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2011 news archive

12 December 2011

The Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, has reshuffled the federal ministry. The move was prompted by the resignation of Senator Nick Sherry from the ministry following his decision to retire from Parliament at the next election. The reshuffle increased the size of the Cabinet from 20 to 22. It also saw the Hon Nicola Roxon MP become Australia's first female Attorney-General.

29 November 2011

The Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP, released the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) on the 29 November. The MYEFO updates the economic forecast made in the previous May's budget, including how much money the government estimates it will raise and spend. The Charter of Budget Honesty Act 1998 requires that the government release the MYEFO each year. In response to the revised forecast, the Treasurer announced a number of saving measures. For details of the MYEFO, visit the Budget 2011-12 website: http://www.budget.gov.au/2011-12/index.htm

Sitting period: 21–25 November 2011

The Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill 2011 passes House of Representatives

The Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill 2011 passed the House of Representatives at 2.42am on 24 November. The bill and 10 associated pieces of legislation were passed by a vote of 73 to 71. Under the legislation, 'super' profits from mining iron and coal will be taxed at a rate of 30 percent, while profits from onshore oil, gas and coal seam methane projects will be taxed at 40 per cent. Money raised by the tax will be put towards infrastructure, a company tax rate cut, and an increase in the superannuation guarantee rate from nine to 12 per cent.

The bills, which will be debated in the Senate next year, have been referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Economics.

New Human Rights Bill

The Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2010 was passed by the Parliament on 25 November. Under the new legislation, when a minister introduces a bill in the Parliament, they will be required to table a statement outlining how the proposal meets Australia's human rights obligations. The bill also established a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights.

Royal Assent for Clean Energy Bills

The Parliament received a message on 18 November from the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, stating that she had, 'in the name of Her Majesty', assented to the Clean Energy bills. Royal assent is the final stage in the passage of a bill before it becomes law.

Held Hostage: Government's response to the kidnapping of Australian citizens overseas

A Senate committee has recommended that government agencies, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, give greater support to the families of Australian citizens kidnapped and held hostage overseas. This was among the findings of an inquiry conducted by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, which released its report 'Held Hostage: Government's response to the kidnapping of Australian citizens overseas' on 21 November. To read the report, visit the committee's homepage at http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees? url=fadt_ctte/kidnap_ransom/index.htm

24 November 2011

The Hon Peter Slipper MP, member for Fisher, has been elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr Slipper resigned from his party, saying that this would allow him to be a more independent Speaker. Mr Slipper's election followed the resignation of Mr Harry Jenkins MP, who served as Speaker from 2008. Mr Jenkins said he wished 'to participate in policy and parliamentary debate, and this would be incompatible with continuing in the role of Speaker'. Ms Anna Burke, member for Chisholm, was elected Deputy Speaker.

The Speaker ensures that the rules of the House of Representatives, called standing orders, are followed and that order is maintained. The Speaker does not usually take part in chamber debates or votes.

17 November 2011

The US President Barack Obama addressed a special sitting of the Australian Parliament on 17 November. It was the fourth time a US president has addressed the Parliament, following George W Bush, Bill Clinton and George Bush senior.

During his address, the President stressed the strong bonds between Australia and the US, saying 'we are citizens who live by a common creed-no matter who you are or what you look like, everyone deserves a fair chance; everyone deserves a fair go'. He also honoured the 32 Australian soldiers who have died while serving in Afghanistan.

The event took place in the House of Representatives chamber, with the President of the Senate and other senators attending as guests. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition made welcoming remarks before the Speaker invited President Obama to make his address. It was the President's first official visit to Australia and marked the 60th anniversary of ANZUS, the Australia, New Zealand, and United States Security Treaty.

Sitting period: 31 October – 10 November 2011

Senate passes Clean Energy Bills

After 26 hours of debate, the Senate passed the Clean Energy Bills on 8 November by a vote of 36 to 32. The centrepiece of the new legislation, a tax on carbon pollution, will come into effect in July next year. Several amendments, or changes, to the bill proposed by the opposition and Independent senator Nick Xenophon were rejected by the Senate. Earlier the opposition unsuccessfully attempted to delay consideration of the bills until after the next federal election.

Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill passes the Senate

The Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill 2011 was passed by the Senate on 10 November. This means that all tobacco products sold in Australia will need to be in plain packaging from 1 December 2012. Australia is the first country to introduce a law of this kind.

Livestock Export (Animal Welfare Conditions) Bill 2011

Independent Mr Andrew Wilkie MP introduced a private member's bill, the Livestock Export (Animal Welfare Conditions) Bill 2011 into the House of Representatives on 31 October. The bill would introduce new regulations to safeguard the welfare of live animals exported overseas. To find out more about the bills before Parliament, visit the Parliament of Australia website at: http://www.aph.gov.au/bills/index.htm

Price war on milk report

A Senate inquiry has found that dairy farmers are unaffected by the major supermarket chains heavily discounting the cost of their 'home brand' and 'private label' milk. However, the inquiry report recommended that the government commission a study of the dairy industries in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia, with a particular focus on the sustainability of these industries.

