http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/index.htm Parliamentary Library publications - update of the latest publications Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:55:00 +1100 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:55:00 +1100 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp11.pdf The harmful health and other effects of excessive alcohol consumption have long been of concern. The recent debate over the taxation of alcopops was a manifestation of that concern. Successive governments have introduced programs to counter alcohol-related harms. For example, on 10 March 2008, the Rudd Government announced a national binge drinking strategy. 20 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp11.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/Vis/2009-10/agendacopenhagentalks.mp3 The science behind the policy agenda for the Copenhagen talks, speaker Dr Janette Lindesay 19 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/Vis/2009-10/agendacopenhagentalks.mp3 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd063.pdf This Bill makes material amendments to the main four Acts that regulate the consumer protection, competition and licensing in telecommunications markets. 19 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd063.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp10.pdf This paper updates a November 2008 Parliamentary Library publication on the same topic; it provides more historical detail and sets out the changes that will be in place for the summer of 2009–10 and the autumn of 2010. 19 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp10.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp09.pdf On 18 June 2009, the President of the Senate ruled that a child of a Senator be removed from the chamber. Formal parliamentary procedures do not allow for senators or members to bring their children onto floor of the Senate and House of Representatives chamber. The only exception is for breastfeeding mothers in the Senate. 19 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp09.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/ParlSit2008.htm This background note provides figures for the sitting days (and, where available, sitting hours) for a range of national parliaments and for all Australian parliaments in the 2008 calendar year. 18 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/ParlSit2008.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#jl 25th November – 12:30-1:30, Michael Hitchens, Copenhagen negotiations and the CPRS: an industry perspective, Library Conference Room, 2nd floor Ministerial Wing. 18 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#jl http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#jl 19th November – 12:30-1:30, Dr Janette Lindesay, The science behind the policy agenda for the Copenhagen talks, Library Conference Room, 2nd floor Ministerial Wing. 18 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#jl http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/BoatArrivals.htm This background note provides a brief overview of the historical and political context surrounding boat arrivals in Australia since 1976. 18 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/BoatArrivals.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd064.pdf To amend the Customs Tariff Act 1995 (the Act) to incorporate an additional item into Schedule 4 of the Act concerning concessional rates of duty (Customs Tariff Proposal No. 1) 2009 (motor vehicle manufacture); increased rates of tariff incorporated into Schedule 7 (Chilean originating goods) contained in the Customs Tariff Proposals (No. 2) 2009 (Alcopops and tobacco-Chilean goods) and amendments to rates of duty contained in Customs Tariff Proposals (No. 4) 2009 (beer and wine). 17 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd064.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/eco/AustForeignInvestment.pdf This note explores the trend of Australia’s share of the global foreign direct investment inflows (FDI) and its investment relationship with partner countries since 2001. The note also attempts to explain the dynamic of investments in Australia. 17 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/eco/AustForeignInvestment.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd062.pdf Where a State refers all or part of its powers to make laws in relation to industrial matters to the Commonwealth, the Bill will extend the Fair Work Act 2009 to cover the State‘s unincorporated employers and employees and outworker entities. 16 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd062.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/eco/Chron_OHS.pdf This timeline provides links to key workplace safety initiatives and legislation and will be updated with developments. 13 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/eco/Chron_OHS.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd061.pdf The CPRS Bill sets up an emission trading scheme (ETS) as part of a framework designed to reduce pollution caused by emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. 12 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd061.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd060.pdf The CPRS Bill sets up an emission trading scheme (ETS) as part of a framework designed to reduce pollution caused by emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. 12 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd060.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/ChildMigrants.pdf This background note provides a brief overview and history of the arrival of child migrants from the United Kingdom and government responses to claims of their mistreatment whilst in institutional care in Australia. 11 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/ChildMigrants.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/MSB/index.htm This publication is produced by the Statistics and Mapping Section. It contains a selection of the latest economic and social statistics. 04 Nov 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/MSB/index.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd057.pdf The purpose of the Bill is to provide temporary assistance to fuel users, by way of automatic reductions in the excise on fuels, to help them adjust to price rises resulting from the implementation of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). 30 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd057.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd059.pdf The CPRS Bill sets up an emission trading scheme (ETS) as part of a framework designed to reduce pollution caused by emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. 30 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd059.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd058.pdf The purpose of the Bill is to ensure that reductions in fuel excise, resulting from the government’s commitment to cut fuel taxes to offset the initial effect on fuel prices of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), also apply to the customs tariffs (duty) on imported fuels. 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd058.