The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. Scott Ryan) took the chair at 12:00, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2018
National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2018
The Rules will exclude from the Scheme any sexual abuse perpetrated by a child, unless the abuse involved physical contact with, or penetration of, another child.
If legal fees are specified as a separate component, the legal fees will not be adjusted for inflation and then deducted from the person's redress payment.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Water Amendment Bill 2018
… hastily given the task of identifying the key—
environmental—
sites in the Basin and to go away for half an hour and come up with an estimate of the SDL—
Honestly, this 'aspiration' term—it mystifies me.
It means higher income inequality—the rich get more of the tax cuts than the poor.
There is no consistent evidence that exposure to PFAS causes adverse human health effects.
I have issued instructions for the subpoena to be set aside.
They took him outside and started kicking him. To be honest I thought he was going to die.
That today—
(a) the routine of business from not later than 7 pm shall be government business order of the day no. 3 (Treasury Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Plan) Bill 2018);
(b) if a division is called for after 7 pm, the matter before the Senate shall be adjourned until the next day of sitting at a time fixed by the Senate; and
(c) the Senate shall adjourn without debate after it has completed the second reading of the bill, or at 10.30 pm, or a motion for the adjournment is moved by a minister, whichever is the earlier.
That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs (Senator Scullion) and the Minister for Finance (Senator Cormann) to questions without notice asked by Opposition senators today relating to income tax
It will deliver a more competitive personal tax system that improves incentives to work and save. It achieves this while maintaining a highly progressive tax and transfer system.
That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Cormann) to a question without notice asked by Senator Rice today relating to the contamination of Defence sites.
That leave of absence be granted to Senator Bartlett from 19 to 21 June 2018, for personal reasons.
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge—Fringe Benefits) Amendment (Excess Levels for Private Health Insurance Policies) Bill 2018
Medicare Levy Amendment (Excess Levels for Private Health Insurance Policies) Bill 2018
That the following bills be referred to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 13 August 2018:
(a) Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill 2018;
(b) A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge-Fringe Benefits) Amendment (Excess Levels for Private Health Insurance Policies) Bill 2018; and
(c) Medicare Levy Amendment (Excess Levels for Private Health Insurance Policies) Bill 2018.
The Senate divided. [15:52]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That—
(1) The Minister representing the Minister for Aged Care is required to attend the Senate at 9.30 am on Wednesday, 20 June 2018 to explain:
(a) when the Minister first knew that the answer provided in question time on 9 May 2018, relating to home care aged packages, was incorrect; and
(b) why the Minister failed to attend the chamber at the first available opportunity to correct the record.
(2) Any senator may move a motion to take note of the Minister's statement, and any such motion may be debated for no longer than 1 hour, and have precedence over all government business until determined.
Over 50 per cent of those on the national waiting list are actually in an aged-care package. They're waiting for another type of package.
The Senate divided. [15:58]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That the Senate—
(a) notes that 23 June marks the second anniversary of the historic vote by the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union;
(b) acknowledges that the vote was conducted democratically and reflects the will of voters on a critical question of national sovereignty; and
(c) calls upon the Australian Government to advance as quickly as possible trade negotiations with both the United Kingdom and the European Union to improve our exporters' access to both markets.
That the Senate—
(a) notes the comments of the New South Wales Opposition Leader, Mr Luke Foley, highlighting the problems arising in Sydney from recent immigration trends;
(b) calls upon the Federal Government to comprehensively review the scope and composition of future migrant intakes; and
(c) urges the Federal Government to ensure that Australia’s immigration intake operates in the economic, social, cultural and security interests of all Australians.
The Senate divided. [16:10]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That the Senate—
(a) notes that the Liberal Party of Australia's Federal Council recently passed a motion stating "That federal council calls for the full privatisation of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, except for services into regional areas that are not commercially viable";
(b) further notes the comments of the Treasurer that the government has no plans to privatise the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC); and
(c) congratulates Liberal Party members for continuing to draw attention to the need for structural and budgetary reform of the ABC.
The Senate divided. [16:15]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That the Senate—
(a) notes the historic summit between the President of the United States, Mr Donald Trump, and the leader of North Korea, Mr Kim Jong-un; and
(b) congratulates President Trump for:
(i) achieving a diplomatic breakthrough his predecessors could not achieve,
(ii) advancing the de-escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula, and
(iii) advancing the cause of denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) in May 2016, Maddocks Lawyers completed a report for the then Minister for Health, Ms Ley, and the Department of Health in relation to the Australian survivors of thalidomide, focusing on the relationship and responsibility of the Australian Government towards these survivors,
(ii) in October 2016, Thalidomide Group Australia submitted an application to the Department of Health seeking access to this report under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 , and
(iii) in November 2016, the Department of Health refused access to this document to Thalidomide Group Australia, citing that the document is subject to legal professional privilege; and
(b) orders that there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Health, by no later than 3 pm on 20 June 2018, a copy of the report prepared by Maddocks Lawyers for former Minister Ley and the Department of Health in May 2016.
