The SPEAKER (Mr Harry Jenkins) took the chair at 10:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Parliamentary Budget Office Bill 2011
Charter of Budget Honesty Amendment Bill 2011
Auditor-General Amendment Bill 2011
Business Names Registration Bill 2011
Business Names Registration (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011
Business Names Registration (Fees) Bill 2011
(a) unless otherwise ordered, at the interruption of private Members’ business at noon today, the Parliamentary Budget Office Bill 2011 and the Charter of Budget Honesty Amendment Bill 2011 stand referred to the Main Committee for further consideration; and
(b) the following bills be referred to the Main Committee for further consideration:
Auditor-General Amendment Bill 2011;
Business Names Registration Bill 2011;
Business Names Registration (Transitional and Consequential
Provisions) Bill 2011; and
Business Names Registration (Fees) Bill 2011.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Mining, Petroleum and Water Resources) Bill 2011
Wild Rivers (Environmental Management) Bill 2011
… unless the great symbolism of reconciliation is accompanied by an even greater substance, it is little more than a clanging gong.
Parliamentary Budget Office Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
Charter of Budget Honesty Amendment Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a second time.
Charter of Budget Honesty Amendment Bill 2011
Parliamentary Budget Office Bill 2011
But the detailed Coalition rebuttal, also obtained by The Australian, demonstrates that the biggest dispute in money terms - $2.5bn over four years - was a more modest version of a similar $4.6bn change adopted by the Labor government in its own budget the previous year.
The opposition claimed $2.5bn in savings from adjusting what is known as the conservative bias allowance (CBA). This effectively meant that the opposition claimed it would be more efficient in delivering spending programs and could therefore reduce the small percentage buffer included to allow for programs going over budget.
The committee considers that the PBO’s relationships with Government agencies will be crucial to its success. Not only will the PBO require information and data held by Government agencies, it may also need the assistance of agencies in making the best use of that information and data.
Further, there may be instances where, by working together on the kinds of information required, the agencies can better understand the ongoing needs of the PBO. The relationships between the PBO and Government agencies might also evolve over time, possibly leading to greater efficiencies and enhanced products for Senators, Members and committees.
This is the kind of reform which, when enacted, will be a permanent feature, making sure that Australia's economic policy is run better, making sure that the public is kept better informed, making sure that there is transparency in economic policy in this country.
… provides for more equal access to Treasury and Finance costings of election commitments by the government and the opposition during the caretaker period. This will allow the electorate to be better informed of the financial implications of election commitments.
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the importance of the road transport industry to Australia's economy;
(2) notes that intergovernmental agreement on heavy vehicle regulatory reform was reached at the Council of Australian Governments meeting on 19 August 2011;
(3) acknowledges the significance of this agreement to Australia's road transport sector; and
(4) commends the federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport for his work in bringing about this agreement.
Appropriate rest areas, with shade, amenities and minimal noise allow drivers to comply with fatigue regulations. The Austroads' Audit of Rest Areas against National Guidelines, shows the quantity and quality of rest areas are below national standards. This is a symptom of planning and funding problems.
… … …
A further problem is the removal of existing rest areas. Rest areas that are temporarily removed due to capital works should be immediately replaced. New road planning that expects significant heavy vehicle traffic should include rest area facilities.
That the following words be inserted:
(5) condemns the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and the Gillard Government for its introduction of a carbon tax on transport fuel.
Legislative Instruments Amendment (Sunsetting) Bill 2011
Indigenous Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Amendment Bill 2011
That the amendments be agreed to.
Parliamentary Service Amendment (Parliamentary Budget Officer) Bill 2011
The pre-election costings regime is … deficient in a number of respects … Only costings of previously announced policies is allowed—that is, policy decisions would have to be made on the basis of incomplete information and be announced.
I will be moving to amend the Democrat amendments so that all participants in elections can avail themselves of having their policies vetted.
In attempting to deal with these issues—
many countries have found that existing parliamentary institutions have limited resources to undertake a high level of analysis on fiscal matters. To satisfy a need for greater support, many parliaments have established specialist research and analytical units such as Parliamentary Budget Offices (PBOs) which are independent from government to varying degrees and which assist parliamentarians in their consideration of government finances and expenditure.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has observed that in recent years, there is an international trend in establishing specialist budget research units. The OECD stated:
The growth of bodies to assist the legislature in budgetary matters is a strong trend in OECD countries. They take a variety of forms but their raison d’être is the same: Parliaments need specialised resources in order to carry out their constitutional responsibilities vis-à-vis the budget. The functions of such bodies include economic forecasts, baseline estimates, cost estimation, analysis of the Executive’s budget proposals and medium-term analysis. As such, they have the potential to improve transparency and enhance the credibility of the Government’s Budget and public finances in general.
Despite the reforms to Budget reporting and the detail of information published in the Budget Papers and other statements and reports, submissions have raised concerns about the ability of Parliament to effectively discharge its responsibilities in relation to the Budget and other financial matters.
… several bond market estimates backed the Coalition assumption of a 5.5 per cent rate based on the 10-year bond rate. 'The current 10-year bond rate is as fair as anything else,' said UBS market strategist Matthew Johnson.
THE lengthy September 1 meeting between Canberra's top bureaucrats and the three independents was supposed to be crucial in influencing whether Labor or the Liberals would form government.
But previously secret minutes of that meeting … reveal how much it was politicised and influenced by the opinions of the senior bureaucrats, while some of their conclusions didn't take market impact into account.
… there is no $11 billion "black hole" in the Coalition's projected budget surplus … Ken Henry has found a few potholes that can be repaired without too much trouble.
… the biggest dispute in money terms—$2.5bn over four years—was a more modest version of a similar $4.6bn change adopted by the Labor government in its own budget the previous year.
The Secretaries indicated that they accepted that it was an option open to governments to prepare their budget papers on the basis of a lower CBA—
as the budget papers are prepared on the authority of Ministers.
Moreover, the Secretaries also accepted that an incoming government may wish to report this as a policy measure.
We look forward to social and unemployment insurances, to improved health services, to a wise control of our economy ...
… we recognise that our primary purpose is to equip them with the skills, knowledge and attributes that they will need to be successful in their working lives.
Australia's quick declaration that these attacks were an assault on the values and freedoms shared by our two countries comforted us; your invocation of Article IV of the ANZUS Treaty strengthened our resolve to prevail over this menace. Americans were moved by the expressions of sympathy from so many Australian citizens, and we shared your grief at the loss of ... Australians in the September 11 attacks.
