The SPEAKER ( Hon. Milton Dick ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That further statements on the fifteenth anniversary of the national apology to Forgotten Australians and former child migrants be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
That further statements on Australian consular and crisis support 2023-2024 be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill 2024
The House divided. [09:56]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 19 November 2024.
2. The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 25 November 2024, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR GEE: To present a Bill for an Act to ensure access to GPs in regional areas, and for related purposes. ( Doctors for the Bush Bill 2024 )
(Notice given 19 November 2024.)
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
2 MS DANIEL: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Online Safety Act 2024 , and for related purposes. (Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2024 )
(Notice given 19 November 2024.)
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes — pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.
3 MR VAN MANEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) reform is required to retain workers in the building and construction industry; and
(b) Master Builders Australia has reported that there is a critical workforce shortage, with a 14.7 per cent decrease in the number of construction industry apprentices completing their studies since 2022, and the total number of construction apprentices also decreasing by 22.4 per cent for the same period; and
(2) acknowledges that the:
(a) Government has delivered a business insolvency crisis, with over 23,938 business insolvencies since taking office, including over 6,399 construction business insolvencies;
(b) Government's Fee Free TAFE program has delivered a 13 per cent completion rate to date and the Government has refused to reveal the dropout rate;
(c) Government is failing Australian businesses and the construction sector; and
(d) Opposition's Housing Infrastructure Program aims to deliver up to 500,000 additional homes and contribute to the growth in employment in the building and construction industry by direct employment to residential development infrastructure.
(Notice given 6 November 2024.)
Time allotted — 35 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr van Manen — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MS CLAYDON: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) 25 November 2024 marks the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, beginning 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence;
(b) in Australia, it has been publicly reported that approximately 64 women have been killed by acts of violence by men as of 17 November 2024;
(c) one in three Australian women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a man since the age of 15;
(d) violence against women and girls impacts everyone, of all genders, ages, ethnicities, religions and socio-economic backgrounds, it does not discriminate, and is almost always committed by men; and
(e) there is no excuse for violence against women and girls;
(2) commends the work that the Government has done so far in taking immediate and practical steps to support women and children to escape from violence through significant investments to support the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32;
(3) recognises the following additional commitments made by the Government to end violence against women and children in a generation:
(a) $4.4 billion in new funding to address the scourge of gender-based violence and respond to the government initiated Rapid Review into Prevention Approaches through:
(i) convening a national cabinet on gender-based violence at which the Government committed to investing $3.9 billion in support for frontline legal assistance services;
(ii) investing $351 million over five years for funding under a renewed five-year national partnership agreement to be matched by states and territories; and
(iii) allocating $169 million in targeted initiatives to support the National Plan; and
(b) $1 billion through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility for housing for women and children impacted by violence, plus other supports for housing single parents; and
(4) recognises that there is still much more work to be done to prevent violence against women and children and to create lasting change, that it is a whole of community response, and that the Government is absolutely committed to leading this response.
(Notice given 18 November 2024.)
Time allotted — 35 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Claydon — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
5 MS LE: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are fundamental to the Australian economy, contributing significantly to job creation, economic resilience, and particularly in the manufacturing sector, where their role is vital to the national interest;
(b) manufacturing is a leading employer in the electoral division of Fowler, employing approximately 12 per cent of the local workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 5.9 per cent;
(c) hundreds of manufacturing businesses in the electoral division of Fowler produce essential goods across a variety of sectors, from food production and building materials, to medical supplies and recycling initiatives;
(d) manufacturing SMEs are grappling with rising operating costs, a shortage of skilled labour, and limited access to critical resources;
(e) the Government's Future Made in Australia plan, introduced in May 2024, does not sufficiently address the challenges facing the manufacturing sector; and
(f) manufacturing SMEs deserve a fairer share of Government support to achieve sustainable growth, scale effectively, expand employment opportunities and remain competitive amid growing domestic and international pressures;
(2) notes that the Government's recent relief measures, such as the one-year extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off and a $325 electricity rebate for small businesses, were positive steps, however fall short of addressing the long-term, systemic challenges faced by small and medium-sized manufacturers; and
(3) calls on the Government to provide comprehensive and sustained support for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses by:
(a) increasing the instant asset write-off to $50,000 and extending it indefinitely, to support capital investment in small and medium manufacturers and enable them to remain competitive as plant and material prices continue to rise;
(b) promoting manufacturing as a career to young Australians and migrant workers by continuing and expanding government investment in training initiatives, apprenticeships, English language training and foundational skills development to fill critical labour gaps and provide certainty for employers to boost productivity within the sector; and
(c) supporting lowering the cost of doing business by addressing the escalating costs for insurance, freight, energy, and compliance, which disproportionately impact small and medium manufacturers.
