Senate debates

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Committees

Selection of Bills Committee; Report

3:39 pm

Photo of Anne McEwenAnne McEwen (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I present the sixth report of 2013 of the Selection of Bills Committee and I seek leave to have the report incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The report read as follows—

SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

REPORT NO. 6 OF 2013

1. The committee met in private session on Monday, 17 June 2013 at 8.41 pm.

2. The committee resolved to recommend—That—

(a) the provisions of the African Development Bank Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 August 2013 (see appendix 1 for a statement of reasons for referral);

(b) the Australian Education Bill 2013 and the provisions of the Australian Education (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 August 2013 (see appendices 2 and 3 for statements of reasons for referral);

(c) the provisions of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Law Enforcement Integrity, Vulnerable Witness Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 August 2013 (see appendix 4 for a statement of reasons for referral);

(d) the Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 August 2013 (see appendices 5 and 6 for statements of reasons for referral);

(e) the provisions of the Homelessness Bill 2013 and the Homelessness (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2013 (see appendix 7 for a statement of reasons for referral);

(f) the provisions of the Migration Amendment (Offshore Resources Activity) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 August 2013 (see appendix 8 for a statement of reasons for referral);

(g) the provisions of the Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 August 2013 (see appendix 9 for a statement of reasons for referral);

(h) the Privacy Amendment (Privacy Alerts) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 24 June 2013 (see appendix 10 for a statement of reasons for referral);

(i) the provisions of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Public Housing Tenants' Support) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 20 August 2013 (see appendix 11 for a statement of reasons for referral); and

(j) the Superannuation Laws Amendment (MySuper Capital Gains Tax Relief and Other Measures) Bill 2013 be referred immediately to the Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 24 June 2013 (see appendix 12 for a statement of reasons for referral).

3. The committee resolved to recommend—That the following bills not be referred to committees:

        Charities (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013

              Customs Tariff (Anti-Dumping) Amendment Bill 2013

                  International Interests in Mobile Equipment (Cape Town Convention) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2013

                          Superannuation (Sustaining the Superannuation Contribution Concession) Imposition Bill 2013

                              The committee recommends accordingly.

                              4. The committee considered the following bills and, noting that they had been referred to committees pursuant to the order of the Senate of 15 May, resolved to make no recommendation:

                                        Sugar Research and Development Services (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013

                                          5. The committee deferred consideration of the following bills to its next meeting:

                                                  (Anne McEwen)

                                                  Chair

                                                  17 June 2013

                                                  Appendix 1

                                                  SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                  Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                  Name of bill:

                                                  African Development Bank Bill 2013

                                                  Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                  Consideration of the additional financial and human resources required by the Commonwealth Treasury and the Australian Agency for International Development to support Australia's engagement with the African Development Bank Group

                                                  Consideration of the effectiveness of the African Development Bank Group's governance structures.

                                                  Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                  Commonwealth Treasury

                                                  Australian Agency for International Development

                                                  Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                  Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

                                                  Possible hearing date(s):

                                                  June / July

                                                  Possible reporting date:

                                                  20 August 2013

                                                  (signed)

                                                  Senator Fifield

                                                  Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                  Appendix 2

                                                  SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                  Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                  Name of bill:

                                                  Australian Education Bill 2013 (third reading print)

                                                  Australian Education (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013

                                                  Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                  To scrutinise the amendments to the Australian Education Bill, and examine the Australian Education (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013.

                                                  Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                  Non-government school authorities

                                                  State Governments

                                                  Peak bodies representing teachers

                                                  Peak bodies representing parents

                                                  Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                  Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

                                                  Possible hearing date(s):

                                                  June / July

                                                  Possible reporting date:

                                                  August

                                                  (signed)

                                                  Senator Fifield

                                                  Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                  Appendix 3

                                                  SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                  Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                  Name of bill:

                                                      Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                        Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                  Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                  Possible reporting date:

                                                                    (signed)

                                                                    Senator McEwen

                                                                    Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                    Appendix 4

                                                                    SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                    Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                    Name of bill:

                                                                    Crimes Legislation Amendment (Law Enforcement Integrity, Vulnerable Witness Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2013

                                                                    Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                    There are issues to examine regarding the amendments relating to people smuggling and the use of wrist x-rays.

