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, 19 March 2024.
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, 19 March 2024, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 25 March 2024, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training
Shared vision, equal pathways: report of the inquiry into the perceptions and status of vocational education and training
The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made — all statements to conclude by 10.35 am.
Speech time limits —
Ms Chesters — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR COLEMAN: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the criminal law and the law relating to online safety, and for related purposes. ( Crimes and Online Safety Legislation Amendment (Combatting Online Notoriety) Bill 2024 )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
2 MR KATTER: To present a Bill for an Act to provide for a Commissioner for Food Retailing and for various other matters in relation to market share of supermarkets, and for related purposes. ( Reducing Supermarket Dominance Bill 2024 )
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 MS CHANEY: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 , and for related purposes. (Electoral Legislation Amendment (Fair and Transparent Elections) Bill 2024 )
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
4 MS MASCARENHAS: To move:
That this House:
(1) commends the Government's commitment to build a Future Made in Australia that includes a strong, diverse economy with greater opportunity and security for all;
(2) notes the Government is taking advantage of Australia's strengths and natural resources to create job opportunities across the value chain through:
(a) the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund and its key priority areas, which includes a focus on value-add in resources;
(b) investing $840 million to help deliver Australia's first combined rare earth mine and refinery in the Northern Territory;
(c) expanding the Critical Minerals Facility to $6 billion to bolster the sector in Australia;
(d) the $392 million Industry Growth Program to support Australian small and medium enterprises that fall under the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas;
(e) developing Australia's first National Battery Strategy;
(f) updating the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Investment Mandate to allow further investments in clean energy technologies; and
(g) supporting the development of Australian manufacturing through the Capacity Investment Scheme; and
(3) calls on the Opposition to support Australia's manufacturing future and the creation of more secure, well-paid jobs.
(Notice given 19 March 2024.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Mascarenhas — 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 RAMSEY: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) Australia's live sheep export industry employs more than 3,500 people in Western Australia and is worth $85 million in direct payments to producers with an assumed multiplier effect close to $300 million;
(b) Australia has developed world-leading animal welfare standards which are applied to animals exported by sea and the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System ensures animal welfare right through to point of slaughter in destination markets;
(c) the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Government have committed to phasing out live sheep exports from Australia, but have not released a timeframe for this;
(d) the independent panel appointed by the Minister to consult with stakeholders and provide advice on how and when the Government will phase out exports provided its report to the Minister on 25 October 2023;
(e) despite numerous requests, the Government and the Minister have refused to release the report to stakeholders, famers or industry groups, claiming it is 'cabinet-in-confidence';
(f) the Coalition's Agriculture, Water and Environment Backbench Committee met with livestock farmers in South Australia and Western Australia from 5 to 8 March to hear firsthand the concerns of those in the region most likely to be affected;
(g) the committee heard from farmers, industry participants and community representatives who work hard to ensure the welfare of their animals throughout the export process is maintained at the high levels Australians expect; and
(h) attendees at eight meetings over four days indicated that confidence in the sheep industry was at its lowest point in decades and were fearful for the industry's future and the future of family farms and businesses and their wider rural communities
(2) condemns the Government for its reckless and ideological decision to forcibly shut down Australia's live sheep export industry in order to try and hold seats in the inner cities where they are competing with the Australian Greens;
(3) recognises that any decisions made in respect to the trade should always be predicated on science and independent of the Government;
(4) calls on the Government to urgently explain what factual evidence or science its decision to ban the live sheep export industry is based on;
(5) demands the Government to immediately release the report of the independent panel to allow proper discussion with stakeholders; and
(6) urges the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to urgently re-open the inquiry into the grooming of and payments made to Faizal Ullah by Animals Australia in the light of a second statutory declaration coming forward after the closure of its initial investigation.
(Notice given 19 March 2024.)
Time allotted — 15 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Ramsey — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
6 MS CHANEY: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that under its Inflation Reduction Act, the United States of America (USA) has committed more than one trillion (AUD) in incentives to accelerate the USA's transition to net zero by 2050;
(2) acknowledges that, with our abundant natural resources, Australia is well-placed to become a renewable energy superpower;
(3) further notes that business representatives have raised concerns that Australia is lagging in the race to decarbonise, in part due to:
(a) unwieldly state and federal approvals processes;
(b) low investor confidence due to decades of climate inaction;
(c) the comparatively high cost of doing business; and
(d) competition from other countries with stronger support structures for new industries; and
(4) calls on the Government to commit to an urgent, comprehensive and well-funded plan to increase our international competitiveness in decarbonised industries.
(Notice given 19 March 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Ms Chaney — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR CHANDLER-MATHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) in the 2023 financial year the Government collected more money from HECS/HELP debt than it did from gas companies;
(b) millions of Australians with student debt were hit with a 7.1 per cent indexation increase last year; and
(c) many federal politicians received free university themselves; and
(2) calls on the Government to wipe student debt and make university and TAFE free.
(Notice given 19 March 2024.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Chandler-Mather — 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.