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd057.pdf The purpose of the Bill is to provide temporary assistance to fuel users, by way of automatic reductions in the excise on fuels, to help them adjust to price rises resulting from the implementation of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd057.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd056.pdf To amend the Fuel Tax Act 2006, the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and the Taxation Administration Act 1953 consequent to the introduction of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) fuel credits scheme. 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd056.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd051.pdf As it its name implies, the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Bill 2009 [No. 2] (the Bill) creates the statutory Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority (‘the Authority’). 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd051.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd054.pdf To safeguard the constitutional validity of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009 in respect of the levying of charges for the issue of Australian emissions units. 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd054.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd050.pdf The purpose of the Bill is to provide financial assistance to low and middle-income households from the expected increases in the cost of living arising from the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The Bill is part of a package comprising 11 Bills, the principal one being the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009. 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd050.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd053.pdf To safeguard the constitutional validity of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009 in respect of the levying of charges for the issue of Australian emissions units. 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd053.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd052.pdf To safeguard the constitutional validity of the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Act 2009 in respect of the levying of charges for the issue of Australian emissions units. 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd052.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd049.pdf This Act amends various existing Commonwealth legislation as a consequence of the passing of the main legislation implementing the Government‘s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme referred to above as the CPRS Act. 29 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd049.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/vis/2009-10/globalrecessionandthefutureofsocialpolicy.mp3 Vital Issues Seminar with speakers Paul Smyth, Professorial Fellow in Social Policy, University of Melbourne and Brotherhood of St Lawrence, and Professor Bob Gregory, Emeritus Professor in Economics, ANU. 28 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/vis/2009-10/globalrecessionandthefutureofsocialpolicy.mp3 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd048.pdf To amend or repeal Acts which have been identified in a 2008 stocktake of Commonwealth regulation as containing redundant provisions. 27 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd048.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd046.pdf The Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Measures No. 5) Bill 2009 (the Bill) has six main purposes. 27 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd046.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd047.pdf The Bill amends the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 (TIA Act) to introduce a new network protection regime to cover all Australian computer network owners and operators. 26 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd047.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/RP/2009-10/10rp08.pdf This paper examines the concept of social inclusion in order to determine its usefulness as a framework for social policy. 23 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/RP/2009-10/10rp08.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/DoubleDissolutions.htm This background note provides a general overview of: the double dissolution process, including some unsettled issues; 'triggers’ for double dissolutions and legislation in the 42nd Parliament that could potentially constitute a trigger for a double dissolution election; double dissolutions and elections; the possible composition of the Senate following a double dissolution election, and proposals to reform the double dissolution mechanism in section 57. 22 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/DoubleDissolutions.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd045.pdf Primarily, the Tax Laws Amendment (Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists) Bill 2009 (‘the Tax Bill’) amends three tax Acts to ensure that the body appointed by the Arts Minister as the collecting society for resale royalty right payments under the proposed Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists Act 2009 is not taxed on amounts it collects and passes on to visual artists (or their estates), nor on interest paid to the society in relation to these royalties. 22 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd045.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd044.pdf To provide for legislative amendments to family assistance legislation necessary to implement a 2009-10 Budget initiative to improve education participation for young people aged 16 to 20. 22 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd044.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/Vis/2009-10/GlobalPolicyTrends_FinancialisedEconomy.mp3 Parliamentary Library Lecture by Professor Michael Hudson, Distinguished Research Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri (Kansas City). 21 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/Vis/2009-10/GlobalPolicyTrends_FinancialisedEconomy.mp3 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd043.pdf The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Social Security Act 1991 to enable the temporary payment of a $41.60 supplement per fortnight to participants in the National Green Jobs Corps program who are in receipt of Youth Allowance (other), Newstart Allowance or the Parenting Payment. The supplement is to be payable to those people who participate in the National Green Jobs Corps between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011. 20 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd043.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd042.pdf To reform student income support to make higher education more accessible in response to the Review of Higher Education conducted by Emeritus Professor Denise Bradley. 20 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd042.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd041.pdf The purpose of the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) is to amend the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006. 20 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd041.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd040.pdf The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2009 (the Bill), proposes to amend the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 (the Act). 