(Notice given 18 November 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits —
Ms Le — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MS CHANEY: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) in 2023, the Government revised down its annual productivity growth assumption from 1.5 per cent to 1.2 per cent, reflecting the slowdown in productivity over the past two decades;
(b) Australian productivity growth is now behind most comparable nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France;
(c) productivity growth is a key contributor to increases in economic welfare, accounting for 80 per cent of growth in real wages; and
(d) contributing factors to the decline in Australian productivity include:
(i) complicated workplace laws, regulation and taxation;
(ii) declining educational outcomes; and
(iii) under-investment in research and development relative to peer economies; and
(2) calls on the Government to issue a formal response to the Productivity Commission's five-yearly productivity inquiry report, Advancing Prosperity , presented in March 2023.
(Notice given 19 November 2024.)
Time allotted — 20 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Chaney — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
2 MS DOYLE: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) the Government is strengthening Medicare and delivering cost of living relief to Australians; and
(b) that the Government's record investments in bulk billing have stopped the free-fall in bulk billing rates, with Australians accessing an estimated 5.4 million additional bulk billed visits in the past 12 months;
(2) notes:
(a) that Australians have saved more than $1 billion on cheaper medicines, as a result of the largest price reduction in the 75-year history of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), the introduction of 60-day prescriptions, and the lowering of the PBS safety-net threshold; and
(b) the continued expansion of the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic network, with almost 80 clinics opened which have seen almost 900,000 bulk-billed presentations;
(3) welcomes the influx of new doctors entering the workforce, with one new doctor joining the Australian health system every hour on average over the past year, and the number of junior doctors electing to take up general practice training increasing by more than 25 per cent;
(4) expresses its concern at the track record of the Leader of the Opposition, who during his term as Minister for Health:
(a) tried to introduce a tax on visits to GPs;
(b) froze Medicare rebates;
(c) cut $50 billion from our hospitals;
(d) said there were 'too many free Medicare services';
(e) was voted by Australia's doctors as the worst health minister in the history of Medicare; and
(f) as a result, cannot be trusted with Medicare; and
(5) acknowledges that only the Government can be trusted to protect and strengthen Medicare.
(Notice given 19 November 2024.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms Doyle — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
3 MR COULTON: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that:
(a) Royal Far West (RFW) is a national charity dedicated to the health and wellbeing of Australia's country children across more than 200 schools and 364 communities; and
(b) RFW is celebrating its centenary of service to Australia in 2024;
(2) notes that:
(a) in 2019, RFW received funding from the Department of Health and Aged Care to provide services online to schools and preschools under the National Paediatric Telecare Service (NPTS), and that funding finishes in June next year;
(b) workforce shortages in regional areas, and a resulting lack of access to services, has seen high demand for NPTS;
(c) the NPTS overcomes the tyranny of distance and reduces expenses for families in the midst of a cost of living crisis; and
(d) operating across four states, the NPTS has provided support to 20,000 children, parents and educators; and
(3) urges the Government to provide ongoing funding to RFW to allow this vital allied health and mental health service to continue to support families in rural, regional and remote Australia.
(Notice given 20 August 2024.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Coulton — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
4 MS J RYAN: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Government is making sure that Australians can continue to pay with cash for essential items if they want to, while also ensuring an orderly transition to phasing out cheques;
(2) notes the Government's plan will:
(a) mandate that businesses must accept cash when selling essential items, with appropriate exemptions for small businesses; and
(b) ensure that cash can be used for essential purchases, such as groceries and fuel, so that those who rely on cash will not be left behind; and
(3) welcomes the Government's acknowledgement that while Australians are increasingly using digital payment methods, there is an ongoing place for cash in our society.
