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. 37
Petitions and Ministerial Responses
10 February 2025
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 6 November 2024, 20 November 2024, 27 November 2024, 22 January 2025 and 5 February 2025.
1. The committee resolved to present the following 87 petitions in accordance with standing order 207:
Petitions certified on 6 November 2024
From 5 petitioners—requesting reform of the parent visa application process
(EN6708)
From 549 petitioners—requesting support for the heritage management of the Christian's Minde complex (EN6711)
From 7 petitioners—requesting the adoption of the Rich Communication Services protocol standard for instant messaging (EN6713)
From 95 petitioners—requesting the creation of a circular economy for lead
(EN6714)
From 44 petitioners—requesting a referendum to add free speech protections into the Australian Constitution (EN6715)
From 14 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to the Australian Broadcasting Commission (EN6716)
From 1314 petitioners—requesting that the private health insurance rebate for Bowen Therapy be reinstated (EN6717)
From 3 petitioners—requesting an exemption to the Fringe Benefit Tax limit for employees of small businesses (EN6725)
From 54 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to the policies, operations and structure of Uber (EN6728)
From 137 petitioners—requesting protection from vexatious litigation for victims of family and domestic violence (EN6729)
From 432 petitioners—requesting an increase to the Child Care Subsidy for families of children with disabilities (EN6731)
From 78 petitioners—regarding concerns related to visa processing timeframes (EN6732)
From 9 petitioners—regarding concerns related to the closure of the 3G cellular network (EN6733)
From 9 petitioners—regarding concerns related to the speed and reliability of the National Broadband Network (EN6734)
From 36 petitioners—requesting that public hospitals be required to offer abortion services if they receive Commonwealth funding (EN6735)
From 2 petitioners—requesting English language tests be waived for permanent residency applicants who have studied in Australia (EN6738)
From 22 petitioners—requesting support for people employed to mine cobalt in Congo (EN6739)
From 11 petitioners—requesting an investigation into a decision preventing students with short-stature from competing in certain school sports (EN6741)
From 62 petitioners—requesting the establishment of a Federal Judicial Commission (EN6746)
From 92 petitioners—requesting that the medication semaglutide be included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (EN6747)
From 11 petitioners—requesting regulations relating to the financial assets of parliamentarians (EN6749)
From 231 petitioners—requesting reforms to the way that child support payments are calculated (EN6752)
From 12 petitioners—requesting changes to compound interest charged by money lenders (EN6753)
From 57 petitioners—requesting the establishment of an endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in Newcastle, New South Wales (EN6754)
From 11 petitioners—requesting an automated system for tax returns for individuals (EN6755)
From 30 petitioners—requesting standardised legislation to compensate individuals who have been found to have been wrongfully imprisoned (EN6757)
From 28 petitioners—regarding the use of cash in the Australian economy
(EN6759)
From 19 petitioners—requesting legislation to declassify government records relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena (EN6761)
From 16 petitioners—requesting an increase to the Parenting Payment for widowed parents (EN6763)
From 19 petitioners—requesting access to the Parenting Payment for citizens of New Zealand residing in Australia (EN6773)
From 4 petitioners—requesting that Australia join China's Belt and Road Initiative (EN6774)
From 73 petitioners—requesting the inclusion of Yazidi language, religion and ethnicity as distinct categories in the 2026 Australian Census (EN6775)
From 18 petitioners—regarding mutual obligation requirements for the JobSeeker Payment (EN6776)
From 287 petitioners—requesting exemptions to changes made to age limits for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) applicants (EN6778)
From 276 petitioners—requesting assistance to locate a light aircraft missing since 1981 (EN6781)
From 1449 petitioners—requesting the reversal of changes made to the interpretation of the reduced input tax credit (EN6786)
From 18 petitioners—regarding restrictions on the sale of non-prescription pharmaceuticals (EN6787)
From 26 petitioners—regarding consumer rights relating to the purchase of digital content (EN6788)
From 38 petitioners—regarding concerns related to free speech (EN6789)
