The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PETITIONS COMMITTEE
REPORT No. 27
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
24 June 2024
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
Chair Ms Susan Templeman MP
Deputy Chair Mr Ross Vasta MP
Mr Sam Birrell MP
Ms Alison Byrnes MP
Ms Lisa Chesters MP
Mr Garth Hamilton MP
Ms Tracey Roberts MP
Ms Meryl Swanson MP
This committee is supported by staff of the Department of the House of Representatives
Report summarising the petitions and ministerial responses being presented.
The committee met in private session in the 47th Parliament on 15 May and 5 June 2024.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 50 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 15 May 2024
From 5509 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government impose sanctions on Israel (EN6141)
From 41 petitioners—requesting legislation to prohibit financial institutions from charging processing fees for bank card transactions (EN6142)
From 23 petitioners—requesting legislation to restrict social media access for children up to the age of 15 years old (EN6145)
From 25 petitioners—requesting Australian citizenship be offered to Muhammad Taha in acknowledgment of his bravery during the Westfield Bondi attack (EN6147)
From 7 petitioners—regarding pending charges being included in police checks (EN6148)
From 39 petitioners—regarding access to medical support for Australian Defence Force veterans (EN6151)
From 75 petitioners—requesting the repeal of the Online Safety Act 2021 (EN6152)
From 2434 petitioners—requesting that an F/A-18 'Classic' Hornet be allocated to the Queensland Air Museum (EN6153)
From 11 petitioners—requesting that social work students be paid for work placements (EN6154)
From 31 petitioners—requesting universal free mental healthcare (EN6156)
From 43 petitioners—requesting more affordable mental healthcare (EN6157)
From 43 petitioners—requesting legislation to safeguard the role of cash in the Australian economy (EN6158)
From 12 petitioners—requesting the creation of an Australian Climate Corps initiative based on the United States model (EN6160)
From 1 petitioner—requesting that the Australian Government invest in the development of artificial intelligence (EN6161)
From 23 petitioners—requesting increased penalties for those found guilty of physical abuse towards persons with a disability (EN6162)
From 6 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion energy industry in Australia (EN6163)
From 1 petitioner—requesting funding for the development of nuclear fusion maritime propulsion technology (EN6164)
From 3 petitioners—requesting funding for the development of nuclear fusion space propulsion technology (EN6165)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion energy industry in Australia (EN6166)
From 9 petitioners—requesting legislation to restrict social media access for children (EN6168)
From 249 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Constitution be amended to include protections for free speech (EN6169)
From 206 petitioners—requesting the investigation of Australian citizens who have fought for Hamas or served in the Israeli Defense Forces (EN6170)
From 552 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government impose sanctions on Israeli officials and business operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (EN6171)
From 32 petitioners—regarding the indexation rates applied to HECS-HELP loan debts (EN6172)
From 129813 petitioners—requesting that Australia formally recognise the state of Palestine (EN6173)
From 304 petitioners—regarding the importation of nicotine vaping products for personal use (EN6174)
From 2 petitioners—regarding the deportation of New Zealand citizens from Australia (EN6175)
From 4 petitioners—regarding the deportation of New Zealand citizens on character grounds (EN6176)
From 47 petitioners—regarding corporate tax obligations (EN6177)
From 51 petitioners—regarding the discontinuation of the pharmaceutical product Normacol Plus (EN6178)
From 56 petitioners—regarding public access to national parks (EN6179)
From 27 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government cancel United States Force Posture Initiatives related to the storage of nuclear material (EN6180)
From 20 petitioners—regarding eligibility for the Disability Support Pension for people living with vertigo and Ménière's disease (EN6182)
From 1 petitioner—requesting increased community safety measures (EN6183)
From 1 petitioner—requesting an inquiry into the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct revitalisation project (EN6186)
From 23 petitioners—requesting the introduction of specific requirements for the sale of printers in Australia (EN6187)
From 3674 petitioners—requesting an increase to pay and allowances for Australian Federal Police officers and employees (EN6189)
From 48 petitioners—requesting the introduction of legislation to require genetic testing for child support claims (EN6190)
From 19 petitioners—requesting that privacy protections be established in relation to the use of images (EN6191)
From 6 petitioners—regarding the accessibility of portable haemodialysis machines (EN6192)
From 2648 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a royal commission into family violence (EN6193)
From 32 petitioners—requesting the cessation of automatic increases to fuel and alcohol excises (EN6197)
From 21298 petitioners—requesting a transition period for people affected by changes to age limits for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6198)
From 51 petitioners—requesting the re-implementation of flight curfews in South Australia (EN6199)
From 2 petitioners—regarding post-natal psychiatric medications (EN6201)
From 27 petitioners—requesting early implementation of the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme (EN6206)
From 258 petitioners—requesting that eligibility for the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme be widened to include physiotherapy and occupational therapy students (EN6207)
From 545 petitioners—requesting legislation to facilitate involuntary mental health treatment for children (EN6209)
From 98 petitioners—regarding Australia's COVID-19 vaccination program (EN6210)
From 4007 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government commit further funding to humanitarian aid and support for Palestine (EN6212)
