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. 34
Petitions a nd Ministerial Responses
18 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 10 October and 6 November 2024.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 44 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 10 October 2024
From 126 petitioners—requesting the release of an individual from immigration detention (EN6622)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the implementation of restrictions on social media for teenaged users (EN6623)
From 13 petitioners—regarding the definition of dependant as it relates to the Migration Act 1958 (EN6629)
From 144 petitioners—requesting a reduction in the costs and processing times for Parent visas (EN6630)
From 3 petitioners—requesting legislation to support renewable agriculture (EN6632)
From 4 petitioners—requesting that action be taken to address online radicalisation (EN6633)
From 19 petitioners—requesting a total ban on gambling advertising (EN6634)
From 2 petitioners—regarding violence within aged care facilities (EN6635)
From 5 petitioners—regarding the management of medications and pharmacy services in aged care (EN6637)
From 176 petitioners—requesting an inquiry into the strata management industry (EN6638)
From 1 petitioner—requesting that the Voluntary AI Safety Standard be strengthened (EN6639)
From 31 petitioners—regarding the impact of interest rate rises on bank customers (EN6642)
From 11 petitioners—requesting the implementation of regulations to limit gift card fraud (EN6643)
From 10 petitioners—requesting assistance for people who hold a Special Category visa (subclass 444) (EN6644)
From 291 petitioners—requesting that psoriatic arthritis be included as a recognised condition in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (EN6645)
From 6 petitioners—requesting that products sold at cafes be exempted from goods and services tax (EN6647)
From 70 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government support academic freedom in Nicaragua (EN6648)
From 3 petitioners—requesting support for research into economic abuse (EN6649)
From 6 petitioners—requesting that the Meal Entertainment Card salary packaging limit be increased for aged care and disability support workers (EN6652)
From 410 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government take steps to address the conflict in Gaza (EN6653)
From 3 petitioners—requesting changes to mutual obligation requirements for JobSeeker payments (EN6659)
From 17 petitioners—requesting that rules relating to election campaign material be strengthened (EN6660)
From 84 petitioners—regarding concerns related to the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 (EN6661)
From 895 petitioners—requesting assistance with the harmonisation of state and territory laws to mandate hands-free citizen band radio operation in vehicles (EN6662)
From 230 petitioners—requesting the introduction of legislation relating to medical rights (EN6666)
From 25 petitioners—requesting changes to the luxury car tax (EN6667)
From 6 petitioners—requesting changes to residency requirements for Age Pension recipients (EN6668)
From 9 petitioners—regarding the reporting of issues related to domestic violence (EN6669)
From 920 petitioners—regarding concerns related to the National Anti- Corruption Commission and the findings of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme (EN6670)
From 607 petitioners—requesting support for the Migration Amendment (Overseas Organ Transplant Disclosure and Other Measures) Bill 2023 (EN6672)
From 63 petitioners—requesting changes to the turnover threshold at which businesses must register for goods and services tax (EN6673)
From 6 petitioners—requesting the inclusion of a specific product on the list of notified vape devices (EN6675)
From 3 petitioners—requesting a pathway to permanent residency for people who worked in the agriculture industry during the COVID-19 pandemic (EN6679)
From 2146 petitioners—requesting support to address antisemitism in the community (EN6683)
From 280 petitioners—requesting a reduction in processing times for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) applications (EN6687)
From 226 petitioners—requesting that approval for a third runway at Melbourne Airport be reversed (EN6689)
From 1786 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government address human rights concerns in Bangladesh (EN6691)
From 189 petitioners—requesting support to maintain a navigable channel for vessels on the Murray River (EN6692)
From 24 petitioners—requesting that visa applications from Lebanese family members of Australian citizens and residents be prioritised (EN6693)
From 12 petitioners—regarding noise emissions from diesel engines and refrigerated trailers (EN6694)
From 31 petitioners—requesting the introduction of a soft plastics recycling scheme (EN6696)
From 18 petitioners—regarding health insurance premiums and payments in relation to Medicare costs (EN6698)
From 28 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to immigration (EN6700)
From 31 petitioners—requesting reform of income reporting in relation to child support cases (EN6702)
