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Foreign Affairs Mr Downer —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) The following states have signed the Convention: Bolivia (29 June 1996), Burkina Faso (24 June 1995), Cambodia (24 June 1995), Cote d'Ivoire (24 June 1995), Croatia (24 June 1995), Finland (1 December 1995), France (24 June 1995), Georgia (27 June 1995), Guinea (24 June 1995), Hungary (24 June 1995), Italy (24 June 1995), Lithuania (24 June 1995), Netherlands (28 June 1996), Pakistan (27 June 1996), Paraguay (13 June 1996), Peru (28 June 1996), Portugal (23 April 1996), Romania (27 June 1996), Russian Federation (29 June 1996), Senegal (29 June 1996), Switzerland (26 June 1996), Zambia (24 June 1995). (2) The following states have ratified the Convention: Lithuania (4 April 1997), Paraguay (27 May 1997). (3) To date, the only state to have acceded to the Convention is China (7 May 1997). (4) The relevant departments and agencies, including the Department of Communications and
the Arts, the Attorney-General's Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have not met at the inter-agency level to consider accession by Australia, nor has a timetable been established to do so. (5) There is no timetable established for consultations with State and Territory governments. However, such consultations must take place before a decision regarding Australian accession to the Convention is made. (6) Further consideration and consultation must be undertaken in accordance with the normal treaty-making process before any decision is made on whether Australia should accede to the Convention. This includes consultations at the Commonwealth inter-agency level, as well as with State and Territory governments, followed by the tabling of proposed treaty action in Parliament. At this stage it is not possible to estimate the likely duration of this process. | Australia | 1,998 |
Workplace Relations and Small Business Mr Reith —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) I am aware of the concerns of some independent supermarket retailers about the equity of the sales tax system. Because these retailers operate through an independent wholesaler, they may pay more sales tax than the large retailers which operates through its own wholesale/distribution centre. This is not a consequence of a higher sales tax rate being imposed on independent retailers, but rather a consequence of retail chains that operate their own wholesale outlets being advantaged by the status of the existing sales tax system. I have met with representatives of independent supermarket wholesalers and retailers, including Australian Asia/Pacific Wholesalers Pty Ltd and the National Association of Retail Grocers of Australia. I have been briefed on the circumstances in which this problem has developed, and the implications for independent supermarket retailers and consumers. I have raised their concerns with the Treasurer. I am also advised that the industry has raised these issues with the Commissioner for Taxation by way of formal submission. The issue highlights the structural weaknesses of the existing wholesale sales tax system and reinforces the Government's determination to fundamentally reform the Australian taxation system. Had the system been reformed
by the previous Labor government in its 13 years of office, this problem would not now exist. (2) In responding to part (a) of the question, advice was sought from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO has advised that the wholesale sales tax (WST) system is a single stage tax at the wholesale level. Sales tax is payable on the wholesale selling price (the taxable value). The WST legislation allows the Commissioner of Taxation to enter into administrative agreements with taxpayers concerning the calculation of the taxable value. I am advised that these agreements on taxable value are used in situations where the wholesale selling price is not readily apparent or capable of ready calculation. I am further advised that consideration of industry submissions is continuing in discussions between the ATO and industry representatives. The issue raised in part (b) of the question goes to the very nature of the operation of the sales tax system, namely the application of a single rate of tax at the point of last wholesale sale. I am advised that any proposals for reform of the current arrangements are necessarily complex as they involve examination of a key building block of the current system and have direct adverse revenue implications. As the honourable member would be aware, the Prime Minister has announced that the Government plans to reform and modernise the Australian taxation system for the twenty-first century. In evaluating the options for tax reform, an important consideration for the Government will be to ensure that Australia's tax system does not disadvantage smaller businesses and is conducive to growth and employment in this important sector of the economy. | Australia | 1,998 |
Prime Minister Mr Howard —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) Yes—although, given the meeting was not a negotiating forum and its outcomes are declaratory, the benefits are not strictly quantifiable.
The Edinburgh Commonwealth Economic Declaration will provide a boost to trade liberalisation by highlighting developed and developing country agreement on the need for and benefits of trade liberalisation. Australia's initiative to establish a Trade and Investment Access Facility under the Commonwealth umbrella will also help maintain the momentum for liberalisation by assisting developing Commonwealth members manage the potential economic and social impacts of trade and investment liberalisation. The initiative was endorsed by Commonwealth leaders and backed by funding commitments from Canada, Britain and New Zealand. The declaration was also helpful in emphasising the importance of encouraging investment flows—especially through sound macroeconomic policies and financial systems, strong regulatory and supervisory frameworks and political stability—and the key role of the private sector in achieving economic growth. The declaration recognised that the environment was a global resource and that the costs of protecting it should be borne in accordance with shared and differentiated responsibilities. This is exactly what Australia has been advocating in the climate change negotiations. The language on climate change achieved an accommodation of the broad spectrum of different approaches to this issue. The declaration advanced Australia's interests by recognising the need for: . all countries, developed and developing, to play their part in achieving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in order to solve what is a global problem . a successful outcome at Kyoto involving realistic and achievable goals. Australia has consistently argued that an equitable, realistic approach to the global environmental problem of climate change should involve the adoption of differentiated emission targets, to ensure an equality of effort across all countries. Differentiated targets that take into account the characteristics of the Australian economy will ensure Australia does not bear a disproportionate economic burden. (2) Yes. It was recognised that all Commonwealth countries will need to play a role in achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, Commonwealth countries agreed to: . underline the importance of a successful outcome at Kyoto, with all countries playing their part within the Berlin Mandate, with developed countries pursuing vigorously an outcome that would produce significant reductions in their greenhouse gas emissions
through the adoption of a protocol or other legal instrument; . call on the Kyoto Conference to recognise that, after Kyoto, all countries will need to play their part by pursuing policies that would result in significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, and . call for agreement at Kyoto to arrangements to monitor the reduction of emissions regularly. | Australia | 1,998 |
Mr Campbell asked the Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism, upon notice, on 17 November 1997: (1) What sum was invested by the Energy Research and Development Corporation (ERDC) in its last full year of operation. (2) What sum has been dispersed by the Government in similar grants since the abolition of the ERDC.
(3) What is the average monetary value of grants under the new grants system. (4) Was a concessional loan of $62,000 granted to Neville Crocker Australia Pty Ltd to develop a single submersible light fixture by 1 October 1997; if so, what sum did the grant cost the Department to process. (5) Are submersible light fixtures readily available; if so, what is different about this fixture. (6) What sum does the average concessional loan cost to process. (7) What criteria are used to determine if a grant falls within the guidelines and is successful. (8) Did Transform Composites Pty Ltd receive a concessional loan of $367,582 for the development of the Phenolic Composite Panel; if so, what criteria did Transform Composites Pty Ltd fulfil. (9) Was the intended date of completion for the Phenolic Composite Panel 30 June 1997; if so, is it now being manufactured on a commercial basis. (10) Was Custom Ladder Company Pty Ltd given a concessional loan of $125,000 to aid its development of a mobile ladder; if so, what was technically superior about the ladder. (11) Did Eski Exports Pty Ltd receive a concessional loan of $265,000 for the export of Tasmanian Spring Water Products; if so, what criteria did Eski Exports Pty Ltd fulfil. (12) Who makes the decisions on which organisations are entitled to receive a concessional loan. (13) Are decisions made by a board; if so, what (a) criteria are used for the selection of persons to the board, (b) are the qualifications and industry experience of each person and (c) has been the average length of time served by each chairperson since the inception of the new board. (14) How many of the completed projects that received concessional loans, are providing long term manufacturing jobs for Australian people in new and advancing high technology industries. | Australia | 1,998 |
Industry, Science and Technology Mr Moore —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) $416,705,990 during the last financial year (1996/97). (2) I am unclear as to what the honourable member is referring to when he asks about similar grants since the abolition of the Energy Research and Development Corporation (ERDC). ERDC provided investment support for R&D projects in the energy sector. As such there is no similar program now operating. However, I note that companies that may have been supported through the ERDC could seek assistance through the R&D Start Program. Under the R&D Start Program the IR&D Board expects to approve around $120
million in grants in 1997/98, of which $18.2 million has been approved as at 25 November 1997. (3) It is not clear what new grant scheme the honourable member is referring to. If he is referring to the R&D Start Program the average size of grants approved in 1996/97 was $1.34 million. (4) Neville Crocker Australia received a concessional loan of $62,000 for the early commercialisation of the single submersible light fixture not for the development of the product. My Department estimates that it cost approximately $6,000 to process the application. (5) There are submersible light fixtures currently available. Neville Crocker at present makes 3 models. There are also imported submersible light fixtures on the market manufactured in Germany, Spain, Canada, and USA. The project was approved by a Committee of the IR&D Board against the selection criteria, which stipulate that a loan is for commercialisation of a technical innovation. Specific details about the innovative features of the product supported through a Loan are commercial in confidence. (6) As noted in the response to part (4), it costs my Department approximately $6,000 to process the average concessional loan application. (7) I assume the honourable member's question relates to the R&D Start Program. Applications for grants are assessed on a competitive basis by the IR&D Board against the Ministerial Directions. Ministerial Directions for the R&D Start Program were issued by me in December 1996, and amended in June 1997. The Directions were published in the Gazette of 18 December 1996 and 25 June 1997. Ministerial Directions for the Concessional Loans for the Commercialisation of Technological Innovation element of the R&D Start Program were issued in July 1994. The Directions were published in the Gazette of 20 July 1994. (8) Yes. Transform Composites Pty Ltd received a concessional loan for the early commercialisation of the Phenolic Composite Panel, not for the development of the product. Transform Composites Pty Ltd had to rank highly against the merit criteria outlined in the response to part (7) for concessional loans. (9) Yes. I understand that Transform Composites Pty Ltd has advised my Department that the Phenolic Composite Panel is being manufactured on a commercial basis. The company has advised that they have received firm orders for the panels which will be used in light rail cars. (10) Yes. A concessional loan was awarded for the early commercialisation associated with the
mobile ladder, not for the development of the product. Details about the innovative features of the new product are commercial in confidence. (11) Yes. Eski Exports Pty Ltd received a concessional loan for the early commercialisation activities associated with the export of Tasmanian spring water products. Eski Exports Pty Ltd had to rank highly against the merit criteria outlined in response to part (7) for concessional loans. (12) Decisions are made by the IR&D Board and its Committees, as prescribed in the IR&D Act 1986 and in the Ministerial Directions for the Program. (13) Yes. Decisions are taken by the Board or by committees under delegation from the Board. (a) The Board's membership is drawn from industry, academia and research organisations and its members' qualifications and experience cover a wide range of commercial and technical areas in various industries. When selecting members for appointment to the Board, consideration is given to: (i) qualifications and experience; (ii) geographical distribution; (iii) spread of expertise already available on the Board. (b) The IR&D Board currently comprises 15 members. Details about qualifications and industry experience for each member of the Board are set out on pages 4 to 7 in the Industry Research and Development Board's 1996/97 Annual Report. (c) The IR&D Board was established on 1 July 1986 under the Industry Research and Development Act 1986. Since its inception, four chairpersons have been appointed to the Board. The average length of time served by them has been 2 years and 8 months. 14) The Concessional Loans for the Commercialisation of Technological Innovation Program was introduced in July 1994. The first project under this program was not supported until September 1994. All projects are supported for early commercialisation activities and have up to three years. Accordingly, very few projects have reached the stage when meaningful data could be obtained to measure their impact on long term manufacturing jobs. | Australia | 1,998 |
Attorney-General Mr Williams —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) The Commonwealth's written report, placed before the July meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General, referred to a number of human rights issues. These include: . Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; . ILO Convention 169, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries (1989); . Commission on Human Rights; . Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture; . Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); . Fourth World Conference on Women; . Possible optional protocols to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; . Australia's presentation of its Third Periodic Report to the CEDAW Committee—July 1997; . Complaints under international communications procedures, and confidentiality regarding these complaints; . Reporting under international communication procedures; . Joint Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission/Australian Law Reform Commission reference on children and the justice system; . National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families, and . Development of Australia's National Policy in Respect of Discrimination in Employment and Occupation under the International Labour Organisation Convention 111 (1958). Other matters included: . Disability Discrimination Act (Cth) and Disability Standards; . Sex Discrimination Act Issues—Review of Exemptions in Subsections 40(2) and 40(3) of the Sex Discrimination Act (Cth); . Reform of the Human and Equal Opportunity Commission—Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 1996; . Co-operative arrangements with the States;
. SCAG Working Group on Human Rights; . Human Rights Forum for Non Government Organisations; . Decade of Human Rights Education, and . Review of the Racial Discrimination Act (Cth). (2) These items were placed on the agenda by the Commonwealth in the context of the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Human Rights Paper. This paper serves to inform States and Territories about the activities of the Commonwealth in this area. Matters raised in the Human Rights Paper were noted by State and Territory Attorneys-General. (3) There was a meeting of SCAG in Hobart on 11-12 December 1997. The next meeting will be held in Perth on 16-17 April 1998. | Australia | 1,998 |
Minister for Family Services Mr Warwick Smith —The answers to the honourable member's questions are as follows: 0 (1) The Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) was not designed to cover all people who have a continence condition. The State and Territory Governments also provide aids and appliances for people with continence conditions as part of their broad ranging responsibilities for health and community services. CAAS is specifically for those individuals who are eligible for participation in the workforce and for whom incontinence is the direct result of a permanent disability. This is consistent with the Commonwealth responsibilities for employment assistance for people with disabilities. Accordingly, CAAS does not provide assistance for people whose sole disability is incontinence or for people whose incontinence results from surgery, medication, illness or disease, or is caused through age related conditions. Consistent with this labour market focus, once a person has turned 65 years of age and is no longer in employment, they are no longer eligible to receive assistance through CAAS. However, assistance is available for people over 65 years of age if they are in paid work for at least eight hours per week, receive an income support payment, and meet the impairment criteria for the receipt of the Disability Support Pension.
Similarly, children and young people at school are not eligible for CAAS. (2) The States and Territories are responsible for a range of health care and other programs which assist people with continence conditions. The Commonwealth provides Financial Assistance Grants to States and Territories to assist with the costs of these programs. In 1987-88 responsibility for the previous Commonwealth Program of Aids for Disabled People (PADP), was transferred to the States and Territories, with a consequent increase in the Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants. (3) If a person does not meet the eligibility criteria for CAAS, then they may be able to obtain assistance through a program of aids for disabled people or through the public hospital system in their respective State. The eligibility criteria, and the range of aids supplied under state level programs are set by State and Territory Governments. (4) The Financial Assistance Grants to the States and Territories provide discretion for State and Territory Governments to determine local priorities. There are no plans to initiate a nationally coordinated approach to aids and appliances for people with continence conditions who are ineligible for CAAS. | Australia | 1,998 |
Defence Industry, Science and Personnel Mrs Bishop —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) & (2) The information requested is available from the following copies of the Commonwealth Gazette: . Clasp `Berlin', Gazette No S414 of 27 October 1995; . Clasp `FESR', Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `Indonesia', Gazette No S337 of 5 September 1995, revoked and Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `Japan', Gazette No S414 of 27 October 1995, revoked and Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `Kashmir', Gazette No S337 of 5 September 1995, revoked and Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `Korea', Gazette No S414 of 27 October 1995, revoked and Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `Middle East', Gazette No S337 of 5 September 1995, revoked and Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `PNG', Gazette No S337 of 5 September 1995, revoked and Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `SW Pacific', Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; . Clasp `Thailand', Gazette No S337 of 5 September 1995; . Clasp `Thai/Malay', Gazette No S414 of 27 October 1995, revoked and Gazette No S274 of 18 July 1996; and . Clasp `W New Guinea', Gazette No S337 of 5 September 1995.
(3) (a) Data for the number of applications received for each Clasp for the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 is not maintained. (b) Medals awarded for each Clasp are: BERLIN—30; FESR—5596; INDONESIA—12; JAPAN—8284; KASHMIR—45; KOREA—2790; MIDDLE EAST—15; PNG—7597; SW PACIFIC—2576; THAILAND—1191; THAI-MALAY—799; W NEW GUINEA—10. (4) An average time to process an eligible application for the medal is difficult to identify. However, establishing the correct entitlement of an individual is a time-consuming procedure involving lengthy searches of personnel records. To ensure fairness, each inquiry is processed in order of receipt. Based on the information provided, the applicant's records are checked for the correct entitlement to this and any other medals. The records are not computerised and thus searches are done manually. If an entitlement to an award is established, the award must be formally approved by the Governor-General, engraved and forwarded to the applicant by registered post. This process can vary from several weeks to some months, if the record search reveals the applicant to be eligible for a number of medals. | Australia | 1,998 |
Veterans' Affairs Mr Bruce Scott —The answer to the honourable member's questions is as follows: 0 (1) Yes.
(2) Army and air force veterans must have served in the Malayan Emergency at a time when either they or their unit were allotted for duty by the Department of Defence. The criteria for allotment are set by the Department of Defence. Allotment for duty is a term defined in section 5B(2) of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986. A member of the Defence Force who has been allotted for duty, or deemed to have been allotted for duty, and who has rendered service in an operational area as defined in the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, will have qualifying service for the purpose of a service pension. (3) Any veteran who was allotted and who served in the area does not have to prove that they incurred danger. Allotment acknowledges an underlying assumption that when members of the Defence Force enter the area concerned they will be (or were) exposed to danger from the hostile forces of the enemy. However, if an individual was in the area but was not allotted, the Department of Defence would have to be satisfied that they did incur danger before they could be retrospectively allotted and hence have qualifying service for a service pension. As indicated in the response to the first question, the Government has agreed that the cases of any veterans, who believe that their operational service did expose them to danger from the hostile forces of the enemy, can be so reviewed. | Australia | 1,998 |
Very briefly on indulgence, Mr Deputy Speaker, you were kind enough to recognise me immediately after the Speaker left the chair. I just want to put down a few remarks of personal appreciation. Indeed, I have been aware for some time 25 minutes now that this was going to occur—the Leader of the House has obviously been aware for 35 minutes, or something approximating that—and I can gather sufficient thoughts in those 25 minutes to at least say one or two words of appreciation of the service of Mr Speaker. I think that Mr Speaker has attempted, within his lights, nobly to be as fair-minded and independent a person that this House is capable of producing, given the party circumstances which inevitably produce a Speaker. He has sought to impose disciplines which, if actually adhered to, would have produced a situation in which, both in question time and more generally in the conduct of the House, that improvement of standards which the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) sought, but which has scarcely been delivered upon, might well have proceeded. I think particularly of his suggestions for the conduct of question time, both in the asking of questions and the way in which they are answered, that he put down during the course of last year. I can say that, though we have breached it on several occasions, we have tried honestly to conform with that. I rather suspect that the government has not. The Speaker did assure me when I spoke to him, as he has said to the House here, that this is a decision by him and him alone. Nevertheless, there will be the thought in the mind of a number of us that he may have had a degree of difficulty with others on the other side of the House. I recollect, in particular, a comment he made last year when he suggested that his skin was getting thicker and thicker. That may well have been due to barbs from this side of the House, but generally speaking I would say it was a situation which he found confronting him that was a worry on the part of the other side. Nevertheless, having said that, I just want to say that it is a sad thing when any person relinquishes his office in this chamber, particularly when he has graced it. Mr Speaker Halverson has graced the position in the two years that he has held it. For us in the opposition it is a matter of profound regret that he has taken the decision that he has. He was, from our point of view, as any opposition would have it, very much on trial as to his attitude to fairness. While we have had very many complaints about whether or not we have been fairly treated in this place, we have certainly always taken the view that in the way in which he saw things and within his lights he attempted to deal with the opposition fairly and lift the standards of the place. It is a sad day for this House. It is a sad day for members of parliament who believe professionally, irrespective of what our party affiliations might be, that we belong to an honourable profession, one with some centuries worth of tradition. It is a sad day for us when we see depart from our ranks somebody who was at least mindful of those centuries of Westminster tradition that go into the make-up of this House. We wish the Speaker well. We take most immediately at face value the
words that he said to us. We take it in the sense that we believe him to be a dignified individual, a prideful individual—a person who is circumspect about the circumstances in which he finds himself and loyal to his old colleagues. We will, however, have our own interpretation on the set of circumstances which has produced this. | Australia | 1,998 |
It is well known, if it is not well known to the Labor Party, that Bob and I have been mates since he first arrived. In fact, there were a couple of you on that side no longer here, but he used to be the other pair in the billiards competition that Halvo and I used to secretly run in the old house. We had a code for when we felt like a game. If we were not there, the message would come in that it was time for a special committee meeting, which was always the indication that we would meet in the old house in that famous billiard room which, if walls could talk, would have much to say. I, for one, will be very sorry to see him leave that position. He has served this parliament with great distinction, not just as a strong and independent Speaker but also as a senior member of the opposition for those many years that we had the privilege of being the loyal opposition. As the Chief Opposition Whip he was a friend, he was an adviser, he was good company; but he was also a most effective political operator. That is a reflection of the fact that the Speaker is a person of very wide experience of life, whose contribution to this country has not just been as a distinguished member of the federal parliament. He served as a member of the Royal Australian Air Force both in Washington for a number of years and in the United Kingdom as an exchange officer with the Royal Air Force. That latter service earned him the high honour of receiving an OBE.He will be very sadly missed as Speaker. He will, as he retires from the parliament in
due course, be missed as a representative of the people of Casey. It is also typical, I would have to say, of the Speaker that in making arrangements he should basically make arrangements which do not perhaps give us as full an opportunity to present the distinguished highlights of his career. Whilst he was with the Leader of the Opposition at 20 to two or thereabouts, I got a phone call saying that he was going around to tell him matters. There will hopefully, therefore, be an opportunity—I know others would want to have an opportunity, certainly including the Prime Minister (Mr Howard)—to put something on the record about his long service. So, with those few remarks at this point in time, Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank you for your indulgence. | Australia | 1,998 |
You really ought to keep quiet, you ought to listen to what we are saying and you ought to change your mind and vote with us so that we are able to create a situation where small business is prepared
to put on extra staff. Last night we heard the honourable member for Cunningham (Mr Martin) and the honourable member for Canberra (Mr McMullan) say that this legislation was not needed and that it was unfair and unreasonable, and implying that the current unfair dismissal law was not having an adverse impact on employment opportunities. I would like to draw the attention of those opposite to the provisions of the second reading speech in this place by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Small Business (Mr Reith). He said there is plenty of evidence that small business does not agree with what the opposition is saying. For instance, he referred to the Morgan and Banks 1996 survey which indicated that 16 per cent of businesses with fewer than 30 employees had been adversely affected in their hiring intentions by the previous federal government's unfair dismissal law. He pointed out the results of the Recruitment Solutions survey released in April 1997, which indicated that 32 per cent of businesses in metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane had been the subject of some sort of unfair dismissal claim in the 12 months covered by the survey. The Labor Party is once again seeking to frustrate the attempts by this government to make positive change which will create employment opportunities for many young Australians. Rob Bastian from the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia said that small business would create 50,000 jobs if this bill could go through the Senate. Kate Lahey, Chief Executive of the New South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: For the Opposition to claim that there has been no independent research proving business concern on this issue is nonsense—it shows how little attention they have paid to the needs and concerns of the small business community. There is also the New South Wales chamber's own survey showing that 56 per cent of businesses surveyed said that the prospect of unfair dismissal claims had discouraged them from recruiting additional staff to their businesses. So we have all of the evidence lined up on this government's side and yet we find that members of the Labor Party here and particularly their colleagues in the Senate are continuing to refuse to see the obvious.
However, Labor ministers and members come into this place professing to be experts in the area of industrial relations! Mr Deputy Speaker, you would be aware of the appalling inefficiencies on the Australian waterfront which make Australian ports amongst the most inefficient ports in the world. Australian ports are 25 per cent more expensive to use than Auckland and twice as expensive as Tauranga, New Zealand's most competitive port. The Labor Party were in office for 13 years, they did absolutely nothing effective about the waterfront, they brought in industrial relations reforms which made it more difficult for people to be prepared to put on staff and, what is more, having been rejected by the people at the election in 1996, they have not learnt—one might have thought they would have by now—and they continue to seek to frustrate the attempts by this government to sweep up yet another mess left to us. We did not create the problem— | Australia | 1,998 |
When the member for Fisher (Mr Slipper) says `we believe', we all know what he means. Indeed, he has been a member of both the National Party and the Liberal Party, so the royal plural is aptly used. The Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 1997 [No. 2] should, by and large, not be introduced. There is simply no need for it. It is nothing more than a political stunt which will achieve nothing positive in improving industrial relations in this country. It will also do nothing for jobs growth. It is just another ongoing assault by this government directed fairly and squarely at the hearts of Australian workers. The government has decided to attack the rights of those workers. It has been engaging in this assault since its election just over two years ago. Let us examine briefly the effects of the government's Workplace Relations Act and what this act has done to Australian workers. First and foremost, it has removed the power of the Industrial Relations Commission—the independent umpire—in the same way that it has removed the independent umpire here in this chamber this afternoon. In no less heinous an act, where it coerced, the Speaker resigned. In many similar ways it has sought to undermine the Industrial Relations Commission which has acted for many years as an effective and independent arbitrator on the matter of workplace relations in this country. Workers will now have to bargain directly not only to secure decent wages but also to secure decent conditions. This act also requires the Industrial Relations Commission to set nothing more than minimum wages. Furthermore, it undermines the award system as a highly effective safety net for wages and conditions for workers. Enterprise bargaining will now be the main way by which wages and conditions will be determined. For the first time it also allows individual employment bargaining and highly secretive individual contracts. This means that workers will find it more difficult to be
represented by unions in their bargaining and negotiating with employers. Furthermore, the act introduces a range of new penalties and punishments for industrial action by unions which, when involved in legitimate industrial activity, can now be penalised by both common law damages and significantly hefty fines. It is clear that their track record of looking after Australian workers and ensuring, as it said time and time again during the campaign two years ago, that no worker would be worse off, stands shabby. This piece of draconian legislation will do nothing to improve the government's track record in this area. There are a number of arguments against the widening of the small business exemptions for unfair dismissals in the Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 1997 [No. 2] . The way the law currently stands is that any employer can dismiss an employee within three months of their starting employment and the employee has absolutely no effective redress through the unfair dismissal law. That really should be enough. Shouldn't a decent employer know after three or four months whether or not a new employee is suitable? Shouldn't that be a sufficient probationary period to determine an employee's appropriateness to work in a particular position for which they have been selected? We do not need these small business exemptions. The government's position on this issue is not at all clear. It has chopped and changed on a number of occasions. In fact, it does not really know what it wants in this important area. These unfair dismissal laws were extensively amended by the government's Workplace Relations Act. Those changes came into effect on 1 January last year. We have heard that both the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) and the Minister for Workplace Relations and Small Business (Mr Reith) had bestowed praise in copious quantities upon their new rules which would be a panacea for the issue of unfair dismissal in our great country. What the government is proposing to do with the legislation before the House now is to create an exemption to the government's
own unfair dismissal laws. This is totally inconsistent with its overwhelming praise for its previous wonderful legislation about unfair dismissal. These laws will do nothing to improve the employment opportunities nor job security for Australians. Far from that, they will make Australians simply easier to sack. This proposed exemption is, by and large, inconsistent with the government's own pre-election undertakings, wherein it said that at no time prior to the election did the coalition foreshadow an exemption from small business to these unfair dismissal laws. The Sydney Morning Herald reported quite to the contrary on 20 February 1996. It stated: The coalition has flatly ruled out any exemption for small business in its redrafted unfair dismissal laws, despite a plea that the sector should not be subject to the same treatment as `the big end of town' . . . I guess that is just another broken promise. | Australia | 1,998 |
That was indeed ruled out. While we are talking about broken promises on industrial relations, let us again re-examine the coalition's pre-election commitment that, as I said before, no worker will be worse off. Let us look at what is happening in one particular area—the hospitality industry. The government is pushing in that area a full scale slashing and burning of the award system which has worked so well, to the point where we may now see casuals being forced to endure a 25 per cent cut in pay and their public holiday being additionally cut. The workers in the liquor trades industry have had to resort to paid advertising to inform the public just what is happening in their industry. I am a Victorian. I have seen at some length over recent years just what the Kennett government did to the rights of Victoria's workers. It could be construed as nothing less than a wholehearted and full-scale award rights demolition. There is no doubt that workers in this country have been treated with contempt by this government. Its industrial relations policy could best be described as nothing more than a sick joke. Given the current track record of this government, it is no surprise in many ways to find that the legislation before the House
today will only add to job insecurity, as I have previously stated. About two million workers now being protected against being unfairly dismissed—two million workers employed by small business—will now lose that important protection. Of course, subsequently they face a much less secure future. Let us look at some particular facts of this matter in some more detail. The proposal that the government is submitting to the House does not distinguish between unfair dismissal claims on the merits of the case. Instead, it just distinguishes between claims on the basis of the size of the employer. The small business exemption will discriminate against employees who work in small business. They just will not have the same protection. In no way will they have the same protection from unfair dismissal as do their counterparts who work in larger businesses, that is, businesses with over 15 employees. It is not only the employees who will suffer, because I am sure many decent, honest and committed employers in small business do the right thing by their employees. Those employers will have to compete against other operators, often in the same industry, who are seeking to gyp the system, they being shonky operators who know that they can get away with treating their employees with contempt and like dirt. The unfair dismissal exemptions will protect only those less dedicated, shonky operators. The proposal before the House may well indeed prove to be a significant disincentive to growth within the small business sector. Indeed, if a business currently employs 14 people and wants to expand by employing a couple of new people, will that mean that the business will then have to comply with the unfair dismissal legislation? Or will it mean that some employers who want to avoid complying with the unfair dismissal law might create artificial employment agreements by simply splitting their work force up into smaller units of less than 15 employees, thereby effectively escaping and evading the unfair dismissal laws because the companies they have set up under the act will be deemed small businesses? This is going to add to the legal complexity that many businesses already
face—something that would be acknowledged by members on both sides of the chamber. Of course, this bill has nothing really to do with the issues that the government needs to be addressing; and we all know those issues well. They are issues such as boosting employment opportunities, encouraging business investment, boosting job security for working Australians, and ensuring that a worker gets a decent day's pay for a decent day's work. This bill has nothing to do with any of those important things. Those are issues that the government should be addressing, but it is not. It should not be addressing this issue of exempting small businesses from the unfair dismissal laws, because, contrary to the exhortations of those opposite, no-one in the small business sector that most of us speak to ever mentions the issue of unfair dismissal and the current laws which surround it, which legitimately and fairly apply to all business, large or small, or ever mentions the fact that those unfair dismissal laws are in any way an impediment either to the operation of their small business or to their incentive to attract and employ new staff. I am not just saying this because I sit on this side of the House. I am saying this because that is what business operators in my electorate and my colleagues who talk to operators in their electorates tell me, that is, unfair dismissal law reforms are not a high priority for small business operators. In surveys undertaken of small business, unfair dismissals and the impact of those laws upon the viability of small business ranked very low or, indeed, in some surveys did not rank at all. In fact, a recent Morgan and Banks job survey—a survey of no small sample size, being of some 3,500 business organisations—revealed that 80 per cent of small businesses did not believe that the existence of unfair dismissal laws affected in any way their decisions to employ new staff. Only 16 per cent of small businesses employers believed that they would benefit from the proposal to exempt them from the unfair dismissal laws, because they know that the three-month probationary period is sufficient for them to
determine whether or not any new employee is a suitable person to perform the task they are required to perform. In addition, these statistics were basically the same for all other sizes of business, indicating that the unfair dismissal laws are of no particular or special concern to small business and small business operators. A recent Yellow Pages Small Business Index showed that a meagre five per cent of small businesses are concerned about industrial laws, whilst 84 per cent are more concerned that lack of government action has failed to get the economy moving. I draw your attention, Mr Deputy Speaker, to the fact that there is no minister at the table. | Australia | 1,998 |
I rise to support the Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 1997 [No. 2]. It seems clear, at least to me, that the engine of growth for the Australian economy is indeed our small businesses. Without small businesses, we never get to medium size businesses or to major industry. There are a lot of obstacles that we place in the way of small business. The member for Isaacs (Mr Wilton) carried on and on about what small business wants the government to do, that small business wants this and small business wants that and that they do not want the unfair dismissal rules changed. Let me tell you that it seems to me to be the height of hypocrisy for a member of the Australian Labor Party, now in opposition in this parliament, to stand up here and talk about the needs, the desires and the wants of small business. For 13 long, hard years the Labor Party never once in government made a move to assist small business. The member for Rankin (Mr Beddall), when Chairman of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and
Technology, brought down a report on small business and recommended a heap of changes to the law in order to give small business a fair go against large business. Do you know what happened to that report? It got shelved, along with subsequent reports. It took a coalition government in fact to make changes that are now in process in the legal system to give a fair break to small business—to give them a hand. That is not what the Australian Labor Party was all about. So do not come in here and lecture us about what small business needs and wants. The member for Canberra (Mr McMullan), in talking about this bill last night, said: It is a tawdry little political exercise. The sadness is that, if the Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 1997 [No. 2] is passed and it achieves the objectives its advocates claim, the benefit to this community will be very low. I do not know how on earth the member for Canberra would know that. He seems to think that the benefit to the community will come only in economic terms—at least, that is what he implied in subsequent remarks to this bill. I view the bill as being of major benefit to small business. Forgetting about the economic benefits, it generates employment opportunities for unemployed Australians. If you think that that is not a major benefit when Australia still has major unemployment, when we need business, industry, science and technology employing people and we need to build dynamic new jobs to give all Australians a chance, then you are sadly mistaken. It is certainly true that small business has the capacity to hire more people. Lately we have seen a resurgence in consumer spending patterns, which tells us that consumers are now willing to part with more of their dollars. They are more comfortable with the state of the economy. They are more comfortable with the future. That is positive. But we need to remove as many straitjackets as possible from the operation of small businesses to give them a better chance to compete. This business of unfair dismissal is something we ought to look at seriously. I do not know who the member for Isaacs talks to, but I have talked to heaps of small businesses in
my electorate and, indeed, others right around Australia. An issue that is brought to my attention constantly is employers' fear of the long bureaucratic process associated with removing an employee whom they find unsatisfactory for whatever reason. If an employer has an employee who is unsatisfactory—their productivity is poor, they do not get along with their workmates or their efficiency is rotten—there are many ways that an employer can continue to operate in this manner. Without the employer having the benefit of a large human relations staff and the procedures and paperwork to go with it, the employer may find it very difficult to ask the employee to leave. If the employee is happy to stick with the job, notwithstanding the fact that the employer finds them unsatisfactory, the employer is stuck. Many employers say to me, `I do not have the right to dismiss an employee because they are totally inappropriate for the job that I have given them. But, if that employee leaves me, all he needs to do is say, "I'll give you one week's notice, and I'm off." Then I've got to go through the whole hiring procedure of finding someone else, training them and trying to integrate them into my operation. Why don't I as a small business person have the same rights as the employee? If the employee can leave me with all but no notice, why is it that I must retain the employee forever without due course?'It is a question that I am asked frequently, and I find some difficulty in answering that question. It seems to me that the procedures the government is intending to put into place with this bill—assuming that the Australian Labor Party wakes up and finally acquiesces and lets it pass through the Senate—are fair and reasonable, that is to say, you cannot illegally dismiss an employee. You cannot say to an employee, `Because you are now pregnant and you are going to have a child, I am going to dismiss you.' You cannot say to an employee, `Look, I made a mistake. I should not have hired a black person; I should have hired a white person, so you are sacked.'Mr Kelvin Thomson interjecting— | Australia | 1,998 |
That is a load of rubbish! You cannot say to an employee if the employ
ee refuses to do something that is illegal, `I'm going to sack you,' because it is illegal. That still remains in the legislation. What we are saying is that if an employer finds an employee does not meet their requirements and will not work efficiently or productively, then the employer can, with due notice, replace that employee with someone who wants to work. Let me ask you this: with the hundreds of thousands of people out there who want a job and cannot find one and who would be hardworking employees, where is the fairness and equity in one who does not really want to work—who only wants the money—taking the place of someone who wants a job, wants to work and wants to be productive? I say to you that it is demonstrably unfair. It is true that the more rules and regulations we create that surround this area of employment, the more obstacles we put in place for people to employ other people and the higher we build the wall of protection, the less real protection people have. All we do is help keep those who have jobs in their jobs. Look at the dispute on the waterfront—the business of the MUA. That is another area that the Labor Party does not want to talk about. They do not want to talk about the dispute on the wharves at Webb Dock in Melbourne. Why don't they want to talk about it? They do not want to talk about it because the Australian public knows that there is a monopoly in terms of labour on the wharves in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and they do not think that is fair. Teachers in my electorate, who think that they are working their backsides off, believe that they are worth more than they are being paid, and I do not disagree with them. They are worth more than they are being paid, and they are being paid half of what the wharfies are paid. They work much longer hours than the wharfies work and, I would say, under even more difficult and trying conditions—dealing with some of the social problems that our teachers deal with in schools today. There is a parallel for you, Mr Deputy Speaker. The Australian Labor Party will stand in this place and argue that this is unfair legislation because it intends to retrench the rights of existing employees. They believe that the waterside workers and their union have not only rights to their jobs but also monopoly rights from which they can extract monopoly rents, and I do not think that is fair. I do not think the Australian public thinks it is fair. I do not think business thinks it is fair. I do not know anybody who thinks it is fair, except the ACTU, some other union heavies and the Australian Labor Party. I do not even think the Australian Labor Party thinks it is fair, but they will support the MUA because the MUA supports them financially. An important part of the political structure of the Australian Labor Party is to have the financial support of a powerful, monopolistic, financially wealthy trade union that can extract rents beyond what the rest of the community can take, and that costs all of us money. The only people who make the money are the leaders of the union and the wharfies. The people sitting up in the gallery do not make it because they are paying more for goods and services that they buy in the shops than they otherwise would if we did not have the monopoly position of the MUA on the waterfront. I liken this rent taking to the same situation that we have in small business today where, if an employer finds an unsatisfactory employee and wishes to replace them with one who wants to work but is denied work at the moment, the union wants to deny that worker—the one who really wants to work—the opportunity. Let's get rid of the monopolies. Let's support this bill. | Australia | 1,998 |
This bill amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to exempt businesses employing no more than 15 workers from the unfair dismissal provisions of the act. To understand the bill, it is necessary to consider some elements of the 1996 act. The present government in May 1996 introduced amendments to the industrial relations legislation which were substantially enacted into law on 31 December of that year. In line with its election policy, the coalition's
new legislation made significant changes to the existing unfair dismissals regime. The government's proposal, in brief, allows an eligible employee to apply to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, or the AIRC, for a remedy in respect of an allegedly unfair dismissal. The commission is compelled to endeavour to conciliate such a claim. If conciliation is unsuccessful, the employee may elect to have a claim arbitrated and, if the AIRC decides that the dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable in all the circumstances of the case, the commission may reinstate the employee or order that the employer pay compensation. In its policy entitled `Better pay for better work', the coalition described the previous regime as `far too detailed, too prescriptive and too legalistic and, hence, a disincentive to employment'. The coalition advocated a policy of `a fair go all round' in an attempt to redress the balance that had shifted in favour of employees. Accordingly, the government's 1996 regime included the following key changes. Whereas previously an employer was required to prove the existence of a valid reason for dismissal, now the Australian Industrial Relations Commission can form its own view on whether a dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable, having regard to all the circumstances of the case. Instead of proceedings being in the Federal Court, they are now heard and determined by the AIRC. The commission is required to deal with matters promptly and with a minimum of technicality. Further, to discourage employees without genuine complaints from making applications, the new legislation imposed a $50 filing fee, with provision for a waiver if the employee was in financial difficulty. Importantly, the AIRC is able to order the employee to pay the employer's costs if an employee unreasonably proceeds with a claim which lacks merit. The power to award costs should filter out complaints lodged purely out of vengeance or greed and with no basis in truth. The cost provisions should also discourage employers from agreeing to settle a claim purely because of the commercial cost of defending it. The government's new unfair dismissal laws provide that if the AIRC decides in favour of an employee, then it must take into account the effect any remedy may have on the viability of the employer's business. The 1996 legislation also provides clearer guidance for employers and employees on the circumstances in which an employer can dismiss an employee without notice and what is meant by the term `serious misconduct'.Importantly, the act does not prescribe a formal process for dismissal, in contrast to the old Industrial Relations Act, which placed too much emphasis on the process by which a dismissal was carried out. The 1996 act simply requires a fair go all round. This means that, while the AIRC will take procedural fairness into account, an otherwise fair dismissal will not become unfair merely because of a technicality. Further, the 1996 act makes it clearer that an employee will be excluded from the protection of the unfair dismissal laws if the employer has clearly set down a probationary period of three months or less. That means that employers can hire employees for a three-month probationary period and be confident that, if the employee's work is unsatisfactory, he or she can be released without the employer risking an unfair dismissal claim. Employers can set longer probation periods, if necessary, but they may later have to satisfy the AIRC that the period was reasonable. As for casual employees, the 1996 changes prevented an employee from making an unfair dismissal claim unless he or she had been employed on a regular basis and a systematic basis for more than 12 months. The bill before the House was introduced on 26 June 1997. It was defeated in the Senate on 21 October 1997 and subsequently reintroduced into the House on 26 November last year. The amendments to be made by this bill, if enacted, will provide that an employee—other than an apprentice—who is first engaged by the relevant employer after the commencement of the bill will not be able to make an application on the ground that the termination of his or her employment was harsh, unjust or unreasonable, or on grounds including that ground, if he or she was em
ployed by an employer who employed no more than 15 employees. The exclusion will not affect the rights of existing employees or the rights of small business employees to take action against unlawful termination of employment. The 1996 act distinguishes between `unfair dismissal' on the one hand and `unlawful dismissal' on the other. As the minister has noted in his second reading speech, the 1996 act protects employees against dismissal on the basis of discrimination, against dismissal for engaging in protected industrial action in seeking a certified agreement or in an Australian workplace agreement industrial action. The freedom of association part of the 1996 act prohibits dismissal on grounds contrary to the principle of freedom of association. Another section of the act prohibits dismissal without one to five weeks notice, depending on the employee's length of service and age or pay in lieu, except in cases of serious misconduct. The workers principally affected by this bill are those on federal awards employed in small businesses. However, it does not affect all such workers because the unfair dismissal laws are confined to workers in businesses that are constitutional corporations. Constitutional corporations are foreign corporations and those domestically formed companies that carry on trading or financial activities within the meaning of the constitution. So unincorporated bodies, such as sole traders and partnerships, are not subject to the federal unfair dismissal laws and will, accordingly, not have any benefit or any detriment indeed from the exemption proposed in this bill. Similarly, corporations not bound by federal awards may not need to rely on the proposed exemption as they may not be subject to the federal unfair dismissal laws. The government argues that the reason the exemption is necessary for small business is that those employers face substantial difficulties in dealing with unfair dismissal cases. The minister says that the disruption to the business arising from such proceedings will generally be significant because of the need for the employer to personally attend concili
ation conferences and hearings as well as any time required to meet with legal representatives. The government says that in larger businesses, which in the context of this bill includes all businesses with 16 or more employees, expertise and resources can be put into termination procedures whereas small businesses have no such resources. In the explanatory memorandum the government states that the benefit for small business is the elimination of possible costs of unfair dismissal claims, including legal expenses, time spent away from the business and the costs of settling claims or paying damages to former employees. The minister's office has not been able to provide me with any details of the average cost involved in defending an unfair dismissal claim but says that the principal cost to small business arises from the likelihood that the employer would have to close his or her business to attend hearings. In his second reading speech the minister cited the results of some new research conducted for the Labour Ministers Council. The research was conducted in conjunction with the latest Yellow Pages Small Business Index survey from 30 October 1997 to 12 November 1997. According to the minister, approximately 1,200 randomly selected small businesses with 19 or fewer employees were surveyed with specific questions on unfair dismissal. Seventy-nine per cent of proprietors surveyed thought small business would be better off if they were exempted from unfair dismissal laws. Thirty-three per cent of small businesses reported that they would have been more likely to recruit new employees if they had been exempted from unfair dismissal laws in 1996-97 and 38 per cent of the businesses surveyed said they would be more likely to recruit new employees if they were exempted from this government's unfair dismissal laws. The minister admits that the government's changes to the unfair dismissal laws have not gone far enough for many small businesses. In his second reading speech he states: It is an unavoidable fact that the defence of an unfair dismissal claim, however groundless, is especially burdensome for small business. He adds: The Yellow Pages survey confirms the difficulties that even the government's new provisions cause for those small businesses who experience an unfair dismissal claim: not just the cost of settlement, where that occurs, but the time and location of hearings, stress, costs to businesses in lost time, disruption to working relationships and the costs of defending the application. The minister continues: And the Yellow Pages confirms the terrible pall that the fear of those difficulties casts over small business employing intentions, even amongst businesses which may not have themselves experienced a claim. The minister describes this bill as an entirely reasonable initiative that sends a clear and simple signal to small businesses that they can again hire new employees confidently. The minister has said on other occasions that the small business community is in need of some encouragement and an incentive to give people jobs. This statement has been generally endorsed by small business groups which have a variety of views about the problems with the unfair dismissal system. The bottom line seems to be that small business is seeking a signal from the government that will give it renewed confidence to take on new employees. Mr Kevin Redfern, the Director of Industrial Relations at the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, representing 4,000 small businesses in Victoria's retail automobile industry, says that concerns about the unfair dismissal laws make his members have second thoughts about offering people jobs. Mr Redfern says that, if a small business person has an unsuitable employee, the restrictions imposed on him or her under the current laws put their business and the jobs of the other people they employ in jeopardy. Mr Derek Graham, the Chief Workplace Relations Adviser at the Australian Business Chamber, spells out another specific concern. He says that small businesses would be more willing to engage employees if they knew that in the first 12 months in the event of dismissal for unsatisfactory work the dismissed employee could have no recourse against his or her former employer. Mr Graham says this is the real problem for small business and that
to limit probationary clauses to three months or six months is inadequate. The Executive Director of the New South Wales Employers Federation, Mr Garry Brack, is reported as saying that the Reith unfair dismissal laws have not really come to the aid of small businesses as intended. He says that thousands of small businesses are traditionally not incorporated and therefore do not come within the new laws anyway. Mr Don Armstrong, the Deputy Chairman of the Small Business Coalition, does not point to any specific provisions of the government's legislation that pose particular problems for small business. Mr Armstrong, though, says that his group objects to small business being subject to the unfair dismissal laws at all, principally because of the magnitude of the compensation that can be awarded against an employer in a successful action. Senator Alston quotes the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry as having welcomed the proposed exemption on the following basis: It would directly address the evidence in surveys of business views on unfair dismissal legislation that these legislative requirements adversely affect employers' decisions to employ. On the other hand, the reality appears to be different from the perception across government and business. Objectively, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of federal unfair dismissal claims since the 1996 act came into force on 31 December of that year. According to the government's own figures, between 31 December 1996 and 3 October 1997 there were 5,222 federal claims about termination of employment. According to the government's own figures, between 31 December 1996 and 3 October 1997 those claims mounted up and they compare with the claims in the corresponding period in 1996 totalling 11,196—11,196 in the previous period down to 5,222 under the provisions of the 1996 act. This represents a 53 per cent decline in the number of federal applications. These figures had been accepted by the Australian Democrats and the Labor Party before the latter
finalised its most recent industrial relations policy with its troglodytic abandonment of its own reformist 1993 policies of decentralisation and workplace bargaining. Heaven help the Australian people and the peace process if the Beazley-Kernot party ever gets elected. But I digress. The vast majority of unfair dismissal claims are now being settled at the conciliation stage. The number of complaints withdrawn before a hearing has risen from 19 per cent to 27 per cent and fewer cases, only 20 per cent, are going to full arbitration. Several conclusions may be drawn from all these observations. The government's own unfair dismissal legislation may be inadequate. It does not appear to draw a proper balance between the rights of employee and employer in small businesses to the same extent that it does elsewhere in the sector. This conclusion is drawn from the evidence of the dramatic reduction in unfair dismissal claims together with the government's firm statements that the laws are not working for small businesses. If the government's unfair dismissal laws are faulty, I would ask the minister to explain when he sums up this debate why the government is not proposing to amend them in order that they can be effective across the entire business sector. Alternatively, if the government is of the view that its unfair dismissal regime puts so great a burden on small business that the only answer is to provide a special exemption, it is worth examining the effect that the laws have on the so-called big end of town. It may be the case that larger enterprises, those employing 16 or more workers, should also be exempt from the laws. Alternatively, there may be no need for an exemption from the government's new laws for small business. For the constitutional reasons I have already dwelt on, most small businesses may not even be affected by the federal laws. To them an exemption would be meaningless. (Time expired) | Australia | 1,998 |
I will have another go. Let us make everyone aware that the Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 1997 [No. 2] could be the trigger for a double dissolution because this will be the second time it has been presented to the Senate. I hope, for the sake of small business, that when those in the Senate debate this bill for a second time they will have come to their senses and they pass this legislation to assist thousands of small businesses and their future employees. At the outset one may have considered it to be a topic the Labor Party would know something about. Today let us question their credibility on the topic. Do they really understand what is trying to be achieved with this legislation? On industrial relations, in general the Labor Party would be well aware of the mass exodus of union members away from the Labor Party membership in past years—in particular, the last nine to 10 years. `Why has this happened?' many would ask, unless they were at the coalface in the union movement—which, as a coalminer, I was. Unlike many of the people who espouse to be truly representative of the union movement, those in the opposition are not unionists; they are merely puppets to the ACTU.I think it is time we had a close look at this, particularly in relation to the pilots' strike. This is one example that particularly comes to mind. Talk about being sold out by the Labor Party! Being a pilot and being in the union movement, I knew exactly what the effect would be on the pilots in this situation. What an absolute joke. You pay the union fees, you go out to help the ALP—and what do they do for you? They sack you. You pay union fees for yonks and then you are out. That is what it is like. It is the hypocritical approach of those in the opposition that disgusts the people of this country. Labor moans and complains about small business employers who want to be able to sack people—what a lot of rot—under the unfair dismissal legislation, yet the former ALP government— | Australia | 1,998 |
The interjection from the gallery totally ignores the fact that the priority in relation to their claims operates under legislation the Labor Party sustained for 13 years. On another matter, while I was travelling back from Melbourne, I understand that the Speaker, the member for Casey (Mr Halverson), informed the House of his intention to resign as Speaker. I would like to take the opportunity to say a couple of things about that. In a discussion we had last night the member for Casey did inform me that he had decided to resign as Speaker. The understanding between us was that the announcement would be made in a manner and at a time of his choosing. I understand that it was made whilst I was absent from the chamber. I take the opportunity to thank the member for Casey for his service as Speaker. I also want to record my thanks to the member for Casey for the tremendous service he rendered to the parliamentary Liberal Party as Chief Opposition Whip over a number of years. Bob Halverson is a person who has served his country as a member of the armed forces. He has served his country with loyalty and distinction as a member of parliament. I think I speak on behalf of all members on this side of the House, and many on the other side, in expressing the hope that it might be possible at some time in the future for him to serve his country in yet another capacity. | Australia | 1,998 |
I thank the honourable member for Wannon for his question because today balance of payments were released for the December quarter showing a balance on the current account of $5.7 billion. That outcome was slightly better than was expected by the Australian markets, although it does show, as was expected by the government, that the current account deficit over the course of this year will increase. The last two quarters combined show a current account deficit of about $10.4 billion. The government has been forecasting for a full year about $23 billion, and today's outcome is consistent with those forecasts, which would again indicate that over the course of the remainder of the financial year the current account is likely to widen in line with that forecast. The current account deficit in particular has been led by strong imports, which is consistent with strong demand in the Australian economy, a matter also revealed by today's retail trade figures, which showed a very strong increase in January 1998 of 2.1 per cent. Over the course of the last decade we have seen on three occasions a blow-out of the current account deficit under Labor's administration: 1986, a current account deficit blow-out of 6.6 per cent to GDP; the Keating Labor Party second current account blow-out in 1990 at 6.8 per cent; and the Keating Labor third blow-out in the current account deficit of 6.8 per cent in 1995.Unlike those last three occasions when there was a blow-out in the current account deficit, Australia stands poised in much better shape. In 1986 inflation was at 9.3 per cent, in 1990 inflation was at 8.6 per cent and in 1995 inflation was at 3.9 per cent. Although consistent with the cycle, the current account deficit
is expected to grow this year. Inflation, of course, is substantially better than it was on any of those occasions with an underlying inflation rate of 1.4 per cent. | Australia | 1,998 |
This is also consistent with government policy not only to lower inflation but to lower interest rates. Interest rates have been lowered to a level which is the lowest in the last 30 years. Low interest rates are consistent with the government increasing economic opportunities throughout the course of the year for small business, business generally and particularly for home buyers. For the average home buyer on a mortgage of $100,000 a year, this represents a saving of nearly $3,000 a year—as the Prime Minister said yesterday, the equivalent of a $100 per week pay increase for those that are getting the benefits of low mortgages. One hundred dollars per week for the average Australian on the average home would be the salary increase required to get to the situation that they now have because of the government's low interest rate policy. Today's figures on the current account are consistent, as I said earlier, with strengthening demand in the domestic economy. It reinforces, from the government's point of view, the importance of its savings objectives: that this government has to produce savings as a government by producing surpluses in order to attend to Australia's savings needs. Again, today's current account deficit reflects the importance of continuing on with sound structural change in the Australian economy, the kind of change that is required in relation to Australia's taxation system. If we want to give our exporters a go on international markets and if we want to help Australian exporters, which of course will go towards making a contribution to solving our current account problems, we should be moving to a taxation system which does not penalise exporters, which does not make them carry the burden of taxes on international markets, which gives them the opportunity that exporters from all over the world who have proper and modern taxation systems have to have their taxes taken out and which
gives them a go on an even-handed basis on international markets. That is why this government stands for tax reform: to give those exporters that opportunity, to give this country that opportunity. | Australia | 1,998 |
The differences are not only significant but also require a certain amount of time to recite so that those opposite and those who are listening in have a very clear understanding of how very different the administration of the Australian economy has been under my government. First and foremost, of course, we inherited a deficit of $10.5 billion from the failed finance minister, the Leader of the Opposition. In two years we have pared that back so that there is every prospect when the budget is brought down in May of this year that this country will be once again in the black and the Treasurer and the government will have been able to achieve something that utterly eluded the Leader of the Opposition when he was finance minister in the former government. So we are, first and foremost, on track to achieve a significant underlying surplus in 1998-99.I remind the House that, under the former government, Commonwealth general government net debt increased nearly fivefold to around 19 per cent of gross domestic product
in 1995-96. Under the coalition, it is expected that that figure will be cut in half to about 10 per cent in the year 2000-2001. In the last five months of the Labor government, only 48,000 new jobs were created. In contrast, more than 140,000 new jobs have been created in the past five months of the coalition government. Not only have 140,000 new jobs been created but last week my colleague the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs also unveiled a new system for placing unemployed people that will in many cases treble and in some cases quadruple the number of job placement agencies that are available to help the unemployed. The new jobs network system signals a new era of hope and new prospects and a new dawn so far as the unemployed of Australia are concerned. Instead of there being just one agency available to help the unemployed, there will now be something like three or four available. When the Labor Party left office, the headline inflation rate was 3.7 per cent. At the December quarter 1997, Australia's headline inflation rate was negative. We had a headline inflation rate at the end of last year that was the best in the OECD. | Australia | 1,998 |
It was not the second best, the third best or the 10th best; it was the best in the OECD. That is a demonstration of the fiscal rectitude that my government has brought to the management of the Australian economy. Under Labor, variable bank home loan interest rates peaked at 17 per cent in 1989. In March 1996, when we took over, they were 10½ per cent. They have now fallen to 6.7 per cent. That is the lowest level since the early 1970s. What it means is that, for a family paying a $100,000 mortgage back, that is a saving of $256 a month. That is a saving equivalent to a $100 a week increase in the average wage. So the difference between us and Labor is that the average wage earner has received an interest rate cut which is the equivalent of a wage increase of $100 a week. All of that has occurred in the space of two years. Under Labor's industrial relations system there were only 237 enterprise flexibility agreements approved by the AIRC. Under Labor, we spent $450 million to reform the waterfront, and all that happened was that we went further backwards in the world competitiveness of our waterfront. But under this government, as a result of the reforms that have been introduced by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Small Business, we now have the courageous act of the National Farmers Federation of Australia, which is providing leadership to the Australian business community. Let me take the opportunity of congratulating the National Farmers Federation of Australia for not only powerfully representing the interests of their own constituency but also giving a very fine example to the rest of the Australian business community. For years the business community of Australia has begged for somebody to have the courage to reform the waterfront. Now they have a government that had the courage, with the assistance of Labor's newest recruit, Cheryl Kernot—I repeat that; and thank you, Cheryl; thank you for obliging; with Labor's newest recruit—to change the law to break the monopoly of the Maritime Union on the supply and the recruitment of labour. They also now have in the National Farmers Federation a group of men and women who are prepared courageously in the national interest to take advantage of that legislation to provide competition on the wharves, to give new hope to people who have lost millions over the years because of the lack of competitiveness and the lack of productivity under the system which the Labor Party encouraged and maintained on foot. The comparisons are very stark, indeed. Let me tell the opposition and let me tell the Australian public that over the months ahead the Australian people will be hearing a lot more about the comparative economic record of my government over the last two years and the deplorable economic record of which the failed finance minister opposite was the principal architect under the Keating government. | Australia | 1,998 |
Mr Deputy Speaker, I would ask that you convey my commendation to the outgoing Speaker. I wish him well. In respect of the question by the member for Stirling, I want to say Australia is the second driest continent in the world. That is paralleled by the environmental problems which exist the length and breadth of this land. The coalition government is committed to doing something about it in a very pragmatic and very practical way to help turn the tide. In that regard, I want to bring to the attention of the House a particular example. The asset test—the nub of the arguments which are being pushed by Labor comes from hanging onto the coat-tails of a distinguished publication of this country rather than doing their own homework, but they have come on the trail—is to examine what happened in Tasmania. I refer to Tasmania because Tasmania is the one state where Labor has, in terms of area, the majority of representation. In the rest of Australia, the coalition, the Liberal and National parties, is well in front. The asset test with regard to all of this saga is whether the seat of Lyons, the majority of land mass of Tasmania, received more than
the average or less than the coalition-held electorates in Tasmania, such as the seat of Bass. That question deserves a thorough answer at this point in this debate. It is a very interesting answer because of the outcome in respect of Tasmania—that one part of the country where one member of the opposition does have some area coverage. What was the outcome? The outcome was that the seat of Lyons received 42 of the 64 electorate specific projects, as opposed to state wide projects. In fact, under the Natural Heritage Trust funding the seat of Lyons received $1.2 million, or around 60 per cent of the allocation for the state of Tasmania. So our bona fides stack up. There is no whiteboard. There is a proper process, and it is vindicated by this example from Tasmania. Your problem is the rest of Australia. The problem is simple enough: the National Party members—the country Liberal members—represent over 90 per cent of the land mass of Australia. My own electorate of Farrer is larger than the entire area represented by the parliamentary Labor Party in this House. That is something you ought to think about. It would help if you did your homework for yourself in relation to these matters. I am even happy to table the breakdown in respect of Tasmania as a gesture of goodwill on this matter. It was at the shadow cabinet meeting in Blackstone, ably chaired by the Prime Minister, that the foundations were laid for the very correct decision to privatise Telstra and provide for Natural Heritage Trust funding. It was a very significant meeting. It has enriched many thousands of Australians and it has gone on to allow us to tackle the environmental problems which exist over the length and breadth of this land. The Prime Minister has carried that policy right through. It is a successful policy, and that is why you do not like it. We will continue with the Natural Heritage Trust funding. It is doing the job. It is starting to do the job a whole lot more in turning the tide. It will include a land and water resources audit of over $30 million. I challenge the
member for Lyons to stand up and say whether he has made representations in relation to those projects, 42 of which were approved by Senator Robert Hill and Minister John Anderson. I table the document. | Australia | 1,998 |
It seems that the need for reform is obvious to everybody except those on the other side. There have been some very interesting statements about the need for reform, which I think are summed up in the excellent editorial in today's Daily Telegraph . It says: The central and immovable issue in the battle over who runs Australia's waterfront is the massive cost of inefficiency. It isn't the right of union coverage, or the right to start up a new stevedoring company. It is the burden of waste and poor productivity which is shoved on to all Australians. This inefficiency, often appearing as featherbedding, clearly doesn't make life easy for stevedoring companies. It also has become a back-breaking load on all our export industries, and a drain on the household budgets of consumers at home who end up paying for the lurks and fiddles. How true that is. The silence of the Labor Party on this issue just shows how they are bound hand and foot to the MUA. In the face of the most outrageous rorts and the incredible cost to the Australian economy with jobs and living standards, they sit there mute, completely incapable of saying anything in the national interest, because they have to bow down to John Coombs. What a contrast it makes going back to the pilots dispute. Reading extracts from the pilots dispute would keep any interested politician up all
night. This one caught my eye. This is from the Australian on 16 September 1989, and these are the words: The Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, made an impassioned plea to Australia's domestic airline pilots yesterday to abandon their union—would you believe it—and to return to work for the good of themselves and the nation. What a contrast this makes! The article continues: In a personal letter, Mr Hawke warned pilots the government would not back down and said if they wanted to be re-employed they must sign individual contracts with the airlines. What an unbelievable contrast! Let us go to Mr Beazley on the radio this year. He has hardly stuck his head up on this issue, and no wonder. What an embarrassment he is. He is asked: Mr Beazley, the NFF has not broken any laws. What is wrong with a bit of non-union competition on the docks? He replies: Let me just say, dock reform is important and dock reform progress has been made. How pathetic! You weak leader; you weak person. Then you are asked: But you have to be a union member to work there. Could you confront that one? Talk about Mr Mealy-mouth, Mr Flim-flam; and his answer to a simple question is: And the MUA is concerned to ensure that they have a capacity to bargain for their membership on the docks. You are pathetic; you are truly pathetic. As an example of the long list of rorts and inefficiencies on the waterfront, it is hard to go past this following example. I raise this example because one of the claims of the Waterside Workers Union is that part of the problem is the management. I do not say that the management are beyond blame. But it is true—as this example shows—that the problem on the Australian waterfront is that the management are not allowed to manage their businesses. The so-called statement by the MUA and the ACTU the other day called for an improvement in productivity, but here is my rort for the day for the House. Last week
the MUA pulled a four-hour stop-work meeting at Container Terminals Australia Ltd. The stoppage related to the MUA allocating labour. In other words, the management does not decide where you work; the MUA decides where you work. In this particular case, an union officer allocated the company's two best crane drivers to doing lashing work and the company disagreed. So they took out the whole place for four hours because the company wanted the people best able to drive the cranes to actually do that job. It is like a football match. Let us say you might barrack for— | Australia | 1,998 |
I thank the honourable member for Boothby for his question and recognise his particular interest in many of these important issues. The United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution today Australia time—and 3 March New York time—concerning the situation in Iraq. The resolution first and foremost endorses the agreement concluded on 23 February by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Iraq and, as the government has done, commends the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, for his initiative to secure a commitment from Iraq to comply with its obligations. The resolution makes clear the Security Council's determination to ensure Iraq's immediate and full compliance with relevant Security Council resolutions without conditions or restrictions. The resolution importantly sets out that any violation by Iraq of its obligations will have severest consequences. The council is acting under chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, which envisages the use of force if necessary. The government previously stated its view that there is sufficient basis already under existing resolutions for military action to be taken in support of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. The resolution adopted today reinforces this view. The resolution also states that
Iraq's failure so far to comply with its obligations and to allow UNSCOM unrestricted access has delayed the council being in a position to consider a modification to sanctions. That is a very important matter from a humanitarian point of view. Saddam Hussein is to blame for these delays. His obstruction of UNSCOM's work is but one example of his complete disregard for his own people. The unanimous message from the council is that Iraq must comply with the agreement and with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and any failure to do so will result in severest consequences. It remains the government's strong hope that Saddam Hussein will fully live up to the fundamental commitments he has made in the agreement and that resort to force will be averted. It is important to put Saddam Hussein's preparedness to live up to his part of the bargain to the test, and it is for this reason that the Australian government will keep forces in the region to ensure Saddam Hussein understands the resolve of the international community—reinforced by today's Security Council resolution—for full compliance. | Australia | 1,998 |
No, you have got to understand there is not a linkage between the two. There might be in your little mind, babbling to yourself, but Modecate will fix that. The third point is that if you have a look at the Industry Commission, the biggest single cause of increases in private hospital premiums is the public to private shift. That public to private shift came as a deliberate result of your 1993 Medicare agreement. The opposition spokesperson on health has been using words such as `crisis' and `deluge', which is extraordinary given that the rate of drop-out in the last six months is actually the best result we have had for 10 years. It is also extraordinary coming from a political party where the former Labor health minister, Graham Richardson, said this: I steered a package through the cabinet but resigned before I could sell it to the caucus. Practically the whole package died when I left as the Labor Party had always been a bit biased against private health insurance, and without a sponsor any proposal . . . was doomed. If we are in a position today that is of some difficulty, it is because in 1995-96 the health insurance funds lost $122 million. In 1996-97 they lost $113 million. This year, with a bit of luck, they might actually break even. The fact is they have suffered long-term neglect and long-term decline by a party that even its former health minister admits is a bit biased against private health insurance, and this sort of overblown humbug is complete rubbish. | Australia | 1,998 |
I thank the member for Richmond for his question, and I am delighted to hear that the members of communities in the electorate of Richmond have embraced work for the dole there, as have members of communities around Australia. This government has rebuilt the relationship between young people and their communities in a way that desperately needed to be done. When we came into office we found that a third of young people could not read and write properly. The apprenticeship system had been almost killed. While he was employment minister, the Leader of the Opposition had the appalling record of pushing youth unemployment up to over 32 per cent. He added to the
ranks of the long-term unemployed by 95,000. The Labor Party has absolutely no credibility in this area whatsoever. It despises the unemployed. This government has taken a whole series of actions to build a comprehensive strategy to help young people get back into the work force, to build up their skills and to build up their work enthusiasm and work ethic. At the end of January this year, the Prime Minister made a very important announcement that, from the middle of this year, all young people aged from 18 to 24 who have been out of work for six months or more will be expected to undertake some other activity in addition to receiving the dole. This announcement will reinforce and rebuild some very fundamental values in this country. First and foremost, it gives young people the opportunity to take personal responsibility in choosing the activity which will best fit them for the work force, whether it is voluntary work, whether it is part-time work, whether it is work for the dole or whether it is added literacy and numeracy training. The government is also, through this program, rebuilding the support, the sense of mutual obligation, between young people and their communities. Eighty thousand additional work for the dole places will be created over the next four years under this announcement. One of the most important aspects of this announcement is that the government is preparing to provide to young people who have missed out on those crucial literacy and numeracy skills in school a major program of literacy and numeracy training. There will be 48,000 extra places provided over the next four years at a cost of $139 million to get that literacy and numeracy training. In addition to this, the Prime Minister announced that the government would be ensuring that there are an additional 8,800 JPET places for homeless and disadvantaged young people. This is a excellent program that the previous government tried to abolish which we have revived, which brings out the very best people in our communities committed to helping young people rebuild their future lives under conditions when they are
most distressed. What a contrast this is to the attitude to the unemployed that we see from the other side of the House. The Leader of the Opposition said about young unemployed who were not on work for the dole that they would just continue to lie around in bed. That was his view of young people on 2BL on 12 March 1997. The member for Batman in a press release last week said, `People will seek to get on welfare even if they have to cheat to get there.' Unemployed people are cheats in the minds of the Labor Party. On 10 February 1997, the member for Batman in a radio interview with Pru Goward said that young people `just go home and go back to bed or watch TV for the rest of the week'.So unemployed people, in the eyes of the Labor Party, are lazy; they are cheats. You have no regard for the unemployed people in this country. That is why you betrayed through your policies a generation of young people—and that is why this government is acting to restore some fundamental values on which the future of the next generation in this country will be built. | Australia | 1,998 |
The honourable member obviously does not understand the process under which the government may or may not be able to approve premium increases. The legislation gives a very limited basis on which premiums can be knocked back. If that basis is not met, then the premiums cannot actually be disallowed. There has only been one occasion in the last 20 years when a minister has been able to actually disallow a premium increase, and then that was overruled in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. But I do understand the concern that older Australians feel and I do understand why they are angry. For example, in 1985 the former government took away the bed day subsidy; in 1986 they made health funds pay for the difference between the 75 per cent Medicare
rebate and the schedule fee; and between 1984 and 1989 the government took away its $100 million a year contribution to the reinsurance pool. The net effect of those three decisions has been to make private health insurance 30 per cent more expensive than it would otherwise be for your constituents. So the message I would give to the people—and, unlike the majority of people on the other side, I do have private health insurance and I understand how frustrating it is when the premiums go up—is that it is 10 to 15 per cent, probably 18 per cent, cheaper than it would be without the incentive scheme. If you lot ever get in and take it away, premiums will go up overnight by 18 per cent. | Australia | 1,998 |
I thank the member for Canning for her question. She is a great fighter for small business. I recognise her tremendous commitment to ensuring a fair deal for the small business community. I am delighted to be able to say that we are leading the charge when it comes to providing a better deal for the small business community. This week it seems that every day there is some additional benefit which we are putting in place for the small business community. Yesterday we had the extension of the banking industry ombudsman scheme. That is a fantastic boost for the small business community, and it is one in which we took the lead. In respect of retail tenancies, that is another area where this government has taken a lead. I must say I am very disappointed at the member for Cunningham's complete lack of understanding of what we are actually doing. It is bad enough that they did nothing for 13 years, but now they oppose what we are
doing only to find that they do not even understand the extent and the magnitude of the changes that we are making. Yesterday he said that we had failed to deliver uniform retail national tenancy legislation. That was never our objective. We do not want two sets of legislative schemes, federal and state, for retail tenancy. Nothing could be worse, nothing could be more costly and more burdensome for the small business community. So what we have done is set out—we set them out last year—a set of principles which ought to underpin the approach which is taken by the state parliaments. That has been a very successful approach. It is a long road, but we are effective, we are pushing this agenda. As the member for Canning has said, we are committed—and the member for Cowan backed her up. We took this to the meeting of ministers and parliamentary secretaries last year, and this is what the communique said that the ministers and parliamentary secretaries endorse the objective of establishing consistent legislative or regulatory minimum retail standards across the Australian jurisdiction. They went on to say—and this is not just coalition people but Labor people as well—that the initiatives are major steps towards achieving greater consistency in the business environment across Australia. What else did they say? They said that the ministers and parliamentary secretaries commended the package of initiatives announced by the Commonwealth on 30 September. What a contrast to the `13 years and 17 reports do nothing' approach of Labor. I will tell you what: if Labor were ever in, they would again do nothing for the small business community, except tax them, put more red tape on them and generally make their life as difficult as possibility. So, in the retail tenancy area, we are certainly driving this agenda in a way that has never been done before at the Commonwealth level. Similarly, in the franchise area—the Labor Party had a voluntary scheme for big business, and it was not working in the interests of small business. So the Reid committee said, `We want a mandatory code; we will require people to meet reasonable standards.' And we have introduced that. The Labor Party had a recommendation to that effect and they knocked it back. Who was sitting in the cabinet when they knocked back that benefit for the small business community? None other than the old Leader of the Opposition—old Mr Anti-small business. Doing the bidding of Finance and Treasury, he opposed the sensible measure for the small business community. To cap it off, here we have the most important legislative package for the small business community in 20 years, and yesterday this is what the member for Cunningham had to say. He said, `Mr Reith has the hide to accuse the Labor opposition of stalling the legislation which his own government hasn't even introduced into the Senate.' That is what he said yesterday. I refer honourable members to page 10401 of Hansard of 4 December last year. I think my colleagues are picking up the message. The second reading speech was moved by Senator Ellison: I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard .Leave was not granted. He said that we did not introduce it into the parliament. We took it into the Senate and they refused the first measure to get it under way in the Senate before Christmas. The best package in 20 years and you people are out there deceiving the Australian small business community about your attitude. The fact is that you want to delay this measure, you want to filibuster this measure and you have the cheek to say that we have not introduced it into the Senate. As the Hansard shows, it is in the Senate. No wonder he is an embarrassment to you. | Australia | 1,998 |
Papers are tabled as listed in the schedule circulated to honourable members. Details of the papers will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings and Hansard. The schedule read as follows—Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act—Anindilyakwa Land Council—6th report, for 1996-97.Central Land Council—Report for 1996-97.Northern Land Council—Report for 1996-97.
