The SPEAKER (Hon. Peter Slipper) took the chair at 14:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
That the resumption of debate on the Prime Minister's motion of condolence in connection with the death of the Rt Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen be referred to the Main Committee.
That the resumption of debate on the address moved by the Prime Minister in connection with the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen be referred to the Main Committee.
That further statements by indulgence in relation to the death of Peter Veness be permitted in the Main Committee.
Each box represents a portfolio. Cabinet Ministers are shown in bold type. As a general rule, there is one department in each portfolio. However, there is a Department of Veterans' Affairs in the Defence portfolio. The title of a department does not necessarily reflect the title of a minister in all cases.
In line with the Government's agreement with the Australian Greens, the Government has committed that significant reforms to dental health will be a priority for the 2012‑13 Budget.
That this House:
(1) notes that GST revenues are distributed to the States and Territories in accordance with a formula driven by horizontal fiscal equalisation principles and legislated for in the Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 (Cth);
(2) notes that for 2010-2011 Western Australia received just 68 per cent of what it would have received if GST revenue were distributed across Australia on a per capita basis - the lowest relativity applied to any State since the formula was introduced;
(3) notes that 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 equally across Australia;
(4) calls on the Federal 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 horizontal fiscal equalisation, but with proper recognition for population and without Western Australia being unfairly penalised for its disproportionate contribution to our national economic prosperity; and
(5) calls on Federal Members of Parliament to support the private Members’ motion as moved by Mr Tony Crook MP, Member for O’Connor, in relation to a fairer GST distribution.
That Members be appointed as members of and discharged as members from certain committees in accordance with the list which has been placed on the table.
Mr Entsch and Mr Christensen be appointed supplementary members of the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into residential strata title insurance (24 November 2011)
Mr Entsch and Mr Christensen be discharged as supplementary members of the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into the operation of the insurance industry during disaster events (13 December 2011)
Mr Chester be appointed a supplementary member of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into the Road Safety Remuneration Bill 2011 and the Road Safety Remuneration (Consequential Amendments and Related Provisions) Bill 2011 (13 December 2011)
Dr Stone be appointed a supplementary member of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and the Arts for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Amendment Bill 2011 (13 December 2011)
Mr Sidebottom be discharged from the Standing Committee on Regional Australia and that, in his place, Mr Gibbons be appointed a member of the committee;
Mr Lyons be discharged from the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and the Arts and that, in his place, Mr K. J. Thomson be appointed a member of the committee;
Mr Sidebottom be discharged from the Standing Committee on Procedure and that, in his place, Ms Hall be appointed a member of the committee;
Ms A. E. Burke be discharged from the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and the Arts and that, in her place, Mr Jenkins be appointed a member of the committee;
Ms Rowland be discharged from the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests and that, in her place, Mr Jenkins be appointed a member of the committee;
Ms Rowland be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties and that, in her place, Mr Jenkins be appointed a member of the committee;
Mr Gibbons be discharged from the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade and that, in his place, Mr Jenkins be appointed a member of the committee;
Ms Rowland be discharged from the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs and that, in her place, Mr Symon be appointed a member of the committee;
Mr A. D. H. Smith be discharged from the Standing Committee on Economics and that, in his place, Mr Ciobo be appointed a member of the committee;
Mr A. D. H. Smith be appointed a supplementary member of the Standing Committee on Economics for the purpose of the committee's inquiry into Review of the Reserve Bank Annual Report 2010.
That leave of absence from 7 February to 15 June 2012 be given to the honourable Member for Greenway, for purposes of maternity leave.
That the House take note of the following documents:
Australian Communications and Media Authority—Communications—Report for 2010-11.
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority—Report for 2010-11.
Broadcasting Services Act 1992 —Digital television transmission and reception—Report, February 2012.
Commonwealth Ombudsman—Report for 2010-11.
Cyber-Safety—Joint Select Committee—High-wire act: Cyber-safety and the young—Interim report, June 2011—Government response.
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities—Australia state of the environment—Report for 2011.
Department of the Treasury—Tax expenditures statement for 2011.
Electoral Matters—Joint Standing Committee—The 2010 federal election: Report on the conduct of the election and related matters—Status of Government response.
Executive Director of Township Leasing—Report for 2010-11.
Finance—
Consolidated financial statements in respect of the year ended 30 June 2011.
Mid-year economic and fiscal outlook for 2011-12.
Murray-Darling Basin Authority—Report for 2010-11.
National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority—Statutory review of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority operational activities—Report of the independent review team—Second triennial review, November 2011.
Native Title Act 1993 —Native title representative bodies—Central Land Council—Report for 2010-11.
Productivity Commission—Report No. 56—Economic structure and performance of the Australian retail industry—4 November 2011.
Government response.
Nine News has obtained damning evidence that the death of an 11 year old boy in a crash at Urunga could have been prevented.
Documents show that the Federal Government rejected advice to upgrade the dangerous section of the Pacific Highway in favour of roadworks in the electorate of key Independent Rob Oakeshott.
The upgrade of the Nambucca Heads to Urunga section had been agreed between Ministers Albanese and Gay before they became aware of a news story on the issue which aired last night.
That upgrade project is the Oxley Highway. It has far less traffic yet work is already underway.
Funding the Oxley Highway, over and above the Pacific Highway which Mr Oakeshott has been mouthing about for years, is the greatest act of political bastardry that I've seen in my time as local member.
The failure of the Government to address the day to day concerns of Australian families.
I accept that the Treasury modelling which I have just relied on and the figures which I have given to the House are the Treasury modelling and should be relied on.
…the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Craig Emerson, made the decision to scrap the grocery price monitoring website, just six days before its scheduled launch.
The Federal Government's $13 million election promise to force grocery prices down lies in tatters.
Work Health and Safety Bill 2011
Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011
Corporations (Fees) Amendment Bill 2011
Auditor-General Amendment Bill 2011
Personal Property Securities Amendment (Registration Commencement) Bill 2011
Competition and Consumer Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2011
Broadcasting Services Amendment (Review of Future Uses of Broadcasting Services Bands Spectrum) Bill 2011
Competition and Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2011
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Social Security Amendment (Student Income Support Reforms) Bill 2011
Deterring People Smuggling Bill 2011
Deterring People Smuggling Bill 2011
Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No. 8) Bill 2011
Work Health and Safety Bill 2011
Personal Property Securities Amendment (Registration Commencement) Bill 2011
National Health Reform Amendment (Independent Hospital Pricing Authority) Bill 2011
Excise Legislation Amendment (Condensate) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Household Assistance Amendments) Bill 2011
Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Climate Change Authority Bill 2011
Corporations (Fees) Amendment Bill 2011
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Work Health and Safety (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011
Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No. 7) Bill 2011
Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill 2011
Trade Marks Amendment (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates Amendments) Bill 2011
Australian Renewable Energy Agency Bill 2011
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Charges—Customs) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Charges—Excise) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Customs Tariff Amendment) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Excise Tariff Legislation Amendment) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Fuel Tax Legislation Amendment) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (International Unit Surrender Charge) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Tax Laws Amendments) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Unit Issue Charge—Auctions) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Unit Issue Charge—Fixed Charge) Bill 2011
Clean Energy (Unit Shortfall Charge—General) Bill 2011
Clean Energy Regulator Bill 2011
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Amendment Bill 2011
Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Amendment Bill 2011
Territories Self-Government Legislation Amendment (Disallowance and Amendment of Laws) Bill 2011
Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Navigation Amendment Bill 2011
Parliamentary Service Amendment (Parliamentary Budget Officer) Bill 2011
Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Participants in British Nuclear Tests) Bill 2011
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment Bill 2011
Business Names Registration (Application of Consequential Amendments) Bill 2011
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Family Participation Measures) Bill 2011
Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2011
National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Amendment (Deer) Bill 2011
Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Amendment (Oils in the Antarctic Area) Bill 2011
Broadcasting Services Amendment (Review of Future Uses of Broadcasting Services Bands Spectrum) Bill 2011
Higher Education Support Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2011
Social Security Amendment (Student Income Support Reforms) Bill 2011
Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Air Cargo) Bill 2011
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Fair Protection for Firefighters) Bill 2011
Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Competition and Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Competition and Consumer Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2011
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2011
Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2011
Indigenous Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2011
Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Bill 2011
Auditor-General Amendment Bill 2011
That business intervening before order of the day No. 9, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent Ms J. I. Bishop (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) speaking in reply to the ministerial statement for a period not exceeding 10 minutes.
