THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THEAB OHOUSEUT
FOR LOVE OR MONEY Is the child support system working?
ISSUE 49 | FEBRUARY 2015 Road to Empowerment Protecting the rights of women and girls Vale Gough A tribute to Gough Whitlam ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
2 UP FRONT
About the House is going digital! Common questions
After 49 issues, this is the last print a screen, articles will come alive with edition of About the House magazine. animations, videos and interactive How do I get the digital We’ve listened to our readers’ feedback content. The magazine will still be version of About the House? and we know you want more up-to- available on our website. date news from About the House. Our new digital magazine will use an Thank you to our loyal readers for You need to install RepsApp and improved format that means readers your support over the past 16 years. then download each issue as it can access the latest news from the We look forward to sharing more becomes available (scan QR code House more often. great stories from the House of below). About the House will not Representatives with you, more be sent by email. The About the House digital magazine often, and in a more exciting way. will be available as a free download through RepsApp - the official App for the House of Representatives. In 2015, there will be six editions per year of the digital magazine. Each digital edition will include several features, the latest news, a one-on-one interview and an interactive quiz. What sort of device The new format will also be dynamic. Rather than just words on do I need? The digital About the House How to access About the House digital magazine Magazine is only accessible on tablet devices - either iOS or Android devices. It is not available iPad 9:45 AM 100% 1 3 5 on PCs, laptops or smartphones.
iPad 9:45 AM 100% You will need a stable WiFi How do I know when a new connection to issue is available? You need a tablet successfully device (e.g. iPad download the When you install RepsApp, you or Android tablet) magazine can sign up for push notifications so you will be alerted when a new issue is available. Otherwise you can expect an issue approximately 2 6 every eight weeks. Follow the instructions to I don’t have a tablet device install the App on – is there any way I can still your tablet access About the House? You need to install A web version will be available at RepsApp 4 www.aph.gov.au/ATHMag -the free House of Representatives App Once downloaded there is a quick Android users Library guide showing you (e.g. not an iPad) how to navigate need to go to the Once the App is the features of the Google play store; installed, open the magazine iOS users (e.g. iPad) App and touch the need to go to the Library icon. Select App Store and which digital issue search for of About the House 7 Australia’s House you would like to of Representatives download Happy reading! ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
3 IN THIS ISSUE
iStock THE LAW
34 Online advertising to stay on Government’s most popular website
35 Swiss treaty prevents tax evasion
35 New offence for importing designer drugs For love or money 16 36 Winning the race newspix against doping Josh Estey/CARE Josh
REGULARS
4 DESPATCH BOX Road to Vale empowerment Gough 22 29 5 HILLSIDE
7 NEWSFEED
15 ONE ON ONE
42 HOUSE RULES About the House My First Speech retrospective 38 winners 39 42 QUESTION TIME
House of Representatives About the House is published Paul Oglethorpe magazine, Issue 49, Editor: Printing: by the Department of the House CanPrint Communications Pty Ltd February 2015 Deputy Editors: of Representatives. For more Joe Italiano Front cover: information on the work of Andrea Close iStock Australia’s House of Representatives and Pip Blackwood visit: www.aph.gov.au/ath Creative Direction:
Contact: Prue Beckett, PBMC About the House magazine, PO Box 6021, Parliament House, Design and Production: Canberra ACT 2600 Lisa McDonald, Ph: Freecall 1800 139 299 House of Representatives Fax: (02) 6277 8521 Knowledge Management Email: [email protected] and Publishing Office ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
4 DESPATCH BOX
A MESSAGE FROM THE CLERK 2015 SITTING CALENDAR M T W Th F 26 27 28 29 30 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 FEBRUARY 23 24 25 26 27 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20
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APRIL 20 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 MAY
David Foote-Auspic/DPS David 18 19 20 21 22 29 AT WORK: David Elder, the Clerk of the House sits between Prime Minister Tony Abbott 25 26 27 28 and Speaker of the House the Hon Bronwyn Bishop. 1 2 3 4 5 8 9 10 11 12 he Australian Parliament is a vibrant institution. Every day in the chamber 15 16 17 18 19 and in committees, important events and interesting stories are unfolding. JUNE 22 23 24 25 26 TWhether it’s an inquiry into an issue that impacts over one million Australian WINTER children (page 16), a condolence motion for a former Prime Minister (page 29) or 29 30 1 2 3 an address from a world leader (page 12), there’s always something happening in 6 7 8 9 10 the Parliament and in the 240,000 square metres of Parliament House. 13 14 15 16 17 JULY Over the past 16 years About the House magazine has sought to bring these 20 21 22 23 24 stories into living rooms and libraries around the country. 27 28 29 30 31 When the magazine started back in 1999, email was still quite new and internet 3 4 5 6 7 connections were not common. 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 Fast forward to 2015 and most Australians are avid internet users, constantly 24 25 26 27 28 AUGUST connected to the online world through Wi-Fi enabled smartphones and tablets. 31 Additionally, the rapid expansion of social media means online spaces are now so 1 2 3 4 much more than just websites and email. 7 8 9 10 11 The way Australians access information has changed. We need to be able to create 14 15 16 17 18 and distribute information about the work of the House and the Parliament 21 22 23 24 25
in a way that’s both cost effective and efficient. With this in mind, About the SEPTEMBER House will transition to a digital magazine in February 2015. As a result of this 28 29 30 31 2 transition, I am pleased that we will be able to share more stories, more often and 5 6 7 8 9 with more people. 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 SPRING The digital magazine will continue to have feature articles and the latest news, OCTOBER and it will be enriched with dynamic content that will give greater depth to the 26 27 28 29 30 story. For example, if you enjoyed the One on One interview (page 15) with UK 2 3 4 5 6 Speaker, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, you will be pleased to know that in the 9 10 11 12 13 digital magazine you will be able to watch a video of the interview too. 16 17 18 19 20 27 Thank you to our loyal readers for your support over the years. I trust you enjoy 23 24 25 26 the article looking back on our best covers (page 37) and you stay with us as we NOVEMBER move to a digital format. 30 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 David Elder DECEMBER 28 29 30 31 Clerk of the House of Representatives BOTH REPS ONLY ACT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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MH17 HEALTH Agony persists for MH17 families Putting an The families of MH17 victims have been praised for their end to polio endurance, strength and courage by Members who represent them in their various electorates. Polio remains endemic in a number of countries, including Nigeria, but some MPs are saying now is the time newspix to bring an end to the infectious disease. Melissa Parke (Fremantle, WA), said progress in eliminating polio in Nigeria over the past year has been promising. “Especially in Kano state, the main source of polio viruses in the country, there has been real change. Only a few years ago, Nigeria had more polio cases than any other country. Last year, the country saw a 50 per cent reduction compared to the previous 12 months.” There’s still much to be done to rid the country of the acute, viral disease that spreads from person to person, according to Jane Prentice (Ryan, Qld). “Although substantial advancements have On July 17 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight 17 crashed near the Ukraine/ been made in the efforts of virus eradication, Russia border after being shot down, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew health systems have been weakened by on board. factors such as conflict and of failing to Nola Marino (Forrest, WA), spoke in the Federation Chamber of Leonie and deliver routine immunisation.” Bob Maslin, who lost their grandchildren, Mo, Evie and Otis in the crash. Ms Prentice said the possibility of She said their suffering is endless. unimmunised children being exposed to “For them the day has no end. They never wake up the next day and things the virus demands a quick response. are different. It is the same day after day after day for this family and so “The World Health Organisation has what an incredible amount of courage the whole family has shown and I declared polio a public health emergency cannot put into words the respect I have for all of them, and Leonie and Bob of international concern,” she said. themselves, their courage in this and their willingness to actually try to help those around us, around them, who are also suffering and wanting to offer “We are therefore responding promptly and support.” as effectively as possible, working alongside the WHO and Rotary International, to Jason Clare (Blaxland, NSW), has forged a relationship with the parents of further the proud history of support for Victor Arushkin, who died in the crash. polio eradication shown by the Australian “I didn’t know Victor but I wish I did. It would have been a privilege to government.” n know him. I am privileged to know his Mum and Dad, Serge and Vera, and his brothers and sisters. They’re the most wonderful and beautiful people that you could ever meet.” Mr Clare said the families are also victims of this crime and they live in a nightmare that they can’t wake up from. “My wife and I are privileged to have been invited into their home. When we were there we saw a loving family, a house filled with family and friends and 10 very loud and affectionate grandchildren,” he said. “When it was found, Victor’s suitcase was half-full of gifts for these beautiful little children. Gifts can be replaced, but Victor can’t.” n i S tock
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JUSTICE Fighting for gaoled journalist
Peter Greste aap In June 2013, Australian Peter Greste and two other Al Jazeera journalists were arrested by Egyptian authorities. Charged with reporting news that was damaging to Egyptian national security, they were found guilty and sentenced to seven years gaol. i S tock Laurie Ferguson (Werriwa, NSW), spoke passionately in the Federation Chamber about Australia’s obligations to Mr Greste and the continued effort HEALTH to gain his release from prison. “I think the Australian Parliament, regardless of political views, regardless The growing threat of the level of activity on human rights, regardless of members’ interest in international matters, is united in the need for this to happen. There is some of anaphylaxis hope, and I call for Australia to raise this matter at every international forum possible.” Anaphylaxis is a dangerous and Jane Prentice (Ryan, Qld), praised the work of Mr Greste and his colleagues, deadly condition brought on by saying that being a journalist is not a crime and truth is not terrorism. allergies to foods such as nuts or seafood. “Journalism is an honourable profession. We rely on the integrity of journalists as a primary source of our information—information upon which According to Anna Burke (Chisholm, Vic), we base judgements and decisions. We rely on the courage of journalists it is also the fastest growing chronic disease who report from troubled places, who place their lives at risk to report the in Australia, but public awareness of it facts. Peter Greste is a journalist of courage and integrity, and he’s a constant is low. reminder of freedom of speech, particularly in the Middle East.” The issue was debated in the House by (Editor’s Note: Peter Greste was released from prison on 1 February 2015 after several Members after Ms Burke called spending 400 days behind bars. His two colleagues remain incarcerated.) n for allergy and anaphylaxis to be made a national health priority. “We have one of the highest rates of food allergy in the world, with one in 10 HEALTH Australian babies aged 12 months having i S tock already had a food allergy. The number of reported life-threatening reactions due to Lack of awareness food allergy has doubled in the last 10 years, and in the last 20 years, hospital admissions on palliative care for food allergy have doubled.” Palliative care is an approach to improve Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Vic) spoke of the quality of life of people facing life- his experience with someone who lived with threatening illness, through the prevention the real risk of anaphylaxis. and relief of suffering. It will affect all of us, whether as a “I had a staff member who was allergic, not patient, carer, family member, neighbour or friend. to nuts, but to one particular nut. Even with Amanda Rishworth (Kingston, SA), called for an increase in community an EpiPen, she still ended up in Canberra awareness and understanding about the issue, and assurance of adequate Hospital.” funding for appropriate services. Anaphylaxis has played a terrifying role in the family of Tony Zappia (Makin, SA), “As our population ages, the demand for palliative care will increase and the whose baby granddaughter was diagnosed as pressure on these front-line services to deliver good, high-quality palliative being allergic to eggs, after having suffered care will be immense. We need to make sure that we are listening to those an episode. around the world who are putting this at the forefront.” “It was a terrifying experience not knowing Nola Marino (Forrest, WA), said that palliative care is an important part of how to deal with her at the time, not the government’s healthcare agenda. realising what was happening, and as a result “I am sure that members would be particularly pleased to see the $52 million of that, it opened our eyes to the importance that the government announced during National Palliative Care Week, to of this issue across the spectrum,” he said. n improve palliative care services and training,” she said. n ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Time to Act on Northern Australia Australia’s North is a region vital to the economic growth of the nation.