The Senate divided. [16:21]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) 19 June 2018 is National TAFE Day, and
(ii) the day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the public TAFE system;
(b) further notes that:
(i) since 2005, Government Vocational and Education Training (VET) funding has declined by 32 per cent, and
(ii) the share of publicly-funded students taught at TAFE has fallen from 81 per cent in 2009 to 50 per cent in 2015;
(c) recognises that TAFE is a cornerstone of Australia’s vocational education and training sector, and that its position and status within the sector is diminished when it is inadequately funded;
(d) acknowledges that TAFE should never be considered a competitor to the for-profit registered training operators, but has its own important function within the sector and the community more broadly; and
(e) calls on the Government to ensure that TAFEs are always fully-funded and publicly-owned, now and into the future.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that on 6 September, 2013, Mr Abbott promised voters "no cuts to the ABC";
(b) further notes that:
(i) the 2014-15 Budget cut the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) funding by $47 million,
(ii) the 2014-15 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook cut the ABC's funding by a further $207 million,
(iii) the 2018-19 Budget has cut the ABC by an additional $84 million,
(iv) since September 2013, the ABC has been forced to absorb 1,014 job losses as a result of budget cuts, and
(v) trust in politicians is at an all-time low, and that this is not without reason;
(c) condemns the Liberal Party's decision over the weekend to support the privatisation of the ABC, noting that no members of the Turnbull Government, including the Minister for Communications, spoke against the motion; and
(d) calls on the Turnbull Government to make amends on its broken promises by rescinding its policy to privatise the ABC and reversing its damaging cuts.
The Senate divided. [16:28]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the latest census data indicates that there has been a 13 per cent rise in homelessness since 2011,
(ii) a well-functioning social housing system that is affordable for tenants is important in reducing homelessness,
(iii) charging tenants a proportion of income as rent, as opposed to market rent, has proved an effective way to ensure affordability, and
(iv) the Productivity Commission's report no. 85, Introducing Competition and Informed User Choice into Human Services: Reforms to Human Services , recommends state and territory governments charge new social housing tenant market rents; and
(b) calls on the Turnbull Government to reject the recommendation that state and territory governments charge social housing tenants market rates.
The Senate divided. [16:33]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That the Senate—
(a) notes the religious and historical significance of Jerusalem; and
(b) calls for the Australian Government to:
(i) recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and
(ii) move the Australian Embassy to the western side of Jerusalem, which in any scenario for peace is not disputed.
The Senate divided. [16:40]
(Deputy President—Senator Lines)
(1) That a select committee, to be known as the Select Committee on Charity Fundraising in the 21st Century, be established to inquire into and report on the current framework of fundraising regulation for charities and options for reform, with particular reference to:
(a) whether the current framework of fundraising regulation creates unnecessary problems for charities and organisations who rely on donations from Australian supporters;
(b) whether current fundraising laws meet the objectives that guided the decision to regulate donations;
(c) whether current fundraising compliance regimes allow charities to cultivate donor activity and make optimal use of resources donors provide;
(d) the loss in productivity for the thousands of charities who try to meet the requirements of the seven different fundraising regimes;
(e) whether the current frameworks for investigation and enforcement are the best model for the contemporary fundraising environment;
(f) how Federal, State and Territory Governments could work together to provide charities with a nationally-consistent, contemporary and fit-for-purpose fundraising regime;
(g) the appropriate donor-focused expectations and requirements that should govern fundraising regulation in the 21st century;
(h) how the Australian consumer law should apply to not-for-profit fundraising activities;
(i) what are the best mechanisms to regulate third party fundraisers and to ensure the culture of third party fundraisers matches community perceptions of the clients they work with;
(j) whether a harmonised, contemporary fundraising regime could help in addressing concerns about the potential influence of foreign money on civil society and political debate in Australia;
(k) the cost to the charity and not-for-profit sector, and the communities they serve, of postponing fundraising reform; and
(l) any other related matters.
(2) That the committee present its final report on or before the first sitting Thursday in October 2018.
(3) That the committee consist of six senators, as follows:
(a) two nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Senate;
(b) two nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate;
(c) one nominated by the Leader of the Australian Greens; and
(d) one nominated by minor party and independent senators.
(4) That:
(a) participating members may be appointed to the committee on the nomination of the Leader of the Government in the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate or any minority party or independent senator; and
(b) participating members may participate in hearings of evidence and deliberations of the committee, and have all the rights of members of the committee, but may not vote on any questions before the committee.
(5) That the committee may proceed to the dispatch of business notwithstanding that not all members have been duly nominated and appointed and notwithstanding any vacancy.
(6) That the committee elect as chair one of the members nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, and as deputy chair the member nominated by minor party and independent senators.
(7) That the deputy chair shall act as chair when the chair is absent from a meeting of the committee or the position of chair is temporarily vacant.
(8) That, in the event of an equality of voting, the chair, or the deputy chair when acting as chair, have a casting vote.
