The SPEAKER ( Hon. Bronwyn Bishop ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, and his wife Margaret were Wagga's guests yesterday and for five solid hours wherever they went crowds applauded and whenever they turned welcome hands were extended. More than 480 people—many of them young children—crammed into the Wagga Civic Theatre to extend a Wagga welcome to the man who holds Australia's top political office.
Mr Whitlam visited Wagga to open the Schnelle Harmon grandstand on Eric Weissel Oval—
and the half-million dollar extensions to the Wagga Leagues Club. Three hundred sporting, civic and service leaders from Wagga and district attended the opening of the grandstand yesterday afternoon. Inside the Leagues Club later in the evening Mr Whitlam and his wife met more than 150 Labor Party supporters in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
A spokesman for Mr Whitlam said, 'The Prime Minister did not know what to expect coming to a current Liberal stronghold.'
But he was greeted with a right royal reception. Children, nuns, students, politicians, housewives and hundreds of working men thronged around Mr and Mrs Whitlam for their entire Wagga visit, which was Mr Whitlam's third to the city but first as Prime Minister.'
Unbelievably, Gough Whitlam as prime minister and ex-prime minister could recite correctly every (train) station from Junee to Narrandera in correct order, and he often did this when we were in conversation. Gough told me he used the wheat silos of the Riverina to assist his RAAF navigation training in World War II.
My final session with him was on the Ghan to Darwin in 2004 and, once again, he recalled in correct order, Marrar, Coolamon, Ganmain, Matong, Grong Grong and so forth.
Mr Fischer said he did not agree with much of Mr Whitlam's politics, but he respected his deep knowledge of the Riverina and also of military history, including the life and work of Sir John Monash—
We've lost one of the great characters of the Australian parliament and a prime minister that will be remembered for a long, long time.
We had a great rapport and I thought very highly of him.
I didn't appreciate some of his actions as leader of the Labor Party but as a man, he was very good.
He is part of our folklore, he will be remembered for hundreds of years.
In his time as Prime Minister Mr Whitlam was a great friend to Indigenous Australians. He always acted in a direct and determined way to resolve issues.
Tradition means giving a vote to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead.
Rather than discard our authentic traditions, we want to restore and invigorate them. … Rather than overturn the true values of Australian society, we want to resurrect and foster those values.
Egalitarianism—by whatever name we call it—is at the heart of the Australian tradition.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
A silence lies at the heart of the Australian constitution. The document reflects Australia's history of white settlement, but fails to mention the much longer occupation of the continent by Aboriginal peoples. It is as if their history does not matter, and is not part of the nation's story.
To vote to change the Constitution, Australians need to accept that there is a gap or problem presented by the current words and that the proposed change will fix it. At its core, the public needs to see that the change is worth the effort of a referendum.
Over 22% of currently enrolled voters were not of voting age at the last referendum in 1999. More than 62% of voters—
have never voted in a successful referendum.
At every single consultation that we held, there was a reference to substantive recognition—'We want substantive recognition.' What did that mean? It turned out that substantive recognition means something to preclude racial discrimination.
If we do not give effect to something that is important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, we are wasting our time to begin with.
That the House take note of the report.
That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate.
Telecommunications Amendment (Giving the Community Rights on Phone Towers) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a second time.
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.
These measures will achieve cumulative savings of over $80 billion by 2024-25.
Of particular concern, the 2014-15 Commonwealth Budget indicated that the Australian government will amend funding arrangements for public hospitals (from 1 July 2017) and schools (from 1 January 2018) to generate savings across all states of over $80 billion in the period to 2024-25. Queensland's per capita share of this saving would amount to a reduction of around $16 billion in Australian government funding.
In this Budget the Government is adopting sensible indexation arrangements for schools from 2018, and hospitals from 2017-18—
These measures will achieve cumulative savings of over $80 billion by 2024-25
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 Frontières 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.
We are all stakeholders in this epidemic and it is in our urgent national interest to contribute to the response with deployment of skilled personnel.
