The SPEAKER ( Hon. Bronwyn Bishop ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Dental Benefits Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
Oral health is fundamental to overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. A healthy mouth enables people to eat, speak and socialise without pain, discomfort or embarrassment. The impact of oral disease on people’s everyday lives is subtle and pervasive, influencing eating, sleep, work and social roles. The prevalence and recurrences of these impacts constitutes a silent epidemic.
It's certainly going to make it worse for people who rely on the public system. It's high time we realised that dental health is as important as any other part of the body.
Then the waiting lists are going to grow and you are going to have people sitting there in pain at once again.
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre Supervisory Cost Recovery Levy Amendment Bill 2014
Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre Supervisory Cost Recovery Levy (Collection) Amendment Bill 2014
Customs Amendment (Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2014
Customs Tariff Amendment (Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2014
Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) Bill 2014
UNHCR considers that any policy and legislation relating to the protection needs of asylum-seekers, refugees and stateless persons, must fully respect and comply with international refugee, statelessness and human rights obligations, and not unduly restrict these as some of the provisions appear to do. At a time when unprecedented numbers of people are compelled to flee persecution, serious human rights violations and armed conflict, a full and inclusive interpretation of established protection principles is essential for the integrity of the global system. The need for cooperation and reponsibility sharing both regionally and globally is crucial.
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the member for Watson speaking in reply to the Prime Minister's statement for a period not exceeding 13 minutes.
That business intervening before notice No. 1, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.
Omnibus Repeal Day (Spring 2014) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Amending Acts 1970 to 1979 Repeal Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Statute Law Revision Bill (No. 2) 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Broadcasting and Other Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Direct Lending and Other Measures) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
This petition of certain citizens and residents of Australia draws to the attention of the House that Falun Gong is a peaceful meditation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance. Falun Gong practitioners in China have been subjected to the most brutal and relentless persecution by the Chinese Communist regime since July 1999.
According to investigative reports published by human rights lawyer David Matas and former Canadian Secretary of State for the Asia Pacific David Kilgour, a large number of imprisoned Falun Gong practitioners have been subjected to forced organ harvesting for China's transplant market and lost their lives ( www.organharvestinvestigation.net ).
We therefore ask the House to request the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to openly and forthrightly call for an immediate end to the persecution of Falun Gong in China.
… you actually get the money until the department decides that you are not allowed to get the money. So you keep on getting the money until such time as, on the application being assessed, they decide you are not eligible for it. But it is not the case that you apply for the money and then you have to wait for your application to be approved … You actually get the money straight away.
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The committee met in private session on Tuesday, 21 October 2014.
2. The committee determined the order of precedence and times to be allotted for consideration of private Members' business on Monday, 27 October 2014, as follows:
Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 Standing Committee on Agriculture and Industry:
A clearer message for consumers — Report on the inquiry into country of origin labelling for food
The Committee determined that statements may be made—all statements to conclude by 10.20 am.
Speech time limits—
Mr Ramsey — 5 minutes.
Next Member — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
2 Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples:
Progress report on the inquiry into Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The Committee determined that statements may be made—all statements to conclude by 10.30 am.
Speech time limits—
Mr Wyatt — 5 minutes.
Next Member — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR WILKIE: To present a Bill for an Act to give the community rights in relation to the development of phone towers and certain telecommunications facilities, and for related purposes. (Telecommunications Amendment (Giving the Community Rights on Phone Towers) Bill 2014)
( Notice given 30 September 2014. )
Time allotted—10 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mr Wilkie — 10 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 10 mins]
Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes—pursuant to standing order 41.
2 MRS PRENTICE: To move:
That this House:
(1) recognises that:
(a) over the next four years, total annual Commonwealth funding to Queensland is increasing by around $5.8 billion (including GST);
(b) despite the tight budget conditions, the Commonwealth is increasing annual funding for Queensland hospitals by 40 per cent, and schools by 47 per cent, over the next four years; and
(c) this represents a combined increase in funding to Queensland schools and hospitals of over 40 per cent by 2017-18, on 2013-14 funding levels;
(2) commends the Government for investing $13.4 billion to build the infrastructure of the 21st century for Queensland, including:
(a) $6.7 billion towards fixing the Bruce Highway; and
(b) almost:
(i) $1.3 billion towards the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing; and
(ii) $1 billion towards the upgrade of the Gateway Motorway North; and
(3) notes that the Queensland Government estimated the impact of the carbon tax to be $148 million in its 2013-14 state budget and its repeal will help support jobs and investment.