2. The following 13 ministerial responses to petitions were received.
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 6 November 2024
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting the strengthening of data protection laws for consumers (EN4501)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that the Islamic Republic of Iran be listed as a terrorist organisation (EN4655)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding immigration, housing and the cost of living (EN5146)
From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding Australians fighting in the Middle East (EN6170)
From the Minister for Aged Care to a petition requesting greater flexibility within the Support at Home program (EN6225)
From the Minister for Aged Care to a petition requesting that Support at Home participants be given the ability to self-manage their aged care services (EN6242)
From the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting funding for the Parents of Deaf Children organisation (EN6275)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting a reduction in immigration (EN6282)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding changes to age limits for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6294)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding immigration and housing (EN6300)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting temporary residency for students affected by changes to age limits for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6320)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting a transition period for students affected by changes to age limits for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6390)
From the Speaker of the House of Representatives to a petition requesting the removal of the title 'Honourable' from all Members of Parliament (EN6533)
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
Abolition of Special Prospecting Authorities (Ocean Protection) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Requiring Energy Infrastructure Providers to Obtain Rehabilitation Bonds Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment (Making Gambling Businesses Accountable) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Housing Legislation Amendment (Fair Share for Regional Housing) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Broadcasting Services Amendment (Healthy Kids Advertising) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this House:
(1) notes that 2024 marks 40 years since the introduction of Medicare;
(2) acknowledges this was one of the most transformative moments in Australian history and meant access to health care became a right that all Australians could share, regardless of their income or background;
(3) further notes that to mark this historic occasion and anniversary, the Government has launched the Stronger Medicare Awards in recognition of primary healthcare professionals from all corners of the country who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of all Australians;
(4) congratulates the finalists and winners of the Stronger Medicare Awards;
(5) extends its gratitude to every general practitioner (GP), nurse, midwife, pharmacist and allied health professional working in primary care, for the work they do to keep our communities healthy;
(6) recommits to the fundamental belief that it is your Medicare card, not your credit card, which should guarantee access to quality health care; and
(7) further acknowledges that:
(a) as the Minister for Health, the current Leader of the Opposition:
(i) tried to introduce a tax on visits to GPs;
(ii) froze Medicare rebates;
(iii) cut $50 billion from our hospitals;
(iv) said there were 'too many free Medicare services'; and
(v) was voted by Australia's doctors as the worst health minister in the history of Medicare; and
(b) only the Government can be trusted to keep Medicare strong as we build Australia's future.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Government has failed to tame inflation;
(b) because of its undisciplined and unnecessary spending, inflation has remained higher for longer;
(c) interest rates have already gone down in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and in New Zealand but are still high here; and
(d) the Prime Minister said life would be 'cheaper' under his Government, and promised 'cheaper mortgages' but has instead delivered a household recession; and
(2) acknowledges that only the Opposition has a plan to get Australia back on track.
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024
That the bill be now read a second time.
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Communications) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Communications) Bill 2024
That Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024 and the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Communications) Bill 2024 be referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Reform for consideration and an advisory report by 3 March 2025.
The House divided. [13:22]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That consideration of government business order of the day No. 1 be postponed until a later hour this day.
That Mr Perrett be discharged as a member of the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy and Dr Mulino be discharged as a supplementary member of the committee; and Dr Mulino be appointed a member of the Select Committee on Nuclear Energy and Mr Perrett be appointed a supplementary member of the committee.
Cyber Security Bill 2024
Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024
Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024
Stable and positive mental health is crucial for our well-being, yet it is often overlooked. I've seen friends struggle silently, unable to find the help they need. This needs to change.
In ten years, I envision a community where mental health support is accessible to everyone and as readily available as physical health services. Where schools have dedicated mental health professionals, and workplaces provide regular mental wellness programs. This change would create a supportive environment, reduce stigma, and save lives.
The next Parliament can help achieve this by increasing funding for mental health services, implementing mandatory mental health education in schools, and supporting initiatives that promote mental wellness in all areas of life. This isn't just a personal issue; it's a community issue that affects us all.
Ultimately a future with robust mental health support will create a stronger, healthier community. I urge our politicians to prioritise mental health, ensuring no one has to suffer in silence
… the Labor Government's unnecessary and undisciplined spending continues and perpetuates the cost of living crisis.
Aged Care Bill 2024
Your representative owes you, not his industry only, but his judgement; and he betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.
Cyber Security Bill 2024
Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024
Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Cyber Security Bill 2024
Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024
Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024
That law was bloody useless, not worth the ink printed on the paper when it came to actually using it in a cyber incident. It was poorly drafted.