orthern Australia is one Hann Highway; Peninsula Nof the greatest challenges i S tock Development Road; and opportunities facing the Tanami Road; Outback country. Way; and beef development This is the view of Parliament’s roads. Northern Australia Committee, n Cost-benefit analysis to be which has tabled its final conducted on a rail link report on the development between Mount Isa and of the region. Tennant Creek, and the The committee took on building of passing lanes on several tasks, including the Darwin to Alice Springs investigating the potential Railway. for development of industries n Funding and development such as mining, energy, of water infrastructure agriculture and tourism, projects that meet scientific and finding ways to address and economic assessments impediments to economic and are consistent and social growth. with national water Committee Chair, Warren policy, including: use of Entsch (Leichhardt, Qld), said groundwater for expanding it is time to act on Northern horticulture, Flinders River Australia, an area with a small Weir, Urannah Dam, Elliot population but large resource Main Channel, Nullinga potential. THE GREAT NORTH: Calls for best development options. Dam, Eden Bann and Rockwood Weirs on the “Northern Australia covers Fitzroy River, Cloncurry over 40 per cent of Australia’s land the capacity of our Asian neighbours to Dam, Cave Hill, and mass but contains only 4 per cent of feed themselves through the pioneering proceeding with the set-up of the the population. It has abundant land, work that has been done in agricultural Water Project Development Fund. water and mineral resources. It has and horticultural innovation,” said Mr n medical and educational institutions Entsch. Investigation of the potential and with world class facilities.” practicality of special economic zones. Twenty seven public hearings and n Measures to reduce insurance Northern Australia sits on the doorstep 15 days of site inspections were held premiums in Northern Australia to of Asia and the tropics, which by in communities throughout the affordable levels. 2050, will encompass over half of the Northern Territory, Queensland and world’s population. Mr Entsch said Western Australia. Industry, council, n Continued funding of the Great that development could bring great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative. opportunities. business, Indigenous and community representatives identified what they see The committee’s findings and “The committee has made as the issues that need to be addressed. recommendations will inform a recommendations to establish a The report makes 42 recommendations Government White Paper, to be Cooperative Research Centre for released later this year. northern agriculture, and develop a with seven priority recommendations: national institute for tropical sports n The creation of a Department of The full report can be found at and sports medicine.” Northern Australian Development, www.aph.gov.au/jscna n Some of the most important based in Northern Australia. contributions to the inquiry stressed n The identification of key roads and LINKS the need for detailed research on the the commitment of funding for their best economic and social development upgrade as a matter of priority, subject www.aph.gov.au/jscna options. to relative benefit assessment. Projects [email protected] “We might not be the food bowl for to consider include: continued upgrade Australia but we certainly can put more of National Highways (including the (02) 6277 4162 food on the table, and we can advance Bruce and Stuart Highways); ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Condolences for victims of the Life experience required Martin Place seige when handling tax disputes A condolence book for the victims of Commonwealth Ombudsman calls for a the December 15 Sydney siege was placed in the Parliament House Marble triage system when handling complaints Foyer paying tribute to the victims of the Martin Place siege, in which three people died, including the hostage- i S tock taker. Fifteen other hostages survived the ordeal. The flag atop Parliament House in Canberra flew at half-mast as a sign of respect for the victims. As a result of the tragedy, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the Premier of NSW, Mike Baird, established a review. Prime Minister Abbott said that following the tragic loss of innocent lives, we must learn what we can from this incident and implement any changes necessary at the state and federal level. “The Commonwealth and New South Wales governments will urgently conduct a review into the Martin Place SENIOR TAX OFFICERS: The ATO is trying to boost taxpayer trust. siege and what lessons can be learned from the events leading up to and enior tax officers with greater “There are all sorts of problems with surrounding the siege. As our State and Slife experience need to pay more things like pay rates, levels and all Commonwealth law enforcement and attention to dealing with complaints the rest of it in both the public sector security agencies work together to keep from the public, a parliamentary and the private sector. You have Australia safe, the review will identify inquiry has been told. very fine young people with terrific important lessons for the future.” education and all the rest of it, but, “The review will take account of the The Tax and Revenue Committee unless they have seen both sides of parallel investigations into the incident is investigating disputes between the real world, they come up with including by the NSW State Coroner, taxpayers and the Australian Taxation a slant on something which is not NSW Police and Australian Federal Office (ATO), in particular in relation particularly helpful for either party— Police,” the Prime Minister said. to collecting revenue; fair treatment the complainant or the institution,” (Editor’s Note: The review has now and respect of taxpayers; and efficiency, said Mr Neave. been completed and the governments’ effectiveness and transparency from the Committee Chair, John Alexander response to the report is expected in perspective of both taxpayers and the (Bennelong, NSW), said, “Through the coming weeks.) n ATO. Committee’s work which will contribute The Commonwealth Ombudsman, to the Government’s broader agenda on aap tax reform, the ATO has made clear its Colin Neave AM, told the committee efforts to promote taxpayer confidence that life experience is vital for the and trust in the system.” n proper handling of disputes. “You really have to have that triage system in place. The most experienced LINKS people in an organisation are often www.aph.gov.au/TaxRev the people who should be involved in dealing with complaints, but quite [email protected] often it is the most junior people who 02 6277 4821 are involved in complaints. ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Freedom of Possible referendum on Constitutional speech in a recognition of Aboriginal people The committee
modern day i S tock recommended that the House of democracy Representatives and the Senate should each allocate a full day of parliamentary sittings to debate concurrently the three options. Based on the written submissions and public hearings so far, the committee is convinced of the Community support for the benefits of recognising Aboriginal and constitutional recognition of Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Constitution. peoples is on the rise. Committee Chair, Ken Wyatt University students throughout According to the progress report (Hasluck, WA), said that action is Australia have been challenged of the Joint Select Committee on needed to focus the nation’s attention by the Speaker of the House of Constitutional Recognition of on, and build momentum towards, Representatives in a competition Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander what would be a significant change to designed to raise awareness of the Peoples, community support grew our founding document. House among young Australians. between August 2013 and August “A ‘circuit breaker’ should be rapidly The Speaker’s University Challenge 2014. identified to settle the final form of encourages students to voice their However, the report showed words, and draw debate on the model opinions during a three minute video to a conclusion. This will build a awareness of the proposed referendum sense of national urgency and provide on a topic chosen by Speaker, the Hon on constitutional recognition of Bronwyn Bishop (Mackellar, NSW). renewed certainty that the country Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will proceed to a referendum,” said Last year’s challenge, titled “Freedom peoples fell from 42 per cent to 34 per Mr Wyatt. of speech in a modern day democracy”, cent during the same period. was won by Patrisha Kay from Griffith “Ultimately, a referendum proposal It showed that a successful referendum University, and first prize included a must take the form of a Bill submitted trip to Canberra to meet her challenger. proposal would need to meet three to Parliament, and that Bill must primary objectives: be passed by an absolute majority Ms Kay argued that there is no real n recognise Aboriginal and Torres in both houses. It is imperative freedom of speech because there are so that the wording of that Bill be many restrictions, from defamation to Strait Islander peoples as the first capable of achieving near unanimous discrimination. peoples of Australia; parliamentary support.” n “We are constantly thinking whether n preserve the Commonwealth’s power to make laws with respect to our words will be misconstrued, but in LINKS this age of mass social media, we aren’t Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander really listened to anyway,” she said. peoples; and www.aph.gov.au/IndigenousAffairs n Entries were judged upon well- in making laws under such a power, [email protected] constructed arguments that engage the prevent the Commonwealth from audience, original and creative ideas discriminating against Aboriginal (02) 6277 4559 and presentation, and demonstrated and Torres Strait Islander peoples. use of evidence and research. n #qtFOLLOW#Budget2014 HOUSE OF #unichallenge #dronesREPRESENTATIVES @A#supportboutTheHouse #skinNEWS#cancer ON TWITTER#unichallenge#child ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Social media Self-governance fails acknowledged on Norfolk Island in the Chamber The rapid growth of social media is shaping the way in which Members i S tock communicate, in much the same way as the internet and email changed the way they interacted with their constituents. This is one of the findings in a Procedure Committee report that examined the current regulatory framework regarding the use of electronic devices and the way they are being used by Members in the House. Issues such as the potential impact on order in the Chamber, respect for the role of the Chair, and the likely status of comments made by Members on social media were examined during the inquiry. Committee Chair, Don Randall (Canning, WA), said Members can now reach mass audiences instantaneously Norfolk Island is increasingly recommended that islanders start from their places in the Chamber, and reliant on handouts from the federal paying mainland taxes in return for while many Members have adopted government and its self-governance benefits. Even with such a change, the this new technology with enthusiasm, should be repealed, a parliamentary loss of the island’s semi-autonomous they need to be mindful of the rights committee has reported. status appears inevitable. of others and the need to uphold the The Joint Standing Committee on The tiny community was settled by dignity of the House and its formal the National Capital and External ancestors of the Bounty mutineers in proceedings. Territories tabled its report, “Same 1856 and increasingly relies on federal The first recommendation relates to country: different world - The future government funding. The report says a Privileges and Members’ Interests of Norfolk Island”, making eight it is an ‘unfortunate economic reality’ recommendations to improve the that the territory’s model of self- island’s economic future. government, established 35 years ago, The committee recommended has failed the island’s 1,800 residents. improving infrastructure, enhancing existing tourist products and services Mr Simpkins says the committee is and developing new ones, as well as aiming to ensure residents have the complementary industries. same opportunities as the rest of the country. Committee Chair, Luke Simpkins (Cowen, WA), said economic and “At the moment, we’ve got all sorts of governance reform have long been a economic problems there and we just topic of discussion. want what is best for the people,” he “Norfolk Island is effectively bankrupt said. and self-governance does not best The full report is available at www. serve the residents of the island. aph.gov.au/jscncet n “The evidence tells us it is time for change. That change, while LINKS challenging, will allow for economic viability and prosperity into the www.aph.gov.au/jscncet future. This is what must be done for the people of Norfolk Island,” he said. [email protected] A road map devised by the federal (02) 6277 4355 and local government in 2011 i S tock ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Committee publication, which provides practical guidelines for Members on issues encountered by them in their AFP and telecommunications correspondence and records, including their status. The Procedure Committee targeting online crime recommended that expansion of these guidelines to address communications The Australian Federal Police (AFP) says that made by Members using electronic i S tock devices would be advantageous. criminals are constantly looking for opportunities The second recommendation is to exploit technology in order to commit crime. focused entirely on the use of electronic devices by Members in the Chamber, under the subsection, and Federation Chamber and committees what level of authority and proposes that the House adopts a they should have to resolution which: make such requests,” n permits Members’ use of electronic said Ms Prentice. devices in the Chamber, Federation “Importantly, we are Chamber and committees, provided also