(9) That the committee and any subcommittee have power to send for and examine persons and documents, to move from place to place, to sit in public or in private, notwithstanding any prorogation of the Parliament or dissolution of the House of Representatives, and have leave to report from time to time its proceedings and the evidence taken and such interim recommendations as it may deem fit.
(10) That the committee have power to appoint subcommittees consisting of three or more of its members, and to refer to any such subcommittee any of the matters which the committee is empowered to consider.
(11) That the committee be provided with all necessary staff, facilities and resources and be empowered to appoint persons with specialist knowledge for the purposes of the committee with the approval of the President of the Senate.
(12) That the committee be empowered to print from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it, and a daily Hansard be published of such proceedings as take place in public.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) on 18 June 2018, the Australian Parliamentarians Against the Death Penalty hosted a screening of Guilty , an Australian film about the final 72-hours in the life of Myuran Sukumaran, the Bali-9 convicted criminal who, along with Andrew Chan, was executed by a firing squad in Indonesia on 29 April 2015, and
(ii) on World Day Against the Death Penalty on 10 October 2018, screenings of Guilty are being held right around Australia to coincide with the Government's efforts to negotiate a resolution on a moratorium on the death penalty at the United Nations Human Rights Council; and
(b) acknowledges the Government's continued strong opposition to the death penalty and its work in releasing the text of a whole-of-government Strategy for the Abolition of the Death Penalty on 15 June 2018.
The Senate divided. [16:50]
(The Deputy President—Senator Lines)
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Select Committee on the Future of Work and Workers be extended to 15 August 2018.
That the time for the presentation of the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services on its inquiry into the Franchising Code of Conduct and Oil Code of Conduct be extended to 6 December 2018.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) 15 June 2018 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,
(ii) World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a global awareness day highlighting one of the most serious and silent forms of domestic violence, which is elder abuse,
(iii) elder abuse is one of the worst manifestations of ageism in our society and can be physical, sexual, financial, psychological, social or neglectful,
(iv) elder abuse continues to be primarily perpetrated by someone trusted, such as family or friends, and
(v) elder abuse is everyone's business and deserves the attention of everyone in the community;
(b) urges federal, state, territory and local governments to raise awareness and to create communities where older people can live with dignity and respect, free from all forms of abuse; and
(c) encourages all Australians to turn awareness into action, watch out for signs, offer help and stand against any mistreatment of older people.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) 20 May to 26 May 2018 was National Palliative Care Week (NPCW),
(ii) the theme of NPCW 2018 was 'What matters most?', which addresses the need for Australians to plan ahead for their end-of-life care and discuss it with their loved ones and health professionals,
(iii) according to the Grattan Institute's report, Dying Well , published in 2014, 70 per cent of Australians would prefer to die at home surrounded by loved ones, but only 14 per cent do so, and
(iv) most Australians die in hospitals and aged care facilities, and many experience what the Dying Well report refers to as 'impersonal, lingering and lonely deaths';
(b) encourages all Australians to make plans for their end-of-life care and to discuss their plans with loved ones and health professionals; and
(c) urges all senators and members to promote to their constituents the importance of planning for, and having conversations about, their end-of-life care.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) Miegunyah , formerly known as Beverley Wood, is a heritage-listed house in Bowen Hills, Brisbane that was built in the 1880s—it is a living example of Victorian elegance and charm, decorated with iron-lace balustrades, filigree columns and friezes, and furnished in late 19th century styling,
(ii) the Queensland Women's Historical Association (QWHA), acquired Miegunyah in 1967, began refurbishment and officially opened it as a house museum in June 1968,
(iii) in subsequent years funds have been received from an initial bequest from Miss Hilda Chandler and, later, Commonwealth and state governments, the Brisbane City Council, and contributions from the QWHA,
(iv) funds have enabled slow but steady progress on conserving part of our nation's architectural heritage, to function as a museum and home for the QWHA,
(v) Miegunyah is treasured as a venue for a regular program of historical talks, themed exhibitions, seminars and social events, and owes its status not least to the innumerable voluntary woman and man hours put in by QWHA members and honorary architects alike,
(vi) the QWHA:
(A) was formed in 1950, with the aim to stimulate interest in the history of pioneer families and the contribution made by women to the development of Queensland,
(B) set out to educate and preserve a record of culture, and
(C) undertakes to collect documentary material, together with personal and household items that demonstrate our constantly changing lifestyle,
(vii) within a year, the QWHA held its first exhibition ' Before 1900 ' at Newstead House and, on the centenary of Queensland becoming a separate colony in 1959, its first publication appeared titled '1859 and Before That — 1959 and All That ',
(viii) today, in the grounds of Miegunyah , stands a lamp as a memorial to Martha Young, QWHA president for 12 years from 1954, whose drive, enthusiasm and leadership contributed much to the Association's successes, and who initiated a scheme to identify and mark buildings, properties and sites of outstanding significance to Queensland,
(ix) between 1960 and 1983, the QWHA recognised, and marked with plaques, 87 historic sites in Queensland, Britain and France,
(x) with an expanding membership and collection in the 1960s, the QWHA needed a home of its own; fortuitously, colonial house Beverley Wood came on the market, and the QWHA led an appeal throughout the state, during 1967, to raise sufficient funds to save a colonial gem from demolition, and
(xi) the successful purchase of the house Miegunyah , with the aim of maintaining the property as a Memorial to the Pioneer Women of Queensland, represented a triumph for all members and has strengthened the QWHA's ability to preserve our endangered heritage; and
(b) acknowledges the incredible women's history in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the opening of Miegunyah House Museum in 2018.
