1The House met, at 9 am, pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker (the Honourable M. Dick) took the Chair, made an acknowledgement of country and read Prayers.

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), by indulgence, made a statement re: arrangements for this sitting.

 2SPEAKER’S PANEL

The following warrant nominating a member of the Speaker’s panel, pursuant to standing order 17, was presented:

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Pursuant to the provisions of standing order 17, I nominate—

Marion Rose Scrymgour

to be a member of the Speaker’s panel to assist the Chair when requested to do so by the Speaker or Deputy Speaker.

Given under my hand on 27 March 2024.

Dugald Milton Dick

Speaker

 3Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024

Dr Chalmers (Treasurer), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to corporations, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Chalmers presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 4New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Bill 2024

Ms C King (Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish a vehicle efficiency standard, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms C King presented an explanatory memorandum to this bill and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2024.

Bill read a first time.

 5New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2024

Ms C King (Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to deal with consequential matters arising from the enactment of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Act 2024, and for related purposes.

Bill read a first time.

 6Criminal Code Amendment (Protecting Commonwealth Frontline Workers) Bill 2024

Mr Dreyfus (Attorney-General), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code Act 1995, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Dreyfus presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 7Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 1) Bill 2024

Mr Dreyfus (Attorney-General), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to the criminal law, law enforcement and telecommunications, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Dreyfus presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 8Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Declared Areas) Bill 2024

Mr Dreyfus (Attorney-General), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to counter-terrorism, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Dreyfus presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 9Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024

Ms McBain (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms McBain presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 10Treasury Laws Amendment (Delivering Better Financial Outcomes and Other Measures) Bill 2024

Dr Leigh (Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to superannuation, taxation, corporations, financial services and multilateral development banks, and for related purposes.

Document

Dr Leigh presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 11Australian Postal Corporation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

Ms Rowland (Minister for Communications), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989, and for related purposes.

Document

Ms Rowland presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 12Parliamentary Business Resources Legislation Amendment (Review Implementation and Other Measures) Bill 2024

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to the provision of resources to or in relation to persons who are, were or will be members of the Parliament, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Gorman presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 13Net Zero Economy Authority Bill 2024

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to establish the Net Zero Economy Authority, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Gorman presented an explanatory memorandum to this bill and the Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024.

Bill read a first time.

 14Net Zero Economy Authority (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024

Mr Gorman (Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to deal with transitional matters arising from the enactment of the Net Zero Economy Authority Act 2024, and for related purposes.

Bill read a first time.

 15National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024

Mr Shorten (Minister for Government Services), pursuant to notice, presented a Bill for an Act to amend the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, and for related purposes.

Document

Mr Shorten presented an explanatory memorandum to the bill.

Bill read a first time.

 16Social Policy and Legal Affairs—Standing Committee—REPORT—STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS—MOTION TO TAKE NOTE OF DOCUMENT—REFERENCE TO FEDERATION CHAMBER

Ms Templeman (Chair) presented the following documents:

Social Policy and Legal Affairs—Standing Committee—Recognising, valuing and supporting unpaid carers: Inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers—

Report, March 2024.

Minutes of proceedings.

In accordance with standing order 39(e) the report was made a Parliamentary Paper.

 17Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee—REPORT—STATEMENT BY MEMBER

Mr Khalil (Chair) presented the following document:

Intelligence and Security—Parliamentary Joint Committee—Review of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018—Report, March 2024.

In accordance with standing order 39(e) the report was made a Parliamentary Paper.

 18Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Levies Bill 2024—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the Federation Chamber had been unable to complete its consideration of the bill and had returned the bill with an unresolved question (see item No. 3, Minutes of Proceedings of the Federation Chamber, 26 March 2024), and presented a certified copy of the bill together with a schedule of the unresolved question.

 19Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Charges Bill 2024—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Speaker reported that the Federation Chamber had completed its consideration of the bill and had returned the bill with an unresolved question (see item No. 4, Minutes of Proceedings of the Federation Chamber, 26 March 2024), and presented a certified copy of the bill together with a schedule of the unresolved question.

 20Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2024—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Speaker reported that the Federation Chamber had been unable to complete its consideration of the bill and had returned the bill with an unresolved question (see item No. 5, Minutes of Proceedings of the Federation Chamber, 26 March 2024), and presented a certified copy of the bill together with a schedule of the unresolved question.

