THE ALLERGY EPIDEMIC Safety at school – a mother's plea to keep her son safe

House of Representatives Magazine – Issue 30, March 2007 UP FRONT

Call to revitalise agricultural colleges Revitalising agricultural colleges across Australia is one of 29 recommendations from the House of Representatives Agriculture Committee aimed at overcoming shortages of

Photo: jupiterimages skilled labour in our rural industries. The committee concluded that more needs to be done by government and Investment recommended in teacher education industry to meet rural skill needs. Committee chair Alby A major reform package to improve every stage of teacher education has been Schultz (Member for Hume, NSW) said investment in proposed by the House of Representatives Education and Vocational Training world class training, extension and research services is needed Committee. The committee’s new report—Top of the class—says the teacher to maintain and enhance our rural skills in a dynamic and education system currently serves Australia very well, but is strained at some highly competitive international environment. “Only by points and could be enabled to do better. It includes recommendations to making such investment will our rural industries remain at strengthen the research base of teacher education, fund better teacher education the forefront of agriculture and forestry internationally,” he programs and research and practicum partnerships, and improve the transition said. The report is at www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ from teacher education student to classroom teacher. “Each recommendation primind/ruralskills or for more information email is practical, achievable and worthwhile as a stand-alone measure but together [email protected] or phone (02) 6277 4500. the recommendations comprise a powerful reform package,” said committee chair Luke Hartsuyker (Member for Cowper, NSW). The report is at www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/evt/teachereduc or for more information email [email protected] or phone (02) 6277 4573. Open House on 14 July Parliament House Open Day will be held on Saturday 14 July 2007. People will be able to access areas of the building usually not open to the public and there will be About the House is published by the displays on the work of the federal parliament. Department of the House of Representatives. For more information on the work of the House of Representatives visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/news Produced by: Liaison and Projects Office, House of Representatives, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Telephone: Freecall 1800 139 299 Fax: (02) 6277 8521 Email: [email protected] Editor: Andres Lomp Deputy Editors: Andrew Dawson and Bronwyn Allan Correspondents: Georgie Oakeshott and Aiden O’Hehir Open Day at the House of Representatives. Administration: Aiden O’Hehir and Natasa Sikman Creative Direction and Production: Prue Beckett, PBMC Sky’s the limit Design: Kate Gosnell Printing: Print National The About the House TV program is growing and moving. Photographs from photolibrary.com unless otherwise indicated. From March, the current affairs program about the House of Representatives shown on Sky News will extend to a Limited advertising space available, 30-minute program and will move to the new timeslot of contact the Liaison and Projects Office. 2.30pm on the Friday of parliamentary To subscribe free of charge to this magazine, contact sitting weeks. The extended the Liaison and Projects Office. program will first screen at 2.30pm Front cover photo: Member for Chisholm (Vic), Anna Burke with her son John, who has a on 23 and 30 March. Visit life-threatening food allergy. Photo: Michael Silver www.aph.gov.au/house/news to check program dates.

2 About the House March 2007 CONTENTS

18 Issue 30, March 2007 Every second counts Fighting the allergy epidemic FEATURES

22 Coming of age Seniors and the law 26 Food for thought What’s best for baby? 30 Skills at a premium The pros and cons of foreign workers 36 Balancing acts Dealing with work and family pressures 40 Taken for a ride Rogue operators threaten our tourism 45 Beyond the headlines Making a policy difference

REGULARS

4 Despatch Box 6 Hillside 8 The Law 9 News 44 Extra 48 One on One 49 The Wrap 52 Education 56 House Rules 57 Question Time 58 House Work

About the House March 2007 3 Despatch The accompanying photograph to the MAIL >> above mentioned article epitomises to me the very reason for this decline in Setting the disability agenda breastfeeding: an item on breastfeeding While the establishment of a is illustrated by a baby bottle-feeding. BOX Parliamentary Friendship Group for One could talk at length about the People with Disability [as announced dangers of a baby as young as this being by Dr Carmen Lawrence] is welcome, allowed to hold his own bottle, not to it must look at more than unmet mention the fact that he is missing out support needs (‘Disability friendship on the close physical contact with his group formed’, About the House, mother that a breastfeeding baby has December 2006). There is the cost of automatically, but why oh why could providing additional support services, not you have used a beautiful photo of whether those of us with disabilities baby of this age being breastfed. will be able to afford them, and how No breastfeeding photos available in much choice we would have in the your photo library? Probably not ... nature of their provision. Many services, and breastfeeding continues to decline. particularly from government, are very Is it all linked? ‘top down’ or prescriptive in their Judy Gifford delivery, with the funding going to the Green Point, NSW service provider rather than the client. * The breastfeeding inquiry is being However, as soon as someone like me conducted by the House of is in receipt of more than a prescribed Representatives Health and Ageing amount of money, various benefits are Committee. See article page 26 reassessed by Centrelink. Such adjustments can leave one with an No shortage of solutions overall reduction in fortnightly income. The article and photos in the latest “Many services, But there is an answer. At the National About the House on Australia’s chef particularly from Press Club in April last year, the Head shortage set near another story on the of Access Economics, Geoff Carmody, need to find work for the Indigenous government, are very presented the speech ‘Tax cuts or tax population in my mind suggests one reform: Which? For whom?’. He solution. Train more of the latter to ‘top down’ or advocated lifting the minimum tax become cooks and chefs! Another rate, while reducing the number of tax possibility for helping solve the chef prescriptive in their scales and abolishing tax deductions. shortage would be to encourage more This will at once preserve the revenue women to train as chefs and cooks. delivery, with the base, but also give those of us at the Women I think have more stickability funding going to the lower end of the income scales, in such roles. Male chefs in my disabled or otherwise, more flexibility experience are more flashy creatures service provider, and choice in accessing services who often tend towards throwing a through a greater opportunity to earn wobbly and then walking out. Just a rather than the income without penalty. few thoughts for discussion. client.” Now there’s an agenda item! Over to Nancy Macintyre you, Dr. Lawrence. Edinburgh Scotland Adam Johnston Davidson NSW What matters on the Hill Adam Johnston receives a $100 music I just received your December issue voucher for his letter. Breast is best and wanted to say what a fabulous My husband has just shown me page 7 publication it is. While I obviously enjoyed your article on labour HAVE YOUR SAY of the December 2006 issue of About the House and the article: ‘Breastfeeding shortages in the industry, there wasn’t Send your letters to: decline a worry’. one article that I didn’t want to read. About the House Mail, Liaison and As a lobbyist About the House is a Projects Office, House of Excellent article. Information like this succinct and up-to-date ready-reckoner Representatives, Parliament House has been round for some time and has of the issues that matter on the Hill. Canberra ACT 2600, or email: culminated in the government Keep up the good work! [email protected] or announcing a wide ranging inquiry fax: (02) 6277 8521 into breastfeeding. Matthew Hingerty Managing Director, Australian Tourism Please include name, address and daytime Export Council, Sydney NSW contact details. Letters may be edited to fit available space and for clarity.

4 About the House March 2007 WHAT’S COOKING >> A Parliament House cookbook, with recipes provided by MPs and parliamentary staff, is selling like hotcakes, helping the Phil Botha Memorial Charity Fund in its efforts to raise money for charity. The fund was established in 1997 when a group of Parliament House security officers decided to run the 100 kilometres from Goulburn to Canberra to raise money for charity. The run was subsequently named in memory of Phil Botha, from that original group, who died of cancer in June 1998. In 2003 the run became a 12 hour marathon of laps around Parliament House, with MPs joining security staff in the run. To supplement the funds raised by the run, the idea for a cookbook was hatched. It is called Cooking for your mates, cheekily referring to a controversy about security guards using the term ‘mate’ as a greeting at Parliament House. For the past five years the fund has been making donations to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, last year donating $14,000 to the charity that helps grant wishes to children with life-threatening diseases. The cookbook can be purchased for $20 (plus $5 postage and handling) from Mark Aston by emailing: [email protected] Parliamentary security staff running for charity with Pat Farmer, Member for Macarthur, NSW (second from right).

Water shouldn’t be territorial In respect to water conservation and the federal system, we have a situation like the defence of this country where politics needs to be placed behind a national issue. The federal government must take this issue and place water (a basic need) as a measure where in an emergency like the present drought it has overriding legislation in place. The states must be in a situation with a grid in place that they help each other. Rain is a natural phenomenon and where it falls shouldn’t be territorial; it should be stored and piped to where it is needed. Of course New Public Accounts and Audit Committee Chair, Phillip Barresi. Photo: AUSPIC there are needs and costs in all states but no state should over-ride federal authority in NEW CHAIRS IN THE HOUSE >> droughts and emergencies. It’s a bit like the Following on from the ministerial changes announced in January, there need for a federal rail and road grid nationally. have been changes in the chairmanship of some parliamentary committees. These matters should override state politics. Phillip Barresi (Member for Deakin, Vic) is the new chair of the Public A national conference on all levels of experts Accounts and Audit Committee. Mr Barresi (pictured) was previously should be called to ascertain how the present chair of the House of Representatives Employment, Workplace Relations situation can be avoided in the future with and Workforce Participation Committee. innovative ideas and good planning which hasn’t happened in the past. Water is a basic Taking over the chairmanship of the House Employment Committee is need—it shouldn’t be a matter of state or Gary Hardgrave (Member for Moreton, Qld), previously Minister for federal bickering. It should be subject to Vocational and Technical Training. control—under a federal commissioner for Sophie Mirabella (Member for Indi, Vic) has become the chair of the water and conservation. Electoral Matters Committee, taking over from Peter Lindsay (Member John Luder for Herbert, Qld), who has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Brisbane QLD Minister for Defence.

About the House March 2007 5 Hillside Getting technical THE opening of a new technical college in northern Adelaide will help revolutionise the way young people get training in trades, the Member for Wakefield (SA), David Fawcett has told federal parliament. According to Mr Fawcett, the opening of the Australian Technical College, with 106 students, represents a new focus on technical training in Australia. “So, rather than an academic or educational institution training people in accordance with, perhaps, a syllabus or the equipment they have available and then hoping that at the end of that process somehow these young people might fit an employer’s expectations, this college is industry- led,” Mr Fawcett said. The technical college is a partnership Photo: AAP between the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide and the Northern Adelaide Industry Group. Transport solutions key to Mr Fawcett said the students will study towards the South Australian better cities Certificate of Education, but the focus WE are stuck in dysfunctional cities, cities program’ that also aids rural and of those studies will be relevant to the according to the Member for Reid regional areas,” Mr Ferguson said. workplace. “So the maths they do is (NSW), Laurie Ferguson. Speaking “Under this proposal a industrial maths and the communication in the House of Representatives, sustainable cities authority would or language they study is workplace communication,” he said. Mr Ferguson said we need to start ultimately have offices in every state Employers will come to the college reassessing our over-reliance on and territory. The SCA would work and conduct interviews with the students motor vehicles, which is contributing with existing departments in each with the object of signing them up to significantly to pollution, congestion, region, including transport, tourism, school based apprenticeships by the loss of amenity and social exclusion infrastructure, planning, environment, middle of the year. in our cities. sustainability, health and regional “That means that these young Mr Ferguson suggested that development. Each regional SCA people will not only receive training but consideration be given to the would interact with and seek advice also build relationships with employers establishment of a sustainable cities from local technical and community such that they have clear and effective authority that will work with existing organisations, as well as other pathways out of their training into the federal, state, territory and local relevant government agencies.” start of a career. That is a good model,” government bodies and agencies to Mr Ferguson said the solution Mr Fawcett said. seek out and encourage innovative is not to throw money at the and sustainable transport solutions. problem but is more to do with the He said it’s an idea put forward by initial design of new suburbs and Stephen Ingrouille from the Going the renovation of existing suburban A gift of learning Solar environmental consultancy, with areas. “This task is currently outside whom Mr Ferguson recently met. the expertise of our existing ON the edge of an African desert there’s “In effect, this will be a ‘better agencies,” he said. a school with two new classrooms, made possible by the fund-raising efforts of a group of dedicated Australians. Thanks to the fund-raising, the were shared by all. An amazing Twenty-one women from the school, which previously had 40 celebration of the goodwill between two federal electorate of Gilmore in NSW students, now can accommodate more nations brought about by the compassion joined their federal MP Joanna Gash on than 350 students. of individuals.” a visit to Kenya to open the two new “The students were full of delight The Gilmore group also visited a classrooms at the high school, CCM and lined up expectantly with the arrival Kenyan doctor who has moved from a Angaine, at Mt Kenya Meru, 500 of the Gilmore group,” Ms Gash said. single room to a medical centre, also kilometres from Nairobi. “Dancing, refreshments and lots of joy thanks to their sponsorship.

6 About the House March 2007 Hillside Recognition sought for POW memorial THE Member for Ballarat (Vic) “Standing in a reflective pool are Catherine King has called for the huge basalt obelisks, up to 4.5 metres Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial located high, with the names of all the POW in Ballarat to be declared a national camps. One is fallen, to reflect the some memorial. “It is a fitting memorial to 8,600 POWs who never made it home. former POWs across all conflicts and The columns are out of reach and across from across the country,” Ms King said. the water, symbolising that all the POW “Located in the surroundings of the camps were away from Australian shores. Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the POW Further on there is another wall, engraved memorial uses the basic idea of a journey,” Ms King explained. “The with the words ‘Lest we forget’, allowing creator, Peter Blizzard, started a pathway, for an area of contemplation and long and straight, interspersed with reflection on the 35,000 Australian shapes like railway sleepers—a reference POWs and their individual stories. It is a to the Burma railway. Running parallel to truly impressive and moving piece of the pathway is a polished black granite sculpture, steeped in significance for the wall 130 metres long, etched with the hundreds of families of POWs across names of all 35,000 Australian POWs. Australia.” Ex-Prisoner of War Memorial in Ballarat, Vic. Photo: AAP MPs demand action on domestic violence AN estimated 440,000 Australian women experienced physical and/or sexual violence in the last 12 months. Twenty-three per cent of women who have ever been married or in a de facto relationship have experienced violence by a partner at some time during the relationship. There were 175 domestic homicides in Australia between 1996 and 2004. Those grim statistics were outlined to parliament when MPs from both sides of the House of Representatives called for a more coordinated and sustained approach to be undertaken by all levels of government in the area of domestic violence. “A coordinated Australia-wide approach must be adopted if we are to reduce and prevent domestic homicide, identify trends and patterns, improve “Over the years there have been a Michael Johnson (Member for Ryan, community interventions and facilitate number of programs and strategies Qld), Kirsten Livermore (Member for systemic change,” said Margaret May, aimed at tackling domestic violence, Capricornia, Qld), and Louise Markus the Member for McPherson (Qld). but it is only in recent times that serious (Member for Greenway, NSW). She called for the establishment of a consideration has been given to the Mr Albanese expressed particular national committee on violence against perpetrator of the violence,” Mrs May concern about the underreporting of women to coordinate a national approach. said. “There is a need to increase efforts domestic violence, with statistics Mrs May also proposed the in the area of primary prevention as it is showing that only 20 per cent of female establishment of a national domestic essential to tackle the causes of domestic victims of sexual assault and 28 per cent violence death review board, stating and family violence rather than simply of female victims of other assaults that such review boards have been to deal with the outcomes.” report the incident to the police. established in a number of countries, Supporting the proposal for “These figures tell us that we have including Canada, the US and the UK, national action were Anthony Albanese simply not done enough to address the to bring together various agencies in a (Member for Grayndler, NSW), Craig problem of violence against women,” coordinated response to domestic violence. Emerson (Member for Rankin, Qld), Mr Albanese said.

About the House March 2007 7 THE LAW Background checks to boost security LEGISLATION to improve air and maritime security is being considered by federal parliament. Last year, the federal government New background checking service is being introduced for people needing security cards at airports. Photo: Newspix decided to establish a new service in the Attorney-General’s Department 2006) will provide the powers needed require background checks for to coordinate background checks on for AusCheck to coordinate and different purposes, and should in people who work in the secure areas undertake the background checking. time help develop a more consistent of airports and seaports. Known as Attorney-General Philip Ruddock and reliable approach to background AusCheck, the service will help said the creation of AusCheck as the checking,” Mr Ruddock said. identify high-risk individuals who centralised background checking He noted that the government’s should not be granted an aviation service for the federal government decision to establish AusCheck security identification card (ASIC) was in keeping with the public’s followed a recommendation of Sir or maritime security identification expectations that adequate security John Wheeler’s Airport Security and card (MSIC). arrangements are in place. Policing Review. AusCheck is The new legislation currently “AusCheck will in time reduce scheduled to commence operations before parliament (AusCheck Bill duplication of effort where individuals on 1 July 2007.

The legislation also facilitates the The Classification Board will be Updating addition of related but new material supported by an additional assessor to already classified feature movies scheme, under which authorised the film when they are re-released on DVD assessors will recommend for sale or hire. These include classification and consumer advice for classification additional scenes, interviews with the additional content released with a director, and even featurettes taking film that is already classified or system their meaning from the content of exempt. The scheme is being FEDERAL parliament is debating the film. introduced after public consultation changes to the way films, computer “Currently, these additions mean and is based on the existing games and publications are classified. that the disc constitutes a new ‘film’ assessment scheme for computer The changes being brought in by as defined, and must be classified, games, which has been working the Classification (Publications, Films even though the feature movie on the successfully for some years. and Computer Games) Amendment disc has already been classified,” The opposition has indicated its Bill 2006 are designed to improve the explained Attorney-General Philip support for the legislation. Shadow operation of the national classification Ruddock. “Additional content rarely Attorney-General Kelvin Thomson scheme and respond to the changing results in a classification different told the House of Representatives technology in entertainment media. from that of the feature film on there is a “clear argument for Current classification laws require the disc.” updating the law to properly classify films to be submitted for The changes will also see the multimedia content, such as the extra reclassification in the event of integration of the Office of Film and features that are now frequently additions such as subtitles, dubbing Literature Classification into the included in the DVD release of and navigation menus on DVDs. Attorney-General’s Department. At movies and television programs”. Under the changes such modifications the same time the independence of “The updated guidance offers will not require a film to be the Classification Board, which better protection for families by reclassified, as they do not add new classifies material, and the providing comprehensive advice to content but rather make the already Classification Review Board, which parents on content,” Mr Thomson classified content more accessible. reviews classifications, is reinforced. said.