2. The following 3 ministerial responses to petitions were received.
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 5 June 2024
From the Minister for Indigenous Australians to a petition regarding funding priorities within the Indigenous Australians portfolio (EN5070)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting the cessation of all activities related to solar radiation management and geoengineering (EN5667)
From the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to a petition regarding the Veterans' Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Service program (EN5854)
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
National Housing and Homelessness Plan Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
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.
… as a result of increasing pressures from climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and resource extraction … many species and ecosystems are increasingly threatened.
… Our inability to adequately manage pressures will continue to result in species extinctions and deteriorating ecosystem condition …
Our reforms are seeking to turn the tide in this country—from nature destruction to nature repair.
We ought to get rid of those RFAs. They should never have been introduced in the first place.
The government and the minister are doing everything exactly as they should be doing. I don't underestimate the complexity of what has to be done …
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.
The promise of CDR is great. As a competition policy, it has the potential to drive a better deal for consumers across a range of good and services, and drive productivity growth across a number of industries.
If we make CDR work it can democratise consumer data and lower the barriers to entry and mobility for financial services and wealth creation, so that services that were inaccessible to many people can now be available in their pockets.
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.
That so much of standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent a Minister from immediately introducing without notice a Bill to amend the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.
Within the building there were jokes about domestic violence.
There are various circumstances that might give rise to a constituent part of an amalgamated organisation forming the view that the amalgamation is no longer serving the best interests of its members.
Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Withdrawal from Amalgamation) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Governor-General Amendment (Salary) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
The salary of a Governor-General shall not be altered during … continuance in office.
Attorney-General's Portfolio Miscellaneous Measures Bill 2023
Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Safety and Other Measures) Bill 2024
Public Service Amendment Bill 2023
That Ms Lawrence be discharged from the Standing Committee on Agriculture and in her place Mrs Phillips be appointed a member of the committee.
That notice No. 1, government business, be postponed until the next sitting.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) too many people are struggling to afford to feed themselves and their families, while Coles and Woolworths are price gouging to make billion dollar profits;
(b) last week, CHOICE released a report that confirms what Australian shoppers already know: they are being price gouged by the supermarket duopoly, and there is not enough competition in the supermarket sector;
(c) the Greens-led Senate inquiry into supermarket prices made a number of recommendations including making price-gouging illegal, but the Government is only choosing to implement one of those recommendations—a mandatory Grocery Code of Conduct—that affects suppliers but will do nothing to bring down the cost of food for shoppers;
(d) the Albanese Labor Government has failed to take any action that would bring down the cost of food and groceries;
(e) the Chair of the ACCC has confirmed that if divestiture powers were introduced they could increase competition in the supermarket sector and under economic analysis, this would bring down the cost of grocery prices; and
(2) calls on the Government to stop offering Band-Aid answers to the big crises facing people, and implement all the recommendations of the Greens-led Senate inquiry into supermarket prices, including making price gouging illegal, and supporting the Australian Greens' Competition and Consumer Amendment (Divestiture Powers) Bill to introduce powers to break up the supermarket duopoly, which would lower the cost of food and groceries
Evidence has not demonstrated that the potential advantages of such a power would outweigh the likely disadvantages.
The committee is concerned that court-ordered divestiture would risk significant disruption and economic damage, with unpredictable consequences for competition.
The House divided. [12:29]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
I know all the arguments that are used to support the live sheep trade because I ran them myself for 15 years.
… … …
I have researched the science, the facts, the economics and the opinions. I have not allowed emotions to overcome reason.
The case for continuing long-haul live sheep exports fails on both economic and animal welfare grounds.
By its nature, live animal exports present a high risk to animal health and welfare.
