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, 4 June 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, 4 June 2024, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 24 June 2024, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MS TINK: To present a Bill for an Act to require the preparation of a National Housing and Homelessness Plan, and for related purposes. ( National Housing and Homelessness Plan 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 DR WEBSTER: To present a Bill for an Act to support rehabilitation of the environment affected by electricity projects, and for related purposes. ( Requiring Energy Infrastructure Providers to Obtain Rehabilitation Bonds 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 DR SCAMPS: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that following the dire State of the Environment Report released in 2021, the Government promised to act decisively to turn the tide in this country from nature destruction to nature repair;
(2) places on record its concern that:
(a) in December 2023, the Government legislated an expansion of the water trigger in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act);
(b) the Government now refers to that step (one part of the promised broader environment reforms) as 'Stage 1' of its nature positive reforms; and
(c) despite this new emphasis on the importance of the expanded water trigger, fossil fuel projects which are caught by the trigger have not been referred to or called in by the Minister for the Environment and Water for assessment;
(3) further notes its concern that:
(a) the Government has now introduced 'Stage 2' of its nature positive reforms (being the establishment of Environment Protection Australia (EPA) and Environment Information Australia);
(b) to be effective, the EPA should have an independent board, clear, legislated objectives, and be properly funded from commencement;
(c) the Government has now resiled from its commitment to introduce 'Stage 3' of the nature positive reforms (comprising the substantive, urgent and significant reform of the underlying environment laws) in this term of government; and
(d) the Government has no current plan to implement its promise to enhance protections for critical habitat or threatened species in this term of government; and
(4) calls on the Government, as part of its 'Stage 2' nature positive reforms, to:
(a) remove two current exemptions in the EPBC Act which are catastrophic to its stated aim of conserving critical habitat and preventing extinctions (being the Regional Forestry Agreement exemption and the continuous use exemption in the EPBC Act); and
(b) integrate consideration of climate change into the EPBC Act, in recognition of the threat posed by climate change to nature and to Matters of National Environmental Significance.
(Notice given 4 June 2024.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Dr Scamps — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MR BURNELL: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review was handed down on 3 June 2024;
(2) acknowledges the decision means:
(a) 2.6 million low paid workers on awards or the minimum wage will receive a pay rise of 3.75 per cent from 1 July 2024;
(b) fulltime workers on the minimum wage will receive an extra $33.10 per week, or $1,721 per year; and
(c) that since the election of the Government, the minimum wage has increased by $143.30 per week and by $7,451.60 per year;
(3) further acknowledges the Government has delivered on its commitment for Australians to earn more and keep more of what they earn while also delivering cost of living relief without adding to inflation with measures such as:
(a) a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer;
(b) cheaper medicines;
(c) energy bill relief;
(d) cheaper childcare;
(e) strengthening Medicare; and
(f) increased support payments; and
(4) further notes that leaked plans from the Opposition reveal they want Australians to work longer for less by:
(a) making it easier to sack people by removing criteria including 'procedural fairness' and 'harshness' from unfair dismissal protections;
(b) abolishing the better off overall test;
(c) forcing workers to sign away their rights as a condition of employment in 'take it or leave it' contracts; and
(d) removing award protections for thousands of workers.
(Notice given 4 June 2024.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Burnell — 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.
5 MR PASIN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 677 lives were lost on Australian roads in the six months to 31 December 2023; and
(b) the second half of 2023 was the deadliest six months on Australian roads since 2010;
(2) recognises that the data needed to understand Australia's worsening road toll is being collected by state and territory governments but is not consistent and not being shared;
(3) further notes that:
(a) before the 2022 election, the federal Labor Party committed 'to cooperate with the states and territories to improve the timeliness and quality of road trauma data and look for opportunities to extract better quality road safety data from states and territories in return for funding of road projects'; and
(b) the Government has failed to deliver on that promise; and
(4) calls on the Government to compel the states and territories to collect and share data relating to the quality of Australian roads, the causes of crashes, and the effectiveness of road safety measures as a condition of the $50 billion in federal road funding allocated over the next five years under the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects.
(Notice given 15 February 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Mr Pasin — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MS WATSON-BROWN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) too many people in Australia are not able to access essential dental healthcare, and are living with preventable diseases and oral conditions;
(b) additionally, Australia is experiencing a mental health crisis, and the ten psychology sessions available under the Better Access Scheme is not enough; and
(c) dental and mental healthcare is essential and should be accessible free of charge to everyone; and
(2) Calls on the Government to tax the big corporations and billionaires so that we can make dental and mental healthcare free under Medicare.
(Notice given 4 June 2024.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Watson-Brown — 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) recognises the investments the Government is making in cleaner, cheaper, reliable renewable energy as we undergo the transformation to next zero by 2050, including:
(a) supporting investment in 32 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable generation and storage across Australia through the expanded Capacity Investment Scheme;
(b) delivering Australian homes and businesses cheaper, cleaner energy now and into the future, and
(c) a $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia package which will help Australia become a renewable energy superpower;
(2) notes the latest GenCost report prepared by the independent expert bodies, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the Australian Energy Market Operator found that:
(a) the cost of power from small modular nuclear reactors would be up to eight times more expensive than finned large-scale wind and solar;
(b) building just one large-scale nuclear power plant would cost up to $16 billion; and
(c) bringing nuclear online would be too slow to keep the lights on, with GenCost confirming that 'the first full operation would be no sooner than 2040' for small modular nuclear reactors, and years later for large-scale nuclear reactors; and
(3) agrees that the Opposition's risky reactor thought bubble is not a viable solution for energy shortages between now and 2040, after 24 coal plants totalling 26.7 GW announced closure dates under the former Government.
(Notice given 4 June 2024.)
