The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Ms AE Burke) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Corporations Legislation Amendment (Financial Reporting Panel) Bill 2012
Australian Citizenship Amendment (Defence Families) Bill 2012
Cybercrime Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Bill 2012
Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2012
Health Insurance Amendment (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Bill 2012
Migration (Visa Evidence) Charge Bill 2012
Migration (Visa Evidence) Charge (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2012
International Fund for Agricultural Development Amendment Bill 2012
That this bill be now read a second time.
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Declared Fishing Activities) Bill 2012
It is mystifying that the head of the next Liberal half-Senate ticket, Senator Richard Colbeck, is defending the super trawler.
There are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
This disallowance motion is a message that the Greens political party do not support sustainable catch limits based on science. It is a message that says the Greens want fisheries managed by politics, not qualified fisheries managers. And it says that the Greens do not support the commercial operators who fish in some of the world's best managed fisheries.
… I have no doubt that the same disregard—
for the science and management of our commercial fisheries will be extended to the legitimate pursuit of recreational fishing.
(3) The Minister must not make an interim declaration unless the Minister and the Fisheries Minister agree that:
(a) there is uncertainty about the environmental, social or economic impacts of the fishing activity;
If this bill passes it will give the Department of Environment … the authority to stop [bluefin tuna fishing] … all the way down the east coast … in Commonwealth waters.
Bluefin tuna have been earmarked by environmental NGO's as a target species that they believe to be 'threatened' …
… … …
… sceptics could see this as an insidious ploy to achieve a pre-determined Green outcome with a massive decoy. Regardless of the hypothesis … professional fishermen do not deserve to be punished any more due to Ministerial incompetence.
… fisheries management needs to be changed to be based on ecosystem management and the "precautionary principle", where if there is a risk of damage—even if the scientific evidence is uncertain—fishing should not be allowed.
Responding to community issues over this single boat by damaging all Australian fishing operations, both commercial and recreational, and creating massive uncertainty for the professional fishing industry in Australia is simply not acceptable in our view.
… I will not allow the emotive politics of the Greens political party to run fisheries management policy in this country. We will ensure that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is independent, that it makes independent decisions based on the science through its expert commissioners and on the facts that are presented to them.
When making an interim declaration, the Minister may identify a fishing activity by reference to all or any of the following:
(a) a method of fishing;
(b) a type of vessel used for fishing;
(c) a method of processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken;
(d) an area of waters or of seabed.
… there are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
When making an interim declaration, the Minister may identify a fishing activity by reference to all or any of the following:
(a) a method of fishing—
(b) a type of vessel used for fishing—
(c) a method of processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken;
(d) an area of waters or of seabed.
… small pelagic species are caught in high volumes and have low unit value. Additionally, there are high capital costs associated with the large scale catching units and specific processing infrastructure required. As a result, fishing operators need to have heightened efficiency—
and there are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
This disallowance motion is a message that the Greens political party do not support sustainable catch limits based on science.
It is a message that says the Greens want fisheries managed by politics, not qualified fisheries managers. And it says that the Greens do not support the commercial operators who fish in some of the world's best managed fisheries.
That message should be well understood, because I have no doubt that the same disregard for the science and management of our commercial fisheries will be extended to the legitimate pursuit of recreational fishing. As Minister for Fisheries—
I will not allow the emotive politics of the Greens political party to run fisheries management policy in this country.
We will ensure that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is independent, that it makes independent decisions based on the science through its expert commissioners and on the facts that are presented to them. They will continue to make decisions based on sound judgment to ensure that fisheries are sustainable and meet all the ecological requirements—and, moreover, predicated on the precautionary principle so often espoused by the Greens.
Why? Because AFMA will continue to apply sound policy to ensure that we will have sustainable fisheries now and into the future. For those reasons, the government opposes this motion.
In summary, skeptics could see this as an insidious ploy to achieve a pre-determined Green outcome with a massive decoy. Regardless of the hypothesis recreational and professional fishermen do not deserve to be punished any more due to Ministerial incompetence.
… there are considerable economies of scale in the fishery and the most efficient way to fish may include large scale factory freezer vessels.
… I will not allow the emotive politics of the Greens political party to run fisheries management policy in this country.