( Notice given 30 September 2014. )
Time allotted—40 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mrs Prentice — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
3 MS KING: To move:
That this House:
(1) expresses grave concern about the outbreak of the Ebola virus in, and its impact on, West Africa, in particular Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and beyond;
(2) recognises that the peacebuilding and development gains of the most affected countries concerned could be reversed in light of the Ebola outbreak, underlining that the outbreak is undermining the stability of the most affected countries concerned and, unless contained, may lead to further instances of civil unrest, social tensions and a deterioration of the political and security climate;
(3) determines that the unprecedented extent of the Ebola outbreak in Africa constitutes a threat to international peace and security;
(4) expresses concern about the particular impact of the Ebola outbreak on women;
(5) takes note of the:
(a) measures taken by United Nations Member States of the region, especially Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, as well as Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, in response to the Ebola outbreak, and recognises that the outbreak may exceed the capacity of the governments concerned to respond; and
(b) letter dated 29 August 2014 to the United Nations Secretary-General from the presidents of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, requesting a comprehensive response to the Ebola outbreak, including a coordinated international response to end the outbreak and to support the societies and economies affected by restrictions on trade and transportation during the outbreak;
(6) emphasises the:
(a) key role of United Nations Member States, including through the Global Health Security Agenda where applicable, to provide adequate public health services to detect, prevent, respond to and mitigate outbreaks of major infectious diseases through sustainable, well-functioning and responsive public health mechanisms; and
(b) control of outbreaks of major infectious diseases requires urgent action and greater national, regional and international collaboration, stressing the crucial and immediate need for a coordinated international response to the Ebola outbreak;
(7) expresses:
(a) deep appreciation to the first-line responders to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, including national and international health and humanitarian relief workers contributed by the Member States of diverse regions and non-governmental organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontiéres and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and
(b) appreciation of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service for transporting humanitarian personnel and medical supplies and equipment, especially to remote locations in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, during the outbreak;
(8) takes note of the:
(a) WHO Ebola Response Roadmap of 28 August 2014 that aims to stop transmission of the Ebola virus disease worldwide, while managing the consequences of any further international spread; and
(b) 12 Mission Critical Actions, including infection control, community mobilisation and recovery, to resolve the Ebola outbreak; and
(9) notes the United Nations call that Member States:
(a) facilitate the delivery of assistance, including qualified, specialised and trained personnel to contain the outbreak to the affected countries and, expresses deep appreciation to the Government of Ghana for allowing the resumption of the air shuttle of United Nations Mission in Liberia from Monrovia to Accra, which will transport international health workers and other responders to areas affected by the Ebola outbreak in Liberia;
(b) provide urgent resources and assistance, including deployable medical capabilities such as field hospitals with qualified and sufficient expertise, staff and supplies, laboratory services, logistical, transport and construction support capabilities, airlift and other aviation support and aeromedical services and dedicated clinical services in Ebola treatment units and isolation units, to support the affected countries in intensifying preventive and response activities and strengthening national capacities in response to the Ebola outbreak, and to allot adequate capacity to prevent future outbreaks;
(c) mobilise and provide immediate technical expertise and additional medical capacity, including for rapid diagnosis and training of health workers at the national and international level, to the affected countries, and those providing assistance to the affected countries and to continue to exchange expertise, lessons learned and best practices;
(d) maximise synergies to respond effectively and immediately to the Ebola outbreak, provide essential resources, supplies and coordinated assistance to the affected countries and implementing partners, and encourage all relevant actors to cooperate closely with the Secretary-General on response assistance efforts; and
(e) commend the continued contribution and commitment of international health and humanitarian relief workers to respond urgently to the Ebola outbreak and seek all relevant actors to put in place the necessary repatriation and financial arrangements, including medical evacuation capacities and treatment and transport provisions, to facilitate their immediate and unhindered deployment to the affected countries.
( Notice given 21 October 2014. )
Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits—
Ms King—5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes. each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)
PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MRS MCNAMARA: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that the Government is providing practical assistance to small business;
(2) recognises:
(a) the allocation of $8 million in the 2014-15 budget to establish the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman;
(b) that the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman will act as an advocate for small business, cut previous compliance burdens and reduce red-tape;
(c) that the Government has a sustainable strategy in place to cut $1 billion in red tape every year for small business workplaces; and
(d) that on Wednesday 19 March 2014, the Government introduced legislation and tabled documentation to repeal more than 10,000 pieces and over 50,000 pages of legislation and regulations, saving over $700 million in compliance costs across the economy; and
(3) commends the Government for providing real, practical assistance to small business, encouraging productivity in the Australian economy.
( Notice given on 15 July 2014; amended 11 August 2014. )
Time allotted—50 minutes .
Mrs McNamara — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
2 MR FERGUSON: To move:
That this House notes that:
(1) October has been designated Shoctober by the Cardiac Arrest Survival Foundation;
(2) Australian estimates of those dying from sudden cardiac arrest range from 23,000 to 33,000;
(3) prompt defibrillation increases the probability of survival from cardiac arrest;
(4) delayed use of defibrillators increases the probability that the victim will die;
(5) defibrillator deployment guidelines have been developed by the Automated External Defibrillator Deployment Registry after significant consultation;
(6) the commendable staff training and defibrillator placement by Sydney Trains;
(7) wider availability of defibrillators is desirable; and
(8) there have been calls that all Commonwealth funded constructions valued over $3 million should have defibrillators and conform to the new Defibrillation Guidelines 1410 (v 1.3).
( Notice given 3 September 2014. )
Time allotted—30 minutes .
Mr Ferguson — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
3 Mr E. T. Jones: To move:
That this House recognises:
(1) the importance of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) cadets organisations in building the responsible citizens of tomorrow;
(2) that cadets:
(a) learn important life and work skills, team work, leadership, confidence and responsibility through participation in the Navy, Army and Air Force cadets organisations; and
(b) assist local communities through volunteer engagement, community services and fund raising, which is fostered and encouraged through the ADF cadets organisations; and
(3) the important role that ADF cadets play in contributing to our Defence Force of the future and building a stronger Australia.
( Notice given 28 August 2014. )
Time allotted—30 minutes .
Mr E. T. Jones — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
4 Mr Watts: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) in 2015, 40 years will have passed since the arrival of Vietnamese refugees in Australia at the end of the Vietnam War; and
(b) during this time, the Vietnamese-Australian community has grown from approximately 700 Vietnam-born Australians to approximately 185,000 Vietnam-born Australians, and 220,000 Australians speaking Vietnamese at home;
(2) acknowledges the contribution of Vietnamese-Australians to our society in the past 40 years, with Vietnamese-Australians becoming leading figures in business, politics, the arts, and in our communities;
(3) notes that the Vietnamese Community in Australia, or VCA, is marking the 40th anniversary through a series of events, programs and exhibitions; and
(4) encourages all Australians to take part in the celebrations to learn more about the culture and heritage of Vietnamese-Australians.
( Notice given 21 October 2014. )
Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.
Mr Watts—5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes. each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
The Government attacking Australia’s universal healthcare system.
The government is determined … to give all Australians access to high quality health care at reasonable cost.
We will fight and we will continue to fight. We will destroy it.
… not enough to put a dent in your weekly budget, but enough to make you think twice before you call the doc.
We propose a universal health scheme, based on the needs and means of families.
It is only our insurance program—because it is based on the payment of a percentage of taxable income—which can overcome this problem—
It is only our insurance program which will ensure that a low income earner will pay less than a middle income earner and that a middle income earner will pay less than a wealthy man. Australia will not have a just and equitable health insurance system until that principle is enshrined in its laws.
The Abbott government is even today dealing with the costly consequences and culture of entitlement bequeathed by Whitlam's decisions to give free universal medical care and university education.
Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (Direct Lending and Other Measures) Bill 2014
Acts and Instruments (Framework Reform) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Building Energy Efficiency Disclosure Amendment Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Corporations Legislation Amendment (Deregulatory and Other Measures) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Treasury Legislation Amendment (Repeal Day) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) Bill 2014
That the question be put.
The House divided. [17:00]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Mitchell)
The House divided. [17:12]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Mitchell)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Migration Amendment (Character and General Visa Cancellation) Bill 2014
That the question be now put.
That this bill be now read a third time.