That the Senate—
(a) notes that:
(i) the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir was formed 30 years ago under the inspiration of union organisers, and continues with support from the Queensland Council of Unions, which still provides weekly rehearsal space—the choir was conceived by a dedicated bunch of unionists, intent upon using the arts to create a political message reflective of, and enjoyable to, working people, who took as their motto the saying, "a movement that sings, shall never die",
(ii) when the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir met for the first time at the Queensland Teachers' Union building, its inaugural members were dressed in the working gear of their union callings—the choir's first performance was on Queensland's Labour Day in 1988, off the back of a truck,
(iii) across three decades, the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir has had five conductors, commencing with Ms Libby Sara, followed by Mr Michael Roper, Ms Ann Bermingham, Mr Mark Shortis and, since 1997, Ms Marina Thacker—the choir has been involved in many significant events, recorded multiple CDs and produced songbooks of traditional and original political songs, and
(iv) the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir have travelled widely in Australia, even overseas, to collaborate with colleagues who enjoy singing and have performed with other union choirs—the key to the choir's success, in bringing happiness to so many, has been the commitment of its members to rehearsals, planning events, and, of course, singing for unionism, peace and social justice; and
(b) acknowledges the strong tradition of union choirs as Brisbane Combined Unions Choir celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2018.
That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 13 July 2018:
The 2018-19 Budget Measure Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program, with particular reference to:
(a) the delivery of the Reef 2050 Plan, including through the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program and through other avenues;
(b) the proficiency of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and its capacity to deliver components of the Reef 2050 Plan;
(c) the proficiency of other organisations and their capacity to deliver components of the Reef 2050 Plan;
(d) the process of granting funding to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation for the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Partnership Program, the terms of agreement for funding, and the ongoing administration of funding;
(e) the prior activities and operations of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, including research, public-policy advocacy and fund-raising;
(f) the establishment, governance and membership of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, including the management of conflicts of interest and commercial interests; and
(g) any other related matters.
That the following matter be referred to the Education and Employment References Committee for inquiry and report by 17 September 2018:
The exploitation of general and specialist cleaners working in retail chains for contracting or subcontracting cleaning companies, with particular reference to:
(a) frameworks at both Commonwealth and industry level to protect workers from harm, including exploitation, wage theft, underpayment, wage stagnation and workplace injury;
(b) measures designed to ensure workers have adequate representation and knowledge of their rights;
(c) compliance with relevant workplace and taxation laws, including the effectiveness and adequacy of agencies such as the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Australian Taxation Office;
(d) practices including 'phoenixing' and pyramid subcontracting; and
(e) any related matters.
That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 17 September 2018:
The use of the Quinoline anti-malarial drugs Mefloquine and Tafenoquine in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with particular reference to:
(a) the current and past policies and practices for:
(i) prescribing Quinoline anti-malarial drugs to ADF personnel, and
(ii) identifying and reporting adverse drug reactions from Quinoline anti-malarial drugs among ADF personnel;
(b) the nature and extent of any adverse health effects of those who have taken Mefloquine/Tafenoquine on serving and former ADF personnel;
(c) the support available for partners, carers and families of personnel who experience any adverse health effects of Quinoline anti-malarial drugs;
(d) a comparison of international evidence/literature available on the impact of Quinoline anti-malarials;
(e) how other governments have responded to claims regarding Quinoline anti-malarials; and
(f) any other related matters.
That consideration of the business before the Senate on Wednesday, 27 June 2018, be interrupted at approximately 5 pm, but not so as to interrupt a senator speaking, to enable Senator David Smith to make his first speech without any question before the chair.
Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion:
'The Government's tax plans are fiscally reckless, less progressive and fail Australian jobs.'
The government's tax plan achieves a rare trifecta. It's fiscally reckless, will lock in a less progressive tax system and will leave Australia less able to support Australian jobs in the event of a downturn.
Community Affairs Legislation Committee—Report—Commonwealth Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2017 and related bill
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee—Reports—
Impact of Defence training activities and facilities on rural and regional communities
Implications of climate change for Australia's national security
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee—Report—Water Amendment Bill 2018
That the Senate take note of the report.
That the Senate take note of the report.
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services—Report on the 2015‑16 annual reports of the bodies established under the ASIC Act
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security—Review of police stop, search and seizure powers, the control order regime and the preventative detention order regime; Review of the 'declared area' provisions; and Independent National Security Legislation Monitor—Review of Division 104 and 105 of the Criminal Code (including the interoperability of Divisions 104 and 105): Control Orders and Preventative Detention Orders; Sections 119.2 and 119.3 of the Criminal Code: Declared Areas; Review of Division 3A of Part IAA of the Crimes Act 1914: Stop, Search and Seize Powers
Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories—Report—The strategic importance of Australia's Indian Ocean Territories
Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme—Report—Transitional Arrangements for the NDIS
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee—Report—Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Amendment Bill 2017
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee—Report—Increasing use of so-called Flag of Convenience shipping in Australia
That the Senate take note of the document.
