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Votes & Proceedings/Monday, 9 September 2024
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House

1

The House met, at 10 am, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read Prayers.

2

PETITIONS—standing Committee —REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Ms Templeman (Chair) presented the following documents:

Petitions—Standing Committee—Report 31: Ministerial responses—

Report, 9 September 2024.

Ministers’ responses to petitions previously presented to the House.

Ms Templeman made a statement in connection with petitions.

3

Political debate

Dr M Ryan, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges that the tenor of political debate undertaken within this place has deteriorated from the standards expected by the Australian people;

(2) recognises that this place has a responsibility to elevate the national political debate to enhance and encourage social cohesion within Australian communities;

(3) commits to the eradication of the exploitation of race and ethnicity as a political tool within this place; and

(4) agrees to eliminate the use of language corrosive of national unity and cohesion.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

4

Affirmative action quotas

Ms J Ryan, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) 26 September 2024 marks 30 years since the Australian Labor Party adopted affirmative action quotas for female candidates in held and winnable seats; and

(b) the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party has met every quota and target set since its adoption ahead of schedule, including:

(i) 35 per cent by 2002 set in 1994;

(ii) 40 per cent by 2012 set in 2002; and

(iii) 50 per cent by 2025 set in 2015;

(2) notes the Government is the first Commonwealth government to have a majority of female members, which amongst other accomplishments has led to:

(a) expanded paid parental leave; and

(b) wage increases for feminised sectors;

(3) on this significant anniversary, pays tribute to the pioneering women who led the fight for this significant change that has placed women at the centre of decision making; and

(4) recommits to the fact that a woman’s place is in the House and the Senate.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

5

Productivity

Mr van Manen, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that productivity growth is a key contributor to increases in Australia’s economic welfare and prosperity;

(2) acknowledges that:

(a) according to the June 2024 National Accounts, productivity has fallen 5.2 per cent since the Government came to office;

(b) the Government’s continued failure on industrial relations legislation and poor economic management have caused businesses to rethink expansion and investment efforts;

(c) decline in business investment and dynamism has slowed the rate of innovation and technology adoption by firms, which in turn has slowed the nation’s ability to increase productivity; and

(d) Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock’s recent comments that ‘the only way interest rates can be reduced is an improvement in our appalling productivity’ demonstrate that our current cost of living crisis is being impacted by our declining rate of productivity; and

(3) calls on the Government to support research and development efforts in the business sector and to remove burdensome red tape, which is slowing business growth and innovation, in an effort to increase Australia’s productivity.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

7

MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL—ASSENT TO BILLS

Messages from Her Excellency the Governor-General were announced informing the House that Her Excellency, in the name of His Majesty, had assented to the following bills:

26 August 2024—Message—

No. 193— Treasury Laws Amendment (Consumer Data Right) 2024 .

No. 194— Public Service Amendment (No. 2) 2024 .

2 September 2024 —Message No. 195 —

Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) 2024 .

Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) 2024 .

8

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE— Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024

Message No. 347, 22 August 2024, from the Senate was reported returning the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024 with amendments.

Ordered—That the amendments be considered immediately.

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) moved—That the amendments be agreed to.

Question—put.

9

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE— Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024

Message No. 349, 22 August 2024, from the Senate was reported returning the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 with amendments.

Ordered—That the amendments be considered immediately.

Mr Jones (Assistant Treasurer) moved—That the amendments be agreed to.

Question—put.

90Ayes
Agreed to
Noes53

And so it was resolved in the affirmative.

Show members

Ayes (90)

10

Future Made in Australia Bill 2024

The order of the day having been read for the further consideration of the bill—

Consideration in detail

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.

Ms Steggall, by leave, moved amendments (1) to (11), on the sheet revised 15 August 2024, together.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put.

Dr M Ryan, by leave, moved amendments (1) to (3) together.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put.

Ms Chaney, by leave, moved amendments (1) and (2) together.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put.

It being 1.30 pm, the debate was interrupted in accordance with standing order 43 and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for a later hour this day.