8 About the House March 2007 NEWS More than 2 million use illicit drugs

STATISTICS indicating that more than 2 million Australians have used illicit drugs in a 12 month period have prompted the House of Representatives Families Committee to launch a public inquiry into the impact of illicit drugs on families. One in 10 Australians had used marijuana, with amphetamines, ecstasy and speed also featuring in the list of most used drugs. “Illicit drug use can have a devastating impact on families,” said Families Committee Chairman Bronwyn Bishop (Member for Mackellar, NSW) when announcing the inquiry. “Mothers, fathers and children are on the front line in dealing with the effects of illicit drug use by a family member.” More than 7,300 drug users were referred by families and friends to professionals for treatment in 2004-05. Drug overdose victim in Sydney. Photo: Newspix The committee’s inquiry will examine the financial, social and He said the AFP had 88 police “There’s a general education gap personal cost to families who have a officers stationed overseas in 33 there for both mums and dads and users countries working closely with local law member using illicit drugs; the impact so any campaign that increases our agencies to prevent drugs being of harm minimisation programs on knowledge and therefore helps reduce imported to Australia. Everytime the families; and ways to strengthen families demand could be a positive step,” AFP broke up an international drug who are coping with a member using Mr Keelty said. ring and dismantled their laboratories, “There has been a lot in the popular illicit drugs. it saved lives in Australia and also the “Families need to be adequately press about ice and yet many people time and money of Australian law wouldn’t understand the difference supported so that they can help prevent enforcement agencies trying to stop between crystal methamphetamine and family members using illicit drugs,” their distribution. liquid ecstasy and other types of Mrs Bishop said. The Police Commissioner highlighted The committee will report on how the AFP’s role in closing down a amphetamine.” the Australian government can better Malaysian drug laboratory that was He also saw merit in running public address the impact on families of the producing 150kgs of methamphetamine health campaigns on television similar importation, production, sale, use and daily—all destined for Australia. He to those against smoking. prevention of illicit drugs, she said. also told the MPs of another huge drug “I would rather educate young Days after the announcement of the factory dismantled in Suva, Fiji, that people about the risks in a controlled inquiry, the Families Committee held a had enough chemicals to produce a environment than in the uncontrolled public hearing with Australian Federal tonne of crystal methamphetamine for environment. The uncontrolled Police Commissioner Mick Keelty and the Australian market. environment today is via the internet representatives of the Australian Mr Keelty said a broad community and informal education from peers.” Customs Service. education program was needed so young The Families Committee has Mr Keelty told the MPs of the Australians and their parents actually invited people to have their say on the growing amphetamine problem in better understand the risk of taking impact of illicit drugs on families by Australia, highlighting how 381 drug amphetamines and know what the sending a submission to the inquiry. laboratories were dismantled in 2004- differences are between heroin, ecstasy, 05, up from 58 in 1996-97. Local and speed and crystal methamphetamine (or LINKS overseas laboratories were producing a ice). He told the committee he would Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ cocktail of illicit drugs for an estimated welcome a pamphlet being sent to all committee/fhs/illicitdrugs 100,000 methamphetamine users in parents about the dangers of their Email: [email protected] Australia. children taking amphetamines. Phone: (02) 6277 4566 Continued page 10

About the House December 2006 9 NEWS

Mr Staveley said these rogue number of illegally operating rooms that accommodation providers were trading are being sold as hotel rooms or as on the name of Woolloomooloo Wharf backpacker accommodation,” he said. and were unfairly competing in the same “The experience in the illegal rooms market as the hotel. can be as bad as no-one there to show “But they were residential the tourist in, no room key, rooms not apartments built to residential standards made up and rooms significantly being let via the internet by the local real damaged, right through to things like 14 estate agent,” he said. “These apartments backpackers staying in a two bedroom were within hotel space but without any apartment.” of the safety standards, the service or Mr Olah blames the internet for guarantee of quality.” helping the illegal operators tap into the Mr Staveley said there is a tourist and backpacker markets. considerable black market operating in Peta Irvine from the Australian the major capital cities across Australia. Hotels Association stressed that serviced Besides threatening the profitability of apartments and non-serviced apartments the legitimate accommodation sector, were a great thing for the tourism these illegal operations also affect the industry. amenity of long-term residents. “We need them,” she said. “They “Ultimately this is not a good thing reflect the way some people want to for the tourism industry in Australia travel; they are the way people are because it does not guarantee quality. moving, particularly for longer stay and You are not going to fly from the far business visitors. These travellers want to ends of the world to stay in someone have the additional facilities that else’s flat.” apartment style accommodation offers Peter Olah from the Hotel Motel them, whether it is a fully serviced hotel and Accommodation Association said model or an unserviced ‘clean up after these apartments impact negatively on you leave’ model.” investors in the industry and on the But Ms Irvine agreed the tourists themselves. apartments represent a risk to Australia’s “Illegally operating short-term reputation. accommodation rooms impact on the “A lot of this accommodation—not Warning on black entire investment climate because they all of it—is not meeting the basic don’t have to meet all the requirements standards that people expect. People do market rooms of building codes, they don’t need fire not know the difference, and that is the proofing, sound proofing and also all the issue. They think that they have booked requirements of tax,” Mr Olah said. a hotel and when they get there find A GROWING black market “They have an operating advantage there is no tourist information and the accommodation industry that can allow because they pay less to build it and pay key has been left in the door. When they 14 backpackers to stay in a two-room less to operate it. Those in the industry run out of toilet paper, they have to go apartment in Sydney threatens operating legitimately have higher costs down the road to buy it.” Australian tourism by dampening and provide quality accommodation and John Bates from Tourism NSW investment in new hotels. service. Sydney is at the epicentre of this defended tourists having choice and said Representatives of the hotel and issue with the largest percentage of more than 200,000 holiday homes and accommodation industry warned a illegally operating rooms. It is the major apartments in NSW help provide that. parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s port of entry into Australia for inbound “It is not a black market,” he said. service industries of the ramifications of tourists and is also the most expensive “It is just an alternative to commercial these illegal apartments going unchecked. city to stay in.” accommodation. If you look at the Peter Staveley from the Tourism and He said investment in new hotels figures, basically non-commercial Transport Forum told the House had dropped in recent years. “The reality accommodation in the state provides Economics Committee of the unfair is in Sydney especially and to a lesser something in the order of 60 to 70 per competition faced by the 100-room extent in Melbourne, Brisbane and the cent of all the visitor nights spent here. W Hotel at Woolloomooloo wharf in Gold Coast, hotel investment has dried There is a global trend towards people Sydney from residential apartments on up. Why would you invest when your wanting to have more control over the the same wharf complex. neighbour can do it more cheaply and environment they stay in. They do not “There were upwards of 60 reap a greater profit?” necessarily want to stay in a hotel or a apartments which the local real estate Mr Olah gave the example of a serviced apartment.” agent had on the internet and was hiring recently-built residential tower in out by the night, therefore directly Sydney, which also had an approved LINKS undercutting the investment of the hotel within. Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ people who bought that hotel,” “That hotel is operating legally and committee/efpa/services Mr Staveley said. “They were right next meets all hotel requirements, but within Email: [email protected] door to each other in the same building.” the residential component is a large Phone: (02) 6277 4587

10 About the House March 2007 NEWS

the future of the industry, the industry itself faces some serious cultural issues.” Deputy chair Brendan O’Connor (Member for Gorton, Vic) shared Mr Barresi’s concern. “Whether that is a cultural thing with respect to the industry not wanting to speak directly to the federal parliament I am not sure, but it certainly did not provide us with confidence that all in the industry know what the best approach is to solving some of the pressing problems it confronts,” Mr O’Connor said. Mr Barresi said problems of skills shortages in the industry were accentuated by a poor industry image. “The outdated image of the greasy workshop and the constant talk of industry downturn only discourage young people from making it a first career choice. The committee heard about several industry programs getting school students out of the classroom and experiencing the Road map for car parts industry workplace,” Mr Barresi said. Mr O’Connor hoped this report INNOVATION is vital for the survival Australia as a niche market for would assist the industry and government of a local car parts industry. innovation and investment; find answers to the problems. “You have a paradox in the A parliamentary committee has • reporting on the level of local automotive parts industry: on the one unanimously agreed on the changes components in locally manufactured hand there are skill shortages, but on the needed to shore up an ailing Australian vehicles. car parts industry hit hard by cheaper other you have redundancies,” he said. • a coordinated and high-level whole- “I think the unanimous report imports, high petrol prices, plant of-government approach to suggests quite clearly that all members closures and job losses. automotive skills training; The bipartisan report by the House are concerned that not enough has been • consolidating training resources to of Representatives Employment Committee done with respect to skill shortages, establish a centralised teaching foundry wants to revitalise the local industry by attending to those shortages and to service the casting industries; encouraging innovation, niche product attending to the labour adjustment development and skills training. • an automotive component policies that have been wanting. There The Shifting gears report makes 18 manufacturers leaders forum to are some very practical recommendations recommendations on how to help a billion improve recruitment and the image in this report. It is also important to dollar industry employing more than of the industry; note that there is no dissenting report.” 20,000 people. The need for reform was • a national study on the post- Mr Barresi said the report wants the highlighted by further retrenchments at redundancy outcomes for displaced industry to focus on establishing a clear component manufacturer Ajax Fasteners workers within the industry; niche market by enhancing R&D in Victoria late last year. • a general labour adjustment assistance measures to ensure that “The recommendations in the program to support the automotive Australia retains a share of the lucrative report provide a framework to turn component industry; and innovation and design market. around the pattern of closures and open • reviewing the status of Automotive “While we often hear of cases of up new opportunities for innovation in Training Australia as the representative companies struggling to survive in the the industry,” said committee chair Phil of the industry’s skills needs. Australian sector, there are also Barresi (Member for Deakin, Vic). Mr Barresi was disappointed by the companies in the automotive The report recommends: reluctance of some in the troubled component manufacturing sector that • a review of research and development industry to participate in the inquiry. are doing it well and who have assistance to assess whether Australia “Unfortunately, a number of established clear niche markets both here is internationally competitive; businesses declined to participate—in a in Australia and overseas,” he said. • extension of R&D assistance to number of cases citing the fear of Australian based subsidiaries of retribution or contract losses as a LINKS multinational companies where the reason,” he said. Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ R&D takes place in Australia to the “That is a shame, considering that committee/ewrwp/ benefit of Australian products; the inquiry was set up to assist this very automanufacturing/report.htm • a vision for the automotive industry. So, while the report makes Email: [email protected] component industry that establishes recommendations critical to supporting Phone: (02) 6277 4162

About the House March 2007 11 NEWS

As a more permanent solution, the Julie Owens hopes the government Community TV committee has recommended that the will take notice before a valuable part of Channel 31 spectrum band, which the media landscape is lost. needs digital currently hosts community broadcasting “Community television, like across Australia, be converted to digital community radio, provides this opportunity access and permanently allocated to current at a really local level for communities to and future community broadcasters, explore what’s happening within IT is the responsibility of the federal giving community television a place in themselves, to develop opinions, to share stories, and that’s something we’re losing government to help community the digital world. television move into the digital age, in the community in most other forms,” The committee has also called for Ms Owens said. according to a new report by the House the federal government to provide the of Representatives Communications, Jackie Kelly agreed, saying it is time community television sector with for the government to take on the Information Technology and the Arts $6 million in funding for the Committee. responsibility for bringing community conversion of broadcasting equipment, broadcasting into the digital age. Released in February, the report as well as a further $1.7 million for each “I think the government’s obligated to makes a number of recommendations year of simulcast. just help them get over the line,” she said. on the conversion of community Vice president of community “It would just be such a shame to see it television from analogue to digital. television for the Community die on the vine and have to start again.” Several community broadcasting Broadcasting Association of Australia, The committee is planning to release stations currently exist in Australia, all Andrew Brine welcomed the report. a second report later in the year, covering broadcast in analogue, making them “The timing of community broader community broadcasting issues, unavailable to the 20 per cent of television’s move to digital is crucial so including community radio. Australians who have digital receivers. As the move to digital television becomes the committee’s recommendation for a LINKS more widespread, less and less people will must carry provision by 2008 is very Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ have access to community television. encouraging,” Mr Brine said. “The committee/cita/community_ Communications Committee Chair other recommendations are also most broadcasting/firstreport.htm Jackie Kelly (Member for Lindsay, welcome and will provide a great benefit Email: [email protected] NSW) believes that halting the growth to the community television sector.” Phone: (02) 6277 4601 of community television in this way could cause irreparable damage to what is an important form of media. “It’s a fledgling industry, it really has only been operational as we know it today in the last 10 years, but the growth in 10 years has been phenomenal,” Ms Kelly said. “The sector is the incubator of diverse and innovative programming, and is essentially the training ground for the commercial and national broadcasters.” The key proposal outlined in the report is that the government sell the digital channel known as Licence A—a digital channel that has remained unsold for some years—with a ‘must carry’ obligation that would require the new licensee to broadcast community television for the duration of the simulcast period. The committee feels this is the most viable option for keeping community television alive during the changeover from analogue to digital, as it does not impose on any working broadcaster or interfere with existing scheduling arrangements. “It’s not the ideal situation for community television, but the ideal options are gone,” said Committee Deputy Chair Julie Owens (Member for Parramatta, NSW). “This was the last one we could find which we thought would work.” Communications Committee Chair Jackie Kelly (left) and Deputy Chair Julie Owens following the release of the community TV report. Photo: AUSPIC 12 About the House March 2007 NEWS

“Some of the discussion around ‘Are we going to lose our manufacturing sector and be dominated by resources?’ is, not to put too fine a point on it, possibly a little overwrought,” Dr Kennedy said. “We see these types of things come and to some extent go, but the broad, steady structural changes in the economy, the shift towards services that has been going on for well over 15 years, is pretty much the same and a common feature of developed economies.” Australia’s services sector, including tourism and education, is the subject of a separate inquiry by the House Economics Committee. Like manufacturing, it is also being overshadowed by the resources sector. “Australia’s resources sector is currently experiencing a well-publicised boom, driven mainly by unprecedented Chinese demand for raw materials globally,” Economics Committee Chair, Bruce Baird (Member for Cook, NSW) said. “While Australia is currently enjoying the riches of this boom, history indicates that high commodity prices cannot be sustained indefinitely. The committee is therefore investigating the state of these two trade sectors, manufacturing and services,” he said. According to the Productivity Commission, services dominate economic activity in Australia, accounting for Manufacturing can bring more than 75 per cent of national output, and four out of every five jobs. future wealth “The committee is particularly keen to investigate whether there are MANUFACTURING will be an manufacturing and services sectors,” opportunities to improve Australia’s important source of future wealth in Mr Hawkins said. services exports so that when the demand Australia once the resources boom ends, “Usually at the same time there is a for, or prices of, our commodities a House of Representatives inquiry has move of resources into the mining eventually falls, we can continue to heard, despite the current ill effects of sector or the oil sector, and we are enjoy strong growth,” Mr Baird said. the so-called ‘Dutch disease’ affecting seeing that in Australia now. You have Manufacturers have also been the sector. heard from people in the tourism examining their industry post resources Also known as the Gregory thesis, industry that they are losing truck boom, and have called for a more Dutch disease is the term used to drivers, cooks or whatever because they strategic approach from the Australian describe what happens when a country are going to work in mining areas and government. experiences a boom in natural resources doubling or tripling their salary. “Australian medium and high at the expense of manufacturing. It was “The concern is, if it is a short-lived technology manufacturing is the future originally used to describe the decline in boom in the mining sector, then you generator of wealth in the post-mining manufacturing after the discovery of boom environment,” Australian Electrical will have resources move out of natural gas in the Netherlands. and Electronic Manufacturers’ manufacturing and the manufacturing Appearing before the House Association (AEEMA) chief executive, Economics Committee’s inquiry into industry will decline. Then when the Angus Robinson said. the future of manufacturing, John mining boom ends, it is hard for the “But only if Australians, that is, Hawkins from Treasury’s business and resources to move back into industry and government working liaison unit said the exchange rate is one manufacturing,” he said. together in partnership, develop the of its features. Treasury’s Dr Steven Kennedy said clear, strategic focus on the product and “There is a tendency for countries it’s a natural pattern for developed product-related service systems where which have a large increase in their economies to move from strength in Australia can develop a niche position in resources exports to have an appreciation agriculture, to manufacturing, to global markets. in their currency and, other things services, and Australia shouldn’t get too “We must plan and act soon whilst being equal, that will hurt their carried away by the resources boom. we have the resources available from our Continued page 14

About the House March 2007 13 NEWS Continued from page 13 mining wealth. There has been much significantly faster than exports from Taiwan’s electronics industry was smaller talk about a skill shortage in Australia. any other sector. than that of Australia. Thirty years on, In my view the real shortage is in Mr Robinson told the inquiry there with inspired strategic planning, this strategic planning skills. Our mining are wonderful opportunities in global tiny island of Taiwan, population size wealth has made us complacent and manufacturing because of the digital similar to that of Australia, now sits as lazy,” he said. revolution, biotechnologies and one of the global leaders in ICT In 2005-06 manufacturing exports nanotechnologies, but we need a change [information, communications technology] reached a record high of $75 billion, of thinking. production and in economy size, close elaborately transformed manufactures “We are spending a lot of money on to that of Australia. reached a record of $26.8 billion, and biotechnology and nanotechnology. “Taiwanese leaders have told me manufacturing value-addeds remained Has anyone asked the question of all that they are lucky they do not have steady. those scientists and technologists to mineral resources. Their wealth has been created by the education and the The sector employs more than one whom the government is channelling all acumen of their people. million people, which according to the that money: what is it going to be used “We have much to learn in AEEMA makes it Australia’s largest for; what market is it going to meet?” Australia but not much time to waste,” employer. He said Australia can learn a lot Mr Robinson said. AAEMA told the inquiry from Taiwan about getting out in the manufacturing contributes 28 per cent world marketplace, working out what LINKS of Australia’s total exports and, with a the world wants and making the most Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ committee/efpa growth rate of more than 10 per cent in of global market opportunities. Email: [email protected] the 20 years to 2000, has grown “It is worth noting that in 1974 Phone: (02) 6277 4587

New look for national capital AN exciting new vista for the national capital could be just around the corner, with proposals to redevelop Canberra according to Walter Burley Griffin’s original plans. A project of the National Capital Authority, the Griffin Legacy outlines a series of amendments to the National Capital Plan and aims to complete Griffin’s vision for Canberra as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. The proposed redevelopments will highlight the Artist’s impression of the proposed development in Canberra. Pic: National Capital Authority cultural and national significance of Canberra whilst enhancing the natural Canberra. The other two amendments and how the integrity of Griffin’s plans landscape and features of the city. aim to transform two key areas of central will be preserved. Walter Burley Griffin won the Canberra—Constitution Avenue and Committee chairman Senator Ross competition to design Australia’s new West Basin—into lively cultural and Lightfoot (Senator for WA) is capital city in 1912, with the aim of entertainment areas, with new shops, enthusiastic about the proposed changes, incorporating the natural landscape of outdoor dining and tree lined saying “the Griffin Legacy Amendments the area into a bustling lakefront boulevards, as well as an integrated are some of the most significant and far metropolis. However, disputes over his transport system. A fourth amendment reaching changes to the National Capital modernist design led to Griffin leaving lays out the policies and principles of the Plan ever undertaken and deserve an the project in 1920, with much of his Griffin Legacy to form a basis for opportunity to be publicly aired and vision unrealised. Canberra’s future development. debated”. Three amendments tabled in The Griffin Legacy amendments LINKS parliament in December last year will were the subject of a public roundtable Griffin Legacy take steps towards fulfilling Canberra’s conducted by federal parliament’s National www.nationalcapital.gov.au/planning_and_ potential by redeveloping and extending Capital Committee on 23 February urban_design/griffin_legacy the city centre. Central to the plan is the 2007. The hearing gave the National National Capital Committee Capital Authority the opportunity to Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ proposed development of the City Hill committee/ncet Precinct to ensure it takes its place as the expand on the aims of the Griffin Legacy Email: [email protected] geographical and symbolic heart of and explain the proposed developments Phone: (02) 6277 4355