The project has the potential to transform the economy of Papua New Guinea, boosting GDP and export earnings, providing a major increase in government revenue, royalty payments to landowners, creating employment opportunities during construction and operation, and providing a catalyst to further gas-based industry development.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent Ms J. I. Bishop (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) speaking in reply to the ministerial statement for a period not exceeding 8½ minutes.
The Arab League will continue efforts with the Syrian government and opposition, and coordinating with all sides related to the Syrian issue, in order to realise the higher objectives which the Arab League is working towards.
The situation is now very dangerous and threatens to explode across the whole region, like a nuclear reaction.
Australian Research Council Amendment Bill 2011
The world has changed in every way. It continues to change at a rapid pace in aspects of our culture …
A key part of this process is understanding the potential future impact of decisions made by individuals, organisations and governments.
Take hold of the future or the future will take hold of you.
In this century, we are going to make the historic transition from the 'Age of Discovery' to the 'Age of Mastery', a period in which we will move from being passive observers of nature to its active choreographers.
Professional knowledge will become obsolete almost as quickly as it's acquired. An individual's professional knowledge is becoming outdated at a much faster rate than ever before.
This … study goes beyond simply recognising that neighbourhoods influence health and into understanding exactly how.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Excise Amendment (Reducing Business Compliance Burden) Bill 2011
Customs Amendment (Reducing Business Compliance Burden) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a third time.
Customs Amendment (Reducing Business Compliance Burden) Bill 2011
That this bill be now read a third time.
Telecommunications Universal Service Management Agency Bill 2011
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Service Reform) Bill 2011
Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Bill 2011
The USO legislative reform package seeks to achieve continuity of key telecommunications safeguards in the transition to NBN. To this end, the policy objectives for the contracts or grants TUSMA will administer, set out in clause 11 of the Bill appear to largely reflect the objective.
Frankly, that was never going to happen—any government would be committing suicide by taking that protection away. The TA—
also ensures that in non-NBN fibre areas, the existing copper network would be maintained to allow for the continuation of an STS to people in those areas.
We can conceive of no greater anti-competitive action than the largest mobile service provider agreeing not to compete against the monopoly fixed line provider. The result will be less innovation, higher prices and less choice for Australian consumers.
At the very least operators who under the Reform Bills are obliged to financially contribute to the cost of funding universal services should have had an opportunity to participate in the development of the Policy.
People who have a problem affording the internet now will probably continue to do so. We do not want to increase the digital divide for people on low incomes.
This year, the third since Black Saturday, feels like a turning point—as though we are gaining more forward momentum than before. My community is different—it has changed irrevocably since that day—but not all that change has been bad. This change was inevitable and could not be resisted. Time has allowed us to come to terms with it and to realise that, though it took a severe blow, hope did not die that day. Of course the recovery process has been different for everyone and there are those who still have some way to go. However, the community is showing signs of strength and renewal that will allow it to better support those who are still struggling.
So as I sit in my new house and look around at all the physical change that surrounds me, my emotions ebbing and flowing, I am reminded of all those who extended a helping hand when we most needed it.
Thank you again—your kindness and generosity is not forgotten.
kind regards
Kathy
... let's not define the Shire by the fires, rather, let's look on 2009 as a new beginning, rather than an end.
To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
This petition of Australian Citizens draws to the attention of the House the existence of, and the need to preserve, an environmentally and historically significant area of land, known as the Highett Grassy Woodland.
The Highett Grassy Woodland is approximately a 3 hectare section within the 9.3 hectare Commonwealth and Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) site in Highett, Victoria. The entire CSIRO site is in the process of being sold through a Federal Government process.
The Highett Grassy Woodland area contains a class of vegetation that is endangered in the bioregion, with the main trees being the regionally rare Yellow Box and River Red Gums.
The Highett area has been assessed by the relevant Council, Bayside City Council, as deficient in open space. This deficiency will increase with the State of Victoria's plans to increase population throughout metropolitan Melbourne.
We therefore ask the House to take any administrative action available to the House, during the sale process of the CSIRO site, which will enable the protection and preservation in perpetuity of at least 3 hectares of the site for the conservation of the Grassy Woodland and for passive open space, which will be a profound benefit to the community, now and into the future.
Going into 2011, Australia's unemployment rate of five per cent was half that of Europe or America. Australia astonishes; …
Australia has a higher average income per head of population than Germany, Japan, Singapore or France, a figure one and half times greater than that of its Mother country, Britain ... For the first time since the first world war, its income per head surpassed Americff s.
… … …
Perhaps it's too new, or too incredible—
for Australians to absorb, but the country has now become so successful as a prosperous modern power that it can afford to take a little credit for winning the real prizes of international life.
In its 2010 assessment of 194 countries, Australia scored second only to Norway in enjoying the best living conditions available to the human species.
But surely Australia is now so dependent on mining that it must owe everything to the commodities boom?
… even at the peak of the boom, Australia's entire energy and mining sectors together constituted only 8.4 per cent of the national economy in 2010.
Australia's accomplishment is far greater than generating wealth and services for an elite. The rich can live well in any country. That is no achievement. The wider picture is that Australia is one of the world's fairest countries, one of the most tolerant, and one of the safest.
… … …
Against the tide of events elsewhere in the world, Australian income inequality has become less unequal. The rich have got richer, but the poor have not got poorer, and the gap between them has actually narrowed.
So Australia has managed to become one of the richest countries in its financial wealth, perhaps the richest of all in its living conditions, and also rich in its spirit of fairness and cohesion.
In respect of Chinese human rights lawyer Mr Gao Zhisheng:
(1) Has the Government raised the following issues with the Chinese Government: (a) that on 20 April 2010 Mr Gao was allegedly taken from the home of a relative by security agents; and (b) since then, Mr Gao family has not seen or heard from him, nor received information on his whereabouts; if so, what was the outcome; if not, when will these issues be raised and in what context.