That, in relation to proceedings on the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Seniors Supplement Cessation) Bill 2014, the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 4) Bill 2014 and the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Student Measures) Bill 2014, so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the following from occurring:
(1) the resumption of debate on the second readings of the bills being called on together;
(2) at the conclusion of the second reading debate, not including a Minister speaking in reply, or 75 minutes after the resumption of the second reading debate, whichever is the earlier, a Minister being called to sum up the second reading debate and then without delay one question being put on any amendments moved to motions for the second readings and one question being put on the second readings of the bills together;
(3) if the second readings of the bills have been agreed to, messages from the Governor-General recommending appropriations for the bills being announced together;
(4) the consideration in detail stages, if required, on the bills being taken together for a period not exceeding 30 minutes at which time any questions necessary to complete the detail stage being put;
(5) at the conclusion of the detail stage, one question being put on the third readings of the bills together; and
(6) any variation to this arrangement being made only by a motion moved by a Minister.
That the question be put.
The House divided. [17:41]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Craig Kelly)
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Seniors Supplement Cessation) Bill 2014
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 4) Bill 2014
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Student Measures) Bill 2014
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Seniors Supplement Cessation) Bill 2014
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 4) Bill 2014
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Student Measures) Bill 2014
Australia is not facing a budget or public debt crisis right now. Our budget deficit and net public debt are low by OECD standards. Our bond yields are low and foreign investors are happily buying our bonds.
That the House do now adjourn.
The House divided. [19:34]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Seniors Supplement Cessation) Bill 2014
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 4) Bill 2014
Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Student Measures) Bill 2014
The House divided. [19:48]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
On the whole we're very good at freezing eggs, but we're not so great at thawing them.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Hon. BC Scott ) took the chair at 09:00.
… Braddon is right up there with the most unique and beautiful parts of our country. We are makers. We are makers of whiskey, underground mining equipment, magnificent cheese, truffles, leatherwood honey, the freshest and best of vegetables, the biggest and highest-jumping salmon, octopus, quality milk products sought by a growing Asian population—and the list goes on and on. Braddon—
charmingly punches well above its weight.
Rod Chiapello is well known as a man of service throughout our local community.
If you asked any local who the most generous person in our area was, they would likely respond 'Rod from McDonalds'.
He never waits to be asked for help, but rather he looks for any opportunity to give something. If there is a community organisation with an event on, Rod is there.
He seems to run his entire business on the premise that giving is better than receiving.
(1) Are Australian companies still importing illegally logged timber from Indonesia despite the enactment of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012.
(2) Is he aware of new research published in the journal Nature Climate Change showing a greater rate of deforestation of primary forests in Indonesia in the past 12 years.
(3) What steps is the Government taking to ensure that Australian laws are being enforced to combat illegal logging imports.
(1) The Australian Government has not received any allegations of Australian companies importing illegally logged timber from Indonesia since the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 came into force in November 2012.
(2) Yes. The report raises some important issues about deforestation in Indonesia. This is obviously a matter for the Indonesian Government to manage. However, it is important to recognise that some forest clearing is sanctioned by the Indonesian government for economic development purposes.
The Australian Government continues to support the sustainable management of south-east Asian tropical rainforests. In support of this, the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, will host an Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit on 12 November 2014. The summit will bring together ministers from forest nations and donor countries, corporate leaders and senior officials from key non-government organisations. They will focus on practical actions to reduce forest loss, while recognising the legitimate development aspirations of rainforest nations and communities.
(3) The Australian Government continues to implement the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and the associatedIllegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Regulation 2013 .
Any allegations of Australian companies trading in illegally logged timber or timber products will be treated seriously. On referral to the government, any allegations will undergo preliminary inquiry to ascertain the facts and to determine if they need to be further investigated. Matters will proceed to a formal investigation if they are found to potentially breach the legislation. This will be carried out in accordance with the Australian Government Investigation Standards. Ultimately, a matter may be referred to the Australian Federal Police if it is a serious crime or requires criminal investigation.
Penalties for a breach of the legislation are ultimately at the discretion of a court. However, the maximum penalties that can be applied for a breach are:
The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Regulation 2013 is scheduled to come into effect on 30 November 2014. The Regulation requires importers and domestic processors to carry out ‘due diligence’ to manage the risk that the timber they are dealing with has been illegally logged. The Government is working to ensure that affected businesses are aware of the new requirements and have the necessary information to help them understand and comply with the Regulation.
B.A. Margono et al., 'Primary forest cover loss in Indonesia over 2000-2012', Nature Climate Change , vol. 4, August 2014, www.nature.com/natureclimatechange.
(1) What increase in electricity bills does he claim the carbon price was responsible for.(2) Is he aware that four New South Wales power network companies, Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy and TransGrid, have submitted proposals to the Australian Energy Regulator to increase their prices?(3) Is it a fact that he said that reduced electricity costs due to abolition of the carbon price would be passed on to consumers in full; if so, what action will he take to ensure that these companies reduce their electricity prices.