In the decade since the attacks, we have had no more steadfast partner than Australia in our effort to defeat terrorists in Afghanistan, in Bali, in the Middle East and in Southeast Asia. Australia's robust cooperation in these efforts has made a tremendous contribution to achieving the alliance goals we share, and has won the lasting affection and gratitude of Americans.
… I don't blame the government. I don't blame the police. I don't blame anybody.
This is not a race issue. The family has received messages of support from all parts of society. I lost my son. Blacks, Asians, whites—we all live in the same community.
That further statements on indulgence on the 10th anniversary of terrorist attacks in the United States of America on 11 September 2001 be referred to the Main Committee.
That further statements on indulgence on Sam Stosur and the US Open to be referred to the Main Committee.
… because it is costly, unsustainable and wrong as a matter of principle.
I think that our country should have the best border protection policy that the government of the day thinks that it needs and I’m prepared to work constructively to give the Government, to restore to the Government, the option of third country offshore processing which it says the High Court and the Solicitor-General have denied to it.
I think that our country should have the best border protection policy that the government of the day thinks that it needs and I’m prepared to work constructively to give the Government, to restore to the Government, the option of third country offshore processing which it says the High Court and the Solicitor-General have denied to it.
That the House take note of the following documents:
Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Act 1997 —Funding agreement 2010-14 between the Commonwealth of Australia and Australian Livestock Export Corporation Limited.
Electoral Matters—Joint Standing Committee—Civics and electoral education—Government response.
Public Accounts and Audit—Joint Committee—Report 421: The role of the Auditor-General in scrutinising government advertising—Government response.
That the time and order of business for the sitting tomorrow, Tuesday 13 September 2011, be as follows, unless otherwise ordered:
(a) the House, at its rising, adjourn until tomorrow at 12 noon; and
(b) government business have priority from 12 noon until 2 pm.
… his death does not mark the end of our effort.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent Mr Keenan speaking in reply to the ministerial statement for a period not exceeding 10½ minutes.
Terrorists oppose nations such as the United States and Australia not because of what we have done but because of who we are and because of the values that we hold in common.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the republic they died to save.
Parliamentary Service Amendment (Parliamentary Budget Officer) Bill 2011
(1) The Parliamentary Budget Officer has the following functions:
(a) outside the caretaker period for a general election—to prepare policy costings on request by Senators or Members of the House of Representatives under section 64H;
(b) during the caretaker period for a general election—to prepare policy costings on request by authorised members of Parliamentary parties or independent members under section 64J;
(c) to prepare responses (other than policy costings) to requests relating to the budget by Senators or Members of the House of Representatives;
(d) to prepare submissions to inquiries of Parliamentary committees on request by such committees;
(e) to conduct, on his or her own initiative (including in anticipation of requests referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d)), research on and analysis of the budget and fiscal policy settings.
Further, there may be instances where, by working together on the kinds of information required, the agencies can better understand the ongoing needs of the PBO. The relationships between the PBO and Government agencies might also evolve over time, possibly leading to greater efficiencies and enhanced products for Senators, Members and committees.
As soon as practicable after a policy costing request has been made, and before polling day for the election, the Officer is required to release publicly the request and the policy costing.
This is the kind of reform which, when enacted, will be a permanent feature, making sure that Australia’s economic policy is run better, making sure that the public is kept better informed, making sure that there is transparency in economic policy in this country.
The pre-election costings regime is … deficient in a number of respects … Only costings of previously announced policies is allowed—that is, policy decisions would have to be made on the basis of incomplete information and be announced.
… to inform the Parliament by providing independent and non-partisan analysis of the budget cycle, fiscal policy and the financial implications of proposals; …
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent Mr Truss speaking in reply to the ministerial statement for a period not exceeding 11 minutes.
Much will depend on the detail of how the reforms are enacted whether that objective will be achieved. The details of the criteria for the second register and the training packages as a result of the establishment of the forum to develop skills and training in the industry, are some of the issues on which we are waiting further details.
The detail that sits behind these measures is critical and we look forward to seeing the draft legislation in the near future.
Parliamentary Service Amendment (Parliamentary Budget Officer) Bill 2011
… be established, based in the Parliamentary Library, to provide independent costings, fiscal analysis and research to all members of parliament, especially non-government members …
… structure, resourcing and protocols for such an Office be the subject of a decision by a special committee of the Parliament which is truly representative of the Parliament.
… the mandate of the PBO to inform the Parliament by providing independent and non-partisan analysis of the budget cycle, fiscal policy and the financial implications of proposals;
The alarming expansion of spending under Labor makes this—
vitally important. Annual spending is projected to rise from $272 billion in 2007-08 to $342 billion in 2010-11, the largest three-year increase since the 1970s.
... to inform the Parliament by providing independent and non-partisan analysis of the budget cycle, fiscal policy and the financial implications of proposals;
There is currently no independent body in Australia that specialises in high quality research and analysis on fiscal policy for the Parliament.
… to inform the Parliament by providing independent, non-partisan and policy neutral analysis on the full Budget cycle, fiscal policy and the financial implications of proposals.
… to respond to requests of Senators, Members and parliamentary committees, formally contribute to committee inquiries, publish self-initiated work, and prepare costings of election commitments.
The committee found that the election costings provisions of the Charter of Budget Honesty Act 1998—
… in enabling the electorate to be better informed about the financial implications of election commitments.
Indigenous Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2011
The actions of the Red Cross sparked a fierce debate in Adelaide about whether people in APY were "starving" or whether they went hungry and skipped meals when their money ran out.
The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.
We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation.
For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.
We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians.
A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.
… there comes a time in the history of nations when their peoples must become fully reconciled to their past if they are to go forward with confidence to embrace their future. Our nation, Australia, has reached such a time. That is why the parliament is today here assembled: to deal with this unfinished business of the nation, to remove a great stain from the nation’s soul and, in a true spirit of reconciliation, to open a new chapter in the history of this great land, Australia.
Parliamentary Service Amendment (Parliamentary Budget Officer) Bill 2011
(1) notes that:
(a) Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues are distributed to the States and Territories in accordance with a formula driven by Horizontal Fiscal Equalisation (HFE) principles and are legislated for in the Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 ;
(b) for 2010-11, Western Australia received just 68 per cent of what it would have received if GST revenue was distributed across Australia on a per capita basis—the lowest relativity applied to any State since the formula was introduced; and
(c) every other State and Territory, by contrast, received not less than 91 per cent of what it would have received if GST revenue was distributed evenly across Australia; and
(2) calls on the Government to amend the Act to stipulate a minimum GST revenue-sharing relativity of 75 per cent, which would allow continuing respect for the principles of HFE, but with proper recognition for population, and without Western Australia being unfairly penalised for its disproportionate contribution to our national economic prosperity.