                                                                    Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                    AFP

                                                                    Customs

                                                                    DIAC

                                                                    Medical experts

                                                                    Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                    Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee

                                                                    Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                    To be determined by the committee

                                                                    Possible reporting date:

                                                                    To be determined by the committee

                                                                    (signed)

                                                                    Senator Fifield

                                                                    Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                    Appendix 5

                                                                    SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                    Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                    Name of bill:

                                                                    Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2013

                                                                    Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                    To examine land use and land management issues

                                                                    Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                    Department of Defence

                                                                    Department of Resources

                                                                    Traditional Landowners

                                                                    Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                    Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

                                                                    Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                    June / July

                                                                    Possible reporting date:

                                                                    Mid August

                                                                    (signed)

                                                                    Senator Fifield

                                                                    Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                    Appendix 6

                                                                    SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                    Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                    Name of bill:

                                                                    Defence Legislation Amendment (Woomera Prohibited Area) Bill 2013.

                                                                    Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                    While a review of the proposal to open up the Woomera area was canvassed by the Hawke Review, the exposure draft was open for public comment from 8-13 May, insufficient time to assess whether the recommendations of the Review have been adequately implemented.

                                                                    Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                      o Maralinga Tjarutja

                                                                      o Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara

                                                                      o Kokotha Uwankara

                                                                      Peak environmental groups

                                                                      Corporations seeking to mine in the Woomera Prohibited area

                                                                      SA government

                                                                      Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                      Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

                                                                      Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                      July/August 2013

                                                                      Possible reporting date:

                                                                      October 2013

                                                                      (signed)

                                                                      Senator Siewert

                                                                      Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                      Appendix 7

                                                                      SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                      Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                      Name of bill:

                                                                      Homelessness Bill 2013

                                                                      Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                      The homelessness sector believes the bill is not rights based legislation (as was promised originally) that demonstrates or explicitly states the government is progressively committed to providing affordable housing.

                                                                      As such, funding for homelessness services and housing provided under the National Affordable Housing Agreement and in the National Rental Affordable Scheme for example should be covered in a homelessness bill. No financial arrangements or commitments are covered in this bill.

                                                                      It's also a confusing bill that talks about rights and obligations under Human Rights treaties-but the bill ends by stating it cancels out any legal obligation to give an avenue for recourse with regard to those treaties. Finally the definition of homelessness is problematic to the sector.

                                                                      The homelessness sector is extremely concerned and disappointed this Bill has no teeth and adds no value to the homelessness response.

                                                                      The long delay for this Bill is also a reason for concern. The bill was a recommendation from the Inquiry as part of the government's White Paper on homelessness in 2009.

                                                                      Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                      Homelessness Australia

                                                                      Anglicare Australia

                                                                      Community Housing Federation of Australia

                                                                      Homelessness Council of Australia

                                                                      Australian Council of Social Services

                                                                      HomeGround Services

                                                                      St Patricks Western Australia

                                                                      St Vincent de Paul

                                                                      Mental Health Council of Australia

                                                                      Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                      Senate Committee on Community Affairs

                                                                      Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                      The week ending Friday June 21St

                                                                      Possible reporting date:

                                                                      Tuesday June 25th

                                                                      (signed)

                                                                      Senator Siewert

                                                                      Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                      Appendix 8

                                                                      SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                      Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                      Name of bill:

                                                                      Migration Amendment (Offshore Resources Activity) Bill 2013

                                                                      Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                      Examine the regulatory burden and cost this bill will impose upon employers forced to seek overseas workers to meet a skills need that cannot presently be met from within the Australian workforce.

                                                                      Examine proposed changes to Australia's Migration Zone to guarantee that no unintended consequences may result in litigation, may undermine offshore processing arrangements or compromise the power of the Minister for Immigration to grant or refuse a visa.

                                                                      Examine implications for the decision precedent established by the Federal Court in Allseas Construction SA v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship [2012] FCA 529 (Allseas).

                                                                      Examine any confusion that may be created in relation to Australia's international obligations and jurisdictions at sea.