From 28 petitioners—regarding concerns related to the operation of the National Redress Scheme (EN6790)
From 106 petitioners—requesting mandatory labelling of palm oil on products sold in Australia (EN6792)
From 64 petitioners—requesting the reversal of the Minister for Home Affairs' decision to cancel a visa (EN6799)
From 2169 petitioners—requesting improvements to the accessibility and affordability of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder assessments (EN6801)
From 23 petitioners—regarding the Commissioner of the National Anti- Corruption Commission (EN6802)
Petitions certified on 20 November 2024
From 7 petitioners—requesting support to address the civil conflict in Myanmar (EN6806)
From 69 petitioners—requesting that the Australian Government seek the suspension of Israel from the United Nations General Assembly (EN6808)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the adoption the Rich Communications Services protocol standard for mobile devices (EN6811)
From 6 petitioners—regarding the dissolution of marriages (EN6814)
From 19 petitioners—regarding the President of the United States (EN6816)
From 297 petitioners—requesting regulations to prevent foreign embassies and consulates from using religious places for official purposes (EN6817)
From 6 petitioners—regarding concerns related to bias and fairness in the media (EN6819)
From 5 petitioners—requesting support for students returning to higher education (EN6820)
From 14 petitioners—requesting sanctions on Iran (EN6821)
From 276 petitioners—requesting support to address perinatal and infant loss (EN6822)
From 1857 petitioners—requesting that remedial massage therapists be recognised as National Disability Insurance Scheme providers (EN6823)
From 440 petitioners—requesting a tax offset for dental fees (EN6825)
From 13 petitioners—regarding the Australian Ambassador to the United States (EN6826)
From 3 petitioners—requesting changes to the classification system for videogames (EN6828)
From 28 petitioners—regarding the alliance between Australia and the United States (EN6830)
From 117 petitioners—regarding Australia's obligations relating to international humanitarian law (EN6831)
From 20 petitioners—regarding concerns related to social media age restrictions (EN6832)
From 1 petitioner—requesting that the Australian National Anthem be changed (EN6833)
From 28 petitioners—regarding the President of the United States (EN6834)
From 28 petitioners—regarding the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 (EN6835)
From 27 petitioners—regarding concerns related to social media age restrictions (EN6836)
From 92 petitioners—regarding concerns related to social media age restrictions (EN6838)
From 31 petitioners—regarding concerns related to the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 (EN6839)
From 56 petitioners—regarding concerns related to social media age restrictions (EN6840)
From 2 petitioners—regarding the repayment of university fees (EN6845)
From 1 petitioner—regarding conditions for recipients of Centrelink payments (EN6846)
From 10 petitioners—requesting the abolition of junior pay rates (EN6847)
From 3 petitioners—requesting the equitable treatment of visa applications
(EN6851)
From 46 petitioners—regarding the Australian Ambassador to the United States (EN6852)
From 588 petitioners—regarding concerns related to social media age restrictions (EN6856)
Petitions certified on 27 November 2024
From 62 petitioners—requesting changes to employment conditions for casual workers (EN6860)
From 324 petitioners—requesting support to protect domestic rabbits from calicivirus (EN6862)
From 7 petitioners—requesting that Rex Airlines be nationalised (EN6865)
From 5 petitioners—requesting support for family reunifications (EN6871)
From 435 petitioners—requesting support and funding for maternity health services in rural Australia (EN6873)
From 268 petitioners—requesting the establishment of an independent commission to oversee the private health system (EN6877)
From 92 petitioners—requesting action against manufacturers of vaping products (EN6879)
From 19 petitioners—regarding concerns relating to the Net Zero Plan
(EN6880)
From 15 petitioners—requesting changes to the income test for recipients of the Age Pension (EN6881)
From 26 petitioners—requesting free access to universal healthcare for people residing in Australia (EN6882)
From 56 petitioners—requesting support for the inclusion of freedom of speech and freedom of the press in the Australian Constitution (EN6888)
From 223 petitioners—regarding concerns related to social media age restrictions (EN6889)
Petitions certified on 5 February 2025
From 1805 petitioners—requesting that the Artarmon Post Office be relocated to an alternative local site (PN0632)