(Notice given 19 November 2024.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Ms J Ryan — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
1 RURAL, REMOTE AND REGIONAL HEALTH: Resumption of debate ( from 18 November 2024 ) on the motion of Dr Webster—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.
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices — continued
5 MR VAN MANEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that small businesses are struggling under the:
(a) burden of the Government's cost of living crisis; and
(b) weight of the Government's additional administrative red tape;
(2) acknowledges that according to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman:
(a) conditions for small business:
(i) have deteriorated by 3.5 per cent; and
(ii) continue to be well below the long-term average;
(b) the operating environment for business has been in decline for the past two years with rising concerns about regulations, increased costs and slowing demand; and
(c) fewer people are considering starting a small business and businesses are less likely to invest in expansion; and
(3) calls on the Government to address its failure to support small business, the backbone of Australia's economy.
(Notice given 13 August 2024.)
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr van Manen — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
6 MR PERRETT: To move:
That this House:
(1) welcomes the 106 advocates for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Australia who are present with their families in Parliament House today, 26 November 2024, to advocate for further funding for the Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network (T1 DCRN);
(2) commends these advocates for type 1 diabetes (T1D) on their work with Members and Senators across Australia, explaining why the research undertaken by the T1 DCRN to date has given them enormous hope;
(3) notes that there are over 130,000 Australians living with T1D, who are part of a passionate and articulate community as all who participated in World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2024 would know;
(4) acknowledges the work of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport inquiry into diabetes, chaired by the Member for Macarthur, which made bipartisan recommendations relating to T1D research, early detection and prevention, and to expanding access to diabetes technologies that help in the management of T1D;
(5) congratulates the advocates who have travelled from all over Australia to tell their stories and make the case for funding for the next stage of the T1 DCRN; and
(6) provides cross party assurance to JDRF Australia advocates that their message has been heard, their tenacity is admired, and that it is understood in this House that research holds the key.
(Notice given 4 November 2024.)
Time allotted — 30 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Mr Perrett — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
7 DR WEBSTER: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) under the cover of the United States of America's elections and the Melbourne Cup, the Victorian Government through Parks Victoria have declared they will close certain areas of Mount Arapiles in the Wimmera region for rock climbing due to cultural heritage concerns;
(b) local residents and rock climbing enthusiasts from around the nation are outraged by the decision, particularly as a prime Australian rock climbing destination and the potential devastating impact on the small community of Natimuk;
(c) on Monday, 18 November 2024, Parks Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Jackson told an inquiry that Parks Victoria does not consult on cultural heritage laws and had no obligation to consider its decision's economic impact on local communities; and
(d) doctors, nurses and allied health practitioners have been attracted to the region, including nearby Horsham, due to the availability of rock climbing and are now reconsidering whether to settle or remain in the region; and
(2) calls upon the:
(a) Commonwealth Government to explain its position on cultural heritage matters that are delivering gross inequities for the majority of Australians; and
(b) Victorian State Government to:
(i) genuinely consult with all stakeholders on the decision;
(ii) ensure all established climbing routes at Mount Arapiles remain in force until such consultation has occurred; and
(iii) reminds all levels of Government that on 14 October 2023 regional Victorians and Australians united and conclusively voted 'no' to this form of division in the Australian community.
(Notice given 19 November 2024.)
Time allotted — 25 minutes.
Speech time limits —
Dr Webster — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 5 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day — continued
2 WORLDSKILLS COMPETITION 2024: Resumption of debate ( from 18 November 2024 ) on the motion of Ms Claydon—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.
Time allotted — 40 minutes.
Speech time limits —
All Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
Notices — continued
8 MS WARE: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges:
(a) the release of the Government's Centre for Population research paper dated October 2024, Fertility decline in Australia: Is it here to stay? ; and
(b) that the paper provides that:
(i) fertility rates in Australia continue to decline under this Government;
(ii) the average number of children born to Australian women in 2023 is 1.5;
(iii) in Australia fertility outcomes are lower than fertility desires;
(iv) cost of living pressures have caused Australians to postpone childbearing; and
(v) the high cost of housing has made it increasingly difficult for young adults to achieve their home ownership goals prior to starting a family;
(2) recognises that the Government has:
(a) failed to manage the economy, resulting in a period of skyrocketing inflation fuelling the current cost of living crisis;
(b) failed to address the housing affordability crisis; and
(c) been incapable of supporting a stable economic and housing environment to empower Australian women, resulting in the fertility decline to 1.5 children on average in 2023;
(3) expresses concern that the Government's economic and housing mismanagement have forced Australian women to delay having children, resulting in a decline in their fertility; and
(4) calls on the Government to better manage the economy and housing for the betterment of all Australians including Australian women and reverse the declining infertility rates.