Time allotted — 35 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Claydon — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 MR HAMILTON: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the importance of superannuation for all Australians, particularly younger Australians;
(2) notes that, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia in March 2023, $595,000 is the amount required to retire 'comfortably' in Australia;
(3) recognises that young people are becoming increasingly disheartened at the prospect of saving for their future, given the current Government-induced cost of living crisis continues to erode their disposable income;
(4) further notes:
(a) that plans by the Government to impose higher taxes on superannuation earnings from 1 July 2025 will hinder the growth in retirement savings of younger Australians and is an attack on hard-working Australians; and
(b) comments by the Grattan Institute, that within 30 years, about one in ten workers will begin to retire with super balances that will be subject to the Government's higher taxes on superannuation, which is 200 times more people than the Government is claiming;
(5) further acknowledges that young people will be especially impacted by the Government's plans to impose higher super taxes; and
(6) calls on the Government to:
(a) abolish plans to introduce higher taxes on superannuation so that all Australians, particularly young Australians, are incentivised to save for a comfortable retirement;
(b) consider enabling young Australians to invest in their super by facilitating them to use their tax advantaged superannuation contributions to buy a first home; and
(c) commit to protecting all Australians, especially young Australians, from a bleak future through better economic management, lower taxes and cutting wasteful and inflationary spending in the current cost of living crisis.
(Notice given 27 February 2024.)
Time allotted — 35 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Hamilton — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
1 ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT: Resumption of debate ( from 3 June 2024 ) on the motion of Ms Swanson—That this House:
(1) notes the:
(a) Government is delivering a responsible budget that provides cost of living help now, builds a stronger and more resilient economy and invests in a future made in Australia; and
(b) budget delivers for all Australians by:
(i) easing cost of living pressures;
(ii) building more homes for Australians;
(iii) investing in a Future Made in Australia, and in the skills and universities needed to make it a reality;
(iv) strengthening Medicare and the care economy; and
(v) broadening opportunity and advancing equality; and
(2) acknowledges:
(a) the Government's number one priority is delivering cost of living relief to Australians; and
(b) that the responsible economic management by the Government has:
(i) delivered back-to-back budget surpluses;
(ii) seen 82 per cent of revenue upgrades returned since coming to government over the forward estimates;
(iii) saved and reprioritised $77.4 billion of spending since coming to government;
(iv) limited real spending growth to an average of 1.4 per cent;
(v) improved the budget position by a forecast $214.7 billion over the six years to 2027-28 compared to the former Government;
(vi) reduced debt as a share of the economy;
(vii) improved Australia's debt position with gross debt $152 billion lower in this financial year than was forecast at the time of the election; and
(viii) avoided $80 billion in interest costs over the decade due to the improved budget position compared to what was inherited at the election.
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 MS LANDRY: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) the cattle industry within the Queensland 'Beef Corridor' road network consists of a quarter of Australia's cattle herd and makes an important contribution to the Queensland economy worth $2.7 billion;
(b) the Beef Corridor, consisting of a 457 kilometre network of roads, serves as a crucial interconnected system for agricultural supply chains spanning from east to west;
(c) this infrastructure facilitates the seamless movement of premium beef throughout every stage of the production cycle;
(d) beef produced within the Beef Corridor road network is of world-class quality but is transported on dangerous sub-standard roads; and
(e) in 2022, the former Government committed $400 million to make the crucial improvements to the Beef Corridor roads;
(2) condemns the Government for its reckless decision to delay the full funding amount of $400 million for the Beef Corridor road network upgrades and creating uncertainty around this critical road safety project; and
(3) calls on the Government to reinstate the original 2023-24 funding profile of $400 million back to the 2025-26 start date to ensure the much-needed road upgrades can begin so the beef industry can deliver its high-value product to market safely.
(Notice given 4 July 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Ms Landry — 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
Orders of the day — continued
2 AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES ACCORD: Resumption of debate ( from 3 June 2024 ) on the motion of Ms Fernando—That this House:
(1) recognises that the Government is putting in place significant reforms in response to the Australian Universities Accord to provide cost of living relief and to make higher education better and fairer for students, including those from low socio-economic status or disadvantaged backgrounds and those from the outer suburbs and from regional Australia;
(2) welcomes the Government's target of 80 per cent of the workforce having a tertiary qualification by 2050;
(3) further recognises that if the broader accord targets are achieved, $240 billion will be added to the economy over the period to 2050; and
(4) commends the Government for progress on all five priority actions from the Australian Universities Accord interim report and its response to 29 of the Australian Universities Accord recommendations in full or in part, including to:
(a) change the way indexation is calculated, wiping around $3 billion in student debt from more than 3 million Australians;
(b) introduce a Commonwealth Prac Payment for teaching, nursing and midwifery and social work students undertaking mandatory placements;
(c) fully fund Fee-Free Uni Ready courses to provide more students with an enabling pathway into higher education;
(d) guarantee funding for student led organisations; and
(e) establish an independent National Student Ombudsman.
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All 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.
Notices — continued
5 MR CHESTER: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) Australia's local government sector is a vital partner in the delivery of local infrastructure and services across our nation; and
(b) a financially sustainable local government sector is essential for the social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits it can deliver;
(2) notes that the:
(a) budget failed to provide the funding required to allow Australia's 537 local councils to meet the needs of their communities;
(b) Government has failed to keep its promise to deliver 'fair increases' to local government; and
(c) Australian Local Government Association described the budget as 'incredibly disappointing to many councils and communities'; and
(3) urges the Government to work with councils across Australia to reduce the cost of living pressures on ratepayers and deliver the infrastructure and services our communities need.
(Notice given 3 June 2024.)