Speaking purely from ASD's perspective, I think the safe harbour concept is a most excellent idea because, to your point, where there is ambiguity—if I'm dealing with a government, do you hand that information to other government departments or don't you? How can I be sure that that won't occur without my permission and so forth?
So from an operational perspective, in the heat of the incident, if you will, when we're still trying to pull people out of the water and into the lifeboats, to have that absolute confidence for the private sector, that at the very least their operational engagement with ASD would be exempted from the inquiry of others, whether they are other government agencies or other people scrutinising the process, like we've seen in class action lawsuits, for example, that is very attractive to us as well.
That orders of the day Nos 2 and 3, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill 2024
It 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.
Senator Conroy said the Gillard Government remained firmly committed to selling its stake in NBN Co after the network was fully built and operational, subject to market conditions and security considerations.
The Government has always said any sale of NBN Co will be subject to a Productivity Commission inquiry before any sale takes place.
I have seen your posts about ADF recruiting and have had a dismal experience with both of my children trying to enlist for up to 2 years now. The experience has been abysmal.
My career goal is to become a Defence Helicopter Pilot and I had recently completed testing with ADF recruitment which I had successfully unlocked Naval Helicopter Pilot. However, I disclosed in my medical application that I had used an asthma inhaler once four years ago. Unfortunately, this disclosure meant my application was rejected.
Broke, confused, sacrificing everything to make 13 years of schooling seem worth it.
Making students pay up to $120,000 to attend university is severely affecting the lives of many in the short term, long term and even before students attend university.
I am a 14 year old, and I shouldn't be concerned about the cost of university. But I am.
University is the place where majority of us were expected to be after high school.
Is Parliament trying to reduce the amount of University-based careers in our society?
Not only does the cost of university play a part in the decrease of nurses or teachers, but the cost is outrageous, unreasonable and a revolting amount for people to pay.
Most primary schools and high schools are free, and university used to be free, but is now removing every last cent from young adults wallet.
People are now struggling, unable to afford anything in a cost of living crisis.
Many aged 35plus are STILL paying their tuition off, vulnerable university students are struggling to function with little money and upcoming generations are picturing their adult lives as miserable, all because of the cost of university.
We need to subsidise the insane cost of university fees … before it is too late.
I want to talk about young carers and siblings of children with disabilities and my vision for a future where they get more recognition and support in the community through the development of programs to assist them.
One in 5 children are considered young carers in Australia. Carers for their parents, their grandparents, family members or siblings.
For me, it's my younger brother Lincoln.
From the age of 5 I knew how to help mum and dad with his feeding tube, what to do if he had a seizure and what I needed to pack if I had to stay at my Nan's house. Again.
I remember the birthday at Vacation Care when my parents had to take him to get another surgery. I remember missing out on parties and holidays due to his need to be close by to a hospital.
I also learned early on that I didn't have any friends my age who understood what it was like to have those kinds of worries and responsibilities.
My parents also noticed this and despite trying to find other people our age to connect with who would understand, they had no luck.
In 10 years time, wouldn't it be amazing to have support easily accessible.
To have a community where young carers can connect with other young carers.
Where people like me can get help through the difficult times.
Where information can be available and where we feel heard, safe and empowered.
Where our "normal" is recognised by the people around us and where we can have opportunities to escape and be a kid again, even if only for an afternoon.
In ten years I want my country, my world, to be a happier, healthier and safer.
I would like to see members of my community getting the mental health help they need.
1 in 6 Australians have had serious thoughts of killing themselves.
It is in the top three leading causes of death for people under 35.
These statistics need to change, and for this change we need serious action.
Do we have enough services give everyone who suffers with their mental health the help they need, are we going to let these people die, feeling alone and miserable? There are 52,130 same day and 205,220 overnight public hospital mental health-related hospitalisations in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, 3% per cent of presentations to public Emergency departments were mental health-related.
If that many people need to go to the HOSPITAL, I just wonder how many others need help.
It is crucial that parliament do something for mental health, lives are at stake, families wellbeing are at risk! 54% of people who have a mental illness do not access any treatment.
At least one in five people with severe mental illness are unable to recognise they have an illness.
So with people who don't access treatment, and people who think they don't need it, that's a lot of people who aren't getting care.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Archer ) took the chair at 10:31.
Aged Care Bill 2024
This year's Voices of Tasmania Report found that 97% of Tasmanians do not feel represented.
Young Tasmanian voting enrolment is lower than ever. Many of my classmates have no idea who their representatives are, or have been ignored so long they have given up on making their voices heard. I want this to change.