Sitting period: 31 October – 10 November 2011

Executive veto over Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory removed

Federal Parliament has passed a bill which removes the right of a federal minister or the Cabinet to veto or change territory laws. This veto power was used by the then Prime Minister John Howard in 2006 to disallow the ACT's civil union laws. It is the first bill introduced by the Greens to be passed by federal Parliament.

Under the Territories Self-Government Legislation Amendment (Disallowance and Amendment of Laws) Bill 2011, territory laws can only be disallowed or changed through a vote of federal Parliament. The Australian Constitution gives federal Parliament the power to 'make laws for the government of any territory'. This provision does not apply to the states.

Sitting period: 31 October – 10 November 2011

New senator sworn in

Arthur Sinodinos was sworn in as a senator for New South Wales on 31 October to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Coonan. The new senator was presented to the chamber by fellow New South Wales senators, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Marise Payne, before taking the oath of allegiance. The custom of being introduced to the chamber by two 'sponsors' dates back to the 17th century and British Parliament. In this period, before the advent of mass media such as television, the new member may not have been known to the Parliament and there was the possibility of impersonation.

US President to visit Australia

The White House has announced that US President Barrack Obama will visit Darwin and Canberra on 16 and 17 November to mark the 60th anniversary of ANZUS, the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty. The treaty underpins the defence alliance between Australia and the US. During the visit, the President will address federal Parliament. His address will follow speeches of welcome from the Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard, and the Opposition Leader, the Honourable Tony Abbott.

Sitting period: 11–13 October 2011

Clean Energy Bills

The Clean Energy Bills passed the House of Representatives on 12 October by a vote of 74 to 72. The 19 Bills will put a price on carbon pollution and promote investment in renewable and clean energy technologies. The bills have been introduced to the Senate and will be debated in the next session of Parliament.

Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill

The Senate started debating the Tobacco Plain Packaging Bill 2011 during the last sitting of Parliament. The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives on 24 August, will ban tobacco industry logos, brand imagery, colours and promotional text on tobacco packets. Plain packets will be a drab brown colour, with health warnings and a discrete brand name in a standard colour, position, font and size.

Queen Elizabeth II's visit

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arrived in Australia on 19 October for a 10-day tour, during which she opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth and visited Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane. The Queen attended a reception at Parliament House on 21 October hosted by the Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard. It was the Queen's 16th visit to Australia. She first toured Australia in 1954 shortly after being crowned monarch.

Senate vacancy filled

A joint sitting of the NSW Parliament has chosen Arthur Sinodinos to fill the vacancy created by former Senator Helen Coonan. Mr Sinodinos will be sworn in by the Senate after his nomination is officially communicated by the Governor of New South Wales. Mr Sinodinos' seat in the Senate will expire in June 2014.

Previous news

The koala – saving our national icon

On 22 September 2011, after 10 months of investigation, the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications tabled its report on the Inquiry into Australia's koala population. The inquiry examined the status, health and sustainability of one of the nation's most loved and iconic native animals – the koala. The report contained 19 recommendations, and highlighted the need for early action to address the decline in Australia's koala population. To read the report, visit the committee's homepage at http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees? url=ec_ctte/koalas/index.htm

Inquiry into learning Indigenous languages

A House of Representatives committee is inquiring into language learning in Indigenous communities. The inquiry will look at the benefits of recognising Indigenous languages, their contribution to Indigenous identity and culture, and the potential of including Indigenous languages in early education. The Committee is calling for submissions from the public and will hold hearings in September and October to get evidence from individuals and community members. For more details, or to find out how get involved, visit the committee's website page at www.aph.gov.au/languages

Private members' bills

Since the start of the 43^rd Parliament (and as at 22 September 2011) there have been 216 government bills and 28 private members' bills first introduced into the House of Representatives. During the sitting fortnight from 12 to 22 September, three Independent members introduced private members' bills into the House of Representatives. Mr Katter MP introduced the Constitutional Corporations (Farm Gate to Plate) Bill 2011. Mr Wilkie MP introduced the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Community Consultation) Bill 2011 and Mr Windsor MP introduced the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Mining, Petroleum and Water Resources) Bill 2011. To find out more about the bills before Parliament, visit the Parliament of Australia website at: http://www.aph.gov.au/bills/index.htm

Casual vacancy in the Senate

New South Wales Senator Helen Coonan officially resigned from the Senate on 22 August 2011. This creates a casual vacancy in the Senate. Under section 15 of the Australian Constitution, the new senator will be appointed by the same state or territory Parliament as the vacating senator. A 1977 amendment made to section 15 also requires that the new senator is from the same political party or group as the previous senator. The President of the Senate has notified the Governor of New South Wales about the current vacancy.