14 About the House March 2007 NEWS Carbon tax ignites debate India, the Coal Association and Minerals Council told the inquiry that Australia’s greatest contribution to reducing greenhouse gases on a global level could be developing CCS technology. “There is a finite amount of national wealth that the Australian community will be willing to invest in responding to climate change over the next few years,” the joint submission said. “Given that Australia accounts for less than 1.4 per cent of total global emissions, it is very likely that the proportion of that finite investment allocated to RD&D—developing new technologies in both the renewable and fossil fuel areas—will eventually prove to Photo: AAP be by far the most cost-effective and significant contribution Australia makes A COMMITTEE investigating carbon involved,” Greenpeace political adviser to solving the global problem,” it said. Helen Oakey said. capture and storage has ignited debate Supporting the call for investment about the impact a price on carbon would “The limited potential for CCS to in research and development is the have on research and development for deliver emission reductions does not National Generators’ Forum, an industry both renewable and clean coal technologies. justify such large-scale public investment body representing the 21 major power Arguing against the introduction of in research and development of this generators which provide 95 per cent of a carbon tax, the Australian Coal technology. Australia’s total electricity. Association and the Minerals Council “Public money should not be going told the Science and Innovation towards technology development for Speaking at a public hearing of the committee it would have a negative large corporations that already have the inquiry, NGF executive director, John impact on all research and development. capacity to invest in extending their Boshier said Australia’s cheap electricity “The premature introduction of a research base in this area,” she said. prices are based on cheap, abundant carbon price signal in the Australian But according to the Coal coal, and clean coal technology will be stationary energy sector risks the Association and Minerals Council, as a necessary to reduce emissions. perverse outcome of driving private major coal and gas using and exporting “But the technology to capture sector investment away from vital country, Australia has a lot at stake if carbon dioxide is expensive and untested research, development and demonstration CCS is not pursued. on a large scale,” Mr Boshier told the (RD&D) towards quick fix responses,” They told the inquiry that RD&D committee. is critical to overcome the technological the joint submission said. “Very little is actually known about challenges of integrating the elements of “It would also risk all levels of the practicality and the economics of the capture, compression, transport and storage of the carbon dioxide once it has government abandoning their commitment storage at a power station scale, so that to supporting RD&D on the basis that been extracted. There is an urgent need wide-spread commercialisation can occur. to firm up the estimates of both to ‘the market will sort it out’. This could The committee has heard that the identify if they can be factored into effectively end Australia’s involvement introduction of an emissions trading future planning,” he said. in developing ‘breakthrough’ technologies scheme could be one way to accelerate the for both the fossil fuels and renewables,” uptake of carbon capture and storage. He agrees with the Coal Association it said. According to Peter Cook from the and Minerals Council that developing the Environmental campaigner Greenpeace CO2CRC, the lack of a long term technology would be good for Australia. disagrees, believing instead that a price policy or market setting for carbon is “I think there is a huge opportunity on carbon would encourage much-needed inhibiting the capacity of industry to for Australia, because other countries investment in the renewable energy make longer term investment decisions that have cheap abundant coal are industry, including wind and solar. regarding the implementation of CCS. China, Korea and India, and if we are to Greenpeace told the inquiry that “Would an emission trading regime lower world emissions then exporting that geosequestration—or the process of carbon remove this impediment to deployment? technology, licensing it here and exporting capture and storage (CCS)—will fail to Possibly,” Dr Cook said. it, is really important,” Mr Boshier told deliver necessary cuts in greenhouse gas “It has the benefit that it is the inquiry. emissions, and therefore the government technology neutral and is likely to LINKS should not invest in it. produce the least cost outcome in the Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ “Emission reductions through short term.” committee/scin carbon capture and storage would be With growing fossil fuel energy Email: [email protected] too late and too little for the costs generation in countries like China and Phone: (02) 6277 4150

About the House March 2007 15 NEWS Audits good for airport security AN aviation security review has focused on changes needed at Australia’s busiest airport. Regular unannounced audits of security at Sydney Airport have been recommended in a parliamentary report on aviation security. The Public Accounts and Audit Committee report made 19 recommendations to improve security, including improved processes for issuing aviation security identity cards and new national standards for assessing security measures such as airport fencing, closed circuit television coverage and access points. The committee reopened its inquiry into aviation security amid allegations of embedded criminal behaviour in the aviation industry, including reports that some baggage handlers at Sydney International Airport were involved in cocaine smuggling. During the inquiry, further question marks about security at Sydney Airport were raised when an internal review by the Australian Customs Service claimed drug smuggling and theft by some staff from airline passengers. Last year a Qantas baggage handler was convicted for informing a cocaine supplier when the drug had been found in his luggage. After regular reports of alleged Photo: AAP criminal activity at Sydney Airport, the committee believed unannounced Then committee chair Tony Smith • support and flexibility in the security audits would help allay any (Member for Casey, Vic) said the delivery of security training; security fears and close potential measures proposed in the report will • expanding the functions of Regional terrorist opportunities. “While criminal help to “ensure Australia continues to Rapid Deployment Teams at activity does not—of itself—amount to have one of the leading aviation security regional airports; danger to the travelling public, ongoing regimes in the world”. • improving communication services negative press associated with security at “While the committee believes that Australia’s major airport must have some it is inevitable that additional airports to security classified regional effect on public confidence in aviation will, in time, warrant screening of all airports; and security,” the committee’s report said. checked baggage, it did not want to • negotiating funding arrangements to Another key recommendation is claim to have the expertise to identify upgrade security at security classified increasing the on-ground experience of which individual airports should be regional airports. selected Office of Transport Security included in this category or when they personnel at regional airports by should be included,” he said. The inquiry received 81 submissions accessing short term work experience. “The expansion and intensification and held public hearings across Australia, The committee agreed it was simply of aviation security measures in including in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, not feasible to demand screening of all Australia has attempted and largely Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, checked baggage at every regional achieved a balance between, on the one Cairns, Geraldton, Kalbarri, Carnarvon, airport. The committee wants the Department of Transport and Regional hand, the implementation of adequate Newman, Derby and Broome. preventative security measures and Services to report to parliament on LINKS readiness to respond to a breach if this which additional airports should be Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ required to screen all checked baggage occurs and, on the other, consideration from August 2007 and update its advice of convenience and cost to the travelling committee/jpaa/aviation_ every six months. It should also advise of public and Australian taxpayer.” security2/report.htm any changes required to the list of Other proposed security measures Email: [email protected] prohibited cabin baggage. include: Phone: (02) 6277 4615

16 About the House March 2007 NEWS Census data released in July

IN July this year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will begin releasing data from the 2006 Census of Population and Housing. It is the 15th national Census since federation and will provide the Commonwealth government with the latest demographic characteristics and trends of the entire Australian population, including marital status, sex and age, as well as more complex measures such as industry of occupation, qualifications and level of English fluency. The data will be used to determine the number of state and territory seats in the House of Representatives, equitable Collecting Census forms. Photo: Australian Bureau of Statistics boundaries for electoral districts and the inadequate and incomplete data, resulting For example, the commission uses allocation of financial grants from the in many instances in a high level of usual residence by state, sex, age, Commonwealth to the states and territories. waste and inefficiency in the allocation income, English fluency and the Under the Commonwealth Electoral of material and human resources”. Indigeneity of persons aged 5-18 to Act, the Australian Statistician must The Commonwealth Grants determine each state’s portion of funding provide the Electoral Commissioner Commission uses Census data to assess for vocational education and training. with statistical information needed for the financial support that each state and If reliable Census data was not available the purposes of redistribution of territory should receive from the federal to the commission, large scale funding electoral boundaries. The data is used by goods and services tax (GST). inequities for the states would result. the Australian Electoral Commission to In 2005-06 the GST pool was Dennis Trewin, the recently retired assess each state and territory’s entitlement estimated to be $44.6 billion. The Australian Statistician, highlighted this to members in the House of Representatives. distribution of the funds has a major fact at the 2001 Census launch in The ABS must also provide the impact on the capacity of state governments Darwin when he said: “High integrity AEC with a projection of the number of to deliver comparable services, including and good quality statistics are important electors that will be enrolled in each schools, hospitals, police services and for any democracy. If you don’t have electoral division of a given state or housing, and also keep state taxes and territory. The AEC uses the data to charges to a minimum. good statistics, policies and debate on develop a proposed redistribution of the The Grants Commission cannot policies tend to be based on anecdote state or territory’s electoral boundaries. make its funding recommendations on a rather than on fact.” According to the Law Reform per capita basis. Each state’s costs differ Since 2005, the ABS has made Commission, the Census is “the most based on population characteristics. access to all of its statistical data, important source of statistical information Therefore, the commission relies heavily including the Census, free of charge via in the country”. In a report on privacy on the Census to achieve horizontal its website (www.abs.gov.au). Given and the Census, the commission said fiscal equalisation, so that funding is this, and the upcoming release of the without the statistical and other benefits distributed in an equitable manner that 2006 Census data, the ABS expects the of the Census planning and decision enables each state to provide services to number of visits to its website to making affecting the lives and welfare of its population to the same level and increase dramatically from the current all Australians would be “based on standard as all other states. figure of one million each week.

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About the House March 2007 17 EVERY SECOND COUNTS

AS THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN SUFFERING LIFE-THREATENING FOOD ALLERGIES CONTINUES TO INCREASE, FEDERAL MPS ARE LOOKING FOR BETTER WAYS TO HELP PROTECT ANAPHYLACTIC CHILDREN WHILE IN THE CARE OF THEIR SCHOOLS, PRESCHOOLS AND DAY CARE CENTRES.

STORY: GEORGIE OAKESHOTT t’s been called Australia’s allergy epidemic—a rapid and unexplained increase in the number of children suffering allergic reactions to a range of Ievery day items such as pets, pollens and peanuts. Ten years ago there was only a handful of sufferers, today an estimated 40 per cent of children have an allergy of some sort, whether asthma, a food allergy or dermatitis. The rise of food allergies is particularly concerning, because in children food allergies are the ones most likely to cause the severe and life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Of the 380,000 Australians with anaphylaxis, an estimated 5 to 8 per cent are children. That’s around 20,000 children who could potentially die if exposed to the slightest trace of foods as common as eggs, milk and peanuts. Why this is happening is unclear, but what is known is that anaphylaxis can kill in minutes. A severe anaphylactic reaction includes difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, loss of consciousness

18 About the House March 2007 and collapse. Sometimes just the for Chisholm, Vic) who has called for smell of a particular food can trigger the introduction of legislation, devised an anaphylactic reaction. in consultation with the states and Each year, up to 10 Australians territories, to ensure all preschools, die from anaphylaxis, while thousands primary and secondary schools have more receive urgent medical treatment, necessary policies and procedures to usually in the form of an adrenalin provide an effective response to a student shot called an EpiPen. Simple to who experiences an anaphylactic reaction. use, an EpiPen is a disposable device Ms Burke wants policies that designed to give a measured dose of reduce exposure to allergens in the adrenalin and can be self-administered classroom environment; staff members or injected by anyone close at hand, to be appropriately trained to support even those without medical training. life in the event of an anaphylactic Yet despite the apparent ease of reaction; and the development of an emergency treatment, included in individual action plan for each student the statistics from the last five years that has an anaphylactic allergy, are two young Australians who died including treatment plans from the while in the care of their schools. student’s doctor.

“DEATHS FROM ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK CAN BE AVERTED IF THE CORRECT MEASURES AND SAFEGUARDS ARE PUT IN PLACE.”

One of those victims was four “Deaths from anaphylactic shock year old Melbourne pre-schooler, can be averted if the correct measures Alex Baptist, who died despite the and safeguards are put in place,” efforts of those around him to Ms Burke told the House of administer his EpiPen, which Representatives. should have saved his life. “Amongst other things, these Why he died that September preventative actions would involve day in 2004 will now be examined by the training of all teachers in a coronial inquest due to commence reducing exposure to anaphylactic this March, and the questions raised inducing agents at school, and in will undoubtedly focus more attention the correct manner to administer on what can be done to protect the EpiPen, the only effective anaphylactic children while at school. treatment, which buys valuable time At the same time, federal until the child suffering the attack parliamentarians from both sides of can be seen by a medical politics have spoken up in support professional,” she said. of national guidelines to ensure Anna Burke is the right person schools respond more effectively to in the right place to lead the charge anaphylaxis. on food allergies, because not only is Leading the call for action is she a member of parliament, she is Melbourne MP Anna Burke (Member also the mother of a four year old Continued page 20

About the House March 2007 19 Continued from page 19 anaphylactic. Her son John is highly Supporting the motion, important role in making sure that allergic to both eggs and nuts. He has Dr Southcott and Dr Washer said a every school and every child care an EpiPen and attends a kindergarten comprehensive national policy is needed centre has the gold standard. where a staff member is trained in to cover teacher education and training; “I think it would be a great thing its use. the importance of collecting and if, at COAG, we could see that all “When you send your small child updating medical information; strategies schools, preschools, childcare centres off to child care you do not expect to avoid exposure to triggers; and age and kindergartens have guidelines for that they will come into contact with appropriate training for the children dealing with anaphylaxis. The one an allergen and never come home. In concerned. caution I have is that I am not sure it memory of Alex, I hope that we never “Anaphylaxis is becoming more would require national legislation. I again see a small child die through an prevalent,” Dr Southcott said. “At think it is something that could be allergy, which could have been least one in 100 children in Australia done through COAG, through a council prevented if someone had been has had an episode of nut allergy and of education and health ministers appropriately trained at that school,” would be at risk from anaphylaxis. working together,” Dr Southcott told she said. The incidence has doubled over the parliament. While many schools are supportive last 30 years. Fortunately, deaths from Supporting the motion, Dr Washer of allergy problems, some are not. anaphylaxis are rare and they are also said even though anaphylactic episodes According to Anna Burke, many often preventable if immediate first are rare, schools must have policies to parents face a real battle trying to aid is provided. deal with these life-threatening situations convince their schools of the severity “When we look at schools and if they arise. of their child’s condition. anaphylaxis we see that there are no He said the prevalence of food “I’ve certainly had enough parents national guidelines for managing induced anaphylaxis in pre-school anaphylaxis in a school setting. Each aged children was one in 170 and in contact me to say their principal or state does things differently, and school aged children one in 1,900. A school teacher says it’s not an issue, national guidelines would play an recent survey found that although don’t worry about it. I had one parent in tears because her teacher told her not to be ridiculous, ‘if they eat enough of it they’ll build up immunity to it’. “That’s just wrong. We need to raise more awareness of what an anaphylactic reaction is,” she said. Her motion has received widespread support from MPs including John Anderson (Gwydir, NSW), Ann Corcoran (Isaacs, Vic), Harry Jenkins (Scullin, Vic) and two doctors, Andrew Southcott (Boothby, SA) and Mal Washer (Moore, WA). Former Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson told the House the government is seeking input from the relevant ministers. “I make the point that it is not clear whether legislative approaches are necessary to achieve the very desirable aim of this proposal. If such approaches are required they would of course be the responsibility of the state and territory jurisdictions,” Mr Anderson told the House. “I can advise that the government has sought input by the office of the Minister for Health and Ageing, through the office of the Minister for Education, Science and Training, in relation to further measures which could be taken in schools, which may or may not require legislative backing,” he said. Photo: AAP

20 About the House March 2007 Member for Chisholm (Vic), Anna Burke with her son John, who has a severe food allergy; and the EpiPen that would save his life if he had an allergic reaction. Photos: Michael Silver and photolibrary that Victoria is leading the world in and legislation is the only way to “I just don’t want to have introducing mandatory allergy ensure they’re given the best care another four year old die training. This should be done so that possible,” said president of at kindergarten.” no more small lives are lost. Anaphylaxis Australia, Maria Said. “I cannot see why we in the “We’ve had guidelines and federal sphere cannot do likewise and policies across the states, but we still 90 per cent of anaphylactic food ensure that, via COAG, legislation have school principals who don’t reactions occurred in preschoolers, more consistent across all states is introduced understand their duty of care to these than 90 per cent of the fatal reactions to train all teachers and child care children and that they need to to foods occurred in children aged five workers in the analysis of anaphylaxis educate all their staff. It needs to be years and over. and the correct use of an EpiPen. The enforced by law,” she said. “I strongly urge state governments lives of our children literally depend Just like teaching children the and private educators that have not upon it.” dangers of crossing roads, implemented comprehensive policies The parliamentary support for anaphylactic children are being to do so. Deaths from anaphylaxis are national consistency has been taught the dangers of eating out, preventable if quick and effective action welcomed by Anaphylaxis Australia, sharing food, even holding handrails is taken. It is unforgivable for any a not for profit support group which and drinking from bubblers which child to be at risk due to unnecessary has been calling for the introduction may have traces of allergens on them. ignorance or inadequate policy,” of legislation since the 2005 coronial Anna Burke knows how easily Dr Washer said. inquest into the death of Hamidur things can go wrong, having recently In October last year, the Rahman, a thirteen-year-old who bought John a seemingly harmless Victorian government announced it died from a severe peanut allergy sausage roll which, much to her would be the first Australian state to while on a school camp. alarm, contained nuts. Luckily, they introduce legislation for compulsory At the time, the NSW Deputy noticed before he ate it. allergy training for child care workers, Coroner, Jacqueline Milledge, “He always tells me I squeeze his kindergarten and school teachers. supported Anaphylaxis Australia’s call Costing around $2.5 million, an and recommended the government hand too tight when we’re crossing estimated 70,000 teachers and carers introduce legislation similar to Canada’s the road, but I can’t help it,” she said. will be trained to support life in the ‘Sabrina’s Law’. “The intention of the “I don’t think I’m being event of an anaphylactic attack. legislation would be to protect pupils overprotective, I don’t think it’s Anna Burke said Victorian parents at risk of anaphylaxis and to safeguard possible to be overprotective when are breathing a sigh of relief. “The teachers and staff from prosecution if we’re not doing enough to keep our training will include ways to minimise an act done to manage or save a child was kids safe in the first place. risks, recognise the signs and symptoms undertaken in good faith,” she said. “Victoria is leading the way, but of an allergic reaction, and perform Anaphylaxis Australia expects the why aren’t the other states doing it? emergency treatment with an EpiPen, Victorian Coroner will make a similar How difficult is it to say every school which gives an instant adrenalin recommendation after the inquest teacher must be trained in this? interaction. Schools would also be into the death of Alex Baptist. “I just don’t want to have another required by law to have an “Children spend half their four year old die at kindergarten,” anaphylactic policy. The AMA says waking hours in the care of others she said.

