The SPEAKER ( Hon. Bronwyn Bishop ) took the chair at 09:00, made an acknowledgement of country and read prayers.
Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme Bill 2014
That the amendments be agreed to.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bill 2015
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2015
… small businesses are often treated as if they were big businesses, with all the resources of a big business. Important compliance demands faced by small businesses include the workplace relations framework, competition policy, contract law, business and tax law and business processes and communications. Big business, with their accountants and their legal departments, are better equipped to deal with such matters. For small business people, time spent on compliance demands is time away from investing in the success of their enterprise.
The ANF strongly supports the introduction of the role of Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. We believe it will be of great assistance to our members and to strengthening small businesses in Australia more broadly.
We are hopeful that the establishment of the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, and its capacity to extend the activities of the Australian Small Business Commissioner to create a more purposeful, empowered and effective role, will support these businesses—owners and employees—into the future … the AACS supports the establishment of the Ombudsman and is positive about the outlook for small businesses in Australia.
HIA notes the Government's commitment to transform the current office of the Australian Small Business Commissioner into a Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman …
HIA supports the Commonwealth Government's overall focus and agenda on better representing the interests of the small business community.
In relation to reducing red tape, ACCI argued that the Australian Small Business Commissioner should become a "warrior to fight red tape". We are therefore encouraged by the proposal that red tape reduction will be a priority for the newly formed Ombudsman.
Overall, our submission supports the principles that underpin this policy announcement …
With the economy in transition, it is important that these budget measures to help small business get through the parliament as quickly as possible, some small businesses are reluctant to invest until the measure has passed the parliament. I say to the Leader of the Opposition, let us not let politics get in the way of economics. Let us not let self-interest get in the way of national interest. Let us pass this bill straight away.
Let us pass this bill straight away.
So here is a challenge for the Labor Party. This legislation is going to go through the House of Representatives this week—
Then it goes to the Senate—
I lay down the challenge—
help us get that legislation through as quickly as possible.
These businesses and their enterprising women and men are the foundation on which Australia's economy is built and our future prosperity will be realised. The ability for small businesses to remain innovative, grow and deliver new jobs is dependent on reducing costs and increasing the time that owners have to invest in their business. We understand that small businesses do not have the same level of resources available to big businesses when dealing with compliance and regulation.
Small businesses lacked the financial and logistical resources to pursue any formal legal action on their own.
The engine room of the national economy, the small business sector, has received a much needed boost in the Federal Budget …
Five years ago, the small business community wasn't even mentioned on budget night, but now it is front and centre of Budget commentary.
These measures will be particularly well received in regional Australia where unemployment is at its highest and job opportunities are limited.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Export Charges (Imposition—General) Bill 2015
Export Charges (Imposition—Customs) Bill 2015
Export Charges (Imposition—Excise) Bill 2015
Export Charges (Collection) Bill 2015
Cognate debate.
Debate resumed on the motion:
That this bill be now read a second time.
That this bill be now read a third time.
Export Charges (Imposition—Customs) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Export Charges (Imposition—Excise) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Export Charges (Collection) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—General) Bill 2015
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—Customs) Bill 2015
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—Excise) Bill 2015
Imported Food Charges (Collection) Bill 2015
An economy works best where the population at large is disgusted by corrupt practices and refuses to accept dishonesty at any level.
Where dishonest practices become the norm … no economy can … succeed.
… … …
Acceptance of corrupt practice will condemn a society to economic stagnation.
Across the board, Australia is poised to enter a new era of trading relations with China. I particularly welcome the comprehensive nature of the agreement and the tariff free access gained by the red meat sector which is a huge win for producers and exporters.
This historic agreement is a transformative moment for the Australian economy
The agreement opens an unprecedented level of access for our key sectors into Chinese markets,
We believe the part Age Pension should be phased out.
Retirees should first spend their own assets and be eligible for a full Age Pension when they fall below a threshold.
We suggest that retirees should be allowed some exempt assets.
