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. 33
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
4 November 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 11 September and 10 October 2024.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 40 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 11 September 2024
From 21 petitioners—requesting an increase to the rate of Goods and Services Tax imposed on purchases made through certain online platforms (EN6550)
From 8 petitioners—requesting increased support for higher education programs (EN6551)
From 220 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to allegations of domestic violence (EN6552)
From 34 petitioners—requesting that a proposal to provide funding to rugby league in Papua New Guinea be halted (EN6553)
From 5 petitioners—regarding the classification of koalas as a threatened species (EN6554)
From 5 petitioners—requesting amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (EN6556)
From 194 petitioners—requesting that Australia call on the government of Bahrain to release Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace (EN6557)
From 27 petitioners—requesting a reduction to the student contribution paid towards Commonwealth supported university places (EN6558)
From 5 petitioners—requesting the reinstatement of the visa of a long-term Australian resident (EN6565)
From 67 petitioners—requesting that equal prize money in sport be mandated (EN6567)
From 41 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a Federal Human Rights Charter (EN6568)
From 10 petitioners—regarding self-represented litigants in High Court of Australia proceedings (EN6569)
From 5 petitioners—regarding the imposition of fees by businesses (EN6572)
From 182—requesting national implementation of a law to allow families of critically ill patients to call for immediate intervention (EN6573)
From 13 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to allegations of domestic violence (EN6575)
From 628 petitioners—requesting the criminalisation of institutional coercive control (EN6576)
From 221 petitioners—regarding concerns related to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic (EN6578)
From 1535 petitioners—requesting the cancellation of the AUKUS agreement (EN6580)
From 71 petitioners—requesting that Australia officially recognise Women, Life, Freedom Day (EN6581)
From 5 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a plan to produce and export clean energy (EN6582)
From 28 petitioners—requesting that the House debate the Human Rights (Children Born Alive Protection) Bill 2022 (EN6583)
From 248 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government impose sanctions on Israel (EN6585)
From 71 petitioners—requesting the introduction of a tax on plastics (EN6590)
From 14 petitioners—requesting the removal of taxes associated with the importation of motor vehicles (EN6595)
From 4413 petitioners—regarding federal laws relating to the age of criminal responsibility (EN6598)
From 65 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a national day to allow young people to meet Australian leaders (EN6599)
From 2 petitioners—regarding the treatment of personal information by Services Australia (EN6600)
From 51 petitioners—requesting amendments to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 to improve access to housing (EN6601)
From 26 petitioners—requesting increased funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and aged care in Australia (EN6602)
From 11 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to funding for the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct (EN6603)
From 322 petitioners—regarding the environmental impact of the Ballymore Resources Dittmer Project (EN6605)
From 51 petitioners—requesting a transition period for students impacted by changes to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6610)
From 15 petitioners—requesting the inclusion of the LGBTIQ+ community in the 2026 census (EN6611)
From 8 petitioners—regarding concerns about privacy in relation to loan applications (EN6612)
From 554 petitioners—requesting permanent residency for Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers (EN6613)
From 146 petitioners—requesting an increase to the number of mental health sessions covered by Medicare (EN6614)
From 1241 petitioners—requesting a National Rural Health Strategy and increased support for rural health services (EN6617)
From 21 petitioners—requesting that amendments be made to the Privacy Act 1988 relating to closed-circuit television recordings and images (EN6619)
Petitions certified on 10 October 2024
From 402 petitioners—requesting that the Spit Junction Post Office be kept open (PN0623)
From 62 petitioners—requesting that medicinal cannabis be included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PN0624)
