2002-10-144013REPS749702002-10-14—————The SPEAKER (Mr Neil Andrew) took the chair at 2.00 p.m. and read prayers.BUSINESSBusiness7497Mr ABBOTT (Warringah—Leader of the House) (2.01 p.m.)—by leave—I move:That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the routine of business for this sitting being, unless otherwise ordered, a motion to be moved by the Prime Minister relating to the terrorist attacks in Bali.Question agreed to. INDONESIA: TERRORIST ATTACKSMiscellaneous749714:02:007497Howard, John, MPMr HOWARDZD4BennelongLPPrime Minister10—I move:That this House:1. expresses its outrage and condemnation at the barbaric terrorist bombings which took place in Bali on 12 October 2002;2. extends its deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of those Australians killed, missing or injured in this brutal and despicable attack;3. offers its condolences to the families and friends of the Indonesians and citizens of other countries who have been killed or injured;4. condemns those who employ terror and indiscriminate violence against innocent people;5. commits the Australian government to work with the Indonesian government and others to bring those who are guilty of this horrendous crime, and all those who harbour and support them, to justice; and6. reaffirms Australia's commitment to continue the war against terrorism in our region and in the rest of the world.For the rest of Australian history, 12 October 2002 will be counted as a day on which evil struck, with indiscriminate and indescribable savagery, young innocent Australians who were engaging in an understandable period of relaxation; young Australians whose innocence was palpable and whose death and injury we join the rest of the Australian community in marking and mourning today.In many respects the word `terrorism' is too antiseptic an expression to describe what happened. It is too technical and too formal. What happened was barbaric, brutal mass murder without justification. It is seen as that by the people of Australia and it is seen as that by the people of the world. It is a terrible reminder that terrorism can strike anyone anywhere at any time. Nobody anywhere in the world is immune from terrorism. It is a reminder that, in this time of a borderless world, with a particularly mobile young population, Australia can scarcely imagine that it can be in any way immune from such horrible attacks.I know that the thoughts of everyone in this parliament—and, indeed, the thoughts of millions of Australians—are with those of our fellow country men and women who still do not know whether their daughter or their son or their brother or their sister or their lover or their mother or their father or their mate is alive or dead. The agony of waiting at the end of a mobile telephone for a call is an anxiety that we can only begin to think about and try in our own inadequate way to share, and we hope that that effort is of some comfort to them. I know that the hearts of every man and woman in this parliament will go out to them and to those who know the worst already, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who are coping with injuries, many of them horrendous burns as a result of the flames that followed the bombing of the nightclub.At present, the best advice I have is that there is a total of 181 dead. Very few of these have been identified. According to advice from the Indonesian authorities and our consulate-general in Bali, 14 Australians are now confirmed among the dead and at least 113 Australians have been hospitalised following the attacks. We are still trying to establish the precise number of people evacuated to Australia, but the best advice is that it is in the order of 67 to 70. There are still 220 Australians unaccounted for. It should not be automatically assumed that all of those are dead but, given the very high percentage of Australians who were in the nightclub at the time of the bombing, we should as a nation prepare ourselves for the very real likelihood that the death toll of Australians will climb significantly when the final tally and identity of the fatalities are known.As the House and, I am sure, the nation will be aware, a major rescue and medical evacuation operation has been under way since news of the attack came through. On behalf of this parliament and of all the Australian people, I want to express our gratitude to and admiration for the officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, particularly the Royal Australian Air Force; and the doctors, nurses and paramedics, many of whom have worked in very difficult circumstances. I also record my thanks to the various state governments that have offered help, to Qantas and to many other private individuals who have provided help and assistance. The willingness of the government to provide evacuation facilities for all Australians and, indeed, others in need of medical attention remains. No expense will be spared and no limitation will be placed upon our willingness to do that. This foul deed—this wicked, evil act of terrorists—has claimed the lives of not only Australians but many of the innocent people of Bali, a beautiful, hitherto peaceful part of Indonesia. Bali is much loved by so many Australians. In many cases, it is the first place that young Australians visit. Many of us will feel the poignancy of this attack coinciding with the end of the football season in Australia. So many of the young people in that club that night were members of Australian rules football teams, rugby league teams and rugby union teams. They were having a bit of fun at the end of a hard season. It is that connection with the everyday occurrences of life which we know so well and embrace so lovingly, that cruel conjunction, which makes something such as this that much more despicable and something that all Australians will utterly repudiate to the depths of their being.We must remember, though, that this will have an enormous impact on the people of Indonesia and the economy of Bali. The Indonesian economy is a fragile economy. It relies very heavily on tourism. Those who did this are no friends of Indonesia. Those who did this sought to inflict misery on and deliver hatred to not only the people of Australia and the people of the other nations who lost their sons and daughters but also the people and the government of Indonesia. We must understand essentially what has happened. This is a vile crime which has claimed the lives of an as yet uncounted number of Australians on Indonesian soil.All of us have a right to feel a sense of deep anger and a deep determination to do everything we can, as a nation and as a community, working with the government and the people of Indonesia, to bring to justice those who are responsible for this crime. We owe it to those who died, we owe it to those who have been injured and we also owe it to a proper sense of justice. Nothing can excuse this behaviour. No cause—however explained, however advocated, however twisted, however spun—can possibly justify the indiscriminate, unprovoked slaughter of innocent people. That is what has occurred here. We must do all we can, as a nation and as a community, to mete out a proper response—a measured, sober, effective response—which brings to justice, if we can, those who are responsible.It is necessary, in the course of this, for us to cooperate with the government and the people of Indonesia. Yesterday I spoke by telephone to President Megawati. She expressed her horror at what had occurred. She agreed with me that, on all the evidence available to us, this was clearly the act of terrorists. There can be no other explanation. Both of us agreed that every effort should be made to bring those responsible for this act to justice.In that context, the House will be aware that a number of Australian Federal Police and some ASIO officers have already gone to Bali. I can also announce that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Downer, and the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Ellison, will travel to Indonesia either tonight or tomorrow morning. They will go first to Bali to visit a number of those who are still hospitalised there and will then go on to Jakarta for discussions with the Indonesian government regarding cooperation between our two governments in the pursuit of those who have been responsible for this outrage. They will do that against the background of the memorandum of understanding against terrorism which was signed in Jakarta during my visit earlier this year. They will be accompanied on their visit by Mr Mick Keelty, the Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, and also by Mr Dennis Richardson, the head of ASIO. Their mission will be to maximise cooperation between Australia and Indonesia in pursuit of the murderers. Their mission will be to emphasise, by their presence and by what they convey on behalf of the Australian government, the willingness of Australia to offer all available resources to assist the Indonesian authorities in tracking down those responsible. I can also inform the House that this morning the National Security Committee of cabinet met in the wake of this outrage. We discussed the proposal that the two ministers travel to Jakarta. We also decided to institute a review of the adequacy of domestic terrorist legislation. It is inevitable that, in the wake of what occurred in Bali over the weekend, the thoughts of Australians will turn to the potential vulnerability of our own soil, our own mainland, to a possible terrorist attack. There is no point in ignoring that. I do the Australian people no service if I pretend that, in some way, it cannot happen on the Australian mainland. In a sense, this is sequential. I do not think any of us believed that something like 11 September 2001 would happen until it really happened. We might have intellectualised afterwards and said, `Oh yes, we thought that might happen,' but in our hearts we did not really believe it was going to happen. Equally, I do not think many Australians contemplated that what happened at the weekend in Bali would in fact occur. It is therefore very important that we disabuse ourselves for all time of any notion that something like that cannot happen in one of our cities and on our own mainland. We must dedicate and commit ourselves to doing all we can to guard against such an event. We therefore need to again assess the adequacy of our domestic law. I know it has been only recently reviewed, but further events have occurred and we are required as a matter of responsibility to almost 20 million Australians to do that. It is also necessary that we review the adequacy, which I have asked be done, of our counter-terrorism capacity. Once again, that was the subject of significant review after 11 September 2001, and major augmentation of the assets followed as a result of that review. It is therefore timely that those assets and that capacity also be reviewed.I do not say these things lightly or with any sense of overdramatising the situation, but we are living in different circumstances and different times. That has been the case since 11 September last year. It is dramatically more so the case now, because what happened at the weekend claimed our own in great numbers, was on our own doorstep and touched us in a way that we would not have thought possible a week ago or even three days ago. It has been the case that all the world, including Australia, has been more vulnerable to potential terrorist attacks since 11 September last year. In relation to the events in Bali, it is obvious that the Australian government has been concerned for some considerable time about the existence of extremist groups in the region, especially in Indonesia, with links to al-Qaeda and the real possibility of terrorist attacks against Western interests. That has been not only a concern of the Australian government but also a constant concern of the government of the United States. That concern, and the concern of our American friends, has been regularly communicated to the Indonesian authorities. It was one of the reasons that lay behind the negotiation of the memorandum of understanding on terrorism, to which I referred a moment ago. I can inform the House that the intelligence available to the government highlighted the general threat environment but was at no time specific about Saturday night's attack in Bali. Indeed, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's travel advice reflected the heightened level of concern which followed the terrorist attacks in September last year. It was very much against the background of the general threat disclosed by intelligence that the government issued its alert in early September about the possible threat to Australian interests in the region around 11 September 2002.It is apparent from the words of the motion and from what has been said over the last 36 hours and what is self-evident from an examination of the realities that confront Australia and the rest of the civilised world today that the war against terrorism must go on in an uncompromising and unconditional fashion. Any other course of action would be folly. Retreat from the war against terrorism will not purchase for the retreaters immunity against the attacks of the terrorists. That has been the experience of the last year; that has been the experience of mankind throughout history. You will not escape the reach of terrorism by imagining that if you roll yourself into a little ball you will not be noticed, because terrorism is not dispensed according to some hierarchy of disdain; it is dispensed in an indiscriminate, evil, hateful fashion. Those who imagine that it is dispensed according to a hierarchy of disdain do not understand history and are deluding themselves. The war against terrorism is not, as has frequently been said in this place, a war against Islam. People of good Islamic faith will abhor what happened in Bali. They will find it as despicable to the tenets of their faith as Christians, Jews and many others will find it despicable to the tenets of their faiths. It is therefore important that we reaffirm again our commitment to a tolerant Australian community—an Australian community that, while embracing all, is an Australian community bound together by the common values of openness, individual liberty and individual freedom. We fight terrorism because we love freedom; we fight terrorism because we want to preserve the way of life that this country has; we fight terrorism because we share the values of other countries that are in the war against terrorism; and we fight terrorism because it is intrinsically evil and you do not seek to covenant with evil and you do not seek to reach an accommodation with those who would destroy your sons and daughters and take away the security and the stability of this country.In the hours that have followed this terrible outrage—this dark day for the people of Australia—there have been many expressions of concern from world leaders. I spoke at length this morning to President Bush of the United States and I received a call last night from British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark. Her Majesty The Queen has sent a message of sympathy and condolence and I have received messages from many world leaders. All of them have a common theme and a common resonance, and that is that, in the world in which we live, our problems are the problems of others and the problems of others are so often ours as well. We live in a globalised world. We live in a world in which the young, in particular, are more footloose and more mobile than even their mobile parents and grandparents, and there is no escape in those circumstances from the reaches and the ravages of terror.I want to thank the Leader of the Opposition for the constructive way in which we have been able together to discuss these challenges to our country. Our country belongs to all of us, and this is a challenge to the fabric of this country and what it stands for. The Leader of the Opposition wrote to me and suggested that we might have a national day of mourning in relation to the events, and I am very happy to support that proposition. I propose that next Sunday be observed as a national day of mourning. It is of course sadly the case that we do not know the full extent of the horror that has overtaken our people—the precise death toll may not be known for several days—and it does seem that a national day of mourning next Sunday would be appropriate, and perhaps at some later stage it would also be appropriate to have a national memorial service. In different ways, different communities in different parts of our country will mourn the abrupt and brutal deaths of so many and reflect on their own lives. In our own way we must try to offer comfort, care and hope to the bereaved friends, lovers and relatives. It is a very sad time for our country but it is a time—as always in cases like this—that has brought forth heroism, decency and goodness. Already stories are emerging of people assisting others at enormous risk to themselves, as are stories of the dedication of the staff of the hospitals and the commitment of so many. We think also of the lovely people of Bali who have been such friends to so many Australians of so many generations on so many occasions. We extend our thanks, our warmth and our affection to them. I am saddened beyond words of proper description by what has happened. I hope I speak for all Australians in sending my and their love to those who are grieving and in expressing the fierce determination to do everything I and we can to bring to justice those who have done such evil things to our people.14:29:007501Crean, Simon, MPMr CREANDT4HothamALPLeader of the Opposition00—I join with the Prime Minister in support for this motion—a motion that has the agreement of the House and that sends our sympathy on a day of great tragedy for all of Australia. It is a motion that expresses our grief and sympathy; it demonstrates our commitment to assist those returning home and those who are doing the grieving. But, importantly, it is a motion that reaffirms our resolve, out of this incident, to ensure that every effort is used to stamp out terrorism. This was a brutal act. It was a calculated, brutal act against innocent Australians as well as innocent residents of Indonesia and citizens from around the world. It sheets home stronger to us because it would appear that so many Australians are involved. I fear that it will be our single blackest day since World War II. I say that knowing that since that time there have been terrible incidents in our history, in which many lives have been lost—but never so many, it would seem, in one day.If one looks at all the reports and pictures in the newspapers, the common thread that one sees is young Australians on holiday, young Australians who were over there to enjoy themselves and young Australians, victims of this, who have been cut down in the prime of their lives. Australians identify very much with Bali. Many of us have been there. Practically all of us know someone who has been there, and that is why, when we think of this incident, we are left with the impression: it could have been me. In that sense, I think we get something of a better understanding as to what Americans must have felt on September 11 in particular: it could have been them. It is true that in those circumstances Australian lives were lost, and it was not so long ago, on the anniversary of that September 11 attack, that this House remembered them. But I think that those circumstances come together not only to give us a greater sense of grief but also to heighten the sense of vulnerability that we all face.Young Australians on holidays, young people everywhere: the location where this bomb was detonated—outside a nightclub—was the sort of place that many would gravitate to just to enjoy themselves. The result was not just a loss of life; it was a loss of innocence and it was also, as the Prime Minister has remarked, very much a loss of mateship. A lot of people were there in groups, many of them football teams. We have heard the stories of the Kingsley Football Club from Western Australia. The member for Cowan, Graham Edwards, raised with me last night how he could assist in trying to get more information concerning them. The Platypi rugby union football club from Forbes were over there and, tragically, it would seem so many people have not yet been located. They had arrived eight hours earlier and had headed straight for the nightclub. These are the stories that no doubt will continue to unfold over the coming days, weeks and months.This will be an incident that does not go away. It is one of those circumstances in which we as a nation need to grieve and we need to extend our sympathy, but most of all we need to stand united to demonstrate our resolve. There were other football clubs over there, including AFL clubs. Players from the team I support—the Kangaroos—Mick Martyn and Jason McCartney, happened to be across the road at another bar when the explosion happened. They were knocked to the floor. Thankfully, they are on their way home. Jason will require medical treatment in the Darwin Hospital. He, interestingly enough—just to show the character of the circumstances—gave up a seat on an earlier plane for someone whom he considered more deserving of it. I think that demonstrates how we pull together in these times of great crisis. I join with the Prime Minister and say that, in determining our resolve to pursue the terrorists, we have to be certain that it is only the terrorists that we pursue. This bombing is a crime against the teachings of all religions, Islam amongst them. This is the work of criminals and fanatics; it is not the work of people of faith. I note that Islamic leaders have been very strong in their condemnation of this action. Let us not, in the circumstance of our grief and in the search for rationale or reason in this, make scapegoats of others. This requires a proper assessment of the facts. It requires the cooperation with other countries that the Prime Minister has talked about. But, most of all, we need to make a clear-headed judgment as to the way in which the perpetrators of these crimes are to be brought to justice.The Prime Minister has indicated that he is looking at a review of our counter-terrorism capacity. I welcome that. In the circumstances in which our forces are fighting the war against terrorism in another theatre, I think it is appropriate to make an assessment of our vulnerability. I note, from the advice we have had, that this attack has not been identified as being directed against Australia per se and it has not led to a heightened security level for this country. But we do have to be vigilant. We have to understand that this happened on our doorstep and that it happened in a location where those who engineered it, those who planned it, would have known many Australians—as well as people of many different nationalities—would be. So I do welcome the indication from the Prime Minister in relation to the counter-terrorism capacity.I also remain open to his suggestion in relation to the antiterrorist legislation, but I know that, because of cooperation on both sides of the House, we did finally get strong antiterrorism legislation through this place some months ago, and I noted that the Prime Minister, in his address to the National Press Club on the anniversary of September 11, considered that we had got the balance right. I still am of that view but, in the spirit of dealing with this situation and in the circumstances we face, I am prepared to look again, with the opposition, at proposals the Prime Minister might want to put forward. However, I believe it is critical in this that we target the terrorists and only the terrorists and that we do not expose innocent people to unnecessary scrutiny.There are some other issues I would ask that the Prime Minister take on board, because it is true that the people who were responsible for this need to be brought to justice. It is a threat that cannot go unchecked and unchallenged. I welcome the fact that Australian Federal Police officers and ASIO officers have gone to Bali to assist the Indonesians with their investigation, and I welcome the fact that the government is sending two ministers to Bali as well as to Jakarta to talk further with the Indonesians. No stone can be left unturned in hunting down the perpetrators of this crime and bringing them to justice, but that will not happen just by us calling for it. Australians must give the toughest response possible. As a fundamental first step, Australia and Indonesia must join together in the common fight against terrorism. I noted, Mr Prime Minister, from your discussions with me yesterday, that you had spoken with President Megawati of Indonesia, and you indicated in your conversations that Indonesia has agreed to work with us at every level. I welcome that. But fighting terrorism—dealing with the threat of terrorism—will require a comprehensive and coordinated approach across the entire South-East Asian region.We have noted your comments on what needs to be done now with our regional partners, and we support those but, as you undertake these steps and as your foreign minister visits Jakarta, we would ask you to consider another idea as well. In this country for more than a year now we have supported the global campaign against terrorism. We have stood united on that, we have endorsed it in this House and we have supported legislation. It is right that we have done so, because it is a common humanity that we have to defend here. But the challenge of terrorism lies within our immediate region—and the events in Bali demonstrate just how close. Both the region and the international community will be looking to Australia this time for leadership, because