2 MS CLAYDON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that International Women's Day is celebrated annually on 8 March and that the theme for 2024 is Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress ;
(2) acknowledges that the Government has made significant investments in areas to improve the lives of women by delivering more tax relief to women and making it easier to work, making childcare cheaper, expanding the Government's Paid Parental Leave Scheme and paying superannuation on this leave, investing in women's safety, improving how the industrial relations system works for women and improving pay and conditions in the care economy;
(3) welcomes the difference this is already making, noting that:
(a) the gender pay gap is now at a record low of 12 per cent;
(b) Australia has jumped up 17 places from 43rd to 26th in global gender equality rankings in the last 12 months;
(c) 60.4 per cent of women over the age of 15 are now employed, compared to 59.9 per cent in 2023;
(d) for the first time in history, Australia has a majority female Federal Government;
(e) women's wages are up; and
(f) the Government's Paid Parental Leave Scheme will be expanded to 26 weeks, with a 12 per cent superannuation contribution being paid to help boost retirement incomes for millions of mums; and
(4) congratulates the Government on releasing Australia's first ever strategy for gender equality Working for Women , which sets out a path to get us there over the next 10 years, with a focus on driving action in five priority areas:
(a) gender based violence;
(b) unpaid and paid care;
(c) economic equality and security;
(d) health; and
(e) leadership, representation and decision-making.
(Notice given 18 March 2024.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Claydon — 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.
3 MR FLETCHER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes with concern that during a cost-of-living crisis:
(a) call-wait times at Services Australia remain unacceptably high; and
(b) processing times for key claims, such as the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension, continue to blow out;
(2) acknowledges that this is a result of the Government's:
(a) failure to embrace digital service delivery;
(b) inept mismanagement of Services Australia's workforce; and
(c) failure to commit to a top-to-bottom customer service mindset; and
(3) expresses its support for a root and branch review into Services Australia.
(Notice given 27 February 2024.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Fletcher — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
1 MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES: Resumption of debate ( from 26 February 2024 ) on the motion of Mr Laxale—That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) the work the Government has undertaken to support Australia's multicultural communities, including:
(i) launching the Multicultural Framework Review;
(ii) supporting a cohesive and inclusive multicultural society;
(iii) investing $20 million in the Adult Migrant English Program;
(iv) extending the Community Language Schools grant program to pre-schoolers;
(v) committing $7.5 million to fund the Australian Human Rights Commission to complete its National Anti-Racism Framework;
(vi) reducing citizenship processing times by 42 per cent to the lowest level in six years; and
(vii) clearing the visa backlogs for nearly 1 million people left behind by the Liberal Party and slashing wait time;
(b) that Australia is proudly one of the world's most vibrant and successful multicultural societies; and
(c) the positive contribution that migration has made to our country, culture and economy; and
(2) condemns the:
(a) Liberal and National parties for their neglect of the immigration system, as outlined in the Nixon Review; and
(b) comments from a former Prime Minister on 2 November 2023, when he stated that he 'always had trouble' with the concept of multiculturalism.
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices — continued
4 MR HOGAN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) that estimated budget allocations for the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program decreased from $169 million in the financial year 2022-23 to $110 million in the financial year 2025-26;
(b) the current pause between rounds 3 and 4 of the EMDG program means no financial support will be available to businesses in the 2024-25 financial year; and
(c) stakeholder concerns that the Government is considering, through a strategic refocus, removing eligibility for grants under the program for exports to certain markets; and
(2) calls on the Government to reverse its policy intention and ensure that exporters can continue to access the program, regardless of the markets they seek to market and export to.
(Notice given 27 February 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Mr Hogan — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices — continued
5 MR HAMILTON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes comments by the Minister for Home Affairs in the House on Wednesday, 14 February 2024 in regard to 'parents who just cannot afford to buy the groceries they need for their families... parents who are struggling terribly with rents... people who can't afford to fill their car up with petrol';
(2) further notes comments in the CommBank iQ Cost of Living Insights Report for November 2023 that:
(a) Australians are spending more on essentials such as insurance, medical costs and pharmacies, leaving less funds for purchase of discretionary items such as household goods and clothing; and
(b) younger Australians between 25 and 29 years old have been the hardest hit with a 5.1 per cent decline in their total spending, the only age group to decrease both discretionary and essential spending;
(3) recognises that under the Government:
(a) the costs of food, housing, electricity, insurance and gas have all increased;
(b) real spending power has been reduced; and
(c) younger Australians, with and without children, are being especially impacted by rising living costs;
(4) condemns the Government for the current cost of living crisis which is due to the Government's mismanagement of the economy and failure to adequately address high inflation and increased interest rates; and
(5) calls on the Government to immediately develop and implement sensible economic policies to address Australia's cost of living crisis which is hurting all Australians.
(Notice given 27 February 2024.)
Time allotted — 50 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Hamilton — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
6 MS FERNANDO: To move:
That this House:
(1) recognises that the National Anti-Scam Centre's second quarterly report shows that scam losses from October to December 2023 reduced by 43 per cent from the same quarter in 2022, and 26 per cent from the July to September 2023 quarter;
(2) observes that these results are a complete reversal of the trend, which saw scam losses double and double again between 2019 and 2022; and
(3) commends the Government for delivering on its commitment to combat scams and online fraud by investing $86.5 million in a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, including:
(a) establishing the National Anti-Scam Centre under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission;
(b) launching Australia's first SMS Sender ID registry to prevent scammers imitating trusted brands; and
(c) boosting Australian Securities and Investments Commission's investment scam disruption activities, enabling it to identify and take down investment scam and phishing websites.