(Notice given 19 November 2024.)
Time allotted — remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.
Speech time limits —
Ms Ware — 5minutes.
Other Members — 5minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.
THE HON D. M. DICK MP
Speaker of the House of Representatives
20 November 2024
Health Insurance (Pathology) (Fees) (Repeal) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Amendment Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Setting Gender Equality Targets) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a second time.
Cyber Security Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
Intelligence Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Cyber Security) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
Security of Critical Infrastructure and Other Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Response and Prevention) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals and Other Measures) Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
National Broadband Network Companies Amendment (Commitment to Public Ownership) Bill 2024
… 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.
(1) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 7), after paragraph 3(1)(b), insert:
; (c) to ensure that NBN Co has a universal service obligation to provide the national broadband network in a way that is reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business.
(2) Schedule 1, item 12, page 4 (after line 22), after the paragraph beginning "Under provisions" in section 43, insert:
NBN Co has a universal service obligation to provide the national broadband network in a way that is reasonably accessible and equitable to all people in Australia.
(3) Schedule 1, item 13, page 5 (line 7), at the end of section 43A, add:
; and (c) NBN Co has a universal service obligation to provide the national broadband network in a way that is reasonably accessible to all people in Australia on an equitable basis, wherever they reside or carry on business.
The House divided. [11:18]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024
The House divided. [11:26]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
The House divided. [11:30]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 5, column 1), omit "to 4", substitute "and 3".
(2) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 8, column 1), omit "Schedules 6 and 7", substitute "Schedule 6".
(3) Schedule 4, page 95 (line 1) to page 129 (line 8), omit the Schedule.
(4) Schedule 7, page 169 (line 1) to page 188 (line 29), omit the Schedule.
The Committee recommends that the Australian Government introduce donation caps for federal election donations.
The Committee recommends that the Australian Government introduce expenditure (also known as spending) caps for federal elections.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024
The House divided. [12:53]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Schedule 4, item 2, page 97 (after line 21), after the definition of Federal cap in section 302ALA, insert:
Independent House candidate means a candidate for election to the House of Representatives, for a Division, at any time while the candidate is not endorsed by a registered political party.
Independent House candidate Divisional cap means 150% of the Divisional cap.
(2) Schedule 4, item 2, page 97 (lines 23 to 25), omit "a candidate for election to the House of Representatives, for a Division, at any time while the candidate is not endorsed by a registered political party", substitute "an Independent House candidate".
(3) Schedule 4, item 2, page 98 (lines 1 to 3), omit the definition of Independent House of Representatives by-election cap in section 302ALA, substitute:
Independent House of Representatives by-election cap , for a by-election, means:
(a) for an Independent House candidate—120% of the Independent House candidate Divisional cap that applies on the 2 day the writ for the by-election is issued; or
(b) otherwise—120% of the Divisional cap that applies on the 2 day the writ for the by-election is issued.
(4) Schedule 4, item 2, page 98 (lines 4 and 5), omit the definition of Independent House of Representatives cap in section 302ALA, substitute:
Independent House of Representatives cap means:
(a) for an Independent House candidate—the Independent House candidate Divisional cap; or
(b) otherwise—the Divisional cap.
(5) Schedule 4, item 2, page 98 (before line 6), before the definition of Independent Senate candidate or Senator in section 302ALA, insert:
Independent Senate candidate means a candidate for election to the Senate, for a State or Territory, at any time while the candidate is not endorsed by a registered political party.
(6) Schedule 4, item 2, page 98 (lines 7 to 9), omit "a candidate for election to the Senate, for a State or Territory, at any time while the candidate is not endorsed by a registered political party", substitute "an Independent Senate candidate".