Time allotted — 45 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Chester — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day — continued
3 STRENGTHENING MEDICARE: Resumption of debate ( from 3 June 2024 ) on the motion of Dr Freelander—That this House:
(1) notes the Government is continuing to improve our health system by:
(a) strengthening Medicare by:
(i) growing the number of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to 87;
(ii) expanding the range of free mental health services;
(iii) increasing the number of Medicare eligible magnetic resonance imaging machines;
(iv) delivering funding for Medicare rebates for nuclear medicine imaging and common medical tests; and
(v) boosting the supply of healthcare in areas of shortage; and
(b) easing cost of living pressures with cheaper medicines, and through:
(i) reducing patient costs and improving access to medicines;
(ii) listing new medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme;
(iii) making Australia a destination for clinical trials; and
(iv) investing in ground-breaking new health and medical research; and
(2) acknowledges:
(a) that only a Labor-led Government can be trusted to invest in and strengthen Medicare; and
(b) the damage done to Australia's health system by the Leader of the Opposition who, as the Minister for Health:
(i) tried to tax visits to general practitioners;
(ii) tried to tax visits to emergency departments; and
(iii) cut $50 billion from Australian hospitals.
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All 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.
Notices — continued
6 MR L O'BRIEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that the reduction in the provision of maternity services in rural Australia:
(a) has increased significantly since the 1990s due to closure of rural maternity services and centralisation of services to metropolitan areas;
(b) greatly increases the chances of a woman having her baby outside of appropriate maternity services;
(c) increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby; and
(d) places increased financial and time costs on the woman and family; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) remove the structural barriers and address any outstanding funding recommendations to primary maternity care as outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule's report of Participating Midwives Reference Group, and the Senate Community Affairs References Committee's inquiry into the universal access to reproductive healthcare, both of which included recommendations for supporting rural maternity services; and
(b) ensure funding agreements with the states and territories enforce the provision of adequate rural maternity services through the Rural Birthing Index, and provide direction for the types of state-based maternity services that should be operating in rural communities.
(Notice given 3 June 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Mr L O'Brien — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
THE HON D. M. DICK MP
Speaker of the House of Representatives
5 June 2024
Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Responsible Buy Now Pay Later and Other Measures) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Capital Works (Build to Rent Misuse Tax) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024
There's case after case after case … 90 per cent of our plan managers that manage between nought and a hundred plans, that's out of 1000 plan managers, have significant indicators of fraud … We've done the analysis on their claiming behaviours … the bar needs to be lifted.
… is underfunded, unfair, fragmented, and inefficient and gives people with disability little choice and no certainty.
We want to make the Scheme fairer, more transparent, and more accountable. It is growing too fast. We believe that if we can moderate the growth of the Scheme, it will be there for future generations.
The House divided. [12:08]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
SHEET PA110
(1) Schedule 1, item 30, page 10 (line 24), before "that the participant", insert "subject to subsection (3A),".
(2) Schedule 1, item 30, page 10 (after line 32), after subsection 30(3), insert:
(3A) The CEO must not request that the participant undergo an assessment under subparagraph (3)(b)(i) or an examination under subparagraph (3)(b)(ii) unless the CEO is satisfied that the report of the assessment or examination would provide information that the CEO cannot otherwise reasonably obtain.
(3) Schedule 1, item 31, page 12 (line 30), before "that the participant", insert "subject to subsection (5A),".
(4) Schedule 1, item 31, page 13 (after line 5), after subsection 30A(5), insert:
(5A) The CEO must not request that the participant undergo an assessment under subparagraph (5)(b)(i) or an examination under subparagraph (5)(b)(ii) unless the CEO is satisfied that the report of the assessment or examination would provide information that the CEO cannot otherwise reasonably obtain.
(5) Schedule 1, item 36, page 25 (line 34), after "subsections 4(5)", insert ", (9A)".
(6) Schedule 1, item 36, page 27 (after line 18), after subsection 32L(6), insert:
(6A) The CEO must give the participant a copy of the report as soon as practicable after the CEO receives the report.
(7) Schedule 1, item 36, page 28 (after line 8), at the end of subsection 32L(7), add:
Note: In reviewing a decision to approve a statement of participant supports, a reviewer or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal has all the powers of the CEO in making the original decision and must therefore arrange for a replacement assessment to be undertaken if satisfied as mentioned in paragraph (b) (subject to any applicable National Disability Insurance Scheme rules).
(8) Schedule 1, item 36, page 28 (line 27), after "subsections 4(5)", insert ", (9A)".
_____
SHEET SK113
(1) Schedule 1, item 4, page 3 (lines 23 to 25), omit the definition of funding component amount ,substitute:
funding component amount , for a group of reasonable and necessary supports funded under an old framework plan, has the meaning given by paragraph 33(2A)(c).
(2) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (lines 4 to 7), omit paragraph (c) of the definition of funding period , substitute:
(c) for funding provided under an old framework plan for all reasonable and necessary supports, or a group of reasonable and necessary supports, funded under the plan—has the meaning given by paragraph 33(2A)(d).
(3) Schedule 1, item 6, page 4 (line 14), omit "section 10", substitute "subsections 10(1) and (4)".
(4) Schedule 1, item 13, page 5 (line 25), omit "specified in", substitute "funded under".
(5) Schedule 1, item 14, page 6 (line 1) to page 7 (line 7), omit section 10, substitute:
10 Definition of NDIS support
Supports that are NDIS supports
(1) Subject to subsection (4), a support is an NDIS support for a person who is a participant or prospective participant if the support is declared by National Disability Insurance Scheme rules made for the purposes of this subsection to be an NDIS support for:
(a) participants or prospective participants generally; or
(b) a class of participants or prospective participants that includes the person.