11

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

12

QUESTIONS

Questions without notice being asked—

Documents

Ms Plibersek (Minister for the Environment and Water) presented the following documents:

Photograph of previous Minister meeting with traditional owners in relation to the McPhillamys Gold Project.

Map showing distance between McPhillamy Park and McPhillamys Gold Project.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection (Wahluu Mount Panorama Site) Declaration 2021—Cover page.

Mount Panorama/Wahluu Site Protected—Media release—Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment, 4 May 2021.

Mount Panorama go-kart track blocked by government on Aboriginal cultural heritage grounds—ABC News—Mollie Gorman, 4 May 2021.

Bathurst Regional Council frustrated by lack of detail from Sussan Ley on Mount Panorama site—Western Advocate—Rachel Chamberlain, 9 August 2021.

Questions without notice continuing—

Member directed to leave

At 3.11 pm the Member for Fadden ( Mr Caldwell ) was directed, under standing order 94, to leave the Chamber for one hour for interjecting and he accordingly left the Chamber.

Questions without notice continued.

13

Australian National Audit Office Annual Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Australian National Audit Office—Report for 2023-24.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

14

DOCUMENTS

Mr Marles ( Deputy Prime Minister ) presented the following documents:

Defence and Veteran Suicide—Royal Commission—Final report—

*Volume 1: Executive summary, recommendations and the fundamentals.

*Volume 2: Serving the nation, and Defence culture and leadership.

*Volume 3: Military sexual violence, unacceptable behaviour and military justice.

*Volume 4: Health care for serving and ex-serving members.

*Volume 5: Transition, DVA and support for ex-serving members.

*Volume 6: Families, data and research, and establishing a new entity.

*Volume 7: Appendices.

*The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

Mr Marles and Mr Joyce, by indulgence, made statements in connection with the report.

15

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were presented:

Airservices Australia—Corporate plan for 2024-25.

Climate Change Authority—

2020 and 2023 Reviews of the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 —Government response, August 2024.

2023 Review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting legislation—Government response, August 2024.

Corporations Act 2001— Statutory Review of the Meetings and Documents Amendments—Final report, August 2024.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975— Great Barrier Reef outlook report for 2024.

*National Education and Care Services Freedom of Information Commissioner, National Education and Care Services Privacy Commissioner and Education and Care Services Ombudsman—Report for 2022-23.

National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 —Non-disclosure and witness exclusion certificates, special court orders and special advocates—Report for 2023-24.

Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997 —Quarterly report on movement cap for Sydney airport for the period 1 April to 30 June 2024.

*The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

16

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL—ASSENT TO BILLS

A message from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced informing the House that Her Excellency, in the name of His Majesty, had assented to the following bills:

5 September 2024 —Message No. 196 —

Customs Amendment (Strengthening and Modernising Licensing and Other Measures) 2024 .

Customs Licensing Charges Amendment 2024 .

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) 2024 .

Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) 2024 .

Telecommunications Amendment (SMS Sender ID Register) 2024 .

17

Future Made in Australia Bill 2024

The order of the day having been read for the further consideration in detail of the bill—

Bill, as a whole—

Mr Gee, by leave, moved amendments (1) and (2) together.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put.

Dr Haines, by leave, moved amendments (1) to (5) together.

Amendments negatived.

Document

Dr Chalmers (Treasurer) presented a supplementary explanatory memorandum to this bill and the Future Made in Australia (Omnibus Amendments No. 1) Bill 2024.

Dr Chalmers, by leave, moved Government amendments (1) to (5) together.

Debate ensued.

Question—That the amendments be agreed to—put.

Question—That the bill, as amended, be agreed to—stated.

Debate ensued.

Closure

Mr Butler (Deputy Leader of the House) moved—That the question be now put.

Question—That the question be now put—put.

And the question—That the bill, as amended, be agreed to—being accordingly put—

Consideration in detail concluded.

Leave not granted to move to the third reading.

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), pursuant to contingent notice, moved—That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent the motion for the third reading being moved without delay.

Question—put.

On the motion of Dr Chalmers , the bill was read a third time.