2. The following 20 ministerial responses to petitions were received.
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 10 October 2024
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting a moratorium on the installation of mobile phone base stations in residential areas (EN4182)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that the Australian Government address issues of Uyghur forced labour (EN4321)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition regarding concerns related to geoengineering (EN4343)
From the Minister for the Arts to a petition requesting the establishment of an Australian Poet Laureate (EN4593)
From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding the protection of genetic information and the regulation of commercial DNA and ancestry testing (EN5342)
From the Special Minister of State to a petition requesting legislation to prohibit misinformation in political advertising (EN5609)
From the Minister for Financial Services to a petition regarding concerns related to a cashless economy (EN5967)
From the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery to a petition requesting that the Australian Government cancel all existing contracts with Elbit Systems and preclude Elbit Systems from receiving future contacts (EN5997)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that the severity of criminal penalties for child sex offenders be increased (EN6118)
From the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to a petition requesting the removal of net zero targets and a reconsidered approach to environmental sustainability (EN6121)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that the Taliban be proscribed as a terrorist organisation (EN6128)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting the reintroduction of validation documents for authorised amateur radio operators (EN6254)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting the introduction of a castle law in Australia (EN6268)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition regarding a proposal to clear vegetation for the ongoing operation of the Kin Kin Quarry (EN6301)
From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to a petition requesting that the use of metaldehyde in slug and snail bait be prohibited (EN6309)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding access to safe drinking water (EN6350)
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting an extension of an exemption for cruise vessels under section 11 of the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 (EN6353)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the availability and compounding of the medications semaglutide and tirzepatide (EN6367)
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting legislation mandating rotating beacons and side lighting on rolling stock (EN6369)
From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to a petition requesting the establishment of a database to monitor adverse reactions to veterinary products (EN6380)
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
Accountability of Grants, Investment Mandates and Use of Public Resources Amendment (End Pork Barrelling) Bill 2024 [No. 2]
That this bill be now read a second time.
At the end of the day, whether we like it or not, that's democracy.
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Tougher Penalties for Supermarket and Hardware Businesses) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Food and Grocery (Mandatory) Code of Conduct Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Corporations Amendment (Streamlining Advice Process) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Higher Education Support Amendment (Fair Study and Opportunity) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
… brought inequity to so many students, especially poor, Indigenous, and women students seeking to make a better life for themselves.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) Australia is currently committed to a ten-year, $120 billion infrastructure investment pipeline;
(b) infrastructure investment is important but does compete directly with housing for materials and skills within the construction sector;
(c) two independent inquiries, namely the Independent Review of the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects and the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program, have been critical of the processes for determining Commonwealth Government infrastructure allocations; and
(d) Infrastructure Australia noted that in 2019 the construction sector was at capacity and since then infrastructure spending as a share of gross domestic product has increased 50 per cent while construction costs have increased by more than 30 per cent; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) publish a response to the independent reviews;
(b) commit to implementing long-term investment strategies and publishing businesses cases for large-scale infrastructure projects; and
(c) identify and pause non-essential infrastructure projects until capacity has returned to the construction sector.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Government is taking decisive action to help consumers get fairer prices at supermarkets, in stores and online, including:
(a) the release of an interim report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which looks at a wide range of concerns, from land-banking to shrinkflation;
(b) making suppliers follow the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct, a mandatory code, following the recommendations of former competition minister Craig Emerson; and
(c) revitalising the National Competition Policy to boost productivity and living standards;
(2) notes the Government believes that alleged misconduct in the supermarket sector is unfair, unacceptable, and it makes cost of living pressures worse for Australians, so it is:
(a) providing $30 million package of additional funding for the ACCC to crack down on misleading pricing practices and poor conduct; and
(b) funding CHOICE, the consumer organisation, over three years to report on supermarket prices across Australia; and
(3) recognises the Government's number one priority is tackling the cost of living pressures facing hard working Australians and making sure they are paying a fair price at the checkout, and Australian farmers are getting a fair price for their goods.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) on 15 November 2023, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced it was investigating tighter liquidity and capital requirements for smaller Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADIs);
(b) in making this announcement, APRA did not provide any evidence to justify this change, had failed to consult with industry, provided no evidence to support the change in policy, and did not consider the impacts on competition in the Australian banking sector;
(c) the Australian banking sector is subject to considerable prudential regulation and is intelligent in its approach to ensuring the banking sector's resilience to financial market stress;
(d) the changes would have required smaller ADIs on the Minimum Liquid Holding (MLH) regime to change their liquidity and capital composition, and re-value liquidity risk over both short and longer periods;
(e) on 24 July 2024, APRA announced it would implement two of the three proposed changes;
(f) APRA will not proceed with changes to a phase-out of the bank debt securities, pending a holistic review of the MLH regime in 2025, ensuring smaller ADIs can continue to compete;
(g) these changes presented a real risk to the smaller banking sector, particularly those ADIs on the MLH regime which would have been subject to tighter liquidity requirements and reduced capital;
(h) the changes would have resulted in less competition, less access to capital and higher costs for consumers; and
(i) mutual banks and credit unions play an important role in our economy and communities; and
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) APRA's proposed requirements will have a significant negative impact on smaller banks;
(b) competition in the banking sector is important for the economy, consumers and for strong markets; and
(c) unnecessary Government regulation will further erode competition in the banking sector and hinder efforts to bolster Australia's economic dynamism, particularly at a time when banks are managing 130 new regulatory changes.
Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Bill 2024
Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023
Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2024
Customs Tariff Amendment (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Expansion) Bill 2024
That Mr Chester be appointed a member, and Mr Kennedy be appointed a supplementary member, of the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy.
National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill 2024
… also sets out arrangements for the eventual sale of the Commonwealth's stake in the company once the NBN rollout is complete, including provisions for independent and parliamentary reviews prior to any privatisation, and for the parliament to have the final say on the sale. The bill also creates a power for the Governor-General to make regulations concerning future private ownership and control of NBN Co. Ltd, and establishes other relevant reporting, governance and enforcement mechanisms.
There is no longer a requirement that NBN Co. Ltd must be sold within five years of it being declared built and fully operational. Rather the time frame for any sale is left to the judgment of the government and parliament of the day, enabling due regard to the role the NBN is playing, market conditions and any other relevant factors.
That Mr Pitt be discharged from the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy.
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) Bill 2024
I once had a dream of our country so grand
Where rivers outback irrigated the land
With dams and canals in that wasteland out there
And big inland cities with work everywhere.
Members of parliament. My name is Maddison Lyons, I am 18 years old and a member of Nicholls.
I need to address the topic of social cohesion. Social cohesion is the heartbeat of a thriving democracy.
This is what I want to achieve for our community in ten years.
Not only my community, but for all of Australia.
Social cohesion is truly the most important factor to create a country that is welcoming to all. It is the invisible thread that binds us together ensuring our diverse society can come together, where we create communities where everyone feels valued and represented, where differences bring us together and are celebrated, where people of all walks of life can live together in harmony.
But social cohesion doesn't happen on its own. It requires deliberate action. This is where our Parliament must lead with vision and courage.
Parliament can help achieve this goal by focusing on creating a more inclusive and representative government through education programs that support and recognise high school students from all cultures and backgrounds, guiding them into roles of leadership.
Imagine a future where our Parliament reflects the true diversity of Australia, where young people like myself, are given the tools and opportunities to shape the laws and policies that impact their lives.
Let us work together to ensure that in ten years' time, Australia is not just a collection of communities, but a truly cohesive society where every individual is represented, respected and valued through our government.
Fay Marles was a leading feminist in Victoria and a fierce advocate for the right of women to take their place in Australia's workforce.
It felt like the right time to take the next step in my career, and Fee-Free TAFE is a huge help. The financial support has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about tuition costs.
… … …
Nursing careers will always be in demand, and no artificial intelligence can replace the compassion and empathy nurses provide.
Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care Workers (Special Account) Bill 2024
… that the institutions, services and facilities responsible for the care or protection of children shall conform with the standards established by competent authorities, particularly in the areas of safety, health, in the number and suitability of their staff, as well as competent supervision.
Fair wages and equal remuneration for work of equal value without distinction of any kind, in particular women being guaranteed conditions of work not inferior to those enjoyed by men, with equal pay for equal work.
This wage increase recognises a group of predominantly female workers who have been undervalued for decades, despite providing the social, emotional, and educational foundations for Australia's next generation. It means educators will be able to stay in the sector and in the jobs they love.
This is a well overdue pay increase, and I am thrilled that the Government has acknowledged the professionalism of our educators … Early childhood educators play a crucial role in the learning and development of young children, and this recognition is a significant step towards valuing their contributions appropriately.
We expect that [this] announcement will see qualified early learning educators return to our sector, while encouraging others to establish a career in early learning. This in turn will help make more quality child-care places available for families who need it.
This is a well overdue pay increase, and I am thrilled that the government has acknowledged the professionalism of our educators … Early childhood educators play a crucial role in the learning and development of young children, and this recognition is a significant step towards valuing their contributions appropriately
Twice a week, I drive 50 kilometres—about 40 minutes each way—to Yarrawonga. I study at the library in Yarrawonga while my son is at daycare, as the driving time and cost would add up if I returned to Wangaratta.
