The PRESIDENT (Senator the Hon. Scott Ryan) took the chair at 09:30, read prayers and made an acknowledgement of country.
Treasury Laws Amendment (COVID-19 Economic Response No. 2) Bill 2021
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the bill, allowing it to be considered during this period of sittings.
STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE IN THE 2021 SPRING SITTINGS
TREASURY LAWS AMENDMENT (COVID-19 ECONOMIC RESPONSE NO. 2) BILL 2021
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the Bill is to implement a number of urgent measures in response to the ongoing COVID ‑19 pandemic, including to:
Reasons for Urgency
Introduction and swift passage of the Bill is required to facilitate urgent financial support to businesses and households that have been adversely affected by public health orders imposed by State and Territory governments as a measure to minimise the spread of COVID-19 through the community.
(Circulated by authority of the Treasurer)
That this bill be now read a second time.
As they have done throughout this crisis, the Morrison Government is committed to assisting businesses and individuals through the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Bill will enable the Government to support individuals and businesses that are impacted by significant lockdowns caused by COVID-19.
Schedule 1 to the Bill amends the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Bill 2020 to allow the Treasurer to make rules for economic response payments to provide support to an entity where they are adversely affected by restrictions imposed by a State or Territory to control COVID-19.
Schedule 2 to the Bill amends the Taxation Administration Act to allow the ATO to share data with Australian Government agencies, both federal and state, for the purpose of administering only relevant COVID-19 business support program payments.
Schedule 3 to the Bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to introduce a new power to make eligible Commonwealth COVID-19 business grants free from income tax.
States and territories are already able to apply to the Commonwealth for the same tax treatment where they have grant programs focussed on supporting small and medium businesses facing exceptional circumstances.
Schedule 4 to the Bill will reinstate the operation of a temporary mechanism put in place during the COVID-19 Pandemic that has now lapsed, which allows information and documentary requirements between Government and businesses to be altered. This includes requirements to give information to Government in writing and produce, witness and sign documents.
Given the ongoing impacts and physical limitations imposed by COVID-19, there is still a clear need for these provisions.
This measure provides that a responsible Minister may determine that provisions in Commonwealth legislation containing particular information or documentary requirements can be varied; do not apply; or prescribe that another provision specified in the determination applies, for a specified time period. A responsible Minister must not exercise the power unless they are satisfied that the determination is in response to circumstances relating to COVID-19.
The mechanism is temporary and will be repealed at the end of
31 December 2022. Any determination made under the mechanism will also cease to operate when the temporary mechanism is repealed.
Schedule 5 to the Bill amends the income tax law to make Commonwealth COVID 19 disaster payments received by individuals from the 2020-21 income year onwards non-assessable non-exempt income.
This change will provide additional support to individuals receiving COVID-19 disaster payments by making these payments free from tax.
Full details of the measures are contained in the Explanatory Memorandum.
At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate notes:
(a) only 15% of Australians are fully vaccinated;
(b) businesses and workers are struggling from lockdowns made necessary by the Government's botched vaccine rollout and the lack of purpose-built quarantine facilities; and
(c) these lockdowns are costing the Australian economy hundreds of millions of dollars every day".
At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate calls on the Treasurer to ensure that rules regarding payments providing financial support to entities prevent payments being made to, or include a mechanism to recover payments from, large companies that are profitable or pay executive bonuses in the same financial year that they receive a payment".
The end of the JobKeeper wage subsidy did not have a discernible impact on employment between March and April.
Compliance cost impact : An exemption from Regulation Impact Statement requirements was granted by the Prime Minister as there were urgent and unforeseen circumstances.
"Many small businesses are practically trading insolvent and in Village's case we are burning cash with our ongoing costs, which is a really significant burden," he said. "For us to survive, we need (government) support in lockdown, out of lockdown and it needs to go to December 31. I speak on behalf of every hotel, every accommodation house in this city, and of all the small business here who are in dire straits."