Tiwi Land Council—18th report, for 1996-97.Bringing them home: Report of the national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families—Government initiatives in response, 16 December 1997.Certain Family Law Issues—Joint Select Committee—Report—Funding and administration of the Family Court of Australia, November 1995—Government response, February 1998.Department of Health and Family Services—Report, including information on the administration and operation of the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service, Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Government Health Service, for 1996-97—Corrigendum. Mid-year economic and fiscal outlook 1997-98.Financial Institutions and Public Administration—Standing Committee—Report—Review of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission report for 1995-96, June 1997—Government response. Housing Loans Insurance Act—Housing Loans Insurance Corporation—33rd report, for 1996-97.Industry Commission Act—Industry Commission—Report No. 55—State, Territory and Local Government assistance to industry, 29 October 1996.Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act—Energy Research and Development Corporation and Energy Research and Development Corporation Selection Committee—Report for 1996-97.Second Sydney Airport proposal—Draft environmental impact statement—Auditor's report by SMEC Australia, January 1998.Tax expenditures statement 1996-97—Report of the Department of the Treasury, December 1997.Treaties—Bilateral with text, together with national interest analysis—Exchange of Letters, done at Canberra on 27 August 1997, constituting an Agreement to amend the Agreement on Health Services between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Malta of 6 July 1988.Agreement on Judicial Assistance in Civil and Commercial Matters and Co-operation in Arbitration between Australia and the Kingdom of Thailand, done at Canberra on 2 October 1997.[Second] Protocol, done at Canberra of 5 November 1997, to amend the Agreement between Australia and Finland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income and [First] Protocol, of 12 September 1984.
Extradition between Australia and the Republic of Paraguay, done at Buenos Aires on 30 December 1997.Multilateral with text, together with national interest analysis Amendments (concerning phasing out sea disposal of industrial waste), done at London on 12 November 1993 under Resolution LC.49(16), to Annexes I and II to the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter of 29 December 1972.Agreement between Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand and Vanuatu concerning the Neutral Truce Monitoring Group for Bougainville, done at Port Moresby on 5 December 1997.Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, done at Paris on 17 December 1997. | Australia | 1,998 |
by leave— I move: That the House notes the Speaker's foreshadowed resignation, the Prime Minister's failure on learning of the intention of the Speaker to put in train procedures for the orderly running of the House, and the Prime Minister's previous undertaking to support an independent Speaker, and his failure to achieve that objective. I have moved this motion because the events that have occurred here today are matters of very substantial concern to this House. The Speaker has very honourably stood in this place although he has done it in a manner that makes quite a point. It makes quite a substantial point when he comes in here at 2 o'clock, announces his resignation and leaves. He is making a statement via that particular action. The Prime Minister (Mr Howard) is now leaving the chamber. In the presentations that the Speaker has made as to the reasons for his resignation he has been perfectly appropriate and circumspect. He has said that this is a matter that he has determined on his own, without pressure. He told me privately that he arrived at his conclusion in this direction some time ago and that he had a conversation with the Prime Minister last night as to what his intentions were on this matter. He is a man of discretion and honour and I accept the points that he has made. What interests me is the circumstances which have brought him to this position: a
failure of standards on the part of the departing Prime Minister. He has failed in every single area of standards that he said he would bring into this place. We still do not have a ministerial code. He found the ministerial code impossible for his ministers to accept. He did not abolish the ministers—he did get rid of one or two of them; he abolished the code. The code will be, ultimately, a code that his ministers find acceptable. Two years on, we do not have it. The Prime Minister came out shortly before the last election and said these things about the position of Speaker: The second thing that I will do is I will have an independent speaker. A great weakness in parliament over the last few years is that we have not had an effectively independent speaker. You have had a speaker who has not been truly independent of the Labor Party and if I become Prime Minister I will adopt a system of having a completely independent speaker—and these are the relevant words in this situation—who can be just as tough on me and my Ministers. What we have had from Speaker Halverson is within his lights, his best endeavours to achieve that end. He has, in the process of it, given an indication that he will uphold the standing order in relation to supplementary questions. He has put down a proposition on that. He has also put in place and indicated by note to both sides of the House that he intends to improve question time by insisting on brief and to the point questions from the opposition, and relevance from the government. What Speaker Halverson has experienced in the last two years is persistent harassment on all those points. Persistent breach by the Prime Minister and other ministers on the question of relevance; persistent breach in relation to length. Nobody who sits in here and watches question time can come to any other conclusion. I fully confess that we have from time to time breached the provision he put on us for short and to the point questions, but the vast bulk of the questions that we have asked have absolutely observed that requirement. The vast bulk of the answers that we have received, and that all members in this House have received, have been something entirely different. We have a Prime Minister who has, firstly, breached that to the very considerable humiliation of the Speaker, who once was his campaign organiser for his leadership bid in this place and dear friend, and, secondly, defied the Speaker. The symbol of this government's harassment of this Speaker was provided some time ago. The breach was so spectacular that they have not been able to match it since. Nevertheless, it was spectacular enough for us to draw attention to it in this place. Nothing like this has happened for some considerable time. The Speaker invited, on 3 December, a withdrawal from the Leader of the House (Mr Reith) of an accusation directed at the member for Charlton (Mr Robert Brown). The Leader of the House was repeatedly asked by the Speaker to withdraw. When he failed to do so the Prime Minister stood and supported him, not the Speaker. The Prime Minister stood and supported the Leader of the House against the Speaker. Mr Halverson's resignation comes today and not then for one reason—and one reason only. The only reason why it did not come on 3 December 1996, as opposed to now, is that we in the opposition chose to withdraw. We in the opposition chose not to force Mr Speaker Halverson to make a choice between his loyalties to his political party and his obligation to uphold the standing orders in this place—his loyalties to a Prime Minister whom he sought to put in place at one point of time and his loyalties to an old friend in the form of the Leader of the Government in this House. We chose not to put Speaker Halverson to that test. We chose not to do so. We did so for one reason: a time honoured position as far as all members of parliament are concerned—that is, their obligation to assist Mr Speaker. It has to be said that in the robust cut and thrust of debate not everybody helps Mr Speaker. When we are unfairly dealt with, we feel the need to get up and occasionally dissent from Mr Speaker's or Mr Acting Speaker's ruling, and we have done so from time to time in this place under the appropriate orders and forums of the House. But on that occasion, because we recognised that it had got to a point where only the Speaker's
authority would oblige him to leave, we decided that it was in the interests of all members of parliament that we withdraw, and we did. What has happened since that point of time has been endless grouching from the Prime Minister, open grouching from the Prime Minister—challenges to rulings made by the Speaker when those rulings have gone against the Prime Minister, challenges to the dignity of the chair, a repeated refusal to acknowledge the obligation that is on the members of the other side's front bench to uphold what was an effort by Speaker Halverson to improve standards in this place. This was a position that obviously brought Mr Halverson to a point of the deepest personal disappointment. We can place no other interpretation on this action. We can place no other interpretation on the brevity and the perfunctory, in some ways, nature of the way in which this resignation is being presented than that he wants to make a point. That point is his best endeavours are endeavours that have been upheld; if they have been upheld by any side of the House, it has not been by the government. That is the only interpretation that we can place on the position that Speaker Halverson has come to. We note Speaker Halverson's loyalty. We note Speaker Halverson's concern for the Liberal Party's capacity to put in place an alternative candidate at the next election and the motivations that go into his presentation of his circumstances at this time, but the simple fact of the matter is that simply goes to his character. It does not go to the circumstances in which he was placed. And everybody in the press gallery who sits and watches these issues debated here in question time and sits and watches the performance in question time—every person who has experience in this place—understands that thoroughly. Elsewhere in this motion we talk about the provision for the orderly running of the House. The simple fact of the matter is that the government is very lucky indeed that Speaker Halverson's resignation has not at this stage been formally presented to the
Governor-General and returned. Had it been, there would be no processes: there would be no question time and there would be no discussions taking place in this chamber. The government's whole demeanour in this place has been completely reflective of the fact that they have been caught wanting and should not have been, given the Prime Minister's notice. We had an agreement on 10 minutes and my 10 minutes is up. I would not want anyone to think that my sitting down 10 minutes before the time that was allocated to me in any way diminishes the seriousness with which we regard this. These circumstances place on the new Speaker, whoever that Speaker is, an unbearable burden. These are circumstances in which, if that new Speaker is to be in a position which he or she feels is one of honour, they will have to have very considerable regard for that promise of Mr Howard's made so long ago and so completely breached since. They are going to be in a situation of very considerable difficulty, and it is going to be a challenge to this government, having put a set of circumstances in place that has seen one Speaker go, to produce a set of circumstances that allows another Speaker to survive with honour. | Australia | 1,998 |
What could be said about the Speaker is that he resigns his office at a time of his own choosing, and that could not have been more clearly demonstrated today. I came into the parliament on my second occasion in December 1984. I was finally sworn in in February 1985, so I was sworn in at the same time as the Speaker. Over the years, by dint of that circumstance and the fact that we are Victorians and various other things—we both enjoyed our billiards—we have struck up a close friendship in the time that he has been with us. He has been a person of great honour and distinction in this parliament. I suppose that should not have been a surprise to the new parliament—as it was in 1984, or February 1985 when he arrived—because he already had a distinguished career in service to the nation in the armed forces. For a brief period, between leaving the defence forces and coming to the parliament, he was in the stockbroking business but, apart from that, his life's work was within the defence forces. Two career highlights there were the time that he served in the United States in the Defence Office within the Australian Embassy in Washington and another time when he served as an exchange officer with the RAF on behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force. For that latter service, he was awarded an Order of the British Empire, an OBE.I think it is also relevant to place on the record that, in Bob's long service to the parliament, he has been ably supported by a number of people, but I want to put on the record my admiration for, my respect for and my thanks to two quite remarkable people. The first is his wife Maggie, who has been a tower of strength to him and a great support in his public life. Of course, in the role of Speaker, there are many engagements where a spouse can be a great help with the tasks to
be completed. I also want to place on record the role of Pauline Osmond who is a great character in herself. She has been a very good adviser to Bob in the time that he has been here. She is a personality in her own right—a real character—and has been a great worker for the Liberal Party and for Bob in the time that he has been a member of parliament. I do not really want to reply to the claims that the Speaker has been humiliated, that he has been defied, that he has been harassed by the government. Quite frankly, these are not becoming allegations to make. The fact is that he has been an independent Speaker, he has been a good Speaker, and he decided that he had served his time and that it was time to make the resignation announcement that he made. I was with him last night when he met with the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) and indicated his intentions. He said at the time that we would have a further discussion today about the timing and I said, `When the PM gets back from Melbourne we can discuss it.' Then he rang me at about 1.20 p.m. or 1.25 p.m. and said that he was about to tell the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) that he was going to make a statement at 2 o'clock, and I said, `Well, fair enough.' He then made the statement. The claim here is that the Prime Minister has not put in train procedures for the orderly running of the House. I do not think Mr Speaker will mind me saying that we had intended to have further discussions but he set the timing of his announcement and the Prime Minister was unfortunately on the plane at the time, and I do not think there is any more to it than that. As to the arrangements, Mr Deputy Speaker, we are obviously happy to facilitate the opportunity for people to say something. I know the member for La Trobe (Mr Charles), who is also a good friend of the Speaker, will also speak. I am proposing that we will have the MPI after this. I think the opposition is entitled to have its MPI.In terms of the processes, once the resignation has been tendered and that resignation has been transmitted to the Clerk, the parliament's next order of business must be the election of a Speaker. I will need to speak to the Prime Minister but, from the govern
ment's perspective, that means we will need to have a party meeting tomorrow morning so that when the parliament resumes tomorrow we will be able to nominate a new Speaker. Normally, under the standing orders, the parliament would meet at 9.30 a.m., so I give members notice that we will be looking at probably a later start. I have already raised this with the Manager of Opposition Business (Mr Crean) and, as soon as I have had a chance to talk to the Prime Minister about it, we will come back to you and advise you of that. Bob Halverson has been a good friend of mine. I am pleased that he is staying on through to the election. He wants to make sure we hang on to that seat of Casey, and that is typical of his loyalty to the party. We, of course, wish him well and I place on record my personal appreciation of the job that he has done and, from a personal aspect, that I, for one—and I know I speak for many—will be very sorry to see him leave. | Australia | 1,998 |
I think it appropriate to place on record our appreciation for what the Speaker tried to do but was not allowed to do because of the thuggery of this government and because of the failure of the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) to uphold standards that he said he would uphold when he was elected to the parliament. Let me just go to two important points that I want to develop on this. One is the pressure that was imposed upon Speaker Halverson which we believe was part of the reason for his extraordinary decision today to vacate the field. The second is another demonstration of how low the Prime Minister's standards have been. This is what the Prime Minister said before the election on Channel 9 on 25 February 1996:I will adopt a system of having a completely independent Speaker who can be just as tough on me and my ministers. The trouble for Speaker Halverson was that he believed the Prime Minister when he made that commitment. The problem for Speaker Halverson was that the Prime Minister had no intention of honouring it. I guess the worst example of this, Mr Deputy Speaker—because you would have
been aware of it at the time—was the incident on 3 December 1996 when an outrageous allegation was made by the Leader of the House (Mr Reith), which required one of our members to seek a withdrawal. The Speaker ruled on two occasions—two occasions, mind you, and this debate takes place over six full pages of Hansard—that the Leader of the House—you know, the guy who played snooker with him, the best mate—withdraw the allegation in accordance with what he believed current standing orders were. The Leader of the House refused to do it. The Prime Minister quizzically said, `I can't even understand what the ruling is.' This was a ruling to withdraw a statement where a member felt personally aggrieved. Not only did you have the Leader of the House refusing to withdraw it, but also you had a Prime Minister who said he could not understand what the ruling was about. It was only because the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) stood back from the brink that Speaker Halverson was not forced to resign on 3 December 1996. Let there be no mistake about that. If anyone needs to be reminded of it, let us have a look at what the newspapers were saying the day after. `How speaker forced to back down' was the comment in the Australian. It stated, `The independence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives was diminished yesterday when Bob Halverson was forced into a humiliating backdown on one of his rulings.' Who forced it? The government did. Who was prepared to back the Speaker? The Labor opposition was prepared to back him. Again, if you look at the Age of the next day, you see the words, `Riot tactics split Libs from their speaker' and, `Speaker threatens to quit parliament'. This is on Tuesday, 18 February. According to the Canberra Times of that day, `The Speaker of the House of Representatives has hit out at his critics and threatened to resign from parliament, exposing Prime Minister John Howard to a potentially damaging by-election if he is forced out of the job.'We all know the concern that the Speaker had for the way in which he was not being treated properly by the government. We all
know that he came in with the firm conviction of really wanting to be an independent speaker. He said he was going to take no more part in the party room meetings of his own party. He was going to be available to both sides of the House and he was going to try to restore an order and dignity to this place. He kept requesting, pleading even, for both sides of the House to give him the support that he needed. The next step in this sorry saga was on 26 March, again after what had been a particularly damaging period for him, because again the government at every step of the way, from the Prime Minister down, was critical of rulings that he was making in any attempt he made to become more even-handed—everyone from the Prime Minister down. We could run through them: the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House, the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (Dr Kemp), the Treasurer (Mr Costello); these were people who turned their backs on him when they were answering questions. These are people who were repeatedly asked to come back to the point of the question. They all ignored him. They humiliated him. So on 26 March he said that he wanted to set out at length the way in which we should proceed in future to address the length and relevance issues associated with questions and answers in the parliament. That resulted some two months later in a statement by the Speaker which set out what he expected. Again, who were the people who cooperated? We shortened the questions. We asked the supplementary questions only in the context in which he had outlined them. But we said that we would do it if the government would do it. Yet we have had this tawdry episode every time we have come into question time where they refuse to make any answer to a question, where they go on forever and where they ignore the Speaker when he asks them to come back to the relevancy of their point. That is what the Speaker was confronted with, and we know it. We did give the Speaker a hard time, but it was out of frustration that he was not able to get the cooperation of the party that put him in the seat. What we are saying today is this:
we regret the fact that the Speaker has left, but we know the circumstances that drove him to it. Any objective person that has watched the way in which this parliament has operated would know that. Let me come to the second point, and that is the way in which the government handles itself in this place. What we have found again is another example of the government, when confronted by a crisis, looking like the rabbit caught in the spotlight. We now have the Leader of the House admitting today that he knew last night Speaker Halverson was going to resign. We know that the Prime Minister did. What did he do? He flew out for good reasons to a funeral today. But we all know this: if the Speaker of the House of Representatives tenders his resignation, the parliament cannot proceed. Yet we had the spectacle today where we were given 20 minutes notice of the intention of the Speaker to go to Government House to tender his resignation. When we sought to get an explanation here, we saw again I think a pretty revealing circumstance: the Speaker came only to this side of the House to shake the Leader of the Opposition's hand. He did not go to his billiard partner's side. He did not shake the hand of his snooker mate, because he knows that that same mate snookered him. He was part of the exercise that drove him and hounded him from office. But what sort of government is it that, knowing this was the mind of the Speaker and knowing he was going to announce his resignation today, does not take steps to ensure that the parliament can still run smoothly? If the resignation was going to be submitted, where was the process by which it had put in train the procedures to elect a new speaker? Again, our contention is this: this is another example of a government incapable of governing, a government which is incapable of managing affairs in the place and a government that is not prepared to honour the commitments that it has made to make the speaker a more independent person. | Australia | 1,998 |
I move: That all words after "resignation" be omitted with a view to substituting the following words: "and records its appreciation of his distinguished service to the Parliament".On 30 April 1996 I had the honour in this place of proposing the Hon. Bob Halverson as Speaker of this distinguished House of Representatives. I was proud to have that honour because I believed that he would bring to the chair an independence that this place had not seen certainly in my time in this parliament—since March 1990.Today's contributions from the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) and, indeed, the member for Hotham (Mr Crean) do somewhat disappoint me because, as I reflect on my time in this place and the activities of this House, I would have thought that all of us would agree that the chair acted in a more balanced and impartial manner since 30 April 1996 than it had done certainly in any time since I took up my position in this House. The Leader of the Opposition talked about brief questions and supplementary questions. I think the Speaker has accomplished his objective of shortening the length of questions. I am not about to stand here and say that the opposition are perfect. They never will be. It is their job to be in opposition. I know more about that than any of those
sitting opposite because I was in opposition for six years. I know what it is like to be in opposition. I understand it. Do members recall what the questions were like in the last parliament and the previous one with Leaping Leo and Honest Steve over there? | Australia | 1,998 |
I was commenting on the fact that in previous parliaments we had very few questions in question time. As I recall, we had a split frontbench. We had half the frontbench here on one day and the other half on the next day, so we did not have a full question time. We did not have the full examination of government priorities and actions that has happened since 30 April 1996.Perhaps I am biased because I did propose Bob Halverson as Speaker. I did so because I thought he would bring to the chair some dignity, some sincerity, good humour and balanced judgments, and in my view he has accomplished those things. I think it is less than fortunate that the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Hotham have not shown the good grace to compliment the outgoing Speaker on the fine job that he has done and on the dignity he brought to the office and to the chair. I have known the Speaker for a good time. Casey is a neighbouring electorate of La Trobe, and the two of us have worked closely together. I know that he is dearly loved by the people in his electorate and was in 1996 disappointed that the redistribution took from him so much of that broad reach of what the
electorate of Casey used to be and contracted it into a smaller area. He had made many friendships with many people across all bounds of political life. I think his prior experience in the armed services and serving this country put him in good stead in this place. He was a terrific whip in opposition and I think he has brought dignity to the office of the chair. I think we will miss him, and I think the opposition do themselves a disservice when they try to paint a picture of there being some conflict between the Speaker and the Prime Minister (Mr Howard). From my viewpoint, I saw no such conflict. In fact, if the opposition are honest they would admit that during the 13 years they were in government never did the opposition—us—have a supplementary question, never were there 20 questions at question time and never was there the degree of making sure that ministers stuck to the issues, stuck to the point, of the question that Speaker Halverson has insisted happen in this parliament. He has acted independently. He has not attended Liberal Party meetings or functions, and he has acted in a truly independent spirit. I congratulate him on that. Very briefly, his press release today deserves to go into the Hansard. Dated 3 March 1998, it states: Speaker of the House of RepresentativesThe Hon. Bob Halverson OBE MPResignation as SpeakerAt the commencement of proceedings in the House this afternoon I informed Members that later today I will be tendering to His Excellency the Governor General my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives. It has been a great honour to serve the Parliament as Speaker—and I would like to thank everyone who has supported my endeavours in this role. Although I have been endorsed as the Liberal Party candidate for Casey I will not contest the next election. In the meantime I will continue to fulfil my obligations to the electors of Casey by serving as their federal parliamentary representative. By taking this action at this time, it will not only enable the Liberal Party to pre-select my successor for the seat of Casey but also will allow me to be available to assist in the transitional period to
ensure continuing effective representation for the electorate. I would like to reiterate my comment in the House that this is not a decision I have taken lightly or without careful consideration. It is my decision, and mine alone—and I am entirely comfortable with it. I believe that the motion, as amended, should be supported by all honourable members in this House for an honourable man who has done a great job in dignifying the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives of the parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia. | Australia | 1,998 |
I just point out, perhaps for the interest of members, that in the House of Representatives Practice there is a passage which says: The chequered history of the Speakership shows that a number of Speakers died violent deaths by way of execution or murder while others were imprisoned, impeached or expelled from office. This record is reflected in the custom of a newly elected Speaker showing a token resistance on being escorted to the Chair. I acknowledge the fact that the member for La Trobe (Mr Charles) pointed out that he was one of those people who actually helped guide the then Speaker-elect, the member for Casey (Mr Halverson), to the chair to take up his position as Speaker. There are a number of questions which have still not been answered in this debate. I would like to know the answers as a member of this House because the Speaker is a person who has as his primary duty the defence of the rights of the members of this place. This is an extraordinary event. I cannot think, other than during the days of the Whitlam govern
ment when Speaker Cope resigned, of anything of a similar nature in the history of the speakership of the House of Representatives. Given the seriousness of this particular event and given the fact that there will be an election within a reasonably short time—certainly between now and March 1999—it seems extraordinary that the Speaker should have chosen this particular point to resign his office. Given the fact that he sought and accepted the preselection for the seat of Casey, it is also a matter of some note and I as a member would like to know the full circumstances of his resignation. What I would really like to know—this is the $64,000 question arising from the resignation of the Speaker—is whether the government still endorses the change, albeit a small change and a change that was very much welcomed by the Independent members of this House, that Speaker Halverson brought to his functions. That is the question that needs to be answered. | Australia | 1,998 |
That is what I am asking now in this place. This is the place where you
make the contribution to make those particular requests. If, at the end of the day, we are faced with a situation where the Speaker of this place is placed in a situation where he feels obliged to resign, then obviously the rights of members are likely to be infringed. I ask the government if it will respond by saying whether or not it firmly endorses the directions the Speaker took. If so, I will be pleased at that response because I think the changes Speaker Halverson brought to his office have been of benefit to this place. What I want to know is: will the government support the subsequent Speaker if those particular changes are continued and enhanced? I think it is incumbent upon the government to make the office of Speaker more independent and to raise the standards of this place. After having been attacked by the Leader of the House for merely asking the question of what has happened, I would have thought, as a member of this place, that that is a perfectly straightforward, understandable and logical question to ask. All I can say is that if this is the attitude, then I am concerned at the future of the role of an independent Speaker. As an Independent member of this place, I wish to have someone in the chair who is there to protect my rights as a member and my right to be able to properly represent the interests of my constituents in this place. | Australia | 1,998 |
The House divided. (Mr Deputy Speaker—Mr G.B. Nehl)49AYESAdams, D. G. H. Albanese, A.Baldwin, P. J. Beazley, K. C.Beddall, D. P. Bevis, A. R.Brereton, L. J. Brown, R. J.Crean, S. F. Crosio, J. A.Dargavel, S. J. Ellis, A. L.Evans, G. J. Evans, M. J.Ferguson, L. D. T. Ferguson, M. J.Fitzgibbon, J. A. Grace, E. L. *Griffin, A. P. Hatton, M.Holding, A. C. Hollis, C.Jenkins, H. A. Jones, B. O.Kerr, D. J. C. Latham, M. W.Lawrence, C. M. Lee, M. J.Macklin, J. L. Martin, S. P.McClelland, R. B. McLeay, L. B.McMullan, R. F. Melham, D.Morris, A. A. Morris, P. F.Mossfield, F. W. O'Connor, G. M.O'Keefe, N. P. Price, L. R.Quick, H. V. Sawford, R. W. *Sercombe, R. C. G. *Smith, S. F.Tanner, L. J. Theophanous, A. C.Thomson, K. J. Willis, R.Wilton, G. S.80NOESAndrew, J. N. Andrews, K. J.Anthony, L. J. Bailey, F. E.Barresi, P. A. Bartlett, K. J.Billson, B. F. Bishop, B. K.Bradford, J. W. Broadbent, R. E.Brough, M. T. Cadman, A. G.Cameron, E. H. Cameron, R. A.Causley, I. R. Charles, R. E.Cobb, M. R. Costello, P. H.Dondas, N. M. Draper, P.Elson, K. S. Entsch, W. G.Evans, R. D. C. Fahey, J. J.Fischer, T. A. Forrest, J. A.Gallus, C. A. Gambaro, T.Georgiou, P. Grace, E. J.Hardgrave, G. D. Hawker, D. P. M.Hicks, N. J. *Hockey, J. B.Jeanes, S. B. Johnston, R.Jull, D. F. Katter, R. C.Kelly, D. M. Kelly, J. M.Kemp, D. A. Lieberman, L. S.Lindsay, P. J. Lloyd, J. E.Marek, P. McArthur, F. S. *McDougall, G. R. McLachlan, I. M.Miles, C. G. Moylan, J. E.Nairn, G. R. Nelson, B. J.Neville, P. C. Prosser, G. D.Pyne, C. M. Randall, D. J.Reith, P. K. Rocher, A. C.Ronaldson, M. J. C. Ruddock, P. M.Scott, B. C. Sharp, J. R.Sinclair, I. McC. Slipper, P. N. *Smith, A. C. Smith, W. L.Somlyay, A. M. Southcott, A. J.Stone, S. N. Taylor, W. L.Thomson, A. P. Truss, W. E.Tuckey, C. W. Vaile, M. A. J.Vale, D. S. Wakelin, B. H.West, A. G. Williams, D. R.Wooldridge, M. R. L. Worth, P. M.Question so resolved in the negative. | Australia | 1,998 |
I present the report of the Selection Committee relating to the consideration of committee and delegation reports and private members' business on Monday, 9 March 1998. The report will be printed in today's Hansard , and the items accorded priority for debate will be published in the Notice Paper for the next sitting. The report read as follows—Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation reportsand private Members' business on Monday, 9 March 1998Pursuant to sessional order 28D, the Selection Committee has determined the order of precedence and times to be allotted for consideration of committee and delegation reports and private Members' business on Monday, 9 March 1998. The
order of precedence and the allotments of time determined by the Committee are shown in the list. COMMITTEE AND DELEGATION REPORTSPresentation and statements1 AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO VENEZUELA AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Report on Australian Parliamentary Delegation to Venezuela and the United States of America, July 1997.The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to be made within a total time of 20 minutes. Speech time limits—First Member speaking—10 minutesOther Members—5 minutes each.2 NATIONAL CRIME AUTHORITY—JOINT COMMITTEE: Report on the examination of the annual report for 1996-97 of the National Crime Authority. The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to be made within a total time of 15 minutes. Speech time limits—Each Member—5 minutes.3 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION—STANDING COMMITTEE: Report on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's annual report for 1996-97.The Committee determined that statements on the report may be made—all statements to be made within the time remaining for committee and delegation reports. Speech time limits—Each Member—5 minutes. PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESSOrder of precedenceNotices1 Mr McClelland to move: That this House:(1) notes that the withdrawal of the operational subsidy to community based child care centres has caused a significant detrimental impact including:(a) the need for child care centres to increase fees between 11 and 15 per cent per week;(b) causing a number of families to reduce their hours of child care or leave the child care service altogether; and(c) causing child care centres to (i) reduce administration hours, (ii) reduce staff or replace staff with lower qualified staff, (iii) curtail services to infants such as nappy services, (iv) either withdraw or reduce the
quality of meals and drinks provided to children, (v) reduce the amount of spending on equipment and materials and (vi) reduce the extent of building and outdoor maintenance;(2) calls on the Minister for Family Services to refer issues relating to the withdrawal of the operational subsidies to the appropriate House of Representatives committee with such terms of reference to include investigation of the impact of the loss of operational funding on community based long day care centres and families who use that service;(3) further calls on the Minister for Family Services to increase the child care assistance ceiling for child care services to better reflect the actual cost of care; and(4) calls on the Government to immediately reinstate the $350 million taken from the children's services program in 1997-98 so that high quality affordable child care can be maintained and monitored. Time allotted—private Members' business time prior to 1.45 p.m.Speech time limits—Mover of motion—10 minutes. First Government Member speaking—10 minutes. Other Members—5 minutes each. The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.2 Mr Hockey to move: That this House:(1) condemns the persecution of all religious minorities around the world;(2) deplores the long lasting plight of the Christian minorities in Turkey involving discrimination against those minorities to freely practice their religion and culture; and(3) requests the Government of Turkey, in the interests of secularism and respect for minorities to:(a) make it easier for all Christian denominations to be recognised as official churches and to have clear legal rights with regard to property ownership;(b) allow the opening of the Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic seminaries which were forcibly closed in 1971 and permit other Christian denominations such as the Syrian Orthodox to have seminaries as well; (c) abolish the special tax imposed on Christian institutions; (d) preserve Christian monuments and cease the destruction or desecration of Christian
churches, monasteries and other religious monuments; (e) provide more protection for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox church in Istanbul and Armenian and Greek Christian churches in Turkey, against possible further attacks by Islamic extremists; (f) return to the Armenian Protestant Church all property that was taken from it including money that the Armenians were forced to pay; and (g) not interfere in the selection of church leaders or in the affairs of the Christian communities, in particular the operations of schools. Time allotted—30 minutes. Speech time limits—Mover of motion—10 minutes. First Opposition Member speaking—10 minutes. Other Members—5 minutes each. The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day.3 Mr Brown to move: That this House:(1) expresses its absolute disgust at the worsening industrial relations climate throughout Australia as a number of foreign owned companies and their maverick Australian subsidiaries seek to use the Howard Government's workplace relations legislation to confront, intimidate and harass Australian workers and their spouses and children and to threaten the viability, stability and peace of Australian communities;(2) deplores the gross and unconscionable behaviour of the American owned Atlantic Richfield Company for sacking all of the workers at its Gordonstone mine in Queensland with the intention of re-opening the mine with scab labour on individual contracts;(3) calls on Rio Tinto to halt its continuing provocation against its employees at Hunter Valley No. 1 Mine and their spouses and children and seek to approach industrial relations in a more civilised and co-operative way;(4) urges all respectable and responsible Australian firms to reject the behaviour of the mavericks and renegades whose offensive assaults on decency in the industrial relations system will cost Australian industry and the general community dearly;(5) encourages all Federal and State industrial tribunals to utilise the laws, conventions and facilities available to them to demand that employers enter into genuine negotiations with
unions and seek to achieve honourable settlements, arbitrated if necessary;(6) demands that the Howard Government act immediately and decisively to halt the frightening trend towards the intrusion of potential violence in our approach to industrial relations;(7) expresses its unqualified support for the courageous workers and their families who have been forced to put themselves in the front line of sacrifice to protect the rights of all workers; and(8) calls on all Australians who value and respect our great traditions of fair play, mateship, collective action and civilised relationships to reject the intrusion of un-Australian behaviour into Australia's industrial relations system. Time allotted—remaining private Members' business time. Speech time limits—Mover of motion—10 minutes. First Government Member speaking—10 minutes. Other Members—5 minutes each. The Committee determined that consideration of this matter should continue on a future day. | Australia | 1,998 |
Speaker Halverson should not have been the person who resigned today. The member for Chisholm, the Minister for Health and Family Services (Dr Wooldridge), should have resigned today. He has deliberately deceived the Australian people in what he has been saying about private health insurance. He has wasted $1.7 billion of taxpayers' money on their
failed health insurance tax rebates, which, as every person out there with private health insurance knows, have been swallowed up by premium increases that have been approved by this minister and this government. Yesterday morning, five million Australians woke up to learn that their health insurance premiums had increased by an average of eight per cent. Some of the older, loyal, long-term members of health insurance funds have been hit with increases of up to 15 per cent in some funds in some states. That means that most families will be paying an extra $200 for their private health insurance premiums each year. Contrast that with what the member for Bennelong, the Prime Minister (Mr Howard), promised the Australian people before the last election. He said that he would offer cheaper premiums for health insurance through the tax rebate. He said that would deliver an increase in membership for the funds and would take the pressure off the public hospital system. But what have we seen? Premiums have gone through the roof and membership has gone through the floor. This government, under John Howard, has slashed federal funding for public hospitals by $800 million a year. This government has delivered the lowest level of private health insurance membership Australia has ever seen. We are now down to 31.6 per cent after this government has spent $1.7 billion of taxpayers' money, and it has nothing to show for it. The tragedy is that the $1.7 billion that the government squandered on the rebate was raised by cutting federal funding to public hospitals, by abolishing the Commonwealth dental health program and by forcing ordinary Australians to pay more for their essential medicines. That is how they raised the funding for this measure, which Jeff Kennett rightly said has been `money down the drain'. It is money down the drain because there has been no increase in private health insurance membership as a result of these changes. The minister for health might be the person who is taking the rap, even if he is too much of a coward to present himself in the chamber this afternoon for this MPI. This is not the first time that the minister has squibbed a
debate on health issues. It must be embarrassing for members of the government's back bench to be asked to come and fill in for a minister who is not prepared to come in and defend his own ideas. You can understand why Dr Wooldridge is embarrassed to come in here and defend this government's policy. The person who should really be getting the blame for the disaster with this government's policy on private health insurance is John Howard, the member for Bennelong. It is the Prime Minister who deserves the blame. The Prime Minister, knowing that there was to be another tidal wave of health insurance increases to be announced yesterday, in a deliberate, sneaky John Howard type strategy got into the papers last week and said that the reason for the failure of this government's health insurance policy is that the former Labor government did not take some action seven years ago. But, Mr Deputy Speaker, you have to ask yourself: if John Howard knew at the last election that the position of private health insurance was irretrievable, why did he go to the last election with a policy which said he would spend $1.7 billion on a policy that would not make a difference? A week ago the Prime Minister's excuse for the failure of his rebate policy was that the Labor government did not do enough seven years ago. If you knew that in 1976, why did you squander the $1.7 billion on tax rebates if you knew it would not make a difference, if you knew you could not turn around the level of private health insurance? If you knew that in 1976, why would you have this exchange with a journalist at the launch of the Liberal Party's health policy in February 1996:Journalist: What is your target for the number of people who will take out private health insurance? Howard: Well our target is that by the year 2000 it should be 40 per cent. The journalist goes on to ask: Sorry, is that 40 per cent moved back in or 40 per cent? Howard: No, no, by the year 2000 it will be 40 per cent. So if John Howard was right when he said a week ago that he knew all along that the
Labor government's decisions that were taken seven years ago meant that private health insurance could not have been turned around, why did the Prime Minister deliberately deceive the Australian people—using those words that we are allowed to use, thanks to the ruling of Deputy Speaker Nehl—and claim that he could get the levels of private health insurance back up to 40 per cent by the year 2000?When the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) puts the acid on the Prime Minister here this afternoon and asks him whether he stands by that 40 per cent target by the year 2000, the Prime Minister squibs it again. Knowing that there is no chance in the world that his failed tax rebate policy can hope to turn around the level of private health insurance membership to 40 per cent by the year 2,000, is the Prime Minister strong enough, is the Prime Minister man enough, to come in here and admit that he cannot achieve the target he set himself in 1996? No, the Prime Minister still tries to slip and slide all around the dispatch box, all around this table, refusing to admit what every person out there who has private health insurance knows. They know—as the Prime Minister is not prepared to admit—that this tax rebate policy has been a complete and utter failure. But it is not just the Prime Minister who has been telling porkies. We had this exchange between the Minister for Health and Family Services (Dr Wooldridge) and Fran Kelly on Radio National a few weeks ago: Fran Kelly: So Minister if I can just clarify that, Michael Lee the shadow health spokesman is wrong, is he, when he says that your portfolio budget statement of 1996-97 claimed that you said coverage of private health insurance will increase to 34 per cent in 1997-98?Dr Wooldridge, Minister for Health: No, he is wrong, he's lying. He knows he's saying a deliberate untruth. We asked the minister for health about this yesterday; we asked him how he explains the fact that his own name appears on the health department budget portfolio statements, these statements which on page 145 contain the following statement: The funding estimates—
this is for the private health insurance tax rebate—are based upon the assumption that the coverage of private health insurance will increase from 32 per cent of the population to 34 per cent of the population. That is what Dr Wooldridge's own health portfolio budget statements say. But we have got to the stage under John Howard where parliamentary standards are so low that a minister of the crown can claim—even though he is responsible for the department of health's budget portfolio papers; even though his name appears on the portfolio papers; even though this minister has approved them, signed them and submitted them to the Presiding Officers of the Parliament of Australia—that in some way he is not responsible for them. `I only approve them,' Dr Wooldridge says. `I only sign them,' the minister for health says. `I only submitted them to the Parliament of Australia,' the minister for health says. It is some bureaucrat who drafted them; it is some bureaucrat in the Department of Finance and the Department of Health and Family Services who is responsible for Dr Wooldridge's signature appearing on this document, which states that their estimates are based on a two per cent increase in private health insurance. But, if that is not bad enough, in some ways it is to be expected from ministers in this government. When the DIFF scandal was exposed, we had the Downer defence—`I didn't read it.' Then, when we had the travel rorts exposed, we had the Howard defence—`I know nothing.' Then, when this minister is caught out with his own name on the budget portfolio statements, he says, `I only signed it, I didn't write it.' What are we getting to? What sort of standards of ministerial behaviour do we have in this parliament? But it gets even worse than that. It is not just the budget portfolio statements. Jennifer Byrne, on the 7.30 Report last night, put a very pertinent question to Dr Wooldridge. I quote from the transcript of that program: Jennifer Byrne: As recently as last year when you announced this financial package, you said you expected 70,000 single people and 65,000 couples to join health funds, an increase of 1½ per cent. What we've seen is a substantial drop.