Modelling by the Australian Treasury suggests that, on average, retail electricity prices should be around 9 per cent lower in 2014‑15 than they would otherwise have been with a $25.40 tax on carbon. Similarly, retail natural gas prices should be, on average, around 7 per cent lower in 2014-15 than they would have been under a carbon tax. The repeal of the carbon tax should therefore allow an average household to spend around $200 less on electricity per year and $70 less on natural gas per year.
Energy retailers have confirmed carbon tax savings for household and business electricity and gas customers. In NSW, electricity prices are up to 10 per cent lower and gas prices almost 8 per cent lower than they otherwise would have been with the carbon tax in 2014-15. These are real savings confirmed in electricity and gas bills.
I am aware that several network businesses have submitted applications to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to have their revenue allowance determined for the regulatory control period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2019, as they are required to do under the National Electricity Rules. The AER will assess network businesses' forecasts of revenue required to cover efficient costs and an appropriate return and make a determination.
The Government has made it clear that it expects that cost savings on electricity bills reflecting the amount of the carbon tax should flow through promptly to consumers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is monitoring prices in key sectors and will enforce reasonably expected price reductions.
The ACCC has new powers to take action against businesses that engage in carbon tax-related price exploitation or that make false or misleading claims about the effect of the carbon tax repeal on prices. These new provisions will complement the existing provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act that prohibit anti-competitive or misleading and deceptive conduct as well as false or misleading representations.
There are obligations on electricity and gas suppliers to ensure that all cost savings from the carbon tax repeal are passed through. Companies that supply electricity, natural gas and SGGs are required to pass on all cost savings associated with the repeal of the carbon tax. In addition, electricity and natural gas retailers are required to inform customers about the cost savings that they are passing on. This is happening and the carbon tax savings are confirmed on electricity and gas bills.
In respect of speech and/or media training since 7 September 2013,
(a) what total sum has the Minister's department spent, and
(b) what is the breakdown for such training for the
(i) Minister,
(ii) Minister's staff, and where applicable, each
(iii) junior Minister (including Assistant Minister's),
(iv) junior (and Assistant) Minister's staff,
(v) Parliamentary Secretary, and
(vi) Parliamentary Secretary's staff and
(c) what services were provided, and by whom.
(a) Nil.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
In respect of speech and/or media training since 7 September 2013,
(a) what total sum has the Minister’s department spent, and
(b) what is the breakdown for such training for the
(i) Minister,
(ii) Minister’s staff, and where applicable, each
(iii) junior Minister (including Assistant Ministers),
(iv) junior (and Assistant) Minister’s staff,
(v) Parliamentary Secretary, and
(vi) Parliamentary Secretary’s staff, and
(c) what services were provided, and by whom.
(a) $450.
(b) The breakdown for the training is as follows:
(i) nil;
(ii) nil;
(iii) nil;
(iv) nil;
(v) nil; and
(vi) nil.
(c) Three seminars on how media organisations are interacting through social media, by media expert and La Trobe University lecturer, Amanda Crane.
Since 7 September 2013, has the Minister’s department paid for or stocked the ‘drinks cabinet’ for (a) the Minister, and where applicable, each (b) junior Minister (including Assistant Ministers), and (c) Parliamentary Secretary; if so, at what cost.
The Department of Agriculture does not provide alcoholic beverages to its Minister’s or Parliamentary Secretary’s offices.
Since 7 September 2013, has the Minister’s department paid for or stocked the ‘drinks cabinet’ for (a) the Minister, and where applicable, each (b) junior Minister (including Assistant Ministers), and (c) Parliamentary Secretary; if so, at what cost.
The Department has not paid for any alcoholic drinks for the Minister or Parliamentary Secretary Birmingham during the period 7 September 2013 to 30 September 2014.
In respect of hospitality since 7 September 2013, has the Minister’s Department paid for any function to introduce to the Department (a) the Minister, (b) the Minister’s staff, and where applicable, each (c) junior Minister (including Assistant Ministers), (d) junior (and Assistant) Minister’s staff, (e) Parliamentary Secretary, and (f) Parliamentary Secretary’s staff; if so, at what cost.
a) Yes
b) Yes
c) Nil
d) Yes
e) Nil
f) Nil
Total Cost - $226.19
Since 7 September 2013, (a) how many departmental officials have been seconded to the (i) Minister’s office, and where applicable, each (ii) junior Minister’s office (including Assistant Ministers), and (iii) Parliamentary Secretary’s office, (b) for how long, and (c) at what level.