Note: The National Disability Insurance Scheme rules may declare a support for the purposes of this subsection by identifying a class of supports (see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003 ).
(2) Before making National Disability Insurance Scheme rules declaring a support for the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister must be satisfied:
(a) for rules to which paragraph (1)(a) applies—that the support is appropriately funded or provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme for participants or prospective participants generally; or
(b) for rules to which paragraph (1)(b) applies—that the support is appropriately funded or provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme for participants, or prospective participants, in the relevant class.
(3) National Disability Insurance Scheme rules may declare a support for the purposes of subsection (1) only if at least one of the following applies:
(a) the declaration of the support implements Australia's obligations under:
(i) the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities done at New York on 13 December 2006; or
(ii) any other agreement with one or more other countries;
(b) the declaration of the support enables the provision of sickness benefits.
Note: For subparagraph (a)(i), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is in Australian Treaty Series 2008 No. 12 ([2008] ATS 12) and could in 2024 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
Supports that are not NDIS supports
(4) The National Disability Insurance Scheme rules may declare that a support is not an NDIS support for:
(a) participants or prospective participants generally; or
(b) a class of participants or prospective participants.
Note: The National Disability Insurance Scheme rules may declare a support for the purposes of this subsection by identifying a class of supports (see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003 ).
(5) Before making National Disability Insurance Scheme rules declaring a support for the purposes of subsection (4), the Minister must be satisfied:
(a) for rules to which paragraph (4)(a) applies—that the support is not appropriately funded or provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme for participants or prospective participants generally; or
(b) for rules to which paragraph (4)(b) applies—that the support is not appropriately funded or provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme for participants, or prospective participants, in the relevant class.
(6) Schedule 1, item 36, page 21 (after line 7), at the end of subsection 32E(4), add:
Note: The National Disability Insurance Scheme rules may declare a support for the purposes of this subsection by identifying a class of supports (see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003 ).
(7) Schedule 1, item 36, page 27 (lines 25 to 27), omit "in accordance with National Disability Insurance Scheme rules made for the purposes of this paragraph".
(8) Schedule 1, item 36, page 28 (after line 8), after subsection 32L(7), insert:
(7A) The National Disability Insurance Scheme rules may make provision for determining any matter for the purposes of paragraph (7)(b), including by prescribing:
(a) circumstances in which the CEO must or must not decide under that paragraph that another assessment should be undertaken; or
(b) requirements with which the CEO must comply, methods or criteria that the CEO is to apply, or matters that the CEO may, must or must not take into account, in making a decision under that paragraph whether another assessment should be undertaken.
(9) Schedule 1, item 39, page 29 (line 13) to page 32 (line 12), omit the item, substitute:
39 After subsection 33(2)
Insert:
Total funding amounts, funding component amounts and funding periods
(2A) In addition to the matters mentioned in paragraphs (2)(a) to (e), the statement of participant supports must:
(a) specify that funding will be provided under the plan to or in relation to the participant, for all reasonable and necessary supports funded under the plan taken as a whole, up to a specified amount (the total funding amount ) worked out under subsection (2B); and
(b) in accordance with any requirements determined under subsection (2E) for the purposes of this paragraph, categorise the reasonable and necessary supports specified under paragraph (2)(b) into one or more groups of supports identified in the statement; and
(c) specify that funding will be provided under the plan to or in relation to the participant, for supports in each group identified under paragraph (b) of this subsection, up to an amount (a funding component amount ) specified in the statement for the group that is worked out in accordance with any requirements determined under subsection (2E) for the purposes of this paragraph; and
(d) specify that funding will be provided under the plan to or in relation to the participant for reasonable and necessary supports during specified periods (each of which is a funding period ).
Note: For paragraph (b), if the statement specifies only a single reasonable and necessary support or class of such supports, the support or class may be categorised and identified as a single group.
(2B) For the purposes of paragraph (2A)(a), the total funding amount specified in a statement of participant supports must be an amount equal to:
(a) if the statement specifies more than one funding component amount—the sum of those amounts; or
(b) if the statement specifies a single funding component amount—that amount.
(2C) For the purposes of paragraph (2A)(d), the statement must:
(a) specify funding periods for funding for either:
(i) all reasonable and necessary supports funded under the plan, taken as a whole; or
(ii) each group of supports identified under paragraph (2A)(b); and
(b) specify when each funding period starts and ends; and
(c) specify, for each funding period:
(i) if funding periods are specified as mentioned in subparagraph (a)(i) of this subsection—the proportion of the total funding amount that will be provided as funding under the plan, during the funding period, for reasonable and necessary supports; or
(ii) if funding periods are specified as mentioned in subparagraph (a)(ii) of this subsection—the proportion of the funding component amount for the group of supports to which the funding period relates that will be provided as funding under the plan, during the funding period, for supports in the group; and
(d) if funding periods are specified as mentioned in subparagraph (a)(i) of this subsection—specify that the amount of funding for reasonable and necessary supports that will be provided during a funding period will be increased above the proportion specified for the funding period under subparagraph (c)(i) of this subsection by an amount equal to the amount by which:
(i) the amount of funding that could have been provided under the plan for reasonable and necessary supports during the immediately preceding funding period; exceeds
(ii) the amount of funding that was actually provided for such supports; and
(e) if funding periods are specified as mentioned in subparagraph (a)(ii) of this subsection—specify that the amount of funding, for supports in a group to which a funding component amount relates, that will be provided during a funding period for that group will be increased above the proportion specified for the funding period under subparagraph (c)(ii) of this subsection by an amount equal to the amount by which:
(i) the amount of funding that could have been provided under the plan for supports in that group during the immediately preceding funding period for that group; exceeds
(ii) the amount of funding that was actually provided for supports in that group.