Dr Wooldridge: Well I didn't say that. Dr Wooldridge claims he did not say that. | Australia | 1,998 |
The minister for health claims he did not say that, and yet this is a press release issued on budget night by the minister for health. I will quote from a paragraph, and see whether the words sound familiar—and this is the minister for health, Dr Wooldridge: We are expecting about 70,000 high income earning single people and 65,000 couples and families to join health funds as a result of this measure. This alone would increase the participation rate by 1.5 percentage points. So, having raised this press release in the parliament here yesterday, Dr Wooldridge goes on the 7.30 Report and deliberately deceives the viewers of that program and claims that he did not say something which is in his own press release. I do not know whether we are going to get the defence that in some way he is not responsible for his own press releases because someone else has written them, but this is a pretty sorry state of ministerial accountability. The other thing to point out is that the minister for health claims that these increases are less than the average increases for the last decade. I always think it is interesting to compare the last two years of the former Labor government with the first two years of this government. If you look at the real increases in the cost of health insurance, what did we see in 1994-95, the second last year of the Labor government? We saw 0.9 per cent. What did we see in 1995-96? We saw 1.5 per cent increase in health insurance premiums in real terms. What did we see in the first full year of the Howard government? A real increase of 5.8 per cent. We are facing real increases this year of 10 to 15 per cent. Under the last two years of Labor we had increases of 0.9 per cent and 1.5 per cent. Under the first two years of the member for Bennelong and the member for Chisholm we have had 5.8 per cent and in excess of 10 per cent real increases in the cost of private health insurance. Is it any wonder that ordinary Australians are
questioning whether they are getting good value for money from their private health insurance? The government is floating a few ideas around about how it might fix this crisis, about how it might address the fact that its policy has been a $1.7 billion flop. We have the government claiming that it might look at lifetime community rating. You would not want to be in a hurry waiting for the government to make its mind up on lifetime community rating. John Howard established a public inquiry. He set up the Industry Commission inquiry into private health insurance 18 months ago. Twelve months ago the Industry Commission reported; it produced its draft and its final report. In February 1997 Dr Wooldridge put out a statement saying that the government approved in principle the introduction of lifetime community rating. The minister for health said that he would carry out some modelling but that within six months of February 1997 he would have legislation in the parliament. A year has gone by and the government is still looking at, contemplating and dithering over whether or not it will bring in lifetime community rating. The only other idea that seems to be on the table is the government's plan to force middle income earners to pay the Medicare levy surcharge if they do not have private health insurance. We have already seen that the government has predicted that it would get a 1½ per cent increase in private health insurance membership from the Medicare levy surcharge. That has not produced a 1½ percentage increase. If you have been unable to force high income earners to take out very expensive private health insurance through the Medicare levy surcharge, why would you expect that forcing middle income earners to take out private health insurance through the surcharge would be any more successful? All that lifetime community rating will mean at the end of the day is that older members of health funds will be forced to pay more. Younger members might get some reward, and we on this side of the House have no difficulty with coming up with rewards for long-term members of health
funds, but we certainly do not believe that older Australians should be penalised for the policy failures of this government. Surely older Australians have been hurt enough with the nursing home debacle, with the increases in the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, with the government's cutbacks and the abolition of the Commonwealth dental service. Surely older Australians deserve to be out of the target sights of this government and this Prime Minister. At the last election a lot of Australians put their trust in John Howard, the member for Bennelong. They believed him when he made a few promises before the last election. He said that he would make health insurance cheaper. Premiums have gone through the roof. He said that he would get the level of private health insurance up to 40 per cent by the year 2000, and instead we have seen membership go through the floor. The member for Bennelong said that he would not cut Medicare rebates. What have we seen? GP rebates have been squeezed, forcing a reduction in the level of bulkbilling for ordinary Australians. The member for Bennelong said that pensioners would retain their benefits. What does he do? He causes turmoil in nursing homes, abolishes the Commonwealth dental program and increases the cost of essential medication. Is it any wonder there is such deep disillusionment amongst those Australians who trusted John Howard, who trusted the member for Bennelong? Is it any wonder that they are waiting for the day that they can toss this government out at the earliest opportunity? | Australia | 1,998 |
I have heard the opposition minister for health, the member for Dobell (Mr Lee), put up MPI after MPI on private health insurance, and it is always the same thing. I have never heard him offer one constructive solution for private health insurance. I have never heard him address the problems that private health insurance is facing. He has just spent 15 minutes criticising the government's private health insurance incentives. This is the ALP's 1996 policy document. The member for Dobell has just spent 15 minutes criticising
the government's private health insurance incentives. What would Labor have done if it were elected? If it were elected, Labor was going to offer a $350 family payment, a flat rebate, for the cost of private health insurance. Labor was offering incentives for private health insurance. Labor was committed to the same policy as the government. You have to ask the Australian Labor Party what they would do with the incentives for private health insurance. Would they scrap them? They would not say. At the ALP conference in January the shadow minister for health would not say whether he would scrap the private health insurance incentives. Are you going to scrap them to pay for public hospitals? The Australian people want to know. At the moment he has $6 billion of unfunded health policy promises. It is important to reflect on some of the benefits that we have in the Australian health system. Australia spends between eight and nine per cent of GDP on a health system that is more comprehensive than that of the United States. The Labor Party has never been committed to private health insurance. Perhaps they would like to see a system more weighted towards public hospitals. That certainly seems to be the thrust of their policy from their national conference. If you look at what country has the greatest predominance of a public system vis-a-vis a private system, it would be the national health service in the United Kingdom. That is the sort of system that the Labor Party wants to work towards. The latest figures on participation rates show that at present 31.6 per cent of Australians have private health insurance. You have to ask: what would be the levels without private health insurance incentives? The premiums would still rise. The insurance funds cannot raise the premiums just to add it on to the bottom line. They have to add it if it is actually contributing to reserves. The point to make is that these fund increases average about eight per cent. During the term of the Labor government the average was 12 per cent. There was a period in 1986-88 when insurance premiums rose by 40 per cent. During that period it was direct Common
wealth government decisions relating to the reinsurance pool and the Commonwealth bed day subsidy that contributed to those rises. What the opposition would like to do is put all of our money into public hospitals. That suggestion will not work because the premiums are going to rise. The premiums are rising due to increasing technology, due to the ageing of the Australian population and due to the fact that there are more people to care for and there are more expensive methods to use. Premiums are going to rise for those reasons. The funds cannot add the premiums to the bottom line. That is why there is a committee of the Treasurer (Mr Costello), the Minister for Health and Family Services (Dr Wooldridge) and the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) to actually review that. Also, it is important to ask: do the opposition want to scrap these incentives? Will the member for Dobell tell the 13,000 people in his electorate that have taken up the private health insurance incentives that he wants to take it away from them, or will the Leader of the Opposition tell the 12,000 people in Brand that he wants to take away those private health insurance incentives? Australia has a health system with a public and private component. Most people would agree that you need to efficiently utilise both parts and you also need to offer the community the choice and security that they require in health care. Regarding the policy that the ALP is saying has been a failure, there have been over 1¼ million people in January 1998 who have actually taken up the benefits of the government's incentive scheme. I notice that in Boothby, my own electorate, over 20,000 people have taken up the private health insurance scheme. People who want to apply—some people think it is just a tax rebate—can receive it through the tax system. A lot of pensioners and people on lower incomes, self-funded retirees—I know there are a lot of self-funded retirees on the Central Coast in the member for Dobell's own electorate who are receiving this private health insurance incentive—and other people who are not paying much tax can also receive it by applying through the fund. There is also the point to make that this has been the carrot but there has also been the stick in the government's policy relating to private health insurance; and that means that single people on incomes above $50,000 and couples on incomes of over $100,000 need to take out private health insurance, otherwise they pay an extra one per cent in the Medicare levy. People need to be aware of that. Regarding private health insurance, the opposition mentioned the Industry Commission report. The government has already responded to that report; it did so in August. It is important to make private health insurance value for money. Some of the important reforms you could see in private health insurance are just simplified billing. There is an example at the Melbourne Private Hospital where you have simplified billing—and it is paid for by the funds—so that people do not need to receive a bill. That is one of the most common complaints that you get about private health insurance, that people are receiving sometimes up to 60 bills after a stay in a private hospital. If adopted by hospitals, this would allow people either to receive one bill after the hospital stay or, in the case of Melbourne Private Hospital, to have them paid totally by the funds. The ALP had their conference in January—and we have had the Industry Commission around for a year. What proposals do the ALP have for private health insurance? What is their policy on lifetime community rating? What is their policy on adjusting waiting periods for pre-existing ailments? What is their policy on reviewing the regulations which go around health insurance? What is their policy on looking at the reinsurance pools? What is their policy on enhancing competition between the funds? What is their policy on the role of Medibank Private? What is their policy in areas like integrated billing? It is important to remember that when Medicare was established by John Deeble it was established to go hand in hand with a strong private sector. When it was established in 1984 private health insurance levels were initially at 66 per cent. They dropped to 50 per cent very quickly after the introduction of
Medicare and they have been dropping by about two per cent per year ever since. There were some Labor members who recognised that. Graham Richardson recognised about four or five years ago that there was a real crisis in private health insurance. Unfortunately, most members of the caucus were ideologically opposed to private health insurance and when he left nothing much was done about it. As I have said before, it was the previous Labor government's directly removing, initially, the rebate for private health insurance when they first got in and the abolition of the Commonwealth bed day subsidy—the removal of the Commonwealth's contribution to the private reinsurance pool—which led to an explosion in premiums of over 40 per cent. Between 1986 and 1988 there was an explosion of 40 per cent. As well as those actions, things like the Medicare rebate, which was reduced from 85 per cent to 75 per cent for in-patient stays, and the 1993 Medicare agreement, which encouraged public patients to be put through in public hospitals, forced private patients into private hospitals. It has been that shift to private patients being treated in private hospitals which has contributed to a lot of the increase in insurance premiums in the 1990s.There has also been a vicious cycle in private health insurance whereby what you have had is that, as each cycle comes around, the premiums rise and the young, fit and healthy assess their own risk and decide to drop out, which is changing the risk pool of those people who are in private health insurance. This is adverse selection and what it means is that the policy of community rating—whereby you do not discriminate against people who are more likely to claim—is now a farce because it is not even a balanced pool in private health insurance. Adverse selection means that it is actually tilted towards people who are more likely to claim. One of the problems in the health system is that you have Medicare, which is a universal health system available to all, operating side by side with a private system which has regulations operating on it which are trying to achieve some of the same social objectives as
the Medicare system. It is a problem that needs to be addressed. I have never heard the Labor Party come up with a solution to that. As I mentioned before, Access Economics have estimated that every two per cent drop in private health insurance contributes something like 325,000 hospital bed days. That is two teaching hospitals per year for each two per cent drop per annum. It is often interesting to go back to what previous health ministers have said. Back in August 1996, Graham Richardson said: As health minister I sponsored a number of measures to stop the drift from private health insurance which was increasing sharply at the time. I steered a package through the cabinet but resigned before I could sell it to the caucus. Practically the whole package died when I left as the Labor Party had always been a bit biased against private health insurance, and without a sponsor any proposal to help the industry was doomed. One idea I had which had no chance of ever being accepted by my caucus or cabinet colleagues was to charge an increased Medicare levy for high-income earners who refused to take out private health insurance. I was never comfortable with the thought of wealthy people elbowing battlers out of queues in public hospitals. That is the coalition's policy. Going back a bit earlier, I reviewed the speeches of Dr Blewett while he was health minister. He was Labor's—and the Commonwealth's—longest serving health minister. The abolition of the Commonwealth bed day subsidy back in 1986 was estimated to have directly contributed to a blow-out in private health insurance premiums of 40 per cent. This is what he said in August 1986:The abolition of the Commonwealth private hospital subsidy is not of itself expected to have a major impact on private health insurance premiums, despite what has been said. He was wrong. Earlier when the Medicare legislation was being discussed he showed what is, essentially, Labor's view when it comes to private health insurance. He said: I should emphasise that there will be no need for anyone to take out hospital insurance if they are satisfied with the care provided in public hospitals by doctors employed on a salary or sessional basis by the hospital. This shows Labor's agenda. Labor would like an NHS type scheme. It is sometimes a bit contradictory. The current Labor spokesperson for health has conceded that the Australian health care system works best when there is a mix of public and private. He would probably like to see a two-to-one balance; it is not even that now. He has also recognised that whatever difficulties we have in our health care system we are in a better position than many other countries. He has also gone on to say:. . . before the last election we offered a tax rebate for people with private health insurance . . . Once again, that is coalition policy. By the end of last year the member for Dobell had committed spending promises in excess of $6 billion. These are unfunded spending promises of $6 billion. He is the big spender of the Australian Labor Party. Here are some examples of his promises. The abolition of therapeutic goods premiums for PBS medicines. Is that Labor Party policy? Do you oppose it? You are silent. Restore savings from forward estimates agreed by the Premiers in 1996—costing $800 million: he opposed it at the time, and presumably he will not reverse it. Restoring funding for the dental health program—$400 million. Are you going to do that one? Support the states' demand for an extra $1.1 billion a year in base funding under the next five-year Medicare agreements. That would be $4½ million. This makes Kim Beazley look quite economical. And what about full indexation of the MBS standard consultation fee for GPs? That is another $160 million. In total it is over $6,000 million. Another policy the ALP has recently come up with has been to say that they will deliver a budget surplus. How? Are you going to produce a costed health policy? (Time expired) | Australia | 1,998 |
`This matter of public importance is about the lack of credibility in the human services and health portfolio because of the lack of credibility of the person who occupies the position of minister'—a quote from Dr Wooldridge, the member for Chisholm, in November 1995 in this chamber. I have been in this place with a number of health ministers and I have seen in the community a level of discomfort with Labor health ministers amongst the medical profession. But I have not often seen a speech as nasty and vindictive as the one the current minister gave in November 1995 in this chamber. I have not heard speeches as nasty as that. Nor have I ever found the level of angst and animosity to a federal health minister in the medical profession that I am finding now. I am finding life-long members of the AMA absolutely vilifying the current minister. The sense of betrayal is enormous. This minister, in speech after speech after speech and MPI after MPI after MPI, attacked the previous government and said what he would do and what wonderful things they would achieve. The results are the opposite. We now have to work out what words in his speeches are his and what are not. I am concerned now as to whether or not what he said in the parliament were his words, either. I am a bit apprehensive about quoting his speeches because they may not have been his words. They may have been written by somebody else, as were his press releases and the departmental projections. We are finding that Dr Wooldridge has a way with words. He weasels his way around them. You suddenly
find that words do not mean what they say. And he used to do it so plausibly. We can go back and look at some of the examples—and the shadow minister made some comments earlier about his press release on the 1996 budget talking about the participation rate increasing by 1.5 per cent and the departmental figures at the same time. We go back to a speech in May 1995 in which he said that, if Labor stayed in power and things were not dramatically and massively changed, we would see this massive decline in health insurance; we would get to as low as 30 per cent by December 1997. He was warned at the same time by the then minister that if you spent your $1½ billion on subsidising and tax rebates you would not get a result; it would not make any difference. He was told that three years ago and two years ago, but he insisted on bringing in a rebate and ended up with much the same result, as he said, that we would have got with nothing. Let us look some more at his words. He is in here constantly talking about the average increase of four per cent over the last 10 years. That is a very clever way of putting it. Let us go back year by year and look at the increases. Over the four years up to 1996, the average is six per cent per year and for the previous three years, it is seven per cent per year. He is misusing the figures, and he knows it. This is a man who, in opposition, purported to be the honest doctor telling the truth: he knew the business; we were all politicians and amateurs, and he was a professional doctor—`You should trust me because I am a doctor'. What is he saying now? The weaseliest words of all, and that is why the animosity is so high. I think it will get worse because even with his prescriptions for his own problems he can still not cure them. Just over a year ago he was being very modest. He was saying, `I am going to make modest promises'—this is February 1997—`and we will see what happens.' He said, `I have been consistent in doing that since before the last election.' So he says in February last year he had been making modest promises since before the last election. We have to remember that in the same month last year he said: Before the election we had these initiatives independently costed by an independent firm of economists. They predicted 40 per cent would be the level of coverage because of these incentives. This is in the parliament. This is in the Hansard on page 1326. He then said: I never thought that was right. Here he is in February 1997 saying that what they went to the election with in 1996, a year earlier, he never thought was right. Why didn't he tell us that then? The honest doctor in 1996 went to the people with the economists' predictions which he never thought were right, and he based the credibility of his party and a would-be government on his professional standing as a doctor—as someone who knew what he was talking about, unlike us who did not. That came through all the time when he was a shadow minister: he was the doctor; we were the politicians. We got it week in, week out and day after day—all that lecturing and hectoring from the honest doctor—and here he is saying just a year ago: I never thought that was right. I never used that figure as any sort of public undertaking. The Prime Minister did. But perhaps that was not a core promise; perhaps that was not a core undertaking. So we have the Prime Minister saying today he did not deliberately deceive the Australian people, yet the minister is saying in the Hansard he did—because he knew they were not right and he did not correct the Prime Minister. In other words, the professional, the expert, the guy who understood the business, knew the economists were wrong but he did not tell the Prime Minister, the people or the parliament. He finally fessed up to it last year. The unfortunate part is that he also actually says on the same day that he is not a pessimist; he thinks that they will put a floor under the decline—as of last year—and, further on, he says there and elsewhere that is going to increase. The fact is it kept on falling. So not only has he misused words to deceive—among all the things that he has done—but he has also been wrong. That is what he should be judged for. He has not got a cure. He is a Dr Frankenstein. He has created a monster. He has cobbled together ideology
with what was an effective working system. When we were bringing in legislation, Mr Deputy Speaker—and you will recall it well—in which we were shifting to allow the health funds to engage doctors as a way of providing 100 per cent coverage to try to give the health funds a product they could truly sell, he said, `That is a waste of time because people are dropping out'—and this is what is so interesting—`not because of the gap but because of the price.' Back in May he referred to:. . . the main reason people drop out of private health insurance; and that is cost. Therefore we were wasting our time worrying about the gap. What are we hearing now? What were people telling us last night on the 7.30 Report and what do our constituents tell us every day? `Why should I be insured when, if I have surgery, I have this massive gap to pay?' We understood the problem back in 1994 when we proposed the changes. He fought tooth and nail all the way through. When we had a chance of persuading the medical, hospital and insurance professions to work out a way of giving a person a product that protected them—if they were insured, they were fully covered—who opposed it? The current government. Who brought in last year a watered down version? Our legislation is still there; it has been watered down but it is still there and, let's face it, it is the only chance he has got. You watch the next few months; you will see a road to Damascus conversion. The honest doctor will suddenly find the answer and—lo and behold!—he knew it all the time. It will be the previous legislation of the Labor government to give 100 per cent protection so that people insured with health funds will know that if anything happens to them they will be protected in first-class hospitals with first-class doctors, because Australia does not have two classes of doctors or hospitals; we have only one class. We have a first-class health system at the moment and we want to keep it that way. Because it is one class, we can be confident that people will be treated well by their doctors and their surgeons. When we set out to deceive deliberately—as he has clearly done by letting that 40 per cent figure go
out—at elections, we undo ourselves. The doctor is undone. (Time expired) | Australia | 1,998 |
I welcome the opportunity to speak on this government's performance as it wrestles with the legacy of more than a decade of Labor's mismanagement of Australia's public health sector. The member for Dobell (Mr Lee) referred to the public's concern about the costs of private health insurance. He implied that the decline in numbers insured is a recent trend. If only Labor was in government, he seems to argue, the community would happily line up to pay their private health insurance premiums. Let us look at the legacy of Labor. Let us consider the shape that Australia's health services were in after 13 years of Labor's efforts. Let us begin by looking at Labor's record of health care funding over the last 13 years. In the 1994-95 Labor budget, $51 million was cut from general practice programs, authority prescription changes meant a further cut of $42 million, $22 million was cut from aged care and funding to reduce hospital waiting lists was cut by some $20 million. Labor's 1995-96 budget saw a massive $540 million slashed from right across the health portfolio. This included over $132 million cut from aged care. There were across the board cuts in the administration of health schemes, crippling many. And what about rural health and the chronic shortage of doctors that anyone representing a rural seat in Australia knows is the No. 1 issue when it comes to keeping families and attracting new business? The social infrastructure is essential and the shortage of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics of every description is a chronic problem. Apparently Labor did know of the problem. They heard about it, no doubt, on a very infrequent trip into the bush, because in 1992-93 they introduced a doctor relocation incentive scheme where some $20,000 or so was offered to help doctors remove to a regional area. The trouble with that was that they did not understand exactly what non-metropolitan Australia was all about—nor do they now.
For example, you could not get the $20,000 if you shifted from Melbourne to the regional centre of Shepparton. Shepparton is indeed only two hours from Melbourne, but it has a chronic doctor shortage and it has been that way for decades. If, however, you were in a one-doctor town in northern Victoria in another part of the electorate of Murray, say, Kerang, you could get that relocation allowance to go to an even smaller no-doctor town a few kilometres down the road. So it was a case of just shifting the deckchairs on the Titanic as it slowly sank. Since that time, there has been, fortunately, a massive public rejection of the Labor Party and its policies. No doubt, one of the most seriously concerning parts of Labor's policies was the impact of their health budgets and their health policies. In particular, let me talk about what we have done since we inherited this very parlous situation. We have addressed rural health issues in particular. There is a whole series of initiatives now going to the heart of the problem. Too frequently the young men and women who choose to study medicine come from metropolitan Australia. They have no consciousness or understanding of the bush. So when they do finally graduate, they choose to practise in metropolitan areas as general practitioners or, indeed, as specialists. But this government has set up five departments of rural health, and I am very fortunate in Murray to have one of those departments because, unfortunately, we have one of the most chronic shortages of health practitioners of all descriptions across Australia. These departments of rural health are innovative. They are a strategic alliance between a university department of medicine and a local regional hospital. We are expecting to see young doctors, specialists, nurses or paramedics do some of their training in these regional centres. We hope that, while they are there, they will learn extra skills necessary to practise in the bush. But we hope they will also become enculturated, and they will not be fearful of bringing their families to live in areas beyond the tram tracks of the capital cities. Our government has a range of such initiatives. They include scholarships for young rural students—the John Flynn scholarships—and scholarships for rural nurse practitioners. We will make sure that over the years we address the chronic health service provider imbalance. Let us look at other initiatives that go beyond regional Australia. For example, we have tackled the immunisation rates. After 13 years or so of Labor, we had Third World levels of immunisation of our young children. We were looking at whooping cough, measles and rubella outbreaks that were a scourge of our country in the 1950s. We have had to set about educating a whole generation of young mothers about the significance and the importance of immunisation. This government is taking this very seriously and we are putting millions of dollars towards giving incentives to help general practitioners spread the word and to make sure parents understand the need for child immunisation. We are tackling problems associated with the harm done by illicit drugs. We have put some $87.5 million into a national illicit drug strategy. We are tackling the problems associated with the differences between the bureaucracies administering health services—in the states and the Commonwealth. In particular, our national public health partnerships are designed to cut through the bureaucracy to make sure the dollars go to service provision and not to red tape. A number of these strategic partnerships have already been signed between the Commonwealth and the states and they continue to be signed. It is a major step forward. Of course, most people here will have been celebrating the successful introduction of the therapeutic group premiums to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme. This is a very reasonable balance between what taxpayers and the individual are going to be asked to pay. We had an incredible system where the cost to taxpayers of pharmaceuticals in this country had blown out to more than $2.5 billion in 1996-97. This government is tackling the problem in a way that the previous minister for health under Labor could only dream about. She understood the problem, she
attempted to address it, but all we saw was the further ballooning of the costs of pharmaceuticals. We are tackling the mental health issues in this country. In fact we are putting $28 million over the next four years into a national mental health strategy. We are not just putting dollars towards projects; we are insisting on, `Projects with outcomes'. We are measuring those outcomes. No more will we sit back and say, `We put $28 million towards the problem. That's okay; we can walk away.' We are identifying what outcomes are needed for the people in this nation who need special mental health services. We are doing the same for our indigenous citizens who have major health issues. No more do we simply say, `There are so many millions of dollars thrown at the problems.' We are talking about identifying and monitoring improved health outcomes which we negotiate with the providers of those health care options and with the people who are suffering from the health problems in those communities. There are a whole range of initiatives. None of them in the past was addressed in a way that was ever going to deliver a better health service in this nation. Yet all the member for Dobell, the shadow minister for health, can talk about is how come the public is concerned about the cost of private health insurance. Of course the public is concerned. It is a major issue and a major problem. It is no good simply describing the problem. I strongly recommend to the Labor Party that they watch closely and see what this government is doing in terms of funding the health needs of this nation, making sure that people can access health services no matter what their income is. I invite them to watch how we are addressing the imbalance between medical services provided in the cities and medical services provided in the country. It is not fair that, because this nation is so huge, those who live several hours from a metropolitan city can expect to see their young children suffer because they have no access to preventative health regimes or ready access to a local general practitioner. To continue to have these issues brought up as matters of public importance which never
address the real problems associated with health service in Australia, but simply try to politicise and score points over people's concerns in the public domain, is a very cynical exercise. I invite the Labor Party instead to participate in helping us form better health service provision for the nation from this day on. | Australia | 1,998 |
In continuing my speech from before question time, I think there are a few points that we need to go over to kick-start the debate in the best part of the right direction. As I was saying prior to question time, the Labor Party had the pilots strike many years ago under the Hawke government. The pilots paid their dues for years. They did the right thing by the union movement and of course the Labor Party. What did the Labor Party do? They sacked them. That is right; they put them down the road. We hear in this debate the Labor Party saying that employers want to have the ability to sack their employees. This is the height of hypocrisy; to think that the Labor Party believes employers just want to be able to sack people. Ultimately, people just want a job. You cannot get sacked before you get a job. Commonsense prevails. You have to give small business the opportunity. As I was saying before, it was not just the pilots who suffered under the Labor Party. The mining industry copped a hiding as well. But what about the meat industry union people who lost their jobs from AMH meatworks in Rockhampton? They not only lost their jobs but also their holiday pay, leave entitlements and long-service provisions. What did the Labor member for Capricornia do then? Absolutely nothing. What a poor show. In the past I have talked about the credibility of the Labor Party, particularly in relation to industrial relations. I think it is important, on reflection, to talk about just what exactly is unfair dismissal. Is it putting someone off because they have been stealing from the cash register or sacking someone because they have been stealing plant and equipment from your business? In both cases, because you did not tell your employees in writing that they were not allowed to do it, you could not let them go. This situation is, what I would consider, legislation gone wrong. If somebody in your employ is obviously doing the wrong thing, you have caught them red handed, you cannot let them go. It is absolutely crazy. Can you imagine, if you caught somebody thieving out of the till, keeping them on and having to go through the process of giving them letter after letter before you can let them go? It is absolutely crazy. If that is not the square peg in the round hole material, I do not know what is. It certainly goes to show that the Labor Party has no idea of what this unfair dismissal legislation is all about. I was talking earlier about Bob Hawke. Somebody mentioned to me the other day that Bob Hawke should have the opportunity, under the Labor Party's unfair dismissal laws, to claim unfair dismissal by Labor. After what the Labor Party and Keating did to him, he would probably be well worth a payout. Digressing slightly, I was listening with interest to the member for Cunningham (Mr Martin) from the ALP last night. He was rattling 101 to the dozen about the legislation, that we want to change the material from December 1996 of the Minister for Workplace Relations and Small Business (Mr Reith). Even if this were the case, that we wanted to rehash Reith's legislation, I would consider Cheryl Kernot, the new member of the Labor Party, as having responsibility for it, because it is actually Cheryl Kernot's workplace relations bill. As I believe it, she will probably end up being the next leader of the opposition anyhow. So, as far as I can see, Labor would have to take the brunt for that as well. One could say that she and the Labor Party are doing nothing more than selling the unions out again. More to the point, since she
jumped ship to you guys, you must have had a hand in the Cheryl Kernot workplace relations legislation from the start. So, once again, it is your problem, not ours. I have broached this issue from the workers' side. Now let us look at it from the point of view of an employer—someone like me, who owned my own panel beating and spray-painting shop for nine years in Central Queensland employing four people on a full-time basis. This legislation we are trying to introduce here is a shot in the arm for small business and a significant kick-start for employment. It is a sensible initiative, and it will apply to new employees only and will not affect apprentices. The vast majority of small business people I have spoken to since being elected to office have told me that, if there is one thing that is significantly holding back new employment opportunities, it is this unfair dismissal law. Small business would rather lose some business or pay someone overtime than take on new staff. All that the young unemployed people in my electorate want is a job. They want a chance to prove and improve themselves, but they are not getting this chance because of the current laws which relate, as I said before, to the square peg in a round hole theory. Most young people in Capricornia could not care less about dismissal. They just want a job. Dismissal, to them, is something that happens if they do something very wrong after getting a job—not before. As far as we can see, the youth of this great nation just want a job and the Labor Party is denying them this opportunity. More to the point, under this legislation employees will be protected by other provisions of the Workplace Relations Act, such as section 170CK, which protects employees against dismissal for any discriminatory reason. Sections 170MU and 170WE prohibit dismissal because the employee engages in protected industrial action, in seeking a certified agreement or in an AWA action. Section 298K, in the freedom of association part of the act, prohibits dismissal on grounds contrary to the principle of freedom of association. Section 170CM prohibits dismissal
without one to five weeks notice, depending on length of service and age, or pay in lieu except in cases of serious misconduct. This indicates employees will have plenty of protection working for them and they will not have to be concerned about changes to the Workplace Relations Act. Facts speak better than rhetoric, so I will provide the opposition with sufficient facts which support small business exemption from federal unfair dismissal provisions. A Morgan and Banks survey in 1996 indicated that 16 per cent of businesses with fewer than 30 employees had been adversely affected in their hiring intentions by the previous federal unfair dismissal laws. A Recruitment Solutions survey in 1997 indicated that 32 per cent of businesses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane had been the subject of unfair dismissal claims in the previous 12 months. The Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia said that small business would create 50,000 jobs if this bill were passed into law. A New South Wales Chamber of Commerce survey showed that unfair dismissal claims had discouraged 56 per cent of businesses from recruiting additional staff. The Yellow Pages Small Business Index Survey of 1997 indicated that 79 per cent of proprietors thought small businesses would be better off if they were exempted from unfair dismissal laws, while 33 per cent of small businesses said that they would recruit new employees if they had been exempted and 38 per cent reported that they would be more likely to recruit new employees if they were exempted from the unfair dismissal laws. We see the material. People have been out there and have done the hard yards. They have done surveys and spoken to people in the community. The consultation has been done and we know where we stand. So why haven't we passed the law? I think it is absolutely imperative that the Labor Party work with us on this, rather than against us, for the benefit of the youth of this great nation. This coalition government has listened, as I said, to the concerns of the small business sector. It has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce the paperwork burden and
to cut red tape imposed by the former government. The coalition government has untied the hands of small business people all over the country and given them more time to devote to their businesses instead of filling in forms. But the icing on the cake is exemption from unfair dismissal laws. If this passes into law we will have addressed the majority of concerns of small businesses, which will transfer into more jobs and a more productive business sector and less interference from bureaucracy—a win-win situation for everyone. The Labor Party's platform on small business says Labor will seek the means of giving small business a greater incentive to provide jobs. The biggest incentive Labor could give the small business sector is passing this legislation without amendment. Ultimately, give our legislation a shot. If you do not think it is any good and the people put you into power at the next election, you can try to change it back. | Australia | 1,998 |
The member for Capricornia (Mr Marek) alludes to the sacking of Bob Hawke. I wonder how unfair is the demise today of our respected Speaker. Let me repeat from the outset some words from my contribution to this debate the first time round: The unfair dismissal law was a disincentive to employment, and that was made patently clear to me . . . in the course of the last election campaign—and in discussions with small business ever since. I recently had a working breakfast with Bathurst business operators. Unfair dismissal laws remain a problem but far from the problem for small business. I put it to the House then, and it still applies, that, while unfair dismissal has been an important issue impacting on small business, it certainly is not the major one. My new independent colleague, the member for Lowe (Mr Zammit), asked yesterday about action on the Reid report into fair trading and in particular action on the renewal of leases for sitting tenants. That is more germane to the problems of small business than unfair dismissal. The exploitative rental regime in regional shopping centres and overheads for small business, including payroll tax and
workers compensation—these are the major issues affecting small business. I spoke last time of the need to regulate franchising and, in particular, the petroleum industry's franchise system, with the benefits all in favour of the oil companies. That is another area needing urgent reform. Small business operators want to be in a position to employ before they worry too much about the terms and conditions of employment. That goes in a regional sense to the sort of incentives and support that government might offer to small business in regional areas of Australia. I have no objections with this bill exempting businesses employing no more than 15 workers from the unfair dismissal provisions of the act. I say this because the unlawful dismissal provisions of the act remain intact. This includes dismissal for discriminatory reasons such as sexual preference, age, union membership and family responsibilities. Let me revisit some of the comments made last night by government and opposition members on this bill. The member for Robertson (Mr Lloyd) convincingly detailed the protection for employees unlawfully dismissed, as contained in this bill. None of the protections under the unlawful dismissal provisions will be removed by the passing of this bill. The member referred to his experience in small business and the disincentive for a very small employer from the unfair dismissal provisions and how expensive and time-consuming such action could be. That is true and that is why I have no problems with this particular bill. The member for Cunningham (Mr Martin) pointed out—I gather, from the remarks in the Hansard—the unfairness of the three months period of grace in which an employer can work out if their employee is up to the mark. Such a process has been in place in my former occupation in the television industry for many years. As I said in my previous comments on this bill late last year, such a three-month period, after which either party could part company without prejudice, worked perfectly well. I as a manager had absolutely no problems with it, nor did any of my employees. There are many exaggerations in this debate on both the advantages and drawbacks of this particular piece of legislation. But it is certainly not `everyone to the barricades' stuff. It is not the end of the world as we know it for the workers of this country or the employers, although you would be forgiven for thinking otherwise judging by the rhetoric we have heard from both sides on this. So it makes me wonder why this particular bill becomes the first trigger for the double dissolution we have to have. It does not seem to me to excite the passion of the electorate but it does add up, with the Wik bill and the charter of budget honesty, to make a trifecta of bills likely to founder on the rocks of the Senate. The passion of the electorate of course would surround the native title bill—largely bitter and divisive passions. The charter of budget honesty and the unfair dismissal bills on their own would hardly excite the gatekeeper at Yarralumla, let alone the electorate. So one does not have to be very smart to realise that if the government seeks a double dissolution, it will be doing so on the basis of native title. That is a divisive and tragic route to take. To hold this parliament to ransom over a bill amended to the satisfaction of even some of the government's own members with a conscience is tragic. This debate on this bill is really an academic exercise. I do not propose to go through the arguments I gave on 27 August last defending the legislation in the interests of small business and employment opportunities, particularly in country and regional areas where jobs are so scarce and where trust, not mistrust, should be the basis of the mutually acceptable employment contract—not a contract in a formal sense, I might add, but that special understanding between a country town employer and his staff. I would suggest that in a business of fewer than 15, that sort of trust still exists in that market-driven mania. The opposition has made it very clear that it will maintain its opposition to this bill, and I suppose that the vote in the Senate is likely to remain unchanged. But I would suggest to Senator Harradine, the Democrats and the opposition that there is nothing so sinister in this Workplace Relations Amendment Bill
1997 [No. 2] to warrant its being a manufactured part of a three bill trigger to bring on a double dissolution. I think the Senate should pass this bill and call the government's bluff—defuse the trigger so there are fewer grounds for a double dissolution. The key to microeconomic reform is micro reform of our constitution, and fixed four-year terms for federal parliament should be part of that. The Senate and its right to amend legislation is a fact of life consistently delivered by the electorate of Australia. There is no escaping it, whichever party is in government. Get real, get with the reality of the Senate, get real about its right to amend within reason, get real about the amended Native Title Act and 7½ out of 10 is not a bad mark starting from such polls to reach such an agreement. A race based election in this country will be far more a tragedy for the cohesion of Australia, especially rural and regional Australia, than the perceived effects of this particular piece of legislation on the workers of Australia. I urge the opposition, I urge the Democrats and I urge all of those senators in the other place to think long and hard about this and remove one of those triggers. | Australia | 1,998 |
The House divided. (Mr Deputy Speaker—Hon N.M. Dondas)80AYESAbbott, A. J. Andren, P. J.Andrew, J. N. Andrews, K. J.Anthony, L. J. Bailey, F. E.Baldwin, R. C. Barresi, P. A.Bartlett, K. J. Billson, B. F.Bishop, B. K. Bradford, J. W.Broadbent, R. E. Brough, M. T.Cadman, A. G. Cameron, E. H.Cameron, R. A. Charles, R. E.Cobb, M. R. Draper, P.Elson, K. S. Entsch, W. G.Evans, R. D. C. Fahey, J. J.Forrest, J. A. Gambaro, T.Georgiou, P. Grace, E. J.Hardgrave, G. D. Hawker, D. P. M.Hicks, N. J. *Hockey, J. B.Jeanes, S. B. Johnston, R.Jull, D. F. Kelly, D. M.Kelly, J. M. Kemp, D. A.Lieberman, L. S. Lindsay, P. J.Lloyd, J. E.Marek, P.McArthur, F. S. *McDougall, G. R.McLachlan, I. M. Miles, C. G.Moore, J. C. Moylan, J. E.Nairn, G. R. Nehl, G. B.Nelson, B. J. Neville, P. C.Prosser, G. D. Pyne, C. M.Randall, D. J. Reid, N. B.Reith, P. K. Rocher, A. C.Ronaldson, M. J. C. Ruddock, P. M.Scott, B. C. Sinclair, I. McC.Slipper, P. N. *Smith, A. C.Smith, W. L. Somlyay, A. M.Southcott, A. J. Stone, S. N.Taylor, W. L. Thomson, A. P.Truss, W. E. Tuckey, C. W.Vaile, M. A. J. Vale, D. S.Wakelin, B. H. West, A. G.Williams, D. R. Wooldridge, M. R. L.Worth, P. M. Zammit, P. J.42NOESAdams, D. G. H. Albanese, A.Baldwin, P. J. Beddall, D. P.Bevis, A. R. Brereton, L. J.Brown, R. J. Crean, S. F.Crosio, J. A. Dargavel, S. J.Evans, G. J. Evans, M. J.Ferguson, M. J. Fitzgibbon, J. A.Grace, E. L. *Griffin, A. P.Hatton, M. Hollis, C.Jenkins, H. A. Jones, B. O.Kerr, D. J. C. Latham, M. W.Lawrence, C. M. Lee, M. J.Macklin, J. L. Martin, S. P.McClelland, R. B. McLeay, L. B.McMullan, R. F. Melham, D.Morris, A. A. Mossfield, F. W.O'Connor, G. M. O'Keefe, N. P.Price, L. R. Sawford, R. W. *Sercombe, R. C. G. *Tanner, L. J.Theophanous, A. C. Thomson, K. J.Willis, R. Wilton, G. S.PAIRSAnderson, J. D. Smith, S. F.Fischer, T. A. Morris, P. F.Gash, J. Quick, H. V.Howard, J. W. Beazley, K. C.Nugent, P. E. Ellis, A. L.Sullivan, K. J. Ferguson, L. D. T.* denotes teller | Australia | 1,998 |
I want to say at the outset that the Social Security and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measurers) Bill contains a number of different measures, some of which are positive, which we welcome, and some of which appear to be simply budget saving measures. On the positive side, there are the measures which will help carers. The time during which a carer may cease their caring activities whilst still qualifying for the carer payment has been increased from 52 days to 63 days a year. This brings the carer payment provisions into line with existing provisions relating to the child disability allowance, the domiciliary nursing care benefit and the Commonwealth's respite programs. This is a very welcome change. It will enable people caring for sick or disabled relatives or friends to get a bit of an extra break or maybe take up some extra work. It is a very positive measure. The treatment of income streams in schedule 3 is designed to simplify the current very complex system and to stop people who have sizeable assets parked in what have been short-term, asset-test-exempt income streams from also claiming the age pension. The majority of people who invest in income streams will not be affected by these proposals, but some 2,100 people will lose their pensions because they have sizeable amounts of money invested in certain fixed-term superannuation and other schemes. In the interests of a more streamlined income stream system and a consistent retirement incomes policy, the opposition is broadly supportive of the government's proposal. However, while the bill will provide favourable asset test treatment for certain income
stream products which are underpinned by fixed interest assets, it does not practically allow for products which are underpinned by a balanced portfolio. Fixed interest based products may result in lower returns than balanced portfolio based products and hence lower retirement incomes. There are some other serious problems with other parts of the bill, particularly the way in which it proposes to extend the carer payment to carers of certain under-16-year-olds and the way in which the government proposes to introduce a period of non-payment for certain seasonal and contract workers. I will deal with these issues in some detail. First, I will deal with the payment to carers of people under the age of 16. Although the extension of the carer payment for those caring for children with a disability who are under the age of 16 sounds like a positive move in principle, it is difficult to see from the material that has been made available who will actually benefit from this proposal. Most of those who might qualify for the payment under the proposal are already in receipt of the parenting allowance or special benefit. This may help to account for the fact that anticipated outlays in respect of the measure are just a little over $1 million a year up to the year 2001. It means that no more than about 100 people—maybe slightly more—around Australia will be eligible for this payment. I would be grateful if the government could provide some guidance to the opposition about who and what type of family will be better off under this proposal. The number of people who would benefit under the proposal is further restricted by the fact that the criteria in respect of under-16-year-olds are much more restrictive than the existing criteria for older people. At the moment, over-16-year-olds must be severely handicapped for their carers to qualify for the carer payment. To be severely handicapped, the person's disability must be such that they require frequent care in connection with their bodily functions or require constant supervision to prevent injury to himself or herself or to another person. That is the current definition for over-16s.Under the bill, a child who is under 16 must be profoundly disabled for his or her carer to qualify. The definition of that term is far more onerous than the current definition of `severely handicapped'. I must say it is difficult to see the logic behind the distinction in definitions between disabled people under 16 and those over 16. Does it mean that the burden of caring for a disabled child changes on their sixteenth birthday? I doubt it. Under the proposed definition of `profoundly disabled child', what must be satisfied, if the carer is to qualify for the payment, is that the child's disability must give rise to at least three of the following seven specific circumstances: that the child must be tube fed; that the child has a tracheotomy; that the child requires a ventilator for at least eight hours a day; that the child has urinary and faecal incontinence; that the child cannot stand without support; that the child's condition is terminal and palliative care has replaced active treatment; and that the child requires personal care on at least two occasions between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. There are a number of other conditions which most certainly render a child profoundly disabled but which would not satisfy the required three circumstances. For example, some children suffer from severe epilepsy which cannot be adequately controlled by medication. This condition leaves them prone to frequent severe fits, and their safety may depend on the constant and vigilant supervision of the carer. Similarly, some children with severe psychiatric conditions need constant intensive care and supervision to prevent them from injuring themselves, other people or property. Some children who suffer from profound intellectual disabilities need help in relation to most daily activities, including feeding, dressing and toileting. Some of these children must be spoon fed highly processed food, and yet they may well not satisfy three of the seven conditions. A more comprehensive list of circumstances than the seven provided for in the bill is needed to ensure that it covers the kinds of cases I have outlined. There may, of course, be other conditions which render a child profoundly disabled which would not fit
neatly into the proposed criteria. I would suggest that there is a need for a general discretion to regard as relevant other circumstances which have not been anticipated. The second area I want to talk about tonight is the preclusion period for seasonal and contract workers. I particularly want to draw attention to the proposal in schedule 4 of the bill to impose a non-payment period upon certain seasonal and contract workers. This means that seasonal workers who earn above average weekly earnings during the six months before claiming social security will have to wait an extra period before they can be paid a benefit. For example, a seasonal or contract worker who earned $37,000 in 26 weeks, and whose earnings were uniform over that period, would have to wait six months before he or she could claim benefits. I have some concerns about the fact that this bill seems to penalise seasonal work. A worker who earned over the relevant average earnings figure that is defined in the bill in any six-month period and then lost their job would not face an extra waiting period—that is, a normal worker who earns the relevant average weekly earnings figure in any six-month period. If they lose their job, they are not going to face an extra waiting period, but a seasonal worker earning the same amount over that period would. What I would like from the minister is some rationale for this change. We should be encouraging people to participate in the work force, not penalising them. The bill contains a formula for determining the length of the non-payment period. This focuses on the question of whether the person earned above average weekly earnings—and this is the important point—during the weeks in which they actually worked over the six months prior to claiming a social security payment, rather than whether they earned above average wages over the whole period. The period starts on the day after the person stops work. Seasonal work which commences prior to the six-month period but continues into that period will also be taken into account. This is likely to lead to unfair results in cases where the claimant has engaged in seasonal work during a number of discrete
periods during the relevant six months and lived on their savings without claiming a social security payment during the intervening periods of unemployment. The proposal fails to take account of the periods during which the person lived on their savings. For example, a person might have seasonal work for the first two of the six months prior to claiming a newstart allowance and might then live on their savings from that work for the next three months before finding seasonal work for a further month. If they applied for the newstart allowance after completing that month's seasonal work, their preclusion period would begin on the day after they completed that work and its length would be determined on the basis of all the work they did in the six-month period and the income they received while working, without regard to the fact that they were without income for three of the six months. We are also concerned that the proposed start date is 1 July this year, which means that people currently engaged in seasonal work will be affected—only they do not know it yet. The opposition will be moving amendments in the Senate to address these issues. We will be moving amendments to both the definition of a `profoundly disabled child' and the seasonal worker sections of the bill. We will not be moving amendments to the income streams sections but, as far as we are concerned, there are some issues which require further debate and discussion, particularly as they relate to the asset test treatment of certain income streams. We are proposing to send a reference to the Senate Select Committee on Superannuation to examine this particular issue. As I said at the outset, the opposition welcomes the positive changes in this bill, particularly for carers. We also welcome the improvement in the treatment of income streams. Carers do an outstanding job in our community, looking after the elderly and the disabled, and this will enable people to have a greater amount of respite and still qualify for the carer payment. That is a very positive move. As I said, however, there are a number of areas of concern, particularly in the extension of the carer payment to under 16-year-
olds because it is not clear to us that very many people at all will in fact benefit from this payment. It seems so tightly constrained that very few people will benefit. In fact, the government's projections of how much it intends to spend in this area—only about $1 million per year—would lead us to believe that only about 100 carers throughout all of Australia—and I am sure that there are many more than 100 people caring for profoundly disabled children—will be entitled to this new payment. If the government is serious about extending a carer payment to those caring for profoundly disabled children, it needs to get serious about making sure that those who are carrying out that very important function will in fact be eligible for that payment. As far as seasonal workers are concerned, we do recognise that it is important that people who have the capacity to support themselves as a result of seasonal work do so. Nevertheless, as far as the opposition is concerned, we do not think the current formula proposed by the government in this bill will be fair and that it will penalise some seasonal workers—and we will propose some amendments in the Senate when the time comes. | Australia | 1,998 |
I rise to support the Social Security and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill currently before this House. Today, political parties are frequently accused of not adequately demonstrating, through their policy, what they stand for. This accusation cannot legitimately be made of the Liberal Party. I am pleased to say that the measures proposed by the government in this bill represent a contemporary interpretation of longstanding Liberal philosophy. They are, in effect, a restatement of the basic Liberal tenets of commitment to individual freedoms—freedom of choice, freedom of opportunity—and provision for those who are disadvantaged. Furthermore, these principles are to be delivered within the framework of a small but effective and efficient government. The bill currently before the House amending the Social Security Act 1991 and the
Veterans Entitlement Act of 1986 contains a number of innovative initiatives. It will introduce for the first time a payment for carers of profoundly disabled children under the age of 16.Whilst historically there has been a recognition of the selfless and tireless work of carers for profoundly disabled adults, there has been no comparable recognition of the same sacrifice made by parents and carers of profoundly disabled children. Certainly, parental care is born out of natural love and affection for children and an instinctive duty to provide for them. It is care that is not contingent upon the availability of monetary compensation. But the demands upon the lives of parents to provide this full-time care are no less challenging than the demands placed on carers of disabled adults. The enormous stress on the lives of full-time carers of disabled persons, regardless of age or relationship, cannot be overemphasised. Therefore, I am pleased to advocate the government's intention to recognise the valuable contribution made to our community by parents and other carers of profoundly disabled children. We propose that the carers of profoundly disabled persons under the age of 16, caring for that child in a private residence, be eligible for carer payments, subject to an income and assets test. We are concerned to ensure that carers have adequate levels of income, and that their opportunity to participate in society is maximised. In regard to maximising the opportunities to participate in society, the bill also builds upon our previous initiatives to increase the number of days that a carer can have in the form of a break from caring for disabled persons and still remain eligible for domiciliary nursing care benefit, carer payment or child disability allowance. The period has been extended from 52 to 63 days. These measures are confirmation of the Liberal government's commitment to social justice—a concept that the Labor Party would like all Australians to believe is something they have a mortgage on. But, in truth, responsiveness and innovation in the social justice field is a founding feature of Liberalism. The Liberal way of giving individuals
more freedom, allowing them to make more of their own choices, contrasts with the collective emphasis of Laborism. This bill proposes to increase the scope for the unemployed to provide care without losing their payments. The newstart allowance activity test for carers will be extended beyond the 13-week limit in special circumstances. We recognise the existence of individual circumstances and the value of private care, and have therefore built into the social security system flexibility and responsiveness. Our aim is to create an environment for the best possible provision of services, satisfying the varying needs of individuals. This is in contrast to Labor's traditional broad-brush approach that can only deliver mediocrity. At this point it is pertinent to refer to the initiative of this government in 1996 to establish the Commonwealth service delivery agency, Centrelink. This major organisational change made the role of the social security administrative arm of the government much smaller. We have a commitment to small government and the belief that government should only be involved in the provision of services to the public where the private sector cannot better deliver those services. We, therefore, believe that the primary role of government in regard to social services should be the policy development: the charting of strategic directions facilitating change, leadership and advice. Thus, the major alteration to the service delivery vehicle for social services has been the dismantling of the inflexible and unresponsive bureaucracy and replacing it with simplified arrangements, best practice and a focus on quality and simplified service provision. A strong managerial culture is now committed to protecting the integrity of the social security system. It is our duty to be accountable and responsible to the electorate. Therefore, we will ensure that, as far as possible, the hard earned taxpayers' dollar will be well spent and that the rorting of the system does not occur. We propose to make well-targeted payments, to have clear and easily understandable rules and a strong emphasis on compliance. Those in genuine need of assistance will receive it. But we will diligently
pursue action to recover social security fraud and overpayments, and close any loopholes. Pursuant to budgetary measures, this bill prohibits the disposal of assets for the purpose of obtaining a benefit in the form of a carer's payment. It also addresses some loopholes in current social security legislation. For example, seasonal workers, who earn relatively high incomes for part of the year and are then technically out of work for part of the year, have been able to claim benefits. We intend to retain the safety net for those in genuine need. However, the proposed changes will make it difficult for highly paid seasonal workers to claim, unless they satisfy a financial disadvantage test. A preclusion period will prevent a worker from obtaining benefits straightaway. The amount of work done in the previous six months, each individual's income and the partner's situation will be assessed. Not only is this a flexible approach; it is a fair and responsible course of action for the government. Similarly, preclusion periods will apply to seasonal workers seeking other benefits such as widow allowance, parenting allowance, newstart allowance, mature age allowance and partner allowance. Again, there is the flexibility to consider each case individually to assess financial hardship that may be caused in a number of ways, including inability to realise assets or where it is unreasonable to expect certain assets to be sold. I emphasise that the proposed legislation is not, as ill-informed critics may charge, a case of economic rationalism. It is the embodiment of social justice in the context of responsible government. Finally, I wish to refer to proposed amendments that refine superannuation or other self-funded financial arrangements. This bill will give greater incentives to retirees to take a long-term income stream, it will encourage the use of superannuation and other investments to provide income in retirement and it will provide for the consistent treatment of lump sum payments. Furthermore, it will introduce a fairer assets test, it will ensure the transparency of assets of the very wealthy and it will allow for exemptions where there are contractual arrangements or where significant
penalties may apply to products purchased prior to the budget. For social security purposes, exemptions will be extended under the income test and may include things such as lottery wins and one-off gifts. Furthermore, private savings will be encouraged through the introduction of the deferred pension bonus plan and the simplification of means test treatment of income streams. I believe this package of reforms is significant and positive as well as being appropriate for these times. Not only is a strong thread of liberal philosophy woven through this proposed legislation; it will be delivered through efficient workings of the Westminster system of responsible government. We have listened to constituent stakeholders, seen the need for change and responded to that need in a way that maximises the delivery of service to the public. This is done through employing sound managerial practices, the avoidance of waste and over-bureaucratisation and maintaining high standards of accountability to all Australians to whom we are responsible. The initiatives in this legislation now before the House deserve support. I commend the contents of the bill to the members of the House. | Australia | 1,998 |
We have just heard all the usual slogans: social justice, innovation, accountability, concern with rorting, the tireless efforts of carers, et cetera. However, in reality, as the shadow minister indicated, there is a bit more than targeting at stake here. For instance, if we look at the seasonal workers situation, we are not talking about national grand scale corruption and evasion. We are not talking about the kind of emphasis that the taxation office should be placing on family trusts, which has virtually become a qualification to be in the government at this stage. It is a qualification in this country now to be a minister that you must be involved in family trusts. Today the real emphasis of this government is on squeezing people at the margins of society, squeezing people who are involved in seasonal employment by this formula. Who are we talking about? We are talking about people who are involved in cotton picking in Wee Waa, people who are fruit picking
around Mildura and people who are droving in the Northern Territory. We are talking about people who are usually outside the trade union movement and who have minimal protection from it. We have this rhetoric about accountability to taxpayers, but it is very questionable as to whether these should be the matters that the government should be emphasising in regard to evasion and social security tightening in this country. As the shadow minister indicated, this formula means that people could be denied up to six months of benefits and it is hitting the weakest elements of society. There are very good and fundamental reasons for opposing it. After the sanctimonious statements about the tireless efforts and the unrecognised endeavours of carers over many decades, the fact is that for those who are granted this benefit for children under 16 years of age it is accompanied by a very hard and very strenuous test. It will be interesting to hear the speakers who follow me justifying bringing into this parliament and to the Australian people profound reasons why there should be a distinction between people over 16 years of age. As the shadow minister indicated, there is a very strong difference in definitions. As she also pointed out, the amount of money involved in this measure is about $1 million, as I understand it. That has been calculated as possibly helping out 100-odd people in Australia—less than one per electorate in the country. All of the heralding of this measure and all of the trumpet blowing should be seen in that context. It is welcome that some people will receive it. As to those people that this government so grandly praise, those people that they say are so much of a benefit to this country—they might already receive perennial or special benefits—there will not be many more of them picking up money through this change because of definitions. The opposition is on firm ground by saying that, while there is a variety of worthwhile measures in this legislation, on these two specifics there is a need for amendment. The Social Security and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill 1997 also seeks to amend the Social Security Act and Veterans' Entitlements Act to clarify the income and assets test treatment of income streams, particularly retirement income streams. It is this last aspect of the bill and its impact on veterans that I wish to particularly address in my contribution tonight. In essence, the bill seeks to ensure that income streams received by veterans and social security pensioners are assessed according to set and consistent criteria rather than according to whether they are paid by a bank, a superannuation fund, a friendly society or a life insurance company or whether they happen to be labelled as an annuity, a pension, an allotted pension or an allotted annuity. The object is to achieve a greater degree of consistency and neutrality in the income security systems treatment of the growing market for income stream products. Income streams are defined as a regular series of payments made for life or fixed term that either a person purchases with a capital sum or is made directly from an accumulated superannuation account. It is estimated that there are around 65,000 Veterans' Affairs pensioners who receive an income stream on top of their pension. Most of these are service pensioners in receipt of a superannuation pension from a public sector superannuation fund. The figure of 65,000 also includes veterans who have purchased an income stream using part of their lump sum retirement benefit. As the service pension is a means tested payment, income streams are potentially affected by the income and assets test. Under the income test most financial investments are subject to extended deeming rules and are deemed to produce a set rate of return as determined by the government. If a pensioner's deemed investment income exceeds the income test free area, their pension is reduced on a 50c in the dollar basis. A parallel process applies with the assets test, with the important proviso that the value of a person's home is excluded, unlike some other measures the government has recently
tried to enforce. Which test—incomes or assets—results in the lower rate of payment is the one that applies. In introducing this bill the government has highlighted two difficulties with the current system of assessing income streams. Firstly, there has been a proliferation of income stream products in the marketplace. Undoubtedly, this is due to the growing importance of retirement income savings and particularly to the success of the Labor government's policy of widening access to superannuation coverage throughout this country. In particular, the private market has developed a number of new products which have a fixed, often short-term, duration and which provide access to a substantial lump sum pay-out at the end of this term. This means that lifetime pensions with no residual capital are no longer the norm in the retirement incomes market. The second and related reason lies in the difficulty in determining whether such products, particularly newer products, should be mainly treated as income for pension purposes or primarily as an asset that is gradually being depleted over the years. The government has also cited evidence that some newer products have been specifically designed to take advantage of loopholes in the current rules. For example, some providers of financial products have begun selling annuities for periods as short as one year—products which allow rich people to temporarily evade the assets test because annuities have traditionally been exempt assets. In other cases mentioned in the explanatory memorandum, financial advisers have helped wealthy families circumvent the means test by developing contracts under which parents allegedly sell assets to their children in return for the children agreeing to pay them an annuity. In such cases, annuity payments are never actually made, thus suggesting that the true nature of the arrangement was to hide substantial assets for assets test purposes. There are also clear inconsistencies in the present system where essentially similar products are treated differently for pension purposes. For example, currently, fixed term superannuation pensions are exempt from the assets test whereas fixed term annuities are
not. This is clearly inconsistent. There is no doubt that there were grounds to review the treatment of financial products to identify any such inconsistencies and to close off avenues for evading the pension means test. As a result of an in-house review, the government has essentially decided to institute a system whereby all income streams will be classified as falling into one of three categories. Life products or other long-term products which prevent access to the original capital investment will be exempted from the assets test and will receive concessional treatment under the income test. Other long-term products which do not totally prevent access to the original capital investment will be included in the assets test and will receive concessional treatment under the income test. Finally, short-term financial products which are for five years or less will be included in the assets test and will be income tested under the general extended deeming rules. The changes come into effect in September and apply to pensioners under both the Veterans' Entitlement Act and the Social Security Act. An essential element of the classification system is that concessional treatment under the pension means test is provided to income streams that are structured so as to provide a genuine and long-term retirement income. This is a worthy objective. In practical terms, maximum concessional treatment will be given to products that produce a lifetime income stream or a life expectancy income stream purchased at or over pension age. These products must be non-commutable and must not provide a residual capital value. These products will be completely exempt from the assets test and, for income test purposes, the resulting income will be reduced by an amount equal to the purchase price provided by either the term of the product or the person's life expectancy. The second category of long-term products that may allow some access to the original capital investment receives similar treatment under the income test but will be included under the assets test. The process by which this is to occur is somewhat complex. The third and final category of products which cover investments for a term of five years or
less are to be assessed under both the income and assets tests, as such investments do not provide a genuine, long-term retirement income. They will be brought within the extended deeming rules and be treated in the same way as a bank account or similar investment. According to the explanatory memorandum, the overall budgetary impact of the changes is essentially neutral. The changes do not appear to be driven by the obsession with reducing spending that has characterised so many other of the government's changes to social security and veterans' programs, including, as I said, aspects of this bill. This does not mean that the bill will not produce significant impacts, either positive or negative, on individual pensioners. I have not seen a detailed estimate for veteran pensioners but for social security pensioners it has been estimated that over 80 per cent of those with income streams will not be affected one way or the other, about 11 per cent will be better off, about six per cent will have their rate of pension reduced and one per cent will have their pensions cancelled. The opposition is not opposing this area of the bill but will be closely monitoring its implementation to ensure there are not unintended adverse effects on veterans and pensioners generally. We are aware that there is evidence of a need to be vigilant in this policy area. We have seen a minister who has failed to take any real action in regard to controversial aged care measures in this country despite their deep impact upon the people in his portfolio, people with an average age of 71 years. All we have seen with regard to his efforts to have some say in social security measures and aged care—his total contribution throughout the whole debate—was his statement that a minute part of the client population, people who were POWs in the Second World War, are protected. Quite frankly, big deal! Certainly a very minor part of the department's clients would be protected by that particular assurance from the minister. As we have said with regard to this aspect, the opposition is suggesting that it goes before a committee. With regard to the two
other measures there must be deep concern about a government that has essentially tried to strip away people's rights to union representation. We have seen it earlier tonight—this very evening we have seen a situation where ideological justifications are trotted up essentially to take away people's rights to fight unfair dismissal. With regard to seasonal workers this measure is another attempt aimed not at the big end of town or at people like the those in the ministry opposite who are so acclimatised to and experienced in family trusts and other measures like this, but aimed at people who are at the bottom of the barrel, who have very few rights with regard to their occupation and who have to move throughout this country, often living in second-rate conditions for part of the year. That is the kind of emphasis this government has; they are the kinds of people that this government believes should be targeted. With regard to the other measures, as we have said before, they come here this evening and they come around the country saying to the Australian electorate, `We feel so deeply for these carers. We are really out there trying to do something vital for them.' But when you come down to the nitty-gritty of this legislation there is a very good question to be asked of the speakers opposite: why have they decided that there should be this far tougher definition for those people they are extending this to—those people caring for under-16-year-old handicapped people? | Australia | 1,998 |
In speaking briefly to this Social Security and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill 1997 , I would like to concentrate on the changes which relate to carers. One of the effects of this legislation amendment bill is to extend the qualification for carer payments to those caring for profoundly disabled children under the age of 16. This policy change is a very welcome one. I have remarked on a number of occasions, both here in this House and out in the Townsville and Thuringowa community, that home carers are some of the most isolated people in our community. The same is true for the carers of people living with severe handicaps
and mental illness. Only last Thursday I had the opportunity to visit the office of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of North Queensland in Townsville. The Minister for Health and Family Services, Dr Wooldridge, only just recently granted a funding package of about $46,000 for the operation of a support and information program for mental health carers called `Help for Rural Caregivers of the Mentally Ill'. The program may have a long and ungainly title but it is one which has delivered a level of support, advice and assistance vital to the carers of the mentally ill in regional and rural Queensland, particularly in North Queensland. As I affirmed recently in the media in Townsville when the federal government announced that it would assist the Schizophrenia Fellowship, this is an important program and I am pleased the minister recognised this and acted very quickly in approving funding support. The Schizophrenia Fellowship of North Queensland President, Mr David Donohue, has welcomed the funding approval, saying people with serious mental illness in rural areas were principally cared for by their families—mainly women—for whom there has been minimal, if any, regular assistance in the past. Mr Donohue said: The program aims to provide care-givers with the information, skills and support necessary to become more competent in their role as carers, while sustaining a quality lifestyle for themselves and their family. For years carers have been calling out for recognition and support. Unfortunately for those carers it took a change of government at the last election before carers started to get the level of assistance and support they need and deserve. The level of support available to all carers has improved significantly under the federal coalition government, particularly in rural and regional areas. This was recognised by the Carers Association of Australia back in 1996 after the first coalition budget was delivered. The Executive Director of the Carers Association of Australia said: The Government will establish a National Respite for Carers Program which will operate over the next four years and will also see the establishment of Carers Resource Centres across Australia. In the