this is our part of the world. Given the gravity of what we have seen over the last 24 hours, could we suggest in a bipartisan spirit that you initiate a regional summit on the elimination of terrorism in South-East Asia. In our view, it would be appropriate that such a summit be convened at a heads of government level in the region itself. It should include the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore. Its first brief should be to establish how our governments can work together to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the most recent barbaric act in Bali. Beyond that immediate task, a second function of such a summit should be to establish the regional institutional machinery necessary for the ongoing campaign against terrorism in our region. It will not be done with a single meeting; it will not be done as a consequence of any single statement of regional leaders. But it will be done if in the immediate period ahead our governments are prepared to work together with absolute determination, united in the aftermath of the events in Bali. A regional summit on terrorism could help to bring to justice those responsible in Bali and could develop a strategy for our region to combat terrorism as well.The most effective form of prevention, of course, is having good intelligence about the terrorists and their operations. One of the lessons of this horrific event is that Australia will need the best available intelligence on terrorist groups in the region. I have noted your comments—comments that we have had expressed to us in other quarters—regarding the concern about terrorist groups operating in Indonesia and insufficient attention being paid to them. We need to redouble the efforts as a consequence of this.Indonesia now knows it has terrorist groups operating in its territory. We know the consequences of the way they operate—only too graphically and tragically, with the events in the last 36 hours. We also know that our intelligence capacity is first-rate, and it stands ready to work, assist and cooperate with similar organisations in other countries. It is a difficult and dangerous business, but more and more these events demonstrate how absolutely necessary that intelligence capacity is for our security. The information that needs to be gathered on these groups will often be fragmentary and unclear. We know that ASIO and other Australian agencies have already received increased funding for those purposes, but we believe more work may be needed, to make sure that everything is being done that can be done.So, Prime Minister, on this very sad return of the parliament whereby we all return with heavy hearts because of the magnitude of the problem, it is a day for expressing our grief and sympathy for the families of the victims involved. It is our commitment to them and their loved ones to do everything we can not just to assist the return of the injured and the identification of the victims but to ensure together that the perpetrators of this are brought to justice and that we stiffen our resolve to fight terrorism in our region. It is not appropriate just to express the grief without saying to those families that we have learnt from this. It is a timely reminder which demonstrates the vulnerability of a nation which has prided itself on its easygoing nature and its ability to move freely—a nation that in the course of the last 36 hours has become all too concerned about, and must become concerned about, its vulnerability. Unless we as a parliament are saying to these people that we are committed, we understand their concern and we are prepared to work together, I think we let them down again. They are already suffering enough at the moment. I think we have got to give them hope that as a parliament in a united, bipartisan way we will not just do everything possible to track down the perpetrators of this dreadful action but we will resolve to strengthen our fight against terrorism and make the region safe again. A coalition was formed as a consequence of September 11; I believe a similar coalition needs to be built again in the context of October 12 this year. It is our region. Australia needs to take a leading role, and the opposition stands prepared to work with your government to achieve that outcome.In conclusion, on behalf of all of us in this parliament, but in particular the Labor Party, I express our heartfelt sympathies to the families who are grieving so terribly at the moment. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. If we can assist in any way in helping them find out further information, we stand ready to do to. The fact that the parliament today has suspended its normal proceedings to debate this motion is a demonstration of how seriously we as a nation treat it. But it is a seriousness that goes beyond the events of Saturday night—it is a seriousness that goes to our future, our security and our living in peace with our neighbours. That will happen only if we resolve collectively to fight terrorism and to do it together. We on this side of the House stand ready to work with the government to achieve that objective. 14:49:007504Anderson, John, MPMr ANDERSON4K4GwydirNPMinister for Transport and Regional Services10—Mr Speaker, on this very concerning occasion I rise to support the Prime Minister's motion. The car bomb attack in Bali was a terrible act of calculated murder, of evil of unparalleled proportions in terms of our experience in this part of the world. It turned a tranquil holiday destination into a place of terror. It is right, as the two previous speakers have done, that we extend our deepest sympathy and our support to the families of the Australians who were victims of the attack. We know that at least 14 Australians were killed, with 113 injured, and it may very well be that this will prove to have been the greatest peacetime loss of Australian life overseas. In total, it is believed now that more than 180 people from many countries around the world were killed. We offer their families and their loved ones our sympathy. The Australians who were killed or injured were a representative sample of our young people: they were young footballers and netball players and families from the suburbs. The effects of the attack will reverberate across our country. Many Australians will know someone who was a victim of the attacks or was on the island. There were some 12,000 or so Australians at that very popular tourist destination over the weekend. I think all of us will recall for the rest of our lives our reaction of horror when we heard the news on a warm Sunday and heard Australian voices, the voices of our people, crying out in pain.The Australian government has been doing everything possible to assist the victims of the attack. A Medivac aircraft carrying five critically injured people landed in Perth early this morning. Four RAAF Hercules aircraft with medical teams have been dedicated to evacuating victims from Bali. The Department of Foreign Affairs I understand has received more than 10,000 calls on its consular hotline. We are working closely, as the Prime Minister has outlined, with Indonesia to investigate the attack and bring the terrorists to justice. I believe that the Australian people will rightly and understandably expect that no stone will be left unturned in the effort to bring those responsible to justice. To that end, Alexander Downer, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will depart with our full support tonight on his mission to Indonesia, and I know he has the full support of all in this parliament and across the nation.I want to particularly take the opportunity to thank Qantas for its assistance. That airline has agreed to operate five additional flights between Bali and Australia. It has announced that customers will be able to cancel their travel plans without penalty. It has also announced a $500 compassionate return fare to Bali. The terrorist attack in Bali demonstrates again the lessons of September 11 last year. It shows that all people and all countries are vulnerable and that the war against terrorism will be a long and drawn-out campaign. I do want to say that I think it would be cowardly and naive to think that this attack is not part of a pattern that began last September and continued with the recent attacks in Kuwait and on the French tanker Limburg. These attacks were planned and they were calculated, which makes them all the more evil. They were carried out by people who I think, incomprehensively to us, are proud of their skills; people who have woken up in the morning and gone to sleep at night knowing that they were about to commit an atrocity—murder on a scale that we might have hoped we had left behind in the 20th century. I do want to say for my own part, to this House and to all Australians, that I believe that we have to accept and face the reality that many of these are people who would not stop at car bombs and aircraft if they had access to more terrible weapons. They would use chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, were they able to obtain them, without hesitation. It is imperative that we make sure that terrorist fanatics can never have access to these weapons of mass destruction. The potential for, horrendously, not hundreds, perhaps not thousands but tens of thousands of people to be murdered by weapons of mass destruction is too horrific for us to contemplate. If it were to happen, the people of the world would rightly condemn all the leaders who had acted as if the threat of terrorism did not exist or had tried to pretend that it would go away. So I can only say that, spurred on by what has happened in Bali, we must press on with our fight against terrorism in the region and against terrorism globally. We must play our part because a safe and peaceful world is the best memorial we can raise to the Australians who were killed and injured in what surely will become known as the 12 October terrorist attacks. I commend this motion to the House.14:54:007505Macklin, Jenny, MPMs MACKLINPG6JagajagaALP00—I am pleased to join with the previous speakers, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the National Party, the Deputy Prime Minister, in supporting this motion. Of course, what we are all doing here today most of all—because many of us here are parents—is thinking about what so many families right across our nation are facing, being confronted with that terrible uncertainty. We know of the numbers who have been killed but we know there are very many people who are yet to be identified. We cannot imagine, really, how it feels to be separated from those young people—most of them are young people—and the anguish and fear that so many of those parents would be feeling. It is a horrific toll of death and destruction, and we are all thinking today of those people. But there are also many who have been very severely injured and traumatised as a result of this terrorist attack.I want to add my tribute to the others that have been offered, particularly to the doctors, nurses and emergency workers here in Australia—as we know, people are being brought back to Darwin and to Perth and, I am sure, to other hospitals as the days go by—and also to the many health and emergency workers in Bali who undoubtedly are saving lives and, given the terrible burns that people have experienced, will be relieving shocking pain and suffering. To the RAAF air crews and medical staff who have gone back to Bali and to the Qantas crews who are doing a wonderful job ferrying people home: I think it is summed up in the words of one parent I saw today when he said, `Please get them home.'Of course, it is not only Australians who have been attracted to this well-known holiday destination. There are people from many countries around the world who are also mourning their dead today. As we here this afternoon are talking about this, we know that there are planes going all over the world with injured and distraught people. As a nation we are doing our bit, but all of us— those of us here in the parliament today and anybody listening—should also respond to the call from the Red Cross. We know that there is a desperate need for blood, so anybody who possibly can should make a donation.We know that the Balinese people, too, are suffering. Many of them have lost their loved ones in the bombing on Saturday night. Many of them have also lost their livelihoods, which were based on the island's thriving tourist industry and which have been destroyed by what can only be called a gutless attack on the innocent.It was not meant to be like this. For so many decades Bali has been that friendly, tropical island holiday destination for thousands and thousands of Australians. We think of it as a place where our children like to go to play, surf and have fun. My parents lived and worked in Indonesia for seven years, and I, like so many other young Australians, went to Bali and did all of those things. The attack is all the more shocking because Bali is a place that many of us feel that friendlyconnection with. It is grotesque that it could happen in such an idyllic place, and it is a horrible reminder of what international terrorism really means. While our immediate task is to care for and account for all Australians on Bali, we also have to set about tracking down the perpetrators of this despicable and, as I say, gutless attack and bring these people to justice. I know we in Australia will use all necessary means at our disposal to identify those responsible and make sure that they are held responsible and answerable for, as others have rightly called them, these criminal acts. Just as the global war on terrorism requires the international community to act in concert to succeed, so does our response to this attack in Bali demand the cooperation between countries, particularly those in our Asia-Pacific region. We do, as the Leader of the Opposition said, welcome the review of our security and intelligence arrangements. Of course these things are critical. We know, in particular, how important it is to have strong security and intelligence relationships with Indonesia. We know that that must also extend to other countries in the region because, whoever may be found to be responsible for the Bali attack, there is no doubt that it presents a threat to the security and stability of our region as a whole. That is why it is so important that Australia streng-thens its security and intelligence relationships within our region to eliminate this common curse.For more than 50 years our country has pursued a close relationship with our geographic neighbours in Asia and the South Pacific. At the end of the day, the level of cooperation between countries needed to successfully tackle a common problem—whether it be terrorism, people-smuggling, money laundering, drug running, illegal armsdealing or whatever—relies on political will. Success hinges on whether or not countries share the predisposition and determination to address a common problem, and that only comes from a trusting relationship. This terrorist attack in our neighbourhood requires an urgent reappraisal of the relationships we have with other countries in our region and the work that needs to be done to ensure the security of us all. Of course security, particularly for people as they travel around this region, as has been said by others, will become the only way in which we can guarantee peace to those people whom we all hold so dear. I strongly support the motion before the House.Question agreed to, honourable members standing in their places.10000SPEAKER, TheThe SPEAKER—I thank the House.ADJOURNMENTAdjournment7506Mr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Minister) (3.03 p.m.)—I move:That the House do now adjourn.Question agreed to.15:03:007506House adjourned at 3.03 p.m.NOTICESNotices7506The following notices were given:KL6Andren, Peter, MPMr Andren to present a bill for an act to provide for the assessment and collection of a levy on the use of plastic bags at retail points of sale.KL6Andren, Peter, MPMr Andren to present a bill for an act relating to the establishment of a fund for the purpose of education about plastic bag damage to the environment, and for related purposes.HX4Katter, Bob, MPMr Katter to present a bill for an act to amend the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 to regulate the amount of renewable fuel in motor vehicle fuel, and for related purposes.Answers to Questions in WritingQUESTIONS ON NOTICE7507The following answers to questions were circulated:Taxation: Family Payments7507(Question No. 359)3597507Jackson, Sharryn, MPMs Jackson00AN2HasluckALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 15 May 2002:(1) How many families and individuals in the electoral division of Hasluck have received a (a) Family Tax Benefit debt notice and (b) Child Care Benefit debt notice.(2) How many child care centres in the electoral division of Hasluck have received a debt notice arising from the old Child Care Assistance Scheme.(3) What steps is the Government taking to guarantee that families will not be penalised by the current income self assessment regime where their incomes fluctuate through no fault of their own, because they carry out varying amounts of overtime in their employment, or their employment is commission based, or where one of the partners returns to the workforce after raising children.(4) Is the Minister aware that on pages 3 and 4 of the Estimating your Income booklet produced by the Family Assistance Office, the suggestions for estimating income for the year ahead include (a) knowing whether the recipient or his or her partner will receive termination or insurance payments or (b) predicting whether a partner will recommence work; if so, should individuals be expected to know whether they will lose their jobs, have to make an insurance claim or take up new employment in the forthcoming year.7507Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) (a) As at 24 May 2002, 4,688 customers in the electoral division of Hasluck have received notification that they incurred a Family Tax Benefit debt as a result of the income reconciliation process.(b) As at 24 May 2002, 931 customers in the electoral division of Hasluck have received notification that they incurred a Child Care Benefit debt as a result of the income reconciliation process. Note: only customers who incurred a debt over $1,000 would have a recoverable debt. (2) The number of child care centres in the electoral division of Hasluck that have received a debt notice arising from the old Child Care Assistance Scheme is 23.(3) The Family Assistance Office actively helps families to avoid or minimise family assistance overpayments resulting from underestimates of income through a range of communications with customers explaining the income estimation process and encouraging customers to keep their estimates up-to-date. Families are encouraged to estimate at the top of the range of their possible income for the year and can change their estimate as often as they wish during the year. The reconciliation process ensures that families receive their correct entitlement based on their actual taxable income. Families also have the option of claiming their family assistance as a lump sum after the end of the financial year when their taxable income has been assessed and thereby avoid any chance of overpayment.(4) The Estimating your Income booklet is provided to assist customers in providing an accurate estimate of their income for the coming financial year. This minimises the possibility of families incurring an FTB debt.Pages 3-4 of the booklet list “some questions you might have to think about when working out your estimated family income”. This list includes: commencing work, termination payments, child support and compensation or insurance payments. Customers can use this checklist when providing their initial income estimate and/or when updating their estimate. The provision of the checklist does not imply that families must be able to anticipate all changes to their income in advance. On the contrary, the booklet emphasises (on page 8) that if customers think the estimate they gave is wrong or might have changed, they should tell the Family Assistance Office as soon as possible, and that they can change their estimate as often as they need to.Social Welfare: Pensions and Benefits 7508(Question No. 376)3767508Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 16 May 2002:(1) How many (a) disability pensioners, (b) aged pensioners and (c) Common Youth Allowance recipients reside in the electoral division of Chisholm.(2) How many (a) disability pensioners, (b) aged pensioners and (c) Common Youth Allowance recipients reside in each of the postcode areas within the electoral division of Chisholm.7508Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) Electorate of Chisholm. Data compiled on 9 August 2002. (a) 3,295. (b) 15,267. (c) 2,637.NOTE: These figure do not include data represent with <20. See note to question (2).(2) Postcodes within Electorate of Chisholm. Data compiled on 9 August 2002.NOTE: For privacy reasons where customer numbers fall below 20 raw data cannot be provided.
PostcodeDisability Support PensionAge PensionYouth Allowance
3104<20<20<20
31253291,591230
3127108672120
31284701,724374
31293181,748257
3147135690130
31483371,231196
31496063,588538
315084647114
315114150376
31663951,316232
3167<2042<20
31683721,465370
3169<2050<20
Taxation: Family Payments7508(Question No. 377)3777508Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 16 May 2002:(1) How many recipients of Family Tax and Child Care Benefit in the electoral division of Chisholm in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 received written notification of a debt to the Commonwealth in relation to payment of those benefits.(2) How many of these benefit recipients resided in each of the postcode areas in the division of Chisholm.(3) What was the average debt to the Commonwealth in relation to these benefits.(4) What was the (a) average and (b) largest debt in each postcode area within the electoral division of Chisholm in relation to these benefits.
7508Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) (a) For the electoral division of Chisholm 2,911 Family Tax Benefit customers and 755 Child Care Benefit customers received notification that they incurred a debt as a result of the income reconciliation process in the 2000/01 financial year. (b) The income reconciliation process for the 2001/02 financial year commenced progressively from 1 July 2002. No data is available at this stage.(2) NOTE: figures represented with <20 are not provided to protect the privacy of these customers.
Post code31043125312731283129314731483149
Family Tax Benefit<20273116343291134186635
Child Care Benefit0742496922641191
Post code315031513166316731683169
Family Tax Benefit167101348<2028522
Child Care Benefit39<2089<2062<20
(3) The average debt amount for Family Tax Benefit in the electoral division of Chisholm is $901. The average debt amount for Child Care Benefit in the electoral division of Chisholm is $286.(4) (a)
Post code31043125312731283129314731483149
Family Tax Benefit$1,052$884$1,157$848$1,015$821$745$877
Child Care Benefit$0$249$399$287$217$153$293$272
Post code315031513166316731683169
Family Tax Benefit$1,001$945$910$528$869$987
Child Care Benefit$496$248$257$129$414$202
(4) (b) This information is not available.
Taxation: Family Payments7509(Question No. 463)4637509Vamvakinou, Maria, MPMs Vamvakinou00AMTCalwellALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 4 June 2002:How many recipients of the Family Tax and Child Care benefit in the electoral division of Calwell received debt notification letters in relation to overpayment of those benefits in (a) 2000-2001 and (b) 2001-2002 in the postcode areas of (i) 3036, (ii) 3037, (iii) 3038, (iv) 3043, (v) 3046 (vi) 3047, (vii) 3048, (viii) 3049, (ix) 3059, (x) 3060, (xi) 3061, (xii) 3064, (xiii) 3427 and (xiv) 3428.7509Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(a) For the electoral division of Calwell 6,877 Family Tax Benefit customers and 1,134 Child Care Benefit customers received notification that they incurred a debt as a result of the reconciliation process in the 2000-2001 financial year. (b) The income reconciliation process for the 2001-2002 financial year commenced progressively from 1 July 2002. No data is available at this stage.(i) to (xiv) Note: figures represented with <20 are not provided to protect the privacy of these customers.
Postcode3036303730383043304630473048
Family Tax Benefit13113071133608442805937
Child Care Benefit26293221966367103
Postcode3049305930603061306434273428
Family Tax Benefit335334<202003207924
Child Care Benefit5450<20<2081<20<20
Taxation: Family Payments7510(Question No. 522)5227510Jenkins, Harry, MPMr JenkinsHH4ScullinALP00 asked the Minister for Children and Youth Services, upon notice, on 17 June 2002:How many recipients of the Family Tax and Child Care benefit in the electoral division of Scullin received letters of debt notification in relation to overpayment of those benefits in (a) 2000-2001 and (b) 2001-2002 in the postcode areas of (i) 3074, (ii) 3075, (iii) 3076, (iv) 3082, (v) 3083, (vi) 3087, (vii) 3088, (viii) 3089, (ix) 3090, (x) 3091 and (xi) 3752.7510Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(a) For the electoral division of Scullin 5,183 Family Tax Benefit customers and 1,037 Child Care Benefit customers received notification that they incurred a debt as a result of the reconciliation process in the 2000-2001 financial year.(b) The income reconciliation process for the 2001-2002 financial year commenced progressively from 1 July 2002. No data is available at this stage.(i) to (xi) Note: figures represented with <20 are not provided to protect the privacy of these customers.