That the House:
omits paragraph (2) of the motion and substitutes:
(2) calls on the Government to refer the matter of the minimum share of GST allocated to Western Australia to the GST Distribution Review for further consideration and analysis.
That the order of the day No. 3, private members' business, be postponed till the next sitting.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. Peter Slipper) took the chair at 10:30.
Auditor-General Amendment Bill 2011
(1) Schedule 1, item 8, page 3 (lines 8 to 22), omit "contractor" (wherever occurring), substitute "non-Commonwealth government agency".
(2) Schedule 1, item 8, page 3 (line 8), omit "a person", substitute "an agency of a State, Territory or local government, or a body which is a subsidiary of or controlled by such an agency".
(3) Schedule 1, item 8, page 3 (lines 20 and 21), omit "If the contractor is an agency of a State, Territory or local government, or is a subsidiary of or controlled by such an agency,".
(1) Schedule 1, page 2 (line 1) to page 5 (line 12), omit the Schedule, substitute:
Schedule 1—Functions and powers of the Auditor-General
Auditor-General Act 1997
1 Subsection 5(1)
Insert:
assurance review means a review conducted in accordance with the standards set by the Auditor-General under section 24 for assurance reviews.
2 Subsection 5(1)
Insert:
Commonwealth partner has the meaning given by subsection 18B(2).
3 Subsection 5(1)
Insert:
priority assurance review has the meaning given by subsection 19A(5).
4 Subsection 5(1) (at the end of the definition of responsible Minister )
Add:
; (d) in relation to an audit of a Commonwealth partner—the Minister responsible for achieving the Commonwealth purpose concerned.
5 Subsection 5(1) (definition of senior manager )
Repeal the definition, substitute:
senior manager : (a) in relation to a Commonwealth company or a subsidiary of a Commonwealth company—has the same meaning as in theCommonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 ; and (b) in relation to a Commonwealth partner who is an individual—means the individual.
6 Subsection 5(1)
Insert:
wholly owned Commonwealth company has the same meaning as in theCommonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 .
7 At the end of subsection 15(2)
Add:
; and (d) to the extent that the report relates to the operations of a Commonwealth partner—give a copy of the report to a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner.
8 Subsection 16(2)
Omit "the responsible Minister, the Finance Minister or".
9 Subsection 16(2)
Omit "The Finance Minister is to consult with the responsible Minister before making a request.".
10 Subsection 16(3)
Omit "a responsible Minister, the Finance Minister or".
11 At the end of subsection 16(4)
Add:
; and (d) to the extent that the report relates to the operations of a Commonwealth partner—give a copy of the report to a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner.
12 Subsection 17(2)
Omit "the responsible Minister, the Finance Minister or".
13 Subsection 17(2)
Omit "The Finance Minister is to consult with the responsible Minister before making a request.".
14 Subsection 17(3)
Omit "a responsible Minister, the Finance Minister or".
15 At the end of subsection 17(4)
Add:
; and (d) to the extent that the report relates to the operations of a Commonwealth partner—give a copy of the report to a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner.
16 Subsection 17(5)
Repeal the subsection.
17 Paragraph 18(2)(g)
After "operations of a person", insert "who is not a Commonwealth partner".
18 At the end of subsection 18(2)
Add:
; and (h) to the extent that the report relates to the operations of a Commonwealth partner—give a copy of the report to a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner.
19 After section 18
Insert:
18A Audit of performance indicators (1) The Auditor-General may at any time conduct an audit of: (a) the appropriateness of the performance indicators (however described) of: (i) an Agency; or (ii) a Commonwealth authority (other than a GBE), or of any of its subsidiaries; or (iii) a Commonwealth company (other than a GBE), or of any of its subsidiaries; and (b) reporting by the Agency, authority, company or subsidiary against those indicators.(2) If the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit requests it, the Auditor-General may conduct an audit of: (a) the appropriateness of the performance indicators (however described) of: (i) a Commonwealth authority that is a GBE, or of any of its subsidiaries; or (ii) a wholly owned Commonwealth company that is a GBE, or of any of its subsidiaries; and (b) reporting by the authority, company or subsidiary against those indicators.(3) Nothing prevents the Auditor-General from asking the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit to make a particular request under subsection (2).(4) As soon as practicable after completing the report on an audit under this section, the Auditor-General must: (a) cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament; and (b) give a copy of the report to the responsible Minister; and (c) give a copy of the report to: (i) the Chief Executive of the Agency; or (ii) an officer of the Commonwealth authority or the subsidiary of the Commonwealth authority; or (iii) a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth company or the subsidiary of the Commonwealth company.(5) Subsection (4) does not apply if the report is, or is to be, included in the annual report of the Agency, Commonwealth authority or Commonwealth company.(6) The Auditor-General may give a copy of, or an extract from, the report to any person (including a Minister) who, or any body that, in the Auditor-General's opinion, has a special interest in the report or the content of the extract.
18B Commonwealth partners (1) The Auditor-General may conduct a performance audit of a Commonwealth partner: (a) if the partner is, is part of, or is controlled by, the Government of a State or Territory—at the request of the responsible Minister or the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit; or (b) otherwise—at any time.(2) A person or body is a Commonwealth partner if: (a) the Commonwealth provides money for a particular purpose (theCommonwealth purpose ); and (b) the person or body receives some or all of the money, whether directly or indirectly, because the person or body: (i) agrees to use the money in achieving the Commonwealth purpose; or (ii) has entered into a contract that relates to the Commonwealth purpose; and (c) an audit of the person or body could not be conducted under another section of this Division.(3) The audit may be conducted only to the extent that it assesses the operations of the Commonwealth partner in relation to achieving the Commonwealth purpose.(4) The audit may be conducted as part of an audit under section 15, 16, 17 or 18.(5) The report on the audit must include the reasons for conducting the audit.(6) As soon as practicable after completing the report on the audit, the Auditor-General must: (a) cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament; and (b) give a copy of the report to the responsible Minister; and (c) give a copy of the report to a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner.(7) Subsection (6) does not apply if the report is, or is to be, included in the report on an audit under section 15, 16, 17 or 18.(8) The Auditor-General may give a copy of, or an extract from, the report to any person (including a Minister) who, or any body that, in the Auditor-General's opinion, has a special interest in the report or the content of the extract.(9) Nothing prevents the Auditor-General from asking the responsible Minister or the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit to make a particular request for the purposes of paragraph (1)(a).
