The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. John Hogg) took the chair at 09:30, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
Steel Transformation Plan Bill 2011
The negotiation of the Steel Transformation Plan did come out of the discussions we've had with the steel companies for months now over the carbon price issue.
For far too long public debate in Australia has failed to nourish or inspire us.
The end result of this political cycle is a weary people who no longer believe what politicians say and who think the politicians saying it do not ... believe it themselves.
… the Government will introduce a Steel Transformation Plan which will deliver assistance worth up to $300 million over five years—
to encourage investment and innovation in the Australian steel manufacturing industry.
The Steel Transformation Plan will provide assistance of $300 million over five years.
... nor shall the Commonwealth impose any tax on property of any kind belonging to a State.
… small business will see some flow through in things like electricity prices …
What small businesses will be able to do is pass those costs on to consumers …
That the amendment (Senator Milne's) be agreed to.
That this bill be now read a second time.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency Bill 2011
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2011
The only thing certain about Australia’s solar policy is uncertainty. That’s the key lesson from the last five years of solar policy at a national level. Whether it’s residential solar or large-scale solar, the ground has constantly shifted for the solar industry.
The Photovoltaic Rebate Program began in 2000, offering rebates of up to $4000 for solar panels on homes. This resulted in some 7000 homes installing solar panels … In May 2007, the then Environment Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, announced a doubling of the rebate to $8000—
the Rudd/Gillard Government argued it drove a massive budget overrun of more than $850 million. In May 2008, the Rudd Government restricted the $8000 rebates to households earning less than $100,000 and in June 2009, the Rudd Government’s Solar Homes and Communities Plan was abruptly stopped and replaced by a new Solar Credits Scheme.
We want to be one of the top 10 clean-energy regions in Australia.
There's a wave energy pilot project set to begin in December, a rare earth minerals processing plant—providing metals used in modern technologies such as hybrid cars and iPods—also set to begin construction this year, well-advanced plans for a large-scale solar project and a study showing the region has the potential to provide big amounts of wind power.
Mr Cant said companies including Pacific Hydro, Orica and Origin Energy had bought land in the area and put up monitoring systems in preparation for possible wind-power investments and the region intended to apply to the federal government's clean energy fund for a high-voltage transmission line to connect the proposed projects to the national electricity network.
As an asthmatic I choose not to broom concrete and asbestos dust into my lungs when I renovate. I use a vacuum. In this environment, there is no control over dust and an expectation that you will work in it and then remove your mask to talk on camera.
All our houses were professionally assessed, all asbestos was clearly noted and The Renovators had to include licensed asbestos removal in their plans and costs. Our rules state clearly that no contestant is to handle or remove asbestos.
… interstate freight between Sydney and Brisbane is predicted to almost triple by 2029, with 80 per cent of this growth destined to be carried by trucks using the Pacific Highway …
Allah, oh our Lord, vanquish Your enemies, enemies of the religion [Islam] in all places.
Allah, strike the Jews and their sympathizers,
the Christians and their supporters,
the Communists and their adherents.
Allah, count them and kill them to the last one, and don't leave even one.
… a condition of the tender is that the ABC not discuss the nature of the tender and our work at the moment.
There has been no formal discussion with DFAT since the tender document was submitted. There was a session in April where tenderers could make a presentation. We did that, but there has been no formal communication from that point.
I think the ABC has made a fine bid, but other than my opinion I am not involved in the process.
A decision still has to be made in terms of the preferred tenderer.
… a number of representatives across different parts of government.
… was chaired by someone from outside government.
… has not yet been advised of the recommendation of the tender board.
I think the ABC has made a fine bid ...
... our staff would be keen for the resolution of the tender process, and we await news.
... the first reports concerning the details of the tender process contained significant inaccuracies, which did not justify a referral to the AFP for investigation.
Will it cut Australia's greenhouse gas emissions?—
Yes it will. The minimum amount of emissions reductions achieved in the year 2020 will be 160 million tonnes.
In Australia, that's correct, …
Your announcement sends a strong and clear signal that Australia is determined to make its contribution to addressing this challenge and it will add momentum to those in both the developed and the developing world.