2. The following 58 ministerial responses to petitions were received.
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 22 January 2025
From the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to a petition requesting mandatory vehicle emissions standards (EN4208)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting homeowners be allowed to install data cabling (EN4318)
From the Minister for Education to a petition regarding fee changes to higher education psychology courses (EN5045)
From the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to a petition requesting that synthetic meat be banned in Australia (EN5162)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting the removal of the automatic indexation of excise duty rates for commercially produced alcohol (EN5368)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding an allegation of poisoning in China (EN5916)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding caps to Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476) applications (EN5942)
From the Minister for Education to a petition requesting the cessation of unpaid clinical placements and further financial support for healthcare students (EN5988)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting the rejection of the Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (EN6091)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting the removal of the Capstone exam for prospective Registered Migration Agents (EN6250)
From the Minister for Home Affairs to a petition regarding the alleged activities and influence of the Bhartiya Janata Party within Australia (EN6377)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting the harmonisation of laws relating to protection orders and changes to the way in which domestic violence cases are handled (EN6395)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting an onshore application process for Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 870) extensions (EN6420)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting the appointment of a Minister for Men and Boys (EN6428)
From the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister to a petition requesting the appointment of a Minister for Older Australians (EN6454)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting a reduction in processing times for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) applications (EN6456)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the medical requirements for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) applications (EN6463)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting that the indexation of study fee debts be ceased (EN6508)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting a reduction in processing times for Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) applications (EN6518)
From the Special Minister of State to a petition requesting legislation to prohibit misinformation in political advertising and communications (EN6530)
From the Minister the Environment and Water to a petition requesting that funding be provided to veterinary hospitals and practices for wildlife care (EN6532)
From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding concerns about false allegations of domestic violence (EN6536)
From the Minister for Finance to a petition regarding concerns related to the
Digital ID Act 2024 (EN6548)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the detention of Professor Abduljalil Al-Singace in Bahrain (EN6557)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic (EN6578)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting official recognition of Women, Life, Freedom Day (EN6581)
From the Minister for Youth to a petition requesting the establishment of a national day to allow young people to meet Australian leaders (EN6599)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs requesting permanent residency for Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers (EN6613)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting an increase to the number of mental health sessions covered by Medicare (EN6614)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition requesting a National Rural Health Strategy and increased support for rural health services (EN6617)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs requesting a reduction in the costs and processing times for Parent visas (EN6630)
From the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to a petition requesting that psoriatic arthritis be included as a recognised condition in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (EN6645)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition regarding the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 (EN6661)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting legislation to protect human rights (EN6666)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting a reduction in processing times for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) applications (EN6687)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting support to address human rights concerns in Bangladesh (EN6691)
From the Minister for the Environment and Water to a petition requesting support to maintain a navigable channel for vessels on the Murray River (EN6692)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners in China (PN0605)
From the Minister for Communications to a petition requesting Australia Post to retain the Spit Junction Post Office in Mosman, New South Wales (PN0623)
Ministerial responses received by the Committee on 5 February 2025
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding the processing times of visa applications in the Amman Office (EN5547)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting the removal of the goods and services tax on residential electricity (EN5580)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting that it be made illegal for businesses to not accept cash (EN5640)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting the removal of the goods and services tax on exercise physiology services (EN5674)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting the removal of the goods and services tax from exercise physiology services (EN5701)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding processing times for Partner visa (subclass 309) applications in Amman, Jordan (EN5750)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting the removal of the goods and services tax on exercise physiology services (EN5850)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting that cash remain legal tender
(EN5960)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition regarding Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa applicants (EN6116)
From the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to a petition requesting a transition period for people affected by changes to age limits for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) (EN6198)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition regarding arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for the Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Israel (EN6288)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting that increases to the alcohol excise be ceased (EN6504)
From the Minister for Sport to a petition requesting that equal prize money in sport be mandated (EN6567)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting sanctions on Israel (EN6585)
From the Treasurer to a petition requesting an inquiry into the strata management industry (EN6638)
From the Minister for Foreign Affairs to a petition requesting action to address the conflict in Gaza (EN6653)
From the Attorney-General to a petition regarding concerns related to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the findings of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme (EN6670)
From the Minister for Health and Aged Care to a petition regarding the cost and accessibility of medicinal cannabis through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PN0624)
From the Attorney-General to a petition requesting that all chocolate sold in Australia is free from child labour (PN0626)
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Chair—Petitions Committee
Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025
That this bill be now read a second time.
National Land Transport Act Amendment (Better Value for Taxpayers) Bill 2025
That this bill be now read a second time.
Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill 2025
That this bill be now read a second time.
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Know Your Losses Activity Statement) Bill 2025
That this bill be now read a second time.
