House debates

Wednesday, 12 September 2012

Committees

Selection Committee; Report

3:41 pm

Photo of Ms Anna BurkeMs Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

I present report No. 64 of the Selection Committee, relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday, 17 September 2012. The report will be printed in the Hansard for today and the committee’s determinations will appear on tomorrow’s Notice Paper. Copies of the report have been placed on the table.

The report read as follows—

Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and of private M embers' business

1.   The committee met in private session on Tuesday, 11 September 2012.

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, 17 September 2012, 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs

Our Land, Our Languages: language learning in Indigenous communities

The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to conclude by 10:20 am.

Speech time limits —

Mr Neumann—5 minutes.

Next Member speaking—5 minutes.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]

2    Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs

Advisory Report on the Do Not Knock Register Bill 2012

The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to conclude by 10:30 am.

Speech time limits —

Mr Georganas—5 minutes.

Next Member speaking—5 minutes.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices

1    MR BANDT: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to competition and consumers, and for other purposes (Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Food Labelling) Bill 2012).

Presenter may speak for a period not exceeding 10 minutes—pursuant to standing order 41.

2    MR CHRISTENSEN: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and for related purposes (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Making Marine Parks Accountable) Bill 2012).

Presenter may speak for a period not exceeding 10 minutes—pursuant to standing order 41.

3    MR MORRISON: To move:

That this House:

(1)   notes that:

(a)   mitochondrial disease:

  (i)   is an incurable and debilitating genetic disorder that saps the body's cells of their energy; and

  (ii)   reduces the ability of mitochondria to produce energy required for vital bodily functions, disrupting important muscle and organ function and leading in some cases to organ failure or death;

(b)   a child is born every 30 minutes who will develop a mitochondrial disease before their tenth birthday;

(c)   one in every 200 people is affected by mitochondrial disease, but many are misdiagnosed;

(d)   each year 50 children will develop a severe or life-threatening form of mitochondrial disease;

(e)   there:

  (i)   is a widespread lack of awareness about this disease, its symptoms or effects; and

  (ii)   are few effective treatments for this disease; and

  (iii)   is currently no cure for this disease;

(f)   clinical trials are underway however, research into this disease requires greater monetary and community support and recognition;

(g)   scientists have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to other major diseases including alzheimer's disease, parkinson's disease and diabetes; and

(h)   advances in treatment for mitochondrial dysfunction could also improve treatments for millions of people who suffer these other illnesses;

(2)   recognises that:

(a)   16 to 22 September 2012 is Global Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week;

(b)   23 September 2012 is Global World Stay in Bed Day to raise awareness and funds for research into mitochondrial disease; and

(c)   the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation has been working since 2009 to support patients and their families, spread information and raise the profile of this disease in the community and medical field; and

(3)   calls on the Government to:

(a)   encourage the public and private sectors to promote greater awareness of mitochondrial disease;

(b)   help raise the profile of mitochondrial disease within the medical profession to overcome the lack of knowledge that contributes to misdiagnosis and improper treatment of this condition; and

(c)   ensure there is appropriate support for patients of mitochondrial disease and their families. (Notice given 10 September 2012; amended 12 September 2012.)

Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 12 noon.

Speech time limits —

Mr Morrison— 10 minutes.

Next 5 Members speaking—10 minutes.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 10 mins + 2 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.

Items for House of Representatives Chamber (8 to 9:30 pm)

3    Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

Review of the Defence Annual Report 2010-2011

The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to conclude by 8:10 pm.

Speech time limits —

Dr Jensen—5 minutes.

Next Member speaking—5 minutes.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 5 mins]

Notices—continued

4   MR NEUMANN: To move:

That this House:

(1)   commends the Australian Government's:

(a)   commitment to meeting Australia's future workforce needs;

(b)   strong investment record in skills and training; and

(c)   partnership with industry to meet Australia's skills challenges;

(2)   notes that all Australians should have the opportunity to get the education and skills they need for the jobs on offer, and the importance:

(a)   that the TAFE system plays in providing training opportunities; and

(b)   of federal, state and local initiatives to provide jobseekers with customised employment and training to meet their individual needs and the demands of the labour market for a skilled workforce; and

(3)   calls on Governments at all levels to:

(a)   provide funding for employment and skills services; and

(b)   continue to invest in TAFE and skills training. (Notice given 10 September 2012.)

Time allotted—40 minutes.

Speech time limits —

Mr Neumann—10 minutes.

