Sophie Scamps's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-05T22:06:04+00:00
items: Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
items: Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Corporations (Review Fees) Amendment (Technical Amendments) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Business | House debates
items: Perth: Attack | Motions | House debates
items: Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
items: Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Fossil Fuel Industry | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Domestic and Family Violence | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Commonwealth Prac Payment | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ending Online Wagering on Greyhound Racing) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
items: g48.5
items: g48.1
items: Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: by leave—I move amendments (1) to (4) as circulated in my name together: (1) Schedule 1, item 11, page 5 (lines 7 to 11), omit subsection 84AAM(4), substitute: (4) The requirements...
encoded: by leave—I move amendments (1) to (4) as circulated in my name together: (1) Schedule 1, item 11, page 5 (lines 7 to 11), omit subsection 84AAM(4), substitute: (4) The requirements determined under subsection (3) must include the following: (a) a requirement to hold particular qualifications in nursing; (b) a requirement to have particular experience in nursing; (c) a requirement to be endorsed by a particular body. (2) Schedule 1, item 11, page 5 (line 17), after "The approval is subject to", insert "the condition that the eligible nurse prescriber does not prescribe Therapeutic Goods Administration Schedule 8 medications and". (3) Schedule 1, item 11, page 6 (after line 11), after section 84AAN, insert: 84AANA Additional requirements for authorised nurse prescribers (1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine requirements that authorised nurse prescribers must meet. (2) The requirements may relate to: (a) participating in relevant real time prescription monitoring; or (b) making contributions to the National Medicines Record. (4) Schedule 1, item 11, page 6 (line 28), at the end of subsection 84AAP(1), add: ; or (e) has failed to meet a requirement determined under section 84AANA. I wholeheartedly support the intention of this bill, as it responds to a clear need to improve access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medications, ease workforce pressures and provide better access to health care for people living in rural and remote areas of Australia. However, serious concerns have been raised by key medical professional bodies regarding elements of this legislation. The amendments I have moved today seek to address those concerns. Both the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association have expressed strong reservations about the bill in its current form. Their concerns go directly to whether the framework provides adequate protections for patients. Specifically, these amendments address three main concerns, i…
date: 2026-02-05T11:38:00+00:00

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to speak on the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. This bill amends the National Health Act 1953 and the Health Insurance Act 1973 to enable...
encoded: I rise to speak on the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. This bill amends the National Health Act 1953 and the Health Insurance Act 1973 to enable registered nurses, or RNs, who meet specified criteria to prescribe certain medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The bill implements reforms identified by the government's Strengthening Medicare Taskforce and Unleashing the potential of our health workforce: scope of practice review. These explored the system changes and improvements needed to support health professionals and multidisciplinary team members to work at their full scope of practice. The aim is to deliver best practice primary health care. The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation has welcomed this bill that removes barriers and finally allows highly qualified nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to work autonomously to their full scope, providing people with better access to quality care without the need to visit their GP or a hospital emergency department. The federation has pointed to the success of nurse led clinics in Tasmania and the ACT that have empowered more nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to work to their full skill set, thereby expanding the provision of health care in those communities. There is a clear need to enable future designated nurse prescribers to prescribe PBS medications within their scope of practice and as part of collaborative prescribing agreements. However, despite endorsing the intentions of this bill, serious concerns have been raised by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the RACGP, and the Australian Medical Association, the AMA. Both of these professional medical bodies believe this bill, in its current form, does not provide sufficient protection for patients. Specific concerns include, firstly, that designated nurse prescribers should not be able to prescribe schedule 8 medicines, otherwise known as drugs of addiction, unde…
date: 2026-02-04T17:49:00+00:00

Corporations (Review Fees) Amendment (Technical Amendments) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Business | House debates
type: item
description: Yes, I second the amendment and reserve my right to speak.
encoded: Yes, I second the amendment and reserve my right to speak.
date: 2026-02-03T18:48:00+00:00