19 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd040.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/fads/burma.htm This Background Note outlines major recent developments in relation to Burma and Australia’s policies towards it. 16 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/fads/burma.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd036.pdf The purpose of the Bill is to establish a register of personal property securities in place of separate registers tracking whether there is any mortgage or loan or other financial encumbrance over assets. The Bill will apply to all transactions which create an interest in personal property that secures a loan or other obligation. 16 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd036.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd039.pdf The Bill amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act) to Allow higher education providers to charge students an annual capped compulsory student services and amenities fee from (‗on or after‘) 1 July 2009, and Introduce a new Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) category for student amenities fees called Services and Amenities-HELP (SA-HELP). 16 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd039.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/stats/PopulationChange.htm The Parliamentary Library has obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) unpublished Estimated Resident Population (ERP) data as at 30 June 2007 and 2008 for Commonwealth electoral divisions (or seats). This allows analysis of various aspects of population change for divisions over the period 2007 to 2008 on a consistent conceptual and geographic basis. 16 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/stats/PopulationChange.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd038.pdf To ensure that federal public sector long service leave legislation continues to cover Telstra's workforce until national long service leave provisions under the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards come into effect. 15 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd038.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd037.pdf The Health Insurance Amendment (Compliance) Bill 2009 (the Bill) proposes to amend the Health Insurance Act 1973 (the Act) in order to implement the Increased Medicare Compliance Audits (IMCA) initiative, which was previously announced in the 2008–09 budget. 15 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd037.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sci/KyotoAccRules.htm This paper summarises the key accounting provisions of the Kyoto Protocol and presents Australia’s decisions with respect to the electives, and its ensuing obligations under the Kyoto Protocol treaty. 14 Oct 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sci/KyotoAccRules.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/parlrem.pdf This background note provides relevant data, hyperlinks and documents on the remuneration of Australian federal parliamentarians. 30 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/parlrem.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp07.pdf This paper explores the principle of complementary protection and its operation both at the international and domestic levels. 30 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp07.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bn/eco/Chron_FWAct.pdf This chronology commences with the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ (ACTU) 2006 report of its overseas delegation reviewing international bargaining systems 24 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/eco/Chron_FWAct.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#hudson 21st October, 12.30-1.30, Professor Michael Hudson, Global policy trends in a financialised economy, Library Conference Room, 2nd floor Ministerial Wing 21 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#hudson http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#smyth 28th October, 12.30-1.30, Professor Paul Smyth and Professor Bob Gregory, The global recession and the future of social policy in Australia, Library Conference Room, 2nd floor Ministerial Wing 21 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/vis/index.htm#smyth http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/eco/EmissionsTrading.pdf This background note identifies two currently operating cap-and-trade schemes, that have a wide geographical coverage and some operating histories; and asks whether they have been successful in reducing emissions in the area under their control. 17 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/eco/EmissionsTrading.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd034.pdf The Australian National Preventive Health Agency Bill 2009 (the Bill) would establish the Australian National Preventive Health Agency (ANPHA) to support the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference and Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in creating a framework for a national approach to preventive health. 16 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd034.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd031.pdf The Bill makes significant amendments to the following Commonwealth Acts: Crimes Act 1914, Criminal Code Act 1995, Customs Act 1901, Family Law Act 1975, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979. The amendments are targeted at organised criminal activity and include unexplained wealth provisions and enhanced police powers relating to controlled operations, assumed identities and witness identity protection. This Bill also introduces liability for persons who jointly commit offences. Finally, the Bill will also allow for increased access to telecommunications interception for criminal organisation offences. 16 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd031.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd035.pdf To allow for the imposition of fees for things done under the National Credit Legislation. 16 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd035.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd033.pdf To provide the transitional and consequential arrangements to support the transfer of regulation of credit from the State and Territories to the Commonwealth. 16 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd033.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd032.pdf The Bill amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act) to: broaden the application of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) category for Vocational Education and Training students called VET FEE-HELP; and provide that officers of Tertiary Admission Centres (TACs) have the same status and duty of care as those of higher education providers in relation to processing student information. 15 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd032.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/AustPolWritings_2008-09.pdf TSignificant material received in the Parliamentary Library in 2008‐09 in the subject areas of Parliamentary Issues, Party Politics and Politics is listed. 