(Notice given 19 March 2024.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Fernando — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day — continued
LIVE SHEEP EXPORT: Resumption of debate on the motion of Mr Ramsey—That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) Australia's live sheep export industry employs more than 3,500 people in Western Australia and is worth $85 million in direct payments to producers with an assumed multiplier effect close to $300 million;
(b) Australia has developed world-leading animal welfare standards which are applied to animals exported by sea and the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System ensures animal welfare right through to point of slaughter in destination markets;
(c) the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Government have committed to phasing out live sheep exports from Australia, but have not released a timeframe for this;
(d) the independent panel appointed by the Minister to consult with stakeholders and provide advice on how and when the Government will phase out exports provided its report to the Minister on 25 October 2023;
(e) despite numerous requests, the Government and the Minister have refused to release the report to stakeholders, famers or industry groups, claiming it is 'cabinet-in-confidence';
(f) the Coalition's Agriculture, Water and Environment Backbench Committee met with livestock farmers in South Australia and Western Australia from 5 to 8 March to hear firsthand the concerns of those in the region most likely to be affected;
(g) the committee heard from farmers, industry participants and community representatives who work hard to ensure the welfare of their animals throughout the export process is maintained at the high levels Australians expect; and
(h) attendees at eight meetings over four days indicated that confidence in the sheep industry was at its lowest point in decades and were fearful for the industry's future and the future of family farms and businesses and their wider rural communities
(2) condemns the Government for its reckless and ideological decision to forcibly shut down Australia's live sheep export industry in order to try and hold seats in the inner cities where they are competing with the Australian Greens;
(3) recognises that any decisions made in respect to the trade should always be predicated on science and independent of the Government;
(4) calls on the Government to urgently explain what factual evidence or science its decision to ban the live sheep export industry is based on;
(5) demands the Government to immediately release the report of the independent panel to allow proper discussion with stakeholders; and
(6) urges the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to urgently re-open the inquiry into the grooming of and payments made to Faizal Ullah by Animals Australia in the light of a second statutory declaration coming forward after the closure of its initial investigation.
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.
2 HOME GUARANTEE SCHEME: Resumption of debate ( from 18 March 2024 ) on the motion of Ms Byrnes—That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) the Government's expanded Home Guarantee Scheme has now supported more than 100,000 people into home ownership since the election, bringing home ownership back into reach;
(b) almost one in three first home buyers in 2022-23 were supported by the scheme, a significant increase from the previous year under the former Government;
(c) the Government delivered on its commitment to introduce the new Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee three months ahead of schedule in October 2022, and it has assisted more than 15,000 people across regional Australia into home ownership; and
(d) the Government has also expanded eligibility of the Home Guarantee Scheme to help more Australians who were locked out under the previous Government into home ownership;
(2) notes that:
(a) the Government wants to provide even more support for people to own their home through the Help to Buy scheme, which is due to start later this year following the passage of state legislation; and
(b) Help to Buy will support eligible home buyers with an equity contribution of up to 40 per cent for new homes and 30 per cent for existing homes, with eligible buyers needing as little as a 2 per cent deposit to buy a home; and
(3) further notes that the Home Guarantee Scheme and Help to Buy are just two parts of the Government's broad and ambitious housing agenda, with the Government committing funding of $25 billion in new housing investments over the next decade including committed funding to support thousands of new social and affordable rentals, with many already under construction.
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
DECARBONISED INDUSTRIES: Resumption of debate on the motion of Ms Chaney—That this House:
(1) notes that under its Inflation Reduction Act, the United States of America (USA) has committed more than one trillion (AUD) in incentives to accelerate the USA's transition to net zero by 2050;
(2) acknowledges that, with our abundant natural resources, Australia is well-placed to become a renewable energy superpower;
(3) further notes that business representatives have raised concerns that Australia is lagging in the race to decarbonise, in part due to:
(a) unwieldly state and federal approvals processes;
(b) low investor confidence due to decades of climate inaction;
(c) the comparatively high cost of doing business; and
(d) competition from other countries with stronger support structures for new industries; and
(4) calls on the Government to commit to an urgent, comprehensive and well-funded plan to increase our international competitiveness in decarbonised industries.
(Notice given 19 March 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 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
20 March 2024
Excise Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Customs Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Health Legislation Amendment (Removal of Requirement for a Collaborative Arrangement) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia's Military Secrets) Bill 2023
That this bill be now read a third time.
Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2023
(1) Schedule 1, item 2, page 3 (before line 19), before the definition of Australian person , insert:
Australian Military Sales Program item means DSGL goods or DSGL technology specified in a determination in force under section 5AA.
(2) Schedule 1, item 2, page 4 (lines 11 and 12), omit the definition of DSGL goods , substitute:
DSGL goods means goods within the scope of the Defence and Strategic Goods List, but does not include goods constituting technology, as defined in that list, that has been produced in the course of, or for the purposes of, fundamental research.