It would be appropriate for a couple to keep the family home up to a value of $1.5m …
If people run out of income but still have a valuable home, they have the choice of downsizing or requesting a government pension …
The ABC asked the Opposition if it could rule out the possibility that … ASIS agents made payments to people smugglers during the Rudd-Gillard years. Its response: it's unlawful to divulge security or intelligence information.
… any responsible opposition would be considering a range of measures.
… … …
… any changes we took to negative gearing would be taken to the next election
… higher income earners are availing themselves of negative gearing … and the endless variety of new avoidance schemes.
Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private Members' business
1. The committee met in private session on Tuesday, 16 June 2015.
2. The committee determined the order of precedence and times to be allotted for consideration of committee and delegation business and private Members' business on Monday, 22 June 2015, 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 Social Policy and Legal Affairs:
Reviewing Troubled Waters: Consideration of the Government response to the 2012 inquiry into arrangements surrounding crimes at sea.
The Committee determined that statements may be made—all statements to conclude by 10.20 am.
Speech time limits—
Mr Christensen — 5 minutes.
Next Member — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
2 Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security:
Review of the re-listing of Hizballah ' s External Security Organisation .
The Committee determined that statements may be made—all statements to conclude by 10.30 am.
Speech time limits—
Mr Tehan — 5 minutes.
Next Member — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS ' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR SMITH: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that 1 July 2015 marks the 28th anniversary of the introduction of dividend imputation in Australia;
(2) recognises that:
(a) the system of dividend imputation introduced by the Labor Government in the 34th Parliament has been maintained and supported by every Government since;
(b) the system of refunding excess imputation credits for the benefit of low income earners and charities, which was introduced by the Coalition Government in the 39th Parliament, has been maintained and supported by every Government since;
(c) dividend imputation has delivered improved operation of Australia's capital markets and corporate landscape;
(d) the end of double taxation of profits has delivered increased prosperity to everyday Australians who own shares either directly, or through indirect means such as superannuation; and
(e) dividend imputation has encouraged increased share ownership levels throughout the Australian community;
(3) endorses and lends ongoing support to dividend imputation; and
(4) rejects calls to discard dividend imputation and reintroduce double taxation of dividends.
( Notice given 15 June 2015. )
Time allotted—20 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mr Smith — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
2 MR WATTS: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges the 40th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 which was passed in implementation of our international obligations under the International Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination; and
(2) recognises the:
(a) important role the Act plays in Australia's Human Rights Framework;
(b) importance of Section 18C of the Act in protecting Australians from racist hate speech; and
(c) important role the Human Rights Commission plays in administering the Act.
( Notice given 16 June 2015. )
Time allotted—40 minutes .
Speech time limits—
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.
3 MR VAN MANEN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) the Coalition Government has:
(i) started to arrest the decline in the small business environment overseen by the previous Labor Government; and
(ii) developed and started to deliver as part of the budget, the largest small business package in the nation's history—the Jobs and Small Business Package—worth $5.5 billion; and
(b) as part of the Jobs and Small Business Package, small businesses will be eligible for a 1.5 per cent company tax cut or a 5 per cent tax discount for small unincorporated businesses; and
(2) condemns the Leader of the Opposition for making unfunded announcements to small businesses in his Budget Reply Speech which ignore the two-thirds of small businesses which are not structured as companies; and
(3) commends the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the Minister for Small Business on their effective management of the small business economy.
( Notice given 28 May 2015. )
Time allotted—20 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mr van Manen — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
4 DR STONE: To move:
That this House:
(1) recognises 26 June 2015 as the 70th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter (Charter) at San Francisco;
(2) notes that:
(a) Australia was one of the 50 nations which signed the Charter that established the United Nations organisation;
(b) the United Nations came into being on 24 October 1945, a date that recognises each year as United Nations Day; and
(c) the signatories to the Charter agreed to:
(i) save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind;
(ii) reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small;
(iii) establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained; and
(iv) promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom; and
(v) achieve these ends, to:
- practise tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours;
- unite our strength to maintain international peace and security;
- ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest; and
- employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples; and
(3) calls on all Members and Senators in the Australian Parliament to celebrate the achievements of the United Nations over the last 70 years.