(2) Has the Government raised the following issues with the Chinese Government, that: (a) in 2006 Mr Gao was charged with 'inciting subversion' for defending religious minorities and other clients considered controversial; and (b) after Mr Gao's sentence was suspended, he was allegedly harassed and periodically detained, including from February 2009 until March 2010; if so, what was the outcome; if not, when will these issues be raised and in what context.
(1) Yes. Mr Gao was one of Australia's cases of concern submitted to Chinese authorities immediately prior to the 13th Australia-China Human Rights Dialogue, held in Beijing on 20 December 2010. We have not yet received a response from China.
(2) Yes. China's response on (a) was that Mr Gao's case was in the judicial process, and it was therefore not appropriate to comment on his case, and on (b) that Mr Gao was a Chinese citizen and a criminal who had broken Chinese laws, and that China was a country ruled by law and did not welcome outside interference.
There are three Australian think tanks or policy institutes that are funded by the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. Portfolio agencies also support a number of think tanks and policy institutes overseas.
(1) (a) (i) Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), Canberra ACT, (ii) The AIIA is an independent, non-profit organisation seeking to promote interest in and understanding of international affairs in Australia. Precluded by its constitution from expressing any opinion of its own on international affairs, the AIIA provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of a wide range of views.
(b) Independent. Provided with funding by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
(2) (a) 2007-08: $85,000
(b) 2008-09: $80,000
(c) 2009-10: $80,000
(d) 2010-11: $88,000
(3) (a) DFAT does not have a record of an announcement in relation to the establishment of this institute.
(b) The AIIA was established as a national body in 1933. The AIIA grew out of an agreement between the three existing Australian branches of the Royal Institute of International Affairs.
(1) (a)(i) Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence, Queanbeyan NSW, (ii) The Centre focuses on development of civil-military capabilities to prevent, prepare for, and respond more effectively to conflicts and disasters overseas.
(b) The Centre does not fall within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. It is administered through the Vice Chief of Defence Force Group in the Department of Defence with some AusAID funding.
(2) (a) 2007-08: Nil
(b) 2008-09: Nil
(c) 2009-10: $100,000
(d) 2010-11: $174,600
(3) (a) The establishment of the Centre was an ALP election commitment announced on 13 November 2007 in the lead up to the 2007 Federal Election.
(b) The Centre was officially opened by then Prime Minister Rudd on 27 November 2008.
(1) (a)(i) Asia Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, University of Queensland, (ii) The Centre aims to advance the concept of the Responsibility to Protect and support states to build capacity to protect civilians.
(b) Independent. Provided with funding from AusAID.
(2) (a) 2007-08: Nil
(b) 2008-09: $293,952
(c) 2009-10: $500,692
(d) 2010-11: $2,521,658 (this includes $2 million for research grants under the Responsibility to Protect Fund, which is administered by the Centre and open to competitive applications from institutions, academia and non-government organisations).
(3) (a) The Responsibility to Protect principle was unanimously adopted by world leaders at the 2005 UN World Summit. In August 2008, then Foreign Affairs Minister Smith announced that Australia would strengthen its support for the Responsibility to Protect principle by establishing a fund that would underpin work on the concept in Australia and overseas.
(b) 20 February 2008.
How many departmental officials accompanied him on each of his overseas trips since the 2010 election, and what were their positions, and what was the total cost to the Government of their travel.
Note: Costs are as at 31 March 2011. Some costs have not yet have been finalised.
(a) Mr Rudd travelled to Pakistan and the United States from 15 to 27 September 2010.
Mr Rudd was accompanied by four Canberra-based DFAT staff (two in Washington and two in New York). The positions of the staff members who accompanied Mr Rudd were:
First Assistant Secretary, Americas and Africa Division
Head, UNSC Taskforce
Assistant Secretary, International Organisations Branch
Acting Departmental Liaison Officer
The total cost of the staff members' travel was $57,028.89
(b) Mr Rudd travelled to Japan, Belgium, Italy and the Holy See from 12 to 20 October 2010.
Mr Rudd was accompanied by one Canberra-based DFAT staff member (for the travel to Belgium, Italy and the Holy See). The staff member who accompanied Mr Rudd was Assistant Secretary, Pakistan and Afghanistan Branch.
The total cost of the staff member's travel was $12,517.34
(c) Mr Rudd travelled to China and the Republic of Korea from 31 October to 6 November 2010.
Mr Rudd was accompanied by one Canberra-based DFAT staff member (to all destinations). The staff member who accompanied Mr Rudd was First Assistant Secretary, North Asia Division.
The total cost of the staff member's travel was $13,078.54
(d) Mr Rudd travelled to the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and Bahrain from 29 November to 6 December 2010.
Mr Rudd was accompanied by two Canberra-based DFAT staff (to all destinations). The positions of the staff members who accompanied Mr Rudd were:
(Acting) First Assistant Secretary, Europe Division
Assistant Secretary, Middle East Branch
The total cost of the staff members' travel was $27,698.36
(e) Mr Rudd travelled to Indonesia, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Brazil and Chile from 8 to 20 December 2010.
Mr Rudd was accompanied by four Canberra-based DFAT staff (two in Indonesia, one in the Middle East, and one in Brazil and Chile). The positions of the staff members who accompanied Mr Rudd were:
First Assistant Secretary, South-East Asia Division
First Assistant Secretary, South and West Asia and Middle East Division
Ambassador for People Smuggling Issues
Assistant Secretary, Canada and Latin America Branch
The total cost of the staff members' travel was $39,665.66
(f) Mr Rudd travelled to Ethiopia, Switzerland, Turkey, Greece, Liechtenstein and Germany from 24 January to 7 February 2011.
Mr Rudd was accompanied by five Canberra-based DFAT staff in total (two in Ethiopia, one in Switzerland, one in Turkey and Greece and two in Germany). The positions of the staff members who accompanied Mr Rudd were:
(Acting) First Assistant Secretary, Europe Division
Assistant Secretary, Africa Branch
Assistant Secretary, Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation Branch
Director, UNSC Taskforce
Executive Officer, Climate Change and Environment Section
The total cost of the staff members' travel was $73,168.18
(g) Mr Rudd travelled to South Africa, Egypt, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, the Palestinian Territories, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia from 24 February to 12 March 2011.
Mr Rudd was accompanied by three Canberra-based DFAT staff in total (two in South Africa, Egypt, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Tunisia; and three in the Palestinian Territories, Israel and Saudi Arabia). The positions of the staff members who accompanied Mr Rudd were:
Assistant Secretary, Middle East Branch
Executive Officer, Middle East and Northern Africa Section
Diplomatic Courier
The total cost of the staff members' travel was $76,739.29
(1) Is he able to confirm that on 23 February 2011 Senegal cut diplomatic ties with Iran; if so, can he indicate whether this was based on Senegal's concerns about an arms shipment from Iran that landed in the Apapa port of Lagos, Nigeria, in July 2010.
(2) Can he confirm that (a) this shipment of arms was in violation of United Nations sanctions under Security Council Resolution 1929 or any other resolution(s), and (b) the ship transporting these arms was owned by CMA CGM.
