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. 29
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
12 August 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 5 June, 26 June and 3 July 2024.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 72 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 5 June 2024
From 4 petitioners—requesting the development of a nuclear fusion energy industry in Australia (EN6260)
From 7 petitioners—regarding laws relating to nuclear fusion technology
(EN6261)
From 2602 petitioners—regarding the World Economic Forum and the World Health Organisation (EN6265)
From 4 petitioners—requesting that new Australian residents be conscripted into the Australian Defence Force (EN6266)
From 58 petitioners—requesting the introduction of a castle law in Australia
(EN6268)
From 10 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government cut ties with the International Criminal Court (EN6269)
From 28 petitioners—requesting the establishment of soft plastic recycling processes (EN6270)
From 20 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government suspend funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (EN6271)
From 9 petitioners—regarding access to online gaming servers (EN6272)
From 19 petitioners—requesting recreational vaping be prohibited (EN6273)
From 88 petitioners—requesting funding for the Parents of Deaf Children organisation (EN6275)
From 35 petitioners—regarding legislation relating to hate speech (EN6279)
From 6 petitioners—regarding the seeking of informed consent from patients undergoing psychiatric treatments (EN6280)
From 4 petitioners—requesting that Australians be able to access online poker tournaments (EN6281)
From 52 petitioners—requesting a reduction in immigration numbers
(EN6282)
From 1154 petitioners—regarding privacy concerns relating to the Digital ID Act 2024 (EN6286)
From 136 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government support the International Criminal Court prosecutor's application for an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (EN6288)
From 9 petitioners—requesting that the Royal Australian Airforce procure an Airbus A400M aircraft (EN6290)
From 171 petitioners—regarding changes to age limits for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6294)
From 537 petitioners—requesting that people who have served in the Israel Defense Forces be prohibited from returning to Australia (EN6295)
From 18 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 (EN6296)
Petitions certified on 26 June 2024
From 15 petitioners—regarding law enforcement tactics (EN6274)
From 90 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a royal commission into the family court system (EN6299)
From 291 petitioners—requesting a reduction in long-term net overseas migration numbers (EN6300)
From 1855 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government take actions to protect biodiversity and prevent proposed vegetation clearing around Kin Kin Quarry (EN6301)
From 109 petitioners—requesting that a federal election be called (EN6302)
From 7 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to the Digital ID Act 2024
(EN6304)
From 23 petitioners—requesting legislative changes to require companies to delete personally identifiable information (EN6305)
From 15 petitioners—requesting improvements in the treatment of mental health conditions (EN6306)
From 198 petitioners—requesting that the use of metaldehyde in slug and snail bait be prohibited (EN6309)
From 36 petitioners—requesting improvements to the reliability of mobile and internet connectivity in Cabonne, New South Wales, and surrounding areas (EN6310)
From 186 petitioners—requesting support to recruit qualified pharmacists from overseas (EN6312)
From 6 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government support independence for the Kanak peoples of New Caledonia (EN6317)
From 651 petitioners—requesting temporary residency for students affected by changes to age limits for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6320)
From 25 petitioners—regarding supermarket prices (EN6321)
From 28 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a regulatory body for laser hair removal services (EN6322)
From 10 petitioners—requesting more affordable skin cancer checks and associated treatments (EN6323)
From 16 petitioners—requesting early access to superannuation (EN6327)
From 5 petitioners—requesting reconstruction of an intersection on the New England Highway (EN6328)
From 4 petitioners—requesting the implementation of regulations relating to broadcast quality standards for livestreaming of sporting events (EN6329)
From 17 petitioners—requesting an increase to the cap on Contributory Parent visas (subclass 143) (EN6334)
From 7 petitioners—requesting an increase to Australia's refugee intake
(EN6335)
From 746 petitioners—requesting changes to regulations relating to access to hospitality venues for companion animals (EN6338)
From 18 petitioners—regarding immigration and housing availability
(EN6341)
From 4 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to radiation (EN6342)
From 23 petitioners—requesting the utilisation of fixed line National Broadband Network infrastructure around San Isidore, New South Wales (EN6343)
From 35 petitioners—regarding childcare services (EN6344)
From 65 petitioners—regarding access to safe drinking water (EN6350)
From 4 petitioners—requesting further support for youth mental health programs (EN6352)
From 1284 petitioners—requesting an extension of the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 exemption for the cruise industry (EN6353)