15 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/AustPolWritings_2008-09.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd030.pdf To implement the new national consumer credit regulation framework, which will replace the current State based regulatory framework known as the Uniform Consumer Credit Code. 15 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd030.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd029.pdf The purpose of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) is to amend the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act) to take account of increasing use of emerging complex financing arrangements that could potentially result in influence over, or control of, Australian companies, either now or in the future. 15 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd029.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/eco/PayrollTax.htm In general, the payroll tax base—that is, the items to which the tax applies—includes wages and salaries and other forms of employee benefit such as bonuses and fringe benefits. However, a feature is that the tax base differs from state to state. This increases compliance costs for businesses that operate in several jurisdictions. In March 2007, the states and territories agreed to harmonise their bases and administrative arrangements and there has been progress in this undertaking. 15 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/eco/PayrollTax.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd026.pdf The purpose of the Migration Amendment (Immigration Detention Reform) Bill 2009 (this Bill) is to amend the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) to create more flexibility in managing the detention of ‗unlawful non-citizens‘. 11 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd026.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/AustCitizenship.pdf The Background Note focuses on citizenship within the context of Commonwealth legislation and does not attempt an analysis of the meaning of Australian citizenship or different theories of citizenship. 11 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/AustCitizenship.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp06.pdf This paper examines the issues of Australia’s uranium in the context of world supply and demand, shows the factors affecting world prices, and looks to the future of the uranium industry in the environmental debate over greenhouse gas emissions. 11 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp06.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp05.pdf This paper updates the Commonwealth Election 2007 paper’s commentary and statistical tables affected by the Court of Disputed Returns’ 2008 judgement regarding the division of McEwen (Vic). 10 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp05.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sci/Biochar.pdf The goal of this paper is to introduce the concept and origins of biochar, discuss its production process, potential uses, and the benefits and costs of biochar in its key roles in agriculture and climate change mitigation. 10 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sci/Biochar.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/eco/Chron_Superannuation.pdf The following chronology notes some of the significant dates in the development of the current retirement income system. 10 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/eco/Chron_Superannuation.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd028.pdf The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000. 09 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd028.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd024.pdf To enable Australia to take up its allocated subscription (409 480 shares) as part of the fifth general capital increase (GCI V) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB). 08 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd024.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd027.pdf The Bill amends the Corporations Act 2001 (the Corporations Act) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (the ASIC Act) to regulate margin lending and trustee corporations on a national basis. 07 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd027.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd022.pdf This Bill does three things. It removes a sunset clause which made most of Part 27A inoperative after 26 May 2009. It expands the class of firms from which information can be compulsorily obtained to include utilities. It also changes the purpose to which the information can be put. Information is to be received for the purpose of the implementation study that the Commonwealth is to conduct and by the company (NBN Co) that the Commonwealth has established to own and operate a new fibre-to-the-home national broadband network (NBN #2). 07 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd022.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd025.pdf The purpose of the Foreign States Immunities Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) is to amend the Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 (FSIA) so that a foreign State and its emergency management personnel are immune in tort proceedings for acts or omissions that occur in the course of the foreign state providing emergency management assistance to Australia. 04 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd025.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/parlrem.htm This background note provides relevant data, hyperlinks and documents on the remuneration of Australian federal parliamentarians. 01 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/pol/parlrem.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp04.pdf This paper, updated for the 2009–10 financial year is designed to provide readers with a summary of superannuation taxation, contribution, preservation and payment rules, and covers, amongst others. 04 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp04.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/ClimateChange/effects/security/migration.htm Fresh water scarcity, the flooding of coastal areas and the subsequent loss of life and income are all likely to exacerbate existing migration from rural to urban areas and across state and international borders. This could also alter population distribution and composition, increasing the potential for instability and conflict. 03 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/ClimateChange/effects/security/migration.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/ClimateChange/uncertaintyAndScepticism/contrasting.htm The basic outline of the scientific case that human emissions of greenhouse gases affect the planet’s average temperature is well known. The ‘other side’ of the story disputes some or all aspects of the mainstream scientific case. 02 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/ClimateChange/uncertaintyAndScepticism/contrasting.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd023.pdf The purpose of the Foreign States Immunities Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) is to amend the Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 (FSIA) so that a foreign State and its emergency management personnel are immune in tort proceedings for acts or omissions that occur in the course of the foreign state providing emergency management assistance to Australia. 