context of this budget, $36.7 million above the 1995-96 expenditure is quite a lot of money. I was very proud to open last year in Townsville, my home city, one of those carer resource centres. The Executive Director, Ms Anne Marie Mioche, said: The fact that the Government will be establishing Carer Resource Centres sends a direct message to all carers that this Government cares about them. This government does care about our carers, and we will see this concern and care in the detail of this bill currently before the House. The qualification for the carer payment will be extended to the carers of profoundly disabled children under the age of 16. Further, this bill also allows a person to stop caring for a another person for up to 63 days in a calendar year and still continue to qualify for a carer payment. This is an increase on the 42 days of respite leave carers were allowed under the previous Labor government. It is a simple change which should have been made years ago. As I said in the House back in October 1996, home care more often than not means close to full-time care and people invariably lose touch with other aspects of their lives, such as friends, work and study. Home care, particularly for someone suffering an acute or terminal illness or for someone living with a profound disability, is a very physically and emotionally tiring task. It is, in my view, an act of love. A few years ago a member of my staff was closely involved in the home care of his grandmother shortly before she passed away. He was only helping to care for her for a relatively short time but he said that those days were some of the toughest and longest of his life. Part of the measures of this bill will help ensure that carers sustain as good a quality of life as they can. The contribution carers make to Australian society cannot be underestimated. There are about 1.5 million carers in Australia looking after and assisting people at home. This is a substantial number of people. Without carers, without the sacrifices they make and the time they put in caring for people at home, our health system would be groaning at the seams, if it did not collapse altogether. In
deed, I think the latter would be more than likely the case. I have seen estimates that state that home carers help save our economy about $8,000 million a year—quite an enormous amount of money. This pales in comparison with the amount of money spent on carer payments—29,558 people received the carer payment in the 1996-97 financial year at a cost of almost $230 million. There seems to be quite a difference between the estimated number of carers in Australia and the number of people who receive some form of carer support payment, and I think this comes back down to a communication problem at the local level. I have tried to work hard with local carer respite workers to get the message out into the community that there are support services and mechanisms carers can access. Even so there are still times when people contact my electorate office quite literally at the end of their wits. Sadly, these same people are quite shocked when I tell them that there are support organisations and government financial assistance available to help them. They have simply not been aware of the support groups or services which are available. Australian author Bryce Courtenay said back in July last year: Carers are the most unsung and under-appreciated angels in our society. They are the glue that holds so much of society's structure together. We cannot thank them enough for what they do. They are the selfless ingredient. When one takes a careful look at the work home carers perform, I do not think anyone would disagree with the sentiments expressed so genuinely by Bryce Courtenay. This government has taken big steps in the right direction, particularly in regional and rural centres like my home city of Townsville, to try to make life a little more easy for carers. Increasing to 63 days the period of respite leave a carer can take in a year is not only a reasonable and sensible decision of this government; it is also a compassionate decision. Extending the qualification for the carer payment to the carers of profoundly disabled children under the age of 16 is, likewise, an act of compassion and understanding on the
part of the coalition government. Tonight I would certainly like to wholeheartedly support the measures in this bill. | Australia | 1,998 |
I rise to speak on the Social Security and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill 1997 . There are a number of significant measures in this bill: amendments relating to income streams such that they are classified for means testing on the basis of their characteristics, rather than where the income came from; amendments relating to seasonal worker preclusion periods such that some high-income seasonal and contract workers have a period following the completion of their work or contract when they are unable to claim benefits; and lump sum payments received by social security recipients will be treated as either income over 12 months or as a deemed asset by aligning the treatment of lump sums with the previous ordinary income test. But the most important measure is that related to extending the carer pension to families with profoundly disabled children under the age of 16 years. The Minister for Social Security (Senator Newman) must be congratulated on her sound management of her portfolio. While Labor was soft on social security fraud, our minister has been able to stamp it out to the tune of $28 million a week. At the same time she has been able to extend benefits to those who are most needy in our community and who have been dealt the most difficult of lives: the profoundly disabled. I would like to give an overview of the situation facing those looking at disability services. I refer to the 1997 edition of Australia's Welfare—Disability Services. There are three dimensions of disability recognised in the international classification `disabilities and handicaps': impairment, which is loss or abnormality in body structure, physiological or psychological; activity, the nature and the extent of functioning at the level of the person; and participation, the nature and extent of involvement in the following domains—personal maintenance, mobility, exchange of information, social relationships, education, work, leisure and
spirituality, economic life, and civic and community life. The prevalence of disability was also studied in this report in the 1993 survey of disability, ageing and carers. Disability is the presence of one or more of 15 restrictions, limitations or impairments. In 1993 there were a total of 3,176,700 people with a disability. Of these, 2,031,900 were under the age of 65 years. The predominance is with males, who make up 54.4 per cent; females constitute 45.6 per cent. The age and sex standardised rates of severe and profound handicap have remained steady since 1981 at four per cent of the total population and 2.5 per cent of the population aged 15 to 64 years. There have been a number of analyses of trends in disability in Australia, usually to determine the trends in health status and to ask the question: are we living longer but sicker? This has been examined and while life is extended the disability is found usually to be mild or moderate. Data is unreliable on the effect of disability related to injury. Mortality due to road injury has declined, though, over the last few years. Peri-natal data on congenital malformations, brought from the National Peri-natal Statistics Unit, show that rates of congenital malformation have been declining in the 1990s. This is certainly encouraging news. As for peri-natal deaths due to congenital malformations, since 1973 there were 35.9 deaths per 10,000. That figure has now declined, as of 1994, to 17.5 per 10,000. Similar results are found with other defects such as spina bifida and congenital heart defects. Sadly, the number of induced abortions performed before 20 weeks has increased over the same period of time. The trend to examine quality of life and the allocation of resources, the increase in medical technology, pregnancy testing and the trend to abortion will promote the idea of the `perfect' or `normal' human being. This puts enormous pressure on disabled people to justify their existence and their share of the world and its resources. They, like every human being, have an equal right to life and to quality of life. I would like now to briefly dwell on the need for services. This was studied by the AIHW in 1995-96. It is going to be exacerbated by two factors: the ageing of those with a disability and the ageing of those who care for them. Those aged 45 years to 64 years with severe or profound handicaps are predicted to increase by 18.9 per cent between 1995 and the year 2001.As I have said, the ageing of carers is already of severe concern. For those with a severe or profound handicap, there were 7,700 carers who were over the age of 65 years. I am sure we all see them in our electorates, as I do—parents who are in their 80s often caring for a disabled child who is now in their 50s. It is a great strain on them. When they inevitably either become too ill to go on and move into a home or perhaps pass on, what will happen to their child is of great concern to them. The numbers of those with a profound or severe handicap are also predicted to increase. In 1993 there were 721,000 people. By the year 2001, there will be 861,500—an increase of 13.2 per cent. The challenge is certainly ahead for everyone of good intent to deal with the increasing number of disabled people. I would like to mention some of the very positive changes that the government has made. In the 1996-97 budget there was $36.7 million provided in funding over four years for a national respite for carers program which proposed the establishment of one carer resource centre in each state and territory and 57 regionally based carer respite centres, one of which was placed in Mackay. It receives annual funding of $61,168 and is attached to the Uniting Church division of aged care and domiciliary services. The service covers all of the Mackay region, including the Pioneer Valley, Mirani, Nebo, Belyando, Broad Sound and Proserpine shires. It has one goal: to support the maintenance of the caring relationship. We are very proud of the efforts that it has made and certainly commend those who work in the Mackay Respite Centre. I would like to turn again to a particular measure in the bill, which is the extension of the carers pension to those families with a
profoundly disabled child under the age of 16 years. The member for Jagajaga (Ms Macklin) earlier asked a number of questions. She also said that, firstly, it would be of little benefit because many of those families already receive parenting allowance and special allowance. This is not so. The new carers pension is in fact a pension. There will be more benefits attached to it. There is a pensioner concession card and pharmaceutical benefits scheme. Also, such an allowance will be reviewed less often, so there are considerable advantages for those families who will be eligible for the carers pension. The member for Jagajaga said that only 100 families would be eligible for such a payment. This is not so. She has not taken into account the differential—the difference between the special allowance or the parenting allowance and the carers pension. In fact, some 400 to 500 families will benefit from this provision in the bill. Who are they? They are the 400 to 500 people who received nothing under the Labor Party government in terms of a pension. One of those families is in my electorate. I see the daily struggle that they have with a 14-year-old profoundly disabled boy. Any additional benefit to them is going to enable them either to buy some more services for their son or to perhaps assist with some additional respite. But it is going to be a very welcome addition to what is one of the most difficult jobs demanded of any parent—that of caring for a profoundly disabled child. The member for Jagajaga mentioned that the criteria are restrictive for under 16-year-olds compared with older profoundly disabled children. They are not as restrictive as the ones Labor put on it, because they did not extend the carers pension to people in this situation. It is really a case of saying, `We didn't do it, but we don't like the way you've gone out compassionately and done it.'I am very proud that the government is going to extend an additional pension to 400 to 500 families, some of whom are in my electorate and desperately need any additional assistance they can get. The member for Jagajaga also mentioned that there might be particular cases, such as severe epilepsy, severe psychiatric conditions and so on, which
may render a child ineligible to be classified as profoundly disabled. Looking at the criteria which make up the designation of `profoundly disabled', it would not be difficult to see that some of those conditions would certainly come into that category. Again, that is something that Labor did not do. There will be 400 to 500 families, undertaking the most difficult and demanding job any parent could, who will be far better off under the proposals in this bill. They will have a pensioner concession card, additional pharmaceutical allowances and a more generous assets and income test so they can earn more income. They will be reviewed less often and there will be some easing of the tremendous load under which they are burdened. I agree with the member for Herbert (Mr Lindsay) that there can be few tasks as demanding as being a carer in our community. Those 1.5 million people who choose to care for somebody they love or somebody they know are people we should all respect. I know I certainly do. I see many of them who come into my electorate office, and they bear a burden that, I guess, God has saved the rest of us from having to undertake. I commend this bill to the House. It contains some very compassionate measures, particularly this one. I would certainly like to see the bill supported by those on the other side of the House. | Australia | 1,998 |
I thank the members who have contributed in this debate—the member for Jagajaga (Ms Macklin), who spoke for the opposition, the member for Lilley (Mrs Grace), the member for Herbert (Mr Lindsay), the member for Dawson (Mrs De-Anne Kelly) and the member for Reid (Mr Laurie Ferguson). I welcome the general support that has been given to this legislation by the opposition and the indication that they have concerns limited to a number of areas, which I will focus on in my own comments. But I do want to thank the members who have very correctly focused on the positive and beneficial nature of this legislation. I take honourable members to the amendments that extend the qualification for parent payment to the carers of profoundly disabled children. It is a positive measure. It is a very significant advance. It flowed out of the commitment to assist carers that was given by the coalition in opposition. While there are some specific matters that have been raised in the debate which I will address, obviously the beneficial nature of these matters is positive, as are the need to provide consistent treatment for lump sums which are part of this legislation; the amendments relating to income streams, about which I will have something to say; the amendments relating to seasonal workers; the amendments to hardship rules for income maintenance periods; as well as some technical matters relating to the Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency, the change of name of the family payment to a family allowance and those amendments to the Farm Household Support Act. As I said, the latter three matters are largely technical. I want to focus on the need for changes in relation to the income streams area, which the member for Reid focused on and which the member for Jagajaga raised in her comments. The fact is that many customers whose payments will be changed will be amongst the affluent individuals using anomalies in the current means test to receive an assets test exemption on short-term investments. The measures are designed to put in place what is, in fact, a fairer and more appropriate system. Many people should be able to satisfactorily restructure their financial arrangements to invest in income stream products that meet the government's objectives of minimising loopholes whilst allowing for an orderly drawing down of capital that provides a steady stream of income for retirement. In order to ensure that people are not disadvantaged in a way which is unintended, the Minister for Social Security (Senator Newman) will have the power to provide an exemption from the new treatment for people who are significantly financially disadvantaged by the new arrangements and who cannot rearrange their affairs without facing a significant penalty. These exemptions will be decided on a case by case basis. But I
think they ought to satisfy members generally as to the nature of the changes that we are intending here. They are to ensure that the impact of the assets and income test is to be as it was intended and that those people who have the funds to be able to arrange their affairs in such a way as to use anomalies ought not to be able to continue to do so. That is a matter on which I welcome the indication of opposition support. I note that they have said that in the other place they may invite some committee deliberations in relation to these matters. But, obviously, we believe the legislation in that sense is a positive measure, given the nature of the scheme which we operate in Australia. In relation to the matters that were raised by the member for Jagajaga which relate to the care and support of a child under the age of 16 years, the fact is that the government recognises that the care of children under the age of 16 years is seen as a parental responsibility. While in appropriate cases support should be given, there needs to be a continuing recognition of the commitment that parents normally make to the upbringing of their children. Payments such as a child disability allowance provide assistance to carers in recognition of the special situation where additional care and supervision are required from a parent or guardian. One difficulty in extending the carer payment to a person providing care for a profoundly disabled child under the age of 16 years is encountered in distinguishing what would be considered to be a child's normal level of dependence on their parents and the required level of additional care provided by a parent in direct response to the child's disability. The care requirements outlined in this measure clearly distinguish and support the intensive and constant assistance provided for children with profound disabilities, over and above what would be considered a normal parenting role. This is consistent with the aim of this measure to target assistance to those people providing a high level of attendant care to maintain comfort and sustain life or attend to a bodily function that the profoundly disabled child cannot manage by himself or herself. It was asked why the number of carers of profoundly disabled children would be limited to about 100. The advice I have is that it would be something in the order of 400 to 500 carers who would be able to benefit from this measure. Carers are generally already receiving a special benefit or parenting allowance. For some people with profoundly disabled children, it is desirable to give them more assistance by way of the carer payment. The carer payment will be subject to the pension incomes and assets test, which is more beneficial than the special benefit or parenting allowance test. In addition, there are better pharmaceutical concessions and less reviews for carer pensions. However, this is a highly targeted payment for those most in need. People with disabilities or disabled children who do not qualify for the new payment can still qualify for other social security payments, such as the special benefit parenting allowance and child disability allowance. So I think it needs to be seen in that context. In relation to children under the age of 16 years being considered to be a parental responsibility, I think I pointed out the basis upon which the age of 16 years was chosen for this measure. The other matter that was raised was in relation to the measures that relate to the income of seasonal and contract workers. It is suggested that these measures treat them more harshly than other high income full-time employees who lose their job. The fact is that it needs to be recognised—and I think the honourable member for Jagajaga did in her comments; she used the figure of $37,000—that what we are dealing with here are levels of income earned by seasonal workers that can be quite unusually high for the nature of the work that is being addressed. Where you are dealing with people with much lower incomes, this measure will not operate. The measure has to be seen, rather than discriminating against seasonal workers, as being aimed at removing the current advantage that seasonal workers have over other high income permanent employees who become unemployed. It better aligns the treatment of higher income seasonal workers with existing provisions that apply to other high
income employees who become unemployed. The permanent employee, unlike the seasonal worker, will most likely have to serve an income maintenance period, so this measure is about evening up that balance. Other workers who become unemployed generally receive a payment for any accrued or unused annual or long service leave. This amount is maintained as income for a period following cessation of work and in most cases will result in the social security payment being deferred for the period covered by the leave. Higher income seasonal workers do not receive normal leave entitlements, which are generally cashed out in salary. Currently, therefore, the only preclusion period that can be applied to a seasonal or contract worker is the liquid assets test, and generally this has not been effective. Seasonal workers will generally have a regular pattern of employment which is governed by seasons or other regular patterns of work. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that the workers would be able to budget for breaks between employment more readily than a worker in permanent employment who has lost their job. Where workers with high annual incomes are seen to be receiving an employment payment between seasons or contracts, the integrity of the social security system is compromised. I think members can see from the comments I have made that the measures are not unreasonable. Obviously the government intends to press on with the bill in its present form. It is seen as being largely beneficial and, where it is not, it is dealing with anomalies that do undermine the integrity of the system and which demand of a responsible government measures to address those concerns. We do have a targeted system of benefits, which I know you, Madam Deputy Speaker Crosio, are very familiar with and have on other occasions supported very forcefully. These measures are designed to ensure that that system remains targeted and appropriate. I commend the bill to the House. Obviously, we will see how these matters progress when the bill reaches the other chamber. | Australia | 1,998 |
I welcome the opportunity to finally debate the Managed Investments Bill 1997 in the House this evening. As everyone in the industry and many investors would know, reform of the regulations governing non-superannuation collective investments has been a long time coming. It has been in excess of two years since Labor released an exposure draft of its own collective investments bill and indeed some six years since the Law Reform Commission report into the regulation of collective investments was handed down. That is a long time for those in the industry to wait for new regulation, but no doubt it would seem an even longer time for investors and potential investors in collective investments who will be most affected by this bill—particularly those investors who suffered a loss in their hard-earned savings because they invested in certain collective investment schemes back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. I guess that is the most important thing to remember about why we are here today debating this bill: the protection of investors. The bill is called the Managed Investments Bill 1997 . I personally would have liked to have seen the subtitle `protection of investors' added to that title because that ought to be the key reason why governments get involved in regulating financial markets in the first place: to protect investors. So the fundamental question which all participants in this debate need to be considering is: does this bill better protect investors and at what cost? That is
certainly the question with which Labor will be concerning itself during the passage of this bill through the parliament. I say at the outset that Labor gives its in-principle support to the application of the single responsible entity concept to the non-superannuation managed investments industry in Australia. That ought to come as no surprise, given that it was a Labor government which sought to introduce the SRE concept to the non-superannuation collective investments industry through our draft collective investments bill in December 1995.Now, as then, we consider the SRE concept to be a sensible and logical extension of the highly successful superannuation regulatory regime established by Labor which should lead to greater protection and greater benefits for investors. However, while the government's Managed Investments Bill does introduce the SRE concept to the managed investments industry, the regulatory model which is proposed here differs from Labor's regulatory model which we released for discussion back in 1995. It differs in a fundamental area—that of custodial separation of assets and the protection of investors' assets. Unlike Labor's model, under the government's bill custodial arrangements for scheme assets will not be mandatory. Under the government's model, an SRE will not be compelled to engage an independent custodian in which the scheme property will vest. Because of that difference, Labor will support the referral of the bill to the Joint Committee on Corporations and Securities—a reference which I understand the government and indeed other parties support—for full public hearings into the differences between Labor's collective investments regulatory model and that proposed by the government in the bill before the House. We will be taking particular care to examine any areas where the Managed Investments Bill weakens investor protection in managed investments. On the face of it, the government's managed investments model may not weaken investor protection. Indeed, it places onerous responsibilities on the single responsible entity to meet stringent compliance regulations prior to being registered and
licensed as an SRE and also during its operation as a single responsible entity. The government's model does change the mandated requirement for an independent custodian. That is a significant change which does need to be investigated through public hearings. I would think that all the parties involved and interested in managed investments—parliamentary colleagues from all parties, representatives of the managed investments industry, trustee organisations and the individual investors—would welcome such a move given the size of the regulatory changes that the government is proposing. I think it is necessary by way of background to take the House through some of the history to this issue. Managed investments are currently regulated as prescribed interests under the Corporations Law. The system involves two separate entities with responsibility for the operation of the managed investment—a funds manager and a compulsory trustee. The roles of both the funds manager and the trustee differ across various schemes and it is often not clear in law who has ultimate responsibility for the prudential regulation of investors' deposits. This problem came to light in its most stark form following the collapse of two high profile managed investment funds—Estate Mortgage and Aust-Wide. Following the collapse of those funds, there was a great deal of confusion concerning exactly who was responsible to investors—the funds management company or the trustee company or the legal advisers to both. Following that and an investigation into those collapses, a Law Reform Commission review recommended that managed investments ought to be regulated by requiring a single responsible entity. The single responsible entity concept was designed to increase investor protection by ensuring that the funds manager is the only entity legally responsible to investors should a fund fail. In December 1995 former Attorney-General Lavarch released a draft bill for comment which introduced the SRE concept for managed investments but also required a mandatory separate custodian of the scheme's assets. Before the final version of the bill was intro
duced into the parliament, we had an election and a change of government. Things then went rather quiet on the government side from March 1996 until August of last year when an announcement was made outlining the government's proposed managed investments model. The recommendation of the financial system inquiry—that is, the Wallis inquiry—was that the regulation of superannuation and managed investments ought to be harmonised by bringing managed investment regulation into line with superannuation through the single responsible entity concept. The Wallis report, however, was silent on the question of a mandated independent custodian. This bill was finally introduced by the government on 3 December last year at the very end of the spring parliamentary sittings. What it does in terms of its main provisions is to change the regulation of managed investments by amending the Corporations Law, the Australian Securities Commission Act and the Pooled Development Funds Act 1992 to require funds managers to become a single responsible entity, or SRE. It imposes onerous duties and responsibilities on the SRE who will most likely, though not certainly, be the funds manager by providing for civil action against the SRE by any scheme member who suffers loss or damage because of conduct contravening those duties and responsibilities. To become a single responsible entity, the entity must apply to the Australian Securities Commission, the ASC, for a special licence and, if the managed investments scheme has more than 20 investors, seek ASC registration as an SRE. It has to lodge a compliance plan with the ASC stating how it proposes to fulfil its custody of assets responsibilities, which are to ensure that managed investments scheme property is clearly identified and that the property is held separately from the property of the SRE or of another managed investment scheme. The entity has to satisfy compliance regulations by either having a board of directors, with at least half of the directors being independent, or establishing a compliance committee with at least half of its membership being independent. It has to hold all scheme assets
in trust for scheme members, thus imposing trust law obligations on the SRE. It has to enter into legally binding undertakings with the ASC if it is directed to—for example, to agree to have a separate custodian. It is also required to assist the ASC to carry out surveillance checks on whether the scheme is complying with its compliance plan and the law. In the area of the ASC and its powers, the bill also confers a significant vetting and compliance role on the ASC, which will have a number of powers. It will be able to refuse to issue a licence or to register the managed investment scheme if it considers that the arrangements in the compliance plan are inadequate. It can require appropriate capital adequacy amounts depending on the circumstances of each fund, and there is no mandated amount. It can revoke an SRE's licence without hearing in certain circumstances. The ASC can also examine, investigate and gather information concerning the operations of an SRE to ensure compliance with the scheme's constitution, compliance plan and applicable laws. It can accept enforceable undertakings from an SRE in relation to any matter concerning a registered scheme and it can apply to the courts for any order against the SRE that the court thinks is appropriate. The bill specifies a two-year transitional period beginning 1 July this year—and it is the opposition's intention to cooperate with that time frame—for current managed investment schemes to move to an SRE scheme. Any entity may apply to become a single responsible entity. According to the explanatory memorandum, the bill is not expected to have any significant financial impact on the Commonwealth. The Labor opposition has a number of concerns about the government's model, which we hope can be addressed at the public hearings into the bill. Labor has already stated its support for the SRE concept, believing that it will boost consumer protection by clarifying which entity is legally liable for investors' funds. Like the government's model, Labor's draft Collective Investments Bill of 1995 enlarged the ASC's role to enable it to vet applications from the SRE and ensure that all
compliance requirements could be met and would be met. However, our model also required a statutory, separate, independent custodian which we determined, at the draft bill stage, would provide added consumer protection. The government's model differs from Labor's in that it does not require a mandated independent custodian. This places an increased importance on the capacity of the ASC to undertake a vetting and ongoing compliance role which, while being a departure from Labor's model, does not necessarily mean a lessening of consumer protection. However, the capacity of the ASC to fulfil that vetting and ongoing monitoring role has been severely restricted by 1996 budget cuts, which have impacted particularly heavily on the ASC's compliance section. The Chairman of the ASC, Alan Cameron, stated in the ASC's 1996-97 annual report: Our Parliamentary appropriation for running costs in 1996/97 was $118.5 million and a $4 million loan to fund staff redundancies which we must repay. Our base funding was therefore significantly lower than previous years, and we must expect to live within this lower base going forward. I asked the Treasurer (Mr Costello) a couple of questions on notice concerning the issue of funding for the ASC, in light of the annual report of the Australian Stock Exchange—the ASX. I asked about page 26 of the 1996-97 annual report, which talks about cuts in funding for the Australian Securities Commission from $104 million to $74 million, and I referred to the impairment of the ASC's ability to investigate cases of market malpractice and to initiate prosecutions where appropriate. Recently, the Treasurer responded to these questions on the Notice Paper, saying that the figures in the ASX report are not correct. He went on to say that budget documentation for 1997-98 indicates an appropriation for the current year of $119.398 million and an anticipated appropriation for 1999-2000 of $104.9 million. Notwithstanding his correction of the ASX, what we see here is a $14½ million budget cut. So the Treasurer has essentially fessed up to the charge that the ASC will have diminished funding to carry
out greater responsibilities. The government's decision to place more responsibility on the ASC with its new Managed Investments Bill while severely cutting its funding does seem to undermine the ASC's capacity to fulfil its regulatory role. I want to take this opportunity to thank the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer (Senator Campbell), who has responsibility for this bill, for his willingness to provide me and opposition staff with briefings on the bill. He has given verbal assurances that the ASC will receive adequate funding to fulfil its role. However, I cannot find anything in the budget forward estimates which suggests that the ASC will receive any additional funding at all. In fact, the opposite would seem to be the case, as Mr Cameron stated in the 1996-97 annual report. He also stated: Staff have faced a tumultuous year, as we made significant reductions to our overall staff numbers. Our total staff numbers have fallen from 1398 at 30 June 1996 to 1191 at 30 June 1997.That represents a 15 per cent reduction in ASC staff in only one calendar year. If the government is trying to give the impression to the market that it is interested in ensuring effective prudential regulation and investor protection, it is certainly going about it in a very strange way. In addition, Labor is concerned that the ASC is yet to release a series of draft policy papers describing exactly how it is going to fulfil its role in supporting the bill, although it is our understanding that this is to occur in March of this year. These draft policy papers to be issued by the ASC are to discuss seven high priority policy subjects which the ASC has identified as needing further clarification. After the papers are released, the ASC is to invite comments from the public for about four weeks from the day that they are released. A review of the public comments will take place after that time, and then the ASC will issue formal policy statements on these high priority subjects. These are to be actively reviewed during the course of 1998 to ensure that they are working properly. However, a glance at the list of the high priority policy areas which the ASC is proposing to cover suggests that it may be very difficult, without
seeing this information, to form an opinion about the level of investor protection which the government's model offers. So, at the least, we are seeking assurances from the ASC that it will be able to fulfil the role which it envisages having. The first of the seven policy areas is licensing of the responsible entity. Some of the policy issues the ASC paper will examine include the criteria by which the ASC intends to assess the adequacy of the SRE's non-financial resources; management policies and procedures; character and accountability of directors or compliance committee members in order to assess whether the SRE is likely to carry out its duties honestly, efficiently and fairly; and the kind of licensing conditions which are appropriate for the ASC to set for approval of an SRE.The second policy area is financial resource suitability of an operator of a managed investment scheme. This goes towards the issue of what, if any, financial conditions should be imposed as a prerequisite to an entity's eligibility to operate a managed investment scheme. The issue of capital adequacy and the financial resources of an SRE will be discussed in this policy paper. The third paper involves contents of the compliance plan. This policy is to explain in what circumstances and according to what criteria the ASC intends to assess whether a compliance plan is adequate and/or requires modification. It will also address how much of this function is done at a licensing stage or by post vetting rather than on scheme registration. These are crucial issues which I would have thought needed to be determined before the parliament can pass this legislation. The fourth area involves appropriate arrangements for holding scheme property. This policy is to explain the basis upon which the ASC will expect—if not, require—a separate custodian to hold the assets of a scheme. Again, the issue of investor protection is crucial here. I am sure that many of us would have read a number of articles which suggest that it will be very easy for an SRE to escape to Rio or some other exotic location with a large amount of investors' moneys due to this provision in the government's model. While
the opposition is not disposed to subscribe to the view that a $2 company could be formed to spirit away investor funds, it is important to know exactly what criteria the ASC will use to determine when a separate independent custodian is necessary and when it is not necessary. The fifth paper is to deal with contents of the constitution of the managed fund. Unlike existing Corporations Law, the Managed Investments Bill 1997 does not contain a requirement for the ASC to approve a scheme's constitution at the point of registration of the scheme. The policy paper will explain in what circumstances and according to what criteria the ASC intends to assess whether a constitution complies at the point of registration. The sixth paper concerns transitional arrangements. The paper is to examine what problems may arise in the transitional period from the current arrangements to the SRE scheme arrangements. The seventh paper deals with exemptions and modifications. It is intended to explain how the ASC will deal with any immediate policy issues not covered by any other policy papers. It ought to be clear to the House from the program that I have just described—the program that the ASC has mapped out—that without this information it is very difficult to adequately gauge how well the ASC will be able to protect investor deposits. For example, I have a few questions: what capital adequacy standards will it require before it agrees to register an SRE? How will it measure whether directors or compliance committee members are independent? What costs will it impose for the registration process? What plans are there to ensure an ongoing monitoring and compliance function to ensure that investors are not protected just at the time of registration of the SRE but also during the operation of the SRE? These are crucial questions to which the parliament can reasonably seek answers. I have to say that I am surprised that the government is asking the parliament to pass a bill before all the relevant consumer protection information has been disclosed and before we have assurances from the govern
ment that it will adequately fund the ASC. In addition, we have seen a recent report from KPMG which claims that the cost efficiencies which the government has claimed will be gained by the move to its new model have been overstated and that there will be substantial transitional costs, such as state government stamp duty, resulting from a transfer of assets. It ought to be noted, however, that that report states that the information on which the calculations were based was obtained from only one side of the industry and that Mr Richard Gilbert from the Investment and Financial Services Association will also present information based on different assumptions, one would presume. Nevertheless, the costs of the new model are something worthy of further consideration. There has been a lot of public debate over the benefits of the bill occurring between those two industry bodies whose members' businesses will be most affected—the Investment and Financial Services Association, which has been very strongly supportive of the bill, and the Trustees Corporations of Australia, which has been highly critical of the bill. It ought to be noted that some quite spirited criticism of this legislation has come from several quarters. I might spend a minute or two to go to some of that criticism. Against that background, it is appropriate that the parliament have the opportunity to hear arguments from both sides in an appropriate forum—that being the specialist Joint Statutory Committee on Corporations and Securities. We will not be opposing the bill here, or indeed moving any amendments here. It is a matter of agreement between the parties that this matter should go to that joint committee and some of these issues can be thrashed out there. From the opposition's point of view, we will certainly be keeping our powder dry in relation to some of these issues until we have had the opportunity to have the benefits of the deliberations of that committee. I mentioned that there has been some quite spirited criticism of the bill. Without endorsing that criticism, it has been argued that it dismantles the system of safeguards for
investors that has served Australia well for the past 45 years. Those on the other side who were involved in what happened to Estate Mortgage and Aust-Wide would no doubt beg to differ about whether that system of safeguards has served investors well. It has been argued that it gives investors no say in whether their existing rights and protections are to be changed. It is alleged that a cost efficient system is being replaced with one which is more costly for investors but less effective and that it places excessive reliance upon the Australian Securities Commission to monitor and enforce private contract rights at public expense. I have to say that that is something we want to hear more from the government about, and we want to be satisfied that the ASC does have the capacity to do the things that are being expected of it. It has also been alleged of the bill that it fails to deliver world's best practice. The tax haven of the Dutch Antilles is quoted. The suggestion is that the trend in other major financial centres is to strengthen investor protection by strengthening the role of the independent trustee or custodian. So we have had organisations such as the international ratings agency, Standard and Poor's, and KPMG and so on producing reports expressing concerns and engaging in quite spirited criticism of the bill. As against that, MPs will have received correspondence from people opposed to the bill. They have also received a lot of correspondence from people who are highly supportive of the bill. You get into these `does-doesn't' sort of arguments concerning the level of investor protection and the answer, in those circumstances, is not easy for anyone to sort out. However, it ought to be appreciated that this matter has been considered by the Australian Law Reform Commission and it has been considered by the Wallis inquiry. I think they are things that all of us have a responsibility to take seriously, as we do things such as the collapse of Estate Mortgage. For those people who were the victims of that and who suffered, in the worst cases, the loss of a lifetime's savings, it is not appropriate that
these things should happen without there being some government response to that. Government has an obligation to ensure that investors can have confidence in their investments and the level of protection and the level of regulation of those investments. This does represent for the opposition and for all of us in the parliament very much an on-balance judgment, but our position is one of support for the essential concept of the single responsible entity and a determination by the Joint Committee on Corporations and Securities to look at the detail of the government's model and to examine the issue of whether the investor protections there are appropriate and adequate or whether there is a need for some further amendment. | Australia | 1,998 |
I find occasionally it is very useful to put your mind around something that you do not actually know a great deal about and approach it with what I would like to think is an open mind. I think the Managed Investments Bill 1997 , particularly from my perspective, is one such case. If I could go to some of the comments made by the member for Wills (Mr Kelvin Thomson) in terms of the lobbying done on both sides of the debate here, the more that I am lobbied by some people representing the trustees, the more convinced I am that the government is doing the right thing. This bill seeks to change the law to introduce a single responsible entity structure for the operation of managed investment schemes, including appropriate licensing, registration and compliance mechanisms. We are trying to achieve a balance between providing, on the one hand, effective investor protection and facilitating an efficient financial and investment market for Australian managed funds on the other. A single responsible entity structure, of course, was recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Companies and Securities Advisory Committee. It is interesting that the membership of some of those committees included some of the most knowledgeable and educated people in this area in the country, including Don Argus, Mark Burrows, Alan Cameron, Tony Hartnell, Jim Armitage, Justice Elizabeth
Evatt and Justice John von Doussa. It was also endorsed, of course, by the Wallis inquiry into the Australian financial system. Responsibilities for investors funds are currently split between the management company and the trustee. The bill will address the issue of legal liability over responsibility for those funds, about which there is presently some degree of confusion. Under these new arrangements, the liability for any loss of investors' funds through negligent or illegal activity will rest with a single responsible entity. The divided responsibility of trustee and management company to investors allows duck shoving and blame shifting when something goes wrong. The ALRC and the Companies and Securities Advisory Committee review concluded that the law currently encourages a false sense of security because investors rely on what is the illusory supervision of trustees, instead of directing more of their own efforts to protecting their own interests. Under these reforms, the corporate structure for managed investments will be more consistent with other corporate structures. It might even improve investor decision making. Critics of the reform should be reminded that the introduction of a single responsible entity structure will bring managed investment regulation into line with the regulation of superannuation. It will therefore simplify the compliance task of funds operating in both the superannuation and non-superannuation investment fund sectors. As the requirement for a custodian for each scheme to hold that scheme's assets is to be removed, the bill will prohibit a responsible entity from mixing its own assets with those of the scheme. The collapse of a responsible entity will therefore not expose investors in a scheme which it supervises. These reforms will also deliver significant ongoing savings to the scheme operators and better returns to investors. The costs associated with trustee supervision are also going to be removed. The question is whether or not this will reduce the current level of investor protection, which I think for most of us, as members, goes to the heart of our responsibilities to our constituents. The new legislation actually imposes clearer accountability for the management of members' funds through direct statutory duties on the responsible entity. There will also be delineation of accountability and responsibility that will be now much clearer to investors. Equally, the question of liability in the event of loss or damage suffered by a fund member will be put beyond any doubt. Investors' interests will be further protected by the requirement for the responsible entity to provide independent monitoring of compliance with systems for the proper administration of schemes, and the penalties for non-compliance are indeed severe. Removing the current third party between investors and fund managers will make the nature of the responsibilities owed to investors clear to both the responsible entity and to the fund manager. In terms of responsible entities, it is important that the House be reminded that they must be licensed by the ASC and most schemes must be registered by the ASC. The ASC will enter into binding agreements with the responsible entity of a scheme and back them up with court orders in the case of a breach. The ASC will also have express powers of surveillance; applicants for a managed investments licence must demonstrate financial capacity and an ability to perform their considerable duties associated with being a responsible entity; and it will also have the power to require that a specified minimum level of resources be maintained by the SRE.Some people have suggested that the bill will reduce opportunities for trustee companies to participate in managed investments and reduce the number of employees. But trustees can do one of a number of things: they can elect to be a single responsible entity; they could fulfil the role of custodian for investors funds, if investors in the market consider a separate custodian has some merit—again, the consumers would be making a choice as to what role, if any, they saw for trustees; and, thirdly, a trustee can become a single responsible entity itself. If in conflict with the management company, the scheme members will then make the decision. There will be a two-year transition period to allow reorganisation and, during that
period, incidentally, the resources available to the ASC will be assessed to ensure that it is able to adequately execute the new responsibilities conferred upon it. So the concerns of the member for Wills in relation to the budget allocations for the ASC for 1997-98 are, in fact, going to be addressed in the process of implementation as the ASC changes its roles. One of the best commentaries, I think, on the government's Managed Investments Bill is provided by the editorial from the Australian Financial Review from late last year. Just to quote some parts from it, it said: It may sound prudent to require an independent trustee company to oversee what funds managers do with other people's money, but it's not clear that the trustee has actually improved on the manager's investment decisions or prevented untoward things from happening. When two heads are in charge, the lines of responsibility have blurred.. . . . . . . . .. . . the two-headed model has promoted mutual finger-pointing and blame shifting which has ended up in the black hole of the litigation system.. . . . . . . . .The single responsible entity idea was first put up by the Australian Law Reform Commission in 1993. It was then incorporated into proposed legislation put forward by the then Labor Attorney-General, Mr Michael Lavarch . . . endorsed this year by the Financial System Inquiry chaired by Mr Stan Wallis.. . . . . . . . .This is all the result of the explosion of collective investment schemes in the 1980s—mostly unleashed by financial deregulation—in cash management trusts, property trusts, and more exotic schemes ranging from yabbie farms to racehorse syndicates. But the trustees' inadequacies in protecting investors' funds were exposed when the property boom collapsed in the early 1990s.Last month, the 50,000 investors in the country's largest mortgage trust group, Estate Mortgage, finally received some good news when Burns, Philp & Company Ltd agreed to pay a $116 million settlement. Burns Philp Trustees, a former subsidiary of Burns Philp, was the trustee of the Estate Mortgage Trusts when they collapsed in April 1990, owing investors $620 million. And in May the 26,000 small investors who sank $145 million into the Aust-Wide Trusts finally recouped a $100 million settlement. In the Aust-Wide case, the Australian Securities Commission took legal action against Permanent Trustees, the trustee of the Aust-
Wide trusts. The ASC argued that Permanent Trustee had failed to discharge its duty under the trust deed and, in common law, to protect the investors in the trust. Without making an admission, Permanent contributed $26.6 million to the $100 million pool of funds that will be used to repay the Aust-Wide investors. Mr Costello's new model is not so much about deregulating the managed funds business as changing the form of regulation so that the fund's management entrepreneurs . . . can devise their own ways to act as they advertise they will do . . . stripped of their protected fee stream under the existing regulations, they now need to transform into funds managers themselves, or into specialist providers of compliance and custodial services to the single responsible entities.. . . . . . . . .The funds managers will more clearly have a fiduciary duty to their investors and will not be able to abdicate responsibility to the trustee.. . . . . . . . .No law will stop all crooks, but it should swiftly expose and punish them. A single responsible entity will put one head on the block. That should concentrate the minds of those who seek to profit by managing other people's money. The other point I would make is that each of the duties of the responsibility entity could be categorised in one of three ways: trustee style of duties, Corporations Law-like duties and responsible entity focus duties. The trustee-like duties are drawn from the law of trusts and reinforced by the Corporations Law. These duties are to act honestly and carefully; to act in investors' best interests and to prefer their interests to its own; and to treat investors equally and fairly. I seek leave to finish my comments at a later date. | Australia | 1,998 |
On Monday of this week at 2 o'clock what purported to be a debate by this parliament took place concerning a commitment which the government had made to send Australian troops to the Gulf together with forces from the United States. I say purported to be a debate by this parliament because there were four participants on the government side, four on the opposition side and one Independent. We have more debate in this chamber on pig bounty bills and the like than
we had on that question. It was a disgraceful performance by the government, and I am sorry to say that it appeared to be an arrangement which was brokered as well with the opposition. On Monday this parliament committed itself to sending young Australians to what could have become a very serious theatre of war and, in effect, there was a decision made that, given certain circumstances, Australia would have been at war with another country. Australia would have declared war on that country, and we were treated in this way. Not only were this parliament and members of this parliament treated in this way but all of our constituents, and that represents 18 million constituents right across Australia. It simply was not good enough. When a similar question was considered in 1991, almost 40 people in this chamber had an opportunity to give consideration to that, to express their concerns, to raise their fears and their doubts, to indicate their support, to adopt whatever position they thought was appropriate. That was not the case on Monday, and certainly the circumstances today are different circumstances from those which prevailed in 1991 when members of this parliament agonised—some more than others—over the question that they were called upon to participate in and to help resolve. Despite the fact that it hit the headlines on the front pages of the newspapers in 1991, you had to look to at least page 2 down the bottom after Monday to find any report of the decision and the consideration that this parliament gave it. There were differences between the circumstances today and those of 1991. For example Iraq, in 1991, had invaded another country. That was not the case this time. A major proportion of the world's vital oil reserves was under threat. That was not the case this time. The United Nations had made a decision to intervene with a multinational force. That was not the case this time. There was a threat to the world economy. That was not the case this time. There was a cross-religious cross-ethnic alliance of Western and Arab countries in opposition to Iraq. That was not the case this time. There was a majority of the count
ries of the world in support of that intervention. That was not the case this time. The parliament did not consider this issue before Australian forces arrived at the Gulf as we did in 1991. There was no direct threat then or now to Australia. One might ask what was the alleged strategic value of that exercise and what it was supposed to achieve. To my mind it defies logic. For example, if Saddam Hussein is the brute that he is painted to be—and I have no reason to believe that he is not—why would he not place all of those alleged biological and chemical weapons that people claim he has in cinemas, in hospitals, in schools or in child-care centres? Would we then go in and blast them? If he is the brute that he is alleged to be, that is precisely what he would do. Yet we thought we were going to go there and knock these things out of commission. It has been made clear that any bombing of Iraq would definitely knock out all of the monitoring devices that the United Nations has so successfully placed in Iraq. If Iraq is bombed and Saddam Hussein emerges from the rubble, what then? (Time expired) | Australia | 1,998 |
I want to alert the House tonight to a gross injustice perpetrated by Ashanti Goldfields, an overseas mining company based in Ghana, West Africa. This company has walked away from operating Cobar Mines, which runs the CSA copper mine in Cobar in my electorate. As a result of that, 260-odd miners are out of work and are left being owed $10.4 million in liabilities—$1.1 million in wages and salaries which has now been paid through the Price Waterhouse administrator but, more importantly, in long service leave and holiday leave
$4.2 million of which they will probably see only 50 to 75 per cent at most and $5.2 million of which they will probably see nothing. Some of those workers have been in that mine for up to 33 years and have accumulated six-figure sums. As well as that there are other creditors. Glencore, the Swiss commodity metals trader, has a secured loan of $16 million which has been defaulted on. But I particularly feel sorry for the unsecured creditors, the small businesses in Cobar and surrounding towns which will not see a cent of the $6 million owing to them. They have had to lay off 53 of their own workers. The fuel supplier to that mine is owed $171,000 and the brickworks that supplied the solid concrete bricks for the stopes are owed $145,000 and have had to lay off 18 of their workers. I know of a widower down in Dubbo who is owed several tens of thousands of dollars and has an unopened box of $45,000 worth of bearings. This action by Ashanti has been very damaging to the town, to the business and family lives of the people who live in Cobar. When Ashanti bought this mine from Golden Shamrock in October 1996 they bought it at a reduced price because they took over the liabilities of the mine in long service leave and retrenchment payments, et cetera. This is the biggest African gold mining company outside South Africa. A depository nominee owns 33 per cent of the mine; Lonrho, a British company, owns 33 per cent of Ashanti; and the government of Ghana owns just under 20 per cent. I seek leave to have incorporated in Hansard a table of the largest 20 shareholders in the mine and a list of the directors. | Australia | 1,998 |
Leave granted. The table read as follows—TWENTY LARGEST SHAREHOLDERSAS AT 21/02/1997SharesPer centDepository Nominee, Inc.36,352.15833.64Lonrho Pic36,000,00033.31Government of Ghana20,955,67719.39 CHESS Depository Nominees Pty Ltd 2,0004,036,056 3.73Libyan Arab African Investment Co. Limited1,558,405 1.44Nutraco Nominees Limited1,288,380 1.19Chase Nominees Limited694,944 0.64Morgan Stanley & Co.Inc.407,177 0.38Chase Manhattan Bank400,000 0.37State Street Bank Limited386,088 0.36Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
366,177366,177 0.34Roytor & Co.338,618 0.31Ghana Cocoa, Coffee & Peanut Farmers Association247,593 0.23BNY Nominees Limited204,929 0.19Smith Brothers Nominees Limited201,646 0.19Torbay Company194,1090.18Barclay Zimbabwe Nominees (PVT) Limited183,175 0.17Social Security & National Insurance Trust178,876 0.17Cluff Resources Zimbabwe 146,680 0.14Employees Trust Limited Hare & Co.140,944 0.13Total104,280,63296.50DIRECTORS' PROFILENamePositionOtherR.K. PeprahChairman, Audit CommitteeMr Peprah was appointed to the Board in 1982, and became Chairman in 1985. Minister of Finance of the Republic of Ghana and Chairman of Mim Timber Company Ltd.
S.E. JonahManaging Director, Chief Executive OfficerChairman of African Selection Mining Corporation. Director of the Ghana Investment Centre, Lonrho Plc, Commonwealth Africa Investment Fund Ltd and a member of the Ghana Minerals Commission and of the Advisory Board of the International Finance Corporation. J. Grice
M.G. KeatleySecretary
Executive DirectorFormerly with the International Finance Corporation as Divisional Manager, Treasury and Financial PolicyE.D. Ofori AttaExecutive DirectorMs Ofori Atta was appointed to the Board in March 1994.H.K.A. OtooExecutive DirectorMr Otoo was appointed to the Board in December 1986. Executive Director for Government Affairs. T.S.ShultzExecutive DirectorFormerly Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Pegasus Gold and previously a senior executive of BHP Minerals. K. AnsahNon-executive Director, Audit Committee Mr Ansah was appointed to the Board in May 1989. Chief Executive of the Ghana Minerals Corporation and a director of Aluworks Company Ltd and Volta River Authority. M.E. BeckettNon-executive Director, Audit Committee. Chairman of Greycoat PLC, Horace Clarkson, PLC, Monarch Resources Ltd and Watts Blake PLC. Director, North Ltd, Egypt Trust and North Broken Peko Ltd. N.J. MorrellNon-executive DirectorMr Morrell was appointed to the Board 03/03/1997. Mr Morrell is a director and CEO Lonrho Plc. F. Ohene-KenaNon-executive Director, Audit CommitteeMr Ohene-Kena was appointed to the Board in September 1995. Ambassador to the Czech Republic. A former member of the Ghana Minerals Commission. R.W. RowlandNon-executive Director, Audit CommitteeMr Rowland was appointed to the Board in October 1972. Formerly a director and Chief Executive of Lonrho Plc. Sir W.S. RyrieNon-executive Director, Audit CommitteeSir William was appointed to the Board in September 1995. Vice-Chairman ING Bearing Holdings Ltd and Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Development Corporation. Director of W S Atkins Ltd. P.M. TarshNon-executive Director Mr Tarsh was appointed to the Board in April 1978. Formerly a Director of Lonhro Plc. | Australia | 1,998 |
I thank the House. On 4 December last year, Ashanti Goldfields wrote to the Directors of Cobar Mines and said: This letter sets out the intentions of Ashanti Goldfields . . . in relation to the provision of financial support to Cobar Mines . . .Ashanti irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to provide financial support to . . . Cobar Mines . . . and Cobar Mines is able to pay all of those debts as and when they become due and payable.
Then it sets out various conditions. Talking about the notice they may give if they ever withdraw the support, it says: Following this period, if Ashanti were to intend to cease to provide financial support to . . . Cobar Mines . . . it would give not less than 7 days notice of that withholding of financial support before doing so. This letter is to be interpreted in accordance with the laws of Victoria, Australia—where they have their main office—and Ashanti irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia. It is signed by a director, Mark Keatley, who is also the chief financial officer. In the middle of January, Trevor Schultz, who is chief operating officer and a director of Ashanti mines, also wrote a letter saying that the only expenditure which should be incurred on the mine was that which was essential to maintain continuing operations. We have these solid guarantees from a very profitable company and yet they have walked away and left people in the lurch. While they may be able to do it legally, morally and ethically what they have done is shocking. BHP or Pasminco could not have done that in Australia. They are getting away with this so far only because they are an overseas based company. I call upon the directors of Ashanti to fulfil the written promise that they have made. I am pleased that this federal government has sooled the Australian Securities Commission onto them. If the commission finds that they have been in breach of the insolvent trading conditions and other conditions of the Corporations Law of this country, such as not having had resident directors of this mine this year, then I think we should take them to whatever courts we have to to recoup these debts. (Time expired) | Australia | 1,998 |
I draw to the attention of the House a very grave injustice that has occurred and which has mystified me and so many others in the inner west of Sydney. I refer to the inexplicable snubbing by the government of the Inner West Skills Centre at Burwood in my electorate of Lowe, under the government's radical reorganisation of the employment services market. I note that the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (Dr Kemp) is at the table and I ask him to intervene and to investigate how it is that Burwood Skillshare, one of the best and most cost-efficient community based providers of training and job placement services, especially
to the long-term unemployed, have failed to win a contract. I was there at the official launch of Burwood Skillshare some 13 or 14 years ago and I have kept in constant contact with them on a regular basis, firstly, as the local state member and now as the federal member. In fact, I do not think I have missed attending even one of their annual general meetings because I have always been so impressed with the work that they have done and I wanted to keep in close contact with them. I am fully aware of the centre's strengths and achievements. Over the past few years, out of some 6,000 people who have called into the centre an amazing 4,000 people have found paid employment. This has resulted in a huge financial saving to the government in welfare payments. However, the greatest benefit lies in the fact that this success has given so many of the centre's clients a new life, a life that has been turned around by a lift in confidence and a dramatic and newly found sense of self-worth and self-esteem. The Burwood Skillshare, by any criteria, has proven itself to be among the very best, yet it has been dropped by the government despite repeated successes year after year. Burwood Skillshare not only has a demonstrated record that is enviable but also provides a range of training programs to people in the fields of clerical and retail, training for handymen and women as well as providing the skills necessary for community service work. In the recent past, DEETYA, on a number of occasions, has asked Burwood Skillshare to pilot innovative youth access programs. Even more recently, the centre has provided case management and the six-month period from July to December 1997 saw the centre outperform the CES. Not only that, it also was well ahead of the national average in its performance. The decision by the federal government to dump the Burwood Skillshare has been very short-sighted. It has resulted in tremendous losses, and not just in staff losses. The loss to my local community is even more significant as it is a genuine local community focal point which is open to everyone and provides use
of its computers, newspapers and the Internet, as well as social contact. Additionally, the centre has always been proactive under its indefatigable manager, Patricia Robertson. In fact, twice in the past three years the centre has initiated general drives generating local jobs with employers. They have been particularly active in tackling youth unemployment in the inner west and have successfully found paid work for some 100 people in a relatively short period of time. Again I ask the minister to intervene and to reinstate the funding to Burwood Skillshare so that this very successful, highly efficient, non-profit centre can continue to provide much needed services in my area. Unless a very good reason can be given and it can be publicly explained as to why Burwood Skillshare's contract for funding has not been renewed, then the whole agenda of reform of the employment services market will fall into disrepute. | Australia | 1,998 |
Bob Santamaria's state funeral today was a great national as well as Catholic occasion. It should not pass unnoticed in this House. For the record, it was attended by the Prime Minister (Mr Howard), the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Tim Fischer), the Treasurer (Mr Costello), the Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts (Senator Alston), the Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (Dr Kemp) and the members for Warringah (Mr Abbott), Mitchell (Mr Cadman), North Sydney (Mr Hockey), Menzies (Mr Andrews), Gippsland (Mr McGauran), Hinkler (Mr Neville), Bradfield (Dr Nelson) and Sturt (Mr Pyne). It was attended by senators Boswell and Heffernan and perhaps others I did not notice amongst the great concourse of people. It was attended by your good self, Mr Deputy Speaker, the former Prime Minister Mr Fraser, Senator Harradine and the member for Lalor (Mr
Barry Jones) representing the Leader of the Opposition.`Set ye up a standard in the land and blow the trumpet amongst the people.' Bob Santamaria might as well have taken that for his personal motto. He never wavered, hesitated or hedged from his firmness in the right as God gave him to see that right. I first met him when I was 19 and ever after he was a friend, a mentor and a guide. I recall him telling some uppity youngsters that they could take an issue to the media if they liked, but under those circumstances they would need to go on their knees every night and ask for humility lest their heads get too big for their brains. I have to confess that I always found it easier to love the man than to take all of his advice. He left three great legacies to our country. First, the destruction of communist power in the trade union movement. Second, he built a bridge enabling Catholics to break out of the Labor political ghetto that they had been locked into for too long, a bridge which enabled them to take their rightful place in whichever political party took their fancy. Finally, he taught three generations of Catholics that their faith had a social corollary and that you did not leave Catholic values at the door of the church on Sunday. For nearly 60 years he was an inspiration and a prophet to tens of thousands of people in unions, political parties, the media, universities and various churches. Even for his critics he was part of the intellectual landscape. He was a philosophical star by which you could always steer. Throughout this time he fought against the rampant state and the rampant individual. He was just as much opposed to communism as he was to libertarianism. As he saw things he suffered many defeats. Archbishop George Pell told the congregation today that Bob's grandson had recently been working on a theological essay on the signs of hope, to which Santamaria had said, `They do not exist; there aren't any.' But even so legendary a pessimist as Bob would have been encouraged by the vast concourse of people, the great and the good, the obscure and the humble who packed the church today to see
him off. He would be encouraged by that to hope that others will not fail in their time, their place and their way to take a stand for God, Australia and the universal church. He once told an audience in Melbourne debating the Spanish Civil War that when the bullets of the atheists struck the statue of Christ outside the cathedral in Madrid, `For some this was just lead striking brass but for me those bullets were piercing the heart of Christ the King.' Some may have recalled today but a Cold War warrior or a Catholic zealot but to me he was the greatest living Australian, and there are not a few in this House who will, in their own way, try to keep the faith. | Australia | 1,998 |
On 1 July 1998, 500 Adult Migrant English Service teachers will lose their jobs and 11 Adult Migrant English Service centres will be handed over to a private consortium, Australian Centre for Languages. In July those AMES teachers much vacate premises at Auburn, Bankstown, Blacktown, Cabramatta, Campbelltown, Campsie, Fairfield, Liverpool, Parramatta, Rockdale and Wollongong and a new group of privately employed teachers and administrators will walk in and take over. They will take over federally leased premises which are kitted out by the state government. Presumably they will take over the use of the reporting system, which has been built by the federal government at a cost of millions of dollars, called ARMS, the AMEP Management and Reporting System, which provides absolutely timely information on the language progress of all the students in those programs. In fact, that system—built at such cost by the federal government and involving those 500 AMES teachers trained extensively in the efficient use of it—will probably be used by the winning tenderers. Whether or not there is a cost to that we hope to find out either from the minister at the table (Dr Kemp) or the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (Mr Ruddock). That system provides extensive and systematic training of the clerical and management staff of the ARMS reporting system, ensures that data is processed in a timely and efficient manner and
gives long-term experience and knowledge of the reporting requirements of the ARMS system to those who have been trained in it and an accurate and speedy assessment of client eligibility. Those millions of dollars spent by the federal government were spent supporting the 500 AMES teachers and the students they were bringing to an understanding of the English language, students who had come primarily from overseas and needed 510 hours of intensive English teaching to bring them into this country and into a position where they could attempt to get jobs in the work force, function fully and be productive. Yet, after the tendering process introduced by this government, the public education provided by those 500 teachers will cease on 1 July. The teachers association wrote to the local paper the Bankstown Torch and made these points: firstly, that they would be out of their jobs on 1 July; and secondly, that this was a result of the Commonwealth government's decision to grant five regional tenders to a private consortium with no experience in the delivery of adult migrant education programs. Currently the teachers federation is mounting a campaign to reverse the Commonwealth's tendering decision resulting in the closure of 11 offices throughout New South Wales. AMES has been in Bankstown for 26 years, providing a highly professional service and establishing strong links to the community and ethnic organisations. The AMEP in the Bankstown-Canterbury area will now be delivered by a private consortium whose main concern is profits for its shareholders. Due to the actions of the Howard government, over 500 teachers in AMES will lose their jobs, and migrants in the Bankstown area will be affected. This, of course, is not the only tendering out, contracting out or closing down that the Bankstown area and my electorate of Blaxland has suffered. Here we have yet another example of a public utility where people—500 teachers who are experienced, trained, qualified and able, and have a background of providing effective education to those people in their care—have been contracted out of their jobs. All of that vast experience, all of
that training and all of that ability will be thrown out the door so that a new private consortium can take their place; a private consortium without the experience, without the capability, without the capacity and without the training in the specific needs and demands of English as a second language teaching and, in particular, in the teaching of new arrivals. This is yet another demonstration that ideology can come before people and that ideology can come before education. (Time expired) | Australia | 1,998 |
Last week I announced in my electorate that the government had approved exceptional circumstances assistance to many farmers on the Monaro. This was a just decision. The announcement has been well received by the people in Eden-Monaro. I fought very hard for my constituents on this. I did that because I knew that assistance was justified. Last year the Rural Adjustment Scheme Advisory Council, RASAC, prepared a report for the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, John Anderson, which recommended against exceptional circumstances assistance. That report followed an application by the New South Wales government. RASAC at that time recommended against assistance simply because the data provided by the New South Wales government did not prove that an exceptional circumstance event had occurred. The data provided was very sparse because the normal scientific data that would be used was just not available. There was, however, a lot of local knowledge that showed the Monaro was experiencing something quite exceptional. Unfortunately, in the initial application by the New South Wales government and in the initial assessment by RASAC, the local knowledge was not given the prominence it should have received. As RASAC is the independent body appointed to assess these matters, the minister would have been justified in accepting its report and therefore not declaring the region. However, I argued strongly to him that the RASAC assessment was not right. He agreed to take it to cabinet, and cabinet asked that the whole matter be looked at again. I attended the all day inspection by RASAC on 2 February. It was obvious that not only had conditions worsened but also the area affected was spreading. It was quite an eye-opener, for instance, to witness the dry waterhole on Darvall Dixon's property; a waterhole which has never dried up, to the knowledge of locals. By coincidence, a neighbour Mr Charlie Massy happened to be at Mr Dixon's property borrowing some machinery. He explained to the RASAC members that his property had a natural basalt lake. It was long since dry, but there was a bore adjacent to it. This bore had always been there for drought insurance—it always flowed. It had dried up a few days before. We visited James Larratt's property where we saw the devastation caused by wingless grasshoppers. We went to Jimembuen in the southern part of the area now declared exceptional circumstances. The owners, David and Jane Glasson, produce high quality merino sheep, as well as cattle. Most of the cattle are gone, either having been sold or put on agistment elsewhere. Sheep stocking levels are dramatically reduced. They have been feeding since November. Never before, in the knowledge of the family, which goes back to the 1930s, have they had to start feeding sheep at that time of the year. That is exceptional. I was back at Jimembuen last weekend and travelling extensively around that part of the electorate. Tragically, the conditions have worsened over the past couple of weeks. I spent some time on Sunday morning helping David Glasson feed sheep. The ground which is not bare earth already is what I can only describe as quite a scary colour—it is a funny grey. It is the grey that you often see in a person critically ill. Having made that observation to Jane Glasson, she said, `You are right. The land is very sick.'Having spent quite a bit of time on the Monaro since the announcement last week, I know how grateful the people are that the government has granted this exceptional circumstances assistance. I opened the Delegate and Dalgety Shows on the weekend, and many people asked me to pass on their thanks. Dalgety is within the declared area
and Delegate is in an additional area which is currently being examined by RASAC, and I hope a recommendation is forthcoming to the minister in the near future. I want to thank everyone involved: the farmers for their patience during this process; the New South Wales Farmers Committee, chaired by Bruce Bashford, who put together the application and supplementary application; and David Hartley, from New South Wales Agriculture, who put in a special effort with the supplementary information after acknowledging there had been some mistakes by his department in the early days of the application. I also thank the Deputy Prime Minister, Tim Fischer, who took time to look at the country and understood the circumstances that existed, and John Anderson for understanding why I persisted. Exceptional circumstances assistance is in place to cover the equivalent of a natural disaster. Floods and bushfires are natural disasters that are easy to observe. Drought—and its associated difficulties—is like a cancer: it eats away and creeps along slowly. The difficulty is knowing when it has reached natural disaster stage. The interest subsidies, exceptional circumstances relief payment, health card and Austudy will all give some relief to those suffering, but we need rain and we need it soon. | Australia | 1,998 |
In his question to me on 26 November 1997 on energy arid environmental issues at Parliament House, the Hon. Duncan Kerr raised three matters—1. PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS' CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ENERGY EfficiencyIn this regard Parliament House was designed to comply with `best practice' energy efficiency for commercial buildings. Lighting, air-conditioning, ventilation, cooling and heating were all designed to be of a high standard and environmentally efficient. Energy conservation has been a key result area of the Joint House Department (the building manager) since 1988 and continues to be a key result area in the department's 1997-2000 Corporate Plan. Since 1988 energy management initiatives in Parliament House have achieved savings of approximately $2.5 million per year on the base year of 1988/89 and have resulted in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of around 21,000 tonnes per annum. The Joint House Department has committed itself to make further savings in energy consumption in Parliament House of 1.5 per cent per annum and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a further 6000 tonnes over the next six years. In 1997 the Presiding Officers, on behalf of Parliament House, signed the Greenhouse Challenge. The Greenhouse Challenge provided a valuable opportunity to inform the community of the considerable success in energy management in Parliament House over the last eight years and to provide action plans to improve on past successes. A booklet entitled `Energy Management in Parliament House' was published this year and is available to any interested persons from the Joint House Department.2. THE SECOND ISSUE RAISED BY THE HONOURABLE MEMBER RELATED TO THE EXTERNAL REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PRACTICES IN PARLIAMENT HOUSEIn this regard I inform the House that the Joint House Department prepared and implemented an Environmental Management Plan, following an environmental audit in 1992 by Dames and Moore Pty Ltd, an environmental management consultancy company. The Environmental Management Plan provided a framework for the maintenance of environmental standards at Parliament House and identified environmental issues, such as energy management, air quality, and waste management as important action areas.