Postcode307430753076308230833087
Family Tax Benefit8027459291,521448<20
Child Care Benefit8683195334104<20
Postcode30883089309030913752
Family Tax Benefit3903625<20256
Child Care Benefit128<20<20<2085
Environment: Natural Heritage Trust7510(Question No. 547)5477510Jenkins, Harry, MPMr JenkinsHH4ScullinALP00 asked the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, upon notice, on 18 June 2002:(1) What is the total sum of Commonwealth funds allocated to the Natural Heritage Trust in the 2002-2003 budget.(2) What is the total sum of Commonwealth funds spent on the Natural Heritage Trust in 2001-2002.(3) How many project applications for funding, under the Natural Heritage Trust were received in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-2001 and (c) 2001-2002.(4) How many applications were successful.(5) Will he list the project applications for funding in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-2001 and (c) 2001-2002, including proposals put forward by city councils or other interested organisations, from the electoral divisions of (i) Scullin, (ii) Jagajaga, (iii) Calwell, (iv) Wills and (v) McEwen, indicating which were successful and what sum was allocated in each case; if not, why not.(6) Did his Department allocate funding for environmental projects for which it received no applications; if so, (a) which projects; (b) what sum was allocated in each case and (c) how were they selected.7510Kemp, Dr David, MPDr KempBT4GoldsteinLPMinister for the Environment and Heritage10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) The 2002-2003 budget estimated that $250 million would be spent from the Natural Heritage Trust (the Trust) in 2002-2003. (2) Expenditure from the Trust in 2001-2002 was $274.7 million.(3) The number of project applications for funding, under the Trust and related projects received in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-2001 and (c) 2001-2002 were:
YearNumber of applications received
1999-20008447
2000-20017757
2001-20025350
The term “related projects” refers to projects existing prior to the establishment of the Trust. Funds budgeted for these projects were additional to the Trust, with delivery and administration of the projects undertaken through the Trust.(4) The number of project approvals for funding, under the Trust and related projects in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-2001 and (c) 2001-2002 was:
YearNumber of approvals
1999-20003911
2000-20013509
2001-20022754
(5) The projects approved for funding in (a) 1999-2000, (b) 2000-2001 and (c) 2001-2002, including proposals put forward by city councils or other interested organisations, from the electoral divisions of (i) Scullin, (ii) Jagajaga, (iii) Calwell, (iv) Wills and (v) McEwen, are at Attachment A. These projects are located solely within these electoral divisions. It is also likely that funding from the Trust may have been spent in these electorates via devolved grant projects. For example the Integrated Urban Bushcare Project, with Trust funding of $656,000 over two years, may have directed funding into these electorates. The Commonwealth cannot easily track the electorate-based distribution of devolved funds in such projects.I am not able to provide electorate based reports for Trust project proposals that have been declined funding. Once the assessment process is complete and Ministerial funding decisions have been made, electorate data is generated for approved projects only. (6) Yes. Details requested are at Attachment B.Attachement A
ElectorateProject TitleOrganisation1999/20002000/20012001/2002
CalwellFencing of Significant Native Grassland Sites within the City of BrimbankBrimbank City Council$29,000
JagajagaBushcare Remnant Protection and Enhancement Scheme - WimmeraGreening Australia Victoria Inc$60,000
JagajagaBushcare Remnant Protection and Enhancement Scheme Stage 2Greening Australia Victoria Inc$99,700
JagajagaEndangered Species Survival Decision ToolDepartment of Natural Resources and Environment$95,000$95,000
McEwenBiodiversity Enhancement ProgramNillumbik Shire Council$17,600
McEwenBushcare Remnant Protection and Enhancement Scheme - Port Phillip - Stage 4Greening Australia Victoria Inc$61,600
McEwenCobaw-Tooborac Forest Link ProjectNulla Vale Pyalong West Landcare Group Inc.$40,400
McEwenHabitat Linkage/Enhancement - Diamond Creek & TributariesNillumbik Landcare Network Inc.$13,200
McEwenLake Nagambie Aquatic Weed Management StrategyGoulburn-Broken Catchment Mgt Auth. - Riverine Environment & Water Quality Cmte$66,000
McEwenLeadbeater's Possum Recovery Plan - implementation of Recovery Action No.6Centre for Resource and Environment Studies$43,800$37,300
McEwenLinking Woodlands & WetlandsUpper Goulburn Catchment Project$10,000
McEwenMid Goulburn Dryland Catchment Salinity LINK CoordinatorGlenaroua Land Management Group Inc/Sunday CK Dry CK Landcare Group Inc$10,500
McEwenProtection / expansion of riparian vegetation to improve water quality and reduce salinityMerton Landcare Group$15,200$15,200
McEwenProtection and Restoration of corridor from Goulburn River to Tallarook State ForestTallarook Landcare Group$41,900$9,700
McEwenQuarry Hills Native Grassland RestorationCity of Whittlesea$8,700
McEwenRecharge Management In High Recharge ZonesGoulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority - Dryland Committee$15,000
McEwenRibbons of Green Centennial- Revegetation for Erosion Control in the Delatite CatchmentDelatite Landcare Group Inc.$16,600
McEwenRibbons of Green Stage 3Dalatite Landcare Group$10,100
McEwenRiparian & Gully Restoration ProjectSugarloaf and Sunday Creek Sub Catchments Co-op$67,400$24,600
McEwenRiparian Revegetation Implementation - Upper Goulburn CatchmentUpper Goulburn Waterways Authority$16,000
McEwenUpper Broken River Action PlanUpper Broken River Landcare Group Inc.$15,000
McEwenYellingbo to Butterfield and Back Again - Stage 2Parks Victoria$43,800
ScullinPredator-proof fencing for the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary ProjectGould League of Victoria$7,700
ScullinWildlife Corridor - BanyuleBanyule City Council$24,000$15,000$15,000
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There are no projects solely located within the electorate of Wills
Attachment B
ProjectSum Allocated 1999/2000Sum Allocated 2000/01Sum Allocated 2001/02Process of Selection
Marine Species Protection Program
The migratory patterns of Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Western Australian waters$35,000The Marine Species Protection Program uses two methods when selecting projects:Organisations are invited to submit applications for funding to undertake projects identified by the Department of the Environment and Heritage as being a high priority for the Marine Species Protection Program. In some instances only one organisation is approached if they are considered the only appropriate organisation to undertake the work. Applications are assessed by the Department of the Environment and Heritage and advice provided to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.Some projects are multi-year proposals (started before 1999/2000) that must show satisfactory progress each year for continuing funding to be approved. Officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage assess the progress of the proposal and provide advice to the Minister for his decision on whether to re-approve funding.
Southern right whale aerial survey and photo identification$26,758$28,970
Investigation of blue whales off Perth, Western Australia$70,000$35,000
Southern ocean sanctuary cetacean ecosystem monitoring program$80,000$80,000
Habitat preference by right whales on the southern Australian coastline and the identification of important or critical habitats$18,000$11,500
Ecology and behaviour of southern right whales - Head of the Bight$18,500$28,800
Survey of humpback whales off eastern Australia$70,500
Cetacean strandings in the Southern Ocean Sanctuary: Influences on these events$12,000
Ecology of blue whales in western Victorian coastal waters$25,000$33,000$40,636
South Pacific Cetacean Survey$115,637
Photo identification comparison of Australasian right whales workshop$10,000
Genetic Analysis of Australasian Southern Right Whale Population$34,322
Capacity Building Workshop$53,205
Overview paper on `Whales eat fish' argument$6,000
Blue whale wintering grounds in the South Pacific$39,750
Timor Sea small cetacean survey $90,000
Genetic stock identification of southern right whales off south-east Australia$34,322
Site fidelity, residence times and home range patterns of great white sharks around seal colonies$130,000
Tagging of grey nurse sharks for the management of population recovery$109,000
Monitoring of wobbegongs at sites utilised by the grey nurse shark$25,000
Genetic identification of Australian marine turtle stocks, their representation at feeding grounds and in regional harvests$129,510
Southern Great Barrier Reef green turtle stocks - modelling of population and threats$77,706$19,426
Development of a joint management strategy between Aboriginal communities and WA CALM for the conservation of marine turtles in the Dampier Peninsula region of Western Australia$74,900
Cetaceans Sighting database$3,465
Jesse MartinDeakin University$10,000
Determining the migratory routes and wintering destinations of BW from southern Australia$39,750
Coastal marine invertebrates education web site$10,000
The National SeaNet Program$375,000
Fisheries Extension Officer Network$500,000
Implementing fox control to protect key nesting sites for marine turtles on the central Queensland coast$38,500
Community based conservation of the endangered leatherback turtle in Papua New Guinea - management of Kamiali nesting beaches$36,350
Indian Ocean and South-east Asia Agreement on Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles & their Habitats - Secretariat contribution$60,000
SeaNet - Network of Sustainable Fisheries Officers $375,000
Syngnathid workshop on the conservation status and utilisation of seahorses $20,000
Marine Protected Areas Program
Declaration of Elliot River Fish Habitat Area$30,000$20,000Since July 2000 the Marine Protected Areas Program has not been a cyclical funding process and there is no specific due date in a year for submission of proposals. The Marine Protected Areas Program targets those agencies best positioned to contribute to the program objectives, that is, the State and Territory agencies that declare and manage marine protected areas. The program does not advertise publicly but maintains a profile with relevant State and NT agencies through the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council Task Force on Marine Protected Areas. Relevant State and NT Ministers submit proposals to the Commonwealth Environment Minister. Officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage assess these proposals, and then detailed advice about the proposal(s) is submitted to the Minister for a decision on funding.
Declaration of Aquatic Reserves in Hawkesbury and Batemans bioregions$55,000$25,000
Identification and negotiation of marine protected area options for Macquarie Island$5,000The Marine Protected Areas Program funds projects in several ways:Under the Coasts and Clean Seas component of the Natural Heritage Trust, the Program funded projects that supported the declaration of marine protected areas in State and Territory jurisdictions. Funding depended on receipt of an application. No projects funded in this way are listed.Under the Oceans Policy component of the Natural Heritage Trust, the Program provided funding to relevant States to administer those marine protected areas where Commonwealth and State agencies share management responsibilities. The States directed some of this funding towards projects that support management of the areas. The funding was provided through Annual Business Agreements. No projects funded in this way are listed.Under the Oceans Policy component of the Natural Heritage Trust, the Program purchased consultancy services relevant to marine protected areas management in accordance with Departmental procurement processes. No applications were required. These projects are listed
Overview of conservation values of the Montebellos region$30,000
Montebellos study$14,200
A study of the benthic fauna around Macquarie island and assessment of the potential impact on it of the Patagonian Toothfish Fishery$22,000
Literature review for Ningaloo Marine Park$14,490
Strategic Plan of Action for the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (first stage)$53,320
Coastal management workshop and park manager training in Malaysia$16,987
Baseline video of the benthic fauna around Macquarie Island and assessment of the potential impact of it on the Patagonian Toothfish Fishery$5,000
Cetacean study$15,000
Baseline study - Great Australian Bight$7,500
Contribution to monitoring program at Mermaid Reef$22,000
Lord Howe Island Marine Park Planning$7,575
Identification of areas of potential interest for the development of MPAs on the high seas in waters surrounding Australia$22,000
Scale Insect Control - Coral Sea Reserves$3,621
Compile RAMSAR Info Sheets for listing of 3 Reserves$4,620
Conservation Assessment of 11 Marine Areas - Stage 1$100,000
Conservation Assessments of 11 Marine Areas - Partnership with CSIRO$900,000
Advice on High Seas MPAs $3,437
Bentho Pelagic Trophodynamics in the Tasmanian seamounts Reserve$52,580
Review of Scientific Data for Conservation Assessment of proposed HIMI reserve$10,775
Potential sensitivity of marine mammals to mini ng and exploration in GAB MP MMPZ$14,960
Capacity Building Program
Development of an Internet Site “Whales on-line”$18,000The project was developed after the proponent forwarded the proposal to the Minister. Officers in The Department of the Environment and Heritage assessed the proposal to ensure it meet the program guidelines and provided advice to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.
National River Health Program
Applying the National River Health Program Framework for the Allocation of Environmental Flows to Wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin$46,446Open tender process - approved by the Minister under the NRHP.The NRHP report on the provision of environmental flows for wetland ecosystems developed a framework for the management of environmental flows. The next stage is to trial the framework and if successful, ensure that State agencies adopt the framework in their management activities. A report of the trial will be produced and widely circulated.
Wetland loss in the Murray Darling Basin$51,000Sole supplier in light of related previous work - approved by the Minister under the NRHP.It is important for the Commonwealth to be aware of the full extent of wetland loss across the Murray-Darling Basin. The availability of this information will provide a powerful argument for conserving the remaining wetland area and support Commonwealth objectives through the MDBC and EPBC Ramsar responsibilities. The work builds on previous work undertaken by the NSW NPWS.
National River Health Program (Ausrivas Assessment)
Queensland$230,000The Ausrivas component of the National River Health Program mainly uses a tender process for the selection of proponents to undertake projects developed by the Department of the Environment and Heritage against the specific needs of the program. In some instances projects have not undergone the tender process as only one organisation held the data that the project depended upon.Officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage assess the tenders received, and submit advice to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.The specific Ausrivas Assessment projects were originally negotiated with state agencies in 1998/99 under the NHT partnership agreements
New South Wales$330,000
Australian Capital Territory$65,000
Victoria$150,000
Tasmania$85,000
South Australia$231,000
Western Australia$231,000
Northern Territory$65,000
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National River Health Program (Ausrivas Toolbox)
Models$43,254$52,000
Software$35,889$56,819
Analytical$39,998$45,030
Physchem$129,891-
Error$73,471$82,365
Qa/Qc$74,440$69,514
Protocol$65,000$27,432
Training$59,559$34,107
Arid$49,240-
Campaspe-$523,405
National River Health Program (Ausrivas Program Coordination)
Programme Coordinator$75,000$62,975
National River Health Program (Environmental Flows Initiative: State Projects)
Flood Flows$148,582$127,252The Environmental Flows Initiative (State projects) component of the National River Health Program invited proposals from the States that meet the program criteria. The Department of the Environment and Heritage and an independent scientific panel reviewed the proposals. For each proposal, officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage submit the advice of the Panel to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.
Snowy River$271,700$250,100
Paroo/Warrego Rivers$145,555$110,079
Dams$65,000$35,000
Ord$154,835$135,234
Arid$461,503$389,501
Daly River$14,025 $50,525
Flagship$86,838 $92,188
Daly Basin$62,400
Vallisneria nana$77,194$86,694
Groundwater$106,800$87,150
National River Health Program (Environmental Flows Initiative Consultancies)
Wetlands$50,000 The Environmental Flows Consultancies and Coordination components of the National River Health Program use a tender process to select proponents to undertake the projects developed by the Department of the Environment and Heritage to meet the specific needs of the program. Officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage assess the tenders received, and submit advice to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.
Groundwater$55,000
Estuarine$54,950
Independent assessment of COAG Water Reforms$82,842
Incentive Measures - Freshwater Ecosystems$42,845
Initiative Program Coordinator$89,650
Great Artesian Basin Consultative Council
Great Artesian Basin Consultative Council$40,000The proposal for the Great Artesian Basin Consultative Council was provided to the Department of the Environment and Heritage by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources. Officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage then reviewed the proposal before submitting it to the Minister for his approval.
Lake Eyre Basin Coordination Group
Lake Eyre Basin Coordination Group$120,000The Lake Eyre Basin Coordination Group provided the proposal to the Department of the Environment and Heritage. Officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage then reviewed the proposal before submitting it to the Minister for his approval.
Status of Murray Cod in the Murray Darling Basin
Status of Murray Cod in the Murray Darling Basin$22,000The University of Canberra provided the proposal for the Status of Murray Cod in the Murray Darling Basin to the Department of the Environment and Heritage. Officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage then reviewed the proposal before submitting it to the Minister for his approval.
The Anti-fouling program
Patch Trials to test the effectiveness of a wide range of tributyltin-(TBT) free anti-fouling paints under normal commercial conditions. A cooperative project between: the Federal Government the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation the Defence Science and Technology Organisation the National Registration Authority; and the Australian Shipowners Association$305,000An Anti-fouling Technical Advisory Group, comprising key stakeholders from government, industry and research agencies, recommended that projects should focus on identifying suitable alternatives to TBT through industry trials, workshops and assessment of new formulations. For each proposal, officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage submitted advice to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.
Industry Workshop to inform the paint industry on how best to register new organotin free anti-fouling paints. A cooperative project between: the Federal Government the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation the Defence Science and Technology Organisation the National Registration Authority; and the Australian Shipowners Association$2,246
Evaluation of new antifouling agents for use in Australian temperate waters.$111,548
Adverse effects of antifouling biocides on Australian marine organisms.$104,650
Optimisation and Education of Anti-fouling Procedures for Australian Conditions$66,647
Evaluating the effects of alternative antifouling agents on corals of GBR.$57,684
Introduced Marine Pests Program
Ecological Impacts of Feral Pacific Oysters$53,126The principal project development and assessment method for the Introduced Marine Pests Program is the use of the National Assessment Panel (NAP). The Panel consists of State, Territory and Commonwealth agencies and the CSIRO Marine Division - Centre for Introduced Marine Pests. Occasionally, other ad-hoc proposals are also received.All proposals submitted for funding undergo an assessment by the National Assessment Panel. For each proposal, officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage submit advice to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.
Restricting the Spread of the Exotic Seastar Asterias Amurensis$29,844
National priority pests: development of a generic list and risk assessment processes$94,364
Rapid response options for managing marine pest incursions$92,690
Development of detection kits for community-based monitoring of marine pest incursions$147,008
Improved practices: reducing the risk of spreading marine pests to and between local ports$87,000
Best practices for the sterilisation of aquaculture farming equipment: a case study for mussel ropes$74,077
Monitoring of Port of Eden for Target Marine Introduced Pest Species$61,600
National introduced marine pests information system$338,461
Building emergency response skills for marine pest detection and response$95,000
Publication of “Australian Echinoderms”$80,000
Network of community groups for detection of Caulerpa taxifolia in Shoalhaven Region-NSW$55,350
Eradicating and Preventing the Spread of Caulerpa taxifolia in NSW$314,000
Minimising impacts of Northern Pacific Seastar in Australia$198,180
Invasive macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia in Australia - a diagnostic tools to manage the problem.$74,295
Controlling the Northern Pacific Seastar (Asteria amurensis) in Australia$100,000
Development Community Field Guide IMPs Tropical Australia$40,000
Framework for the management of Introduced Marine Pests - APEC economies$50,000
Ballast Water Mitigation Program
Focusing management actions to reduce secondary invasions of marine pests by all vectors$75,000The principal project development and assessment method for the Ballast Water Mitigation Program is the use of the National Assessment Panel (NAP). The Panel consists of State, Territory and Commonwealth agencies and the CSIRO Marine Division - Centre for Introduced Marine Pests. Occasionally, other ad-hoc proposals are also received.All proposals submitted for funding undergo an assessment by the National Assessment Panel. For each proposal, officers in the Department of the Environment and Heritage submit advice to the Minister for his decision on whether to approve funding.
National demonstration project for implementing a Single National Ballast Water Management Regime$357,000
Pilot project for treatment of Ships Ballast Water$247,150
National Wetlands Program
Living Wetlands Fund, a National Non-Government Partnership to Rehabilitate Wetlands$56,000$100,000The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
The Wetlands Centre Funding$55,000The Wetlands Centre is a key partner delivering wetland education in Australia. Ministerial approval was given for one-off funding to match State funds in order to keep the Centre operating during recent financial difficulties.
Nomination of Boullanger Bay/Robbins Passage for Ramsar Listing$13,500This was a continuation of a project previously funded through the One-Stop-Shop process. Additional funding was requested outside of this process to complete the project. The application was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
Living Wetlands Fund, a National Non-Government Partnership to Rehabilitate Wetlands$100,000The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
Implementation of the National Wetlands CEPA Action Plan 2001-2005$71,500The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approvals was subsequently given.
National Wetland Repair Program and National Wetlands Conference$118,000The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
Community Based Action at Australia's Nationally Important Shorebird Project$325,000The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
Facilitating the Ramsar Convention amongst Pacific Island Countries$33,470This project was proposed directly to the Minister for Environment and Heritage. Advice was provided by Environment Australia to the Minister, who agreed to support it.
Commonwealth Wetland Inventory$40,000This project was proposed by Environment Australia and supported by the Minister for Environment and Heritage. It was conducted by a consultant, selected by a tender process.
Waterbird Population Estimates$40,000The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program.
Strategic assessment of Commonwealth Directory sites to identify candidate Ramsar sites$52,800This project was an extension of earlier Commonwealth Wetland Inventory work, undertaken by a key wetland non-government organisation. It was received as an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program.