20 Subsections 19(1) and (2)
Repeal the subsections, substitute:(1) After preparing a proposed report on an audit of an Agency under section 15, the Auditor-General must: (a) give a copy of the proposed report to the Chief Executive of the Agency; and (b) to the extent that the proposed report relates to the operations of a Commonwealth partner—give a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner: (i) a copy of the proposed report; or (ii) extracts of the parts of the proposed report that deal with the audit of the Commonwealth partner; or (iii) extracts of the proposed report that include the parts of the proposed report that deal with the audit of the Commonwealth partner.(2) After preparing a proposed report on an audit of a body under section 16 or 17, the Auditor-General must: (a) give a copy of the proposed report to: (i) if the body is a Commonwealth authority or a subsidiary of a Commonwealth authority—an officer of the Commonwealth authority or the subsidiary of the Commonwealth authority; or (ii) if the body is a Commonwealth company or a subsidiary of a Commonwealth company—a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth company or the subsidiary of the Commonwealth company; and (b) to the extent that the proposed report relates to the operations of a Commonwealth partner—give a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner: (i) a copy of the proposed report; or (ii) extracts of the parts of the proposed report that deal with the audit of the Commonwealth partner; or (iii) extracts of the proposed report that include the parts of the proposed report that deal with the audit of the Commonwealth partner.(2A) After preparing a proposed report under section 18A on an audit of the performance indicators of a body and the body's reporting against those indicators, the Auditor-General must give a copy of the proposed report to: (a) if the body is an Agency—the Chief Executive of the Agency; or (b) if the body is a Commonwealth authority or the subsidiary of a Commonwealth authority—an officer of the Commonwealth authority or the subsidiary of the Commonwealth authority; or (c) if the body is a Commonwealth company or a subsidiary of a Commonwealth company—a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth company or the subsidiary of the Commonwealth company.(2B) After preparing a proposed report on an audit of a Commonwealth partner under section 18B, the Auditor-General must give a copy of the proposed report to a director or senior manager of the Commonwealth partner.(2C) Subsection (2B) does not apply if: (a) the proposed report is included, or is to be included, in the proposed report on an audit under section 15, 16 or 17; or (b) the audit of the Commonwealth partner was conducted as part of an audit under section 18.
21 Subsection 19(3)
Omit "or 18", substitute ", 18, 18A or 18B".
22 Subsection 19(4)
Omit "within 28 days after receiving the proposed report, or the extract from the proposed report", substitute "as follows".
23 At the end of subsection 19(4)
Add:
: (a) in the case of a proposed report on an audit under section 18A (audit of performance indicators)—within 14 days after receiving the proposed report, or the extract from the proposed report; (b) otherwise—within 28 days after receiving the proposed report, or the extract from the proposed report.
24 After Division 2 of Part 4
Insert:
Division 2A—Assurance reviews
19A Assurance reviews (1) The Auditor-General may at any time conduct an assurance review of: (a) an Agency; or (b) a Commonwealth authority (other than a GBE), or of any of its subsidiaries; or (c) a Commonwealth company (other than a GBE), or of any of its subsidiaries.(2) If the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit requests it, the Auditor-General may conduct an assurance review of: (a) a Commonwealth authority that is a GBE, or of any of its subsidiaries; or (b) a wholly owned Commonwealth company that is a GBE, or of any of its subsidiaries.(3) Nothing prevents the Auditor-General from asking the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit to make a particular request under subsection (2).(4) The Auditor-General may determine arrangements for the conduct of an assurance review, including arrangements for reporting to the Parliament.(5) The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit may identify an assurance review as a priority. A review so identified is a priority assurance review .(6) As soon as practicable after completing the report on a priority assurance review, the Auditor-General must cause a copy of the report to be tabled in each House of the Parliament.
25 At the end of section 20
Add:(4) Divisions 2 and 2A do not limit the power of the Auditor-General under this section to enter into an arrangement with a GBE.
26 Paragraph 21(1)(b)
After "company", insert "or a subsidiary of a Commonwealth company".
27 Paragraph 23A(b)
Omit "a performance audit under Division 2", substitute "an audit under Division 2 or 2A".
Note: The heading to section 23A is replaced by the heading "Information sharing".
28 Paragraph 24(a)
Omit "referred to in Division 1 or 2", substitute "or review referred to in Division 1, 2 or 2A".
29 Section 30
Before "The operation", insert "(1)".
30 Paragraph 30(b)
Repeal the paragraph, substitute: (b) is not limited by: (i) any other law (whether made before or after the commencement of this Act), except to the extent that the other law expressly excludes the operation of section 32 or 33; or (ii) any rule of law relating to legal professional privilege or any other privilege, or the public interest, in relation to the disclosure of information or the production of documents.
31 At the end of section 30
Add:(2) Disclosure or production of, or access to, information or a document under section 32 or 33 does not otherwise affect the operation of a rule of law relating to privilege or the public interest in relation to disclosure of the information or production of the document.
32 Before paragraph 31(a)
Insert:(aa) an assurance review that is not a priority assurance review; or
33 Paragraph 33(1)(a)
Omit "or a Commonwealth company", substitute ", a Commonwealth company or a Commonwealth partner".
34 After section 56
Insert:
56A Constitutional safety net (1) If a provision of this Act: (a) would, apart from this subsection, have an application (an invalid application ) in relation to: (i) one or more particular persons, things, matters, places, circumstances or cases; or (ii) one or more classes (however defined or determined) of persons, things, matters, places, circumstances or cases;
because of which the provision exceeds the Commonwealth's legislative power; and (b) also has at least one application (a valid application ) in relation to: (i) one or more particular persons, things, matters, places, circumstances or cases; or (ii) one or more classes (however defined or determined) of persons, things, matters, places, circumstances or cases;
that, if it were the provision's only application, would be within the Commonwealth's legislative power;
it is the Parliament's intention that the provision is not to have the invalid application, but is to have every valid application.(2) This Act does not enable a power to be exercised to the extent that it would impair the capacity of a State to exercise its constitutional powers.
[assurance reviews; Commonwealth partners; government business enterprises; performance indicator audits; Corporations Act audits; privileges]
GBEs are subject to competitive pressures and disciplines that do not apply to government bodies. To the greatest extent possible they should be subject to the same audit arrangements as their competitors.
That further proceedings be conducted in the House.
Business Names Registration Bill 2011
Business Names Registration (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011
Business Names Registration (Fees) Bill 2011
Together with related initiatives such as the Australian Business Licence Information Service and the Australian Business Account, the benefits of the national business names registration system amount to $1.5 billion over 8 years.