About the House March 2007 21 22 About the House March 2007 As Australia’s population ages, the legal rights of older Australians are attracting more attention. Carolyn Sappideen and Sue Field examine some of the issues confronting a House of Representatives inquiry into seniors and the law. Coming of age

“ ’m not leaving them anything,” was the comment from one 58 year old in a recent report on ageing. “They’ve had enough of my Isweat and tears already.” As baby boomers become senior citizens and, those who are able, adopt lifestyles inconsistent with leaving significant assets to their children, problems of intergenerational conflict are likely to emerge. It’s all about money. It is still the case that for the majority of seniors, the family home is a major asset. The 2002 AMP-NATSEM report (Live long and prosper, the income and assets of those about to retire) found that baby boomers on the verge of retirement are likely to be asset rich and cash poor. Most will have little or no superannuation. Simon Kelly, from the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling, reported in 2006 that more than 50 per cent of retirees live on less than $300 per week. According to the 2003 AMP-NATSEM report (You can’t rely on the old folks’ money), unlike earlier generations, the current crop of baby boomers does not necessarily see the need to leave an inheritance for their children. This is reinforced by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute’s Ageing in place report, which found that, of the 7,000 survey respondents, more than 30 per cent of the baby boomers thought they would leave no assets in their wills. Entering the debate is the House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, which has commenced a public inquiry into older people and the law. The terms of reference ask the

Photos: photolibrary and jupiterimages. Continued page 24

About the House March 2007 23 Continued from page 23

Baby boomers are adopting lifestyles inconsistent with leaving significant assets to their children.

committee to report on whether the current legislation is adequate to meet the legal needs of older Australians in the following areas: fraud, financial abuse, general and enduring ‘power of attorney’ provisions, family agreements, barriers to older Australians accessing legal services and discrimination. Financial abuse is one area where Although there are two types of The attorney may also ‘borrow’ seniors without significant income powers of attorney, it is important to some of the parent’s money on the are at special risk. The assets of the remember that a general power of assumption that “this is what mum elderly may be seen as a way of attorney is only effective so long as would have wanted”. The attorney assisting adult children to purchase the principal has sufficient mental may consider that the assets of the their own home or other assets. The capacity to make decisions. An principal are really theirs—“after ‘Ageing in place’ report found that one enduring power of attorney, however, all dad is leaving it to me in the third had given loans to children. continues to operate after the principal will anyway”. The family member The good news is that the loans were can no longer make decisions for may also withhold expenditure for the care of their parent because largely repaid. Loans might be secured themselves. In an attempt to provide such expenditure “eats away at my by a guarantee of payment. safeguards against a person with inheritance”. The NSW Law Reform dementia appointing someone as Although there is recourse to the Commission’s Research Report No.11 their attorney, the prescribed witness various guardianship tribunals when found that older Australians were to the document (usually a lawyer) there is a suspicion of an abuse of a disproportionately likely to act as must state that in their view the power of attorney, in a family situation guarantors for the purchase of assets principal understood the effect of the detection of financial abuse can be or businesses by their children. power of attorney. difficult. It is essential when choosing Frequently, there will be inadequate Other safeguards are also available. an attorney that the person be not information concerning the borrower’s For example the principal can state when they would like the power of only trustworthy but financially finances and the senior will feel capable as well. unable to say no to such a request. attorney to come into effect. This may be on a certain date (perhaps for There are no ‘checking mechanisms’ Acting as guarantor may put at risk to ensure that the attorney is fulfilling the senior’s sole or principal asset, the the time that the principal is overseas). The principal can also put their role in accordance with the family home. One approach to requirements set down in the overcome this risk is to introduce limitations on the powers of the attorney. There may, for example, be legislation. At present there is no legislation restricting or prohibiting requirement to register a power of the use of the family home as security a maximum on the amount of money that the attorney can manage without attorney, unless the attorney enters for these loans where a vulnerable into a property transaction. There is consulting, for example, the principal’s senior is involved (Cummins, also no requirement to present an accountant. Alternative Law Journal 2002). annual report on the financial A recent Australian study by Tilse There are other ways in which transactions that the attorney has and others (University of Queensland) seniors may be at the risk of financial undertaken on behalf of the principal. found that the management of complex abuse. They may sign a power of This is in contrast to a tribunal- attorney usually in favour of one or assets and income often involves appointed financial manager who is more of their children. A power of specialist knowledge and skills which required to present an annual account. attorney allows the attorney to make the attorney may not possess. They Whether all powers of attorney should financial decisions, relating to also found that family members, be registered and/or annual accounts property and assets. An attorney can, when acting as attorney, often mix up presented is a subject of much debate. for example, operate bank accounts, their own money with the senior’s One solution to this problem is pay bills and lease or sell property. A money. This mingling of the finances to adopt a recommendation made by power of attorney will only be valid if can be as simple as the family member the Alberta Law Reform Institute. In the person giving it (the principal) (attorney) paying the parent’s bills with their report Enduring powers of has sufficient knowledge and their own money, then reimbursing attorney: safeguards against abuse understanding (mental capacity) to themselves at a later stage, by paying (Report No. 88) it was recommended enter into a legal transaction. their own bills with the parent’s money. that attorneys give notice, of their

24 About the House March 2007 The Australian Securities and pertinent in areas of financial abuse Investment Commission website by a family member. (www.fido.asic.gov.au) warns that The report also observed that, at the some reverse mortgage products (but practical level, access may be restricted not all) may protect against this by because many elderly seniors do not use setting the maximum repayment as the internet and are uncomfortable the value of the asset. The guarantee with using a touch button phone. that the loan will not exceed equity This suggests that legal services should be expressly written into the should be available that are tailored loan document to assure protection. to the special needs of seniors. Even then this protection may be lost The Law and Justice report if the borrower does not comply with recommends face to face interviews, the conditions of the loan, such as easily readable publications and legal payment of outgoings, insuring and advice accessible by referral through maintaining the property in good the services that seniors utilise such as repair. This could leave borrowers with GPs (p.49). The 65+ age group, no equity in their home and at the especially those with low education, risk of being tossed out. Payments are more likely than other groups not received may also affect pension to achieve resolution of a legal entitlements (ASIC, ‘Equity release problem (see Hazel Genn, Paths to intention to act under the power of products’, November 2005, p.31). justice, 1999). Genn also observes that attorney, to specified family members This is an area where special those with “low levels of competence in or designated persons (identified by legislative treatment could be possible, terms of education, income, confidence, the principal in the enduring power as has been the case overseas (British verbal skill, literacy skill and emotional of attorney). Such a requirement Columbia Law Institute, Report on fortitude” need assistance in gaining would provide an inbuilt checking reverse mortgages, February 2006). It is access to justice and resolution of their mechanism without the requirement another instance where intergenerational legal problems. of registration, or an annual account conflict is likely to emerge. Adult This description may be less apt referred to previously. children may perceive that their It is implicit in the current law for baby boomers on the verge of inheritance is being dissipated by elderly retirement, with better education, that the seniors as autonomous persons parents on day to day living expenses, can consume all their assets during higher asset levels and home travel, renovations and lifestyle or ownership and a willingness to be their life time without any obligation increasingly for nursing or aged home to their non-dependant adult children. more aggressive in pursuit of their care, (AMP-NATSEM report 2003, rights. What it does suggest is that While many seniors are asset rich and You can’t rely on the old folks’ money). cash poor the family home remains the most vulnerable are the least One of the terms of reference for likely to seek legal advice and their principal asset. The introduction the committee’s inquiry into older of reverse mortgages provides a assistance and that specially tailored people and the law includes the means for the older person to utilise services are desirable. There is a case adequacy of access to legal services. This the equity in the home without having for a specialised legal service for to move out. is especially important because the senior Australians which meets their Although the Ageing in place report evidence is that, even if legal protection special needs. At the time of writing found that the preferred option exists, seniors are frequently reluctant it is understood that such funding is remains selling or renting the home or unable to access legal services. now available in three of the states. at least for future care needs, The Law and Justice Foundation In three areas uniform protective according to a landmark survey some of NSW, in its report on the legal needs legislation could be considered: 20,000 households have reverse of older persons in NSW (2004), reverse mortgages, powers of attorney mortgages (Sydney Morning Herald, confirmed that older Australians have and loan guarantees. These are areas 20 October 2006) and the industry limited access to legal services. The where intergenerational conflict barriers to seeking legal assistance are body (SEQUAL) reported that reverse remains likely. mortgage lending reached $650 million financial, psychological and practical. in 2005 (SMH, 4 October 2006). Seniors frequently can’t afford to Carolyn Sappideen is Professor of Law, Under a reverse mortgage, retirees consult a private solicitor; they are University of Western Sydney and 60 years and over can borrow against fearful of legal costs and feel that the Director of Elder Law at UWS. legal profession often can’t be bothered. assets, typically a family home, to Sue Field is the Public Trustee NSW Added to that, seniors are reluctant provide continuing income or a lump Fellow in Elder Law at UWS. sum payment. The debt and interest to seek legal assistance where personal are paid on death, moving into care relationships may be involved, fear For more information on the public or on the sale of the property. The confrontation and conflict, feel inquiry into older people and the law, seemingly perfect solution for retirees powerless to do anything about the visit www.aph.gov.au/house/ to remain in their own home and to problems, and lack the fortitude to committee/laca/olderpeople or email boost retirement income has pursue their legal rights (Law and [email protected] or phone significant pitfalls. Justice report, p.31). This is particularly (02) 6277 2358.

About the House March 2007 25 Food for thought

BREASTFEEDING RATES ARE WELL t was just a TV ad for a new air conditioner, but it made Margaret Grove despair. “The air BELOW NATIONAL GUIDELINES, conditioning was so clever it gave the baby its DESPITE THE WIDELY-ACCEPTED Ibottle,” she says. “Nobody would see anything HEALTH BENEFITS, PROMPTING A wrong with that, but it just gives the message that [bottle-feeding] is absolutely normal. [These images] PUBLIC INQUIRY. are everywhere in our society and it’s just so hard STORY: NIC BARNARD to beat.” Ms Grove is president of the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). Her message to a new House of Representatives inquiry will be clear: the government needs to do more to promote breastfeeding as the natural, first choice for new mothers and give them support to keep breastfeeding when it gets tough. The House’s Health and Ageing Committee launched an inquiry into breastfeeding late last year. Prompted in part by an ABA submission to its inquiry into health funding, the committee will explore the health benefits of breastfeeding and ask how the government can take a lead in improving the national

26 About the House March 2007 health by supporting and promoting Dr Lisa Amir, GP and lactation Dr Amir says many mothers are the practice. consultant, and a research fellow at uncomfortable breastfeeding in “There is anecdotal evidence that La Trobe University, says: “We should public, feeling it is still not widely new mothers are not being closely say it’s the normal way of feeding and accepted. “New mothers, especially supported or greatly encouraged to if you don’t, there are risks.” from migrant communities, don’t see persist with breastfeeding”, committee The list of widely-accepted health many women breastfeeding in public chair Alex Somlyay (Member for benefits associated with breastfeeding and so they’re not sure if they should.” Fairfax, Qld) said at the launch. “The —for baby and mother—is indeed Husbands and boyfriends are public perception is that breastfeeding long. Babies fed on formula or cows’ often unsupportive, being both is not necessarily accepted as the milk are more likely to become protective and possessive of their most desirable way of nourishing obese; cows’ milk may also be linked partner’s breasts. Dr Amir says one young babies or preventing long- to Type 1 diabetes. Research points UK study into male attitudes proved term health problems.” to heightened risks of asthma, almost unprintable, such was the With comments like that, and a eczema and other allergic diseases. language expressed. call for views on the role of infant milk Rates of middle ear infection, urinary Another reason is the modern formula, the committee is stepping into tract infection, of respiratory diseases obsession with timetables, good a raging battle between breastfeeding and gastroenteritis are higher. practice and doing things the right advocates and an infant formula Breastfed babies may have higher way. New mums believe they have to lobby representing some of the IQs and even better jaw development, set rigid feeding times. largest food and pharmaceutical with less likelihood of crowded or Behind these reasons, however, is companies in the world. overlapping teeth. an underlying cause, she suggests: the It’s more than just a matter of lack of support and information public health. It’s also an issue that given to new mothers. “Many, many mothers are “Breastfeeding is a learned art,” could be costing Australian taxpayers just not getting the correct tens if not hundreds of millions of the ABA’s Margaret Grove says. dollars in treating preventable diseases. information.” “When we had extended families, Almost nine out of 10 Australian people learned by osmosis—we still see that in other cultures. But that mothers (87 per cent) begin extended family, passing down breastfeeding their babies. But by the Breast milk contains antibodies knowledge from one generation to time children reach three months, and can pass on the mother’s the next, has gone.” only half are still on the breast. At six immunity to disease and bacteria to Women who return to work months, that has fallen below a third baby. “It’s not a dead drink; it actually often give up or cut back on (32 per cent) and only one in 10 has living cells in it,” Dr Amir says. breastfeeding, because they work in breastfeeds exclusively. For mothers, breastfeeding has unsupportive workplaces, or have That compares with guidelines been found to protect against breast nowhere to express and store their issued by the National Health and cancer, ovarian cancer and Type 2 milk during the day. Medical Research Council, which diabetes. Crucially, the longer She says we need more and recommend exclusive breastfeeding mothers breastfeed, the greater the better trained health professionals to for six months and for some benefits. Mothers who breastfeed are support new mums. GPs, for example, breastfeeding to continue until at thought to recover from giving birth spend only an hour or two on least the first birthday. Only 23 per quicker, and lose weight faster; breastfeeding in their entire training. cent of Australian babies are still breastfeeding also protects them “There are some absolutely breastfed at one year. against becoming pregnant again. brilliant health professionals, but a The council says a target of 80 So if breast milk is the miracle lot of them don’t have the per cent at six months—a rate food that even the formula companies information and at the first sign of similar to Norway’s—is achievable. admit it is, why are breastfeeding trouble they just advise mothers to Numbers have been rising since rates so low? Why do so many wean, because it’s easier,” she says. the campaigns of the 1970s—in the women start to introduce formula Some training is even sponsored 1960s, only one in five still breastfed by formula milk manufacturers— foods, cows’ milk and even solids after three months—but appear to which points to another issue. so early? have plateaued. Organisations such as ABA say the Increasingly, campaigners are Figures from the 2001 National easy availability of infant formula reconsidering their strategy, believing Health Survey suggest the biggest undermines the “breast is best” the old “breast is best” slogan does cause is that mothers feel they are not message, normalises bottle feeding not send a strong enough message. producing enough milk—a reason and makes it easy for mums to give up. Parents need to know that they, in given by 40 per cent of those who Campaigners also believe that effect, risk compromising their gave up in the first year. Another 17 infant formula manufacturers are child’s health by choosing alternative per cent had other problems, such as trying to undermine the guidelines, sources of nutrition. extremely painful cracked nipples. despite signing the Marketing in Photo: jupiterimages Continued page 28

About the House March 2007 27 Continued from page 27 GPs, for example, spend only an hour or two on breastfeeding in their entire training.

Australia of Infant Formula (MAIF) agreement with the federal government in 1992, which bans promotion or advertising of infant formula or “follow-on” foods for children under 12 months. ABA would like to see the MAIF code more strongly enforced, and extended. It does not cover retailers, for example, who have conducted price wars for infant formula in contravention of World Health Organization guidelines (MPs may wish to hear from the retail sector). The formula lobby takes a dim view of this. David Forsythe, spokesman for the Infant Formula Manufacturers’ Association of Australia (IFMAA), which represents companies including Nestlé, Heinz, Bayer and Wyeth, talks scathingly of “the breastfeeding advocates”. Mr Forsythe says manufacturers support the WHO guidelines and agree that breast is best; the industry should be viewed as “partners, not ogres”, with a role to play in providing the best possible nutrition Top: Kirstie Marshall caused controversy when she breastfed her baby in the Victorian parliament. Photo: AAP; for Australia’s infants. Bottom: The baby formula association says if a mother isn’t able to breastfeed, it’s essential to provide infant formula Mr Forsythe admits companies for an infant aged under 12 months. sailed “close to the wire” in the early of guilt among mothers who are remote or low-income families—all days of the MAIF agreement, but bottle-feeding. groups widely accepted anecdotally only a handful of complaints have “If we had a situation where to have low uptake. been upheld in recent years. “Self- companies were blatantly advertising What figures we do have come regulation is working,” he says. or providing samples of infant from the National Health Survey, Companies do provide generic formula in take-home packs from conducted roughly every six years. (unbranded) information on formula the hospital, I would accept the But the survey scheduled for this year feeding on their websites. Mr Forsythe criticism. But they’re not allowed to, is expected to drop the breastfeeding says this is a vital public service and they don’t.” question. as some parents—including those The formula lobby also says The last NHS did include one who cannot breastfeed—are not research has shown there to be high proxy indicator: educational attainment getting this information from health levels of iron deficiency among of new mothers. It found breastfeeding professionals. Australian babies, especially in rates consistently lower among mothers “If a mother isn’t able to Aboriginal communities. Cows’ milk, with no post-school qualifications, breastfeed, it’s absolutely essential to lower in iron than breast milk, is a compared to those who gained a provide infant formula for an infant major factor. Companies have diploma or higher. aged under 12 months …. But we’re developed “toddler formula” for the They were also significantly finding that many, many mothers over-ones but say it is marketed higher for new mothers aged over 30. are just not getting the correct against cows’ milk not breastfeeding. Researchers say they are more information, and as a consequence The committee is likely to hear a committed to breastfeeding and there’s been a denigrating of infant call for more detailed statistics. There more likely to seek help if they have formula by health workers, no doubt are no consistent national figures for a problem. influenced by breastfeeding advocates, breastfeeding rates among ethnic Professor Pranee Liamputtong, creating a sense of despair and a sense minorities, or Indigenous, rural, of La Trobe University’s school of

28 About the House March 2007 New mums are well supported by gas supplier AGL, which in 2006 became the first national company to be accredited by the Australian Breastfeeding Association as breastfeeding-friendly. The company offers lactation breaks, entirely flexible hours and help in finding child care for its staff. Photo: Newspix public health, has conducted research actually increase the risk of allergic into breastfeeding rates among Breastfed babies may have diseases such as asthma and atopy. migrants from south-east Asia. higher IQs. Those findings have themselves She says the main reasons been questioned. A Melbourne Vietnamese, Thai and other women University School of Population Health A 2002 study, led by Dr Julie stop breastfeeding are the same as for study led by Adrian Lowe concluded Smith of the National Centre for Western women: the need to go back that mothers who recognised the risk Epidemiology and Population Health to work or study, and the lack of of asthma and atopy in their families at the Australian National University, support or information, or a fear they breastfed for longer to give their calculated the hospitalisation costs of are not producing enough milk. But children greater protection—thereby there are other factors. just five illnesses—gastrointestinal, skewing the results. A few—“only some,” Prof respiratory, ear infections, eczema, “This research area is fraught Liamputtong says—see bottle- and necrotising enterocolitis (another with difficulties” Mr Lowe admits. feeding as a symbol of living in a intestinal illness). But perhaps the biggest difficulty modern, developed society and a The extra cost to the ACT health those working in the field face is the break with tradition. Others suffer system was between $1m and $2m, sheer sensitivity of the issue. The from language barriers and are unable the study calculated. Extrapolated majority of mothers stop breastfeeding to read the material available from across Australia, it suggests that early earlier than the experts think they health services or access support services. weaning could be costing the nation should; but every mother likes to believe Some will be married to between $60m and $120m a year in she is doing the best for her child. Australian men and isolated from treating just those five illnesses. “We don't want to put guilt on their communities and traditional Added to that would be the support networks, unlike in their mothers who are not breastfeeding,” savings in carer’s leave for parents and home countries where they would be says the ABA’s Margaret Grove. How the longer term costs in treating cared for by relatives and friends for the Health and Ageing Committee chronic conditions such as asthma, up to a month after birth, allowing avoids that trap could be its greatest obesity and diabetes. them to bond with baby and establish challenge. breastfeeding. Despite the consensus that breast The inquiry is also likely to is best, research into its benefits is not For more information on the public explore what all this means for the unproblematic or without controversy. inquiry into breastfeeding, visit Australian taxpayer. If bottle-fed A long-term study conducted in New www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ babies are more likely to suffer certain Zealand and published in The Lancet haa/breastfeeding or email illnesses, that places an extra burden in 2002 caused shockwaves when it [email protected] or phone on the hospital system, it is argued. suggested breastfeeding might (02) 6277 4145.