Having JobKeeper or knowing that we did have some source of income coming to us, was a relief … I can't stress enough how important it is for our industry to have JobKeeper there until our industry can get back on its feet.
Without this support, I would have to have moved back to South Australia and possibly be split from my husband whilst I am pregnant with our first child.
… too many Aboriginal Victorians are still dying in custody. Too many Aboriginal Victorians are in custody in the first place.
91. That governments, in conjunction with Aboriginal Legal Services and Police Services, give consideration to amending bail legislation:
… … …
b. to revise any criteria which inappropriately restrict the granting of bail to Aboriginal people …
… Aborigines don't own the land. They belong to it. It's like their mother. See those rocks? Been standing there for 600 million years. Still be there when you and I are gone. So arguing over who owns them is like two fleas arguing over who owns the dog they live on.
The Northern Territory government has announced a $500,000 grant to turbocharge investment in battery research and manufacturing.
The Territory's plentiful natural resources are also expected to become attractive to the growing battery sector, which is expected to play a crucial role in the globe's transition to renewable energy
I'm certainly sorry we haven't been able to achieve the marks we hope for at the beginning of this year.
Labor should just back whatever the government puts on the table. To do otherwise is to suggest we are not genuinely committed to action on climate change …
The Prime Minister did not have a role in authorising projects during the three rounds … and the final decision-maker was me.
The Prime Minister's office was not responsible for altering the attachment to the round 3 brief, because the brief was submitted to Sport Australia, albeit not in a timely manner, from my office …
That the Senate take note of the answers given to questions without notice asked by Opposition senators today.
That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Birmingham) to a question without notice she asked today relating to the propagation of misinformation concerning COVID-19.
That, on Thursday, 5 August 2021, the Senate meet after the ringing of the bells to enable senators to attend the Prime Minister's presentation of the annual report on progress in meeting the 'Closing the Gap' targets in the House of Representatives.
That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by last sitting day in March 2022:
The provision of general practitioner (GP) and related primary health services to outer metropolitan, rural and regional Australians, with particular reference to:
(a) the current state of outer metropolitan, rural, and regional GPs and related services;
(b) current state and former Government reforms to outer metropolitan, rural and regional GP services and their impact on GPs, including policies such as:
(i) the stronger Rural Health Strategy,
(ii) Distribution Priority Area and the Modified Monash Model (MMM) geographical classification system,
(iii) GP training reforms, and
(iv) Medicare rebate freeze;
(c) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on doctor shortages in outer metropolitan, rural and regional Australia; and
(d) any other related matters impacting outer metropolitan, rural, and regional access to quality health services.
The Senate divided. [15:50]
(The President—Senator Ryan)
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Sunsetting Review and Other Measures) Bill 2021
That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to counter-terrorism, and for related purposes.
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
The Australian Government's first priority is to keep our community safe. This Bill provides for the continuation of key counter-terrorism powers that ensure the safety and security of all Australians.
To this end, and consistent with the recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS), this Bill extends the declared areas offence for a further three years, until 7 September 2024.
The Bill will also ensure that key powers available to the Australian Federal Police will continue to be available. The PJCIS is currently reviewing these powers: the control order regime, the preventative detention order regime, and the emergency stop, search and seizure powers in the Crimes Act.
It is critical that these powers do not sunset ahead of the PJCIS' review. Accordingly, the Bill will defer sunsetting to 7 December 2022, to ensure that law enforcement continues to have a range of capabilities to respond to the ongoing threat of a terrorist attack in Australia.
All powers will continue to be subject to robust safeguards and oversight, including by providing for the PJCIS to again review the declared areas offence before their new sunsetting date.
Declared areas
The declared areas offence in section 119.2 of the Criminal Code is an important part of the Australian Government's efforts to stop the flow of foreign fighters. The offence also mitigates the risk that returning foreign fighters pose to Australians.