(3) Can he confirm whether CMA CGM owned the ship Victoria , seized by Israel off Gaza on the 24 February 2011, and whetherVictoria was on this occasion containing arms in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929, or any other resolution(s).
(4) Do ships operated by CMA CGM visit or transit in Australia; if so, (a) on what dates since 1 January 2007, and (b) were their cargoes inspected by Australian authorities; if so, were they found to be in breach of any United Nations Security Council resolutions.
(1) I (Mr Rudd) can confirm that Senegal severed diplomatic relations with Iran on 23 February 2011 and that these relations have not since been restored. A communiqué of the Senegalese Council of Ministers Meeting of 24 February 2011 stated that the President of Senegal condemned Iran's involvement and responsibility in the killing of Senegalese soldiers, through the supply of arms and munitions to rebels in the South Casamance region of Senegal. The communiqué stated that the Senegalese army's ballistics expert had proven that munitions used against the Senegalese soldiers were of Iranian origin. DFAT is not aware of any reference to arms shipments through Nigeria in any statements on the matter by the Government of Senegal.
(2) (a) The Australian Government has received no formal notification regarding the arms shipment from Iran. United Nations Security Council resolutions in relation to Iran prohibit Iran from supplying, as well as all States from procuring from Iran, any arms or related materiel or goods with an application in nuclear weapons programs or in the development of weapons delivery systems.
(b) I cannot confirm media reports that the ship transporting the arms was owned by CMA-CGM.
(3) According to information available to DFAT, the Victoria is a registered German vessel. I cannot confirm media reports that theVictoria was owned by the Peter Doehle Company of Germany. The feeder (shipping) company was CMA-CGM of France. An inspection of the ship's cargo by Israeli authorities in the Port of Ashdod revealed 40 tonnes of arms and ammunition in three containers, including:
The instruction manual attached to the Nasr-1 missiles on board the Victoria was in Farsi and carried the emblems of Iran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The mortar shells were manufactured in Iran and accompanied by a range table in Farsi.
Iran is prohibited by UNSC resolution 1747 from supplying arms or related materiel. All States are prohibited from procuring from Iran weapons on the UN Register of Conventional Arms, including battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large-calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships and missiles and missile launchers.
(4) Yes. According to information provided to DFAT by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service:
(a) Between 1 January 2007 and 18 November 2011, twenty four ships operated by CMA-CGM have arrived directly into Australian ports from overseas on a total of two hundred and seventy seven occasions. The majority of the arrivals were into Melbourne (117), Fremantle (71) and Botany Bay (56).
(b) Customs and Border Protection manages a range of risks to the Australian border including prohibited, restricted and regulated goods. All air and sea cargo is risk-assessed electronically and all cargo identified as high risk is subject to physical examination. As part of normal Customs and Border Protection business, cargoes on CMA-CGM vessels were subject to these processes, and therefore inspected. No breaches of United Nations Security Council Resolutions have been identified.
Has he raised with the Chinese Embassy in Canberra, the topic of the Chinese Government's detention of renowned Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, and other dissidents in China; if not, why not; if so, when, and can he indicate (a) whether Ai Weiwei has legal representation, and (b) what progress the Australian Government has made on behalf of those detained.
Ai Weiwei was released on bail on 22 June 2011. I am aware that Mr Ai currently has legal representation. The Australian Government looks to the Chinese authorities to deal with Mr Ai's case in a timely, fair and transparent manner.
I raised Mr Ai's case with the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Mr Jia Qinglin, in Canberra in April 2011. Mr Ai was also on Australia's list of cases of human-rights concern passed to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in April.
Australia has made regular representations on behalf of dissidents in China and continues to engage China on cases of concern. Gauging the effectiveness of individual representations on human-rights matters is difficult. It is Australia's aim that our representations, taken together with representations by others in the international community, will encourage respect for human rights in China, including for detained political dissidents.
In respect of the funding that will be made to agencies under the proposed arrangement with Malaysia on irregular maritime arrivals, (a) what are the names of these agencies, (b) for what specific purpose(s) will each agency receive funding, (c) how will this funding be distributed amongst these agencies, and (d) for each of the 800 persons to be transferred, (i) what sum of funding will be provided, (ii) will payments be made upfront upon transfer, or annually; if annually, over what number of years, and (iii) are payments intended to cover the entire duration, or a fixed period, of each person's stay; if fixed, what is the estimated length of stay per person.
On 13 October 2011 the Government announced that it will not be in a position to proceed with offshore processing of asylum seekers due to an absence of support for necessary amendments to the Migration Act.
In view of this, the funding set aside in the 2011-12 Budget for implementation of the Malaysia Arrangement will be re-examined in the context of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
(1) Is the Minister aware that the town of Streaky Bay in SA has a population in excess of 1000 people and yet according to the NBN Co. Limited website, is not designated to receive a fibre broadband service.
(2) Is the Minister aware that Streaky Bay is not designated to receive a wireless broadband service and that instead, the residents and businesses of this town are expected to access a satellite broadband service.
(3) Can the Minister explain why the Government's commitment to providing a fibre broadband service to towns with populations in excess of 1000 is not being met in the case of Streaky Bay.
(4) Why are the towns of Wudinna and Cummins, being significant centres and both adjacent to optic fibre cables, not designated to receive a fibre broadband service.
The Government's objective is that NBN Co's fibre network cover 93 per cent of Australian homes, schools and work places. The indicator of where the fibre network is expected to be rolled out is 1,000 premises, not 1,000 people as suggested in the question.
All premises beyond the 93 per cent fibre footprint will be served by a combination of next-generation fixed-wireless and satellite technologies providing peak speeds of 12 megabits per second. These platforms will provide customers with significantly improved service with average data rates higher than most users of these technologies experience today in metropolitan areas and certainly higher than the current average DSL speeds.
NBN Co is considering proposals to extend the fibre to the premises coverage in some locations if external funding—such as from state or local governments—can be provided to offset the incremental costs.
Why did construction of the National Broadband Network (NBN) not begin in Victoria Park during the second quarter of 2011; when will such construction now (a) begin, and (b) finish; and when will NBN services become available in this suburb.
NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) revised the second release sites program taking into account delays in finalising the Definitive Agreements with Telstra, and to align with the government's points of interconnection policy.
NBN Co has now released its first 12-month national fibre rollout schedule, which lists the communities in each state and territory where work will begin between now and September 2012. Design and construction work has already begun on the Victoria Park site, which will cover 16,200 premises. A detailed rollout map of the Victoria Park site was released on 14 November 2011.
NBN Co expects that it will take on average 12 months from the start of the fibre network rollout in a given area until NBN services become available.
How many tertiary scholarships were awarded by AusAID in (a) 2009-10, and (b) 2010-11, broken down by the (i) total number awarded per country of origin of the student, (ii) total dollar value per country, and (iii) areas of study undertaken by course title.
(a) AusAID awarded 1,401 tertiary scholarships in 2009-10
(b) AusAID awarded 1,766 tertiary scholarships in 2010-11
Please see Annex A for (i) country allocations, Annex B for (ii) country expenditure and Annex C for (iii) course titles for 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Annex A
Breakdown (i) total number awarded per country of origin of the student
Annex B
Breakdown (ii) total dollar value per country
* The total expenditure for FY10-11 is yet to be finalised as end of financial year processes are still being conducted.