18

Future Made in Australia (Omnibus Amendments No. 1) Bill 2024

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—

Question—put.

Message from the Governor-General

Message No. 197, 3 July 2024, from Her Excellency the Governor-General was announced recommending an appropriation for the purposes of the bill.

Consideration in detail

Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.

Dr Chalmers (Treasurer) moved the Government amendment.

Debate ensued.

Mr Fletcher addressing the House—

Closure

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) moved—That the question be now put.

Question—That the question be now put—put.

And the question—That the amendment be agreed to—being accordingly put—

Question—That the bill, as amended, be agreed to—stated.

Debate ensued.

Mr Fletcher addressing the House—

Closure

Mr Burke moved—That the question be now put.

Question—That the question be now put—put.

And the question—That the bill, as amended, be agreed to—being accordingly put—

Consideration in detail concluded.

On the motion of Dr Chalmers , by leave, the bill was read a third time.

20

Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time— And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Fletcher, viz.— 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:

(1) the Government’s economic mismanagement and high inflation has resulted in escalating student debt for some three million Australians with a HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) loan;

(2) the proposal to change HELP indexation to the lower of the wage price index or the consumer price index would still result in student debts increasing by 11.1 per cent since June 2022, with no date by which student debt credits will be applied or refunds paid;

(3) whether it is student debt, housing or paying bills, Australians continue to suffer acute cost of living pain under this Government;

(4) the Government has failed to detail eligibility criteria for the Commonwealth Prac Payments or how students will receive those payments, noting that students studying in other areas of workforce shortage such as occupational therapy, psychology and veterinary studies have been excluded from the scheme;

(5) the Government’s decision to mandate 40 per cent of the Student Services and Amenities Fee revenue be directed to student-led organisations, including student unions, associations and guilds, lacks any transparency measures to ensure money is spent on services which support student welfare; and

(6) the bill has been referred to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee for inquiry to report by 3 October 2024”—

And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Bates, viz. —That all words after “reading” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“the House:

(1) notes that:

(a) students are being shackled by a lifetime of debt which is making the cost of living crisis worse, locking people out of the housing market, causing people to delay having families and crushing dreams of going to university;

(b) the Government’s plan to provide student debt relief will still see student debts rise by 11.5 per cent in their first term and arts degrees costing over $50,000;

(c) the student debt system cannot be fixed because student debt should not exist and higher education, like education at every level, is an essential public good that should be free, universal and provided by the government;

(d) mandatory unpaid placements are causing students to forego paid work, choose between groceries, rent and medicine, drop out of universities and are taking an immense toll on students’ health; and

(e) students experiencing placement poverty need urgent relief and should be paid for every hour of work they are required to do as part of their degree, at least at minimum wage, not a lesser supplementary amount; and

(2) calls on the Government to wipe all student debt, make university and TAFE free, and pay all students doing mandatory placements at no less than minimum wage rates”—

Debate resumed.

Ms Daniel moved, as an amendment to the amendment proposed by Mr Bates—That all words after “House” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“(1) notes that:

(a) many degrees have increased in cost well above CPI, resulting in punitive HELP debts placing additional financial burden on Australians in the midst of a cost of living crisis;

(b) in 2023, soaring inflation resulted in a HELP indexation rate of 7.1 per cent;

(c) the indexation of HELP debt prior to repayment each financial year unnecessarily increases the cost of debt repayments for graduates and young Australians; and

(d) HELP debt is considered by banks in assessing eligibility for mortgages and loans, creating additional barriers for graduates and young families as they try to buy a home; and

(2) calls on the Government to calculate HELP debt indexation after the due date for individual tax returns each year”.

Debate ensued.

Mr Chandler-Mather addressing the House—

21

ADJOURNMENT

It being 7.30 pm—The question was proposed—That the House do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

The House continuing to sit until 8 pm—The Speaker adjourned the House until 12 noon tomorrow.

DOCUMENTS

The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 9 September 2024 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk):

Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988— Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Amendment Regulations 2024 [F2024L01091].

Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005—

Australian Communications and Media Authority (Emergency Call Service Determination) Direction 2024 [F2024L01103].