focusing on the that use of any device should avoid characteristics of illegal interference or distraction to other or potentially illegal Members, either visually or audibly, services that should be and should not interfere with subject to such requests, proceedings – in particular, phone and the most appropriate calls are not permitted and devices iStock transparency and should be operated in silent mode; BLOCKING OUT: Online crime. accountability measures that should accompany n devices are not permitted to record the such requests.” proceedings (either by audio or visual hould agencies be able to means); Sobtain assistance from the Acting Deputy Commissioner Close telecommunications industry when Operations Support and AFP Assistant n communication on social media Commissioner, Kevin Zuccato, said regarding private meetings of upholding Australian law in the fight against online crime? that online crime is not like traditional committees or in camera hearings will crime. be considered a potential breach of The House Standing Committee on “If I am investigating cocaine privilege; Infrastructure and Communications importations, I am looking at South is currently investigating the n America and leveraging off my use of devices should be as unobtrusive use of subsection 313(3) of the as possible and should be directly colleagues in the US. If I am looking Telecommunications Act 1997, which at heroin, I am in Asia…. but with this related to the Members’ parliamentary provides Commonwealth, state and duties; and type of activity, it could be anybody, territory agencies with the ability to anywhere. In a lot of instances, that can n notes that communication via block access to certain websites. be a very sophisticated operation coming electronic devices, whether in the The AFP uses section 313 to block out of Russia or it can be a rudimentary Chamber or not, is unlikely to be websites which contain the most severe set-up coming out of some kid’s home covered by parliamentary privilege; child sexual abuse and exploitation in Cooma,” Assistant Commissioner and reflections on the Chair by material. When a user attempts to access Zuccato said. Members made on social media may one of these sites, they are blocked with be treated as matters of order just as In its submission to the inquiry, the a page that provides certain information, AFP said that an appropriately senior any such reflections made inside or including reasons for the block and outside the Chamber. level of accountability and oversight contact details for any dispute. when using the subsection should be The committee received five submissions Other Commonwealth agencies have in place, in order to maintain public to the inquiry along with informal also used section 313 to prevent the confidence that blocking powers feedback from Members. The full report continuing operation of online services are being used proportionately and can be found at www.aph.gov.au/proc n in breach, or potentially in breach, of appropriately. n Australian law, such as online fraud.
LINKS Committee Chairman, Jane Prentice LINKS (Ryan, Qld), said the committee’s www.aph.gov.au/proc inquiry is focusing solely on the use www.aph.gov.au/pjcis of the subsection for the purpose of [email protected] disrupting illegal online services. [email protected] (02) 6277 4670 “The committee is looking at which (02) 6277 2360 government agencies can make requests ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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World leaders visit Australian Parliament The leaders of three of Australia’s largest trading partners addressed special sittings of the House of Representatives in November.
enators were invited to join Members in the House to hear S newspix Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon David Cameron MP, President of China His Excellency Xi Jingping and Prime Minister of India Mr Narendra Modi, who were in the country for the G20 leaders’ summit. Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, told Parliament the visits were an opportunity to strengthen some of Australia’s most crucial international relationships. “It’s a chance to showcase our country and to promote jobs and growth with the leaders of the world’s largest and most representative economies. These leaders represent two thirds of the world’s population and some 85 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product,” Mr Abbott said. UK PRIME MINISTER DAVID CAMERON: Visiting Australia ‘like visiting family’. UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, in adversity and tested over time,” Mr narrative. So we must confront this said his second visit to Australia as Cameron said. extremism in all its forms,” said Mr Prime Minister felt like visiting family. Cameron. He described Australia as a can-do The UK Prime Minister stressed country that wants to shape the world that there is no opt-out from today’s The UK Prime Minister concluded his it lives in—not be shaped by it. struggles and that we must deal with speech to the special sitting saying that terrorist extremism by addressing its we should never take our good fortune He said that each year, more than root cause. 600,000 Britons visit Australia and a for granted. “It is not poverty and it is not exclusion “We live in countries where the press is million Aussies travel to the UK. He from the mainstream. Of course we also said that our mateship runs deep. have more to do, but we are both free, the law is fair, the right to redress “In almost every major conflict for successful, multicultural democracies is universally available, property rights 100 years, we have fought and bled where opportunities abound. are universally enforceable and freedom and died alongside each other—in the of speech is the foundation of our “It is not foreign policy. In our democracy. Second World War, from the ingenuity democracies, we must never give in to of the Dam Busters to the endurance the idea that disagreeing with a foreign “These things have made our countries of Tobruk, and in our lifetimes, in policy in any way justifies terrorist great, and if we have the courage to Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq. outrages. No. The root cause of the stand by them they will continue to do Ours is an alliance that has been forged challenge we face is the extremist so now and for generations to come.” n u Video news from committees u Highlights from the House About the u Question Time replays House TV Take a look inside your House www.aph.gov.au/athtv ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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“Big guy” China full Inquiry votes NO for electronic voting of opportunity At the next election, will we be voting with a pencil and paper or the click of China’s growth brings further opportunities. a mouse? Brazil has used electronic voting 2020. The second machines since 2000 and in Estonia, app is to turn China the electorate votes via a click of the into a modern mouse over the internet. Advocates socialist country for electronic voting argue that it is a that is prosperous, logical next step and potentially more democratic, culturally secure. advanced and In Australia, we still vote with a pencil harmonious by and paper and then the sheets are the middle of the counted manually. century,” he said. The Electoral Matters Committee has President Xi noted tabled its second interim report on its that some nations inquiry into the conduct of the 2013 have concerns about federal election: An assessment of China—that as a electronic voting options. The report country of over 1.3 reveals that, for the present, electronic billion people, it is the voting is not a feasible option in ‘big guy’ in the crowd. Australia. “They wonder how Committee Chair, Tony Smith (Casey, TRADE PARTNERS: Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Chinese the ‘big guy’ will President His Excellency Xi Jinping. Vic), said that our voting system has move and act and they changed and evolved over the 113 years may be concerned since the first federal election in 1901, hina’s President His Excellency Xi that the ‘big guy’ may push them but that electronic voting for the next CJinping made the first state visit by around, stand in their way or even take federal election will not happen. a President of the People’s Republic up their place,” he said. of China since 2007 and it coincided “In logistical terms, it would be “But while China is big in size, our impossible for our electoral authorities with the announcement of a free-trade forefathers realised over 2,000 years ago agreement between the two countries. to roll it out next polling day, which that a warlike state, however big it may is less than two years away,” Mr Smith China’s remarkable economic be, will eventually fall.” said. development has propelled it to It is estimated that in the next five become our largest trading partner and But what about future elections? With years, China will import more than electronic voting, the results are known a significant investor, and President US$10 trillion of goods, its outbound Xi said that economic and cultural within minutes of polls closing rather investment will exceed US$500 billion, than hours, days or weeks, and there interactions and cooperation between and Chinese tourists will make over the two countries are flourishing. would be none of the human error that 500 million overseas visits. occurs in the long paper ballot count. “Two-way trade grew from US$86 President Xi said all this will provide With internet voting, voters would million in the early years of our a bigger market, more capital and diplomatic relations to US$136.4 no longer have the expense or products, and valuable cooperation inconvenience of physically going to billion in 2013, and China has been opportunities for Australia. Australia’s biggest trading partner the polling booths and waiting in line. for five consecutive years while also “As the Chinese saying goes, true being Australia’s largest source of friendship exists only when there is i S tock international students and tourism an abiding commitment to pursue revenue,” the President said. common goals. With our joint efforts, the friendship between the Chinese President Xi said that his government and Australian people will span over has set two goals for China’s future mountains and oceans. Such friendship development. will withstand rain and storm, and “The first is to double the 2010 GDP will be as strong and everlasting as and per capita income of urban and the majestic Uluru rock in Central rural residents and build a society of Australia and the Great Wall in initial prosperity in all respects by northern China.” n ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Mr Smith said that for this reason, internet voting seems to be the most attractive options for voters. Sharing more than a love “As an election expert from the USA recently said to me: ‘when it comes to for cricket with India voting, folks would rather be online than in line.’” Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi urges However, the inquiry found that the separation of religion and terrorism. Australia is not in a position to introduce any large-scale system of electronic voting in the near future, without catastrophically compromising newspix its electoral integrity. “Over the course of the twenty hearings to date and in reviewing the 207 submissions received, after hearing from a range of experts and surveying the international electoral landscapes, it is clear that internet electronic voting is highly vulnerable to hacking,” said Mr Smith. “In future, it is likely, given the turbo- advances in technology, that a system of online electronic voting could be delivered with acceptable safety and security.” Indian-Australians came out to see Narendra Modi. Mr Smith said there are other A ROCKSTAR’S WELCOME: aspects of our voting process that should be brought into the modern arendra Modi made the first visit Prime Minister Modi sees Australia as electronic world; aspects that will not Nto Australia by an Indian Prime a major partner in every area of India’s compromise the security, sanctity and Minister since 1986 and he received a growth, including health and education. secrecy of the ballot. rockstar’s welcome. “We will partner to provide skills and “At present, every electorate booth Following Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s education to youth, a roof over every head and electricity in every household, has a paper roll and when you vote visit to India to continue discussions the most affordable health care for your name is crossed off. With an on strengthening trade and economic the most difficult diseases, the next interconnected electronic roll, when links between the two countries, tens of thousands of Indian-Australians generation of infrastructure, and energy your name is crossed off and you that does not cause our glaciers to melt. are provided with a ballot, it will be welcomed Mr Modi into the country. simultaneously crossed off at every His entrance into the House of “In turn, India will be the answer to your search for new economic opportunities other booth, reducing the opportunity Representatives was received just as for multiple voting in your name. and your desire to diversify your global warmly, as Mr Modi described the economic engagement,” said Mr Modi. “At the same time, we should start to two countries as united by the ideals introduce electronic scanning of ballot of democracy and proud of their many Like Prime Minister Cameron, Prime papers. This enables an electronic shared values. Minister Modi spoke of his region’s count, the results of which would be security and said that terrorism has “We celebrate the legend of Bradman delivered minutes after the close of the become a major threat for all. and the class of Tendulkar together. We polls. The same physical count that “Terrorism is changing in character and are impressed by Australian speed as you occurs now would still be performed expanding in its reach. It will require for verification,” he said. For the full are charmed by Indian spin, until, of a resolve to isolate those who harbour report, see www.aph.gov.au/em. n course, Shane Warne came along!” terrorists, a willingness to empower states “Australia evokes images not just of that will fight them, a social movement against extremism in countries where LINKS immense beauty but also of a great quality of life. Today, its cities are it is most prevalent, and every effort www.aph.gov.au/em alive with the richness of this world’s to de-link religion and terrorism,” Mr diversity. And it is home to 450,000 Modi said. [email protected] Indians, who are as proud to be part “So we stand together at a moment (02) 6277 2374 of Australia as they are of their Indian of enormous opportunity and great heritage,” he said. responsibility.” n ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