Firstly, our broken civics education must be reviewed. In senior secondary classrooms, we should ensure that all young Tasmanians are enrolled to vote, know to cast informed votes and know how to access representatives when they need them.
Additionally, in both our state and federal government, ministerial diary disclosure laws should be introduced to allow the public to see who politicians are meeting with, who's concerns they really care about, and who's voices have most influence over bills being developed.
Finally, we must ensure that people aren't needlessly left out of our democracy. Currently, prisoners serving three years or more are barred from voting, and despite overwhelming campaigning, sixteen and seventeen year-olds are still denied a vote.
In the space of 10 years, these changes would demonstrate a commitment to all Tasmanians, by ensuring we are empowered, educated and represented. Politics should reflect all voices.
Volunteering for charities has changed my life. Far from giving up my time, these organisations have given so much back to me, and in 10 years, I'd love to see more young people involved.
At Salvos Stores Launceston, I built my interpersonal skills in a supportive team. These soft skills make young people more employable and confident.
Additionally, youth often feel powerless about the problems in their communities. When I started volunteering, my mental health improved significantly with a direct way to help.
Lastly, volunteering also bridges age, cultural and socio-economic divides. Engaging with people in need makes our youth better informed, empathetic and motivated by others' struggles. In this way, volunteering has set me up for a lifetime of changemaking.
However, youth volunteers face financial, access and time pressures. These could be solved by awarding TCE points for volunteering as part of senior secondary education; subsidising public service fees like transport for youth who give back to their community would reward work and easing financial pressures.
And finally, schools should promote volunteer opportunities and recognise those who give back to their communities. Tasmania needs volunteers. In 10 years, investment in volunteering would help both our communities and youth thrive.
A lack of suitable housing and ever-growing interest rates have single-handedly cost Australians millions of dollars a year, money which is not helping its citizens, but making the current crisis much worse.
Did you know that over one-third of Australian citizens find it difficult to live on their current salary?
That is nearly 9 million Australians.
The high demand and low supply is destroying the housing market, while rising interest rates are frightening buyers and Australians are starting to see the effects.
Without action, within ten years, living in Australia will become so expensive that many people will be forced to migrate, leaving Australians who are willing to stay with a decade of debt and irreparable economic damage.
The Australian people are praying for a change, whether the government works with banks to decrease interest rates or provide further subsidies for people willing to build housing, something needs to change, and it needs to be now.
A change needs to work towards the idea that people can live in our country without the worry of paying more in rent or mortgages than they are earning.
Without a reasonable solution, soon the Australian population will be on the receiving end of unrepairable financial damage.
I'd like to discuss a major issue within Australia, and that is homelessness.
My concern for this group started when I was just 9 years old, and on a school excursion to Sydney.
At night, every 100 steps and under every bridge there would be a group of homeless people struggling to stay warm with what little they had.
I felt a strong sense of sympathy in that moment, and I strongly believe parliament should feel the same.
The homelessness rate in Australia right now is 0.47%, which is currently around 120,000 people.
But if we don't act now, the homelessness rate can and will increase more than ever before.
Especially now with the cost of living crisis that we are currently going through.
Is that really what we want people to see when they enter OUR country and go to see our biggest cities?
Groups of homeless people at every turn, all because we did nothing about it when we had the chance to?
It's certainly not what I want, and I'm sure you don't either.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) bulk-billing options are plummeting across the country and millions of people are delaying health care due to cost concerns;
(b) the cost of living crisis is both making mental health worse and causing an increasing number of people across Australia to delay or miss out on essential mental health care;
(c) over 60 per cent of Australians have delayed dental care in the last year, and the most common reason for doing so was cost; and
(d) everyone deserves to have access to good quality health care, including dental and mental health care, regardless of where you live, how old you are, or your bank balance; and
(2) calls on the Government to commit to universal health care and make the big corporations pay their fair share of tax so as to fund:
(a) bringing dental health into Medicare and expanding access to dental care to all;
(b) unlimited mental health care under Medicare; and
(c) a tripling of the bulk-billing incentive and the establishment of at least six free local health care clinics in each electorate to enable all Australians to go to the GP for free.
