Milton Dick (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

I present the amended report of the Selection Committee, relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday 26 February 2024. Copies of the updated 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 Members' business

1. The Committee met in private session on Tuesday, 13 February 2024.

2. The Committee deliberated on items of committee and delegation business that had been notified, private Members' business items listed on the Notice Paper and notices lodged on Tuesday, 13 February 2024, and determined the order of precedence and times on Monday, 26 February 2024, as follows:

Items for House of Representatives Chamber (10.10 am to 12 noon)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices

1 DR HAINES: To present a Bill for an Act to reform the governance, performance and accountability of grants, Investment Mandates and use of public resources, and for related purposes. (Accountability of Grants, Investment Mandates and Use of Public Resources Amendment (End Pork Barrelling) Bill 2024)

(Notice given 12 February 2024.)

Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.

2 MS STEGGALL: To present a Bill for an Act to amend the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, and for related purposes. (Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Stop PEP11 Forever and Protect Our Coastal Waters) Bill 2024)

(Notice given 13 February 2024.)

Presenter may speak to the second reading for a period not exceeding 10 minutes pursuant to standing order 41. Debate must be adjourned pursuant to standing order 142.

3 MR WILKIE: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) the conduct of Australian airlines has recently come under fire for a variety of practices, such as sometimes only offering Frequent Flyer and discount tickets one way, meaning customers are stuck with expensive tickets the other way, increasingly frequent flight delays and cancellations, and the linkage of passenger personal profiles to the fares offered to them;

(b) seeking refunds and other assistance for cancelled flights often leaves consumers feeling underwhelmed, with many offered little to no compensation for flight disruptions;

(c) the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is concerned about the high level of complaints about airlines as well as their low reliability of services;

(d) Australian airline staff are among the best in the world, yet bear the brunt of increasingly frustrated customers because of improper decisions by management within airline companies; and

(2) calls on the Government to:

(a) accept the ACCC's recommendations made in its submission to the Australian Government's Aviation Green Paper;

(b) establish an independent airline ombudsman with the power to make binding decisions, to allow for fair and efficient resolution of customer complaints; and

(c) establish a targeted and fit-for-purpose compensation scheme for delayed and cancelled flights.

(Notice given 13 February 2024.)

Time allotted 20 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Wilkie 5 minutes.

Other 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.

4 MR PASIN: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) Australia's severe and intense weather events over recent years have placed immense pressure on the nation's regional, rural, and remote road network;

(b) the Australian Local Government Association estimates that the cost of repairing and replacing flood impacted roads is at least $3.8 billion in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria alone; and

(c) the Government has scrapped the specifically targeted Bridges Renewal Program and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program which, when combined, were valued at $193.5 million per annum by 2026-27;

(2) acknowledges that the federal budget saw financial assistance grants to local government cut as a percentage of tax revenue from 0.52 per cent to 0.50 per cent in stark contrast to councils' long-term aim of achieving 1.0 per cent of tax revenue; and

(3) calls on the Government to invest in Australia's regional rural and remote road network to support local governments, improve road safety and freight productivity.

(Notice given 6 February 2024.)

Time allotted 30 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Pasin 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.

Orders of the day

1 BETTER AND FAIRER EDUCATION SYSTEM: Resumption of debate (from 12 February 2024) on the motion of Dr Reid—That this House acknowledges the Government's commitment and actions to build a better and fairer education system from early education right through to university, by:

(1) delivering cheaper child care which is making early education and care more affordable for 1.2 million Australian families;

(2) tackling the teacher shortage through the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan;

(3) delivering $275.2 million to schools to improve school infrastructure through the Schools Upgrade Fund;

(4) providing $203.7 million in funding to support student wellbeing across every school in the country through the Student Wellbeing Boost;

(5) working with state and territory governments to get all schools on a path to full and fair funding; and

(6) setting the higher education system up for the future through the Universities Accord, and implementing the priority actions of the accord interim report, which delivers:

(a) an additional 20 new regional university study hubs and 14 suburban university study hubs;

(b) demand driven places for First Nations students from metropolitan areas;

(c) the removal of the unfair 50 per cent pass rule; and

(d) university governance reforms.

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

Speech time limits

All Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]

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

Items for Federation Chamber (11 am to 1.30 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices

1 DR M RYAN: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges that public perceptions of the pervasive influence that lobbyists have over political decision-making have worsened in recent years;

(2) recognises that there is presently no consistent or visible way of knowing which corporate or stakeholder groups are meeting with Government Ministers;

(3) commits to the:

(a) timely publication of ministerial diaries as a vital transparency and accountability measure;

(b) maintenance and publication of a searchable register that includes the names of all lobbyists accessing this building, and that those persons be identified as a professional lobbyist, an in-house lobbyist and/or a former Government representative; and

(c) transparency of meetings held by those individuals with Members of Parliament; and

(4) agrees to extend the post-employment cooling-off period for former Ministers and senior government officials to three years, in keeping with international best practice.