… are in full support of this bill, as most of the small and micro business cannot afford in the past to register business names in all states …
The BEC network which works with over 160,000 business per year, have said the most common issue is to be able to afford to register the business name Australia wide which will enable branding protection.
This is what red tape-cutting is about. It’s the boring and tedious side of government, but it’s this sort of commonsense reform that makes for better business. We encourage the government to continue this type of effort.
A. The parties agree to establish a national system for business name registration to be implemented by Commonwealth legislation, supported by State text‐based referrals of certain matters to the Commonwealth Parliament, in accordance with paragraph 51(xxxvii) of the Commonwealth Constitution.
B. The Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory and the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory have legislative powers in relation to business names and the registration of business names under Commonwealth self‐government legislation, and therefore the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory are parties to this agreement, but, having regard to paragraph 51(xxxvii) and section 122 of the Commonwealth Constitution, they will not make a referral.
C. The Commonwealth will introduce legislation to establish a national system for the registration of business names.
So long as descriptive words are used by two traders as part of their respective trade names, it is possible that some members of the public will be confused whatever the differentiating words may be. The risk of confusion must be accepted, to do otherwise is to give to one who appropriates to himself descriptive words an unfair monopoly in those words and might even deter others from pursuing the occupation which the words describe.
This is what red tape-cutting is about. It’s the boring and tedious side of government, but it’s this sort of commonsense reform that makes for better business.
Business Names Registration (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011
Business Names Registration (Fees) Bill 2011
That order of the day No. 1, committee and delegation reports, be postponed until a later hour this day.
Work towards the admission of India to membership of APEC as soon as possible.
That Australia continues to set an example to other APEC member economies by: (i) maintaining its momentum towards trade liberalisation; and (ii) encouraging the APEC membership to push strongly for a positive and forward-looking outcome in the Doha Round.
That Australia should strongly encourage the complete acceptance of the APEC Business Travel Card by the remaining members of APEC; and also explore the possibility of establishing a similar arrangement with other trading partners, e.g. non-APEC economies in Latin America, the EU and India.
The Sub-Committee expressed its satisfaction that AusAID has given some emphasis to gender issues in negotiations with the Pacific Islands Forum countries. It proposes that these issues should continue to be advanced by DFAT and AusAID as a priority.
I don't think we should be rewarding stupidity and cowardice.
Charter of Budget Honesty Amendment Bill 2011
Parliamentary Budget Office Bill 2011
… independent and non-partisan analysis of the budget cycle, fiscal policy and the financial implications of proposals …
A Parliamentary Budget Office be established, based in the Parliamentary Library, to provide independent costings, fiscal analysis and research to all members of parliament, especially non-government members.
Dear Mr Griffin,
My name is Jan Hill. The Spinal Muscular Atrophy Group represented us in a letter to you recently. My husband Brian I had two amazing daughters, Laura and Suzanne, who were both diagnosed at about nine months of age with SMA—Werdnig Hoffmann disease. Laura was born in 1978 and Suzanne was born in 1982. Both girls were in electric wheelchairs by the time they were four years old (neither had ever walked on their own) which gave them the independence they so needed, although that was somewhat limited to where the wheelchairs were accessible. Laura and Suzanne at different times attended the local Pre-school Rosswood where my husband made a ramp up to the front door. They both attended Rosewood Downs Primary School with the support of the principal and some wonderful teachers. My husband also made some ramps there so that the girls could access different rooms. The Education Department provided money for a ramp to a portable which was the music room. Originally I went to school twice a day but was on call all day every school day. After the first year and a half we managed to have a nurse visit the school at lunch times (whom we paid for) which helped immensely until many submissions to the Education Department later we were able to employ an Aide who remains one of our dearest friends. The girls were extremely bright both becoming Dux of Year 10 and Year 9 respectively at Lyndale Secondary College in Dandenong North. Accessibility there was somewhat limited and it was quite a job to get the Education Department to provide some money for some ramps. Even then there were areas that the girls could not access. Hopefully new schools being built today are totally inclusive. It has been some time since our daughters died (Laura at nearly 17 years of age in 1994 and Suzanne at almost 16 years of age in 1997). No amount of time minimises the impact they have made on everyone who knew them. Meeting Julie Cini a few years ago was heart-warming and somewhat confronting at the same time. She is an amazingly passionate person who seeks to get a better deal for everyone touched by SMA. Her own story is one of great sadness yet she is focused on bringing her story and the SMA Group to everyone's attention so that others might have the help and support that she and others did not have. I hope your meeting yesterday with Lynette and Elvira helped you to see for yourself not only what Elvira has to deal with on a day to day basis, just as our own daughters did, but also what the SMA group as a whole has to offer all families who are dealing with this very sad disease. It would be wonderful for our Government to become aware of this amazing group who work tirelessly to raise funds and awareness of SMA within communities. Perhaps with that recognition might come some big steps toward research specifically on SMA and hopefully genetic screening.
I do hope that you will be able to take Julie's message forward when the debate comes up in Parliament. You will be representing so many families of children and babies who have not had a chance of life and also those who have amazing talents and abilities but who are severely restricted by SMA. A small voice in the wilderness can certainly be the start of something bigger don't you think.
Yours sincerely
Jan Hill.
Alex was born on 8.10.2008 at 18.08, seemingly healthy. Around 4 weeks we noticed he wasn't moving as much as other babies of his age.
A week later he was diagnosed with SMA type 1, a terminal disease which doesn't have a cure.
He was given maximally 6 months of life, but he didn't even reach 3 months ... he passed away of breathing failure on 1.1. 2009 exactly on his sister's birthday.
SMA was completely unknown to us, as we didn't have any previous family history, our older daughter Madison is healthy, pregnancy was no problem, uneventful.
Later on we found that 1 in 40 people is a carrier of this genetic disorder, and if 2 carriers have a baby, there is 1 in 4 chance the baby will develop SMA ... 1 in 6,000 newborns is affected by SMA.
The Coalition's desire to reduce the size and cost of the Australian Public Service taps into 'small government' movements that have been prevalent here and in other western countries since at least the 1970s. The values, vision and policies of these movements are currently expressed by the Tea Party in the United States and 'Big Society' in the United Kingdom.
I want the government to be small, I want the public service reduced.
… the government needs to put a freeze on Public Service recruitment.
Squeezing public servants probably appeals to some people. I think the critical thing is to ensure that Government delivers its services efficiently at every level but you've just have to be smart about it.