1. "Never even needed a filling in my life, but 7 yrs living with a single tooth infection …need it taken out by a highly trained surgeon bcos of where roots are positioned . Unless I hit the jackpot I've no idea how I'll afford surgery. I laugh when people say we r the lucky country with the best medical system . I'd have to sell my car to see a surgeon. The cruelest thing humanity has normalised is only the wealthy having access to proper health care "
2. "I legitimately nearly died because of a tooth infection because they told me it would cost me $6000 I don't even have that in my savings"
3. "6 times this year we have put off our dental appointments!!"
4. "I have a huge broken molar, been there for a year because living week to week doesn't enable one to get dental care"
5. "I just started having tooth sensitivity yesterday on a root canal tooth and now I'm stressing. It's going to cost so much. I'm freaking out"
6. "As a paramedic I've seen patients with severe toothaches and infections because they couldn't afford the dentist. This is a false economy and it is a flawed system which is causing the problem."
7. "Just lost a filling yesterday and the anxiety and the stress I am feeling is unbearable"
8. "Teeth literally falling out of my face but i don't have the thousands of dollars for the work needed"
9. "I was told after getting my two bottom teeth removed that I was not allowed further treatment because I was on a carers pension !!!"
10. "I can't afford for our family of five to go to the dentist for a check up and clean we are 18months over the time since we should have gone last. I'm ruining my kids teeth because I can only pay the mortgage and bills and that's it. I don't have $1500 for the five of us to go"
11. "I sat here watching this with a WILD toothache that I can't afford to get seen. makes me so angry."
12. "my mortgage is half my paycheque. just told I need 2 crowns and a root canal which is 6k. otherwise I lose my teeth. I can't afford it I have no savings I don't know what to do. I can't take out a loan"
13. "I have a huge hole in my tooth I can't afford a dentist it's now to the stage I've shred the nerves in that tooth"
14. "I'll have to take out my super to fix my teeth. […] Shouldn't have to but it's my only option."
15. "Im in so much pain from my teeth my dr thought I was having arthritis in near my eye and sent me for a CT scan but my rent is half my pay and food is the other half"
16. "why are my mouth bones different to the rest of the bones in my body?"—
17. "But who needs teeth when we can buy SUBMARINES??!!!"
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to making Australia's student loan system better and fairer by:
(a) cutting 20 per cent off all student loan debts, wiping around $16 billion in student debts for around three million Australians;
(b) raising the threshold people can earn before they start having to pay off their loans;
(c) changing the way these mandatory repayments are calculated through a marginal repayment system; and
(d) building on reforms to fix the indexation formula, which is cutting around $3 billion in student debt;
(2) recognises that all up, the Government will cut close to $20 billion in student loan debt for more than three million Australians; and
(3) notes that these commitments are all part of the Government's plans to create a better and fairer education system for all Australians.
That:
(1) a select committee, to be known as the Select Committee on PsiQuantum Funding, be appointed to inquire into and report on the process undertaken by the Australian Government to provide $470 million to American-based company PsiQuantum Pty Ltd;
(2) the committee is to inquire into the following matters:
(a) the process by which the Australian Government selected PsiQuantum Pty Ltd for investment;
(b) the expression of interest process;
(c) the financial implications of the investment;
(d) the commercial and scientific terms of the investment;
(e) whether actual or potential conflicts of interest have been appropriately managed;
(f) the nature and extent of interactions between PsiQuantum or its external advisers and the Minister for Industry and Science, the Minister's personal staff and officials of the Australian Public Service; and
(g) any other matters necessary or incidental to the committee forming a view as to whether the investment in PsiQuantum is a proper expenditure of public money;
(3) the Minister for Industry and Science be called by the committee to appear as a witness to assist the committee in its deliberations;
(4) the committee consist of seven members, three Members to be nominated by the Chief Government Whip and four Members to be nominated by the Chief Opposition Whip of whom at least two must be a crossbench Member;
(5) every nomination of a member be notified in writing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(6) the committee may proceed to the dispatch of business notwithstanding that not all members have been duly nominated and appointed and notwithstanding any vacancy;
(7) the members of the committee hold office as a select committee until presentation of the committee's final report or until the House of Representatives is dissolved or expires by effluxion of time, whichever is the earlier;
(8) the committee present its final report no later than 1 March 2025;
(9) the committee elect an Opposition member as its chair;
(10) the committee elect a Government member as its deputy chair to act as chair of the committee at any time when the chair is not present at a meeting of the committee;
(11) at any time when the chair and deputy chair are not present at a meeting of the committee, the members present shall elect another member to act as chair at that meeting;
(12) in the event of an equally divided vote, the chair, or the deputy chair when acting as chair, have a casting vote;
(13) three members of the committee constitute a quorum of the committee;
(14) the committee have power to appoint subcommittees, consisting of three or more of its members, and to refer to any subcommittee any matter which the committee is empowered to examine;
(15) the committee appoint the chair of each subcommittee who shall have a casting vote only;
(16) two members of a subcommittee constitute the quorum of that subcommittee;
(17) members of the committee who are not members of a subcommittee may participate in the proceedings of that subcommittee but shall not vote, move any motion or be counted for the purpose of a quorum;
(18) the committee or any subcommittee has power to:
(a) call for witnesses to attend and for documents to be produced;
(b) conduct proceedings at any place it sees fit;
(c) sit in public or in private;
(d) report from time to time; and
(e) adjourn from time to time and to sit during any adjournment of the House of Representatives; and
(19) the provisions of this resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with the standing orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the standing orders.