15 ONE ON ONE
UK Speaker the Rt Hon John Bercow MP
Digital technology will inevitably play a greater aap role in how Members of Parliament engage with the community and forge relationships with them, according to the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP. r Bercow visited the Australian Parliament recently and met his Australian counterpart, Speaker of the HouseM of Representatives, the Hon Bronwyn Bishop MP. While in Canberra, he took the opportunity to speak publicly about the Commission on Digital Democracy, which he has set up in the UK to investigate the democratic process in the digital age. Mr Bercow said the use of social media is so much more widespread amongst the electorate than was the case five years ago, when he became Speaker. “Within Parliament, there has been an increasing desire for parliamentarians to use modern communication OPEN TO NEW TECHNOLOGIES: Speaker of the UK House devices, and the approach we’ve taken is that they should of Commons, the Rt Hon John Bercow. be able to be used in the chamber subject to the caveat that their use should not impair decorum.” “I had noticed, particularly in meetings with young people, just how differently people were communicating. Mr Bercow said that Parliament’s challenge is to consider Their natural habitat was through using a technological how it presents data in order to make it most accessible, device to engage or get a message across, or form and and he cites digital voting as an inevitability. sustain friendships. I knew Parliament was not yet part of “My instinct is that online voting in elections will come that world and thought perhaps it needs to be. to the UK and around the world. But if it does come, it “I don’t suggest for one moment that digital technology won’t be a question of people being instructed to vote could constitute some sort of panacea for political that way. It’ll be used as an option, so if you want to disengagement, but as one part of a strategy to revive vote in a traditional manner with a pencil in a polling interest in politics and restore the reputation of the booth, of course you should have that opportunity. profession, it may be worthwhile.” “So far, the Commission has received submissions by Mr Bercow said that, traditionally, communication in some against online voting, saying the integrity of the politics has been a very lengthy process. ballot is vital and could be undermined. Some say there isn’t a huge demand for it, that there are privacy issues “A letter winging its way through the snail-mail to an MP, who after due deliberation, will consider how to that may be compromised. Equally, we’ve received some respond —we are not in that world now. We’re in a very potent and insistent submissions in favour, citing world of instant communication and I think that just Estonia as an example, where almost a quarter of the because we can’t arrive at perfect solutions for embracing electorate is voting online,” he said. direct democracy through technology, doesn’t mean we The UK Parliament is generally regarded as one of the should do nothing.” world leaders in the use of social media for promoting Speaker John Bercow’s Digital Democracy Commission engagement with the public but, perhaps surprisingly, Mr will report early in 2015, the UK Parliament’s 750th Bercow does not have a personal Twitter account. birthday, and Mr Bercow says he looks forward to seeing “It’s partly because I don’t think I’d manage my own site the Parliament’s employment of social media to showcase properly in view of the amount of time involved and I’m all the colour and celebration of the event. not keen on sub-contracting to someone else to comment “We need to grip the issue of technology, how can we use in my name.” it, how can it help us, what are the dangers, can they be Mr Bercow says the Commission on Digital Democracy mitigated and, if so, how? came about due to observations of what is happening “I’m not one of those people who believe in the ‘out there’. He felt Parliament was considerably behind attainment of perfection but I do think that part of a the curve, so far as the deployment of technology was Speaker’s role is to try to achieve a state of affairs that is at concerned. least modestly better than the present.” n
ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
17 For love or money
Is the child support system working? Story: Pip Blackwood
oney. Not a topic many people feel comfortable Introduced in 1988, the Child Support Program (CSP) aims Mdiscussing. Add children and ex-partners into the to alleviate poverty of sole parent families and create a fairer conversation and tensions can start to rise. Child support is balance between the public and private support of children. an issue where the emotions of relationships and the realities Administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS), of bank balances collide. the program aims to ensure that both parents contribute to Child support isn’t just difficult for people financially. the costs of their children. The strain of dealing with the system can take its toll. George Christensen (Dawson, Qld) is the committee Chair Complicated assessment processes, conflicting advice, leading the inquiry. communication breakdown and allegations of system bias “The Child Support Program assists families at moments make money just the tip of the iceberg. While the focus of great stress, and it is designed to focus on the needs and seems to be on frustrated mums and dads, little attention is costs of children. The committee wants to look at the way it given to the children whose needs are the central aim of the operates, to ensure that it works for all families and to see if scheme. it is flexible and supportive enough to deal with the range of Some of these frustrations have been spelt out by different family situations,” he said. respondents to a questionnaire on the issue. Reflecting on Being such a personal issue, the inquiry committee wanted the negotiation process, one respondent said, “there has been to hear directly from people with a lived experience of no ease in arranging child support, it has taken many phone the child support system. The online questionnaire was calls, arguments and tears to arrange anything”. Yet on the developed to help the committee hear from a broad range other side of the spectrum, another respondent noted their of people and feedback from respondents ranged from negotiation was “relatively easy due to maintaining a good reflective to frustrated. Although not a statistical tool, the relationship with my ex”. questionnaire has been useful in illustrating many of the The questionnaire, which received over 11,000 responses, recurring themes of the inquiry: communication between was conducted by the House of Representatives Standing separated partners and communication with DHS, how the Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs as part of system meets the changing life circumstances of users, and its inquiry into the child support system. The inquiry whether the system is fair. is examining what sort of problems the 1.3 million One respondent questioned if the payment calculation is Australians who pay or receive child support face; including ultimately fair on him. He said, “My ex-wife has remarried, consideration of better ways to manage late payments, the and I am still paying the full rate of pay. Why aren’t flexibility of the system, and provisions and protections for the assets/income of the parent’s partner/husband/wife children in high-conflict families. included?” Nearly as many children as adults are in the child support The committee has heard how both mothers and fathers system. About 1.1 million Australian children are covered by alike feel the system is inherently biased against them. child support. The majority of these are kids under 12 years Committee Chair George Christensen says there have been of age. The average annual payment is $4,400 but in over 36 allegations of DHS favouring the primary carer, who is per cent of cases, it’s less than $500. usually the mother. i S tock ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Questions from parents about the fairness of the system rarely centre on the children involved. iStock
“There have been allegations where misogyny from both male and female the children involved. Child support, DHS has assessed the paying parent DHS child support workers,” she said. by virtue of its own name, is meant to be payments for children. But the to one standard but not upheld those Claims of manipulative mothers versus language of the system is very much similar standards to payees,” he said. deadbeat dads aside, it gets further focused on parents. Many of the Petula Broad from the Hobart complicated if a separated parent submissions have called for a shift Women’s Health Centre disagrees. Her re-partners. This means parents who in this framework so that the child submission calls for a culture change have more than one child support case support system is based on the rights of within DHS. can be a payer in one instance and the the child. payee in the other. “Single fathers in our culture are Dr Kristin Natalier, a senior lecturer seen as heroes, while single mothers Questions from parents about the in Sociology at the University of are vilified… many women allege fairness of the system rarely centre on Tasmania, argues that making the best interests of the child the paramount consideration in informing policy and
iStock practice is a long standing family law and policy principle. “Balancing the interests of both parents is an appropriate aim of the child support scheme, but this must always be subordinate to the best interests of the children of the relationship,” Dr Natalier said. The scheme uses a formula that considers parents’ incomes, the number
COMMUNICATION: Communication is a recurring theme in the inquiry not just how agencies communicate with each other but how they communicate with clients who use the system. ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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About 1.1 million Australian children are covered by child support. The majority of these are kids under 12. iStock
of children and the cost of raising and the remainder were withdrawn circumstances for payees and their them, and how much care each parent or dismissed. DHS also systematically children. provides for each child. reviews general complaints. Around “Payees (the majority of whom are Parents have two options for how 23,000 complaints were recorded mothers) cannot rely on child support payments are collected. The majority in 2012-13. The majority of these when planning to meet the on-going of users opt for private collect. This is complaints relate to collection and costs of raising children, and cannot where the payee collects the payments quality of service. engage in meaningful short term directly from the payer. Under a Committee Chair George Christensen and long term financial planning private collect arrangement, DHS says for the most part people find the to maximise the wellbeing of their issues assessment notices but does system to be working effectively. children. In practice, payees have an not keep a record of what payments “But there is a percentage who find it unreasonable level of responsibility for have been made or what debt is owed. difficult for a range of reasons. Within reporting and pursuing child support Alternatively, if a payee is having this percentage who are finding the non-payment, partial payment and difficulty with the private collect system difficult, it’s often because irregular payment,” explained Dr system, they can have DHS collect there’s this irreparable breakdown Natalier. payments for them. The payer must of the relationship between the two Some believe the full scope of non- make payments to DHS, who then parents of the child the system is payment is hard to measure accurately, passes them on to the payee. DHS supposed to be looking after,” he said. with some parents unwilling to pursue keeps records of all transactions and can Simply put, a minority of people missing money due to threats to their take action to enforce payments from safety and security. payers in arrears. who use the scheme appear to be experiencing the most acute issues. Alina Thomas from Support Help On paper, the majority of the 1.3 Empowerment (SHE) Tasmania million separated parents that use One of the most concerning aspects of irreparable relationship breakdown runs a counselling service for women the scheme have minimal problems. impacted by domestic violence. Parents can object to the Child Support is when the payer stops making Registrar’s original decision about payments. It is difficult to get a “Women will often put their safety and payment arrangements. Only 1,900 complete picture of this situation their children’s safety before financial child support decisions were reviewed because DHS do not capture data security,” she said. in the 2012-13 year by the Social relating to private collect arrangements. “Often women feel that their Securities Appeals Tribunal (SSAT). However, research by Dr Kristin ex-partners could be using the child Of these 1,900 reviews only 460 were Natalier shows missing, insufficient support payment as an opportunity to affirmed, 780 were set aside or varied or irregular payments create difficult continue or further the abuse, coercion ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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Child support isn’t just difficult for people financially. The strain of dealing with the system can take its toll.