… to facilitate the delivery of assistance, including qualified, specialized and trained personnel and supplies, in response to the Ebola outbreak …
From a domestic perspective, the country is well prepared to deal with Ebola. I want to make that very, very clear. States and territories have been training their staff and running exercises in the designated hospitals for a while now.
Without additional interventions or changes in community behaviour, CDC estimates that by January 20, 2015, there could be up to 1.4 million infections.
... Facilitate the delivery of assistance, including qualified, specialised and trained personnel and supplies, in response to the Ebola outbreak will.
While we are doing everything possible to stop the outbreak, further support is urgently needed from your friendly government to scale up our national response with ... education efforts, as well as infection control measures.
... I do really think the government has not done enough here.
Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
Health and Other Services (Compensation) Care Charges (Amendment) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a third time.
Health and Other Services (Compensation) Care Charges (Amendment) Bill 2014
That this bill be now read a third time.
That order of the day No. 3, government business, be postponed until the next sitting.
Rural Research and Development Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
Australia's rural industries are among the most innovative and productive in the world.
The Australian government supports rural industries in a variety of ways.
To help primary producers increase their output and improve their profit margins, we support rural research and development. Much of this support is channeled through the 15 rural research and development corporations.
… a member of international commodity organisations and regional fisheries management organisations.
This bill implements a 2014 budget measure to change the way that the government pays for its membership to these organisations. The bill also reduces the red-tape burden currently imposed on some of the rural research and development corporations.
Australian research and development operates within a global system and must take into account international issues. The change to the legislation reflects this and also acknowledges that the ultimate beneficiaries of the activities of these international organisations are farmers, fishing industries and rural communities.
The bill amends three acts to allow the government to recover the cost of the memberships from the Commonwealth funding provided to relevant rural research and development corporations.
This will provide a funding mechanism for memberships to these organisations that is sustainable in a time of increasing budget pressures.
The amendments will result in a saving to government of about $7 million over the next four years. This saving will be redirected by the government to help repair the budget.
The bill also reduces red tape for some of the research and development corporations.
The RDCs invest in R&D and innovation to improve the productivity and delivery of high quality products in order to underpin the competitiveness and profitability of Australia's agricultural, fish and forestry industries.
… … …
The government-industry partnership model that supports the RDCs has been operating successfully for over 20 years and now provides more than $470 million in annual R&D expenditure, including around $247 million from industry and $218 million from government in matching contributions …
Based on legislated or industry funding agreements, the Australian Government agrees to collect industry levies for the purpose of R&D and/or marketing.
The RDCs are a mix of statutory bodies and industry-owned companies (IOCs) … All undertake R&D activities and the IOCs also undertake marketing activities.
Australia's membership of these organisations benefits the industries concerned. The international commodity organisations deliver industry good-outcomes, such as trading standards, research on global issues, and market statistics. The regional fisheries management organisations facilitate the management of migratory stock and high seas stocks that are fished by various nations. They inform international fisheries management and stock assessments.
Ms Job has instigated significant changes to Landcare policy and recognises the impact rural life can have on farming families. This has resulted in the 'Women in the Landscape' program which is being rolled out nationally.
We will deliver those submarines from right here at ASC in South Australia.
The Coalition today is committed to building 12 new submarines here in Adelaide …
David Malcolm's judgments have left an enduring testament to his intellectual ability, while his energy and enthusiasm were evident to all who had the good fortune to serve under him as Chief Justice. His capacity for work was boundless. While maintaining a full sitting workload as well as undertaking the heavy responsibilities of court administration, he somehow found the time to present a vast array of public speeches on a wide variety of topics.
But, above all, David Malcolm never forgot that the law is about the community, and the rights, duties and interests of the individuals who must co-exist within it. He recognised that a healthy community is one in which no-one is above the rule of law, one in which different backgrounds, cultures, religious beliefs and interests are respected, one which strives to be free of prejudice and intolerance and one in which human rights are respected in both word and deed. This recognition is what drove him and made him the outstanding Chief Justice that he undoubtedly was.