(7) Schedule 4, item 2, page 98 (after line 16), after the definition of Independent Senate candidate or Senator in section 302ALA, insert:
Independent Senate candidate Senate base amount means 150% of the Senate base amount.
(8) Schedule 4, item 2, page 98 (lines 19 and 20), omit paragraph (a) of the definition of Independent Senate cap in section 302ALA, substitute:
(a) multiplying whichever of the following applies by the number of Divisions in the State or Territory:
(i) for an Independent Senate candidate—the Independent Senate candidate Senate base amount;
(ii) otherwise—the Senate base amount; and
The House divided. [13:23]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Georganas)
Migration Amendment Bill 2024
The House divided. [13:34]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Georganas)
Free TAFE Bill 2024
Obesity is more than just a statistic, it's a pressing community health crisis that impacts us all. Currently, around 30% of Tasmanians are classified as obese, contributing to increasing rates of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. In Launceston, over 60% of adults do not meet the recommended physical activity levels, putting them at heightened risk for these health issues. Obesity affects not only physical health but mental well-being, contributing to anxiety and depression. The economic implications are alarming as well, with obesity-related healthcare expenses placing a significant burden on our system. In Tasmania, the cost of treating obesity-related conditions is estimated to exceed $500 million annually, diverting resources that could be better spent elsewhere. Additionally, rising childhood obesity rates threaten the future health of our next generation. To combat this crisis, we must prioritise healthy living initiatives by implementing comprehensive nutrition education programs in schools, improving access to affordable fresh produce, and creating more public spaces for physical activity. By fostering a community that supports these efforts, we can create a healthier society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The time for action is now, if all of us work together we can ensure a bright future for us all.
… it's a key principle and tenet of the Liberal Party: if you don't pay for something, you don't value it.
… there can be much profit to gain for those who choose to engage in the provision of immigration assistance that aids illegal sex work, human trafficking, modern slavery and money laundering.
… can't afford to pay for our heating or air conditioning. We can't afford to pay for our health. Australians are struggling to pay the mortgage, struggling to pay the rent. Younger Australians can't get into a home. It all starts piling up …
After two and a half years, regional Australians are worse off under this Government.
Light at the end of the Coffs Harbour Bypass tunnel
In a major milestone for one of regional Australia's biggest infrastructure projects, the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete.
"This is a major milestone for this nation-shaping project.
During consultation ahead of the project in 2016, the people of Coffs Harbour were very clear they wanted tunnels instead of cuttings and it is great to see progress in bringing that to fruition."
The Albanese and Queensland Government funded Gympie Bypass has opened to traffic, a significant improvement for residents with heavy vehicles no longer needing to travel through Gympie.
"This vital infrastructure project has been a long time coming for the locals and visitors who travel throughout the Gympie region"—
"The Gympie Bypass opening to traffic today is a monumental achievement by the Australian and Queensland governments."
It's fantastic to … see local-led projects progressing, and to discuss the Shire of Moora's forward priorities—because when we work together, we get the best outcomes for our regional communities.
And remember this, and it's a key principle and tenet of the Liberal Party: if you don't pay for something, you don't value it. So, if you're told that your TAFE is free and all you have to do is turn up—you actually have to do some work, and then you have to get a qualification at the end—and if that's all that it is but you haven't paid for it, you don't see it as something that makes a difference to you in your life; you don't see it as something valuable.
After two and a half years, regional Australians are worse off under this Government.
Migration Amendment Bill 2024
(1) Schedule 6, item 3, page 20 (line 27), omit "paragraph (1)(a)", substitute "subsection (1)".
(2) Page 22 (after line 4), at the end of the Bill, add:
Schedule 7 — Other amendments relating to subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visas
Migration Act 1958
1 Subsection 68(5)
Omit all the words from and including "if" to and including "future.", substitute "if the first visa ceases to be in effect under subsection 82(3) because another Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa for the non-citizen comes into effect.".
2 Paragraph 76B(1)(b)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
(b) any of the following applies:
(i) at the time the visa was granted, there was no real prospect of the removal of the person from Australia becoming practicable in the reasonably foreseeable future;
(ii) the visa was granted under section 195A;
(iii) if the non-citizen has previously held other Bridging R (Class WR) visas—the first of those visas was granted under section 195A; and
3 Subsection 76E(1)
Omit all the words from and including "if" to and including "future.", substitute "if the first visa is subject to one or more prescribed conditions.".