Radiocommunications (Charges) Amendment Determination 2024 (No. 1) [F2024L01025]—Rectified authorised version.

Australian Research Council Act 2001—

Approval of Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award for funding commencing in 2025—Determination No. 270.

Approval of Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowships for funding commencing in 2024—Determination No. 269.

Banking Act 1959—

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 1 of 2024 [F2024L01073].

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 2 of 2024 [F2024L01074].

Banking (prudential standard) determination No. 3 of 2024 [F2024L01075].

Banking Act 1959, Insurance Act 1973, Life Insurance Act 1995 and Private Health Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2015— Banking, Insurance, Life Insurance and Health Insurance (prudential standard) determination No. 1 of 2024 [F2024L01053].

Banking Act 1959, Insurance Act 1973, Life Insurance Act 1995, Private Health Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2015 and Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993— Banking, Insurance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance and Superannuation (prudential standard) variation No. 1 of 2024 [F2024L01107].

Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011— Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Audit Thresholds) Amendment (Low Risk Plantation Forestry Projects) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01067].

Civil Aviation Act 1988—

Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 and Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—Carrying Out and Supervising Maintenance (Ex-Armed Forces, Historic and Replicas of Class B Aircraft) Instrument 2024—CASA EX36/24 [F2024L01066].

Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight Exemption 2024—CASA EX51/24 [F2024L01057].



Corporations Act 2001—

ASIC Corporations (CCIV Auditors) Instrument 2024/668 [F2024L01087].

ASIC Corporations (Repeal) Instrument 2024/604 [F2024L01114].

ASIC Derivative Transaction Rules (Reporting) 2024 — ASIC Regulated Foreign Markets Determination (Amendment) Instrument 2024/605 [F2024L01115].

ASIC Market Integrity Rules (Securities Markets) 2017—

ASIC Market Integrity Rules (Securities Markets) Determination 2024/723 [F2024L01110].

ASIC Market Integrity Rules (Securities Markets) Repeal Instrument 2024/724 [F2024L01111].

Financial Stability Standards for Securities Settlement Facilities Determination 2024 [F2024L00683]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Financial Stability Standards for Securities Settlement Facilities Revocation 2024 [F2024L00682]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Currency Act 1965—

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2024 Perth Mint No. 5) Determination 2024 [F2024L01062].

Currency (Australian Coins) Amendment (2024 Royal Australian Mint No. 9) Determination 2024 [F2024L01038].

Defence Act 1903—

Defence (Non-foreign work restricted individual) Amendment Determination 2024 [F2024L01055].

Defence (Non-foreign work restricted individual) Determination 2024 [F2024L00519]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Defence (Non-relevant foreign country) Determination 2024 [F2024L00518]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Determinations under section 58B—

Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment (ADF Military Factor Framework consequential amendments) Determination 2024 (No. 9) [F2024L01058].

Defence (Military Factor—Clearance diver transitional payment) Determination 2024 (No. 1) [F2024L01059].

Determinations under section 58H—

Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal Determination No. 6 of 2024—Military Factor Framework.

Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal Determination No. 7 of 2024—ADF Allowances—Military Factor Framework consequential amendment.

Defence Trade Controls Act 2012— Defence Trade Controls (Excluded DSGL goods and DSGL technology) Determination 2024 [F2024L01100].

Designs Act 2003, Olympic Insignia Protection Act 1987, Patents Act 1990, Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994 and Trade Marks Act 1995— Intellectual Property Legislation Amendment (Fee Amounts and Other Measures) Regulations 2024 [F2024L01093].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999—

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (National Recovery Plan for the Forty-spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus)) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01094].

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (National Recovery Plan for the Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01095].

List of Threatened Ecological Communities Amendment (EC184) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01090].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (404) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01078].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (405) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01080].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (406) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01081].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (407) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01077].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (408) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01085].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (409) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01083].

List of Threatened Species Amendment (410) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01082].

Explosives Act 1961— Explosives Regulations 2024 [F2024L01086].