This ban will also have negative impacts on our trading partners in the Middle East who also buy Australian grains, including for feed stock, and our overall international trading reputation.
… hardworking people of our shearing industry, including shearers, rousies, pressers, cooks, classers and shearing contractors … The live sheep industry provides work outside peak periods and keeps them in the industry. The forecasts have sheep numbers going as low as nine million next year and seven million in 2026. So we'll lose nearly half our workforce.
I think that sixteen is a reasonable age. That's what we're looking at in the work that we've done, that's what I've said before …
I don't support the establishment of big nuclear facilities here at all. I'm opposed to it.
It's not actually the words of Pitt.
Keith Pitt: "The Queensland LNP—their members and at multiple state conferences and state councils—have supported proposals for nuclear-powered electricity generation … Look, I can understand David Crisafulli's concerns. He is trying to take the LNP into the government for, you know, only the second term in more than 30 years in Queensland. So, he [is a] cat on a hot tin roof, I get all that."
Host, Patricia Karvelas: "Sorry to interrupt—
but he's made the decision that this is not going to fly in Queensland. That's why he's opposing it, right?"
KP: "Well, at a federal level, our job is to make decisions in the national interest … but I'm not the leader of the state opposition, those policies are up to David Crisafulli."
Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024
The mental health impacts of the decision to ban live exports cannot be overstated. As a cohort, primary producers are already overrepresented in suicide rates as compared to the general public, a responsible government should be developing policies to reduce this incidence, not making decisions that add further stress.
The science supporting this position is clear and irrefutable … years of this scientific evidence that prove that sheep undoubtedly suffer in live export, both on the lengthy sea voyages and in the country of destination …
We were invited by Emanuel's, WA Livestock Exporters Association and Sheep Producers Australia to join MPs from across Party lines to view the loading of a live export ship at Fremantle Port. Dr Holly Ludeman led the tour, and representatives from the exporter, ship and industry were on-hand to answer any questions—
… in relation to the supply chain from our paddocks to the final destination for these sheep in Kuwait.
The Nationals WA condemn any behaviour that incentivises putting livestock's welfare at risk for financial gain—the allegations that emerged yesterday must be investigated.
We are proud that the AJP could deliver the knockout blow by demanding the end of live sheep export as a requirement for our preferences at the Dunkley By-election in March. Ongoing conversations behind-the-scenes between AJP and Labor leadership has helped to finetune government policy.
The case for continuing long haul live sheep exports fails on both economic animal welfare grounds. … The live sheep trade is in terminal decline … The litany of animal cruelty in the live sheep trade makes a mockery of the industry's "no fear no pain" mantra. … Unfortunately this is an industry with an operating model built on the suffering of animals.
Our personal conviction on this issue remains and we will continue to advocate for a change in Coalition policy and for a phase-out of this awful trade.
Our enterprise relies on our ability to be able to manage the highs & lows in the markets and the weather.
Australia is a harsh climate and the reason sheep have thrived in this state is because they are resilient and WA farmers are so professional and know how to manage them, no matter what is thrown at them!
We have the best sheep husbandry practices and to be told that we don't by people who have no interest and no part in the industry is a kick in the guts!
If the facts were presented and the powers that be wanted to listen, they would realise that we are world leaders in sheep husbandry, production and export, and removing this vital option for selling sheep will only result in the most terrible outcomes for the stock, and regional WA. The first thing being that countries with much worse animal welfare outcomes will come in and sell sheep where we have been, is it case of we don't care if we are not involved? Instead of setting the standard for sheep production and export, and making the world step up to where we are by leading the way.
The second thing will be that this is a giant nail in the coffin of regional WA. Our small towns survive on the people who are needed for all facets of farming sheep.
Not just the farmers, staff, their children, schools, shops, small businesses, medical facilities, volunteers, sporting groups, shire councils, stock agents, shearers, agronomists, grain merchants, the list goes on. The numbers will continue to decline in the communities the more that gets taken from us, when there are no people needed on farms to work with these sheep.
Overwhelmingly, the people of Corangamite are saying, 'Enough is enough.' After decades of noncompliance, after decades of inhumane treatment of sheep, after decades of tolerating a trade which continues to tarnish our international reputation, Australians are saying, 'Enough is enough'.