Australians outspend the citizens of every other country on online gambling. This is wreaking havoc on our communities.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) it has been almost three years since the Government was elected and the cost of child care has increased by a whopping 22.3 per cent;
(b) since the Government introduced its cheaper childcare policy, out of pocket costs for families have sky rocketed by 12.7 per cent;
(c) almost 30 per cent of child care services are charging over the hourly rate cap under the current Government, compared to 21 per cent under the previous Government; and
(d) this is just another broken promise from the Government, that continues to leave Australian families behind; and
(2) calls on the Government to deliver:
(a) more access to early childhood education and care places to support Australians to return to the workforce; and
(b) real cost of living relief to families.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Government is building Australia's future by building a stronger Medicare with:
(a) free Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, so that you and your family have access to bulk billed health care when you need it;
(b) cheaper medicines, cutting the cost of prescriptions; and
(c) the largest investment in bulk billing in Medicare history, which is restoring bulk billing after ten years of cuts and neglect;
(2) expresses its concern at the Leader of the Opposition's record as Health Minister when he:
(a) tried to end bulk billing by making patients pay a tax every time they see a General Practitioner;
(b) cut $50 billion from public hospitals; and
(c) was voted worst Health Minister in the history of Medicare by Australian doctors; and
(3) further acknowledges only the Government can be trusted to protect and strengthen Medicare.
This morning, we woke to a nasty surprise on Abigail's back—a suspected spider bite had turned really nasty and infected.
We weren't able to get into our usual medical practice so presented to the new UCC in Umina.
Well it was smooth, efficient and so very professional.
The abscess needed draining and the Dr and Nurse who sore to her were just fantastic—this is a game changer for medical care on the peninsular, we're grateful this service was available to us.
The Umina Urgent Care Clinic is an invaluable resource for our community.
I recently took my nine-month-old daughter there when she was unwell, and the experience was incredibly smooth and stress free.
I was triaged quickly and seen by a doctor right away, which saved me from a trip to the Gosford Hospital Emergency Department.
The visit was also covered by Medicare, which was a huge relief.
The staff, including both nurses and doctors, were highly professional, providing excellent care for my daughter, offering reassurance, and giving clear options for any follow-up care if needed.
That this House:
(1) notes that billionaires and big corporations have too much power over our democracy; and
(2) calls on the Government to tax billionaires and big corporations to fund the cost of living relief that Australians need, including:
(a) covering dental and mental health under Medicare;
(b) making sure everyone can see the GP for free;
(c) building housing people can actually afford; and
(d) wiping student debt.
Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2025
AusCheck Amendment (Global Entry Program) Bill 2025
That this bill be now read a second time.
That notice No. 1, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
That the House take note of the report.
The Committee recommends that the Australian Government increase the frequency of its inspections of other Antarctic Treaty Parties' Antarctic stations over 2025-26 and beyond.
The Australian Government should consider other methods of inspection such as satellite imagery and drone use.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Bill 2024
The House divided. [12:54]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (at the end of the table), add:
(2) Page 6 (after line 25), at the end of the Bill, add:
Schedule 4 — $20,000 instant asset write-off for small business entities
Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997
1 Section 328-180 (heading)
Omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
2 Subsection 328-180(1) (paragraph (b) of the definition of increased access year )
Omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
3 Paragraph 328-180(4)(d)
Omit "30 June 2024" (wherever occurring), substitute "30 June 2025".
4 Subparagraphs 328-180(5)(e)(ii) and (6)(e)(ii)
Omit "30 June 2024", substitute "30 June 2025".
(1) Amendment (2), omit "$20,000 instant", substitute "Instant".
(2) Amendment (2), items 1 to 4, omit the items, substitute:
1 Section 328-180 (heading)
Omit "to30 June 2024".
2 Subsection 328-180(1) (definition of increased access year )
Repeal the definition, substitute:
increased access year : an income year is anincreased access year if any day in the year occurs on or after 12 May 2015.
3 Paragraph 328-180(4)(d)
Omit "$20,000", substitute "$30,000".
4 Paragraph 328-180(4)(d)
Omit "and on or before 30 June 2024" (wherever occurring).
5 Paragraph 328-180(5)(e)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
(e) were a reference to $30,000, if the amount is so included at any time on or after 1 July 2023.