Stage 1 National Shorebird Overview$25,000This project is a consultancy. The consultant was selected on a sole supplier basis.
Monitoring of Waterbird Populations - Barkly Lakes NT$7,500The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program.
Biodiversity Standards and Targets for Natural Resource Management - Draft National Protocols for Wetland Extent and Condition$7,475This project is a consultancy. The consultant was selected on a sole supplier basis.
Describing Ecological Character of Australia's Ramsar Sites$47,960This project was proposed directly to the Minister for Environment and Heritage. Advice was provided by Environment Australia to the Minister, who agreed to support it.
Community based Action at Australia's Nationally Important Shorebird Sites project$315,000This project was proposed directly to the Minister for Environment and Heritage. Advice was provided by Environment Australia to the Minister, who agreed to support it.
Migratory Waterbird Promotion - “A Year on the Wing”$50,000The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
Implementation of the East Asian-Australasian Shorebird Action Plan:2001-05 & hard copy publication/dissemination Flyway Shorebird Status Overview$210,000The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy Coordination 2001/2002$77,500The proponent submitted an application outside of the One-Stop-Shop process. It was assessed against eligibility criteria for the National Wetlands Program and Ministerial approval was subsequently given.
National Component of the worldHeritage Management Program
Revision and printing of the “Australia's World Heritage” leaflets and revision of the “Australia's World Heritage” video. $24,800The project was identified as a national priority and recommended to the Minister for approval after consultation with World Heritage property managers.
Funding to the Australian Rainforest Foundation for the establishment of a revolving land fund in the Daintree$300,000This project was identified as a high priority in the Daintree Futures Study that was commissioned by the Wet Tropics Ministerial Council to identify opportunities to address social and economic issues in the Daintree in the context of the preservation of the World Heritage values of the area. Ministerial Council agreed an arrangement with the Australian rainforest foundation be negotiated for the establishment of a revolving land fund. The project was funded to a total of $1 million with $300,000 being provided by each of the Commonwealth and Queensland governments and the balance being provided from unspent Daintree Rescue Program funds.
Funding for Shark Bay World Heritage Interpretive Centre.$1,000,000The Shark Bay Interpretive Centre has received the long standing support of the Commonwealth. In 1999 the Commonwealth provided $25,000 (half the cost) through the NHT, towards developing a concept plan for the Centre. In October 2000 the Shark Bay Ministerial Council considered the plan and the Commonwealth agreed in principle to providing funding for the interpretive elements of the Centre, though not at the level requested by WA ($5M). Following negotiation with the WA Minister for the Environment the government approved $1million from 2001-02 NHT funds for the Centre.
Waterwatch Program
National Waterwatch Data Management and Database$40,000$35,000Annually a Waterwatch Strategic Plan is submitted to the Minister for approval. The Strategic Plan includes National Projects developed by the Waterwatch Program team within the Department of the Environment and Heritage. Once projects have been approved by the Minister, the Waterwatch Program uses a tender process for the selection of proponents to undertake projects developed by the Department of the Environment and Heritage to meet the specific needs of the program. In some instances projects have not undergone the tender process as only one organisation has been identified as a sole supplier.
Waterwatch Churchill Scholarship 2000$15,000
Waterwatch Australia Steering Committee Meetings (2 per year)$34,000$30,000$20,000
Waterwatch National Conference 2000$10,000$15,000
Waterwatch National Conference 2002$30,000
Waterwatch National Information Calendar 2000$34,000
National Case Studies Book 1999$26,690
National Water Week Promotion and Activities 1999$24,000
CSIRO Helix Supplement $15,000
National Water Week 2000$11,000
National Water Week 2002 (incl. Race Around the Catchment)$28,000
National Supportive Resources (Fact Sheets, Brochures, Case Studies)$10,000$42,000
Website maitenance$5,000
Waterwatch National Technical Manual and Training$45,000
National Groundwater Forum and Training$20,000
Air Pollution in Major Cities
Fuel Quality Review$250,000Project proposals are identified, developed and assessed in close consultation with State and Territory representatives through the Air Managers Forum, before submission to Minister for funding approval.
National Fuel Quality Standards$100,000$42,934
Diesel NEPM$880,000$105,928
Smogbusters$130,000$300,000$340,000
Travelsmart$180,000
Alternative Fuels$60,000
NOx Catalyst-Diesel Engines$25,000
Review of Octane Enhancers$35,000
ADR 70 Diesel Vehicle Tests$60,000
Air Quality Forecasting$300,000$215,000
Airwatch$88,000$250,000
Peer Committee Review$15,000
Risk Assessment Taskforce$45,000
Secondary Particle Formation Stage 1$80,000
Secondary Particle Formation Stage 2$65,000
Fine Particle Measurement Study$10,000$90,000$67.82
Health Effects of fine Particles Workshop$25,000
Air Pollution Index$45,000
Vapour Recovery Code - Dry cleaners$34,000$31,000
Vapour Recovery Code - Spraypainters$26,000
Vapour Recovery Code - Printers$40,000
Breathe the Benefits$404,000
Woodheater Code of Practice$5,000$12,250
NOx Standard-Domestic Gas$20,000
Cleanerburn Assessment$20,000
Fuel Quality Standards - Biodiesel$40,000$20,000
Fuel Quality Standards - CNG$30,000$30,000
Fuel Quality Standards - LPG$95,000$35,000
Fuel Quality Standards - Operability$95,000
WA Fuel Cell Bus Trial$2,000,000
Lead Awareness$15,000
Woodheater Scoping Study$30,000
Measuring Child Exposure to Air Pollution$70,000
National State of the Air Report$30,000$33,000
TAPM Analysis$30,000$27,272
Woodheater Emissions Study$100,000$64,076
Air NEPM Implementation and Review$20,600$50,963
Clear the Air Booklet II$9,000
Clear the Air Interactive Exhibit$185,000$86,730
Launceston Woodheater Replacement Program$324,132
Particle Measurement Workshop$2,914
Fuel Quality Standards - Ethanol Assessment$57,522
Air Managers Forum$26,218$22,283$8,270
General Promotional Activities/Sponsorship$9,450$127$7875
APiMCP Review$26,221$1,764
Waste Management Program
WasteWise Reduction Guidelines and Survey of National Waste Arrangements$55,300Through open tender
CSIRO Recycled Concrete Specs$20,000By negotiation with CSIRO and other funding partners
Your home$40,000Through open tender
Waste Management Awareness Program - Mid Term Review$15,000
Master Builders Association (MBA) Efficiency Awards$25,000$27,500In negotiation with the MBA
RMIT Life Cycle Assessment in the Building Industry$120,000Through open tender
Clean Hunter Centre - established to facilitate materials efficiency and reuse in industry and business based on the Clean Washington Centre, USA$300,000Ongoing funding to meet Prime Ministerial commitment. NSW Government also jointly funds.
Electronic$84,500Open tender
Composted Organic Wastes for Soil Rehabilitation$67,040Expression of Interest through public advertisements
On-Line Recycled Organics Catalogue$124,500Expression of Interest through public advertisements
Development of national Competency Standards and Accredited Training Programs fro Recycled Organics Industry$188,700Expression of Interest through public advertisements
Centre for Recycled Organics in Agriculture$158,000Expression of Interest through public advertisements
Total Organic Waste Management - Alice Springs$313,500Expression of Interest through public advertisements
On Farm Composting of Municipal & Commercial Organics$87,952Expression of Interest through public advertisements
National Plastic Bag Awareness Program$50,325Select tender
Taxation: Family Payments7530(Question No. 559)5597530Jackson, Sharryn, MPMs Jackson00AN2HasluckALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 19 June 2002:(1) How many families and individuals in Australia receive the (a) Family Tax Benefit or (b) Child Care Benefit.(2) How many phone calls are received by the Family Assistance Office each week.(3) How many phone operators are available to answer calls to the Family Assistance Office on 13 6150.(4) What is the longest period callers to the Family Assistance Office on the 13 61 50 number will have to wait to have their calls answered.(5) In introducing a system where families and individuals receiving Family Tax Benefit or Child Care Benefit have to report any changes in their family income to the Family Assistance Office, was it envisaged that these people would have their calls answered promptly.(6) Is the Minister aware (a) that many Australians work in several part time or casual jobs without set hours or incomes each fortnight and must report changed circumstances regularly to the Family Assistance Office and (b) of the frustration many Australians experience in trying to call the 13 61 50 phone number to report their changed circumstances.(7) Is the Minister also aware that it was not possible to get through to the 13 61 50 phone number on 10 and 11 June 2002, and that on phoning the number, there was an engaged signal only.7530Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) (a) Centrelink records show that 1,940,000 customers successfully claimed Family Tax Benefit Part A and 1,360,000 customers successfully claimed Family Tax Benefit Part B as fortnightly payments in 2000-2001.(b) There were 592,000 families and individuals who received Child Care Benefit as a fee reduction during the 2000-2001 financial year.(2) During a three week period in June 2002, the Family Assistance Office averaged 144,106 successful calls per week.(3) For the month of June there were 1353 operators available in the FAO. (4) Centrelink Call aims to minimise the average wait time. For the month of June the Average Speed of Answer (ASA) was 297 seconds. The longest delay experienced by a customer in the three week period ending 21 June 2002 was 1700 seconds.(5) The Family Assistance Office was designed to give customers a choice in both delivery method and contact points. Customers can contact over the phone, via the Internet or in person at any Centrelink Office, Medicare Office or ATOaccess sites. Centrelink anticipates workload demand and allocates staff to meet expected demand, however, on occasions demand exceeds expectation.(6) (a) Customers who choose to receive their Family Tax Benefit by fortnightly instalments through Centrelink need to advise an estimate of income for the whole financial year. Families can earn up to $30,806 before it will affect Family Tax Benefit part A. Part B is affected by the income of the secondary income earner. It is not a requirement to advise the Family Assistance Office of fortnightly earnings.(b) In the twelve months to 30 August 2002 there were 8,145,908 successful calls to the FAO with an average speed of answer (ASA) of 115 seconds.(7) The 10th of June was a Public Holiday, in all States and Territories except for Western Australia, therefore Centrelink was closed in all sites except for Western Australia. On 10 June 2002, 3652 calls were answered in the FAO, with an Average Speed of Answer of 265 seconds. On 11 June 2002, 31,864 calls were answered in the FAO with an Average Speed of Answer of 328 seconds. Employment: Mature Age Workers 7531(Question No. 627)6277531Plibersek, Tanya, MPMs Plibersek83MSydneyALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 26 June 2002:(1) What substantive measures is the Minister taking to facilitate the re-entry into the workforce of those mature age workers who have had career breaks or who find themselves between jobs and unable to regain a foothold in the employment market.(2) How many older Australian workers have re-entered the workforce as a result of the measures.7531Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) Several new measures were announced under the “Australians Working Together” package.· The Government will spend $146 million over four years to help working-age people from 50 years to Age Pension age who receive income support payments to improve their job prospects- this includes extra Centrelink services and more places in services such as rehabilitation and disability employment services, English as a second language courses, literacy and numeracy training and other education and training opportunities.· From September 2002, people on Mature Age Allowance, Widow Allowance and Partner Allowance - who, because they are not activity tested, currently receive little employment assistance - will be invited to attend voluntary interviews with a Centrelink Personal Adviser. Centrelink Personal Advisers will help identify people's needs and the obstacles they may face and refer them to appropriate services.· From July 2003, a simpler income support structure will be introduced for older working-age people, with no new entrants to the non-activity tested Mature Age Allowance and Partner Allowance. People over 50 will claim Newstart Allowance instead, but with much more flexible requirements than currently apply to Newstart Allowance, together with individually focussed support.· All new Widow Allowees will have an annual interview with a Centrelink Personal Adviser to help them plan for the future. They will also be able to access Personal Advisers on a more regular basis if they wish.· In addition, mature age people will be able to access:- Job Search Training places without having to wait until they have been unemployed for three months (commenced 1 July 2002);- Training Credits of up to $800 and personal training that covers resumé development, written references and updating job seekers' skills, for people participating in Work for the Dole or community work monitored by Community Work Coordinators (commenced 1 July 2002);- Training Accounts of up to $800 for people participating in Job Search Training and Intensive Assistance (commenced 1 July 2002);- the new Transition to Work Programme, which helps people return to paid work after long absences (commenced 1 July 2002);- specialist information for people who are facing retrenchment or who have been retrenched;- information on how best to establish a small business;- Intensive Assistance assessments resulting in referrals to complementary programmes; - a Working Credit under which people of working age on income support may be able to keep some or all of their payment when they first start work or have intermittent work; and- the new Personal Support Programme, which assists people with severe or multiple obstacles to getting a job (commenced 1 July 2002).(2) The majority of these measures have yet to commence, or have only recently commenced, and so I am unable to answer this question.Parliament House: Security 7532(Question No. 660)6607532Gillard, Julia, MPMs Gillard83LLalorALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Justice and Customs, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:Does the Australian Protective Service (APS) undertake security at the ministerial entrance to Parliament House; if so, are there plans to bring in another, cheaper provider to replace the APS.
7532Williams, Daryl, MPMr Williams7V5TangneyLPAttorney-General10—The Minister for Justice and Customs has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:The Australian Protective Service (APS) currently provides protective security at the ministerial entrance to Parliament House. This function forms part of the overall protective security measures as performed by the APS for the Parliament of Australia.A select committee, made up the Board of Management Security Parliament House, chaired by Joint House, is in the process of reviewing the security measures at Parliament House. The review action will determine the appropriate level of security required within the parliamentary precincts and will also take into account services as provided by the APS. Accordingly, no decision has been taken at this time to change this arrangement.
Aviation: Australian Airports7532(Question No. 671)6717532Murphy, John, MPMr Murphy83DLoweALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:Further to the reply to part (2) of question No. 393, are Australia's airports strategic military assets; if not, why not.7532Vale, Danna, MPMrs ValeVK6HughesLPMinister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence10—The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:Australian national airports are strategic assets as they are available for use to support Australian Defence Force activities. This will only occur when a suitable Defence or a designated joint military/civilian airport is not available.Designated joint military/civilian airports are located at Darwin, Townsville, Newcastle, Katherine, Exmouth, Nowra and Oakey. All other national airports are used by Defence under standard commercial arrangements.Immigration: Migrant Resource Centres7532(Question No. 697)6977532Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Further to the answer to question No. 117 (Hansard, 14 May 2002, page 2040) concerning Migrant Resource Centres, what client statistics exist to show how many clients of each service have been assisted by each Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) and what funding did each centre receive during the period for which the statistics are available.(2) When was the Department Statistical Clients Information system for recording clients established.(3) When were MRCs and Migrant Service Agencies (MSAs) expected to use such facilities.(4) Which MRCs and MSAs failed to meet the commencement date for recording client statistics and what was the reason for the failure.
7532Hardgrave, Gary, MPMr HardgraveCK6MoretonLPMinister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) I am unable to provide all the information requested. There have been ongoing problems with the client statistical reporting system in terms of the reliability and completeness of the data. In view of this, the provision of the limited information that is available could be misleading. The statistical reporting system is one element of the MRC/MSA accountability and performance framework that is being reviewed in the context of the broader Review of Settlement Services currently being conducted by the Department. The funding provided to MRCs and MSAs is as follows:
MRC/MSAFunding for year ended 30 June 2002 (ex GST)
Auburn$295,537
Baulkham Hills/ Holroyd/Parramatta (Parramatta)$285,159
Blacktown$301,484
Botany (Daceyville)$266,891
Fairfield (Cabramatta)$263,929
Canterbury-Bankstown (Campsie)$280,451
Illawarra (Wollongong)$301,903
Inner West (Ashfield)$310,648
Liverpool$293,838
Macarthur (Campbelltown)$309,729
Newcastle and Hunter Region (Hamilton)$300,862
St George (Rockdale)$299,715
Migrant Network Services (Northern Sydney)$270,504
Geelong (Geelong West)$263,805
Gippsland (Latrobe Valley)$147,784
Inner Western (Footscray) including Hoppers Crossing$413,566
North East (Preston)$278,432
North West (St Albans)$306,150
Northern Metro (Glenroy)$285,133
South Central (Prahran) including Oakleigh outreach service$379,753
South Eastern (Dandenong)$265,865
Westgate Region (Altona North)$122,569
Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne)$271,024
Logan & Beenleigh (Woodridge)$190,967
Townsville$264,305
Migrant Settlement Services (Cairns)$187,272
Multicultural Development Agency (Brisbane)$270,504
Adelaide - Salisbury outreach service$439,984
South Metro (Fremantle)$220,529
Northern Suburbs (Mirrabooka)$288,155
Northern Tasmania (Launceston)$173,721
Southern Tasmania (Hobart)$228,268
Central Australia (Alice Springs)$124,385
Canberra MRC including Queanbeyan Multilingual Centre$279,997
(2) The Settlement Client Information System software was developed in the period between October 1998 and June 1999, but has undergone several updates since that time.(3) The MRCs and MSAs were expected to begin using the Settlement Client Information System from 1 July 1999.(4) The MRCs and MSAs that did not meet the commencement date for recording client statistics, and the reasons given by the organisations for not meeting the commencement date were:
Baulkham Hills/ Holroyd/Parramatta (Parramatta)Technical problems with installation
BlacktownTechnical problems with installation
CanterburyComputer network upgrade delayed installation
Fairfield (Cabramatta)Lack of IT proficiency within MRC
Macarthur (Campbelltown)Ongoing database corruptions
Newcastle and Hunter Region (Hamilton)Technical problems with installation
Migrant Network Services (Northern Sydney)Concerns about transferring information over the internet
North West (St Albans)Incompatibility with Office 2000 software already installed
South Eastern (Dandenong)Delay in getting technical assistance to help with installation
Logan & Beenleigh (Woodridge)Technical problems with installation
Townsville MRCTechnical problems with installation
South Metro (Fremantle)Technical problems with installation
Northern Suburbs (Mirrabooka)Technical problems with installation
Northern Tasmania (Launceston)Computer network installation delayed SCIS implementation
Transport: Shipping7534(Question No. 699)6997534Thomson, Kelvin, MPMr Kelvin ThomsonUK6WillsALP00 asked the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:Why did the Government take over 10 months to respond to the report into the safety of shipping on the Great Barrier Reef.
7534Anderson, John, MPMr Anderson4K4GwydirNPMinister for Transport and Regional Services10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:The Steering Committee's report into the Review of Great Barrier Reef Ship Safety and Pollution Prevention Measures was released in September 2001. When the Federal election was called in October 2001, the Government went into Caretaker mode. This delayed consideration of the Review.The Commonwealth's response was made on 25 July 2002 after appropriate consultations.