(3) Schedule 1, item 3, page 4 (lines 19 to 21), omit the item, substitute:
3 Subsection 4(1) (definition of DSGL technology )
Repeal the definition, substitute:
DSGL technology means a thing that:
(a) either:
(i) is technology, as defined in the Defence and Strategic Goods List, not including such technology that has been produced in the course of, or for the purposes of, fundamental research; or
(ii) is software, as defined in that list; and
(b) is within the scope of that list.
(4) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (after line 24), after the definition of foreign person , insert:
fundamental research means basic or applied research conducted in circumstances where the results of the research:
(a) are intended for public disclosure, or would ordinarily be published or shared broadly; and
(b) are not subject to any restrictions on disclosure (however imposed) for purposes connected with the security or defence of Australia or any foreign country.
(5) Schedule 1, item 5, page 5 (before line 1), before section 5B, insert:
5AA Australian Military Sales Program items
The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that specified DSGL goods or DSGL technology is an Australian Military Sales Program item.
(6) Schedule 1, item 5, page 6 (line 30) to page 7 (line 22), omit paragraphs 5C(1)(a) to (d), substitute:
(a) the supply is covered by subsection (1A), (1B) or (1C); and
(b) any requirements prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph that apply in relation to the supply are satisfied.
(7) Schedule 1, item 5, page 7 (after line 22), after subsection 5C(1), insert:
(1A) This subsection covers a supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology if:
(a) the supply is to any of the following:
(i) an Australian person;
(ii) a citizen or permanent resident of the United Kingdom or United States of America;
(iii) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of the United Kingdom or United States of America, or of part of either of those countries;
(iv) the Government of the United Kingdom or United States of America, or the government of part of either of those countries;
(v) an authority of the Government of the United Kingdom or United States of America, or the government of part of either of those countries; and
(b) either:
(i) the supply is to, or occurs wholly at, a place in Australia, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; or
(ii) if the supply is the provision of access to DSGL technology—at the time of the provision of access, the person to whom the access is provided is in Australia, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; and
(c) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3).
(1B) This subsection covers a supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology if:
(a) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) any other DSGL goods or DSGL technology not excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3); and
(b) the supply is made in accordance with an agreement or arrangement between Australia and one or more foreign countries, including an agreement, arrangement or understanding between a Minister and an official or authority of one or more foreign countries.
(1C) This subsection covers a supply of DSGL technology if:
(a) the supply is to any of the following:
(i) a citizen or permanent resident of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under subsection 15(4A);
(ii) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under that subsection; or of part of such a country;
(iii) the government of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under that subsection, or of part of such a country;
(iv) an authority of the government of a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under that subsection, or the government of part of such a country; and
(b) any of the following applies:
(i) the place from which the supply is made and the place to which the supply is made are both in Australia;
(ii) the supply occurs wholly at a place in Australia;
(iii) if the supply is the provision of access to DSGL technology—at the time of the provision of access, both the person providing the access and the person to whom the access is provided are in Australia; and
(c) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3).
(8) Schedule 1, item 5, page 7 (line 25) to page 8 (line 7), omit paragraphs 5C(2)(a) to (d), substitute:
(a) the provision of the DSGL services is covered by subsection (2A) or (2B); and
(b) any requirements prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph that apply in relation to the provision of the DSGL services are satisfied.
(9) Schedule 1, item 5, page 8 (after line 7), after subsection 5C(2), insert:
(2A) This subsection covers the provision of DSGL services if:
(a) the DSGL services are provided to any of the following:
(i) an Australian person;
(ii) a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America;
(iii) a body corporate incorporated by or under a law of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or of part of such a country;
(iv) the Government of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or the government of part of such a country;
(v) an authority of the Government of Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, or the government of part of such a country; and
(b) the DSGL services are received at a place in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States of America; and
(c) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology to which the DSGL services relate is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3).
(2B) This subsection covers the provision of DSGL services if:
(a) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology to which the DSGL services relate is:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) any other DSGL goods or DSGL technology not excluded by a determination in force under subsection (3); and
(b) the DSGL services are provided in accordance with an agreement or arrangement between Australia and one or more foreign countries, including an agreement, arrangement or understanding between a Minister and an official or authority of one or more foreign countries.
(10) Schedule 1, item 5, page 8 (line 11), omit "paragraph (1)(c) or (2)(c)", substitute "subsections (1A), (1B), (1C), (2A) and (2B)".
(11) Schedule 1, item 6, page 8 (line 26), after "DSGL services", insert "outside Australia".
(12) Schedule 1, item 7, page 9 (line 11), after "another", insert "foreign".
(13) Schedule 1, item 7, page 9 (line 14), after "United States of America", insert ", and in some cases certain other countries, or activities involving arrangements between countries,".
(14) Schedule 1, item 14, page 11 (lines 12 to 14), omit paragraph 10(3A)(c), substitute:
(c) the DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(15) Schedule 1, item 14, page 11 (lines 20 to 22), omit paragraph 10(3B)(b), substitute:
(b) the DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(16) Schedule 1, item 15, page 13 (lines 7 to 16), omit subsection 10A(5).