or influence. I think it does open up scope for manipulation, so that women may not feel like they’re in control of the situation. It goes back to ‘Do I say what I’m supposed to say to keep him happy?’ or ‘Do I do what’s best for my children?’” In addition to the social impacts of missing payments, there is also a significant impact on the economy. DHS figures show that as at 31 March 2014, there was $1.35 billion in outstanding child support payments. How the government can recoup these missing payments, to benefit both the payees and support the economy more broadly, is connected to how effectively government agencies communicate with each other. Committee Chair George Christensen agrees there is supposed to be interaction and communication
iStock between Centrelink, the Australian Taxation Office and DHS, but many submissions to the inquiry reported this communication is ineffective. “It’s something we’re going to have to go back to the departments and ask questions about. If on paper it’s all supposed to be open so we get the best outcome, but in reality we’re hearing from people engaged in the child support system saying ‘it’s just not working’, we need to find out what the problem is,” he said. Communication is a recurring theme in the inquiry not just how agencies communicate with each other but how they communicate with clients who use the system.
iStock One payer, responding to the online questionnaire, wrote “I earned more ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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money, so CSA [DHS] updated my disbursement, there would be less FINANCIAL SECURITY: assessment and demanded more money confusion and stress for both payees Women will often put their from my employer via an embarrassing and payers. safety and their children’s safety over financial security. letter. This really hurts. Can this please Going one step further – so payees can be done in a nicer way? Happy to pay engage in more meaningful financial more, talk to us fathers, don’t demand planning – is moving to a guaranteed from our employers with horrible it may just cost too much for the payments model. Dr Kristin Natalier government to afford,” he said. letters”. argues that this guaranteed payment Any changes to the child support Telephone is the main way child model would be in the best interests of system are still a while away. The support services are delivered. It’s children. also possible to make a child support committee expects to table its report In her submission to the inquiry, Dr application online. A criticism of the in early 2015. Just like relationship Natalier wrote, “The DHS Child system is that it is too complicated breakdown itself, the system and Support Programme should ensure for users to understand. One its reform can be drawn out and the full amount of enforceable child questionnaire respondent feels “It complicated. Mr Christensen reflects support liability is transferred to payees. that it comes down to real people and is very common to get multiple, This transfer should occur irrespective how they interact. duplicated letters. Phone line operators of the payer’s transfer of agreed give conflicting information/advice. “It may simply be that with human amounts, and whilst CSA [DHS] Wait times to speak to a phone line systems, something always goes wrong pursues the collection of liabilities from operator are extremely long and because humans are fallible - you’re the payer.” frequently you are transferred to wrong always going to have mistakes happen. department or to someone who is not Committee Chair George Christensen It’s how we put systems in place to available.” sees merit in this suggestion, as the minimise those mistakes - ultimately a lot of this inquiry is going to come There have been many suggestions scheme is meant to prevent children down to this.” n about how the shortfalls of the child from living in poverty. support system can be resolved. “However, we need to balance it up In tackling the big issues of non- against how we’re going to pay for compliance and communication, there that – this is something the committee LINKS have been calls to make the agency take is going to have to agonise over and www.aph.gov.au/spla a bigger role in managing payments. do the sums on how much it’s going [email protected] This would remove the burden of to cost. It may be that in certain responsibility from system users. With circumstances a government guarantee (02) 6277 2358 the agency managing collection and is necessary but in all circumstances How to protect the fundamental rights of women and girls in two deeply patriarchal societies. Story: Andrea Close
AFGHANISTAN: When Fatima (11) lost her mother, World PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Training participants discuss mother and Vision’s counsellors worked with her father on the benefits of child health issues in their community. World Vision conducted girl education so she could attend a World Vision centre for a three-day Mother and Child Health Peer Education training street children. Fatima now dreams of becoming a doctor. session attended by men, women and children in Port Moresby. Photographer: Narges Ghafary/World Vision Photographer: Paula Kari/World Vision
hen it comes to comparing Afghanistan and Papua experienced some form of violence, such as physical, New Guinea, it’s easy to spot the differences and psychological, sexual, economic violence, social abuse Australia’sW relationship with both countries varies greatly. as well as forced and early marriage. Afghanistan is a country of 32 million people with cultural These are shocking statistics but, according to aid agencies and religious complexity. The mountainous, landlocked working in the region, denying these women and girls their South-Central Asian nation has been torn apart by decades fundamental rights to live without fear and persecution of war. due to perceived cultural sensitivities is crippling homes, Papua New Guinea is a rain-forest covered Pacific island, communities and entire societies. home to several hundred tribes, and is one of the world’s International development agencies such as World Vision least explored lands. and CARE Australia say violence against women and girls is But they have a tragic commonality. In Papua New Guinea, inextricably linked to a lack of economic independence and at least two thirds of women have experienced violence, and a lack of women in decision making positions. one third have been subjected to rape. The internal dynamics of these countries are important Violence against women and girls in Afghanistan is almost to Australia, not only in humanitarian terms but also for at pandemic level, with up to 87 percent of women having stability, security and economic growth in the region. Photographer: Josh Estey/CARE ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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“The disempowerment is maintained by structures including culture, religion, laws and policies and they are continually reinforced both by women and men.”
As part of its inquiry into human rights issues confronting women and girls in the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific region, the Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is hearing evidence of culturally sanctioned violations throughout the region. The inquiry covers an extensive geographic area on the world “The disempowerment is maintained by structures including map. Connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans through culture, religion, laws and policies and they are continually Southeast Asia, it includes a diverse range of countries from eastern Africa, the Middle East and India through to reinforced both by women and men.” Australia’s closest neighbours in the Asia Pacific. Julie McKay, Executive Director of the Australian National The committee heard that a woman’s empowerment requires Committee for UN Women, says the legal framework may three things - improving her knowledge and skills which can exist but making the leap between customary practice and lead to economic benefits, support from those closest to her, formal justice is fraught with obstacles. and ensuring that her rights are protected by legislation. “Women’s access to formal justice systems and also being Senior Program Officer at CARE Australia, Elizabeth able to guide the justice they want from a situation rather Cowan, says that for too many, the lack of access to justice than having a system imposed on them, can leave them keeps them silent. helpless.”