(2D) For the purposes of paragraph (2C)(b):
(a) a funding period must be no more than 12 months; and
(b) the duration of a particular funding period may be different from the duration of any other funding period; and
(c) without limiting paragraph (b) of this subsection, if the funding periods are specified as mentioned in subparagraph (2C)(a)(ii), then the duration of the funding periods for one group of supports identified in the plan under paragraph (2A)(b) may be different from the duration of funding periods for any other group of supports identified in the plan under paragraph (2A)(b); and
(d) if funding periods are specified as mentioned in subparagraph (2C)(a)(i):
(i) the first funding period must start on a day worked out in accordance with any requirements determined under subsection (2E) for the purposes of this subparagraph; and
(ii) each other funding period must start immediately after the end of the immediately preceding funding period; and
(e) if funding periods are specified as mentioned in subparagraph (2C)(a)(ii):
(i) the first funding period for a group of supports must start on a day worked out in accordance with any requirements determined under subsection (2E) for the purposes of this subparagraph; and
(ii) each other funding period for the group of supports must start immediately after the end of the immediately preceding funding period for that group.
(2E) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine:
(a) requirements for categorising reasonable and necessary supports into groups for the purposes of paragraph (2A)(b); and
(b) how to work out a funding component amount for a group of supports; and
(c) how to work out when a first funding period is to start for the purposes of subparagraph (2D)(d)(i) or (e)(i); and
(d) requirements with which the CEO must comply, methods or criteria that the CEO is to apply, and matters that the CEO may, must or must not take into account, in doing any of the following:
(i) working out a funding component amount;
(ii) specifying funding periods for the purposes of paragraph (2C)(a);
(iii) deciding any other matter for the purposes of subsection (2A), (2C) or (2D).
Note: Part 4 of Chapter 3 (sunsetting) of the Legislation Act 2003 does not apply to the instrument (see regulations made for the purposes of paragraph 54(2)(b) of that Act).
(2F) Despite subsection 14(2) of the Legislation Act 2003 , a determination under subsection (2E) of this section may make provision for or in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating any matter contained in an instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time.
How supports may be specified in plan
(10) Schedule 1, item 74, page 40 (line 17) to page 41 (line 29), omit the item, substitute:
74 At the end of section 45
Add:
(4) The Agency must not pay an amount under the National Disability Insurance Scheme to any person in respect of a participant's plan if:
(a) the plan is a new framework plan that provides that flexible funding will be provided under the plan and the payment would result in any of the following events occurring:
(i) the total amount of flexible funding provided under the plan exceeding the total funding amount specified in the plan under paragraph 32E(2)(a);
(ii) the total amount of flexible funding provided under the plan during a funding period exceeding the amount of funding that is to be provided under the plan during the funding period; or
(b) the plan is a new framework plan that provides that funding will be provided under the plan for a stated support, or class of stated supports, and the payment would result in any of the following events occurring:
(i) the total amount of funding provided under the plan for the stated support or class of stated supports exceeding any total funding amount specified in the plan under paragraph 32G(2)(a);
(ii) the total amount of funding provided under the plan for the stated support or class of stated supports during a funding period for the support or class of supports exceeding the amount of funding that is to be provided under the plan during the funding period for the support or class of supports; or
(c) the plan is an old framework plan and the payment would result in any of the following events occurring:
(i) the total amount of funding provided under the plan for reasonable and necessary supports exceeding the total funding amount specified in the plan;
(ii) the total amount of funding provided under the plan for reasonable and necessary supports in a group of supports to which a funding component amount relates exceeding that funding component amount;
(iii) if the plan specifies funding periods for all reasonable and necessary supports funded under the plan, taken as a whole—the total amount of funding provided under the plan for such supports during a funding period exceeding the amount of funding for such supports that is to be provided under the plan during the funding period;
(iv) if the plan specifies funding periods for one or more groups of reasonable and necessary supports—the total amount of funding provided under the plan for supports in such a group during a funding period for that group exceeding the amount of funding for supports in that group that is to be provided under the plan during the funding period.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to the payment of an amount if the CEO is satisfied that:
(a) the relevant event would occur because the participant has experienced fraud or financial exploitation; or
(b) making the payment is necessary to prevent or lessen an imminent threat to an individual's life, health or safety; or
(c) the participant has been unable to request a variation or reassessment of the participant's plan because of one or more of the participant's impairments or a lack of decision-making support; or
(d) the participant has requested a variation of the participant's plan covered by subparagraph 47A(1)(d)(i) or (1AB)(j)(i) (crisis or emergency funding as a result of a significant change to the participant's support needs), and neither of the following apply:
(i) the CEO has made a decision on the request to vary the plan and the variation has taken effect;
(ii) the CEO has made a decision on the request not to vary the plan (including because of the operation of subsection 47A(5)); or
(e) a circumstance prescribed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme rules for the purposes of this paragraph exists.