Perth: Attack | Motions | House debates
type: item
description: I thank the member for Curtin for moving this motion and also Senator Thorpe for moving it in the other place. It is only by sheer luck that a bomb lobbed into the thick of a crowd at a peaceful...
encoded: I thank the member for Curtin for moving this motion and also Senator Thorpe for moving it in the other place. It is only by sheer luck that a bomb lobbed into the thick of a crowd at a peaceful rally of First Nations people in Boorloo on 26 January did not detonate, and it was only sheer luck that nobody was killed or seriously injured. This deeply disturbing event and the following response, or lack of it, raises many concerns and questions that need scrutiny and a response. The reality is a home-made bomb was thrown into a peaceful public gathering where families, elders and children were present, gathering in a way that was their democratic right to express their own views. This was a potential mass casualty event and it was avoided not because the risks were managed but because the device failed. And yet, in the aftermath, the response from much of the political leadership and media was muted to the point of seeming indifference. Of particular note was the fact that the leader of Western Australia's opposition Liberal Party, Basil Zempilas, took three days to even mention it publicly. Where was the outrage? Where was the urgency, the clear and immediate condemnation, the sustained attention and the decisive action? Instead, there was minimisation and there was delay. It was only after First Nations leaders and communities pushed for answers that WA Police confirmed they were investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, but that response did not seem to happen automatically—it had to be demanded—and that should concern us. This incident reflects how far racial hatred against our First Nations people has been allowed to mushroom, and how emboldened people now feel to act on it. The slow and muted response is also sadly indicative of the institutionalisation of racism against our First Nations people, and this incident has not happened in isolation. The attempted bombing at the Invasion Day rally at Boorloo follows a pattern of racism and violence d…
date: 2026-02-03T17:30:00+00:00

Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: by leave—I move amendments (1) to (3) as circulated in my name together: (1) Schedule 1, item 13, page 22 (after line 19), after paragraph 114B.4(1)(a), insert: (aa) either: (i) the person...
encoded: by leave—I move amendments (1) to (3) as circulated in my name together: (1) Schedule 1, item 13, page 22 (after line 19), after paragraph 114B.4(1)(a), insert: (aa) either: (i) the person intends the training to facilitate the commission of a hate crime; or (ii) the training is likely to materially assist the commission of a hate crime; and (2) Schedule 1, item 13, page 23 (after line 9), after paragraph 114B.5(1)(a), insert: (aa) either: (i) the person intends the funds to facilitate the commission of a hate crime; or (ii) the funds are likely to materially assist the commission of a hate crime; and (3) Schedule 1, item 13, page 24 (after line 15), after paragraph 114B.6(1)(a), insert: (aa) either: (i) the person intends the support or resources to facilitate the commission of a hate crime; or (ii) the support or resources are likely to materially assist the commission of a hate crime; and All Australians, including Jewish people, have the human right to feel safe in Australia, and, over the last two years, we've witnessed a deeply troubling escalation in antisemitism that has left many Jewish Australians feeling vulnerable to violence in their own communities. This bill seeks to respond to that reality. Whilst I fully support efforts to criminalise the incitement of racial hatred and to prohibit organisations that actively promote or encourage such hatred—these are important and necessary steps—we must also, while seeking to protect one right, ensure that we do not erode others. Our response must be proportionate, well calibrated and firmly grounded in human rights principles. I note the rushed nature of this debate and the lack of time in being able to get across this bill adequately, as well as the compressed nature of the bill. I also note that I had a second reading amendment that I would have liked to have introduced, but debate was curtailed, so I was not able to do that. That amendment noted that the Australian Human Rights Commission introduced a National…
date: 2026-01-20T13:15:00+00:00

Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: by leave—I move amendments (1) and (2) as circulated in my name together: (1) Clause 2, page 2 (after table item 4), insert: (2) Schedule 2, page 86 (after line 6), at the end of the...
encoded: by leave—I move amendments (1) and (2) as circulated in my name together: (1) Clause 2, page 2 (after table item 4), insert: (2) Schedule 2, page 86 (after line 6), at the end of the Schedule, add: Part 8 — National Firearms Safety Council 217 National Firearms Safety Council There is established a National Firearms Safety Council (the Council). 218 Constitution of the Council The Council is to consist of: (a) the Chair; and (b) at least 7, but no more than 10 appointed members. 219 Function of the Council The function of the Council is to provide independent, evidence-based policy advice to governments on any matter relating to firearms and harms that may arise from their use by: (a) collecting, analysing and publishing national firearms data, including licence and firearms numbers and types, firearms categorisation, firearms access laws and practices, and trends across jurisdictions, through regular public reporting; and (b) commissioning and coordinating public health and criminological research into firearms-related harm, including suicide, domestic and family violence, accidental shootings, theft, and crimes of violence; and (c) developing national best-practice standards and benchmarks for firearms regulation, including licensing, storage, training, inspections, and risk screening; and (d) monitoring and reporting annually to the Parliament on jurisdictional compliance with the National Firearms Agreement, and the effectiveness of legal frameworks for the regulation of firearms in Australia, including identifying regulatory failures and making recommendations; and (e) identifying conflicts of interest and regulatory capture risks; and (f) promoting transparency and integrity in firearms governance and advisory processes; and (g) developing harm prevention and education initiatives; and (h) other matters as requested by the Minister. 220 Appointment of Council members (1) Each Council member is to be appointed by the Minister by written instrument, on a part-ti…
date: 2026-01-20T11:04:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
type: item
description: The horrific events of Bondi on 14 December marked a heartbreaking end to 2025. That day marked the worst mass shooting in Australia in 30 years. Fifteen innocent people were killed, 40 injured...
encoded: The horrific events of Bondi on 14 December marked a heartbreaking end to 2025. That day marked the worst mass shooting in Australia in 30 years. Fifteen innocent people were killed, 40 injured and thousands directly and indirectly impacted by grief and trauma—scars that will be with them for life. On behalf of everyone in Mackellar, on the northern beaches of Sydney, I send our love to the Jewish community and our neighbours in Bondi. We send our deepest condolences to everyone who is grieving. We stand with you in grief, in solidarity and in resolve, and we will not forget. A summer evening that should have been filled with joy has been forever etched in our national memory as a moment of profound shock, horror and loss. This was a sickening act of antisemitic violence that targeted the Australian Jewish community on a day that should have been one of hope for them and a celebration of light prevailing over dark. This is not the Australia we know; it is not the Australia we will accept. All Australians should feel safe and welcome in this country. The day of 14 December was also a day of extraordinary courage and care, heroism and love—love for our neighbours, for fellow Australians, for fellow human beings. So I would like to extend a number of enormous thankyous on behalf of the people of Mackellar. Firstly, thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all the bystanders and first responders who put their own lives at risk to save others that day. I cannot imagine the level of relief of those injured when people arrived to help them so quickly. Our heartfelt thanks go to the police officers, paramedics, ambulance officers, healthcare workers and emergency services. Special thanks must also go to the local lifeguards and lifesavers, many of whom ran into live fire to help. Their bravery and composure saved lives in unimaginable circumstances. Thank you to all the incredibly brave bystanders—people of different faiths and backgrounds—who, against all natural instinc…
date: 2026-01-19T14:08:00+00:00

Fossil Fuel Industry | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Resources. Minister, more than 80 per cent of Australia's gas is used for exports, tripling domestic gas prices and doubling electricity prices. In 2011,...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Resources. Minister, more than 80 per cent of Australia's gas is used for exports, tripling domestic gas prices and doubling electricity prices. In 2011, Santos's Gladstone LNG joint venture signed export contracts, despite not having sufficient gas reserves, forcing gas to be diverted from the domestic market. Can the minister confirm that this egregious export contract will not be extended beyond 2031 when it expires, as recommended by the ACCC?
date: 2025-11-27T14:58:00+00:00

Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: For the last 50 years the Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group in Mackellar have been bringing joy to children locally and around the world by restoring and recycling toys. Last week I...
encoded: For the last 50 years the Peninsula Senior Citizens Toy Repair Group in Mackellar have been bringing joy to children locally and around the world by restoring and recycling toys. Last week I thoroughly enjoyed visiting their toy workshop, which is filled to the rooftop with toys, to celebrate their 50th anniversary and to see firsthand the amazing work they do. They held a hugely successful toy drive to mark the occasion. Peninsula toys was established in 1975 with the goal of creating a local organisation that would benefit the community by providing an engaging activity for senior citizens, bringing joy to underprivileged children and contributing to toy recycling efforts, thereby reducing landfill waste. Today, over 30 dedicated retirees, both male and female, devote countless hours each week to ensuring that children in need have access to toys, books, games, puzzles and more. Santa's elves have nothing on peninsula toys, who work all year round distributing thousands of restored and recycled toys to countries such as Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Ghana ,Tonga and Fiji. They also provide toys to drought-stricken farming families through Rotary and Lions clubs, to First Nations communities in Sydney and Brewarrina and to children in hospital. I congratulate them on their 50th birthday and thank them for their dedication and commitment to bringing joy to so many.
date: 2025-11-27T13:35:00+00:00

Domestic and Family Violence | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: Yesterday marked the launch of the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. In Australia in 2024, a woman was killed every four days, and intimate partner violence contributes to...
encoded: Yesterday marked the launch of the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. In Australia in 2024, a woman was killed every four days, and intimate partner violence contributes to more death and disability in women aged 25 to 44 than any other preventable cause. This is simply astounding. And these are not just numbers; they are lives cut short. The ongoing ramifications of domestic and family violence are devastating. It rips families apart, and the ripple effect on our society is endlessly damaging. In 2024 in my electorate on the northern beaches of Sydney we had the second-highest increased rate of domestic violence related assaults in New South Wales—and these are only the reported cases. This underscores the urgent need for government investment in prevention, culture change and more support and accommodation services, including in Mackellar. The recent, shocking Guardian investigation into the response of Queensland police in the deaths of three women in that state lays bare just how much work there is still to do on changing the culture around domestic and family violence in this country, especially for our frontline responders. In Mackellar, the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network brings together local providers and community organisations to support victims-survivors of domestic and family violence. On behalf of the northern beaches community, I extend the most enormous and heartfelt thankyou to you for your tireless care and compassion. These organisations include the Zonta club, the Women's Resilience Centre, Lifeline Northern Beaches, MoWaNa Safe Space and the Northern Beaches Council. Other key members, the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter and Women & Children First, are trusted specialist providers of crisis accommodation for mothers and children fleeing violence. These charitable organisations have delivered thousands of nights of safety and support to those in need, and yet on average both organisations turn away between 40 and 50…
date: 2025-11-26T09:30:00+00:00

Commonwealth Prac Payment | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
type: item
description: I too welcome the member for Indi's topic for debate today, because it truly is a matter of public importance. I really appreciate, as well, the contributions from those opposite who obviously...
encoded: I too welcome the member for Indi's topic for debate today, because it truly is a matter of public importance. I really appreciate, as well, the contributions from those opposite who obviously have a really strong passion for education and further investment in education as well. But our young people are doing it tough right now, and the lack of financial support for students doing mandatory prac placements is an important aspect of this. Today's generation of students are navigating an environment of high living costs—the costs of rent, groceries, transport and utilities—and this leaves students across the country struggling to make ends meet. On top of these financial challenges, mandatory placements are forcing students into real hardship right now, because of the inability to earn an income over long periods of full-time practical training and because of the need to pay rent, sometimes on top of their usual rent. For many the choice is stark—sacrifice basic needs or jeopardise their education. Too often, young students are skipping meals, living in their cars and making the difficult choice about whether or not to give up on their dreams and drop out of their studies completely. They are being forced into vulnerable situations. This growing economic strain threatens not only student wellbeing and safety but also the sustainability of our future health workforce. The introduction of the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme on 1 July this year was timely, necessary and very welcome. Supporting nurses, midwives, social workers and teachers during their compulsory placements has been widely welcomed as a positive step towards addressing acute workforce shortages in schools, hospitals and aged care. While this targeted measure aims to boost enrolments and retention in these critical sectors, it disregards comparable placement demands and workforce shortages in other disciplines. For thousands of students undertaking allied health and medical degrees, amongst other things…
date: 2025-11-26T16:15:00+00:00

Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I rise in support of the motion brought on by the member for Ryan, and I thank the member for bringing this really important issue to the House. Brisbane and Australia have a huge opportunity...
encoded: I rise in support of the motion brought on by the member for Ryan, and I thank the member for bringing this really important issue to the House. Brisbane and Australia have a huge opportunity ahead with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games. But with that opportunity comes a responsibility to plan well, to plan transparently and to plan with the people who will live with the outcomes and the infrastructure long after the closing ceremony. We don't have to look far to understand what happens when Olympic planning goes wrong. Images of abandoned venues around the world are haunting reminders—vast structures, built at enormous expense, now rusting and empty. In Beijing the iconic birds nest dazzled during the games but has struggled ever since and is largely unused. Athens had little in the way of legacy planning, and many of its venues slipped almost immediately into disuse and disrepair. Even here, in Australia, Sydney's own Olympic Park offers lessons. Despite the excitement and the civic pride of the 2000 games, planning for post games was inadequate, and it was a heavily car-dependent destination from the outset. These shortcomings weren't inevitable but were the result of decisions made without deep community engagement or long-term vision. But there are positive examples too. London's planning for the 2012 games showed what's possible when you start early, listen carefully and think long term. Their games drove major regeneration; accelerated a city-wide transformation that was already underway; and engaged best-practice, environmentally sustainable development. Barcelona did the same for 1992, investing the majority of its funds not in sport but in lasting improvements to the city, successfully integrating a mega-event into long-term urban policy and planning. This led to a sustained economic and cultural benefit for the local community. There are already concerning signs that Brisbane may be missing the opportunity not just to host a great games but to improve…
date: 2025-11-24T12:21:00+00:00

Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
encoded: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
date: 2025-11-24T12:11:00+00:00

Interactive Gambling Amendment (Ending Online Wagering on Greyhound Racing) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I second the motion. I start by thanking the member for Clark for his tireless advocacy for animal welfare and for bringing compassion and common sense to this parliament. There is widespread...
encoded: I second the motion. I start by thanking the member for Clark for his tireless advocacy for animal welfare and for bringing compassion and common sense to this parliament. There is widespread support for ending greyhound racing in this country. I've heard it consistently in my own electorate of Mackellar since I was elected in 2022 and I've seen it reflected in the national polling. The greyhound racing industry is one built on animal cruelty. In 2015, following the ABC Four Corners expose about the industry, a special commission of inquiry into greyhound racing in New South Wales was undertaken. The report described overwhelming evidence of systemic animal cruelty, including the mass killing of greyhounds, the widespread practice of live baiting, racing deaths and injuries, and the mistreatment of the dogs. The then premier of New South Wales, Michael Baird, acted swiftly to ban the industry in New South Wales, but this was soon overturned due to political pressure to give the industry another chance to reform itself. The industry has now had 10 years to reform itself. So where do we find ourselves a decade on? Sadly, it seems, not much has changed. Last year a handover report by New South Wales former chief veterinary officer Dr Alex Brittan claimed that some dogs were being raised at a 'barbaric' intensity, that rehomed animal figures were inflated and that some dogs were locked in metal cages. In the report, Dr Brittan wrote: There are cases of extreme distress, deep claw marks gouged all over the inside of metal cages and recent pools of blood from toenails that had been ripped off from clawing at the cage door in distress. The New South Wales Minister for Gaming and Racing, on reading the report, stated: This level of animal distress is appalling and can neither be condoned or excused. Last year, a new independent inquiry was undertaken to again look at greyhound racing in New South Wales. The report was handed to the racing minister early this year but is yet…
date: 2025-11-24T10:09:00+00:00

Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. The Northern Beaches Hospital in Mackellar has provided both public and private services under a public-private partnership. Following the...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. The Northern Beaches Hospital in Mackellar has provided both public and private services under a public-private partnership. Following the private operator Healthscope entering receivership in May this year, the announcement that public services would be transitioned to NSW Health was indeed very welcome. However, there is great uncertainty about the continuation of the world-class private services delivered there. Minister, what reassurance can you provide my community regarding ongoing access to all the private services at Northern Beaches Hospital?
date: 2025-11-06T15:01:00+00:00