About the House March 2007 29 SKILLS AT A PREMIUM

30 About the House March 2007 ruth is the most valuable thing way the government hopes they’ll be program is that about 20 per cent of we have,” Mark Twain once used: that’s to drive wages down, to 457 visa holders obtain permanent said. “Let us economise it.” In take away your rights at work. You residence. Temporary skilled migrants T the increasingly contentious need to have a system of temporary are the best source of permanent debate over Australia’s temporary work visas but you don’t need to have migrants because they already have a job, have already settled into a system that is open to exploitation work visas, the truth often seems to Australia and have already been be economised. the way the government’s allowing contributing to our economy and Is it really the case, as critics this to go forward.” community for some time.” claim, that thousands of migrant Likewise, ACTU president Whether it is due to a genuine workers are being exploited by a Sharan Burrow has claimed that the skills shortage or because more growing number of ruthless use of temporary migration visas is profits can be made by employing

A desperate shortage of skilled tradespeople and professionals has led Australian employers to recruit more than 50,000 foreigners on temporary visas in the past 12 months. Some ask what’s wrong with that, while others say it’s the wrong way to go. STORY: GEOFFREY MASLEN

employers intent on maximising their out of control “because the foreign workers on lower wages and profits by undermining the wages [Immigration] department can’t worse conditions, demand by and working conditions of ordinary police its own rules”. “The way the employers across the various industry Australians? 457 visa system operates exploits sectors is high. Or is the temporary skilled foreign workers and threatens the At the beginning of this year, the migration program, as its supporters jobs and training opportunities for road transport industry renewed its argue, a crucial element in providing Australians,” Ms Burrow said. campaign to bring in more essential services such as health and In response, the then Immigration temporary migrants to tackle what it education as well as providing much Minister, Senator Amanda Vanstone, said were chronic staff shortages. needed skills in the critical industries rejected those accusations. Last Transport companies have urged the of manufacturing, mining, construction September, Senator Vanstone noted government to ease immigration and agriculture? that almost 40,000 temporary work rules that prevent them from hiring What is certain is that the visas were granted in the year to skilled drivers from overseas, number of migrant workers has June—up from a little more than claiming it was almost impossible to expanded enormously in a very short 27,000 in 2005—while an additional find qualified Australians to do the time—up by 80 per cent since 2004 32,000 visas were issued to the job in rural areas. to some 50,000 in the past 12 workers’ dependants. Chief executive of the Australian months—while the number of sites “These figures underscore the Meat Industry Council, Kevin where they are employed is estimated importance of the temporary skilled Cottrill, estimated at least 30 to be close to 10,000, a 25 per cent jump migration program to the provision employers were waiting to bring in in the same period, according to evidence of essential services,” she said. “With about 1,000 workers, noting that presented to a Senate estimates average salaries of more than 2,000 foreign workers were already committee hearing in October. $66,000, that is an indication that working in Australian abattoirs. “I wish I could say that this 457 the visa is being used to bring in Mr Cottrill said labour shortages visa system is out of control but it’s highly skilled people to meet the were worsening as graziers were worse than that,” Shadow Minister shortages that go hand in hand with the having to slaughter their animals for Immigration Tony Burke told a sustained economic growth enjoyed because of the drought. press conference the month before. under the Coalition government. But the secretary of the Meat “What we’re seeing with these “A key aspect of the success of Workers Union, Graham Bird, said visas is them being used in exactly the our temporary skilled migration by March the backlog would be Continued page 32

About the House March 2007 31 Continued from page 31

A recent report listed nearly 100,000 vacancies for skilled workers.

cleared and slaughtermen would again be short of work. He claimed employers were using 457 visa workers—who must be paid a minimum of $38,000 a year or $750 a week in rural areas—to undercut local meat workers who can earn more than $1,000 a week. The opposition and unions have seized on many worrying reports in the media of migrant workers being exploited to attack the scheme and to call for stricter monitoring by the Immigration Department and the federal Office of Workplace Services. Whether these examples are the tip of an ugly iceberg or merely minor instances in an overwhelmingly successful scheme has yet to be determined—despite lengthy hearings into the issue by the Senate estimates committee in May and October last year. Perhaps two other investigations may throw more light on the topic. One is an investigation by the Ministerial Council on Immigration

and Multicultural Affairs which was People trained in food, hospitality and tourism are in high demand. asked last July by the Council of Australian Governments to “identify sectors and the 457 visas were playing Australia believing they would be well and implement cooperative measures an important role in attracting people rewarded and enjoy a better life for to ensure the effectiveness, fairness with the skills Australia needed. Now their families. But after they started and integrity of the temporary skilled the committee wanted to see if the work on a Perth building site, they migration arrangements, including current arrangements were functioning discovered what they had been appropriate and consistent minimum efficiently or needed to be improved. promised was very different to what standards”. The investigation was It will examine the adequacy of current they were getting. expected to include wages for 457 eligibility requirements (including “I was making a lot of money in visa-holders, more stringent labour English language proficiency), as well Korea,” one of them said. “But when market tests, English language as monitoring, enforcement and I saw the advertisements for the jobs in requirements, and more cooperative reporting arrangements. Australia, I thought it looked okay so I compliance monitoring between the As with the Ministerial Council came here. I was guaranteed to get various governments involved. investigation, the Migration Committee’s paid over $75,000 a year. I don’t know Similarly, the chair of federal inquiry will almost certainly receive how much I’m paid now exactly but I parliament’s Migration Committee, plenty of evidence about the impact get $16 an hour after tax.” Don Randall (Member for Canning, of 457 visas. This is likely to include Under the 457 visa system, WA), announced in December that examples of abuse, such as the 50 employers are able to recruit skilled his committee would hold a public Korean welders who say their lives are tradespeople and professionals from inquiry into temporary business in tatters after coming to Australia overseas as temporary residents for up visas, including 457 visas. Mr Randall under the 457 visa scheme. to four years. The Korean’s visas were said temporary skilled migrants were The Koreans arrived in Western arranged by a Perth-based labour vital to Australia’s ongoing prosperity. Australia early in 2005 and claim they recruiting company which, as well as Australia had invested heavily in were misled about the work they offering attractive wages, also training young Australians, he said, would do and the money they would promised health insurance and help to but strong economic growth had led be paid. They told the ABC’s 7.30 get settled. The wages, however, were to a skills shortage in key industry Report last October they came to far less than Australian welders were

32 About the House March 2007 being paid, health insurance was not labour hire company owned by the hearing in October, most of the provided and the families received no Chinese government. As a result of allegations made against employers assistance in finding homes. the OWS inquiries, it recovered more come under other state or federal Another case involved a Chinese than $650,000 in back-pay while the legislation rather than breaches of the worker, “Jack” Zhang, who was same week the office also recovered Migration Act. Mr Rizvi said a reported in the Fairfax media last almost $94,000 for another four significant proportion of the new September as having to pay just Chinese workers at a Melbourne money would be spent developing under $10,000 to an employment printing business. “state by state arrangements with a agency in China to obtain a Senator Vanstone responded to range of Commonwealth and state temporary work visa and a further these reports of abuse of the system agencies” as well as coordinating cases where investigations were undertaken $10,000 to his employer in Australia. by announcing the allocation of by another agency. Each week, he had to hand over $200 nearly $24 million over four years to The issue of migrant worker to repay that debt but, once the debt fund “investigative mobile strike exploitation was raised during an was fully paid, he was fired. When teams”. These were to ensure employer ABC interview last September with the media reported the case, he was compliance with their 457 visa Prime Minister John Howard. He evicted from his home because his undertakings, including paying dismissed the opposition's claims that employer was also his landlord. temporary foreign workers the correct the government was deliberately Last year, too, the Office of wages, and to improve negotiation and encouraging the importation of Workplace Services investigated 38 management of “labour agreements”. workers from overseas and that this Chinese construction workers employed But as the Immigration was taking away the jobs of at a Sydney factory on 457 visas by Department’s deputy secretary, Abul Australians willing and able to fill Hunan Industrial Equipment Ltd, a Rizvi, told the Senate estimates those positions. “Now that is not true and the Labor Party is being very hypocritical on this issue because the major users of 457 visas are state Labor governments,” Mr Howard said. “There’s no greater user of 457 visas in the country probably than the New South Wales Department of Health, so Labor governments are using these visas. They’re constantly asking us to shorten the procedures, they’re constantly saying, for example, in Western Australia that the meat industry will collapse in that state if we don't let in more foreign workers. “Yet at a federal level, the Labor Party is saying we’re taking away the jobs of Australians and trying to create the impression that the great bulk of the people who are coming in to fill these positions are from Asia and the Middle East, when they ought to know by looking at the figures that that’s untrue. The largest source country for skilled migrants, and that’s not surprising, is the United Kingdom because the language and the culture and the way of life and everything is still so similar to ours that it’s easier to get skilled migrants with the right set of skills from that country. “But we very happily take them from India and China because we do run a non-discriminatory policy, and the point needs to be made that if anybody is to be involved in a The NSW Department of Health is one of the biggest users of 457 visas, the Prime Minister said. Continued page 34

About the House March 2007 33 Continued from page 33 responsible debate about this issue, permanent skilled migrant intake at One particular issue Mr Kinnaird they should not misrepresent to the 2004-05 levels and opted to has highlighted is how the 457 visa Australian community the sources aggressively promote employer- program, along with other factors, from which our skilled migrants come.” sponsored temporary visas as the best has contributed to a greatly reduced Mr Howard said where there has way to meet the nation’s skilled demand over the past five years been abuse of the 457 visa system it labour needs. for computing and information should be punished. But he said the technology graduates—so much so whole system should not be shut “Australia has a more that the poor job prospects for down just because some individuals deregulated temporary skilled graduates has caused plummeting might abuse it. enrolments by young Australians in A strong critic of the 457 visa visa than either America or IT courses. system is Sydney labour market Britain.” His research shows that between analyst Bob Kinnaird, who has made 2001 and 2005, the proportion of a study of the system and published Australian computer science graduates “Australia has a more deregulated his findings in the Monash unable to find full-time work was at University journal, People and Place. temporary skilled visa than either record or near-record levels of 25 to He notes the growth in 457 visas has America or Britain,” Mr Kinnaird 30 per cent while enrolments by been so rapid that, for the first time says. “There is no US-style cap on Australian students in university IT in Australia this year, there will the annual number of 457 visas and courses fell by 50 per cent to less than probably be more temporary visas the rules do not require employers to 9,000. There are now fewer Australians granted than skilled permanent show that there are no local residents commencing IT courses than in residence visas. able to do the work—or to pay 1996 when the Howard government Mr Kinnaird argues this is market rates to the visa-holders. Even first came to office. Yet despite the moving Australian skilled migration on the limited evidence the evidence of a serious oversupply of towards the American model. He government makes available, concerns domestic IT graduates, increasing says it is a deliberate strategy as the about key aspects of the 457 visa numbers of 457 visas continue to be federal government has frozen the scheme are justified.” granted to foreign workers.

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34 About the House March 2007 “If the government wants to to labour market testing... Some factory and machine workers, and ensure community support for the form of test should be mandatory in 11,400 jobs for people trained in expansion of 457 and other temporary occupations where there is an food, hospitality and tourism. That visa programs, then it needs to address oversupply of Australians or suggests the 457 visa system will these concerns,” Mr Kinnaird says. declining training opportunities for remain a powerful magnet in attracting “First, there should be much Australians.” many more temporary migrants to greater transparency and public The government meantime this country. disclosure about the 457 program. shows no sign of limiting the intake “Second, the current policy on of foreign workers. On the contrary, For more information about the minimum salaries should be it is stepping up its efforts to attract Migration Committee’s inquiry into reviewed and the principle requiring skilled workers from abroad by temporary business visas, visit market rates should be adopted as establishing offshore skills assessment www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/mig/ this is the single most important centres in countries with the greatest 457visas or email [email protected] or change needed to the visa rules potential to supply people who can phone (02) 6277 4560. because it offers the greatest fill existing shortages. They include Transcripts from the Senate estimates protection against cheap labour. Britain, India, the Philippines, South hearings are at www.aph.gov.au/ “Third, the [Immigration Africa and Sri Lanka. hansard/senate/commttee/S9331.pdf Department's] employer compliance The centres will target people in for October 2006 and www.aph.gov.au/ monitoring system should collect the many trades where shortages hansard/senate/commttee/S9770.pdf data on actual salaries paid to visa exist. The government wants its offshore for May 2006. holders [and] this should be bases to be operating by mid-year. published regularly and compared A recent report from the Bob Kinnaird’s paper ‘Current Issues with department-approved salaries Department of Employment and in the Skilled Entry Subclass 457 Visa’ for those visas. Workplace Relations listed nearly is in the Monash University journal “Finally, [the department] 100,000 vacancies for skilled workers, People and Place, vol 14 no 2 should review its blanket opposition including 17,000 positions for (www.arts.monash.edu.au/sociology/cpur).

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About the House March 2007 35 A NEW PARLIAMENTARY REPORT LOOKS FOR ANSWERS ON HOW BEST TO BALANCE WORK AND FAMILY. STORY: JAMES NICHOLSON

sk just about any working parent about their biggest child care headache and the odds are you’ll get any combination of answers in a A similar vein. Too many conflicting priorities; not enough hours in the day; too little flexibility for after-hours care; insufficient incentive to stay in the paid workforce, or return to it. Balancing These choppy waters of child care aren’t getting any easier to navigate either. A Families Australia survey released in 2006 reported that two thirds of Australians believed that achieving a good balance between work and family life had become more difficult in the past five years. AC T S Photo: jupiterimages

36 About the House March 2007 And while the cohorts of working bathed, dressed, ready for school, feed upshot is that it is only large parents soldier on in pursuit of achieving husbands, get off to child care centres employers such as the banks, some acceptable degree of balance in . . . ,” Mrs Bishop said. universities and governments who are their work and family responsibilities, “And then you’ve got a whole class able to offer employees child care there are, according to Australian of people who are shift workers, who services free of fringe benefits tax. Bureau of Statistics figures, a further work all sorts of different hours, and Importantly, tax deductibility 182,000 mothers who would be was not recommended as a they of course are not serviced by the replacement for the child care benefit willing to join the workforce if they current child care arrangements at all.” could access child care. and child care tax rebate. Those At the heart of the inquiry’s It was against the background of existing provisions raise the taxation such striking assessments that the House findings was the recognition that threshold for families and allow of Representatives Family and Human working parents needed a more working parents to claim 30 per cent Services Committee recommended flexible range of child care choices of child care costs up to $4,000. The what amounted to a radical overhaul of Australia’s child care system, when it released its report on balancing work and family at the end of last year. The committee’s investigation was set up in 2005 to report on how the Australian government could better help families balance their work and family responsibilities. The inquiry received more than 220 submissions and held 20 days of public hearings in every state and territory. It looked into the financial, career and social disincentives to “The Tax Office allows billions of dollars in tax starting families; means of helping deductions for work clothing, cars, phones and parents return to the paid workforce; and the impact of taxation on the laptop computers. Why not child care, when it is choices that families made in every bit as necessary for a parent to work?” balancing work with family life. The report—Balancing work and family—was a suite of 19 and that child care expenses incurred committee recommended that those recommendations around the tax and by working parents across the board existing provisions be retained and child care systems that would make should be tax deductible. that families choose between opting child care more affordable and more “The Tax Office allows billions for the child care benefit and child accessible. of dollars in tax deductions for work care tax rebate, and claiming work- It was about more equitable clothing, cars, phones and laptop related child care as a tax deduction. access to child care assistance, said computers,” Mrs Bishop said. “Refunds Not surprisingly, affordability the inquiry’s chair, Bronwyn Bishop for individuals in this current was a central theme during the (Member for Mackellar, NSW), and financial year are estimated to be inquiry. Of more than 220 about giving real options to parents $16.8 billion. Why not child care, submissions received by the who don’t want to put their children when it is every bit as necessary for a committee, some two thirds related in a centre or don’t work a standard 9 parent to work?” to the accessibility and affordability to 5 day. The report also recommended of child care, and its impact on Mrs Bishop—a long-standing that fringe benefits tax should be women’s ability to resume their place advocate of child care reform who removed from all child care, so that in the paid workforce. once described the government’s child employees could salary sacrifice their “Can’t you see that meaningful care policy as “quite a mishmash”— child care costs. The current taxation support like [making child care tax told the ABC the current system was system, the report found, served as a deductible] will enable an army of inequitable, failed to provide an barrier to women wanting to return qualified, enthusiastic and capable incentive to parents who wanted to to the paid workforce and a women return to the workforce?,” return to the workforce, and placed disincentive to starting families. asked one witness. undue stress on families. Under current taxation “The Tax Office’s narrow view of “The number of witnesses we legislation, the fringe benefits tax the modern world is shameful. This heard from, who simply told us that exemption for child care is limited to is the 21st century, where women are life was just too stressed . . . get up at child care that is provided on an encouraged not only to be parents this hour of the morning, get the kids employer’s business premises. The but also to have careers and contribute Photo: Newspix Continued page 38