They have done a good job and their Public Service has done a good job.
Of the $253.2 million allocated to GP Super Clinics under the 2010-11 GP Super Clinics Program, what sum has already been paid to funding recipients.
The 2010-11 Budget allocated a total of $248 million for new GP Super Clinic projects. Of this funding, $31.7 million was allocated in 2010-11 and $31.7 million was paid to GP Super Clinic funding recipients.
(1) How many personal staff are employed by the Minister.
(2) What is the (a) total cost, and (b) breakdown of costs, of all capital works and acquisitions in the Minister's private office since 3 December 2007.
(1) The employment of staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 is administered by the Department of Finance and Deregulation. On 22 February 2011, the Department tabled with the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee a list of Government Personal Staff Positions as at 1 February 2011.
(2) The cost of capital works and acquisitions for Ministers' Offices is shared by the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), Department of Finance and Deregulation (DoFD) and home departments in line with Appendix 2 of Supporting Ministers, Upholding the Values . The Special Minister of State will accordingly respond on behalf of all Ministers in respect of costs incurred by the DPS and DoFD.
I am advised that the costs incurred by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs are as follows:
(a) and (b) At 3 March 2011, the total cost of all capital works was $0 and total cost of acquisitions was $81,096 for items in Minister's private office in the ministerial wing of Parliament House. A breakdown of the costs of acquisitions is provided below.
(1) Is the Department of Immigration and Citizenship billed for the use of 81 Defence owned houses in Inverbrackie, SA; if so, for what sum of money.
(2) If Defence sold the 81 houses it owns in Inverbrackie to Defence Housing Australia, what revenue would Defence expect to receive from the sale.
(3) If these houses in Inverbrackie were leased to the public, what would be the notional sum of rent per house, per financial year.
(1) Defence is not charging the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) rent for the use of the 81 Defence owned houses at Inverbrackie, South Australia. A Handover/Takeover Plan is in the final stages of development between Defence and DIAC from which a Memorandum of Understanding will be developed. DIAC will be responsible for maintenance, refurbishment and utility costs associated with these properties.
(2) As these houses are not at the required standard for housing ADF families, they would not be sold to Defence Housing Australia. The notional value of the sum of these houses is between $29–32 million, based on the median house prices in the Inverbrackie area.
(3) While these houses remain on Defence land they would not be leased to the public. The estimated rental costs for houses in the Inverbrackie area as provided by Defence's Property Services Consultants, United Group Limited, are:
(a) approximately $310—$320 per week (average rent of $16,300 per annum) for a three bedroom house; and
(b) approximately $330—$350 per week (average rent of $17,700 per annum) for a four bedroom house.
Of the $280.2 million allocated to the 2007-08 GP Super Clinics Program, what sum has been paid by the (a) Medicare Benefits Schedule, (b) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and (c) Department of Veterans Affairs.
Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Department of Veterans' Affairs Entitlements are demand driven programs funded under Special Appropriations Acts. As such, actual costs incurred are not able to be separately identified.
Of the $280.2 million allocated to the 2007-08 GP Super Clinics Program, what amount was funded by the (a) Medicare Benefits Schedule, (b) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and (c) Department of Veterans Affairs, in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) 2009-10, (iv) 2010-11, and what sum is against (a) to (c) in the forward estimates.
Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Department of Veterans' Affairs Entitlements are demand driven programs funded under Special Appropriations Acts. As such, actual costs incurred are not able to be separately identified.
Of the $370.2 million allocated to the 2010-11 GP Super Clinics Program, what amount (a) was funded by the (i) Medicare Benefits Schedule, (ii) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, and (iii) Department of Veterans Affairs, and (b) is against (a)(i) to (iii) in the forward estimates.
Medicare Benefits Schedule, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or Department of Veterans' Affairs Entitlements are demand driven programs funded under Special Appropriations Acts. As such, actual costs incurred are not able to be separately identified against estimated flow on measures.
In respect of the Building the Education Revolution projects at Eidsvold State School in Queensland, which according to his department has been allocated $850 000 for the development of a multi-purpose hall under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century element of the program, and $75 000 for a learning resource centre under the National School Pride element of the program, (a) what is the value of the building contract entered into by the Queensland State Department of Education and the selected contractors for each project, (b) have the specified works for these projects been completed, (c) has the scope of works for these projects been varied at any time; if so, what were the variations and reasons given for them, and on what dates were the variations approved by his department, and (d) has his department paid the Queensland State Department of Education all funding allocated to this school; if not, what sum remains to be spent; if so, have the projects been acquitted, and final inspections of the works been undertaken.
(a) The Queensland Department of Education and Training (QDET) has advised that:
There is no single contract for the National School Pride (NSP) project. Total funding for the NSP project at this school is $75,000 and it is recorded as financially acquitted.
The value of the building contract associated with the Primary Schools for the 21st Century (P21) project is $561,000 (ex GST). This price does not include costs such as design fees, contract management fees, fire and rescue inspections, OH&S auditor and Geotechnical investigations, site services including upgrades, furniture, fittings, network hardware and wireless equipment. The approved P21 amount for this project is $850,000 and the last reported spend is $832,915.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (the Department) does not hold details of the contracts as the Commonwealth was not party to them.
(b) The NSP project was completed on 29 January 2010
The P21 project achieved practical completion on 24 November 2010.
(c) There have been no scope variations from QDET to the Department for these projects.
(d) Payments to state education authorities under the BER are made according to payment schedules within the bilateral funding agreements . Payments are not made to education authorities based on progress at an individual project level. It is the responsibility of each state education authority to manage payments at an individual project level. The amount of funds spent against each project is reported on a monthly basis to the Commonwealth.
Total spend against the NSP project is currently reported as $75,000. The final acquittal is yet to occur.
The P21 project achieved practical completion on 24 November 2010 and has not yet been acquitted. As at 31 May 2011, the total spend against this project is reported as $832,915. To achieve practical completion, the building must have a Certificate of Classification which is a requirement of the Queensland Building Act – this certificate can only be issued by a Building Certifier.
(1) Is he aware that hospitality related supervisors, hotel managers, sail guides, outdoor activity leaders, retail shift supervisors, aged carers and other occupations in demand in the Mackay/Whitsunday Region are excluded from the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
(2) Will he consider accepting exceptional circumstances applications from employers in need of skills excluded under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, and waiving the Subclass 457 visa prerequisite for skill levels 3 and 4 under the PAM3 policy.
(1) The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) allows employers operating in regional and low population growth areas to sponsor skilled workers to fill full-time vacancies in their business. Applicants gain permanent residence through this scheme.
