THE FAWCETT FLYER October 2017

1 October 2017 A word from David

The Turnbull Government is the technical skills and training getting on with implementing our required over coming years and national shipbuilding plan with decades. the commencement of facilities work of shipyards at Osborne. In this edition of the Fawcett Over 600 jobs are being created to Flyer I provide some more details facilitate this construction that will about the Government’s measures enable the construction of future that will reduce electricity prices naval vessels. and increase reliability. This engineering-based approach will Labor and NXT continue their end subsidies and drive down attempt to discredit the Turnbull prices, in contrast to Labor’s Government’s investment in our approach which will massively naval capability. I represented the boost subsidies for unreliable Government during the Senate generation capacity and drive up Economics Committee held in prices. this month and saw yet another attempt to create a media I also cover visits to the West headline about shipbuilding jobs Coast and Eyre Peninsula as well going offshore. The consistent as a delegation to the European evidence from industry however Union focusing on a Free Trade was that the decisions taken by the Agreement and increasing Government will create demand collaboration on security (with for thousands of Australian both the EU and NATO). My visit workers and that work is already as part of this delegation coincided underway to define and provide with the 100th anniversary of the

1 October 2017 Third Battle of Ypres, where I was horrendous and provide a context privileged to be a representative we must never forget as leaders in of the Australian Parliament at today’s uncertain times. the commemorative last post ceremony at Menin Gate. Committee work continues to take up much of my time in Exactly 100 years ago in early Canberra and elsewhere. My October 1917, as part of that priority is obviously the JSCFADT, battle, soldiers of the Australian supporting the work of the four Imperial Force captured the high sub-committees that I oversee ground around the village of (Defence, Foreign Affairs, Human Broodseinde. This was a significant Rights and Trade). There is also defeat for the German forces, and the continuing workload of the allowed the Allies to occupy the “full Committee” engaging with entire ridge ahead of the battle foreign representatives such as the for Passchendaele. The losses Head of Mission for Myanmar to across all battles for Ypres were communicate ’s concern at recent events in Rakhine State.

The Intelligence and Security Committee continues to have a full schedule, for example the recent listing of ISIS in East Asia as a terrorist organisation. In the past month I have also been elected as the temporary Chair to conduct the business of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee while a colleague has been overseas on Parliamentary business.

Inspecting the wreaths laid on behalf of the Parliament at Menin Gate in Ypres. Senator David Fawcett

The Fawcett Flyer 2 Diplomacy and outreach to the European Union

The Australian Parliamentary delegation meeting with David McAllister MEP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

During the recent break in the The delegation had meetings sitting of Parliament, I joined a bi- with relevant committees in the partisan delegation to the Europe- European Parliament, the Par- an Union and NATO ahead of the liamentary Rapporteur for the commencement of negotiations Australia-EU FTA, the Europe- for the EU-Australia Free Trade an Commission (including the Agreement. The EU-Australia and Trade Commissioner) and the NATO-Australia relationship is minister responsible for Trade in significant due to the possibilities the Estonian Parliament (Estonia afforded by greater economic and having responsibility to secure security cooperation, and this was EU agreement to the negotiating reflected by Speaker of the House, framework as they currently hold Tony Smith MP leading the dele- the Presidency of the EU). While gation. in Strasbourg, I led discussions with my counterpart in the Euro- Prime Minister Turnbull has out- pean Parliament, David McAllister lined an ambitious goal to secure MEP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs a high quality, comprehensive free Committee. trade agreement with the EU by 2019. This goal is fully supported The potential impact of an FTA is by the President of the European significant for our economy. The Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker. European Union is already Aus- tralia’s largest source of foreign

3 October 2017 investment, and an FTA gives Aus- co-operate on defence and security tralia substantial opportunities to issues, particularly the rising threat increase exports, lower the cost of of cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks do imports, and increase our interna- not just involve the retrieval or de- tional competitiveness. struction of information, but also have the potential to cause huge The current state of trade between damage to our physical and digital the EU and Australia indicates infrastructure that we have great scope to in- crease two way trade. EU exports It is important that we continue to to Australia represent just 1.7% of build our relationship with bod- their export market, while imports ies such as NATO on the active of Australian goods and services prevention of these sorts of at- are just 0.5% of total EU imports. tacks. NATO maintains the Co- In particular, greater access to the operative Cyber Defence Centre European services market would of Excellence in Tallinn, which is be highly beneficial. With a total recognised globally as a leader in value of $10.4 billion in 2015-16, understanding and responding to services make up the bulk of Aus- emerging cyber threats. tralia’s trade with the EU. As Chair of the Joint Standing Given the current international Committee on Foreign Affairs, De- situation, security issues were an fence and Trade, this delegation important part of our delegation’s provided a good opportunity to meetings at NATO Headquarters further the Government’s agenda in Brussels, as well as in the Es- and our national interests in these tonian capital, Tallinn. The Euro- policy areas. pean Union and NATO strongly

Meeting with Ms Keit Pentus-Rosimannus, Vice-Chairman of the Estonian Foreign Affairs Committee.