About the House March 2007 37 Continued from page 37 to the economy.” paid workforce, the committee greater depth of analysis and Indeed, the committee presents a recommended a freeze on HECS innovation in policy making.” powerful economic case for child debts of the second earners in couple Ms Irwin said the report care reform. families and of single parents, until acknowledged the need for increased Its report points to the that family’s youngest child reached female participation in the correlation between strong economic school age. workforce. But she disagreed with growth in Australia over recent the recommendations that provide decades and the dramatic increase in for greater compensation for high women’s workforce participation— “Australia’s women are income earners with no changes up from 45.7 per cent to 57.2 per too valuable to waste— proposed for low and middle income cent in the past 21 years. Coupled earners. with this is the sharp rise in the and their participation “The operations of existing child number of women completing post- care programs, the child care benefit school education. More women than choices will make a and child care tax rebate, were not men now earn tertiary qualifications notable difference to examined for improvement. Instead, and 43 per cent of all jobs created the inquiry focused on tax between 1990 and 2003 went to Australia’s future female graduates, compared with just prosperity.” deductibility for child care expenses five per cent in 1990. as a cure-all for the problems faced by The conclusion drawn by Access working parents. As clearly shown in Economics, who were consultants to the Econtech report commissioned Other recommendations include the inquiry, was that the highest by the committee, only families with a campaign to encourage family- growth in national income would individual incomes above $75,000 come from more women taking on friendly work practices among will benefit and there is no real full-time work and that Australia employers; possible concessions or incentive to encourage the bulk of needed to encourage its high-income tax deductions for carers of elderly or working age women to increase work earners to participate in the disabled relatives; and the development hours. Tax deductibility for child care workforce, both to their own of a professional in-home care sector is simply welfare for the wealthy.” advantage and to that of the nation. to take the pressure off child care For this reason, the opposition “Australia’s women are too valuable centres and give parents more choices MPs also rejected proposals for to waste—and their participation about arranging work and family life, parents who use nannies to receive choices will make a notable difference and reducing stress in the home. subsidies and tax concessions. They to Australia’s future prosperity,” “At the moment there are many said it would be fairer to expand the Access Economics reported. parents using in-home carers for a availability of the child care benefit Access modelling found that variety of reasons,” Mrs Bishop said. and child care tax rebate to more increased participation by women in “Some are shift workers, emergency parents wanting in-home care, who the paid workforce could add workers or long hours workers for do night shifts, live in remote between 2.8 per cent and 4.4 per whom long day care is completely locations or have children with cent to GDP over the estimates made impractical. Some have been waiting disabilities. in the government’s 2002 for years for long day care places and “Taxpayer subsidies should not intergenerational report. Conversely, have given up. Some think it’s better be available simply because parents the forecaster suggested that if there for their kids and their family life would prefer the convenience of a were no further increases to women’s if their children are cared for in a nanny,” the dissenting report from workforce participation—or even if safe, familiar environment—their the Labor MPs said. “If high paid increases were limited to part-time own home.” parents want a nanny to be waiting participation—Australia would In a dissenting report, opposition in the afternoon when their 14 and suffer significant budget shortfalls. MPs, including deputy chair Julia “In a competitive global 16 year old children arrive home to Irwin (Member for Fowler, NSW), economy, Australia cannot afford to cook dinner and supervise homework, lose some of its most highly-educated Kate Ellis (Member for Adelaide, should this be subsidised by other and highly-skilled workers,” the SA), Harry Quick (Member for parents who can’t even afford long report said. Franklin, Tas) and Jennie George day care for their three year old? However, the inquiry examined (Member for Throsby, NSW) viewed “Should a taxpayer subsidy be other moral and social aspects of the the inquiry as a wasted opportunity. available if the nanny is also acting as work-life balance question, and made “For what is one of the most a house keeper and doing a range of separate recommendations important issues facing Australia housework? We don’t think so.” with a view to constructing a fairer today, the report fails to get to the The Labor committee members legislative framework around child heart of the issue,” Ms Irwin said. “It also disagreed with the report’s first care access. is narrowly focused on short term recommendation to freeze HECS As an incentive to encourage political measures despite a wealth of debts of second earners in families or the participation of women in the evidence pointing to the need for single parents until their youngest

38 About the House March 2007 child reaches school age, saying the straightforward that it could be barrier to women wanting to return federal government should address solved at the single stroke of a pen to work. the growing level of debt. University and the discharge of a silver bullet. It “The government needs a return graduates and students are expected has been, and remains, a vexing issue on its investment in these women’s to owe $18.8 billion in HECS by that in so many different ways education, in particular from their participation in the paid workforce, 2008-09, up from $13 billion in challenges myriad groups of parents, would-be parents, carers and but without forcing them to become 2005-06 with many graduates the ‘over-stressed super-mum’,” the contending with debts of over $15,000. employers throughout the Australian community. report concluded. Notwithstanding the dissent, the At the very core of the problem, It’s a question of balance. range of recommendations in the according to the committee, is the The Balancing work and family report reflects the ubiquity and proposition that working parents report is at www.aph.gov.au/house/ complexity of the massive problem need a range of child care choices, committee/fhs/workandfamily/report. with which the committee spent 18 and that a taxation system that htm or for more information email months grappling. The child care unfairly burdens women working in [email protected] or phone puzzle has never been so the workforce remains a serious (02) 6277 4566.

“There is no real incentive to encourage the bulk of working age women to increase work hours.”

Photos: AAP and Newspix

About the House March 2007 39 What some Chinese tourists hope to see from their hotel room window and (inset) what they get to see. Photos: AAP

40 About the House March 2007 taken for ARIDE ROGUE OPERATORS ARE THREATENING AUSTRALIA’S REPUTATION IN ONE OF OUR GROWING TOURIST MARKETS. STORY: ANDREW DAWSON

magine this. You book a five star holiday to one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. On arrival, you and your fellow travellers are herded onto a tour bus that takes you to a rather dismal three star motel out in the suburbs, nowhere near the famed landmarks that you came to see. Your tour Iguide then takes your passport and insists you shop at a dubious store in a stark suburban warehouse, where the inflated prices bear no relationship to the quality of the goods. And finally when you do get to see the landmarks, you are told you have to pay a fee to take photos. That nightmare scenario is being played out right here in Australia, according to Australian Tourism Export Council managing director Matthew Hingerty, who told a tourism roundtable that scams affecting Chinese tourists are becoming more commonplace. “Sadly what we have found is that there are a lot of rogue tour operators in a burgeoning Chinese tourism market who are prepared to rip these tourists “They have their off and send them back home to China after having had a poor experience,” passports confiscated Mr Hingerty said. and are basically One of the most pressing issues is forced shopping. According to the Australian Tourism Export Council, some inbound tourism operators in the forced to shop.” Chinese market are selling travel packages to Australia at unrealistically low prices, but are then getting kickbacks from shops in order to reach their required profit margins. “The tourists are taken into so-called duty free stores—not the ones you or I know. They are barns in the suburbs. The inbound tour operator—the wholesaler in China, Taiwan and, to a lesser degree, Korea—is these days acting as an agent of the shop. The problem we have now is that people are coming off a plane and being funnelled straight to the shop,” Mr Hingerty said. “They have their passports confiscated and are basically forced to shop. The doors are locked and they are forced to buy poor products at over-inflated prices, such as sheepskin rugs going for $1,000 and also dubious medicinal products. They are told they shouldn’t shop in Australian shops because Australians don’t like Chinese and they’ll be ripped off. They are also given poor accommodation. They are promised four or five star accommodation, but find themselves in three star motels out in the suburbs. Continued page 42

About the House March 2007 41 Continued from page 41 “They are charged to take photographs of free iconic sites such as the Opera House or beaches in Sydney and on the Gold Coast.” Mr Hingerty indicated that stricter controls may be required on the Mandarin-speaking tour guides who accompany the tour groups. “They have great power,” he said. “These are the people who will not only show the people around the sites but also broker the deals between the shops and the group operators.” While a code of practice has been put in place for tour guides, it is not mandatory. “It is a good code but it is voluntary. As far as I know there is no real licensing mechanism around it,” Mr Hingerty said. He fears the antics of rogue tour operators and their guides will leave a lasting negative impression of Australia and threaten the Chinese tourism market. According to many who attended the tourism roundtable held in Sydney by the House of Representatives Economics Committee, China could be the potential saviour for a of the tourists are non-English stagnant Australian tourism industry. speaking. But it also said the problems State and territory governments “Tourism Australia recently did are not insurmountable, as similar need to follow Queensland’s an exit survey of Chinese visitors and issues were encountered with the lead and begin enforcing about 40 per cent went back Japanese market when it first took off consumer protection laws for dissatisfied with their experience here and were overcome. tourists. in Australia,” Mr Hingerty said. Tourism from China has been “When we have a market in growing steadily since 1999, when China today of roughly a quarter of a the Chinese government granted “Quite a stringent range of million that is going to grow by Australia approved destination status measures are in place to monitor the another million within 10 years, it is (ADS), which is a bilateral agreement behaviour and allow or disallow an issue we have to get on top of now.” between both governments for operators to participate in that Tourism Australia economist tourist visas. scheme,” Mrs Rattray said. Karl Flowers said many of these According to the Australian “The reality is that it is not easy Chinese tourists knew when they Export Tourism Council the ADS to become an ADS inbound tour were being ripped off. scheme can help stamp out operator and those measures have “The Chinese visitors who were unscrupulous practices because it been ramped up quite significantly surveyed were often quite sophisticated requires inbound tour operators to over the last 12 months. The travellers. They were senior public lodge itineraries, provide free time in challenge of course is that the servants et cetera who had also tours and declare commissions. operators that are causing the bulk of travelled widely in Europe and the Anecdotally, ATEC noted, the the problem sit outside the ADS US, so they were in a position to scheme is having some success, and arrangements.” recognise that they were being in the last budget the federal Matthew Hingerty warned that abused,” he said. government committed $4 million these rogue operators, some with The Australian Tourism Export over four years to enforce the regime. links to organised crime, know how Council believes the rapid growth in ATEC’s Anna Rattray told the to stay one step ahead of the Chinese tourism is making conditions tourism roundtable it’s tour operators authorities. favourable for rogue operators to act working outside of the ADS scheme “It is a little hard because it is a outside the law, particularly as many who cause the most problems. bit like a hydra’s head: you crack

42 About the House March 2007 these rogue tour operators will be vital because Australia can’t afford to have such a high percentage of Chinese tourists returning to China dissatisfied. “China is obviously going to be our number one market in a short space of time,” he said. “But if you’ve been locked up in a warehouse with sub-standard products to buy, then you are not going to have a great experience. We need to address that so people think Australia is a great place to visit.” Mr Baird believes it is vital for Australia’s economy to stay competitive as an international destination by improving the quality of the tourism experience on offer. He hopes the Economics Committee’s inquiry into the future directions of Australia’s service export industries can provide some answers. “Tourism is the largest employer in Australia with some 650,000 Australian Tourism Export Council managing director, Matthew Hingerty, at the tourism roundtable in Sydney. people directly employed in tourism Photo: Andrew Dawson. and 350,000 indirectly,” he said. “It’s down on one of these operators and a “That more lax regime is just also the second largest earner of business closes, they return to about everywhere else. We have foreign exchange after the minerals Beijing, Taiwan or wherever and evidence that some of these operators sector. It’s an industry that we need to come back here later and set up shop are now cutting Queensland out of enhance, nurture and look at where their itineraries and moving them to elsewhere” he said. the problems exist.” Sydney. Sydney is brewing as an Mr Hingerty believes state and Mr Baird said the federal incredibly large problem in this. territory governments need to follow government can take a leading role Queensland’s lead and begin “The attitude of the NSW government to enforcement of beyond marketing campaigns. enforcing consumer protection laws “There are a number of areas in for tourists. He praised the consumer laws for visiting foreign tourists is an absolute disgrace.” terms of encouraging business Queensland government for tourism, promotion of medical introducing tougher fair-trading The head of the federal government’s tourism division, Philip tourism, conventions, sports tourism legislation under the Queensland Noonan, said it’s still early days for and also looking at some of the Tourism Services Act. the ADS scheme. regulatory areas to do with rogue “There have not been a lot of “The first thing is that we are operators and what they can do to the cases come to court but merely the only now in the second round of market.” fact that they are stopping tour buses, assessments of people, so it is not like For more information on the inquiry reading tourists their rights and the scheme has been running for by the House Economics Committee questioning tour guides has had a years,” Mr Noonan said. significant positive effect,” he said. “It was funded for four years in into the current and future directions “They have put resources behind the most recent budget, so it is still a of Australia’s service export industries, the enforcement. To a degree, if you scheme that is working through its including transcripts from the tourism look at it from one side of the coin, operation. Certainly if there were roundtables the committee held in they have shot themselves in the foot criminal activity somebody would Sydney and Brisbane, visit because the rogue operators are saying, not be registered under the scheme.” www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ ‘Okay, we’ll take Queensland out of Economics Committee Chair efpa/services or email our itineraries and go elsewhere; we’ll Bruce Baird (Member for Cook, [email protected] or phone find a more lax regime.’ NSW) agrees weeding out more of (02) 6277 4587.

About the House March 2007 43 Left: Parliament House, Canberra. Photo: AUSPIC; Right: The Washington A capital investment Monument, Washington DC. Photo: photolibrary

EXTRA A conference held at Parliament House has looked at ways to plan, promote, enhance and maintain national capitals.

ity planners in Canberra knowing there is a certain risk exists to protect the federal interest and Washington DC have factor. We have to look at terrorism in the capital, with members of Cexpressed concerns about in the same way—what is the risk. Congress taking an active role in its the increasing security measures “We have to go on with our planning decisions. overtaking their cities since 9/11. lives and all these security measures “In the early 1970s, Congress The deputy executive director are very costly, especially in capital gave limited powers to local of Washington’s National Capital cities, where these cities are expressions authorities so now DC has its own Planning Commission, Marcel Acosta, of democracy.” city council. That has helped create said the fortress mentality of erecting The chief executive of Canberra’s a balance between what the federal walls and bollards around public National Capital Authority, Annabelle government wants with what local Pegrum, agreed that finding the right buildings was impacting on the residents need,” Mr Acosta said. balance between security and public people that work in or visit his city. In a similar way, Australia’s “You’ve got to take back the access in Canberra remains a challenge. federal parliament retains oversight streets from the security guys,” he “What we are trying to do in over the national capital, including warned the international city planners capitals is trying to encourage people at a Capitals Alliance conference to come here and encourage them through a parliamentary committee held at Parliament House. to move about freely—that’s part of on the national capital. “Everyone recognises that the democracy,” Ms Pegrum said. “If the government of the day Parliament House in Australia as “So the last thing that you need doesn’t believe in the capital city, it well as the White House in the US is for the elements of democracy is almost impossible to achieve capital deserve an extra layer of such as your Parliament House being progress, so retaining the commitment protection because they are indeed closed off from the community’s of government is fundamental to the symbolic places,” Mr Acosta access. Things like the way that future of the city,” Ms Pegrum said. acknowledged. “That said, we are perimeter security around Parliament Larry Beasley, former director at a point now of where do you House has been dealt with are very of planning in Vancouver, Canada, draw the line?” important. The last thing you want found comparisons between Canberra Mr Acosta said every federal is a sense of fear or restriction in and Washington interesting, with agency in Washington wants to be your national capital.” both being planned cities. secure, but surrounding them with Mr Acosta stressed it was “Washington has achieved a security measures also has significant important to keep the security to a kind of an urbanism with very consequences for the beauty of those minimum along the symbolic streets active people-orientated streets and of a capital, such as the National Mall buildings and the nearby streets. has a lot of those qualities that you “We are getting to a point right in Washington, which stretches don’t yet see here in Canberra,” now where people need to step back from the Washington Monument and ask the basic question of what to the Capitol Building. Mr Beasley said. “You do have a do we secure, why are we securing “It’s a sacred space and people very strong image here though— it and what is the probability of do hold the National Mall with that idea of the landscape with that building getting attacked,” some reverence,” he said. “The those pavilions in it actually works he said. Mall is the place where we quite beautifully, because it emphasises “We make decisions every day commemorate the most important the monumental quality of those about public safety. There is no things about our country.” buildings. It creates a gracious context such thing as a 100 per cent safe He said the National Capital for those buildings, which for highway. We fly airplanes every day Planning Commission in Washington national buildings is important.”

44 About the House March 2007 BEYOND THE HEADLINES “There’s a great deal of satisfaction in working to maximise the value of the dollar { spent on behalf of the taxpayer.”

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE PARLIAMENTARY the headline “Democracy Denied”, which criticised the poor rate of government responses to committee COMMITTEES? DO THEY REALLY MAKE reports and questioned the cost and value of A DIFFERENCE TO THE POLICY MAKING committee inquiries. PROCESS? ABOUT THE HOUSE TALKS But supporters of the parliamentary committee system insist it’s a process that takes parliament to the TO THREE MPS WHO HAVE people, and influences government decisions by EXPERIENCED THE BENEFITS OF providing insight into public opinion on a wide COMMITTEE INVESTIGATIONS FROM range of issues, and not always in the glare of the news headlines. BOTH THE FRONT AND BACKBENCHES The supporters include Bronwyn Bishop OF PARLIAMENT. (Member for Mackellar, NSW), Judi Moylan (Member for Pearce, WA) and Jackie Kelly (Member rustrated by a three year delay in a government for Lindsay, NSW). They believe committees play an response to a committee report on regional important role examining issues in the sort of detail aviation, independent MP Peter Andren and with the level of public input that other (Member for Calare, NSW) recently called parliamentary and government processes do not Fthe parliamentary committee system a place always allow. for government backbenchers to lobby for And they should know—all three have been promotion and a holding paddock for would-be ministers in the Howard government: Bronwyn parliamentary secretaries. Bishop was the Minister for Defence, Science and It isn’t the first time the parliamentary Industry from 1996-98, and the Minister for Aged committee process has come under attack. In June Care from 1998-2001. Jackie Kelly was Sports 2005 the Sydney Morning Herald ran an article under and Tourism Minister from 1998–2001, and Left to right: parliamentary committee chairs Jackie Kelly, Judi Moylan and Bronwyn Bishop. Photo: AUSPIC Continued page 46

About the House March 2007 45 Continued from page 45 Judi Moylan was Minister for the as a legislature affect the way people According to Judi Moylan, who has Status of Women from 1997-98 and live their lives, and the sorts of laws chaired the Public Works Committee Minister for Family Services from we make can indeed be determined since 1998, ministers don’t take her 1996-97. by the work of the parliamentary committee’s reports lightly. They now all chair parliamentary committees.” The Public Works Committee is committees: Bronwyn Bishop on the To illustrate her point, Mrs Bishop charged with making sure taxpayer’s House of Representatives Family and singles out last year’s inquiry into dollars are being properly spent on Human Services Committee; Jackie overseas adoption, which received government infrastructure proposals Kelly on the House’s Communications, 274 submissions, held 12 public valued at $15 million or more. It’s for Information Technology and the Arts hearings and took evidence from more that reason the government is Committee; and Judi Moylan on the than 100 people across Australia. motivated to accept the committee’s After hearing the evidence, the Public Works Committee, which is a recommendations. committee’s report was highly critical joint committee with members of the of the existing arrangements for “There is no compulsion for a House and senators. overseas adoptions. It made 27 minister to take on board the For Bronwyn Bishop, the recommendations to improve the recommendations of the committee committee system is how parliament process, the vast majority of which were but, given our very specific brief, it connects with the community. She accepted by the federal government, would be a brave minister who would describes it as an extension of with the Attorney General, Philip ignore the findings of the Public parliament, bound by the rules of the Ruddock describing the report as “a Works Committee,” Ms Moylan says. House of Representatives, and vital to blueprint for major reform”. “I think our work is very helpful our system of representative democracy. “We’ve had a tremendous to a minister, because obviously they “Speaking as a former government response to this report which really can’t oversight every piece of minister who actually paid attention touched a nerve in the community. It infrastructure and scrutinise it the to the House of Reps committees, I has increased awareness of the issues, way we can. We have the potential to know the value of the system,” she says. and we’re going to see some pick up problems before they become “Absolutely a committee can important changes brought about as a a problem.” bring about change. The laws we pass result of it,” Mrs Bishop said. One example is a recent accommodation project in Darwin, which Ms Moylan says could have been “a very costly mistake” had the Public Works Committee not intervened. “There’s a great deal of satisfaction in working to maximise the value of the dollar spent on behalf of the taxpayer. There’s some fantastic work being done on committees, but the message doesn’t get out to the public often enough. The difficulty comes because the media is looking for conflict stories, and bipartisan work on committees is not headline stuff,” she says. “Overall it’s a good process and we would love the public to know more about all committee work, because they would see the value they get from the parliament if they could see the bipartisan work of committees. “I think people are well served by the committee system because committee members have the opportunity to travel the country widely, to be in touch with the views of so many people on specific issues. I think there’s great value in it.” According to Jackie Kelly, the ability of committees to travel is an House of Representatives committee hearing at El Questro Wilderness Park in Western Australia for an inquiry into Indigenous employment. Photo: Andrew Dawson

46 About the House March 2007 Left: Recent parliamentary committee reports; Right: House of Representatives committee hearing on teacher education. important part of the process because “Once upon a time you had five it engages people in democracy and “It’s a way for people to stay minutes to introduce a report and makes them less likely to write off engaged and connected with then it would languish, until it might any final decisions as “that’s just their government, and for them get debated by other people months Canberra”. to have some ownership of later. Now we’ve changed the rules so “Road trips are very valuable government decisions.” that at the time a report is presented because people feel that parliament to parliament it will be debated in the has heard their point of view. They second chamber, which is now a very may disagree with the conclusion we But she believes we are over- active chamber for the House of come up with, but they can’t deny serviced by committees, with that we listened. We still may go in Representatives, and everyone can get doubling up of committees on the another direction, but at least we to debate it then and there,” she says. House and Senate sides. have engaged people in the decision “This means reports are given Another way to improve the more timely discussion, which making process,” she says. process, Jackie Kelly suggests, would hopefully results in the government “It’s a way for people to stay be enforcing a time limit for taking action to implement the engaged and connected with their government responses to committee government, and for them to have reports, which currently take from a recommendations, or at least respond some ownership of government few months to several years. to them.” decisions. I think that’s critical to the Having just waited three years for Mrs Bishop would also like success of any democracy.” a government response to one of her public hearings to be televised. Committees also play a valuable committee reports, Bronwyn Bishop “What I would ultimately like to role examining issues in more detail says she supports measures which see is the ABC have one of its multi- than is otherwise possible for provide more opportunities for channels dedicated to the broadcasting parliament or government ministers. parliament to debate the conclusions of all parliamentary activity—not just “The feedback I get from and recommendations of committee Question Time, which is a kind of ministers, who are so incredibly busy reports, and which help to achieve replacement for battle—but also the with a huge amount of work to get more speedy replies from serious work that goes on in across, is that they’re always grateful government. In particular, she you’ve done the work, you’ve heard highlights the benefits of having a committees, so people can see for the evidence. So when you’re talking second chamber for the House of themselves the evidence we hear. to ministers, they do take what you’re Representatives, known as the Main “I think it would bring more saying seriously because you’ve Committee, which was established in credit on the system of parliament, obviously gone into more detail than 1994 to allow additional debating with a greater understanding of the they have,” Ms Kelly says. time for MPs. important work that is done.”

