) that the under performing Minister for Government Services reduced Services Australia's average staffing levels in the 2023-24 budget and decreased funding for technology and transformation;
(2) acknowledges the work of the former Government in ensuring service delivery was seamless, simple and safe, with a strong emphasis on digital uplift; and
(3) calls on the Government to help get Services Australia back on track by launching a root and branch review into the embattled agency.
Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal, and it made many people feel like criminals. In essence, people were traumatised on the off-chance they might owe money.
That this House:
(1) recognises that the Government's commitment to a Future Made in Australia includes pathways and access to the jobs of the future;
(2) acknowledges the Government's commitment to reach 1.2 million tech-related jobs by 2030 and ensure Australians are equipped with the skills needed for these jobs through;
(a) the delivery of over 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE places in 2023, including in the priority areas of technology and digital, and an additional 300,000 Fee-Free TAFE places to be made available from next year;
(b) its implementation of a Digital and Tech Skills Compact to help workers earn while they learn in entry level tech roles;
(c) a diversity in STEM review to deliver a more diverse and representative STEM workforce for Australians from all walks of life;
(d) delivering Australia's first National Quantum Strategy;
(e) supporting the safe, inclusive uptake of technologies like artificial intelligence that reflect community interests; and
(3) notes the Government is committed to transforming Australian industry through:
(a) the $1.5 billion National Reconstruction Fund that will help Australia capture new, high value market opportunities; and
(b) the $392 million Industry Growth Program to support Australian small and medium enterprises to commercialise their ideas and grow their businesses.
Our mental health system needs urgent attention. In Australia, adults access care easier than teenagers, despite 1 in 7 adolescents facing mental illness. The youth are resolute in demanding reform. We must allocate resources, enact meaningful policies, and bring about tangible change in our system.
So, what steps are vital to fix these issues across states and territories?
Firstly, we must support gradually deteriorating patients who aren't in a critical state. Funds for respite recovery programs will offer them much needed care. Proactive interventions before disaster can prevent future crises.
Improving mental health clinics is also vital. Funding for infrastructure will reduce the wait time for clinic beds, which can currently be days.
Our schools deserve attention as well. Mental health resources and counsellors should be available in government schools, to provide students with strategies to deal with problems.
Within our mental health system, inaction is not an option. Let's act now, for the sake of future generations who deserve a safer childhood.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges 2023 as the centenary of the Republic of Turkiye and congratulates the people of Turkiye on this significant milestone for their nation;
(2) remembers with respect the founder of the Republic and commander of Turkish forces at Gallipoli, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and his unprecedented efforts to heal the wounds of ANZAC mothers, paving the way for our two nations to become friends from foes in less than a decade; and
(3) recognises the sons and daughters of Turkiye who have since made their home in Australia and the contribution they have made to building our nation.
I look to the world with an open heart full of pure feelings and friendship.
Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ... You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace.
That this House:
(1) notes the increase in youth crime across Queensland;
(2) acknowledges the increase in digital material featuring criminal activity by young offenders for the purpose of gaining notoriety;
(3) further notes the impact on victims of crime, as a result of such material being posted online and elsewhere, which demeans victims and flaunts a blatant disregard for the law and policing agencies;
(4) further acknowledges that digital platforms and online content depicting criminal activity material are being used as a tool to attract young people into criminal behaviour;
(5) notes the important role of the eSafety Commissioner as an independent regulator helping to safeguard young Australians at risk from online harms; and
(6) calls on the Government to:
(a) enhance protections of children and young people online, from digital content that depicts criminal activity material and prevent them from a life of crime; and
(b) protect victims of crime by empowering the eSafety Commissioner to explicitly handle online content of criminal activity material in a similar way to how cyber-bullying and cyber-abuse material is treated.
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.
Between the new government and the old one, it's a bit like night and day.
That this House:
(1) notes that industrial scale reckless renewable energy proposals, and their associated transmission lines are economically, socially and environmentally untenable for the following reasons:
(a) they involve significant land clearing and invasive construction, destroying prime agricultural land, native bushland and wildlife habitats;
(b) the location and proximity of transmission lines lead to the devaluation of land and the interruption of agricultural businesses;
(c) the proposals divide communities and cause mental anguish; and
(d) the costs of these proposals are prone to blow out; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) impose a moratorium on industrial scale renewable energy projects until the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is amended to require the automatic referral of such projects for assessment under the Act;
(b) support a Senate inquiry into the economic, social and environmental impacts of industrial scale reckless renewable energy projects, and their associated transmission lines;
(c) conduct a thorough and transparent feasibility study into the alternative development of next generation zero-emission nuclear technology as a future sustainable energy source;
(d) require state and territory governments to avoid the use of private land for projects and transmission lines where such projects attract Commonwealth funding; and
(e) work with state and territory governments to review energy and transmission line project evaluation processes to ensure that environmental, social and economic impacts are given full consideration as part of the assessment process.
The energy sector, in particular, now has a choice. Should CEOs capitulate to the demands from the green left to prematurely close down coal and gas generators, without regard for customers? Or should they focus more on those quiet Australians in the suburbs and regions, the small businesses they run and the industries they work for?
… some published decommissioning plans have calculated costs … up to $600,000 … If a turbine has a structural failure and is unstable, it could cost millions of dollars to safely remove the turbine from site.
To put these costs into perspective, the total fees earned for hosting a turbine for 25 years could be in the range of $250,000 - $750,000 …
When you look at the whales, and the mother and the calf that we saw out there, the dolphins - all of that is at risk because there's no environmental consideration…
Abuse and violence is a problem for victims, but it is not the victims' problem. Genuine change begins with a willingness to listen. We must stop protecting perpetrators with our silence, and through inaction. We must be willing to sit in discomfort. It is time to be brave.