The legislation is the next step in the orderly and considered process to deliver on this election commitment to the Australian public …
The quality of a society is reflected in several ways including the way it treats animals. These animals should be spared another arduous journey into an uncertain war-torn area. It would be a powerful step to show the Government is serious about animal welfare. Hopefully, locally processed meat (as humanely as possible) will be our export in place of cruel live animal export before too much longer. A powerful step toward that end would be to spare these poor animals from further distress.
It is about time that we all ask ourselves the question, by what right do we take the lives of these sentient beings who feel pleasure, suffer pain, who want to live and who do not want to die, and who have done us no harm … Live animal export is brutal, barbaric and unnecessary. Please use your best endeavours to stop all of this immediately.
This action is important in bringing agricultural practices in line with Australian society's expectations and upholding respect for animal welfare. Thank you for putting an end to live export. We can support agricultural development in Australia in a sustainable and ethical way, and do not need to transport animals across the world in terrible conditions and allow their slaughter to be undertaken at the end of a long journey.
We are proud that the AJP could deliver the knockout blow by demanding the end of live sheep export as a requirement for our preferences at the Dunkley By-election in March. Ongoing conversations behind-the-scenes between AJP and Labor leadership has helped to finetune government policy.
We are proud that the AJP could deliver the knockout blow by demanding the end of live sheep export as a requirement for our preferences at the Dunkley By-election in March. Ongoing conversations behind-the-scenes between AJP and Labor leadership has helped to finetune government policy.
Sheep exhibit heat stress in the majority of equatorial crossings … This was demonstrated in 37 of 41 independent observer report summaries between 2018 and 2020.
Damp, wet, tacky, sticky, sloppy faecal bedding is all indicative that sheep are failing to dissipate heat adequately.
My mortality rate ranged from 0.08% to 0.29%, averaging 0.19% (Two sheep out of one thousand). To put this into perspective, the mortality goals on a sheep farm are <2% for the rams and weathers and <3% for ewes and feedlot lambs.
… … …
Over my sixteen voyages, the total number of sheep hospitalized and treated was 2182, of which 2056 (94%) walked off the ship healthy and in market condition.
… I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering …
I would never work in an industry that fails to comply with the veterinary oath.
I'm disgusted with the lies and deceitful tactics used by those with little to no firsthand experience or knowledge of the live sheep export industry who are trying to shut it down.
We hear your stories, we learn from your journey, we keep in our prayers those still searching for freedom and those on the journey to freedom, we also keep in our hearts the many displaced people who are involved in the conflict in Gaza.
… for sharing your stories and trusting us to share in the care of your children, you teach us about courage, you teach us about resilience.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Chesters ) took the chair at 10:30.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
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 are 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.
That this House:
(1) recognises the investments the Government is making in cleaner, cheaper, reliable renewable energy as we undergo the transformation to net 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.
… the cost, build time and public opinion are all prohibitive.
We don't see nuclear as really a part of the energy transition going forward.
I don't support the establishment of big nuclear facilities here at all. I'm opposed to it.
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.
This may see the farmers left with a terrible choice. Sell the farm to meet these new tax obligations or increase their lease rates so much that their own children and grandchildren can't afford it and leave the industry.
Leaving the cap stuck at $3 million will mean that in today's dollars a 30-year-old will have a real cap of around $1 million, calling into question the intergenerational fairness of an unindexed cap.
Taxing unrealised capital gains is a tax on market movements and changes in asset values, not on income …
Although wage rises of around about 4 per cent in a normal context of productivity growth aren't necessarily inconsistent with our inflation target. If we don't have any productivity growth, they're on the high side and they're going to contribute to rises in costs.
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.
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.
We're already seeing the withdrawal of applications and a reduced number of overseas trained doctor applicants. … It's having an immediate impact.
We've seen adverts of corporate practices where they're saying, "If you've got a provider number with restrictions on it, you can now work in Hobart, or Canberra, unrestricted" …
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.
… more than 225 rural maternity units closed in Australia between 1992 and 2011 (more than a 40% reduction). These closures occurred in the face of accumulated evidence that small maternity services in rural areas are at least as safe as larger maternity services.
The narrative for closures is disconnected from the quality and safety evidence. These closures put birthing services further away for women in rural communities. Over those decades there was a 47% increase in babies born before arrival.
The Queensland Rural Maternity Taskforce noted an increased risk of birth before arrival at hospitals for women who live 1 hour or more or less than 2 hours from maternity services.
A MLHD spokesperson said a health service plan outlines the services required to reflect the community's health needs into the future and makes recommendations about the best way to deliver these services.