The committee recommends that the Fair Work Ombudsman implement a program of inspection for ships with foreign seafarers, to verify that the wages paid on board accord with Australian legal requirements.
… that the Australian Government provide adequate funding to the Fair Work Ombudsman to implement an inspection program of ships with foreign crews, to assess the payment of wages.
… a Norwegian shipping company that was allegedly—
paying its foreign crew a pitiful—
$1.25 an hour while working in Australian waters.
Australian Astronomical Observatory (Transition) Bill 2018
Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Amendment Bill 2018
Health Insurance (Approved Pathology Specimen Collection Centres) Tax Amendment Bill 2018
That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time.
That these bills be now read a second time.
AUSTRALIAN ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY (TRANSITION) BILL 2018
I am pleased to introduce the Australian Astronomical Observatory (Transition) Bill 2018, to support and give effect to the government's 2017-18 Budget measure ' Maintaining Australia ' s Optical Astronomy Capability ' .
The new measure ushers in change, growth and a bright new era for Australian optical astronomy.
Astronomy and astrophysics are major scientific strengths for Australia. The spectacular discoveries and images created by our astronomers advance scientific understanding, stimulate interest by young people in scientific careers, and inspire all of us to think about our place in the universe.
Astronomy also leads to technological innovations with important spin-off applications valued by society, such as such as digital cameras, satellite global positioning systems, medical image processing software and CSIRO's development of Wi-Fi technology.
The Anglo-Australian Telescope at Siding Spring Observatory, near Coonabarabran has, since 1974, served generations of Australian and visiting overseas astronomers as one of the world's most productive observing facilities, in scientific output, publications and citations.
In 2010, the Australian Government assumed full ownership of the telescope and established the Australian Astronomical Observatory as our national optical astronomy organisation. The AAO, as it is known, continued to serve the astronomy community as a division of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, providing our astronomers with excellent observing facilities and services.
At its North Ryde headquarters in Sydney, AAO scientists and technical specialists continued to develop innovative instruments and technologies to keep the telescope at the forefront of discovery, and provide sought-after scientific capabilities to overseas telescopes.
The 3.9 metre Anglo-Australian Telescope is no longer in the top tier of telescopes globally as it had been in its earlier decades. In the last two decades, larger, more powerful telescopes have been dominating overseas: the so-called 'eight-metre' class telescopes (a reference to their primary mirror diameters) and the even larger 'thirty-metre' class telescopes now under construction.
These large telescopes and their high-performance instruments extend the boundaries of scientific discovery, seeing farther into the cosmos, detecting fainter objects, and resolving finer details. These are the telescopes of the future.
Through its Decadal Planning process, the Australian astronomy community highlighted a pressing, unmet national need for a stable, long-term partnership in a multi-national optical observatory. Such a partnership would provide Australia's astronomers with access to the world's best suite of eight-metre class telescopes and, through this access, enable them to remain internationally engaged and relevant in addressing the most important scientific questions of the era.
Recognising the transformation in the global astronomy sector and this pressing need to maintain our place in the discoveries of the future, the government is prioritising Australia's partnership in front-line multi-national astronomy infrastructure and working with the university sector to ensure that our domestic capability supports this.
On 11 July 2017, the government entered into a 10-year Strategic Partnership with the European Southern Observatory.
ESO, as it is known, operates the world's foremost collection of optical-infrared telescopes on high mountain summits in Chile's Atacama Desert. This includes the renowned quartet of 8-metre telescopes that comprise the 'Very Large Telescope', with their many advanced scientific instruments to analyse the light they collect from distant reaches of the cosmos.
The Australia-ESO Strategic Partnership gives our astronomers long-term, stable access to ESO telescopes at La Silla and Paranal Observatories in Chile.
It will enable our institutions to collaborate in developing new instrumentation, and open the door to Australian companies to tender competitively for ESO contracts at La Silla and Paranal.
The government recognises the ongoing value of the domestic astronomical facilities and the expert capability in the Australian Astronomical Observatory.
Prior to the government's optical astronomy measure in 2017-18, funding for AAO operations was due to terminate by 30 June 2020.
With strong, strategic backing from Australia's university sector, the government's optical astronomy measure is supporting the transfer of the AAO's critical domestic astronomical activities, assets and expert staff from the Commonwealth to new university-led consortia.
The Australian National University will lead a consortium to continue to operate the Anglo-Australian Telescope into the mid-2020s. By extending its operations by a further five years, we are extending the benefits of this telescope as an observing platform to astronomers, a testbed for new instrumentation innovations, and a community treasure for Coonabarabran.