( Notice given 2 June 2015. )
Time allotted—remaining private Members ' business time prior to 12 noon.
Speech time limits—
Dr Stone—5 minutes .
Next Member — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
Items for Federation Chamber (12.30 pm to 1.30 pm and 4.45 pm to 6.15 pm)
COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION BUSINESS
Presentation and statements
1 Standing Committee on Procedure:
Role of the Federation Chamber: Celebrating 20 years of operation .
The Committee determined that statements may be made—all statements to conclude by 12.40 pm.
Speech time limits—
Mr Randall — 5 minutes.
Next Member — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
PRIVATE MEMBERS ' BUSINESS
Notices
1 MR SIMPKINS: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that it has been 40 years since the Vietnamese began coming to Australia and their arrival has been defined by:
(a) successful settlement;
(b) positive integration; and
(c) their assistance with the development of the Australian economy through their hard work and dedication;
(2) acknowledges the positive influence in Australia of the Vietnamese-Australian people from:
(a) the Vietnamese Community Association;
(b) the Vietnamese parishes of the Catholic Church;
(c) the Vietnamese Free Buddhist Church;
(d) other religious groups; and
(e) clubs and other service providers; and
(3) commends the Vietnamese-Australian community for its dedication to Australia and determination to provide opportunities and success for Vietnamese-Australian families.
( Notice given 27 May 2015. )
Time allotted—10 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mr Simpkins — 5 minutes.
Next Member — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
2 MS MCGOWAN: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that:
(a) by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development's own statistics, two thirds of Australia's export earnings come from regional industries such as agriculture, tourism, retail, services and manufacturing;
(b) Australian regional businesses and industries are highly exposed to global market forces;
(c) whether exporting or not, businesses and consumers alike are influenced and are in turn influencing regional Australia's future competitive advantage; and
(d) the future of manufacturing and industry in this country requires extensive skills development, training and employee development in key sectors such as farming, food production, engineering and value-adding; and
(2) calls on the Australian Government to:
(a) prioritise investment in regional infrastructure that supports growth in rural and regional industries and manufacturing businesses, such as:
(i) improving telecommunications access for rural and regional Australians;
(ii) improving passenger rail and freight rail timetables and services; and
(iii) simplifying compliance for interstate businesses by reducing cross-border anomalies; and
(b) provide additional capacity for the regions to design their strategic vision to meet future industry, manufacturing and regional development demands in Australia.
( Notice given 26 May 2015. )
Time allotted—30 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Ms McGowan — 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 MRS PRENTICE: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes that the Pacific Women's Parliamentary Partnerships Forum (Forum) is funded by the Australian Government and is designed to support women in the region in politics and to assist Pacific parliaments in addressing gender equality issues;
(2) recognises that the Pacific region has the lowest regional average of women parliamentarians in the world, currently 13.1 per cent female representation in single or lower houses across the region, including Australia and New Zealand;
(3) recognises that the third annual Forum was held from 29 April to 1 May in Suva, Fiji, with the focus on addressing family violence in the Pacific region; and
(4) notes that reducing family violence will require a coordinated approach, and that the Forum agreed on a list of priorities for Pacific parliaments to pursue that will raise awareness and encourage action to address the issue.
( Notice given 28 May 2015. )
Time allotted—20 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mrs Prentice — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
4 MS L.M. CHESTERS: To move:
That this House:
(1) notes with concern the importation to Australia of goods that:
(a) breach Australia's anti-dumping regime; and
(b) do not comply with Australian standards;
(2) further notes the:
(a) injurious effect that the importation of such products has on Australian businesses and Australian jobs;
(b) risk to consumers of using substandard products and goods; and
(c) lack of inspection and compliance enforcement of imported products; and
(3) calls on the Government to:
(a) continue to monitor the anti-dumping regime and effectiveness of recent changes;
(b) strengthen the inspection and compliance enforcement regime for imported goods;
(c) review penalties for importers who breach their Australian legal obligations and if necessary increase the penalties where they are found to be insufficient, to act as a deterrent; and
(d) hold an urgent meeting of the International Trade Remedies Forum to address these and related issues.