6 Paragraph 328-180(6)(e)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute:
(e) were a reference to $30,000, in relation to a deduction for an income year than ends on or after 1 July 2023.
The House divided. [13:13]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Amendment (2), omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(2) Amendment (2), items 1 to 2, omit the items, substitute:
1 Section 328-180 (heading)
Omit "to30 June 2024".
2 Subsection 328-180(1) (definition of increased access year )
Repeal the definition, substitute:
increased access year : an income year is anincreased access year if any day in the year occurs on or after 12 May 2015.
(3) Amendment (2), after item 2, insert:
2A Paragraph 328-180(4)(d)
Omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(4) Amendment (2), omit item 3, substitute:
3 Paragraph 328-180(4)(d)
Omit "and on or before 30 June 2024" (wherever occurring).
(5) Amendment (2), after item 3, insert:
3A Paragraphs 328-180(5)(e) and (6)(e)
Omit "$20,000", substitute "$50,000".
(6) Amendment (2), omit item 4, substitute:
4 Paragraph 328-180(5)(e)
Omit all the words after "if the amount", substitute "is so included at any time on or after 1 July 2023.".
5 Paragraph 328-180(6)(e)
Omit all the words after "for an income year", substitute "that ends on or after 1 July 2023.".
Labor's opposition to mandatory sentencing is well known.
Labor's opposition to mandatory sentencing is no secret. It is spelled out in our national platform …
… let me be clear: we do not support … mandatory sentencing …
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided. [14:36]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
… there ain't but two sides in this world—them that work and them that don't.
Life is merely froth and bubble,
Two things stand in stone,
KINDNESS in another's trouble,
COURAGE in your own …
We consider it a moral obligation of the fit to look after the sick, of the young to look after the old, and of the rich to look after the poor.
I wish to remind all Australians that the price of harmony is hard work. Each and every one of us must be eternally vigilant when it comes to community relations. We must knock on all our neighbours' doors and offer a helping hand. We must build understanding, trust and friendship, irrespective of race, religion, age or political beliefs.
My land is bare of chattering folk;
The clouds are low along the ridges,
And sweet's the air with curly smoke
From all my burning bridges.
Multiculturalism is one of the modern foundations of our nation. It is one of our proudest achievements. Nowhere is this more evident than in the electorate of Calwell where two-thirds of residents are either first or second generation Australians.
Multiculturism provides the framework through which to plan for successful settlement that promotes integration and leads to fuller participation in the wider community and society. It also recognises that freedom to maintain one's cultural and linguistic inheritance is an important factor in developing a confident sense of self and a sense of belonging.
I want to be a voice for rational policymaking which recognises some basic realities—the reality that we are a small country in a large world which does not owe us a living; the reality that the prosperity we enjoy today is not guaranteed but needs continual work; the reality that our prosperity depends much more on the efforts of the private sector than the public sector; …
… government should be open to public scrutiny … elected representatives should enable people to not only participate in all decisions … but ultimately find ways to have people make decisions for themselves … a decision taken by the public as a whole will be right more often than decisions taken by an elite group …
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Incentives and Integrity) Bill 2024
The House divided. [18:13]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
(1) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 2), omit "Schedules 1 and 2", substitute "Schedule 1".
(3) Schedule 2, page 5 (lines 1 to 15), omit the Schedule.
The House divided. [18:23]
(The Speaker—Hon. Milton Dick)
Customs Amendment (Expedited Seizure and Disposal of Engineered Stone) Bill 2024
No matter where you were in the plant you would be exposed to dust. It would be all over your clothes and skin.
I fear this will affect my life and my family's life and I am angry. I should never have been exposed to this disease.
Every month and year we delay, more workers will be exposed to the risk of deadly silicosis. No shiny benchtop is worth that.
Every month and year we delay, more workers will be exposed to the risk of deadly silicosis. No shiny benchtop is worth that.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms Scrymgour ) took the chair at 10:30.
The first thing we'll do is sack those 36,000 public servants …
That this House:
(1) notes that 1,300 lives were lost on Australian roads in 2024;
(2) recognises that:
(a) this is the highest road toll since 2012; and
(b) the national road toll has risen each of the past four years, a situation not seen since 1966, or before the introduction of compulsory seat belts;
(3) acknowledges that the annual fatality rate per 100,000 head of population is now 4.8, well over double the National Road Safety target of 2.0; and
(4) calls on the Government to take action on the road safety crisis that is now killing more than 100 Australians every month and hospitalising 100 Australians every day.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Government has created more than a million jobs;
(2) commends the Government for standing up for Western Australia and for recognising that Western Australia is the engine room of the economy;
(3) recognises that production tax credits for critical minerals will encourage critical mineral processing in Western Australia and create secure jobs in the resources sector; and
(4) calls on the Opposition to support the production tax credits instead of blocking jobs and investment in Western Australia.