4 Paragraph 76E(3)(b)
Omit "paragraph (1)(a)", substitute "subsection (1)".
5 Subsection 76E(4)
Omit "paragraph (1)(a)", substitute "subsection (1)".
6 Application of amendments of section 68 of the Migration Act 1958
(1) Subsection 68(5) of the Migration Act 1958 , as amended by this Schedule, applies in relation to a Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa for a non-citizen that ceases to be in effect under subsection 82(3) of that Act on or after the commencement of this item, whether the Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa was granted before, on or after the commencement of this item.
(2) Subsection 68(5) of the Migration Act 1958 , as in force immediately before the commencement of this item, continues to apply in relation to a Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa that ceased to be in effect under subsection 82(3) of that Act during the period:
(a) beginning on 18 November 2023; and
(b) ending immediately before the commencement of this item;
as if the amendments to that subsection made by this Schedule had not been made.
7 Application of amendments of section 76B of the Migration Act 1958
(1) Subparagraph 76B(1)(b)(i) of the Migration Act 1958 , as inserted by this Schedule, applies in relation to a person who holds a Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa, whether the Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa was granted before, on or after the commencement of this item.
(2) Subparagraph 76B(1)(b)(ii) of the Migration Act 1958 , as inserted by this Schedule, applies in relation to a person who holds a Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa granted on or after the commencement of this item.
(3) Subparagraph 76B(1)(b)(iii) of the Migration Act 1958 , as inserted by this Schedule, applies in relation to a person who holds a Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa that was granted without an application on or after the commencement of this item, and who previously held a Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa granted under section 195A of theMigration Act 1958 , whether the Subclass 070 (Bridging (Removal Pending)) visa was granted under section 195A of that Act before, on or after the commencement of this item.
8 Saving provision relating to amendments of section 76E of the Migration Act 1958
Despite the repeal of paragraphs 76E(1)(a) and (b) of the Migration Act 1958 by this Schedule, a regulation that:
(a) was made before the commencement of this item for the purposes of paragraph 76E(1)(a) of the Migration Act 1958 ;and
(b) was in force immediately before the commencement of this item;
is taken to remain in force, on and after the commencement of this item, as if it had been made for the purposes of subsection 76E(1) of the Migration Act 1958 .
That this bill be now read a third time.
Free TAFE Bill 2024
… remember this, and it's a key principle … of the Liberal Party: if you don't pay for something, you don't value it.
The results are fairly clear cut.
First, Government funded training, as measured by program commencements, increased from 2022 to 2023. That said, commencements have been fairly static since 2015, and are well down on the number of commencements over the period 2010-2014. Thus it is difficult to sell the program as a significant increase in investment in training delivery by governments.
Second, there is no evidence that the Australian government priorities have had a material effect on shifting training toward its priority areas. Overall, the proportion of commencements in priority areas has not shifted from 2022 to 2023. We see that commencements in the Construction field declined from 2022 to 2023, despite construction being a clear priority. Similarly commencements increased in the training package areas of Creative Arts and Culture (up 17%), Financial Services (up 103%), and the Public Sector (up 17%), despite these areas not being designated as priority areas.
… … …
Third, there is little evidence that Fee-Free TAFE has had much impact from an equity perspective. The percentage of government funded commencements that is Indigenous did not increase from 2022 to 2023 and is lower than what was observed in 2019. Commencements aged 17-24 years declined, while those out of work changed little. Little has changed in terms of women in non traditional fields or those with a disability. While the fee-free nature of the program should make it more attractive for individuals, tuition fees in VET government funded places have always been heavily subsidised and the States have always offered concessions for target groups, so perhaps the tuition free aspect has not made that much difference. It should also be noted that tuition is not the only cost associated with VET training—individuals need to invest considerable effort.
Fourth, the Fee-Free TAFE program has definitely improved the position of TAFE in the VET market. This has occurred at the expense of private providers.