Annex C
Breakdown (iii) areas of study undertaken by course title for 2009-10
Breakdown (iii) areas of study undertaken by course title for 2010-11
Further to his answer to question in writing No. 392 (House Hansard , 16 August 2011, page 90), if, as the Minister indicated, the Implementation Study was not a feasibility study, why did the Government not conduct a feasibility study into the National Broadband Network before proceeding with this investment.
As stated in response to Question No. 110, a detailed National Broadband Network Implementation Study undertaken by McKinsey & Company/KPMG was completed in March 2010 and publicly released on 6 May 2010.
The Implementation Study provided 84 recommendations for the government to consider, covering technology, financing, ownership, policy and market structure.
On 20 December 2010, the government released the NBN Co Limited Corporate Plan, which shows that the National Broadband Network will provide all Australians with world class broadband on a financially viable basis with affordable consumer prices. That is, the project is feasible if structured on the basis of a rate of return above the government bond rate.
The government made its investment decision to provide equity to fund the National Broadband Network on the basis of the advice of NBN Co that the project was feasible, supported by independent verification by financial advisory firm Greenhill Caliburn.
Does his department have an estimate of the number of uninsured Australian travellers; if so, what is it.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not keep a record of the number of Australians who travel overseas without travel insurance. The Insurance Council of Australia estimates that around 15 to 20 percent of Australians who travel internationally do not have insurance.
Does his department maintain data on the proportion of travellers who seek consular assistance and are uninsured; if not, why not.
No. Although the benefits to travellers of appropriate insurance coverage are clear, the department provides consular assistance whether travellers have insurance or not. Consular staff are not always made aware of travel insurance coverage at the time that consular assistance is provided and cannot compel Australian citizens to provide details of travel insurance. Insurance policies are private contracts between travellers and the insurers.
How many staff were employed by the Minister's department in the Senior Executive Service (ie, SES) on 1 July (a) 2008, and (b) 2011.
(a) 198.
(b) 216.
In respect of the $308.8 million allocated in 2011-12 to the Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme for the roll out in regional NSW, ACT, Tasmania, Northern Territory, Western Australia and State capital cities:
(1) What is the population of each area, including each State capital city.
(2) What combined number of individuals and couples has the Government determined will be prima facie eligible in each area for a set top box by reason of being recipients of the maximum rate of (a) an Age Pension, or a (b) Disability Support Pension, (c) Carer Payment, or (d) Department of Veterans’ Affairs (i) Service Pension, or (ii) Income Support Supplement.
(3) How many of those who are or will be prima facie eligible has the Government estimated will not be eligible by reason of already having access to digital television on any of the televisions that they own.
(4) Does access to digital free to air services through a pay television service constitute already having access to digital television; if so, how many of those who would be prima facie eligible in part (3) does the Government estimate would fall into this category.
(1) This information is available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
(2) The estimated number of potentially eligible households in each of the switchover areas, based on information from Centrelink, is:
(3) Extensive work is undertaken to estimate the number of households that may seek assistance under the scheme, taking account of factors such as digital conversion in the home, including via pay TV. It is estimated the total number of households that will take up the assistance available will be around 700 000. The projected number in each switchover area is not disclosed in advance, as disclosure of this information would compromise future negotiations with tenderers in remaining switchover areas.
(4) Yes. See (3)
(1) In what areas has the Scheme already been rolled out, and in each of these areas, what (a) is the take up rate, and (b) combined number of individuals and couples has the Government determined would be prima facie eligible for a set top box by reason of being recipients of the maximum rate of (i) an Age Pension, or a (ii) Disability Support Pension, (iii) Carer Payment, or (iv) Department of Veterans' Affairs Service Pension, or Income Support Supplement.
(2) How many of those who are or will be prima facie eligible for a set top box has the Government estimated will not be eligible by reason of already having access to digital television on any of the televisions that they own.
(3) Does access to digital free to air services through a pay television service constitute already having access to digital television; if so, how many of those who would be prima facie eligible in part (2) does the Government estimate would fall into this category.
(4) What is the budgeted cost of the roll out for each area, and the actual costs that have been or are expected to be incurred based on take up.
(1) The Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) has already been rolled out to the Mildura/Sunraysia, regional South Australia and Broken Hill, and regional Victoria switchover areas. It is currently being rolled out in regional Queensland.
(a) The take-up of potentially eligible households for each area where the rollout has been completed is:
(i) Mildura/Sunraysia 35.9%;
(ii) regional South Australia/Broken Hill 34.5%; and
(iii) regional Victoria 22.96%.
(b) The estimated number of potentially eligible households for each area, based on information from Centrelink, is:
(i) Mildura/Sunraysia 7 386
(ii) regional South Australia/Broken Hill 29 387
(iii) regional Victoria 120 434
(iv) regional Queensland 123 351
(2) Extensive work is undertaken to estimate the number of households that may seek assistance under the scheme, taking account of factors such as digital conversion in the home, including via pay TV. It is estimated the total number of households that will take up the assistance available will be around 700 000. The projected number in each switchover area is not disclosed in advance, as disclosure of this information would compromise future negotiations with tenderers in remaining switchover areas.
(3) Yes. See (2).
(4) The 2009-10 Federal Budget allocated $69.5 million to rollout HAS to the Mildura/Sunraysia, regional South Australia and Broken Hill, regional Victoria and regional Queensland switchover areas. The 2011-12 Federal Budget allocated $308.8 million to rollout HAS to all remaining switchover areas. Of these appropriations, as at 30 September 2011, the Department had expensed $23.2 million in relation to the rollouts in the above switchover areas. This does not include expenses incurred by Centrelink. The expense incurred in each rollout area is not disclosed, as disclosure of this information would compromise future negotiations with tenderers in remaining switchover areas. As a demand-driven program, any savings from a lower-than-expected uptake are returned to the Budget.
What was his department's total expenditure on advertising in 2010-11, and what was the program breakdown for this expenditure.
The Department's 2010-11 Annual Report includes information on advertising expenditure during 2010-11. This information is summarised below:
In respect of curable blindness in the Asia-Pacific region, (a) since 24 November 2007, what sum of money has the Australian Government spent on addressing this condition, and (b) what countries are receiving Australian Government assistance to address this condition.
(a) Australia has spent about $55 million on addressing preventable blindness in the Asia-Pacific region since 24 November 2007.
(b) The countries that are receiving Australian Government assistance to address curable blindness in the Asia-Pacific region are: Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Vietnam.
Since 24 November 2011, what sum has been spent on training eye health professionals, including ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses, to support local surgical capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.
Noting that the date 24 November 2011 lies in the future, in line with the honourable member's other questions, since 24 November 2007, over $6 million has been spent on training eye health professionals, including ophthalmologists and ophthalmic nurses, to support local surgical capacity in the Asia-Pacific region.