Bureau of Meteorology7534(Question No. 703)7037534Thomson, Kelvin, MPMr Kelvin ThomsonUK6WillsALP00 asked the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Bureau of Meteorology keep records that compare its forecast temperatures and conditions with the actual temperatures and conditions; if so, on a yearly basis, what is its accuracy in each State capital.(2) Has the accuracy improved; if so, why.(3) Are there parts of Australia where that accuracy is worse than others.(4) What has been the budget allocation for the Bureau of Meteorology in each year since 1995.7534Kemp, Dr David, MPDr KempBT4GoldsteinLPMinister for the Environment and Heritage10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) The Bureau of Meteorology has been keeping records on its forecasting performance for over 30 years. The two major weather elements that have been verified are temperature and rainfall. The verification statistics are summarised in the tables below. The comparisons shown are of the number of significant forecast temperature errors (greater than 3o Celsius), the mean magnitude of the forecast temperature errors, the accuracy of rainfall forecasts, and the skill in predicting mean sea-level pressure which strongly influences the forecasts of many weather elements. These temperature and rainfall verification results are listed for each State and Territory capital city. The forecasts being evaluated are those that are issued in the afternoon for the following day - i.e. what is seen on the news at 6pm or 7pm. The skill in predicting mean sea-level pressure is evaluated over the whole Australian region.FORECAST VERIFICATION STATISTICS All State and Territory Capital Cities Combined
TEMPERATURERAINFALL
number of errors greater than or equal to 3 deg CMean Absolute Error(deg C)rain/no rain:percentage correct
YEARMaximumMinimumMaximumMinimumForecastPersistence
19706784991.841.4974.0%71.2%
19716294811.761.4968.5%69.0%
19726644971.841.5371.7%74.0%
19736794911.801.4769.3%73.5%
19746134681.631.3972.2%71.0%
19756364461.801.4472.8%71.5%
19766144501.651.3873.5%70.3%
19776805251.731.4571.0%70.8%
19786904711.691.4169.0%69.3%
19796194781.611.3970.2%68.7%
19806925081.861.5072.7%70.2%
19816965051.701.4473.2%70.5%
19826355111.651.4374.4%72.0%
19836055071.591.4672.3%72.4%
19845514941.531.4172.0%68.9%
19855454521.511.4169.5%70.0%
19865494911.551.4370.8%69.8%
19875154701.491.3874.9%70.5%
19884824621.451.4173.3%72.5%
19894814261.411.3373.4%71.7%
19905254441.501.3674.2%71.5%
19915344501.461.4178.0%75.1%
19924604741.401.4175.1%70.5%
19934704531.401.3676.6%70.4%
19944204871.381.4876.7%75.2%
19954694971.431.4472.4%71.3%
19964384521.391.3877.3%72.3%
19973934081.351.3176.2%75.2%
19984444361.391.3576.3%72.1%
19994193951.401.2877.1%71.1%
20004174441.361.3877.1%73.9%
20013954521.341.4076.5%71.2%
Temperature - number of errors 3 deg C or greater in forecasts
Average1990-2001199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001
PerthMaximum56.8738370614559425553554243
Minimum70.3505777817172776771698765
AdelaideMaximum59.1737254656558486149674948
Minimum64.8667457656967625268726660
DarwinMaximum16.823231417521814212118
Minimum23.62828342131231815221327
MelbourneMaximum75.4889578637162765582917173
Minimum54.3535660635352506745424170
HobartMaximum72.7918283938076628163636335
Minimum44.1465045445347364243453642
CanberraMaximum74.3757371797688726888618159
Minimum111.8121106104101126123117103103110115113
SydneyMaximum57.3616754613066832762576455
Minimum26.3302434291835351230241431
BrisbaneMaximum37.8413936314839473226252664
Minimum55.9505563496678575054337244
Temperature - mean absolute error (deg c) in forecasts
Average1990-2001199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001
PerthMaximum1.51.61.81.81.41.51.41.41.41.41.31.2
Minimum1.51.31.41.71.61.71.51.61.51.51.71.5
AdelaideMaximum1.41.61.51.41.41.41.41.31.31.31.41.3
Minimum1.51.51.61.41.51.51.51.41.41.51.51.5
DarwinMaximum0.910.80.70.90.70.90.80.9111
Minimum1.011.11.10.9110.90.910.91
MelbourneMaximum1.61.81.81.61.51.61.61.61.71.61.71.61.6
Minimum1.41.41.41.41.51.41.31.31.41.21.21.21.5
HobartMaximum1.61.71.71.61.81.61.61.41.61.51.51.5
Minimum1.31.31.41.31.21.41.31.21.21.21.21.3
CanberraMaximum1.61.61.51.61.61.61.71.61.61.71.51.61.5
Minimum1.921.91.91.82.12.121.81.91.821.9
SydneyMaximum1.51.51.51.41.51.41.61.71.31.51.41.51.4
Minimum1.11.11.11.21.11.21.21.111.2111.1
BrisbaneMaximum1.11.21.11.11.11.21.21.311.1111.2
Minimum1.41.31.41.31.31.51.61.51.31.31.11.51.3
RainfallPercentage correct forecast (rain/no rain)
Average1990-2001199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001
PerthForecast82.17781.879.983.888.281.487.275.184.5
Persistence78.574.277.575.875.984.979.379.278.181.9
AdelaideForecast78.476.478.17775.977.375.67780.882.779.482.3
Persistence72.573.272.17172.171.570.771.677.573.77173.4
DarwinForecast79.374.580.872.277.381.98082.583.675.183.881.1
Persistence80.078.985.273.776.781.977.580.980.878.18680.5
MelbourneForecast74.073.477.477.173.473.459.37777.772.577.575.7
Persistence70.870.476.273.570.47167.87468.766.467.473.4
HobartForecast71.767.472.372.375.570.470.471.372.671.27270.374.1
Persistence64.260.564.463.459.667.962.759.36970.462.466.663.8
CanberraForecast75.473.977.678.377.478.372.473.178.372.57374.8
Persistence71.969.176.770.17179.271.565.173.767.773.273.7
SydneyForecast73.569.975.669.167.47586.770.674
Persistence70.963.868.870.770.269.585.771.866.8
BrisbaneForecast74.176.978.174.373.775.172.57366.87773.773.5
Persistence72.074.573.772.568.874.270.476.272.37072.667.1
Australian Global ModelSI SKILL SCORE
Forecast period24hr48hr72hr120hr
199030.7543.3352.4263.67
199129.9242.0051.3363.67
199230.2542.5051.8364.42
199324.5836.0845.2558.17
199423.8034.1842.7556.50
199523.9034.8744.3758.13
199623.4634.0843.0456.94
199723.4433.7742.6456.31
199823.6934.5843.6857.27
199922.3532.8341.5556.81
200021.0831.6140.2854.54
200120.4330.7339.6455.15
(note: a smaller value indicates greater skill)Values of the S1 skill score, a measure of the errors in prediction of mean sea level pressure, over the Australian region. The values shown are 12-month running means.(2) The long-term trends show an improvement in both temperature and rainfall forecasting. The percentage of accurate rainfall forecasts has increased from about 70% to 75%.The temperature statistics are presented in terms of significant errors and mean absolute errors. There is a long-term improvement in both the maximum and minimum temperature forecast performance as well as a substantial reduction in the number of large errors in temperature forecasts, particularly for maximum temperature. The downward trend over time in the S1 skill scores suggests that the operational predictions from the Australian region analysis and prediction system have contributed to the general improvement in forecasting of weather elements.Improvements in forecast performance can be explained by a number of factors including:(a) Improved skill of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models (cf. The S1 skill scores);(b) Introduction and updating of automated guidance to forecasters based on algorithms and NWP output;(c) Introduction of strategically-located automatic weather stations to provide an improved observations network;(d) Improved observing systems (particularly weather watch radar and radiosondes);(e) Improved satellite data;(f) Continuing research leading to improved understanding of the science of meteorology and the development of automated guidance tools, along with more detailed case studies allowing better understanding of specific events;(g) Computerised systems allowing for more effective and timely presentation of data to forecasters; and(h) Improvements in training, particularly in ongoing training for operational forecasters.(3) While it is reasonable to look at trends in accuracy at a particular location, care must be exercised in comparing accuracy between locations. This is because there are significant differences in the variability in weather elements from one part of Australia to the next. In cities where the weather is naturally more variable, the forecasting of temperatures and rainfall will be more difficult. For example, it is easier to forecast the maximum temperature at, say, Darwin where the maximum temperature might be consistently around 31 to 33 degrees for most of the year, than in Canberra where there is a significant variation in maximum temperature from day to day. Establishing measures of forecasting skill that are independent of location is a problem that has yet to be effectively solved. It is probably true to say that every location has its own forecasting challenges and while temperature forecasts are problematic at one location, forecasting rainfall or wind or thunderstorms might be a particular problem at another.(4) The following table lists the Budget appropriations in all financial years since 1995 to enable the Bureau of Meteorology to carry out its full range of functions, including observations and data collection; research and development; the provision of weather, climate, hydrological and oceanographic data, information, forecast, warning, investigation and advisory services; and international coordination. These figures do not include annotated appropriations nor variations through Additional Estimates. Because of changes in accounting with the introduction of Accrual Budgeting, the figures are not completely comparable from year to year.
Financial YearAppropriation ($'000)
1995-96147002
1996-97146808
1997-98150426
1998-99154416
1999-2000179975
2000-01188681
2001-02194986
2002-03204191
Environment: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority7538(Question No. 704)7047538Thomson, Kelvin, MPMr Kelvin ThomsonUK6WillsALP00 asked the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:Will he make public the report into the grounding of the Doric Chariot on the Great Barrier Reef.7538Kemp, Dr David, MPDr KempBT4GoldsteinLPMinister for the Environment and Heritage10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has prepared two impact assessment reports, one in respect of the physical damage to the reef and one relating to the pollutant damage to the reef. Both reports form part of the evidentiary material for the prosecutions under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975. The reports would be expected to be publicly available following the completion of the prosecution proceedings.Drugs: Programs7538(Question No. 728)7287538Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister's Department administer any programs relating to illicit drug use.(2) If so, what has been the level of expenditure on these programs in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-2001 and (f) 2001-2002.(3) In relation to programs which have allowed organisations to apply for funding for the delivery of services or programs, (a) what is the name of each program and (b) what was the level of expenditure in each State in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998- 99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-2001 and (f) 2001-2002 on each program.(4) In relation to funding under these programs, (a) how many applications were received from within the electoral divisions of (i) Chisholm, (ii) Aston, (iii) Deakin, (iv) Latrobe and (v) Casey, (b) what is the name of each organisation that submitted an application, (c) what was the purpose of the funding being sought in each case, (d) what was the value of funding sought in each case and (e) if the application was successful, (i) what level of funding was granted and (ii) in which federal electoral division is the organisation located.(5) In relation to programs that do not provide for organisations to apply for funding, what was the level of expenditure for each program in the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002.7538Williams, Daryl, MPMr Williams7V5TangneyLPAttorney-General10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: (1) Yes. The Attorney-General's Department (the Department) has provided funding to the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) under the National Illicit Drug Strategy (NIDS) for the Drug Use Careers of Offenders (DUCO) project and the Drug Use Monitoring in Australia (DUMA) project.Under the National Crime Prevention Program (NCPP), funding has also been provided for 3 projects relating to illicit drug use. The AIC has received funding to enable the continuation of the DUMA project after NIDS funding ceased. Funding has been provided to the New South Wales Government for a jointly funded project “Trial of Two Brief Interventions for Cannabis Problems Among Young Offenders”. Funding has also been provided to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) for a jointly funded project to research the Impact of Illicit Drug Use in the ACT.(2) Funding was provided as follows:(a) 1996/97 Nil.(b) 1997/98 $50,000 provided by the NCPP for the Illicit Drug Use in the ACT project. (c) 1998/99 Nil.(d) 1999/00 $351,350 for the DUCO project under NIDS.(e) 2000/01 $79,560 provided by the NCPP for the Cannabis Intervention Program.(f) 2001/02 $600,000 for the DUMA project and $207,228 for the DUCO project under NIDS. The NCPP also provided $36,720 for the Cannabis Intervention project and $900,000 for the DUMA project.(3) Not applicable.(4) Not applicable.(5) Nil.Drugs: Programs7539(Question No. 729)7297539Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister's Department administer any programs relating to illicit drug use.(2) If so, what has been the level of expenditure on these programs in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-2001 and (f) 2001-2002.(3) In relation to programs which have allowed organisations to apply for funding for the delivery of services or programs, (a) what is the name of each program and (b) what was the level of expenditure in each State in (a) 1996-97, (b) 1997-98, (c) 1998-99, (d) 1999-2000, (e) 2000-2001 and (f) 2001-2002 on each program.(4) In relation to funding under these programs, (a) how many applications were received from within the electoral divisions of (i) Chisholm, (ii) Aston, (iii) Deakin, (iv) Latrobe and (v) Casey, (b) what is the name of each organisation that submitted an application, (c) what was the purpose of the funding being sought in each case, (d) what was the value of funding sought in each case and (e) if the application was successful, (i) what level of funding was granted and (ii) in which federal electoral division is the organisation located.(5) In relation to programs that do not provide for organisations to apply for funding, what was the level of expenditure for each program in the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002.7539Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) Yes.(2) (a) to (f) Funding for the “Strengthening and Supporting Families Coping With Illicit Drug Use” measure of the National Illicit Drug Strategy commenced in 2000/01. Funding to 2001/02 is:1999/002000/012001/02
$0$1,131,000$4,751,000
(3) Funding is provided to State and Territory Governments to develop and implement programs under the measure. State/Territory Governments may engage non-government organisations to deliver measures. (a) Programs funded in each State and Territory are as follows:New South Wales - The “Family Support” program provides a range of services to support the families of young people coping with illicit drug use, including telephone advice and referral services, on-line information services, training programs for families and carers of drug users, and developing the capacity of community organisations to provide home visitation or local support.Victoria - The “About Better Communication about Drugs” program is a state-wide parent education initiative, to provide parents with skills and parenting practices to build positive and trusting relationships with their children, and help them prevent and/or cope with adolescent drug use. Queensland - The “Support for Indigenous Communities” program aims to help Indigenous communities and community groups in South-East Queensland to provide support to families where a young person is using illicit drugs. The “Parent Education and Health” program aims to increase the knowledge, coping skills and confidence of parents in helping a young person with drug issues.South Australia - The “Aboriginal Families Against Drugs” program develops Kinship Support Service Plans, focussed on the extended family, providing intensive support, education, counselling and referral services to increase the social and emotional well-being of drug users and their families.Western Australia - The “Family Program Supporting Police Diversion” supports Community Drug Service Teams to provide outreach and follow-up support to families of young people diverted by police into drug counselling or treatment programs.Tasmania - The “Family Support” program will provide appropriate, targeted and resourced interventions to families affected, or vulnerable to the harms, of drug use.Northern Territory - The “Families Coping With Drug Use in Remote Communities” program aims to support the needs of families with a young person coping with illicit drug use, by developing interventions that can be applied at a remote Indigenous community level.Australian Capital Territory - The “Parent Education and Support” program provides parents with skills to handle drug-related issues in the family context, and enhances the capacity of community service providers to deliver these skills.(b)(a) to (f) Total funding to each State/Territory commenced in 2000/01 and over 2000/01 and 2001/02 is as follows:NSWVICQLDSAWATASNTACT
$1.241m$1.595m$.828m$.663m$.880m$.227m$.168m$.280m
(4) (a)(i) to (v)(b) to (d)(e)(i) and (ii) In Victoria, “About Better Communication about Drugs” delivers drug education programs across urban and regional areas of Victoria. Programs will be delivered to Eastern and South Eastern areas of Melbourne, including the suburbs of Box Hill, Croydon, Mooroolbark, Springvale, Narre Warren, and Pakenham. Due to the nature of service delivery, it is not possible to estimate expenditure for the electorates of Casey, Deakin, Aston, LaTrobe and Chisholm.(5) Not applicable.Defence: Program Funding7540(Question No. 737)7377540Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral division of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided.7540Vale, Danna, MPMrs ValeVK6HughesLPMinister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence10—The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) Yes. (2) Defence has two grant programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding. (a) The Defence Family Support Funding Program (FSFP) provides funds to Defence families to enable them to undertake family support projects at the local level that will assist them to overcome the impacts of mobility. It is also available to existing groups in the community composed of, or benefiting, Defence families. (b) The Army Military History Research Grants Scheme supports and encourages research into the role and involvement of the Army in the development of the nation. (3) (a) The availability of FSFP grant funds and the application process are promoted widely to the Defence community through Defence newsletters, local community newsletters, Defence magazines (for example: Family Matters, The Key), Defence Community Organisation (DCO) offices and on the DCO website. (b) The Army Military History Research Grant application process is advertised widely through the media each January, including The Australian, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Canberra Times, The Courier Mail, and the Army newspaper. Information is also available on the Defence website. (4) N/A.Family and Community Services: Program Funding7541(Question No. 746)7467541Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister for Children and Youth Services and the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided.7541Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes.(2) and (3)
Commonwealth funded programsAdvertising
Commonwealth childcare programs:Disadvantaged Area Subsidy for Long Day Care Centres and Outside School Hours Care ServicesFamily Day Care, In-home Care and Outside School Hours Care One-off Set-up GrantsFamily Day Care and In-home Care Operational SubsidiesJobs Education and Training programFamily Day Care and In-home Care Regional Travel Assistance GrantPrivate Provider Incentives for long day care rural and remote centre operatorsFunding programs are advertised periodically when new programs are established or existing programs are expanded. Communication methods such as the Department's website, child care news publications and service handbooks are used. Other funding within program types is advertised in targeted areas or promoted directly in writing to potentially eligible services.
Centrepay National No Interest Loan Scheme pilot programAdvertising is undertaken by the Council of Social Services of NSW and existing No Interest Loan Scheme organisation networks.
Disability Employment AssistanceFunding under the Disability Employment Assistance program is provided on an ongoing basis to existing service providers. Funding for new services is advertised in relevant major newspapers and the internet
Employer Incentives StrategyEmployers are informed of available assistance under the Employer incentive Strategy when a person with a disability is employed by their organisation from a Disability Employment Service. Disability Recruitment Coordinators are also funded by the Commonwealth to inform large employers of the disability employment programs, including the Employer Incentive Strategy.
National Disability Conference FundingNational Disability Conference funding is advertised in early March each year through an advertisement placed in the Australian Newspaper. Information is also made available on the Department of Family and Community Services Internet site.
Family Relationships Services Program (FRSP)Information on new funding opportunities for family relationships services is made available on the Department of Family and Community Services website at www.facs.gov.au/frb under current funding opportunities and through advertising in national newspapers.
Commonwealth Financial Counselling Program (CFCP)As above
Early Intervention Parenting (EIP)As above
Indigenous Parenting and Family Wellbeing (IP)As above
Personal Support Programme (PSP)Request for submissions for the programme were advertised in all national and major regional newspapers on 6 & 9 February 2002.
Family and Community Network Initiative (FCNI)The Department invites project proposals from organisations in target locations.
Stronger Families and Community Strategy (SFCS)The Strategy is promoted in a range of publications including:The Commonwealth Regional information booklet (pg 6) posted to every letterbox in August 2002Local Government Year BooksCommunity Kit - available through FaCS officesSFCS brochure - distributed widelyWebsite - @ http://www.facs.gov.au/cando1800 free call number 1800300125
Family Homelessness Prevention and Early Intervention PilotsFunding for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Early Intervention Pilots was allocated through a tender process which called for applications through advertisements in the press.
National Homelessness Strategy (NHS)Availability of funding for NHS Demonstration projects is advertised on the NHS website.
ReconnectAdvertisements sought funding applications from interested communities and organisations for three selection rounds of the Reconnect Program.
Youth Activities Services (YAS)The initial distribution of Youth Activities Services (YAS) and Family Liaison Worker (FLW) programs were based on submissions from interested sponsoring organisations (such as local councils, community organisations or groups).
Family Liaison Worker (FLW)As above
Green CorpsIn September 2001, expressions of interest were sought from organisations interested in managing the Green Corps Program from July 2002 until June 2005.
Job Placement Employment and Training (JPET)A Request for Application for the provision of JPET services 2003-2006, was advertised through national newspapers on 20 July 2002. The Departments' internet site contained details of the business allocation process. The advertisement was also posted on youth-service focused email lists. In addition, all providers of FaCS youth services were advised by email on the day prior to the advertisement going to press.
Innovative and Collaborative Youth Servicing (ICYS) PilotsThe ICYS Pilots were advertised nationally on 29 September 2001.