My department uses the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) framework to identify the skill levels required for the appointments nominated under the RSMS. The ANZSCO is skill-based and classifies all occupations and jobs in the Australian and New Zealand labour markets. Occupations are organised into five skill levels:
According to legislation, the work to be performed under the RSMS must warrant the appointment of a person with a qualification equivalent to an Australian diploma or higher. This means that occupations classified as skill level 1 or 2 under ANZSCO meet the RSMS skill requirement and are considered 'normal appointments'. If an occupation is classified as skill level 3 or 4, the nomination may still be approved but only if the nominating employer can demonstrate that the appointment is exceptional.
Under policy, occupations with a corresponding skill level of 5 are considered insufficiently skilled for RSMS purposes . In these cases, the Labour Agreement program is a better pathway for employers seeking to engage foreign skilled workers to fill these occupations. Where a specific labour market shortage is identified or is emerging, a company or an industry body can negotiate an arrangement with the government to bring in overseas workers to fill this shortage.
The occupations identified by Mr Christensen are classified as skill level 2, 3 or 4 in the ANZSCO framework as follows:
According to ANZSCO and the RSMS nomination regulations, hotel and motel managers and hospitality managers can access the program and will be considered normal appointments because they are skill level 2. The occupations of sail guides, outdoor activity leaders, retail shift supervisors and aged carers are classified as skill level 3 or 4 and their nomination may be approved if the employer can demonstrate that the appointment is exceptional.
(2) Where a business seeks to nominate a skill level 3 or 4 occupation, the employer must demonstrate that the appointment is 'exceptional' for it to be approved under RSMS. Departmental officers consider the following elements when assessing the exceptional nature of an appointment:
Time spent by a nominee working in the nominated position on a subclass 457 visa serves as proof that there is a genuine need for the occupation and supports the 'exceptional' nature of the appointment under the RSMS. It also supports the view that the subclass 457 visa offers a pathway to permanent residence through the RSMS.
The subclass 457 visa is a very successful program and the one most commonly used for employers to sponsor overseas workers to work in Australia on a temporary basis. It provides streamlined entry arrangements for employers needing to fill skill shortages that cannot be met from the local labour market.
As such, removal of the subclass 457 requirement when assessing exceptional appointment for skill level 3 and 4 occupations is not being considered. Employers who cannot satisfy this requirement are encouraged to explore alternative options, such as through the subclass 457 program, labour agreements or the upcoming Regional Migration Agreements (RMAs). RMAs are a new initiative announced as part of the Budget 2011-12 and will be custom-designed for high growth regional areas where local labour is in short supply. As such, they will set out the occupations and the numbers of overseas workers needed in negotiated areas. They will also allow concessions for semi-skilled overseas workers where there is a demonstrable and critical labour need.
I would also like to advise the honourable member that my department is currently conducting a review of the permanent employer sponsored visa program, which includes the RSMS . As part of the review my department will be running a comprehensive public consultation process, which will include the release of a discussion paper . Members of the public, including the honourable member and his constituents, are encouraged to provide their feedback on the permanent employer sponsored visas programs through this process.
In respect of a statement she made on the benefits, particularly in reduced travel time for frail and elderly patients, of having an MRI machine at Campbelltown Hospital (ABC News, Thursday 22 July 2010), the only Medicare rebated MRI in the Macarthur region, (a) why are pensioners in this region being forced to use private diagnostic MRI services at Campbelltown hospital, costing in excess of $350 per procedure, despite being referred by public doctors, and (b) what measures is she taking to provide equity between inpatients and patients referred by public doctors concerning the cost of the use of this machine.
Patients in Campbelltown already have access to Medicare-eligible MRI services at the unit located at the Campbelltown Private Hospital.
In addition, it was announced in the Budget that a second MRI unit in Campbelltown will be granted Medicare eligibility for some Medicare items from 1 November 2012.
Further, Campbelltown Hospital's MRI unit has also been identified as a unit that may be granted partial Medicare eligibility for some Medicare items from 1 November 2012. The new MRI unit at Campbelltown Hospital, a 2010 election commitment, is already in place and is being used to provide services to inpatients. The Government provided over $3 million for the new MRI machine and other equipment for Campbelltown hospital.
The Department of Health and Ageing is working with providers, including the Campbelltown Hospital, where more information is required to determine eligibility for their machine. The final list of Medicare-eligible MRI units will be available in the near future.
These additional licences for Medicare eligibility for MRI units are part of the 2011-12 Budget measure to expand patient access to MRI services by increasing the number of units where patients are able to receive a Medicare rebate, and allowing GPs to refer patients for certain conditions without needing to see a specialist first.
Further details about the reforms can be found at:
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pathol-di-mri-index
What: (a) action is the Government taking to facilitate the development of communications infrastructure to support emergency services and alerts;(b) consideration has been given to a Radio Data System versus public mobile and fixed networks as platforms for delivering emergency services and alerts; and(c) investigations has the Government undertaken into the effects of natural disasters on radio communications and fixed mobile communications, what are the outcomes of these investigations, and can he say what impact these outcomes have had on Government decision making.
(a) The States and Territories are responsible for delivering emergency warning messages to their communities and the means by which these messages are delivered. The Commonwealth does not determine which warning mechanisms or systems are adopted or tested by States and Territories, as they are best placed to determine their needs.
At its April 2009 meeting, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to take immediate steps to enhance Australia's natural disaster arrangements through the development of a telephone-based emergency warning system. The Emergency Alert system enables participating States and Territories to deliver warnings to landline and mobile telephones based on the subscriber's address. The COAG decision to prioritise the implementation of a location-based mobile telephone warning capability recognises that most Australians use and have access to mobile telephones. In 2009, the Commonwealth Government committed $26.3 million to assist States and Territories develop this capability.
In relation to the delivery of emergency services over radio data systems, Australian public safety agencies currently use, and will for the foreseeable future, radio networks for their mission critical voice communications. These networks are built to high standards and have been 'hardened' to withstand the rigours of various emergency situations and natural disasters. In December 2009 COAG endorsed the National Coordinating Committee for Government Radiocommunications (NCCGR) National Framework to Improve Government Radiocommunications Interoperability to enhance radiocommunications interoperability for public protection and disaster relief by 2020. The Commonwealth Government is working with the NCCGR in its efforts to implement the Framework.