The Fawcett Flyer 4 Delivering affordable and reliable energy

Last week’s announcement by the reduce spot price volatility Turnbull Government that it will and place downward pressure establish a market-based mech- on the prices paid by energy anism to drive down electricity consumers. prices, assure reliability and de- • An emissions guarantee will crease emissions is great news for require retailers to contribute . to Australia’s international commitments by having a bal- This approach – recommended by ance of contracted low-emis- the independent Energy Security sions generation. The level of Board – is technologically neutral. the guarantee will be deter- The Government is not picking mined by the Government winners or punishing losers in the and enforced by the Australian ‘Climate Wars’, to borrow a phrase Energy Regulator. from the Prime Minister. Key industry players have already There are no new taxes, no new begun to endorse the Govern- subsidies and no new trading ment’s technologically neutral, schemes. Instead, a premium will market-based approach to reduc- be placed on reliable, dispatchable ing power prices, assuring reliabil- energy. ity and contributing to our inter- national obligations. The National Energy Guarantee is made up of two parts: • A reliability guarantee will be set on a state-by-state basis to require retailers to contract for a minimum level of dispatcha- ble energy – from ready-to-use sources like coal, gas pumped hydro and batteries – ensur- ing reliable supply. Increasing demand certainty for baseload power generation will also

5 October 2017 Last week the chairman of Ori- The ACCC’s findings are particu- gin Energy told investors that the larly relevant ahead of the State Guarantee “has the potential to ad- election next March. The report dress the objectives of ensuring se- confirms that: curity, affordability and facilitating the transition to a modern, cleaner • Jay Weatherill’s ‘great big energy future by unlocking invest- experiment’ has led to higher ment in more supply … [which is] electricity prices, and a critical piece of the puzzle.” • The network with the highest increase in costs is owned by Another significant development the Queensland government. from last week was the release of the Australian Competition This comprehensively refutes and Consumer Commission’s Labor’s claim that the Olsen Lib- (ACCC’s) preliminary report on eral government’s privatisation of its independent inquiry into retail ETSA is to blame for our state’s electricity pricing. electricity crisis.

The ACCC found that: Last year, over 50% of respondents to an Advertiser poll blamed net- • The main cause of higher work privatisation for our state’s customer bills was the sig- electricity crisis. This underscores nificant increase in network the challenge that we - Federal and costs for all states except South State Liberals - face in combating Australia, where generation the misinformation spread by costs represented the highest Labor in the energy debate. increase, and • The closure of dispatchable I encourage each of you to use the energy capacity (in the form ACCC’s independent, fact-based coal power plants) has seen findings to refute Labor’s claims gas-powered generation be- whenever the opportunity may come the marginal source of present to discuss these impor- generation more frequently in tant issues with family, friends or South Australia, with higher colleagues. gas prices contributing to ris- ing electricity prices.

The Fawcett Flyer 6 Minister McCormack visits Kingston

Local business people in the seat of day and enjoyed meeting constitu- Kingston recently had an opportu- ents in my paired electorate. nity to hear directly from the Min- ister for Small Business, Michael As you may be aware, the Turnbull McCormack MP, the Australian Government has moved to imple- Small Business and Family Enter- ment a range of measures that are prise Ombudsman, and represent- designed to support small busi- atives from the Australian Taxa- nesses. These include cutting the tion Officer at my Small Business small business company tax rate to Roadshow. 27.5%, extending the instant asset write off to more small businesses, The community event formed part simplifying trading stock rules of a national Roadshow being led and Business Activity Statements, by the Minister, to offer advice as well as cutting the regulatory and insight about the many gov- burden and improving access to ernment programs, services and export markets through trade grants available to small business deals. owners, including those looking to expand their operations. I was Kate Carnell AO, the Australian heartened by the attendance on the Small Business and Family En-

Listening to the concerns of small business owners in Reynella.