Next Member speaking—10 minutes.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 10 + 4 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Orders of the day

1    RETURN OF AUSTRALIAN TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN: Resumption of debate (from 19 March 2012Mr E. T. Jones, in continuation) on the motion of Mr Bandt—That this House calls on the Government to set a date for the safe return of Australian troops from Afghanistan

Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 9:30 pm.

Speech time limits —

Mr Bandt—10 minutes.

Next 2 Members speaking—10 minutes each.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 3 x 10 + 2 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Items for Federation Chamber (approx 11 am to approx 1:30 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Orders of the day

1    CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT: Resumption of debate (from 10 September 2012) on the motion of Mr Oakeshott:

That this House:

(1)   endorses the draft code of conduct at Appendix 5 of the report of the House of Representatives Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests, Draft Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament; and

(2)   requests the Leader of the House to bring forward urgently for the House's consideration the proposed changes to standing orders and resolutions of the House necessary to give effect to the Code, procedures for considering complaints under the Code, and for the role of the Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests in oversight of the Code.

Time allotted—20 minutes.

Speech time limits —

All Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 4 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Notices

1    MR CHESTER: To move:

That this House:

(1)   notes that with more than 150,000 members and 310 affiliated surf lifesaving clubs, surf lifesaving is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in Australia;

(2)   recognises the outstanding contribution made to health and safety of beach goers by volunteer and professional surf lifesavers;

(3)   highlights that the economic value to the Australian economy of surf lifesaving's coastal drowning and injury prevention efforts in 2009-10 was independently assessed to be $3.6 billion;

(4)   supports the important role played by surf lifesaving clubs in developing young people's health, fitness and leadership skills through an extensive junior program; and

(5)   acknowledges the Coalition's commitment to implement a $10 million fund if elected into government to:

(a)   assist clubs to purchase vital rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies; and

(b)   extend the Beach Drowning Black Spot Reduction Program. (Notice given 23 August 2012.)

Time allotted—100 minutes.

Speech time limits —

Mr Chester—10 minutes.

Other Members—10 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 10 x 10 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue at a later hour.

2    MR HAYES: To move:

That this House:

(1)   observes National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September;

(2)   acknowledges the pivotal role police play in our community and the great deal of sacrifice and risk that come with the job;

(3)   honours the lives and memories of the many fine men and women who have had their lives tragically cut short in the execution of their duties, in particular, Senior Constable David James Rixon, who was shot and killed in Tamworth on 2 March 2012;

(4)   pays tribute to the families and friends of police officers that have been killed in the line of duty throughout our nation's history, and acknowledges the good work of Police Legacy, who look after the families of the fallen; and

(5)   affirms its support for the nation's 56,000 police officers and praises them for their courage, commitment and dedication in protecting our community. (Notice given 21 August 2012.)

Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to approx 1:30 pm.

Speech time limits —

Mr Hayes—5 minutes.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Items for Federation Chamber (approx 6:30 to 9 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Orders of the day—continued

2    FAIR WORK (JOB SECURITY AND FAIRER BARGAINING) AMENDMENT BILL 2012 (Mr Bandt): Second reading (from 27 February 2012)

Time allotted—5 minutes.

Speech time limits —

Mr Bandt—5 minutes.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 1 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

Notices—continued

3    MS GRIERSON: To move:

That this House:

(1)   notes that:

(a)   dementia is the greatest cause of disability in Australians aged 65 and over;

(b)   there are almost 280,000 Australians living with dementia and 1.2 million who provide support and care; and

(c)   every week an estimated 1,600 new cases of dementia occur, with the number expected to grow to 7,400 new cases per week by 2050, resulting in 1 million Australians living with dementia by 2050;

(2)   recognises the significance of Dementia Awareness Week (21 to 28 September) in promoting and advocating the needs of those living with dementia, their families and carers;

(3)   welcomes the Health Ministers' designation of dementia as the ninth National Health Priority Area; and

(4)   acknowledges the ongoing contributions of Alzheimer's Australia and its State and Territory associations in supporting and advocating for those affected and leading the charge in the fight against dementia. (Notice given 11 September 2012.)

Time allotted—60 minutes.