To be recognised as professionals and to have a wage that reflects that is a huge step forward, not only for educators, but for children and their families
This victory has impacted our 500 eligible Long Day Care and Out Of School Hours (OOSH) Care employees, recognising the valuable and essential contribution that teachers and educators make to Australia's children, families, and workplaces.
The government has shown a strong commitment to establishing a truly universal early childhood education system for all of Australia's children and families.
A key component is having qualified early learning teachers and educators who are compensated fairly.
Properly valuing the early childhood education and care profession is crucial to attracting and retaining a skilled and capable workforce.
It is a vital step towards ensuring universal access to early learning and the sustainability of our sector.
When I found out the news as an OOSH Director I was in shock because I didn't think we were included.
This wage increase validates the work that we do every day with our children, while helping reduce finance stresses on our educators.
This increase is a step forward; showing just how important our sector is.
It allows people to do what they love and be financially stable in this economy. I am looking forward to the future.
I was pleased to hear the news about the pay increase for early childhood educators.
A pay increase in the early childhood sector is crucial because it acknowledges the valuable work done by educators.
By providing a higher salary, it not only recognises our dedication and hard work but also helps attract and retain future educators in the field.
This leads to better quality care and education for young children, ensuring their well-being and development are in capable hands.
With this $3.6B commitment the Prime Minister has demonstrated he is serious about delivering a truly universal early education system for all of Australia's children and families—because the first thing a universal system needs is a strong workforce.
The House divided. [18:08]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024
The three main Acts operate in different ways and the entitlements available to a veteran will depend on many circumstances and factors, including when an injury occurred, and the type of service being undertaken at the time of injury. The Acts provide different types of compensation, including pensions, lump sums and periodic compensation payments, health care and rehabilitation.
Entitlements are offset when a veteran has entitlements under more than one Act or receives a pension or lump sum under a superannuation scheme. There are also different procedures available when a veteran wants to challenge an adverse decision, depending on what the decision is, and under which Act it was made. For example, the Veterans' Review Board can review decisions made under the VEA and MRCA but not under the DRCA.
I have been waiting just short of two years for DVA to accept my claims for a variety of conditions that include major depressive disorder, PTSD, general anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder. Without my advocate, I have no doubt that I would never have been able to submit these claims successfully due to the bureaucratic nightmare that is the DVA. It is a system that almost none can navigate or understand.
The RSL expresses its concern that the proposed legislation enabling members and former members of the ADF to access DVA benefits identified the necessary qualifications of various categories of 'persons' who have served in the ADF. It makes no mention of 'veterans'. The view of the RSL is that the word 'veteran' should be visible and should be inclusive, as identified in the definition in Section 4 of the Australian Veterans' Recognition (Putting Veterans and their Families First) Act 2019.
By April 2023, the average processing time for a veteran's claim was 435 days …
… Opposition Leader Peter Dutton complained … that the number of public servants has swelled under the Albanese government, declaring the Coalition sees defence spending as "much more of a priority than office staff in Canberra".
I … threatened to resign because there was not enough money to clear up these … veterans' compensation claims, which are having an appalling effect on the physical and mental wellbeing of our veterans. And the reason that I was given as to why there was no funding was because at the time, the government was only prioritising funding that had a political advantage.
… "Jackmanship", the attitude that "I'm all right Jack, and I don't care about anyone else". It was unacceptable in the Army 55 years ago, and it is unacceptable in politics now.
The current compensation and rehabilitation system is the product of continuous historical legislative reform involving numerous Acts. Reform to the various veteran entitlement Acts over the last century has often been piecemeal. This has resulted in the continuation of various older entitlements alongside new entitlements, thereby building a multi-layered system. Increasing complexity was the by-product but never the purpose of such reform.
Australia's veteran compensation and rehabilitation legislative system is so complicated that it adversely affects the mental health of some veterans—serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members—and can be a contributing factor to suicidality. The Australian Government has known for years that the system requires fundamental reform. Yet it has not acted with speed. There is no justification for further delay. The Australian Government should urgently implement legislative reforms to simplify and harmonise the veteran entitlement system.
Imagine a community where voices can be heard and dreams can become a reality.
In the next ten years, the Parliament has the chance to make this vision come to life for Collinsville.