TRAINING: (left) A participant preparing her presentation. World Vision’s project supports vulnerable children in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Participants learn about the importance of breastfeeding, immunisation, preparing simple healthy meals from the three food groups and reading simple health charts or illustrations on healthy practises. Photographer: Paula Kari/World Vision ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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PAPUA NEW GUINEA: (left) Children in traditional regalia at a community celebration on the outskirts of Papua New Guinea’s capital of Port Moresby. Photographer: Errol Fontanellaz/World Vision
AFGHANISTAN: (right) A mother and baby receive support at a nutrition project in Afghanistan, outside Herat City near the Iranian border. Photographer: Chris Weeks/World Vision
his power is threatened. Engagement with men and boys “We are looking to develop to explore the positive aspects of masculine identities is needed,” said Ms Goddard. a partnership to build trust Human Rights Sub-Committee Chair, Philip Ruddock (Berowra, NSW), said fathers and husbands often feel the with both men and women” pursuit of independent goals can take the woman away from her regular household duties and obligations to her family. The vast majority of these women’s voices are never heard. “As you seek to change the status quo, it undermines men’s Their stories go untold. In a patriarchal system, a man’s authority and their traditional decision making and they can voice is most powerful. see this as quite deleterious,” Mr Ruddock said. Therefore, significant attention has been focused on the Paul Kelly, Principal Executive at CARE Australia, says attitude of the region’s men and boys, in particular their that any program’s potential success stems from the initial attitudes to violence and the real threat of what can happen approach to the community as a whole. if the status quo is altered. In its submission to the inquiry, World Vision says “The important thing is not coming in with a sense of ‘We patriarchal systems of belief reinforce the dominance of men are right and we’ll fix things for you.’ It is about having a and boys over women and girls in all aspects of public and more humble approach,” said Mr Kelly. private life. This culture of dominance is deeply entrenched “We are looking to develop a partnership to build trust with and is accepted by men and women alike. both men and women, understand what the challenges are Policy Adviser at World Vision Australia, Erin Goddard, says and what the perspectives of the people we are going to it is not surprising that there is resistance to change when work with are.” gender roles are so entrenched. Education programs targeting men and boys are underway “There is clear anecdotal evidence, particularly in Papua but cycles of generational abuse are hard to break, according New Guinea, that violence increases when a man feels to Julianne Scenna of World Vision. ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
26 Bougainville’s agents of change vidence shows that the end of wartime violence can see the Ebeginning of an increase in gender -based violence. So how do women move from powerless victims to empowered agents of change, particularly when they live in a patriarchal society? Following a peace agreement between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA) to end the 10 year civil war, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) was formed, with elections for the first Parliament held in 2005. Rose Pihei is the Minister for Health and one of three who, since 2010, hold reserved seats for women in the ABG, along with MPs Joan Jerome and Elizabeth Burain. PACIFIC PARLIAMENTARY PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM, 2014: Bougainville has one of the lowest rates (left to right) of female representation in government The Hon Joan Jerome, Minister Rose Pihei, Her Excellency, the Hon. in the world. Credible recognition within Deborah Stokes and the Hon. Elizabeth Burain. the Parliament is of critical importance counterparts is one way of uniting our With more women speaking out for if political gains are to be made, so what people,” she said. themselves, again the issue of male kind of reception did the three women disempowerment comes to the fore. The receive once in the Parliament? The three agree that the women of parliamentarians are encouraging others post-conflict Bougainville are suffering “The attitudes from the men were very to show that women can have power negative. ‘What do you think you are more than ever, with a recent UN report without taking it from men. showing that 80 per cent of Bougainville doing? Women can’t do anything in Joan Jerome said that mentoring politics,” said Ms Burain. men reported using sexual or physical programs are underway and things are violence against a partner. “Our ideas were not listened to for quite looking positive. some time,” added Ms Jerome. “We had “We have been running workshops and to be persistent.” “Encouraging women I believe one or two new women will The three colleagues have much in to be self-reliant but stand in the next elections. Our three common. All were heavily involved positions show others they can do it and we would like to see other women join in brokering peace between warring to work alongside their us.” factions in the lead up to the new male counterparts is government and were reluctant Ms Burain added that the reserved politicians at first, but felt compelled to one way of uniting parliamentary seats are a good start stand for election. and that being elected representatives our people.” gives them the strength to change “These women I had advocated for, these the thinking of the whole community communities needed a leader and they During her time in Parliament, Rose by showing men need not feel wanted me to speak for them. I could not disempowered by a woman’s success. stand by passively,” said Ms Pihei. Pihei has been the driver of the Bougainville Gender Policy and the “It’s good for us to know that being a Essential to running for office was Women, Peace and Security National politician requires us to be strong for getting the OK from family, which all Action Plan but she says gender-based others. We must convince our young three women had to seek. Ms Pihei’s women to be active, to have that drive to violence in her home country is very bad. husband initially said no when she asked be leaders of the future. him if she could stand for election but “We have an issue with a ‘lost “Our male colleagues are now beginning changed his mind after seeing first-hand generation’ who never went to school to realise and acknowledge publicly the plight of the local women. or had a job. They would now be aged that we are performing very well. For a “Encouraging women to be self-reliant 30 - 45 and they think that it’s normal to patriarchal society, it has been a great but to work alongside their male fight and be threatening to others.” breakthrough.” ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015 Women’s economic empowerment and 27 access to leadership are intricately tied up with the violence they may face.
AFGHANISTAN: (above) Feroza, 6, is a student in Gaza, a small village north of Kabul, Afghanistan. CARE funded the construction of a library at the school. Photographer: David Rochkind/CARE PORT MORESBY: (left) A mother and her child watch the celebrations in their community, on the outskirts of Papua New Guinea’s capital of Port Moresby. Photographer: Errol Fontanellaz/ World Vision
“Awareness and education, flyers and posters are good in or sexual violence, according to Senior Program Officer at ensuring that people have a basic understanding of issues but CARE Australia, Elizabeth Cowan. there also need to be safety nets and intervention procedures “We work with individual women but we bring them into and frameworks to ensure that people are able to speak out,” groups where they are able to undertake collective action of she says. village savings and loans,” she says. The sub-committee heard that women’s economic “Before participating in one of CARE’s projects in empowerment and access to leadership are intricately tied up Bangladesh, women were often harassed by men while they with the violence they may face. were walking to the market. Now, as a result of the increased confidence that they have developed through village savings Australia is currently assisting with establishing mobile and loans groups, they are addressing that harassment they banking services in Papua New Guinea and elsewhere in the have experienced.” region, to allow women to manage their own finances and Changing so-called cultural norms and attitudes is a long gain economic empowerment. term commitment. Implementing programs and seeing them Here is where the approach is so crucial. Women who earn bear fruit is likely to take several years and is often seen as a their own income are at risk of experiencing physical and/ Western import, according to Ms Cowan. ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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AFGHANISTAN: Nastura, 9, has been attending school in the village of Burikhil for 3 years. When she graduates, she wants to be able to teach other people too. “I like school - it is the best part of my day,” she says. Photographer: Kate Holt/CARE
“In reality, we cannot empower a woman. As a white woman from Australia, I cannot go into a country and hand over Changing so-called cultural some empowerment to a woman. That has to come from the woman herself.” norms and attitudes is a The good news is that there are some heartening stories arising. In Afghanistan, there are more than 8.3 million long-term commitment. school students enrolled this year and 40 per cent of them are girls. This compares to only 1 million school children, the issues and concerns of Afghan women are not sidelined with almost no girls, in 2001. in any peace process initiated by the government,” Ms Rafiq said. Zulaikha Rafiq from the Afghan Women Educational Centre relayed the story of a 28-year-old mother of four from the Access to leadership positions is essential for women to gain remote Faryab province in Afghanistan who recently spoke more support from the top down (see Bougainville story). newspix publicly in her country about joining the women’s shura (or That said, the inferior position of women, the sense that consultation group) in her village. they should be subservient to men, that violence within the home is not vulnerable to the laws of the land – these are “She took advantage of the literacy lessons and with support deeply held views in both countries. from her husband and family, has decided to go to school this new academic session,” she says. The inquiry continues to hear from various witnesses that it will take consistent, long term commitment from all parties, “The woman was literally trembling and she said, ‘I never internal and external, to see real change. n imagined that one day I would be standing on a stage and talking to people from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and from civil society organisations.’ LINKS
“With the backing of the international community over www.aph.gov.au/jfadt the past decade, Afghan women have found their voice and have become a force that be cannot be ignored. They now [email protected] occupy 28 per cent of parliamentary seats as members of the (02) 6277 2313 High Peace Council and play a vital role in ensuring that ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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1916 - 2014 newspix
he House has remembered one of Australia’s most iconic leaders. The Tpassing of the Honourable Edward Gough Whitlam AC QC, former Member for Werriwa and Prime Minister (1972- 75) was recognised with a condolence motion in the House. Current Prime Minster Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten led the tributes. Many Members have spoken about the legacy of Mr Whitlam’s work, reflecting on their interactions with the ‘political giant’ and the impact of his leadership on Australia and the international stage. Here are a few extracts of how the
House remembered. newspix newspix newspix newspix
5 DECEMBER 1972 25 JULY 1973 31 OCTOBER 1973 8 APRIL 1974
Whitlam is Australia’s The Australian Whitlam is the first Advance Australia Fair 21st Prime Minister Legal Aid Office is Australian Prime replaces God Save the and leads the first established, with Minister to visit Queen as the national Labor government offices in each state China. anthem. in 23 years. capital.
ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015 30 aap aap
Tony PAbbottr i m e M i n i s t e r fter 23 years of coalition and expanded the role of the “I solemnly hand to government, Australians Commonwealth, particularly in you these deeds as Awanted change. It was time, the field of social services. These as the famous campaign song were highly contentious at the proof, in Australian proclaimed—probably the only time; some of these measures are law, that these lands campaign song that anyone still contentious; but, one way or can now remember. Whitlam another, our country has never belong to the Gurindji represented more than a new been quite the same. Members people and I put into politics; he represented a of his government displayed your hands part of the new way of thinking about the usual human foibles, but, government, about our region, support it or oppose it, there earth itself as a sign about our place in the world and was a largeness of purpose to that this land will about change itself. Nineteen all his government attempted— seventy two was his time, even if its reach far exceeded its be the possession and all subsequent times have grasp, as the 1975 election result of you and your been shaped by his time. His showed. He may not have been government ended conscription, our greatest Prime Minister, children forever.” recognised China, introduced but he was certainly one of the Gough Whitlam Medibank, abolished university greatest personalities that our fees, decolonised Papua New country has ever produced. And The Gurindji land ceremony Guinea, transformed our no Prime Minister has been more 16 August 1975 approach to Indigenous policy mythologised.
18 MAY 1974 11 JULY 1974 11 JUNE 1975 12 JUNE 1975
Labor under Whitlam 18th Governor-General Discrimination on The Family Law Act retains government Sir John Kerr sworn in the grounds of race is provides for a Family after the 29th federal outlawed through the Court of Australia and (double dissolution) Racial Discrimination Act. the introduction of election. no-fault divorce. ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
aap 31
L e a d eBill r o f t Shorten h e O pp o s i t i o n o other Prime Minister nation where opportunity before or since, Gough belonged to everyone. The NWhitlam redefined our country Whitlam government should and, in doing so, he changed not be measured in years but the lives of a generation and in achievements. Whitlam generations to come. Think defined patriotism as seeing of Australia in, say, 1966: things that were wrong about Ulysses was banned, Lolita was Australia and trying to change banned. It was the Australia them. In 1970, he was referring of the six o’clock swill, with to our unacceptably high no film industry and only one infant mortality rate amongst television drama, Homicide. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Political movements to the left Islander people, our immigration of the DLP were under routine policy based on race, our support surveillance. Many Australians of for the Vietnam War. Whitlam talent—Clive, Barry, Germaine, said that a true patriot does Rupert, Sidney, Geoffrey—as not try to justify unfairness a matter of course, left their or prolong unfairness but to home, their native country, to change it, and change it he did. try their luck in England. Yet Our country is most certainly Gough reimagined Australia, our different because of him. By newspix home, as a confident, prosperous, any test, our country is better modern and multicultural because of him.