Where an area is declared by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, it is an offence to enter, or remain in that area without a legitimate reason. A declared area is a place where terrorist organisations are engaging in hostile activity. There are very few legitimate reasons for entering such an area. The offence recognises this by providing a carefully targeted range of exceptions.
Although there are currently no declared areas, these provisions remain a necessary component of our framework in the current threat environment and looking to the future.
Control orders
Control orders under Division 104 of the Criminal Code are an important tool in preventing a terrorist act and managing the risk posed by persons who continue to present a risk to the community.
The provisions allow the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court to impose an order which places tailored obligations, prohibitions and restrictions on an individual. The conditions must be reasonably necessary and reasonably appropriate and adapted to protect the public from a terrorist act.
Preventative detention orders
Preventative detention orders under Division 105 of the Criminal Code are another important tool in preventing an imminent terrorist act. A preventative detention order allows a person to be detained without charge, and can only be used where the AFP reasonably suspects an attack could occur within 14 days, or in the aftermath of a terrorist attack to preserve vital evidence.
Crimes Act powers
The emergency stop, search and seizure powers in the Crimes Act ensure that police are able to respond consistently and effectively to a terrorist incident or threat.
The powers allow police to request a person's name, address and other details; they allow police to conduct a search for a terrorism related item and to seize such an item; and they allow police to enter premises without a warrant to prevent a serious and imminent threat to a person's life, health or safety.
These AFP powers have been used sparingly since they were enacted. As at 16 July 2021, 20 control orders have been made since September 2014, when the national terrorism threat level was raised. No preventative detention orders have been made, and no incidents have required the use of the emergency stop, search and seizure powers. Although these powers have not been used to date, this demonstrates that the AFP have been appropriately judicious in exercising these exceptional powers.
Review of Division 105A
This Bill also extends the reporting date for the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor's (the INSLM's) review of Division 105A of the Criminal Code, which provides for continuing detention orders for high risk terrorist offenders.
The INSLM independently reviews the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia's counter-terrorism and national security laws, ensuring they contain appropriate protections for individual rights, and remain necessary and proportionate.
Extending the INSLM's reporting deadline to as soon as practicable after 7 December 2021 will enable the INSLM to engage in interstate consultations which were disrupted by COVID-19, and provide a greater body of evidence to review the practical operation of Division 105A.
Concluding remarks
The measures in this Bill implement the Government's response to the recommendations of the PJCIS recent declared areas review. The PJCIS has carefully examined this offence and recommended that it be continued. I acknowledge and appreciate the PJCIS' ongoing and valuable role in reviewing intelligence and security powers.
I also value the continuing partnership with States and Territories in our shared efforts to protect the Australian community. The amendments to Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code have been approved by a majority of States and Territories, as required by the Intergovernmental Agreement on Counter-Terrorism Laws.
This Bill provides for the continuation of important counter-terrorism powers that ensure the safety and security of all Australians.
They ensure that Australia's law enforcement agencies continue to be able to manage the evolving national security and threat environment, while protecting individual rights through strong and effective oversight and safeguards.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Aged Care, by no later than 9.30 am on Thursday, 5 August 2021, the full Doherty Institute modelling, including technical reports, used to inform the vaccination targets announced on 30 July 2021 under the national plan to transition Australia's national COVID-19 response.
Ensuring Northern Territory Rights Bill 2021
That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 and repeal theEuthanasia Laws Act 1997 , and for related purposes.
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
I have great pleasure in introducing this bill to the Senate as I seek to ensure that Northern Territorians have the same rights as residents of other Australian states. There are three amendments to this bill that will restore the rights of Territorians, and all parts are equal in their importance.
Firstly, this bill will remove limitations that apply to the Northern Territory Parliament pertaining to the acquisition of property. This will align to arrangements already in place for the states and will confer equal powers on the Northern Territory Parliament.
Secondly, in a similar manner, the bill will highlight the current relationship between the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 and Territory law, and will remove the limitations on the ability of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly to make laws conferring powers in relation to the hearing and determining of employment disputes.