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009— Fair Work (Registered Organisations) (CFMEU Construction and General Division Administration) Determination 2024 [F2024L01056].

Federal Financial Relations Act 2009— Federal Financial Relations (National Partnership Payments—2024-25 Payment No. 3) Determination 2024 [F2024L01109].

Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997— Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Amendment (Foreign Affairs and Trade Measures No. 3) Regulations 2024 [F2024L01069].

Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000—

Fuel Quality Standards (Ethanol E85) Determination 2024 [F2024L00477]—Supplementary explanatory statement.

Fuel Quality Standards (Petrol) Determination 2024 [F2024L00475]—Supplementary explanatory statement.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975— Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (No-anchoring Areas) Regulations 2024 [F2024L01088].

Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards Act 2012— Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Exemption) Instrument (No. 2) 2024 [F2024L01054].

Health Insurance Act 1973— Health Insurance (Diagnostic Imaging Services Table) Amendment (Equipment Capital Sensitivity) Regulations 2024 [F2024L01089].

Higher Education Support Act 2003— Higher Education Support Provider Approval (Adelaide College of Divinity Incorporated) Revocation 2024 [F2024L01116].

Industry Research and Development Act 1986— Industry Research and Development (WHS Accreditation Scheme Residential Builders Assistance Grant Program) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01071].

Migration Act 1958— Migration Amendment (Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) Visa) Regulations 2024 [F2024L01105].

Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Act 2023— Migration (Visa Pre‑application Process) Charge Amendment (Work and Holiday Visa) Regulations 2024 [F2024L01106].

National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007— National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Legislation Amendment (Best Practice Emissions Intensities Update) Instrument 2024 [F2024L01063].

National Health Act 1953—

National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Determination 2024 (No. 8)—PB 87 of 2024 [F2024L01097].

National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment (September Update) Instrument 2024—PB 89 of 2024 [F2024L01099].

National Health (Highly Specialised Drugs Program) Special Arrangement Amendment (September Update) Instrument 2024—PB 88 of 2024 [F2024L01098].

National Health (Immunisation Program—Designated Vaccines) Amendment Determination 2024 [F2024L01064].

National Health (Listed Drugs on F1 or F2) Amendment Determination 2024 (No. 7)—PB 92 of 2024 [F2024L01101].

National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (Maximum Dispensed Quantities September Update) Instrument 2024—PB 85 of 2024 [F2024L01104].

National Health (Minimum Stockholding) Amendment Determination (No. 8) 2024—PB 90 of 2024 [F2024L01065].

National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024 [F2024L00380]—Supplementary explanatory statement.

National Health (Pharmaceutical benefits—early supply) Amendment Instrument 2024 (No. 8)—PB 86 of 2024 [F2024L01096].

National Health (Price and Special Patient Contribution) Amendment Determination 2024 (No. 7)—PB 93 of 2024 [F2024L01102].

Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021— Offshore Electricity Infrastructure (Declared Area OEI-03-2024) Declaration 2024 [F2024L01108].

Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006— Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Greenhouse Gas Injection and Storage) Regulations 2023 [F2023L01551]—Replacement explanatory statement.

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013— Notices under section 72—

Corporate Commonwealth entity acquires shares in a company—Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)—4 July 2024.

Corporate Commonwealth entity participated in the formation of and acquired a membership and shares in a company—Australian Business Growth Fund Pty Ltd (ABGF)—28 August 2024.

Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973— Remuneration Tribunal (Members’ Fees and Allowances) Amendment Regulations 2024 [F2024L01092].

Sydney Airport Demand Management Act 1997— Minister’s Directions to the Slot Manager 2024 (No. 1).

Taxation Administration Act 1953— Commissioner of Taxation—

Class Rulings—

CR 2024/51, CR 2024/52.

Goods and Services Tax Industry Issue—GSTII FL1 [Addendum].

Product Ruling—PR 2024/13.

Telecommunications Act 1997—

ACCC Telecommunications (Infringement Notices) Guidelines 2024 [F2024L01068].

Telecommunications (Complaints Handling Industry Standard Amendment) Direction 2024 [F2024L01061].