From 6 petitioners—requesting that Australia's economic policies be reformed (EN6355)
From 77 petitioners—requesting that consumers be given the right to opt-out of their personal data being collected and used to train artificial intelligence by social media platforms (EN6356)
From 13 petitioners—requesting that Medicare rebates be made available for services provided by provisional psychologists (EN6357)
From 6791 petitioners—requesting changes to working conditions, renumeration and HECS-HELP loan indexation for Higher Degree by Research students (EN6358)
From 18 petitioners—regarding the use of sonar technology (EN6359)
From 5 petitioners—requesting the prohibition of mouthwash (EN6360)
From 26 petitioners—requesting an increase to the pension income test threshold (EN6362)
From 26 petitioners—requesting that funding of the Australian Broadcasting Commission be ceased (EN6363)
From 14 petitioners—regarding the Australian Government's trade relationship with China (EN6365)
Petitions certified on 3 July 2024
From 1331 petitioners—regarding the availability and compounding of the medications semaglutide and tirzepatide (EN6367)
From 6 petitioners—requesting an easing of restrictions relating to the employment of internationally trained teachers (EN6368)
From 40 petitioners—requesting legislation to preserve koala populations and habitats (EN6372)
From 10 petitioners—regarding COVID-19 vaccinations (EN6375)
From 18 petitioners—regarding immigration policies (EN6376)
From 204 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to the activities of the Bhartiya Janata Party within Australia (EN6377)
From 19 petitioners—requesting that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps branch of the Iranian Armed Forces be proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian Government (EN6378)
From 54 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a database to monitor adverse reactions to veterinary products (EN6380)
From 18 petitioners—requesting a cap on personal income tax deductions
(EN6383)
From 787 petitioners—requesting a reduction in processing times of Partner visa applications (EN6385)
From 721 petitioners—requesting that the House of Representatives Standing Orders be amended to prohibit the use of personal mobile phone devices by Members during Question Time (EN6386)
From 72 petitioners—requesting a transition period for students affected by changes to age limits for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6390)
From 19 petitioners—regarding the deportation of long-term Australian residents under Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958 (EN6391)
2. The following 12 ministerial responses to petitions were received.
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 3 July 2024
From the Minister for Home Affairs to a petition requesting a ban on imported goods produced by Uyghur forced labour (EN4746)
From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting that volunteer work be included as specified work in the Working Holiday Maker program (EN5448)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (EN5901)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting additional funding support for the Innovation Youth Centre (EN5926)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting that Australia reinstate funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and cut diplomatic ties with Israel (EN5938)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting measures to restrict explicit material in public and school libraries (EN5982)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting Medicare coverage for skin cancer checks (EN6040)
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition regarding the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (EN6047)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding medicinal cannabis cost issues and access through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (EN6049)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting that Australia cease funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (EN6057)
From the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the Parent visa program (EN6085)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting the establishment of an independent committee to oversee decisions of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (EN6113)
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
That this House:
(1) recognises the importance of affordable and well-located housing in regional, rural and remote Australia and the fundamental human right to shelter;
(2) notes the:
(a) housing crisis is getting worse, with rents and house prices reaching record highs across regional Australia in the first half of 2024; and
(b) National Housing Accord's target of building 1.2 million new homes over five years from 1 July 2024 contains no specific targets for regional, rural and remote Australia;
(3) acknowledges that:
(a) there is a housing affordability and availability crisis in regional, rural and remote Australia;
(b) this Government has no housing policies specifically targeted at addressing the housing needs of regional, rural and remote Australia; and
(c) the Housing Australia Future Fund and the Housing Support Program contain no dedicated funding or targets for regional, rural and remote Australia; and
(4) calls on the Government to:
(a) commit to providing 30 per cent of all housing funding to regional, rural, and remote Australia, which would reflect a fair share of funding for the regions; and
(b) establish a dedicated regional housing infrastructure fund to provide the critical infrastructure the regions need to unlock new housing.