The government is working with Macquarie University to develop a national optical instrumentation capability that will continue and further develop the AAO's renowned instrumentation activities. This work will be supported by Astronomy Australia Limited—a not-for-profit company that manages a range of research infrastructure programs for astronomy—through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
The new consortium in Sydney will link with other Australian centres of expertise to design and build excellent optical instruments for observatories here and overseas. The capability will have an industry focus to address technical challenges, commercialise Australian innovations arising from astronomy, and potentially develop new applications beyond astronomy.
The Australian Astronomical Observatory (Transition) Bill provides for a smooth domestic astronomy transition from the Commonwealth to the new consortia. It retains key astronomical functions of the Australian Astronomical Observatory Act 2010 to provide a legislative basis for future government initiatives to continue to enable Australian astronomy engagement and excellence.
The government's optical astronomy measure will strengthen Australia's research and industry opportunities in the coming decade, extend the legacy of the Australian Astronomical Observatory and its global reputation, and ensure Australia remains at the forefront of global optical astronomy research.
I commend this Bill to the Chamber.
COMMERCE (TRADE DESCRIPTIONS) AMENDMENT BILL 2018
The Government is committed to bringing Australian border legislation into alignment with the country of origin labelling safe harbour defences under the Australian Consumer Law.
In 2017, the Government enacted the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Country of Origin) Act 2017 to simplify and clarify the safe harbour defences under section 255 of Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act as part of its reform to Australia's Country of Origin Labelling framework. These defences enable a person to make a claim about the origin of the goods sold domestically without contravening the provisions of Schedule 2.
These defences are currently not available to importers who are required to apply a trade description on goods proposed to be imported into Australia.
The Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Amendment Bill 2018 would amend the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act 1905 to enable importers to make a claim about the origin of goods, similar to those permitted under the Australian Consumer Law, without contravening the offence against a false trade description.
The alignment would reduce the complexity of enforcing origin marking requirements at the border, allowing the Australian Border Force to focus compliance activities on goods that do not meet the safe harbour defences.
The Bill would also insert an express head of power in the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act to enable the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Regulation 2016 to be amended to incorporate information standards that are in force or existing from time to time. This is currently not possible without an express head of power.
As information standards are amended from time to time, the Bill will enable the Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Regulation to be amended to automatically incorporate changes to information standards.
HEALTH INSURANCE (APPROVED PATHOLOGY SPECIMEN COLLECTION CENTRES) TAX AMENDMENT BILL 2018
This Bill reduces the regulatory burden on the pathology sector without increasing the overall taxation burden. It amends the Health Insurance (Approved Pathology Specimen Collection Centres) Tax Act 2000 (the Pathology Tax Act) to require the tax payable on the grant of an approval of an Approved (Specimen) Collection Centre (ACC) to be paid every two years.
The Pathology Tax Act imposes a tax on the grant of an approval, or renewal, of a pathology specimen collection centre. Medicare benefits can be claimed for pathology services provided using specimens collected at an ACC.
The Pathology Tax Act currently imposes a tax of $1,000 for an approval of renewal of an ACC granted for a period of one year. Under the current arrangements, existing ACCs must renew their registration and pay this tax every 12 months. As an interim measure, in 2016, the Government agreed that all new ACCs may only be initially registered for a period of six months, with a $500 tax imposed. These ACCs can then be renewed annually. This requires pathology providers to complete application forms and pay the associated tax twice within a six month period. The interim arrangements were put in place with support from the pathology sector pending the development of the suite of measures to strengthen compliance arrangements.
This Bill will allow approvals to be granted for a two year period and will see no increase to the tax imposed. This Bill will amend the existing Pathology Tax Act to require the tax payable on the grant of an approval of an ACC to be amended from $1,000 annually to $2,000, to be paid two yearly. This will assist in addressing regulatory burden by streamlining administrative processes that the pathology sector encounter with the current arrangements. The rate of the tax has not been changed since the Act was enacted in 1999. After careful consideration the Government has determined that there should be no increase to the tax at this time to ensure that smaller pathology providers are not negatively impacted.
The Department has been, and will continue to engage with key stakeholders prior to 1 July 2018 to advise of the amendment to the tax and the extension of the timeframe for new and renewed ACC applications, including reaffirming the key elements of the measure announced in the 2017-18 Budget.
The Health Insurance (Eligible Collection Centres) Approval Principles 2010 (the Approval Principles) set out the terms for approvals of ACCs. Currently ACC approvals are required by the Approval Principles to be renewed every 12 months. It is intended that the Approval Principles will be amended to extend ACC approval periods to two years to reflect amendments to the Pathology Tax Act.
These changes will be welcomed by the pathology sector as it decreases the effort currently involved in annual ACC renewal.
These amendments contribute to the implementation of the 2017-18 Budget measure 'Pathology Approved Collection Centres — strengthening compliance', which includes new compliance arrangements, strengthening compliance activities related to prohibited practices by increased data collection and analysis; automation of applications, cancelations and renewals through the Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) of the Department of Human Services. These amendments further complement these compliance activities by extending and streamlining ACC approval periods from one to two years, with the tax adjusted from $1,000 each year to $2,000 every two years.