Committee looks into insurance industry's response to natural disasters

The House of Representatives Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee is inquiring into the insurance industry's response to 2010/2011 extreme weather events around Australia. The committee will speak to members of the community in areas of Queensland affected by recent natural disasters. They are also seeking opinions through an online survey available on the Committee's website at http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/ House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=spla/insurance/index.htm

Inquiry into Australia's live export markets

On 16 June 2011, the Senate agreed to a motion moved by Senator Siewert to inquire into animal welfare standards in Australia's live export markets. The inquiry will be conducted by the Senate Standing Committee on Rural Affairs and Transport, with the report due by 25 August 2011. The committee will investigate how effective the federal government and other organisations are in safeguarding the welfare of exported animals. To find out more information about the inquiry, visit the committee's webpage at www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees? url=rat_ctte/live_exports_2011

My First Speech competition winners announced

Three young Australians have won a national competition called My First Speech aimed at year 10-12 students. The competition asked students to write and record their first speech as if they were newly elected members of the House of Representatives. On 6 July 2011, the winners visited Parliament House to deliver their speeches and attend the launch of the My First Speech exhibition which showcased their entries. The students were welcomed to the House of Representatives during Question Time by the Speaker and were given a rousing ovation by members of parliament. To view the winning videos, visit the My First Speech competition website at www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech

Cyber-Safety and the Young

On Monday 20 June 2011, the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety tabled its report on the Inquiry into Cyber-Safety called High-Wire Act: Cyber-Safety and the Young. This report focuses on how young people can be empowered to use new technologies safely and ethically, and with full awareness of the risks and benefits. As part of the consultation process, the committee conducted two online surveys: one for young people up to the age of 12 and the second for 13-18 year olds. The surveys were completed by 33,751 young Australians from around the country. The report is available from the Parliament of Australia website at http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/ House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=jscc/reports.htm

New Zealand Prime Minister's address

The Right Honourable John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, addressed the Australian Parliament on Monday 20 June 2011. The event took place in the House of Representatives chamber, with the President of the Senate and senators attending as guests. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition made welcoming remarks before the Speaker invited the New Zealand Prime Minister to deliver his address. Prime Minister Key is the first New Zealand Prime Minister to address both Houses of Parliament.

Senators' valedictory speeches

In the final sitting weeks of June 2011, the 12 senators who completed their term at the end of June made their valedictory speeches in the Senate chamber. This was an opportunity for senators to reflect on their achievements and to make any acknowledgements or observations about their time in the Senate. The 12 new senators elected at last year's federal election commenced their term on Friday, 1 July 2011.

Confidence in the Speaker

On 31 May 2011, the Speaker of the House, Mr Harry Jenkins, named a member for repeatedly interrupting proceedings. The Leader of the House then proposed the member be suspended from the House (for one day). This was defeated by one vote. This is an unusual outcome which prompted the Speaker to say he would consider his position. In response, the Leader of the Opposition moved a motion of confidence in his speakership. This was seconded by the Prime Minister who also remarked on her confidence in the Speaker. The motion was agreed to by members of the House.

Federal Budget 2011-12

The Treasurer, the Hon Wayne Swan MP, delivered his federal Budget speech to the House of Representatives on Tuesday 10 May 2011. The Government's Budget was presented to the Parliament as appropriation bills. These bills were approved by the Senate on 23 June 2011.

Sex and Age Discrimination Legislation Amendment Bill 2010

The Parliament has passed amendments to sex and age discrimination laws. These amendments strengthen protections against sex discrimination and sexual harassment for women and men and also introduce an Age Discrimination Commissioner in the Human Rights Commission. The Sex and Age Discrimination Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 was passed by the House of Representatives in October 2010. A Senate committee investigated the bill in detail, releasing its report and recommendations in March 2011. The bill was passed by the Senate on 12 May 2011 and will take effect later this year.

Government's Flood Levy bills passed by the Parliament

The Tax Laws Amendment (Temporary Flood and Cyclone Reconstruction Levy) Bill 2011 and a related bill were passed in the House of Representatives on 24 February 2011 by 72 votes to 71. The bills were then passed in the Senate on 22 March 2011 by 34 votes to 32.

Parliament passes bill protecting journalists

The text of the Evidence Amendment (Journalist's Privilege) Bill 2010 was agreed to by both houses of Parliament on 21 March 2011. First introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2010 by Independent member Andrew Wilkie MP, this bill amends the Evidence Act 1995 and relates to the protection of journalists' sources.

Prime Minister's address

On 10 March, the Prime Minister gave a 30 minute address to a Joint Meeting of the United States Congress. Ms Gillard was only the fourth Prime Minister of Australia to do this; Mr Howard, Mr Hawke and Mr Menzies being the other Prime Ministers to do so.

Visiting dignitaries

The Prime Minister of Mongolia, His Excellency Mr Sukhbaatar Batbold MP, was formally welcomed by the Parliament on 23 February and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, was formally welcomed on 2 March.

Condolences

Debate was put on hold on several occasions in February and March as members of parliament moved motions of condolences in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. These were made as a mark of respect for two Australian soldiers who died in Afghanistan—Corporal Richard Atkinson and Sapper Jamie Ronald Larcombe—and for the loss of lives in the Queensland floods and New Zealand earthquake.

Price war on milk inquiry

On 10 February, Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, with the support of the opposition and the Australian Greens, called on the Senate Economics Committee to investigate the price war on milk and find out how it is affecting dairy farmers. The inquiry will also allow senators to examine the commercial practices of Australia's biggest supermarkets.