That this House:
(1) congratulates the efforts of Australia's Olympic Team at the 2024 Olympic Games; and
(2) wishes the best of luck to the Australian Paralympic Team competing in the 2024 Paralympics between 28 August and 8 September 2024.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that Australians are struggling through a cost of living crisis and are being failed by the Government;
(2) notes that Australians have lost tens of thousands of dollars over the past two years through no fault of their own, with:
(a) workers paying 20 per cent more in personal income tax;
(b) real wages collapsing by nearly nine per cent;
(c) living standards falling by eight per cent;
(d) household savings reducing by almost ten per cent;
(e) prices on goods rising by around ten per cent;
(f) inflation remaining higher than any other developed nation; and
(g) homeowners with a typical mortgage of $750,000 being some $35,000 a year worse off; and
(3) calls on the Government to address the economic pressures being placed on Australian families.
I measure the strength of our economy by how it works for people. So for me there's a simple test … Do you feel better off … Are you finding it easier to pay your bills? Are you more certain of your future and, importantly, that of your children?
all words spoken and acts done in the course of, or for purposes of or incidental to, the transacting of the business of a House or of a committee …
it is not lawful for evidence to be tendered or received … concerning proceedings in Parliament …
COAG Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Services) Levies Bill 2023
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2023
Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Bill 2023
Primary Industries (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
Australian Postal Corporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Communications Legislation Amendment (Prominence and Anti-siphoning) Bill 2024
Creative Australia Amendment (Implementation of Revive) Bill 2024
Criminal Code Amendment (Protecting Commonwealth Frontline Workers) Bill 2024
Payment Times Reporting Amendment Bill 2024
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (More Support in the Safety Net) Bill 2024
Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Bill 2024
Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024
Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment (Withdrawal from Amalgamation) Bill 2024
Health Insurance Legislation Amendment (Assignment of Medicare Benefits) Bill 2024
Customs Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2024
Excise Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2024
National Health Amendment (Supporting Patient Access to Cheaper Medicines and Other Measures) Bill 2024
That Ms Belyea be appointed a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights.
That:
(1) Ms McKenzie be discharged from the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water and that, in her place, Mr Kennedy be appointed a member of the committee;
(2) Dr Garland be appointed a member of the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests;
(3) Mr O'Connor, Mrs Phillips and Mr Zappia be appointed members of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade;
(4) Ms Stanley be appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration;
(5) Mr Laxale be appointed a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the National Anti-Corruption Commission;
(6) Ms Burney be appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories;
(7) Ms Burney and Mr B Mitchell be appointed members of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit;
(8) Ms Belyea be appointed a member of the Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library;
(9) Ms Templeman be appointed a member of the Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society; and
(10) Ms Coker and Ms Mascarenhas be appointed members of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024
If we look at our security environment and what's happening globally, we continue to keep a close eye on developments in Afghanistan, further into the Middle East and in Africa. We could well see the need to have the government call on this in terms of our toolkit to respond to the terrorist threat in the future. It's a very real possibility.
The committee has previously found that while the provisions likely pursue a legitimate objective (namely, that of seeking to prevent terrorist acts), there were questions whether the provisions were necessary, and, in particular, the measures did not appear to be proportionate, and therefore were likely to be incompatible with a range of human rights … As such, the committee considers that it has not been demonstrated that the extension of these provisions is compatible with human rights.
… that … the Government consider an additional exception to the offence of entering, or remaining in, an area that has been declared under section 119.3 of the Criminal Code. The exception would apply where:
… that … the Government consider reviewing the existing safeguards on the Minister for Foreign Affairs' discretion to declare an area under section 119.3 of the Criminal Code. This would include reviewing the Minister's protocol and the list of factors to be taken into consideration by the Minister for Foreign Affairs before declaring an area.
… that the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor review Division 119 of the Criminal Code, with particular attention to the declared areas provisions and their ongoing necessity within the broader counter-terrorism legislative framework.
That this bill be now read a third time.
I hope it goes to show anyone can do what they want to do if they work hard and believe in themselves. Here I am, from little old Lonnie, a town of 90,000, and I'm out here living the dream.
Each box represents a portfolio. As a general rule, there is one department in each portfolio. However, there can be two departments in one portfolio. Cabinet Ministers are shown in bold type. Assistant Ministers in italics are designated as Parliamentary Secretaries under theMinisters of State Act 1952 .