In summary, this Bill will reduce the regulatory burden of pathology providers and will not negatively impact smaller pathology providers as there is no increase to the financial component. The tax will be paid two yearly instead of annually.
Corporations (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018
National Consumer Credit Protection (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018
Superannuation Auditor Registration Imposition Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018
Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018
That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time.
That these bills be now read a second time.
CORPORATIONS (FEES) AMENDMENT (ASIC FEES) BILL 2018
Today I introduce a Bill that delivers on the Government's commitment that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission costs for specific regulatory activities requested by an entity should be fully recovered from that entity. This is referred to as 'fees‑for‑service' and is the second and final phase of the ASIC industry funding model and will commence on 1 July 2018.
The first phase of the industry funding model commenced on 1 July 2017. This enabled ASIC to recover costs associated with its general regulatory activities via levies. This involves ASIC's regulatory costs being allocated across 48 industry subsectors based on the actual costs of ASIC's regulation of each subsector in the previous financial year.
The industry funding model's introduction has had significant benefits, including:
The current fees charged for the services and activities ASIC provides is not a true reflection of the actual costs incurred by ASIC. Historically, these services and activities have only attracted a nominal fee. As a result, any difference between the fee an entity pays and the actual costs incurred by ASIC is subsidised by taxpayers.
To give effect to the Government's commitment, this Bill amends the Corporations (Fees) Act 2001 to:
These amendments will allow ASIC to better align its fees with the costs ASIC incurs when providing regulatory services to a specific entity – such as processing a licence or registration application – provided that the fee directly represents the efficient costs of providing the regulatory activity or service.
These fee amounts will be reviewed every three years. The review process will involve a public consultation process utilising a cost recovery implementation statement. Both the cost recovery implementation statement for fees-for-service, and for levies, will identify and explain all proposed changes to fees or levies. The cost recovery implementation statement must include a summary of the consultation process, the issues raised, how those issues have been considered and an explanation of the costing model for the activity. In addition, ASIC will include industry funding on the agenda of all their external committees and panels for consideration, with a particular focus on seeking feedback during the annual cost recovery implementation statement consultation process, as an extra accountability mechanism. The Government will review this industry funding model accountability framework in three years.
Further complementary amendments are given effect and described in the National Consumer Credit Protection (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; the Superannuation Auditor Registration Imposition Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018.
The fees attached to ASIC forms relating to updating an ASIC registry database are not in scope for industry funding and will not be recovered under this model. The fees for lodging these forms will continue to be set separately.
This Bill gives effect to the Government's commitment in accepting recommendation 29 of the Financial System Inquiry to introduce an industry funding model for ASIC.
The Government has consulted extensively with industry on the design of the ASIC industry funding model. Nearly 300 submissions were received and considered.
Subsequently, public consultation on the introduction of the fees‑for‑service regime was conducted between November and December 2017. Public consultation on the draft legislation was undertaken in April 2018.
This builds on other key initiatives undertaken by this Government to ensure the ASIC has the powers it needs to promote trust and confidence in the financial system, including:
The Legislative and Governance Forum on Corporations was notified in relation to the Bill as required under the Corporations Agreement 2002 .
In conclusion, the introduction of the second and final phase of the ASIC industry funding model is a critical component of the Government's reforms to strengthen ASIC and better protect Australian consumers. Industry funding ensures that the costs of regulation are borne by those that have created the need for it, rather than Australian taxpayers. These amendments allow ASIC to better align its fees, by enabling ASIC to charge a cost reflective fee for the services it provides for a specific entity.
Full details of the measure are contained in the Explanatory Memorandum.
NATIONAL CONSUMER CREDIT PROTECTION (FEES) AMENDMENT (ASIC FEES) BILL 2018
This Bill delivers on the Government's commitment that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's costs for specific regulatory activities requested by an entity should be fully recovered from that entity.
To give effect to the Government's commitment, this Bill amends the Credit Fees Act to state that the National Consumer Credit Protection (Fees) Regulation 2010 may allow for a particular chargeable matter, different fees based on the type of entity.
This amendment will allow ASIC to better align its fees with the costs ASIC incurs when providing regulatory services to a specific entity – such as processing a licence or registration application – provided that the fee directly represents the efficient costs of providing the regulatory activity or service.
Further complementary amendments are given effect and described in the Corporations (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; the Superannuation Auditor Registration Imposition Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018.
The Legislative and Governance Forum on Corporations has been notified in relation to this Bill as required under the Corporations Agreement 2002 .
Full details of the measure are contained in the Explanatory Memorandum.
SUPERANNUATION AUDITOR REGISTRATION IMPOSITION AMENDMENT (ASIC FEES) BILL 2018
This Bill delivers on the Government's commitment that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's costs for specific regulatory activities requested by an entity should be fully recovered from that entity.
To give effect to the Government's commitment, this Bill amends the Superannuation Auditor Registration Imposition Act 2012 to set that a fee in relation to applications to be a self-managed superannuation fund auditor may not exceed $3,000.