A second environmental audit was commissioned in August of this year and will be completed before the end of December 1997. This audit will:. assess compliance with Commonwealth and ACT environmental legislation;. identify actions required to meet existing and imminent environmental legislation; and. review the existing Environmental Management Plan and assess performance against it. Energy audits in Parliament House have been carried out by independent organisations such as Enersonics Pty Ltd at regular intervals since 1990. They have focused on ensuring targets for energy savings are being met, and benchmarking actual performance against relevant public and private buildings, and the Property Council of Australia targets. The next energy audit is due in early 1998.The Department publishes its achievements on environmental and energy efficiency practices in its Annual Report.3. THE FINAL ISSUE RAISED CONCERNED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GLASS AND ALUMINIUM RECYCLING FACILITIES IN THE CAFETERIA AND COFFEE SHOP AREASIn response to this issue I have been informed that catering staff in the Staff and Public cafeterias clear the tables and separate recyclable waste into glass, plastic and aluminium bins, which are located in the kitchen areas. This practice has been in place since 1994.Similar practices are in place for Members' Dining areas, the Private Dining Rooms and functions held at Parliament House. To date the `Coffee Shop' (Aussie's) has only been recycling plastic. The Joint House Department is to conduct discussions with the licensee to see what can be done with glass, aluminium and paper recycling from this facility. I thank the Honourable Member for his interest in these matters. | Australia | 1,998 |
The following notices were given on 2 March 1998: Mr Andrew to move: That the following Bills be referred to the Main Committee for further consideration: Insurance Laws Amendment 1997; Telecommunications Amendment (No. 2) 1997; NRS Levy Imposition 1997;
Customs and Excise Legislation Amendment (No. 3) 1997; Gas Pipelines Access (Commonwealth) 1997; Crimes (Superannuation Benefits) Amendment 1997; and Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment 1997. Mr Eoin Cameron to move: (1) That the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs conduct a stocktake of the cost of living of aged pensioners and retirees such that an accurate picture can be drawn of the difficulties of surviving on the pension and fixed limited incomes and that the committee: (a) compare the formula used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics of measuring the cost of living with anecdotal evidence of the actual increased cost of living of pensioners and retirees; (b) review the various methods of government assistance to aged pensioners and retirees, the quality of assistance and the value of the assistance to pensioners and retirees and recommend whether any changes should be made; (c) determine whether the legislative requirement that pensions be set at 25 per cent of average male weekly earnings is suitable; and (d) recommend changes to the Government which will better target assistance to pensioners, with a view to how such benefits will meet the needs of pensioners in future years in terms of the increased representation of aged persons as a proportion of Australia's population. (2) That the above inquiry be conducted mindful of the precarious nature of the federal budget due to the previous Government's mismanagement. Mr McClelland to move: That this House: (1) notes that the withdrawal of the operational subsidy to community based child care centres has caused a significant detrimental impact including: (a) the need for child care centres to increase fees between 11 and 15 per cent per week; (b) causing a number of families to reduce their hours of child care or leave the child care service altogether; and (c) causing child care centres to (i) reduce administration hours, (ii) reduce staff or replace staff with lower qualified staff, (iii)
curtail services to infants such as nappy services, (iv) either withdraw or reduce the quality of meals and drinks provided to children, (v) reduce the amount of spending on equipment and materials and (vi) reduce the extent of building and outdoor maintenance; (2) calls on the Minister for Family Services to refer issues relating to the withdrawal of the operational subsidies to the appropriate House of Representatives committee with such terms of reference to include investigation of the impact of the loss of operational funding on community based long day care centres and families who use that service; (3) further calls on the Minister for Family Services to increase the child care assistance ceiling for child care services to better reflect the actual cost of care; and (4) calls on the Government to immediately reinstate the $350 million taken from the children's services program in 1997-98 so that high quality affordable child care can be maintained and monitored. Mr Pyne to move: That this House: (1) agrees that former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating's unsuccessful attempt to implement substantial tax reform in 1985 was an acknowledgment of the contemporary failings of the taxation system; (2) recognises that the former Labor Government failed over 13 years to implement substantial tax reform; (3) agrees that the Government's achievement in fixing Labor's $10 billion budget black hole proves that this Government has the resolve and the courage to implement significant and sensible taxation reform; and (4) notes that the Opposition has no plans for substantial taxation reform and favours a return to the tax and spend policies of the past that led to high interest rates, high unemployment and low growth that had it been allowed to go unchecked could have dangerously exposed Australia in the environment of an Asian financial crisis. Dr Kemp to present a Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment and management of the Australian Public Service, and for other purposes. Dr Kemp to present a Bill for an Act to deal with consequential and transitional
matters arising from the repeal of the Public Service Act 1922 and the enactment of the Public Service Act 1997, and for other purposes. Mr Warwick Smith to present a Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to child care, and for related purposes. Mr Anderson to present a Bill for an Act to amend the National Residue Survey Administration Act 1992, and for other purposes. | Australia | 1,998 |
The following papers were deemed to have been presented on 2 March 1998: Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 348. Aged Care Act— Determinations under section 44 1997 Nos. 19, 20, 21, 22. Determination under section 48 1997 No. 19. Aged or Disabled Persons Care Act—Guidelines 1998 No. 9BG 1. Air Navigation Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 336, 413. Airports Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 367. Audit (Transitional and Miscellaneous) Amendment Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 390. Australian Bureau of Statistics Act—Australian Bureau of Statistics—Proposals 1998 Nos. 1, 2. Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act—National Capital Plan amendment No. 20, Acton Peninsula. Australian Federal Police Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 375. Australian Hearing Services Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 333. Charter of the United Nations Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 392, 393. Child Care Act—Guidelines under section 12A 24 November 1997. Child Support (Assessment) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 374. Christmas Island Act— Casino Control Ordinance—Re-appointment of Casino Controller 16 December 1997. Ordinances— 1997 No. 4. Variation of order 21 January 1998. Civil Aviation Act—Civil Aviation Regulations—
Civil Aviation Orders— Part 40 and Part 82—Amendment 1998 13 February. Part 105—Amendments— 1997—5, 12 (4), 15 (4), 16 (5), 17 (7), 19 (4), 22 (3), 24 (2) December. 1998—7, 8, 9, 15 (5), 16 (10), 19, 23, 30 (3) January, 2, 5, 6 (4), 9 (3), 10 (5), 12 (7), 13 (6), 25 (6) February. Part 106—Amendments— 1997—18 (2) November, 2, 5, 8, 15 (2), 16, 19 December. 1998—6, 12 February. Part 107—Amendments— 1997—16 (2), 17 (2), 19 (12) December. 1998—21 January, 6 (2), 12, 25 February. Exemptions— 1997 Nos. CASA 25, CASA 26. 1998 Nos. CASA 1, CASA 2, CASA 3. Instruments— 1997 No. CASA 277. 1998 Nos. CASA 4, CASA 5, CASA 9, CASA 23, CASA 41, CASA 47, CASA 51, CASA 55, CASA 61. Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act—Ordinances— 1997 No. 4. Commerce (Trade Descriptions) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 334. Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 391. Commonwealth Borrowing Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 337. Commonwealth Electoral Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 411. Copyright Act—Declaration under section 10A 5 January 1998. Corporations Act—Accounting standard Nos. AASB 1009, AASB 1036. Currency Act—Determination 1998 No. 1. Customs Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules— 1997 Nos. 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 385, 386, 422. Defence Act— Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal—Determinations— 1997 Nos. 12, 13. 1998 Nos. 1, 2, 3. Determination under section 52 1998 No. 1. Determinations under section 58B—
1997 Nos. 43, 44, 45. 1998 Nos. 1, 2. Regulations—Statutory Rules— 1997 No. 389. Designs Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 344. Endangered Species Protection Act—Declarations under section 18 Nos. 97/ESP3, 97/ESP6. Excise Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 340, 384, 388, 423. Export Control Act—Export Control (Orders) Regulations—Export Control Orders 1997 Nos. 9, 10, 11. Export Inspection (Establishment Registration Charges) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 360, 407. Export Inspection (Quantity Charge) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 408. Export Inspection (Service Charge) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 361. Family Law Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 347, 376. Federal Court of Australia Act—Rules of Court—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 425. Financial Management and Accountability Act— Financial Management and Accountability Orders 4 December 1997. Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 328. Fisheries Management Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 410. Fuel (Penalty Surcharges) Administration Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 387. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 326. Health Insurance Act— Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 395, 397. Statements under section 106AA 23 (3) February 1998. Health Insurance Commission Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 332, 396. Hearing Services Administration Act— Determination under section 13 2 December 1997. Rules of conduct 2 December 1997. Higher Education Funding Act— Determinations— 1997 No. T28. 1998 Nos. T1, T2, T3, T4, T5. Guidelines 1998 No. T6.
Immigration (Education) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 405. Income Tax Assessment Act 1936—Regulations—Statutory Rules— 1997 Nos. 338, 368, 416. Income Tax Assessment Act 1997—Determination under section 30-240 8 december 1997.Instrument under section 30-235 8 December 1997. Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 419. Insurance Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 369. International Air Services Commission Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 412. International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 329, 330, 331, 352, 394. Migration Act— Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 354, 402, 403. 404. Statements under section— 345 (4). 351 (11). Motor Vehicle Standards Act—Road Vehicle (National Standards) Determination 1997 No. 2. National Health Act— Declarations 1998 Nos. PB 1, PB 2, PB 4. Determinations 1998 No. PB 3. Regulations—Statutory Rules— 1997 No. 353. National Residue Survey (Game Animals) Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 358. National Residue Survey Administration Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 362. Navigation Act— Marine orders— 1997 Nos. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. 1998 Nos. 1, 2. Regulations—Statutory Rules— 1997 No. 420. Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 351. Parliament Act—Parliamentary Zone—Proposal for additional drinking fountains. Patents Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 345. Petroleum Retail Marketing Sites Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 355.
Plant Breeder's Rights Act—Instrument of approval 24 November 1997. Prawn Export Promotion Act, Prawn Export Charge Act and Prawn Boat Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 409. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act and National Residue Survey (Game Animals) Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 359. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act and National Residue Survey Administration Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 366. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act and Deer Slaughter Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 365. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act, Horticultural Export Charge Act and Horticultural Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 335. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act, Horticultural Export Charge Act and National Residue Survey Administration Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 363. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act, Horticultural Levy Act and Horticulture Export Charge Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 406. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act—National Residue Survey Administration Act, Horticultural Export Charge Act and Horticultural Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 357. Primary Industries Levies and Charges Collection Act and National Residue Survey Administration Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 364. Public Service Act— Determinations— 1997 Nos. 32, 33, 34, 35, LES 37, LES 38, LES 39, LES 40, LES 41, LES 42, SESROB 133, SESROB134, SESROB 135, SESROB136, SESROB 137, SESROB138, SESROB 139, SESROB 140, SESROB 141, SESROB 142, SESROB 143, SESROB 144, SESROB 145, SESROB 146. 1998 Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, LES 1, LES 2, LES 3, LES 4,. LES 5, LES 6. SESROB 1, SESROB 2, SESROB 3, SESROB 4, SESROB 5, SESROB 6, SESROB 7, SESROB, 8, SESROB 9. Parliamentary Presiding Officers' Determination 1997 No. 3. Quarantine Act— Determinations 1997 No. 4
Quarantine proclamation No 162A. Remuneration Tribunal Act— Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No 418. Remuneration Tribunal—Determinations 1997 Nos. 16, 17, 18. Retirement Savings Accounts Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 342. Retirement Savings Accounts Supervisory Levy Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 417. Sales Tax Assessment Act— Determinations 1998 No. STD 1, Addendum. Ruling No. SST 8. Statutory Declarations Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 339. Student and Youth Assistance Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 341, 373. Superannuation Act 1976—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 327. Superannuation Contributions Tax (Assessment and Collection) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 370. Superannuation Contributions Tax (Members of Constitutionally Protected Superannuation Funds) Assessment and Collection Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 371. Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 343, 414, 415. Sydney Airport Curfew Act—Dispensations— 1997 Nos. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. 1998 No. 1. Taxation Administration Act— Determinations— 1997 Nos. TD 24, TD 25. 1998 No. TD 1. Rulings— 1997 No. TR 25. 1998 No. TR 1. Telecommunications (Interception) Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 421. Telecommunications Act 1997— Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 349, 350, 377. Declarations— 1997—Carrier Licence Conditions (Optus Networks Pty Ltd) (Amendment 1997 No. 1). 1998— Carrier Licence Conditions (Access and Roaming). Carrier Licence Conditions (Spectrum re-allocation). Determinations under section 51 17 December 1997, 12 January 1998. Determination under section 95 12 January 1998. Telstra Corporation Act—Determination—Telstra carrier charges—Price control arrangements, notification and disallowance Determination 1997. Therapeutic Goods Act— Instrument of approval under section 6AA 15 January 1998. Instruments of approval under section 23 15, 23 December 1997. Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 Nos. 398, 399, 400, 401. Trade Marks Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 346. Veterans' Entitlements Act— Instruments under section 196B—1998 Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 372. Wool International Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules 1997 No. 356. Workplace Relations Act—Regulations—Statutory Rules— 1997 No. 424. 1998 No. 1. | Australia | 1,998 |
Transport and Regional Development Mr Vaile —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation (BASI) has advised that the ten occurrences concerning pilot misidentification of Essendon and Melbourne (Tullamarine) Airports, which the present Deputy Prime Minister made reference to in Hansard, 23 August 1985, page 303, occurred in the period 30 May 1977 to 7 January 1985. These occurrences included four instances, two of which involved large passenger aircraft, where pilots mistook Essendon Airport for Melbourne Airport and are summarised as follows: DateAircraft TypeOperationDeparture pointOccurrence30/5/1977DC8International Regular Public Transport (RPT)Wellington, NZMistook Essendon (EN) runway(R)35 for Melbourne (ML) R 346/6/1977Boeing 707International RPTAucklandMistook EN for ML24/8/1977Cessna 401ACharterBendigoMistook EN runways for ML6/2/1979Falcon 200MilitaryCanberraMistook EN runways for ML From a search of BASI's database it would appear that the remaining six occurrences referred to by the present Deputy Prime Minister involved pilots mistaking Melbourne Airport for Essendon Airport. None of these occurrences involved large passenger aircraft. These occurrences are summarised as follows: DateAircraft TypeOperationDeparture pointOccurrence25/8/1978Piper PA-34-200Non-Commercial Broken HillMistook ML for EN1/9/1978Piper PA-23-250CharterSwan HillMistook ML for EN27/4/1979Mooney M20JNon-Commercial MangaloreMistook ML for EN17/8/1980Cessna 210MNon-Commercial WimpinmeritMistook ML R34 for EN R265/5/1981Cessna 310QCharterPortlandMistook ML R34 for EN R357/1/1985Gates Learjet 35AMiscMelbourneMistook ML for EN (2) BASI has advised that in his response to question No 1071, the then Minister for Transport and Regional Development stated that Airservices Australia and the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation advised that during the period 1 January 1970 to 18 December 1996, a total of fourteen occurrences were reported to BASI involving pilots misidentifying Essendon Airport for Melbourne Airport. BASI has advised that the information provided to the Minister was incomplete due to coding errors entered on its database which have since been rectified. As a result, BASI has identified sixteen reported occurrences in the period 1 January 1970 to 18 December 1996, where pilots have misidentified Essendon Airport for Melbourne Airport. The incidents are summarised in the following table with the additional two incidents marked by asterisk. DateAircraft TypeOperationDeparture pointOccurrence30/5/1977DC8International Regular Public Transport (RPT)WellingtonMistook Essendon (EN) runway(R)35 for Melbourne (ML) R346/6/1977Boeing 707International RPTAucklandMistook EN for ML24/8/1977Cessna 401ACharterBendigoMistook EN runways for ML6/2/1979Falcon 200MilitaryCanberraMistook EN R17 for ML R1619/6/1985Boeing 747International RPTSydneyAircraft radar vectored via EN to ML commenced descent to EN*22/10/1986DC9RPTBrisbaneMistook EN for ML13/5/1987Boeing 767International RPTWellingtonMistook EN for ML8/8/1987Boeing 747International RPTAdelaideMistook EN R35 for ML R3423/2/1988Piper PA-31CharterHobartMistook EN R35 for ML R3412/12/1989Boeing 747International RPTAdelaideMistook EN R26 for ML R2718/12/1989Boeing 737Domestic RPTSydneyMistook EN for ML R346/9/1990DC9Domestic cargoLauncestonMisidentified EN R26 for ML R2715/12/1990Boeing 747International RPTSydneyMistook EN R17 for ML R1627/12/1990Piper PA-32PrivateWarrnam-boolMistook EN R35 for ML R34*24/2/1991Boeing 747International RPTKuala LumpurMistook EN for ML1/11/1994Boeing 747International RPTSydneyMistook EN R35 for ML R34 | Australia | 1,998 |
Customs and Consumer Affairs Mr Truss —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) The Australian Customs Service records its drug seizure statistics on a financial year basis. Table 1 provides the information sought on that basis. In addition to the data shown in Table 1, Customs seized quantities of `other' drugs (stimulants other than cocaine, narcotic/analgesics other than heroin, psychotropics/hallucinogens other than can
nabis products, steroids and all depressants and sedatives) to which a single standard measure is not applicable. (2) A number of factors affect the price of drugs including purity, quantity purchased and the point in the distribution chain at which sale occurs. Further, methodologies for the calculation of prices have varied over the ten year period for which this information is sought. I am therefore cautious about estimating the values requested by the Honourable Member. However, the Australian Illicit Drug Report 1995-96 reported a wholesale price of a kilogram of heroin in New South Wales for the period April to June 1996 and an average wholesale price of a kilogram of cocaine in New South Wales for the same period. If these prices were correct, and if they are applied across each of the years for which information has been requested, the answer would be as shown in Table 1. I am unable to supply estimated values for cannabis seizures. The wholesale price of cannabis varies depending on the type of product, for example, leaf, head, resin. The recording of cannabis seizures does not however distinguish between the various types. It is not therefore possible to apply a single estimated value to the seizures made. (3) All Australian Customs Service staff, directly or indirectly, have a community protection role. Table 2 provides levels of staffing in the Australian Customs Service since the 1987-88 financial year. (4) The Australian Federal Police (AFP) undertakes all prosecutions relating to drugs seized by
the Australian Customs Service. AFP has advised that between 1987 and June 1996 there were 1715 cases where criminal proceedings were instigated from Customs seizures, resulting in 2924 separate charges being laid. They further advise that to
pursue further research and provide specific particulars on what those proceedings were, and the result in each case, would take a considerable length of time, consume significant AFP resources, and would not be a cost effective use of those resources. Table 1: Quantity and estimated value of drugs seized by the Australian Customs Service 1986-87 to 1996-97 YearCannabis (kg)Cocaine (kg)Value (A$)Heroin (kg)Value (A$)1986-87470.915.91,908,00029.47,056,0001987-884,468.811.41,368,00015.73,768,0001988-894,662.720.22,424,00051.612,384,0001989-901,159.469.08,280,00044.610,740,0001990-911,585.770.18,412,00056.313,512,0001991-924,253.626.73,204,00052.512,600,0001992-933,542.634.34,116,00052.712,648,0001993-9460.114.91,788,00054.213,008,0001994-956,514.516.51,980,000294.470,656,0001995-9653.058.06,960,00064.315,432,0001996-9724,293.669.48,328,000169.340,632,000 Source: Australian Customs Service Druglan. (Drug seizures) Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence. (Drug prices) Note: (1) Weights may be net, gross or estimated (2) Seizures subject to ongoing investigation (including controlled deliveries) may not appear on this table (3) Table compiled 06 November 1997 (4) Figures subject to confirmation with the AFP Table 2: Australian Customs Service average staffing levels 1987-881988-891989-901990-911991-921992-931993-941994-951995-961996-97Staff No5197.94907.34881.25155.85093.64834.24673.1422443314222 | Australia | 1,998 |
Treasurer Mr Costello —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) (a) Taxes on goods and services (as defined by the OECD) made up 29.2 per cent of Australia's total taxation revenue in 1995. This is the most recent year for which the OECD has published data (OECD Revenue Statistics, 1997).
(b) Taxes on income and profits (as defined by the OECD) made up 55.3 per cent of Australia's total taxation revenue in 1995. This figure is made up of taxes on personal income (40.6 per cent of
total tax revenue) and taxes on corporate income (14.7 per cent of total tax revenue). (2) The comparable figures for OECD countries in 1995 were as follows: CountryTaxes on Goods and Services as a percentage of Total Tax RevenueTaxes on Income Tax and Profits as a percentage of Total Tax RevenueCanada25.545.9Mexico55.725.9United States17.945.8Australia29.255.3Japan15.136.6Korea42.631.5New Zealand33.360.6Austria27.726.7Belgium25.938.5Czech Republic33.124.7Denmark32.460.3Finland29.740.2France27.317.6Germany27.830.1Greece40.521.9Hungary44.922.4Iceland48.834.1Ireland40.739.1Italy27.335.1Luxembourg27.138.8Netherlands27.426.4Norway38.635.1Poland35.230.6Portugal43.536.3Spain28.729.4Sweden24.341.4Switzerland18.537.2Turkey37.628.3United Kingdom34.736.9OECD average(unweighted)32.435.3 (3) (a) The average personal tax paid by households can be derived from the National Accounts Household Income and Outlay Account. It is calculated by dividing the income tax paid by total receipts of this sector (including unincorporated enterprises). National Accounts data indicates that in 1996-97 the average personal tax paid by households was 16.4 per cent, compared with an average tax rate of 15.5 per cent in 1976-77. (b) In 1996-97, workers on average earnings paid an average tax rate (including the Medicare levy) of 24.3 per cent. This compares with workers on average earnings in 1976-77 whose average tax rate was 23.7 per cent (including a 1.875 per cent health insurance levy). The average earnings measure used for this comparison is male total earnings, all employees. This measure was used as it is the only consistent series available over the twenty year period. The
preferred measure of average earnings, Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings for full time adults (AWOTE), has only been in existence since 1981-82. (4) The marginal rate applying to workers on average weekly earnings in Australia is currently 35.5 per cent (34 per cent + 1.5 per cent Medicare levy). The Treasury estimates the unweighted average marginal income tax rate applying to production workers in the OECD to be 33.2 per cent. This average is calculated from earnings data and information on personal income tax scales contained in the OECD's 1995 study "The Tax/Benefit Position of Production Workers". (5) If the 1982-83 personal tax schedule had been indexed by the inflation rate since 1983, revenue in 1996-97 from PAYE and provisional tax collections would have been about $2 billion higher than actually collected. | Australia | 1,998 |
Treasurer Mr Costello —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) No. Information collected by or in connection with the Census cannot be matched against specific individuals. (2) Yes. (3) Corresponding figures for each State and Territory are as follows: Women who experienced violence during the last 12 months Physical violenceSexual violenceper centper centNew South Wales5.72.1Victoria5.31.9Queensland6.71.6South Australia5.61.3Western Australia6.42.2Tasmania7.23.6Northern Territory8.73.0Australian Capital Territory4.61.8 It should be noted that the Women's Safety Survey was not designed to produce accurate estimates at State and Territory level and a number of these figures are subject to high sampling errors. Caution should be exercised when interpreting the figures as the differences between States are not statistically significant. (4) It is possible to further disaggregate only the 1-5 year grouping in table 3.20. The figures are as follows: Women who experienced violence by a man: When the incident occurred When incident occurred (a)Physical violenceSexual violenceTotal (c)%%%During last 12 months16.410.917.21 to less than 2 years ago9.26.310.02 to less than 3 years ago8.46.19.33 to less than 5 years ago13.111.714.75 years to less than 10 years22.421.025.310 years to less than 20 years24.030.229.620 years or more18.230.325.3TOTAL (%) (b)100.0100.0100.0TOTAL (`000) (b)2,069.81209.22506.0 (a) A woman may have experienced violence more than once in the same time period. However, she is only counted once in that category. (b) A woman may have experienced violence in more than one time period. However, she is only counted once in the total. (c) A woman may have experienced both physical and sexual violence. However, she is only counted once in the total. No further breakdown of the information is available by time. It should be noted that the data relate only to the last incident of violence by each type of perpetrator (eg. boyfriend, stranger, current or past partner). They are not rates which can be compared over time. | Australia | 1,998 |
Primary Industries and Energy Mr Anderson —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 The department has provided funding to the following charities (institutions for helping those in need): (a) 1994/95(i) Name of Charity(ii) Sums ProvidedBland Advisory Group65,671.00Bogan Advisory Service68,418.00Bourke Rural Counselling Service102,838.00Brewarrina Rural Counselling Service64,713.00Broken Hill Advisory & Training Service55,548.00Castlereagh Advisory Centre 126,525.00Central West Rural Financial Counselling Service48,286.00Cobar & Community Rural Network42,430.00Cowra Regional Advisory Service45,426.00Forbes Rural Counselling Service 47,314.00Gunnedah & District Rural Counselling Service58,795.47Lachlan Advisory Group76,349.00Lower Hunter—Manning Rural Counselling Service77,190.00Lower Lachlan Advisory Group62,049.00Macquarie Rural Advisory Service73,199.00Monaro Rural Counselling Service51,928.92Moree Rural and Community Counselling Service144,248.50Murrumbidgee Valley Rural Counselling Service47,690.00North East Riverina Rural Counselling Service60,912.70Parkes Local Advisory Group65,121.00Southern Riverina Rural Advisory Service167,739.00Upper Hunter Rural Counselling Service82,179.00Upper Hunter Rural Counselling Service75,779.00Wentworth/Balranald Farm Fightback72,817.00Central Highlands Barwon Rural Counselling Service79,493.00Central Victorian Rural Awareness Committee43,610.00East Gippsland Rural Financial Counselling Committee83,116.00Goulburn Valley Agcare46,200.00Loddon Valley Community Support Group46,200.00Mallee Rural Counselling Service84,657.00Murray Valley Rural Industry Assistance Group44,859.00North East Agcare85,840.00South Gippsland Farmers Support Group27,890.00South Western Rural Counselling Committee60,818.00Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service81,859.00Upper Goulburn Rural Financial Counselling Service45,895.00Wimmera Fightback Committee67,601.00Balonne Rural Counselling Service87,254.00Central Highlands Promotion & Development Organisation40,000.00Maranoa Financial Counselling Service145,351.00South West Financial Counselling Service76,200.00Barossa & Light Rural Counselling Service46,200.00Eastern Eyre Rural Counselling Service100,962.56Fleurieu Peninsula Rural Counselling Service46,200.00Far West Rural Service Group56,946.00Flinders & Pastoral Rural Counselling Service46,200.00Kangaroo Island Rural Counselling Service45,957.00Le Hunte & Environs Rural Counselling and Advisory Service52,318.00Mid/Upper North Rural Counselling and information Service37,606.00Murraylands Rural Counselling Service45,134.00Riverland Rural Counselling Service89,576.00South East Rural Counselling Service72,781.00Yorke Peninsula Rural Counselling and Information Service39,585.00Agcare Esperance104,393.00Central Agcare46,200.00Central Wheatbelt Community Support group34,850.00Geraldton Family Counselling Service46,000.00Northern Districts Community Support Group46,200.00Ravensthorpe and District Agcare89,525.00Southern Agcare92,001.00Wheatbelt Agcare41,595.00Tasmanian Rural Counselling Service197,393.37Farmhand10,000.00 (b) 1995/96(i) Name of Charity(ii) Sums ProvidedBland Advisory Group54,195.01Bogan Advisory Service48,255.00Bourke Rural Counselling Service50,000.00Brewarrina Rural Counselling Service46,656.01Broken Hill Advisory & Training Service23,945.00Castlereagh Advisory Centre 50,000.01Central West Rural Financial Counselling Service46,211.10Cobar & Community Rural Network45,659.01Cowra Regional Advisory Service48,300.00Forbes Rural Counselling Service 42,340.00Gunnedah & District Rural Counselling Service44,397.00Lachlan Advisory Group49,862.00Lower Hunter—Manning Rural Counselling Service40,725.00Lower Lachlan Advisory Group50,000.00Macquarie Rural Advisory Service130,275.00Monaro Rural Counselling Service65,000.00Moree Rural and Community Counselling Service96,692.00Murrumbidgee Valley Rural Counselling Service47,400.00North East Riverina Rural counselling Service51,344.00Parkes Local Advisory Group62,388.01Southern Riverina Rural Advisory Service156,360.00Upper Hunter Rural Counselling Service101,697.01Warrumbungle Rural Advisory Service77,000.00Wentworth/Balranald Farm Fightback Committee132,719.00Central Highlands Barwon Rural Counselling Service125,474.00Central Victorian Rural Awareness Committee41,905.00East Gippsland Rural Financial Counselling Committee87,046.00Goulburn Valley Agcare47,335.00Loddon Valley Community Support Group48,025.01Mallee Rural Counselling Service202,245.42Murray Valley Rural Industry Assistance Group46,295.00North Eastern Agcare97,265.00South Gippsland Farmers Support Group35,839.00Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service90,795.00Upper Goulburn Rural Financial Counselling Service41,862.29Wimmera Fightback Committee110,462.00Balonne Rural Counselling Service63,743.00Central Highlands Promotion & Development Organisation80,000.00Maranoa Financial Counselling Service 142,550.00South West Financial Counselling Service161,860.00Barossa & Light Rural Counselling Service48,628.00Eastern Eyre Rural Counselling Service77,630.00Fleurieu Peninsula Rural Counselling Service48,700.00Far West Rural Service Group44,774.01Flinders & Pastoral Rural Counselling Service50,000.01Kangaroo Island Rural Counselling Service55,000.00Le Hunte & Environs Rural Counselling and Advisory Service39,625.00Mid/Upper North Rural Counselling and information Service41,532.00Murraylands Rural Counselling Service42,530.00Riverland Rural Counselling Service50,000.00South East Rural Counselling Service78,189.00Yorke Peninsula Rural Counselling and Information Service39,410.00Agcare Esperance68,191.00Central Agcare50,000.00Central Wheatbelt Community Support group37,650.01Geraldton Family Counselling Service50,000.00Northern Districts Community Support Group48,481.00Ravensthorpe and District Agcare70,000.00Southern Agcare84,137.01Wheatbelt Agcare45,192.00Tasmanian Rural Counselling Service181,580.00 (c) 1996-97(i) Name of Charity(ii) Sums ProvidedBland Advisory Group40,407.85Bogan Advisory Service41,645.16Bourke Rural Counselling Service52,882.49Brewarrina Rural Counselling Service41,612.00Castlereagh Advisory Centre 66,862.50Central West Rural Financial Counselling Service39,760.50Cobar & Community Rural Network31,781.00Cowra Regional Advisory Service39,182.00Forbes Rural Counselling Service 32,493.84Gunnedah & District Rural Counselling Service36,496.50Lachlan Advisory Group38,800.00Lower Hunter—Manning Rural Counselling Service33,262.50Lower Lachlan Advisory Group38,450.00Macquarie Rural Advisory Service102,800.00Monaro Rural Counselling Service40,711.00Moree Rural and Community Counselling Service133,115.55Murrumbidgee Valley Rural Counselling Service38,813.62North East Riverina Rural Counselling Service38,700.00Parkes Local Advisory Group51,430.00Southern Riverina Rural Advisory Service152,592.00Upper Hunter Rural Counselling Service78,340.23Warrumbungle Rural Advisory Service87,021.00Wentworth/Balranald Farm Fightback Committee91,523.00Central Highlands Barwon Rural Counselling Service71,756.60Central Victorian Rural Awareness Committee32,366.50East Gippsland Rural Financial Counselling Committee73,848.60Goulburn Valley Agcare38,550.00Loddon Valley Community Support Group37,962.50Mallee Rural Counselling Service106,843.20Murray Valley Rural Industry Assistance Group37,316.74North Eastern Agcare79,330.00South Gippsland Farmers Support Group25,221.00Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service74,168.50Upper Goulburn Rural Financial Counselling Service33,135.50Wimmera Fightback Committee59,646.50Balonne Rural Counselling Service39,373.50Maranoa Financial Counselling Service109,514.00South West Financial Counselling Service178,266.26Barossa & Light Rural Counselling Service38,800.00Eastern Eyre Rural Counselling Service61,854.50Fleurieu Peninsula Rural Counselling Service38,840.00Far West Rural Service Group37,117.00Flinders & Pastoral Rural Counselling Service40,179.50Kangaroo Island Rural Counselling Service39,691.00Le Hunte & Environs Rural Counselling and Advisory Service26,794.50Mid/Upper North Rural Counselling and information Service33,457.29Murraylands Rural Counselling Service36,046.50Riverland Rural Counselling Service38,800.00South East Rural Counselling Service57,054.00Yorke Peninsula Rural Counselling and Information Service31,722.25Agcare Esperance35,523.00Central Agcare38,990.00Central Wheatbelt Community Support group28,554.00Geraldton Family Counselling Service38,450.00Northern Districts Community Support Group39,144.00Ravensthorpe and District Agcare29,426.00Southern Agcare64,638.02Wheatbelt Agcare33,624.50Tasmanian Rural Counselling Service77,500.00 | Australia | 1,998 |
Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service Dr Kemp —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (a) The Government's policy initiatives to get Australia's economic fundamentals right should assist employers particularly those in the small business sector to retain existing employees, including mature age workers, and encourage employment growth. For those enterprises which are facing large-scale retrenchments the Government offers assistance under the Regional Assistance Program to help reduce the loss and wastage of skilled employees, including mature age workers, during periods of economic downturn and industry restructuring. (b) Under current arrangements there are contracted case managers which specialise in assisting mature age job seekers. Mature age job seekers assessed as at `high risk' of long term unemployment are immediately eligible for case management and most labour market programs. Job opportunities for mature age job seekers will be enhanced by the reforms to labour market assistance announced in the 1996-97 Budget which will be implemented from May 1998. Private and community based organisations and a corporatised public provider will be contracted by the Commonwealth to provide employment services. Tenders for providing employment services are currently being assessed. Employment services providers, including specialist providers, will give job seekers more effective assistance which is tailored to their individual needs and clearly focused on getting them a real job. Alternatively, organisations with experience in assisting mature age job seekers could develop strategic alliances with employment services providers and offer training and other services for purchase by contracted providers. Centrelink will employ screening and assessment mechanisms to assist the early identification of job
seekers at `high risk' of long term unemployment. Being mature aged is likely to be one of the risk factors in the instrument which will assess labour market disadvantage. . Mature age job seekers who are in receipt of eligible DSS income support payments and are identified as at `high risk' will be immediately eligible for FLEX 3, the most intensive form of assistance under the new employment services market. Where a choice of providers is available, job seekers who are to be referred by Centrelink for assistance under FLEX 3 will be able to nominate their service provider. This will enable many mature age participants to choose a specialist provider or a service provider which is particularly effective in assisting older clients. (c) The Government's policy initiatives to encourage jobs growth together with the provision of labour market assistance which is strongly focused on job outcomes should combine to restore the confidence of many mature age job seekers in their employment opportunities. In addition, employment services providers which choose to specialise in assisting mature age job seekers will be well placed to promote the skills and work experience of mature age job seekers to local employers as part of their labour exchange service. | Australia | 1,998 |
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government Mr Somlyay —The amended answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1, 2 and 3) Full legislative responsibility for local government rests with the States. My Department does not hold details relating to the holding of local government by-elections in New South Wales nor the costs of such by-elections. (4) As far as I am aware the issue of whether a councillor holds an office of profit under the Crown, as contained in S.44(iv) of the Constitution, has not yet been determined. Until the question is decided by the High Court, aldermen and councillors need to consider whether they should resign from their local government office if they seek to be elected to the Federal Parliament. The question of whether s.44 should be amended to overcome the general difficulties presented by that section was considered recently by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs. The Government is generally supportive of the Committee's recommendations to update and clarify the provision but would
be inclined to put a proposal to a referendum only if it had bipartisan support. Should an alderman or councillor resign from his or her local government office to seek election to the Federal Parliament, the cost of the subsequent by-election for that local government office does not result from the operation of s.44(iv) of the Constitution but flows from the NSW Local Government Act 1993, which provides when a by-election to fill a casual vacancy will be held. | Australia | 1,998 |
Health and Family Services Dr Wooldridge —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1)—(2) The financial information necessary to respond to this question is only readily available from September 1996 and is shown in Table 1. The number of funds increasing premiums between that time and 30 June 1997 was 30. The number of funds increasing premiums since 1 July 1997 and 17 November 1997 was 18 and is shown in Table 2. The information for earlier periods by individual fund would require considerable resources and I am not prepared to authorise the Department to commit such resources. The annual average premium increase for all funds for the period 1985-86 to 1996-97 is shown in Table 3. (3) All proposed premium increases are scrutinised by the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and myself to ensure that they are necessary and comply with the requirements of the National Health Act 1953. TABLE 1 Premium Increases 1996-97 Fund nameAverage% Increase across fundACA6.8%AHM10.0%AMA37.0%Army Health Benefits Society9.3%Australian Unity Friendly Society10.3%CBHS9.6%CDH4.8%Druids11.3%Geelong11.7%Government Employees—AON*12.7%Government Employees—AUH*12.0%Government Employees—except NSW/QLD*16.9%Government Employees—NSW*8.9%Grand United—Corporate22.6%Grand United—Friendly Society9.0%HBF5.9%HCF12.0%HCI22.0%Health Partners5.3%IOOF37.0%IOR15.0%Latrobe7.2%MBF6.5%Medibank Private12.9%Mildura8.1%MIM3.1%NIB15.5%NMHI*8.1%NMHI*11.1%NSW Teachers10.0%Railway and Transport21.5%SGIC6.8%St Luke's12.5%Westfund4.7% * Premium increase for only part of the fund's product TABLE 2 Premium Increases 1997-98 Fund NameAverage % Increase across fundArmy Health Benefits Society12.4%CDH10.0%Credicare10.0%Druids (Vic)13.6% Government Employees—API*10.8%Government Employees—M.M.*15.4%Government Employees—NSW*19.0%Government Employees—QLD*19.3%Healthguard22.7%IOOF—Vic24.8%IOR11.2%Lysaght12.5%Manchester Unity9.0%MBF5.0%Medibank Private11.2%MIM8.9%Naval Health Benefits Society13.6%NMHI7.1%NSW Teachers16.1%Phoenix9.3%S.A. Police6.5% * Premium increase for only part of the fund's products Premium Increases between 1 July 1997 and 17 November 1997 TABLE 3 Average Premium Increases PeriodPercentage Increase1985-8614%1986-8719%1987-8818%1988-8911%1989-909%1990-9113%1991-9217%1992-939%1993-945%1994-954%1995-966%1996-977% Calculated by dividing total contributions by the average number of SEU for the year. | Australia | 1,998 |
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Mr Ruddock —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) There are no plans to reduce or abolish the 510 Hours English as a second language entitlement provided to certain newly arrived migrants to Australia through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) under the Immigration (Education) Act 1971. Further, in addition to current funding arrangements, the Government has committed an additional $17.6 million over four years to the provision of adult English tuition under the AMEP, commencing in 1997/98. This additional funding will be directed at meeting the special learning needs of refugee and humanitarian clients and will in fact mean that these clients will receive more than 510 hours of tuition. The Government made a pre-election commitment to improve the flexibility and effectiveness of the AMEP while achieving best value for money in service provision. Consequently I announced in August last year that new service delivery arrangements for the AMEP would be introduced through public tendering, to ensure that learning opportunities are of optimum quality and flexibility in order to meet the needs of newly-arrived migrants and refugees. The first stage of that tendering has now been completed, with the recent award of contracts to the value of $90 million for the delivery of the AMEP in Victoria over the next five years, subject to review in the third year. Contracts are expected to be in place nationally by June 1998. (2) The introduction of tendering for the AMEP, with five-year contracts subject to review in the third year, will commit service providers to the continuation and enhancement of current AMEP entitlements, based on the provisions of the Immigration (Education) Act 1971. | Australia | 1,998 |
Workplace Relations and Small Business Mr Reith —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) AusSAR coordinated the search for the helicopter in question. My attention has been drawn to criticisms made of AusSAR in relation to that search. I am unaware, however, of any evidence to support that criticism and I note that the search was successful and resulted in the prompt rescue of the helicopter pilot and his passenger less than five and a half hours after notification. (2) Yes. In coordinating the search, AusSAR contacted and obtained information from the manager of the station from which the missing helicopter had departed and from a second local person who had recently travelled through the search area by vehicle. AusSAR also made contact with the owner of the adjacent station who had flown within the area at the time the missing aircraft was scheduled to be operating. From these contacts, AusSAR obtained detailed information, including information on the operations of the missing helicopter, contacts for nearby stations, weather conditions and details of search efforts already made. Two of these persons subsequently piloted helicopters in the search for the missing aircraft. (3) (a) In conducting the search AusSAR drew upon two helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft from the immediate vicinity of the search area. The names and qualifications of the persons who participated in the search are: CompanyPersonnelQualificationKingfisher Aviation, Halls CreekMr R Swinbourne (pilot)Pilot with local knowledge and experienceMr G Ebervach (pilot)Pilot with local knowledge and experienceObservers: Mr T LuptonWA Police, Halls CreekMr T McAuliffeWA Police, Halls CreekMr E NegroCivilianMr R Devenish-MearsCivilianSlingair, KununurraMr I KentPilot with local knowledge and experienceMr S Bonner (pilot); Mr S Rolls (Chief Flying Instructor)Pilot and Chief Flying Instructor with local knowledge and experienceObservers: Mr S Heading; Ms E MooreFlight crew and members of local State Emergency ServiceNorth Australia HelicoptersMr M JonesPilot with local knowledge and in excess of 5 years mustering experience in the areaMr S BuntinePilot with local knowledge and in excess of 5 years mustering experience in the areaHelimuster—owner of missing helicopterMr T DowningPilot with in excess of 4,000 flying hoursMr S WreggPilot with local knowledgeObservers: Mr T PhillipsResident of the local areaMr K BrownResident of the local areaMr C ElliotResident of the local areaMr B NyemanResident of the local areaMs J NunnResident of the local area In addition, as a protective measure, a helicopter with a medic and specialised winching equipment was called in from Lloyd Helicopters of Troughton Island off the north-west coast. The crew of the aircraft engaged from Slingair at Kununurra had received specialised training in search and rescue during September 1997 through the Civil Search and Rescue Program administered by AusSAR. (3) (b) In selecting aircraft to participate in the search, AusSAR drew on its database of aircraft owners and operators who were near to the search area. AusSAR considered all local companies within that database for participation in the search. The local companies within the database who were not selected to participate in the search on 13 November were Alligator Airways, Heliwork WA, Kimberley Air, Ord Air Charter, Ord River District Cooperative, Helidoc Pty Ltd, Geikie Air Charter, Inklon Pty Ltd, Moola Boola Station and Tableland Station. AusSAR does not have access to complete details of the names and qualifications of individuals from these companies. (4) In selecting aircraft for participation in the search, AusSAR used selection criteria previously applied by Airservices Australia and that it adopted when it assumed responsibility for the coordination of civil aviation search and rescue in July 1997. In accordance with the criteria, AusSAR took into account: . the immediate or ready availability of aircraft, crew and observers to be used for a visual search during the remaining hours of daylight; . the suitability of the available aircraft for search purposes, taking into account the greater capacity of fixed-wing aircraft to quickly cover large search areas; . the proximity of the available aircraft to the search area; . the need to cover the designated search area with sufficient aircraft to enable a prompt resolution to the search, taking into account that weather conditions and terrain would limit the time available for a successful outcome; . the need for a helicopter equipped with a specialised winch, as experience in previous incidents has indicated a high probability of spinal injury in helicopter crashes;
. the need to avoid compromising the safety of search aircraft by limiting the number of aircraft within the designated sectors of the search area; . that Slingair is a participant in the Civil Search and Rescue Unit Program and has been trained in relevant techniques; . the desirability of using persons in the search who have a knowledge of the local terrain and environment and an understanding of the donkey-shooting operations of the missing helicopter; . the prior experience of aircraft owner/operators in search and rescue; and . the need for fresh crews to be available, if required, on subsequent days. (5) AusSAR places high value on local knowledge when arranging a search. (6) Yes. (7) Yes. In accordance with standard practice, AusSAR obtained information on local weather conditions and took this into account when coordinating the search. (8) Any decision to investigate the cause of the incident would be a matter for the relevant aviation authorities within the Transport and Regional Development portfolio. (9) The cost to the Commonwealth of engaging aircraft to participate in the search was $21,211. | Australia | 1,998 |
Foreign Affairs Mr Downer —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) (a) and (b) The following five members of the International Court of Justice were elected for a nine-year term of office beginning on 6 February 1997: Mohammed Bedjaoui—Algeria; Vladlen S. Vereshchetin—Russian Federation; Pieter Kooijmans—Netherlands; Stephen Schwebel—United States of America; Francisco Rezek—Brazil. (1) (c) The principal legal qualifications of the five Members follow: Mohammed Bedjaoui: Bachelor of Law (1951); Certificate of Admission to the Bar (1951); Doctor of Law (1956); Legal Adviser to the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic in Exile (1958-1961); Director of the Cabinet of the President of the Constituent National Assembly in Algiers (Sept.-Nov. 1962); Secretary-General of the Government, Algiers (Nov. 1962-Dec. 1964); Dean of the Faculty of Law and Economics, University of Algiers (1964-1965); Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals (Dec. 1964-July 1970); Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria to the French Republic (Dec. 1970-Sept. 1979); Permanent Representative of Algeria to UNESCO (1971-1979); Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, New York (1979-1982). Member of the International Law Commission (1965-1982); Special Rapporteur of the International Law Commission on the Succession of States in respect of matters other than treaties (1967-1981); Co-Chair of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry established to release the American hostages in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Feb.-March 1980); Vice-President of the United Nations Council for Namibia (1979-1982); Chair of the Committee on the Drafting of an International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, United Nations (1981-1982); Member of the Independent Commission on International Humanitarian Issues (1983-1986); Member of the International Court of Justice (1982-); President of a Chamber (1984-1987); President of the Court (1994-1996). Vladlen S. Vereshchetin Graduate and Postgraduate studies at the International Law Faculty of the Moscow Institute of International Relations (1954, 1955-1958); Candidate of Juridical Sciences (1959); Doctor of Juridical Sciences (1976); Professor of International Law (1982); Staff Member of the Presidium of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1958-1967); First Vice-Chair and Legal Counsel, Intercosmos, USSR Academy of Sciences (1967-1981); Head of the International Law Department, Institute of State and
Law, Russian Academy of Sciences (1981-1995); Professor of International Law (1979-1982). Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (1984-); Head of USSR delegations to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and Its Legal Subcommittee (1979-1990); Member of the International Law Commission (1992-1994); Chair of the Commission (1994); Member of the International Court of Justice (1995-). Pieter Kooijmans Bachelor of Economics (1955); Master of Law (with honours) (1957); Doctorate of Jurisprudence (with honours) (1964); Professor of Public International Law and European Law, Free University, Amsterdam (1965-1973); State Secretary for Foreign Affairs (1973-1977); Professor of Public International Law, University of Leiden (1995-1996). Chair of the Board of the Carnegie Foundation; Chair of the Administrative Council of the Hague Academy of International Law; Chair of the Board of the Netherlands Disaster Relief Agency; Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Netherlands Refugee Foundation; Head of the Netherlands delegation to various sessions of the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (1974-1977), to the First Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (1975), to the Geneva Diplomatic Conference on humanitarian law in armed conflict (1975), to the United Nations Conference on Apartheid (1977) and to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (1982-1985, 1992); Chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (1984-1985); Special Rapporteur of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights on Questions relevant to Torture (1985-1992); Member of various United Nations and CSCE Missions to the former Yugoslavia (1991-1992). Stephen Schwebel Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude (1950); Bachelor of Laws (1954); Doctor honoris causa (1982); admitted to the Bar of the State of New York (1955), of the Supreme Court of the United States (1965) and of the District Court of Colombia (1976); Assistant Professor of Law (1959-1961); Professor of International Law (1967-1981); visiting lecturer/professor at Cambridge University (1957, 1983), the Australian National University (1969), the Hague Academy of International Law (1972), the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva (1980) and at 25 other universities. United States representative and Chair of the United States delegation to various committees of the United Nations, including the Special Committee on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States
(1964), the Special Committee on the Question of defining Aggression (1971), and the UNCTAD Working Group on a Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States (1973-1974). Member of the International Law Commission (1977-1981); Chair of the Drafting Committee (1978); Special Rapporteur on the law of the non-navigational uses of international watercourses (1977-1981); Representative/Counsel of the United States in various cases before the International Court of Justice (1962-1980); President of the Administrative Tribunal of the International Monetary fund (1994-); Member of the International Court of Justice (1981-); Member of the Chamber formed to deal with the case concerning Delimitation of the Maritime Boundary in the Gulf of Maine Area (Canada/United States of America) (1981-1940); Member of the Chamber formed to deal with the case concerning Elettronica Sicula S.p.A. (ELSI) (1987-1989); Vice-President of the Court (1994-). Francisco Rezek Bachelor of Law (1966); Doctorate of Law (1970); Professor of International Law and Constitutional Law, University of Brasilia (1971-); Chair of the Department of Law (1974-1976); Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies (1978-1979); Professor of International Law, Rio Branco Institute (1976-). Attorney before the Supreme Court of Brazil (1972-1979); Deputy Attorney-General of Brazil (1979-1983); Justice of the Supreme Court of Brazil (1983-1990, 1992-); Foreign Minister of Brazil (1990-1992). (2) Nominations for the five vacancies were: AZIMOV, Murat (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan; BEDJAOUI, Mohammed (Algeria): Algeria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom; GUNEY, Mehmet (Turkey): Bulgaria, Sudan, Turkey; KOOIJMANS, Pieter H. (Netherlands): Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom; Venezuela; ORREGO VICUNA, Francisco (Chile): Belgium, Chile, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Uruguay; PASTOR RIDRUEJO, Jose Antonio (Spain): Belgium, Bolivia, Chile, El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zimbabwe; REZEK, Jose Francisco (Brazil): Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany; ROBINSON, Patrick (Jamaica): Jamaica;
SCHWEBEL, Stephen M (United States): Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Slovakia, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States; SHAHABUDDEEN, Mohamed (Guyana): Guyana, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Slovakia, Sweden; VERESHCHETIN, Vladen S. (Russian Federation): Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States. (3) The members of the Australian National Group were: Sir Anthony Mason, K.B.E., former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia; The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen, A.K., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., K.B.E.; Dr Gavan Griffith, A.O., Q.C., Solicitor-General of Australia; Professor Ivan Shearer, Challis Professor of International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Sydney. The Australian National Group nominated Pieter Kooijmans and Stephen Schwebel. (4) The States which have made declarations accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court since 19 October 1994 are: Georgia (20 June 1995), Poland (25 March 1996) and Paraguay (25 September 1996). Poland's declaration replaced an earlier declaration (deposited on 25 September 1990), which was thereby terminated. Norway amended its existing declaration on 24 June 1996. | Australia | 1,998 |
Prime Minister Mr Howard —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) Information on consultants engaged during the financial years 1995-96 and 1996-97 has been provided to you separately. The following information, therefore, only covers the period from 1 July 1997 to 25 November 1997. (a) which consultants have been engaged (b) what is the nature of the work undertaken in each case (c) what sum was paid in each case (a) which consultants have been engaged(b) what is the nature of the work undertaken each case(c) what sum was paid in each caseCarol Bartley CommunicationsPreparation of a booklet to provide an Overview of the Australian Reconciliation Convention$12,500A Ready PenPreparation of a booklet on nominations of Australian Reconciliation Awards as models for community action$6,870Jack Cohen & Associates Pty LtdPreparation of a booklet on Reconciliation in the Community$3,850Interactive Consultants Pty LtdPreparation of a booklet on Human Rights and Indigenous Australians$3,300Interactive Consultants Pty ltdPreparation of a booklet on Documents of Reconciliation and Constitutional Issues$3,300Den RobinPreparation of Report to Parliament for the Council of Aboriginal Reconciliation$8,000Mr Rae TaylorReview of Ministerial Policy Support Arrangements$26,500Mr Thaddeus LeachResearch and advisory assistance to review Ministerial Policy Support Arrangements$11,925Marlow HampshireImplementation of the recommendations of the evaluation of the Australians for Reconciliation Project$8,441CP ResourcingDevelopment of Chief Executive's Instructions and review of Administration Procedures ManualContract cost $22,750 payment to date $13,000Carol BartleySpeech writing services for the Office of the Status of Women$10,305Wordmap Pty LtdConsultancy services for the Australian Women's Round Table Meeting$4,040 Older Women's Network IncConsultancy services for the Australian Women's Round Table Meeting$1,624Dr Clare BurtonConsultancy services for the Australian Women's Round Table Meeting$4,750City GraphicsDesign art logo for the National Domestic Violence InitiativeContract cost $4,980—Payment to date $1,992Families at WorkDevelop and operate a national communications network service for non government women's organisationsContract cost $76,135—Payment to date $40,000Quay ConnectionProvide constancy services in relation to the National Domestic Violence Summit Media ConsultancyContract cost $45,000—Payment to date $12,500Computer Power ConsultingHelp Desk, enhancements, corrections and training services for APPOINT databaseContract cost $10,000—Payment to date $1,114Australian Institute of Family StudiesQualitative research into the connection between the existence of violence in a relationship and economic outcome for women post separation or divorceContract cost $30,000—Payment to date $15,000Keys Young Pty LtdResearch on needs of women experiencing domestic violence who do not use domestic violence and related crisis servicesContract cost $59,356—Payment to date $40,000Kearney McKenzie and AssociatesResearch on the operations of Division 11 of the Family Law Act to resolve inconsistency between State family violence orders and Family Law contact ordersContract Cost $59,356—Payment to date $17,807Golsby-Smith & AssociatesPlain English Editing, advising on design and focus testing of public information paper insert "Republic Yes or No?"$44,850People & StrategyStaff Training—Senior Officer Management Program$11,950People & StrategyStaff Training—Middle Management Development Program$14,950Patricia LevickOccupational Health & Safety Assessments$833EASACTProvision of Rehabilitation Services$1,198Tai chi & Chi Kung AcademyHealth Week Presentation$70 Heaney Blaylock & AssociatesPreparation of Certified Agreement Template$3,750McMillan Shakespear GroupPreparation of Salary Package Policy$1,500Michael McKernan & Associates*Research within Australia regarding eligibility for the Civilian Service medal 1939-1945$5,200Interact Multi Media Systems Pty Ltd*Assisted with the development and tender process of the Awards and National Symbols Internet siteContract cost $5,000—Payment to date $2,500Michael Gill & Associates Pty Ltd*Market research and evaluation of information produced to guide and educate the public of the Australian Honours SystemContract cost $6,400—Payment to date $3,200Clive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Pty LtdProfessional architectural advice on modifications to Kirribilli House$10,050Asset ServicesProvide technical advice, assist with maintenance services, project management and sketch design drawings as required. Arrange architectural engineering and building services in relation to Kirribilli House$605Rosemary LucasProfessional interior design advice in relation to Kirribilli House$2,633 * Commissioned by the Department of Administrative Services prior to the amalgamation of the Awards and National Symbols Branch with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. (2) The estimated cost of consultancy work being undertaken for the department for which no payment has been made is $2,368,755. Of this total, $1,952,780 relates to the Australians for Reconciliation Project which is being conducted in all States and Territories within Australia from 1 November 1997 to 31 December 2000. | Australia | 1,998 |
Primary Industries and Energy Mr Anderson —The answers to the honourable member's questions are as follows: 0 (1) Details of all consultancies with expenditure greater than $2000 are published annually in the Supplementary Information to the Annual Report of the Department of Primary Industries and Energy. Therefore, consultancies engaged between 2 March 1996 and 30 June 1997 can be found in the 1995/96 and 1996/97 Annual Reports. Since 1 July 1997, the Primary Industries and Energy Portfolio has commissioned 128 consultancies. Attached is a list outlining all details of these consultancies, as requested by Mr McClelland. (2) The estimated cost of work being undertaken by consultants engaged by the the Department since 1 July 1997, and for which no payment had been made at 20 November 1997 is $2,619,071.43. Consultants and Contractors engaged since 1 July 1997 ConsultantNature of WorkContract Amount Amount paid 1 July to 20 November 1997Outstanding Expenditure as at 20/11/97 National Association of Testing AuthorityDevelopment of criteria and procedures for accreditation of export meat testing laboratories3,500.003,500.000.00A C Nielson McNairProvision of AQIS Client Survey 97/9880,000.001,231.2578,768.75A C Nielson McNairQuarantine Awareness Research with specific target groups97,145.0068,000.0029,145.00Mary FisherRevision of the Export Meat Orders20,486.0920,486.090.00Mary FisherConsultancy for Quarantine Legislation Review40,000.0010,882.6829,117.32Department of EntomologyIdentification of mites from flowers3,000.003,000.000.00Department of EntomologyConsultancy on Trasonemidae Associated with Fruit 1997/985,000.000.005,000.00Total POS SystemsPoint of sale Rapidfire Systems throughout AQIS10,500.001,106.509,393.50Charles Robinson Management ConsultancyProvide Quarantine Awareness Presentations22,250.0022,250.000.00Dr N R BartlettStatistical Advice—Experimental data500.00500.000.00AusVet Animal Health Servcies P/LRisk Assessment in Importation of Prawns4,854.004,854.000.00Learning for ChangeDevelop Achievement Document1,337.661,337.660.00CSIRO Division of EntomologyConsultancy for Preparation and Identification of 300 Thrips from cut flowers10,000.006,800.003,200.00CSIRO Division of EntomologyBee Pheromone Research10,709.000.0010,709.00CSIRO Forestry and Forest ProductsAssessment of state plantations codes of practice—extension to 96/97 consultancy66,500.0011,500.0055,000.00CSIRO TelecommunicationsProvide advice and assistance to the Greenhouse Challenge Office and the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.46,000.0040,000.006,000.00Bureau of Resource SciencesConsultancy on Contaminates of Unrestricted bird seed9,500.009,500.000.00Food Technology ServicesConsultancy for the Development of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Quality Assurance Systems12,250.009,622.552,627.45Curtin University of TechnologyConsultancy for Freshwater Crayfish Risk Analysis19,550.000.0019,550.00Dr Graeme EvansReview of the Distribution of the Giant African Snail27,270.000.0027,270.00Wordware P/LSES planning & performance appraisal Redesign and Formatting3,292.003,292.000.00World Competitive PracticesChange Management Consultant500,000.00282,410.00217,590.00Solutions Marketing and Research GroupCommunications strategy31,500.0022,050.009,450.00Odi Asia Pacific (Aust) Pty LtdSWOT analysis workshop as part of developing the Business Plan for Australian Agriculture2,700.002,700.000.00Frank Small & AssociatesResearch into the identification of the major impediments and successful approaches to marketing products to Japan48,940.0024,470.0024,470.00Frank Small & AssociatesAnalysis of existing Asian product opportunity information, and communication of this information to primary producers.39,000.0019,500.0019,500.00Pinnacle ManagementResearch and prepare case studies involving international agribusiness enterprises who are successfully exporting food products to Japan32,998.0016,499.0016,499.00 David H JacobsResearch and prepare case studies involving international agribusiness enterprises who are successfully exporting food products to Japan25,000.0025,000.000.00University of AdelaideProvide a report re: public issues from the National Rural Public Health Forum held in Adelaide in October 19974,480.002,100.002,380.00South East Psychological ServicesAssess the awareness of contemporary health issues amongst rural men and women throughout SA, VIC, QLD & NSW19,950.0015,000.004,950.00Central Queensland UniversityStudy of Farm Families in Times of Crisis: Drought, Health and Family Decision Making4,454.004,454.000.00University of MelbourneChallenges and Resilience Factors for Young People Living in Rural Australia in the 1990s18,771.0015,000.003,771.00Australian Agricultural Health UnitThe Health of Country Australians—A National Profile38,900.0034,900.004,000.00National Rural Health AllianceAdministration of the National Rural Public Health Forum in Adelaide170,000.00170,000.000.00Cox Inall Communications P/LProduce a firearms safety video103,780.0078,000.0025,780.00Credit Union Services Corporation (Aust) LimitedDevelop Financial Services Infrastructure in Rural and Remote Areas800,000.00400,000.00400,000.00Coopers and LybrandBusiness Needs Analysis 38,500.0038,500.000.00Impteus Consulting Human Resources Branch Planning Workshop 3,812.003,812.000.00Inform Training & Research DPIE Network Seminar500.00500.000.00Information Sources AustraliaSecure Gateway Project Services 363,170.00267,890.0095,280.00Maas InternationalSecure Gateway project70,875.0069,387.501,487.50People & Strategy1997 Graduate Administrative Assistant induction program 4,510.004,510.000.00People & Strategy Conduct training courses3,150.003,150.000.00Mr Bill PhillipsExternal Member to Audit Committee27,416.647,416.6420,000.00Price Waterhouse Review of IT Deliverables58,218.3058,218.300.00Price Waterhouse Director of Departmental Internal Audit626,250.0041,250.00585,000.00Price Waterhouse1996/97 Financial Statements15,242.507,242.508,000.00Price WaterhouseReview of operations of Artec P/L2,950.002,950.000.00Price WaterhouseAudit of revised calculations of financial assistance each operator is entitled to under SETFAP4,950.004,950.000.00Random Computing ServicesLotus Notes- Section Compendium7,192.502,152.505,040.00Stephen G Allen Software Training 25,450.0020,450.005,000.00Anderson ContractingSystem Management Contract Services of Mr R Fry1,218.751,218.750.00Australian National University Conduct Training Courses8,002.508,002.500.00 Australian National UniversityReview of Greenhouse Challenge Sinks workbook and discussion Paper4,000.000.004,000.00Rob Brennan Facilitation & TrainingConducted Training Courses at DPIE Training Centre6,845.006,845.000.00Rob Brennan Facilitation & TrainingProject Management7,500.007,500.000.00Rob Brennan Facilitation & TrainingServices provided for OUTLOOK 985,850.001,875.003,975.00Rob Brennan Facilitation & TrainingFacilitation services for Geographic Information Systems at Farm and Local level2,500.002,500.000.00Rob Brennan Facilitation & TrainingFacilitate BRS workshop : National pesticide risk reduction workshop3,750.003,750.000.00Business Education ServicesDevelopment for Women2,900.002,900.000.00Computer Training and ConsultantsTraining Courses Conducted at DPIE Training Centre7,725.007,725.000.00Famliy Planning ACT Womens Health Seminar300.00300.000.00Interact ConsultingConducted training courses at DPIE Training Centre800.00800.000.00Roger Fry & CoTraining Courses for DPIE Training Centre2,350.002,350.000.00Sayers & AssocFinancial Training Conducted at DPIE Training Centre800.00800.000.00Easact Davidson TraharieWorkplace Harassment Training 2,400.002,400.000.00Austrailan Bureau of StatisticsSpecial Interrogations150.00150.000.00Australian Government SolicitorsCorporate Legal Unit Professional Fees for period 01/06/97 to 30/06/97 90,850.8390,850.830.00Interpreting & Counsulting ServicesConsulting on surveys180.00180.000.00Neil InallDPIE Network Speech500.00500.000.00Intergrated Marketing & CommunicationsCommunication and Planning850.00850.000.00SGS AustraliaNational Food Hygiene Examinations9,250.009,250.000.00Solutions Marketing & Research GroupsIRPP Communications Consultancy Services22,050.009,450.0012,600.00KLA Australia P/LTo provide consultancy on Proof of Concept Review to provide supporting measurement and costing of DPIE Outputs20,000.0020,000.000.00Dr Donna BrennanProvide economic consultancy9,736.219,736.210.00BIS Shrapnel Forestry Group Pty LtdData Collection and analyses of industry options for Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) for Southern Region of NSW36,800.0011,040.0025,760.00Australian Business TheatreProvide event management and production of OUTLOOK 98213,429.00110,714.00102,715.00Margules Groome Poyry Pty LtdRegional Plantations Competitiveness Study Data Purchase44,000.000.0044,000.00EnvironmetricsComprehensive Regional Assessment Eden NSW feasibility study.23,500.0023,500.000.00 Chambers & GallowayConduct an analysis of post-impact studies and provide a written report of that analysis for the social assessment process for the Western Australian Regional Forest Agreements30,000.0010,000.0020,000.00Environment and Behaviour Consultants1. Undertake regional social profile, involving random phone survey and development of community social index to provide GIS layers for the integration and options development phase for the CRA for the WA Regional Forest Agreement ; 2. Assessment of expenditure patterns of forest dependent industries60,000.0033,700.0026,300.00NSW Forests Products AssociationPreparation of a childrens book on the forest and timber industries.30,000.0010,000.0020,000.00Marine & Freshwater Resources InstituteConduct toxicant analysis on 12 sediment samples and provide a report. Also to participate in fieldwork and conduct nutrient analysis. 27,000.0010,000.0017,000.00Consulting Engineering Geologists P/LComplete draft report of landslide risk assessment in Cairns and to contribute to an external review of the risk assessment with AGSO and the review consultant. Maximum 3 days in July & August7,826.007,826.000.00Golder Associates Pty LtdProvide an external review of landslide risk assessment for Cairns in the field and office.9,334.008,555.85778.15G W SkyringExamine a variety of Microbiological and oceanographic processes controlling nutrient concentrations and water quality.16,000.006,595.009,405.00GI SolutionsUpgrade Western Water Study GIS to ARCVIEW 3.2,500.002,500.000.00GI SolutionsPrepare ARC/INFO automated mapping tools for thematic map production6,000.000.006,000.00Heather RennieUndertake land use classification compilation for the Boorowa District using ARC INFO and ER MAPPER.1,760.001,760.000.00Practical PC Pty LtdRewrite and upgrade CGT software to run on Windows NT platform as part of the Sniffer system development .30,000.004,000.0026,000.00Bruce Wyatt and AssociatesPreparation and export of Stratdat and Resfacs databases and their installation at industry sponsorship offices across Australia.19,500.001,419.7018,080.30University of Queensland—Marine BotanyProvide scientific services and data analysis, review toxicants and biogeochemical data, provide a vessel for sampling, provide accommodation on North Stradbroke Island and provide final report.26,000.000.0026,000.00 TelewizardInvestigate and report on the fume hoods in the mineral separation laboratory in the new AGSO building.500.000.00500.00Desmond Fitzgerald & AssocComplete processing of Marine Gravity, Bathymetry and Magnetics.25,000.000.0025,000.00University of Sydney—Petroleum GeophysicsProvision of professional advice on whether technical specifications for the Seismic Reflection Recording System Request for Tender ensure the best possible result for the Commonwealth. 770.000.00770.00Ms Elizabeth BrettACAIR project development & standardisation of diagnostic tests & vaccines for the control of sheep and goat pox diseases in India & Australia5,000.000.005,000.00Agriculture Western AustraliaWriting Chapters for Wild Dog/Dingo Management Guidelines20,000.000.0020,000.00Sinclair Knight Merz Pty LtdRecalibration of SMILE model to observed ground water levels in the Harston Catchment for a 2 year period.13,910.000.0013,910.00NSW Fisheries (Dr Peter Gehrke)Writing chapters for Managing the Impacts of Carp20,000.000.0020,000.00Cullen Egan DellTo provide consultancy services including a report and advise on a private sector best practice on a number of workplace issues7,200.000.007,200.00Allastair Sarre & Associates Pty LtdPrepartation of 3rd Draft of the State of the Forests report8,287.500.008,287.50FortechPrepare final draft of Report on Forests on Private Land in Australia6,500.000.006,500.00Ambience ConsultingDevelopment of Strategic Plan for the National Forest Inventory8,000.000.008,000.00Dr Brian EgloffReview of forest management systems & planning processes for the south west of WA Regional Forest Agreement20,910.960.0020,910.96Dr Mark AdamsReview of forest management systems & planning processes for the south west of WA Regional Forest Agreement22,410.000.0022,410.00Dr Graham WilkinsonAccess the scope, quality and integrity of forest management systems/processes used in WA to deliver ecologically sustainable management23,580.000.0023,580.00Dr Mick BrownReview of forest management systems & planning processes for the south west of WA Regional Forest Agreement25,300.000.0025,300.00 Paul JonesWA Regional Forest Agreement to assess the scope, quality and integrity of forest management systems/processes used in WA86,000.000.0086,000.00Professor David FarrierStatewide and Eden Regional Forest Agreement regional assessment of NSW forest management systems and processes for delivery of ecologically sustainable forest management33,800.000.0033,800.00Barclay Consulting Pty LtdReview of the Corporate Communications Section19,200.000.0019,200.00ESRI Australia Translation of 3PG to ARC/INFO 10 July 97-8 July 19975,950.005,950.000.00ESRI Australia Extension of contract for implementing of 3PG to ARC/INFO format. Period of extension to 31 August 19974,250.004,250.000.00Directions in ManagementPre-consultation, preparation and conduct of session on strategies to enhance the management of NRICs Human Resources on 13 August 19971,975.501,975.500.00Centre for Forest Tree TechnologyExtension of consultancy—preparation of a compendium of published and unpublished scientific literature relevant to the Central Highlands CRA and Forest Management in Victoria (original P/O BRS9700319)3,000.003,000.000.00Queensland Department of Primary IndustriesUndertake destructive harvesting of narrow-leaved Ironbark & Silver-topped Ironbark for biomass & carbon estimate25,000.0025,000.000.00Strie Pty LtdPrepare & deliver a two day introductory course in Exploratory Data Analysis on 18-19 September 19972,000.002,000.000.00Haight & Seymour Pty LtdPrepare & deliver a 2 day introductory course in Mathematica on 11 & 12 September 1997 + a 3 day advanced course on 15, 16 & 17 September in the ASI5,000.005,000.000.00Forestry TasmaniaRefining estimates of carbon stocks & carbon dioxide fluxes for Tasmanias native public forests6,500.006,500.000.00NSW FisheriesNSW Fishcare Co-ordinator Services24,000.0024,000.000.00Green Jobs UnitManage a training Program for Graduate Placement Program appointees. The graduates will be trained in the development of Greenhouse Challenge cooperative agreements24,522.0024,522.000.00Forestry Technical Services Pty LtdPreparation of Sinks workbook for the Greenhouse Challenge Office80,000.0048,000.0032,000.00BRI Australia LtdResearch consolidate and produce a scoping study on energy use and waste management in the Australian baking industry32,400.0032,400.000.00 CMPS&F Pty LtdAPEC Project for the recovery and utilisation of methane from landfills149,040.0014,904.00134,136.00Morris Walker Pty Ltd (PRWORKS)Editing the draft White Paper on Sustainable Energy Policy2,750.002,750.000.00Sinclair Knight & MerzServices of Consultant, Rohan Zauner at cogeneration seminars9,400.006,400.003,000.00Future Perfect Communications Pty LtdImplementation of the communications strategy for the Greenhouse Challenge Program119,595.00121,620.00(2,025.00)Corrs Chambers WestgarthConsultancy Services to the Gas Reform Implementation Group in the task of providing a detailed critique of the natural gas pipeline access regime21,000.002,000.0019,000.00McMillan Shakespare & AssRemuneration Package Policy 1,500.001,500.000.00Total5,244,711.942,625,640.512,619,071.43 | Australia | 1,998 |