7 October 2017 terprise Ombudsman, and David Prior to our Small Business Road- Prenzler, Director of the ATO’s show, I was also joined by Minister Small Business Line, were of great McCormack and Aaron Duff, the assistance on the day in answering Liberal candidate for Hurtle Vale, questions. I was also pleased to to visit a number of small busi- work with the City of Onkaparinga nesses in the area, including Pasta to help promote the council’s On Chef at Reynella, Silver Streak Business program for local small Hair Fashions, Pimpala Fish and business operators. Chips, and Vietnamese take away store Topz Shopz. We were warmly From the group discussion at the welcomed by staff and custom- Roadshow, it is clear that practical ers, with many great photos later measures to reduce the cost and appearing on the Minister’s Face- hassle of running a business are book page! keenly welcomed. However the overwhelming concern of those Engaging with the communi- present on the day, related to the ty through efforts such as these spiralling cost of energy and the is central to my role as a paired financial pressure this creates for Senator. By maintaining an active businesses to remain viable. In presence, we can continue to build order to restore business confi- our relationships within the com- dence, it is clear that electricity munity and directly communicate affordability and reliability must be the work of the Government. addressed.

Minister McCormack, Kate Carnell AO, and Aaron Duff at the Kingston Small Business Roadshow.

The Fawcett Flyer 8 Renewed focus on space to benefit SA

Speaking with the Defence Science and Technology Group at the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide.

You may recall from the last edi- Australia in the establishment of tion of the Fawcett Flyer that I met global space protocols. with the Prime Minister, retired NASA astronaut Pam Melroy, The review into Australia’s space and fellow experimental test pilot industry, currently being overseen Jim Whalley to discuss Austral- by Acting Industry, Innovation ia’s space industry, capability and and Science Minister Michaelia future opportunities. Cash and chaired by former CSIRO Chief, Dr Megan Clark, is I am pleased to say that Australia well advanced. will soon have our own national space agency to direct these en- Almost 400 people have been deavours. consulted through roundtables in every state and territory; while As I have previously argued, a there have been almost 200 written space agency is the ideal vehicle submissions. These submissions through which to develop a co- strongly point to the need for an herent national space strategy that Australian space agency. will unite industry in promoting In the last two decades, the global our national goals and engage space sector has grown at over

9 October 2017 Hearing about developments in small, configurable spacecraft from Lockheed Martin. three times the rate of global GDP. space industry will provide advice At present, the Australian space on the exact structure and scope sector employs around 11,000 of the agency to ensure that the people and is worth about $4 bil- Government provides the neces- lion per year. This is just 1% of the sary support to our growing space global space sector, and so there is industry. vast potential for future growth. Acting Minister Cash has also an- Developments in this area ensure nounced that she expects to intro- that we can continue to grow our duce a reform bill to Parliament to economy through innovation and simplify the way that government advanced manufacturing. There regulates space activity with a are further benefits right across the view to reducing barriers to space economy from a coherent national activities. space policy, including in telecom- munications, defence industry and I will keep you updated as these infrastructure development. developments materialise.

The Expert Reference Group undertaking the review of our

The Fawcett Flyer 10 Rural Health Update

I am thrilled to welcome Professor In late September, I toured the Paul Worley to the role as Aus- Eyre Peninsula and met with key tralia’s first National Rural Health leaders in rural health, including- Commissioner. His appointment Dr Scott Lewis, Vice President of by the Assistant Minister for the SA Rural Doctors Association. Health, Dr David Gillespie, comes in advance of the Minister’s visit I also had the opportunity to visit to SA in early November (see next the Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal page for more details), and delivers Health Service and meet with Zell a key election commitment. Dodd (pictured) and a number of her senior staff. Following this vis- Prof Worley is highly respected in it, I am now coordinating a visit to the field of rural health and served South Australia by the Minister for for 23 years in the former Flinders Indigenous Health, the Hon Ken University School of Medicine Wyatt AM MP in early 2018. (now College of Medicine and Public Health). He had recently I am confident that a Marshall left the University to take up the Liberal Government will provide position of Executive Director enhanced opportunity for produc- Medical Services with Country tive discussions on Federal/State Health SA Local Health Network. cooperation for rural health, a dialogue which has proved prob- As Commissioner, Prof Worley’s lematic in recent years. first priority will be to develop Na- tional Rural Generalist Pathways to provide training, recognition and appropriate remuneration for the complex demands on doctors working outside major cities. I look forward to hosting him at a Rural Health Roundtable I am convening with Minister Gillespie in Adelaide.