(11) Schedule 1, item 78, page 45 (after line 19), after subparagraph 47A(1AB)(j)(i), insert:
(ia) the CEO is satisfied that the participant requires funding because the participant has experienced fraud or financial exploitation; or
(ib) the CEO is satisfied that the variation is necessary to prevent or lessen a threat to the participant's life, health or safety (whether current or future); or
(12) Schedule 1, item 80, page 46 (line 6) to page 47 (line 15), omit paragraphs 47A(1A)(ab) to (af), substitute:
(ab) if the statement of participant supports included in the plan specifies one or more funding component amounts—a variation of the categorisation of the reasonable and necessary supports, specified under paragraph 33(2)(b), into one or more groups of supports;
(ac) for the purposes of dealing with a variation covered by paragraph (ab) of this subsection—a variation of one or more funding component amounts, or the number of those amounts, specified in the statement of participant supports, other than a variation that would result in an increase in the total funding amount for the plan;
(ad) if the statement of participant supports included in the plan specifies funding periods for all reasonable and necessary supports funded under the plan, taken as a whole—the following variations of the statement:
(i) a variation of the number or duration of such funding periods;
(ii) a variation of the proportion of the total funding amount that will be provided as funding under the plan for reasonable and necessary supports during one or more funding periods;
(ae) if the statement of participant supports included in the plan specifies funding periods for one or more groups of reasonable and necessary supports—the following variations of the statement:
(i) a variation of the number or duration of the funding periods for such a group;
(ii) a variation of the proportion of the funding component amount for such a group that will be provided as funding under the plan, during one or more funding periods that group, for reasonable and necessary supports in that group;
(13) Schedule 1, item 82, page 47 (lines 22 to 28), omit subsection 47A(1B), substitute:
(1B) To avoid doubt:
(a) a variation covered by any of paragraphs (1A)(ab) to (ae) must be made in accordance with subsections 33(2A) to (2D) and any determination in force for the purposes of subsection 33(2E); and
(b) a total funding amount for an old framework plan cannot be varied except by a variation covered by paragraph (1A)(d) of this section.
Conditions not limited
(1C) The fact that a paragraph in subsection (1AA), (1AB) or (1A) covers only certain kinds of variations does not limit the power under paragraph (1)(b) for the National Disability Insurance Scheme rules to prescribe conditions that have the effect of limiting the kinds of variations that may be made under subsection (1).
(14) Schedule 1, item 99, page 52 (after line 1), at the end of subsection 74(6), add:
Note: For example, National Disability Insurance Scheme rules could be made under this subsection that apply for the purposes of making a decision under paragraph (5)(a) whether a child is capable of making decisions for himself or herself.
(15) Schedule 1, item 115, page 54 (line 4), omit paragraph (aaa), substitute:
(aaa) subsections 10(1) and (4);
(16) Schedule 1, item 116, page 54 (line 16), omit paragraph (ci), substitute:
(ci) subsection 32L(7A);
(17) Schedule 1, item 124, page 57 (line 2) to page 58 (line 13), omit the item, substitute:
124 NDIS supports
(1) This item applies until the commencement of the first National Disability Insurance Scheme rules made for the purposes of subsection 10(1) of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 , as inserted by this Schedule.
(2) Section 10 of that Act has effect as if a reference in that section to the National Disability Insurance Scheme rules were a reference to rules made under item 138 of this Schedule.
(18) Schedule 1, item 129, page 59 (line 20), omit "Sections", substitute "Subject to subitem (3), sections".
(19) Schedule 1, item 129, page 59 (after line 29), at the end of the item, add:
(3) Subsection 33(2A) of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 , as in force on and after the commencement of this Schedule, applies in relation to a statement of participant supports included in an old framework plan for a participant if:
(a) the statement is approved on or after the commencement (the determination commencement ) of the first determination made under subsection 33(2E) of that Act (as inserted by this Schedule); and
(b) the decision to approve the statement is not covered by subitem (4).
(4) This subitem covers the following decisions made on or after the determination commencement:
(a) a decision made by a reviewer under subsection 100(6) of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 on review of a decision made by a decision-maker before the determination commencement;
(b) a decision, made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, on review of a decision made by a reviewer under that subsection:
(i) before the determination commencement; or
(ii) on or after the determination commencement, if the decision reviewed by the reviewer was made by a decision-maker before the determination commencement.
(5) Subitem (3) applies whether the participant becomes a participant before, on or after the determination commencement.
(20) Schedule 1, item 135, page 61 (line 7), omit "Subsections 47A(1A) and (3)", substitute "(1) Paragraphs 47(1A)(a) and (ag), and subsection 47A(3),".
(21) Schedule 1, item 135, page 61 (after line 11), at the end of item 135, add:
(2) Paragraphs 47A(1A)(ab) to (af), and subsection 47A(1B), of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 , as in force on and after the commencement of this Schedule, apply in relation to the variation of an old framework plan if subsection 33(2A) of that Act applied in relation to the approval of the plan (see subitems 129(3) to (5)).
(2) Schedule 1, item 36, page 24 (after line 25), after subsection 32H(1), insert:
(1A) However, such a requirement may only be specified if:
(a) the requirement is reasonably necessary to achieve a specific purpose consistent with the objects of the National Disability Insurance Scheme; and
(b) to do so would not be unduly burdensome for the participant, after considering:
(i) the potential separate or cumulative effects of financial costs associated with complying with the requirement; and
(ii) the practical effects of complying with the requirement; and
(iii) the participant's emotional and psychological distress in complying with the requirement.
(4) Schedule 1, item 36, page 26 (after line 28), at the end of section 32K, add:
(7) When a copy of a determination made under subsection (2) is tabled in each House of the Parliament under section 38 of the Legislation Act 2003 , the Minister must cause to be tabled with that copy a consultation statement setting out the views of the Organisations consulted under paragraph (3)(a) about the determination.
(8) A determination made under subsection (2) is invalid and unenforceable if subsection (3) or (7) is not complied with in relation to the determination. This subsection has effect despite section 19 of the Legislation Act 2003 .
(5) Schedule 1, item 36, page 27 (lines 5 to 8), omit subsection 32L(3), substitute:
(3) The assessment must assess the participant's need for supports based on a holistic understanding of the participant's disability support needs.
(6) Schedule 1, item 36, page 27 (line 15), after "prepared", insert "with the participant".