( Notice given 12 May 2015. )
Time allotted—30 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Ms L.M. Chesters — 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.
5 MRS GRIGGS: To move:
That this House:
(1) commends the role of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in recent humanitarian aid missions; and
(2) congratulates:
(a) the Government on taking the decision to acquire two additional Boeing C-17A Globemaster III aircraft which will assist in future humanitarian and ADF operations; and
(b) the ADF on its rapid deployment of air assets, including C-17s, which supported the provision of disaster relief in Vanuatu and Nepal in 2015.
( Notice given 16 June 2015. )
Time allotted—20 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mrs Griggs — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
6 MR PITT: To move:
That this House:
(1) acknowledges that the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program (ADFPP) has enjoyed bipartisan support since its formation in 2001;
(2) recognises the importance of providing an opportunity for Parliamentarians to experience life working alongside Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel;
(3) notes that the ADFPP provides ADF personnel with direct access to Members of Parliament in their own workplace or as a part of the exchange program to Parliament House; and
(4) expresses gratitude to ADF personnel who make ADFPP a great success.
( Notice given 26 May 2015. )
Time allotted—20 minutes .
Speech time limits—
Mr Pitt — 5 minutes.
Other Members—5 minutes each.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
Orders of the day
1 MARRIAGE AMENDMENT (MARRIAGE EQUALITY) BILL 2015 (Mr Shorten): Second reading—Resumption of debate ( from 15 June 2015 ).
Time allotted — remaining private Members ' business time prior to 6.15 pm.
Speech time limits—
All Members — 5 minutes.
[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]
The Committee determined that consideration of this should continue on a future day.
That leave of absence for the remainder of the current period of sittings be given to Mr Pasin for parental leave purposes.
Labor 2013-14 Budget Savings (Measures No. 1) Bill 2014
Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 1) Bill 2015
Biosecurity Bill 2014
Biosecurity (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2014
Judiciary Amendment Bill 2015
The government hurting middle Australia with its cuts to part pensions.
The current taper rate of $3.00 means that a retiree loses more age pension than they earn on their additional savings if they do not achieve a return of at least 7.8 per cent a year.
This is currently a large disincentive to save for retirement.
The public talk was about 'wealthy' retirees. But, in fact, the sums show middle to low income pensioners, with little capacity to adjust, would have been seriously impacted.
National Water Commission (Abolition) Bill 2015
Governance of Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Legislation Amendment Bill 2015
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: OneSKY equipment rooms project in Melbourne and Brisbane.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Fit-out of existing leased premises for the Australian Taxation Office at 121-125 Henry Street, Penrith, NSW.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: REDFIN Phase 1B Infrastructure—facilities required for the new fleet of special operations vehicles.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: fit-out of leased premises for the Administrative Appeals Tribunal at 83 Clarence Street, Sydney.
That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Royal Australian Air Force Base Williamtown Redevelopment Stage 2 Project.
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—General) Bill 2015
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—Customs) Bill 2015
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—Excise) Bill 2015
Imported Food Charges (Collection) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—Customs) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Imported Food Charges (Imposition—Excise) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Imported Food Charges (Collection) Bill 2015
That this bill be now read a third time.
Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 3) Bill 2015
The Seafarers Tax Offset … helped to reduce the operating costs of Australian vessels, increased the competitiveness of Australian shipping and provided significant opportunity for employment of Australians in international trades … the impact [of abolition] is severe with regard to future opportunity.
This bill is a further step towards repairing the budget and providing taxpayers with value for money from the government.
The measures in this bill will return around $826 million to the budget over the forward estimates …
There is no place in a fanatic's head where reason can enter.
The cost impost on Australian shippers of engaging coastal vessels on coastal trades since the introduction of the Coastal Trading Act in July 2012, as a standalone piece of legislation, is minimal.