In respect of media monitoring and clipping services in the financial periods since 7 September 2013, (a) what sum has been spent on such services engaged by (i) the Minister's office, and where applicable, each (ii) junior Minister (including Assistant Ministers), and (iii) Parliamentary Secretary, and (b) what was the (i) name, and (ii) postal address, of each media monitoring company engaged by each of these offices.
Media monitoring services for Finance portfolio ministers’ offices are provided by the department of Finance and included in the scope of the department’s contract at no additional cost.
Have environmental impact studies been undertaken by the Government into the proposed expansion of the Port of Hastings, Victoria; if so, can he provide them; if not, what environmental assessments and approvals would the Government be required to undertake and provide to allow the expansion to proceed.
The Australian Government has a role in regulating proposals that are likely to result in significant impacts to matters protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This means that the Port of Hastings development will require assessment and approval under the EPBC Act if it is likely to result in significant impacts to matters such as listed threatened species and communities, migratory species, Commonwealth marine environments and wetlands of international importance.
It will be important that any assessment of the potential expansion of the Port of Hastings be based on robust scientific information. Any information provided in support of an EPBC assessment must be both relevant to the proposed action and accurately reflect the current environmental status of the Port of Hastings site. I have discussed these requirements with the Victorian Government, in particular the need for a comprehensive environmental assessment, consistent with the requirements of national environment law.
(1) Is it a fact that the following public airports: (a) Blackall, (b) Moranbah, (c) Blackwater,
(d) Dysart, (e) Middlemount, (f) Jericho, and (g) Clermont, are or will be restricted or closed unless special arrangements are in place; if so, (i) how does this assist pilots needing to use these airports to make unexpected landings, and (ii) will he consider lifting these restrictions.
(2) Is he aware that foreign owned mining companies are restricting access to regional public airports; if so, what is he doing to rectify this situation.
(1) The Government is unaware of any proposals that would change access to these airports or lead to their closure.
(2) See above. Some of the listed airports are not publicly owned (Moranbah, Blackwater, Dysart and Middlemount). Access to each of these airports is a matter for the airport owner/operator.
In 2013-14, how many Commonwealth grants were approved by the Minister's department, and at what total cost, and of these, how many recipients have (a) signed funding agreements, and at what total cost, and (b) received payment, and at what total cost.
Department of Employment grants are published on the department's website.
In 2013-14, how many Commonwealth grants were approved by the Minister’s department, and at what total cost, and of these, how many recipients have:
(a) signed funding agreements and at what total cost; and
(b) received payment, and at what total cost.
Nil Commonwealth grants were approved by the Minister’s department in 2013-14.
In respect of departmental staff overseas travel since 7 September 2013:
(a) What was the total cost?
(b) What is the breakdown of this cost? i.e., airfares, accommodation, hospitality, official passports and minor incidentals; and
(c) What was the travel for?
a) During the period 7 September 2013 to 22 September 2014 staff of the Department of Human Services undertook 17 international trips at a total expenditure of $125,886 (including fees).
b) The breakdown of the total expenditure is:
c) The international travel was undertaken for departmental purposes for example; meetings, conferences, emergency management deployment and APS development programs.
Since 7 September 2013, how many corporate credit cards have been issued to departmental staff, and what is the total cost of all transactions made on them.
The Department of Human Services issued 1,322 corporate credit cards from 7 September 2013 until 31 August 2014. This includes replacing expired, lost or stolen cards as well as issuing new cards to new staff where their position requires a corporate card.
The total cost of all transactions on the issued cards for this period was $9,472,755.84.
Since 7 September 2013, how many corporate credit cards have been issued to departmental staff, and what is the total cost of all transactions made on them.
Department of the Environment
From 7 September 2103 until 30 September 2014:
Director National Parks
From 7 September 2103 until 30 August 2014:
Since 7 September 2013, how many corporate credit cards have been issued to departmental staff, and what is the total cost of all transactions made on them.
The Department currently uses two credit cards, Mastercard for general business expenditure and Diners for travel related expenditure.
As at 7 September 2014, the department had 5909 cards issued to staff. The total expenditure from 1 July 2013 – 30 June 2014 was $45.6 million and from 1 July 2014 to 7 September 2014 was $7.7 million.