In respect of the subheading 'Public housing tenants' (page 14) of the Clean Energy, Future Supporting Australian households brochure, where it indicates that assistance will not be included in State government public housing rent setting calculations so that public housing residents get the full benefit of assistance, (a) how can the Australian Government guarantee this claim, and (b) what (i) negotiations are underway between, and (ii) arrangements have been finalised by, the Australian Government and the State and Territory governments on this matter.
(a) and (b)(i)(ii) State and Territory Governments are responsible for setting public housing rents. It is the Australian Government's intention that carbon price assistance is not included in the calculation of public housing rents by State and Territory Governments.
The Prime Minister has written to all State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers, seeking confirmation that the Clean Energy Advance and the Clean Energy Supplements be permanently exempt from public housing rent calculations. The Prime Minister also asked that this exemption also be extended to community housing providers to ensure equity with public housing tenants.
This request is consistent with the current approach where supplements to government payments, such as the Pension Supplement and Carer Supplement, are excluded from public housing rent calculations.
In respect of the digital set-top box program announced in the 2011-12 Budget, in the electoral division of Dawson, (a) how many pensioner households have received their free digital set-top box, and (b) what sum has been expended under the program (i) in total, and (ii) by postcode.
(a) Based on information provided by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE), as at 9 November 2011, the Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) has provided 1,378 installations to households in Dawson under the measure announced in the 2009-10 Budget to provide assistance to households in regional Queensland to switch to digital television. Installations are expected to continue in 2012 as eligible households are able to opt-in to the HAS until 6 January 2012.
(b) Based on information provided by DBCDE, total expenses under the HAS will not be known until conclusion of the installation process, which is expected to be in early 2012.
In respect of the first report on the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout (Shareholder Ministers, Government report to Joint Committee on the National Broadband Network on NBN Co Ltd and its subsidiaries as at 30 June 2011, 23 September 2011):
(a) what are the findings of the post implementation review following the practical completion of the NBN's five mainland First Release Sites,
(b) over the next two years, how many premises in Queensland, NSW and the ACT will be passed by the portion of the network to be built by Silcar Pty Limited,
(c) what is the average time period between a developer making an application to NBN Co. Limited, and a contract being signed by both parties,
(d) under how many of the 403 developer contracts is construction expected to be completed in
(i) 2011-12,
(ii) 2012-13, and
(iii) 2013-14, and
(e) what sum is Fujitsu being paid per premises for construction of the Greenfields networks, and
(f) what is meant by '...the transfer of bow wave applications back to Telstra...' (page 11), and under what circumstances might it occur.
(a) NBN Co is still undertaking its post implementation review to examine the quality of the outcomes in first release sites and to ensure that the lessons have been documented, communicated and applied in subsequent projects.
(b) On 1 June 2011, NBN Co announced that it had entered into an agreement covering all brownfield construction in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT which represents almost 40 per cent of national construction activity planned over the next two years.
On 18 October 2011, NBN Co released its first 12-month national rollout plan. The schedule lists the communities in each state and territory where work on the fibre network will begin before September 2012. This national rollout plan indicates the following:
NBN Co has advised that this schedule will be updated quarterly and that an indicative three-year schedule will be released in 2012.
(c) NBN Co receives hundreds of new applications each month and as such, the following numbers are taken as at 11 October 2011. NBN Co plans delivery of fibre to precede premises being occupied in all contracted developments. The average number of days from application assessment to contract signature is 33 days.
(d) As of 11 October 2011, the number of developer contracts under which construction is expected to be completed is 596 for 2011-12, 341 for 2012-13 and 4 for 2013-14.
(e) On 13 May 2011, NBN Co announced that it had appointed Fujitsu Australia Limited as its prime alliance partner to deliver fibre infrastructure to new developments. Under the agreement, Fujitsu will manage the design, construction and associated works for the deployment of fibre to new developments, with the initial value estimated at over $100 million for the first 12 months. Information contained within the NBN Co/Fujitsu contract is a commercial matter for both companies.
(f) The bow-wave applications represent the backlog of requests received from developers for fibre deployments that were not completed prior to NBN Co becoming the provider of last resort on 1 January 2011. The transfer of these applications back to Telstra is a one-off occurrence and has already taken place.
Can the Prime Minister explain the apparent discrepancy between her statements to the House ( Hansard , 18 November 2010, page 3018) and on ABC Radio (25 November 2010), indicating that a national broadband model with retail price competition results in cheaper prices for consumers; and the statements by NBN Co. Limited (NBN Co. Discussion Paper: Introducing NBN Co's Special Access Undertaking, July 2011, page 26) indicating that the system will result in current retail prices for broadband services being maintained.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) will support increased retail competition, which is expected to result in lower prices for consumer broadband services and drive increased usage by consumers.
A number of retail service providers have already released their NBN service plans. These compare favourably with existing ADSL plans, while delivering superior performance and the option to upgrade to speeds much faster than those available on the copper network.
In relation to the NBN Co Limited (NBN Co) Special Access Undertaking discussion paper, page 26 discusses NBN wholesale (not retail) prices.
(1) Has the Governments attention been drawn to claims that the United States digital rights management and distribution company, Overdrive, is dominating the supply of e-books to Australian public libraries and that this domination has led to reduced equity, quality and consistency of access to e-books for the Australian community, as well as an erosion of Australian authors'' intellectual property rights.
(2) Will the Government consider the establishment of a national licensing system for the distribution of e-books to guarantee equitable access for Australian readers; if so, will the Government consider involving the National Library in such a scheme.
(1) The government is aware of such claims.
(2) The final report of the Book Industry Strategy Group, set up by Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, was released in early November. One of the group's recommendations was that Australian publishers work to clarify the business model for the sale and use of ebooks by libraries. The government will consider and respond to the group's recommendations in due course.
On what date will he publish the next National Energy Security Assessment.
The 2011 National Energy Security Assessment (NESA) was publicly released on 13 December 2011.
It can be found on my department’s website: http://www.ret.gov.au/.
(1) Is the Government's $558.2 million equity injection into the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) in July 2010 included in the 2010-11 (a) underlying cash balance, and (b) fiscal balance.
(2) What is the value of the Government's equity holding in the ARTC.
(3) On what page is the value of the Government's equity holding in the ARTC recorded in the Budget Financial Statements (BFS), and does it form part of the line item 'Investments in Other Public Sector Entities' in Table 2 of the BFS (page 9-4).
(4) How regularly are the Government's equity holdings re-valued, and when was the Government's equity holding in the ARTC last re-valued.
(5) If the Government's equity holding in the ARTC was re-valued (a) upwards, and (b) downwards, where would this be recorded in the BFS.
(1) No.
(2) Refer to BFS.
(3) Yes.
(4) Annual basis.
(5) Within the BFS.
Further to his answer to question in writing No. 405 (I, 7 July 2011, page 8123), what sum of savings have come from the Ipswich Motorway upgrade—Dinmore to Goodna project.
Any project savings are applied to other projects as agreed between the Commonwealth and the State.
In respect of mobile phone coverage on the McEwen Highway between Charters Towers and Ravenshoe, (a) have investigations been held on the lack of coverage; if so, between who, and can he indicate the outcome, and (b) by when will coverage be made available.