(17) Schedule 1, item 15, page 13 (lines 26 to 28), omit paragraph 10A(6)(c), substitute:
(c) the DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(18) Schedule 1, item 15, page 13 (lines 34 to 36), omit paragraph 10A(7)(b), substitute:
(b) the DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(19) Schedule 1, item 15, page 14 (after line 2), after subsection 10A(7), insert:
(7A) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the DSGL technology is supplied to a person who is producing, or is to produce, one or more components of DSGL goods; and
(b) the supply is made in connection with the production of the components; and
(c) any requirements prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph are satisfied.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (7A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .
(20) Schedule 1, item 15, page 14 (line 16), after "DSGL goods", insert ", other than firearms,".
(21) Schedule 1, item 15, page 14 (after line 17), after paragraph 10B(1)(a), insert:
(aa) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is within the scope of:
(i) Part 1 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List; or
(ii) the Sensitive List of Dual-use Goods and Technologies in Part 2 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List; or
(iii) the Very Sensitive List of Dual-use Goods and Technologies in Part 2 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List; and
(22) Schedule 1, item 15, page 14 (line 24), omit "or to a foreign person".
(23) Schedule 1, item 15, page 14 (line 28), omit "or is a foreign person".
(24) Schedule 1, item 15, page 17 (lines 10 to 12), omit paragraph 10B(7)(c), substitute:
(c) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(25) Schedule 1, item 15, page 17 (lines 18 to 20), omit paragraph 10B(8)(b), substitute:
(b) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is not:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(26) Schedule 1, item 15, page 17 (after line 22), after subsection 10B(8), insert:
(8A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the earlier export or supply, the current supply or any intervening supply of the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is to the person who originally produced the DSGL goods or DSGL technology.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (8A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .
(8B) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the DSGL goods or DSGL technology is within the scope of:
(i) the Sensitive List of Dual-use Goods and Technologies in Part 2 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List; or
(ii) the Very Sensitive List of Dual-use Goods and Technologies in Part 2 of the Defence and Strategic Goods List; and
(b) any of the following applies:
(i) the current supply occurs wholly at a place in a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under subsection 15(4A);
(ii) the current supply is from or to a place in a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under subsection 15(4A);
(iii) if the current supply is the provision of access to DSGL technology—at the time of the provision of access, the supplier or the other person mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) is in a foreign country that is specified in an instrument under subsection 15(4A).
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (8B): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .
(8C) Subsection (1) does not apply if a period prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection, in relation to DSGL goods or DSGL technology of that kind, has elapsed since the day the earlier export or supply was made.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (8C): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .
(8D) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the earlier export or supply was made in accordance with a permission or permit mentioned in paragraph (1)(f); and
(b) the permission or permit was granted before the commencement of this section.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (8D): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .
(27) Schedule 1, item 15, page 18 (line 3), at the end of the heading to section 10C, add "outside Australia".
(28) Schedule 1, item 15, page 18 (lines 9 to 12), omit paragraph 10C(1)(e), substitute:
(e) the provider is an Australian person; and
(ea) the provider provides the DSGL services at or from a place outside Australia; and
(eb) the other person receives the DSGL services at a place outside Australia; and
(29) Schedule 1, item 15, page 20 (lines 31 to 33), omit paragraph 10C(6)(c), substitute:
(c) the DSGL services are not provided in relation to DSGL goods or DSGL technology that is:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(30) Schedule 1, item 15, page 21 (lines 3 to 5), omit paragraph 10C(7)(b), substitute:
(b) the DSGL services are not provided in relation to DSGL goods or DSGL technology that is:
(i) an Australian Military Sales Program item; or
(ii) specified in a determination in force under subsection 5C(3); or
(iii) prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(31) Schedule 1, item 15, page 21 (after line 7), after subsection 10C(7), insert:
(7A) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) the DSGL services are provided in connection with a lawful supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology that occurred before the commencement of this section; and
(b) the DSGL services are provided under a contract, agreement or arrangement entered into before the commencement of this section.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (7A): see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .
(32) Schedule 1, page 26 (after line 20), after item 30, insert:
30A Paragraph 15(4)(b)
Repeal the paragraph.
30B After subsection 15(4A)
Insert:
(4AA) The Minister must not specify a foreign country in an instrument made under subsection (4A) unless:
(a) the foreign country is:
(i) a Participating State for the purposes of the Wassenaar Arrangement; and
(ii) a participant in the Australia Group; and
(iii) a partner in the Missile Technology Control Regime; and
(iv) a participant in the Nuclear Suppliers Group; or
(b) the Minister is satisfied that specifying the foreign country in the instrument is in the interests of Australia's national security, Australia's foreign relations or Australia's national economic well-being.
(33) Schedule 1, page 27 (after line 23), after item 40, insert:
40A Subsection 27(1) (note 2)
Repeal the note, substitute:
Note 2: Sections 10 to 10C (about offences for certain activities relating to DSGL goods or DSGL technology) contain exceptions that apply in relation to the holder of an approval.
(34) Schedule 1, page 27 (after line 26), after item 41, insert:
41A Section 57A (paragraph beginning "Persons holding permits under Part 2")
After "make", insert "or DSGL services the persons provide".
41B Section 57A (after the paragraph beginning "Persons holding approvals under section 27")
Insert:
Persons who make certain other supplies of DSGL goods or DSGL technology, or who provide certain DSGL services, must also keep records of those activities.