(4) I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure of resources and effort that would be involved to obtain this information.Education, Science and Training: Program Funding7543(Question No. 747)7477543Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister for Education, Science and Training, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided.7543Nelson, Dr Brendan, MPDr NelsonRW5BradfieldLPMinister for Education, Science and Training10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes.(2) SCHOOLS· Special Education - Non-government Centre Support Programme· National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies and Projects Programme· Jobs Pathway Programme (JPP)· Career and Transition (CAT) Pilots· Partnership Outreach Education Model (POEM) Pilots· Enterprise and Career Education Programme (ECEP)· Enterprise and Career Education Foundation (ECEF)· Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness (ASSPA)· Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS)· Vocational and Educational Guidance for Aboriginals Scheme (VEGAS)· Indigenous Educational Strategic Initiatives Programme (IESIP).SCIENCE· The Innovation Access Programme (IAP)· The National Innovation Awareness Strategy· The Cooperative Research Centre Programme (CRC)· The Major National Research Facilities (MNRF).INTERNATIONAL· The Professional Services Development Programme (previously known as the Industry Development Programme).VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING· The Strategic Intervention Programme (SIP)· Industry Training Strategies Programme (ITSP) (and formerly (pre 2000) Educative Services)· Group Training New Apprenticeships Targeted Initiatives Programme (GTNATIP)· New Apprenticeships Access Programme (NAAP)· IT Skills for Older Workers Programme · The Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Programme· New Apprenticeships Support Services· The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme (LLNP).(3) SCHOOLSAll programmes listed at (2) are advertised through publications and/or the Department's website www.dest.gov.au, and also through State and Territory Departments which administer some of the programmes.SCIENCENational Innovation Awareness Strategy - Yes. A `Call for Proposals' is released.The Innovation Access Programme — The IAP is advertised on a national basis through newspapers and electronic newsletters.The Cooperative Research Centre Programme - The CRC Programme, when calling for new applications for funding, is advertised through major national newspapers and all significant State or Territory newspapers. Details on the Programme and its selection rounds can also be found at the following Internet address: www.crc.gov.au.The Major National Research Facility Programme - The MNRF Programme, when calling for new applications for funding, is advertised through major national newspapers and all significant State or Territory newspapers. Details of successful applicants announced under the MNRF Programme can be found at the following Internet address: www.dest.gov.au/mnrf/.INTERNATIONALThe Professional Services Development Programme is promoted to peak professional bodies for whom the funds are available. The Department does not advertise the funding opportunity.The programme guidelines and application form are available on the DEST website www.dest.gov.au.VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAININGNo advertising for the Strategic Intervention Programme (SIP).Yes, advertising by open tender for the Industry Training Strategies Programme (ITSP).There are no plans currently to advertise funding opportunities for the Group Training New Apprenticeships Targeted Initiatives Programme (GTNATIP). Was advertised previously from late 2000 to early 2001.The New Apprenticeships Access Programme (NAAP) completed a competitive tender for brokers in June 2002, contracts are valid until October 2004. Organisations involved in the provision of training arrangements especially focused on New Apprenticeships can approach contracted brokers.IT Skills for Older Workers was advertised in July 2002 by open tender for brokers and is now closed. Organisations involved in delivery of training may approach contracted brokers.Advertisements for the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Programme are placed in major national newspapers inviting applications for funding. Generally, all applications are considered at this time, although applications may be considered outside the major funding round.New Apprenticeships Support Services is publicly advertised through major newspapers, the New Apprenticeships Website www.newapprenticeships.gov.au and the Purchasing and Disposal, APS Gazette.The tender for the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme (LLNP) was advertised nationally in all major newspapers, on Saturday 11 August 2001 and on Saturday 18 August 2001.(4) I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure of resources and effort that would be involved in breaking down the information sought into the electoral divisions requested.Industry, Tourism and Resources: Program Funding 7545(Question No. 749)7497545Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided.
7545Macfarlane, Ian, MPMr Ian MacfarlaneWN6GroomLPMinister for Industry, Tourism and Resources10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes.(2 Community organisations or businesses can apply for funding under the following programs which are currently administered by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources.· R&D Start Grants & Loans Program· R&D Tax Concession including 175% premium R&D Tax Concession & R&D Tax Offset· Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) Program· Biotechnology Innovation Fund· Innovation Access Program· Innovation Investment Fund· National Innovation Awareness Strategy· Competitive Pre-Seed Fund· Renewable Energy Equity Fund· Pooled Development Funds Program· Petroleum Products Freight Subsidy Scheme· Policy By-Laws Programs including Project By-Laws Scheme and Enhanced Project By-Laws Scheme (EPBS)· Tradex· Shipbuilding Bounty· Shipbuilding Innovation Scheme· Book Production - Enhanced Printing Industry Competitiveness Scheme· Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme· TCF Strategic Investment Program· TCF Expanded Overseas Assembly Provisions (EOAP) Scheme· TCF Corporate Wear Register· Regional Tourism Program· Small Business Assistance Programs including Small Business Enterprise Culture Program, Small Business Incubator Program & Small Business Answers Program· Supplier Access to Major Projects Program(3) Yes.(4) I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure of resources and effort that would be involved in breaking down the information sought into the electoral divisions requested.
Science: Program Funding 7546(Question No. 754)7547546Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister for Science, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided.7546McGauran, Peter, MPMr McGauranXH4GippslandNPMinister for Science10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes.(2) SCHOOLS· Special Education - Non-government Centre Support Programme· National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies and Projects Programme· Jobs Pathway Programme (JPP)· Career and Transition (CAT) Pilots· Partnership Outreach Education Model (POEM) Pilots· Enterprise and Career Education Programme (ECEP)· Enterprise and Career Education Foundation (ECEF)· Aboriginal Student Support and Parent Awareness (ASSPA)· Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS)· Vocational and Educational Guidance for Aboriginals Scheme (VEGAS)· Indigenous Educational Strategic Initiatives Programme (IESIP).SCIENCE· The Innovation Access Programme (IAP)· The National Innovation Awareness Strategy· The Cooperative Research Centre Programme (CRC)· The Major National Research Facilities (MNRF).INTERNATIONAL· The Professional Services Development Programme (previously known as the Industry Development Programme).VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING· The Strategic Intervention Programme (SIP)· Industry Training Strategies Programme (ITSP) (and formerly (pre 2000) Educative Services)· Group Training New Apprenticeships Targeted Initiatives Programme (GTNATIP)· New Apprenticeships Access Programme (NAAP)· IT Skills for Older Workers Programme· The Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Programme· New Apprenticeships Support Services· The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme (LLNP).(3) SCHOOLSAll programmes listed at (2) are advertised through publications and/or the Department's website www.dest.gov.au, and also through State and Territory Departments which administer some of the programmes.SCIENCE National Innovation Awareness Strategy - Yes. A `Call for Proposals' is released.The Innovation Access Programme - The IAP is advertised on a national basis through newspapers and electronic newsletters.The Cooperative Research Centre Programme - The CRC Programme, when calling for new applications for funding, is advertised through major national newspapers and all significant State or Territory newspapers. Details on the Programme and its selection rounds can also be found at the following Internet address: www.crc.gov.au.The Major National Research Facility Programme - The MNRF Programme, when calling for new applications for funding, is advertised through major national newspapers and all significant State or Territory newspapers. Details of successful applicants announced under the MNRF Programme can be found at the following Internet address: www.dest.gov.au/mnrf/.INTERNATIONALThe Professional Services Development Programme is promoted to peak professional bodies for whom the funds are available. The Department does not advertise the funding opportunity.The programme guidelines and application form are available on the DEST website www.dest.gov.au.VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAININGNo advertising for the Strategic Intervention Programme (SIP).Yes, advertising by open tender for the Industry Training Strategies Programme (ITSP).There are no plans currently to advertise funding opportunities for the Group Training New Apprenticeships Targeted Initiatives Programme (GTNATIP). Was advertised previously from late 2000 to early 2001.The New Apprenticeships Access Programme (NAAP) completed a competitive tender for brokers in June 2002, contracts are valid until October 2004. Organisations involved in the provision of training arrangements especially focused on New Apprenticeships can approach contracted brokers.IT Skills for Older Workers was advertised in July 2002 by open tender for brokers and is now closed. Organisations involved in delivery of training may approach contracted brokers.Advertisements for the Workplace English Language and Literacy (WELL) Programme are placed in major national newspapers inviting applications for funding. Generally, all applications are considered at this time, although applications may be considered outside the major funding round.New Apprenticeships Support Services is publicly advertised through major newspapers, the New Apprenticeships Website www.newapprenticeships.gov.au and the Purchasing and Disposal, APS Gazette.The tender for the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Programme (LLNP) was advertised nationally in all major newspapers, on Saturday 11 August 2001 and on Saturday 18 August 2001.(4) I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure of resources and effort that would be involved in breaking down the information sought into the electoral divisions requested.Family and Community Services: Program Funding7547(Question No. 756)746 and 7567547Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister for Children and Youth Services and the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided. 7548Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes.(2) and (3)
Commonwealth funded programsAdvertising
Commonwealth childcare programs:Disadvantaged Area Subsidy for Long Day Care Centres and Outside School Hours Care ServicesFamily Day Care, In-home Care and Outside School Hours Care One-off Set-up GrantsFamily Day Care and In-home Care Operational SubsidiesJobs Education and Training programFamily Day Care and In-home Care Regional Travel Assistance GrantPrivate Provider Incentives for long day care rural and remote centre operatorsFunding programs are advertised periodically when new programs are established or existing programs are expanded. Communication methods such as the Department's website, child care news publications and service handbooks are used. Other funding within program types is advertised in targeted areas or promoted directly in writing to potentially eligible services.
Centrepay National No Interest Loan Scheme pilot programAdvertising is undertaken by the Council of Social Services of NSW and existing No Interest Loan Scheme organisation networks.
Disability Employment AssistanceFunding under the Disability Employment Assistance program is provided on an ongoing basis to existing service providers. Funding for new services is advertised in relevant major newspapers and the internet
Employer Incentives StrategyEmployers are informed of available assistance under the Employer incentive Strategy when a person with a disability is employed by their organisation from a Disability Employment Service. Disability Recruitment Coordinators are also funded by the Commonwealth to inform large employers of the disability employment programs, including the Employer Incentive Strategy.
National Disability Conference FundingNational Disability Conference funding is advertised in early March each year through an advertisement placed in the Australian Newspaper. Information is also made available on the Department of Family and Community Services Internet site.
Family Relationships Services Program (FRSP)Information on new funding opportunities for family relationships services is made available on the Department of Family and Community Services website at www.facs.gov.au/frb under current funding opportunities and through advertising in national newspapers.
Commonwealth Financial Counselling Program (CFCP)As above
Early Intervention Parenting (EIP)As above
Indigenous Parenting and Family Wellbeing (IP)As above
Personal Support Programme (PSP)Request for submissions for the programme were advertised in all national and major regional newspapers on 6 & 9 February 2002.
Family and Community Network Initiative (FCNI)The Department invites project proposals from organisations in target locations.
Stronger Families and Community Strategy (SFCS)The Strategy is promoted in a range of publications including:The Commonwealth Regional information booklet (pg 6) posted to every letterbox in August 2002Local Government Year BooksCommunity Kit - available through FaCS officesSFCS brochure - distributed widelyWebsite - @ http://www.facs.gov.au/cando1800 free call number 1800300125
Family Homelessness Prevention and Early Intervention PilotsFunding for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Early Intervention Pilots was allocated through a tender process which called for applications through advertisements in the press.
National Homelessness Strategy (NHS)Availability of funding for NHS Demonstration projects is advertised on the NHS website.
ReconnectAdvertisements sought funding applications from interested communities and organisations for three selection rounds of the Reconnect Program.
Youth Activities Services (YAS)The initial distribution of Youth Activities Services (YAS) and Family Liaison Worker (FLW) programs were based on submissions from interested sponsoring organisations (such as local councils, community organisations or groups).
Family Liaison Worker (FLW)As above
Green CorpsIn September 2001, expressions of interest were sought from organisations interested in managing the Green Corps Program from July 2002 until June 2005.
Job Placement Employment and Training (JPET)A Request for Application for the provision of JPET services 2003-2006, was advertised through national newspapers on 20 July 2002. The Departments' internet site contained details of the business allocation process. The advertisement was also posted on youth-service focused email lists. In addition, all providers of FaCS youth services were advised by email on the day prior to the advertisement going to press.
Innovative and Collaborative Youth Servicing (ICYS) PilotsThe ICYS Pilots were advertised nationally on 29 September 2001.
(4) I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure of resources and effort that would be involved to obtain this information.Veterans' Affairs: Program Funding7549(Question No. 759)7597549Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided.
7549Vale, Danna, MPMrs ValeVK6HughesLPMinister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes(2) There are 4 funding programs that the Department of Veterans' Affairs administers. They are:· Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) program - The aim of this program is to provide support and resources to ex-service organisation practitioners for pension and welfare work to assist veterans and widow(er)s.· Veteran and Community Grants - These grants aim to maintain and improve the independence and quality of life of members of the veteran community. The grants provide funding for projects which promote healthier lifestyles and enhance health, support carers, reduce social isolation and assist veterans and war widow(er)s to remain in their own homes as long as possible. Projects may meet the needs of others in the community if there is sufficient capacity. · Saluting Their Service - Saluting Their Service is the Federal Government's commemorations program. It aims to highlight the sacrifice and service of Australia's servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations since Federation and to promote appreciation and understanding of the role that those who have served have played in shaping the nation.The program is designed to preserve our heritage from wars and conflicts and encourage community participation in commemorative events. It aims to involve people throughout the nation in a wide range of activities and projects.Modest grants up to $4,000 for projects, including events and activities that meet the aims and objectives of Saluting Their Service, may be provided.Funding assistance may be provided for the restoration, preservation and upgrading of community war memorials or, where no memorial exists in the town or suburb, the construction of a new memorial. Funding may also be provided for the restoration, preservation and interpretation of Australian wartime memorabilia for public display, commemorative plaques and honour boards for public display, commemoration of significant anniversaries of battles and other military operations and school initiatives, eg research projects involving local veterans.· Grants-in-Aid - The aim of this program is to assist national ex-service organisations with their administration costs in recognition of the services that they provide to the ex-service community.(3) Advertising of the 4 funding programs that the Department of Veterans' Affairs administers is outlined below:· Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program - The BEST program is not advertised in the commercial media. However, the BEST program is promoted by:- annual forums held by State Deputy Commissioners with various peak ex-service organisation representatives to address BEST funding for the coming financial year. From these forums, peak ex-service organisation representatives advise their members of funding arrangements;- the Training Information Program (TIP). Information on the BEST program is incorporated into some TIP training sessions held in the States;- the Department of Veterans' Affairs website. All details, including the application form, guidelines and contact details as well as an information sheet, are on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website; and- letter mail out advising of forthcoming BEST application periods. The mail out is circulated to existing grantees notifying them of forthcoming BEST funding.· Veteran and Community Grants - The Veteran & Community Grants are not advertised in the commercial media. However, Veteran & Community Grants are promoted by:- the Department of Veterans' Affairs State Office staff, Veterans' Affairs Network (VAN) Office Staff and Community Advisers. Information about Veteran & Community Grants are disseminated at this level through local visits, forums (such as ex-service organisation grant workshops), mail outs and newsletter articles directed at ex-service and targeted community organisations;- the Grantslink website, an all of government website which has a direct link to the Veteran & Community Grants site on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website; and- the Department of Veterans' Affairs website. All details, including the application form, guidelines and contact details as well as an information sheet, are on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.· Saluting Their Service - Saluting Their Service is not advertised in the general commercial media. However, Saluting Their Service is promoted by:- the Department of Veterans' Affairs disseminating information to community and ex-service organisations, local government authorities and other bodies such as museums and schools;- Federal Members of Parliament disseminating information in their electorates, directly to organisations and through media releases and electoral newsletters;- the Grantslink website, an all of government website which has a direct link to the Saluting Their Service site on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website;- the Department of Veterans' Affairs website. All details, including the application form, guidelines and contact details as well as an information sheet, are on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website; and - on occasions, paid advertisements in industry specific publications, for example local government authority journals and educational publications.· Grants-in-Aid - No advertising is undertaken with the Grants-in-Aid program but the application form is available on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website.(4) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure of resources and effort that would be involved in breaking down the information sought into the electoral divisions requested
Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs: Program Funding7551(Question No. 762)7627551Burke, Anna, MPMs Burke83SChisholmALP00 asked the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, upon notice, on 19 August 2002:(1) Does the Minister administer any Commonwealth funded programs for which community organisations or businesses can apply for funding.(2) If so, what are these programs.(3) Does the Minister's Department advertise these funding opportunities.(4) In the electoral divisions of (a) Chisholm, (b) Aston, (c) Deakin, (d) Latrobe and (e) Casey in (i) 1996-97, (ii) 1997-98, (iii) 1998-99, (iv) 1999-2000, (v) 2000-2001 and (vi) 2001-2002, for each of the programs listed in part (2), (A) what was the name and postal address of each organisation that sought funding from the Commonwealth, (B) what was the purpose of the funding sought in each case, and (C) for successful applications, what was the level of funding provided.7551Hardgrave, Gary, MPMr HardgraveCK6MoretonLPMinister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes.(2) Living in Harmony Initiative, Community Settlement Services Scheme (CSSS), Migrant Resource Centre/Migrant Service Agency (MRC/MSA) core funding.(3) Yes.(4) I am not prepared to authorise the expenditure of resources and effort that would be involved in breaking down the information sought into the electoral divisions requested.Prime Minister and Cabinet: Staffing7551(Question No. 796)7967551Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 20 August 2002:(1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Minister's Department and (ii) agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002.(2) For each category of engagement referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Minister's Department and (b) agencies within the Minister's portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.7551Howard, John, MPMr HowardZD4BennelongLPPrime Minister10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:I am advised by my department as follows:(1)(A) The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1)(A) and part (2)(i) of his question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the use of the resources that would be required to provide that information. I am able to inform the honourable member, however, that data on APS staffing as at 30 June 1996 is contained in the Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin 1995-1996 which is publicly available. The honourable member should be aware, however, that changes in APS functions and administrative arrangements between 1996 and 2002 may not readily allow direct comparisons of the data for those years.The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1)(B) and part (2) of his question is provided in the attached tables.(1) Number of staff employed within the Prime Minister's portfolio as at 30 June 2002. Full Time Permanent(a)Part Time Permanent(b)Full Time Contract(c)Part Time Contract(d)Total
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet2981139*5*353
Australian National Audit Office2689280359
Australian Public Service Commission117181213160
Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman7428387
Office of National Assessments3931658
Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security3115
Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General66**7**73
* Seven of the staff in category (c) and 1 in category (d) are employed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984.** Staff are employed under the Governor-General Act 1974.(2) Location of staff within the Prime Minister's portfolio as at 30 June 2002.
Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetFull Time Permanent(a)Part Time Permanent(b)Full Time Contract(c)Part Time Contract(d)
ACT29511354
NSW41
VIC2
QLD1
Australian National Audit Office
ACT2609177
NSW813
Australian Public Service Commission
ACT931385
NSW101
VIC7234
QLD2111
SA222
WA3
Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman
ACT46252
NSW911
VIC7
QLD51
SA3
WA3
TAS1
NT1
Office of National Assessments
ACT39316
Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
ACT311
Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General
ACT636
NSW31
Trade: Staffing 7553(Question No. 799)7997553Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister for Trade, upon notice, on 20 August 2002:(1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Ministers Department and (ii) agencies within the Ministers portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002.(2) For each category of engagement referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Ministers Department and (b) agencies within the Ministers portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.