Passage of the legislation would set an important investment signal for further value adding activities and provide certainty to industry.
Passage of the legislation would set an important investment signal for further value adding activities and provide certainty to industry.
It uses carrots, not sticks, to encourage decarbonisation.
It delivers tax credits once a project is up and running rather than up front subsidies—which is good for taxpayers.
And it focuses on reducing carbon, rather than picking winners …
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the:
(a) disgraceful rural doctor shortage crisis unfolding across rural Australia; and
(b) devastating impacts this crisis is having on the health of country Australians; and
(2) resolves to:
(a) take urgent action to end the crisis and get more doctors practising in rural, regional and remote communities; and
(b) deliver equality in access to doctors and medical services to country residents and country communities.
It is at a crisis level. It's a disaster for the patients of Mudgee and the surrounding regions.
Well, my end might be coming a bit quicker.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to supporting apprentices and addressing the skills shortage which was left unaddressed by the previous Government;
(2) notes the failure of the previous Government to adequately support trade apprentices, instead diverting taxpayer funds to big business, including:
(a) $72 million to McDonald's, which posted record profits of $360 million in 2022-23;
(b) $28.3 million to Grill'd, despite its profits surging by 700 per cent, hitting $15.8 million in 2020-21; and
(c) $1.6 million to a Domino's franchisee in South Australia, which was later banned from employing apprentices due to a failure to meet training obligations;
(3) commends the Government for prioritising trade apprentices through new initiatives, including:
(a) introducing the Housing Construction Apprenticeship Program, providing $10,000 incentive payments for apprentices in key residential construction trades; and
(b) increasing the allowance for apprentices living away from home, the first increase in more than 20 years; and
(4) supports these measures as vital steps towards building a skilled, sustainable workforce.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the Order of Australia is the highest national honour awarded to Australian citizens for outstanding contributions to our country or humanity at large;
(2) recognises that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Australia's honours system;
(3) notes that since being established by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1975, there have been 47,869 recipients of awards in the Order of Australia;
(4) further recognises and celebrates the 732 Australia Day 2025 award recipients, including 457 awards in the General Division of the Order of Australia for meritorious, distinguished and conspicuous service;
(5) further acknowledges community members recognised through Australia Day 2025 Local Citizen of the Year awards; and
(6) congratulates all the recipients of awards on Australia Day 2025.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) it has been almost three years since the Government was elected and the cost of child care has increased by a whopping 22.3 per cent;
(b) since the Government introduced its cheaper childcare policy, out of pocket costs for families have sky rocketed by 12.7 per cent;
(c) almost 30 per cent of child care services are charging over the hourly rate cap under the current Government, compared to 21 per cent under the previous Government; and
(d) this is just another broken promise from the Government, that continues to leave Australian families behind; and
(2) calls on the Government to deliver:
(a) more access to early childhood education and care places to support Australians to return to the workforce; and
(b) real cost of living relief to families.
That this House:
(1) notes that the Government has been delivering for Australian farmers and producers, helping our nearly $100 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors continue to grow;
(2) acknowledges the Government has:
(a) recorded 169 market access achievements since July 2022, including:
(i) 22 new markets opened;
(ii) 66 improvements to reduce cost or requirements to export;
(iii) 72 achievements to maintain access in the face of threats to trade; and
(iv) nine achievements to restore access that was previously lost; and
(b) invested over $1 billion to ensure our biosecurity system is sustainable long term, ensuring our world-class system stays that way;
(3) further notes the dire state that our agriculture workforce was in under the previous Government, and acknowledges the work the Government has done to fix these issues, including:
(a) establishing the tripartite Agricultural Workforce Working Group and starting up the Agriculture Labour Taskforce; and
(b) working with stakeholders to deliver a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme that is beneficial and safe for workers, which has grown from around 8,000 workers in March 2020 to over 27,000 at the end of 2024; and
(4) notes the Opposition's inaction on climate change reduced farm profitability, and acknowledges that the Government is investing in a sustainable agriculture sector by:
(a) delivering the first ever joint Agriculture Ministers' Statement on Climate Change;
(b) developing the first Agriculture and Land Sector Plan to chart the path for the industry to actively contribute to net-zero by 2050;
(c) investing $1.1 billion in the current round of the Natural Heritage Trust, including $302.1 million in climate-smart agriculture programs;
(d) investing $63.8 million to support the sector to act on climate and reduce emissions;
(e) committing $519.1 million over the next four years from the Future Drought Fund to ensure programs promote long-term drought and climate resilience; and
(f) ensuring our forestry industry remains sustainable, expanding our plantation estate and continuing support for our native forestry sector, in addition to supporting innovation and advanced manufacturing for wood products.