Speech time limits —

Ms Grierson—5 minutes.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 12 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

4    MS HALL: To move:

That this House:

(1)   notes that:

(a)   Stroke Awareness Week is 10 to 16 September 2012; and

(b)   the focus of National Stroke Week in 2012 is to encourage people to understand their stroke risk;

(2)   notes with concern that:

(a)   stroke remains the second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability in Australia;

(b)   one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime; and

(c)   around 60,000 people will suffer new or recurrent strokes this year;

(3)   recognises that:

(a)   the risk of stroke is influenced by a number of factors beyond our control, including age, gender and family history;

(b)   there are many lifestyle risk factors that are within our control and with this knowledge we can act to reduce our risk of stroke; and

(c)   lifestyle risk factors which can be controlled include:

  (i)   high blood pressure;

  (ii)   high cholesterol;

  (iii)   smoking cigarettes;

  (iv)   poor diet and lack of exercise;

  (v)   being overweight; and

  (vi)   drinking too much alcohol;

(4)   understands:

(a)   that every Australian needs to know their stroke risk; and

(b)   lifestyle changes can have a significant impact in reducing a person's risk of stroke;

(5)   acknowledges the:

(a)   important role of families and carers of stroke victims; and

(b)   valuable work of the National Stroke Foundation; and

(6)   asks all Members to raise awareness of stroke risk and the preventative actions that people can take to help reduce their risk of stroke. (Notice given 21 August 2012.)

Time allotted—30 minutes.

Speech time limits —

Ms Hall—5 minutes.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

5    MS ROWLAND: To move:

That this House:

(1)   calls on the Sudanese Government and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement—North, to:

(a)   promptly implement the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United Nations, African Union and Arab League on allowing unrestricted humanitarian access to all areas of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states in Sudan; and

(b)   immediately conclude a ceasefire agreement;

(2)   supports the involvement of an international mediation team to assist in negotiations for a ceasefire agreement;

(3)   calls on:

(a)   the Sudanese and South Sudanese governments to cease any support for armed rebel militias in each other's territories; and

(b)   both sides to urgently work towards a final, negotiated agreement on outstanding issues arising from separation, including Abyei;

(4)   notes that the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudan's President, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, on five counts of crimes against humanity (murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape), two counts of war crimes (attacking civilians and pillaging), and three counts of genocide; and

(5)   acknowledges the:

(a)   contribution of the Sudanese and South Sudanese Diaspora in Australia to our economic and cultural diversity; and

(b)   excellent work being undertaken by the international community in assisting the 170,000 refugees who have been displaced from Sudan's Blue Nile and South Kordofan states since late 2011. (Notice given 23 August 2012.)

Time allotted—30 minutes.

Speech time limits —

Ms Rowland—5 minutes.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 6 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

6    MS PARKE: To move:

That this House:

(1)   commends the Government for its four year commitment to provide $50 million to support the global eradication of polio;

(2)   notes:

(a)   that in February 2012, India was removed from the list of countries where polio remains endemic, proving that eradication strategies are effective when they are fully implemented and that polio can be eradicated even in the toughest circumstances, and there has not been a single reported case of polio in India since January 2011;

(b)   that polio eradication should, wherever possible, be part of routine immunisation efforts to improve population immunity for all priority, vaccine preventable childhood illnesses;

(c)   that there are now only three countries in the world where polio has never been stopped, namely Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, and unless the polio program is fully funded and emergency plans are implemented as planned, polio could make a comeback in countries that are currently polio-free;

(d)   estimates show that global re-infection over time could result in as many as 200,000 children per year being paralysed;

(e)   that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative currently faces a funding shortfall of US$945 million for the full implementation of its 2012-13 Emergency Action Plan, and this has caused immunisation campaigns to be cancelled or scaled back in 33 countries in Africa and Asia, leaving more children vulnerable to the disease and increasing the risk of the international spread of polio; and

(f)   the recent landmark resolution by the Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly declaring the completion of polio eradication, a programmatic emergency for global public health, with member states highlighting the feasibility of eradication in the near-term, while expressing concern at the ongoing funding gap threatening success; and

(3)   encourages the Government to continue to support efforts to deliver a polio-free world and to encourage other countries to do likewise. (Notice given 19 June 2012.)

Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time prior to 9 pm.

Speech time limits —

Ms Parke—10 minutes.

Next Member speaking—10 minutes.

Other Members—5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 2 x 10 + 1 x 5 mins]

The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.

3.   The committee determined that the following bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Resources, Fisheries and Forestry:

    4.   The committee recommends that the following items of private Members' business listed on the notice paper be voted on:

    Orders of the Day—

    Australian Green's policy costings (Mr Briggs)

    National Landcare Week (Mr Chester)

    Meniere's disease (Mr Billson).