Finally, amendments in this bill will remove laws that limit the ability of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly to legislate for voluntary assisted dying. While this sounds controversial, it must be made absolutely clear that this is not a green light for the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying in the Northern Territory. It simply provides the ability for the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly to make their own laws regarding the practice, should they choose to do so.
The Northern Territory was the first place in the world to legalise voluntary assisted dying when a private bill by then Chief Minister Marshall Perron came into effect in 1996. For nine months, voluntary assisted dying was legal in the Northern Territory until federal MP Kevin Andrews put forward a bill, passed by the Commonwealth in 1997, that overrode the right of the Northern Territory to legalise assisted dying. This gave a clear message to Territorians, "You are not equal, and your Parliament cannot make its own laws".
While Territorians are unable to access voluntary assisted dying, the states of Victoria, Western Australia and Tasmania have already passed laws to allow people to pass away with dignity, and to avoid suffering and pain, through voluntary assisted dying. The South Australian Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill on 24 June 2021. The Queensland Parliament had legislation to allow access to voluntary assisted dying introduced on 25 May 2021, and the New South Wales Parliament is expected to debate recently introduced legislation later this year. There is no reason why the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly should not have the same rights to introduce legislation to be considered to legalise voluntary assisted dying, particularly if other states can.
As previously stated, this bill is not just about voluntary assisted dying. Each amendment is equally important.
Overall, the bill aims to restore the rights of Northern Territorians in line with those held by residents of Australian states across legislation that confers powers on the Commonwealth that the Northern Territory Parliament should be able to govern themselves.
There is no reason why Territorians should not be treated equally by the Commonwealth, and so I proudly introduce this bill on behalf of all Territorians to obtain equality, fairness and legislative liberties in line with those afforded to residents in other parts of our great nation.
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Water, by no later than 10.30 am on Monday, 9 August 2021, the Government's current plan to achieve the full 450 GL of 'efficiency measures' in the required statutory time frame.
That there be laid on the table by the Commissioner of Taxation, by no later than 9.30 am on Thursday, 12 August 2021, the list of all employers with an annual turnover of greater than $10 million that were paid a JobKeeper payment, and the number of employees paid, the total amount paid and any amount returned.
The Senate divided. [16:02]
(The President—Senator Ryan)
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, by no later than 2 pm on 12 August 2021:
(a) all records, including invitations, emails, briefings and other documents, held by the Australian Government in relation to the participation of Untung Sangaji in training at the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC);
(b) all communications between the Australian Federal Police and Untung Sangaji; and
(c) any advice that the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Home Affairs or the Attorney-General's Department have provided to the current or previous ministers about the risks of providing training at JCLEC to individuals who have committed human rights violations.
The Senate divided. [16:06]
(The President—Senator Ryan)
That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, by no later than 10 am on Monday, 9 August 2021, the following documents discussed during a hearing of the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee (the committee) on 19 July 2021:
(a) any email or document setting out the list of 'top twenty marginal seats' to be 'canvassed' for projects as part of the Urban Congestion Fund (UCF), as referred to by Mr Brian Boyd of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) on page 5 of the Hansard of the committee's hearing on 19 July 2021;
(b) any spreadsheets created by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development for the purpose of setting out proposed UCF projects, as referenced in paragraphs 2.30 to 2.32 of the ANAO's report, Administration of commuter car park projects within the Urban Congestion Fund ;
(c) any spreadsheets created by, originating in, or shared between the Prime Minister's Office and the offices of the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development or the Minister for Urban Infrastructure, setting out proposed UCF projects, as referenced in paragraphs 2.30 to 2.32 of the ANAO's report, Administration of commuter car park projects within the Urban Congestion Fund ; and
(d) any maps and attached schedules referred to by Mr Boyd of the ANAO on page 8 of the Hansard of the committee's hearing on 19 July 2021, setting out where projected UCF expenditure would take place and the party affiliation of the seats in which that expenditure would occur.