My final comment relates to the fee-free aspect of the program. This is not costless with tuition fees previously contributing amounts representing around 13% of funding for training. The absence of this source of funding limits the number of places offered. The policy judgment then is whether the benefits to individuals not having to pay tuition fees outweighs the negative impact on the finances of VET. If the lack of tuition fees limits the offerings then it is possible that the impact on equity groups will be perverse, with fewer individuals able to take up a training place.
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 that if the Government can legislate its promises on Fee-Free TAFE right now, it can also legislate to wipe student debt; and
(2) calls on the Government to legislate its promise to wipe 20 per cent of student debt and raise the repayment threshold now, not wait for an election".
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024
The House divided. [17:25]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms Vamvakinou)
The House divided. [17:29]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms Vamvakinou)
The House divided. [17:37]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms Vamvakinou)
That this bill be now read a third time.
The House divided. [17:43]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mrs Andrews)
Sydney Airport Demand Management Amendment Bill 2024
That this bill be now read a third time.
Free TAFE Bill 2024
Free TAFE Bill 2024
There is no financial impact resulting from the Free TAFE Bill 2024.
I understand that skills is a critical area of policy for the future of our nation and the future of our young people. When I finished school, I couldn't think of anything worse than sitting in an office, so I went to my local training provider and pursued a vocational qualification in aviation. And it changed my life. That's why I love skills.
FT place —
means a free place in a course at a TAFE institution or a course provided by another VET provider.
Note: An FT place may not be free of all fees.
The HIA Trades Availability Index for the September Qtr 2024 revealed a worsening of the national skilled trades shortage scenario…
"The residential building industry currently employs approximately 278,000 tradies across the twelve key trade occupations required for home building. The trades workforce needs to grow by at least 30 per cent to meet a 1.2 million home target over the next 5 years. That is over 83,000 additional tradies.
"The most acute shortages of skilled tradespeople remain in bricklaying, tiling, plastering and carpentry.
"This means a significant boost is needed in a variety of trade occupations to get these much-needed homes completed.
"Despite concerted efforts to boost the domestic trades workforce, significant challenges remain. Creating career opportunities for the local workforce must be the priority, however this alone will not solve the tradie shortage.
… it's also an investment that government makes in the future of our country: the creativity and innovation that Australia needs to grow and thrive. … it's discovery and research, industry and ideas, a more productive workforce and a more equal society.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mrs Archer ) took the chair at 09:29.
… that tragedy is one that the Northern Territory cannot ignore—seven matters are being investigated by the Northern Territory police as domestic homicides since 1 June of this year …
I'm okay with the presence of a nuclear industry within our country and I mean more broadly, I actually firmly believe that nuclear power is a necessary part of the global energy mix if we're going to achieve net zero.
I believe climate change is a real challenge we need to face up to, and nuclear energy can be a safe source of base load power, with zero carbon emissions. Thus, I find it contradictory and irresponsible when I see the Greens and environmentalists outright opposing nuclear power.
Migration Amendment Bill 2024
It's fairly likely someone will challenge it, and there is a reasonable chance it will be struck down.
… refugees who have been living in our community for years can be exposed to deportation …
No State Party shall expel, return … or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture.
To the extent that the measures in this Bill limit human rights, they do so in order to maintain the integrity of the migration system and protect the safety of the Australian community.
It's fairly likely someone will challenge it, and there's a reasonable chance it will be struck down.
… will you publicly oppose this bill as it is inhumane.
We need to deal with this complex problem with a lot more understanding and compassion. Would you kindly let me know your thoughts and intentions.
Sydney Airport Demand Management Amendment Bill 2024
That all words after "That" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:
"the House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997 imposes an 11 pm to 6 am curfew and 80 per hour movement cap at Sydney Airport, protecting the inner Sydney community from the worst effects of aircraft noise; and
(b) other airports around Australia, including Brisbane, Melbourne, and the soon-to-be-opened Western Sydney International Airport are not subject to an equivalent regime; and
(2) calls on the government to consider whether an equivalent movement cap and curfew scheme should be applied to other airports in Australia, including Brisbane Airport".
This strictly controlled 'recovery period' will be implemented … to temporarily allow up to 85 movements per hour for a maximum of two hours on the same day …
Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Reform) Bill 2024
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 8), omit the table item, substitute:
(5) Schedule 7, item 3, page 172 (after line 5), after the paragraph beginning "The amount of the funding for a registered political party" in section 302AA, insert:
The amount of the funding for a registered political party's expenditure group is subject to a cap.