1 JUL 1975 16 AUGUST 1975 16 SEPTEMBER 1975 11 NOVEMBER 1975
Australia’s first national Whitlam formally gives Australia grants Governor-General Sir health insurance scheme Vincent Lingiari of the independence to John Kerr dismisses Medibank is introduced. Gurindji people in the Papua New Guinea. Mr Whitlam as Prime Northern Territory title Minister. deeds to a part of their traditional lands. ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
32 Julie Bishop M i n i s t e r f o r F o r e i g n A f f a i r s is decision to visit China will enjoy a growing standing as opposition leader in as a distinctive, tolerant, 1971H revealed the courage of his co-operative and well regarded convictions in what was a path- nation not only in the Asian breaking decision at the time. and Pacific regions, but in the History records his angst at his world at large. decision to travel and whether or In an earlier speech, in 1968, not he should send a delegation titled ‘Australia as an Asian rather than go himself, but he nation’, Mr Whitlam showed had first argued in 1954 for the considerable prescience as he normalisation of relations with argued strongly for the benefits mainland China—a position of economic development and then at odds with Labor’s official growth to be spread throughout policy platform—and so he took Asia, and particularly South- the bold political gamble to visit East Asia, to ensure the peoples China at a high point in the Cold of our region were able to feed War. He was vindicated when themselves. He said: it was revealed that the United States National Security Adviser, Australia’s road-building teams Henry Kissinger, had also been in Thailand and Indonesia— aap show what can be achieved for sent to Beijing by President under-developed nations through Richard Nixon. the application of technical skills A clear indication of his in conjunction with relatively approach to foreign policy came minor amounts of capital. This in his first press conference as is a form of aid particularly Prime Minister on 5 December suited to a country which is 1972, when he said: itself an importer of capital and The change of government does which is still engaged in major provide a new opportunity developmental works within its for us to reassess a whole own borders. Australia cannot range of Australian foreign explore the possibilities of such aid too fully.
policies and attitudes … aap the general direction of my This is consistent with the thinking is towards a more contemporary approach of many independent Australian aid agencies and governments stance in international affairs, around the world, including the “He changed the way an Australia which will be Australian government, as we seek in which politics is less militarily oriented and greater levels of economic growth not open to suggestions of as a means of alleviating poverty conducted in this racism; an Australia which and lifting living standards. country, and he can certainly lay claim to
newspix being the father of modern campaigning in Australia. His ‘It’s time’ campaign has probably never been surpassed, with its dynamism, vibrancy and momentum.” Warren Truss (Wide Bay, Qld) ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
33 newspix
TanyaD e pPliberseku t y L e a d e r o f t h e O pp o s i t i o n “Of course, my 26 years as ough’s commitment to equality for women member for Werriwa and three was perhaps best embodied in the wonderful years as the Prime Minister Grelationship that he had with his beloved wife Margaret—a relationship that spanned were just flashes compared to nearly 70 years of marriage. Gough’s reforms for women were landmark. They included the the long, warm glow of the election of the first Labor woman to the House other significant anniversary of Representatives, Joan Child, in 1974. His I celebrated this year - partnership with Margaret was such a driving force in that drive for equality for women. Gough 60 years together with respected her. He listened to her views. He treated Margaret Elaine Dovey.” her as an equal in every way. When she died, just a few months short of 70 years of marriage, he said: Gough Whitlam, Federal Parliamentary ‘We were married for almost 70 years. She was a Labor Party Dinner 2002 remarkable person and the love of my life.’ On hearing of Gough’s passing today, many people have described Gough as a giant of our nation—and he was. He was, as the Deputy Prime Minister said, a towering figure physically. He also had the ability to deliver soaring rhetoric. But his actions were also very down to earth. He was a very warm person on a one-to-one basis. I remember when my parents first met him. They were almost embarrassed to talk to him, because they admired him so much. He was so incredibly warm and welcoming to them, particularly to my mother. His ability to talk at an international level about issues of enormous complexity and convince an audience on the one hand and speak person to person to any Australian and make them feel respected and included was phenomenal. It was a phenomenal ability. newspix ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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THE LAW www.aph.gov.au/ath
Online advertising to stay on Government’s most popular website
With over 470 million visits a year, it’s no surprise that the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website is one of the most popular in Australia. Whether you’re a farmer growing crops, a surfer looking for the best break, or if you just want to know if you can leave the washing on the line, we all love to talk about the weather. The BOM is renowned for being the leading authority on weather forecasts, warnings and advice and it provides critical information to individuals and organisations responding to the harsh realities of the Australian environment. The BOM is one of the first federal Government websites permitted to have online advertising. Recouping the cost of delivering this service is possible by selling advertising space on the BOM website. After a successful 12-month trial of advertising, Parliament has allowed the BOM to continue to capitalise on this opportunity. The Meteorology Amendment (Online Advertising) Bill 2014 requires the BOM Director to develop guidelines on the types of advertising permitted. Environment Minister, Greg Hunt (Flinders, Vic), said weather-watchers need not worry that the presence of advertisements will affect the quality of the website. BREAK IN THE WEATHER: Online advertising permitted on the BOM. “The Government wants to provide certainty to ensure the Director tobacco, alcohol, gambling, violence sources of funding … as has been the of Meteorology’s powers include and weapons, and advertising that has a consistent goal of governments of both advertising in connection with the sexual content.” persuasions,” Mr Hunt said. Bureau of Meteorology services, and Pop-ups over the page or floating ads The BOM is one of the first federal determine the types of advertising that that can obscure content on screen are Government websites to be allowed the bureau displays,” he said. not allowed, so that users can still access online advertising. “This particular Bill ensures that the information quickly in an emergency. Although the profitability of accepting director has the power to prohibit “This Bill will also remove any doubt paid advertising is yet to be established, advertising considered to be not in and make it explicitly clear that the this new law may pave the way for the Commonwealth’s or the bureau’s BOM can accept paid advertising. This other government agencies to use their interests—advertising of things such as allows the bureau to further diversify its online spaces to generate income. n ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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THE LAW www.aph.gov.au/ath
TAXATION DRUG LAWS Swiss treaty prevents tax evasion New offence for importing The image of Swiss bank accounts as tools designer drugs for tax evasion is about to be given a shake-up. Alternative illicit drugs, sometimes New laws amending marketed as “legal highs”, will be the International Tax subject to seizure if imported into Agreement Act (1953) Australia. mean Australia and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Switzerland will share is a term used to describe drugs that information to prevent fall outside international drug treaties, people evading tax according to Justice Minister Michael payments or being Keenan (Stirling, WA). required to pay tax twice and encourage “NPS are designed to mimic the greater trade and psychoactive effects of illicit drugs, investment between the however their chemical structures are two countries. not captured by existing controls on those drugs,” Mr Keenan said. Steven Ciobo (Moncrieff, Qld) Often described as synthetic or says Australia has 44 designer drugs, NPS create a challenge bilateral tax agreements for governments around the world. This is because once an NPS is banned, with different countries. i S tock manufacturers can quickly create a “Tax treaties facilitate SWISS BANKS: No longer a safe haven. new, alternative substance that has trade and investment similar features but is not on the by reducing barriers prohibition list. caused by the double taxpayer information for the purpose taxation of residents in the two of preventing tax evasion. This greater The Justice Minister said when countries,” he said. transparency includes access to Swiss substances are presented as “legal bank information that could help highs”, it creates an improper It is expected there will be a stronger assumption that they are safe. relationship between Australia and Australia better enforce its tax laws,” Switzerland as a result of the new Mr Ciobo said. “These substances are potentially very agreement. dangerous. They have been directly Asked about the extent of tax evasion linked to deaths and serious injury. “The new treaty will update the between Australia and Switzerland, They are untested chemical compounds existing bilateral tax arrangements the Australian Taxation Office which masquerade as illicit drugs but between Australia and Switzerland, to acknowledged the difficulty of placing are presented as being legal analogues align them with current Australian and a dollar figure on the issue but told the of those drugs,” Mr Keenan said. international tax treaty policy settings,” Joint Standing Committee on Treaties Mr Ciobo said. that over 188,000 transactions took “This is expected to further encourage place between the two countries during bilateral trade and investment.” the 2012-13 financial year involving The new agreement with Switzerland over $41 billion. replaces a previous agreement from 1980. Sharing information will lead to better transparency and enable both countries The establishment of effective to better enforce their own tax laws. exchange-of-information arrangements with Switzerland is expected to The new agreement will also create discourage the use of Swiss banks to a more reliable tax framework for conceal untaxed income and assets. business between Australia and “The new treaty will also modernise Switzerland. This certainty is expected the bilateral taxpayer information to encourage economic growth and job sharing arrangements and permit, creation as investors can better plan for for the first time, the exchange of their businesses. n iStock ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
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THE LAW www.aph.gov.au/ath
The current regulatory system has been SPORT proven to be inadequate, as Australia has struggled with the increasing number of NPS available. Winning the race against doping Under the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Psychoactive Substances and Other Measures) Bill 2014, Australian Customs and Border Protection Services, officers will be able to seize NPS and substances presented as alternatives to illicit drugs. The Justice Minister said the onus will then be on the defendant to prove that the substances are not prohibited or that they qualify for an exemption. “It will be up to a person whose goods have been seized on suspicion of being a new psychoactive substance, to show why they should be returned to them.