7553Vaile, Mark, MPMr VaileSU5LyneNPMinister for Trade10—The answer to the honourable member's question has been provided in the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio response by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Question No. 802, which reads as follows:(1) (a) The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1) (A) and part (2) (i) of his question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the use of the resources that would be required to provide that information. I am able to inform the honourable member, however, that data on APS staffing as at 30 June 1996 is contained in the Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin 1995-1996 which is publicly available. The honourable member should be aware, however, that changes in APS functions and administrative arrangements between 1996 and 2002 may render direct comparisons between the data for those years invalid. (b) and (2) (ii) As at 30 June 2002 DFAT employed the following numbers of staff:
Fulltime
PermanentContract
Canberra andOverseasCanberra andOverseas
State officesState offices
DFAT12375169816
AusAID45263230
ACIAR381663
EFIC640770
Parttime
PermanentContract
Canberra andOverseasCanberra andOverseas
State officesState offices
DFAT730190
AusAID39050
ACIAR6130
EFIC5020
As at the same date, DFAT also employed 1472 locally-engaged employees at overseas posts.
Foreign Affairs: Staffing7553(Question No. 802)8027553Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 20 August 2002: (1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Ministers Department and (ii) agencies within the Ministers portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002. (2) For each category of engagement referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Ministers Department and (b) agencies within the Ministers portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.7554Downer, Alexander, MPMr Downer4G4MayoLPMinister for Foreign Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) (A) The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1) (A) and part (2) (i) of his question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the use of the resources that would be required to provide that information. I am able to inform the honourable member, however, that data on APS staffing as at 30 June 1996 is contained in the Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin 1995-1996 which is publicly available. The honourable member should be aware, however, that changes in APS functions and administrative arrangements between 1996 and 2002 may render direct comparisons between the data for those years invalid.(1) (B) and (2) (ii) As at 30 June 2002 DFAT employed the following numbers of staff:
Fulltime
PermanentContract
Canberra andOverseasCanberra andOverseas
State officesState offices
DFAT12375169816
AusAID45263230
ACIAR381663
EFIC640770
Parttime
PermanentContract
Canberra andOverseasCanberra andOverseas
State officesState offices
DFAT730190
AusAID39050
ACIAR6130
EFIC5020
As at the same date, DFAT also employed 1472 locally-engaged employees at overseas posts.Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs: Staffing7554(Question No. 804)8047554Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, upon notice, on 20 August 2002:(1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Minister's Department and (ii) agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002.(2) For each category of engagement referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Minister's Department and (b) agencies within the Minister's portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.7554Ruddock, Philip, MPMr Ruddock0J4BerowraLPMinister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) (A) The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1) (A) and part (2) (i) of his question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the use of the resources that would be required to provide that information. I am able to inform the honourable member, however, that data on APS staffing as at 30 June 1996 is contained in the Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin 1995-1996 which is publicly available. The honourable member should be aware, however, that changes in APS functions and administrative arrangements between 1996 and 2002 may render direct comparisons between the data for those years invalid.(i)(B) The following table contains the staffing levels for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs as at 30 June 2002.
Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time3479
Part Time Permanent296
Full Time Contract261
Part Time Contract23
Total4059
(ii)(B) The following tables contain the staffing levels for the agencies within the Ministers' portfolios as at 30 June 2002.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time1065
Part Time Permanent26
Full Time Contract155
Part Time Contract10
Total1256
The figures reported above for ATSIC include the staff of the Office of Evaluation and Audit and the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations.
Aboriginal Hostels Australia (AHL) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time280
Part Time Permanent48
Full Time Contract98
Part Time Contract87
Total513
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time45
Part Time Permanent1
Full Time Contract35
Part Time Contract10
Total91
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time17
Part Time Permanent8
Full Time Contract0
Part Time Contract0
Total25
It should be noted that IBA staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999. IBA is not on appropriation; therefore Parliament does not appropriate costs for these staff. IBA meets all costs from investment profits. The figures reported above include the members of IBA Board, appointed by the Minister.Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time86
Part Time Permanent2
Full Time Contract3
Part Time Contract1
Total92
Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time0
Part Time Permanent0
Full Time Contract11
Part Time Contract54
Total65
It should be noted that MARA is a private company and its staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999.
Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time117
Part Time Permanent12
Full Time Contract20
Part Time Contract0
Total149
Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time154
Part Time Permanent15
Full Time Contract6
Part Time Contract6
Total181
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time30
Part Time Permanent0
Full Time Contract8
Part Time Contract0
Total38
(2) (a)(i) See (1) (A) above.(a)(ii) The following table contains the staffing levels by employment category and location for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs as at 30 June 2002.
Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full Time Part Time PermanentFull Time ContractPart Time Contract
Central Office148910910518
NSW85510600
VIC39048782
QLD1901492
WA202720
SA883530
TAS18321
NT27060
ACT Regional Office58540
Overseas * (Australia-based staff)162120
*This figure includes staff returned from posting in transit pool awaiting placement.(b)(i) See (1) (A) above.(b)(ii) The following tables show the staffing levels by employment category and location of the agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at 30 June 2002.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Adelaide55430
Alice Springs35040
Bourke11110
Brisbane724110
Broome21000
Cairns40020
Canberra2758304
Ceduna14110
Coffs Harbour17030
Darwin59061
Geraldton13020
Hobart23352
Kalgoorlie25020
Katherine15020
Kununurra17000
Melbourne572111
Mt Isa13020
Nhulunbuy12040
Pt Augusta19020
Perth46070
Port Hedland11040
Queanbeyan13010
Rockhampton13030
Roma11040
Sydney480132
Tamworth17020
Tennant Creek12030
Townsville18050
Wagga Wagga21130
West Kimberley18110
Corporate Pools441180
The figures reported above for ATSIC include the staff of the Office of Evaluation and Audit and the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations.
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Adelaide9240
Alice Springs31181215
Alambie Heights5002
Beulah Park1021
Brisbane6000
Cairns16217
Canberra410132
Darwin19291
Derby3012
Dubbo7012
Dudley Park4001
Enfield2001
Fitzroy3122
Garden Suburbs3202
Glynde2121
Guildford2000
Hill End8024
Kalgoorlie10013
Katherine15322
Klemzig2110
Lambton2200
Leichardt3033
MacKay3220
Marrickville2020
Maylands3203
Melbourne6010
Mildura2121
Mt Isa3013
New Farm7023
Nhulunbuy3322
Nightcliff3121
Northcote2033
Port Augusta3041
Rockhampton7021
Sheparton4001
Summer Hill1002
Surry Hills9001
Sylvania Heights6222
Tennant Creek5151
Thebarton2103
Thursday Island6055
Tiwi4153
Townsville5020
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Canberra4513510
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Canberra17800
It should be noted that IBA staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999. IBA is not on appropriation; therefore Parliament does not appropriate costs for these staff. IBA meets all costs from investment profits. The figures reported above include the members of IBA Board, appointed by the Minister.
Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Adelaide39210
Brisbane22010
Broome1000
Canberra11000
Perth13011
Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Sydney001154
It should be noted that MARA is a private company and its staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999.
Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Sydney48750
Melbourne33220
Canberra363130
Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Sydney1211132
Melbourne33430
Woomera0002
Port Hedland0002
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Torres Strait30080
Environment and Heritage: Staffing7559(Question No. 805)8057559Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, upon notice, on 20 August 2002:(1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Minister's Department and (ii) agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002.(2) For each category of engagement referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Minister's Department and (b) agencies within the Minister's portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.7559Kemp, Dr David, MPDr KempBT4GoldsteinLPMinister for the Environment and Heritage10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) (A) The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1)(A) and part (2)(i) of his question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the use of the resources that would be required to provide that information. I am able to inform the honourable member, however, that data on APS staffing as at 30 June 1996 is contained in the Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin 1995-1996 which is publicly available.The honourable member should be aware, however, that changes in APS functions and administrative arrangements between 1996 and 2002 may render direct comparisons between the data for those years invalid.(1) (B) (i)Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002 - Minister's Department
(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
Department of the Environment and Heritage225513730456
Note: Departmental staffing numbers include the Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Antarctic Division(1) (B) (ii)Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002 - agencies within Minister's portfolio
(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
Australian Heritage Commission6211103
Australian Greenhouse Office157984
Director, National Parks1966119182
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority1418173
National Oceans Office21675
Office of the Renewable Regulator9000
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust18262
(2) (i) See (1)(A) above.(2) (a)(ii)
Department of the Environment and Heritage(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
ACT731808214
NSW119110
VIC658376519
QLD155200
SA86020
WA127010
TAS253168112
NT1261511
Antarctica00670
(2) (b)(ii)
Australian Heritage Commission(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
ACT6211103
Australian Greenhouse Office(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
ACT157984
Director, National Parks(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
ACT9713156
NT83473169
Norfolk Island5017
Indian Ocean Territories11100
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
QLD1408163
ACT1010
National Oceans Office(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
TAS21675
Office of the Renewable Regulator (a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
ACT9000
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust(a) Full time permanent(b) Part time permanent(c) Full time temporary(d) Part time temporary
NSW18262
Industry, Tourism and Resources: Staffing7560(Question No. 816)8167560Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, upon notice, on 20 August 2002:(1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Minister's Department and (ii) agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002. (2) For each category of engagement referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Minister's Department and (b) agencies within the Minister's portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.
7560Hockey, Joe, MPMr HockeyDK6North SydneyLPMinister for Small Business and Tourism10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows: Information in relation to this question has been incorporated into the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 812 as tabled by the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources.
Veterans' Affairs: Staffing7561(Question No. 822)8227561Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister of Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 20 August 2002:(1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Minister's Department and (ii) agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002.(2) For each category of engagements referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Minister's Department and (b) agencies within the Minister's portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.7561Vale, Danna, MPMrs ValeVK6HughesLPMinister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) (A) The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1) (A) and part (2) (i) of his question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the use of the resources that would be required to provide that information. I am able to inform the honourable member, however, that data on APS staffing as at 30 June 1996 is contained in the Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin 1995-1996 which is publicly available.The honourable member should be aware, however, that changes in APS functions and administrative arrangements between 1996 and 2002 may render direct comparisons between the data for those years invalid.(B) The staff figures for the Department of Veterans' Affairs as at 30 June 2002 are as follows:Full time permanent staff2091
Part time permanent staff126
Full time contract staff153
Part time contract staff41
TOTAL2411*
* These figures report on staff employed under the Public Service Act 1999 as ongoing (permanent) and non-ongoing (contract) staff. Statutory office holders and third party contractors are not included.The staff figures for agencies within the Portfolio, Australian War Memorial (AWM), Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG), Veterans' Review Board (VRB) and the Repatriation Medical Authority (RMA) is as follows:AWMOAWGVRBRMATOTAL
Full time permanent staff20945388300
Part time permanent staff1113217
Full time contract staff7181080
Part time contract staff1611119
TOTAL307554311416*
* These figures report on staff employed under the Public Service Act 1999 as ongoing (permanent) and non-ongoing (contract) staff. Statutory office holders and third party contractors are not included.(2) (i) see (1) (A) above.(ii) The location of staff for the Department of Veterans' Affairs as at 30 June 2002 is as follows:NSWQLDVICSA/NTWATASACTTOTAL
Full time permanent staff432371349163146715592091
Part time permanent staff1633341017133126
Full time contract staff241911322767153
Part time contract staff2201252941
TOTAL474425384187187966582411
The location of staff for the agencies within the Portfolio, Australian War Memorial, Repatriation Medical Authority, Office of Australian War Graves and the Veterans' Review Board is as follows:Australian War Memorial - all staff are located in the Australian Capital Territory.Repatriation Medical Authority - all staff are located in Queensland.Office of Australian War GravesNSWQLDVICSA/NTWATASACTTOTAL
Full time permanent staff5658521445
Part time permanent staff00100001
Full time contract staff21100138
Part time contract staff00000011
TOTAL7778531855
Veterans' Review BoardNSWQLDVICSA/NTWATASACTTOTAL
Full time permanent staff1069321738
Part time permanent staff02100003
Full time contract staff01000001
Part time contract staff00100001
TOTAL10911321743
Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs: Staffing7562(Question No. 825)8257562Ferguson, Martin, MPMr Martin FergusonLS4BatmanALP00 asked the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, upon notice, on 20 August 2002:(1) How many (a) full time permanent staff, (b) part time permanent staff, (c) full time contract staff and (d) part time contract staff were employed by (i) the Minister's Department and (ii) agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at (A) 30 March 1996 and (B) 30 June 2002.(2) For each category of engagement referred to in part (1) and employed by (a) the Minister's Department and (b) agencies within the Minister's portfolio, where were such persons located in (i) 30 March 1996 and (ii) 30 June 2002.7562Hardgrave, Gary, MPMr HardgraveCK6MoretonLPMinister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) (A) The information sought by the honourable member in relation to part (1) (A) and part (2) (i) of his question is not readily available and I am not prepared to authorise the use of the resources that would be required to provide that information. I am able to inform the honourable member, however, that data on APS staffing as at 30 June 1996 is contained in the Australian Public Service Statistical Bulletin 1995-1996 which is publicly available.The honourable member should be aware, however, that changes in APS functions and administrative arrangements between 1996 and 2002 may render direct comparisons between the data for those years invalid.(i)(B) The following table contains the staffing levels for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs as at 30 June 2002.
Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time3479
Part Time Permanent296
Full Time Contract261
Part Time Contract23
Total4059
(ii)(B) The following tables contain the staffing levels for the agencies within the Ministers' portfolios as at 30 June 2002.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time1065
Part Time Permanent26
Full Time Contract155
Part Time Contract10
Total1256
The figures reported above for ATSIC include the staff of the Office of Evaluation and Audit and the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations.
Aboriginal Hostels Australia (AHL) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time280
Part Time Permanent48
Full Time Contract98
Part Time Contract87
Total513
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time45
Part Time Permanent1
Full Time Contract35
Part Time Contract10
Total91
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time17
Part Time Permanent8
Full Time Contract0
Part Time Contract0
Total25
It should be noted that IBA staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999. IBA is not on appropriation; therefore Parliament does not appropriate costs for these staff. IBA meets all costs from investment profits. The figures reported above include the members of IBA Board, appointed by the Minister
Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time86
Part Time Permanent2
Full Time Contract3
Part Time Contract1
Total92
Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time0
Part Time Permanent0
Full Time Contract11
Part Time Contract54
Total65
It should be noted that MARA is a private company and its staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999.
Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time117
Part Time Permanent12
Full Time Contract20
Part Time Contract0
Total149
Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time154
Part Time Permanent15
Full Time Contract6
Part Time Contract6
Total181
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Staffing Levels as at 30 June 2002
Employment CategoryNumber of Staff
Permanent Full Time30
Part Time Permanent0
Full Time Contract8
Part Time Contract0
Total38
(2) (a)(i) See (1) (A) above.(a)(ii) The following table contains the staffing levels by employment category and location for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs as at 30 June 2002.
Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full Time Part Time PermanentFull Time ContractPart Time Contract
Central Office148910910518
NSW85510600
VIC39048782
QLD1901492
WA202720
SA883530
TAS18321
NT27060
ACT Regional Office58540
Overseas * (Australia-based staff)162120
*This figure includes staff returned from posting in transit pool awaiting placement.(b)(i) See (1) (A) above.(b)(ii) The following tables show the staffing levels by employment category and location of the agencies within the Minister's portfolio as at 30 June 2002.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Adelaide55430
Alice Springs35040
Bourke11110
Brisbane724110
Broome21000
Cairns40020
Canberra2758304
Ceduna14110
Coffs Harbour17030
Darwin59061
Geraldton13020
Hobart23352
Kalgoorlie25020
Katherine15020
Kununurra17000
Melbourne572111
Mt Isa13020
Nhulunbuy12040
Pt Augusta19020
Perth46070
Port Hedland11040
Queanbeyan13010
Rockhampton13030
Roma11040
Sydney480132
Tamworth17020
Tennant Creek12030
Townsville18050
Wagga Wagga21130
West Kimberley18110
Corporate Pools441180
The figures reported above for ATSIC include the staff of the Office of Evaluation and Audit and the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations.
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Adelaide9240
Alice Springs31181215
Alambie Heights5002
Beulah Park1021
Brisbane6000
Cairns16217
Canberra410132
Darwin19291
Derby3012
Dubbo7012
Dudley Park4001
Enfield2001
Fitzroy3122
Garden Suburbs3202
Glynde2121
Guildford2000
Hill End8024
Kalgoorlie10013
Katherine15322
Klemzig2110
Lambton2200
Leichardt3033
MacKay3220
Marrickville2020
Maylands3203
Melbourne6010
Mildura2121
Mt Isa3013
New Farm7023
Nhulunbuy3322
Nightcliff3121
Northcote2033
Port Augusta3041
Rockhampton7021
Sheparton4001
Summer Hill1002
Surry Hills9001
Sylvania Heights6222
Tennant Creek5151
Thebarton2103
Thursday Island6055
Tiwi4153
Townsville5020
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Canberra4513510
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Canberra17800
It should be noted that IBA staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999. IBA is not on appropriation; therefore Parliament does not appropriate costs for these staff. IBA meets all costs from investment profits. The figures reported above include the members of IBA Board, appointed by the Minister.
Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Adelaide39210
Brisbane22010
Broome1000
Canberra11000
Perth13011
Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Sydney001154
It should be noted that MARA is a private company and its staff are not employed under the Public Service Act 1999.
Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Sydney48750
Melbourne33220
Canberra363130
Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Sydney1211132
Melbourne33430
Woomera0002
Port Hedland0002
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Staffing Levels by Location as at 30 June 2002
LocationPermanent Full TimePart Time PermanentFull Time Contract Part Time Contract
Torres Strait30080
Immigration: Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy 7567(Question No. 831)8317567Ferguson, Laurie, MPMr Laurie Ferguson8T4ReidALP00 asked the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs upon notice, on 21 August 2002:(1) Does his Department hold leases for flats in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for use by eligible humanitarian entrants for their first 4 weeks in Australia; if so, in which local government areas are the flats located and how many flats are located in each area.(2) Are these flats currently managed for his Department by a contractor or contractors under the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS); if so, which contractors manage the flats and what is the duration of the relevant funding contracts under which they do so.(3) Is the Government considering changes to the provision of accommodation support under the IHSS; if so, what problems with the existing arrangements have prompted it to do so.7567Hardgrave, Gary, MPMr HardgraveCK6MoretonLPMinister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) Yes, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs holds leases for flats in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for use by eligible humanitarian entrants for their first 4 weeks upon arrival. The distribution of the flats based on local government areas is shown in the table below.