(6) Schedule 7, item 3, page 172 (line 26), omit "The amount", insert "Subject to subsection (2A), the amount".
(7) Schedule 7, item 3, page 173 (after line 24), after subsection 302AB(2), insert:
(2A) The amount worked out under subsection (2) must not exceed an amount equal to $3,750 multiplied by 32.
This funding cannot be used on campaign advertising in any election, whether federal or state. Administrative assistance funding that is not spent in the calendar year it is received must be returned to the Commonwealth the following year.
This framework will be subject to compliance and auditing controls, including the AEC's strengthened investigative powers provided by Schedule 9 of the Bill. If a recipient provides the AEC with incorrect or incomplete information about the recipient's administrative expenditure in its annual return and subsequently refuses to provide further information on request, the AEC will have powers to reduce future payments of administrative assistance funding or recover amounts paid.
(3) Schedule 4, item 2, page 100 (lines 29 to 30), omit "is not mainly communicated to electors enrolled outside Divisions", insert "is communicated to electors enrolled in the Division".
(4) Schedule 4, item 2, page 101 (lines 9 to 19), omit subsection 302ALC(3), substitute:
(3) Electoral matter is express coverage matter for a Division, State or Territory if the electoral matter is communicated to electors enrolled in the Division, State or Territory.
(2) Clause 4, page 3 (lines 12 to 22), omit clause 3, substitute:
4 Review of operation of amendments
(1) The Minister must cause an independent review of the operation of the amendments made by this Act before the end of 12 months after the first general election that is held after 1 July 2026.
(2) Without limiting the matters to be covered by the review, the review must consider the following matters:
(a) the effectiveness of the amendments in achieving transparency, accountability, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process and its participants;
(b) the impact of expenditure caps and gift caps on the election, the electoral process and its participants.
(3) The persons who conduct the review must give the Minister a written report of the review.
(4) The Minister must cause a copy of the report of the review to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.
(1) Clause 1, page 1 (lines 6 and 7), omit " Electoral Reform ", substitute "Funnelling Public Money to the Major Parties Under the Guise of Transparency ".
Sydney Airport Demand Management Amendment Bill 2024
Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Bill 2024
Oversight Legislation Amendment (Robodebt Royal Commission Response and Other Measures) Bill 2024
Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal, and it made many people feel like criminals. In essence, people were traumatised on the off-chance they might owe money. It was a costly failure of public administration, in both human and economic terms.
For more than four years, Liberal Ministers dismissed or ignored the significant concerns that were raised over and over again, including in the Parliament, but also by victims, by public servants, by community organisations and of course, by legal experts.
The beginning of 2017 was the point at which Robodebt's unfairness, probable illegality and cruelty became apparent. It should then have been abandoned or revised drastically, and an enormous amount of hardship and misery (as well as the expense the government was so anxious to minimise) would have been averted. Instead the path taken was to double down, to go on the attack in the media against those who complained and to maintain the falsehood that in fact the system had not changed at all. The government was, the DHS and DSS ministers maintained, acting righteously to recoup taxpayers' money from the undeserving.
It is remarkable how little interest there seems to have been in ensuring the Scheme's legality, how rushed its implementation was, how little thought was given to how it would affect welfare recipients and the lengths to which public servants were prepared to go to oblige ministers on a quest for savings. Truly dismaying was the revelation of dishonesty and collusion to prevent the Scheme's lack of legal foundation coming to light. Equally disheartening was the ineffectiveness of what one might consider institutional checks and balances—the Commonwealth Ombudsman's office, the Office of Legal Services Coordination, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal—in presenting any hindrance to the Scheme's continuance.
To those who took their own lives because of Robodebt and their families, we pay our respects. The horrible pain inflicted upon you should never have happened.
To the activists, advocates, whistleblowers, journalists, members of Labor and the cross bench, and, of course, the victims themselves who fought tirelessly for accountability and justice, today is because of you.
Never again should people receiving government supports be demonised as second-class citizens.
Robodebt was a crude and cruel mechanism, neither fair nor legal, and it made many people—
feel like criminals.