National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: by leave—I move amendments (1) to (34) as circulated in my name together: (1) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 1), omit the table item, substitute: (2) Clause 4, page 2 (line 20), after...
encoded: by leave—I move amendments (1) to (34) as circulated in my name together: (1) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 1), omit the table item, substitute: (2) Clause 4, page 2 (line 20), after "Agency,", insert "establishes the Board of NEPA". (3) Clause 4, page 2 (after line 21), after the paragraph beginning "This Act establishes", insert: The Board's functions include appointing the CEO, determining policies and long-term strategic plans for the CEO, advising the CEO and assessing and reporting on the CEO's performance of the CEO's functions. (4) Clause 4, page 3 (line 2), omit "the CEO and". (5) Clause 4, page 3 (lines 3 to 5), omit "the CEO's independence by directing the CEO in the performance or exercise of the CEO's functions or powers", substitute "the Board's or the CEO's independence by directing them in the performance or exercise of their functions or powers". (6) Clause 5, page 3 (after line 17), after the definition of advisory group, insert: Board: see section 11A. Board member means a member of the Board and includes the Chair and Deputy Chair. (7) Clause 5, page 3 (after line 18), after the definition of CEO, insert: Chair: see subsection 11D(5). Deputy Chair: see subsection 11D(5). (8) Clause 5, page 3 (before line 28), before paragraph (a) of the definition of entrusted person, insert: (aa) a Board member; or (9) Clause 5, page 4 (lines 3 to 6), omit paragraph (d) of the definition of entrusted person, substitute: (d) a person engaged under section 23 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 by the Board under a written agreement to assist in, or advise in relation to, the performance of the Board's functions or the CEO's functions; or (10) Clause 5, page 4 (after line 12), after the definition of environment, insert: former judge means: (a) a former Justice of the High Court; or (b) a former judge of the Federal Court of Australia; or (c) a former judge of the Supreme Court of a State or Territory. Indigenous person means a person …
date: 2025-11-06T13:50:00+00:00

g48.5
type: item
title: Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
description: I move the amendments: SHEET 1 (1) Clause 2, page 2 (at the end of the table), add: (2) Schedule 1, page 5 (before line 8), before item 2, insert: 1A Section 11 Omit "it is taken in accordance...
encoded: I move the amendments: SHEET 1 (1) Clause 2, page 2 (at the end of the table), add: (2) Schedule 1, page 5 (before line 8), before item 2, insert: 1A Section 11 Omit "it is taken in accordance with Regional Forest Agreements or". (3) Schedule 1, item 85, page 16 (after line 3), after subsection 33(1), insert: (1A) However, the Minister must not make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to forestry operations. (4) Schedule 1, item 115, page 38 (line 28), at the end of section 37, add: ; and (f) the action is not a forestry operation. (5) Schedule 1, page 38 (after line 28), after item 115, insert: 115A Divisions 4 and 6 of Part 4 Repeal the Divisions. (6) Schedule 1, item 117, page 39 (after line 11), after subsection 46(1), insert: (1A) However, a bilateral agreement must not make a declaration under subsection (1) in relation to forestry operations. (7) Schedule 1, item 117, page 39 (after line 17), after subsection 46(2), insert: (2A) However, the Minister must not accredit a management or authorisation framework in relation to forestry operations. (8) Schedule 1, page 64 (after line 20), after item 157, insert: 157A After subsection 68(1) Insert: Note: See also section 68B if the proposal involves clearing native vegetation. (9) Schedule 1, page 64 (after line 23), after item 158, insert: 158A Subsection 68A(5) After "subsection 68(1) or (2)", insert ", or subsection 68B(2),". 158B After section 68A Insert: 68B Clearing native vegetation in certain areas requires referral (1) This section applies to a proposal to take any of the following actions: (a) an action that includes clearing one or more areas of native vegetation that total 20 hectares or more; (b) an action that, together with one or more other actions, includes clearing one or more areas of native vegetation that: (i) total 20 hectares or more; and (ii) are on the same property; (c) an action, that together with one or more other actions over a period of up to 2 years, includes clearing one o…
date: 2025-11-06T11:37:00+00:00