We will ensure that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is independent, that it makes independent decisions based on the science through its expert commissioners and on the facts that are presented to them.
They will continue to make decisions based on sound judgement—
to ensure that fisheries are sustainable and meet all the ecological requirements …
(3) The Minister must not make an interim declaration unless the Minister and the Fisheries Minister agree that:
(a) there is uncertainty about the environmental, social or economic impacts of the fishing activity …
(2) When making an interim declaration, the Minister may identify a fishing activity by reference to all or any of the following:
(a) a method of fishing;
(b) a type of vessel used for fishing;
(c) a method of processing, carrying or transhipping of fish that have been taken;
(d) an area of waters or of seabed.
The Greens do not believe this supertrawler should be permitted to operate in Australian waters as the evidence indicates it's a subsidised vessel and there are real issues with quotas being exceeded, death of bycatch species, localised depletion and impact on other fisheries.
… but that regional development funds be made available to support the construction of a Tasmanian-made purpose-built vessel to monitor and research existing fisheries and for scientific research including marine protected areas.
'It is going to be hard to have to tell those employees, some of them who were long-term unemployed, that we no longer have a job for them,' he said.
'It seems that after we have met every rule, regulation and request made of us; after years of working with the relevant authorities, that in the end the government reacted to the size of the Abel Tasman and not the size of the quota and the science that supports it,' Mr Geen said.
If we get this wrong, there are risks to the environment, to commercial operators and to everyone who loves fishing and they are risks I am not prepared to take.
Put simply, the world has got too smart at catching fish.
To put it in the words of a long-term fisher: when he started out the boats were small and slow, which restricted fishing days according to weather conditions and the distance a vessel could travel. And locating fishing spots and relocating pots required dead-reckoning navigation and good luck, thus giving the lobster an even chance.
All this changed with the advent of larger and faster vessels, GPS navigation linked to autopilots and seabed radar in its various forms.
Human innovation in the fishing industry has reduced the capacity of fish to maintain a breeding stock sufficient for a harvestable food chain for the fish and we humans.
Victorian fishers have real concerns about the potential impact a super trawler could have on the marine ecosystems.
The federal Government has made the right decision by listening to Australia's 5 million anglers over the super trawler issue.
If we get this wrong there are risks to the environment, to commercial operators and to everyone who loves fishing and they are risks I am not prepared to take.
… they are irresistible, a real delight to watch. They add something to the finals series, and more power to them for doing that.
That further statements on indulgence in relation to the London Paralympic Games be permitted in the Federation Chamber.
There is no doubt the Australian economy is doing better than most—our unemployment is remarkably low, our debt-to-GDP compares very favourably on all measurements, our inflation is low.
There is a hole—fill it—and by the way, stop raising spending promises you cannot keep.
So we are not talking about proven science we are talking about a climate change theory.
Newman has stolen my future, that's what he has done.
I can't give up because the amount of money that they are offering isn't enough for me to retire.
Everybody's really unhappy and everyone in our department definitely feels the same way. It's not right.
It has directly led to the employment of an additional 8,500 people who would not otherwise have gained employment … the increased earnings generated by this employment ultimately contribute an additional $6.5 billion to Queensland GSP to 2020.
Report relating to the consideration of bills introduced 10 to 13 September 2012
1. The committee met in private session on 12 and 13 September 2012.
2. The committee determined that the following referrals of bills to committees be made—
Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services:
REASONS FOR REFERRAL/PRINCIPAL ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION:
Massive unintended impact on the electricity generation sector and significant concerns raised by a number of stakeholders.
Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade:
REASONS FOR REFERRAL/PRINCIPAL ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION:
Determine whether the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has fully addressed the concerns that were raised by the former Howard Government, and which prompted Australia to withdraw from the organisation in 2004.
Consideration of the additional financial and human resources required by AusAID to support Australia's engagement with IFAD.
Standing Committee on Education and Employment:
REASONS FOR REFERRAL/PRINCIPAL ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION:
The bill substantially expands the scope of the information sharing that the department is allowed to engage in. Possible implications on both the privacy and the red tape reduction should be briefly examined.
Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs:
REASONS FOR REFERRAL/PRINCIPAL ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION:
Examination of drafting changes regarding schoolkids bonus, child support legislation and the Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
Tax Laws Amendment (Investment Manager Regime) Bill 2012
Higher Education Support Amendment (Student Contribution Amounts and Other Measures) Bill 2012
Navigation Bill 2012
Navigation (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2012
The urgent need for the Government to address its worsening debt position.
… inconceivable that this amount of government expenditure on building a good society could be funded from existing revenue.
Australia's low general government debt-to-GDP ratio … is already a standout ratings strength, having given it a demonstrable capacity to absorb fiscal and economic shocks.
… by demonstrating continued commitment to fiscal discipline, the Australian budget presented on May 8 is consistent with the government's Aaa rating.
Restoring the government's strong fiscal settings through a forecast return to surpluses over the cycle and maintaining low debt will provide flexibility to respond to large economic and financial shocks, and is consistent with maintaining the 'AAA' rating on Australia.
When the Prime Minister and the Treasurer say that the Australian economy is doing better than most, they're right. I agree with them. There's no doubt that the Australian economy is doing better than most.
Our unemployment is remarkably low; our debt-to-GDP is converged very favourably; and by all the measurements, our inflation is low. I won't bore you with the statistics; you've heard them all before.
I talk regularly to Mr Abbott … He is very understanding, he and people like Joe Hockey have been incredibly supportive.
Campbell Newman, all strength to his right arm, is showing incredible courage …
… Australia has serious bragging rights … Compared to most developed countries, our economic circumstances are enviable.
It would not matter a jot if three-quarters of the human race were destroyed; the important thing is that the remaining quarter should be Communist.
There was always the Santamaria way: when you haven't got the numbers, be vicious. It's called minority politics. Abbott would come to play them superbly, having learnt in the Democratic Club how small constituencies can cause big trouble.
The leading light of the right wingers in New South Wales is twenty-year-old Tony Abbott. He has written a number of articles on AUS in the Australian and his press coverage has accordingly given him a stature his rather boisterous and immature rhetoric doesn’t really deserve.
That government business be brought on.
The House divided. [16:11]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Declared Fishing Activities) Bill 2012
The House divided. [16:26]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
The House divided. [16:31]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Declared Fishing Activities) Bill 2012
(1) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 7), before Chapter 5B insert:
Chapter 5AA—Oversize Fishing Vessels
Part 15AA—Oversize Fishing Vessels
Division 1 Prohibition
390SAA Civil penalty—fishing activity using an oversize fishing vessel
A person must not engage in fishing activity using an oversize fishing vessel in a Commonwealth marine area.
Civil penalty:
(a) for an individual—5,000 penalty units;
(b) for a body corporate—50,000 penalty units.
Note: If a body corporate is found to have contravened this section, an executive officer of the body may be found to have contravened section 494.
390SAB Offence—fishing activity using an oversize fishing vessel
(1) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person takes an action; and
(b) the action is taken in a Commonwealth marine area; and
(c) the action is a fishing activity using an oversize fishing vessel.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 7 years or 420 penalty units, or both.
Note 1: If a body corporate is found to have committed an offence against this section, an executive officer of the body may be found to have committed an offence against section 495.
Note 2: Subsection 4B(3) of the Crimes Act 1914 lets a court fine a body corporate up to 5 times the maximum amount the court could fine a person under this subsection.
(2) Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(b).
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.
390SAC What is a fishing activity using an oversize fishing vessel ?
(1) A fishing activity using an oversize fishing vessel is a fishing activity using a vessel capable of processing and storing more than 2,000 tonnes of biomass.
(2) A fishing activity means an activity that constitutes fishing.
(2) Schedule 1, item 11, page 11 (line 8) before item 11 insert:
10A Section 528
Insert:
Fishing activity using an oversize fishing vessel has the meaning given by subsection 390SAC(1).
(1) Schedule 1, item 1, page 5 (lines 1 and 2), omit ", social or economic".
(2) Schedule 1, item 1, page 7 (line 2), omit ", social or economic".
(1) Schedule 1, item 1, page 9 (after line 27), at the end of Part 15B, add:
Division 4—Sunsetting of this Part
390SM Sunsetting of this Part
New declarations under this part may not be made 12 months after the day the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Declared Commercial Fishing Activities) Act 2012 commences.
(1) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (before line 29), before subsection 390SD(3), insert:
(2A) When making an interim declaration, the Minister may only specify a commercial fishing activity that had not been engaged in before 11 September 2012 in a Commonwealth marine area.
(1) Clause 1, page 1 (line 7), after " Declared ", insert "Commercial ".
(2) Schedule 1, heading, page 3 (line 1), after "Declared", insert "commercial".
(3) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 7), before "fishing activities", insert "commercial".
(4) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 8), before "fishing activities", insert "commercial".
(5) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 10), before "fishing activities", insert "commercial".
(6) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 11), after "declared", insert "commercial".
(7) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 19), before "fishing activities", insert "commercial".
(8) Schedule 1, item 1, page 3 (line 23), after "declared", insert "commercial".
(9) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 3), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(10) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 4), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(11) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 5), before " fishing activity ", insert "commercial ".
(12) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 6), omit " declared fishing activity is a fishing activity", substitute "declared commercial fishing activity is a commercial fishing activity".
(13) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (after line 9), after subclause 390SC(1), insert:
(1A) A commercial fishing activity is a fishing activity that is engaged in for a commercial purpose, and, to avoid doubt, does not include an activity that constitutes recreational fishing (within the meaning of subsection 212(2)).
Note: Under subsection 212(2), recreational fishing includes fishing from a charter boat and fishing in a fishing competition.
(14) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 15), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(15) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 16), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(16) Schedule 1, item 1, page 4 (line 21), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(17) Schedule 1, item 1, page 5 (line 2), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(18) Schedule 1, item 1, page 5 (line 3), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(19) Schedule 1, item 1, page 5 (line 6), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(20) Schedule 1, item 1, page 5 (line 23), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(21) Schedule 1, item 1, page 5 (line 24), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(22) Schedule 1, item 1, page 5 (lines 30 and 31), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(23) Schedule 1, item 1, page 6 (line 3), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(24) Schedule 1, item 1, page 6 (line 9), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(25) Schedule 1, item 1, page 6 (line 17), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(26) Schedule 1, item 1, page 6 (line 18), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(27) Schedule 1, item 1, page 6 (line 23), omit "the fishing activity", substitute "the commercial fishing activity".
(28) Schedule 1, item 1, page 6 (line 23), omit "a fishing activity", substitute "a commercial fishing activity".
(29) Schedule 1, item 1, page 6 (line 27), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(30) Schedule 1, item 1, page 7 (line 3), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(31) Schedule 1, item 1, page 7 (line 7), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(32) Schedule 1, item 1, page 7 (line 9), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(33) Schedule 1, item 1, page 8 (lines 4 and 5), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(34) Schedule 1, item 1, page 8 (line 8), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(35) Schedule 1, item 1, page 8 (line 9), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(36) Schedule 1, item 1, page 8 (line 12), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(37) Schedule 1, item 1, page 8 (line 15), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(38) Schedule 1, item 2, page 10 (line 2), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(39) Schedule 1, item 3, page 10 (lines 7 and 8), before "fishing activity", insert "commercial".
(40) Schedule 1, page 10 (after line 8), after item 3, insert:
3A Section 528
Insert:
commercial fishing activity has the meaning given by subsection 390SC(1A).
(41) Schedule 1, item 5, page 10 (line 15), before " fishing activity ", insert "commercial ".
The House divided. [16:59]
(The Deputy Speaker—Ms AE Burke)
That this bill be now read a third time.
That leave of absence for the remainder of the current period of sittings be given to Mr L. D. T. Ferguson on the ground of parliamentary business overseas.
That the House do now adjourn.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Hon. BC Scott ) took the chair at 09:30.
I wish I had wheels, wings and marvellous things!
I wish I had wheels,
So I can be as fast as a car,
I can go near and I can go far.
I wish I had wheels, wings and marvellous things!
I wish I had wings
so I can fly:
I can take a trip to the blue sky!
I wish I had wheels, wings and marvellous things!
I wish I had a shell,
So I can hide,
when I am scared…
or when I’m sleepy inside…
I wish I had wheels, wings and marvellous things!
I wish I had gills
to breathe in the sea,
to conquer my swimming,
to be a different me.
I wish I had wheels, wings and marvellous things!
I wish I had springs,
so I can jump high
to feel the clouds
and the beautiful sky
I wish I had wheels, wings and marvellous things!
I wish I had muscles so I can be strong:
I can carry people all day long
I wish I had a tail, fins, a magic ring
and all sorts of marvellous things!
I wish I had wheels, wings and marvellous things,
wheels, wings and marvellous things!
The people of Western Sydney are not the dumping ground for Sydney, especially this radioactive waste. It is unsafe waste material and should not be dumped in our community.
Let's run with those bulls in Pamplona. After a long hot walk we arrived in Pamplona and for the first time we saw people. Pamplona was abuzz with the festival and paella. I cannot believe they run those bulls through the streets here, it is absolute madness.
Merv was generous with his experience and shared it with the other boys in the team, especially Nate. I last saw Nate at the airport when he departed Australia in July. As they were about to walk off to the gate together, Merv turned to me and said, 'Don't worry Jess, I'll bring him home.' While it's under the most tragic of circumstances, Merv is honouring his promise.
He had a 'can-do' attitude, always wanting to get the job done and taking everything in his stride.
A dedicated and enthusiastic professional soldier, he was always willing to come forward with ideas and solutions. He was a highly professional soldier, but his quiet nature and humility meant he always deflected credit back on to fellow members of his Company.
… the warmest guy you'd ever meet. You could see it in his eyes, they had a special sparkle. He was a real Aussie bloke with a passion for his country, especially its natural splendour.
To PHR's knowledge, no other regime in the world has methodically and violently forced half of its population into virtual house arrest, prohibiting them on pain of physical punishment …
The extent to which the Taliban regime has violated the human rights of Afghan women is unparalleled in recent history.
… … …
It is difficult to find another government or would-be government in the world that has deliberately created such poverty by arbitrarily depriving half the population under its control of jobs, schooling, mobility and health care. Such restrictions are literally life threatening to women and to their children.
It's all about looking after your mates. Some are not travelling so well, so we're there for each other. The main thing is they are not alone.
I thought, what is all this about. But my father (a returned serviceman from both World War I and World War II) told me it was a way to continue my service to others.
We have a dedicated team of hospital visitors to people at home who can't get out. That is the beauty of having a local RSL. It has been a rewarding part of my life. It's a real privilege to go into people's homes, talk to them and see what we can do to make their lives easier. But if it wasn't for the support of the community through Anzac and poppy appeals, we wouldn't have the money to do that.
It is quite obvious that there is built up and widespread frustration in the community about the lack of average broadband services.
… … …
The other unbelievable fact, and this is a great opportunity for someone in Parliament to bring it to the Governments attention, that a prime industrial area in the heart of an Australian capital city does NOT have access to proper broadband and, in some cases, has to send its employees off site to access suitable services!
How is the Government responding to calls for post-polio syndrome clinics to be established within the Australian health network?
I note the Discussion paper on the late effects of polio/post-polio syndrome prepared by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health and Ageing, and its recommendations. I would like to acknowledge the work of the Committee in highlighting this important health issue.
Recommendation 3 of the paper calls on Medicare Locals to engage with Polio Australia and other stakeholders to help raise awareness of the late effects of polio / post-polio syndrome.
Medicare Locals are a nation-wide network of 61 primary health care organisations, and operate as health system planners at the regional level. They have primary responsibility for identifying the health care needs of their local populations, based on a comprehensive needs assessment process involving public and stakeholder consultation, and coordinating activities to address identified service gaps. Medicare Locals are also responsible for ensuring that primary health care works for the whole of the local community, including through addressing the needs of people affected by the late effects of polio/ post-polio syndrome.
Community members, including post-polio syndrome patients, their families and their carers, are encouraged to engage with their Medicare Local to ensure that their specific health care needs can be better understood, and appropriately addressed, by the Medicare Local.
The Medicare Local network is well placed to support clinicians, service providers and peak bodies in improving patient care. An example of how this can be achieved is through Medicare Locals supporting local primary health care providers to participate in continuing professional development activities.
The Government urges peak stakeholder groups such as Polio Australia to engage with the Australian Medicare Local Alliance (AML Alliance), as the national body for Medicare Locals, to jointly consider options for how the Medicare Local network can help to address the impacts of the late effects of polio / post-polio syndrome, in collaboration with local primary health care service providers and practitioners.