On 10 May 2011, the Commonwealth Government convened a roundtable discussion with key public safety stakeholders to examine the issue of public safety mobile broadband. As a result, the Commonwealth Government established the Public Safety Mobile Broadband Steering Committee to investigate the mobile broadband communications requirements of public safety agencies, which includes a potential allocation of radio-frequency spectrum from the 800 MHz spectrum band. The Committee anticipates providing a final report on this matter to the Standing Council for Police and Emergency Management by 29 February 2012.
(b) See (a)
(c) You may be aware that a Senate Inquiry into [T]he capacity of communication networks and emergency warning systems to deal with emergencies and natural disasters is expected to report on 2 November 2011 on this matter. My Department provided a written submission to, and appeared before, the Inquiry. Those records are publically available.
(1) Which telecommunications equipment vendors submitted a tender for the contract to supply the wireless network to be operated by NBN Co. Limited.
(2) Were all major global telecommunications equipment vendors given the opportunity to tender; if not, (i) which ones were not, and (ii) on what grounds.
NBN Co has advised that the contract to supply wireless services for the NBN was entered into following a preliminary request for proposals. A select tender evaluation process was then run with two major wireless network vendors, which resulted in the contract being awarded to Ericsson. The identity of the unsuccessful tenderer is not able to be released as it is subject to confidentiality agreements between that tenderer and NBN Co.
In terms of NBN Co procurement processes providing opportunity for equipment vendors to tender, NBN Co has developed a Buying Guide and a detailed Procurement Manual defining the practices, procedures and decision-making rules appropriate to its circumstances and commercial imperatives. This includes having regard to open tender processes.
In respect of the Government's announcement of 22 June 2011 of changes to Australia's anti-dumping system:
(1) From where will the extra 14 staff to be deployed in the Trade Measures Branch/International Trade Remedies Branch be recruited, and will these positions be publicly advertised; if so, when and where.
(2) Following the appointments of the extra 14 staff, how many staff in the Branch will possess (a) forensic accounting, and (b) foreign language, skills.
(3) What is the total budgeted cost (and that in each year of the forward estimates) of the (a) recruitment of these 14 staff; and (b) use of industry experts in accordance with protocols to be determined after consultation with the International Trade Remedies Forum (Australian Government, Streamlining Australia ' s anti-dumping system: An effective anti-dumping and countervailing system for Australia , June 2011, paragraph 3.1, page 5).
(4) By how many members will the International Trade Remedies Forum be comprised, and for how long does the Government expect it will continue to operate.
(5) What is the estimated total cost (and the cost in each of the two years of the pilot program) to the Government of the employment of the Small and Medium Enterprise Support Officer.
(1) Recruitment advertisements for the positions in the International Trade Remedies Branch appeared in:
(a) national papers on Friday 8 July and Saturday 9 July 2011;
(b) the APS Jobs website on Thursday 7 July 2011; and
(c) the Customs and Border Protection e-Recruitment online system on Thursday 7 July 2011.
The closing date for all applications was 24 July 2011. Applications were received from individuals from a range of backgrounds, including industry, private sector, and government.
(2) (a) It is essential that staff members involved in anti-dumping investigations are qualified across a range of key skill areas, including accountancy. Skilled accountants are required to "forensically" delve into often complicated overseas company accounts to ensure the veracity of data that is produced. The recent job advertisements have focussed on recruiting further staff with qualifications in, and experience as, accountants to supplement the current International Trade Remedies Branch staff who, as at 26 July 2011, have tertiary qualifications in accounting.
(b) As at 26 July 2011 ten International Trade Remedies Branch staff members have foreign language skills. However, it is not practicable to require staff in the International Trade Remedies Branch to have all of the language proficiencies that reflect those spoken in the wide range of countries against which anti-dumping applications may be made. The International Trade Remedies Branch will also continue to use interpreters as required in anti-dumping investigations
(3) (a) Budgeted funding across the forward estimates to employ the 14 additional staff is $7.3 million including salary and on-costs.
(b) Budgeted funding across the forward estimates for independent experts totals $1.045 million. Actual expenditure on independent experts will be dependent on the number and complexity of anti-dumping applications received by the International Trade Remedies Branch.
(4) The Government announced in a media release on 22 June 2011 that the International Trade Remedies Forum (ITRF) would be comprised of representatives of manufacturers, producers and importers as well as industry associations, trade unions and relevant Government agencies. The Government is currently considering the composition of the ITRF and how it will operate.
(5) The Australian Government has provided funding for a pilot program for the employment of the Small and Medium Enterprise Support Officer (SSO) totalling $367,000 over the forward estimates. These costs are based on a 1 January 2012 commencement date for the SSO. Should the successful candidate for the SSO position be able to commence prior to 1 January 2012, the total costs for this position will be adjusted accordingly.
On how many occasions has the Treasurer met with the Secretary of the Treasury since the Secretary's appointment.
The Treasurer has met with the Secretary to the Treasury, Dr Martin Parkinson, on at least 49 occasions since his appointment, and has spoken with him by phone on many more occasions.
Further to his answer to question in writing No. 387 ( House Hansard , 6 July 2011, page 175), before committing Federal funding to a national highway construction project, does he require investigation of and costings for all reasonable options for that project.
See response to question 387.
Is the Government aware that its new federal registration body—the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA- is currently experiencing a very high volume of applications and that a serious backlog is occurring across many categories of registration, including medical doctors, and existing and new nurses; if so, what measures is the Government taking to ensure the smooth and timely processing of applications for registration
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is an independent statutory agency which administers the receipt and processing of applications for registration and maintains a public register of registered health practitioners.
AHPRA began operating on 1 July 2010 and a number of individuals and organisations have experienced problems with AHPRA's communication processes, documentation, and processing times for applicants during the transition to the new arrangement. AHPRA continues to make changes to improve and streamline its procedures and my Department is working with AHPRA's management to assist in this process.
On 17 February 2011, Health Ministers agreed to provide additional support and expertise to assist AHPRA and AHPRA will be required to report to future meetings of Health Ministers.
AHPRA has advised that the recent renewal of registration of close to 320,000 health practitioners in May and June went very smoothly, with up to 98% of practitioners renewing on time. The majority of the practitioners due to renew in May and June were nurses and midwives around Australia.
The Medical Board of Australia has advised that there are around 65,000 medical practitioners due to renew their medical registration by 30 September 2011. AHPRA has taken extra steps to remind practitioners of their obligations to renew. After posting the initial renewal reminder notice, AHPRA issues additional reminders including updates on websites, emails (where AHPRA has email contact details), SMS messaging, board newsletters, briefings to professional groups and media promotion. AHPRA also writes to practitioners who do not renew their registration on time, warning them that their registration will lapse after a one month "late period".