Business owners are optimistic about seeing a jump in sales during the run-up to Christmas …
… if you were also a recipient of the Interim Farm Household Allowance … —
… unless it is a new application.
… emendations which alter the sense of words used in debate or introduce new matter are not admissible …
That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would allow the member for Watson to move the following resolution forthwith:
That this House censures the Minister for Agriculture for:
(1) the misleading the House on Monday 20 October; and
(2) attempting to improperly alter the official Hansard record in order to cover up this misleading of the House.
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided [15:06]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
That the member be no longer heard.
The House divided [15:10]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
That the question be now put.
The House divided. [15:14]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
The House divided. [15:16]
(The Speaker—Hon. Bronwyn Bishop)
Rural Research and Development Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
The RDCs invest in R&D and innovation to improve the productivity and delivery of high quality products in order to underpin the competitiveness and profitability of Australia's agricultural, fish and forestry industries. RDC R&D and innovation also supports the sustainability of primary production and the natural resource base.
Rural Research and Development Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
… consignments must be free of live insects, disease symptoms, trash, contaminant seeds, soil and other debris on arrival in Australia.
But don't hold your breath waiting for urban policy leadership from the current Commonwealth government. Tony Abbott has no interest in policies affecting productivity in cities, even though they produce 80% of our nation's gross domestic product—
Private Health Insurance Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014
Debate resumed on the motion:
That this bill be now read a second time.
That all words after 'That' be omitted with a view to substituting the following words: 'whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading the House notes that the bill is one of many changes the government is proposing that will increase the cost of healthcare.'
The health measures in the federal budget are almost universally opposed by the people who provide health services in Australia … The message is clear: the measures add up to bad health policy.
The health of Australians is too important for healthcare to be an ideological toy.
Pre-budget softening up does not obscure the harsh reality of the 2014-15 budget decisions. Bulk billing is gone, health reform agreed by all states and territories is demolished, funding to the states is slashed and promises are broken.
The effects are known: budget savings will be made—over $1b a year—off the backs of the poorest and most vulnerable. People who miss out on the safety net will now miss out on care as well.
This is a distressing Budget for anyone concerned for the community's health. Among the massive health system cuts and increased personal health costs, the once modest funding for prevention has become almost invisible.
The loss of the National Partnership Agreement for public health will mean cuts to important programs around the country dealing with obesity, cancer prevention, diabetes and other conditions that result in massive costs to the health system.
Increased health care costs for individuals will discourage people from seeking medical help—resulting in more preventable and expensive health problems.
This is a retrograde health budget that will shock Australians who thought this government was the best friend Medicare ever had.
Betrayal is becoming a constant of this government and certainly of this Prime Minister …
In our country we have a universal health system. That means that, regardless of whether you earn one dollar or a million dollars a year, if you have a heart attack, are involved in a motor vehicle accident, have a crook hip, need oncology treatment or whatever, you can turn up at a public hospital and demand treatment free of charge. That has been an underlying principle supported by both sides of this parliament for a very long period of time—and long may that be the case. A universal system says to people that, in a country like ours in the 21st century, the best available services will be provided.
A Coalition government will support the transition to the Commonwealth providing 50 per cent growth funding of the efficient price of hospital services as proposed.
It is interesting to look at some independent analysis of the changes—the Deloitte analysis, for argument's sake. They predict that, in the first year, 175,000 people would withdraw from private hospital cover and a further 583,000 people would downgrade their private cover. Over five years, they predict that 1.6 million Australians would drop cover and 4.3 million would downgrade their cover.
… had not been elected to office the Commonwealth Budget would not contain the absurd and bloated expenditures on Medicare that honourable members opposite have added.
… put choice back into Medicare by a number of steps. Firstly, we will allow individual Australians to opt out of Medicare; that is, not pay the levy provided they take out private insurance. Secondly, bulk billing will be abolished except for such people as pensioners who really need it.