The Senate divided. [16:12]
(The President—Senator Ryan)
Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Improved Grants Reporting) Bill 2021
That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, and for related purposes.
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Improved Grants Reporting) Bill 2021 is being introduced to improve accountability and standards in grants administration.
The Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines, issued under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 , establish the Commonwealth's grants policy framework and sets out the requirements and expectations for the administration of grants.
While mainly aimed at Commonwealth departments and agencies, there are some requirements that apply to Ministers. These relate to where Ministers approve grants that have not been recommended by the relevant officials, and where Ministers award grants within their own electorates.
Sub-paragraph 4.12a of the Grants Rules and Guidelines require Ministers to report annually to the Finance Minister on all instances where they have approved grants that relevant officials have recommended be rejected. This report must contain a brief statement of reasons, and is to be provided to the Finance Minister by 31 March each year for the preceding calendar year.
Sub-paragraph 4.12b of the Grants Rules and Guidelines require reporting to the Finance Minister of grants awarded by Ministers within their own electorates.
While there is public reporting of this information, there is a lag in timing. There is a Senate Order that requires the tabling of all reports and correspondence received by the Finance Minister under paragraph 4.12 of the Grants Rules and Guidelines by no later than 30 April. These reports and correspondence relate to grants awarded in the preceding calendar year (so the Senate Order this year related to grants awarded from 1 January to 31 December 2020).
This bill amends the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 to prescribe the reporting requirements currently found in the Grants Rules and Guidelines in primary legislation and improve the timeliness of those requirements. The bill would require Ministers approving grants against departmental recommendation, or within their own electorates, or grants that did not meet any of the relevant selection criteria to provide reports to the Finance Minister within 30 days of their approval. The Finance Minister would then need to table those reports in the Parliament within 5 sitting days of receiving them.
This would provide an extra layer of accountability and transparency in grants reporting, and make Ministers consider their decisions noting there will be public reporting.
It is another important step in ensuring that governments remain open and accountable to the Parliament, and to the Australian public.
Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion:
The failure of the Prime Minister to deliver a speedy effective rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and safe national quarantine, meaning 10 million Australians begin the week, yet again, languishing in lockdown.
We aren't putting all our eggs in one basket and we will continue to pursue further vaccines should our medical experts recommend them.
"This lockdown is proving very, very hard for us," said Ms Chen … "Our business is more than 75 per cent down compared to this time last year, and it's really bad now; there are virtually no customers.
"Yesterday, I made $200, which isn't even enough to cover my employee costs. And I really want to keep my staff because, if they go, I won't have staff anymore when this lockdown finished."
That the Senate take note of the report.
That the Senate take note of the report.
Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response—Better Advice) Bill 2021
That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time.
That this bill be now read a second time.
This Bill will empower the Financial Services and Credit Panel within the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as the single disciplinary body for financial advisers. The panel will be provided with new sanction powers to enable it to fully perform its disciplinary functions, including being able to issue an infringement notice, require that the financial adviser undertake additional training and recommend to ASIC that it seek a civil penalty. The Bill will also require all financial advisers who provide personal financial advice to retail clients to be registered.
This fulfils the Government's commitment to implement recommendation 2.10 of the Financial Services Royal Commission. The Royal Commission highlighted that the financial advice industry lacked an effective system of professional discipline, as a result of there being too many different pathways for consumer complaints and ineffective sanctions to deal with misconduct appropriately. In addition, while sanctions are available to ASIC, the lack of less serious sanctions means that ASIC generally only focuses on the most serious incidents.
The Bill will also provide that tax (financial) advisers will no longer be regulated by the Tax Practitioners Board but instead be regulated only under the Corporations Act 2001 . This implements recommendation 7.1 of the Tax Practitioners Board Review, which recommended that a new model be developed for regulating tax (financial) advisers in alignment with implementing recommendation 2.10 of the Royal Commission.
The Bill also winds-up the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority and transfers its functions to the Minister responsible for the Corporations Act 2001 and ASIC.