The Government is putting in place the policies and programmes that will provide incentives for manufacturing firms to invest in technology, and research and development, in order to foster a viable, competitive and successful manufacturing industry.
The House divided. [18:05]
(The Deputy Speaker—Mr Randall)
That this bill be now read a third time.
Social Services Legislation Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Pensions) Bill 2015
After years of planning for retirement … retirees are being told that for some they must go it alone and for others their part age pension will be drastically chopped.
A knife has been plunged into the breasts of middle income retirees.
The current taper rate of $3 means a retiree loses more aged pension than they earn on their additional savings if they do not achieve a return of at least 7.8 per cent a year.
This is a large disincentive to save for retirement
… I can assure your listeners that there will be no cuts to health, no cuts to education, no cuts to pensions, no change to the GST …
King John entered the meadow as a ruler acknowledging no secular superior, whose word was law. He left the meadow as a ruler who had acknowledged, in the most solemn manner imaginable, that there were some things even he could not do. This, then, is the enduring legacy of Magna Carta: the lesson that no power is absolute; that all power, however elevated, is subject to constraint.
Government can't escape their obligation in terms of funding workforce. Building a better skilled, more appropriate aged care workforce will improve outcomes for older Australians.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Hon. BC Scott ) took the chair at 09:30.
What makes Libby's efforts so significant are the commitment to service to the needy and invisible, the willingness to experience huge personal hardships in responding to those in need, the courage to expose herself to danger in that service and the generosity that causes her to never say no when she is so obviously terribly fatigued physically, mentally and spiritually.
In all of these efforts Libby is largely unseen and unknown and would not seek recognition. I'm proud of her and honoured to know her and humbled by her. I'm sure that I am not alone in this.
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2015-2016
Proposed order of consideration of portfolios:
I want to make it absolutely crystal clear that no cleaner's pay is reduced.
Paid parental leave for tens of thousands of federal public servants has been plunged into limbo by the Abbott government's controversial cuts to the entitlement. Departments are saying that they cannot finalise the arrangements for their workforces until they have been given clear guidance from public service authorities.
The key Department of the Prime and Cabinet says it simply does not know what to do about its workforce's paid parental leave entitlements in the wake of the bombshell announcement in May's budget.
Until there is an agreed position across the public service, which was singled out and accused of "double-dipping" in an attempt to sell the policy, everything is up in the air.
I think this is wonderful. I was working in fdc—
and often had trouble in placing children for nurses, doctors, police officers and even down to counsellors.
Early childhood is the foundation of lifelong learning. It sets them—
up for the future and early childhood and preschool teaching is very important for children's literacy and numeracy skills.
Government can't escape their obligation in terms of funding workforce. Building a better skilled, more appropriate aged care workforce will improve outcomes for older Australians.
Importantly, there was an evaluation report done by the previous Government which showed that before and after the Union/Labor PPL scheme that was brought in post 18 weeks there was no change to people staying at home longer with their kids.
Certainly the high level evaluation finding is that PPL has been successful in assisting mothers to stay home with their children longer …
One of the key findings of the evaluation was that PPL had a clear effect of delaying mothers' return to work up to about six months after the birth of their baby …
… 78 per cent of mothers were expected not to return to paid work by 18 weeks, compared to 85 per cent after PPL was introduced.
Six months after the birth, the effect of PPL was no longer evident, with 64 per cent of mothers not having returned to paid work before and after the scheme's introduction.
Wait times for Centrelink telephone services have increased significantly in recent years from an average of 3 minutes and 5 seconds in 2010-11 to an average of 16 minutes and 53 seconds in 2013-14.
So you can vote Liberal or Labor and you'll get exactly the same amount of funding for your school.
I'm not sure the evidence is there to support it. We'd need a much more serious debate about it to know if it would be a driver of greater participation in STEM disciplines.
Australia has the potential to reap substantial economic gains in meeting future global energy demand, which is expected to increase by over one-third by 2040 …