This amendment allows ASIC to better align its fees with the costs ASIC incurs when providing their regulatory services in relation to applications to be a self-managed superannuation fund auditor.
Further complementary amendments are given effect and described in the Corporations (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; the National Consumer Credit Protection (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; and the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018.
The Legislative and Governance Forum on Corporations was notified in relation to these Bills as required under the Corporations Agreement 2002 .
Full details of the measure are contained in the Explanatory Memorandum.
SUPERANNUATION INDUSTRY (SUPERVISION) AMENDMENT (ASIC FEES) BILL 2018
This Bill delivers on the Government's commitment that the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's costs for specific regulatory activities requested by an entity should be fully recovered from that entity.
To give effect to the Government's commitment, this Bill amends the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 to allow ASIC to recover costs in relation to an application to vary or revoke the conditions or cancel the registration of an approved self-managed superannuation fund auditor.
Specifically, the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 is amended to allow theSuperannuation Auditor Registration Imposition Regulations 2012 to provide for two new fees in relation to an application to vary or revoke the conditions or cancel the registration of an approved self-managed superannuation fund auditor.
This amendment will allow ASIC to better align its fees with the costs ASIC incurs when providing regulatory services on this matter – provided that the fee directly represents the efficient costs of providing the regulatory activity or service.
At the same time, the annual statement lodgement fees will be removed for SMSF auditors. This change will be given effect in the Superannuation Auditor Registration Imposition Regulations 2012 .
Further complementary amendments are given effect and described in the Corporations (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; the National Consumer Credit Protection (Fees) Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018; and the Superannuation Auditor Registration Imposition Amendment (ASIC Fees) Bill 2018.
The Legislative and Governance Forum on Corporations was notified in relation to these Bills as required under the Corporations Agreement 2002 .
Full details of the measure are contained in the Explanatory Memorandum.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund) Bill 2017
Water Amendment Bill 2018
Treasury Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Plan) Bill 2018
… economically, the chances of a significant economic downturn over the next six or seven years are pretty large …
… … …
… we do not think it is prudent to be providing tax cuts of this magnitude that far in the future—certainly not to be legislating them—when there are so many economic uncertainties between now and then. And there is no need to legislate them.
Decisive action is needed now to strengthen fiscal buffers, taking full advantage of the cyclical upswing in economic activity.
We've been handed a budget for the good times that pays out as if those good times will last, even though they may not.
… risks appear more balanced in the short term … In the longer term, the global economy faces further challenges.
At the end of the motion, add:
", but the Senate notes that the bill:
(a) significantly reduces the progressive nature of the income tax system;
(b) does not target low income earners, who are most affected by bracket creep;
(c) does not improve the living standards of those who are unable to find work;
(d) will not help reduce inequality; and
(e) locks in tax cuts that:
(i) are premised on economic forecasts that have a high degree of uncertainty; and
(ii) in 7 years' time, will constrain a future government's capacity to provide public services and to invest in public infrastructure."
At the end of the motion, add:
", but the Senate is of the opinion that:
(a) the bill should not be considered until the minimum wage is lifted to 60% of the median wage, and Newstart, Youth Allowance and related allowances are increased by $75 a week; and
(b) the revenue used to fund the government's Tax Cut Plan should be invested in health and education services, public infrastructure and the social safety net, instead of being used to fund tax cuts."
They choose big business over middle- and working-class Australians and they choose multinationals over Medicare.
There is a need for significantly greater funding across the nation including for primary prevention, one-stop-shop support and safety hubs, victim assistance, support and counselling, specialist family violence courts, and an expansion of legal assistance for victims, locationally, culturally, and age specific strategies and support services, emergency and longer term accommodation, services for children, specialist legal services, reforms to family law, better policing, improved court supports, improved perpetrator accountability initiatives, and programs in prisons.
It is enough to make you think people are starting to look at themselves as part of a society, rather than just the economy.
The 60-year-old aged-care worker in Burnie is entitled to aspire to get a better job, is entitled to get a promotion, and earn more.
A new direction in aged care … 'as normal life as possible'.
It has been a very long, tough struggle with no advantages in that time. We need that to change. We need to be able to go into an EBA, have a conversation, a negotiation, and work it out fairly and sign off on it and get on with our everyday work.
That's just a nonsense. The intention was gender-blind, I would say, rather than gender-neutral. The statistics that are there clearly indicate that these tax cuts are a long, long way from being gender neutral.
… we do not think it is prudent to be providing tax cuts of this magnitude that far in the future—certainly not to be legislating them—when there are so many economic uncertainties between now and then.
The problem is that the benefits from the latter stages of the tax will overwhelmingly flow to high-income earners. These latter stages are also worth considerably more in dollar value than stage 1. Increasing the top threshold to $200,000 and removing the 37 per cent tax bracket will mainly benefit the top 20 per cent of tax payers. By 2024, 80 per cent of the benefit of that top end tax cut will go to the top 20 per cent and the remaining 20 per cent will go to the next 20 per cent of taxpayers. This means that the bottom 60 per cent of taxpayers will get no benefit at all.