The Australian Government understands the importance of mobile telephony to Australians. In recent years the mobile phone carriers have significantly expanded their terrestrial mobile networks. Vodafone Hutchison Australia claims its networks currently cover more than 94 per cent of the Australian population. Optus claims its 3G network provides services to 97 per cent of the Australian population. Telstra claims its Next G network now provides mobile coverage to 99 per cent of Australians.
For the most part the recent extension of mobile coverage across Australia has been based on commercial decisions by carriers. In making a decision to extend coverage to a particular area, carriers will consider a range of factors, including site availability, cost structures, likely levels of demand from users and overall economic viability of the service.
Telstra is the only carrier that provides mobile telephony in the Charters Towers district. The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy sought advice from Telstra in regard to mobile coverage on the McEwen Highway between Charters Towers and Ravenshoe. Telstra advised they have on numerous occasions looked at the feasibility of providing coverage to this area. However, they have determined that it is not commercially viable to do so. Telstra also advised they will continue to review investment decisions as part of their ongoing network planning.
In areas that are sparsely populated or have little passing traffic, often the only commercially viable option for mobile phone services is via satellite. Unlike terrestrial mobile coverage, satellite mobile phone services cover the entire Australian landmass and population, and are available from a number of providers.
The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme improves the affordability of mobile communications for people living and working in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage, by providing subsidies for the purchase of satellite phone handsets. The scheme provides up to $1000 for eligible applicants who live in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage or up to $700 for eligible applicants who live in areas that have coverage, but spend more than 180 days across a two year period in non-coverage areas.
Under the scheme's rules, those eligible to apply include individuals, small businesses, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, Indigenous corporations, emergency service organisations, health organisations and educational institutions. Further information is available at www.dbcde.gov.au/satphone.
What has been the total cost of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (a) nationally, (b) in Australia, (c) in Queensland, (d) in the electoral division of Dawson, and (e) in Mackay in Queensland, and for parts (a) to (e), how many dwellings have been (i) constructed, and (ii) approved but not yet constructed, under the scheme.
(a) and (b) Amount provided to Approved Participants as National Rental Affordability Scheme financial incentives (cash or tax offset) by the Australian Government nationally.
Number of dwellings under the Scheme
(i) As at 30 September 2011 there are 4,604 dwellings tenanted or available for rent; and
(ii) 19,812 incentives reserved (not yet delivered) nationally.
(c) Amount provided to Approved Participants as National Rental Affordability Scheme financial incentives (cash or tax offset) by the Australian Government in Queensland.
Number of dwellings under the Scheme
(i) As at 30 September 2011, there are 1,054 dwellings tenanted or available for rent; and
(ii) 5,890 incentives reserved (not yet delivered) in Queensland.
(d) Amount provided to Approved Participants as National Rental Affordability Scheme financial incentives (cash or tax offset) by the Australian Government in the electorate of Dawson.
Number of dwellings under the Scheme
(i) As at 30 September 2011, there are 19 dwellings tenanted or available for rent; and
(ii) 232 incentives reserved (not yet delivered) in the electorate of Dawson.
(e) Amount provided to Approved Participants as National Rental Affordability Scheme financial incentives (cash or tax offset) by the Australian Government in Mackay and its surrounds (postcode 4740).
Number of dwellings under the Scheme
(i) As at 30 September 2011, there is 1 dwelling tenanted or available for rent; and
(ii) 108 incentives have been supported or reserved (not yet delivered) in Mackay and its surrounds (postcode 4740).
What is the progress of Service Delivery Reform and improvements in the areas outlined on page 19 of her department's Reform of Government Savings Scorecard (November 2007 to May 2010).
In the past year, my department has made good progress on implementing key foundation elements to support Service Delivery Reform. Progress on initiatives outlined in the Scorecard includes:
Common service delivery: the Department of Human Services is achieving more cost effective and efficient service delivery by integrating Medicare Australia, Centrelink, and the Department of Human Services (including Chid Support Program) into a single department of state. An expanded range of services is available to customers through co-located Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support services. It is intended that all offices will be co-located by 2014 15.
Case management: my department is providing more intensive support for those who need it. Case coordination trials will involve assessing a customer's whole circumstances and providing more integrated support for vulnerable people and people facing complex or multiple challenges.
There are seven trial sites as at 26 October 2011, with 44 sites to be rolled out across Australia by 2014-15.
Local Connections to Work supports the Government's participation agenda through nine sites offering joined up services to long-term unemployed job seekers. This is a new initiative that provides joint interviews with a range of service providers for people in disadvantaged locations who have been unemployed for some time. There will be 24 Local Connections to Work sites in disadvantaged locations by 2014-15.
Automation, authentication and registration: my department is providing better online services for those customers who choose to self manage by moving towards simpler, easier and more efficient interactions through more automation, and streamlined and integrated registration processes.
Since February 2011, customers have been able to lodge Medicare claims online. Currently, customers can claim a number of common claim types through online services, without the need to visit a shopfront.
A single online entry point has been created for Human Services customers to access their online Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support accounts through australia.gov.au, rather than having to log into three separate accounts.
Customers will be able to 'tell us once', if they wish. This means that if a customer wishes to update their information such as changes to address and phone number across different departmental programs, they can do it once, rather than going to each part of the department they deal with. Information will only be shared across the department with the customer's consent.
Data management: as part of Service Delivery Reform, my department has carried out extensive work to ensure appropriate privacy protections, including regular consultation with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
The department will ensure that databases containing personal information collected for different programs remain logically separated.
Service Delivery Reform will not extend to any clinical health records.
Apart from the limited data that is already shared across the department, for example between Medicare Australia and Centrelink, personal information will only be shared between programs with customer consent or legislative authority.
(1) Can he indicate the current status of the United States Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program.
(2) What sum did Australia commit to this program.
(3) What benefit has Australia received from this program.
(4) What has the Government done to promote the Bushmaster into the United States market.
(1) The US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program is moving from a Technology Development to an Engineering Manufacturing and Development phase, and should release a Request for Proposal to industry in late 2011.
(2) In 2009 Australia committed USD $30.405 million (AUD $43.105 million) to participate in the Technology Development phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program. It is important to note that no contribution or commitment has been made by Australia to enter the next phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program.
(3) This investment has allowed valuable insights and knowledge into the US program, three Australians to work inside the US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Product Office, the opportunity for the Capability Development Group to refine requirements and for reliability, user and survivability testing to occur here in Australia. All this will directly support future stages of this project.
(4) With specific reference to the United States Market, Thales (Australian Defence Industries at the time) endeavoured to enter the US market with the Bushmaster via a commercial partnering arrangement. The Department of Defence provided support to Thales in this process, including facilitation provided by the Defence Export Unit, and by providing original Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle requirements documentation to the US Government. In addition 'Team Australia', an Australian Government initiative where DMO joined with Australia's defence industry to showcase Australian defence capability solutions, promoted the Bushmaster at the Association of US Army (AUSA) Conference. To date there has been no success.
What was the total cost of energy consumption for his department in 2010-11.
The total cost of energy consumption for the Department of Defence in financial year 2010-11 was $402.6 million.
In financial year 2010-11, Defence consumed $282.4 million of fuel. This included $156.6 million on aviation fuels, $88.2 million on marine diesel, and $37.6 million on ground fuel.