01 Sep 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd023.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/sp/ChildMigrants.htm This background note provides a brief overview of the historical and political context surrounding the arrival of child migrants from the UK. It includes background on government policy responses, other relevant responses and links to some of the key resources. 26 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/sp/ChildMigrants.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/MedicareSelect.htm This paper examines the differences between Medicare and the Medicare Select proposal, explains how Medicare Select differs from managed care and ‘privatising’ the health system, identifies other countries with similar systems, and outlines the potential benefits and risks of implementing Medicare Select in Australia. 26 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sp/MedicareSelect.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/eco/Chron_Superannuation.htm The following chronology notes some of the significant dates in the development of the current retirement income system. 25 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/eco/Chron_Superannuation.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sci/CarOfTheFuture.pdf A panacea for the environmental problems of modern motor vehicles – especially their use of non-renewable oil and their emissions – has long been the subject of speculation. Various alternative fuels are put forward as solutions to the world’s diminishing reserves of oil, but each seems to have its own issues and problems to deal with, not to mention effects on agricultural crops previously destined for human food consumption. 25 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/sci/CarOfTheFuture.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd021.pdf There is a threefold purpose to the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill): 1. to bring into force the Australia – European Community (EC) Agreement on Trade in Wine (the Agreement) 2. to further protect Australia‘s reputation for the production of wines of quality and integrity by strengthening the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation‘s (AWBC) Label Integrity Program (LIP) and 3. to correct a number of weaknesses with the compliance provisions of the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act 1980 (the AWBC Act). 21 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd021.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/Fiji.pdf This background note provides a timeline of some significant political events in Fiji between April and July 2009, and lists some of the reactions to the crisis by key regional and international actors. 20 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/Fiji.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd018.pdf The measures in this Bill form part of the reform of the current regulation of tax agents and provide a transition to the new law in the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TAS Act) for the registration and regulation of tax agents and Business Activity Statement (BAS) agents. The Bill also deals with consequential matters arising from the enactment of the TAS Act. 19 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd018.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd020.pdf The citizenship test was launched on 17 September 2007 with testing commencing from 1 October 2007. The primary reason for introducing the test was to ensure that citizenship applicants had the requisite knowledge to demonstrate the requirements of the Citizenship Act which, broadly speaking, are to understand the nature of the application, to have a basic knowledge of English, and to demonstrate comprehension of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. 19 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd020.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd019.pdf The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA) to establish the Australian Consumer Law (ACL)1 as a schedule to that Act, including provisions to address unfair contract terms. 19 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd019.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/AsylumSeekers_Resources.htm This background note provides web links to statistics and information about the world’s refugees, asylum seekers and others ‘of concern’. There are of course many electronic sites with information on refugee issues. 17 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/AsylumSeekers_Resources.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/HealthInsurancePremiums.htm This background note provides an overview of rises in private health insurance premiums in recent years, outlines possible reasons for these increases and for variations in the increases experienced by individual funds, and outlines recent changes to the regulation of private health insurance that may affect how premium rises are assessed and how they are reported. 13 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/HealthInsurancePremiums.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/MedicareSelect.htm This paper addresses key questions about the Medicare Select proposal in order to help explain what is and how it would change the Australian health system if it were implemented. 13 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/MedicareSelect.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd017.pdf The purpose, or object, of the Bill is to appoint a National Security Legislation Monitor (Monitor) who will assist Ministers in ensuring that Australia‟s counter-terrorism and national security legislation. 12 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd017.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd012.pdf The Bill proposes a Commonwealth scheme whereby assistance is offered to eligible midwives in accessing indemnity for claims arising from their professional activities. 12 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd012.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd016.pdf The Bill amends the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 (BCII Act). 11 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd016.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd011.pdf To facilitate new arrangements to expand the role of qualified, eligible nurse practitioners and midwives to allow them to request appropriate diagnostic imaging and pathology services for which Medicare benefits can be paid and to allow qualified, eligible nurse practitioners and midwives to prescribe certain medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 11 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd011.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd002.pdf The Bill proposes a new ongoing payment, carer supplement, for those in receipt of carer allowance, carer payment, wife pension and the carer service pension. Those in receipt of carer allowance as well as a wife pension or partner service pension will be eligible for an additional carer supplement. 