This is a high risk, high reward venture, but one that would position Australia as a truly deep tech country …
I can assure you I have not drunk the Kool-Aid. The assessment is based on evidence gathered.
I was also put off by the 'salesman' push and lack of detail in the information provided and how it was presented.
Having this big company in Australia will attract the supply chains here and provide an uplift in adjacent industries such as photonics … and semiconductors which are as critical to human life now as water, food, housing and energy.
I support this as an opportunity.
This is one opportunity that will mean Australia has a real quantum industry … that will be world leading.
…that Medicare has been an integral puzzle piece in the establishment and continued running of Mission Health.
Without Medicare, the clinic would either be non-existent, or it would have been far more difficult to achieve what we have. Without Medicare, much of Mission Health's work would mean this group would pay private costs for prescription medication, there would be problems referring to local hospitals, obtaining Medicare funding toward radiology and pathology investigations, and so much more.
As one of the clinicians of Mission Health, Medicare means that I can receive a fee for service in the work to support homeless people of Launceston. I have elected to return a percentage of this fee to the clinic to buy essential consumables such as wound care products.
This cohort of people have difficulty managing appointments, so the drop-in service is ideal for them.
We feel like the PHN has stood as a backbone in this journey of our new medical practice, and we are very thankful for that.
What I've seen in this last 12 months is that not only did Primary Health Tasmania help me to set up the clinic, but it also helps me and my staff to have continuous professional development through the workshops it runs.
That this House:
(1) notes that the:
(a) deterioration of country roads due to the reduction in funding for maintenance has created millions of potholes leading to accidents and serious damage to vehicles;
(b) Government has been cutting and delaying road projects since it was elected;
(c) Victorian State Government has drastically reduced funding for maintenance of the state road network;
(d) reduction in funding for maintenance has led to an increase in Victorian motorists having tyres shredded, wheels misaligned, and accidents including fatal accidents over the past two years; and
(e) state of the road network in regional Victoria has led to an increase in serious accidents and an increase in fatal accidents; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) undertake an audit on the condition of Victoria's local and state road network and make that information public;
(b) double the amount of funding available to repair Victoria's road network over the next four years; and
(c) abandon support for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) and invest the $2.2 billion of funding allocated to the SRL in Victorian country roads.
As at June 2024, SRL East had yet to go through the formal project approval process, and the department is awaiting a project proposal report from the Victorian Government. This process must occur before funding can be expended.
Thank you, Zaneta, I absolutely want the charges to stop.
Yes, Zaneta, fight this.
Keep up the good work.
It's great news to hear that they're being held to account.
I study in a school that has no air conditioning or heating.
This effects mine and others ability to learn and concentrate within the classroom.
This is due to the under funding of schools in NSW.
One of the most important things that the government can provide is a quality learning environment.
This cannot be achieved when you're sitting in a hot humid classroom or freezing cold one.
One single private school spent more money on a new pool and upgrades to their drama and fitness facilities than the government spent on public school funding that year.
Private schools are given more of tax payers money than public schools even though they need this money more as they are non for profit and don't make money any other way.
I am proposing that the government supply public schools with the appropriate air conditioning and heating systems and to eliminate all private school funding as they make their own money off the people who attend.
In doing this it should provide young Australians in public schools with a quality and comfortable learning environment.
I'm concerned about the high price of playing junior sports. Because of these costs, many kids stay inside and spend time on their phones or computers, which negatively impacts their mental health.
When I return to Somers at the age of 21, I want to see kids playing a sport outside with their friends and family.