g48.1
type: item
title: Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
description: I ask leave of the House to move amendments (1) to (20) on sheet 1, amendments (1) and (5) on sheet 2 and amendments (2) to (4) and (6) to (13) on sheet 2 as circulated in my name together
encoded: I ask leave of the House to move amendments (1) to (20) on sheet 1, amendments (1) and (5) on sheet 2 and amendments (2) to (4) and (6) to (13) on sheet 2 as circulated in my name together
date: 2025-11-06T11:37:00+00:00

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise in support for the member of Curtin's amendments. I just want to add my voice in calling for a broad review of the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill and of our FOI system—again,...
encoded: I rise in support for the member of Curtin's amendments. I just want to add my voice in calling for a broad review of the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill and of our FOI system—again, not just a committee review, but one that's done independently by experts. We know all previous reviews—the Hawke, Shergold, Faulkner and Thodey—all recommended comprehensive reviews. There are multiple concerns with this bill to change our FOI laws. They include the expansion of the cabinet document exemption, the reintroduction of application fees for FOI requests—something that would shut some people out of their democracy and promote secrecy over transparency—and the removal of the ability for a FOI applicant to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym. We know that sometimes it is people like whistleblowers and investigative journalists who need to make these applications anonymously, and we know that there have been many royal commissions coming from investigative journalism, so to cut that out, to shut that out, would be a retrograde step in terms of our transparency. There is one other thing I want to mention. A number of us have said that freedom of information is a cornerstone, a key pillar of our democracy. We need to be moving towards greater transparency and greater accountability, rather than greater secrecy. That's why having an independent, broad based review of our FOI system is incredibly important, and I support the member for Curtin's call for there to be a broad based review of our FOI system. Finally, a lack of trust in our political system, a lack of trust in our democracy, is something that undermines social cohesion and a sense of wellbeing. Anything we can do to inspire greater trust in our government and our political system is always a great way to grow that social cohesion.
date: 2025-11-05T17:33:00+00:00

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration in Detail | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I move the amendment circulated in my name: (1) Schedule 7, Part 3, page 64 (line 1) to page 65 (line 5), omit the Part. The amendment I am moving today is simple. It removes the changes proposed...
encoded: I move the amendment circulated in my name: (1) Schedule 7, Part 3, page 64 (line 1) to page 65 (line 5), omit the Part. The amendment I am moving today is simple. It removes the changes proposed in this bill to the deliberative documents exemption of the Freedom of Information Act. The bill proposes to expand this exemption by including a new list of 'factors against giving access' in addition to the current 'factors favouring access' and 'irrelevant factors'. This list of factors against giving access to a document in the public interest is overly broad. In the words of former Public Service Commissioner Andrew Podger, 'They could be used to refuse access to almost any document.' Specifically, the list includes whether giving access to the document would or could reasonably be expected to prejudice the orderly and effective conduct of a government decision-making process. This is one of many measures in this bill that would reduce government transparency and take our public service in a more secretive direction. As I outlined in my second reading speech, experts, the broader community and my crossbench colleagues have all raised key concerns with this bill, including the expansion of the cabinet documents exemption, the reintroduction of application fees for FOI requests and the removal of the ability for an FOI applicant to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym. A central argument for the government for the proposed expansion of exemptions is that the current provisions constrain the delivery of frank and fearless advice. Certainly, we must protect the Public Service values of impartiality, intellectual rigour and perhaps, most importantly, the willingness of public servants at all levels to offer frank and fearless advice to their superiors and their ministers. Yet the evidence, including from the robodebt royal commission, shows that factors other than FOI are contributing to failures to provide frank and fearless advice. These include the central role of governm…
date: 2025-11-05T16:57:00+00:00