Primary Industries and Energy Mr Anderson —The Minister for the Environment has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: 0 (1) I have provided below the details for consultancies commissioned by my department for the period 1 July 1997 to 20 November 1997. Details for 1995/96 and 1996/97 are available in the "Supplementary Information to the Annual Report" for those respective financial years. Extracts have been provided to the honourable member and to the House of Representatives Table Office. ENVIRONMENT PRIORITIES AND COORDINATION (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount Paid $Wizard ComputingData loading and image processing for Australian Coastal Atlas15,652Live Content Engineering and Design P/LUndertake the Australian Directory of Coastal and Marine Monitoring (ADCaMM) software application project7,500Live Content Engineering and Design P/LDevelopment of a Systems Architecture for the Australian Coastal Atlas9,500CSC Australia P/LUndertake software application project for use in the Australian Coastal Atlas4,740 Sinclair Knight and MertzUpdate of Coastal Vegetation and Landforms information10,000CRC Soil and LandEnvironmental Indicators Coordinator Workshop27,489Centre for Resource and Environment StudiesSectorial Gaps Analysis of 96 State of the Environment Report2,600Professor Richard NorgaardParticipate and present paper at Minister's Environmental Economics Round Table6,850Professor T. HundloeParticipate and present paper at Minister's Environmental Economics Round Table3,175Australian Irrigation Technology CentreParticipate and present paper at Minister's Environmental Economics Round Table2,425Allen Consulting GroupParticipate and present paper at Minister's Environmental Economics Round Table4,675CSIRO Division of Wildlife and EcologyParticipate and present paper at Minister's Environmental Economics Round Table3,000Ecoservices P/LParticipate and present paper at Minister's Environmental Economics Round Table3,175Freelance Ecology (Dr Bruce Wellingon)Completion of the Biodiversity Technical Report and the biodiversity component of the CRA summary report for the Central Highlands RFA region7,600Context Pty LtdIdentification and Assessment of Community Heritage Values in Victoria North East CRA Forest Region20,000Robin Crocker and AssociatesIdentification and Assessment of National Estate Aesthetic Value in the North West CRA Forest Regions20,000Bing LucasDesktop data audit of available information on potential and known World Heritage values in Tasmania3,365Project Support ServicesScheduling services for the CRA/Regional Forest Agreements Program2,107Graham WatsonApplication of Specialised software for WA regional forest agreement6,075Environs Consulting Pty Ltd (Mr Rod Safstrom)WA regional forest agreement assessment review of disturbances on vascular flora in the South-west forest region15,580CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products (Dr Neal Bougher)WA regional forest agreement assessment review of disturbances on fungi in the South-west forest region12,000Curtin University of Technology (Professor Byron Lamont)WA regional forest agreement assessment project—review of disturbances on ecosystems processes in the South-west forest region13,500Edith Cowan University (Dr Pierre Horwitz)WA regional forest agreement assessment project—review of disturbances on aquatic invertebrates and fish in the South-west forest region8,100 Curtin Consultancies (Dr Jonathon Majer)Review of Disturbances on Terrestrial Invertebrates in the SW Forest Region of WA18,750CSIRO Mathematical and Information ServicesMapping Remnant Native Vegetation in the SW Forest Region of WA Using Remotely Sensed and Related Spatial Data43,150Dr Per ChristensenConsultancy for review of key disturbances on vertebrate fauna in the south west forest region of WA14,100Ms Marilyn MorganNational Estate Indigenous Consultation Program—Local Community Liaison Officer—Manjimup Region1,000Mr Ron CrossNational Estate Indigenous Consultation Program—Local Community Liaison Officer—Collie Region870Mr Joseph NorthoverNational Estate Indigenous Consultation Program—Local Community Liaison Officer—Collie Region500Mr Kelvin QuartermaineNational Estate Indigenous Consultation Program—Local Community Liaison Officer—Bussleton Region500Mr Matthew KhanNational Estate Indigenous Consultation Program—Local Community Liaison Officer—Bussleton Region500Mr Les EadesNational Estate Indigenous Consultation Program—Local Community Liaison Officer—Narrogin Region1,000Mr Theo KearingNational Estate Indigenous Consultation Program—Local Community Liaison Officer—Manjimup Region1,000Dr Graham WatsonAssistance with instruction of staff in the use of the species modelling software package at Qld Dept of Natural Resources192Ms Colleen MorrisParticipation in the Expert Workshop `Identifying and Assessing values and places in NSW forests' held in Sydney on 5/6/97500Mr Phil GilmourAttendance at `Response to Disturbance Expert Flora Workshop' in Canberra on 24-25/7/971,259Mr Phil GilmourAttendance at Workshop on Method development for non-target JANIS criteria, natural national estate values on 208/97400Mr Phil GilmourAttendance at `Response to Disturbance Expert Flora Workshop', 27-28/8/971,196CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology (Michael Doherty)Attendance at `Response to Disturbance Expert Flora Workshop', 24-25/7/97 and 27-28/8/972,216Landmark Ecological Services Pty LtdAttendance at `Response to Disturbance Expert Fauna Workshop' on 15/8/97699ANU (Andrew Claridge)Consultant attending Response to Disturbance Expert Fauna Workshop, 17/9/97700 Dr Michael MahoneyParticipation in Response to Disturbance Expert Fauna Workshop, 20/8/97450Dr Michael MahoneyAttendance at `Response to Disturbance Expert Fauna Workshop', 18/9/97675ERA Computer ConsultancyConsultant facilitating `Eden Fauna Response to Disturbance Workshop, 14-20/8/973,375Freelance EcologyAssessment and protection mechanisms of national estate values in the Eden CRA region2,600Professor Byron LamontParticipation in the workshop on Population Viability Analysis for Plant Species1,572CSIRODevelop and test procedures to predict topographic position from a DEM for species modelling3,000Australian National University (Dr McMahon)Feasibility study to develop and implement a habitat supply model for fauna and flora in forested environment8,000Leaf Professional Info ConsultingDevelopment and implementation of biodiversity assessment applications16,500Luminis Pty LtdAdvice on population viability analyses in forested environments10,000Dr Mike PearsonParticipate in the World Heritage Expert Panel Meeting 14,15 and 21/10/974,000Professor Cliff OllierParticipate in the World Heritage Expert Panel Meeting 14,15 and 21/10/975,000Dr Tim FlanneryParticipate in the World Heritage Expert Panel Meeting 14,15 and 21/10/974,097Dr Brian BarlowParticipate in the World Heritage Expert Panel Meeting 14,15 and 21/10/975,000MSJ Consulting (Yodie Batzke)Facilitator for indigenous workshop3,400 ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount Paid $ARTD ConsultantsEvaluation of Scheduled Waste ProgramNilAustralian Geological Survey Organisation (additional PO to be raised to total $3,900)Production of Technical Report—Olympic DamNilAustralian Institute of Marine SciencePasminco research and monitoring program3,955Australian Trade CommissionConsultancy services in relation to Environment Australia seminars in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, October 1997Nil Australian Trade CommissionConsultancy to assist Environment Australia in undertaking a seminar and demonstration project on industrial environmental management in Bangkok, October 1997. 12,000Baird PublicationsOrganisation of Workshop, Townsville 1998 (funds sources for APEC AUSAID funding)2,000Bureau of Research SciencesProduction of Technical Report—Olympic Dam1,300Bureau of Resource SciencesCommissioned Paper on "Standing Biomass carbon density & growth rate of trees in relation to the compilation of NGGI"2,000Consortium comprising Consil Associates Pty Ltd, PPK Environment and Infrastructure Pty. Ltd., Ecowise Environmental Ltd and Environmental Management Australia Pty Ltd. Consultancy to develop and implement an environment management system in a textile company in Bangkok to demonstrate Australian environment management capabilityNilConsortium comprising Consil Associates Pty Ltd, PPK Environment and Infrastructure Pty Ltd, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation and Greenspan Technology Pty LtdConsultancy to develop and implement waste management strategies in four factories in Vietnam, two in the Hanoi region and two in Ho Chi Minh City to demonstrate Australian environment management capability. NilCRC for Freshwater EcologyExpanding of National Water Quality Monitoring System guidelinesNilCSIRO Division of Atmospheric ResearchCommissioned Paper on "Biomass burning in relation to the compilation of NGGI"2,000CSIRO Division of Atmospheric ResearchWritten text for Brochure and Booklet "Grappling with Greenhouse"10,000CSIRO Division of Land & WaterCommissioned Paper on "Soil carbon in relation to the compilation of NGGI"2,000CSIRO Division of Marine ResearchAttendance at technical committee—dredging of Gladstone Harbour2,409CSIRO Division of Plant IndustryIndustry Development—Carbon content of vegetation and soils in selected areas6,200CSIRO Division of Plant IndustryExtension of Industry Development—Carbon content of vegetation and soils in selected areasNilCSIRO Division of Plant IndustryCommissioned Paper on "The CO2 fertilisation effect in relation to the compilation of NGGI"2,000CSIRO Earth Observation CentreCommissioned Paper on "Remote sensing in relation to the compilation of NGGI"2,000CyberOneInternet Publishing of InventoriesNilQueensland Department of Primary Industries, Tropical Beef CentreCommissioned Paper on "Regrowth and woody weed invasion in relation to the compilation of NGGI"Nil Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Tropical Beef CentreCommissioned Paper on "Land clearing practices in relation to the compilation of NGGI"NilDr John Gordon-SmithAd-hoc support and technical advice on sea dumping issuesNilEPA VictoriaConsultancy to present papers and to lead workshops on regulatory approaches and use of economic instruments during Environment Australia Seminars in Hanoi on 2 October and Ho Chi Minh City on 7 October 1997.NilGardini and CoConsultancy for setting of fees and penalties for sea dumping activitiesNilKeith Neill & AssociatesInformation Gathering—Fourth category of scheduled wastes (Chlorinated Hydrocarbons) (Hourly rate)NilMcKibbon Software GroupModelling Projections of future Greenhouse Gas Emissions based on the g3 model series IVNilScience SpeakFoxpro database development and survey form redesign for EnviroNET Australia industry expertise databaseNilTasmanian Department of Environment and Land ManagementAssessment of National Pollutant Inventory reporting facilities in TasmaniaNilThe Australian Medical Association LimitedSponsorship of "Air Pollution and Health—The Facts" ConferenceNilUnited Transport ServicesConsultancy in relation to investigation under the Hazardous Waste Act (Brisbane, October 1997)—Transport and storage of Hazardous WasteNil PORTFOLIO MARINE (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount Paid $Illawarra Regional CouncilsEngagement of a Coastcare Facilitator for the Illawarra Region of Councils26,000Break O'Day CouncilEngagement of a Coastcare Facilitator for the Break O'Day Council26,000Tasmania's West North West CouncilsEngagement of a Coastcare Facilitator for the Tasmania's West North West Councils26,000Parks and Wildlife Service—Department of Environment & Land Management—TasmaniaEngagement of a Coastcare Facilitator for the Department of Environment & Land Management (Hobart)26,000MacLean Shire CouncilEngagement of a Coastcare Facilitator for the MacLean Shire Council26,000Australian Trust for Conservation VolunteersDeliver a series of Coastcare projects in remote areas of Australia64,000 The Big Picture Marketing CommunicationsExpenses associated with Coast and Clean Seas launch1,596D Smyth & C Bahrdt ConsultantsProvide advice to Environment Australia on the implementation of policy initiatives relevant to Indigenous Peoples under the Commonwealth Coastal Policy and the Coast and Clean Seas Initiative1,500Surfers Appreciating the Natural EnvironmentTraining for introduction to Internet and Homepage Design270Cape Bryon Headland ReserveInternet training and modem purchase600Stanley Peninsula Land CoastcareComputer upgrade to participate in Coastnet350Australian Marine Conservation SocietyOperation of the Marine and Coastal Community Network305,763Smyth and Bahrdt ConsultantsDevelop a discussion paper to assist in the development of Oceans Policy14,200Natural Environment ConsultingCo-write an Ocean Policy discussion paper6,500University of Wollongong—Centre for Maritime PolicyDevelop an Ocean Policy discussion paper17,000Centre for Coastal ManagementDevelop a background paper to assist the development of the Ocean Policy10,000Science Communication ServicesMedia work on Oceans Policy2,365Science MediaDevelop a background paper on Ocean Policy5,000RecFish AustraliaAssistance in the development of the Oceans policy310,000 BIODIVERSITY (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount Paid $Communication Research Institute of AustraliaTo assist with design,development,drafting & artwork for 1998-99 guide to NHT.20,000Leigh CupittFacilitation of RSS PWD Exercise2,000Robert Boden & AssocExternal Assessment of NRSP Proposals1,700Wetlands InternationalFinal payment for Environment Australia's support for the Asian Wetland Bureau(Wetlands International)Oceania Program 1995-199785,000Green AdvertisingDesign, layout and printing of the Wetlands `Don't pull the plug' poster6,786Bronwyn StuckeyInitial payment of Stage 1 of the Waterwatch Education Project; development of an education resource inventory for Waterwatch Australia.1,000Dateline AustraliaResearch and preparation of eight articles with photographs for the Snapshot 97 publication.5,500 Greening AustraliaFor the distribution of facilitation effort amongst the various River Murray Corridors of Green projects56,190Mr D G GillespiePrepare a report for the Biological Diversity Advisory Council `Improving the Capacity of Indigenous People to Contribute to the Conservation of Biodiversity in Australia'18,750Hassall & AssocEvaluation of the Drought Landcare Program20,000Susan BrownPrepare for the Biological Diversity Advisory Council `BIODIVERSITY A Politician's Guide'5,575Hassall & AssocProfessional fees for analysis of data on growth rates of trees in Victoria5,100Birds AustraliaGrassland Ecology Program10,500Peter StantonPrepare `Cape York Conservation and Land Management Scoping Paper'3,395CSIRO Tropical AgricultureQueensland Natural Heritage Trust Vegetation technical review performed by Dr Tony Grice1,965Roland Breckwoldt Consultancy ServicesFacilitate workshop on indigenous environmental issues related to biodiversity2,500Dr C PuttockEnhancements to Australian Plant Name IndexNilR H Walker Consulting and Professor Graham Farquhar (ANU)Undertake an evaluation of the Biodiversity Program and ABRSNil SUPERVISING SCIENTIST (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount
Paid $Mr Brad Larsen, World GeoscienceAerial radiometric survey of Nabarlek minesite11,220Dr Donald Baird, University of StirlingDevelopment of a sediment toxicity test for tropical conditions4,870Dr S Phinn, Department of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of QueenslandAssessment of remote sensing for monitoring and inventorying wetland environment in Australia4,000Management Transformation AustraliaFeasibility of eriss relocation from Jabiru to Darwin8,300Scribbly Gum Publications Pty LtdProvide back up editing and writing tasks for Best Practice Environmental Management in Mining (BPEM) BookletsNilCreative Words Pty LtdProvision writing, editing, and other tasks for BPEM Booklets800Australian Minerals and Energy Environment Foundation (AMEEF)Develop joint AMEEF/SSG directory of Environmental Management and Science for the InternetNil David EvansTechnical References Database-Update Invoice component, insert Issues list, priting function and search facility560MIM Holdings LimitedPrepare BPEM Booklet and case studies on Management of Atmospheric Emissions300CMPS&F Pty LtdPrepare BPEM booklet and case studies on Contaminated Site Clean Up3,200Killhill Pty LtdPrepare BPEM booklet and case studies on Dust Control3,495Kratzing and Brown Pty LtdProvision of Potential Authors for BPEM Booklet on Decommissioning800ANSTORadiological Periodic Surveilance Committee Frank Harris5,626Ann WebbCopy Editing, Typesetting Services SSR125 Report688UNI SEARCHProfessor Robin Fell Report 20518-8 Ranger Tailings Dam1,750MJ & GM HowesReview of the ventilation design for the Jabiluka proposal6,067ArawangPre-press production of the 1996-97 SS Annual Report4,860UNI SEARCHProfessor Robin Fell Report 20518-9 Ranger Tailings DamNil ANTARCTIC (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount Paid $Latitude TechnologiesRenewable energy project1,847LandinfoMapping12,541Gandy Roberts Pty LtdBuilding design and documentation6,600Integrated Consulting EngineersBuilding design and documentationNilPrice Waterhouse UrwickReview of Human Resource functionsNilResolve EngineeringTechnical and Operational AuditNilWSI ConsultingInternal Consultancy Skill WorkshopNil METEOROLOGY (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount Paid $Dr Kwabena AnamanResearch project on farmweather services10,000Mr John MottramEducation and training project in Indonesia5,800Mackie PartnersFacilitator at strategic planning conference5,760 CORPORATE MANAGEMENT (a) Consultant(b) Description(c) Amount Paid $Access Programs (NSW) LtdEmployee Assistance ProgramNilPeople & Strategy Management Consulting Group and Prospect Management ConsultingSenior Officer Leadership ProgramNilKen Begg and AssociatesMedia Training of staffNilSRIBIT Pty LtdMinisterial Correspondence System data migration work2,500Australian Public StrategiesSpeech Writing Services31,694Ken Begg and AssociatesMedia Training of staff (29 participants—17 Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service (ANPWS) staff)Nil
(Approx $5,400 recoverable from Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service)Coopers & LybrandReview Year 2000 PlanNilHeaney Blaylock and AssociatesCritique/edit Environment Australia/Department of the Environment letter to unions on Certified Agreement300Heaney Blaylock and AssociatesDiscuss and critique the Certified Agreement discussion paper450Price Waterhouse UrwickIdentifying business support needs and key issues for a consultancy on selection of business systems3,500 (2) As at 20 November 1997 the Department had commissioned consultancy services for which an estimated $4,876,770 remained to be paid. | Australia | 1,998 |
Minister for Family Services Mr Warwick Smith —The Minister for Communications, the Information Economy and the Arts has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: 0 (1) Refer to the list attached. (2) The cost of consultancy work being undertaken for which no payment has been made is estimated at $3,740,657. CONSULTANTS ENGAGED SINCE 2 MARCH 1996 Table: Consultants engaged by the Department of Communications and the Arts since 2 March 1996 in the 1995-96 financial year. Company NameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1995/96Program 1: Department of Communications and the ArtsSub Program 1.1: Policy, Regulatory and Operational FrameworksComponent 1.1.2: Arts, Hertigage and National BroadcastingJane Lennon and AssociatesPrepare the final Committee of Review—Commonwealth Owned Heritage Properties report. In addition the consultant assisted in the preparation of a Working Paper, including draft recommendations. It was considered that Departmental staff could not provide the quality of material needed within the required time frame.
3000020566W W Grant and AssociatesProvide a report on the effectiveness of, NIDA's vocational training and promotion of research and development activities for members of the dramatic arts profession and NIDA providing access to drama training for young people, drama teachers and the community at large. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
38503850Component 1.1.3: Film, Licensed Broadcasting and Information ServicesV Rubensohn
Chair the Digital Radio Advisory Committee (DRAC), for a period of two years from 16 October 1995. DRAC is a high level committee established by the then Minister for Communications and the Arts to provide advice to the Government on digital radio broadcasting. Because of the high level nature of committee membership it was considered appropriate to appoint an independent Chairperson, rather than a Departmental officer.
44282892Component 1.14: Telecommunications Industry PolicyThirstens Pty Ltd T/A Econtech
Assist with the processing and analysing of Telstra's labour efficiency, using proprietary economic modelling systems. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
50000Component 1.16: Corporate ManagementComputer Power Pty Ltd
Develop the Departmental Running Cost database system, including analysis and design, system development, documentation and testing. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
300000David Hey-Cunningham and Associates Pty Ltd
Develop and conduct a Financial Statements Analysis Course. The course assisted the Department to fulfil its obligations arising from the accountability reforms that will apply to portfolio bodies and agencies as a result of the CAC Bill and related legislation. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
215500Price Waterhouse UrwickAssist with the testing of the Financial Management Information System interfaces to the Department of Finance system FIRM and the National Transmission Agency system NBSA. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
80006450Component 1.17: Centenary of FederationAustralian Government SolicitorPrepare a draft contract for Stage 4 of the Old Parliament House redevelopment project. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a)15001558Australian Heritage Projects
Survey and report on documentary evidence concerning Old Parliament House construction and opening, 1923 to 1927. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.20000Bloxwich Ryan Consulting EngineersSurvey and report on existing mechanical, electrical and fire services in the former Non-Members Bar at Old Parliament House. Staff with the required specialised skills were not available within the Department.500500Bloxwich Ryan Consulting EngineersSurvey and report on existing mechanical, electrical and fire services in the former House of Representatives Opposition Party Wing at Old Parliament House. Staff with the required specialised skills were not available within the Department.15001500Concom ConsultanciesProvide scribe services for recruitment interviews. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.780780Concom ConsultanciesProvide scribe services for recruitment interviews. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.930930Concom ConsultanciesProvide scribe services for recruitment interviews. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.13001300Department of Administrative ServicesPrepare documentation and plans for submittal to local authorities for approval to connect Old Parliament House cooling tower waste outflow to the sewer system. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.35003500Department of Administrative ServicesProvide professional assistance with the tender process for construction management services for Stage 4 of the Old Parliament House redevelopment project. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
82500Ken Begg and Associates Pty Ltd
Develop a public relations program for Old Parliament House. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
300000Tonvia Pty LtdProvide scribe services for recruitment interviews. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.
945945Sub Program 1.3: National Transmission AgencyAustralian Surveying and Land Information GroupDevelop an information system which contains and manipulates digitised data on the coverage of all services transmitted from National Transmission Agency facilities and link digitised topographical and census data for the whole of Australia using "Mapinfo4". Departmental staff do not have the experience or equipment and systems to undertake the project.4817044170Linea Computing Consultants Pty LtdAssist with the development of the "Sites Configuration and Facilities System" (SCAFS). SCAFS is a core business system which replaced a number of existing databases and spreadsheets. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.2260000 Oracle Systems (Australia) Pty Ltd
Load asset revaluation data, provided by the valuers Rushtons, into the Oracle Asset Register. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.40000Quadrant Research Pty LtdSurvey viewers' perception of the reception quality of channels 2,7,9,10 and 28 in Sydney. While the National Transmission Agency (NTA) was confident that its transmissions on channel 2 provide adequate signal coverage in each capital city, there were concerns that significant numbers of viewers were not obtaining high quality reception. The NTA was of the view that reception problems arose through the use of inadequate or inappropriate antenna systems. To determine the extent and cause of the problems the NTA investigated viewers' perceptions of reception quality. The resources and expertise to conduct the survey were not available within the Department.2280011400 Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1995/96Program 2: Arts and Heritage ServicesSub Program 2.2: Australian ArchivesAlan Muller DesignDesign and manage production of, display panels for a semi-permanent display about Australian Archives at the Australian National University and duplicate sets for all Australian Archives offices. The specialised skills were not available within the Australian Archives.22402240Alan Muller DesignProvide design and construction management services for the copyright exhibition which opens in the Australian Archives Gallery in Old Parliament House in October 1996 and then tours the States. The specialist design skills were not available within the Australian Archives.90004000Australian Heritage ProjectsUndertake Stage 2 of the preparation of a comprehensive guide to all Federation records. Australian Archives' resources could not be diverted to working on the guide in the required time frame without prejudicing other high priority tasks.6250030000Colby DemagDesign and prepare specifications for film canister shelving. The specialised engineering skills were not available within the Australian Archives.60006000Department of Administrative Services Centre for Environmental ManagementPrepare contract documentation, call tenders and make recommendations on tenders for the upgrade and extension of air conditioning plant and associated works for the Rosny Park repository. The specialist engineering skills were not available within the Australian Archives.2683017200Information EnterprisesUpdate and modify presentation material for records management training sessions. The broad skills required to carry out this task were not available within the WA Office.10201020Lane Telecommunications Pty LtdAssist the Archives in identifying the most cost effective means of providing telecommunications to the organisation. The consultant was engaged to ensure an independent and objective assessment of telecommunications needs.2576012880People and StrategyAssist in developing the curriculum, facilitate and act as Director of Studies and provide a written report involving a post event evaluation for the Council of Federal, State and Territory Archives (COFSTA) Residential School. The educational skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives in the required time frame without prejudicing other high priority tasks. (a)975010166 Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1996/97Sub Program 2.7: National Science and Technology CentreCommunication PartnersDevelop a creative concept for advertising the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.10001000Communication PartnersDevelop ideas for the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.20002000EASACT Australia Pty LtdDevelop and facilitate team work practices statement, strategic planning day and individual counselling and reporting. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.29602960Environmetrics Pty LtdConduct market testing and provide a report on three creative concepts for the advertising of the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.1500015000Hero Communications Partners Pty LtdDevelop a creative concept for advertising the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.10001000Killey Withy Punshon Advertising Pty LtdDevelop a creative concept for advertising the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.10001000Kopan Pty LtdDevelop and produce advertising materials for the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.1500000G NicholsonProduce star charts for the Starlab program. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.600600J YoungPrepare reports and booklets for the Travelling exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.846846Program 3: Broadcasting, Film and Multi-Media ServicesSub Program 3.6: National Film and Sound ArchiveM PointonAssist with the selection, identification and compilation of a video on Australia's aviation history. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.7200Price Waterhouse UrwickReview classification levels against related work level standards in order to report on the appropriateness of current classification levels in the Preservation Branch. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills to carry out this task were not available within the Department.3310016060Q Research and MarketingUndertake market research for the SAMI exhibition and the Magnum Cinema exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.72507250M SutcliffeExamine and advise on the disposal of duplicate international 78 rpm record pressings held by the Archive. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.18721872The Shirley Spectra Australia Pty LtdUpgrade the sound and Light exhibition in the House of Representatives Chamber of Old Parliament House. Develop a student's version of the Sound and Light exhibition in the House of Representatives Chamber. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.124000100000 The Swoose PartnershipProvide Lotus Approach and Lotus software technical support services for the Kookaburra Card. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills to carry out this task were not available within the Department.60006000 (a) Expenditure greater than contracted prices as a result of: (i) additional tasks being added to the contract or (ii) scope of tasks being increased or (iii) greater incidental expenditure than estimated. Table: Consultants engaged by the Department of Communications and the Arts in 1996-97 financial year. Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1996/97Program 1: Department of Communications and the ArtsSub Program: 1.1: Policy, Regulatory and Operational FrameworksProgram Element 1.1.1: Executive and CorporateBassett Consulting Engineers Pty LtdProvide engineering services for the design of level J5 of the Benjamin Offices for the National Transmission Agency. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)30003000Codarra Pty LtdAssist with the acquisition and installation of a PABX system and associated voice services. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)120000P J CowdyProvide advice on communications strategies including the identification, coordination and dissemination of information regarding Federal Government communications and environmental policies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)4000054100Daedalus Integration Pty LtdProvide systems administration and technical support for the Department's Unix, Internet and Intranet environments as required. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)598500David Hey-Cunningham and Associates Pty LtdDevelop and present a financial statements analysis course for the Department. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)1323212944Department of FinanceProvide an evaluation workshop. The aim of the workshop was to familiarise Departmental staff with program evaluation methodologies and processes. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)30003000Egon Zehnder InternationalConduct an executive search to identify suitable candidates for the position of Director, National Gallery of Australia. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (a) (b)7475083768Geoff Driscoll Architects Pty LtdProvide architectural services for the design of level J5 Benjamin Offices for the National Transmission Agency. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)28002800G GuyderProvide assistance with the preparation of a Procurement Profile and progress the preparation of the Procurement Organisation and Management Structure and revised Supply Manual. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)800012200 Heaney Blaylock and AssociatesAssist with the development of an Agency Agreement strategic plan, conduct information sessions for all staff, assist with focus groups and provide advice through the negotiation phase. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)500000Interaction Consulting GroupFacilitate a planning day for the Human Resource Management Section. The facilitator assisted with the process of planning the strategic direction for the financial year and integration of the Section. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)15001500Interiors AustraliaUndertake a building audit of Derwent House as part of the selection of long term accommodation for the Department. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)1080010800Interiors AustraliaUndertake a building audit of the CWA Building as part of the selection of long term accommodation for the Department. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)1378513785Interiors AustraliaUndertake the advocacy role associated with the construction of new premises at 1 Sydney Ave. Forrest for the Department. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)14250085500KPMG Chartered Accountants Pty LtdPerform internal audit services including information technology, compliance and systems based audits for the Department. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department.1000000McCann and AssociatesProvide valuation advice associated with the possible construction of new premises for the National Film and Sound Archive and rent movements for Commonwealth owned premises in the States. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)15001500Price Waterhouse UrwickReview and modify software associated with a number of Financial Management Information System reports. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)30000Program Element 1.1.2: Arts and HeritageApple Computer Australia Pty LtdEstablish an agreed framework and structure for the implementation of all the software parts of Australia's Cultural Network Gateway Website. The consultant also developed and maintained associated projects using the most up to date and appropriate website management tools and other software and hardware options. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)4964000Artcraft Studios of Aust Pty LtdUndertake market research to determine preliminary user requirements for the One Stop Art Shop. The findings were used to support the development of the Internet site and a training program for operators of the telephone information and referral service. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)3000030000Australian Bureau of StatisticsProvide the 1996-97 corporate sponsorship survey. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)4990049900Coffey Partners International Pty LtdInvestigate geotechnical implications of alternative sites for the National Museum of Australia. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)2434024340Coopers and LybrandReview the Cultural Industry Development Program. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3230032264 DatascapeReview and rewrite the National Conservation Training Package. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)37501800DatascapeCarry out enhancements to the Australian Museum on line Web site. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)2200010000Deborah Wilson ConsultingCollect information on all arts and industry support programs which are offered by all levels of government and private organisations and develop a methodology for ongoing maintenance of the data. Phase 2 of the project has been progressed to provide comprehensive collection of information on 1300 Australian Festivals and events and on cultural support programs available in Australia. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.16338978929Donald Cant Watts Corke Pty LtdInvestigate the estimates of building costs for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)1100011000Frank Small and AssociatesUndertake market research to provide visitor projections for each alternative site for the location of the National Museum of Australia and an analysis of the likely impact of location on visitors. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3970039700Freeman Leeson ArchitectsInvestigate the natural and cultural heritage issues affecting alternative sites for the National Museum of Australia. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)2550025500Globalink Communications Pty LtdIdentify intellectual property issues relating to the delivery of recorded performances by means of on-line technologies and research and report on holdings of recordings of significant Australian performances by Commonwealth agencies and best practice in the development of copyright management systems on-line in Australia and overseas. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)1500015000S HallProvide a comparative assessment of a variety of electronic products and distribution strategies which the Department might consider in making PAML recordings accessible via Australia's Cultural Network and other electronic environments, and to outline the potential benefits for performing arts companies or record their performances. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)150000Hogan Marketing Services Pty LtdEstablish and operate the telephone information and referral service for the One Stop Arts Shop. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available.10000024913KPMG Management ConsultingIdentify the options for the sale of Artbank and undertake an assessment of the market and the financial implications of each sale option. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.6100061000National Museum of AustraliaProvide coordination services for the Australian Museum's on line Web site. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)228000128000Ned Noel SoftwareDevelop the Playing Australia and Festivals Australia databases which are used for the administration of grant programs. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)12801280 Ove Arup and PartnersInvestigate transport implications of alternative sites for the National Museum of Australia. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)2590025900Palm ManagementAssist in the development of the National Conservation and Preservation Strategy for Movable Cultural Heritage. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)47254725Palm ManagementFacilitate a Strategic Planning Workshop with the Museums Australia Standing Committee on Museums and Indigenous people. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.40504050Paper Conservation ServicesProvide advice in relation to the production of the newsletter Smarts and case studies for cultural tourism publications. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)8280065708S PurchaseProvide editorial services for COR-COHP Heritage Asset Management Manual. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)14001820R A Young and AssociatedInvestigate infrastructure condition and capacity of alternative sites for the location of the National Museum of Australia. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)3565035650Sribit Pty LtdMaintain and enhance the PLR scheme software. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)1567515675Sribit Pty LtdDevelop the PLR/ELR schemes and maintain the old PLR database on the McDonnell Douglas mini computer. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)99009900WizardAssess the technical requirements for the One Stop Arts Shop and Australia's Cultural Network. Develop a prototype, proposed implementation timeline and management plan for the One Stop Arts Shop. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3200032000WizardDevelop and implement technical aspects of the One Stop Arts Shop, including web site design, adaptation of printed publications to a format appropriate for a web site, and a user friendly interface. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)356500372550Department of Administrative ServicesProvide ad hoc advice on the design and construction management of Stage 4 Part 1 of the Old Parliament House redevelopment project. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)2000019986Trim Prisk ManagementProvide advice to management and conduct training for staff on emergency procedures for old Parliament House. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)16001600Program Element 1.1.3: Licensed Broadcasting and Information Services Circit LtdProvide research on levels of online activity and development in rural and regional Australia. The Department undertook a survey/audit of telecommunications infrastructure and access and delivery of online services in regional and rural Australia, on behalf of the Information Policy Advisory Council's Special Working Party investigating the development of online services and infrastructure in rural and regional Australia. In order that this survey/audit was as comprehensive as possible in the available time, the Department sought the assistance of a consultant. There were no Departmental staff available to conduct the work in the required time. (b)95009500Gilbert and TobinProvide advice on possible amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to facilitate early introduction of new broadcasting services across Australia. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)2615429519Program Element 1.1.4: Film, Public Broadcasting and Intellectual PropertyLangholm Pty LtdProvide analysis and advice on taxation concession arrangements for the Review of Assistance to the Film Industry. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)54004050Program Element 1.1.5: Telecommunications IndustryAGB McNair Pty LtdConduct market research on the extent of concern within the community of the electromagnetic energy health issue. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)2750027500Communications Law Centre LtdChair a group of telecommunications industry and consumer representatives to examine whether the definition of the Standard Telephone Service mandated under the universal service arrangements should be upgraded to accommodate new technologies and minimum service levels. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)1000011326EcontectProvide information on projected Telstra labour and efficiencies in the Departmental submission to the Senate Environment, Recreation, Communications and the Arts Reference Committee's Telstra inquiry. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)50005000Purdon Associates Pty LtdInvestigate and recommend guidelines and definitions to assist the States and Territories in developing legislation or planning instruments to regulate the installation of telecommunications infrastructure. Finance for this consultancy was provided by the telecommunications industry. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)1098500Sub Program 1.3: National Transmission AgencyACIL Economics and Policy Pty LtdEvaluate pricing mechanisms to determine the extent to which those mechanisms can be used as a basis for pricing the current range of transmission services to all users. The consultant also provided advice on other commercial approaches to pricing the current range of transmission services. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)1689615831ACIL Economics and Policy Pty LtdReview a number of pricing mechanisms and quantify the Universal Service Obligations component of the national transmission network. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)294000 Barry Webb and Associates (NSW) Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.650000BLM PartnershipProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.11880013600Bovis McLachlan Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.6500046503David Poole and Company Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.650000Ernst and YoungProject manage and contribute to the implementation of the National Transmission Agency core operational systems comprising real-time network monitoring, network performance analysis, network infrastructure and transmission equipment management systems. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)9000089892Essential Utilities Corp. Negotiate tariffs with electricity suppliers for the supply of electricity to various National Transmission Agency sites in NSW. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)20002000Griffin Business Enterprises Pty LtdContribute to the management of the National Transmission Agency by providing expert financial advice from a commercial perspective. Departmental staff with the appropriate expertise required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3250032496Griffin Business Enterprises Pty LtdContribute to the management of the National Transmission Agency by providing expert financial advice from a commercial perspective. Departmental staff with the appropriate expertise required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.22750030000Hodgson Broadcasting Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.650006345Integral EnergyImplement electricity tariff changes at various National Transmission Agency (NTA) broadcasting sites to enable benefits to be realised by the NTA with minimum delay. The resources and expertise to conduct the survey were not available within the Department. (b)4180041800Linea Computing Consultants Pty LtdProvide ongoing systems and database maintenance and enhancements of the National Transmission Agency's Capital Works System. The resources and expertise to conduct the survey were not available within the Department. (b)1200011212Price Waterhouse UrwickAssist the NTA to develop a comprehensive report outlining a proposal to implement a modern financial and business management information system. The report identified significant existing and future NTA business/financial requirements, and recommended suitable technical and applications solutions capable of servicing those requirements. Departmental staff with the experience and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the required time frame. (b)3287524383 Prosap Aust Pty LtdReport on the feasibility of including the National Broadcasting Sites Administration System into SAP R3 software. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)20002000Shearman Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.650000STJ ConsortiumProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.10000065077T StoneConduct a detailed archaeological field survey in the study area at Browns Hill, Lilydale Tasmania and consult with the representative of the local Aboriginal community. The consultant reported on the potential archaeological impact and provided an archaeological management plan for the proposed translator facility. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)25500Tasmanian HerbariumConduct a detailed field survey of the flora in the study area at Browns Hill, Lilydale Tasmania. The consultant reported on the conservation status of the plant species and communities and the potential impact of the proposed translator facility. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)15000W E Bassett and Partners Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.650000Wizard Information Services Pty LtdProvide project management services for the development and implementation of major National Transmission Agency information technology projects. The resources and expertise to conduct the survey were not available within the Department. (b)10000095425Worley LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.650000 Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1996/97Program 2: Arts and HeritageSub Program: 2.2: Australian ArchivesAboriginal Education Consulting Group Inc. NSWProvide advice on issues relating to Aboriginal people incorporated in the Exploring Citizenship teachers' kit. The specialist design skills were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)20002000AHW Management ServicesProvide professional services for the design of modifications to the low temperature film vault at Villawood. The specialised skills were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)1850018500 AIMA Training and Consultancy Services LtdAssist with the amalgamation of the Records Evaluation and Disposal and Records Control and Description programs. The consultant provided specific assistance in regard to implementing change, team based work, including briefing staff on team building, self managing teams, and team leadership. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)45004500Alan Muller DesignProvide design and construction services for the Portrait of Papua Exhibition which is scheduled to open in the Australian Archives Gallery in Old Parliament House in October 1997 and then tours the States. The specialist design skills were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)130007500Asset ServicesInspect the Mitchell Repository and submit a building appraisal report on fire safety taking into account building codes. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)950950Australian Heritage ProjectsProduce a teacher's kit on the 1997 National History Challenge theme of "Civil Rights and Responsibilities in our History". The specialised educational skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)1185011740Australian National University Consultancy Brokerage ServiceSelect and provide consultants to develop and conduct one, three day course on foundation communication skills for reference work, dealing with difference and learning organisations. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)44804480Barma EngineeringProvide design documentation for and supervise refurbishment of the front foyer at Villawood repository. The specialised skills required to carry out the task were not available within the Australian Archives.1965019650F BattenConduct an intensive one day workshop on meeting skills, for staff of the Queensland State Office. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)850850F BattenConduct an intensive 3 hour training session on harassment for staff in the Queensland State Office. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b) (c)500500Cumberland Health and Research CentreConduct lectures on occupational health at the Facilities Section Training Workshop, Camperdown. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)300300Department of Administrative Services Centre for Environmental ManagementProvide services associated with project design, contract documentation and tendering for the upgrade and extension of heating, ventilation and air conditioning plant and associated works for the Australian Archives, Rosny Park. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)1363013630Department of Finance Consultancy Services UnitUndertake a Finance Regulation 45A(3)(b)(ii) certification and post implementation review of the Australian Archives' Financial Management Information System. An independent review was required and the specialised skills were not available within the Archives. (b)75007000Environmetri csEvaluate visitor's response to the "Scene Stealers" exhibition and the concepts for two planned exhibitions. The capacity to summarise and analyse the results of this research was not available within the Australian Archives without diverting resources from other higher priority tasks. (b)79507950I HancockBrief journalists on Australian history in 1966 as part of the 1966 cabinet records release. The consultant is an authoritative historian of the period. The specialised academic history skills and status were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)20002000 Interiors Australia VicProvide services associated with the design, contract documentation and tendering for the upgrade of facilities at Casselden Place Melbourne. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)61000Interiors AustraliaPrepare a design for the refurbishment of the reading room and offices at Casselden Place, Melbourne (the cost was shared with the Public Record Office, Victoria). The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)598598Lane Telecommunications Pty LtdAssist the Australian Archives to draft technical specifications for a request for tender for the implementation of a frame relay on the Archives' data network. Archives' staff with the expertise required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.45204520M LangfieldPrepare a guide to records held by the Australian Archives about immigration 1901-1939. The knowledge of historical, social and political affairs required to set the records in context and the detailed knowledge of the records were not available within the Archives. (b)25000Looking Glass Press Pty LtdProvide design services for a reader survey form. The Australian Archives' design services staff did not have the capacity to complete the services within the required timeframe. (b)715715D MidaliaPrepare a guide to the records held in the Australian Archives in Western Australia. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives without diverting resources from other higher priority tasks. (b)25001250J MillardUndertake preservation services at the Western Australian State Office including advice, copying, repackaging, arrangement and description. The expertise in preservation was not available in the office. (b)1530015091M MinellPrepare a guide, to copyright records held by the Australian Archives. The specialised skills required were not available within the Archives without diverting resources from other higher priority tasks. (b)25000Public Service and Merit Protection CommissionConduct a two day training course on the Rights and Responsibilities of Officers in the Australian Public Service. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)10000Purchasing AustraliaConduct lectures on tendering and purchasing at the Facilities Section Training Workshop, Camperdown. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)10001000A RankineComplete design, construction and installation management services for the Portrait of Papua exhibition. The specialised design and construction management skills were not available within the Australian Archives at the time. (c)80004000Ruth Downes DesignProvide design and fabrication of the exhibition It's a Long Way from Rome. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)50005000L ScottConduct a fire safety survey and report on all aspects of future proposals concerning fire safety at the Villawood repository. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives.1248812488L ScottConduct a fire safety survey and report on all aspects of future proposals concerning fire safety at the Mitchell repository. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)1156211562 D SissonsPrepare a guide to the records held by the Australian Archives concerning World War II war crimes trials. The historical and political expertise required to set the records in context and the detailed knowledge of the records were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)25000Susan Munter CommunicationsPrepare the text and images of three guides to records in html format for loading onto the Archives of Australia web site. The specialised skills required were not available within the Australian Archives without diverting resources from other higher priority tasks. (b)24800Troppo ArchitectsPrepare design documentation for modifications to foyer and reception areas. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)29952995I WalshProvide design, construction and installation management service for the Mildenhall exhibition of photographs of early Canberra. The specialist design and construction management skills were not available within the Australian Archives at the time. (a) (b50006250I WattsPrepare the content of the education kit to accompany the exhibition Scene Stealers: Australian Theatre 1870-1955. The specialised skills were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)28502850Western Sydney TAFEConduct lectures on air conditioning and building management at the Facilities Section Training Workshop, Camperdown. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)24802480Wizard Information ServicesProvide advice on the Australian Archives' Financial Management Information System configuration. The specialised skills were not available within the Archives. (b)12001200Works AustraliaRedesign the ground floor accommodation at Rosny Park. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)48500 Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissed cost $Expenditure for 1995/96Sub Program 2.7: National Science and Technology CentreM BushProvide exhibit text writing services. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)31463146David Lancashire DesignProvide services for the redesign of the National Science and Technology Centre logo and its application, particularly to the Shell Questacon Science Circus. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3800033627C DentonProvide slides for the McClintock's Window Exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)50002500Frank Small and Associates (Aust) Pty LtdConduct a promotional evaluation for the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)26002600A FriederichProvide training to NRMA Tomorrow's Drivers contractors in July 1996. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)300300G FryProvide a draft of the theatre script McClintock's Window exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)69765618J HushProvide technical expertise on the interview panel for the position of TO4 Workshop Manager. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)150150 Interactive Consultants Pty LtdDevelop an evaluation strategy for the BHP Wildscience exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)50005000Interactive Consultants Pty LtdDevelop exhibit concepts for the Forensic Science exhibition workshop in Perth. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)450450Interactive Consultants Pty LtdProvide draft questions, scripting, voice-over and recording for the BHP Wild Science Quiz. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)800800Interactive Consultants Pty LtdPrepare a sponsorial proposal for the National Science and Technology Centre. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)40000Interactive Consultants Pty LtdDesign a set of dinosaurus data sheets as part of the education package for the Terrorsaurus exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)480480Interactive Consultants Pty LtdResearch and develop questions for the Environment Quiz exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)12501250Interactive Consultants Pty LtdDevelop exhibit concepts for the Forensic Science DNA exhibit. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)400400Interactive Consultants Pty LtdDevelop exhibit concepts for the Australasian Soft Drink Association Ltd. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)300300Interactive Consultants Pty LtdDevelop questions for the Terrorsaurus Quiz exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)990990Judith James Consultancy Pty LtdConduct a review of the marketing and public affairs functions in Questacon. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)89758975Karlie Consulting Pty LtdProvide the SQSC Lecture Series to train scholars for Aboriginal Communities (Tour 4). Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)400400A MaysNegotiate with the National Science and Technology Centre for Education in Bangkok, and report back to Questacon. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)380380PALM ManagementPrepare and facilitate the senior managers retreat. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)50005000PALM ManagementProvide facilitation services at the Science Circus Program workshop. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)900900T SargeantResearch and write information panels for the Terrorsaurus exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)12001200P SawProvide the design and documentation for the Tunnel of Vision exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)28202820R SmallResearch and prepare a report on Plants of the Cretaceous and Jurassic period for the Scenery exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)490490 ThemedaConduct research for the Terrorsaurus exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)12261226UnQwerty Pty LtdPublicise the activities and outcomes of the Questacon Myre Project. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)90006142Windhover ConsultantsProvide a conflict resolution workshop on behalf of EASACT Australia in August 1996. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)15401540J YoungProvide research, collating and writing services in relation to the preparation of an exhibition manual for the "BHP Wild Science" exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)29682078 Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1995/96Program 3: Broadcasting, Film and Multi-media ServicesSub Program 3.6: National Film and Sound ArchiveAlan Pomeroy and Associates Pty LtdUndertake an occupational health and safety risk assessment and develop a risk management plan. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)78005300Australian Valuation OfficeReview and comment on the Archive's valuation methodology for the heritage collection. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)40000K BrentnallRecord an oral history with Bobby Limb. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)250250Bruce Leonard Productions Pty LtdProduce a number of audio and video products for the Archive. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)2310015400Conversation AccessDevelop a disaster management plan and conduct staff training. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)150005000J DicksonDevelop and implement a positioning campaign to support and market a range of special exhibition programs currently being undertaken by the Archive in order to increase visitation in line with 96/97 targets. The consultant also implemented marketing strategies for various programs and identified sponsorship opportunities. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)180008000J DicksonDevelop and implement a positioning campaign to support and market a range of special exhibition programs currently being undertaken by Visitor Services. The consultant also implemented marketing strategies for various programs and identified sponsorship opportunities. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)3000030000Fire Safety Science Pty LtdUndertake a regulatory compliance audit of the Archive's storage facilities at Mitchell. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)121700R HolmesbyProvide historical research, script advice and video promotion assistance for VFL on Film 1946-1982: Marking Time. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)30003000 Housley CommunicationsProvide analysis and documentation of voice and data communication issues associated with the Archive's new building. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)95009500Informed SourcesPerform the cataloguing of Cinesound and Movitone newsreel segments into the National Film and Sound Archive's collection management system, MAVIS. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)2800015491Ipex Information Technology GroupProvide technical assistance with the implementation of Windows 95 and Lotus Smart Suite 97 at the Archive. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)1152011520JemusicCompose and record music for the video product VFL on Film Marking Time. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)10001000B LeonarResearch, compile, produce and assist in marketing agreed vintage audio material, provide advice on marketing and distribution of audio products and research compile and produce agreed video compilations to off line edit stage. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)2100021000LewisConduct and record four oral history interviews with jazz personalities. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)10001000Library LocumsAccessioning, including cataloguing and preparation for storage, of shellac discs. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)31913191M RobertProvide historical research, script advice and video promotion assistance for VFL on Film 1946-1982: Marking Time. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)30003000D SawTranscribe oral histories for the Film Australia project. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)21002100H WelsCompose and provide musical and sound effects accompaniment to the VFL on Film (1909-45) Marking Time video compilation. The consultant provided the Archive with a digital audio tape of the finished compilation. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)10001000H WelshCompose 20 minutes of music and record on digital audio tape for a segment of Australian Aviation: The Magnificent Years. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)10001000Wizard Information ServicesDevelopment of graphical user interface version of MAVIS, the Archive's collection management system. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)120000120000Wizard Information ServicesPrepare a project management plan for the replacement of the Archive's automated Human Resource Management System. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)50005000Wizard Information ServicesProvide Oracle database administration services. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)1156011560 Works AustraliaDevelop and report on the Archive's new accommodation options and associated costing and budget. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)1270012700Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1995/96Program 1: Department of Communications and the ArtsSub Program 1.1: Policy, Regulatory and Operational FrameworksProgram Element 1.1.1: Executive and CorporateComputer Power Pty LtdDevelop the Departmental Running Cost database system, including analysis and design, system development, documentation and testing. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3000025000David Hey-Cunningham and Associates Pty LtdDevelop and conduct a Financial Statements Analysis Course. The course assisted the Department to fulfil its obligations arising from the accountability reforms that will apply to portfolio bodies and agencies as a result of the CAC Bill and related legislation. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)215508878Program Element 1.1.2: Arts and HeritageJane Lennon and AssociatesPrepare the final Committee of Review—Commonwealth Owned Heritage Properties report. In addition the consultant assisted in the preparation of a Working Paper, including draft recommendations. It was considered that Departmental staff could not provide the quality of material needed within the required time frame. (b)300006160Old Parliament HouseAustralian Heritage ProjectsSurvey and report on documentary evidence concerning Old Parliament House construction and opening, 1923 to 1927. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)20002000Ken Begg and Associates Pty LtdDevelop a public relations program for Old Parliament House. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3000022500Program Element 1.1.3: Licensed Broadcasting and Information ServicesV RubensohnChair the Digital Radio Advisory Committee (DRAC), for a period of two years from 16 October 1995. DRAC is a high level committee established by the then Minister for Communications and the Arts to provide advice to the Government on digital radio broadcasting. Because of the high level nature of committee membership it was considered appropriate to appoint an independent Chairperson, rather than a Departmental officer. (a) (b)44287892Program Element 1.1.5: Telecommunications IndustryThirstens Pty Ltd, trading as Econtech. Assist with the processing and analysing of Telstra's labour efficiency, using proprietary economic modelling systems. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)50005000Sub Program 1.3: National Transmission AgencyAustralian Surveying and Land Information GroupDevelop an information system which contains and manipulates digitised data on the coverage of all services transmitted from National Transmission Agency facilities and link digitised topographical and census data for the whole of Australia using "Mapinfo4". Departmental staff do not have the experience or equipment and systems to undertake the project. (b)481706555Linea Computing Consultants Pty LtdAssist with the development of the "Sites Configuration and Facilities System" (SCAFS). SCAFS is a core business system which replaced a number of existing databases and spreadsheets. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.226000185045Oracle Systems (Australia) Pty LtdLoad asset revaluation data, provided by the valuers Rushtons, into the Oracle Asset Register. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)40001397Quadrant Research Pty LtdSurvey viewers' perception of the reception quality of channels 2,7,9,10 and 28 in Sydney. While the National Transmission Agency (NTA) was confident that its transmissions on channel 2 provide adequate signal coverage in each capital city, there were concerns that significant numbers of viewers were not obtaining high quality reception. The NTA was of the view that reception problems arose through the use of inadequate or inappropriate antenna systems. To determine the extent and cause of the problems the NTA investigated viewers' perceptions of reception quality. The resources and expertise to conduct the survey were not available within the Department. (b)2280011400 Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1995/96Program 2: Arts and Heritage ServicesSub Program 2.2: Australian ArchivesAlan Muller DesignProvide design and construction management services for the Scene Stealers exhibition (previously the Copyright exhibition) which opens in the Australian Archives Gallery in Old Parliament House in October 1996 and then tours the States. The specialist design skills were not available within the Australian Archives. (a) (b)900011000Australian Heritage ProjectsUndertake Stage 2 of the preparation of a comprehensive guide to all Federation records. Australian Archives' resources could not be diverted to working on the guide in the required time frame without prejudicing other high priority tasks. (b)6250055586Lane Telecommunications Pty LtdAssist the Archives in identifying the most cost effective means of providing telecommunications to the organisation. The consultant was engaged to ensure an independent and objective assessment of telecommunications needs.2576012880 Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1995/96Sub Program 2.7: National Science and Technology CentreKopan Pty LtdDevelop and produce advertising materials for the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)153340153340Program 3: Broadcasting, Film and Multi-media ServicesSub Program 3.6: National Film and Sound Archive M PointonAssist with the selection, identification and compilation of a video on Australia's aviation history. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)720720P PowersTranscribe oral histories for the Film Australia project. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b) (c)11161116Price Waterhouse UrwickReview classification levels against related work level standards in order to report on the appropriateness of current classification levels in the Preservation Branch. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)3310017040D SawTranscribe oral histories for the Film Australia project. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b) (c)19501950The Shirley Spectra Australia Pty LtdUpgrade the Sound and Light exhibition in the House of Representatives Chamber of Old Parliament House. Develop a student's version of the Sound and Light exhibition in the House of Representatives Chamber. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)12400024000 (a) Expenditure greater than contracted prices as a result of: (i) additional tasks being added to the contract or (ii) scope of tasks being increased or (iii) greater incidental expenditure than estimated. (b) Not publicly advertised in the Gazette. (c) Not included in the 1995/96 Annual Report. Table: Consultants engaged by the Department of Communications and the Arts during the period 1 July 1997 to 20 November 1997. ContractCompany nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidDepartment of Communications and the ArtsPolicy, Regulatory and Operation FrameworksExecutive and CorporateBassett Consulting EngineersProvide engineering advice to assist the Department in the makegood of the CWA Building. The expertise and specialised skills required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)10000010000Bligh Voller Architects Pty LtdProvide architectural advice to assist the Department in the makegood of the CWA Building. The expertise and specialised skills required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)20000200097/1652Centre for Corporate StrategyDesign, deliver and evaluate a Leadership and Management Program for Senior Executive Band One and Senior Officer Grade A and B staff. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.69750069750 97/1639Comcare AustraliaProvide rehabilitation case management services for two of the Department's compensation cases. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)48000480096/1602Daedalus Integration Pty LtdProvide systems administration and technical support for the Department's Unix, Internet and Intranet environments as required. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)5985095000097/1644David Hey-Cunningham and Associates Pty LtdConduct a course to enhance the skills of Departmental oversight officers in preparing quality advice to the Minister on the strategic planning and performance of portfolio bodies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)778107781First Five Minutes Pty LtdProvide advice on appropriate evacuation procedures at the Sydney Ave building. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)19800198097/1645Rob Brennan Facilitation and Training Services Pty LtdProvide facilitator services for two, half day planning sessions for the Human Resource Management Section. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)187518750SAP Australia Pty LtdImplement sales and distribution functionality to replace the National Broadcasting Site Administration (NBSA) system. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b) (d)2500000250000Wilde and Woollard Consultants Pty LtdProvide valuation advice to assist the Department in its negotiations with the owners of the CWA Building in relation to the makegood liability. The expertise and specialised skills required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)250002500Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—348811Arts and HeritageAshton Raggatt McDougallDesign competition fee. Successful shortlisted entrant in the design competition for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task.50000500000Ashton Raggatt McDougallProvide architectural advice and designs for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task are not available.5500000550000Australian Government SolicitorProvide legal advice on the delivery strategy for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies on Acton Peninsula. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available.15300153000Australian Government SolicitorProvide legal advice on project management for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies on Acton Peninsula. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)11001100097/05Australian Operational Support ServicesUndertake a feasibility study and user requirement report on the accommodation proposal for NAISDA at Vault 3, Cumberland Street, The Rocks. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)35000350097/12Australia Street Company Pty LtdSurvey and report on options for the provision of library services to Departmental staff and develop a proposal for the provision of library services in the future. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)15000150000Blake Dawson WaldronProvide legal advice on the delivery strategy for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies on Acton Peninsula. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)250025000Catalyst Design GroupProvide services as the competition adviser for the design competition for new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)12600126000CPMC Pty LtdProvide a one day workshop to facilitate the development of a Project Plan for the Acton Peninsula project. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe.350003500Donald Cant Watts CorkeProvide quantity surveying services for the design and construction of the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies on Acton Peninsula. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe.8029980299097/11Environmetrics Pty LtdDevelop a market research program and business plan for the national package of conservation training and resource materials. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)19600784011760Forbes Fitzhardinge WoodlandDesign competition fee. Unsuccessful shortlisted entrant in the design competition for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available.50000500000Giles Tribe ArchitectsDesign competition fee. Unsuccessful shortlisted entrant in the design competition for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available.50000500000Grey O'Keefe and AssociatesProvide revenue estimates for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)160016000John Brand and CompanyDesign competition fee. Unsuccessful shortlisted entrant in the design competition for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available.50000500000M KenigerProvide architectural advice on the design competition for new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)12750127500Mallesons Stephen JaquesProvide legal advice in relation to the project delivery system for the development of the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task are not available. (b)1104001104097/07National Environmental Consulting ServicesProvide advice on environmental issues at the Acton Peninsula site for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The advice was required to be provided to the Public Works Committee. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe.50000430007000Ngunnawal Land CouncilProvide advice on indigenous issues for incorporation into the Environmental Study on the Acton Peninsula site for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The advice was required to be provided to the Public Works Committee. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)3753750Ngunnawal ACT and District Indigenous Peoples AssociationProvide advice on indigenous issues for incorporation into the Environmental Study on the Acton Peninsula site for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The advice was required to be provided to the Public Works Committee. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)4154150Ngunnawal ACT and Aboriginal Council of Elders Association IncorporatedProvide advice on indigenous issues for incorporation into the Environmental Study on the Acton Peninsula site for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The advice was required to be provided to the Public Works Committee. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)6756750 97/01PALM ManagementFacilitate a study group to disseminate information from a recent overseas study tour for incorporation in the design brief of the facilities for the new National Museum building on Acton Peninsula. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)20002000097/13PALM Management Pty LtdProvide a facilitator for a meeting of the National Museum Study Group. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)20002000097/15Paper Conservation ServicesProvision of consultancy services for the production of SMARTS magazine for issues 12-15. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)90240246706557097/06Pegrum and AssociatesProvide brief writing and technical services for the preparation of the architect's functional brief for Stage 2 of the design competition. It was considered that Departmental staff with expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe.10000092600740097/14Ralph Appelbaum Associates IncProvide consultancy services for the planning and design of facilities for the National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula. This is a two stage project. The second stage to be confirmed. Costings are Stage 1 $US49,350, Stage 2 $US274,560. (The total amount shown is the total cost for Stages 1 and 2 converted to Australian dollars). Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available. (b)4429246748337544097/16Sribit Pty LtdProvide maintenance and enhancement of software and technical support for the Public Lending Right Scheme database. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)1540014850550TWCA Pty LtdProvide project management services for the design and construction of the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia/ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies on Acton Peninsula. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe.360000220000160000 97/03TEAME (Training & Employment for Arts, Media & Entertainment Co Ltd)Develop and prepare training services for Information Officers with Artsinfo. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe.90009000097/18The Quay ConnectionDevelop a promotional and marketing strategy for Artsinfo. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)1100007052039480Wilkinson Candalepas ArchitectsDesign competition fee. Unsuccessful shortlisted entrant in the design competition for the new facilities for the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available.5000050000097/17Worthington Di Marzio Pty LtdConduct concept evaluation and benchmarking of the Artsinfo promotional strategy. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required timeframe. (b)39900399000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—1235240Old Parliament House97/0041Banyan Wood Pty LtdProvide a preliminary design concept and proposal for an exhibition fit-out of the National Portrait Gallery at Old Parliament House. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)12000120097/0181BDW Special EventsManage the refurbishment production of the courtyard fountains. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)91219121097/0041Gutteridge Haskins and Davey Pty LtdProvide a preliminary design concept and proposal for an exhibition fit-out of the National Portrait Gallery at Old Parliament House. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)12000120097/0133Gutteridge Haskins and Davey Pty LtdProvide project management design and administrative services for the documentation and tender phase of the Senate Press Gallery re-roof. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)43253432530 97/0079Gutteridge Haskins and Davey Pty LtdProvide project management, design and administrative services (Stage 4 redevelopment) and advice on Constitutional Convention works. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)1000010000097/0236Gutteridge Haskins and Davey Pty LtdProvide project management, design and administrative services (Stage 4 redevelopment), Centenary of Federation Fit out. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)2497624976097/0041A ShumackProvide a preliminary design concept and proposal for an exhibition fit-out of the National Portrait Gallery at Old Parliament House. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)120001200Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—3600Licensed Broadcasting and Information Services97/1651Acuity Consulting Pty LtdProvide advice on the initial priorities and approach for the National Office of the Information Economy. The consultant was able to provide particularly relevant and current expertise on this matter, having recently been involved in a similar project for the Victorian Government. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)45004500097/1653Russell Reynolds Associates Inc. Evaluate a shortlist of candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer of the National Office for the Information Economy. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.18500018500Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—18500Film, Public Broadcasting and intellectual Property97/1655Arthur Andersen Corporate Finance Pty LtdProvide an independent assessment of the ABC and SBS digitisation strategies which will assist the Government in its consideration of the funding implications of those strategies. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)1315500131550Corrs Chambers WestgarthProvide legal advice in relation to the scoping study into the feasibility of privatising Film Australia. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b) (d)58000029000KPMG Chartered Accountants Pty LtdProvide business advice in relation to the scoping study into the feasibility of privatising Film Australia. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b) (d)75000037500T MiallProvide industry advice in relation to the scoping study into the feasibility of privatising Film Australia. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b) (d)1000005000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—203050Telecommunications Industry97/1646A I Australasia Pty Ltd trading as Amrop InternationalAssist with the identification of candidates suitable for appointment to the Australian Communications Authority as Eligible Associate Members and Authority Members. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)2995002995097/1643Allen Consulting Group Pty LtdProvide a report on methodologies for assessing the economic, public finance, equity and other related impacts of any funding options identified by the Putting Cables Underground Working Group (PCUWG). The consultant was engaged by the Department on behalf of the PCUWG and finance was provided by the telecommunications industry. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department.5500005500097/1642Allen Consulting Group Pty LtdAssist the Economic Sub-Committee of the Putting Cables Underground Working Group(PCUWG) in identifying the appropriate funding role of government, utility companies, local councils, private individuals and others in funding any program for putting cables underground. The consultant was engaged by the Department on behalf of the PCUWG and finance was provided by the telecommunications industry. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)2990002990097/1650Amos Aked Swift Pty LtdPrepare a report for the Putting Cables Underground Working Group(PCUWG) on technical options and recommendations developed by an expert group in relation to the technical and service aspects of putting electrical and telecommunications cables underground. The consultant was engaged by the Department on behalf of the PCUWG and finance was provided by the telecommunications industry. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)29100029100 97/1654Amos Aked Swift Pty LtdPrepare a report for the Putting Cables Underground Working Group(PCUWG) processing and evaluating survey data in relation to putting overhead cables underground. The consultant was engaged by the Department on behalf of the PCUWG and finance was provided by the telecommunications industry. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)3100003100097/1647Australian Government SolicitorProduce a background paper which addresses legal regulatory and industry structure issues that may arise from regulatory options the Putting Cables Underground Working Group(PCUWG) may propose for putting cables underground. The consultant was engaged by the Department on behalf of the PCUWG and finance was provided by the telecommunications industry. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department.8700008700097/1640Bureau of Transport and Communications EconomicsProvide research and specialist advice to the Putting Cables Underground Working Group(PCUWG). The consultant was engaged by the Department on behalf of the PCUWG and finance was provided by the telecommunications industry. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)155015015501597/1648Department of Finance and AdministrationProvide purchasing support services for the appointment of a service provider for the National Relay Service. The resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)74800748097/1641International Consulting Services (Aus) Pty LtdPrepare a report on current Telstra Corporation Ltd and Service Provider billing systems and processes and the impact of these on end users. A consultant was engaged to ensure an independent and objective assessment of the issues. Expenditure is fully recovered from Telstra. (b)3500002800007000097/1649McKerlie Consulting Pty LtdAssist in defining the term "eligible revenue" in the Telecommunications Act 1997 and ensure that, as far as practicable, the definition is linked to established accounting standards and practices. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)17000017000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—511445National Transmission Agency NTA98/ 05Ament Broadcast Consulting Pty LtdAssist the National Transmission Agency to manage and operate its nation wide network of broadcasting transmission facilities. The facilities are used to deliver the radio and television programs of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Special Broadcasting Service to members of the public throughout Australia. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.96000096000NTA98/ 03Linea Computing Consultants Pty LtdCarry out maintenance and enhancements to the Capital Works and Site Configuration and Facilities System. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)2000015819842NTA98/ 04McMahon and AssociatesProvide advice to the National Transmission Agency on a range of industrial relations issues affecting National Transmission Agency management and staff as a result of the proposed sale of the National Transmission Agency. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)290003632310882NTA98/ 01PM2 System Pty LtdCarry out enhancements and maintenance of the Contracts Management Module for the National Transmission Agency's Capital Works System. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)295002367911136NTA98/ 02Wizard Information Services Pty LtdProvide project management services for the development and implementation of major National Transmission Agency information technology projects. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.720004407334677Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—172537 Contract no. Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidArts and Heritage ServicesAustralian Archives1997/11 17 GSArchives Authority of New South WalesPresent a paper about the review of Keyword AAA to a meeting of the Commonwealth Keyword AAA User Forum in Canberra. The specialised knowledge required to carry out this task was not available within the Archives. (b)286286097/1865 A&ISAustralian Bureau of StatisticsAdvise on the statistical validity of and structure of a readers' survey. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)545005450 1997/16 71 PPAustralian Heritage ProjectsProduce a teacher's kit on the theme of discovering democracy. The specialised educational skills to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)10267300072676047 NSWBarma Engineering Pty LtdProvide design and tender documentation, advise on tender selection and supervise the refurbishment of the front foyer at Villawood repository. The specialised educational skills to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)25002500097/1772 FacBusiness DesignPrepare a request for tender to operate a cafe in the National Archives Building. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives.2445244501993/23 1 NSWCarrier Air ConditioningProvide design and documentation for the installation of a capacity tank in the air conditioning plant at the Northern Territory Office. The specialised skills were not available within the Archives.28000280097/1248, 97/1249 A&ISCheryl Gilroy and AdedgeDevelop and conduct four half day courses on continuous improvement within Access and Information Services. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)311320281085P070348 BSCSC Australia Pty LtdConduct an IT security audit for the Archives. The specialised skills were not available within the Archives.64550645597/1248, 97/1248 A&ISGeoff Mortimore and AssociatesDevelop and conduct four, 2 day courses on foundation communication skills for reference work. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)9151653526161997/12 08 PPGlobal Vision Productions Pty LtdProduce a video of the Canberra Early Years exhibition for ultimate conversion to the Internet as a virtual exhibition. The consultant also produced a Web Page design. The specialised video production skills were not available within the Archives. (b)9900495049501996/48 b WAInformation EnterprisesProvide and lead sessions on records management and registry practice as part of a records management workshop conducted by the Western Australia State Office. The broad experience skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Office. (b)60040020097/683 FacLane TelecommunicationsPrepare a telecommunication migration plan for the move to the National Archives Building. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives.55000550097/1248, 97/1249 A&ISE LeeDevelop and conduct four, 2 hour sessions on dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)18929119811995/71 c WAJ MillardUndertake preservation services including advice, copying, repackaging, arrangement and description at the Western Australia State Office. The expertise in preservation was not available within the Office.9000305059501997/16 10 FacProject Design Services Pty LtdAdvise on mechanical and architectural solutions in maintaining desired operating conditions in upper level storage areas at Mitchell. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives.115000115001995/24 5 QLDH TwohillFacilitate discussion on cultural change and industrial relations in the Queensland State office. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)1200120001997/15 17 StaffingUnisearch LtdProvide a Director of Studies for the residential school conducted for the Council of Federal, State and Territory Archives (COFSTA). The specialised academic skills were not available within the Archives. (a)1150013350097/593 A&ISC WilcoxPrepare a guide to records about the Boer War held by the Australian Archives. The knowledge of the military, historical and political affairs required to set the records in context and the detailed knowledge of the records were not available within the Archives. (b)25001250125097/1248, 97/1249 A&ISWorkers Resource Centre Inc. Develop and conduct four 2 hour sessions on dealing with people with hearing impairment. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b)20501150900Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—56904 Contract no. Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidNational Science and Technology CentreCS1Compton International Fundraising Pty LtdUndertake a review of National Science and Technology Centre sponsorship and fundraising activities. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)12000102501750CS2EnvironmetricsConduct market research for NRMA Tomorrow's Drivers exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)39500395000Ernst and YoungFacilitate a discussion with senior executives on the future role and direction of international businesses within Questacon. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)350035000982009Ernst and YoungDevelop a communication strategy for Questacon and conduct specific elements of that strategy including focus group discussions, a staff survey and a strategic meeting for senior management. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)36200362000Frank Small and Associates (Aust) Pty LtdProvide promotional evaluation for the Off the Planet Exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)10000100000984067J JensenDesign lighting for the Terrorsaurus exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)275027500984051Q AudioProduce an audio post for the Blast to the Past exhibit. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)10000100000984065K SuzannePrepare conceptual drawings for the Close Encounters exhibit. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)2002000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—1750 Contract no. Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidBroadcasting, Film and Multi-media ServicesNational Film and Sound ArchiveBruce Leonard ProductionsProduce six, double compact disc sets of radio serials. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)660006600Bruce Leonard ProductionsProduce two compact disc products, Christmas with Mrs `Obbs and Friends and Children's Heroes of the Radio Waves. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)385003850Library LocumsAccession shellac and vinyl discs. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)400040000C LongReview the Federation Films' script and background notes. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)5000500Totalcare Industries LtdProvide quality assurance of the Archive's Acton Headquarters site redevelopment project. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)430004300Wizard Information ServicesDevelop an interactive World Wide Web site for the National Film and Sound Archive. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)20000020000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—35250 (a) Expenditure greater than contracted prices as a result of: (i) additional tasks being added to the contract or (ii) scope of tasks being increased or (iii) greater incidental expenditure than estimated. (b) Not publicly advertised in the Gazette/Transigo. (d) Consultancy jointly managed with the Office of Asset Sales (OAS). OAS meets half of the costs of the consultancy. Note: Commissioned cost minus expenditure does not in all cases equal estimated amount still to be paid. This is due to contract variations. Table: Consultants engaged by the Department of Communications and the Arts since 2 March 1996 and still under engagement during the period 1 July 1997 to 20 November 1997. Contract no. Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $.Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidDepartment of Communications and the ArtsPolicy, Regulatory and Operational FrameworksExecutive and CorporateCodarra Pty LtdAssist with the acquisition and installation of a PABX system and associated voice services. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (a) (b)12000135000DascemProvide an energy management and monitoring service for the Department's accommodation portfolio. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b) (c)557041801390Heaney Blaylock and AssociatesAssist with the development of an Agency Agreement strategic plan, conduct information sessions for all staff, assist with focus groups and provide advice through the negotiation phase. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)50000190523094897/1634Interiors AustraliaUndertake the advocacy role associated with the construction of new premises at Sydney Ave. Forrest for the Department. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b)1425001282500KPMG Chartered Accountants Pty LtdPerform internal audit services including information technology, compliance and systems based audits for the Department. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department.100000146687767SAP Australia Pty LtdImplement the Department's new Financial Management Information System. The expertise and resources required for this task were not available within the Department. (b) (c) (d)40000040000360000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—400105Arts and Heritage96/24Apple Computer Australia Pty LtdEstablish an agreed framework and structure for the implementation of all the software parts of Australia's Cultural Network Gateway Website. The consultant also developed and maintained associated projects using the most up to date and appropriate website management tools and other software and hardware options. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)49640014363735276396/20DatascapeCarry out enhancements to the Australian Museum on line Web site. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)22000100001200096/6Deborah Wilson ConsultingCollect information on all arts and industry support programs which are offered by all levels of government and private organisations and develop a methodology for ongoing maintenance of the data. Phase 2 of the project has been progressed to provide comprehensive collection of information on 1300 Australian Festivals and events and on cultural support programs available in Australia. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.163389868297656096/25Hogan Marketing Services Pty LtdEstablish and operate the telephone information and referral service for the One Stop Arts Shop. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available.100000869711302996/21National Museum of AustraliaProvide coordination services for the Australian Museum's on line Web site. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)22800012800010000096/10Paper Conservation ServicesProvide advice in relation to the production of the newsletter Smarts and case studies for cultural tourism publications. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department. (b)82800828000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—554352National Transmission Agency 96/1618Barry Webb and Associates (NSW) Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.6500028852500096/1613David Poole and Company Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.6500005000096/1614Hodgson Broadcasting Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.65000430109000Linea Computing Consultants Pty LtdAssist with the development of the Sites Configuration and Facilities System (SCAFS). SCAFS is a core business system which replaced a number of existing databases and spreadsheets. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame.22600029799096/1624Shearman Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.6500001500096/1616W E Bassett and Partners Pty LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.6500002000096/1612Wizard Information Services Pty LtdProvide project management services for the development and implementation of major National Transmission Agency information technology projects. The resources and expertise to conduct the survey were not available within the Department. (b)1000004600096/1617Worley LtdProvide consulting engineering services associated with the design, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of the national broadcasting network. The resources and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Department.65000030000Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—149000 Contract no. Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidArts and Heritage ServicesAustralian Archives1996/10 3 PPAustralian Heritage ProjectsUndertake Stage 2 of the preparation of a comprehensive guide to all Federation records. Australian Archives' resources could not be diverted to working on the guide in the required time frame without prejudicing other high priority tasks. (b) (c)6250062500095/2415 A&ISM LangfieldPrepare a guide to records held by the Australian Archives about immigration 1901-1939. The knowledge of historical, social and political affairs required to set the records in context and the detailed knowledge of the records were not available within the Archives. (b)25002500095/2415 A&ISK LeechFormat the guide to immigration records 1901-1939. The staff resources required to carry out this task were not available within the Archives. (b) (c)400400095/345 A&ISLooking Glass Press Pty LtdProvide design services for a reader survey form. The Australian Archives' design services staff did not have the capacity to complete the services within the required timeframe. (b)71550001997/25 3 A&ISD MidaliaPrepare a guide to the records held in the Australian Archives in Western Australia. The specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the Australian Archives without diverting resources from other higher priority tasks. (b)25000125097/397 A&ISM MinellPrepare a guide, to copyright records held by the Australian Archives. The specialised skills required were not available within the Archives without diverting resources from other higher priority tasks. (b)2500125012501996/22 PPA RankineComplete design, construction and installation management services for the Portrait of Papua exhibition. The specialised design and construction management skills were not available within the Australian Archives at the time. (c)80004000400095/2416D SissonsPrepare a guide to the records held by the Australian Archives concerning World War II war crimes trials. The historical and political expertise required to set the records in context and the detailed knowledge of the records were not available within the Australian Archives. (b)25000125096/1408 A&ISSusan Munter CommunicationsPrepare the text and images of three guides to records in html format for loading onto the Archives of Australia web site. The specialised skills required were not available within the Australian Archives without diverting resources from other higher priority tasks. (b)248002480Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—10230 Contract no. Company nameTaxk performed and justificationCommissioned cost $Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidNational Science and Technology CentreCS4David Lancashire DesignProvide services for the redesign of the National Science and Technology Centre logo and its application, particularly to the Shell Questacon Science Circus. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)3800087520C DentonProvide slides for the McClintock's Window Exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)500002500CS2G FryProvide a draft of the theatre script McClintock's Window exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)697601358 CS7Interactive Consultants Pty LtdPrepare a sponsorial proposal for the National Science and Technology Centre. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)40003900100CS6UnQwerty Pty LtdPublicise the activities and outcomes of the Questacon Myre Project. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)900013007442cs1J YoungProvide research, collating and writing services in relation to the preparation of an exhibition manual for the BHP Wild Science exhibition. Departmental staff with the specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)29688900Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—11400 Contract no. Company nameTask performed and justificationCommissioned Cost $Expenditure for 1997/98Estimated amount still to be paidBroadcasting, Film and Multi-media ServicesNational Film and Sound ArchiveAlan Pomeroy and Associates Pty LtdUndertake an occupational health and safety risk assessment and develop a risk management plan. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)78002000500Australian Valuation OfficeReview and comment on the Archive's valuation methodology for the heritage collection. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)400004000Bruce Leonard Productions Pty LtdProduce a number of audio and video products for the Archive. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)2310077000Conversation AccessDevelop a disaster management plan and conduct staff training. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)15000015000J DicksonDevelop and implement a positioning campaign to support and market a range of special exhibition programs currently being undertaken by the Archive in order to increase visitation in line with 96/97 targets. The consultant also implemented marketing strategies for various programs and identified sponsorship opportunities. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)18000100000Fire Safety Science Pty LtdUndertake a regulatory compliance audit of the Archive's storage facilities at Mitchell. Staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out these tasks were not available within the Department. (b)1217090003170Informed SourcesPerform the cataloguing of Cinesound and Movitone newsreel segments into the National Film and Sound Archive's collection management system, MAVIS. Departmental staff with the expertise and specialised skills required to carry out this task were not available within the required time frame. (b)2800066965813Estimated cost of consultancy work for which no payment has been made—28483 (a) Expenditure greater than contracted prices as a result of: (i) additional tasks being added to the contract or (ii) scope of tasks being increased or (iii) greater incidental expenditure than estimated.
(b) Not publicly advertised in the Gazette/Transigo. (c) Not included in the 1996/97 Annual Report. (d) Purchased under the OGIT Shared Systems Contract Note: Commissioned cost minus expenditure does not in all cases equal estimated amount still to be paid. This is due to expenditure in previous years and contract variations. | Australia | 1,998 |
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Mr Ruddock —The Minister for Social Security has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question: 0 (1) and (2) Information concerning consultants engaged in the Department of Social Security since 2 March 1996 can be obtained from the Department of Social Security Annual Report 1995-96 pages 427 to 446 and Department of Social Security Annual Report 1996-97 pages 363 to 376. The table below provides the details of consultants engaged from 1 July 1997 to 31 October 1997 including the total cost of individual consultancies and the Department's total current liability for consultancy services. Details of consultancy work being undertaken for which no payment has been made cannot be identified from the Financial Management Information System and would necessitate an extensive manual data collection exercise. CONSULTANTS ENGAGED 1 JULY TO 31 OCTOBER 1997 ConsultantConsultancy—Service ProvidedCostDate EngagedDSSDonovan ResearchNational Survey of Consumer Satisfaction with Housing Provided under CHSA$137,600.00 07/97Council of Small Business Organisations of Aust LtdConsultancy to Promote Awareness of the EC Unit $92,950.00 07/97HealthhabitatEnsure Health outcomes for indigenous housing is achieved & develop health & Housing Demo Projects$25,000.00 30/09/97Morgan & BanksRecruitment of Staff ASO6 to SOGC$450,000.00 09/97Ray Morgan ResearchVoluntary Work Consultation with Community Groups$20,000.00 07/97COMMUNICATIONS TEAMPublic AffairsInteraction Corporate Communications Pty LtdGraphic Planning Package$61,650.00 03/09/97COMMUNICATION RESEARCHMarket Access ConsultingEvaluate Customer Service models for Youth servicing$80,000.00 03/07/97Yann Campbell Hoare & WheelerMarket Test Two Editions of CSDA Update Newsletter$19,000.00 09/07/97Orima ResearchMarket Test Promotional Material Realting to the Agency's Carer Payment Communications Strategy$12,000.00 18/07/97Eureka Strategic ResearchMarket Testing of Advertising Concepts for Centrelink Launch$29,794.00 22/07/97Roy Morgan Research CentreUndertake a Survey on Voluntary Work with Community Groups$18,409.00 04/08/97Brian Sweeney & AssociatesEvaluate the Financial Information Services (FIS) Estimator used by CSDA$29,310.00 06/08/97Yann Campbell Hoare WheelerMarket Test Draft Promotional Concepts Relating to Work for the Dole Scheme$18,750.00 11/08/97Market SolutionsEvaluation of Home and Residence Choices Booklet$24,974.00 14/08/97Orima ResearchEvaluation of Internal Communication Strategies (Survey of DSS Staff)$19,350.00 20/08/97Orima ResearchCarer Payment Communication Strategy Variation$23,400.00 26/08/97AC NielsenProvision of Services to Conduct two Telephone Surveys (Centrelink Launch)$22,800.00 12/09/97Eureka Strategic ResearchFinancial Information Service Communication Strategy Evaluation$72,750.00 18/09/97Quadrant Research ServicesMarket Testing Holiday Payment Information Products$11,800.00 13/10/97Market SolutionsMarket Testing the Job Brokerage Letter/advice$19,585.00 17/10/97Rigmor Berg trading as BB Professional ServicesMarket Testing of Family Magazine$18,000.00 27/10/97PEOPLE MANAGEMENT TEAMJohn Gunn & AssociatesDevelop Training Package in Workplace Diversity$24,000.00 08/09/97QUALITY TEAMDialogue ConsultingFacilitate Branch Planning Workshop Consultation, Development of Strategic Framework $2,568.60 11/07/97EMPLOYMENT CUSTOMER SEGMENTMarket Solutions (Australia) Pty LtdEvaluation of Job Seeker Card and Accompanying Letter$19,585.00 30/10/97Coopers & LybrandDesign Periodic Evaluations Associated with Implementation of Integrated Employment and Support Services$120,600.00 18/08/97Coopers & LybrandConsultancy Service in Support of Implementation of Integrated Employment Processes Redesign$47,000.00 18/08/97Coopers & LybrandConsultancy Services to Finalise & Validate Design Customer Profiles Associated with Implementation of Integrated Employment and Income Support Services$49,500.00 18/08/97AUDIT & EVALUATIONTactics ConsultingProvision of Documentation of Audit & Evaluation Framework$10,255.00 15/09/97AREA HUNTEROrganisational Consulting ServicesFacilitation of Strategic Focus Workshop$8,140.00 23/07/97The Professional FacilitatorsWorkshop Facilitation$8,011.80 26/08/97AREA NSW SYDNEY CENTRAL & SOUTH EASTDale Archie & AssocTeam Development Workshop$1,590.00 15/07/97AREA NSW METROPOLITAN SOUTHVital Learning (Coy) Pty LtdManagement Team Planning Conference consultation/design/facilitation $7,300.00 08/97Industrial Psychology ConsultantsGroup & Individual Critical Incident Briefing$712.50 08/97AREA PACIFIC CENTRALUniversity of Qld Dr E NidermullerSpeed Reading$1,100.00 02-15/12/97 AREA BRISBANEKeating ConsultanciesFacilitate Professional Development of social Workers$400.00 02/07/97C W SecurityAdvice on Security Modifications at 3 Offices$1,550.00 17/09/97AREA NORTH QUEENSLANDWilway Consulting Pty LtdExcellence in Customer Service Workshop$5,952.00 07/08/97Wilway Consulting Pty LtdExcellence in Customer Service Workshop$5,633.00 08/09/97Wilway Consulting Pty LtdExcellence in Customer Service Workshop$5,452.00 10/11/97AREA SOUTH VICTORIAMillar WatsonArchitectural$30,800.00 01/07/97St Kilda Youth OutreachGuest Speaker$50.00 26/08/97St Kilda Youth OutreachGuest Speaker$50.00 22/07/97Bromham Place ClubhouseGuest Speaker$80.00 22/07/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$500.00 28/07/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 13/08/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 15/08/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 25/08/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 26/08/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 01/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 05/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 15/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$550.00 15/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$550.00 16/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 19/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$550.00 22/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 22/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$550.00 23/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 23/09/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$450.00 13/10/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$400.00 20/10/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$400.00 24/10/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$400.00 30/10/97Keyboard ConceptsInformation Technology Training$400.00 31/10/97AREA EAST VICTORIA Harris Health Cons. Ergonomic Worksite Assessments$4,000.00 13/10/97Atkins ErganomicsErgonomic Worksite Assessments$4,000.00 13/10/97Cth Rehab Services SheppertonErgonomic Worksite Assessments$2,000.00 13/10/97Cth Rehab Services CroydonErgonomic Worksite Assessments$4,000.00 13/10/97ResolutionsRehab Provision$2,000.00 13/10/97Maura FayPresentation Skills Training$5,940.00 16/10/97Brian CarrollWriting Skills Training$4,500.00 02/09/97Joan CallahanProfessional Supervision$310.50 11/07/97Joan CallahanHealth Safety Training Recall$375.00 09/07/97Joan CallahanStress Contact Officer $800.00 27/08/97Andrea CainProfessional Supervision$180.00 07/08/97Nicky Mc CartneyProfessional Supervision$285.00 12/08/97AREA WEST VICTORIAHuston Consulting GroupScribing Services$1,200.00 30/07/97Management and Technology ConsultantsPlanning Forums$6,000.00 07/08/97Workplace Global NetworkSelf Managing Teams$1,500.00 24/07/97Workplace Global NetworkManager to Coach$1,700.00 14/11/97AREA SOUTH AUSTRALIALeadership SolutionsLeadership Advice$500.00 23/10/97AREA WEST AUSTRALIAWorkplace Global NetworkTeams Training$10,000.00 07/97Workplace Global NetworkTeams Training$3,500.00 09/97Murdoch UniversityHow to Manage Consultants $3,560.00 09/97Glenn CardwellSports Nutritionist$450.00 13/08/97Boris KazakovSprts Nutritionist$250.00 12/08/97Davidson TrahaireTraining—Mediation$3,450.00 04/09/97AREA NORTH AUSTRALIAConcept Training & ManagementTeams Training$2,720.00 22/09/97Concept Training & ManagementTeams Training$3,536.00 15/09/97AREA TASMANIAEnterprise MarketingDevelop Customer Survey and Methodolgy Training $2,100.00 07/97Total$1,635,558.00 | Australia | 1,998 |
Defence Mr McLachlan —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: 0 (1) For the 18 month period 2/3/96 to 30/9/97 the Department has let 387 consultancies at a cost of $13,452,857. Details are provided on the following list. These figures compare favourably with spending on consultancies in earlier years. For example, 477 consultancies were let at a cost of $12.53 million in financial year 1994-95; and 336 consultancies at a cost of $ 9.69 million between 1/7/95 to 1/3/96. (2) The estimated cost of consultancy work being undertaken for the Department of Defence for which payment has yet to be made, as at 30/9/97, was $1,319,330. Consultants (2/3/96—30/6/97)Nature of work undertakenAmount paidACQUISITIONSADACELTraining task analysis AP-3C pilot and flight engineering.$57,036.40Allette Systems Pty LtdProvide ad-hoc advice on SGML, document type definitions.$2,630ARPLAN Pty LtdParticipate in the Defence Standing Acquisition Council for the CP-IT Project.$5,960ASPECT Computing Pty LtdExamine problems with INGRES database.$14,452ASPECT Computing Pty LtdDIIAG consultancy to review IT arrangements for DAO.$163,899ASPECT Computing Pty LtdDIIAG consultancy to review IT arrangements for DAO.$138,150AUSLIGSupply of digital feature analysis data.$30,400Australian StreamlinedEstablishment Review.$17,736BHP Information Technology LtdDIIAG consultancy to review IT arrangements for DAO.$170,910BHP Information Technology LtdDevelopment of a strategy for implementation of a firewall.$189,696Biddle Management ServicesSource evaluation report.$5,100BIDDLE Management ServicesSource evaluation report.$8,650COMPUCAT Pty LtdConsultancy Service—scoping study of ADF's air defence system.$13,000COMPUCAT Pty LtdConsultancy Service—scoping study of ADF's air defence system.$25,000COMTECH Communications Pty LtdReview training for Project DM213.$11,067CSC Australia Pty LtdDevelop and deliver a CALS info pack.$52,741CSC Australia Pty LtdDIIAG consultancy to review IT arrangements for DAO.$54,850Digital EquipmentAdvice on preparation of Yr 2000 Home Page.$2,500Independent Verification and Validation (IV & V) Australia P/LIV&V training support for air 5077 AEW&C.$3,350Keatsdale Pty LtdADF freight movement evaluation study.$20,885.16KPMG Peat MarwickCost investigation of claims on the Commonwealth under ASTA sale & purchase agreement.$52,564.10Planning Support IncOHS survey for EO SSLM CSP project.$41,883Planning Support IncValuation of maintenance storage and distribution equipment.$24,590Planning Support IncAssist in evaluating the CSP-IT bids.$2,192Rhodski & FallsNES employee benchmark survey 1997.$5,500Robin Bishop & AssociatesReview and validate complex procurement training packages to ensure alignment to ASF Level 4.$5,500Simsion Bowles & AssociatesTo develop and demonstrate proof of Concept Logistics Preparedness Model.$200,000Strategic Management ScienceReview of Project AUSTACCS Task 1.$46,000Total Logistics ManagementConduct project definition study for ASLOGPARS.$34,640Trade Union Training AustraliaFacilitate union rep training in CSP matters.$21,894.61Wizard Computer Training P/LProvision of a system for resource planning & work recording for NMR branch.$10,000Wool and Wine Production CoFacilitate development of Submarine export strategy.$25,664.14AIR FORCEAustralian Valuation OfficeConsultancy services for the valuation of the corrosion control facility.$8,000AZIMUTH Consulting (ACT) LtdDevelop an IT management strategy for RAAF Richmond.$6,629.25 Barrett Support ServEvaluation of tender for RAAF video conferencing.$4,090Brian Thomas & Assoc Pty LtdImplementation of organisational self assessment.$42,156.07Business Interventions Pty LtdTo problem solve and provide advice on the best way to implement a quality management system.$9,651.40Cameron & AssociatesFacilitated development of performance indicators for workforce planning.$4,500Computer Sciences CorporationTo enable strategic analysis of electronic documentation.$78,645.18Ernst & YoungFacilitate 1997 Logistic Command planning conference.$6,455.45IE Management ConsultantsValidation assistance for INFOSYSOPS customer service audit.$13,737.50Index CommunicationsDesign and implementation of new museum gallery.$7,040JGP Quality ServicesImplementation of quality management systems.$14,279.82Jill Cameron and AssociatesProvide advice on establishment of Base child care centre.$500KPMGCoordination and facilitation of RAAF logistics key process review workshop. Provision of venue and trained facilitator.$17,181.50KPMGProvision of study methodology and application advice for strategic process review of RAAF logistics.$23,301KPMG Management ConsultingFacilitate business process re-engineering of ARDU.$82,879.35Northeast, WGCDR (AIRTC) N.W.Undertake review of the 90s recommendation raised in the review of the ASCS, resulting in the provision of a paper to ACPRM-AF detailing RAAF approach.$407.45PE Handley-Walker Pty LtdImplementation of quality management systems.$5,775PROTECH Australia Pty LtdAccrual accounting update of museum computer.$850Standards ASS Quality AssuranceInternal audit of process.$820Support Solutions Pty LtdImprove software performance.$650WORKS AustraliaProvision of drawing set for Hanger 54 RAAF Richmond (Corrosion Control Facility).$2,550ARMYALLOM Lovell Marquis-Kyle ARCHIPrepare environmental management plan for School of Musketry & Small Arms—Gallipoli Barracks (Heritage listed).$8,622ASPECT Aust Defence GroupABC training.$15,930.55ASPECT Aust Defence GroupABM implementary strategy option paper.$46,660ASPECT ComputingProvide details of costs of LOFIN connecting options of EA LOG COMD to HQ LOG COMD.$16,330ASPECT ComputingAccrual based management training—Feb 97.$25,925ASPECT ComputingAccrual based management training—Feb 97.$15,930.55ASPECT Computing Pty LtdProvide details of costs of LOFIN connecting options of EA LOG COMD to HQ LOG COMD.$16,330Attorney-General's DepartmentLiverpool management review team services.$37,291.48Attorney-General's DepartmentAlbury-Wodonga Military Area tender evaluation team service.$27,444Attorney-General's DepartmentITR evaluation AWMA.$1,479.50CIT Solutions Pty LtdServices to the Army Provision of Environmental Management Training Analysis.$58,102Col R SchraderPrepare paper at CGS History Conference.$3,304.89Computer AssociatesRedevelopment of upgrade of INGRES base—sun solaris package.$1,462Coopers & LybrandAccrual Budget preparation.$10,000Cornish Aviation ConsultingTender process for lease of fixed wing aircraft.$50,000CSC Australia Pty LtdSecurity required for restricted high networks.$30,500CSC Australia Pty LtdImplementation and enhancement of Oracle database for Trg Mngr records course information controlled by Ops Br for the Command.$44,835CSC Australia Pty LtdImplementation and enhancement of Oracle database for Trg Mngr records course information controlled by Ops Br for the Command.$61,736DAS Interiors AustraliaPrepare five year management plan for heritage listed Gallipoli Barracks.$5,000Deloitte Touche TohmatsuDevelopment of Service Level Agreement.$7,821.80Deloitte Touche TohmatsuDevelopment of Service Level Agreement.$4,715.40Dept Employment Education & TrainingEmployed ITO 1 position on contract (part-time).$600Dept Employment Education & TrainingProvision of Recruiting Services for Employment.$510DIGITAL Equipment CoSupply of contract services for ABSG scoping study.$10,345DIGITAL Equipment CoExtension of scoping study.$2,000DIGITAL Equipment CoEmployed T Masur & G McGregor for JANUS porting version 5.$13,640 DPM ConsultingProject Management.$16,500Dr Thomas-Durrell YoungPresent paper at CGS History conference.$3,304.89Ernst & YoungSupport for preparation of IHO tender.$61,275Ernst & YoungProvision of training course on creating, implementation and monitoring service level agreements.$7,896.45Ernst & YoungSupport for preparation of IHO tender.$16,819.43Ernst & YoungForm a joint in-house team with Defence to examine and report on existing work practices and more cost effective options.$112,500ESG Solutions Pty LtdArmy works information system develop system admin guide.$4,320ESG Solutions Pty LtdPrepare and conduct the terms of reference conference for the AWAS maximo series five migration. Prepare financial report.$38,090Freehill Hollingdale & PageLooking at the contracts of Albury/Wodonga CSP activities.$10,787.50Hinds Blunden Australia P/LDevelop and deliver facility mgrs CSE.$4,750Hyder Consulting (Aust) P/LTo undertake an environmental resource assessment of the Singleton Military Area, and prepare an environmental management plan.$150,000Hyder EnvironmentalWaste assessment study and waste management plan for Liverpool Military Area.$78,820.98Hyder EnvironmentalDevelop waste management plan for new Legislative requirement policy and efficiency requirement for Liverpool Military Area.$48,409.98Hyder Environmental Pty LtdEnvironmental Management plan.$120,000Hyper TechnologyComputer.$70,000James Cubitt Architects P/LPreparation of Environmental management plan for Land Warfare, Canungra$37,420JNACGS Comms System Communications.$2,655Kinhill Engineers Pty LtdStoneyhead Management Plan.$17,000Kinhill Engineers Pty LtdCH&S Assessment Albury/Wodonga Military Area$8,709Kinhill Engineers Pty LtdEnvironment Management plan for Yampi Training Area$5,936Major Training ServicesArmy Pilot Training Services.$117,074.78Mason Gray StrangeEquipment evaluation Hunter Valley.$8,075MAVOR Pty LtdOperational Analysis.$10,000National Acoustics LaboratoryConduct Army establishment noise surveys and provide noise consultancy services.$101,942.80National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,700National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,600National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$10,400National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,200National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$22,220National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,600National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,540National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,600National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,600National Occupational TrainingConduct unit safety coordination case.$5,600New Creation Print MarketingVisual strategy for Army's Red Beret.$3,500ORACLE Systems AustraliaTroubleshoot upgrade of Oracle Database to version 7.3.$855P-CON QLD Pty LtdStudy resource implications of conducting overlapping ROBC at the School of Army Aviation.$6,180Planning Support IncReview of Albury/Wodonga price schedule, draft request for tender.$5,000Planning Support IncActivity outcomes / performance indicator workshop.$4,283Planning Support IncAlbury/Wodonga Military Area Tender Evaluation Team.$17,070Planning Support IncAlbury/Wodonga Military Area financial evaluation.$9,525Planning Support IncHunter Valley requisition for quotation evaluation.$4,172.60Planning Support IncITR & RFQ evaluation, Hunter Valley.$15,081.46Planning Support IncITR & RFQ evaluation, Liverpool.$13,351.43Planning Support IncITR & RFQ evaluation, Hunter Valley.$29,800Planning Support IncLiverpool tender evaluation.$18,876.68Planning Support IncOH&S Survey SQLD.$17,820Planning Support IncOH&S Survey Hunter Valley.$10,000Planning Support IncAssistance to the in-house Team to develop in-house bid, including costing.$23,747Planning Support IncAssistance to the IHOT in preparing their tender for services under the CSP.$26,346Planning Support IncConsultancy support to the HV Log Company in-house option via CSP.$38,800 Planning Support IncUndertake consultancy support to the HVLC IHOT for CSP Project HV region.$45,635.50PPS TechnologyDevelop, host and service RMC Home Page.$1,329Ross Begbie & AssocProject management training.$3,650Safe Workplace ManagementTo Identify any risk in the storage and handling of chemicals at ATSE.$2,920SIGMA ConsultancyCareer decision support system development.$2,400SIGNET SystemsCIS Network presentation.$1,773.81Singleton Business EnterpriseProvide commercial business advice required in the formulation of new business plan.$500STRATA SystemsComputing software repair.$120The EQUA Consulting GroupMaster programming for special operations.$10,547.21TYP Pty LtdEnergy management system.$3,000TYP Pty LtdHot water heat pump feasibility study.$1,800UNIQ Professional Services P/LConduct sys admin, configuration and documentation audit. $36,375.50WIN Fowles and AssociatesReview a study into the future conduct of third and fourth line logistic activities in NQLD.$10,790.70BUDGET AND MANAGEMENTACUMEN AllianceProvide advice technical and financial support to CSP-IT in-house option bid team.$51,751.50APTECH AustraliaThird business planning day services.$2,976.35Attorney-General's DeptProvide advice.$41,003.77AUST Continuous ImprovementConduct a continuous improvement program.$44,475.95Aust Quality Council LimitedFacilitate specialist training module.$1,200Australian Broadcasting CorpVideo production.$87,925Australian Quality CouncilProvide presentations/workshops.$2,400Brian White & AssociatesRevision of Committee Secretaries Workshop.$2,850Bywater Property Management Pty LtdProvide advice.$15,951Catalyst Training SystemsConsulting services for recruitment selection training system.$15,938Coopers & LybrandProvide advice.$8,500Coopers & LybrandNew submarine project.$1,240CSC Australia P/LProfessional services.$5,250CSC Australia P/LReview LAN/Network.$35,000D Rudd & Partners (ACT) Pty LtdConsultancy on air conditioning requirements.$11,800Deloitte Touche TohmatsuProvide advice.$35,000Dept Immigration and Multicultural AffairsCost associated with records management systems working group.$1,920.40DMR Consulting GroupInvestigate effective IT solutions for the civilian recruitment and selection.$39,000Ecowise EnergyElectrical power requirements.$440Gilbert & TobinProvide contract advice to CSP-IT in-house option bid team.$42,088.61Holton Connor ArchitectsDevelop major works plan.$32,940IBM AustraliaReview of hardware and software.$6,720INFUSE Pty LtdAssistance with ethics study.$2,516ISIS Innovative Solutions IncFacilitate development of code of conduct.$950ISSC Australia LimitedReview of report distribution.$14,000Learning Action Pty LtdCustomisation of CBTA module, communications skills.$2,940Mr D WoodDevelopment of risk analysis.$9,150Mr F HeyesPreparation of cleaning SOR.$4,350Mr I BurgessTo advise of efficiency options as part of the Defence Efficiency Review.$990Mr J MotenIG evaluation of AF logistics.$117,347.50Mr J StoneTo advise of efficiency options as part of the Defence Efficiency Review.$29,414Mr R EnglundTo conduct an investigation.$4,000Ms L HegartyAssistance with ethics study.$10,000Palm ManagementDevelopment of business plan.$9,000Peter CottonProvide advice.$41,003.77Planning Support IncFacilitate integration project.$12,600Planning Support IncPreparation of SOR for CSP.$39,463.84Planning Support IncProject development.$7,085Price Waterhouse UrwickAssist the DER in the identification of appropriate Best Practice and Benchmarking indicators for areas under review.$41,003.77Product Innovations Pty LtdIn-house CSP bid.$29,400 Puntimai AssociatesBrief for Resource Planning Workshop.$1,791Puntimai AssociatesQuality assurance adviser.$29,127.50Quality Assurance Services Pty LtdCertification of the Information Systems Service Quality Management System.$4,300RA Young & Associates Pty LtdDesign modification of medical centre.$9,419RADMILL Pty LtdDevelopment of applications for the management of portfolio funds.$27,078.50Risk Control Rating SystemOHS management functions.$2,400RMITConsultancy support to IG evaluation. $800Robert InglisDesign and implement activity based costing and CI systems.$950Rose & BartonProvide advice on negotiation matters regarding the in-house option.$16,919.45RTK Corporate Human ResourcesDevelopment of Interim Rehab management system.$19,658.80RTK Corporate Human ResourcesDevelopment of Interim Rehab management system.$13,589.90RTK Corporate Human ResourcesDevelop documents, implement and train military rehabilitation processes and procedures, and assist in developing a supporting computer system.$75,454.55SBAS Pty LtdConsultancy services.$17,943.75SHAWHITE Pty LtdFacility management consultancy.$11,296.10SMS ConsultancySystem analysis.$6,800Stanton PartnersReview of DEFMIS and DES.$62,027.20Stanton PartnersReview process for information collection in respect of Section 50 reporting and recommend appropriate adjustments.$52,730Strategic Plans Pty LtdProvision of assistance to prepare internal bid.$7,000Tanner James ManagementConsultancy on skills transfer on Quality & Project management.$12,750Technology Australasia P/LConduct an investigation of a proposal for the incremental introduction of the Mine Warfare Command Support System.$21,426The Power of TenAutomate manual process and document work flow.$16,000Tom Hayes and AssociatesEvaluation of Strategy and Force Development.$113,710Toogoolawa Consultancy Pty LtdIG evaluation of Intelligence.$100,000VYS Technical ServicesTechnical consultancy and allowances.$7,000VYS Technical ServicesInvestigation of contractual issues.$2,808VYS Technical ServicesInvestigation of contractual issues.$936Western Mining Corporation Resources Pty LtdTo advise of efficiency options as part of the Defence Efficiency Review.$378FORCES EXECUTIVEASPECT Computing P/LProof on concept demo scoping study.$24,000ASPECT Computing P/LDevelop policies and procedures.$71,775ASPECT Computing P/LProof on concept demo scoping study.$52,872.60Austin Knight Pty LtdRecruitment of medical undergraduates for DFRB.$45,523.83Brig K B MellorPreliminary planning for ACDSS study tour.$2,648.07Consultel Australia Pty LtdContinuation of a study of defence national phone environment to ascertain status, identify desired composition and produce a plan.$27,507Coopers & LybrandStrategic review of HQADF.$46,440CSC Australia Pty LtdAdvise ADF on possible enhancements to remove data ambiguity and enable message automation and provide both network and database admin.$100,000CSC Australia Pty LtdAdvise ADF on possible enhancements to remove data ambiguity and enable message automation and provide both network and database admin.$35,000Ernst & YoungFacilitator in workshop of stakeholders to assist in task analysis of information strategic concepts branch.$2,000GC SimsionReview and design of plan.$9,750Gen P C GrationACDSS Advisory Board Member.$500Geoff Driscoll ArchitectsConsultation on secure room design.$3,500Grouputer CorporationFacilitate a seminar related to a reorganisation and integration.$6,750Mercadier Pty LtdAssist DGFD(Land) to provide input to the capability submissions for Land 125.$10,000Mercadier Pty LtdLand 125 Wundurra DFCOP input.$40,000Mr F J ConroyACDSS Advisory Board Member.$500Ms C WalterACDSS Advisory Board Member.$500Prof J DavisACDSS Advisory Board Member.$500Puntimai AssociatesOverview current and planned defence personnel info systems and identify options to progressing to a single integrated personnel info system.$35,723.80 Quantum Technologies Pty LtdProvision of software development services.$45,300Sales Development Pty LtdPreparation of research workshop.$2,110Strategic Vision Pty LtdAdvice for development of operational marketing plan.$15,811.40TATENRedevelopment of careers explorer Version 2.$16,602.19Woolcott AssociatesACDSS Advisory Board Member.$500NAVYAlexander Gillon & AssociatesEvaluate requirements for replacement of fuelling marina for small boats at Cerberus.$4,800AMC Search LtdProvide advice.$46,950ASPECT Computing P/LCost benefit analysis.$19,200ASSET ServicesDesign and documentation for air conditioner upgrade.$20,028.65AUSLIGBathometric sounding under causeway high level bridge.$7,205AUSLIG (Australian Surveying)Surveying of new buildings and associated services.$5,500Aust Inst of Marine ScienceSpecies audit and environment analysis.$1,500Austpac Consultants Pty LtdReview of Navy's posting policy and practices.$405,728Austpac Consultants Pty LtdProvision of cost and performance measurement services.$2,066,842Bruechl Gilchrist & Evans P/LAdvise maximum size of vessel to use Pt Murat Pier.$255CCH Australia LimitedProvide copy of Building Code of Australia.$260CDM Pty LtdUpgrade of MHQ registry d&d.$6,475Coffey Partners InternationalAdvice on environment issues regarding pollution of Mary Creek.$3,304.37Communications DesignProduce, release of, evaluate request for Tenders.$6,860Concentric Asia PacificCCTIA Modules for CADD Modelling Group.$40,818DET Norske VeritasValidation of structure fatigue life assessment procedures.$44,500Environmental Management SVCSUndertake indepth research program into background materials and records relating to the pollution of Mary Creek.$19,000Ernst & YoungAdvise development naval engineering strategic plan.$20,800Fisher Stewart Pty LtdAscertain what electrical services work to be carried out at Cerberus.$2,300GPS & AssociatesInternet scoping report.$1,500Image & Document ManagementReview and report on NALO information centre.$30,000LE Quesne & AssociatesTo determine the suitability of Range hood over chargrill and alternatives.$500LOGSERV P/LParticipate in joint working party.$19,251.38LOGSERV P/LProvide assistance to develop the aircraft maintenance program to assist the Commonwealth in negotiations with BAA.$11,023.25Luminis Pty LtdMulti-hull resistance prediction method.$22,000McKay ArchitectsArchitectural design of awning to admin building entrance.$380Morgan & Banks ManagementProvision of change management services.$619,799Mr Gavin FryTo report on the state of the Naval Historical collections and make recommendations for the development of its management and safe keeping.$39,371.60National Safety Council of AusIndependent audit of safety management systems covering policy preparation & implementation and workshop procedures.$4,050PA Consulting Services LtdDevelop a change management plan.$79,301PAXUS Australia Pty LtdProvision of IT advice and guidance.$58,000Price Waterhouse UrwickBenchmarking study.$12,000Purified Water & Air SystemsInvestigate water purifying.$3,750Rodski & FallsConduct a survey.$5,500SKETTOS Marketing CommunicationPublication of Air Currents—the NALO magazine.$6,034.50TALLOWILLOW Enterprises Pty LtdConduct a study to identify the range of contracting options available, the optimum strategy for long term ship repair and refit.$91,825The Riches Group Pty LtdConduct a Review.$6,500VIPAC Engineers & Scientists LTDAssess noise levels within fleet aviation and recommend treatments to achieve the greatest noise reduction.$2,850Wizdom Australia Pty LtdConduct business process re-engineering review of warehouse admin functions and recommend improved work practices.$20,000Wizdom Australia Pty LtdDevelop two conceptual models using business process re-engineering with the aim of integrating single Service Ordnance Logistics Management.$148,906Works AustraliaSupervision of modifications to effluent pumping station.$4,275INTELLIGENCEAust Institute of ManagementDevelop In-house presentation course.$17,050BARINOREAnalysis, development, testing and installation of IT project.$30,000 BARINOREConsulting services for the purpose of conducting project definition study.$66,000BARINOREProject definition study on management information system.$60,000BHP Information Technology LTDImprovement of LAN management.$13,000Candle Computer Services P/LGeneral purpose mainframe programming services.$8,032.50Computer PowerInvestigate complex IT network problems.$410,153.60CSC Australia Pty LtdSystem configuration advice.$22,800Directions in ManagementDevelop in-house Management Course.$3,450MERCADIER Pty LtdLogistic Analysis Research.$25,008.75Mr A W SkiminSatisfy statutory obligations under the archives act.$36,079.80The Value Creation GroupCustomer satisfaction and staff morale surveys.$28,000SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYAVNET ComputerInstallation of h/w included in table top drive.$625Cameron & AssociatesAssist in further development of the ESRL plan.$300Centre for Corporate StrategyReview.$10,125.90Centre for Corporate StrategyReview.$11,727.81Centre for Corporate StrategyDelivery of CMIP workshops.$1,597.20CSSIPConsultancy fee for Professor D Gray.$600Dept of MathematicsExternal review.$500Emeritus Professor SandemanScribe Services.$760Ferntree Computer CorporationDevelopment support for database.$4,080INTICO P/LSurvey.$246Luminis Pty LtdConsultancy fee for peer review.$2,000Luminis Pty LtdConsulting fee.$1,000MEL ConsultantsConsultancy services.$2,260Mr D McArthurCheck calculations to modify a simulator.$950Prof P L DysonConsultancy services.$548Prof D GrayConsultancy fee for peer review.$600Professor Thomas J TriggsConsultancy fee.$810Professor Thomas J TriggsConsultancy fee.$1,317.24Professor T W ColeConsultancy fee.$867.55Professor Yiu-Wing MaiConsultancy fee.$284.30Rational Software CorporationCourse.$16,000Richard J NortonFA-18 aspects.$736Ryder-Self GroupReview.$7,164.70Scot Allison & AssociatesSSMD Consultancy.$18,631.82Scot Allison & AssociatesSSMD Consultancy.$26,636.75Scot Allison & AssociatesSSMD Consultancy.$15,414.50Swinburne University of TechConduct a course.$14,500Technology AustralasiaRun a Training course.$12,627UNISEARCH LtdConsultative Services.$1,170University CashierConsulting fee for Prof P A Baile.$1,735University of AdelaideAntenna theory course.$5,400Vasiliki Nihas and AssociatesOptions paper development.$3,852Total Number of Consultancies: 318Total Expenditure for 2/3/96—30/6/97:$10,707,517 Consultants (1/7/97—30/9/97)**Nature of Work UndertakenAmount PaidSCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYCRC-ASConsultancy advice given by Mr Paul Lagace.$350MEL ConsultantsPreparation and attendance at category transfer meetings.$5,090St John Ambulance AustraliaWorkplace level 2 training.$469Tom Hayes & AssociatesConsultancy on PO/ITO review program.$14,300Rust PPK P/LEnvironmental consultancy for AMRL Fishermen's Bend site.$43,541.25Henry WajswelnerErgonomics Seminar.$300Ms Jenni MetcalfeMedia skills workshop for scientists.$1,090Stone Wilson ConsultingMedia training course.$4,850TLC OH&S RepresentativeCommonwealth OH&S representative course.$450Woodhead Firth LeeConsultancy fees associated with re-roofing of building.$38,556CORPORATE INFORMATIONAcumen AllianceProvide consultancy support to the CSP-IT in-house option.$41,696Goynich Holdings Pty LtdProvide consultancy support to the CSP-IT in-house option.$32,868 Harpers Consulting ServiceProvide consultancy support to the CSP-IT in-house option.$51,800JOINT EDUCATION AND TRAININGEverett and AssociateSProvide advice on restructuring of the Defence Public Relations Unit.$2,625AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE HEADQUARTERSDibb & AssociatesStrategic planning.$40,699.93NR Pty LtdElectronic Warfare Study.$59,834.73PERSONNEL EXECUTIVEAdvertising Development SolutionArmy advertising agency review.$45,600Mercadier Pty LtdFeasibility study of telemarketing for DFRB.$82,000Outsource Marketing International Pty LtdRecruitment of medical undergraduates.$424.25Directions in ManagementFacilitation of planning session for Personnel Operations Branch.$975DEFENCE ESTATEESG Solutions Pty LtdRegional site visit. Investigation for AWAS help desk contact.$10,861.02Mark Power & Associates Pty LtdReview and documentation, division tendering and source selection procedures as part of the DEMG.$10,000Airport Planning Pty LtdRehabilitation of aircraft pavements, project management, design consultancy and contract administration.$191,253.50David Poole & Company P/LConsultancy for upgrade of the dental facility at Liverpool.$40,000