                                                                      Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                      Attorney-General's Department

                                                                      Department of Immigration and Citizenship

                                                                      Department of Education, Employment and Work Place Relations

                                                                      Australian Customs and Border Protection Command

                                                                      Australian Mines and Metals Association

                                                                      Migration Council of Australia

                                                                      APPEA

                                                                      Australian Shipowners Association

                                                                      Allseas

                                                                      Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                      Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee

                                                                      Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                      July

                                                                      Possible reporting date:

                                                                      August

                                                                      (signed)

                                                                      Senator Fifield

                                                                      Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                      Appendix 9

                                                                      SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                      Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                      Name of bill:

                                                                      Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill

                                                                      Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                      The Bill requires further investigation into the regulatory impact the proposed changes will impose on Australian business and industry, together with impacts on labour market efficiency and business productivity from the reintroduction of labour market testing in particular. An inquiry is required to ensure no adverse impacts arise that would prohibit businesses from accessing the skilled labour they need to support Australian jobs and Australian investment.

                                                                      Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                      Department of Immigration and Citizenship

                                                                      Department of Education, Employment and Work Place Relations

                                                                      Migration Council of Australia

                                                                      Migration Institute of Australia

                                                                      Australian Mines and Metals Association

                                                                      ACCI

                                                                      AHA

                                                                      BCA

                                                                      Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency

                                                                      Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                      Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee

                                                                      Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                      July

                                                                      Possible reporting date:

                                                                      August

                                                                      (signed)

                                                                      Senator Fifield

                                                                      Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                      Appendix 10

                                                                      SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                      Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                      Name of bill:

                                                                      Privacy Amendment (Privacy Alerts) Bill 2013

                                                                      Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                      Regulatory burden on business;

                                                                      Interoperability of the Bill with voluntary codes currently being prepared;

                                                                      Adequacy of the Privacy Commissioner's resources to administer the regime and to deal with current responsibilities in code formulation;

                                                                      Status of code formulation;

                                                                      Progress of a consumer education program for the new privacy regime;

                                                                      Extent of the regime established by the Bill that is to be contained in Regulations.

                                                                      Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                      Privacy Commissioner

                                                                      Attorney-General's Department

                                                                      Australian Retail Credit Association

                                                                      Veda

                                                                      Dun & Bradstreet

                                                                      Genworth Limited

                                                                      Optus

                                                                      Telstra

                                                                      Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                      Legal and Constitutional Affairs

                                                                      Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                      To be determined by the committee

                                                                      Possible reporting date:

                                                                      To be determined by the committee

                                                                      (signed)

                                                                      Senator Fifield

                                                                      Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                      Appendix 11

                                                                      SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                      Proposal to refer a bill to a committee:

                                                                      Name of bill:

                                                                      Social Security Legislation Amendment (Public Housing Tenants' Support) Bill 2013

                                                                      Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                      To examine:

                                                                              Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                              Homelessness Australia

                                                                              Australian Council of Social Services

                                                                              National Shelter

                                                                              Tenants Union of Victoria

                                                                              Salvation Army

                                                                              Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                              Community Affairs

                                                                              Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                              July 2013

                                                                              Possible reporting date:

                                                                              August 2013

                                                                              (signed)

                                                                              Senator Fifield

                                                                              Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                              Appendix 12

                                                                              SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE

                                                                              Proposal to refer a bill to a committee

                                                                              Name of bill:

                                                                              Superannuation Laws Amendment (MySuper Capital Gains Tax Relief and Other Measures) Bill 2013

                                                                              Reasons for referral/principal issues for consideration:

                                                                              Schedule 1: Scope of CGT relief (and ability to transfer losses)

                                                                              Schedule 2: Impact on the superannuation benefits and retirement incomes of veterans and their surviving spouses

                                                                              Possible submissions or evidence from:

                                                                              FSC, ASFA, AIST, ISN, Defence Force Welfare Association and the RSL

                                                                              Committee to which bill is to be referred:

                                                                              Senate Economics Committee

                                                                              Possible hearing date(s):

                                                                              To be determined by the committee

                                                                              Possible reporting date:

                                                                              To be determined by the committee

                                                                              (signed)

                                                                              Senator Fifield

                                                                              Whip/Selection of Bills Committee Member

                                                                              I move:

                                                                              That the report be adopted.

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