About the House March 2007 47 ONE ON ONE Similar, but different A parliamentary exchange program helps us to better understand our neighbour, said the leader of a visiting parliamentary committee, who spoke one on one with About the House.

here is a familiarity that comes with being a close neighbour—a knowledge of each other that comes Tthrough regular contact and a shared understanding of the area in which we live. So when the chair of the New Zealand parliament’s Local Government and Environment Committee, Steve Chadwick spoke with About the House during a recent visit to Australia, it was just like a having a neighbourly chat. As with any neighbourhood chat, talk inevitably turned to the weather—in this case climate change. New Zealand, like Australia, needs to face up to the challenges of changing weather patterns, Ms Chadwick said, even though the nature of the issues each country faces may be different. “I’d say the challenges are exactly the same but not on the scale that Australia is confronting at the moment,” Ms Chadwick said. “For us in New Zealand it’s flooding, for you it’s bushfires. “While we are dealing with quite different climatic events, we are very aware that there are some strange weather patterns happening and some profound effects on our water. Water quality is very important to us with a lot of our major rivers and lakes in New Zealand degrading,” she said. Accompanying Ms Chadwick to Australia were members of the NZ Local Government and Environment Committee, Chair of New Zealand’s Local Government and Environment Committee, Steve Chadwick. here for discussions with Australian parliamentarians and way to get public input into the issues parliament is environmental authorities on the responses being taken to key considering, including public input into legislation. In New environmental challenges. The visit was part of a regular Zealand, public petitions presented to parliament are referred exchange between committees of the Australian and New to the relevant parliamentary committee, which can decide Zealand parliaments, which Ms Chadwick applauded. whether it wishes to seek submissions on the subject of the She said the committee exchanges enable sharing of petition from affected individuals and organisations. If the information and discussions with key decision makers. committee makes recommendations on the petition, then the Management of water resources was a major focus for the government must respond within 90 days. visit, with the NZ committee holding talks with Malcolm Ms Chadwick said parliamentary committee reports are Turnbull (now Environment Minister), the House of very influential in the government decision making process in Representatives Environment Committee, the Murray- New Zealand. Darling Basin Commission, the Australian Greenhouse Office Recently, for example, the Local Government and and Sydney Water. Environment Committee considered a petition to parliament During the visit, the NZ committee inspected an concerning metal bromide and its use in the spraying of timber innovative sewerage system operating at Jamberoo, near and strawberries prior to export. The committee investigated Wollongong in NSW. The low pressure sewerage pumping the issue and called for the use of metal bromide to be phased system, which does not contaminate water courses, could out because of its effects on health. In response, the government be applicable to small coastal and lake communities in is now looking to find alternatives to metal bromide. New Zealand. Ms Chadwick said the government adheres to the 90 day Renewable energy was also on the agenda, with New timeframe for responses. She was surprised to hear that Zealand exploring options to supplement its use of hydro government responses to Australian parliamentary committee power. “We have a lot of hydro power but now we are moving reports can take up to two to three years. She said getting a into geo-thermal energy and also looking at wind energy,” timely response and action flowing from a committee report is Ms Chadwick said. But she was adamant that nuclear power heartening for the public and encourages people to participate would not be one of the options considered. actively in the work of their parliament. “We are not entering your nuclear debate,” she says. “The public may not always get what they want,” said “Nuclear is an absolute no no for us, which forces us to look Ms Chadwick, “but they will often get change.” And that, she laterally at other methods of power generation.” said, is one of the strengths of New Zealand’s parliamentary Ms Chadwick said parliamentary committees are a good system.

48 About the House March 2007 TheWrap resources. In particular, it was to consider the global demand for Australia’s uranium, the potential implications for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, and the regulatory environment of uranium mining. After announcing the inquiry in March 2005, the committee received nearly 90 submissions and, at a dozen public hearings around Australia, heard from more than 80 witnesses. The submissions and witnesses represented a cross-section of the supporters and opponents of uranium mining. As well as being packed with detail [...there are currently 441 commercial nuclear power reactors operating in 31 countries. In 2005, nuclear reactors generated 2,626 billion kilowatt-hours

Photo: Heathgate Resources of electricity, representing 16 per cent of world electricity production…] the report has a list of acronyms and a glossary that alone could serve as a Fuel for the school textbook on uranium. Its 12 chapters cover all the main issues, from the global demand and uranium debate supply of uranium in the context of world electricity consumption to its role A bipartisan report examines the key issues associated with in limiting greenhouse gas emissions; from the problems with waste to the uranium mining and nuclear power. safety and proliferation risks associated with nuclear power generation; from the s a doorstop for one of the the world were not using nuclear power need to ensure that mining does not rooms in Valhalla, this report plants, emissions of CO2 would be some impact negatively on Aboriginal Awould do just nicely. Totalling 2.5 billion tonnes higher per year.” communities to the impediments to the nearly 750 pages with 12 long chapters, It admits that nuclear power, like uranium industry’s development. eight appendices, 40 tables and 32 all other major energy industries, is not Although Australia possesses some figures, it is not a tome to toddle off to entirely risk free. But it notes that 36 per cent of the world’s uranium bed with. Chernobyl has been the only accident capable of being recovered at low cost, it But it does provide unequivocal in a commercial nuclear power plant only accounts for 23 per cent of answers to many troubling questions. resulting in loss of life for more than 50 production and lags behind Canada, Questions such as is uranium clean and years of civil nuclear power generation which has less than half Australia’s green or catastrophically dangerous? —a safety record unsurpassed by all the resources. The report argues that, Was the Chernobyl accident in the other energy industries. provided the impediments to growth are Ukraine 20 years ago a warning sign “While the Chernobyl accident eliminated, Australia could become the of the dangers of nuclear power or a could lead, over the lifetime of the most world’s main supplier of uranium. tragic one-off event unlikely ever to exposed populations, to several Given the threat posed by the happen again? thousand excess cancer deaths, other greenhouse effect and global warming, The title of the report sums up the energy sources are responsible for as well as the energy demands from final conclusion—Australia’s uranium: killing thousands of workers and heavily populated developing nations, greenhouse friendly fuel for an energy members of the public every year,” the the report suggests Australia in fact has hungry world. Prepared by the House of report says. It notes that more than a moral responsibility to contribute to Representatives Industry and Resources 6,000 coal miners die annually in reducing global emissions by increasing Committee following a year-long China alone while coal mining its production and supply of uranium. inquiry, the report says nuclear power worldwide causes the deaths of 12,000- But what about the concerns unquestionably makes a significant 15,000. Even in Australia, 112 coal regarding radioactive waste disposal? contribution to reducing greenhouse miners have died in NSW mines alone After weighing up the evidence, the gas emissions and currently saves some since 1979. committee concludes that claims of 10 per cent of total carbon dioxide The Industry and Resources waste management and transportation emissions from world energy use. Committee was asked to report on the posing unacceptable risks simply do not “This represents an immense development of the non-fossil fuel reflect the realities. The report says saving of greenhouse gas emissions that energy industry in Australia, paying radioactive wastes generated at the would otherwise be contributing to special attention to the strategic various stages of the nuclear fuel cycle global warming,” the report states. “If importance of Australia’s uranium continue to be safely and effectively Continued page 50

About the House March 2007 49 TheWrap Continued from page 49 managed: “Indeed, the way the nuclear decay to background levels.” On the controversial issue of power industry manages its waste is an As for nuclear power generation Australia selling uranium ore to China, example for other energy industries to contributing to the spread of atomic the committee backs the government’s follow.” weapons, the committee argues the decision to permit exports, but says it It notes high-level atomic waste is global safeguards regime has been did not wish to make a recommendation accumulating at 12,000 tonnes a year remarkably successful in limiting their on whether exports to India should also worldwide compared with 25 billion proliferation. As well as the five nuclear- be allowed. At the same time, the tonnes of carbon waste released directly armed states that existed prior to the committee says the US-India nuclear into the atmosphere from the use of 1970 international treaty on non- cooperation agreement will have fossil fuels. The International Atomic proliferation, the report says only four important non-proliferation benefits Energy Agency states that the volume of states have or are believed to have such as expanding the application of spent fuel produced by all the world’s nuclear weapons: Israel, India and nuclear reactors over 12 months would Pakistan—which are not signatories to International Atomic Energy Agency fill a soccer field to a height of 1.5 the treaty—and North Korea. safeguards in India and allowing the metres. And that is even without any “This is clearly a tremendous IAEA enhanced access rights. being reprocessed for re-use. achievement, particularly in light of “Maintaining the integrity of the “To date, there has been no predictions that by the end of the 20th non-proliferation regime must remain practical need and no urgency for the century there would be some 25 to 30 the top priority and guiding principle construction of waste repositories,” the nuclear armed states,” it says. for Australia’s uranium exports policy report says. “This has been due to the Among the report’s 14 and the committee hopes that a small volumes involved and the benefit recommendations, the committee urges bipartisan position on this issue can be of allowing interim storage for up to the Australian government to take steps developed,” the report says. several decades to allow radioactivity to to strengthen the non-proliferation LINKS diminish so as to make handling the regime, including seeking to impress on spent fuel easier. There is an other countries the central importance Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ international scientific consensus that of the treaty and support proposals for committee/isr/uranium/ disposal in geologic repositories can nuclear fuel supply guarantees for those report.htm safely and securely store waste for the countries that forego developing Email: [email protected] time required for long-lived waste to sensitive facilities. Phone: (02) 6277 4594

Australia could become the world’s main supplier of uranium, including from the Ranger uranium mine in the Northern Territory. Photo: AAP

50 About the House March 2007 TheWrap

“I write to [the federal health minister] Tony Abbott, and he writes back to me and says: ‘Look, it’s a state matter. I can’t help her.’ Then I write to the state minister, and he writes back and says, ‘The Commonwealth doesn’t give us enough money.’ She gets two letters from the health ministers, but she does not get her hip replacement. This is ridiculous.” Mr Somlyay said addressing the blame game will require a national approach to developing and funding health care.“This will require leadership from the Australian government, cooperation by the states and a joint commitment to end the blame game,” he said. “An ageing population, health workforce shortages, the rate of development of new health technologies and rising community expectations mean that ongoing reform is needed.” Beyond health’s The committee looked at a number of different funding models to address deficiencies of current arrangements blame game including cost shifting and duplication, lack of coordination, treating ‘illness’ A new approach to health funding has been proposed. rather than promoting ‘wellness’ and concerns about the safety and quality n overhaul of billions of dollars compensation schemes. of care. in health funding has been In 2003, the per capita cost of the The committee’s 29 recommendations recommended, including a Australian system was $3,855 per person include a need for: A • leadership by the federal government significant budget boost for ailing in contrast to $7,607 in the United public dental services. States or $2,546 in New Zealand. By to develop a national health agenda, The wide-ranging health funding 2004-05, the costs for Australians had in consultation with the states reforms are detailed in a 254-page risen to $4,319 per person. and territories; report—The blame game—by the Committee chair Alex Somlyay • the federal government to supplement House of Representatives Health and (Member for Fairfax, Qld) said “while state and territory funding for public Ageing Committee. Australian health care is often reported dental services so that reasonable The committee has made 29 as being better than similar overseas access standards for appropriate services recommendations on how to improve countries, the community is getting sick are maintained, particularly for the way $90 billion in health funding is of blame shifting between governments disadvantaged groups; spent. It believes a concerted shake-up about the inadequacies of Australia’s • developing a purchasing agreement of the bureaucratic inefficiencies in the health system”. for clinical health workforce training health system to combat waste, Mr Somlyay said all members of with the states and territories and duplication and buck-passing between parliament regularly receive complaints the private sector; jurisdictions could produce up to about health care, yet the federal and • federal funding of hospitals to better $4 billion in savings. state governments continue to blame reflect rising costs and demand; In 2004-05, the federal government each other. • laws requiring doctors to tell patients funded $36 billion of the $87 billion “While the associated political treatment costs in advance; and spent on health goods and services. The grandstanding often makes for some • information on performance of Medicare levy and surcharge raised good headlines, the blame game does doctors to be collected and made public. $6.1 billion. The state and territory not benefit patients,” Mr Somlyay said. The committee has also proposed governments spent $23 billion on “Patients don’t care which level of changes to public hospital funding health, using general revenue, goods government manages or pays for their arrangements when the Australian and services tax and other taxes on health care—they want reliable access to Health Care Agreements expire in June gaming machines or tobacco. More quality care.” 2008. The proposals aim to remove than $27 billion comes from non- Mr Somlyay cited his own barriers to health reform, more closely government sources such as out-of- frustration with trying to help an 80- link funding with national health policy pocket payments by individuals, year-old constituent who had been standards and improve accountability private health insurance and workers waiting five years for a hip replacement. for the quality and safety of health care. Continued page 52

About the House March 2007 51 TheWrap Continued from page 51 Following questions on the report He praised the commitment and years”. “However, attention now needs from Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd, dedication of the Australian health to be given to ensuring that there are Prime Minister John Howard said his workforce and the level of care they sufficient clinical training opportunities government had taken “very significant manage to deliver under the financial in both the public and private sectors steps” to end the buck-passing, particularly constraints they are under. for rising numbers of health trainees,” in the area of mental health. But Mr “However, access to health care, he said. Howard also reaffirmed that dental care particularly in regional, rural and remote The committee received 159 was a state responsibility. areas requires sufficient skilled health submissions and spoke to more than Mr Somlyay said the federal workers training and working in major 100 individuals and organisations at 18 government had undertaken significant cities and in regional areas,” he said. public hearings across the country. reforms since the inquiry commenced Mr Somlyay also welcomed the federal LINKS in March 2005, particularly in making government’s recent commitment to Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ private health insurance more attractive address the “under investment in committee/haa and boosting access to primary training places for medical and other Email: [email protected] health services. health professionals over the past 15 to 20 Phone: (02) 6277 2374 Education Essays explore influences on the House

A SERIES of essays on issues that have relationship between the House and Currently there is a special offer for influenced the House of Representatives executive government; the influence of the the purchase of the complete House of during its first century have been media; the House’s relationship with the Representatives history pack, which produced to assist in the study of Senate; and the how the electoral system includes the CD-ROM, a four episode Australia’s parliamentary history. impacts on the House. documentary (30 minutes each episode) The essays, supported by case studies, feature as journeys on the CD-ROM A The CD-ROM comes with a free and the study guide, all for the special House for the Nation. The journeys explore 133-page study guide linked to the school price of $55 (including GST). To order the way in which political parties have curricula. It is available for $29.95 each and for more information email shaped the House of Representatives; (including GST), or $199.50 for a 10 pack [email protected] or phone freecall concepts of responsible government; the (including GST). 1800 139 299.