My name is Kodi Mackie. A local who has lived in this town their entire life. Many people don't know about Collinsville. It's truly a hidden gem, home to approximately 1,500 people. However, it has very little facilities to offer and no major tourist attractions, besides the mines.
So, you're probably wondering; how is this small town so special and different from the rest? Well, there is only two words to describe it, community spirit.
The Community is what keeps the town alive. In most places, people don't even know their own neighbours. But in Collinsville the town is your family, the people you rely on.
Sadly, this spirit is starting to fade away, which is why we desperately need the parliament's help over the next decade to steer Collinsville in the right direction, so generations to come can keep the spirit alive.
The parliament must immediately focus on funding a variety of sporting teams to be introduced into the town. By offering locals a chance to train and represent their town together through different sports, it will increase the community wellbeing drastically.
The town also needs to be provided with more opportunities for people to be able to express themselves and bond with others. This can be achieved by operating local workshops multiple times a year.
Finally, the parliament needs to allow the town to be heard. I want our community to look strong, powerful and to come together as one.
Every voice deserves to be heard no matter how small. This is why I believe the next parliament has the chance to save our town.
My name is Alexis, and I am a grade 11 student at The Rockhampton Grammar School. When asked "what do you want your community to look like in ten years?" I started to wonder what Rockhampton desperately needed and what issues I personally have seen and dealt with.
In 2022, my dad was diagnosed with cancer which led to my family having to travel to places such as Mackay which is a 3 and-a-half-hour drive and Gold Coast which is an 8-hour drive to get treatment or scans.
This is a serious barrier for those living in regional/remote areas of Australia that needs to be addressed by parliament. The lack of medical technology and specialists in regional and remote parts of Australia forces families, like mine, to travel to appointments which means time off work, travelling expenses, accommodation fees and much more.
The need for such medical technology/doctors far outweighs the cost of implementing them and further developing regional and remote areas.
Without funds from the government this will not be able to be achieved, that is why I am personally asking for your help so other families can get medical attention without having to leave Rockhampton.
Food and Grocery (Mandatory) Code of Conduct Bill 2024
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Scrymgour ) took the chair at 10:30.
The walks improve by the day, because every day our community improves. There is less rubbish and more nature. People bicycle to and from work.
Cars are becoming less common.
Locals greet each other as they pass, because we have no reason to be separated as a community.
We finally understand that we are all on this journey together.
I dream that every future step we take will be forwards, never running backwards.
For these reasons, St Kilda Primary school needs a new hall. It would significantly help because not only would it host important events for the school, but children would run food drives, op shops, charities and migrant families could take lessons in English.
We have research saying that 60% of Balaclava and 81% of St Kilda live in apartments. That means lots of people around our area don't have much outdoor space. That's where we come in. It would be awesome for the kids mental and physical health. It won't just be for the kids, everyone around us will also have the opportunity.
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) that Australia has an animal welfare crisis, and that cruelty is commonplace in greyhound and horse racing, live exports, the industrial production of food and fibre, rodeos, and puppy and kitten farms;
(b) this cruelty has been on full display recently in:
(i) intensive commercial dog breeding facilities in Tasmania which operated under grossly inhumane and inadequate conditions, where female dogs were forced to breed at appalling rates;
(ii) the treatment of dogs in the greyhound racing industry, which results in unbearable cruelty, injury and even death, for example, in 2024 alone there has been almost 100 on-track deaths and 8,449 injuries Australia-wide; and
(iii) overbreeding of retired racehorses, where the aim is to produce as many foals as possible that might one day generate a return on investment—sadly, as in the case of Black Caviar, this is poorly regulated and often involves almost constant pregnancy and birthing for so-called 'retired' horses, dramatically increasing the risks of injury, infection and death; and
(c) that state and territory governments have not done enough to address this crisis; and
(2) therefore calls on the Government to:
(a) establish a statutory Independent Office of Animal Welfare which will take a leadership role on animal welfare matters at a federal level, including developing a national animal welfare strategy, conducting inquiries and reviews into the effectiveness and implementation of our animal welfare laws; and providing independent, science-based advice to governments on animal welfare issues; and
(b) work with states and territories to improve, harmonise and implement strict animal welfare standards, guidelines and laws.
The reality is, our laws, standards, and regulatory systems on the whole, are failing animals. This is because within the current governance system there are conflicts of interests among those in power, inconsistencies across states and territories, loopholes in laws, and standards that ignore science and community expectations.