… notes that the Government has been delivering for Australian farmers …
That this House:
(1) notes that bushfires have ravaged the Grampians National Park and associated tourist destinations including Halls Gap, Pomonal and Dunkeld in February 2024 and over Christmas 2024, the latter being a critical annual income period for small businesses in the region;
(2) acknowledges that to protect lives and property, access to towns and tourist sites like Halls Gap was closed in some cases for weeks, depriving them of tourist visitors;
(3) further notes that:
(a) businesses have expressed concern that they have been unable to afford, or even access, insurance against bushfire risk notwithstanding that in Halls Gap's case, the town has never itself been struck by bushfire;
(b) the region was struck again over the 2025 Australia Day public holiday weekend with further fires in the Little Desert National Park at times threatening Dimboola, which led to further park closures and tourists deterred from remaining in the region; and
(c) fires that started over the 2025 Australia Day public holiday weekend have continued to burn in the southern part of the Grampians National Park into February 2025;
(4) commends the bravery, commitment and selflessness of Country Fire Authority services and volunteers, farmers, landholders and community members to protect life and property, fighting and containing the fires; and
(5) calls upon:
(a) all levels of Government to prioritise opening and maintaining access to as much of the Grampians as possible to maximise the social and economic health of the region;
(b) State Governments to:
(i) provide maximum transparency on the bushfire mitigation efforts they undertake, to assist insurers in determining reasonable insurance premiums; and
(ii) fast-track their processes for seeking Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement assistance from the Commonwealth including Category D support for small businesses affected by fire disaster related closures;
(c) the Commonwealth Government to take immediate steps to ensure bushfire insurance is affordable and accessible; and
(d) the Commonwealth and Victorian State Governments to implement a marketing strategy to encourage all Australians to consider travelling to the Grampians as soon as possible to support an internationally renowned attraction and the communities that depend on tourism for their survival.
That this House:
(1) notes that the Government is delivering:
(a) cheaper child care and boosting wages for early childhood educators;
(b) record needs-based funding for schools across the country;
(c) free TAFE;
(d) more opportunities for more Australians from the outer-suburbs and the bush to go to university; and
(e) student debt relief; and
(2) acknowledges that investing in the education and skills of young Australians is a key component of building Australia's future.
That this House:
(1) condemns the Government for failing to address the critical issue of classroom disruption in Australian schools which is severely impacting the learning outcomes of Australian students as well as forcing teachers to leave the profession in droves; and
(2) notes:
(a) that despite the escalating levels of classroom disruption and even violence in many classrooms, the Government has failed to respond to the Senate inquiry report by the Education and Employment Reference Committee into the issue of increasing disruption in Australian school classrooms;
(b) the declining ranking of Australia in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) disciplinary climate index, making Australian classrooms amongst the world's most disorderly;
(c) the impacts, demands and experience of disorderly classrooms on teacher safety, work satisfaction and workforce retention;
(d) the impact of disorderly, poorly disciplined classroom environments and school practices on students' learning, compared with their peers in more disciplined classrooms; and
(e) how leading OECD countries with the highest disciplinary climate index rankings can provide valuable lessons on reducing distraction and disorder in Australian classrooms.
The committee recommends that the National School Reform Agreement Ministerial Reference Group consider including strategies for addressing disruptive classroom behaviour as one of the priorities for the next National School Reform Agreement.
The committee recommends that government and non-government education authorities are required to invest in the professional development of teachers, so that they are supported by the latest evidence-based teaching skills to manage classroom behaviour.