 21New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Bill 2024 and New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2024—Proposed reference to committee

Mr Ted O’Brien  moved—That the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Bill 2024 and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2024 be referred to the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport for consideration and an advisory report by 3 May 2024.

Mr Wilkie, sought leave to move a motion. Leave not granted.

 22SUSPENSION OF STANDING AND SESSIONAL ORDERS MOVED

Mr Wilkie moved—That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Clark from moving the following motion—That the House:

(1)notes that:

(a)last night the Member for Clark revealed deeply disturbing allegations of egregious misconduct within the AFL provided by former Melbourne Football Club President, Glen Bartlett, former Melbourne team doctor Zeeshan Arain, and Shaun Smith, father of Melbourne player and now alleged drug trafficker Joel Smith, including:

(i)the prevalence of drug abuse and other prohibited behaviour across the AFL;

(ii)in particular, the “off the books” drug testing of players at Dorevitch Pathology in Heidelberg, facilitated by the former Chief Medical Officer of the AFL, Peter Harcourt;

(iii)the resting of players testing positive in these secret tests, ostensibly on account of injury;

(iv)wilful inaction by AFL executives; and

(v)the removal of Mr Bartlett as President of MFC after he suggested to current AFL Chairman, Mr Richard Goyder, and then AFL Chief Executive, Mr Gillon McLachlan, that AFL officials be regularly drug tested;

(b)this subverts the official drug testing conducted by Sports Integrity Australia on behalf of the World Anti-Doping Authority; and

(c)the Member for Clark was denied leave from the Government when seeking to table documents containing evidence relating to these allegations; and

(d)therefore allows the Member for Clark to table the documents referred to in his speech.

 23POSTPONEMENT OF BUSINESS

Ordered—That business intervening before order of the day No. 1, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.

 24Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Conaghan, viz.—That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words:

“whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:

(1)criticises the Government for failing to control the illicit vaping market and failing to protect children against the proliferation of vaping products that have exploded in availability through a black market driven by organised crime;

(2)expresses its alarm that the current prescription-only model is failing, with only approximately 10 per cent of vapers purchasing their product legally through prescriptions;

(3)acknowledges the existence and strength of the $1 billion black market vape trade in Australia, which is fuelled by the importation of more than 100 million illicit disposable devices each year;

(4)recognises that resourcing of enforcement measures at the borders and the point of sale has been grossly insufficient and that policy measures such as prohibition have historically not worked;

(5)calls on the Government to consider all policies to prevent children from accessing and becoming addicted to vaping products; andfurther criticises the Government for failing to establish or fund its promised illicit tobacco and vaping commissioner”—

Debate resumed.

 25MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

Members’ statements were made.

 26Death of Senator LINDA WHITE—CONDOLENCE MOTION—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Speaker reported that the order of the day relating to the Prime Minister’s motion of condolence in connection with Senator Linda White had been debated in the Federation Chamber and returned to the House, and presented a certified copy of the motion.

All Members present having risen, in silence—Motion agreed to.

 27QUESTIONS

 28Auditor-General’s Report

The Speaker presented the following document:

Auditor-General—Audit report No. 20 of 2023-24—Performance audit—Design and implementation of the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System: Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

The document was made a Parliamentary Paper.

 29DOCUMENTS 

The following documents were presented: 

Department of Finance—Campaign advertising by Australian Government departments and agencies—Report for 2022-23.

Employment, Education and Training—Standing Committee—Inquiry into the Fair Work Commission Annual Report 2019-2020—Government response, March 2024.

*Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (INSLM)—Report for 2022-23.

*The documents were made Parliamentary Papers.

 30Leave of absence to all Members

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) moved—That leave of absence be given to every Member of the House of Representatives from the determination of this sitting of the House to the date of its next sitting.

 31DISCUSSION OF MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE—Cost of living

The House was informed that Ms Le had proposed that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely, “The lack of government redress in relieving the pressures of the cost of living crisis for Australians”.

 32Suspension of standing and sessional orders

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), pursuant to notice, moved—That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the Member for Dunkley making a statement immediately and that the Member speak without limitation of time.