Telecommunications (Customer Communications for Outages Industry Standards) Direction 2024 [F2024L01060].

Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979— Telecommunications (Interception and Access) (Emergency Service Facilities—New South Wales) Amendment Instrument (No. 1) 2024 [F2024L01084].

Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986—

Statement of Principles concerning fracture (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 63 of 2024 [F2024L01042].

Statement of Principles concerning fracture (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 62 of 2024 [F2024L01041].

Statement of Principles concerning ingrown nail (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 73 of 2024 [F2024L01052].

Statement of Principles concerning ingrown nail (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 72 of 2024 [F2024L01051].

Statement of Principles concerning Meniere disease and Meniere syndrome (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 69 of 2024 [F2024L01048].

Statement of Principles concerning Meniere disease and Meniere syndrome (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 68 of 2024 [F2024L01047].

Statement of Principles concerning neoplasm of the pituitary gland (Balance of Probabilities)—

No. 71 of 2024 [F2024L01050].

Statement of Principles concerning neoplasm of the pituitary gland (Reasonable Hypothesis)—

No. 70 of 2024 [F2024L01049].

Statement of Principles concerning osteoporosis (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 67 of 2024 [F2024L01046].

Statement of Principles concerning osteoporosis (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 66 of 2024 [F2024L01045].

Statement of Principles concerning pathological fracture (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 65 of 2024 [F2024L01044].

Statement of Principles concerning pathological fracture (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 64 of 2024 [F2024L01043].

Statement of Principles concerning pinguecula (Balance of Probabilities)—No. 61 of 2024 [F2024L01040].

Statement of Principles concerning pinguecula (Reasonable Hypothesis)—No. 60 of 2024 [F2024L01039].

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except Dr Aly, Mr Conaghan, Mr Katter, Mr O’Connor and Mr Sukkar.

Claressa Surtees

Clerk of the House of Representatives

Federation Chamber

1

The Federation Chamber met at 10.29 am.

2

MEMBERS’ CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Members’ constituency statements were made.

3

Mining profits

Mr Bates, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) for decades, mining companies have been making excessive profits that should have been taxed in order to put dental and mental health into Medicare, build affordable homes and fund the rapid transition away from coal and gas; and

(b) in Queensland, big mining companies have exported $634 billion of our resources but only paid nine per cent of that in royalties over the past 10 years; and

(2) calls on the Government to rein in the excessive profits of mining corporations.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

4

Australian Paralympic Team

Dr Ananda-Rajah, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House congratulates the efforts of the athletes, coaches, and support staff of the Australian Paralympic Team at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

5

Road safety

Mr L O’Brien, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) analysis of Australian Road Assessment Program data by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has found that motorists travelling on the national highway between Gympie and Cairns are five times more likely to be injured or killed in a crash than people driving on the national highway between Sydney and Melbourne;

(b) the RACQ has found that 1,398 kilometres of the national highway between Gympie and Cairns is undivided and much of this section is rated just two stars out of five for safety; and

(c) the Government’s funding cut to upgrades of the national highway from 80 per cent to 50 per cent of project costs will:

(i) delay or cease future upgrades to the national highway;

(ii) put motorists’ lives at risk;

(iii) leave communities disconnected when the national highway floods; and

(iv) constrain economic growth and regional development by failing to properly fund upgrades to increase the capacity of the national highway and make it more efficient; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) restore the former Government’s 80 per cent funding share of projects to upgrade the national highway to expedite projects that will make it safer, increase capacity, and make it less prone to flooding; and

(b) work with the Queensland Government to prioritise and fast track projects to make the national highway from Gympie to Cairns as safe as it is between Sydney and Melbourne.

Debate ensued.