… Public demand is forecast to be stronger than previously expected, reflecting recent public spending announcements by federal and state and territory governments …
… governments have a job to do and I have a job to do. My job and the Reserve Bank's job is to get inflation down. The governments have a different job. Their job is also to get inflation down, and they acknowledge that, but it's also to provide services and infrastructure for the Australian people. So, they need to do that at the same time as they need to focus on keeping inflation down …
… fiscal policy has been running a surplus for the last couple of years, so I'd say that has been helping the … inflation situation, if anything …
Her main argument is really simple: in a really hard trade-off, you've got to put people first and think about what kind of future you want to create.
… renewable generation connected with transmission and distribution, supported by hydro, batteries and gas, is the lowest-cost way to supply electricity to homes and businesses …
I hold the clear view that this is a case where the ABCC should be publicly exposed as having wasted public money without a proper basis for doing so …
A few people have said today, what does this mean to us? In my family, it means hope … we just can't wait to keep planning the long life for Heath that we know he's going to have.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Intelligence Services Act 2001 , Ms Claydon and Mr O'Connor be appointed members of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.
Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024
International students bring a vibrancy to Darwin; are warmly welcomed into the community; and help fill skills gaps while studying and upon graduation. In the context of dire skills shortages, and lower than national average rental vacancies, the social licence for international education in the NT is distinct from that in major metropolitan cities.
The cost of rent has been at an all-time high recently and, with a lot more international students coming into the country, it has been difficult for students to find accommodation. A lot of students are paying insanely high prices right now; they are only staying in a place for three months and then have to move again. So it has been difficult. For university courses we pay a really high amount, but I do not think we get the support that we need for the courses.
I personally, for example, would like to give back to the community, because there has been a lot of economic investment in me and my research. I would not like to just leave Australia without giving back.
… new ministerial powers for the Minister for Education to set caps on the number of international students who can study in Australia at any one time—not just for each educational institution but for each campus location and course.
… tends to leave the social missions of RUN universities more exposed to unintended consequences. It is RUN's concern that the universities most likely impacted by the changes introduced … will be those regionally-based institutions who not only host the sector's highest concentrations of domestic equity enrolments, but whose ongoing viability in regional areas is directly linked to international enrolments at both regional and metropolitan campuses.
RUN universities have witnessed the highest proportional declines in international student revenue since COVID, the largest reduction in international student enrolments, the slowest post-COVID recovery in international students, and are among the least able public institutions to absorb any further reductions in international student revenue.
RUN universities enrol just 4 per cent of all international students studying at Australian universities …
Between 2019 to 2022, RUN universities saw a 61 per cent reduction in international student revenue linked to the pandemic, compared to the sector average of just a 16 per cent reduction during the same period.
However, this must be supported by a visa regime that positively discriminates towards regional study/settlement, to assist the growth of international students at regional campuses.
RUN believes there should be no capped impediment, by location, provider, or course—for international students enrolling at regional universities.
The new student accommodation requirements of the proposed managed growth policy, if applied to regional higher education providers, would also place disproportionate burdens upon regional universities and regional communities.
Firstly, regional universities have less financial capacity and/or borrowing capacity to take on major capital expenditure projects, compared to metropolitan universities who can leverage robust balance sheets derived from scaled operations in dense urban markets.
Secondly, the costs of construction, maintenance, equipment, and supply chains are higher in regional Australia.
There are more domestic students in rental homes than international- yet no one is suggesting we ban share-houses for local university students.
Universities are blocking applications from students from entire countries as the federal government's latest stage in its migration crackdown makes it even tougher for some institutions to recruit foreign pupils. Some universities, include at least one prestigious Group of Eight institution, have taken the drastic step of banning or limiting applications from countries deemed at high risk of visa refusal, including India and Nepal.
While stakeholder consultations are being offered, this latest measure will send all the wrong messages, yet again, of Australia's reliability as a welcoming study destination country. Coming on top of the recently announced changes to financial capability requirements … visa processing slowdowns and backlogs, prospective students and our education agents will feel incredibly let down.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Scrymgour ) took the chair at 10:30.
But what about the other 364 days of the year. Many of us are still hurting every single one of those days.
Many of us didn't go of our own volition, we were sent there because of a government edict. And what did we achieve? Everyone completely underestimated the enemy.