That that this House acknowledges the Government's commitment and actions to build a better and fairer school education system, by:
(1) putting an additional $16 billion of Commonwealth investment in public schools on the table as part of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, to deliver reforms focused on:
(a) lifting student outcomes;
(b) wellbeing for learning and engagement; and
(c) a strong and sustainable workforce;
(2) working to address the teacher shortage through the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan;
(3) delivering $284.3 million to schools to improve school infrastructure through the Schools Upgrade Fund; and
(4) providing $203.7 million in funding to support student wellbeing across every school in the country through the Student Wellbeing Boost.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is reviewing the approved usage levels of paraquat and diquat in Australia;
(b) the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ran a story titled 'After the Harvest' on 31 August 2024 and 1 September 2024 seeking to link paraquat use to the incidence of Parkinson's Disease, claiming that children were being 'coated head to toe in chemicals' and spraying was occurring without gloves or a mask;
(c) the APVMA responded saying such practices were 'historical' and 'do not meet current requirements for the use of agvet chemical products'; and
(d) three OECD-nation regulators in the past four years have found no causal link between paraquat and Parkinson's Disease; and
(2) calls upon the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to:
(a) listen to the voices of farmers who responsibly rely upon paraquat and diquat to control weeds, avoid heavy-tillage farming and retain soil and moisture in their cropping lands;
(b) listen to the science; and
(c) refrain from rewarding sensationalist journalism from the national broadcaster.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) agriculture is a cornerstone of Australia's social, economic and environmental sustainability, and plays an essential role in our nation's prosperity;
(b) in the 2023-24 financial year, the agriculture sector generated over $82 billion, driving Australia's economy forward;
(c) the agriculture sector employs 257,000 Australians; and
(d) over 90 per cent of the fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, and eggs available in Australia are produced locally, safeguarding our nation's food security; and
(2) notes that:
(a) the Australian agriculture sector is facing increased pressure due to this Government's destructive actions;
(b) this Government's decision to scrap the dedicated agriculture visa has left the industry with severe and widespread workforce shortages;
(c) Australia's water security is being jeopardised by this Government's reckless slashing of over $7 billion from critical water infrastructure projects; and
(d) this Government's misguided agriculture policies have driven food prices up by 12 per cent, piling even more financial strain on everyday Australians.
The project hasn't been done correctly, it's a political decision.
The route does a dog-leg into farming land, rather than the populated areas. This is almost dictatory or communism. I don't believe in taking away people's rights to farm or contest the decision. I don't believe in this project. This isn't Australian to come in and do what they are doing.
We are not going to give it to them, we will have to stand at the gate. The company now plans to get a transmission licence, so they can get more power over us, a bigger stick. But to us it makes no difference, we will be ready to fight. We will protect our community, our home and our right to farm.
We know this is no good for Australia, this isn't right for agriculture, food sustainability or food affordability. Once they try and put 70 per cent renewables in our farm land, we never get it back. We are an agriculture country that needs to produce food. We have other energy sources out there. The alternative is nuclear, not ripping up prime agriculture land. None of it is good for food consumers or energy consumers. It just increases the cost in both areas and makes no sense.
There would be height restrictions, even to the point at time of day. We harvest in summer and there will be temperature restrictions also, not being able to use machinery underneath the lines. We need to farm on warmer days because that's the nature of farming. There is no way we are going to lie down. We are united in our fight.
Hello, my name is Zara and I am 11 years old. My federal electorate is Canberra.
Did you know that more than 76,000 kids in Australia showed up to homeless shelters and many were unaccompanied by adults.
Most of these kids were fleeing violence or neglect.
This should not be the childhood many children grow up in.
Many homeless shelters are under-supplied and understaffed which means they are turning away people who need a safe place to stay.
What can parliament do in the next ten years to help?
First, we should all appreciate staff at homeless shelters for all the help and time they are giving to the community. They are seriously undervalued.
Secondly, most homeless shelters don't have enough supplies to handle a lot of homeless people. They need more money and resources.
Do you know what the main cause of homelessness is? Domestic violence.
In June 2021, over 700 million people were put to stop domestic violence but that was just in NSW, we need a more substantial Australia-wide plan.
This is not a world people should live in.