Your action will add momentum to those, in both the developed and developing world, who are serious about dealing with this urgent threat.
We believe, in the UK government, that climate change presents one of this century’s major international challenges in terms of security and peace in the world …
… … …
We believe the most successful economies of the future will be built on low carbon growth …
This is a historic moment. Australia's Parliament has put the nation's first carbon price into law … As the world’s leading coal exporter, there's no doubt that opposition to this legislation was fierce. But through determination and commitment, the voice of the people of Australia has rung out loud and clear.
The government will now consider the full range of options for the awarding of this contract and will make a decision no later than March next year.
The government will now consider the full range of options for the awarding of this contract and will make a decision no later than March next year.
Senator Chris Evans
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations
Wednesday 9 November
Response to Question from Senator Brown at Senate Question Time, Thursday 3 November
Senator Brown asked:
How many primary schools do not have specialist music teaching and what are the disadvantages attached to that lack? I ask the minister if he would find out how many primary state schools there are that do not have specialist music educators and which ones they are.
Response
Question
How many specialist music schools are there in Australia?
Response
The Australian Government does not hold data on the number of specialist music schools. While a number of states and territories run specialist music schools, the allocation of resources to support special programs, including specialist music schools, is a matter for state and territory education authorities.
Question
What are the advantages of an early childhood education in music in terms of the outcomes of education at the other end of schooling?
Response
There is considerable evidence that active participation in music education has an effect on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people.
Evidence for a causal relationship between music training and changes in the brain is provided from longitudinal studies of both children and adults learning music.
While it is never too late to acquire music skills, research suggests that earlier training is likely to be most effective in influencing the development of the brain and behaviour.
The Government recognises the importance of music education in schools and supports an arts-rich education for all students. Development of an Australian Curriculum for the arts is part of a second phase of work being undertaken by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority and will promote a nationally consistent approach and high quality teaching and learning of music in all of Australia's primary schools.
An initial paper on the Shape of the Australian Curriculum: the Arts was released on 26 August 2011. The Shape paper sets out the intention for all students to experience and study each of the five arts subjects including music from Foundation to the end of primary school.
The Australian Curriculum is aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and builds on its key learning outcomes. In the Early Years Framework, literacy includes a range of modes of communication including music movement, dance, storytelling, visual arts, media and drama, as well as talking, reading and writing.
Further response to question from Senator Rhiannon of 8 November 2011
I am advised that the Victorian government has proposed variations to the 'Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007'.
Proposed variations are in the public domain for consultation with submissions invited on the proposed variations from the public through until 1 February 2012.
The Victorian government have stated:
Under the Regional Forest Agreements in Victoria there is a requirement for the management of forests under Victorias accredited forest management system which includes the Code of Practice for Timber Production and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998.The Code of Practice for Timber Production is expected to be reviewed on a regular basis. The Victorian government states that "The objective of the variations is to achieve a better balance between the protection of threatened species and sustainable timber production from public native forests."
I understand that the Victorian government plans to undertake a series of surveys inside national parks.
The Victorian Government is establishing a process for threatened species surveys that will better inform Victoria's sustainable forest management framework and conserve threatened flora and fauna at a species and landscape level.
I am advised that the approach will properly recognise the role played by Victoria's 4 million hectares of National Parks and conservation reserves and enhance the Victorian governments' knowledge of threatened species distribution.
That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (Senator Conroy) to a question without notice asked by Senator Birmingham today relating to the Australia Network tender process.
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Rural Affairs and Transport References Committee on the live export trade, and the Live Animal Export (Slaughter) Prohibition Bill 2011 [No. 2] and the Live Animal Export Restriction and Prohibition Bill 2011 [No. 2] be extended to 23 November 2011.
That leave of absence be granted to the following senators:
(a) Senator Ryan for 9 November and 10 November 2011, for personal reasons; and
(b) Senator Nash for 10 November 2011, for personal reasons.
That leave of absence be granted to Senator Ludwig on 10 November 2011, on account of parliamentary business.