These reforms will further streamline the number of bodies involved in the oversight of financial advisers, resulting in continuous improvements to the regulatory framework for the financial advice sector and enhanced access for Australians to affordable and quality financial advice.
Finally, the Legislative and Governance Forum on Corporations was consulted in relation to the Bill and has approved them as required under the Corporations Agreement 2002 .
Full details of the measure are contained in the Explanatory Memorandum.
Ministerial Suitability Commission of Inquiry Bill 2021
That the Ministerial Suitability Commission of Inquiry Bill 2021 be referred to the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 1 September 2021.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has just overseen Christian Porter’s assuming of the role of acting leader of the House of Representatives. Amid a burgeoning, pre-eminent mass awakening to the endemic issue of sexual abuse, this decision marks a proverbial slap in the face of our entire nation.
Outside of Parliament, positions of public trust are governed by codes of conduct that stipulate one must be a “fit and proper” person in order to occupy them, such as in the case of doctors who are bound by the Hippocratic oath. Furthermore, their adequacy—in terms of both knowledge and ethics—is repeatedly challenged and updated through mandated continuing professional development.
In Parliament, however, no such requirements exist. It is the Prime Minister who sets the standards and maintains them by appointing cabinet ministers at his or her discretion.
Given the seriousness of the allegations against Porter, the bare minimum test of his fitness to hold ministerial office would be an independent inquiry. How damning it is that the government refused to allow for one.
If the Prime Minister’s recent rhetoric about wanting to support assault survivors and protect women’s safety was indeed true, he would surely go to any lengths possible to ensure there was not an accused rapist amongst his own staff. Clearly, it has been nothing but lip service. His actions speak volumes that drown out his every word.
And now, not only has Porter been permitted to remain in office, he’s been temporarily elevated. His are circumstances steeped in the protective privileges of a patriarchal Parliament.
There is no way this decision was accidental. It is a transparently deliberate, definitive statement that reeks of abuse of power and a blatant disregard of the people.
My heart breaks at the thought of survivors still living in silence, looking to our leaders for hope.
The Senate divided. [18:03]
(The President—Senator Ryan)
That section 7 of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Implementing the Technology Investment Roadmap) Regulations 2021, made under the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Act 2011 , be disallowed [F2021L01043].
Fifteen sitting days remain, including today, to resolve the motion or the instrument will be deemed to have been disallowed.
(a) improve the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies; and
(b) increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia.
The Senate divided. [18:23]
(The President—Senator Ryan)
The Senate divided. [18:30]
(The President—Senator Ryan)
Treasury Laws Amendment (COVID-19 Economic Response No. 2) Bill 2021
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights say that everyone has the right to return home to their country, and shall never be deprived of the right to enter their own country.
However, due to Australia’s small market, this content can be financially risky to produce, with costs often not able to be recouped in the domestic market.
We're hearing from tourism operators they are losing between $3 million to $5 million a day. We have retailers reporting not a single transaction on their cash registers a day.
Listen up, I have a story to tell you. My name is Abbas and I'm 34 years old. I'm just like any man my age on most accounts. I like to spend time with my family and friends, watch movies and go to the gym. I would love to spend a summer in Paris to learn more about philosophy, poetry and politics. I also enjoy Russian literature and South American music and dance.
Unfortunately my life is different to most other 34 year old men because I have had almost nine years stolen from me. As an Arabic man, I had to leave my country . It was forbidden for us to celebrate our culture or even learn our language. If we were caught doing this we were brutally punished and abused by the government. My sister and I grew up living in fear and shame. When I was 25 years old, my parents, older sister and I came to Australia seeking safety and refuge. We looked forward to a beautiful future where we did not have to hide our culture.
The Australian Government were not what we expected. They did not offer us safety, refuge or even a slither of compassion. Instead they sent us to a tiny little island in Tanzania. My family spent 7 years on Nauru. We were kept behind fences and treated like criminals.