11 October 2017 Meeting Notice

LUNCHEON MEETING

Bridging the gap of health inequity and access in Rural Australia

Thursday 2nd November 2017

Featured Speaker: The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP (Federal Assistant Minister for Health)

Introduction by: Senator David Fawcett (Senator for South Australia)

Venue: Goyder Pavilion Mezzanine - Adelaide Showground, Wayville (Location: Enter from the Food Court located between the Goyder and Wayville Pavilions)

Time: 12 noon for 12.30 pm

Cost: $60.00 (Members) $70.00 (Non Members) (Includes complimentary wine by the glass from the bar – courtesy of the RA&HS) (Drinks other than the complimentary RA&HS wines are available at the cash bar at individual’s expense) (Payment: EFT on web site or cash/cheque at door. Credit card facilities unavailable. No invoices issued)

Bookings: Via the RMSA Web Site: www.ruralmediasa.com

Enquiries: Bob Snewin - 0418 531 402 (All bookings via the RMSA Web Site please)

Reply by: Friday 27th October (People who book but fail to attend will be charged)

The community of South Australia has gained enormous benefit from record levels of public and private investment in health, which has delivered significant new infrastructure including the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, the University of Adelaide’s new building housing its Medical & Dental School and the SAHMRI 2 new cancer proton therapy facility. However while the Federal Government provided $68 million of new funding for these and many other health initiatives, most are primarily focussed on the major urban centre.

Provision of health services in rural and regional South Australia is battling to meet the increasing needs of these communities. In many areas of the state, the primary issue rests with attraction and retention of high quality health professionals, including specialist services. Regional hospitals struggle to maintain their healthcare amenities and services at a satisfactory level, while rural patients sent to Adelaide for treatment experience financial and social issues.

As the Federal Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie has responsibility to deliver the Federal Coalition Government’s election commitment to develop initiatives addressing the shortfall in medical and health professionals in rural, regional and remote areas. With first-hand personal experience in public and privately managed health delivery, Dr Gillespie is particularly focused on ensuring Australia’s health system is in a position to deliver high quality, cost- effective care in an affordable and fiscally sustainable manner.

Dr Gillespie is due to announce the key to this reform - appointment of Australia’s first National Rural Health Commissioner as an independent and high-profile advocate for regional, rural and remote health. It is believed the new position will be responsible for the creation of dedicated pathway to train rural generalists, those country health professionals who have far broader skills than the typical GP.

Entry to Adelaide Showground and Parking The RA&HS now charges for visitor parking at AdelaideThe ShowgroundFawcett eventsFlyer. However RMSA has arranged for parking in the Leader Street Car Park #2 at the discounted rate of $4.00 (normally $12.00). To obtain the discounted rate, guests must arrive at12 this car park after 10.00am and depart prior to 3.00pm. Take a ticket from the boom on entry and pay at the payment machine next to Leader Street Gate prior to returning to the car.

RURAL MEDIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA "Putting rural issues in focus"

Web Site: www.ruralmediasa.com @RuralmediaSA Hosting the National Prayer Breakfast

On Monday, October 16, I hosted Dr John Dickson, historian, theo- the Australian National Prayer logian and co-founder of the Cen- Breakfast in Parliament House. tre for Public Christianity was our The first National Prayer Breakfast guest speaker. Dr Dickson spoke was held in 1985 following the on the themes of a documentary success of the annual breakfast the CPC is currently producing. held in Washington, D.C. In a This documentary acknowledges similar manner to State and local the failings of the Church over government Prayer Breakfasts, it the centuries but also highlights brings together a wide range of the significant contribution of church, community and business the Christian faith in establishing leaders—albeit in this case, from many of the charitable institutions around the nation—as well as and human rights concepts that members of Federal Parliament. are highly valued in the western world.

Addressing the National Prayer Breakfast.

13 October 2017 Speaking at the National Student Leadership Forum in Canberra. Emerging and Established Leaders As a Parliamentarian, I believe ple providing a significant leader- that I have a responsibility to ship role in their own nation. This the next generation of leaders. included Pope Tawadros II, the Whether they end up in the Par- Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox liament, out in the commu- Church recently. The Coptic com- nity or in business, young people munity in Egypt and elsewhere in are poised to make an enormous the Middle East have experienced contribution to our society. increasing violence and persecu- tion at the hands of ISIS aligned That’s why I take the time each extremists, and so I was pleased year to be involved with the Na- to learn of the Egyptian Govern- tional Student Leadership Forum ment’s commitment to protecting on faith and values in public life these vulnerable communities. and policy which is convened in Canberra. Speakers include the I also recently convened a special Governor General, Prime Min- joint meeting of the JSCFADT ister, Leader of the Opposition and the Intelligence and Security and senior Defence force officers Committee to meet with a leader amongst others. in the world of countering vio- lent extremism and terrorism, Dr As Chair of the JSCFADT I con- Ahmed Abbadi of Morocco. tinue to meet with a range of peo-

The Fawcett Flyer 14 David Fawcett Liberal Senator for South Australia Deputy Government Whip in the Senate

Chair, Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security Joint Standing Committee on Treaties Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations, Staffing and Security Senate Standing Committee for Selection of Bills

100 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000 SenatorFawcett [email protected] senatorfawcett.com.au

8205 1040

Authorised by Senator David Fawcett, Suite 4, Level 13, 100 King William Street Adelaide SA 5000 15 October 2017