(Notice given 12 February 2024.)

Time allotted 20 minutes.

Speech time limits

Dr M Ryan 5 minutes.

Other 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.

2 MR LAXALE: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges:

(a) the work the Government has undertaken to support Australia's multicultural communities, including:

(i) launching the Multicultural Framework Review;

(ii) supporting a cohesive and inclusive multicultural society;

(iii) investing $20 million in the Adult Migrant English Program;

(iv) extending the Community Language Schools grant program to pre-schoolers;

(v) committing $7.5 million to fund the Australian Human Rights Commission to complete its National Anti-Racism Framework;

(vi) reducing citizenship processing times by 42 per cent to the lowest level in six years; and

(vii) clearing the visa backlogs for nearly 1 million people left behind by the Liberal Party and slashing wait time;

(b) that Australia is proudly one of the world's most vibrant and successful multicultural societies; and

(c) the positive contribution that migration has made to our country, culture and economy; and

(2) condemns the:

(a) Liberal and National parties for their neglect of the immigration system, as outlined in the Nixon Review; and

(b) comments from a former Prime Minister on 2 November 2023, when he stated that he 'always had trouble' with the concept of multiculturalism.

(Notice given 15 November 2023.)

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Laxale 5 minutes.

Other Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]

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

3 MR CALDWELL: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) a report released on 7 February 2024 by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) on the Australian Passport Office revealed that passport applications were not being processed in a 'timely and resource efficient manner';

(b) since being elected, the Government has hiked up the price of Australian adult passports of 10 years by $38 and is planning for a second increase this year of $52 from 1 July 2024;

(c) while the Treasurer has called the price hike a 'relatively modest' change, Australians will be paying 29 per cent more to get their passports during a cost of living crunch; and

(d) Australians already pay more for their holiday thanks to the Government blocking airline competition and now they are paying more just to be allowed to leave the country; and

(2) calls on the Government to reverse their big passport price hike until they comprehensively respond to the ANAO recommendations so that Australians get a fair deal on passports.

(Notice given 13 February 2024.)

Time allotted 30 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Caldwell 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.

4 MS CLAYDON: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) on 2 November 2023, Australia with 186 other member states again voted for the United Nations General Assembly resolution against the United States' longstanding economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba;

(b) only two member states have voted consistently against the resolution since it was first introduced in 1992, demonstrating overwhelming international support for the end of the embargo; and

(c) the embargo has unfairly hindered the development of the Cuban economy, created decades of economic hardship and has had a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the Cuban people;

(2) further notes that the embargo:

(a) constitutes a serious and systemic violation of the norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations;

(b) is not conducive to friendly relations and cooperation between nations and peoples, and it directly affects the development of the Cuban economy and its people; and

(c) impedes the ability of Australian citizens to trade bilaterally;

(3) recognises that sustained international pressure will be one of the most influential methods of ending this enduring and unfair embargo; and

(4) reaffirms Australia's support for an end to the embargo.

(Notice given 6 February 2024.)

Time allotted 25 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Claydon 5 minutes.

Other Members 5 minutes each.

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

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

5 MS PRICE: To move:

That this House:

(1) acknowledges that:

(a) this Government spent $450 million on the divisive Voice to Parliament referendum that was rejected by each state and territory, excluding the Australian Capital Territory;

(b) the proposal for a Voice to Parliament was put forward as an urgent solution to help close the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;

(c) since the referendum this Government has been completely absent in this space and has demonstrated that they have no plan B; and

(d) there are proposals on the table that would make a demonstrable difference that this Government refuses to implement, including:

(i) announcing an audit into Commonwealth spending for Indigenous specific programs to identify waste in financial resources and programs that are making a difference;

(ii) establishing a royal commission into child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities; and

(iii) re-instating the cashless debit card in vulnerable communities; and

(2) calls on the Government to focus on practical actions like these to assist in closing the gap.

(Notice given 8 February 2024.)

Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 1.30 pm.

Speech time limits

Ms Price 5 minutes.

Other Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 7 x 5 mins]

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

Items for Federation Chamber (4.45 pm to 7.30 pm)

PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Notices — continued

6 MR LEESER: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes:

(a) that February 2024 marks two years since Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine;

(b) the Ukrainian people continue to show strength, determination and courage in defending their land and resisting Russia's unlawful invasion;

(c) the decision in September 2023 of the Government to retire the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters following the loss of four lives during a training accident; and

(d) the request of the Ukrainian Government in late 2023 for Australia to donate the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters to assist in its ongoing war efforts to defend their homeland.