Bulk-billing will be retained for over four million pensioners, health care providers and the disabled, but will no longer be available to other Australians.
A government monopoly on medical insurance will be abolished and there will be a provision for gap insurance in medical bills.
Actually, the real fall in federal spending seems to be largely the product of savings measures taken by the previous government, particularly its tightening of rules for the private health insurance rebate - which the Coalition fought so hard to stop happening.
Rural Research and Development Legislation Amendment Bill 2014
The House divided. [20:09]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Mitchell)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Private Health Insurance Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014
Overall, the effect of pausing indexation is likely to shift the cost of private health insurance away from the Government and onto the consumer. This is proposed at a time when reports show that consumer contributions to the cost of health care continue to grow while government expenditure in real terms is falling. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2012-13 government funding of health expenditure fell by 0.9 per cent in real terms for the first time this decade, largely as a result of a 2.4 per cent decline in the Australian Government's funding of health care. Meanwhile, out-of-pocket spending by individuals grew by 6.7 per cent over the decade (compared to government expenditure growth of 4.4 per cent) and the proportion individuals contributed to overall health expenditure also grew to a high of 17.8 per cent.
In our country we have a universal health system. That means that, regardless of whether you earn one dollar or a million dollars a year, if you have a heart attack, are involved in a motor vehicle accident, have a crook hip, need oncology treatment or whatever, you can turn up at a public hospital and demand treatment free of charge. That has been an underlying principle supported by both sides of this parliament for a very long period of time—and long may that be the case. A universal system says to people that, in a country like ours in the 21st century, the best available services will be provided.
There is a strong case for HMR investment given the high social and economic returns.
Investment in HMR is affordable and should be a priority for Australian Governments, given the size and nature of returns available.
You would have to wait longer to get treatment at a hospital because we wouldn't be able to have as many doctors or nurses on hand to treat people, so it might mean longer waiting times for treatment when you turn up and present at a public hospital.
The report's findings really make a mockery of the government's claim that the health spending is out of control. These figures actually show that health spending is certainly not out of control and there is absolutely no need for the government to introduce a GP co-payment.
By any objective analysis of the health system, we are tracking on an unsustainable path.
We've been fed a false narrative that spending is out of control. Healthcare spending is very much under control.
To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
This petition of citizens and residents of Australia draws to the attention of the House the critical predicament of the Palestinian People in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza under Israeli occupation since 1967 and of the Palestinian citizens of Israel suffering racial discrimination since 1948.
Notwithstanding UN resolutions condemning Israel's policies as illegal, Israel continues violating international law and human rights, expanding its colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, imposing a siege on Gaza, and persisting in apartheid and oppressive actions, policies and legislation towards the Palestinian people under its control.
As a response to the failure of all forms of diplomacy to change Israel's policies, in 2005 the Palestinian Civil Society called upon the world to impose on Israel initiatives of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) until Israel meets its obligation to end all forms of occupation; dismantles the illegal 'Separation Wall' in the West Bank; ceases the siege on Gaza; implements full equality for its Palestinian citizens; and honours the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties.
WE THEREFORE ASK THE HOUSE to instruct the Australian Government to fully and consistently honour its obligations under international law by excluding relations, through boycott, divestment and sanctions, with states, institutions and companies - Australian, Israeli or other - that are involved in the perpetuation of apartheid and discriminatory Israeli policies including the occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.
… BDS is directed against many non-Jewish, non-Israeli companies such as Veolia, G4S and Caterpillar, which are profiting from the illegal occupation of Palestinian land.
If we had not struggled so hard in the anti apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela would have died in jail. The Boycott Divestment Sanctions Movement is as important as the anti apartheid struggle. I urge you all to support it.
How will [Israel] have peace if it is unwilling to delineate a border, end the occupations and allow for Palestinian sovereignty, security, and dignity?
… it cannot maintain military control of another people indefinitely. Doing so is not only wrong but a recipe for resentment and recurring instability.