In financial year 2010-11, Defence spent $113.7 million on electricity and $6.5 million on natural gas.
How many credit cards are currently issued to his departmental staff, and what was the total cost of the transactions made on such cards in 2010-11.
In 2010-11, Defence and Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) had 70,061 corporate credit cards on issue, with a total spend of $597 million comprising 1.86 million individual transactions.
Defence and DMO use two types of corporate credit cards; the Defence Purchasing Card (DPC) which had 6,682 cards on issue with a total spend of $288 million, comprising 336,611 transactions and the Defence Travel Card (DTC) which had 63,379 cards on issue with a total spend of $309.4 million comprising 1,522,911 transactions.
(1) By what date is the National Broadband Network (NBN) scheduled to be rolled-out in the electoral division of Forrest.
(2) Which towns in this electorate (a) will, and (b) will not, have a fibre optic cable connection to premises.
(3) Through which towns in this electorate will the NBN fibre connection pass without being connected to premises because the towns lay outside the NBN's agreed fibre connection zone.
(4) What is the estimated cost of connecting premises to the NBN in each town in this electorate in the year it will be rolled-out, and the subsequent two years.
(5) What is the estimated monthly cost of the NBN provision for an average household in this electorate in the year it will be rolled-out.
(1) NBN Co has not yet indicated dates for the fibre network rollout in the electorate of Forrest. However, NBN Co has now released its first 12-month national rollout schedule. The rollout schedule will be updated each quarter to include new locations and is available on NBN Co's website.
NBN Co plans to complete the rollout of its fixed wireless network, including to some communities in the Forrest electorate, by 2015.
On 1 July 2011, NBN Co launched its Interim Satellite Service (ISS) which offers improved broadband services to eligible users in regional areas, ahead of the introduction of a long term satellite solution in 2015.
(2) Indicative coverage maps published by NBN Co suggest that Augusta, Bunbury, Busselton, Capel, Collie, Donnybrook, Dunsborough, Harvey, Margaret River, Nannup and Yarloop may be served by fibre to the premises technology.
NBN Co's maps indicate that the towns of Boyanup and Cowaramup may be served by next generation fixed wireless technology providing speeds of 12 megabits per second (Mbps).
All remaining premises will be served by next-generation satellite technology providing speeds of 12 Mbps.
These maps are indicative only and the precise optic fibre footprint will only be known when NBN Co completes its detailed suburb-by-suburb, region-by-region designs for the network.
(3) NBN Co's current network planning for the fibre footprint includes the assumption that, where transit backhaul passes communities with greater than 500 premises, the fibre footprint may be extended to cover these communities. Under these current network planning guidelines no community with less than 500 premises, even if passed by the fibre transit backhaul routes, will be connected to fibre.
(4) NBN Co's detailed expenditure forecasts for cost to pass particular premises are commercial-in-confidence. Information on the expenditure associated with the rollout can be found in NBN Co's Corporate Plan.
(5) NBN Co offers a wholesale-only service, and monthly retail costs are a matter for retail service providers. However, prices for NBN plans released to date compare very favourably to existing ADSL plans, while delivering a superior end user experience and the option to upgrade to faster speeds not available over the copper network.
For example, Exetel has announced NBN plans starting from $34.50 for a 12 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload service with 20 gigabyte (GB) data allowance. iiNet has announced NBN plans starting from $49.95 per month for a 12 Mbps service with 40 GB of data allowance. Retail service providers also offer a range of plans with significantly higher speeds and data allowances for interested customers.
Importantly, there is no additional line rental fee with NBN services, as typically charged by retailers for an ADSL service. Service providers such as Exetel and Internode provide a phone service at no extra charge with their broadband plans, and iiNet offers a phone service for an additional $9.95 per month with their broadband plans that includes free local and national calls.
The government expects that retail service providers will continue to announce competitive NBN pricing plans in the coming months.
In respect of premises used by his department overseas:
(a) what is the location of each,
(b) how many are
(i) leased, and
(ii) owned,
(c) what number of staff are in each,
(d) what is the size of each,
(e) what is the rent per square metre of each that is rented,
(f) what is the estimated value of each that is owned, and
(g) what are the variable and fixed costs for each.
Copies of Tables A and B can be obtained from the House of Representatives Table Office .
Contained in the tables:
Table A provides details on commercial properties which DIAC lease and includes the number of staff located at each post.
Table B provides details on residential properties which DIAC lease as accommodation for A based staff on posting.
DIAC is unable to provide any details of the estimated value of the properties owned by the Department of Foreign Affairs as they do not provide these details to tenants.
Does she have the power to intervene in matters involving a private health insurance policy holder and a private health insurer; if so, in what circumstances?
The Minister has a number of powers that are set out in Part 5-2 – General enforcement methods, of the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 (the Act), that enables the Minister to intervene in a matter involving a private health insurance policy holder and a private health insurer that involves the insurer's compliance with its enforceable obligations.
Section 185-1 of the Act sets out that the Minister has the power to find out whether a private health insurer is complying with its enforceable obligations and to encourage or compel an insurer to comply with those obligations. The Minister can:
(a) set performance indicators for insurers;
(b) seek explanations from the insurers;
(c) investigate insurers;
(d) obtain enforceable obligations from insurers;
(e) direct insurers to do particular things;
(f) seek remedies in the Federal Court;
(g) revoke an insurer's entitlement to offer tax rebates as premium reductions.
Section 185-5 of the Act sets out the enforceable obligations an insurer must comply with under the Act. Pertinent to a matter that may involve a private health insurance policy holder and a private health insurer, these are:
(a) a provision of the Act;
(b) a provision of any Private Health Insurance Rules made under section 333-20 or 333-25 of the Act;
(c) a direction given to a private health insurer under the Act.
In respect of the recent visit to Australia by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the answer to question in writing no. 198 ( Hansard , 10 May 2011, page 3500), is the Prime Minister in a position to (a) provide an update on how Australia will commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the accession to the Throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 20 I 2, and (b) advise whether the Government is creating a commemorative Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (as the Canadian Government is doing) to honour both Her Majesty and the significant contributions and achievements by Australians; if not, why not.
The focus of Australian Government recognition of Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be support for and involvement with the "Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust ". As jointly announced by Prime Minister Cameron and me during CHOGM in Perth on 28 October 20 II, Buckingham Palace has agreed to the creation of the Trust, which will be chaired by former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Sir John Major.
Both the Australian and UK Governments have confirmed that they will play their part in supporting the Trust. The amount of money the Australian Government will make available to the Trust has not yet been determined.
Both Prime Minister Cameron and I also encourage individuals and businesses across the Commonwealth to mark the Jubilee by supporting the Trust in their own way. I am of the view that together, this will make a very fitting tribute to a very special anniversary.
I will make further announcements about Australian Government recognition of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
I can confirm that the Australian Government will not be issuing a Diamond Jubilee medal. To do so would be inconsistent with the Australian honours system which does not include coronation or jubilee medals.
Does the Government have information on any engagement by local government of consultants seeking advice concerning the impact of climate change; if so, is the Minister in a position to provide a summary of such engagements, including the cost.
No.