… around 50,000 of us were sent over there and about 500 came home in body bags and I wonder how many of us wish we had been in a body bag rather than suffer the mental trauma that has beset us since we came home and that's on top of the ones with physical injuries.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the politicisation of tax reform is holding this country and economy back; and
(b) this process of politicisation is frequently felt by small to medium sized businesses through their contact and engagement with the Australian Tax Office (ATO); and
(2) calls on the Government to recognise the importance of improving productivity within the small to medium business sector and ensure the ATO is working with businesses towards this outcome.
Dom, I had to teach my bastards to care about money and you need to teach your bastards to care about people.
That this House:
(1) recognises that:
(a) 12 August 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the foundation of modern international humanitarian law; and
(b) they are as relevant to armed conflict today as in 1949;
(2) acknowledges that the conventions, while universally accepted, are not being uniformly respected in times of war, underscoring the need for ongoing commitment;
(3) recalls that the conventions and their additional protocols protect civilians, medical personnel, chaplains and humanitarians as well as non-military places such as hospitals;
(4) emphasises that compliance with international humanitarian law during armed conflict can reduce the human, economic, social and environmental cost of war, and facilitate the return to sustainable peace;
(5) honours the role of Australian Red Cross in:
(a) disseminating and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law; and
(b) providing education about the correct use of the emblems of the conventions and their additional protocols;
(6) pays respect to the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross in assisting victims of armed conflict and working for the advancement of international humanitarian law; and
(7) determines that Australia should remain a global leader in the promotion and implementation of the conventions and their additional protocols.
Israel must listen to its friends and it must listen to the international community. The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) it has been over 12 months since the Government introduced its Cheaper Child Care policy, and out of pocket costs have increased by 7.2 per cent in the past six months;
(b) all families saw an increase to their child care fees following the introduction of this policy, with some families slugged with multiple increases over the past 12 months;
(c) the Government has no idea how much of the $4.7 billion that was spent on higher child care subsidies was actually eaten by inflation and increased fees; and
(d) the Government's policy has done nothing to increase access to early childhood education and care, particularly in regional, rural and remote communities; and
(2) calls on the Government to deliver:
(a) more access to early childhood education and care places to support Australians to return to the workforce; and
(b) real cost of living relief to families.
It's a good move, some educators are working two to three jobs, and with this pay rise, they will have a much better work-life balance.
It will encourage more educators to stay in the sector, and that's good for kids because consistency in the classroom leads to better learning outcomes, and that's why this pay rise is so important—not just for workers but for families.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) two and half years since the further illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Ukrainian military forces continue to bravely defend their homeland;
(b) Australia risks, again, falling behind like-minded partners in supporting Ukraine unless the Government moves to quickly back the G7 agreement of a $50 billion USD loan for Ukraine obtained through frozen Russian assets;
(c) having claimed legal difficulties as justification to not use Russian assets, the Government now needs to stop finding excuses to not support Ukraine and wholeheartedly commit to doing all that Australia possibly can;
(d) unlike the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and France, Australia has not yet made any contribution to the unfolding global debate to the transfer of funds from Russia's frozen assets to Ukraine to assist with their war effort;
(e) if Australia's laws need amending to better target Russian assets or make more effective sanctions on Russia, then the Opposition will support sensible amendments to facilitate this;
(f) the Opposition, since the beginning of Russia's abhorrent and illegal further invasion of Ukraine, has offered full bipartisan support to the Government to implement all possible mechanisms that would aid Ukraine's self-defence;
(g) instead of acting wherever it can to assist Ukraine, the Government has let Australia's relative support decline by:
(i) junking Taipan military helicopters;
(ii) refusing assistance by not sending Hawkeii protected mobility vehicles;
(iii) ignoring calls to reinstate Australia's embassy in Kyiv; and
(iv) turning down requests for coal; and
(2) condemns the Government for its failure to assist Ukraine in its hour of dire need.
We stand with Ukraine in support of its courageous people and also in defence of a fundamental principle—the right of every sovereign nation to be secure in its own borders and to determine its own future.
Australia's aid for Ukraine has a multiplier effect. It not only directly meets needs in Ukraine but also affirms and strengthens Ukrainians in their pursuit of our common values and withstanding Russia's illegal invasion.
… any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.