52 About the House March 2007 TheWrap

“Numerous submissions were provided to the committee detailing absurd situations resulting from a lack of legal harmonisation in Australia,” Mr Murphy said. He cited one example which deserved special attention, as detailed in the report “A power of attorney granted by an individual in New South Wales (and probably other states) will not be valid in the Australian Capital Territory. Thus an individual who grants an enduring power of attorney in NSW, relocates to the ACT, and suffers a loss of capacity to make a new grant will not be covered by the NSW power of attorney.” Mr Murphy remarked that this anomaly could have the potential to surprise a great number of individuals Bridging the Tasman who have taken the trouble to make a grant. “This example draws attention to Closer ties with New Zealand are promoted in a new the fact that the operation of the law may parliamentary report. have the power to adversely impact the most vulnerable members of our ustralia and New Zealand should this relationship, particularly in the community at a time when those consider working towards a full globalised environment that now exists, members most need its support,” he said. union with a shared currency and should perhaps be closer still. “I have been left in absolutely no A “Accordingly, the committee has common trading market, the House of doubt that the difficulties or Representatives Legal and Constitutional recommended that the Australian uncertainties that arise from regulatory Affairs Committee has proposed. parliament invite the parliament of New inconsistencies across jurisdictions may In its report on harmonisation of Zealand to establish a trans-Tasman result in unacceptable impacts on legal systems in Australia and with New committee for the purpose of monitoring ordinary Australians.” Zealand, the committee said both and reporting on ongoing harmonisation Another example related to nations should consider forming a joint of the two legal systems. This trans- employers providing first-aid kits for parliamentary committee to examine Tasman committee would also explore their workers. All states and territories the merits of a union on the back of further options of mutual benefit to the stipulate different contents and even Australia-New Zealand relationship, already strong economic, cultural and variable bandage widths, which is an including the possibility of closer governmental ties. unnecessary complication for nation- association or even political union.” The report deals with reducing or wide businesses. The committee also recommended Mr Murphy said the scourge of red eliminating inconsistencies between the that a common currency should be numerous legal systems that have tape is ever-present for businesses and pursued and that harmonisation of the not-for-profit groups, without the resulted from Australia’s system of two telecommunications regulation federalism. The committee hopes its 27 added burdens that arise from a lack of frameworks should be proposed by the legal harmonisation. recommendations can help the progressive Australian government. Other areas streamlining and simplification of In its report, the committee has requiring legal harmonisation include proposed further investigation, by the regulatory frameworks in Australia and ministerial councils, banking regulation Council of Australian Governments and with New Zealand.While the committee and consumer contracts. ministerial councils, of ways to achieve was pleased about the progress made in Within Australia, the committee greater harmonisation in banking regulatory coordination and cooperation examined statute of limitations, legal regulations, succession law, debt between Australia and New Zealand, it procedures, partnership laws, service of collection, civil debt recovery, stamp was keen to promote ways that would legal proceedings, evidence law and duty, partnership laws, consumer bring the two countries even closer standards of products. Power of attorney protection, electrical product safety together. provisions, real estate, personal property and hazardous substance reporting. “Australia and New Zealand have a securities, the not for-profit sector and uniquely close and abiding relationship, the science industry were also considered. LINKS and it is a relationship that continues to Deputy chair John Murphy Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ grow closer over time,” said committee (Member for Lowe, NSW) said there committee/laca/harmonisation/ chair Peter Slipper (Member for Fisher, can be no doubt the consequences of report.htm Qld). “Over the course of the inquiry, federalism have included many cases of Email: [email protected] the committee came to the view that duplicity and complexity. Phone: (02) 6277 2358

About the House March 2007 53 TheWrap

Senator Bartlett raised the possibility of the agreements enabling China to produce nuclear weapons, either through direct use of Australian uranium or by freeing up the existing Chinese supply. Concerns about the misuse of Australian uranium were also raised during public hearings for the committee’s review. While the agreements specifically prohibit the use of Australian uranium for military purposes, David Noonan from the Australian Conservation Foundation questioned whether that commitment would be honoured. “We think it is very pertinent that China is unaccountable and that they do not have the conventional checks Treaties Committee Chair Andrew Southcott (right) with Deputy Chair Kim Wilkie following the release of the China and balances that we take for granted uranium treaties report. Photo: AAP in Australia,” Mr Noonan said. “No independent parliament, no Green light for independent parties and no inquiries such as this will ever occur in China under the current government.” uranium treaties But the committee received assurances from the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office that Australian Federal parliament’s Treaties Committee has delivered its uranium would be safeguarded from verdict on two uranium treaties with China. military use. “Obviously, there is a degree of reaties on the sale of Australian agreements with Canada and trust in any international treaty, but the uranium to China and on Kazakhstan, Australia holds around a trust is underpinned by fairly rigorous nuclear cooperation between third of the world’s low cost uranium procedures,” ASNO’s director-general T which will be vital to China in reaching John Carlson told the committee. Australia and China are in Australia’s national interest, federal parliament’s its goal. “Australian uranium will only be going Treaties Committee has concluded. “A key reason for the current into civil facilities which are covered by The committee recommended in interest in developing nuclear power is the IAEA safeguards agreement.” favour of ratifying the treaties, saying the role it can play in climate change Mr Carlson said there was “no the agreements would provide the management,” Peter Morris from the process by which China would divert impetus for the expansion of Australia’s Minerals Council of Australia told the our material from those facilities” and uranium industry. Treaties Committee. “no reason that it would seek to do so”. To address this issue, the The agreements were signed in During its review, the committee committee recommended that the April last year and were tabled in the received substantial evidence from federal government increase funding federal parliament in August. concerned organisations and individuals allocated to ASNO’s safeguards The federal government indicated that the safeguards included in the support and international outreach that the two agreements would be agreements were ineffective, because the International Atomic Energy Agency’s programs to ensure that effective beneficial in strengthening relations safeguards are being applied in relation between Australia and China. The safeguards system is inadequate. Committee member and Australian to the treaties. nuclear cooperation agreement would The Treaties Committee also wants provide opportunities for Australia to Democrats senator Andrew Bartlett gave voice to those concerns when he the Australian government to continue collaborate with China in the field of its dialogue with the Chinese nuclear research and other science disagreed with the committee’s support for the treaties, labelling the arguments government about governance and programs. The economic benefit of the transparency issues, with a view to the two agreements could be in the vicinity presented in favour of the agreements as “unconvincing”. Australian government offering of $250 million. practical support where appropriate. Buying uranium from Australia is “The risks (security, social and part of a plan recently unveiled by environmental) of selling uranium to LINKS China to increase the country’s nuclear China far outweigh the economic Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ power output fourfold by 2020, thereby benefits,” Senator Bartlett said in his committee/jsct/8august2006/ reducing greenhouse gas emissions dissenting report. “It makes more sense report.htm generated by burning fossil fuels such as to engage with China on renewable Email: [email protected] coal. Although China already has trade energy to avoid those risks.” Phone: (02) 6277 4002

54 About the House March 2007 TheWrap

important to maintain the terrorism law regime as a distinctive area of law.” Redefining terrorism Among the report’s recommendations are the need for a clearer explanation of Proposals to clarify laws on terrorism have been made to terrorist training and being a member of federal parliament. a terrorist group. The committee wants the government to consider making participation in terrorist groups an t should not be a crime to associate with According to Mr Jull, terrorism law offence, as opposed to membership. terrorists, according to a bipartisan differs from the traditional criminal law “Some offences were said to lack Ireport by federal parliament’s in several ways. specificity and do not meet the Intelligence and Security Committee. “For example, the definition of a standards necessary to preserve the rule The committee wants the federal terrorist act and terrorist organisation of law,” Mr Jull said. “To deal with this government to re-examine its anti- are pivotal to Commonwealth offences problem we have recommended some terrorism laws that make it a crime, and expanded intelligence and law modest refinements to remove uncertainty punishable by up to three years enforcement powers,” he said. and reduce the risk of unintended imprisonment, to associate with a “Terrorism law also extends the consequences.” known terrorist organisation. criminal law by including preparatory The committee was concerned The new offence has raised concerns offences, capturing conduct before intent about mounting evidence on the in the Muslim community, worried they has crystallised or any attempt is committed, negative impacts of anti-terrorism laws would be targeted simply because they and some offences relate to a person’s upon Muslim communities. may attend the same mosque as a status rather than their actions.” “We acknowledge that the impact terrorism suspect. Mr Jull highlighted the importance upon Arab and Muslim communities is The parliamentary committee of parliament assessing the quality of very real and potentially counterproductive,” shared the view, expressed in the recent legislation and responding to identifiable Mr Jull said. Sheller report on security legislation, problems. “It is incumbent upon us all to ensure “For example, there was criticism that the offence of association was that debate about terrorism is rational, that the definition of terrorism was almost impossible to define and too open and well informed and does not fan overly complex, while others described complex to prove. It wants a re- the flames of prejudice and resentment. the definition as the best in the Western examination of the law to see if replacing While terrorism poses a threat, it is also world,” he said. it would address constitutional and an opportunity to promote democratic “The existing definition makes an community concerns. ways of expressing dissent, increase important distinction between political participation in public affairs and Since 2002 the parliament has motivated violence and other serious promote social cohesion.” passed more than 30 pieces of anti- crimes. It also excludes ‘protest’, ‘dissent’ terrorist legislation that have and ‘industrial action’ in order to send LINKS strengthened Australia’s ability to an important signal that terrorism laws Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/ respond to terrorist threats. But this raft are not to interfere with freedom of committee/pjcis/securityleg/ of new terrorism laws has also raised association, assembly or expression. report.htm community concerns about their impact “No matter how heinous a crime Email: [email protected] on people’s freedom. may be, we believe it is crucially Phone: (02) 6277 2360 According to the committee, an independent watchdog is needed to assess this impact and ensure the laws are not being abused. It wants the watchdog to have unrestricted access to terrorism- related material. “The committee believes it is time for an integrated approach to monitoring and review of terrorism laws and has recommended the appointment of an independent reviewer, who can set his or her own priorities and report annually to the parliament,” said committee chair David Jull (Member for Fadden, Qld). It has also recommended that those annual reports be reviewed by the committee. “This will ensure that ongoing democratic accountability is built into the system,” Mr Jull said.

About the House March 2007 55 House Rules

Putting pep into parliament The House of Representatives is trying news ways to enliven and enrich debate, writes Clerk of the House Ian Harris.

THE recent death of Sir Jim Killen, the former MP and minister in the Gorton and Fraser governments, resulted in reminiscences about the skill he had in the cut and thrust of debate in the House of Representatives chamber. There is a view that there was once a golden age of debate, populated by the likes of Jim Killen, Mick Young, Ian Sinclair and Fred Daly. They were, it has been said, bygone days of engaging speeches, clever interjections and witty repartee. Perhaps there is some truth in this view. However a review of old Hansards reveals no lack of colourless speakers in the past, droning on to a soporific chamber where the few MPs and officials compelled to stay did their best to remain awake. It is fair to say that the dullest debates in the past rival the bad patches of today. But what about the best speeches —are they as lively and entertaining as they once were? Can memorable and clever interjections still be heard today? Perhaps the parliamentary world we now know is a victim of the broader world we live in. Does the life we now live conspire to dull the sparks on the hill? It is now common for members to read their speeches. Should this be attributed to the complexities of the Have we lost a golden age of debate when people like (clockwise from top left) Doug Anthony, Jim Killen, Ian Sinclair, Fred Daly and Gough Whitlam populated the pages of Hansard? Photos: Newspix matters they are required to deal with, the volume of material they must and entertaining performances, and The House of Representatives has confront, or the demands outside the therefore little incentive for such taken one small step in this direction chamber that make it difficult to performances beyond parliamentary by the introduction of interventions devote themselves to more time prime time. in its second debating chamber, consuming methods of preparation? It is not necessary to force known as the Main Committee. Or is it party discipline that binds comparisons with a (golden?) past to Under the rules that operate there speakers to a consistent message want to improve the standard of (standing order 66A) any MP present according to the side of the chamber debate in the chamber for the present in the Main Committee is allowed to they occupy, with little opportunity and future. Most observers would ask a short question of an MP who is for divergence or digression? agree that an improved debating speaking. The question (intervention) Perhaps we can look to the way environment would support one of must be immediately relevant to the parliament is reported for some the most important functions of the speech. explanation. What has gone are the House—to ensure legislation is MPs can protect themselves from days when parliamentary debates were properly considered (debated) before any abuse of this rule by declining to given detailed exposure by the media. being passed. An interactive chamber accept the intervention. While Now the grabs and sound bites focus in which real debates explore the interventions have been part of on the gladiatorial Question Time, detail of legislation and motions debates in the Main Committee for leaving little room in the crowded before the House is essential to this several years now and while usage has infotainment schedule for intelligent purpose. been limited, most interventions have

56 About the House March 2007 House Rules continued been well received and responded to and debates. There may be others that in our parliaments is to improve, this will have indeed encouraged a more warrant consideration. not come about as a result of the interactive chamber. In particular, if we are to engage introduction of gadgets or rule changes, Now it is proposed to use the future generations with the but from a determination on the part of mechanism of interventions to parliamentary system, the system needs MPs to write and deliver better encourage more interactive exchanges in to consider what will make the next speeches.” the House of Representatives chamber generation of leaders turn parliament on I would like to hope that better itself—albeit in a modest way. The rather than off. oratory would attract more people to House’s Procedure Committee has Our education system has had to turn on parliament. However in a world proposed a six month trial of adapt its teaching methods to ensure where gadgets rule, where the next interventions in the chamber to young people remain engaged, by using generation and the technology they use commence in 2007. new technologies to maintain interest in are helping to rewrite the rules, should The proposed interventions will be the subject being taught. Should not we not at least consider using some of confined to second reading debates, parliament, if it is looking to engage the that technology to make the parliament during which legislation is debated next generation of voters, embrace new more real? (excluding the speeches of the minister technologies within the debating and lead speaker for the opposition). chamber to give life and meaning to If you have a view about parliamentary They will not be permitted during the debates? Should we continue to accept debates, email [email protected] or first 15 minutes of the speech and they speeches as the only mechanism for write to About the House, Liaison and can be declined. getting the point across in the chamber? Projects Office, House of Representatives, Of course, this is just one mechanism One media commentator recently PO Box 6021, Parliament House, which may help to enliven and enrich wrote: “If the general standard of debate Canberra ACT 2600.

Question Time

The following is a question from a reader. Question Who has the record for being named or suspended the most number of times from the House of Representatives by the Speaker? Answer The dubious honour of being the most named and suspended member belongs to Eddie Ward, who was the Member for East Sydney (NSW) from March to December 1931 and February 1932 until his death in July 1963. He was named 16 times and suspended 15 times. If a Speaker names a member in the House, usually a government member then moves a motion that the named member be suspended from the service of the House. A vote is then taken, and is usually carried, as government members with a majority in the House support the motion. In some circumstances naming is not Eddie Ward has the dubious honour of being the MP ‘bowled’ out of the House most often. Photo: Newspix followed by suspension, particularly if The Speaker now has available a refuses to leave the chamber or abuses the member apologises to the House procedure by which a member may be the forms of the House further as he immediately upon being named. ordered to leave the chamber for one or she leaves that the Speaker names Since 1994 there have been fewer namings hour (colloquially known as ‘sin-binning’). the member. and suspensions than in previous years. Generally it is only if a member

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION? If you have a question about the House of Representatives email [email protected] or write to About the House, Liaison and Projects Office, PO Box 6021, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600. Questions published in About the House will receive the CD-ROM A House for the Nation on the first 100 years of the House of Representatives and the accompanying study guide.

About the House March 2007 57 House Work Your guide to investigations by House of Representatives and Joint Committees

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee Electoral Matters Committee • Indigenous employment • Civics and electoral education Report being prepared Report being prepared Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/atsia Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/em Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4559 Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 2374 Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Committee Employment, Workplace Relations and Workforce • Rural skills training and research Participation Committee Report released 26 February • Workforce challenges in the Australian tourism sector Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/primind Submissions being sought and public hearings being conducted Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4500 • Employment in the automotive component manufacturing sector Report released December 2006 Australian Crime Commission Committee Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ewrwp • Amphetamines and other synthetic drugs Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4162 Report due for release • Future impact of serious and organised crime on Environment and Heritage Committee Australian society • A sustainability charter Submissions being sought Public hearings and roundtables being conducted Web: www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/acc_ctte Visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/environ Email: [email protected] or Web: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4580 Phone: (02) 6277 3419 Family and Human Services Committee Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Committee • Impact of illicit drug use on families • Community broadcasting Submissions being sought, public hearings being conducted First report released 12 February 2007. Second report • Balancing work and family being prepared. Report released December 2006 Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/cita Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fhs Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4601 Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4566 Corporations and Financial Services Committee Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee • Structure and operation of the superannuation industry • Australia’s trading with Mexico and the region Public hearings being conducted Public hearings being conducted • Exposure Draft of the Corporations Amendment • Australia’s relationship with Malaysia (Takeovers) Bill 2006 Public hearings being conducted Public hearings being conducted • Australia’s aid program in the Pacific • Exposure Draft of the Corporations Amendment Submissions being sought, public hearings being conducted (Insolvency) Bill 2007 • Review of the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Submissions being sought Relations (CER) Trade Agreement Web: www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/corporations_ctte Report released December 2006 Email: [email protected] or • Australia’s relationship with India as an emerging world power Phone: (02) 6277 3171 Public hearings being conducted • Australian Defence Force regional air superiority Economics, Finance and Public Administration Committee Report being considered • Current and future directions of Australia’s service • Review of the Defence Annual Report 20045– 06 export industries Submissions being sought Public hearings being conducted • Australia’s regional strategic defence requirements • The state of Australia’s manufactured export and import Public hearings being conducted competing base now and beyond the resources boom Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt Public hearings being conducted Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 2313 • Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia Annual Report 2005, Second Report Health and Ageing Committee Report released 4 December 2006 • Health benefits of breastfeeding • Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia Annual Report 2006, Submissions being sought First Report Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/haa Public hearing on 21 February 2007 Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4145 Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/efpa Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4587 Industry and Resources Committee • Developing Australia’s non-fossil fuel energy industry Education and Vocational Training Committee (Case study into the strategic importance of Australia's • Teacher education uranium resources) Report released 26 February 2007 Report released 4 December 2006 Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/evt Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/isr Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4573 Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4594

58 About the House March 2007 Intelligence and Security Committee Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jpaa • Review of Security and Counter Terrorism Legislation Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4615 Report released 4 December 2006 • Review of Administration and Expenditure: Australian Public Works Committee Intelligence Organisations – No. 5 • Redevelopment of the Villawood Immigration Submissions being sought Detention Centre • Review of the Listing Provisions of the Criminal Code Act 1995 • Redevelopment of the Propellant Manufacturing Facility at Submissions being sought Mulwala, NSW • Review of the re-listing of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jamiat • Defence Forces School of Signals Redevelopment, Simpson ul-Ansar(JuA), Armed Islamic Group (GIA) and Salafist Barracks, Watsonia, Vic Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) as terrorist Reports being prepared for the above inquiries organisations under the Criminal Code Act 1995 Report released 26 February 2007 • Proposed extension and accommodation upgrade to the Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/pjcis existing chancery of the Australian Embassy in Beijing, China Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 2360 Report released on 6 December 2006 • Proposed National Towers Program Stage 1 for Airservices Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Australia at Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and • Older people and the law Rockhampton Airports Submissions being sought and public hearings to commence Submissions being sought • Federal implications of statehood for the Northern Territory Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/pwc Report being prepared Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4636 • Harmonisation of legal systems Report released 4 December 2006 Science and Innovation Committee Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/laca • Geosequestration technology Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 2358 Submissions being sought and public hearings being conducted Migration Committe Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/scin Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4150 • Temporary business visas Submissions being sought and public hearings to commence Transport and Regional Services Committee Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/mig • Integration of Australian regional rail and road networks Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4560 and their connectivity to ports National Capital and External Territories Committee Report being prepared • Review of the Griffin Legacy Amendments Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/trs Roundtable public hearing held on 23 February 2007 Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 2352 Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ncet Treaties Committee Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4355 • Treaties tabled on 8 August 2006, including sale of uranium Procedure Committee and safeguards treaties with China • Encouraging an interactive chamber Report released on 6 December 2006 Report released 7 December 2006 •CO2 Sequestration in Sub-Seabed Formations: Proposal to • Motion to suspend standing orders and condemn a Member amend Annex 1 to the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on Report released 7 December 2006 the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes • The petitioning process and Other Matter, 1972 Submissions being sought. Closing date for submissions was Report being prepared 26 October 2006 but late submissions will be accepted. • Treaties tabled on 20 June 2006, including agreement • Question Time procedures with Mexico on the promotion and reciprocal protection of Submissions being sought. Closing date for submissions was investments 17 November 2006 but late submissions will be accepted. Report being prepared. Report on other 20 June 2006 treaties Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/proc released 9 October 2006. Email: [email protected] or • Treaty tabled on 17 October 2006 Phone:(02) 6277 4670 Report being prepared Public Accounts and Audit Committee • Treaty tabled on 28 November 2006 • Further review of aviation security in Australia Recommendation tabled in Report 82. A further detailed Report released on 4 December 2006 report being prepared. • Certain taxation matters • Treaty tabled on 6 December 2006 Public hearings being conducted Submissions being sought and public hearings being conducted • Financial reporting and equipment acquisition at the Department of Defence and Defence Material Organisation • Treaties tabled on 6 & 7 February 2007 Public hearings being conducted Submissions being sought and public hearings being conducted • Review of Auditor-General’s reports Web: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jsct Inquiry ongoing Email: [email protected] or Phone: (02) 6277 4002

About the House March 2007 59 WATCH SKY NEWS AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAYS OF PARLIAMENTARY SITTING WEEKS FOR THE NEW CURRENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM ABOUT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

ABOUT THE HOUSE TV Visit www.aph.gov.au/house/news for program dates or email [email protected] or phone freecall 1800 139 299 for more information.