What type of drugs do you think Tony Abbott and his cabinet took before coming out with Budget 2014?'
There seems to be a tendency for those in parliament to do things which benefit them, without thinking about the implications of their actions for the younger generation. Whenever possible, please consider how future generations will deal with decisions that are made now.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Hon. B Whiteley ) took the chair at 10:30.
Millions of children are victims of violence and exploitation … That is why children should always have the first claim on our attention and resources ... We know what to do, and … how to do it. The means are at hand, it is up to us to seize the opportunity and build a world that is fit for children.
For those who've come across the seas
We've boundless plains to share …
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.
The big issue for the Canberra economy is the ongoing fragility of business and consumer confidence, which impacts on consumer spending and business investment.
That this House notes:
(1) that October has been designated Shoctober by the Cardiac Arrest Survival Foundation;
(2) that Australian estimates of those dying from sudden cardiac arrest range from 23,000 to 33,000;
(3) that prompt defibrillation increases the probability of survival from cardiac arrest;
(4) that delayed use of defibrillators increases the probability that the victim will die;
(5) that 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) that wider availability of defibrillators is desirable; and
(8) that 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).
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.
Even as very young men, we understood that the privilege of wearing the uniform, being part of the tribe, was accompanied by a burden—more of an obligation to accept an ethos of decency, respect, cohesion and effort.
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.
I'm not having these f..king Vietnamese Balts coming into the country with their religious and political prejudices …
I'm not having these—
Vietnamese sob stories don't wring my withers.
Whitlam put out an injunction of the processing of all applications from Vietnam. He had no constitutional right to assume the powers which had been commissioned to me by the Governor-General. … on April 21, Don Willesee came to see me with a request that I accompany him to Whitlam's office before Whitlam left … for Jamaica … He wanted Whitlam to recognise the realities of war and ease the restrictions applicable to other migrants [from South Vietnam]. Whitlam refused and I supported him, saying I saw no reason why we should risk opening our doors to war criminals. But Willesee argued that this was not the proposition he was putting and stubbornly refused to budge in his fight for what he regarded as a humane approach. Finally, Whitlam stuck out his jaw and thundered: "I'm not having hundreds of … Vietnamese Balts coming into this country with their religious and political hatreds against us!" Poor Don looked pleadingly towards me for help but I replied: "No Don, I'm sorry mate, but I agree with Gough on this matter." Indeed, not only did I agree with him, but I could have hugged him for putting my own view so well.
Very many Australians must be deeply angry and ashamed about the callousness of our government's scuttle from Saigon and its abandonment—betrayal is not too strong—of hundreds of Vietnamese entitled to expect our assistance to flee the fate awaiting the marked-down enemies of Hanoi.
The committee concluded that the government's failure to rescue more Vietnamese had not been caused by incompetence but had been deliberate:
"We believe that by being in Vietnam Australia incurred a residual responsibility, not to mention a moral responsibility, to assist in the evacuation from Vietnam of those who had assisted our forces there and whose lives were believed to be in danger because of that assistance … in view of the Committee's belief that the Australian Government had been informed of the gravity and magnitude of the situation in South Vietnam some three weeks before the evacuation of the Australian Embassy, we are unable to come to any conclusion other than one of deliberate delay in order to minimise the number of refugees."
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.
To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives
This petition of the undersigned citizens of the electorate of lndi in Victoria, draws to the attention of the House the scientific evidence published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which indicates that the Earth will experience disastrous consequences if we do not immediately take action to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit temperature rises to 2 degrees Celsius.
We believe that Australia is well placed to influence global action on climate change if the Parliament of Australia takes the lead by introducing the following measures:
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Representatives legislate to introduce the above measures as well as increasing the target for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 20% by 2020 compared to 2000 levels.
… anyone currently sitting in a traffic jam on Hoddle Street, on Flemington Road, on Alexandra Parade knows that this—
is a massive boost to their lives …
I've spent enough time on Hoddle Street, I've spent enough time on Alexandra Parade and I've spent enough time on Flemington Road stuck in traffic jams to know how important this is. I want it to be done.