41C After subsection 58(3)
Insert:
Records for other activities
(3A) If a person makes any supply covered by subsection (3B) or (3C), the person must keep records of the supply, unless:
(a) the supply is made under a permit given to the person under section 11; or
(b) the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph apply.
(3B) This subsection covers a constitutional supply of DSGL technology, in circumstances where:
(a) the supply is from a place in Australia and is to:
(i) a place outside Australia; or
(ii) a foreign person; or
(b) if the supply is the provision of access to DSGL technology—at the time of the provision of access, the person providing the access is in Australia and the person to whom access is provided is either:
(i) outside Australia; or
(ii) a foreign person.
(3C) This subsection covers a constitutional supply of DSGL goods or DSGL technology, in circumstances where:
(a) any of the following applies:
(i) the supply occurs wholly at a place outside Australia;
(ii) the supply is from a place outside Australia and is to a place outside Australia;
(iii) if the supply is the provision of access to DSGL technology—at the time of the provision of access, the person providing the access is outside Australia and the person to whom access is provided is outside Australia; and
(b) the person making the supply obtained the DSGL goods or DSGL technology as a direct or indirect result of the export or supply of the DSGL goods or DSGL technology:
(i) from a place in Australia to a place outside Australia; or
(ii) if the earlier export or supply was the provision of access to DSGL technology—in circumstances where, at the time of the provision of access, the person providing the access was in Australia and the person to whom the access was provided was outside Australia; and
(c) either of the following (whether or not obtained) was required in relation to the export or supply mentioned in paragraph (b):
(i) permission (however described) under regulations made under the Customs Act 1901 ;
(ii) a permit given under section 11 of this Act.
(3D) If an Australian person provides any constitutional DSGL services to a foreign person at or from a place outside Australia, that are received at a place outside Australia, the Australian person must keep records of the provision of the DSGL services, unless:
(a) the DSGL services are provided under a permit given to the Australian person under section 11; or
(b) the circumstances prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this paragraph apply.
41D At the end of section 58
Add:
Definition
(9) In this section:
place includes:
(a) a vehicle, vessel or aircraft; and
(b) an area of water; and
(c) a fixed or floating structure or installation of any kind.
(35) Schedule 1, item 47, page 29 (line 21 to 23), omit subitem (4), substitute:
(4) The amendments made by items 26 and 29 of this Schedule apply in relation to conduct occurring on or after the start day.
(4A) The amendments of section 58 of the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 made by this Schedule apply in relation to activities done on or after the start day.
(36) Schedule 1, page 30 (after line 5), after item 49, insert:
49A Saving provision — foreign country list
The amendments of section 15 of the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 do not affect the continuity of an instrument that is in force under subsection 15(4A) of that Act immediately before this Schedule commences.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Administrative Review Tribunal Bill 2023
Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 1) Bill 2023
Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 2) Bill 2024
… maintaining a separate set of procedures for migration and refugee cases will lead to further inefficiencies, appeals and potentially, the denial of refugee protection leading to refoulement.
The lack of free legal assistance to people seeking asylum and refugees has had a devastating impact on their ability to engage with the review process due to barriers including literacy and language skills, poor mental health, and isolation from community support, especially for people in immigration detention. Protection visa applicants, including people in detention and prison, often experience greater barriers with access to justice and should be eligible to apply for legal and financial assistance regarding their review applications.
When mateship prevails over merit, all Australians suffer.
… an extremely careful and well-considered system where every decision was made with the knowledge that at any moment both it and the rest might have to be explained and defended in public before an impartial investigator.
The committee recommends that the Attorney-General disassemble the current Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and re-establish a new, federal administrative review system …
Pleased I was able to help out this terrific cause with a $10,000 Stronger Communities Grant.
The government need to do more. It's disgusting that we're being slapped with higher costs after being promised cuts.
… renewables may be the cheapest form of energy for investors, but not for consumers.
The Coalition is negotiating new fuel efficiency standards for motor vehicles to reduce the amount of fuel consumed per kilometre travelled.
Although Australia accounts for less than two per cent of the global new vehicle market, it is becoming increasingly important that we harmonise our approaches to vehicle emissions with those in place in other countries.
We should not be afraid to consider tax changes, whether they be capping the number of properties that can be negatively geared …
The Government's failure to respect regional Australian families dealing with a cost of living crisis by its plans to increase the cost of the most popular vehicles and cut funding for regional infrastructure projects.
Social Services Legislation Amendment (Child Support and Family Assistance Technical Amendments) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
Agriculture Legislation Amendment (Modernising Administrative Processes) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023
Administrative Review Tribunal Bill 2023
Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 1) Bill 2023
Administrative Review Tribunal (Consequential and Transitional Provisions No. 2) Bill 2024
An inevitable development of modern government has been the vesting of extensive discretionary powers in Ministers and officials in matters that affect a wide spectrum of business and personal life. Unfortunately, this development has not been accompanied by a parallel development of comprehensive machinery to provide for an independent review of the way these discretions are exercised. While there has been established a considerable number of review tribunals of one kind or another under the legislation of this Parliament, these have not developed in any coordinated fashion.
A longtime former Liberal staffer on the administrative appeals tribunal (AAT) has quit his role as a consultant to a lobbying firm after Labor uncovered what it labelled a potential conflict of interest.