Suspension of meeting

At 12.06 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 12.26 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continuing—

Suspension of meeting

At 12.28 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 12.39 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

6

Workplace relations

Ms Stanley, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) the Government’s workplace relations policies are getting wages moving again, with annual real wages growing for the past three consecutive quarters;

(b) nominal real wages grew 4.1 per cent in the year to the June quarter 2024;

(c) annual real wages grew 0.3 per cent through the year to the June quarter 2024; and

(d) this result comes off the back of inheriting a real wage decline of 3.4 per cent at the time of the election; and

(2) recognises the Government is laying strong foundations for a better future for Australian workers, their families and communities, by:

(a) advocating for the wages of Australia’s low paid in three consecutive submissions to the Annual Wage Review that the real wages of low paid workers not go backwards;

(b) supporting pay rises for aged care workers of up to 28 per cent through submissions to the Fair Work Commission’s Aged Care Work Value Case;

(c) having a 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood education and care workers;

(d) getting almost half a million more workers covered by current enterprise agreements, boosting wages and conditions; and

(e) making gender equality an object of the Fair Work Act and narrowing the gender pay gap to 12 per cent, the lowest level on record.

Suspension of meeting

At 12.41 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 12.52 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Ms Stanley addressing the Federation Chamber—

Suspension of meeting

At 12.54 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 1.02 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Ms Stanley continuing—

Suspension of meeting

At 1.05 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 1.13 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate ensuing—

Suspension of meeting

At 1.15 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 1.24 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

Debate continuing—

Suspension of meeting

At 1.25 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 4 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair.

7

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements being made—



Suspension of meeting

At 4.01 pm, a division having been called in the House, the proceedings were suspended.

Resumption of meeting

At 5.10 pm, the proceedings were resumed.

8

Small businesses

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the motion of Mr Violi—That this House:

(1) acknowledges that Australian small businesses are at breaking point and are being failed by the Government; and

(2) notes that:

(a) under this Government, a record number of Australian businesses have become insolvent in the most recent financial year, including:

(i) 4,635 businesses in New South Wales;

(ii) 2,863 businesses in Victoria;

(iii) 2,036 businesses in Queensland;

(iv) 733 businesses in Western Australia;

(v) 194 businesses in the Australian Capital Territory;

(vi) 94 businesses in Tasmania; and

(vii) 43 businesses in the Northern Territory;

(b) this Government is now the worst government for Australian business on record, having surpassed the 10,757 businesses collapsing under the Government of 2011-12; and

(c) Australian small businesses could survive a once-in-a-century pandemic but cannot survive the disastrous policies of this Government—

Debate resumed.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

9

Gender pay gap

Ms Mascarenhas, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) acknowledges the data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing the national gender pay gap is the lowest on record, falling to 11.5 per cent from 12 per cent in November 2023, and 14.1 per cent in May 2022;

(2) recognises the progress of the Government in advancing the economic empowerment of Australian women, noting the following initiatives:

(a) a $173.80 per week increase to women’s average weekly earnings since May 2022;

(b) funding a 15 per cent wage increase for early childhood education and care workers;

(c) reaching a 63.2 per cent record high for women’s workforce participation;

(d) a tax cut for every Australian woman taxpayer from July 1, and a bigger tax cut for 90 per cent of Australian women taxpayers;

(e) $1.1 billion over four years to pay superannuation on Government funded paid parental leave from 1 July 2025;

(f) $427.4 million over four years to provide financial support to students on mandatory nursing (including midwifery), social work and teaching placements;

(g) expansion of paid parental leave, providing families with access to 26 weeks of leave by July 2026;

(h) $38.2 million over eight years to support a thriving, skilled and diverse science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce in response to the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review; and

(i) $55.6 million over four years to establish the Building Women’s Careers program;

(3) supports the Government as it continues to develop policies and invest in programs to improve women’s economic empowerment, recognising the connection between the safety of women and women’s financial autonomy and wellbeing; and

(4) commends the Government’s commitment to putting women at the centre of Australia’s economic plan to make the lives of Australian women safer, fairer and more equal.

Debate ensued.

Suspension of meeting

At 6.06 pm, the Deputy Speaker left the Chair due to the lack of a quorum.