… it was concerned about Unauthorised Foreign Insurers being granted easier access to Australia's tightly regulated household insurance market—in North Queensland.
… Acting CEO Karl Sullivan said the industry was urgently seeking more details about several initiatives … announced today by the Acting Assistant Treasurer, Mathias Cormann.
Where Australia was once leading the world, developing countries such as Kenya and Rwanda are now taking more meaningful action against climate change.
The loss of glaciers will strain water supplies in several areas of our hemisphere. Destruction and devastation from hurricanes can sow the seeds for instability. Droughts and crop failures can leave millions of people without any lifeline and trigger waves of mass migration.
The most powerful move that a government can make in the flight against climate change is to put a price on carbon.
There is increasing recognition that approaches that have been taken in the past haven't worked, and that the only way one can affect the hundreds of millions of decisions is through price signals.
We are one
But we are many
And from all the lands on Earth we come
One packet of cigarettes cost $22. That gives you three visits to the doctor.
The Federal Government is looking at rolling out a new program next year for 10,000 young regional youth both disengaged from school or work and the young unemployed.
And this is where there is an existing National Network of PB—
who have been working with this target group for the past five years. The Federal Government funded the establishment, administration and development of the intelligence and business and connections that will be dissolved at the end of this year—
This short sighted action by the Government will now fund the establishment of a new set of program delivery organisation with the associated set-up costs and lag time recruiting staff and them getting up to speed and developing local connections - just after the providers have ceased to operate or keep their valued talented and connected teams employed as they are not resourced to continue their employment whilst awaiting for these programs to be commenced some time in 2015.
(1) What arrangements have been put in place for the remuneration of the Royal Commissioner and Counsel assisting the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption.
(2) Is it a fact that the final terms of reference for the Royal Commission were amended from the draft terms released when the Royal Commission was announced.
(3) Is it a fact that terms of reference number (i) which refers to persons other than trade unions and their officers and associated separate entities, was amended to provide that the participation of persons or organisations other than trade unions and their officers '…in a matter mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (h)' of the terms of reference was within the scope of the inquiry.
(4) Is the effect of this amendment that employers, employer organisations and persons or entities other than trade unions and their officers and associated separate entities, will only be subject to inquiry by the Royal Commission in circumstances where they are involved in a matter that includes the involvement of a trade union, officer of a union, or an associated separate entity.
(1) The Royal Commissioner, the Hon John Dyson Heydon AC QC, was appointed under the Letters Patent signed by the then Governor-General, Her Excellency the Hon Quentin Bryce AC CVO on 13 March 2014. Counsel Assisting the Commission (Mr Jeremy Stoljar SC, Mr Michael Elliott and Ms Fiona Roughley) were appointed under section 6FA of the Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth). It is general practice that the terms and conditions (including daily or hourly rates) on which the Commonwealth engages individual legal counsel are not disclosed.
(2) Yes.
(3) Paragraph (i) of the terms of reference was amended for drafting purposes and ensures that all activities and conduct mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (h) are within the scope of the Royal Commission's inquiry.
(4) See the response to (3) above.
(1) Has the Data Linking Agreement between the Commonwealth and the Western Australian Government in respect of health data linkages been terminated; if so, why. (2) Is he aware that information sharing between the Commonwealth and State of Western Australia through this agreement has provided valuable research results that are possible only when state and Commonwealth data are linked. (3) Will he consider directing his agency to reinstate this agreement with the Western Australia Government.
(1) The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2002 between the then Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing and the Western Australia Department of Health concerning the cross-jurisdictional linkage of administrative health data has not been terminated.
(2) Yes I am aware of the valuable results from the linkage of state and Commonwealth data.
(3) Access by the Western Australian Government to linkable Medicare and Pharmaceutical Benefits data, can be provided where they have approval from an accredited Human Research Ethics Committee for a defined project that has been assessed as contributing to improvement in Australian health systems and outcomes. As for all research, any provision of data requested for a project will be subject to cost recovery, and requestors should consider this in the cost benefit analysis for their research.