If an importer cannot do this—for i S tock example, by showing that the goods have a legitimate use—their goods will WINNING THE RACE: Athlete support staff subject to sanctions. be destroyed,” Mr Keenan said. Australian legislation has now aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code The new law will not apply to (WADC), ensuring athletes are treated under the same rules everywhere, regardless psychoactive substances that are of nationality or sport. imported for a legitimate purpose. Sports Minister, Peter Dutton (Dickson, Qld), said the Australian Government is Foods, medicines, and industrial, committed to clean sport. agricultural and veterinary chemicals are examples of psychoactive substances “Not only is doping a serious risk to an athlete’s health and wellbeing, it is that would be exempt from the new fundamentally about cheating and debasing all that is good about sport, which we law. hold close to our hearts—from improved health through physical endeavour to the pursuit of athletic excellence and the values it teaches,” he said. States and territories will cooperate with the Commonwealth to stop the The Australian Government is also a party to the United Nations Educational, sale of NPS. Health, law enforcement Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s International Convention and education initiatives will align against Doping in Sport, which requires signatories to implement conditions across jurisdictions to complement the imposed under the WADC. national framework for NPS that the The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment Bill 2014 will address Law, Crime and Community Safety the requirements of the WADC by focusing on athlete support personnel who Council announced on 4 July 2014. are involved in doping by imposing longer periods of competition ineligibility for “The Bill will stop people from athletes caught doping, and by placing an additional emphasis on information importing these dangerous chemicals management and investigation of drug cheats. for use as alternatives to illicit drugs The Sports Minister said athlete support staff involved in doping will be subject to and pretending they are legal or Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs). safe. In combination with state and “Appropriately, athletes or athlete support personnel who are found to have territory initiatives under the national committed anti-doping rule violations are subject to sanctions such as ineligibility framework, we can prevent [NPS] from to compete and disqualification of results from sporting competitions,” Mr Dutton becoming as great a challenge as other said. illicit drugs,” Mr Keenan said. n “The international anti-doping community has agreed that it is time to take action to protect sports from those support persons who orchestrate systematic doping programs.” Mr Dutton said the new law is also intended to encourage better information- sharing across sports administration bodies. For news and updates from the official page of Australia’s “With investigations and intelligence-gathering now forming an integral element of House of Representatives, any strategy for detecting doping, the revised code emphasises the need for effective like our page at: information flows between government agencies, sporting bodies and anti-doping organisations. Accordingly, amendments to the information-sharing provisions in www.facebook.com/athnews the act are proposed to ensure clarity and simplicity,” Mr Dutton said. (Editor’s Note: Sussan Ley (Farrer, NSW) is now Minister for Sport.) n THEAB OHOUSEUT A retrospective The About the House magazine was first printed in December 1999 and there have been 49 issues including this one. The magazine was introduced as a way of reporting the work of parliamentary committees, legislation before the House of Representatives and other stories from the parliament in an interesting and engaging format. Take a look back at some of the covers of About the House magazine and the issues that have been tackled by the parliament over the years. STAYING IN TOUCH WITH ABOUT THE HOUSE How to access About the House digital magazine
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You need to install RepsApp 4 -the free House of Representatives App Once downloaded there is a quick Android users Library guide showing you (e.g. not an iPad) how to navigate need to go to the Once the App is the features of the Google play store; installed, open the magazine iOS users (e.g. iPad) App and touch the need to go to the Library icon. Select App Store and which digital issue search for of About the House 7 Australia’s House you would like to of Representatives download Happy reading! My first
Does the thought of publicspeech speaking scare you? How about standing up so the whole country can hear you? High school students across Australia took up the challenge - entering a competition that asked them to imagine themselves as a newly elected MP making their very first speech in the chamber. Story: Pip Blackwood
WINNERS OF MY FIRST SPEECH: (Top, left to right) Chay Conaglen (Rockhampton, Qld) Courtney Sinclair (Elimbah, Qld) Zachary August (Waverley, NSW) David Foote-Auspic/DPS David ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
hen we see our politicians on 40 Wthe news, they’re often shown in passionate debate in the House, seasoned legislators who seem at home in the chamber. But before they become caught 2014 My First Speech up with committees and get busy with bills, new Members must make their first Competition – 1st place speech to the House. This is the theme for the My First Speech competition, an event run by the Department of Chay Conaglen, Rockhampton, Qld the House of Representatives. High school students were asked to imagine themselves as a newly elected Member of Parliament and write and deliver a speech on issues they are passionate about. A Member’s first speech, previously referred to as a maiden speech, is a Our nation requires tradition that originated in the British strong economic House of Commons. It is a significant occasion and an opportunity for a new policy and planning Member to outline to Parliament what if we wish to see our they hope to achieve. economy prosper Members’ first speeches are as diverse as the people they represent in their into the future. electorates. Many Members choose to express their political views and goals in their first speeches while others thank their supporters or speak about personal experiences. Members may also mention specific issues affecting the people in their electorates, such as health or education, Chay Conaglen: Thank you, how anyone, irrespective of their or speak about financial or economic Madam Speaker. I remember back background, can achieve in life. matters. to when I was a little boy seeing Our nation requires strong There is a convention in the House that a this great big green room on the economic policy and planning if we first speech is heard without interjection television screen, I didn’t know wish to see our economy prosper or interruption, and the Chair normally what it was or why it was on my TV into the future. We must do this by draws the attention of the House to the screen, but I remember staring at it strengthening our relationships with fact that a Member is making a first in sheer amazement of its grandness. the emerging powers of Asia, such speech. In return for this courtesy, the I now know what this place is, as China and India. We must ensure Member must follow a few conventions. and what it represents, yet it still that we take an active stance on This includes keeping their speech astounds me. This great building, climate change, and do our best to succinct and uncontroversial, so as not to Parliament House, represents the ensure the health of this planet for provoke interjection. Australian people, it represents generations to come. We must also democracy at its greatest and most ensure that we continue to create The winner of the 2014 My First Speech purest form and I am so humbled to opportunities for all Australians competition is Chay Conaglen from have been given the opportunity to by investing wisely in education, Rockhampton, Queensland. Chay’s represent the people of Capricornia training and infrastructure. heartfelt delivery won the judges over as in this great place. he spoke about his own personal story, I will work to the best of my ability Australia’s economic policy, the climate Like many Australians I am from to ensure all Australians can benefit change debate and our relationships with humble beginnings. I was raised by from our great economy. We can India and China. my beautiful mother and shared my do this because we are Australian, childhood with my little brother and together the things we can Second and third placed in the and sister. My family and I have competition were Courtney Sinclair of achieve are simply astounding. If been through some tough times you put your mind to it you can Elimbah in Queensland and Zachary along the way, but we have always August from Waverley in NSW. do anything, because our nation come out shining. My mother is a great place, and it doesn’t All three were flown to Canberra to did her best to give us kids a great matter where you are from, or how meet the Speaker of the House of upbringing, and she did this in disadvantaged you have been in life, Representatives, the Hon Bronwyn the face of domestic violence and because opportunities are sprouting Bishop (Mackellar, NSW), and present poverty. My mother has taught me up everywhere for all Australians their speeches live at Parliament House in everything I know and everything to grab a hold of. And as long as front of many MPs. I wish to be. My past has shaped I am a member of the Australian Over 150 students entered the competition. me into a true, hardworking and parliament the Australian people All of the 2014 entries are featured in a committed Australian, and I believe can be assured that this will never public exhibition at Parliament House my life is a clear illustration of ever change. running to March 2015. n ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
41 Famous firsts William Groom Australia’s first First Speech Publican. Newspaperman. Convict. William Groom was all three. When the Australian Parliament opened for the first time in 1901, Mr Groom moved the address-in-reply to the Governor-General immediately prior to delivering his speech. There are a number of references to it being the first ‘substantial’ speech made in Parliament, and it can be considered as the first ‘maiden’ speech (as it was then known). So what did Mr Groom talk about? Australia had just become a Federation. He was concerned there wouldn’t be enough money to run the country (he felt the cost estimate fell two million pounds short). A White Australia, the end of kanaka labour from the South Sea Islands and the introduction of German-style pension schemes also all rated a mention. Although Mr Groom was initially worried about Federation he was hopeful about the new system and the way the members of the House would behave, closing with: “I feel assured, however, from what I know of my fellow members, that every matter coming before us will receive the gravest consideration and the most matured deliberation, and I fervently hope that upon all occasions our deliberations and discussions will be of such a character that people may point to us with pride, and say that we are worthy of the great charter which Great Britain has conferred upon us.”
Australia’s first female Prime Minister
newspix Julia Gillard Julia Gillard is famous for being Australia’s first female Prime Minister. But, like all politicians she had to start somewhere. Ms Gillard was elected to the seat of Lalor, Victoria in 1998. Although a backbencher to begin with, many of the themes Ms Gillard touches on in her first speech to Parliament are issues she remains passionate about today- such as women in leadership and the importance of educational opportunities. It would be over a decade before she became PM herself yet Ms Gillard references the work of previous prime ministers from her party - reflecting how their policies helped both her personally and the community she represents.
aapone Ken Wyatt Australia’s first Indigenous MP In 2010, Ken Wyatt became the first Indigenous Member of the House after he was elected to the WA seat of Hasluck. Mr Wyatt wore a bookha, the traditional cloak of the Nyungar people made from kangaroo skin. During his speech, which was witnessed by Aboriginal elders, Mr Wyatt said he stood in the House as an equal to all other MPs with ‘deep and mixed’ emotions. He also paid tribute to his constituents for creating the historic moment which saw him elected and spoke about the path that led him to federal parliament.
The most recent First Speech newspix Terri Butler Holding the seat of Griffith on Brisbane’s south-side (the electorate of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd) Terri Butler is the most recent MP to have made a first speech. Ms Butler spoke of her grandparents and parents, her upbringing and her belief that our pathway to future prosperity is built on the foundations of education and training.
iStock ABOUT THE HOUSE | FEBRUARY 2015
42 HOUSE RULES Is it a joint sitting? here are two Houses of Parliament - the House of Representatives and aap theT Senate. They each have their own rules, standing orders and procedures, dictated by the Constitution. Each has its own Presiding Officer and each meets separately, at dates and times separately determined. However, there are some occasions when the two Houses come together in the one chamber. The recent visits by the UK Prime Minister, the President of China and the Indian Prime Minister are examples. Some in the media call these occasions ‘joint sittings’, but that is incorrect. While the House and Senate used to have ‘joint meetings’ to receive addresses by foreign heads of state, since 2004 such meetings have occurred as sittings of the House to which Senators have been invited. In order to arrange for The Constitution provides for joint overcome a deadlock between the two these addresses, a resolution is agreed to sittings of members of both Houses chambers. by the House to set the order of business for the resolution of disagreements The Houses have on several occasions for the sitting and invite Senators to between the Houses over legislation, had other ‘joint meetings’ which are not attend as guests. Prior to 2004, the if disagreements persist following a provided for in either standing orders House and Senate, concurrently rather double dissolution. Only one such joint or the Constitution, but are instead than in joint session, would meet in the sitting has been held - following the determined by both Houses agreeing on House of Representatives Chamber to 1974 double dissolution. Never before a procedure for such joint meetings to hear addresses. or since has this method been used to be followed. n
QUESTION TIME There go the bells Have you ever wondered how Members know when they need to be in the Chamber? David Foote-Auspic/DPS David All over Parliament House there are special clocks. On each clock, green lights flash to indicate a call for Members of the House of Representatives and red lights are used to call Senators. The lights flash when the bells are ringing – it’s pretty noisy when they both ring at once! It’s the job of the Clerk of the House (who sits just below the Speaker) to ring the bells using a special button built into the desk. At the same time, one of the sandglasses sandglass is used. This timeframe was introduced in 1988 when on the Clerk’s desk is flipped over to count down to when the Parliament moved up the hill to the ‘new’ – and much larger- bells stop. Parliament House. It was recognised that Members needed a bit The bells ring for five minutes prior to the time fixed for longer to make it to the Chamber on time, since they now had the meeting of the House. Bells are also used before any to navigate a 240,000 square metre Parliament House which is division or ballot is taken. For most divisions, a four minute spread over four levels. n The Department of the House of Representatives
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