(9) Schedule 1, item 36, page 28 (after line 34), at the end of section 32L, add:
(12) When a copy of a determination made under subsection (8) is tabled in each House of the Parliament under section 38 of the Legislation Act 2003 , the Minister must cause to be tabled with that copy a consultation statement setting out the views of the Organisations consulted under subsection (10) about the determination.
(13) A determination made under subsection (8) is invalid and unenforceable if subsection (10) or (12) is not complied with in relation to the determination. This subsection has effect despite section 19 of the Legislation Act 2003 .
(10) Schedule 1, item 46, page 33 (lines 5 to 10), omit the item.
(11) Schedule 1, item 54, page 34 (line 29), after "within that period—", insert "withdraw the request or".
(12) Schedule 1, item 78, page 45 (line 30), at the end of subsection 47A(1AB) (before the note), add:
; (k) a minor variation that results in an increase to the funding of a stated support or class of stated supports that will be provided under the plan during one or more funding periods.
(13) Schedule 1, page 52 (after line 8), after item 102, insert:
102A Subsection 99(1) (before table item 5)
Insert:
102B Subsection 99(1) (after table item 5)
Insert:
The House divided. [12:34]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Page 2 (after line 16), after clause 3, insert:
4 Review
(1) The Minister must cause an independent review of the amendments made by this Act to be conducted as soon as practicable after the end of the 5-year period starting on the day this Act receives the Royal Assent.
(2) The persons who conduct the review must:
(a) consult with the public in conducting the review; and
(b) give the Minister a written report of the review in sufficient time to enable the Minister to comply with subsection
(3) The Minister must cause a copy of the report of the review to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 9 months after the end of that 5-year period.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Assignment of Medicare Benefits) Bill 2024
GPs have long complained of an overly complex and onerous paperwork process that is inefficient and holds back productivity.
Recently I saw on the TV news how the current leader of the opposition said that he wants to introduce nuclear power stations in Australia.
It made me really upset (I am 70 years old), because I lost my dear mother to leukaemia in the northern summer of 1966 as a result of a nuclear accident which happened in 1957 in the then USSR.
As a boy I went to visit my mother in hospital and I saw over 40 women who had the same disease as my mother. The leader of the opposition should go and visit the abandoned human habitation close to Fukushima in Japan.
Also he can go to Ukraine and see who lives anymore at Chernobyl.
I agree with our Government to introduce solar power and wind generated electricity, as in the long run it would be cheaper than nuclear power, and people won't be forced to leave their place to go somewhere else in case of nuclear accident.
Please present my worries to the Australian Parliament about the Opposition plans to destroy my grandchildren's future.
Extremely quick check in to the Elizabeth Urgent Care Centre for a laceration to my hand. Highly recommend this over waiting many hours in an Emergency Department. Perfect example at what's urgent, but not an emergency.
It's premature to be ruling regions in or out … there is simply no proposal on the table right now.
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) The state of Israel has signed a $3 billion contract with the United States for a further 25 F-35 fighter aircraft;
(b) Australia plays a significant role in the F-35 fighter aircraft global supply chain with a range of components manufactured here in Australia, including the sole manufacturing of F-35 fighter aircraft's uplock actuator system, which allows the F-35 to drop its payload; and
(c) the F-35 fighter aircraft are being used to bomb the people of Gaza; and
(2) calls on the Government to immediately end all direct and indirect trade of military equipment with the State of Israel, including the provision of critical components of the F-35 fighter jet supply chain.
That the member no longer be heard.
The House divided. [15:28]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [15:41]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That the debate be adjourned.
… the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to make statements in relation to natural or other disasters, in tribute to deceased persons, or to speak on matters of significance.
When the Prime Minister makes a statement by indulgence on an issue—
the Leader of the Opposition is commonly also granted indulgence to speak on the same matter. On occasion, indulgence may be extended to a series of Members—for example, after a Member has a statement to the House …
The government's incompetence and mismanagement hurting Australian families.
This $300 energy bonus is just a slap in the face to us all.
I have always made sure all bills are paid on time.
I saved my arse off to purchase a house in Warburton. When all these rate rises have gone up, the price of fuel and the biggest 1, FOOD—it's tearing me down like nothing else.
My rates have still not been paid this year well over due now and the council really don't care either just want there money!
Most of us are at breaking point!
No money left to live yet I work full time, have a good job.
It's not like I'm lazy and can't be bothered.
I feel as though lots more could be done to help us Australians out of this mess that we find ourselves in.
I have never been so cash poor in my life. The kids are feeling it. My partner is feeling it.
We have even had to go to a food shelter for bread and veggies a few times to just feed the family.
We both work yet still not enough money to go round.
Go back only 5 years, I was earning less money yet able to save at least $300-$500 per week and still paying for everything.
Something is very, very wrong!
They say we understand Australians are doing it tough at the moment!
It's the wrong word!
We are at rock bottom!
I understand this will do nothing to help anything at all, but just feel like our voices are not being heard at all!!!!
It's a real shame what has happened to Australia.
It's quickly becoming the not so lucky country.
The government works for us as a whole, yet we all take the hit.
It's stupid!
Australians are being hit with a triple whammy of skyrocketing costs of essentials, falling real wages and now an interest rate hike. They need a government with a plan to ease the cost of living.
It is helping people who clearly are hurting at the moment. But I don't think it's material in terms of our forecast for inflation.
This Government's incompetence and mismanagement hurting Australian families.
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Assignment of Medicare Benefits) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (More Support in the Safety Net) Bill 2024
We were previously home owners, however with the increase in property prices in this area have not been able to buy back in—
We find ourselves every 6 months waiting nervously to find out if our owners will renew our lease or whether we need to pack up our 5 person family and find somewhere new to live which may be smaller or more expensive or may be in a new area, which adds the stress of potentially having to relocate our kids to new schools and new daycare and kindy. All of this in a market where rentals are more expensive and at an all time shortage.