Can he provide a table detailing any meetings on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission held between 1 January and 20 August 2014 that he, and/or his personal staff, attended with stakeholders, including both the name of the stakeholder organisation and the date of the meeting.
I meet with many different stakeholders on an ongoing basis.
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) and (b) The Department of Health has not incurred expenditure in respect of speech and/or media training since 7 September 2013.
In respect of a letter from his department dated 6 June 2014 in response to Freedom of Information request No. 13/14-078,
(a) what are the titles of the two documents that were exempt,
(b) what category or type of documents are they, ie, Ministerial briefs, advice to the Minister,
(c) why were these two documents exempt entirely rather than redacted like the other nine documents, and
(d) did his department receive any legal advice regarding this exemption; if so, on what date.
(a) Both documents, including their titles, were decided to exempt in full under section 47C of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) on the basis that access would disclose matter in the course of, or for the purposes of, the deliberative processes of the Department and disclosure would be contrary to the public interest. Full reasons were set out in the decision letter to the applicant dated 6 June 2014.
(b) The first document was a Ministerial Minute to the Minister; the second document was a Ministerial brief.
(c) The decision was made that two documents were exempt in full under section 47C of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth). The decision-maker outlined the reasons for this decision in the decision letter to the applicant dated 6 June 2014.
(d) The decision was made by a Principal Legal Officer employed in the Department. The Department did not receive any external legal advice regarding this exemption.
(1) On what date did his department meet with the United Muslim Women's Association Inc.
(2) Has his Parliamentary Secretary met with the Association; if so, on what date; if not,
(a) was a meeting requested and refused, and
(b) did an adviser or staff member meet with the Association instead; if so, (i) on what date, and (ii) where.
(3) Did his Parliamentary Secretary have a planned meeting with the Association in late 2013; if so, did this meeting go ahead; if not, why not.
(4) Has he met with the Association; if not, why not; if so,
(a) on what date, and
(b) where.
(1) The Department (NSW Office) met with Ms Wafa Zaem, United Muslim Women Association Centre Coordinator, most recently on 1 July 2014. Additionally, Ms Maha Abdo OAM, CEO of the United Muslim Women Association, was a guest at the Australian Multicultural Council's Interfaith Roundtable on 22 May 2014, attended a roundtable discussion on the Second Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 on 6 February 2014, and was a guest at the official launch of the Second Action Plan on 27 June 2014. Departmental officers were also present at these events.
(2) to (4) The Parliamentary Secretary, her staff, the Minister and his staff meet regularly with various stakeholders.
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.
(a) In relation to the contents of the cellars at The Lodge and Kirribilli House, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet routinely responds to questions on this matter at Senate Estimates. The most recent response is available at
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Senate_Estimates/fapactte/estimates/bud1415/pmc/index.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion: Nil
(b) Nil.
(c) Nil.
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.
(a) to (c) No.
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.
(a) to (c) No.
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 Health has not paid for or stocked drinks cabinets for any of its Ministers.
3 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) The Secretary of the Department of Finance initiated and hosted a morning tea for staff to meet the Special Minister of State at a cost of $283.25 (GST inclusive).
(b) to (f) No.
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.
Since 7 September 2013, the Department of Agriculture has not paid for any 'official hospitality' (defined as meals, beverages, entertainment and social functions provided by the department to external clients) to introduce the Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary or their staff to the department.
The department has spent $256.83 on catering, consisting of light refreshments such as tea, coffee, biscuits and muffins for departmental staff to meet the Minister and his staff.
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.
The Department of Social Services has not incurred official hospitality expenditure for any functions to introduce Ministers, the Parliamentary Secretary or their staff to the Department for the period 7 September 2013 to 31 August 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) and (b) No.
(c) Yes, $54.
(d) to (f) No.
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.
(a) to (c) Nil.