… … …
"It's deeply concerning that one of those appointments, former Liberal staffer Tony Barry, was being paid by taxpayers to review government decisions at the same time as he was being paid as a lobbyist to influence government decision-making."
An Adelaide barrister has told the ABC he has been stopped from hearing welfare debt cases at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) because he made too many decisions against the government.
Michael Manetta, a member of the AAT since 2016, was removed last September—
from hearing social security cases by the tribunal's new deputy president, Karen Synon.
An anonymous submission to the Senate committee inquiry made by a former AAT member who spent two decades on the tribunal said the change to appointment processes began in 2014. They saw "highly experienced and efficient members ... dumped and replaced by inexperienced inefficient post-2014 members", many of whom they said had no relevant experience or education and some who "didn't know how to save a document in Microsoft Word".
The office of Attorney-General is one that has been tarnished by the Morrison government. Both Christian Porter and Michaelia Cash used it to destroy the independence of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) by turning the AAT into a branch of the Liberal Party.
… … …
Just how rotten this practice of stacking has become is starkly illustrated by a recent Australia Institute report. It has calculated that while in "the Howard and Rudd/Gillard/Rudd administrations, political appointees accounted for 6 and 5 per cent of all appointees respectively," "during the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison administration, political appointees accounted for 32 per cent of all new appointments." In the case of the Morrison regime, four in every 10 appointments—
has been a government supporter or sympathiser.
The end of the AAT and the establishment of a user-focused, merit-based, independent, accessible, efficient and fair system is a much-needed, prudent and compassionate reform.
The AAT has fundamentally failed refugees due to under-resourcing, politicised appointments, undue complexity and inaccessibility, and the Abbott Government's cancelling of pro bono legal assistance for people seeking asylum. These policy choices, made primarily by the Abbott and Morrison Governments, resulted in the average time for a review of a protection visa application jumping from 31 weeks to over 3 years between 2017-2022.
That Members be appointed as members and supplementary members of certain committees in accordance with the following list:
Mr van Manen be discharged from the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water and that, in his place, Ms Ware be appointed a member of the committee;
Mrs McIntosh be discharged from the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport and that, in her place, Mr Leeser be appointed a member of the committee;
Mr van Manen be appointed a supplementary member of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into the transition to electric vehicles;
Mrs McIntosh be appointed a supplementary member of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into diabetes;
Mr Pitt be discharged from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services and that, in his place, Mr Howarth be appointed a member of the committee; and
Ms Ware be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme and that, in her place, Mr Conaghan be appointed a member of the committee.
That orders of the day Nos 2 and 3, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill 2023
Hello Dan …
How are you? I'm reaching out as an Ararat resident and one of the producers (VAM Paddock Productions) of the local feature film 'Just a Farmer', which was filmed at Tatyoon in 2023. I've met you several times at the local polls and your appearances at my place of work, Marian College, and consider you to be a genuine advocate for issues affecting regional Australians. Farming is the most important job in the world, and so undervalued, especially by urbanites and many politicians.
Tatyoon farmer Leila McDougall works tirelessly in regional communities to advocate for mental health and suicide awareness and education. She formed the foundation Live Rural to raise funds to support farmers in need, organising hay runs to NSW and QLD during drought, and creating the beloved annual event, Mellow in the Yellow, with a focus on farmers' mental health, whether it be depression, suicide, or alcoholism. Live Rural funds are allocated to rural issues and education (for example, rural educational workshops about having a frank conversation with someone about their mental health, about being suicidal).
The mental illness stigma , the absence of real talk about suicide, the quiet male bravado, needs to change.
In a demonstration of true country grit, Leila wrote a script, and endeavoured to produce a film that would take audiences into the heart of farm life, showcasing the true spirit and strength of farming communities, as well as the realities they face every day and the shattering silent disease that is mental illness.
Leila has done just that. 'Just a Farmer' will premiere in Melbourne on March 14th and in Ararat on March 16th.
As someone in your position to advocate to communities in your electorate, to advocate in Parliament, and to voice rural issues within governmental teams and with access to media, we ask for your support in spreading the message that the mental health of farmers and rural people needs to be a priority. The rates of suicide are not going down; what is currently being done to prevent suicide is simply not working. The conversation needs to be made loud and made now. Farmers around the world now face the additional pressures of taxes, fuel and fertiliser restrictions from governments ignorant about the farming industry.
We would love to have a conversation with you about bringing this issue to the forefront of the government narrative. The story in 'Just a Farmer' provides a timely segue into a real and raw dialogue.
Finally, on behalf of VAM Paddock Productions, we'd like to invite you to the Premiere of the Australian independent film, 'Just a Farmer' on March 16th at Astor Cinema in Ararat.
… … …
Please find attached the official 'Just A Farmer' poster and link to the official 'Just A Farmer' trailer, which was released on February 5th.
… … …
Kind regards, we hope to hear from you soon.
Erica McConachy.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mrs Archer) took the chair at 09:34, a division having been called in the House of Representatives.
Social Services Legislation Amendment (Child Support and Family Assistance Technical Amendments) Bill 2024
Broadcasting Services Amendment (Community Television) Bill 2024
What I gained from my Channel 31 experience was collaborating with fellow creative people in a group environment that taught me how to be a host and them how to be producers, camera operators, lighting technicians, set builders and editors.
