The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Free TAFE Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Customs Amendment (ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area Second Protocol Implementation and Other Measures) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals and Other Measures) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Scams Prevention Framework Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
As many as 100,000 people from around Asia, and as far away as East Africa, are trapped in cyber-scam compounds around the country. In these guarded compounds, thousands of individuals, many of whom are recent university graduates, are forced to engage in cybercriminal activities, ranging from romance and cryptocurrency scams to online gambling and fraudulent investment scams, for up to 16 hours per day.
We are calling on governments to ensure adequate protection against the growing risks of scams on technology platforms. Governments should require platforms to take effective action in the prevention, disruption and detection of scams, which should be continually improved. There should be significant consequences if technology platforms fail to meet the following essential requirements …
Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024
It targets contestable political opinions on social media and is based on the patronising assumption that members of the community cannot make a judgment about those opinions but must be protected from the obvious inadequacies of their judgment.
References to Orwell's 1984 have become something of a cliche over the years but there is a sinister suggestion of its thesis in proposed legislation that is designed to sanitise public debate on a range of political issues …
… the Bill's interference with the self-fulfilment of free expression will occur primarily by the chilling self-censorship it will inevitably bring about in the individual users of the relevant services …
… this bill is unsatisfactory. If the government says there are deficiencies in our laws relating to political speech, then it should introduce a Bill to parliament dealing with those deficiencies.
It targets contestable political opinions on social media and is based on the patronising assumption that members of the community cannot make a judgment about those opinions but must be protected from the obvious inadequacies of their judgment.
… … …
References to Orwell's 1984 have become something of a cliche over the years but there is a sinister suggestion of its thesis in proposed legislation that is designed to sanitise public debate on a range of political issues so any debate that does occur accords with the views of a group of government-appointed bureaucrats.
… this bill is unsatisfactory. If the government says there are deficiencies in our laws relating to political speech, then it should introduce a bill to parliament dealing with those deficiencies.
… … …
The government's role as an intellectual arbiter of the truth in social and political debate must be constricted, if not completely denied. This is based on deep scepticism about the good faith of those controlling the government.
The terms 'misinformation' and 'disinformation' have become overused in public discourse and are employed by both left and right as a way to dismiss opposing viewpoints without engaging in debate. In an era where our limited attention spans hinder reasoned discussion, these terms have become shortcuts to shutting down conversation.
Rather than seeking to impose the truth upon the public through legislation, we must focus on equipping our communities with the tools to critically assess and judge information for themselves.
There is no excuse for what is proposed in this bill.
Where the government should be safeguarding the free speech of Australians, it will instead require social media to control our public discourse. From public health to politics to the economy and ideology, how this bill defines harm will determine what you are allowed to say online.
Democracies move forward by debating ideas. Progress is achieved through applying sunlight to ideas, not censoring them. Of course, the democratic process can be untidy. People hold unfashionable opinions that we might not hold ourselves. That's OK. After all, sometimes the unfashionable opinions turn out to be right.
It targets contestable political opinions on social media and is based on the patronising assumption that members of the community cannot make a judgment about those opinions but must be protected from the obvious inadequacies of their judgment.
There is no excuse for what's proposed in this bill.
… … …
Where the government should be safeguarding the free speech of Australians, it will instead require social media to control our public discourse. From public health to politics to the economy and ideology, how this bill defines harm will determine what you are allowed to say online.
The Bill arms ACMA with extraordinary coercive powers that can be exercised against any person who might have information or documents 'relevant' to the existence of, among other things, 'misinformation or disinformation on a digital communications platform' … Suspected authors or disseminators of alleged 'misinformation' are obvious targets for the exercise of such powers. That makes this part of the Bill somewhat unique within its overall scheme—here the Bill is concerned with the responsibilities of individuals, rather than service providers.
The bill's interference with the self-fulfilment of free expression will occur primarily by the chilling self-censorship it will inevitably bring about in the individual users of the relevant services.
The … Bill is not justifiable in this respect and will have a chilling effect. It is also likely to be ineffective and unworkable in responding to the harms to which it is purportedly directed.
Nobody is against freedom of speech. But this is about the amplification and broadcast of what's clearly disinformation, and that is the problem here.
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"whilst not declining to give the Bill a second reading, the House:
(1) notes this bill is still before Senate inquiry;
(2) notes the proposed legislation does not address the powerful, unchecked role that the Murdoch media empire plays in spreading mis- and disinformation in our democracy; and
(3) calls on the government to tackle mis- and disinformation spread by the Murdoch media".
No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.
The House divided. [11:45]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [11:52]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 1, item 2, page 4 (after line 11), after the paragraph beginning "The ACMA may make" in clause 1, insert:
The ACMA may also make digital platform rules to provide for one or more data access schemes. The rules may require digital communications platform providers to give access to data to approved independent researchers in relation to the identification, assessment and mitigation of risks in relation to misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by those providers.
(2) Schedule 1, item 2, page 4 (after line 33), after the definition of access in clause 2, insert:
approved independent researcher means a researcher who is approved by the ACMA to be given access to data under digital platform rules made for the purposes of clause 21B.
(3) Schedule 1, item 2, page 5 (after line 13), after the definition of content aggregation service in clause 2, insert:
data access scheme means a scheme prescribed by digital platform rules made for the purposes of clause 21B.
(4) Schedule 1, item 2, page 12 (after line 26), after paragraph 11(d), insert:
(da) to facilitate research on:
(i) the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by digital communications platform providers; and
(ii) effective means to counter such misinformation and disinformation; and
(5) Schedule 1, item 2, page 17 (line 9), after "Code of Practice", insert ", the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice".
(6) Schedule 1, item 2, page 18 (after line 22), after paragraph 17(1)(b), insert:
(ba) the provider's current policy or policy approach, and any other information prescribed by the digital platform rules, in relation to access by researchers to data relating to the identification, assessment and mitigation of risks relating to misinformation and disinformation on the platform;
(bb) the steps the provider is taking to comply with its obligations under a data access scheme (if any);
(7) Schedule 1, item 2, page 21 (after line 10), after Subdivision B, insert:
Subdivision BA — Data access schemes
21A Objective
The objective of this Subdivision is to provide for the making of one or more data access schemes:
(a) to assist the ACMA to perform its functions and exercise its powers under this Schedule in relation to misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by digital communications platform providers; and
(b) to assist digital communications platform providers to comply with requirements imposed on them by or under this Schedule in relation to misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms they provide; and
(c) to inform the development of policies to address misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by digital communications platform providers.
21B ACMA may make digital platform rules for data access schemes
Digital platform rules may provide for one or more data access schemes
(1) The digital platform rules may provide for one or more data access schemes that require digital communications platform providers to give access to data for the purposes of independent research in relation to the identification, assessment and mitigation of risks in relation to misinformation or disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by the digital communications platform providers.
(2) Without limiting subclause (1), digital platform rules made for the purposes of that subclause may:
(a) require digital communications platform providers to give approved independent researchers access to data in relation to the incidence of misinformation or disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by the providers; and
(b) require digital communications platform providers to give approved independent researchers access to data in relation to the extent to which misinformation or disinformation may be amplified on digital communications platforms provided by the providers; and
(c) require digital communications platform providers to give approved independent researchers access to data in relation to the methods used to prevent or respond to the following on digital communications platforms provided by the providers:
(i) the incidence of misinformation or disinformation;
(ii) the amplification of the incidence of misinformation or disinformation; and
(d) provide for different means by which approved independent researchers are given access to data under the rules; and
(e) provide for procedures relating to requests for access to data by approved independent researchers under the rules including, but not limited to, time limits within which digital communications platform providers must deal with requests for such access; and
(f) make provision in relation to fees that may be charged by digital communications platform providers before access to data is given to an approved independent researcher, under the rules, which must not exceed the reasonable costs arising from providing the access; and
(g) provide for the giving of information to the ACMA by digital communications platform providers in relation to the following:
(i) requests for access to data under the rules;
(ii) actions taken in relation to such requests; and
(h) provide for approved independent researchers to give information to the ACMA on a voluntary basis, being information:
(i) that the approved independent researcher obtained under the rules; and
(ii) that the approved independent researcher considers relevant to achieving the objective of this Subdivision.
Digital platform rules must provide for criteria for approval of researchers
(3) The digital platform rules must, if rules are made for the purposes of subclause (1), provide for criteria to be satisfied before the ACMA approves a researcher to be given access to data under those rules, in relation to one or more of the following:
(a) the research project in respect of which the researcher is to be given access to data;
(b) the qualifications and experience of the researcher;
(c) how conflicts of interest will be dealt with;
(d) the organisation (if any) on behalf of which the researcher will conduct the research project concerned;
(e) the proposed sources of funding for the research project concerned;
(f) the technical and organisational capacity to fulfil data security and confidentiality requirements of:
(i) the researcher; and
(ii) the organisation (if any) on behalf of which the researcher will conduct the research project concerned.
Certification of certain matters relating to use of data
(4) Digital platform rules made for the purposes of subclause (3) must also provide that a researcher must not be approved to be given access to data under those rules unless:
(a) the researcher certifies that data to which access is given under the rules will be used by the researcher only in conducting the research project concerned, and that the results of the research project will be made widely available; and
(b) the researcher certifies that the researcher will not use the results of the research project concerned, or data to which access is given under the rules, for the purpose of obtaining commercial benefit or advantage.
Confidentiality
(5) Digital platform rules made for the purposes of subclause (3) must also provide that a researcher must not be approved to be given access to data under those rules unless the researcher is willing to enter into a standard form confidentiality agreement (see subclause (6)) with each digital communications platform provider that will give the researcher access to data.
(6) Digital platform rules made for the purposes of subclause (3) must also prescribe a standard form confidentiality agreement, which:
(a) must be directed towards protecting the security of digital services and data; and
(b) without limiting paragraph (a), must specify that, if data to which access is provided includes information of a kind referred to in subclause 17(3), the information will not be further disclosed except:
(i) in the case of information other than personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988 )—with the consent of the digital communications platform provider that provided access to the data; or
(ii) in any case—otherwise as required or permitted by law.
21C Compliance with digital platform rules regarding data access
(1) A digital communications platform provider must not contravene digital platform rules made for the purposes of clause 21B.
(2) Subclause (1) is a civil penalty provision.
21D Remedial directions — contravention of digital platform rules regarding data access
(1) This clause applies if the ACMA is satisfied that a digital communications platform provider has contravened, or is contravening, digital platform rules made for the purposes of clause 21B.
(2) The ACMA may give the provider a written direction requiring the provider to take specified action directed towards ensuring that the provider does not contravene digital platform rules made for the purposes of clause 21B, or is unlikely to contravene those rules, in the future.
(3) A digital communications platform provider must not contravene a direction under subclause (2).
(4) Subclause (3) is a civil penalty provision.
21E Review of operation of this Subdivision
(1) As soon as possible after the first anniversary of the commencement of this Schedule, the Minister must cause to be conducted a review of the operation of this Subdivision.
(2) The review must:
(a) consider further the requirements for a scheme requiring digital communications platform providers to give approved independent researchers access to data relating to misinformation or disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by those providers; and
(b) consider whether this Subdivision should be amended.
(3) The review must be conducted in a manner that provides for public consultation.
(4) The Minister must cause to be prepared a report of a review under subclause (1).
(5) The Minister must cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the completion of the preparation of the report.
(8) Schedule 1, item 2, page 24 (line 29), after "(mg)", insert ", (mh), (mi)".
(9) Schedule 1, item 2, page 27 (line 17), after "(mg)", insert ", (mh), (mi)".
(10) Schedule 1, item 2, page 31 (line 31), after "Subdivision", insert "BA or".
(11) Schedule 1, item 2, page 52 (line 5), omit "or (mg)", substitute ", (mg), (mh) or (mi)".
(12) Schedule 1, item 2, page 52 (line 15), omit "or (mg)", substitute ", (mg), (mh) or (mi)".
(13) Schedule 1, item 2, page 53 (lines 6 and 7), omit "a review", substitute "an independent review".
(14) Schedule 1, item 2, page 53 (line 11), omit "amended; and", substitute "amended.".
(15) Schedule 1, item 2, page 53 (lines 12 to 16), omit paragraph 70(2)(c).
(16) Schedule 1, item 2, page 54 (after line 17), after paragraph 72(e), insert:
(ea) subclause 21C(1) (compliance with digital platform rules regarding data access);
(eb) subclause 21D(3) (remedial directions—data access);
(17) Schedule 1, item 2, page 55 (after line 3), after paragraph 73(c), insert:
(ca) subclause 21C(1) (compliance with digital platform rules regarding data access);
(18) Schedule 1, item 2, page 55 (after line 23), after paragraph 74(1)(c), insert:
(ca) subclause 21C(1) (compliance with digital platform rules regarding data access);
(19) Schedule 1, item 2, page 56 (after line 10), after paragraph 75(1)(b), insert:
(ba) subclause 21D(2) (remedial directions—data access);
(20) Schedule 2, item 2, page 60 (after line 27), after paragraph 10(1)(mg), insert:
(mh) to facilitate research on the operations of digital communications platforms;
(mi) to support the development of an evidence base in relation to:
(i) the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation on digital communications platforms provided by digital communications platform providers; and
(ii) effective means to counter such misinformation and disinformation;
(21) Schedule 2, item 14, page 63 (table item dealing with giving a remedial direction in subsection 204(1), column 2), after "21(2),", insert "21D(2),".
(22) Schedule 2, item 14, page 63 (table item dealing with variation of a remedial direction in subsection 204(1), column 2), after "21(2),", insert "21D(2),".
(23) Schedule 2, item 14, page 63 (table item dealing with refusal to revoke a remedial direction in subsection 204(1), column 2), after "21(2),", insert "21D(2),".
The House divided. [12:10]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [12:13]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Better and Fairer Schools (Funding and Reform) Bill 2024
The House divided. [12:22]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
That Dr Mulino be appointed a supplementary member of the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia.
Migration Amendment Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill 2024
It has always been in the contemplation that it would be privatised when the time is right.
Aged Care Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
(1) Clause 600, page 540 (line 25), omit "31 January 2029", substitute "the third anniversary of the commencement of this Act".
(2) Clause 600, page 540 (line 29), omit "no later than 31 March 2030", substitute "within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is given to the Minister".
(3) Clause 601, page 541 (line 3), omit "fifth", substitute "third".
(4) Clause 601, page 541 (after line 4), after subclause (1), insert:
(1A) Without limiting subsection the matters to be covered by the review, the review must:
(a) have regard to the objects of the Act; and
(b) consider the following matters:
(i) the operation of the Statement of Rights and the Statement of Principles;
(ii) the effectiveness of the Act in delivering the objects, including enabling individuals to exercise choice and control;
(iii) the effectiveness of the Act in embedding the role of supporters in the aged care system;
(iv) the extent of unmet demand for funded aged care services in a home or community setting;
(v) the duration of waiting periods from application to service commencement for funded aged care services in a home or community setting;
(vi) the effectiveness of the governance (under Chapter 5) and regulatory mechanisms (under Chapter 6) of the aged care system in overseeing and ensuring the quality of funded aged care services;
(vii) the effectiveness of the Act in ensuring equitable access to funded aged care services for individuals, regardless of their location, background and life experience;
(viii) the effect of Part 3 of Chapter 4 (about individual fees and contributions) on the sustainability of the aged care system, service usage and outcomes for individuals accessing funded aged care services;
(ix) the use of refundable accommodation deposits and daily accommodation payments;
(x) the proportion of aged care accommodation payments being charged at the maximum accommodation payment amounts;
(xi) the proportion of registered providers who charge an accommodation payment approved under section 290 (that is, an approved accommodation payment that is higher than the maximum accommodation payment amount);
(xii) the quality and timeliness of data published about the performance of the aged care system.
(1) Clause 5, page 3 (line 3), after "Cultural Rights", insert ", the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights".
(2) Clause 7, page 14 (after line 2), after the definition of cost , insert:
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights done at New York on 16 December 1966.
Note: The Covenant is in Australian Treaty Series 1980 No. 23 ([1980] ATS 23) and could in 2024 be viewed in the Australian Treaties Library on 7 the AustLII website (http://www.austlii.edu.au).
give effect to Australia's obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—
and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities—
This is because the objects specify only those conventions that the Bill upholds in reference to the External Affairs power, but it does not mean that the Bill does not endeavour to uphold these other international conventions.
(1) Clause 7, page 6 (after line 11), after the definition of accommodation agreement , insert:
accommodation bond means an accommodation bond within the meaning of the old Act in relation to an individual that was paid or payable by the individual immediately before the transition time.
accommodation charge means an accommodation charge within the meaning of the old Act in relation to an individual that was paid or payable by the individual immediately before the transition time.
(2) Clause 7, page 18 (after line 6), after the definition of health service , insert:
home care account , for an individual: see section 226E.
(3) Clause 7, page 21 (line 5), omit the definition of means not disclosed status , substitute:
means not disclosed status :
(a) for an individual accessing funded aged care services in a home or community setting—see section 314A; and
(b) for an individual accessing funded aged care services in an approved residential care home—see section 320.
(4) Clause 7, page 23 (after line 6), after the definition of official of the Pricing Authority , insert:
old Act means theAged Care Act 1997 .
(5) Clause 7, page 31 (after line 6), after the definition of Transition Care Program , insert:
transition time means the time this Act commences.
(6) Clause 7, page 31 (after line 8), after the definition of unit price , insert:
unspent care recipient portion , for an individual: see section 273A.
unspent Commonwealth portion , for an individual: see section 226A.
(7) Page 192 (after line 19), at the end of Division 3, add:
186A Protection of compensation
(1) For the purposes of any provision of this Act (other than section 186) and any other legislation of the Commonwealth or of a State or a Territory, a payment of compensation to an individual under section 186 is not to be treated as being a payment of compensation or damages.
Note: This subsection prevents a compensation payment affecting other payments that may be payable to the person under legislation.
(2) Nothing in this Act prevents a liability insurance contract from treating a payment of compensation under section 186 as being a payment of compensation or damages.
(8) Clause 191, page 199 (line 1), at the end of subclause (2), add:
; and (i) the registered provider has agreed to deal with the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion (if any) in accordance with Division 3A.
(9) Clause 192, page 199 (line 12) to page 200 (line 10) (method statement), omit the method statement, substitute:
Method statement
Step 1. Work out the following:
(a) if the subsidy basis for the service is efficient price or unit price—multiply theprice charged by the provider to the individual for an hour or unit of the service (whichever is applicable) by the number of hours or units of the servicedelivered to the individual on the day;
(b) if the subsidy basis for the service is cost—the cost.
Step 2. Reduce the amount worked out under Step 1 by the sum of any reduction amounts for the classification type for the service group that apply to the individual. This is the provisional subsidy amount .
Step 3. Work out:
(a) the available balance of the individual's ongoing home support account on the day in accordance with section 193, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day; and
(b) the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226A, taking into account any amounts already debited from that portion in accordance with that section on that day; and
(c) the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226E, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day.
Step 4. Reduce the provisional subsidy amount by any amount (the excess amount ) by which the provisional subsidy amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's ongoing home support account.
Step 5. Reduce (but not below zero) the excess amount by the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any). This is the remaining amount .
Step 6. If the remaining amount is not zero, reduce the remaining amount by any amount by which the remaining amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any).
Step 7. Work out the sum of:
(a) the amount worked out under Step 4; and
(b) the amount worked out under Step 6; and
(c) any secondary person-centred supplements for the classification type ongoing for the service group home support that apply to the individual for the day.
The result is the amount of subsidy payable to the registered provider for the individual for the service for the day.
(10) Clause 192, page 200 (line 16) to page 201 (line 15) (method statement), omit the method statement, substitute:
Method statement
Step 1. Work out the following:
(a) if the subsidy basis for the service is efficient price or unit price—multiply theprice charged by the provider to the individual for an hour or unit of the service (whichever is applicable) by the number of hours or units of the servicedelivered to the individual on the day;
(b) if the subsidy basis for the service is cost—the cost.
Step 2. Reduce the amount worked out under Step 1 by the sum of any reduction amounts for the classification type for the service group that apply to the individual. This is the provisional subsidy amount .
Step 3. Work out:
(a) the available balance of the individual's short-term home support account on the day in accordance with section 195, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day; and
(b) the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226A, taking into account any amounts already debited from that portion in accordance with that section on that day; and
(c) the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226E, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day.
Step 4. Reduce the provisional subsidy amount by any amount (the excess amount ) by which the provisional subsidy amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's short-term home support account.
Step 5. Reduce (but not below zero) the excess amount by the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any). This is the remaining amount .
Step 6. If the remaining amount is not zero, reduce the remaining amount by any amount by which the remaining amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any).
Step 7. Work out the sum of:
(a) the amount worked out under Step 4; and
(b) the amount worked out under Step 6; and
(c) any secondary person-centred supplements for the classification type short-term for the service group home support that apply to the individual for the day.
The result is the amount of subsidy payable to the registered provider for the individual for the service for the day.
(11) Clause 197, page 206 (line 16), omit "that".
(12) Clause 197, page 206 (line 22), after "paragraph (a)", insert "of this subsection".
(13) Clause 197, page 206 (line 23), at the end of subclause (3), add:
; and (c) that the fee reduction supplement and the matters set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection may be set by a determination made by the System Governor, and that the determination may include a limited period for which the supplement is payable.
(14) Clause 205, page 211 (line 11), after "registered provider", insert "in relation to an individual".
(15) Clause 209, page 213 (line 31), at the end of subclause (2), add:
; and (i) the registered provider has agreed to deal with the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion (if any) in accordance with Division 3A.
(16) Clause 210, page 214 (line 11) to page 215 (line 9) (method statement), omit the method statement, substitute:
Method statement
Step 1. Work out the following:
(a) if the subsidy basis for the service is efficient price or unit price—multiply theprice charged by the provider to the individual for an hour or unit of the service (whichever is applicable) by the number of hours or units of the servicedelivered to the individual on the day;
(b) if the subsidy basis for the service is cost—the cost.
Step 2. Reduce the amount worked out under Step 1 by the sum of any reduction amounts for the classification type for the service group that apply to the individual. This is the provisional subsidy amount .
Step 3. Work out:
(a) the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226A, taking into account any amounts already debited from that portion in accordance with that section on that day; and
(b) the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226E, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day; and
(c) the available balance of the individual's notional assistive technology account on the day in accordance with section 211, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day.
Step 4. Reduce (but not below zero) the provisional subsidy amount by the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any).
Step 5. If the amount worked out under Step 4 is not zero, reduce the amount by any amount (the excess amount ) by which the amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any).
Step 6. Reduce the excess amount by any amount by which the excess amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's notional assistive technology account.
Step 7. Work out the sum of:
(a) the amount worked out under Step 5; and
(b) the amount worked out under Step 6; and
(c) any secondary person-centred supplements for the classification type ongoing or short-term for the service group assistive technology that apply to the individual for the day.
The result is the amount of subsidy payable to the registered provider for the individual for the service for the day.
(17) Clause 211, page 215 (after line 30), after subclause (4), insert:
(4A) If the account was established for the individual for the classification type short-term for the service group, at the start of a day prescribed by the rules the amount prescribed by the rules is credited to the account.
(18) Clause 211, page 216 (lines 13 and 14), omit "worked out at step 1 of the method statement in section 210 for each of those claims.", substitute:
worked out as follows for each of those claims:
(a) first, take the amount worked out under Step 1 of the method statement in section 210 for the claim;
(b) then reduce the amount referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection by the sum of:
(i) the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the registered provider (if any) on that day in accordance with section 226A, taking into account any amounts already debited from that portion in accordance with that section on that day; and
(ii) the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any) on that day in accordance with section 226E, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day.
(19) Clause 212, page 216 (lines 24 and 25), omit "the classification type", substitute "a classification type".
(20) Clause 214, page 217 (line 21), omit "that".
(21) Clause 214, page 217 (line 27), after "paragraph (a)", insert "of this subsection".
(22) Clause 214, page 217 (line 28), at the end of subclause (3), add:
; and (c) that the fee reduction supplement and the matters set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection may be set by a determination made by the System Governor, and that the determination may include a limited period for which the supplement is payable.
(23) Clause 218, page 219 (line 31), at the end of subclause (2), add:
; and (i) the registered provider has agreed to deal with the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion (if any) in accordance with Division 3A.
(24) Clause 219, page 220 (line 11) to page 221 (line 9) (method statement), omit the method statement, substitute:
Method statement
Step 1. Work out the following:
(a) if the subsidy basis for the service is efficient price or unit price—multiply theprice charged by the provider to the individual for an hour or unit of the service (whichever is applicable) by the number of hours or units of the servicedelivered to the individual on the day;
(b) if the subsidy basis for the service is cost—the cost.
Step 2. Reduce the amount worked out under Step 1 by the sum of any reduction amounts for the classification type for the service group that apply to the individual. This is the provisional subsidy amount .
Step 3. Work out:
(a) the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226A, taking into account any amounts already debited from that portion in accordance with that section on that day; and
(b) the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any) on the day in accordance with section 226E, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day; and
(c) the available balance of the individual's notional home modifications account on the day in accordance with section 220, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day.
Step 4. Reduce (but not below zero) the provisional subsidy amount by the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the provider (if any).
Step 5. If the amount worked out under Step 4 is not zero, reduce the amount by any amount (the excess amount ) by which the amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any).
Step 6. Reduce the excess amount by any amount by which the excess amount exceeds the available balance of the individual's notional assistive technology account.
Step 7. Work out the sum of:
(a) the amount worked out under Step 5; and
(b) the amount worked out under Step 6; and
(c) any secondary person-centred supplements for the classification type ongoing or short-term for the service group home modifications that apply to the individual for the day.
The result is the amount of subsidy payable to the registered provider for the individual for the service for the day.
(25) Clause 220, page 222 (lines 7 and 8), omit "worked out at step 1 of the method statement in section 219 for each of those claims.", substitute:
worked out as follows for each of those claims:
(a) first, take the amount worked out under Step 1 of the method statement in section 219 for the claim;
(b) then reduce the amount referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection by the sum of:
(i) the available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion held by the registered provider (if any) on that day in accordance with section 226A, taking into account any amounts already debited from that portion in accordance with that section on that day; and
(ii) the available balance of the individual's home care account (if any) on that day in accordance with section 226E, taking into account any claims already debited from that account in accordance with that section on that day.
(26) Clause 221, page 222 (line 18), after "account period for", insert "a".
(27) Clause 223, page 223 (line 15), omit "that".
(28) Clause 223, page 223 (line 16), before "the fee", insert "that".
(29) Clause 223, page 223 (line 22), at the end of subclause (3), add:
; and (c) that the fee reduction supplement and the matters set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection may be set by a determination made by the System Governor, and that the determination may include a limited period for which the supplement is payable.
(30) Page 224 (after line 19), after Division 3, insert:
Division 3A — Unspent Commonwealth portions and home care accounts
226A Unspent Commonwealth portion
(1) A registered provider starts to hold an unspent Commonwealth portion for an individual at the transition time if, immediately before the transition time:
(a) the registered provider was an approved provider that held an unspent home care amount in relation to the individual as mentioned in the User Rights Principles 2014 ; and
(b) the amount of the Commonwealth portion of that amount under section 21CA of those Principles was not zero.
(2) The available balance of the individual's unspent Commonwealth portion at a time is the difference, worked out in accordance with this section, between the sum of the credits that have been made to the portion at that time reduced (but not below zero) by the sum of the debits that have been made to the portion at that time.
Initial credit
(3) At the transition time, the amount of the Commonwealth portion of the individual's unspent home care amount under section 21CA of the User Rights Principles 2014 immediately before the transition time is credited to the portion.
Debits for claims
(4) If one or more claims are made under section 251 for person-centred subsidy for the delivery of a funded aged care service to the individual on a day, the portion is reduced on that day (but after the start of the day), in the order prescribed by the rules, by the amount by which the provisional subsidy amount for the service was reduced under:
(a) Step 5 of the method statement in subsection 192(1) or (2); or
(b) Step 4 of the method statement in section 210; or
(c) Step 4 of the method statement in section 219;
(as applicable) for each of those claims .
Insufficient funds
(5) If the debiting of an amount in relation to a claim under subsection (4) would result in the portion being debited below zero, the claim is taken to be a claim for such lesser amount (including a nil amount) that would not result in the portion being debited below zero.
Debit for return of unspent Commonwealth portion — provider election
(6) If the registered provider elects to return the available balance of an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth under section 226B, the portion is reduced, at the start of a day prescribed by the rules (which may be a day before the day the election is made), by the amount of that balance at the start of that day.
Debit for return of unspent Commonwealth portion — individual transfers between provider service delivery branches
(7) If a registered provider returns the available balance of an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth under section 226C, the portion is reduced, at the start of a day prescribed by the rules, by the amount of that balance at the start of that day.
Debit for return of unspent Commonwealth portion — provider ceases to deliver services
(8) If a registered provider returns the available balance of an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth under section 226D, the portion is reduced, at the start of a day prescribed by the rules, by the amount of that balance at the start of that day.
Ceasing of portion
(9) The registered provider ceases to hold an unspent Commonwealth portion for an individual when the available balance of the portion is reduced to zero.
226B Return of unspent Commonwealth portion — provider election
(1) A registered provider may, by written notice given to the System Governor and in accordance with the rules, elect to return the available balance of an unspent Commonwealth portion for an individual to the Commonwealth.
(2) Before making the election, the registered provider must obtain the individual's written agreement to the making of the election.
(3) The election is irrevocable.
226C Return of unspent Commonwealth portion — individual transfers between provider service delivery branches
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a registered provider holds an unspent Commonwealth portion for an individual to whom the provider is delivering funded aged care services through a particular service delivery branch of the provider; and
(b) the provider ceases to deliver those services to the individual through that service delivery branch and starts to deliver those services to the individual through another service delivery branch of the provider; and
(c) there is continuity of the delivery of those services to the individual by that provider.
(2) The provider must:
(a) give the System Governor written notice of the matters mentioned in subsection (1); and
(b) return the available balance of the unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth.
226D Return of unspent Commonwealth portion — provider ceases to deliver services
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a registered provider holds an unspent Commonwealth portion for an individual to whom the provider is delivering funded aged care services; and
(b) the provider ceases to deliver funded aged care services to the individual.
(2) The provider must:
(a) give the System Governor written notice of the matters mentioned in subsection (1); and
(b) return the available balance of the unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth.
226E Home care account balance
Home care account
(1) A notional home care accountis established for an individualat the transition time if:
(a) immediately before the transition time:
(i) the individual had a home care account under the old Act; and
(ii) the home care account balance of that account under the old Act was not zero; and
(b) at the transition time, no registered provider holds an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual under section 226A.
Available balance
(2) The available balance of an individual's home care account at a time is the difference, worked out in accordance with this section, between the sum of the credits that have been made to the account at that time, reduced (but not below zero) by the sum of the debits that have been made to the account at that time.
Initial credit
(3) At the transition time, the amount of the individual's home care account balance under the old Act immediately before the transition time is credited to the account.
Credit for return of unspent Commonwealth portion — provider election
(4) If a registered provider elects to return the available balance of an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth under section 226B, the account is credited, at the start of a day prescribed by the rules (which may be a day before the day the election is made), by the amount of that balance at the start of that day.
Credit for return of unspent Commonwealth portion — individual transfers between provider service delivery branches
(5) If a registered provider returns the available balance of an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth under section 226C, the account is credited, at the start of a day prescribed by the rules, by the amount of that balance at the start of that day.
Credit for return of unspent Commonwealth portion — provider ceases to deliver services
(6) If a registered provider returns the available balance of an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual to the Commonwealth under section 226D, the account is credited, at the start of a day prescribed by the rules, by the amount of that balance at the start of that day.
Debits
(7) If one or more claims are made under section 251 for person-centred subsidy for the delivery of a funded aged care service to the individual on a day, the account is reduced on that day (but after the start of the day), in the order prescribed by the rules, by the amount worked out under:
(a) Step 6 of the method statement in subsection 192(1) or (2); or
(b) Step 5 of the method statement in section 210; or
(c) Step 5 of the method statement in section 219;
(as applicable) for each of those claims .
Insufficient funds
(8) If the debiting of an amount in relation to a claim under subsection (7) would result in the account being debited below zero, the claim is taken to be a claim for such lesser amount (including a nil amount) that would not result in the account being debited below zero.
Ceasing of account
(9) The account ceases when:
(a) the available balance of the account is reduced to zero; and
(b) no registered provider holds an unspent Commonwealth portion for the individual under section 226A.
(31) Clause 231, page 229 (line 21), omit "that".
(32) Clause 231, page 229 (line 22), before "the fee", insert "that".
(33) Clause 231, page 229 (line 31), at the end of subclause (3), add:
; and (c) that the fee reduction supplement and the matters set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection may be set by a determination made by the System Governor, and that the determination may include a limited period for which the supplement is payable.
(34) Clause 235, page 232 (after line 28), at the end of the clause, add:
(6) Despite subsections (1), (2) and (5), if the individual is included in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules, the person-centred subsidy reduction for the day is the amount prescribed by the rules.
(35) Clause 242, page 237 (after line 5), at the end of the clause, add:
(5) Despite subsections (1), (3) and (4), the provider-based subsidy reduction for a registered provider for the classification type ongoing for the service group residential care for an individual is the amount prescribed by the rules if the individual is included in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules.
(36) Clause 273, page 258 (lines 18 and 19), omit Step 1 of the method statement, substitute:
Step 1. Work out:
(a) if the service group is home support—the individual's individual contribution rate under section 314 for the day referred to in subsection (1) of this section; or
(b) if the service group is assistive technology or home modifications—the lower of the individual's individual contribution rate under section 314 for the day referred to in subsection (1) of this section and the day prescribed by the rules.
(37) Clause 273, page 259 (line 27), at the end of subclause (5), add:
; (c) any other contribution or fee prescribed by the rules.
(38) Page 259 (after line 27), after clause 273, insert:
273A Unspent care recipient portion
(1) A registered provider starts to hold an unspent care recipient portion for an individual at the transition time if, immediately before the transition time:
(a) the registered provider was an approved provider that held an unspent home care amount in relation to the individual as mentioned in the User Rights Principles 2014 ; and
(b) the amount of the care recipient portion of that amount under section 21CA of those Principles was not zero.
(2) The registered provider must comply with any requirements prescribed by the rules relating to unspent care recipient portions.
(39) Clause 276, page 261 (after line 26), at the end of the clause, add:
(4) Without limiting paragraph (2)(b), rules made for the purposes of that paragraph may provide that an amount may be charged for only a particular period.
(40) Clause 277, page 262 (lines 22 to 24), omit subclause (4), substitute:
(4) Despite subsection (1), if the individual is in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules, the maximum daily amount of the resident contribution payable by the individual for a day is the amount prescribed by the rules.
(5) Reduce the following amounts in accordance with rules made for the purposes of subsection 231(3):
(a) if subsection (1) of this section applies—the amounts worked out under each of Steps 1, 3 and 4 of the method statement in that subsection;
(b) if subsection (4) of this section applies—each amount prescribed by the rules that relates to the amount worked out under that subsection.
(41) Clause 278, page 263 (after line 17), at the end of the clause, add:
(3) This section does not apply if the individual is included in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules.
(42) Clause 279, page 265 (line 5), at the end of subclause (5), add:
; (c) any other contribution or fee prescribed by the rules.
(43) Clause 279, page 265 (after line 5), at the end of the clause, add:
(6) This section does not apply if the individual is included in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules.
(44) Clause 283, page 268 (after line 16), at the end of the clause, add:
(5) Without limiting paragraph (2)(b), rules made for the purposes of that paragraph may provide that an amount may be charged for only a particular period.
(45) Clause 284, page 269 (after line 13), at the end of the clause, add:
(6) Despite subsection (1), the registered provider must not:
(a) charge the individual a higher everyday living fee in circumstances prescribed by the rules; or
(b) enter into a higher everyday living agreement with the individual in circumstances prescribed by the rules.
(46) Clause 287, page 271 (line 5), before "This", insert "(1)".
(47) Clause 287, page 271 (after line 12), at the end of the clause, add:
(2) The provisions of this Part do not apply in respect of the delivery of funded aged care services to an individual (other than under a specialist aged care program) if the individual is included in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules.
(3) If the provisions of this Part do not apply in respect of the delivery of funded aged care services to a class of individuals because of subsection (2), the rules may prescribe different requirements in relation to the delivery of those services so far as the requirements relate to an accommodation bond or accommodation charge, and the charging or payment of any amounts in relation to such a bond or charge.
(48) Clause 294, page 279 (line 24), before "less", insert "equal to or".
(49) Clause 294, page 279 (line 34), after "method", insert "prescribed by the rules".
(50) Clause 294, page 281 (line 1), after "method", insert "prescribed by the rules".
(51) Clause 297, page 284 (line 5), after "and the home", insert "(reduced by any deductions made to that amount in accordance with section 308)".
(52) Clause 302, page 286 (after line 25), after paragraph (c), insert:
(ca) circumstances in which an individual's daily accommodation payment is not to be indexed in accordance with rules made for the purposes of paragraphs (b) and (c); and
(53) Clause 308, page 289 (after line18), at the end of the clause, add:
(5) Despite subsection (1), that subsection does not apply in relation to an individual's refundable deposit balance if the individual is in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules.
(54) Clause 314, page 295 (line 11), omit "decision", substitute "determination".
(55) Clause 314, page 295 (line 21), omit "decision", substitute "determination".
(56) Clause 314, page 295 (line 23), omit "decision", substitute "determination".
(57) Clause 314, page 295 (lines 26 and 27), omit "worked out in accordance with a method".
[technical correction
(58) Page 295 (after line 27), after clause 314, insert:
314A Means not disclosed status
Means not disclosed status
(1) An individual accessing funded aged care services in a home or community setting has means not disclosed status if:
(a) the System Governor determines that the individual has that status in accordance with the rules; or
(b) the individual makes an election in accordance with section 314B.
(2) Without limiting paragraph (1)(a), rules made for the purposes of that paragraph may prescribe that the System Governor may determine that the individual has means not disclosed status if the individual is asked to provide specified information prescribed by the rules, within a specified period, and the individual fails to do so.
Determining means not disclosed status
(3) A determination under paragraph (1)(a) takes effect on the day specified by the System Governor in the notice under subsection (5). The day may be before the day on which the determination is made but must be in accordance with the rules.
Note: For example, the means not disclosed status may take effect on the individual's start day.
(4) If, after that determination is made, the individual provides sufficient information as requested under subsection (2), the System Governor must:
(a) revoke the determination that the individual has means not disclosed status; and
(b) determine the day the revocation takes effect (which may be before the day that determination is made).
Giving notice of determination
(5) Within 14 days after making a determination under paragraph (1)(a) or (4)(b), the System Governor must give written notice of the decision to make that determination to the individual.
(6) The notice under subsection (5) must:
(a) if the decision is to make a determination under paragraph (1)(a):
(i) explain the consequences of the individual having means not disclosed status and the steps the individual must take if the individual wants the determination to be revoked; and
(ii) specify the day the determination takes effect (see subsection (3)); and
(iii) set out the reasons for both the decision to make the determination and the decision as to the day the determination takes effect; and
(b) if the decision is to make a determination under paragraph (4)(b):
(i) specify the day the revocation takes effect; and
(ii) set out the reasons for the decision as to the day the revocation takes effect; and
(c) state how the individual may apply for reconsideration of the decisions mentioned in the notice; and
(d) include such other matters as are prescribed by the rules.
Determinations not legislative instruments
(7) If a determination under paragraph (1)(a) or (4)(b) is in writing, it is not a legislative instrument.
314B Electing to have means not disclosed status
(1) An individual may, by written notice given to the System Governor, elect not to give any information prescribed by the rules for the purposes of subsection 314A(2) to the System Governor.
(2) The individual may make the election during the period:
(a) starting on the individual's start day; and
(b) ending on the day immediately before the day the System Governor determines, in accordance with the rules, that the individual has means not disclosed status.
(3) If the individual makes an election under subsection (1), the individual's means not disclosed status takes effect on the individual's start day and remains in effect until the day the individual withdraws the election in accordance with subsection (5).
(4) While the election is in effect, the System Governor must not request the individual to give any information prescribed by the rules for the purposes of subsection 314A(2).
(5) The individual may, by written notice given to the System Governor, withdraw the election.
(59) Heading to clause 315, page 296 (line 1), omit "of".
(60) Clause 319, page 302 (lines 8 and 9), omit "total assessable income", substitute "asset".
(61) Clause 319, page 304 (after line 2), at the end of the clause, add:
(5) Despite subsection (1), if the individual is in a class of individuals prescribed by the rules, the daily means tested amount for the individual is the amount prescribed by the rules.
(6) To avoid doubt, an amount prescribed by the rules under subsection (5) may refer to an individual's total assessable income, the value of an individual's assets, or both.
(62) Clause 320, page 304 (line 5), after "individual", insert "accessing funded aged care services in an approved residential care home".
(63) Heading to clause 336, page 328 (line 2), omit "of".
(64) Page 329 (after line 7), at the end of Chapter 4, add:
Part 6 — Miscellaneous
337A Compensation for acquisition of property
(1) If the operation of:
(a) this Chapter; or
(b) a legislative instrument made under this Chapter;
would result in an acquisition of property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) from a person otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph), the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation to the person.
(2) If the Commonwealth and the person do not agree on the amount of the compensation, the person may institute proceedings in:
(a) the Federal Court of Australia; or
(b) the Supreme Court of a State or Territory;
for the recovery from the Commonwealth of such reasonable amount of compensation as the court determines.
(65) Clause 602, page 543 (after line 15), after subclause (7), insert:
Rules about transitional cohorts
(7A) Without limiting subsections (1) and (7), the rules may make different provision for an amount (including in any of the ways provided for in subsection (7)) for different classes of individuals, including classes of individuals ( transitional cohorts ) identified by reference to the individual being approved as a recipient of a kind of care under any of the following as in force or existing immediately before the commencement of this section:
(a) the Aged Care Act 1997 ;
(b) the Aged Care (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 ;
(c) the program manual for the Commonwealth Home Support Program or the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program.
(7B) Without limiting subsection (1), the rules may prescribe the following:
(a) arrangements for individuals in a transitional cohort to elect to cease to be included in the cohort;
(b) circumstances in which an individual will cease to be included in a transitional cohort.
(1) Clause 158, page 167 (line 26) to page 168 (line 18), omit subclauses (5) to (7).
The House divided. [13:23]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Aged Care Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
The House divided. [13:32]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That standing order 43 be suspended until the conclusion of the Aged Care Legislation Amendment Bill 2024.
That this bill be now read a third time.
It wasn't until I joined the WA Justice Association that I learnt that Medicare is not universal. That once someone is incarcerated in Australia, they are denied access to equal healthcare.
Australia is facing a fatal prison healthcare and mental healthcare crisis. Since January alone there have been 61 deaths in custody.
This crisis is rooted in the inadequacy of our current prison healthcare systems and not only undermines the human rights of prisoners but is also unlawful. In the next 10 years I want to see a more just, equal Australia, one where prisoners aren't dying from poor healthcare.
The standard of healthcare in prisons is dangerously sub-par to that provided to the general public.
Allowing access to Medicare in prisons would equalise this standard of care and ensure Australia fulfils its domestic and international obligations to provide equal healthcare.
Making Medicare truly universal would improve health and mental health outcomes for prisoners, reduce recidivism, aid in facilitating reintegration, and improve community health.
We are facing a crisis that's killing Australians. But we already have a functioning solution. I urge Parliament to heed the advice of the Australian Medical Association and allow prisoners access to Medicare for a more equal Australia.
As the extortionate workloads and demands increase for public school teachers, immense stresses are put on their mental and physical health, resulting in 50% of new teachers leaving the profession in the first five years.
As such, their ability to cater to student needs is substantially decreasing, significantly impacting students' academic performance and emotional wellbeing.
Students are beginning to teach themselves, teachers are taking 'sick days' in a poor attempt to stay afloat, and students' educational needs are being neglected.
The public school system is collapsing.
Furthermore, we have a teacher shortage; resulting in students in almost 10,000 lessons each day being left without adequate instruction in disruptive class arrangements.
There are only half the number of casual teachers available to meet educational demand.
… … …
If students are having just one subject covered or missed in a five period day, that's 20% of their learning lost.
Why should our education suffer because the teaching profession is not being sustained?
The public system is failing us.'
The importance of Australia's relationships with our key allies.
The rise of Donald Trump is what happens when rampant wealth and income inequality, which causes immense despair across working classes across the world, leads to such disillusionment with the political system that it pushes it in a neo-fascist direction.
He's broken so many conventions I think it's fair enough for us as Australians to say we are deeply concerned about the security concerns his candidacy raises.
It was fascinating to be with Trump in the Oval Office … He had a simple objective: stonewall, redirect and destabilised the room.
… weve seen a lot of people hoping like hell that theres a massive disconnect between what Donald Trump campaigned as and what hes going to govern as …
… it doesn't matter whether you are Liberal, Labor, Green, whatever. Australia first.
Those who pursue this matter will be doing so for political reasons, divorced from the national interest.
He drags America and democracy through the mud. He thrives on fomenting, not healing, division.
In today's even more fraught and perilous world, with aggressive dictatorships united in their hatred of the West and determined to overthrow the Pax Americana, which until recently had made the world more free, more fair, more safe, and more rich for more people than at any time before in human history, it's more important than ever that Australia stand with America and do whatever we reasonably can to help like-minded countries under deadly threat.
Our Government will work closely with the new Trump Administration to realise the benefits of our strong economic partnership. The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. Australia will strive to strengthen the co-operation between our two nations in the region. Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends. … I look forward to working with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.
National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill 2024
It … 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 DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Payne ) took the chair at 09:30.
Mission Australia reports that those who experienced poverty as children were 3.3 times more likely to be poor in the future, 2.5 times more likely to live in social housing, and 2.5 times more likely to experience financial stress. They are also more likely to suffer from poor mental health and physical health.
In 10 years, I envisage the eradication of poverty, because no Australian child should have to endure the vicious cycle of poverty. It is a fundamental human right, and firmly I believe that if we come together, young and old, we can create positive differences. This is my vision for the future, and together we can make it. The countdown starts now.
In one incident, a 24-year-old man at The Heights—
was awakened at 4.40am and threatened by three males—one was brandishing an axe and another a knife.
The trio fled the scene with a mobile phone, five watches and the man's Volkswagen Passat.
Aged Care Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
A permanent daytime place in where older people who have care in home but who find the days very long and can't really cook any more, can come together for as many days as they want, to get quality fresh food, play games, share coffee, have some gentle exercise with others, get a nurse to check the scrapes and cuts that happen with older skin—
sit in a garden with others and chat and watch birds in a bird bath, have a computer person (with a computer) to help with all those computer things that are too hard—all in one place.
Something like a power line or mineral sands going through breaks your heart. We fought to keep this place through droughts and floods and for every 5 or 6 years we get a bad year and being a farmer you know how to get through those bad years. All my life, it's been the farm. Farmers are the greatest naturalist people in the world, if they don't look after their ground, it's gone—it's like, if you don't look after your wife she will be gone too, won't she? Land's the same.
Some people want the windmills, others don't want them—they don't tell each other what's going on, they are squabbling and fighting.
It never happened years ago—farmers went to their neighbours before they did anything. It's all gone out the back window, it's all money … companies throwing money at them left right and centre, they ( the neighbours ) aren't thinking of 100 years of friendship their forefathers brought together. Families aren't talking to family members. It's bringing a big division to the population, we can't afford to have people not being friends in the country. That's what it's all about—you love to go into the supermarket and talk to your neighbour, you don't want to see them in one row and dodge them because you don't want to meet them, that's not the country way of life. They are ruining the country way of life. People have to be wary, you want to talk to your neighbours and friends before you do anything like this.