2 weeks ago I was accompanied by two of the most ingenious 16 year olds in the western Melbourne suburbs. After coming into my office with nothing but their bright and wide smiles, along with their willingness to sit through long committee hearings and meetings with stakeholders who engaged in conversation, for which the most part of they did not understand, I knew that my week was to be packed with a refreshing touch of youth, something I hope every MPs E.O can be privileged enough to experience too.
Their brutally honest reviews on many of your MP websites—
though battering my confidence in my own MP site, shone light on how behind many of us are in updating and "youthfying," they made that word up by the way, our outdated and dull MP pages. Other than that ruthless highlight, we had embarked on many other inspiring journeys, much of which involved meeting with community members from all walks of life, that allowed for a very engaging, lively and definitely not boring Work Experience week.
Cost of living. We are a young family with two primary school age children. My husband works full-time and I work 30 hours a week. It is so hard to pay for school fees, after-school activities, school excursions, plus all the household bills: a mortgage, petrol, public transport costs. We are a single car family due to cost. We can't afford to get our heating fixed, so we're struggling through winter without heating and I know we aren't the only family struggling.
The changes announced today are a better deal for people earning low, modest and middle incomes, including people earning under $45,000.
We are pleased the Albanese Government has listened to the community to make the package fairer.
Good economics is good politics. And that is exactly what has been delivered with the revamped tax cuts to be announced by the Albanese government.
How on earth are our energy prices going to be lower by handing bucketloads of money to foreign-owned companies? It doesn't make sense.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) successive, biannual increases in beer and spirits excise on alcohol now sees Australia having amongst the highest excises in the world;
(b) combined with the cost of living pressures, increased costs in energy, refrigeration, wages, raw materials and transport, the cost of alcohol products has risen substantially;
(c) the excise regime is now putting at risk the viability of Australian distillers, brewers, distributors, pubs, clubs and related industries; and
(d) this excise regime is untenable against the current global backdrop, with crucial trading partners including Japan, United Kingdom, and Canada having already moved to freeze alcohol excise duties to relieve pressure on their domestic industries; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) provide immediate cost of living measures for the domestic beer and spirits industry; and
(b) develop a sensible package of tax reform and policy settings that:
(i) balances the responsible consumption of alcohol by the majority of Australians;
(ii) supports industry sustainability and growth; and
(iii) addresses the social and health impacts of risky and excessive drinking behaviours.
… the current excise tax structure is complex and assists small breweries in the short term. The $350,000 excise rebate is a great help; however, it hinders growth. Raising it to $1 million would very much assist growth and employment.
… the increase twice a year of the excise is counterproductive, as consumers don't understand the tax system. When beer prices go up every six months, they tend to think that we are gouging. It is the complete opposite. They pay more while it eats into our small margins.
… the intention was to create conditions that would allow small distilleries to grow and create more jobs and investment. Unfortunately, it is having precisely the opposite effect. A producer can sell 11,666 bottles per year excise free. The result is that our cohort of medium-sized manufacturers is now competing with hundreds of small distillers that can undercut our pricing by up to $30 a bottle.
… the current excise rate of $101.85, up from $71.67 in 2010, combined with the rebate system, is killing our ability to grow and compete profitably.
We cannot compete against distilleries that are now charging as little as $17 per bottle …
… the Liberal (coalition) government and the ATO created this mess, it would be great if the current government and the ATO at least tried to help us find a way out of it.
The continued Government inaction on this issue is incredibly frustrating for our industry, which already contributes $15.5bn in added value to the Australian economy and supports more than 100,000 jobs …
These six-monthly increases are becoming increasingly difficult for our business to sustain, and they are impossible to plan for …
How can we accurately undertake financial modelling and make business decisions if we don't know what tax rate we will be paying in six months' time?
Every cent that independent brewers spend on excise is money they cannot invest back into their staff, innovation, sustainability or supporting their communities.
They also do not want to pass these costs on to consumers, but they may be forced to as the cost of materials, energy and freight are still making it almost impossible to keep these Australian owned small businesses alive.
(c) natural gas is essential to Australia achieving its net zero target by 2050.
(b) natural gas is connected to more than five million Australian homes and provided 42 per cent of the energy consumed by the Australian manufacturing sector in 2022—
(c) the natural gas sector provided $17.1 billion in taxes, royalties and charges in 2023-24 …
East coast gas shortfalls could emerge as soon as 2027 … and in some states in 2026—unless new sources of supply are made available, the competition watchdog has warned …