Agriculture Legislation Amendment (Modernising Administrative Processes) Bill 2024
Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Levies Bill 2024
Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Charges Bill 2024
Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2024
Funding for the national biosecurity system should be increased by:
The agricultural sector, along with supply chain participants, have overwhelmingly objected to the levy—
With the levy set to be implemented on 1 July this year, farmers are apprehensive about the additional financial burden and the lack of detailed information on how the levy funds will directly enhance biosecurity measures on farms.
It also undermines fundamental trust and confidence in the long-standing partnerships created through existing compulsory levies.
The discussion to date has all been around revenue raising, but industry needs to understand how government will deliver better biosecurity outcomes in a rapidly changing environment …
The first is to increase charges for those who create the biosecurity threats, such as importers and travellers, and the second is to further fund biosecurity protection through general revenue, given that the benefits flow to all Australians.
Normally taxes would be applied on net proceeds, where production costs have first been subtracted from gross revenues.
Funding via general revenue is generally cheaper than funding via industry levies. For primary producers that currently do not have a levy, there will be a clear increase in administrative costs.
… while our stance remains a firm no to this tax, there are still key elements missing in the Minister's statements, firstly that the funding raised through these measures is not hypothecated and secondly that industry still doesn't have a say on how the money is spent …
Probably most frustrating for the agriculture industry as a whole is that the recent statements continue to ignore calls for other sectors to contribute to biosecurity incursion responses, for example through a container levy.
All primary producers have been paying their share for Australian biosecurity for the past 26 years, since the Plant Health Australia and Animal Health Australia organisations were formed. This new tax is nothing more than 'double dipping' by the government to try and improve their budget bottom line.
We well and truly understand the need to protect against biosecurity risks and would be prepared to pay an additional levy or cost recovery fee on the proviso that an appropriate proportion directly translates to commensurate improved and immediate trade facilitation measures.
While the funding commitment that has been received to date from state and federal governments is welcomed, it is still a long way short of the required financial assistance.
Our farmers deserve our respect for providing us with the essentials wherever we live. They need a government that listens to their concerns and acts on them.
We will invest in a future made in Australia—we must make Australia more self-reliant and that starts with ensuring our agricultural sector is thriving.
Producers across all farm commodities have provided a strong and unified voice against this proposal, given we already pay enough in levies to fund multiple public good outcomes—including environmental benefits and increased taxation generation for the nation.
It's unpalatable and we really believe it should be scrapped … a good consultation period in the beginning would have saved us all a lot of grief.
Australian producers take biosecurity seriously on our farms every single day. That's why we already pay significant amounts to fund biosecurity protections directly within our own businesses.
We also pay directly through other compulsory industry levies that raise hundreds of millions of dollars, including biosecurity levies.
We call on Senators to see commonsense and hit pause on this legislation so they can listen carefully to the criticism this flawed policy has drawn.
It's not just Australia's 85,000 farmers who have raised alarm bells, it's also the Productivity Commission, the Australian National University, the Office of Impact Analysis and even importers.
Let there be no doubt, this biosecurity levy is a tax in thinly veiled disguise, and farmers resent being blindsided in this way.
Its inconsistency with established levy imposition and collection principles; Its inconsistency with the agreed principles of the National Biosecurity Strategy; The likelihood of a range of negative unintended consequences for agricultural and biosecurity systems …
The lack of recognition of existing producer contributions to the biosecurity system …
Tax the Importers before introducing a new tax on grain growers. Stop flogging the farmers who take all the risks and already pay levies. Fuel, chemical and fertiliser costs have risen sharply since covid. No more expenses can be tolerated.
We're shocked to say the least that they'd ignore the unanimous voices of farmers, importers and policy experts. If they aren't listening to this broad church of voices who are they listening to?
The policy—which will impact on us and our business and nearly all of Australia's 80,000 producers and thousands of supply chain participants—will come into force … on 1 July 2024.
The Australian avocado industry—
has already invested millions in Australia's biosecurity system and is committed to future funding through biosecurity response plans. This is true of all Australia's producers who already contribute significant amounts to biosecurity activities and pest and disease management, through their existing levies systems, on-farm activities, investments in traceability systems and contributions to state and regional landholder agencies. The Federal Government needs to stop, recognise and quantify this existing financial support BEFORE it puts a new levy/tax burden on farmers.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry was said to say that the Biosecurity Protection Levy was to fund border security, this is the responsibility of the Federal Government NOT FARMERS. Risk creators, such as importers, who instigate the introduction of foreign materials into our country are also key stakeholders who should contribute to Australia's border security and the biosecurity system.
We, like our fellow farmers, remain disappointed that the proposed Importer Container Levy has not been implemented by the Government. The agricultural and environmental sectors have both supported a broad-based charge on risk creators, importers. The reasons why the Importer Container Levy is not being implemented should be made clear.
It is important to note that representatives of major importers, including the Freight and Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA), are publicly advocating their willingness to absorb the 'complex proposed levy against producers.' These organisations are just the latest in a chorus of parties concerned about the complexity of the proposed levy and calling for an alternative approach.