Gray McLean & Company Pty LtdProject Manager—Repairs and maintenance of facilities at Avalon Airfield, Geelong.$67,759Gutteridge Haskins & Davey P/LProject Management—Design and documentation and contract administration services for Amberley.$61,891Inland Consultants Pty LtdConsultancy for structural engineering work at Swan Hill.$550Kinhill EngineersDesign and documentation for roof of building R4 at Enoggera.$6,230Minter EllisonAvalon Airfield project—advice on copyright claim.$950Gazzard Sheldon ArchitectsDesign and documentation for works at Lancer Barracks at Parramatta.$33,407Australian MuseumStatement of Requirement for Heritage investigation at Myambat.$1,023.75IP & HM CallcottConsultancy for appraisal of accommodation, member of tender boards, contract administration work at Amberley.$18,060Clayton UTZ SolicitorsConsultancy for contract clarification at Darwin.$1,000Geoff Driscoll ArchitectsDesign and documentation for canteen facility at Fairbairn.$30,227.50Noel Arnold & AssociatesConsultancy for asbestos audit at RAAF Williams.$33,000Scientific Services LaboratoryConsultancy for asbestos audit at Maribyrnong.$1,530CORPORATE SUPPORTAZIMUTH Consulting (ACT) LtdIT connectivity investigations.$10,530Planning Support INCActivity based costing on print & publishing.$2,850Ryan Spargo ConsultingDevelop staff workplans.$5,298INTELLIGENCEScientific CommunicationsConsultancy in relation to report writing course.$5,586Mr A W SkiminSatisfy statutory obligations under the Archives Act.$11,430.80SUPPORT COMMANDAttorney Generals DepartmentIn-house option CSP Support.$700Coopers & LybrandAccrual Accounting Package.$22,553Dames & MooreSoil conservation.$13,109Ernst & YoungIn-house option CSP support.$145,000Hyder Environmental Pty LtdAdvice on environmental management and waste disposal.$45,000Hyder Consulting (Aust) P/LAdvice on environmental management and waste disposal.$39,850Hyder Consulting (Aust) P/LAdvice on environmental management and waste disposal.$21,000Newnham Investments Pty LtdAdvice on water treatment and soil.$31,772Planning Support IncIn-house option CSP support.$20,541Planning Support IncIn-house option CSP support.$950Sinclair Knight Merz Pty LtdManagement plan.$72,944System Documentation AustQuality accreditation.$16,050
Wordware Pty LtdAsset management.$150,000Computer Sciences CorporationLogistics data management project.$99,984.40Business Interventions Pty LtdQuality accreditation.$11,401.40 ACQUISITIONSCoopers and LybrandPlanning and review of the Defence Quality Assurance Organisation.$25,678Riskcorp Australia Pty LtdProject definition study to review and recommend strategy for effective management of risks in Major Capital Equipment division.$28,277.80Total Logistics ManagementConsultancy to review transition management in the ADF.$20,292ARMYMr S A LanhamProvision of a data base.$1,444NAVYSL & HL CorsonCLAWS Trial.$348AUS-MEATDevelop a quality control program for incoming meat.$3,200Morgan & BanksABM change management service.$759,332.70Morgan & BanksABM change management service.$105,047AIR FORCETurner Logistics Con. Provision of guidance and advice on the use of the Astor Model for MRU project team.$3,667.50Southmark ComputersProvide advice on new base child care centre.$280UNIX Network ServicesProvide advice on integration of Optivity LAN Management software into the ACSS network management system.$2,400FINANCE & INSPECTOR GENERALErnst & YoungProviding assistance to the audit of financial systems relating to the Department's financial statement.$25,850Keatsdale Pty LtdConduct study of ADF freight movement system in relation to CSP.$91,011.81Total Number of Consultancies: 69Total Expenditure for 1/7/97-30/9/97:$2,745,340.34 ** New Program structure from 1/7/1997. | Australia | 1,998 |
Mr Clerk, my reasons for proposing the Rt Hon. Ian Sinclair as Speaker of this House are partially illustrated by the hubbub that has just followed my proposal,
for all of us recognise the responsibility we have as members of the House of Representatives. As a matter of fact, this week marks 15 years in which I have served in this House. In that 15 years I have never heard anyone on either side of the House treat the role or responsibility that each of us has as members of the House in a flippant or dismissive manner. But the sort of derision we have just experienced illustrates precisely why it is that we face both a derisive press and a cynical electorate. It is inevitable that here on the floor of this House ideologies will clash and political passions will be at their zenith. Here we have democracy in action. For that reason, we need as Speaker of this House someone who has the most experience in this place, someone who understands this place, someone who has spent more than half of his life in this place and someone whose courage as a parliamentarian is widely recognised. The Rt Hon. Ian Sinclair, the member for New England, has long been referred to by members on both sides of this chamber as the father of the House. It has been a term of endearment. For people on both sides of this House he has been a source of wise counsel. He has been someone people have turned to and on whose vast experience we have leaned. He has what we call a `presence'—hardly surprising, I suppose, for someone who has spent more than half his life in the Parliament of Australia. I am proposing someone who is not widely recognised as a man with sporting prowess, but he has been a rugby blue. Prior to entering the parliament, he was a barrister and a grazier and a director of a farmers cooperative, which made him an appropriate nominee for the seat of New England. He served in the state parliament, in the New South Wales Legislative Council. He became the member for New England in 1963 and has, therefore, served in the House of Representatives for almost 35 years. His ministerial experience is widely recognised and applauded. While I would not want to take up the time of the House dealing with each of those ministerial experiences, it is widely known that, as Minister for Trade, as Minister for Primary
Industry and as Minister for Defence, he served this nation with courage and showed great dignity in making what were frequently difficult decisions. I am proposing to the House someone who has always been prepared to put his responsibilities as a member of the parliament way ahead of any source of popularity. While we have been in government, he has since 1996 been Chair of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. He has, as everyone in this parliament knows, led delegations with dignity and courage and shown a great deal of perspicacity as a representative of the parliament and as a delegation leader during the 35 years that he has been a member of the House of Representatives. In addition to this, I remind the House that the right honourable member for New England brings two other unique qualities to the role of Speaker. He brings a wife who is recognised for the gracious way in which she has supported him and he brings a family of two sons and two daughters and a real responsibility as a father. He also brings an innate cheerfulness which I think we should all applaud. The cheerful way in which he accomplished his role of leading the Constitutional Convention prompted me to be associated with this nomination and to recommend him to the House. | Australia | 1,998 |
I propose Mr Harry Jenkins as the Speaker of this chamber. In doing so, I break a precedent of considerable longstanding, and that is that the party leaders do not propose the Speaker of the House. I do so for specific reasons, which I will get on to a little later. Firstly, let me say that in proposing Mr Harry Jenkins I am proposing the person, among currently serving chairs of this chamber, who is longest serving and best qualified. Harry Jenkins has been a presiding officer of this chamber for five years. He has conducted himself with great distinction in that position, and I believe to the satisfaction of members of both sides of the House. If we were to follow in the British tradition, which the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) likes to talk about from time to time, the normal circum
stance would be that—unless there is great dissatisfaction—the senior presiding person under the Speaker would be the person who next takes the role. It does not depend on whether or not the Labour Party or the Conservative Party happens to be ruling the roost on any particular occasion. Hence, Betty Boothroyd, the current Speaker of the House of Commons, emerged as the Speaker during the period of the Tories' government. Harry Jenkins is a Speaker in waiting who as a presiding officer has conducted himself with great distinction. He is a safe vote as Speaker of this chamber for people who want to make a statement about the events which have occurred in this House over the last couple of days, and I think there would be one or two people who would want to do that. Whoever emerges as Speaker in this chamber emerges with a handicap placed upon them by the Prime Minister, and it will require somebody of Harry Jenkins's background to be able to handle that handicap. We remember the Prime Minister saying that he would adopt a system of having a completely independent Speaker who can be just as tough on him and his ministers. He then proceeded, over the last two years, to harass his Speaker at every point of time that his Speaker chose to exercise that level of independence that the Prime Minister invited him to achieve. When the Speaker allowed supplementaries, we had from the Prime Minister and from the Leader of the House (Mr Reith) an endless array of challenges. When he said that what he wanted out of question time was, as well as precise questions from the opposition, some relevance and brevity in the answers from the government, he was again challenged on that by the Prime Minister. We had, for those serving in this House, the unprecedented example of a Prime Minister standing in this place and challenging the Speaker's ruling. There has been no performance by any recent Prime Minister that even remotely equates to that. What we have had from this Prime Minister is a piece of cant and hypocrisy which gives us in the opposition no confidence at all that anybody emerging from his ranks arrives here without precisely that level of constraint imposed
upon him that the Prime Minister attempted to impose on his previous Speaker. We can well understand why the Liberal Party, having seen the Prime Minister wreck one of their members in the way in which he wrecked Mr Halverson's situation, should not want to put one of their number forward to take the chair. It is a unique statement about the qualities that they as the major party in this House now possess that a Speaker cannot emerge from their ranks. If you are going to go away from a Speaker from your ranks, how about going to the British tradition? The British tradition would put Harry Jenkins well and truly in the chair at this point: a well-qualified man of considerable capability who has conducted himself in the chair to the satisfaction of both sides of the House for the last five years. I invite honourable members to avail themselves of an excellent opportunity to make a gesture of independence on their part and vote for Harry Jenkins. | Australia | 1,998 |
You may learn something from history, members of the opposi
tion. During his remarkable career, the right honourable member for New England had a whole range of portfolios. What other members of this parliament would have had portfolios from social services through to trade, transport, communications, defence and primary Industries? He brings a wealth of experience to this parliament. He played a pivotal role, particularly in the 1970s, in association with Peter Nixon and my father in the troika, in the Fraser government. It was a very valuable contribution that the right honourable member for New England played in the foundations of Australia, in numerous governments—from Menzies to Holt to McMahon and right through to Fraser. Many of those individuals have left the parliament, but Ian carried the baton through the 1980s. He was elected Leader of the National Party in 1984 and played a pivotal role in those opposition years. His crowning achievement, as even members of the opposition would recognise, was his chairing of the Constitutional Convention. He brought a sense of vitality, of wisdom, of vigour, of strength and of good humour to that convention. Another aspect of Ian Sinclair which is not well known in this House, and perhaps the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) might recall it, is that in the old House there is a photograph of a younger Ian Sinclair, Bill Hayden and also Doug Anthony in football jerseys. They actually had defeated the press gallery. So there was obviously great camaraderie even with the opposition leaders. I am sure that the member for New England will not be physically playing football, but I do hope that the elements of what happened in those eras remain as he becomes the next Speaker. It is with great pleasure—and I do note the presence of his wife Rosemary and family in the gallery—that I second the motion that he becomes the Speaker of the House, because he will uphold the traditions of the Westminster system. Despite all the opposition's rhetoric, I know that deep in your hearts you will respect the man and that he will do a fine job as the next Speaker of this parliament. | Australia | 1,998 |
I second the nomination of the member for Scullin (Mr Jenkins). It gives me great pleasure to do so, not only because he has been a Victorian colleague in this parliament but because during the last five years he has served first as deputy chair to the previous Speaker of this House and then as second deputy in this current parliament. He is the most experienced person on offer and, under the Westminster tradition, should be supported. He is known for his understanding of the standing orders, he is known for his fairness, and you all know he would do a damn good job. These are extraordinary circumstances that have us in here today; extraordinary but not unique. This is the second resignation of a Speaker mid-term, in both cases because their Prime Ministers would not back the Speaker. Speaker Halverson was an honourable and genuine Speaker—genuine in his desire to be independent. But his one big mistake was that he took the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) at his word. He thought that that is what the Prime Minister wanted. He believed that statement where the Prime Minister said, `We are going to lift the standards; we want a truly independent Speaker.' Bob Halverson believed you. The fact of the matter is that you did not believe it yourself. What you did in his two years was to harass and humiliate him. You drove him from office. You would not uphold the standards that you set for yourself. We all came back to this session with all this hoopla about the two years rule-off, that last year, that terrible year, was put behind them, that we had a new government reinvigorated. What have we got? Two resignations already. We have got the member for Lowe (Mr Zammit) sitting on the crossbenches, with all of those words he said about not being able to trust the Prime Minister and his not being up to the job. We also got the second resignation, the resignation of Speaker Halverson. Both of the resignations occurred because they could not work with this Prime Minister. One went on the record to say why he could not work with the Prime Minister; the other did not. So it will be very interest
ing, as you will come to understand on the other side, to know why a National Party Speaker has been put in ahead of someone from the Liberal Party. While all those leaks start occurring, while the restless member for O'Connor (Mr Tuckey), grinning as he is today, knows that this was another wasted opportunity for him, the fact of the matter is this: you have had two resignations in your third year, with seven resignations leading up to this. We have got those two resignations this year because we have got the same old mean-spirited Prime Minister occupying that chair; a Prime Minister who is not up to the task. The only thing that has changed is the clipped eyebrows and the new set of glasses. That is the remake of the Prime Minister over the last three months. And we have got the Treasurer (Mr Costello) in lighter coloured suits. You haven't got the brown one on today, Pete. But even the Treasurer did not have the sense to come to that decision on his own. Nikki Savva dressed him. Nikki Savva is remaking the Treasurer. What are we going to see tomorrow, Treasurer? This is all that has happened over the last three months: a set of glasses, a set of eyebrows and a new suit. But what we have got underneath it all is the same old government, still not up to it, stumbling from crisis to crisis, and yesterday was another one of those crises. I call on the Prime Minister to restate his pledge on the independence of the Speaker, and this time to mean it. No-one believed him on the last occasion, and he has an obligation to state it again and then prove it. The new Speaker should come in and state his intentions as well. We want to know, in terms of the 26 May statement which reflected Speaker Halverson's frustrations, whether that is going to be adopted by the person this House chooses. We will make this point: if in fact there is no relevance addressed in terms of your answers to questions, if you harass the Speaker, we will use all forms of the House to ensure that our position is put forward. We would like to hear from the new Speaker when he takes that position how he intends to demonstrate his independence. | Australia | 1,998 |
The House divided. 0AYESAbbott, A. J. Andrew, J. N.Andrews, K. J. Anthony, L. J.Bailey, F. E. Baldwin, R. C.Barresi, P. A. Bartlett, K. J.Billson, B. F. Bradford, J. W.Broadbent, R. E. Brough, M. T.Cadman, A. G. Cameron, E. H.Cameron, R. A. Causley, I. R.Charles, R. E. Cobb, M. R.Costello, P. H. Dondas, N. M.Downer, A. J. G. Draper, P.Elson, K. S. Entsch, W. G.Evans, R. D. C. Fahey, J. J.Fischer, T. A. Forrest, J. A.Gambaro, T. Georgiou, P.Grace, E. J. Halverson, R. G.Hardgrave, G. D. Hawker, D. P. M.Hicks, N. J.*Hockey, J. B.Howard, J. W. Jeanes, S. B.Johnston, R. Jull, D. F.Katter, R. C. Kelly, D. M.Kelly, J. M. Kemp, D. A.Lieberman, L. S. Lloyd, J. E.Marek, P. McArthur, F. S.*McDougall, G. R. McGauran, P. J.McLachlan, I. M. Miles, C. G.Moore, J. C. Nairn, G. R.Nehl, G. B. Nelson, B. J.Neville, P. C. Nugent, P. E.Prosser, G. D. Pyne, C. M.Randall, D. J. Reid, N. B.Reith, P. K. Ronaldson, M. J. C.Ruddock, P. M. Scott, B. C.Sharp, J. R. Sinclair, I. McC.Slipper, P. N.* Smith, A. C.Smith, W. L. Somlyay, A. M.Southcott, A. J. Stone, S. N.Taylor, W. L. Thomson, A. P.Tuckey, C. W. Vaile, M. A. J.Vale, D. S. Wakelin, B. H.West, A. G. Williams, D. R.Wooldridge, M. R. L. Worth, P. M.Zammit, P. J.0NOESAdams, D. G. H. Albanese, A.Baldwin, P. J. Beazley, K. C.Beddall, D. P. Bevis, A. R.Brereton, L. J. Brown, R. J.Crean, S. F. Crosio, J. A.Dargavel, S. J. Ellis, A. L.Evans, G. J. Evans, M. J.Ferguson, L. D. T. Ferguson, M. J.Fitzgibbon, J. A. Grace, E. L.*Griffin, A. P. Hatton, M.Hollis, C. Jenkins, H. A.Jones, B. O. Kerr, D. J. C.Latham, M. W. Lee, M. J.Macklin, J. L. Martin, S. P.McClelland, R. B. McLeay, L. B.McMullan, R. F. Melham, D.Morris, A. A. Morris, P. F.Mossfield, F. W. O'Connor, G. M.O'Keefe, N. P. Price, L. R.Quick, H. V. Sawford, R. W.*Sercombe, R. C. G.* Smith, S. F.Tanner, L. J. Theophanous, A. C.Thomson, K. J. Willis, R.Wilton, G. S.PAIRSAnderson, J. D. Lawrence, C. M.Gash, J. Holding, A. C.* denotes teller | Australia | 1,998 |
Mr Speaker, I offer my congratulations to you. I have a number of comments that I want to make, but the first is, in a very personal sense, to express my enormous pleasure at the honour that you
have achieved. There is nobody in this parliament with whom I have had over a longer period of time such a close personal association as with you. Although we come from different parties, we worked together for a long time as ministers in the Fraser government and also as fellow leaders of the coalition in opposition. We have experienced together some of the successes of political life and some of the defeats and reverses. Anybody who has a long period in public life will inevitably go through that period and those particular experiences. There is nobody in this parliament who has such a long and distinguished record of contribution to the parliament as an institution as do you, Mr Speaker. There is nobody in this place who is better versed in the standing orders, the conventions, the practices and the folklore of the House of Representatives and the Australian parliamentary system than the person who has just been installed as Speaker of this parliament. There is nobody who has held a greater variety of parliamentary positions than have been held by our newly installed Speaker. All of us who witnessed, and particularly those who participated in, the Constitutional Convention—including those opposite—would have been struck by the tremendous authority, flair and style that you brought to the chairmanship of the convention. It was a unique gathering. You impressed not only those who had spent years in parliament but also millions of other Australians as somebody who exercised an authority and a command of the position. It reflected enormous credit on you. I first got to know you, Mr Speaker, when I entered parliament in 1974. You were then the Manager of Opposition Business. The example that you set in the work that you did then was something that certainly had a very considerable impression on me as a junior member of the parliament and many other members. Mr Speaker, there are five people in the parliament today—and all five are present—who have one thing in common that is not shared by any other member of the parliament. Those five people—namely, yourself,
the right honourable member for New England, the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (Mr Ruddock), the member for Mitchell (Mr Cadman), the member for Gellibrand (Mr Willis) and I—were all present during undoubtedly the most sensational, momentous and controversial event ever to affect an Australian Speaker since Federation, and that of course was the removal of Speaker Cope in 1975.The significance of my reference is this: in 1975 when Mr Cope named a member of the government the then Leader of the House refused to put the motion—Whitlam and Daly refused to put the motion. As long as l live I will remember the shouted defiance of Clyde Cameron saying to Jim Cope, `We don't give a damn what you think, Mr Speaker.' The real point of this is that the person who then did the right and decent thing and upheld the ruling of the Speaker was none other than the right honourable member for New England, who was then the Manager of Opposition Business. So I stretch back to 1975—23 years—for an absolutely pluperfect example of the respect that this man has always held for the office of Speaker. | Australia | 1,998 |
You can carry on. You can confect your outrage. You can simulate your anger. You can talk in your phoney terms about the crises. There has only ever been one crisis affecting the speakership of the Australian parliament since Federation and that was the betrayal of Jim Cope by Gough Whitlam's government. That betrayal will go down forever in parliamentary history as the ultimate Labor Party stab in the back. All of them lined up and they all betrayed Jim Cope—one by one they walked up and went like that and plunged the dagger into his back. And the one person who stood up for him was, in fact, the right honourable member for New England (Mr Sinclair).I think the newly installed Speaker will bring to this House as Speaker all of that accumulated experience. In moments of greater candour and reflection, I think it is very important that he will bring to the proceedings fundamental goodwill from people on both sides of the House. I well
remember a dinner held in this parliament some years ago to mark Ian Sinclair's 30 years in the parliament. That dinner was attended not only by members of his own party and by members of the Liberal Party but also by the now Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley).On that occasion the Leader of the Opposition spoke quite genuinely of his views about the right honourable member for New England, and I believed on that occasion that the Leader of the Opposition said precisely what he felt. It is always possible in the hurly-burly of this place, despite political differences, for quality on the other side to be acknowledged, and on occasions that does occur. It does not happen as often as perhaps it should, but on that particular occasion I am sure the Leader of the Opposition was genuine in what he had to say. The parliament has made a very good choice in filling this vacancy. I want to congratulate Ian Sinclair again. I want to renew what I said at the beginning: that I feel a great deal of personal pleasure for Ian's sake that he has achieved this very high office. I think he has the ability to go down in history as a great Speaker. I believe that he brings to the speakership very great qualities, and I believe that he will adorn the position of the speakership of the Australian parliament with enormous dignity. | Australia | 1,998 |
Mr Speaker, can I also—with indulgence—express a few remarks on your elevation to high office, which I know will give you and your family enormous satisfaction. I hope that at least some members of your family have managed to make it down in short order to see you here today and to share your joy and pride. How wrong one can be! I recollect that occasion the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) spoke of very well. I presented you with a picture of the heavy cruiser Australia after the Battle of Leyte Gulf in a state of disrepair, as it was the victim of a Kamikaze attack. It was proudly in port with its guns out, its bridge destroyed and one or two funnels off, and I thought that it adequately represented you and your career at that point of time. I was re
flecting on the fact that, as I had done a similar round of dinners for one of the distinguished leaders of the Labor Party in Western Australia at one point of time when the party was trying to persuade him to go, there was a similar message being delivered to you on that occasion. You fooled them all and here you still are in a position of great distinction, a position which, in the Westminster system anyway, is one of the highest—most honoured—in the land. The Prime Minister is quite correct when he says that there are people who respect you on both sides of the House. I am one of those on this side who has that respect for you. I do have to qualify it slightly by a description of the circumstances of the respect. We respect you as a warhorse, as a political figure, as a great survivor, as a person with an encyclopaedic knowledge, as a person who treats this chamber seriously and as a worthy and savage opponent. I was Leader of the House, as you were at one point of time, and I recognise that there are things that can be done with standing orders that advance the interests of the House and things that can be done that advance the interests of the government. As a Leader of the House, I was remarkably impressed by the way that the standing orders that you devised advanced the interests of the government. As Leader of the House at the time in the government, why would I not respect them in those circumstances? So that respect, which has been built up over time, has been the respect that a side in politics has in the democratic system for a worthy enemy, because a worthy enemy is one that you believe not only serves the interests of your opponents well but also does so with a view to advancing the interests of the institution from time to time. You have a challenging job. Quite extraordinarily, the Prime Minister referred to the circumstances of the sacking of Jim Cope at great length, and you would certainly be a person who would recollect that well. I was pleased to note, as I looked through the record of parliamentary service, that you have served with me longer—but only slightly longer—than you served with my father, and
therefore your corporate memory would be very extensive. There has been only one set of circumstances in my life in parliament, however, where the situation that confronted Mr Cope has been approached in this chamber; and that was two years ago—and by the Prime Minister—when the Prime Minister and the Leader of the House defied a Speaker's ruling and defied it persistently. In order not to put the Speaker in a situation where he had to choose between his loyalty to the House and his loyalty to his party, we withdrew. And I was severely criticised for it at the time as being insufficiently tough in not pursuing it to that point which it may have been pursued to at the time. But that was because we actually took a bit seriously at the time the efforts of Speaker Halverson to uphold the standards that the Prime Minister said he had, as opposed to the standards that the Prime Minister had, because we on this side of the House do recollect that there is some duty on us all as members of parliament to assist the Speaker—not necessarily to agree with him but to assist him. So you do come into the office with a considerable challenge. It is a challenge in which an effort to create some standards, an effort to create a bit of independence, on the part of the Speaker has been involved in the life of this parliament—indeed, it has been involved in a decision by a Speaker to stand down—and those standards have been ignored in the breach more than in the honouring. But, if ever the poacher is to turn gamekeeper, you are probably the bloke to do it. Having served the interests of the poachers for a very long time, you are now placed in the position of the gamekeeper. There is no doubt in my mind nor in the mind of any other member on this side of the House that you are entirely capable of doing that, if that is a road that you choose. That is an important thing that you do; it is an important thing, as I am sure you realise, for the honouring of the Westminster tradition and for the traditions that ought to exist in this chamber. But you will forgive us if we do say that, though we honour you in your position and we respect you as a person, we do regard this
as a situation very much on trial as far as the government is concerned. We also are a little bit confused as to how long you might actually be there. We, of course, would wish to see a termination of the service of this government at the next election. Were that not to occur, there would be a question mark over whether or not a McEwen precedent may not be being set here of a narrow period of time in high office. But that, of course, is a matter for you and your party and the government, if a melancholy event occurs and it is returned. But, in the time that remains to you, our congratulations, our best wishes and our expressions of goodwill to your family, who will be overjoyed here today. | Australia | 1,998 |
Indeed, quite the contrary. I want to just draw back for a moment to praise the member for Casey (Mr Halverson), who served for two years as Speaker. It is not in any circumstance an easy position to hold. I salute that service. I also salute his service in another forum, to the Royal Australian Air Force for some 25 years during which he gave outstanding service at officer rank. I wish the member for Casey well. But this allegation of crisis just needs to be dealt with for a moment. At 2 o'clock yesterday, the member for Casey as the then Speaker of the House announced to the House that he was stepping down. Here we are, less than 24 hours later, thanks to the decisive approach of the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) overnight, electing, happily by a huge majority—thanks to the leadership that has been provided on
the matter—a new Speaker who has a good deal of confidence not only on this side of the House but, if the truth be known, on your side of the House as well. Indeed, it was interesting, and I recognised, that the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) acknowledged your capability. Let me just turn to that. Not only, sir, have you won election for the seat of New England in 14 federal elections—you were first elected in 1963—I think the House might just note your ministerial service in some detail as well. You were Minister for Social Services from 1965 to 1968, and you were aged 36 at that time; Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Industry from 1966 to 1971; Minister for Shipping and Transport from 1968 to 1971; Minister for Primary Industry in 1971 and 1972; Minister for Agriculture in 1975; Minister for Northern Territory for a period in 1975; Minister for Primary Industry from 1975 to 1979; Minister for Special Trade Representations in 1980; Minister for Communications from 1980 to 1982; and Minister for Defence—and a very good Minister for Defence as well as your husbandry of the other portfolios—in 1982 and 1983.That is an extraordinary ministerial record. It means that the new Speaker has an encyclopaedic knowledge not only of the process of government but certainly of the process of this parliament. That is why I have absolute confidence in his capability of carrying forward the challenges faced as the new Speaker. I believe that it will be in a way which will see the electorate of New England fully covered, as it stretches from Tamworth to Tenterfield and beyond, as well as his carrying out these duties as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Let me just say one other thing. The business of government, of course, does go on. So at about 12 noon today I will table the trade outcomes and objectives statement, the second of those statements which is done in the first parliamentary sitting week of each year. I have every confidence that under your stewardship, under your capable jurisdiction as the new Speaker of this House of Representatives, the business of the House of
Representatives, including question time, will flow forward. I convey congratulations to Rosemary and to members of the family present here today. I convey congratulations to the National Party branches throughout northern New South Wales which I know will be particularly delighted this day with this decision of the House of Representatives. We wish you well, sir. | Australia | 1,998 |
Mr Speaker Sinclair, as the defeated candidate, can I congratulate you. May I say that the result of the ballot was not unexpected. One of your predecessors with whom I have from time to time had conversations about the role of Speaker has reminded me that the speakership can be a very lonely job, and I can assure you that he was of the belief that it was now one against 147. So I hope that the 87 who voted for you might give you some cooperation. It has also been alluded to that, because of your vast experience in this place, not only in government but in opposition, you know most of the tricks of the trade. So for us who are perhaps trying to give you a headache or test you, we will have to be on our mettle to get around your knowledge. It will be my pleasure to serve you, as I have served others, as the Second Deputy Speaker. I hope that you will excuse me for making some comments about the honourable member for Casey (Mr Halverson). The honourable member for Casey as Speaker Halverson brought his own personal style and great dignity to the office of Speaker. For that he has my great admiration. It was my pleasure to be able to serve him as the Second Deputy Speaker, and I wish him all the best in the future. To you, Ian, I think that you have the respect of the whole of this chamber, but you will understand that that respect will often be tested in the hurly-burly of debate. I know that you will allow that debate to continue within the standing orders but in a robust manner. | Australia | 1,998 |
Mr Speaker, I add my words of congratulation to your election today. You are a person of very great merit and your appointment reflects the high regard in which you are held by members of the parliament. I first met you and Rosemary on a trip to Israel of all places when I was a new member and we went around in a bus for 10 days. I suppose then that that was my first real personal experience of someone who had such a wide understanding and experience of government. I remember some of the appointments. As a new member, I was keen and eager to understand the diplomatic subtleties and niceties of the issues. Mr Speaker, I do not think you read any of the minutes or any of the briefing notes, but you would handle those meetings with such aplomb, with such experience and with such a tremendous knowledge of the politics, the economics and the broader issues that from that moment on I knew that you were a person of tremendous stature, as all new members to you, as they all are in this House, have learnt by experience. I congratulate you on the election and look forward to your speakership. I was also at that celebration of your 30 years in parliament, and it is true that the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) gave a good speech. But I qualify my remarks inasmuch as he gave a good speech because he thought you were definitely going. That is the fact. Even today whilst they laud your election, the reality is that they also qualified
their remarks by saying that they will keep you on notice. That is no surprise because, whilst many positive things are said, in respect of the Labor Party these are occasions where words of commendation are made, but I for one do not allow the past to be forgotten. I hear the Labor Party saying positive things, but in the time that I have been here they have pursued you, and there is still a stain of slander on the hands of the Labor Party and their words today should be taken with a memory of what they have said on the public record in the past. When the Labor Party talk about the nomination of the member for Scullin (Mr Jenkins) and suggest that they would support a Speaker of the independence of Betty Boothroyd, that is a sick joke coming from the Labor Party. Sitting on the back benches is none other than Leo McLeay, a former Speaker. You have only to say the name to remind people of the depths to which parliamentary standards fell when he was Speaker. Further, in all the appointments of Speaker in the time that I have been here when Labor had the numbers, it was always put on the basis by the Labor Party that the new Speaker would set new standards. I will just read a few newspaper headlines to record the standard treatment of Speakers under Labor. They start with the headline `We're going to clean up the act'. Back in May 1993 after the election of the then new Speaker, the member for Cunningham (Mr Martin), the headline was `Cleaning up the bear pit'. That was in May 1993, just after that election. By July we had a headline `Speaker's staffer works in ALP headquarters'. By the time we get to August, the headline is `The Speaker apologises for dumping on Peacock'. By the time we get into early 1994, the headline is `House in uproar as Speaker loses grip'. In the same month we had `Disorder in the House' followed the next year by `Hubris and Mr Keating'. People should not forget the history of the treatment of Speakers by the Labor Party. An editorial published in 1995 reads: It will come as a surprise to most people that the Prime Minister's image as a parliamentary headkicker is due to the Speaker's inability to control the Federal Parliament. Apparently Mr Keating told the Labor Caucus on Tuesday, by way
of explaining away the Government's devastating performance in the Canberra by-election, that the problems with his style are related to the conduct of Question Time. Parliament, he told Caucus, is not run like a professional organisation by the Speaker. So there they were attacking the Speaker. Just to finish it off, another headline is again typical of the way Labor has treated Speakers. Don't you lecture us about the independence of Speakers and the proper treatment of Speakers, as you will remember this headline: `Keating accused of intimidation of Speaker'.Mr Speaker, you will make a great Speaker because you are a person of experience, you are a person of integrity, and you are well regarded and highly respected in this place. I wish you well in your acceptance of the nomination. As Speaker, you do honour to this place and to our traditions. | Australia | 1,998 |
To the Prime Minister, to the Leader of the Opposition and to all members in this chamber, can I extend my thanks. It is an interesting post for me to assume. For so long, as the Leader of the Opposition has suggested, having been a protagonist in this place, it is somewhat different to be sitting here to arbitrate. I confess that I come with mixed feelings as one who loved the old place. As one who with my Sancho Panza enjoyed the venue for the course of the Constitutional Convention, I can say to you all that it would be my hope that we can bring to this chamber some of the magic that existed for so long down there. It was a place where personal debate and policy debate I think was of a far higher order than regrettably is often achieved in this place and I shall do what I can to ensure that we can meet those old standards. Can I say individually to the honourable member for Wakefield and to the honourable member for Richmond, who nominated and seconded me, thanks for your kind and generous remarks. Larry Anthony, like Kim Beazley, came here in spite of themselves in days when their fathers brought them, and each had a very distinguished entry into federal politics through the very significant service their parents gave. I count it a great honour to have known both of their parents and to have worked with them. I say to my predecessor, the honourable member for Casey and Speaker Halverson: we have had a great relationship. I regard you highly, Bob. I think you are a very fine Australian. You have served your country with distinction as you served this parliament. I shall try to bring to it the dignity that you showed on all occasions. To all gentlemen and ladies, I thank you for the support you have given me and assure you I will do my best to maintain the high standards which I believe should be set in the national parliament of Australia. | Australia | 1,998 |
Congratulations on your well deserved appointment, Mr Speaker. In continuing my remarks on the Managed Investments Bill 1997 , I would like to bring to the attention of the House some comments on the government's moves to streamline the management of funds, in particular by the general manager for managed investments for GIO Australia, which is not a small organisation nor one that is held in low regard in the industry. Mr Hamilton says of GIO:We were pleased with the Government's announcement to go ahead with the Collective Investments review legislation. This will enable large fund managers such as GIO Australia to efficiently combine the operation of their superannuation and non-superannuation businesses. We are able to care for unit trust moneys in the same professional way as superannuation and insurance moneys. That, of course, is a specific intent of the bill. He continues: We are very conscious of our fiduciary duties and this is a very competitive industry. We look forward to the speedy implementation of the Collective Investments legislation so that we can provide our unit trust investors with a similar level of protection and cost as our other investors receive. We estimate our unit trust investors will achieve increased returns as a result of cost savings from trustee fees no longer payable under the proposed reforms. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Investment Funds Association of Australia supports what the government is trying to do. I think it is worth drawing the attention of the House to some specific remarks that have been made by its Executive Director, Mr Richard Gilbert. Mr Gilbert, as I reminded the House last night, has told us of the people who were on the Australian Law Commission review in the
early 1990s: Don Argus, Mark Burrows, Alan Cameron, Tony Hartnell, Jim Armitage, Justice Elizabeth Evatt and Justice John von Doussa. As Mr Gilbert told the Australian on 14 October last year, the focus of these inspiring high achievers in investment management and financial management was on how a better system could be set up to avoid multimillion dollar fund failures such as Estate Mortgage and AustWide. He said: They formulated the concept of the single responsible entity. . . . The system of regulation for non-super investments is the same as that which was in place at the time of these fund failures. Of course, the ALRC was trying to make some remarks upon that system that was in place and some improvements to it. He continues: They said at the time that the law requires each scheme to have a manager and a trustee or investor's representative, but it is far from clear which of them is responsible for which aspect of the scheme's operation. This not only leads to unnecessary confusion—it is inflexible, it encourages unsatisfactory commercial practices and sometimes results in neither taking responsibility for compliance with the law because each can blame the other. Interestingly, the single responsible entity concept is almost identical to that which trustee companies work under in holding moneys for beneficiaries. Indeed, some of the trustee common funds operate as SREs and have sought Australian Securities Commission exemptions to do just this by removing the manager, but banks which operate CMTs have to operate with a dual structure. Mr Gilbert went on to say: Similarly, some of the trustee companies have been known to operate superannuation funds as SREs, not even using a custodian. Under the Costello reforms, the SRE, or trustee of other people's money, will have clear statutory obligations, harsh penalties for non-compliance and independent directors or an independent compliance committee. In addition, each SRE will need to prove that it has the operational and capital capabilities to manage other people's money. Mr Gilbert says that when you have a look at some of the prospectuses:. . . it shows the level of confusion around the two parties responsible for investment money. We can find words such as: `The trustee has had no involvement in the preparation of any part of this investment profile (other than the particular references to the trustee) and has not authorised or
caused the issue of it. The trustee expressly disclaims and takes no responsibility for any part of this investment profile.'For those who are not educated or necessarily adept at reading prospectuses, this in fact does lead to a degree of confusion on the part of prospective investors. Under superannuation industry supervision legislation, which had three years of successful operation, the regulatory costs to the ISC amounted to $27 million. The costs of custodian services where mandatory were similar—in other words, to protect $270 billion, about $55 million was expended. For non-superannuation investments, the costs of trustee expenses amounted to $55 million spread over a total of around $90 billion. The question that Mr Gilbert and the IFA have quite reasonably asked is: does three times the expense equal three times the protection? I suggest to the House that it does not. In my introductory remarks last night I said, perhaps with a degree of flippancy—I think it is important at times to put your mind around something you may not know a lot about—that the more that I had been lobbied about this the more convinced I had become that the government was doing the right thing. Amongst the numerous papers that were sent to me was a detailed analysis of this by KPMG. They had suggested that something like up to $40 million more would be spent in administering the new arrangements that the government is proposing. But when you actually look at it, that is about 0.025 per cent of the total funds that are under management—if you accept the figures that have been put up by KPMG. KPMG, in their analysis, made the observation that the information that they were working on had been provided essentially—or words to this effect—by one side of the debate and not necessarily by both. When I make remarks about the advocacy that has been put to us, in no way is that a criticism, implied or otherwise, of those who are representing the trustees' view on this. In fact, they have done an outstanding job. I am just not convinced of the veracity of their argument. Nor do I think the government or the House should be convinced that the
present arrangements with the costs associated with them are actually delivering the best, clearest and most understandable recommendations to prospective investors in Australia. We are also told that what we are doing is out of step with international best practice, that in some way we have to do what the rest of the world does. Frankly, when I look at the way that investment funds are managed in other countries and when I look at the history, particularly in relation to the Estate Mortgage case in Australia, I ask: why can't Australia take the lead occasionally? Why can't we develop a system in Australia that is simpler, that makes more sense and that reduces confusion amongst investors as to who has direct responsibility for things? Whilst I have a very high regard for trustees and their activities, frankly I think the trustees ought to accept the concept of a single responsible entity and do what they can to reposition themselves in the marketplace to become SREs themselves. I very much commend the bill to the House, and I suspect I will now be the subject of even more lobbying. | Australia | 1,998 |
I find I am in a great deal of agreement with the previous speaker, the honourable member for Bradfield (Dr Nelson), in respect of the Managed Investments Bill 1997 that we are debating today, simply because much of what he had to say was the subject of examination by this side of the parliament when it was in government. In fact, it was the former Attorney-General and my erstwhile flatmate Michael Lavarch who had commissioned a study into this important area and had also made some proposals for change. Regrettably, they were not enacted because of the change in government; nevertheless, this government has proposed to bring it forward, but with one major difference. I will comment about that shortly. I think it is important also to remind the House that managed investments are non-superannuation collective investments schemes; that is, where investors pool resources in a common entity which ranges from property, equities and cash trusts to ostrich farms and pine plantations. Around
$90 billion is currently invested in managed investments with an estimated growth of $20 billion per annum. That is the size of this entity that we are talking about. The concern I have as a part of that is with my role and responsibility as the shadow minister for small business, inasmuch as those investments manifest themselves in the arrangement which a number of these funds have entered into in respect of shopping centre developments around Australia. By investing in shopping centres, they then get caught up as owners—as investors—in shopping centres in trying to see that they maximise their returns. Some management companies that take on the responsibility of trying to maximise those returns for the investor then put the squeeze on many of the small businesses that are in the shopping centres. As a consequence, many of the problems that we have seen from time to time emerge. Mr Deputy Speaker, you would be aware that in the course of the last year a thorough examination of the difficulties involving small businesses was undertaken by this House. A report was tabled which touched on this very issue—the fact that landlords in major shopping centres, often because they were not doing the right thing, were in conflict with the tenants in those shopping centres. We found that as a consequence of there being a desire to maximise the investment return by many of these corporations that we are discussing in the course of this bill, some of the practices in those shopping centres were not perhaps as the tenants would like. I think if you discussed it with the corporations, the owners and the investors who had the running of these things, you would find that they also would not like to see that continue. We are not only for investor protection in the whole concept of these managed investments; we are also for the protection of the individuals, the consumers and the small businesses that are part of that total subset through the investment regime that is put in place. It is important that in the late 1980s and early 1990s there was a plethora of funds available. It became very much in vogue for people to invest money there. In the same way as we now have the government trumpet
ing the success of the float of Telstra, back in the eighties and the early nineties there was also much trumpeting of the success of these managed investment schemes but, regrettably, the success that was being trumpeted was not matched by the reality of the circumstances. As the honourable member for Bradfield remarked, and as my colleague the shadow parliamentary secretary to the Treasurer remarked in his contribution last evening, Estate Mortgage was one example of one such entity where the market just fell to pieces and many people were actually burnt. As a consequence of that, the fact that the government has now decided to go forward with this particular bill is appropriate because it will offer a degree of investor protection. As I say, that is something which Labor has supported. It is also important to note the difference in this bill, as I mentioned earlier, between what Labor did in government, as brought forward in proposals by the former Attorney-General, Michael Lavarch, and what the government is proposing now. The government is omitting the enforced separate entity—that is, separation of responsibility and liability of the people who manage the fund and hold the cash. The government seems to be looking at a voluntary system which puts the onus of monitoring and regulating the funds on the Australian Securities Commission. This certainly is an enormous responsibility. It is a responsibility which is being made all the more difficult, from a compliance point of view, because of the fact that the government, in its quest to balance the books, continues to make cuts in organisations like the Australian Securities Commission—its compliance and regulation budget was slashed in the 1996 budget. So they are saying, `As a government, we believe in protecting investors and we believe in the Managed Investments Billwe have in this place, but what we are not prepared to do is to separate that responsibility by having an enforced separate entity in place to look after the monitoring of that. Rather, we will leave it to one of the government organisations, but we will starve that organisation of the necessary funds to continue the compliance costs
and the compliance and regulation functions.' It is with some reservations that we say the bill is important and is supported by this side of the House. But, by the same token, we point out that there is this glaring difference between what was proposed by Labor and what the present government intends to put in place. The honourable member for Bradfield also alluded to the fact that he had been lobbied quite heavily by different organisations with a point of view to put. He was not Robinson Crusoe, I have to say. I suspect most members of this place were subjected to an endless stream of faxes and representations from organisations about the bill. I have a small collection of those in front of me now from Equity Trustees, the Permanent Trustee Company Ltd and Perpetual Trustees Australia Ltd—with each of these putting a point of view. The Permanent Trustees Company Ltd said: The legislation has the effect of weakening investor protection and has been criticised particularly by Standard & Poor's Rating Agency . . . That is because of the new system under which managed investments, particularly unit trusts, were going to be regulated in the way I spelt out. This particular organisation is suggesting that maybe there is a need for a bit more scrutiny of the intentions of this bill before it is actually made into law. In a similar way, Equity Trustees said: This Bill in its current form requires further scrutiny. The reform of our industry has progressed over six years and it is inappropriate to simply adopt an untested model and push it through the Parliament without proper investigation into its impact on Australia's 2.5 million investors. They are saying that there is a need for further scrutiny. That in itself is perhaps not a bad suggestion. Given the volume of money that we are talking about that is invested, around $90 billion currently invested in managed investments which is growing at an estimated $20 billion a year, it is not an inconsiderate amount of money. It is a sizeable amount of money. It is a fact that people are worried about the way in which the monitoring role, in a regulation sense, is put in place. Mention was also made of the Wallis committee report. Wallis, in investigating the financial systems operating in Australia, last year tabled a report which had extensive recommendations. The whole concept of prudential standards, prudential regulation and so on was all a part of that. Maybe there is a need to refer this bill off to a committee of this parliament for examination. | Australia | 1,998 |
I hear my friend the member for Curtin up the back suggesting that that might not be a bad idea. He is somebody who has had enormous experience in this area and who has spoken at length in this parliament over a considerable period on issues involving finance. So when he lends his support to the concept of sending it to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Corporations and Securities then I think we should listen to the honourable member. Clearly, he has the concerns that we on this side do. I would commend that as a recommendation to the government. I have never been one, Mr Deputy Speaker, as you know, to suggest that we should simply push off every piece of legislation to a committee for the sake of it, although I am a great believer in the parliamentary committee system and have been a great supporter of many of the reports those committees of this parliament have brought down. I referred earlier to, dare I say, the Reid committee, which talked about fair trading issues and the relationship between managed investors that have purchased shopping centres as part of an investment strategy. There is one case in point where you have an excellent report that the government should have adopted in principle instead of in its watered down form that it is proposing into this parliament at the present time. Nevertheless, that said, from time to time there are pieces of legislation that come before this place that probably do warrant a little more scrutiny. In conclusion, I would say simply that it may be in this parliament's best interests—and certainly in the interests of all of those thousands of people who have caught the investment bug and who are, through managed investment organisations, taking a punt on the stock exchange or what
ever—that this particular piece of legislation be referred to the joint committee as recommended, and an examination—I suspect a quick but thorough examination—done to see whether there are any unintended consequences about the proposal in terms of prudential supervision and the regulations regarding how the funds are to be supervised. I have no objection whatsoever in principle to the ASC having that role. However, they have to be given the funds so that they can sustain that compliance function. Unfortunately, with a government like this that is slashing back horrendously in the bureaucracy, I am a little surprised that they have actually suggested that the ASC have that role. I am surprised they have not hived it off and given it to one of the big accountancy firms in this country, but perhaps this is a precursor and that is not an idea I should put in the minds of the government. The way in which they are running this country at the moment, it is probably something they would jump at. However, I would hope that the government takes into consideration the comments that have been made by the opposition on this matter. We do not oppose the concept, but we are a little concerned about the supervisory arrangements. We would like to think that perhaps that aspect could be examined by a parliamentary committee but, at the end of the day, this is not a bill which we will necessarily oppose for opposition's sake. | Australia | 1,998 |
As with a companion bill, the Company Law Review Bill 1997 , also on the Notice Paper , this Managed Investments Bill 1997 , if enacted, will bring about substantial changes to the way in which business operates in Australia—in this instance in the non-superannuation managed investment industry. Given the magnitude of the change proposed in each piece of legislation, I am pleased to note that the government had second thoughts about a cognate debate, as earlier proposed. The controversial nature of the amendments being addressed here justifies the greater allocation of debating time now afforded, and I will certainly be utilising all the time allotted to me. There are many arguments put forward by those who support the proposed changes to the regulatory arrangements of managed investments, and an equal number from those who are concerned about the nature of the reform. I will broach these individually in a moment. However, it is imperative that we do not lose sight of the core issues in this debate. They are: do we need to reform the current regulatory arrangements for non-superannuation managed investment schemes and, if so, are we going about it in the most effective manner? Arguably, the first of these questions is the more straightforward to answer. Regardless of whether one argues for or against these measures, there appears to be some consensus about the need for greater clarity of the roles and responsibilities of persons administering managed investment funds. Whether the coalition's legislation will improve this clarity and transparency without compromising investor protection is not so certain. On many occasions in this place I have talked about the need for Australia to become more innovative and competitive, and more willing to adopt international best practice in business if we are to remain an effective player in international markets. However, this is one instance where I believe a more tempered, less pioneering response to reform may have been warranted. It is still unclear why the government is proposing to merge the present separate roles of trustee and manager of non-superannuation managed investment schemes into one, when this runs contrary to the international norm. Why is it that the government, with the blessing of the opposition, which introduced similar legislation before the last election, is determined to trailblaze the notion of a single responsible entity, an SRE, when only two other countries—the Dutch Antilles and the British Virgin Islands—have gone down that path? Significantly, the latter of these two small countries, having tried and tested the concept of an SRE, is now pursuing reforms of its own to embrace a division of responsibility and accountability in the management of investment schemes. It is true that most of the amendments in this bill are consistent with the findings of the final report of the recent financial system inquiry and the 1993 joint report by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Companies and Securities Advisory Committee. It is also true that there has been substantial deliberation and consultation with industry players in the lead-up to the introduction of this bill. However, there is a growing uneasiness in the investment, tax and legal professions about the implications of these measures and not just amongst those with a vested interest in the maintenance of the separation of roles of trustee and manager. In its summary to the report Collective investments: other people's money, the Australian Law Reform Commission noted: Many investors choose to invest in (collective investment) schemes because they do not want the worry and responsibility of day to day management of their money. Moreover, the ALRC noted: They rely on the law, rather than their own expertise to give them appropriate protection. As at September 1997, the Australian Bureau of Statistics put the total value of managed investment funds which employ both a trustee and a fund manager at around $87 billion. Many small-time investors in mainstream Australia, including retirees, who are typically risk adverse and who have relatively small savings, are moving away from term deposits and into managed funds in order to maximise their returns and ensure a better standard of living. Given Australia's poor performance as a savings nation and given the negative impact that low household savings have on economic growth and employment, it is vital that these small investors have confidence in those who are administering their moneys. It is arguable whether the merging of the functions of trustee and fund manager will deliver improved levels of consumer protection. It is clear that there are imperfections in the current system so that it is not always apparent where the fund manager's responsibilities end and where the trustee's begins, although it has been argued that this ambiguity is more a perception in the minds of Treasury officials than a reality. It was for
this reason that the ALRC and the FSI concluded that the buck should stop with one entity, and hence the concept of the SRE was born in Australia. However, in its February 1998 edition of Credit Focus, international ratings agency Standard and Poor's stated that the maintenance of the independence of the fund manager and the trustee was critical to ensuring appropriate investor protection and that the:. . . failure to mandate that fund assets must be held in safekeeping by an independent custodian is of concern and is in contrast to all other major financial centres of the world. The same argument was put by Mr James Lonie, a partner with the law firm Henry Davis York. Mr Lonie acknowledges that there is room to clarify the responsibilities of trustee and fund manager but suggests that the adoption of a single responsible entity concept is neither necessary nor desirable to achieve that end. Another independent analyst observed: If all managers are honest, diligent, and prudent, the new system will probably work extremely well. Just like the old system. If there are however one or two bad apples among the managers, there will be casualties. Where is the value in introducing new legislation to counter incompetent and sloppy management practices if it is unlikely to be more successful than the existing legislation? There simply isn't any. In its summary to its 1993 report into collective investment, the ALRC noted that this perceived displacement of responsibility is:. . . a direct result of the two-party structure that the law imposes, which does little to encourage scheme managers to take responsibility themselves for seeing that the law and the scheme's constitution are adhered to. If this is indeed the case, then clearly it is our job as parliamentarians, as legislators, to ensure that deficiencies in the law are corrected. But do such corrections really necessitate the introduction of such dramatic amendments to the existing act? If the bureaucracy is capable of producing 100 pages of new legislation to radically alter the prudential arrangements for managed investments, surely
it is able to more accurately prescribe the distinction in the role between trustee and fund manager while maintaining the two-tier structure. Perhaps the greatest shortcoming in this legislation is its failure to oblige MIFs to have fund assets held by an independent custodian. Not only is this in contrast to international best practice, it is also contrary to the recommendations of the 1993 collective investments review, which the coalition has used repeatedly to justify its preference for the concept of a single responsible entity. The explanatory memorandum accompanying this bill outlines how any property of a scheme must be held in trust for scheme members and quarantined from the scheme's own assets. The coalition obviously believes that this is protection enough for investors; however, many industry experts do not. Standard and Poor's note that an independent custodian is the minimum adopted standard amongst foreign financial centres and that the value of this independence cannot be overestimated. They argue that if investor protection is to be preserved then: There needs to be a clear legal separation between the fund manager of investments and the custodian of their assets. If this bill is enacted it is expected that fund managers will be more likely to rise to the role of the SRE than will trustees. This is causing a fair amount of anxiety for many analysts, and for good reason. As one commentator recently observed, this legislation was born to prevent a recurrence of the failure of several high profile funds. It was manufactured in response to particular aberrational events and behaviour. It has also been noted that the collapse of the funds which most concerned Treasury was caused by fund managers who acted recklessly—not the trustees, although ultimately they too must accept responsibility for any fund's demise. Mr Stephen Bartholomeusz noted in a recent editorial in the Australian: There is no confusion about where the greatest risk of improper or inappropriate behaviour lies, it lies with the managers whom (the Treasurer) is about to give far greater autonomy.
Given the bipartisan support that this legislation is likely to receive there is little doubt that it will pass through this place largely unamended. However, I believe the government would do well to review the issue of mandating for an independent custodian and to amend this legislation accordingly. The government promises an appraisal of the proposed prudential arrangements of managed investment funds by the ASC and Treasury at the end of the two-year transition period. That is all well and fine, but two years in the investment industry is a long time. Mr Simon Hoyne, a journalist with the Australian Financial Review, noted in an article on 18 September 1997 that the recent upswing in public confidence in Australian managed funds saw the value of the managed funds industry, including superannuation funds, grow $85 billion in 12 months to $395 billion in the 12 months ending 30 June 1997. Growth in the investment industry of this magnitude in this time frame is no accident. It does not just happen. Investors do not hand over their entire lump sum retirement payments to a managed investment fund, as is increasingly happening, without being satisfied with the products on offer and the level of customer service. Above all, investors do not hand over their savings to be managed by another without being satisfied with the investment performance of a managed fund. The Australian Law Reform Commission is right to have noted: The law governing collective investment schemes cannot and should not eliminate investment risk [but should] ensure that investors are given . . . all the information they need to understand fully, and judge for themselves, the level of risk involved in the investment. Does the government seriously expect the average Australian investor not to question why we are no longer embracing the concept of an independent custodian when this runs contrary to every other reputable financial centre on the planet? If Australians are prepared to funnel $85 billion into managed investment funds in one year because they have confidence in the current arrangements, imagine what damage they can do to the economy should they lose trust in the system
and withdraw similar amounts out of managed funds. Last year the coalition produced legislation to introduce a new form of savings vehicle to the market, the retirement savings account. It also offered an across-the-board rebate to encourage mainstream Australians to persevere with a long-term savings plan. During the life of this sitting, we can expect to debate a government bill that will see employees offered a wider range of savings options by their employers. This is all good policy, and demonstrates that this government understands the importance of promoting household savings and the need to reduce reliance on our taxpayer funded social security system. However, I remain unconvinced that the failure to mandate for an independent custodian will further those causes. Proponents of the single responsible entity have argued that the streamlining of the trustee and fund manager into one position will reduce compliance costs for the fund and therefore improve investor returns. With the exception of the one-off cost of converting to the new SRE structure, it is possible that funds can anticipate a slight drop in compliance costs, although there remains some doubt as to whether the proposed ASC compliance requirements will actually escalate the cost of compliance. What needs to be determined is whether the government has got the balance right between the probable slight reduction in compliance costs and preserving investor confidence in managed funds in the absence of the statutory requirement for an independent custodian. I am not sure that it has. I support the thorough two-year review, as promised by the government, but I also believe it is critical that the independent custodian be retained by the funds under the proposed single responsible entity arrangement. This bill does have a number of built-in safety mechanisms, including the direction that all single responsible entities will have to be licensed by the Australian Securities Commission in order to assure investors that only truly responsible entities are allowed to run a scheme. Furthermore, SREs will be obliged to submit a compliance plan to the ASC in which the custodial arrangements to
be put into place for the scheme property will be outlined. However, this does not erase the need for the independence of the custodian, and such a plan will surely add to the cost and time of complying with the new regulations. Standard and Poor's also points out that the government is yet to provide any information on the qualifications required of members of the touted compliance committee, which is to include at least three members, the majority of whom must be external members; nor has it instructed how often this surveillance committee must scrutinise a fund. Standard and Poor's also notes that uncertainty about the ASC's compliance requirements remains but that, regardless of these requirements:. . . the system's success will be reliant upon the SRE's integrity in surveillance reporting, as the compliance committee is required to notify the ASC of any breaches to the trust deed. In closing, I return to my earlier remarks about the two key issues in this debate. Do we need to change the prudential arrangements in the non-superannuation managed investment sector? If so, are we adopting a better system, a system with superior checks and balances, that will not only maintain existing levels of domestic and foreign investment but also increase the levels of that investment? The answer to the first question is yes, there are certainly improvements to be made in managed investment funds. However, I do not support a change in the status quo if the single responsible entity is not obliged to establish an independent custodian to hold fund assets. | Australia | 1,998 |
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