That the Senate—
(a) recognises:
(i) the success of the Youth in Communities (YIC) measure which has led to improved school attendance, reduced substance misuse and reduced involvement in the criminal justice system amongst other positive outcomes for youth in central Australia, as recently identified by Courage Partners in their report on YIC service provider survey findings, and
(ii) the value of youth development services and the high risk status of remote Indigenous youth; and
(b) encourages the Government to:
(i) commit to longer term funding for youth services and associated programs,
(ii) urgently commit to continuing the community based aspects of the YIC measure beyond its current expiry date of June 2012, so that services can retain community based staff rather than losing them in the lead up to the cessation of funding in June, and
(iii) carry out a gap analysis to assist program expansion, with a view to extending appropriate youth services to youth in all Northern Territory communities who currently miss out on youth services.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, no later than noon on Thursday, 10 November 2011, all recommendations provided by the Australia Network tender assessment panel to the responsible minister or responsible departmental secretary since the commencement of the tender, the original advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding how the Australia Network contract should be awarded and the legal advice referred to by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy in question time on Tuesday, 8 November 2011.
That the Community Affairs References Committee be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate on Wednesday, 9 November 2011, from 5 pm.
That the Senate notes:
(a) that no coal seam gas development should proceed where it poses a significant impact on the quality of groundwater or surface water systems; and
(b) it must be absolutely clear that no coal seam gas development should occur unless it is proven safe for the environment.
That the Senate—
(a) notes the unique biodiversity and natural heritage of the Coral Sea that is home to the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle and endangered green turtle;
(b) recognises that 2012 will be the 70th anniversary of the historically important Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942 that changed the face of World War II; and
(c) calls on the Government to declare the Coral Sea the world's largest marine national park.
That the motion (Senator Bob Brown's) be agreed to.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the technical and further education (TAFE) system, as the dominant provider of vocational education and training (VET) since its inception, has improved Australian skill levels with important assistance provided to Indigenous and other disadvantaged communities,
(ii) while TAFE is the key component of VET, its base funding is diminishing, and
(iii) a report by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research found that a 6 per cent funding increase did not match a 12 per cent increase in training and course delivery costs; and
(b) calls on the Government to:
(i) work to address the skills shortages by securing public funding for TAFE,
(ii) rule out supporting a Higher Education Contribution Scheme-style university loans scheme for TAFE students,
(iii) increase TAFE funding so it can continue to offer a broad range of high quality, diverse programs for all the community, and
(iv) ensure the Ministerial Council of Tertiary Education and Employment commissions a review of VET since the competition policy was introduced.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) National Recycling Week runs from 7 November to 13 November 2011,
(ii) Australians use more than 12 billion drink containers every year – 1.4 million per hour – fewer than half of which are recycled,
(iii) a July 2010 study commissioned by the Government found that a container deposit scheme (CDS) with a 10 cent deposit on beverage containers would increase recycling to more than 80 per cent and reduce overall litter volume by 19 per cent,
(iv) South Australia has operated a successful CDS since 1977,
(v) the Northern Territory has adopted a CDS to commence in 2012, and
(vi) the Australian Labor Party in Western Australia has adopted the Australian Greens' model CDS bill for that state; and
(b) calls on the Government to immediately adopt a national CDS.
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent me moving a motion relating to the conduct of the business of the Senate, namely a motion to give precedence to general business notice of motion no. 549.
… notes that:
… after the final vote on the … bills, Senator Heffernan crossed the chamber to stand in front of the crossbenches and the Australian Greens’ senators …
… this action obscured vision of cameras and the press gallery observing the proceedings for the Australian public; …
… on Senator Heffernan and his colleagues—
to reflect on this … behaviour and take appropriate steps to see that it does not recur.
A resolution of the Senate allows the media to photograph any senator in the chamber provided that they have the call.
That the Senate calls for all applications and approvals made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 which would have a significant impact on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area to be suspended until the conclusion of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization requested strategic assessment, to allow consideration of all cumulative impacts of coal and coal seam gas ports and other developments on this internationally-significant biodiversity icon.
That the Senate take note of the documents.
I think the ABC has made a fine bid, but other than my opinion I am not involved in the process.
Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011
Australian Renewable Energy Agency Bill 2011
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2011
Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill 2011
Trade Marks Amendment (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Bill 2011
For the second sitting week in succession, the Senate has failed to vote on the Government’s world first plain packaging tobacco legislation …
The Opposition has twice chosen to stall the Bill by choosing to debate procedural, administrative issues, playing into the hands of the tobacco companies … It is disappointing that Senate tactical shenanigans have today stood in the way of an important piece of public health legislation becoming law.
Dear Minister,
This morning you called me about passage of this legislation. I note you said you spoke to Peter Dutton yesterday. I undertook to make inquiries in relation to speakers and a possible shortening of debating times. Given the list of speakers from the coalition side, I have made efforts to speak to all of them since your call. I spoke to the last of those on the list at the end of question time. I was about to speak to Mr Dutton about the matter when I became aware of your press release shortly after 3 pm. I also understand that the shadow minister, Peter Dutton, made bona fide inquiries of the opposition leader in the Senate last night regarding passage of this legislation after your office indicated it feared there might not be time to deal with the legislation, given the volume of government legislation yet to be dealt with by the Senate. In light of your media release, I would assume my efforts have been in vain. Indeed, I question the bona fides of your call to me this morning.
The plain packaging legislation passed the House of Representatives in August 2011 but has yet to pass the Senate. Therefore the Government has revised the implementation timeframes to give industry enough time to make the changes required.
… will, if anything, modestly decrease transaction times and selection errors.
... there is no justification for allowing any form of promotion for this uniquely dangerous and addictive product which it is illegal to sell the children.
Is there need for additional support to:
(a) assist independent journalism
(b) assist the media to cater for minority audiences
(c) remove obstacles that may hinder small-scale publications
(d) promote ease of entry to the media market
(e) foster other aspects of the media’s operations?
What are the best methods for providing that support?
The Australian Greens support the proposal for tax deductible status for not-for-profit journalism enterprises.
(1) What was the total cost of allowances for government employees or contractors working at sea for the 2010-11 financial year.
(2) What is the daily allowance for working at sea.
(3) How many days in total were spent at sea in the 2010-11 financial year.
(1) Nil. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship did not have any employees or contractors working at sea during the 2010-11 financial year.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
With reference to the department and all agencies within the Minister's portfolio:
(1) What was the total cost of allowances for government employees or contractors working at sea for the 2010-11 financial year.
(2) What is the daily allowance for working at sea.
(3) How many days in total were spent at sea in the 2010-11 financial year.
The total cost of allowances for government employee's or contractors working at sea for 2010-11 financial year is $787 748.
The daily allowance for working at sea is:
Land Based Officers
$114.64 per day At Sea Allowance.
$40.23 after 24 hours and $20.12 for every completed 12 hours thereafter.
Marine Travel Allowance (MTA) is non taxable
Fisheries Compliance Officers
$196.16 per day At Sea Allowance
$40.23 after 24 hours and $20.12 for every completed 12 hours thereafter.
Marine Travel Allowance (MTA) is non taxable
Observers
$172.80 per day At Sea Allowance
The total number of days that have been spent at sea 2010-11 financial year were 4010.
How many students are in receipt of ABSTUDY payments, broken down by:
(a) category or type of payment; and
(b) residential location of recipient by state/territory, urban, regional or remote.
The following tables provide the information on ABSTUDY recipients, that is students and Australian Apprentices, by payment category and residential location by state/territory and regional classification.
Data on Living Allowance comprises individual recipients of fortnightly ABSTUDY payments who may also be receiving non-Living Allowance payments. Data on non-Living Allowance payments includes recipients of School Term Allowance, School Fees Allowance, Incidentals Allowances, Lawful Custody Allowance, Under 16 Boarding Supplement, Residential Costs Option, supplementary payments for Masters and Doctorate students, Fares Allowance and away from base assistance where the payments are not made to recipients of fortnightly Living Allowance payments. The number of recipients of ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement is also provided.
ABSTUDY Recipients by Home State/Territory by ABSTUDY Payment Type as at 26 August 2011
ABSTUDY Recipients by Regional Classification by ABSTUDY Payment Type as at 26 August 2011
Centrelink Administrative Data