I want Australia in the next ten years to get more people off the streets and into a safe place and solve some of the problems that cause homelessness.
Imagine in ten years' time, youth crime is drastically reduced to nothing, and young people are engaged in positive activities that contribute to their personal growth and the overall wellbeing of their community …
… crime detrimentally impacts individual potential and community safety, leading to long-term social and economic costs.
It perpetuates a cycle of violence and inequality, making it harder for communities to prosper.
… idle time and lack of supervision are significant factors contributing to youth crime.
… the Parliament must fund the development of community centres that offer after-school programs, sports, arts, and mentoring opportunities.
These centres can become safe havens for youth, offering them a sense of belonging and purpose.
Our youth are the next leaders.
Every single person should have the opportunity to live up to their full potential.
… we must make a future where youth crime is not only avoidable but entirely non-existent.
The future of youth crime is in your hands.
We must fund the development of community centres across Australia to prevent crime.
Many will have no option but to sell up to pay the bill, destroying businesses held by families for generations and destabilising food security.
But why would Labour be bothered? They calculate their voter base is predominantly urban, so it does little political harm. And if it means green fields can be sold off for solar farms or new housing, all the better.
Farmers work backbreakingly hard to keep society fed. Their hours are long. And because of their careful stewardship, our countryside remains a precious asset.
Any fair-minded government would shower them with rewards, not hit them a punishing and pernicious new tax.
My name is Vihan.
I am 12 years old and I am from the electorate of Gilmore.
I have been noticing lately that there have been a lot of water flooding problems with the winter season having heaps of rain.
I have even faced one of them where my garage flooded with water up to the car's wheels and we spent five hours cleaning everything up.
So my problem is to upgrade the drainage system.
In 10 years I would like the community to create a rain garden. They are attractive and can be made easily by maintaining everything.
They promote the growth of native, flood-tolerant perennial plants.
The second one, which I personally think is the best is, planting trees in community gardens or even parks. They come with many benefits like helping reduce flooding.
Statistics say that trees minimise surface water runoff up to 80 per cent more than asphalt.
Their extensive roots system helps absorb deeper into the ground, and help absorb the water flooded to help the tree grow and make community gardens or parks beautiful living places.
Parliament can also build more Channel Drains to move water to an area where it can safely be pushed back into the environment.
Those are the ways to reduce flooding and how I want some of these techniques in our community in the next 10 years.
I hope that in 10 years, I will see more greenery and less carbon dioxide emissions.
I envision a bright future for the environment in the area.
Having less cars would be great and having more trees would also be amazing too.
I would be greatly thankful if less fossil fuels were to be used because of how bad it is for the environment.
Burning fossil fuels release a large amount of carbon dioxide, which causes climate change.
We could plant more bushes and trees and stop cutting so many others down.
We could try to have less cars on the road and more bikes or paths.
I wish to see these changes in 10 years from now.'
The 15% pay increase for early childhood educators is a great first step for the Early Childhood Sector in recognising and acknowledging the work that we do and supporting the retention of people in our sector. Importantly, I feel it makes Approved Providers more accountable for fee increases, providing transparency, something historically that has not occurred. It supports families with affordability in this current economic climate and truly gives back to the many Educators who work tirelessly each and every day to deliver quality care and education to our most precious little humans.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) investment in equitable access to disease prevention is critical to tackle the major diseases of our time such as cancer and heart disease;
(b) genetic screening provides a novel opportunity for disease prevention, especially screening for genetic risk factors for certain types of hereditary cancer and heart disease that manifest in early adulthood;
(c) identifying people with medically actionable genetic risk for certain diseases can allow at risk individuals to take steps to reduce risk or in some cases, avoid developing disease altogether;
(d) in Australia, funded testing for these genetic risk factors is only available to individuals who meet narrow criteria, usually only after a person develops symptoms of disease, and this criteria-based testing fails to identify most high-risk individuals in the population, who remain unaware of their risk and are unable to access preventive measures until it is too late;
(e) investment in prevention will save significant downstream healthcare costs, as well as saving lives and improving the health of at-risk Australians; and
(f) the costs of genetic testing have decreased considerably, and health economic modelling now suggests it would be cost-effective in the Australian health system to offer DNA screening to all adults for such genetic risk factors, as part of a population screening program;
(2) acknowledges that:
(a) in August 2022, Monash University launched DNA Screen, a study funded by the Medical Research Future Fund and led by Professor Paul Lacaze and Dr Jane Tiller, which aimed to test 10,000 young adults (18 to 40 years of age) for genetic high risk of developing certain types of cancer (breast, ovarian, colorectal and others) and heart disease, that can be prevented or identified and treated early;
(b) the study was extremely popular, with almost 10,000 people registering their interest in the first 24 hours of the study launch, and over 30,000 people registering interest to date;
(c) the study has now completed testing of 10,263 young adults, finding 202 individuals at high, medically actionable risk of developing cancer or heart disease, and three in four of those high-risk people would not have qualified for reimbursed genetic testing; and
(d) in May 2024, the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs' inquiry into equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for individuals with rare and less common cancers specifically noted the potential of genetic testing for prevention and the high level of public interest and engagement in the DNA Screen study, and recommended that 'the outcomes of the study should be monitored closely, and that further investment to gauge the effectiveness and appropriateness of such screening programs should be explored further';
(3) recognises the:
(a) strain that population DNA screening could place on the current downstream risk management pathways; and
(b) need for genetics services and the health system to be prepared for population-scale DNA screening; and
(4) calls on the Government to:
(a) consider the urgent need to leverage the preventive potential of genomic testing for adults at high, medically actionable risk of developing conditions such as cancer and heart disease; and
(b) fund the next stage of DNA Screen to scale up testing for these medically actionable conditions, test the feasibility of a population-wide screening program, and develop and test methods for the delivery of downstream care and risk management at scale.
That this House:
(1) recognises the commitment of the Government to Western Australia and its understanding of the specific needs of the Western Australian community;
(2) commends the Government for its investment in:
(a) the future of the critical minerals industry in Western Australia, noting its support for projects such as Pilbara Minerals' Pilgangoora lithium project and International Graphite's graphite battery anode material project, as well as the announcement of the $17 billion production tax incentive for critical minerals processing; and
(b) critical infrastructure, noting the support for the following major projects:
(i) Causeway Cyclist and Pedestrian Bridges;
(ii) Westport Project Development;
(iii) Metronet;
(iv) Tonkin Highway Corridor; and
(v) Outback Way;
(3) acknowledges the ongoing commitment of the Government to the goods and services tax deal for Western Australia;
(4) supports the Government as it continues to pay attention to the needs of Western Australia and respond to those needs strategically and responsibly; and
(5) calls on the Opposition to support the Government's initiatives that will secure a future for all Western Australians.
That this House:
(1) notes:
(a) that 3 August 2024 marked ten years since Islamic State (ISIS) militants attacked the Ezidi people of Sinjar;
(b) that the Ezidi people are one of the most ancient nations in the world, and their cultural identity, memories and practices are central to their ancient culture, yet many Ezidis have lived through unimaginable trauma and persecution;
(c) the important role played by former Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott, in enabling the resettlement in Australia of 12,000 refugees escaping the Ezidi genocide in the northern parts of Syria and Iraq;
(d) that the electoral division of Groom is home to one of the largest groups of Ezidi people in Australia, and that their traditional language, the Ezidi language, is the second most spoken language in Groom, behind English;
(e) that by properly managing the immigration system, Australia was able to offer this important humanitarian assistance; and
(f) that by ensuring proper process, vetting and verification, the Government was able to reassure people on national security concerns and maintain social cohesion; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) recognise the Ezidis as a significant minority religious group in Australia;
(b) denounce the continuing persecution of Ezidis by ISIS militants;
(c) continue to provide funding for programs such as the Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Service program that provide support to refugees and migrants; and
(d) apologise to the Ezidis and other refugees and migrants for changing the rules to fast-track one group of people over another.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) October was Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and that Sunday 15 October 2024 marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day; and
(b) this day acknowledges the shared loss experienced by parents, friends, and healthcare workers of those little ones lost too soon whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or any other loss;
(2) acknowledges:
(a) that there is a significant impact on families who have lost a baby;
(b) that every year 110,000 Australians experience a miscarriage, more than 2,000 experience stillbirth, and almost 700 lose a baby within the first 28 days;
(c) that stillbirth occurrence is higher in Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities; and
(d) all families who have experienced loss, either recently or over time; and
(3) commends the Government for providing $5.1 million to organisations to support women and families following stillbirth or miscarriage.