11 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd002.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd014.pdf The Access to Justice (Civil Litigation Reforms) Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) proposes to amend the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Federal Court Act), Family Law Act 1975 (Family Law Act) and Federal Magistrates Act 1999 (Federal Magistrates Act). The Bill proposes to amend the Federal Court Act in relation to case management powers and appeals processes for civil proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia (the Federal Court) in an effort to ensure efficient administration of such proceedings. The Bill also proposes to amend the Federal Court, Family Law and Federal Magistrates Acts in relation to powers of the Chief Judges and Chief Magistrates of the respective Courts in effectively administering the business of those Courts and in managing judicial health and education services. 10 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd014.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd010.pdf The Bill implements the Government’s policy arrangements for the automotive industry announced in A New Car Plan for a Greener Future and will establish the Automotive Transformation Scheme (ATS) to commence from 1 January 2011. 10 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd010.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd009.pdf The Bill amends the ACIS Administration Act 1999 to implement changes to the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme (ACIS) that were announced in the Government’s A New Car Plan for a Greener Future by repealing ACIS Stage 3 which was scheduled to run to 31 December 2015. 10 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd009.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd008.pdf The Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2009 Measures No. 2) Bill 2009 (the Bill) contains amendments proposed as part of a series of bills amending the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act) to ensure the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic goods in Australia, as well as reducing the regulatory burdens on the therapeutic goods industry. 10 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd008.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd005.pdf Schedule 1 amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 ITAA 1936 to increase the limit on research and development R and D expenditure for eligibility for the R and D tax offset from $1 million to $2 million. 29 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd005.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd006.pdf The Bill amends the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) to give shareholders the right to veto termination payments (commonly know as ‘golden handshakes’) made to company directors and senior executives where the payments are greater than one year of the recipient’s ‘base salary’. 06 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd006.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd007.pdf The Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Charge) Amendment Bill 2009 (the Bill) amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Charge) Act 2000 (the Charge Act) to increase the renewable energy shortfall charge from its current $40 to $65. 05 Aug 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd007.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd004.pdf The Bill amends the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to make modest changes to the existing Commonwealth aviation transport security regime. 27 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd004.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd003.pdf The Bill amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act) to effect administrative changes to the application and approval process for the income contingent loan schemes for higher education and vocational education and training (VET), known as FEE-HELP and VET FEE-HELP respectively. 22 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd003.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd001.pdf To repeal the Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 so that the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government can implement the updated Australian Dangerous Goods Code to govern the transport of dangerous goods by road and rail in the ACT. 21 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bd/2009-10/10bd001.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp02.pdf In the context of North Korea, there is an abundance of non-traditional security issues that impact individuals, the state and the region. This includes a wide variety of specific issues, including environmental degradation, infectious disease, forced labour, terrorism, natural disaster preparedness, the multiple impacts of climate change, resource scarcity and personal freedom. Some of the most commonly cited non-traditional security threats are food security, irregular migration, transnational crime, and human rights abuses.11 These issues are further explored in this Research Paper. 20 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/rp/2009-10/10rp02.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/2009-10/ClimateChangeCalendar.htm The formal negotiations are taking place within the various meetings and working groups that have been established under the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol framework. This background note will be a ‘living’ document, updated to include any new developments on this front. 17 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/2009-10/ClimateChangeCalendar.htm http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/2009-10/MedicalPractitioners.pdf This background note summarises that process, elaborating upon the roles played by the major providers of medical education in Australia and the pathways taken by students to qualify as medical practitioners. 15 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/2009-10/MedicalPractitioners.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/2009-10/PhilanthropyByCED.pdf Using the latest available data published by the Australian Taxation Office for the 2006–07 income year, this background note looks at levels of philanthropy, or more specifically, tax deductible giving in Australia. 14 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/BN/2009-10/PhilanthropyByCED.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/RP/2009-10/10rp01.pdf This research paper examines Australia’s relationship with the European Union (EU) and the growing cooperation between Australia and the EU on security matters. 14 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/RP/2009-10/10rp01.pdf http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/RetrospectiveAwards.pdf This background note outlines the current requirements for the timing of nominations for awards for gallantry, distinguished service and for bravery, and summarises the principles applied in previous approaches to considering retrospective awards for the Vietnam War. 06 Jul 2009 http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/pubs/bn/2009-10/RetrospectiveAwards.pdf