Resumption of meeting

At 6.07 pm, the Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair, and a quorum being present—

Debate continued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

10

The Honourable Steele Hall

Mr Pasin, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes:

(a) the death of the late Steele Hall on 10 June 2024, aged 95 years;

(b) that Steele Hall is the only Australian to have served as Premier of a state, as well as a Member of three houses of parliament; and

(c) that Steele Hall served as the 36th Premier of South Australia from 1968 to 1970, also served in the Commonwealth Parliament as a Senator for South Australia from 1974 to 1977, and was the federal Member for the electoral division of Boothby from 1981 to 1996; and

(2) acknowledges the service of Steele Hall across four decades and three houses of parliament to the Australian and South Australian people.

Debate ensued.

The time allotted for the debate having expired, the debate was interrupted, and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

11

Men’s Shed Week

Mr R Mitchell, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) 1 to 7 September 2024 marks Men’s Shed Week led by the Australian Men’s Shed Association, with this year’s theme, ‘Send him down to the Shed’; and

(b) the theme acknowledges that most men are introduced to a Men’s Shed by someone else, and reconnects men with community;

(2) recognises:

(a) the essential service the Men’s Sheds provide nationally as one of Australia’s largest community development organisations with around 1,300 Men’s Sheds across Australia and over 50,000 Australians participating in Men’s Sheds; and

(b) that participation in Men’s Sheds leads to improved mental health outcomes, with participants reporting increased self-esteem, awareness and destigmatisation of mental health, and fosters community spirit and mateship which are key to the foundations of our nation; and

(3) reiterates:

(a) the Government’s ongoing support for the Australian Men’s Shed Association and commitment in the 2024-25 budget to provide $6 million over two years to support Men’s Sheds; and

(b) that this provides funding for health and wellbeing events, shed improvements, tools and equipment and automated external defibrillators.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

12

Tibet

Mr Wallace, pursuant to notice, moved—That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) on 6 February 2023, United Nations independent experts identified that approximately one million Tibetan children were being affected by Chinese government policies aimed at assimilating Tibetan people culturally, religiously and linguistically through a residential school system;

(b) on 14 December 2023, the European Union Parliament adopted a resolution on the abduction of Tibetan children and forced assimilation practices through Chinese boarding schools in Tibet;

(c) on 10 June 2024, the Canadian House of Commons unanimously passed a resolution in support of Tibet and the Tibetan people; and

(d) on 12 June 2024, the United States Congress passed the ‘Promoting a Resolution to Tibet‑China Act’;

(2) stands in solidarity with the people of Tibet;

(3) recognises Australia is deeply concerned about reports detailing China’s assimilationist policies, including:

(a) forced labour transfer programs and the coerced separation of Tibetan children from their families through state-run boarding schools;

(b) the detention of Tibetans for peaceful expression of political views;

(c) the suppression of Tibetan religious expression; and

(d) the use of excessive security measures against Tibetans;

(4) reiterates that the Tibetan people are entitled to their fundamental human rights and freedoms, including their right to self-determination;

(5) further recognises that:

(a) Tibetans should be empowered to freely choose their economic, social, cultural, and religious policies without interference; and

(b) religious and spiritual communities should be empowered to choose their own religious and spiritual leaders without government interference, and this should include the eventual successor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama;

(6) calls on:

(a) the Chinese Government to reengage with the representatives of the 14th Dalai Lama to establish genuine autonomy for Tibetans within China, and urges the Chinese authorities to release the Panchen Lama; and

(b) China to:

(i) repeal legislation and cease practices which discriminate against Tibetans on the basis of race or religion;

(ii) cease arbitrary detention, coercive labour transfer, and family separation programs;

(iii) end restrictions on movement and on the rights of Tibetans to enjoy their own culture and language; and

(iv) allow meaningful and unfettered access to Tibet for independent human rights observers; and

(7) further notes successive Australian Governments have and should continue to raise the issue of human rights violations in China, through political dialogues with the Chinese authorities at the highest levels.

Debate ensued.

Debate adjourned and the resumption of the debate made an order of the day for the next sitting.

13

ADJOURNMENT

On the motion of Ms Fernando, the Federation Chamber adjourned at 7.39 pm, until 4 pm tomorrow.

Peter Banson

Clerk of the Federation Chamber

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