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.
The Department of Health does not second staff to ministerial offices.
In respect of the Government providing $100 million over four years for rural research and development, (a) how will his department administer this funding, (b) are administration costs included, (c) when will the program guidelines be released, (d) what are the research priorities for the first round of funding, and (e) what is the application process.
(a) The Rural Research and Development for Profit programme will be administered as a grants programme.
(b) Yes, administration costs are included in the $100 million and total $3.14 million over four years. These costs are for departmental staff expenses, the expert assessment panel for providing advice on applications, and for programme evaluation.
(c) I launched the programme on 15 October 2014, with the guidelines released that day.
(d) Research priorities for the first round are:
1. Increase the profitability and productivity of primary industries
2. Increase the value of primary products
3. Strengthen primary producers ' ability to adapt to opportunities and threats
4. Strengthen on-farm adoption and improve information flows
(e) Applications may be lodged by 15 December by any of the 15 rural research and development corporations (RDCs). An applicant RDC must partner with one or more researchers, research agencies, RDCs, funding bodies, businesses, producer groups or not-for-profit organisations. Full details of the application process are outlined in the programme guidelines available on the department's website.
(a) Since 7 September 2013, what has been the (i) location, and (ii) lease cost, of each ministerial office of New South Wales (NSW) based ministers; and
(b) Has there been any unutilised floor space in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Office at 1 Bligh Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000; if so, (i) when, and (ii) how many square metres.
(a) The following NSW Ministers, location and lease cost from 7 September 2013 to 30 September 2014 is:
The Hon Joe Hockey MP, Treasurer
(i) Level 6, 100 Mount Street North Sydney
(ii) $203,534.13 (excluding GST) (this is a combined Ministerial and Electorate office)
The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, Minister for Agriculture
(i) The rent for the leased premises at 164 Beardy Street, Armidale commenced on 1 May 2014, but the office is not occupied as the fitout has not been completed
(ii) $20,833.30 (excluding GST)
The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for Communications
(i) Ground Floor, 287 New South Head Road, Edgecliff
(ii) $242,445.24 (excluding GST) (this is a combined Ministerial and Electorate office)
The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection
(i) Sydney Commonwealth Parliament Offices
(ii) $159,745.27 (excluding GST)
The Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP, Assistant Minister for Employment
(i) Sydney Commonwealth Parliament Offices
(ii) $148,728.34 (excluding GST)
Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, Assistant Minister for Health
(i) Sydney Commonwealth Parliament Offices
(ii) $141,378.25
The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Assistant Minister for Education
(i) Melbourne Commonwealth Parliament Offices
(ii) $45,852.53
Senator the Hon Marise Payne, Minister for Human Services
(i) Sydney Commonwealth Parliament Offices
(ii) $157,691.07 (excluding GST)
Office of the Assistant Treasurer
(i) Sydney Commonwealth Parliament Offices
(ii) $157,691.07 (excluding GST)
(b) No.
At what stage of the accreditation process is the appraisal of the product Sensura New Mio, for listing as part of the Stoma Appliance Scheme, and when does he expect to announce a decision.
The product Sensura New Mio was listed on the Stoma Appliance Scheme Schedule on 1 October 2014.
In respect of departmental staff overseas travel since 7 September 2013, what (a) was the total cost, (b) is the breakdown of this cost ie, airfares, accommodation, hospitality, official passports and minor incidentals, and (c) was the travel for.
(a) The total cost of departmental staff overseas travel for the period 7 September 2013 to 31 August 2014 was $128,362.
(b) The breakdown of the cost is:
(c) Travel by departmental officers was in relation to international social security agreement negotiations, engagement in multilateral policy forums such as the OECD, APEC, ANZSOG, the International Social Security Association and representation at Intergovernmental Consultation on Migration, Asylum and Refugee integration working group.
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.
During the period 7 September 2013 to 31 August 2014, 945 corporate credit cards were issued to departmental staff. The total cost of transactions made on them was $2,370,784.