(2) expresses concern regarding the:

(a) decision of the Government to bring forward its program of dismantling of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters;

(b) Government's weak and too-little, too-late response to requests for assistance from the government of Ukraine; and

(c) failure of the Government to maintain the former Government's record of delivering a comprehensive package of support that established Australia as the largest non-NATO contributor to Ukraine; and

(3) calls on the Government to demonstrate Australia's continued support for Ukraine by urgently:

(a) seeking advice from defence industry and NATO partners as to what support may be available to facilitate the refurbishment and operation of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters by Ukraine and reconsider the response to the government of Ukraine;

(b) responding affirmatively to the Ukrainian request for thermal power to assist in power generation;

(c) re-establishing Australia's embassy in Kyiv; and

(d) delivering a comprehensive strategy of support covering military, humanitarian and energy supplies.

(Notice given 8 February 2024.)

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

Mr Leeser 5 minutes.

Other Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]

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

Orders of the day

1 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS: Resumption of debate (from 12 February 2024) on the motion of Mr Rae—That this House:

(1) acknowledges that through the passage of its 'closing loopholes' legislation, the Government has closed loopholes used by some employers to undercut wages, conditions and safety for Australian workers, including by:

(a) stopping companies using labour hire as a means of underpaying their workers;

(b) making it a criminal offence for employers to deliberately steal their workers' wages;

(c) closing the loophole in which large businesses could claim small business exemptions during insolvency;

(d) introducing a new criminal offence of industrial manslaughter;

(e) ensuring better support for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder;

(f) protecting workers subjected to family and domestic violence from discrimination at work; and

(g) expanding the functions of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to include silica;

(2) recognises that many Australian families are doing it tough dealing with the cost of living, and that getting wages moving again is a key part of addressing the cost of living;

(3) notes that the Opposition has voted against legislation to get wages moving 36 times in this term of Parliament; and

(4) calls on the Opposition to support the remaining elements of the 'closing loopholes' legislation, including minimum standards for gig workers, reforms to the road transport industry and a better deal for casual workers who want to become permanent.

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

All Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]

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

Notices — continued

7 MS WARE: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes that:

(a) National Cabinet agreed to a national target to build 1.2 million new well-located homes over five years from 1 July 2024; and

(b) the New South Wales Government has conceded that it cannot reach its agreed housing targets of 75,000 new dwellings a year over the next five years;

(2) expresses concern that, as a flow-on consequence, the Commonwealth Government cannot reach its target to construct 1.2 million new homes over five years;

(3) acknowledges that:

(a) the Government's pipedream figure for new housing did not take into account:

(i) record high numbers of liquidations in the building and construction industry;

(ii) a shortage of available construction materials;

(iii) increasing construction material costs; and

(iv) a shortage of skilled tradespeople; and

(b) the Government refused to intervene in the dispute between the Maritime Union of Australia and DP World at container terminals, leading to a 50,000 container backlog and further exacerbating construction material shortages; and

(4) further notes that the Government has:

(a) legislated a failed housing plan; and

(b) ultimately demonstrated that it cannot develop any policy to address the housing crisis, let alone deliver it.

(Notice given 13 February 2024.)

Time allotted 40 minutes.

Speech time limits

Ms Ware 5 minutes.

Other Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 8 x 5 mins]

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

8 MRS PHILLIPS: To move:

That this House:

(1) notes the Australian Government recently published Informing Regional Investment: State of Australia's Regions 2024 which provides evidence and insights on contemporary topics of interest across Australia's diverse regions;

(2) considers the 2024 report focuses on contemporary and pressing issues as identified at the local level, including:

(a) ensuring regional workforces are positioned to meet the needs of today and tomorrow;

(b) promoting the economic aspirations, cultures and languages of First Nations people;

(c) supporting places with amenity, services and economic opportunities;

(d) collaboratively addressing issues like housing availability and affordability and access to quality early childhood education and care;

(e) preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters; and

(f) responding to challenges and opportunities as we transition to a net zero emissions future; and

(3) commends the current Australian Government for their ongoing commitment to advance the lives of regional Australia.

(Notice given 7 February 2024.)

Time allotted remaining private Members' business time prior to 7.30 pm.

Speech time limits

Mrs Phillips 5 minutes.

Other Members 5 minutes each.

[Minimum number of proposed Members speaking = 9 x 5 mins]

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

THE HON D. M. DICK MP

Speaker of the House of Representatives

14 February 2024