 33Suspension of standing orders 31 and 33—Time and order of business for 14 and 16 May 2024

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), pursuant to notice, moved—that in relation to the presentation of, and reply by the Leader of the Opposition to, the 2024-2025 Budget that:

(1) standing order 31 (automatic adjournment of the House) and standing order 33 (limit on business) be suspended for the sitting on Tuesday, 14 May 2024; and

(2) standing order 31 (automatic adjournment of the House) be suspended for the sitting on Thursday, 16 May 2024 and at that sitting, after the Leader of the Opposition completes his reply to the Budget speech, the House automatically stand adjourned until 12 noon on Tuesday, 28 May 2024, unless the Speaker or, in the event of the Speaker being unavailable, the Deputy Speaker, fixes an alternative day or hour of meeting.

 34POSTPONEMENT OF BUSINESS

Ordered—That business intervening before notice No. 18, government business, be postponed until a later hour this day.

 35Suspension of standing orders 31, 33 and 133

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), pursuant to notice, moved—That standing order 31 (automatic adjournment of the House), standing order 33 (limit on business) and standing order 133 (deferred divisions) be suspended for this sitting.

 36Department of Defence—RAAF Base Learmonth redevelopment enabling KC-30A Operations, Exmouth, Western Australia project—APPROVAL OF WORK

Dr Leigh (Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury), pursuant to notice, moved—That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Department of Defence—RAAF Base Learmonth redevelopment enabling KC-30A Operations, Exmouth, Western Australia project.

 37Department of Defence—RAAF Base Darwin—Mid-term refresh project—APPROVAL OF WORK

Dr Leigh (Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury), pursuant to notice, moved—That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Department of Defence—RAAF Base Darwin—Mid-term refresh project.

 38Health Legislation Amendment (Removal of Requirement for a Collaborative Arrangement) Bill 2024—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber, a Governor-General’s message recommending an appropriation had been reported, and the bill had been agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

 39National Cancer Screening Register Amendment Bill 2024—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber and agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

 40Excise Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2024—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber and agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

 41Customs Tariff Amendment (Tobacco) Bill 2024—REPORT FROM FEDERATION CHAMBER

The Deputy Speaker reported that the bill had been fully considered by the Federation Chamber and agreed to without amendment, and presented a certified copy of the bill.

Bill agreed to.

 42Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024

The order of the day having been read for the resumption of the debate on the question—That the bill be now read a second time—And on the amendment moved thereto by Mr Conaghan (see item No. #, page #)—

Debate resumed.

Mr Burke (Leader of the House), by indulgence, made a statement re: arrangements for this sitting.

 43MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE—Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Multinationals Pay Their Fair Share—Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2023

Message No. 266, 27 March 2024, from the Senate was reported returning the Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Multinationals Pay Their Fair Share—Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2023 with amendments.

 44ADJOURNMENT

Mr Burke (Leader of the House) moved—That the House do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

DOCUMENTS 

 The following documents were deemed to have been presented on 27 March 2024 (An explanatory statement has been presented with each instrument unless otherwise indicated by an asterisk): 

Australian Border Force Act 2015—Australian Border Force (Prohibited Drugs) Instrument 2024—LIN23/057 [F2024L00383]. 

Civil Aviation Act 1988—Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998—Flight in Class D Airspace near Hobart Aerodrome Exemption 2024—CASA EX13/24 [F2024L00387]. 

Corporations Act 2001—Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards—Supplier Finance Arrangements: Tier 2 Disclosures—AASB 2024-1 [F2024L00378]. 

Fair Work Act 2009—Fair Work Commission Rules 2024 [F2024L00379]. 

Higher Education Support Act 2003—Higher Education Provider Approval (No. 10 of 2006) Amendment Instrument 2024 [F2024L00382]. 

Industry Research and Development Act 1986—Industry Research and Development (Capacity Investment Scheme Program) Amendment Instrument 2024 [F2024L00396]. 

Migration Act 1958—Migration Regulations 1994—Migration (Class of Persons for Nil VAC—LIN 24/008) Specification 2024 [F2024L00384]. 

 National Measurement Act 1960—National Measurement Regulations 1999—National Measurement (Australian Certified Reference Materials) Determination 2023 [F2023L01537]—Replacement explanatory statement

ATTENDANCE

All Members attended (at some time during the sitting) except Mrs Andrews, Mr Bates, Mr Entsch, Mr Hill, Mr Jones and Ms Vamvakinou.