The way that the State and Federal Governments can help is by increasing grants for junior sports. Currently, grants are limited to $200 and hard to get, but the average cost of playing a sport for one season is $1500.
Increasing these grants would help reduce the 40 per cent of Australian kids who don't participate in sports.
Additionally, councils need to make sports teams more welcoming. Currently, 75 per cent of people with disabilities, who want to pay play sports, don't, because they feel they have limited opportunities.
The government should encourage the youth of Australia to be active.
It will cost the government less in the end, when those kids grow up healthy.
I believe that we should ban vaping and smoking for good.
It is unhealthy for the people who are doing it and those around them.
I have encountered people who smoke and vape, and had to breath in the smoke.
If we want kids to grow up healthy, we need to stop it.
That this House:
(1) calls on the Government to urgently amend the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool to ensure that all Australian insurers provide residents in cyclone-prone areas with options for house insurance premiums that are comparable to those paid by the rest of the country;
(2) notes that:
(a) with the exception of Sure and Allianz, insurance premiums in Northern Australia are significantly higher than the national average, placing an unfair lack of choice and financial burden on northern Australian homeowners;
(b) the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool has failed and needs further and urgent negotiation; and
(c) 25 per cent of North Queensland is currently not insured; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) fix the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool before another disaster strikes in the north; and
(b) ensure that:
(i) all insurers offer affordable and fair insurance coverage charges in line with the rest of Australia; and
(ii) specific insurers are not over-exposed.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges and celebrates the exceptional achievements of Australia's Skillaroos who represented our nation at the 2024 WorldSkills competition in Lyon;
(2) recognises the dedication, skill, and passion of our Skillaroos exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in vocational education and training and demonstrates the incredible talent within our skilled workforce;
(3) commends the Government for its commitment to getting the best outcomes for Australians through improving access to vocational education and training, supporting quality training and putting TAFE back at the heart of the sector; and
(4) supports the Government as it continues to invest in the Australian people by prioritising training initiatives like Fee-Free TAFE.
Being a volunteer firefighter and serving my community have really shaped me as a person and helped me to be my best while competing at WorldSkills.
That this House notes that:
(1) according to Services Australia's 2023-24 annual report:
(a) customer satisfaction was 79.1 out of 100, against a target of 85;
(b) only 55.2 per cent of customers were served within 15 minutes, against a target of 70 per cent;
(c) the percentage of work processed within timeliness standards was 71.8 per cent, against a target of 90 per cent; and
(d) only 58.5 per cent of Centrelink claims were processed within their respective timeliness standards;
(2) under the watch of the Minister for Government Services, Australia has recorded its worst result for digital government in over a decade, according to the latest E-Government Development Index; and
(3) the previous Government was doing a much better job of delivering a better customer service experience, with the 2023 OECD Digital Government Index, based on data for the period from January 2020 and October 2022, placing Australia in the top five best performing countries.
When I took over the portfolio it was obvious that staffing cuts—thousands of jobs being abolished—had left the Agency unable to meet customer expectations …
I fought very hard to get Services Australia properly resourced and was able to secure record funding in this year's Budget.
We don't want to see ordinary Australians, families and pensioners being taken for a ride by the supermarkets, and we're taking steps to make sure they get a fair go at the checkout.
… notes the Government believes that alleged misconduct in the supermarket sector is unfair, unacceptable, and it makes cost of living pressures worse for Australians …
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) rural and remote Australians bear a heavier burden of disease than Australians who live in major metropolitan areas;
(b) the rural, remote and regional health workforce persistently suffers more significant staffing shortages than its metropolitan counterparts;
(c) the former Government established the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner in 2017;
(d) the inaugural commissioner, Professor Paul Worley, said in 2018 that he had heard the urgency of calls for a National Rural Generalist Pathway for the medical practitioner workforce, and recommended later that year the national recognition, as a protected title, of a Rural Generalist as a Specialised Field within the Speciality of General Practice, which is now federally funded and accredited by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine;
(e) the National Rural Health Commissioner has established the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework 2023-27, after consultation commenced by the former Government in early 2022; and
(f) Queensland Health began developing a rural generalist pathway for allied health professions in 2013 which Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health successfully developed further in some jurisdictions but a pathway is not yet available in Victoria for instance; and
(2) calls upon the Minister for Health and Aged Care to advance rural generalist pathways in medicine, nursing and allied health, to address dire workforce shortages in rural, remote and regional Australia.