We have tried to secure longer term leases … but our owners are no longer keen on this as they want to continue to increase the rent as much as they can and keep their options open to increase the rent for new tenants.
We still want to buy back into the Redlands, however we need more time and want to ideally stay in one place until we can afford to buy back in. The stress of uncertainty around our rental is huge for us and our kids.
My mother is 83 years old and has mobility issues. She cannot climb stairs, walk comfortably on sloping driveways or climb in/out of a bath …
For over 5 months we have been trying to find somewhere else to live.
We have been couch surfing at a friend's place for these past few months.
I am in a catch 22 position, because I don't earn enough, I can't get a rental. For me to try and get another job will be difficult because I don't have a home.
How are honest hard-working citizens in this country supposed to put a roof over our head? Especially when the rentals are rising at ridiculous rates and wages aren't keeping in line.
Carers have repeatedly stated the rules around the Carer Payment have contributed to ongoing disadvantage. The Albanese Labor Government's announcement to relax the rules and allow more flexibility in the hours that carers work, study or volunteer over a four-week period, is a significant step towards mitigating the disadvantage.
The modest Commonwealth Rent Assistance increase builds on last year's rise, giving a single person an extra $9.40 a week if they're receiving the maximum rate. Based on median rents, private renters receiving JobSeeker or Youth Allowance will still be in deep housing stress because their base rate of payment is so low. Even with the increase, they will be paying half of their income in rent alone.
What the government has announced is a business as usual spend that is nowhere near enough to shift the dial on the housing crisis …
The government's 'new' funding for social housing is a repackaging of existing initiatives, offering loans instead of providing real funding, and the continuation of a funding agreement with the states and territories—something the Commonwealth routinely renews for other essential services like education and health.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024
… a "semi-dystopian" future, with famines, conflicts and mass migration, driven by heatwaves, wildfires, floods and storms of an intensity and frequency far beyond those that have already struck.
It will take years to draw up any convention and it is unclear exactly what it will cover and how much global authority it will hold, with countries pushing and pulling in different directions.
The paid teaching placement investment is something that is going to benefit the teachers of tomorrow …
The paid placement … will remove some pressures felt by every pre-service teacher I know.
This will make me a better teacher.
I thank you for recognising this issue, for reaching out to us and for protecting the future of teaching.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Archer ) took the chair at 09:29.
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2024-2025
Australia can be the land of cheap and endless energy—energy that could power generations of metal manufacturing and other energy intensive manufacturing industries.
… there is a 90% chance that the continuation of current climate policies will result in 2.3C to 4.5C of global warming by the end of century, with a best estimate of 3.5C.
The risk is now more real that the first interest rate cut could be delayed and that the neutral cash rate is higher than we currently estimate due to the expansionary fiscal setting and the high level of investment in the economy.
… in the current and coming financial years, when the inflation crisis is at its most acute, real growth in spending is double that benchmark at 4.5 per cent and 3.6 per cent, respectively.
The poll showed just 11 per cent—
thought the budget decreased the prospect of another rate rise while 39 per cent … feared it could push up rates.
… the … Treasurer … relied on a late tax revenue surge to forecast a $9.3 billion surplus for this financial year … before embarking on a spending spree that drives the budget headlong into deficit for the next decade.
With billions being spilled into the economy from 1 July, and without offsetting new spending with cuts elsewhere, the Budget has thwarted the task of tightening the structural deficit.
It also undermines the government's inflation forecast—
[My] [f]ather-in-law (age 93) has a heart condition (triple bypass…), he also has lung problems … and needs a walking frame to get around.
In July 2023 he had seizure and in September 2nd 2023 he was approved for a level 3 My Aged Care package. We were told … the waiting time was 3 to 6 months. We were approved for immediate lawn mowing and gardening but when I rang … I was told that there was none available in this area. After about 5 months I was then told that it was 6 to nine months wait when I rang.
In April 2024 I rang again as my Father-in-law had another fall while in the shower … His doctor said that he should have someone with him whenever he has a shower. I again rang my aged care and was given approval for someone to come in 3 days a week to help with the showering. I contacted the provider they said organised all the paperwork and then didn't hear from them again.
… My Aged care rang early in May … they said that the full package would be available within a month
I rang My Aged Care 28th May as the 9 months was up and was told that the wait is now 12 to 15 months.
During this time he has had several falls. Some of which we had to call the ambulance to get him up.
My wife aged 61 (their Daughter) is their carer …. She has got one frozen shoulder, the other shoulder keeps dislocating, she has Bursitis in both hips and one shoulder and needs to have a knee replacement ….
I have been trying to help her … but I [have had] a double knee replacement, arthritis in most joints and a collapsed vertebrae
….
I was wondering if you could help me find out how we can get some help as I am worried that my wife will end up crippling herself trying to look after her parents.
Yours faithfully
—
P.S. … about 2.30am this morning he had another fall. Luckily we were able to get him up. We have tried to get a lifter to get him up but cannot find anywhere that we can hire them from and they are too costly to buy. We have been told that we should be able to get one once he has his home care package but that is now another 6 months away.
… we are at the stage where we are not able to get him up and will need to call the ambulance to help get him up when he falls.
I'm flabbergasted that he's able to get into Australia, bearing in mind that he was jailed here—
for five years with a condition that he was deported back to China upon his release.
You can't move around the corridors of parliament in Canberra without tripping over a coalition minister whispering the scheme is unsustainable. I'm here to tell you today that is a lie.
… Australian schools do not consistently deliver an inclusive education that protects students with disability from violence, abuse and neglect.
Students with disability face multiple barriers to inclusive education, underpinned by negative attitudes and low expectations.