MELBOURNESYDNEYBRISBANE
Maribyrnong 24 flats in MaribyrnongDarebin 14 flats in ReservoirMoreland 6 flats in Coburg2 flats in GlenroyGreater Dandenong City19 flats in Springvale 9 flats in DandenongAuburn 16 flats in AuburnBlacktown 18 flats in BlacktownLiverpool 13 flats in LiverpoolParramatta 6 flats in Harris ParkBrisbane6 flats in Hawthorne6 flats in Greenslopes6 flats in Moorooka
(2) Under the IHSS Accommodation Support arrangements, these flats are currently managed by Resolve FM Pty Ltd, formerly known as Haden FM Pty Ltd. The contract is due to expire in September 2002 but will be extended to allow consideration of the preliminary results of the IHSS evaluation which will be made available in December 2002.(3) The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs is currently evaluating all aspects of IHSS to assess the extent to which the current model is meeting the clients needs. The results of the IHSS evaluation will determine whether the Government will consider changes to the provision of accommodation support. Employment: Job Network7567(Question No. 868)8687567Vamvakinou, Maria, MPMs Vamvakinou00AMTCalwellALP00 asked the Minister for Employment Services, upon notice on, 27 August 2002:What were the (a) names, (b) addresses and (c) hours of operations of organisations that are part of the Job Network in the postcode areas of (i) 3036, (ii) 3037, (iii) 3038, (iv) 3043, (v) 3046, (vi) 3047, (vii) 3048, (viii) 3049, (ix) 3059, (x) 3060, (xi) 3061, (xii) 3064, (xiii) 3427 and (xiv) 3428.7567Brough, Mal, MPMr Brough2K6LongmanLPMinister for Employment Services10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:My department advises that in the postcode areas of 3036 through to 3428 in Victoria, there are currently 11 Job Network sites operating across the localities of Glenroy, Broadmeadows and Craigieburn. In terms of demand for job seeker services, Broadmeadows, in the Electorate of Calwell, has over 60% of Job Network sites. All sites operate full time under normal hours of business. I provide the Member for Calwell with a listing of the Job Network contracted organisations and their locality details (please see attached table). Contractual NameSite TitleElectoratePhysical AddressLocalityStateP/CSite Type
Employment National LimitedEmployment National Limited GlenroyCalwell3 Belair AveGlenroyVIC3046F/T
Board of Adult Multicultural Education ServicesEmployment AMES GlenroyWills812 Pascoe Vale RdGlenroyVIC3046F/T
Drake Employment Services Pty LtdDrake Employment Services Pty Ltd BroadmeadowsCalwell4 Post Office Place GLENROY VIC 3046GlenroyVIC3046F/T
JOB futures LtdJob Futures/North West Work Net BroadmeadowsCalwell56 Chiltern StBroadmeadowsVIC3047F/T
The Salvation Army (VIC) Property TrustThe Salvation Army Employment Plus BroadmeadowsCalwellLevel 3 North, 1100 Pascoe Vale RdBroadmeadowsVIC3047F/T
Board of Adult Multicultural Education ServicesEmployment AMES BroadmeadowsCalwellLevel 1, 1100 Pascoe Vale RdBroadmeadowsVIC3047F/T
IPA Personnel Pty LtdIPA Personnel BroadmeadowsCalwellLevel 3 South, Building 2, 1100 Pascoe Vale RdBroadmeadowsVIC3047F/T
GRAMETSGreater Melbourne Emp & Tng Services BroadmeadowsCalwellKangan Batman Institute, Pearcedale ParadeBroadmeadowsVIC3047F/T
Indochinese Empl Svc P/LMelbourne Job Centre BroadmeadowsCalwell14 Railway CresBroadmeadowsVIC3047F/T
Victoria University of TechnologyJobs Plus - Employment & Training BroadmeadowsCalwellPearcedale PdeBroadmeadowsVIC3047F/T
JOB futures LtdJob Futures/North West Work Net CraigieburnMcEwen1A Hamilton StCraigieburnVIC3064F/T
Immigration: Settlement Planning Committees7568(Question No. 874)8747568Ferguson, Laurie, MPMr Laurie Ferguson8T4ReidALP00 asked the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, upon notice, on 28 August 2002:(1) Who are the members of the Settlement Planning Committees in each State and Territory. (2) How many meetings did each committee hold in the latest year for which data is available.(3) Are the committees expected to consult formally with the community and interested stakeholders; If so, what mechanisms exist for them to actually do so.(4) What specific roles, if any, do the committees have in (a) planning and (b) funding processes under (i) the Community Settlement Services Scheme, (ii) the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy and (iii) the Migrant Resource Centre program.(5) Is each committee required to produce an annual report on its activities; If so, to whom are these reports provided; If not, why not.7569Hardgrave, Gary, MPMr HardgraveCK6MoretonLPMinister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) The settlement planning committees comprise representatives of government agencies at the Commonwealth, State/Territory and local government levels, and representatives of non-government agencies that provide settlement services such as health, housing, education, training, employment and other social services to migrants and refugees. There are 10 settlement planning committees, one in each State and Territory, and two regional committees.(2) In the calendar year, January 2001 to December 2001, the following settlement planning committee meetings were held in each State/Territory: Victoria - 4; NSW - 4; Queensland - 4; Western Australia - 4; South Australia - 4; Northern Territory - 4; Tasmania - 6; and, ACT - 3. (In addition, 3 meetings were held in each of the two rural settlement planning committees: Riverina Region and Albury-Wodonga).(3) All settlement planning committees use community and stakeholder input to help identify and prioritise the needs of migrants and refugees, particularly in designing their State/Territory settlement plans. The form of consultation is a matter for each individual committee. However, the methods adopted by committees include:- community representation on the settlement planning committee itself;- community consultation workshops to identify annual planning priorities;- community participation through established working parties that feed into the work of the larger settlement planning committee; and/or- the use of proformas to gather information from community representatives (eg. via Community Project officers in the local Migrant Resource Centre or Migrant Service Agency).(4) (a) Settlement planning committees have a broad planning function which involves ascertaining the priority settlement needs of migrants and refugees, who is responsible for meeting those needs, developing strategies accordingly and monitoring outcomes of the strategies put in place. Settlement planning committees identify gaps and needs in service delivery. Those areas of need are taken into consideration by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) in assessing applications for DIMIA funding, and in the general planning on which services are required.(b) In addition, each State/Territory has specifically convened Funding Advisory Committees, comprising Commonwealth and State/Territory representatives (of which some are also members of settlement planning committees). Funding Advisory Committees determine:- whether an application for the Community Settlement Services Scheme would be more appropriately funded by an agency other than DIMIA; and- whether an application for the Community Settlement Services Scheme duplicates existing services.Funding Advisory Committees have no role in the assessment of tenders for contracts under the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy or the provision of core funding to Migrant Resource Centres/Migrant Service Agencies.(5) Each settlement planning committee is required to report to the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (MCIMA) on achievements against settlement plans and in particular against the National Settlement Priorities, local priorities and the annual National Settlement Project. Each settlement planning committee also reports biannually to the Standing Committee on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (SCIMA) on the development of, and outcomes from, the National Settlement Project. The National Settlement Project for 2002 is, `Promoting awareness of the needs of newly arrived young people, particularly refugees'. Trade: Chrysotile Asbestos7570(Question No. 885)8857570George, Jennie, MPMs GeorgeJH5ThrosbyALP00 asked the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice on, 29 August 2002:What steps are being undertaken by the Government to implement the proposed ban on the use and importation of chrysotile asbestos?
7570Abbott, Tony, MPMr AbbottEZ5WarringahLPMinister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:The May 2001 meeting of the Workplace Relations Ministers' Council (WRMC) agreed to the imposition of a ban on the import and use of chrysotile asbestos no later than 31 December 2003. WRMC also asked the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) to undertake essential consultation to facilitate imposing bans on all other forms of asbestos.Since that time the following steps have been taken on a national basis to prohibit the use and importation of chrysotile asbestos:· At the WRMC meeting in September 2001, Ministers endorsed proposed amendments to Schedule 2 (Substances prohibited for specific uses) of the NOHSC National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances (Model Regulations), to prohibit the use of chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite asbestos. This meeting also endorsed implementation arrangements to effect the ban on chrysotile asbestos, including developing a nationally consistent approach to exemptions and a proposal to develop recommendations for prohibiting all other forms of asbestos. · Prohibition on the import of asbestos and any exemptions is to be effected through regulations to be made under the Customs Act 1901 following completion of public consultation by NOHSC. The World Trade Organisation was duly notified in September 2001 of Australia's intention to prohibit chrysotile asbestos.· Consistent with WRMC's approval NOHSC declared the amendments to the Model Regulations on 17 October 2001 listing the uses prohibited. The States and Territories will make appropriate regulations or legislate to bring the prohibition on the use of chrysotile and other forms of asbestos into effect.· Following the implementation of the prohibition, Australian Design Rules are to be revised in 2004 prohibiting the use of asbestos in brake linings in motor vehicles. · In May 2002 NOHSC reported to WRMC that all jurisdictions were on track to implement the prohibition from 31 December 2003. WRMC also agreed to nationally consistent arrangements for exemptions to the prohibition through the development of a National List of Exemptions.· In June 2002, NOHSC released a public consultation discussion paper on the proposed National List of Exemptions. Comments on the discussion paper closed on 13 September 2002. In the same month NOHSC also initiated a review of the exposure standard for chrysotile asbestos.· NOHSC is to report to WRMC in November 2002 on further progress towards implementation of the prohibition, including all forms of asbestos, arising from its public consultations and consideration of proposed exemption arrangements.The Government's responsibilities in relation to the prohibition of the use of chrysotile include Commonwealth employment and the shipping industry.In relation to Commonwealth employment:· On 26 September 2001, the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (the Commission) endorsed that the prohibition of use of chrysotile and other forms of asbestos is to be as consistent as possible with the NOHSC model regulations which prohibit the use of chrysotile and other forms of asbestos.· Changes to Schedule 1A (Scheduled carcinogenic substances) and the listing of chrysotile in Part 2 (Permitted circumstances for handling of certain hazardous substances with carcinogenic properties) Schedule 1 (Hazardous substances) of the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) (National Standards) Regulations 1994 are currently being developed to enable the prohibition to be in place in Commonwealth employment by 31 December 2003.· Comcare has undertaken consultation with Commonwealth employers about the phase out of asbestos to ensure all can comply with the prohibition from 31 December 2003. All Commonwealth employers have received information from Comcare alerting them to the health effects of exposure to asbestos and informing them of the impending prohibition. Comcare is working closely with various Commonwealth employers to assist compliance with the prohibition. · This consultation and general discussion has increased awareness of the pending prohibitions. Comcare will develop explanatory material for approval and release by the Commission to accompany the implementation of the ban. The information will be distributed to all employers in the jurisdiction and is accessible from the Comcare website.In relation to the shipping industry, the Seacare Authority is to consider in November 2002 proposals for a regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) 1993 Act to prohibit the use of chrysotile and other forms of asbestos with effect from 31 December 2003. The Authority's considerations will be informed by the work which has been undertaken for the prohibition in Commonwealth employment.
Defence: National Service Medal7571(Question No. 898)8987571McFarlane, Jann, MPMs Jann McFarlane83CStirlingALP00 asked the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 29 August 2002:(1) How many National Service Medal applications have been received by the Medals Directorate of the Minister's Department.(2) How many National Service Medals have been awarded to applicants in (a) January, (b) February, (c) March, (d) April, (e) May, (f) June and (g) July 2002.(3) What is the average time taken to process applications for the National Service Medal.(4) How large is the backlog of National Service Medal applications.(5) Did the Minister's Department employ any extra staff to cope with the workload caused by the National Service Medal; if so, how many extra full time equivalent positions were created; if not, why not.(6) Does the Minister have any plans in the short term to increase resources to the Medals Directorate to reduce the backlog of National Service Medal applications and to reduce stress on the existing staff.7571Vale, Danna, MPMrs ValeVK6HughesLPMinister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence10—The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:(1) As of 3 September 2002, approximately 100,000 applications for the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal (ANSM) have been received.(2) (a) As the initial presentation of medals took place on 10 February 2002 to the next of kin of those that were killed in action in Vietnam, no medals were issued in January.(b) February 3,557(c) March 10,043(d) April 5,868(e) May 7,717(f) June 3,707(g) July 5,030(3) On average, it takes 6 months to process applications for the ANSM from the time they are received to the time they are dispatched.(4) 50,000.(5) Yes, four.(6) Yes, two.China: Blood Collection Agencies 7572(Question No. 913)9137572Danby, Michael, MPMr DanbyWF6Melbourne PortsALP00 asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 16 May 2002:(1) Has his attention been drawn to the practice of government affiliated blood collection agencies in China pooling blood to extract plasma and then returning the pooled blood to donors to prevent anaemia.(2) Is he able to say whether this practice has led to infection of blood donor supplies by individuals with HIV and AIDS.(3) Is he able to say whether, despite a recent Chinese central government crackdown, local officials persist in selling tainted blood.(4) Are Australian authorities aware that Henan province was the epicentre of this blood selling business and in some villages over 60% of residents are now HIV positive; if so, is his Department able to confirm whether in that province, in a majority of families, a majority of adults have died and only youth or elderly remain.(5) Is it expected that at the forthcoming 16th Party Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Li Chang Chun, the Henan CCP Chief and protégé of Premier Jiang Zemin, will be elevated as Vice Premier.(6) Has the Australian Government offered to provide Australian public education programs on the prevention of the spread of HIV and AIDS to national and regional governments in China.(7) What steps, if any, has the Australian Government taken to warn Australian tourists to China of the danger of accessing local blood supplies in the event of being involved in accidents.
7572Downer, Alexander, MPMr Downer4G4MayoLPMinister for Foreign Affairs10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) and (2) The Government is aware of credible reports that in a number of Chinese provinces, predominantly in central China, there has been a practice of people selling their blood and plasma to commercial blood processing companies. The practice of pooling the blood, separating the plasma and then re-injecting red blood cells back into donors has led to the rapid spread of HIV in these areas. (3) In 1998 China passed a blood donation law prohibiting commercial blood donations and stipulating that all blood collected for medical transfusions should be from voluntary donations. The Government is aware of reports that some blood-collecting companies continue to operate illegally, particularly in remote, impoverished areas where authorities find it harder to prevent the practice.(4) The Government is aware that the practice of commercial blood collection existed in Henan Province, though the practice was prevalent in a number of central Chinese provinces in the 1990s. Figures vary on the current extent of HIV infection in Henan province; estimates range from the Chinese Ministry of Health's figure of 150,000 to above 1 million HIV-infected people. The UN theme group on HIV/AIDS in China quotes reports from local residents that in some villages in the province more than 80% of adults are HIV positive.(5) The Government cannot speculate on this.(6) Australia is funding projects to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in nine provinces in China. All projects include the provision of health education programs to improve knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and control among the general population and special programs for high-risk groups. Several of these projects also include components supporting the national government's agenda for the implementation of safe blood supply and reducing risk of transfusing infected blood.(7) The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reviewed the travel advice for China at the end of September 2002. It advises that the availability of reliable medical care in China is limited, particularly outside of major cities. Travellers are strongly advised to have the appropriate health insurance in the event they need to reach a reliable medical centre.
Social Welfare: Age Pensions7572(Question No. 920)9207572Murphy, John, MPMr Murphy83DLoweALP00 asked the Minister representing the Minister for Family and Community Services, upon notice, on 17 September 2002:In view of the very significant increases in property values in Australia since 1996, will the Howard Government undertake a review of the assets test with a view to increasing the threshold as it currently applies in the calculation of age pensions; if so, when; if not, why not. 7573Anthony, Larry, MPMr AnthonyXJ6RichmondNPMinister for Children and Youth Affairs10—The Minister for Family and Community Services has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:The Honourable Member may not be aware, but the Hawke Labor Government introduced the assets means test on age pensions in 1985. The assets test threshold is adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and normally adjustments are made in July of each year. Also, the asset amount at which no pension is payable increases in line with pension increases.Further, the Honourable Member may not be aware that as the principal home is exempt from the assets test, pensioners are not affected by increases in the value of their home. Resources: Greater Sunrise Gas Project7573(Question No. 922)9227573Fitzgibbon, Joel, MPMr Fitzgibbon8K6HunterALP00 asked the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, upon notice, on 17 September 2002:(1) Is he aware that the Shell Company is considering withdrawing from the Greater Sunrise Gas Project.(2) If Shell does withdraw, what are the implications for (a) the remaining venture partners and their capacity to exploit the resource, (b) the campaign to bring Sunrise gas on-shore for both industrial development in northern Australia and to provide a new source of gas for the south east market and (c) the retention lease of the venture partners.(3) Will the Government act to ensure “use it or lose it” principles are appropriately applied to the field.(4) Will the Government use the period in which ownership arrangements are being negotiated to aggressively pursue the on-shore option.
7573Macfarlane, Ian, MPMr Ian MacfarlaneWN6GroomLPMinister for Industry, Tourism and Resources10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) I am aware of newspaper articles that assert Shell is considering to quit the Sunrise gas project. Such assertions have been rejected by Shell. Indeed, on 6 September 2002, an article in The Australian Newspaper titled “Shell Poised To Dump Sunrise” drew an immediate response from Shell in the form of a Media Release later in the day.Shell confirmed its commitment to develop Sunrise describing Sunrise as an “important gas resource for Shell, and the joint venture companies having spent already over $200 million trying to develop the field”. The Media Release outlined that Shell is currently engaged with its Joint Venture partners (Woodside, Phillips and Osaka Gas) in considering two development options for Sunrise being the floating LNG and the domestic gas option. (2) (3) and (4) Not applicable. See answer 1.
Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources: International Energy Branch7573(Question No. 923)9237573Fitzgibbon, Joel, MPMr Fitzgibbon8K6HunterALP00 asked the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, upon notice, on 17 September 2002:Further to the answer to part (1) of question No. 539 (Hansard, 19 August 2002, page 5149), to which Division was the International Energy Branch transferred, why was it transferred and on what date was it transferred.7573Macfarlane, Ian, MPMr Ian MacfarlaneWN6GroomLPMinister for Industry, Tourism and Resources10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:The International Energy Branch was transferred to the then Petroleum and International Energy Division. It was transferred to that Division in order to balance the workload responsibilities amongst the Divisions that existed within the organisation structure which existed at that time. The transfer took effect from 1 January 2002.Since then, there has been a major Departmental reorganisation, which saw the then three Divisions which had responsibility for resources and energy issues reduce to two Divisions. As part of this major reorganisation, the International Energy Branch was included in the Energy and Environment Division structure. Centre for the Analysis and Dissemination of Demonstrated Energy Technologies7574(Question No. 941)9417574Fitzgibbon, Joel, MPMr Fitzgibbon8K6HunterALP00 asked the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, upon notice, on 19 September 2002:(1) Does the Government still fund CADDET through his Department; if not, why not.(2) Where can those who relied on the information available through this program now source this information.(3) When did his Department cease producing the Australian Energy News (AEN) magazine.(4) What was the basis of this decision and what alternative options are available to those who subscribed to AEN.7574Macfarlane, Ian, MPMr Ian MacfarlaneWN6GroomLPMinister for Industry, Tourism and Resources10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:(1) The Government's membership fee for CADDET is paid to the end of March 2003. Funding for domestic operating arrangements, including the distribution of CADDET materials to subscribers ceased on 30 June 2002. Due to budgetary constraints the Department is no longer able to fund this activity.(2) Information on international energy technologies and programs, including CADDET publications, will continue to be available in electronic format on the following websites www.caddet-ee.org, www.caddet-re.org and www.greentie.org. (3) The last Australian Energy News magazine was the June 2002 edition.(4) Due to budgetary constraints on the portfolio fore 2002/03, Australian Energy News is no longer able to be published. Information about developments in Commonwealth energy policy, programs and related activities can continue to be accessed on the Department's website at www.industry.gov.au. As usual the Department will continue to be proactive in communicating with all stakeholders and responding to questions.Health and Ageing: Incontinence Products7574(Question No. 954)9547574Murphy, John, MPMr Murphy83DLoweALP00 asked the Minister for Ageing, upon notice, on 25 September 2002:Is the Poise brand of incontinence products subsidised by the Commonwealth Government while the Tenia brand is not; if so, why.
7574Andrews, Kevin, MPMr AndrewsHK5MenziesLPMinister for Ageing10—The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:Both Depend Poise and Tena brand products are available under the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme.