Final Senate Bills List for 2003

Chamber: Senate
Parl No.: 40
Date: 22 Jan 2004
Summary: AS AT 22 JANUARY 2004 (2003 Final Edition) This is a list of all bills before the Parliament for the 2003 calendar year to date ... Read more
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AS AT 22 JANUARY 2004

(2003 Final Edition)

This is a list of all bills before the Parliament for the 2003 calendar year to date

Abbreviations

AD Australian Democrats [Dem]

AG Australian Greens

ALP Australian Labor Party [Opp]

APA Australian Progressive Alliance

Ind Independent

LP Liberal Party of Australia [Govt]

NATS The Nationals [Govt]

PHON Pauline Hanson—s One Nation

CID Consideration in Detail stage (House of Representatives)

PM Private Member—s bill

PS Private Senator—s bill

R Restored to Notice Paper

S Senate bill

SBC Selection of Bills Committee

PM A Better Future for Our Kids Bill 2003

(Introduced by Ms Roxon — ALP)

The bill: establishes the Office of the National Commissioner for Children and Young People; provides for a national code for the protection of children; and provides for a probity check on all persons undertaking child-related employment or volunteer work. Also includes reporting requirements and a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 26/5/03; Read a 1st time 26/5/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 3/11/03

A New Tax System (Commonwealth-State Financial Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the A New Tax System (Commonwealth-State Financial Arrangements) Act 1999 in relation to: accounting by the Commissioner of Taxation for all Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds; the timing of final determinations; and introduction of a mechanism for residual Budget Balancing Assistance adjustments for GST transitional years. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

PS ABC Amendment (Online and Multichannelling Services) Bill 2001 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Bourne — AD)

Amends the: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 in relation to the provision of online and multichannelling services; and Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to enable the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Special Broadcasting Service Corporation to provide unrestricted multichannelling services.

Senate: Intro. 3/4/01; 2nd reading adjourned 3/4/01

SBC report 7/01 (tabled and adopted 23/5/01): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

PM Abolition of the Gold Travel Pass for Former Politicians (Reflecting Community Standards) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Organ — AG)

The bill: abolishes the entitlement of former members of Parliament to severance travel and to a Life Gold Pass; provides for limited travel and other entitlements in certain circumstances; and provides for the transfer of certain frequent flyer points to the Commonwealth upon a member—s death or retirement. Repeals the Members of Parliament (Life Gold Pass) Act 2002 and contains transitional provisions and a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 18/8/03; Read a 1st time 18/8/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Act 1986 in relation to the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council by: modifying quorum requirements for general meetings; extending the timeframe within which new by-laws must be given to the Minister; and enabling the Minister to appoint an Australian Public Service employee within a portfolio agency as the Registrar of the Council.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 27/11/03

Senate: Intro. 28/11/03; Passed 4/12/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 146, 2003

ACIS Administration Amendment Bill 2003

Introduced with the Customs Tariff Amendment (ACIS) Bill 2003, the bill amends the ACIS Administration Act 1999 to extend the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme (ACIS) from its initial finishing date in 2005 to the end of 2015. Also provides for: distribution of ACIS funding into two funding pools (motor vehicle producers; and component producers and other scheme participants); establishment of a $150 million research and development fund for motor vehicle producers; and disclosure of information relating to scheme participants. Also contains transitional and application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 25/6/03; Passed 8/9/03

Senate: Intro. 9/9/03; Passed 16/9/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 13/8/03; report due 15/9/03; report tabled 10/9/03

2nd reading amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 Dem/passed

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 96, 2003

Acts Interpretation Amendment (Court Procedures) Bill 2003

Amends the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 to insert a provision to make it clear that a reference in Commonwealth legislation to a summons, information or complaint, or other current forms of initiating proceedings, includes all relevant methods of initiating proceedings even if States or Territories change their procedures or terminology.

Reps: Intro. 5/6/03; Passed 17/6/03

Senate: Intro. 18/6/03; Passed 19/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 26/6/03; Act No. 46, 2003

Age Discrimination Bill 2003

Introduced with the Age Discrimination (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2003, the bill prohibits age discrimination in key areas such as employment, education, access to premises and to goods, services and facilities, provision of accommodation, land dealings, and administration of Commonwealth laws and programs, whilst exempting legitimate differential treatment in areas such as superannuation, taxation, health, social security and migration. Also confers related functions on the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 26/11/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 3 Govt/passed; 5 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 1/12/03; 2nd reading 3/12/03; Consideration in committee of the whole an order of the day for next sitting

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 13/8/03; report tabled 18/9/03

Age Discrimination (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Age Discrimination Bill 2003, the bill makes consequential amendments to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986, Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986, Sea Installations Act 1987 and Workplace Relations Act 1996. Also makes amendments consequential on the proposed Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Act 2003 to the proposed Age Discrimination Act 2003, Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and Sex Discrimination Act 1984.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 26/11/03

Senate: Intro. 1/12/03; 2nd reading 3/12/03; Consideration in committee of the whole an order of the day for next sitting

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994, Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992 and Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Products (Collection of Levy) Act 1994 to streamline the operation of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code and introduce an approval regime for agricultural and veterinary chemicals categorised as low regulatory activity; and correct minor typographical errors.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 6/2/03

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 20/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Assent: 8/4/03; Act No. 13, 2003

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2002

(Act citation: Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Makes technical amendments to the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act 1980, Export Control Act 1982, National Residue Survey Administration Act 1992, Quarantine Act 1908 and Dairy Industry Legislation Amendment Act 2002. Also makes contingent amendments to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2002 and Quarantine Act 1908 in the event that this proposed Act commences before the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2002.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 13/2/03

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Committee amendment: 1 Dem/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 27/3/03]

Assent: 2/5/03; Act No. 38, 2003

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

(Previous title: Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2002)

Amends the Quarantine Act 1908 to: extend the application of the Act to Christmas Island; improve arrangements for the payment of fees; broaden the range of persons who may be appointed as quarantine officers; and make clarifying amendments; Imported Food Control Act 1992 to: insert an objective into the Act; provide for the use of agreements; and allow for the importation of food that does not meet applicable labelling standards, but create an offence if that food is sold by the importer without corrected labelling; and Pig Industry Act 2001 and Wool Services Privatisation Act 2000 to allow Australian Pork Limited and Australian Wool Innovation Limited to carry forward research and development expenditure eligible for Commonwealth matching contributions from one financial year to the next.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/02; Passed 2/12/03

CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed

Senate:

SBC report 4/02 (tabled and adopted 19/6/02): No reference

SBC report 8/02 (tabled and adopted 18/9/02): Order varied — Provisions of bill referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee 18/9/02; extension of time to report 11/11/02; report tabled 12/11/02

PS Air Navigation Amendment (Extension of Curfew and Limitation of Aircraft

R Movements) Bill 1995 [2002]

(Introduced by Senator Bourne — AD)

Amends the Air Navigation Act 1920 and the Air Navigation (Aerodrome Curfew) Regulations to extend the Kingsford-Smith Airport curfew and to freeze the rate of aircraft movement while a Commission of Inquiry is conducted under the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974.

Senate: Intro. 27/3/95; 2nd reading adjourned 27/3/95

SBC report 11/95 (tabled and adopted 15/11/95): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 1/5/96, 23/11/98, 13/2/02

PS Anti-Genocide Bill 1999 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Greig — AD)

Amends the Genocide Convention Act 1949 to implement Australia—s obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, to ensure that genocide is unlawful in Australia.

Senate: Intro. 13/10/99; 2nd reading adjourned 13/10/99, 5/4/01

Reference: Bill and related matters referred to Legal and Constitutional References Committee 14/10/99; report due 30/6/00; report tabled 29/6/00; errata presented 3/7/00 and tabled 14/8/00

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2002-2003

Appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, additional to the sum appropriated by Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2002-2003, for the service of the year ending on 30 June 2003.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 24/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 25/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 14, 2003

Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2002-2003

Appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, additional to the sum appropriated by Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2002-2003, for certain expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2003.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 24/3/03

Senate: Intro. 25/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 15, 2003

Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2003-2004

Appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for service of the year ending on 30 June 2004.

Reps: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 19/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 55, 2003

Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2003-2004

Appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2004.

Reps: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 19/6/03

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 56, 2003

Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2003-2004

Appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for expenditure in relation to the parliamentary departments in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2004.

Reps: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 19/6/03

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 57, 2003

ASIO Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 to strengthen ASIO—s information-gathering powers, in particular by: extending the questioning time under a warrant when interpreters are used; preventing unauthorised overseas travel by persons specified in warrants; clarifying the powers of the prescribed authority to give directions consistent with questioning warrants; and prohibiting, except in specified circumstances, disclosures about investigations or sensitive operational information; and Intelligence Services Act 2001 to ensure that the Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD reviews these amended provisions rather than the original provisions enacted by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2003.

Reps: Intro. 27/11/03; Passed 2/12/03

Senate: Intro. 3/12/03; Passed 5/12/03

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 3 Dem/negatived; 2 AG/negatived; 2 Parts opposed/Parts agreed to

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 143, 2003

PS Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment Bill 1999 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Bourne — AD)

Amends the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 to establish a parliamentary joint committee on the ABC to: approve appointments to the ABC Board; examine the ABC annual report; and review and make recommendations in relation to its annual appropriation.

Senate: Intro. 25/3/99; 2nd reading adjourned 25/3/99

SBC report 5/99 (tabled and adopted 31/3/99): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

PS Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Scrutiny of Board Appointments) Amendment Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Bourne — AD)

Amends the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 to: provide for scrutiny of appointments to the ABC Board; and improve public visibility of the Board—s activities and decisions.

Senate: Intro. 15/5/02; 2nd reading adjourned 15/5/02

SBC report 11/02 (tabled and adopted 23/10/02): No reference

Australian Capital Territory Legislation Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Australian Capital Territory Legislation Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the: Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 to: align the Act with the Electoral Act 1992 (ACT); and make technical amendments, including the removal of redundant references; and Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 to remove the requirement for the full-time member of the National Capital Authority to be present at meetings for there to be a quorum when the full-time member has disclosed a pecuniary interest.

Reps: Intro. 28/8/02; Passed 18/9/02

Senate: Intro. 19/9/02; Passed 6/2/03

SBC report 8/02 (tabled and adopted 18/9/02): No reference

Assent: 24/2/03; Act No. 1, 2003

PM Australian Citizenship for Eligible De facto Spouses Bill 2003

(Introduced by Ms Plibersek — ALP)

Amends the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 to ensure that the ministerial discretion to waive residence requirements for married couples when applying for Australian citizenship also applies to de facto couples.

Reps: Intro. 18/8/03; Read a 1st time 18/8/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

S Australian Crime Commission Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 to facilitate the transition from the National Crime Authority to the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) by addressing transitional and other issues which have arisen since the establishment of the ACC on 1 January 2003; Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 to exempt certain decisions from being subject to requests for statements of reasons; and Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 to allow disclosure of certain information and documents to the ACC.

Senate: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

S Australian Federal Police and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Australian Federal Police Act 1979 to complete the integration of the Australian Protective Service into the Australian Federal Police (AFP); and Australian Federal Police Act 1979 and Crimes Act 1914 to enable the AFP to investigate State offences which have a federal aspect. Also makes consequential amendments to 11 other Acts, repeals the Australian Protective Service Act 1987 and contains transitional and application provisions.

Senate: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Australian Film Commission Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Australian Film Commission Act 1975 to facilitate the integration of ScreenSound Australia and the Australian Film Commission (AFC) by: transferring administrative responsibility for ScreenSound to the AFC; transferring relevant Commonwealth assets, liabilities, contractual rights and obligations, and records to the AFC; providing the AFC with the power to employ staff under the Public Service Act 1999; and making consequential changes to the administrative structure of the AFC. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 18/6/03

Senate: Intro. 19/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 1 AG/passed; 1 AG/negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 26/6/03]

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 59, 2003

Australian Heritage Council Bill 2002

(Act citation: Australian Heritage Council Act 2003)

Introduced with the Australian Heritage Council (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2002 and in conjunction with the Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2002, the bill: replaces the Australian Heritage Commission by establishing the Australian Heritage Council which will provide advice on the identification, conservation and protection of places on the National Heritage List and the Commonwealth Heritage List; and provides for the functions, composition and conduct of meetings of the Australian Heritage Council. Also includes a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 14/11/02

Senate: Intro. 15/11/02; Passed 21/8/03

SBC report 8/02 (tabled and adopted 18/9/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 1 Govt/passed; 5 APA-Dem/passed; 1 APA/passed; 26 Opp/negatived; 1 Dem/withdrawn

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 8/9/03]

Assent: 23/9/03; Act No. 85, 2003

Australian Heritage Council (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Australian Heritage Council (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2003)

Introduced with the Australian Heritage Council Bill 2002, the bill: repeals the Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975; and amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to remove a reference to the Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975. Also makes consequential amendments to 5 other Acts and provides for transitional arrangements for the transition from the Australian Heritage Commission to the Australian Heritage Council, including a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 14/11/02

Senate: Intro. 15/11/02; Passed 21/8/03

SBC report 8/02 (tabled and adopted 18/9/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 3 APA-Dem/passed; 6 Opp/negatived; 1 AG/withdrawn; 1 item opposed/item agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 8/9/03]

Assent: 23/9/03; Act No. 86, 2003

Australian Human Rights Commission Legislation Bill 2003

Provides for the restructure of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (including abolition of the positions of Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Race Discrimination Commissioner and Sex Discrimination Commissioner) and the Commission—s renaming as the Australian Human Rights Commission. Also provides for: greater focus on education, dissemination of information on human rights and assistance to business and the community; prior approval of, or notification to, the Attorney-General of proposed interventions in court proceedings by the Commission; removal of power to recommend payment of damages or compensation in certain circumstances; appointment of part-time complaints commissioners; abolition of the Community Relations Council and advisory councils; removal of powers of delegation from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and consolidation into one delegation provision; and includes application and transitional provisions. Amends five Acts including the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 and makes consequential amendments to 13 other Acts.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 11/8/03; 2nd reading adjourned 11/8/03

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 27/3/03; report presented 29/5/03 and tabled 16/6/03; erratum presented 2/6/03 and tabled 16/6/03

Australian National Training Authority Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Australian National Training Authority Act 1992 to: increase the number of members on the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) Board; substitute a new definition of —Agreement— so that it will no longer be necessary to incorporate new agreements in a Schedule to the Act; and make consequential amendments; and Vocational Education and Training Funding Act 1992 to ensure consistent references to the applicable ANTA Agreement; and make consequential amendments. Also contains savings provisions.

Reps: Intro. 14/8/03; Passed 9/9/03

Senate: Intro. 10/9/03; Passed 11/9/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): No reference

Committee amendment: 1 Dem (as amended by AG)/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 15/9/03]

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 98, 2003

S Australian Protective Service Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Australian Protective Service Act 1987 to: confer additional powers on Australian Protective Service (APS) officers in relation to requests for personal identification and information, and search and seizure powers; and ensure that the powers for both the Australian Federal Police and the APS are consistent when operating in the same locations under the same circumstances.

Senate: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 13/10/03

Reference: Referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 27/6/03 a.m.; report tabled 18/8/03

SBC report 10/03 (tabled and adopted 10/9/03): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 10/9/03; report tabled 7/10/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Committee amendments: 3 Govt/passed; 2 Opp/passed; 7 Dem/passed

Reps: Intro. 15/10/03; Passed 6/11/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 6 Govt/passed

[Senate agreed to Reps amendments 25/11/03]

Assent: 8/12/03; Act No. 128, 2003

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Amendment Bill 2003

Amends: the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Act 1998 to: replace the current part-time board with a full-time executive group; refine the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority—s (APRA) statement of purpose and objectives; clarify the range of matters for which APRA has a role in advising the Minister and its independence from Ministerial direction; provide for a disclosure and conflict of interest framework for APRA members; and clarify provisions relating to APRA—s release of protected information and protected documents to other agencies; and 8 Acts to make consequential amendments. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 5/6/03; Passed 18/6/03

Senate: Intro. 18/6/03; Passed 19/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 3 Dem/negatived

Assent: 24/6/03; Act No. 42, 2003

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

(Act citation: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2003)

Amends the: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 to strengthen the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation—s (ASIO) counter-terrorism powers, in particular by: enabling ASIO to seek a warrant to detain and question persons over 14 years of age for the purposes of investigating terrorism offences; and provides for safeguards in relation to these new powers, and penalties for officials— failure to comply with provisions; and Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979 in relation to the authorisation of communication of intelligence by persons other than ASIO officers. Also contains a 3-year sunset clause and amends the Intelligence Services Act 2001 to provide for review by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD of the operation of the legislation 3 years after its commencement.

Reps: Intro. 20/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

Senate: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 25/6/03

SBC report 4/03 (tabled and adopted 26/3/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 65 Govt (1 as amended by 3 Opp; 1 as amended by 1 Opp)/passed; 5 Opp/passed; 1 Dem/passed; 1 Dem to Opp/passed; 1 clause negatived; 1 section negatived; 3 Govt/negatived; 1 Opp/negatived; 11 Dem/negatived; 11 AG/negatived; 5 Dem to Govt/negatived; 1 AG to Govt/withdrawn

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1 to 15, 17 to 22, 24 to 29, 31, 35, 36, 38 to 56 and 59 to 77, disagreed to amendments nos 30, 33, 34, 37, 57 and 58 and agreed to 3 Govt amendments in place of amendments nos 16, 23 and 32, 26/6/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps (1 further AG amendment/negatived) and agreed to Reps amendments 26/6/03]

Assent: 22/7/03; Act No. 77, 2003

Aviation Transport Security Bill 2003

Introduced with the Aviation Transport Security (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2003, the bill: restructures the aviation security regulatory framework and provides for flexibility to respond to the changing threat environment; aligns Australian aviation security with the revised International Civil Aviation Organisation standards; and introduces graduated penalties for a more equitable enforcement regime. Also contains a regulation-making power and a saving provision.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 3/12/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 46 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/passed; 1 Opp/negatived

Senate:

SBC report 4/03 (tabled and adopted 26/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee upon introduction in Reps (27/3/03); extensions of time to report 14/5/03, 16/6/03, 25/6/03, 14/8/03, 9/9/03, 16/9/03, 7/10/03, 8/10/03; report tabled 9/10/03

Aviation Transport Security (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Aviation Transport Security Bill 2003, the bill amends the: Air Navigation Act 1920 to repeal certain redundant provisions; Australian Protective Service Act 1987 to extend the arrest powers of Australian Protective Service Officers to airport environments; and Air Services Act 1995, Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 and Sea Installation Act 1987 to make minor and technical consequential amendments. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 3/12/03

Senate:

S Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2002 [2003]

(Act citation: Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to: change the high-definition television (HDTV) quota from a weekly to an annual quota; clarify the requirements for program content to be counted towards the HDTV quota; allow advertising and promotional material to count towards the quota; and delay the commencement date for the statutory review of HDTV quota arrangements.

Senate: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 6/2/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Reps: Intro. 10/2/03; Passed 13/2/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Assent: 26/2/03; Act No. 4, 2003

Broadcasting Services Amendment (Media Ownership) Bill 2002

Amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to repeal provisions that restrict foreign ownership of commercial television and subscription television interests; and allow the Australian Broadcasting Authority to grant cross-media exemption certificates on application, provided certain requirements and conditions are met.

Reps: Intro. 21/3/02; Passed 15/10/02

CID amendments: 9 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 23/10/02; Passed 26/6/03

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 21/3/02; extension of time to report 16/5/02; report presented 18/6/02 and tabled 19/6/02

Committee amendments: 28 Govt (1 as amended by AG)/passed; 3 Dem (1 as amended by APA)/passed; 12 APA/passed; 2 PHON/passed; 3 Ind (Harradine)/passed; 1 Dem/negatived; 2 Dem to APA/negatived; 2 Dem/withdrawn; 1 AG (as amended)/negatived; 2 AG to Govt/withdrawn; 2 Schedules opposed/Schedules agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1 to 15, 17 to 19, 21, 22, 25 to 41 and 44 to 48 and disagreed to amendments nos 16, 20, 23, 24, 42 and 43, 26/6/03; Senate insisted on its amendments disagreed to by Reps (8 Ind (Murphy) amendments moved as an amendment to the motion/negatived) 26/6/03; Reps insisted on disagreeing to amendments insisted on by Senate and laid bill aside 27/6/03 a.m.]

Broadcasting Services Amendment (Media Ownership) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

Reps: Intro. 5/11/03; Passed 1/12/03

CID amendment: 1 Ind (Andren)/negatived

Senate: Intro. 2/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 2/12/03

SBC report 15/03 (tabled and adopted 26/11/03): No reference

PS Broadcasting Services (Safeguarding Local Content and Local Audience Needs) Amendment Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Lees — APA)

Amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to require the Australian Broadcasting Authority to impose licence conditions on commercial television licensees in metropolitan areas, obliging them to provide locally-produced news, current affairs and other programming.

Senate: Intro. 3/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 3/12/03

Building and Construction Industry Improvement Bill 2003

Introduced with the Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2003, the bill provides for a workplace relations regulatory framework for the building and construction industry.

Reps: Intro. 6/11/03; Passed 4/12/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled 3/12/03; motion to adopt report amended and agreed to 3/12/03): Provisions of bill referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education References Committee 3/12/03; extension of time to report 4/12/03; report due 13/5/04

Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Bill 2003, the bill makes consequential amendments to the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and technical amendments to 8 other Acts. Also contains application, saving and transitional provisions and a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 6/11/03; Passed 4/12/03

Senate:

PS Charter of Political Honesty Bill 2000 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)

Introduced with the Electoral Amendment (Political Honesty) Bill 2000, the bill: addresses misuse of tax payer funded advertising campaigns for party political purposes; establishes a parliamentary joint committee to develop a code of conduct for ministers and other members of Parliament and an Office of Commissioner for Ministerial and Parliamentary Ethics to enforce the code; and ensures merit-based public appointments by ministers.

Senate: Intro. 10/10/00; 2nd reading adjourned 10/10/00

Reference: Referred to Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee previous Parliament (29/11/00); reference re-adopted 21/3/02; extension of time to report 25/6/02; report tabled 29/8/02

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

Civil Aviation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Civil Aviation Act 1988 to: abolish the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Board and retain CASA as an independent statutory authority under ministerial control; and introduce new enforcement measures; and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988: to repeal CASA—s power to immediately suspend an authorisation in certain cases; and in relation to CASA—s power to cancel an authorisation. Also contains application and savings provisions.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 8/10/03

CID amendments: 13 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 9/10/03; Passed 9/10/03

Assent: 21/10/03; Act No. 105, 2003

Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Civil Aviation Act 1988 to: provide for the simplification and international harmonisation of Australia—s civil aviation regulatory regime; and enable the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to enter into certain agreements with the national airworthiness authorities of other countries; Air Navigation Act 1920 to align certain definitions with the Civil Aviation Act 1988; and Airports Act 1996 to repeal a redundant provision in relation to ministerial declarations of airport services.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 26/6/03

Senate: Intro. 11/8/03; Passed 14/8/03

Committee amendments: 2 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 20/8/03]

Assent: 6/9/03; Act No. 83, 2003

Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Mutual Recognition with New Zealand and Other Matters) Bill 2003

Amends the: Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Civil Aviation (Carriers— Liability) Act 1959 to permit the mutual recognition of certain aviation-related safety certification between Australia and New Zealand; and Civil Aviation Act 1988 to: ensure consistent terminology in references to aircraft registered overseas; and ensure that certain conditions for the grant of Air Operator—s Certificates (AOCs) have effect as ongoing conditions on the AOCs.

Reps: Intro. 25/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 25/6/03

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): Deferred

Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Members of Local Government Bodies) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Members of Local Government Bodies) Act 2003)

Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to ensure that eligible members of a local government body do not suffer any penalty arising from their decision to stand as candidates for election to either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 27/11/03

Senate: Intro. 28/11/03; Passed 4/12/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 4 Dem/negatived

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 144, 2003

PM Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Representation of Territories) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Tollner — LP)

Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to: increase the minimum representation for the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory in the House of Representatives to two Members; and provide for an immediate redistribution as a result of the increase in the minimum representation.

Reps: Intro. 16/6/03; Read a 1st time 16/6/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 1/12/03

PM Commonwealth Land at Point Nepean, Victoria Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Thomson — ALP)

Amends the Defence Act 1903 to prohibit the sale of Commonwealth-owned defence land at Point Nepean and to authorise its transfer to the Victorian Government on the proviso that it is maintained in perpetuity as a national park.

Reps: Intro. 3/11/03; Read a 1st time 3/11/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Commonwealth Volunteers Protection Bill 2002

(Act citation: Commonwealth Volunteers Protection Act 2003)

Protects people who perform voluntary work for the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority from civil liability for acts or omissions by such volunteers, done in good faith when performing that work.

Reps: Intro. 23/10/02; Passed 4/12/02

Senate: Intro. 5/12/02; Passed 6/2/03

SBC report 13/02 (tabled and adopted 4/12/02): No reference

Assent: 24/2/03; Act No. 2, 2003

Communications Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2002

(Act citation: Communications Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Amends the: Australian Communications Authority Act 1997 to allow the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) to incorporate other documents by reference when making a written definitions determination; Freedom of Information Act 1982 to ensure that certain prohibited material is specifically exempt from disclosure under the Act; Radiocommunications Act 1992 to enable, by disallowable instrument, the exemption of certain law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies from the operation of sections of the Act dealing with unlicensed transmissions, equipment standards and interference emissions; streamline licensing provisions and expand the objects clause; Telecommunications Act 1997 to abolish the specially-constituted ACA; and in relation to the criteria for the issue of a facility installation permit; and Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 in relation to: the National Relay Service; disallowance of a revocation or variation of a customer service guarantee; and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Scheme.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 27/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 9/9/03

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 2 Govt/passed; 1 Dem (as amended by Opp)/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 1 Schedule opposed/Schedule agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 5/11/03]

Assent: 27/11/03; Act No. 114, 2003

Communications Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

Amends the: Telecommunications Act 1997, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 and Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 to enhance the security of Australia—s telecommunications services and networks and to improve existing arrangements in relation to call data disclosure and interception services.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 18/8/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 19/8/03; 2nd reading adjourned 19/8/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): Referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 20/8/03; extension of time to report 9/9/03; report tabled 15/9/03

Communications Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2003

Amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and Radiocommunications Act 1992 in relation to exemptions from HDTV obligations in solus television markets; Broadcasting Services Act 1992 in relation to: introduction of a third service in two-service television markets which overlap with a remote licence area; and delegation of power to approve variations to approved digital broadcasting implementation plans for national broadcasters; Radiocommunications Act 1992 in relation to transmission of datacasting services; and Telecommunications Act 1997 to provide for a penalty in lieu of prosecution scheme for certain offences.

Reps: Intro. 19/6/03; Passed 20/8/03

Senate: Intro. 21/8/03; Passed 15/10/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): No reference

Committee amendment: 1 Dem/negatived

Assent: 24/10/03; Act No. 108, 2003

PS Constitution Alteration (Appropriations for the Ordinary Annual Services of the
R Government) 2001 [2002]

(Introduced by Senators Stott Despoja and Murray — AD)

Amends the Constitution to ensure that if the Senate fails to pass a proposed law appropriating revenue or moneys for the ordinary annual services of the government in respect of that year, an amount of money is appropriated for those services equal to the amount appropriated for those services in the preceding year.

Senate: Intro. 26/6/01; 2nd reading adjourned 26/6/01

SBC report 15/01 (tabled and adopted 26/9/01): Deferred

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

PS Constitution Alteration (Electors— Initiative, Fixed Term Parliaments and
R Qualification of Members) 2000 [2002]

(Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)

Amends the Constitution in relation to: elector-initiated constitutional change; dissolution of the House of Representatives; term of service of senators; increased duration of the House of Representatives to a 4-year fixed term; holding of simultaneous elections for both Houses; recognition of the office of Prime Minister; dismissal of the Prime Minister; and qualification, and grounds for disqualification, of members of Parliament.

Senate: Intro. 4/4/00; 2nd reading adjourned 4/4/00

SBC report 6/00 (tabled and adopted 12/4/00): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

PS Constitution Alteration (Right to Stand for Parliament—Qualification of Members
R and Candidates) 1998 (No. 2) [2002]

(Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Amends section 44 of the Constitution to allow persons who hold an —office of profit under the Crown— or who are not Australian citizens to nominate for election to Parliament.

Senate: Intro. 24/11/98; Laid aside at 3rd reading under Standing Order 135 [no absolute majority] 15/5/03

SBC report 11/98 (tabled and adopted 26/11/98): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 16/5/02

Committee amendments: 2 AG/passed

PS Convention on Climate Change (Implementation) Bill 1999 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Implements Australia—s obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol by: establishing the Greenhouse Office; and providing for Greenhouse Impact Assessments and Industry Greenhouse Plans.

Senate: Intro. 2/9/99; 2nd reading adjourned 2/9/99

Reference: Referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee 22/9/99; extensions of time to report 14/8/00, 3/10/00, 12/10/00; report due 8/11/00; report tabled 7/11/00

SBC report 17/99 (tabled and adopted 13/10/99): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/11/02

(Act citation: Copyright Amendment (Parallel Importation) Act 2003)

Amends the Copyright Act 1998 in relation to: the parallel importation and subsequent commercial distribution of computer software products, including interactive computer games; copyright enforcement; and makes minor amendments to correct errors in, and clarify amendments made by, the Copyright Amendment (Digital Agenda) Act 2000. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/3/02; Passed 9/12/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 10/12/02; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 5/02 (tabled and adopted 26/6/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 2 Govt (1 as amended by Dem)/passed; 1 Dem/passed; 1 Schedule negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 27/3/03]

Assent: 15/4/03; Act No. 34, 2003

PS Corporate Code of Conduct Bill 2000 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Bourne — AD)

Imposes standards of conduct on Australian corporations undertaking business activities in other countries. Also provides for reporting requirements, enforcement provisions and a regulation-making power.

Senate: Intro. 6/9/00; 2nd reading adjourned 6/9/00

SBC report 16/00 (tabled and adopted 11/10/00): No reference

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Securities 5/10/00; extensions of time to report 27/3/01, 23/5/01, 20/6/01; report tabled 28/6/01

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (Audit Reform and Corporate Disclosure) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Corporations (Fees) Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003, the bill amends the: Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and Corporations Act 2001 in relation to audit oversight and auditor independence; financial reporting; classes of officers, senior managers and employees; Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001, Corporations Act 2001 and Trade Practices Act 1974 to implement proportionate liability in respect of economic loss or damage to property; Corporations Act 2001 in relation to: enforcement arrangements in the event of corporate misbehaviour; remuneration of directors and executives; continuous disclosure and infringements; disclosure rules; shareholder participation and information; conflicts of interest of financial services licensees. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

PM Corporate Responsibility and Employment Security Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Crean — ALP)

Amends the Corporations Act 2001 and Workplace Relations Act 1996 to enable employees and subcontractors to pursue the payment of wages and certain other liabilities directly from a related company in the event of insolvency of the company employing them.

Reps: Intro. 18/8/03; Read a 1st time 18/8/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

PM Corporations Amendment (Improving Corporate Governance) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr Crean — ALP)

Amends the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to: an increase in penalties for serious breaches of the Act; protection for whistleblowers providing information to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission; executive remuneration reporting requirements; auditor independence and reporting obligations; disclosure standards in relation to research reports; access to analyst briefings; and election processes for directors.

Reps: Intro. 23/9/02; Read a 1st time 23/9/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 26/5/03

PS Corporations Amendment (Improving Corporate Governance) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator Conroy — ALP)

Senate: Intro. 23/9/02; 2nd reading adjourned 23/9/02

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

Corporations Amendment (Repayment of Directors— Bonuses) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Corporations Amendment (Repayment of Directors— Bonuses) Act 2003)

Amends the Corporations Act 2001 to permit liquidators to reclaim unreasonable payments made to directors or close associates of directors by companies within 4 years of a liquidation.

Reps: Intro. 16/10/02; Passed 11/2/03

CID amendments: 5 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 14/02 (tabled and adopted 11/12/02): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 11/12/02; extension of time to report 3/3/03; report tabled 19/3/03

Committee amendments: 7 Opp/passed; 3 Dem/passed

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 27/3/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 27/3/03]

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 25, 2003

Corporations (Fees) Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Corporations (Fees) Amendment Act 2003)

Part of a package of three bills to implement the next phase of the Corporations Law Economic Reform Program, the bill amends the Corporations (Fees) Act 2001 to modify the regulation-making power under the Act to expand the range of fees that maybe prescribed.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 26/3/03

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 5/3/03; extension of time to report 24/3/03; report tabled 26/3/03

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 22, 2003

Corporations (Fees) Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

Introduced with the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (Audit Reform and Corporate Disclosure) Bill 2003, the bill amends the Corporations (Fees) Act 2001 to provide for companies to be charged a fee for referring a matter to the newly established Financial Reporting Panel.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Corporations Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

(Previous title: Corporations Legislation Amendment Bill 2002)

Part of a package of three bills to implement the next phase of the Corporations Law Economic Reform Program, the bill amends the Corporations Act 2001 to simplify document lodgment and procedures for companies; remove the upper age limit for directors of public companies; and remove charges over uncertificated securities from the application of the charges provisions; and Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 to increase the financial cap before Ministerial approval is required for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to enter into contracts; and enable an alternate person to attend meetings of the Corporations and Markets Advisory Committee in place of the Chairperson. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 26/3/03

CID amendments: 6 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 5/3/03; extension of time to report 24/3/03; report tabled 26/3/03

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 24, 2003

Corporations (Review Fees) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Corporations (Review Fees) Act 2003)

Part of a package of three bills to implement the next phase of the Corporations Law Economic Reform Program, the bill imposes review fees (to be prescribed by regulations) to be payable by companies, registered schemes, registered Australian bodies, persons registered as auditors and/or liquidators, and holders of a financial services licence, when lodging documents with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 26/3/03

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 5/3/03; extension of time to report 24/3/03; report tabled 26/3/03

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 23, 2003

S Crimes Legislation Enhancement Bill 2003

(Previous title: Crimes Legislation Enhancement Bill 2002)

Amends the: Crimes Act 1914 to: provide for the taking of both photographs and fingerprints of a convicted person; clarify consequences of refusal to take part in an identification parade; extend the class of indictable offences that may be dealt with summarily; enable DNA profile matching for unknown deceased persons; extend the provisions relating to ministerial arrangements for sharing DNA information; and make technical corrections to sentencing and parole provisions; Australian Federal Police Act 1979 to remove a repealed reference; Australian Protective Service Act 1987 and Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 to assist deployment of air security officers on Australian international flights; Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act 2001 to remove a redundant reference; Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act 2001 and Corporations Act 2001 to allow information to be passed to the Australian Crime Commission; Crimes at Sea Act 2000 to clarify that the application of Northern Territory criminal law in adjacent territorial sea areas does not include Commonwealth criminal law in force in the Territory; Criminology Research Act 1971 to include a representative of the Australian Capital Territory on the Criminology Research Council and make consequential amendments; Foreign Evidence Act 1994 to remove the requirement for foreign material to bear an official or public seal; International War Crimes Tribunals Act 1995 to augment the assistance given to international war crimes tribunals, including allowing the use of video links; Mutual Assistance in Business Regulation Act 1992 to remove restrictions on the Attorney-General—s delegation powers; Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to clarify the Official Trustee—s power to sell restrained property; Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 to allow parole board warrants to be executed interstate; and Australian Crime Commission Establishment Act 2002, Crimes Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 1989, Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 1994 and Retirement Savings Accounts (Consequential Amendments) Act 1997 to correct misdescribed amendments. Also makes technical corrections to 11 Acts in relation to part numbering in the Crimes Act 1914 and contains a saving provision.

Senate: Intro. 5/12/02; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 18 Govt/passed; 2 items negatived

Reps: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 14/5/03

Assent: 3/6/03; Act No. 41, 2003

Crimes (Overseas) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Crimes (Overseas) Act 1964 to: extend the criminal law of the Jervis Bay Territory to Australians who are working in a foreign country in certain circumstances; make a technical amendment to the current application of Australian criminal jurisdiction to persons to whom the Act applies by applying the substantive criminal law of the Jervis Bay Territory extraterritorially. Also contains a power to make regulations with a limited retrospective application; and application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 11/9/03; Passed 17/9/03

Senate: Intro. 18/9/03; Passed 8/10/03

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 6 Dem/negatived

Assent: 15/10/03; Act No. 102, 2003

Criminal Code Amendment (Hamas and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba) Bill 2003

Amends the Criminal Code Act 1995 to allow the Hamas— military wing (Izz al-Din al Qassam Brigades) and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba to be listed as terrorist organisations in regulations, provided the statutory criteria for listing are met. Also provides for the listings to operate retrospectively from the date of the public announcement of the Government—s intention to list the organisations in regulations.

Reps: Intro. 5/11/03; Passed 5/11/03

Senate: Intro. 7/11/03; Passed 7/11/03

Committee amendments: 1 Dem/negatived; 1 item opposed/item agreed to

Assent: 7/11/03; Act No. 109, 2003

PM Criminal Code Amendment (Hezbollah External Terrorist Organisation) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Crean — ALP)

Amends the Criminal Code Act 1995 to list the Hezbollah External Terrorist Organisation as a terrorist organisation within the Criminal Code.

Reps: Intro. 2/6/03; Read a 1st time 2/6/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 24/11/03

Criminal Code Amendment (Hizballah) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorist Organisations) Bill 2003, the bill amends the Criminal Code Act 1995 to allow the Hizballah External Security Organisation to be listed as a terrorist organisation in regulations, provided the statutory criteria for listing are met. Also provides for the listing to operate retrospectively from the date of the public announcement of the Government—s intention to list the organisation.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 3/6/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 16/6/03

Committee amendments: 2 Dem/negatived

Assent: 24/6/03; Act No. 44, 2003

Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorism) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2003)

Amends the Criminal Code Act 1995 to re-enact counter-terrorism offences as Commonwealth provisions capable of operating throughout Australia, without any constitutional limitations, by virtue of the reference of powers by the States; and Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Act 2002 to add this proposed Act to the list of counter-terrorism legislation that is subject to a public and independent review mechanism. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 27/3/03

Senate: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 15/5/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

Assent: 27/5/03; Act No. 40, 2003

Criminal Code Amendment (Terrorist Organisations) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Criminal Code Amendment (Hizballah) Bill 2003, the bill amends the Criminal Code Act 1995 to: remove the requirement that there be a relevant United Nations Security Council decision in place before an organisation can be listed in regulations as a terrorist organisation; and provide for the Minister to —de-list— an organisation when appropriate.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 3/6/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 16/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

PS Customs Amendment (Anti-Radioactive Waste Storage Dump) Bill 1999 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Amends the Customs Act 1901 to prohibit the importation of radioactive waste for storage in Australia.

Senate: Intro. 20/10/99; 2nd reading adjourned 20/10/99

SBC report 9/00 (tabled and adopted 21/6/00): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/11/02

Customs Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003

Introduced with the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003, the bill amends the Customs Act 1901 to introduce rules for determining whether goods originate in Least Developed Countries, East Timor (a developing country) or Singapore (for the purposes of a free trade agreement), which will enable such goods to have duty-free access to Australia.

Reps: Intro. 15/5/03; Passed 2/6/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): Deferred

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/passed

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 62, 2003

Customs Legislation Amendment (Application of International Trade Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Import Processing Charges (Amendment and Repeal) Amendment Bill 2003, the bill amends the Customs Act 1901, Customs Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2002, Customs Legislation Amendment and Repeal (International Trade Modernisation) Act 2001, Import Processing Charges (Amendment and Repeal) Act 2002 and Migration Act 1958 to: make transitional arrangements for the handling of imports during the transition between the Customs legacy electronic systems and the new Integrated Cargo System; clarify the operation of the legislation that implements Customs international trade modernisation, particularly in relation to self-assessed clearance declarations; enhance Customs border controls in relation to certain restricted goods such as firearms; and clarify cargo reporting requirements, calculation of customs duties on certain alcoholic beverages, record retention obligations, certain maritime powers, impoundment provisions and charges payable for in-transit cargo reports. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Customs Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2002

(Act citation: Customs Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Amends the: Customs Act 1901 to: introduce new provisions for determining the normal value of goods in countries with an economy in transition; ensure that anti-dumping legislation is consistent with the WTO Agreement on the Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994; make consequential amendments in relation to commencement of the monitoring powers and infringement notice scheme; and make minor technical amendments and corrections; and Passenger Movement Charge Collection Act 1978 to exempt air security officers (who provide security for civilian aircraft) from the passenger movement charge.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 12/2/03

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 25/11/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 5/3/03; extension of time to report 19/3/03; interim report tabled (recommending extension of time to report) 25/3/03; report presented 4/4/03 and tabled 13/5/03

Committee amendments: 8 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 26/11/03]

Assent: 4/12/03; Act No. 119, 2003

Customs Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

Amends the: Customs Act 1901 in relation to: the timing and content of outturn reports (which list the containers unloaded from a ship at a port); notice to Customs of removal (other than for export) of high-risk export goods; electronic communications in relation to exports and imports; and clarification of false and misleading statement offence provisions and record keeping requirements; Customs Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2002 to correct a misdescribed amendment; Customs Legislation Amendment and Repeal (International Trade Modernisation) Act 2001 in relation to: commencement of the Act; reinstatement of the right to review of decisions relating to the administrative penalty scheme by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal; and establishment of new arrangements for the transition between Customs legacy electronic systems and the new Integrated Cargo System. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 15/5/03; Passed 26/11/03

CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 1/12/03; Passed 4/12/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): No reference

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 136, 2003

Customs Tariff Amendment (ACIS) Bill 2003

Introduced with the ACIS Administration Amendment Bill 2003, the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to reduce customs duty rates for new and used passenger motor vehicles and certain components from 10 per cent to 5 per cent, from 1 January 2010.

Reps: Intro. 25/6/03; Passed 8/9/03

Senate: Intro. 9/9/03; Passed 16/9/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 13/8/03; report due 15/9/03; report tabled 10/9/03

2nd reading amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 Dem/passed

Committee amendments: 2 AG/withdrawn

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 97, 2003

Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003

Introduced with the Customs Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003, the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to: add East Timor to the list of Developing Countries; define Least Developed Countries (LDCs); provide for the duty-free entry of goods originating in LDCs, East Timor (a developing country) and Singapore (under a free trade agreement); list Palau as a Developing Country rather than as a Place treated as Developing Country; add Papua New Guinea to the list of Forum Island Countries; and introduce two character abbreviations for countries (International Standards Organization Country Codes) throughout the Tariff.

Reps: Intro. 15/5/03; Passed 2/6/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): Deferred

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/passed

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 63, 2003

Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

Introduced with the Excise Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003, the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to: impose additional customs duty on fuel ethanol equivalent to that applying to petroleum, with effect from 18 September 2002.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 23/6/03

Senate: Intro. 24/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 24/6/03, 12/8/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed [postponing further consideration]

Dairy Industry Service Reform Bill 2003

Introduced with the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Amendment (Dairy) Bill 2003, the bill provides for: the privatisation of the Australian Dairy Corporation (ADC) and its subsequent conversion into a company under the Corporations Act 2001, to be known as Dairy Australia Limited; and the transfer of assets, liabilities and staff of the Dairy Research and Development Corporation to the new company. Also: provides for an industry services body which will take over ADC—s role in relation to the Dairy Structural Adjustment Fund; simplifies the export control arrangements for dairy produce, retaining the function with the Commonwealth; makes consequential amendments to 6 Acts; repeals the Dairy Research and Development Corporation Regulations 1990 and contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 12/2/03; Passed 6/3/03

Senate: Intro. 19/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): Order varied — Provisions of bill referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee 19/3/03; extension of time to report 26/3/03; report tabled 27/3/03

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed; 1 Dem/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 27/3/03]

Assent: 15/4/03; Act No. 32, 2003

Dairy Produce Amendment Bill 2003

Further to the Dairy Industry Service Reform Act 2003, the bill amends the Dairy Produce Act 1986 to provide for the industry services body, Dairy Australia, to: be fully indemnified (out of the assets of the Dairy Structural Adjustment Fund) for any liabilities incurred by it in managing and administering the Fund; and have the power to enter into financial and other arrangements and perform contracts associated with risk management in the administration of the Fund. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 3/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 3/12/03

PS Defence Amendment (Parliamentary approval for Australian involvement in overseas conflicts) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senators Bartlett and Stott Despoja — Dem)

Amends the Defence Act 1903 to provide for parliamentary approval of overseas service by members of the Defence Force, subject to exceptions covering the movement of personnel in the normal course of their peacetime activities and the need to take emergency action.

Senate: Intro. 27/3/03; 2nd reading adjourned 27/3/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 to: restructure the military discipline system; and reflect the general principles of criminal responsibility in the Criminal Code Act 1995 in existing offence provisions; Defence Act 1903 to: increase the penalties for persons falsely representing themselves to be returned service personnel or for improperly using medals or decorations; and clarify the regulation-making powers in relation to defence inquiries; Defence Force (Home Loans Assistance) Act 1990 to permit certain ex-members of the Australian Defence Force to apply for a home loan subsidy beyond the current 2-year eligibility period; Defence Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001 to clarify that its commencement date is 15 December 2001; Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001 to correct a cross-reference; and 6 Acts to modernise the titles of the Cadet Corps. Also amends the Defence Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Regulations 2001 (No. 1) and Defence Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Regulations 2001 (No. 2) to clarify that their commencement date is 15 December 2001.

Reps: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 27/11/03

Senate: Intro. 28/11/03; Passed 2/12/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 4 Dem/passed

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 3/12/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 4/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 135, 2003

Designs Bill 2003

(Previous title: Designs Bill 2002)

Introduced with the Designs (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2002, the bill repeals the Designs Act 1906 and implements a new registration system for industrial designs. Also contains transitional and saving provisions.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 26/11/03

CID amendments: 13 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 4/12/03; Passed 4/12/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 5/3/03; extensions of time to report 26/3/03, 13/5/03; report presented 28/5/03 and tabled 16/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/passed

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 147, 2003

Designs (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

(Previous title: Designs (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2002)

Introduced with the Designs Bill 2002, the bill amends the Copyright Act 1968 to correct anomalies that may defeat the policy intent of a number of provisions that limit copyright protection for essentially industrial products. Also makes minor amendments to 15 Acts consequential on the proposed Designs Act 2002 and repeal of the Designs Act 1906. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 26/11/03

CID amendments: 4 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 4/12/03; Passed 4/12/03

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 148, 2003

Disability Discrimination Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to remove the prohibition on disability discrimination on the ground of a person—s addiction to a prohibited drug; and Workplace Relations Act 1996 to include a cross-reference to the new provision.

Reps: Intro. 3/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 3/12/03

Senate:

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 4/12/03; report due 25/3/04

Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997 to create a new fee structure to replace the current tiered charges structure for the annual registration charge payable by all providers registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 20/8/03

Senate: Intro. 21/8/03; Passed 10/9/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/passed

Assent: 23/9/03; Act No. 89, 2003

PS Electoral Amendment (Political Honesty) Bill 2000 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)

Introduced with the Charter of Political Honesty Bill 2000, the bill amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to prohibit political advertising that is misleading to a material extent.

Senate: Intro. 10/10/00; 2nd reading adjourned 10/10/00

Reference: Referred to Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee previous Parliament (29/11/00); reference re-adopted 21/3/02; extension of time to report 25/6/02; report tabled 29/8/02

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

Discharged from Notice Paper 27/3/03

PS Electoral Amendment (Political Honesty) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Murray — Dem)

Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to prohibit political advertising that is inaccurate and misleading to a material extent.

Senate: Intro. 27/3/03; 2nd reading adjourned 27/3/03

SBC report 5/03 (tabled and adopted 14/5/03): No reference

Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Roll Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2002

Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 in relation to: enrolment and voting processes and entitlement to enrolment; prisoners— rights to vote; multiple voting offences; financial disclosure thresholds; authorisation of electoral advertising in journals and magazines; refund of candidate nomination deposits and declaration of nominations; and the Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 in relation to public inspection of postal vote applications. Also makes minor technical corrections to the Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999.

Reps: Intro. 14/3/02; 2nd reading adjourned 14/3/02

Senate:

SBC report 3/02 (tabled and adopted 15/5/02): No reference

PM Employee Protection (Employee Entitlements Guarantee) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mrs Crosio — ALP)

Provides for the establishment and administration of a scheme, funded by a 0.1% levy on payroll, to pay wages and certain other entitlements owed to employees in the event of employer insolvency.

Reps: Intro. 3/3/03; Read a 1st time 3/3/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 15/9/03

Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme Bill 2003

Introduced with the Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003, the bill establishes the Energy Grants Cleaner Fuels Scheme which will provide a framework for the payment of grants to importers and manufacturers of biodiesel and certain other cleaner fuels to offset customs and excise duties, with effect from 18 September 2003. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 11/9/03; Passed 17/9/03

Senate: Intro. 18/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 18/9/03

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 17/9/03; report tabled 16/10/03; errata tabled 24/11/03

Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Energy Grants (Cleaner Fuels) Scheme Bill 2003, the bill amends the Product Grants and Benefits Administration Act 2000, Excise Act 1901 and Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 to facilitate the operation of the Energy Grants Cleaner Fuels Scheme.

Reps: Intro. 11/9/03; Passed 17/9/03

Senate: Intro. 18/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 18/9/03

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 17/9/03; report tabled 16/10/03; errata tabled 24/11/03

Energy Grants (Credits) Scheme Bill 2003

Introduced with the Energy Grants (Credit) Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003, the bill replaces the Diesel Fuel Rebate Scheme and the Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grants Scheme with a single scheme called the Energy Grants (Credits) Scheme which will apply from 1 July 2003. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 13/2/03; Passed 26/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 24/6/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 5/3/03; report tabled 24/3/03

Committee amendments: 8 APA/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 4 AG/negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 25/6/03]

Assent: 27/6/03; Act No. 53, 2003

Energy Grants (Credit) Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Energy Grants (Credits) Scheme Bill 2003, the bill makes consequential amendments to 6 Acts as a result of the introduction of the Energy Grants Credits Scheme. Also repeals the Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grants Scheme Act 1999 and contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/2/03; Passed 26/3/03

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 24/6/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 5/3/03; report tabled 24/3/03

Assent: 27/6/03; Act No. 54, 2003

Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2002

(Act citation: Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Introduced in conjunction with the Australian Heritage Council Bill 2002, the bill amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to establish a Commonwealth heritage regime that will focus on matters of national significance and Commonwealth responsibility, including the: establishment of a National Heritage List and a Commonwealth Heritage List. Also contains transitional provisions in relation to places included in the current Register of the National Estate.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 14/11/02

CID amendments: 120 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 15/11/02; Passed 21/8/03

SBC report 8/02 (tabled and adopted 18/9/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 10 Govt (as reconsidered)/passed; 8 Dem/passed; 100 APA/passed; 152 Opp/negatived; 103 Dem/negatived; 1 Dem to APA/negatived; 9 AG (1 as reconsidered)/negatived; 1 AG to APA/negatived; 2 sections opposed/sections agreed to

[Amendment to motion that report from committee be adopted 21/8/03: 1 Dem/negatived]

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 8/9/03]

Assent: 23/9/03; Act No. 88, 2003

PS Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Invasive Species) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)

Amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to regulate invasive species by preventing the introduction of further species in Australia and seeking to eradicate or control those already here.

Senate: Intro. 19/11/02; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/02

SBC report 4/03 (tabled and adopted 26/3/03): Referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 26/3/03; Order varied 26/6/03: Referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee 26/6/03; extension of time to report 16/9/03; report due last sitting day in March 2004

Excise Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003

Introduced with the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003, the bill amends the Excise Tariff Act 1921 to remove the excise exemption for fuel ethanol and impose an excise duty rate equivalent to that applying to petroleum, with effect from 18 September 2002.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 23/6/03

Senate: Intro. 24/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 24/6/03, 12/8/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed [postponing further consideration]

Export Control Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Export Control Act 1982 to: replace a redundant cross-reference in relation to making a false or misleading statement in declarations made for the purposes of the regulations; and allow certificates issued in relation to goods exported from Christmas Island or the Cocos Islands to be certified as goods from those Territories rather than from Australia.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 26/6/03

Senate: Intro. 11/8/03; Passed 14/8/03

SBC report 5/03 (tabled and adopted 14/5/03): No reference

Assent: 25/8/03; Act No. 80, 2003

Export Market Development Grants Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Export Market Development Grants Act 1997 in relation to the Export Market Development Grants Scheme by: reducing the income ceiling for applicants to $30 million; removing the $25 million export earnings ceiling; reducing the $200 000 maximum grant to $150 000; reducing the maximum number of grants payable to applicants from eight to seven; and repealing the provision which provides for additional grants for entering new markets. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 18/6/03

Senate: Intro. 18/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): Provisions of bill referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee 18/6/03; report tabled 24/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/negatived

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 58, 2003

Family and Community Services and Veterans— Affairs Legislation Amendment (2003 Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2003

Amends the: Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to exclude from income tests any payments for national socialist persecution; Excise Act 1901, Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986, Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Products Grants and Benefits Administration Act 2000, Social Security Act 1991, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to allow access by Centrelink to new data sources relating to taxation; Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 to allow access by Centrelink and the Child Support Agency to new data sources relating to financial transactions; Social Security Act 1991, Migration Act 1958 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 in relation to the operation of the Assurance of Support Scheme; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to allow payments to be suspended if recipients temporarily travelling overseas do not notify Centrelink of their departure; Social Security Act 1991 to allow full recovery of any overpayments as a result of a foreign pension lump sum payment in arrears; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and Social Security Act 1991 to reduce the allowable period of temporary overseas absences for certain payments from 26 weeks to 13 weeks. Also makes minor technical corrections, including to the Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Australians Working Together and other 2001 Budget Measures) Act 2003 and the Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Special Benefit Activity Test) Act 2002, and contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 18/9/03; Passed 7/10/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 8/10/03; Passed 25/11/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

Committee amendment: 1 Schedule opposed/Schedule agreed to

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 122, 2003

Family and Community Services (Closure of Student Financial Supplement Scheme) Bill 2003

Amends the Social Security Act 1991 to close the Student Financial Supplement Scheme to new applications from tertiary students from 1 January 2004 and continue loan repayment arrangements for existing loans.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 11/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 15/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 15/9/03, 25/11/03, 26/11/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/pending

Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Australians Working Together and other 2001 Budget Measures) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Australians Working Together and other 2001 Budget Measures) Act 2003)

Amends the: A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 to: ensure that the language, literacy and numeracy supplement is not tax free; and replace the definition of —receiving—; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to enable protected information to be obtained and used for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Early Intervention Pilot; Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to provide for Parenting Payment Participating Agreements which will require people receiving parenting payments to undertake certain activities; and Social Security Act 1991 to: close access for new applicants to mature age allowance and partner allowance; introduce changes in relation to administrative penalties; and introduce more flexible participation requirements for mature age newstart recipients.

Reps: Intro. 16/5/02; Passed 30/5/02

Senate: Intro. 19/6/02; Passed 12/12/02

SBC report 4/02 (tabled and adopted 19/6/02): Deferred

Reference: Referred to Community Affairs References Committee 19/6/02; extension of time to report 29/8/02; report tabled 25/9/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Committee amendments: 24 Govt/passed

Instruction to the committee of the whole (15/11/02):

Bill divided into two bills: this bill and the Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Australians Working Together and other 2001 Budget Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2002 (see entry below). This bill consists of: clauses 1, 2 (as amended by 1 Govt amendment and amendments consequential on the division) and 3; Schedules 1 (as amended by 3 Govt amendments), 4 (renumbered 2) and 5 (renumbered 3); and enacting words and titles, of the original bill. (For further details, see Journals of the Senate, p. 1092-1100.)

[Reps declined to consider Senate message in relation to the division of this bill and requested the Senate to reconsider this bill as originally transmitted 3/12/02; Senate did not insist on its division of the bill (amendment to motion: 1 Dem/passed) and agreed to 55 Opp (1 amended) and 16 Dem (1 reconsidered) amendments (and 24 Govt amendments previously agreed to on 15/11/02) (21 Dem/negatived; 2 Dem/withdrawn; 2 Schedules opposed/Schedules agreed to) 12/12/02; Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1, 6 and 66 to 68, disagreed to amendments nos 2 to 5, 7 to 65 and 69 to 94 and agreed to 48 Govt amendments in place of amendments nos 2, 3, 5, 7 to 17, 19, 20, 28 to 32, 34, 36, 56, 59, 62, 69 to 73 and 78 to 94, 13/12/02 a.m.; Senate did not insist on its amendments nos 4, 21, 23, 25 to 27, 33, 35, 38, 41, 44 to 46, 48, 51 to 53, 55, 57, 58 and 60, agreed to amendments made in place of Senate amendments, and insisted on amendments nos 18, 22, 24, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 47, 49, 50, 54, 61, 63 to 65 and 74 to 77, 13/12/02 a.m.; Reps insisted on disagreeing to amendments insisted on by Senate 13/12/02 a.m.; Senate did not again insist on its amendments and agreed to 2 Govt (1 as amended by Dem) and 3 Dem further amendments 27/3/03; Reps agreed to Senate further amendments 27/3/03]

Assent: 24/4/03; Act No. 35, 2003

Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

(Previous title: Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2002)

Amends the: Social Security Act 1991, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 and 5 other Acts to: correct various cross-references and drafting errors; simplify and clarify existing provisions; achieve consistency between similar provisions and payments types; and address some unintended consequences of earlier amendments; 6 Acts to: repeal redundant provisions and references; renumber misdescribed provisions; and correct various cross-references; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 to introduce changes relating to child care benefits for foster children; Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to restore the equivalent legislative position in respect of recovery of certain debts that existed before the introduction of the family assistance law; Social Security Act 1991 in relation to qualification for mobility allowance; and Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to: repeal redundant provisions, references and notes; and renumber misdescribed provisions. Also repeals the First Home Owners Act 1983.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/02; Passed 5/3/03

CID amendments: 4 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 20/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 14/02 (tabled and adopted 11/12/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 4 Dem/passed; 5 items negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 27/3/03]

Assent: 15/4/03; Act No. 30, 2003

Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Disability Reform) Bill 2002

Amends the Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to: change the qualification criteria for disability support pension in relation to work capacity; and restrict exemptions from the activity test requirements for newstart allowance and youth allowance.

Reps: Intro. 16/5/02; Passed 30/5/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Message reported 20/6/02

SBC report 4/02 (tabled and adopted 19/6/02): No reference

Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Disability Reform) Bill (No. 2) 2002 [No. 2]

Amends the Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to: change the qualification criteria for disability support pension (DSP) in relation to work capacity for people who apply for DSP from 1 July 2003; and restrict exemptions from the activity test requirements for newstart allowance and youth allowance recipients. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 6/3/03; Passed 26/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Negatived at 2nd reading 24/6/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): No reference

Family and Community Services Legislation Amendment (Further Simplification of International Payments) Bill 2002

Amends the Social Security Act 1991 to bring the payment of Australian pensions to people overseas long-term in line with international standards; and standardise the recovery of overpayments to people receiving a foreign pension lump sum arrears payment.

Reps: Intro. 13/2/02; Passed 12/3/02

CID amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 13/3/02; 2nd reading adjourned 13/3/02

SBC report 1/02 (tabled and adopted 13/3/02): No reference

Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Extension of Time Limits) Bill 2003

Amends the: A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to extend time frames in relation to: past period lump sum claims for family tax benefit (FTB) and child care benefit; payment of top-ups of FTB as a result of income reconciliation; and exchange, use and destruction of tax file number data for income reconciliation purposes; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to make consequential amendments to allow tax advisers— fees for FTB lump sums claims that relate to the 2001-02 income year to be tax deductible. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 10/9/03; Passed 17/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 17/9/03; Agreed to subject to requests 14/10/03

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed; 5 Dem/passed

Committee requests: 8 Opp/passed

[Reps did not make Senate requests for amendments 3/11/03; Senate pressed its requests for amendments 25/11/03; Reps reported message 27/11/03]

Family Law Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Family Law Act 1975 in relation to: Family Court powers to bind third parties in order to give effect to property settlements; removal of the requirement to register parenting plans; use of audio and video links; changes to the structure and operation of the Family Court of Australia; operation of the parenting regime; operation of financial agreements; admissibility of certain disclosures and admissions; costs of child representatives; publication of court proceedings; and miscellaneous and technical amendments. Also contains application provisions and a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 12/2/03; Passed 13/8/03

CID amendments: 6 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 20/8/03; Passed 5/12/03

SBC report 5/03 (tabled and adopted 14/5/03): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 14/5/03; report tabled 13/8/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/passed

Committee amendments: 16 Govt/passed; 4 Dem/negatived; 6 items opposed/items agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 5/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 138, 2003

PS Family Law Amendment (Joint Residency) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Harris — PHON)

Amends the Family Law Act 1975 to provide for joint residence orders following separation or divorce, which will designate both parents as a child—s residence provider.

Senate: Intro. 20/6/02; 2nd reading adjourned 20/6/02

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): No reference

Farm Household Support Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Farm Household Support Act 1992 to: extend the closing date for applications for Farm Help Income Support to 30 June 2004 and the deadline for Farm Help Income Support payments to 30 June 2005; and make administrative changes to the Farm Help program; Farm Household Support Amendment Act 2003 to make a minor technical correction; and Social Security Act 1991 to make a consequential amendment. Also contains application, saving and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 13/10/03

Senate: Intro. 14/10/03; Passed 30/10/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 6 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 4/11/03]

Assent: 27/11/03; Act No. 115, 2003

PS Financial Management and Accountability (Anti-Restrictive Software Practices) Amendment Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Greig — AD)

Amends the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 to encourage the acquisition of open source computer software by government agencies.

Senate: Intro. 18/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 18/9/03

SBC report 13/03 (tabled and adopted 15/10/03): No reference

Financial Sector Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2002

(Act citation: Financial Sector Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Amends the: Banking Act 1959 in relation to: expertise and integrity of directors and senior managers of authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) and authorised non-operating holding companies (NOHCs); removal of auditors; reporting requirements in relation to breaches of prudential requirements; application of prudential standards on a consolidated group basis; revocation of authority of an ADI or NOHC to operate a banking business; and protection for APRA officers against lawsuits; Insurance Act 1973 in relation to: APRA—s capacity to discuss submissions on management expertise and integrity with third parties; reporting requirements in relation to breaches of prudential requirements; and penalties; Superannuation (Resolution of Complaints) Act 1993 in relation to: time limits relating to disability benefit complaints; conciliation powers of the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal; removal of redundant arbitration powers; and minor technical amendments; Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 to allow the recognition of awards, still in force, under arbitration agreements even after removal of the arbitration power; and Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001, Corporations Act 2001 and Corporations (Repeals, Consequentials and Transitionals) Act 2001 to: correct minor errors, grammatical mistakes and erroneous cross references; and remove obsolete provisions.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/02; Passed 14/11/02

CID amendments: 33 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 2/12/02; Passed 30/10/03

SBC report 12/02 (tabled and adopted 13/11/02): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 13/11/02; extension of time to report 10/12/02; report due 12/12/02; report tabled 11/12/02

Committee amendments: 2 Govt/passed; 1 item negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 4/11/03]

Assent: 27/11/03; Act No. 116, 2003

Financial Services Reform Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Corporations Act 2001 to clarify and amend aspects of the regulatory framework governing the licensing, conduct and disclosure of providers of financial services, and the licensing of financial markets and clearing and settlement facilities; Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Retirement Savings Accounts Act 1997 to make consequential amendments. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 5/11/03

CID amendments: 46 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 24/11/03; Passed 5/12/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee upon introduction in Reps (26/6/03); extension of time to report 19/8/03; report tabled 21/8/03

SBC report 15/03 (tabled and adopted 26/11/03): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee 26/11/03; Order varied 27/11/03 — Proposed amendments and other matters also referred to Committee; report tabled 3/12/03

Committee amendments: 12 Govt/passed; 1 Dem/passed; 1 item opposed/item agreed to; 1 section opposed/section agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 5/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 141, 2003

S Fisheries Legislation Amendment (Compliance and Deterrence Measures and Other Matters) Bill 2003

Amends the Fisheries Administration Act 1991 and Fisheries Management Act 1991 in relation to: deterrence and compliance regimes to deter foreign fishers from illegally fishing in Australian waters; the Australian Fisheries Management Authority—s management of Commonwealth fisheries resources; and ecologically sustainable management of Commonwealth fisheries.

Senate: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

S Fisheries Legislation Amendment (High Seas Fishing Activities and Other Matters) Bill 2003

Amends the: Fisheries Administration Act 1991 and Fisheries Management Act 1991 to give effect to Australia—s obligations under the Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas; and Fisheries Management Act 1991 to strengthen the Australian Fisheries Management Authority—s ability to deliver and enforce fisheries management in Commonwealth fisheries. Also contains a saving provision.

Senate: Intro. 28/11/03; 2nd reading adjourned 28/11/03

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): Deferred

PM Flags Amendment (Eureka Flag) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Ms King — ALP)

Amends the Flags Act 1953 to recognise the Eureka Flag as an official flag of Australia.

Reps: Intro. 1/12/03; Read a 1st time 1/12/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

PS Freedom of Information Amendment (Open Government) Bill 2000 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)

Amends the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations to: extend access to information in the possession of the Commonwealth; and create an independent Freedom of Information Commissioner.

Senate: Intro. 5/9/00; 2nd reading adjourned 5/9/00

SBC report 16/00 (tabled and adopted 11/10/00): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 11/10/00; extension of time to report 27/3/01; report tabled 5/4/01

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

Discharged from Notice Paper 25/6/03

PS Freedom of Information Amendment (Open Government) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)

Senate: Intro. 25/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 25/6/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

Fuel Quality Standards Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 to: establish a national labelling regime for fuels at the point of sale; and make certain existing offences under the Act strict liability offences.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 15/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 16/9/03; Passed 28/11/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 20/8/03; report tabled 28/10/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Committee amendments: 4 Dem/negatived

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 127, 2003

PM Fuel Quality Standards (Renewable Content of Motor Vehicle Fuel) Amendment Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr Katter — Ind)

Amends the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 to provide for a regulatory regime in relation to the inclusion of ethanol and other renewable fuel in fuel supplied for use in motor vehicles.

Reps: Intro. 21/10/02; Read a 1st time 21/10/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 16/6/03

PS Genetic Privacy and Non-discrimination Bill 1998 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)

Provides for the: protection of genetic privacy; collection, storage, analysis and disclosure of DNA samples; rights and responsibilities of persons with respect to genetic information; and unlawfulness of genetic discrimination.

Senate: Intro. 11/3/98; 2nd reading adjourned 11/3/98, 5/10/00

SBC report 3/98 (tabled and adopted 25/3/98): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 25/3/98; report due 11/8/98; interim report presented 10/8/98 and tabled 10/11/98

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 23/11/98; extensions of time to report 10/12/98, 16/2/99, 30/3/99; report tabled 31/3/99

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 23/11/98, 14/5/02

PM Governor-General Amendment Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr Albanese — ALP)

Amends the Governor-General Act 1974 to provide for the automatic referral of the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General annual report to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.

Reps: Intro. 9/12/02; Read a 1st time 9/12/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 18/8/03

Governor-General Amendment Bill 2003

(Act citation: Governor-General Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the Governor-General Act 1974 to set the salary for the next Governor-General.

Reps: Intro. 24/6/03; Passed 24/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 25/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/negatived

Assent: 3/7/03; Act No. 68, 2003

PS Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Boundary Extension) Amendment Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)

Amends the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 to extend the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to Australia—s exclusive economic zone.

Senate: Intro. 21/3/02; 2nd reading adjourned 21/3/02, 16/5/02

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

PM Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Protecting the Great Barrier Reef from Oil Drilling and Exploration) Amendment Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Thomson — ALP)

Amends the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 to extend the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to Australia—s exclusive economic zone.

Reps: Intro. 10/2/03; Read a 1st time 10/2/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 8/9/03

PS Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Protecting the Great Barrier Reef from Oil Drilling and Exploration) Amendment Bill 2003 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator McLucas — ALP and Senator Bartlett — Dem)

Amends the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 to extend the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to Australia—s exclusive economic zone.

Senate: Intro. 5/3/03; 2nd reading adjourned 5/3/03, 6/3/03

S Health and Ageing Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: National Health Act 1953 to: increase the maximum number of members of Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee; provide for payment and/or waiver of recovery of 90 per cent of the value of pharmaceutical benefits supplied from an unapproved relocated pharmacy where the pharmacist has subsequently obtained approval; allow an agent to make and sign an application for a pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) safety net concession or entitlement card; provide that certain ministerial determinations apply to the supply of pharmaceutical benefits by hospitals in the same way as they do to supply by pharmacies; clarify the decision-maker—s discretion to cancel approvals to supply pharmaceutical benefits; and allow a medical services provider to send claims directly to the Health Insurance Commission; Health Insurance Act 1973, Health Insurance Commission Act 1973, National Health Act 1953 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to provide that special supply arrangements can be used for the funding particular medicines not available through the PBS; Health Insurance Act 1973 to restore specialist recognition status for certain specialists; and ensure that overseas trained doctors do not receive Medicare benefits for assisting at operations unless they have an exemption or have committed themselves to providing services in districts of workforce shortage; and Aged Care Act 1997 and Health Insurance Act 1973 to make technical amendments and corrections.

Senate: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Committee amendment: 1 Dem/negatived

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Read a 1st time 26/6/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Health Care (Appropriation) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Health Care (Appropriation) Act 1998 to: extend the operation of the Act for a 5-year period commencing on 1 July 2003; appropriate an amount from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for hospital services provided, and projects and programs conducted during the new 5-year period; amend the definition of —eligible person—; provide for additional conditions to apply to grants of financial assistance; and delegate certain ministerial powers.

Reps: Intro. 14/5/03; Passed 4/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 23/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 Dem/negatived

Committee request: 1 AG/negatived

Assent: 26/6/03; Act No. 50, 2003

Health Insurance Amendment (Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Other Measures) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Health Insurance Amendment (Diagnostic Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Other Measures) Act 2003)

Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 in relation to payment of Medicare benefits for diagnostic imaging services. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 25/3/03

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 4 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 27/3/03]

Assent: 15/4/03; Act No. 33, 2003

S Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003

Amends the: Health and Other Services (Compensation) Act 1995 to clarify the circumstances under which medicare and residential care benefits paid to compensation claimants can be recovered; and Health Insurance Act 1973 to expand the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register to include previous foreign immunisation of children where these are notified to the Health Insurance Commission by recognised immunisation providers or prescribed bodies; and update certain definitions. Also makes consequential amendments to the Health and Other Services (Compensation) Care Charges Act 1995 and contains application provisions.

Senate: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 10/9/03

Assent: 23/9/03; Act No. 84, 2003

Health Legislation Amendment (Medicare and Private Health Insurance) Bill 2003

Amends the: Health Insurance Act 1973, National Health Act 1953 and Private Health Insurance Incentives Act 1998 to enable registered private health funds to offer insurance plans to cover all out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital Medicare rebatable services in excess of $1 000 in a calendar year; and Health Insurance Act 1973 to establish a new safety-net for concession card holders to cover 80 per cent of out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital Medicare rebatable costs which have exceeded $500 in a calendar year; and provide for the introduction of an electronic direct billing option (whereby patients assign their Medicare rebate to their doctor and pay only the gap amount to the doctor), to be available to general practitioners who participate in the General Practice Access Scheme. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 28/5/03; Passed 16/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 17/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 17/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): Deferred

References:

Referred to Select Committee on Medicare 19/6/03; extension of time to report 21/8/03; report tabled 30/10/03

Proposed Govt amendments and other Medicare matters referred to Select Committee on Medicare 25/11/03; report due 11/2/04

Health Legislation Amendment (Medicare) Bill 2003

Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to introduce new safety-nets to cover 80 per cent of out-of-pocket costs incurred for out-of-hospital Medicare services above a specified threshold in a calendar year.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; Passed 4/12/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

S Health Legislation Amendment (Private Health Insurance Reform) Bill 2003

Amends the: National Health Act 1953 and Private Health Insurance Incentives Act 1998 in relation to the obligations of registered organisations; and to remove the rule change assessment process which requires registered health benefits organisations to submit all rule changes for government approval and replace it with a system of monitoring and compliance; and National Health Act 1953 to: increase the powers of the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) to investigate complaints and resolve disputes; provide for an annual —state of the health funds— report by the PHIO; and make amendments to the lifetime health cover provisions.

Senate: Intro. 6/3/03; Passed 10/9/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 19/3/03; extension of time to report 13/5/03; report tabled 16/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/negatived

Committee amendments: 6 Govt/passed; 4 Dem/passed; 3 AG/negatived

Reps: Intro. 15/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 5/12/03

Higher Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Higher Education Funding Act 1988 in relation to funding and grant levels for the 2002 and 2003 funding years for certain purposes; and Australian Research Council Act 2001 in relation to: the administration and financial management of the Australian Research Council, its advisory structures and research programmes; and extension of ministerial delegations. Also contains transitional and saving provisions.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 13/8/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 13/8/03; Passed 21/8/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

2nd reading amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 AG/negatived

Committee amendment: 1 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 9/9/03]

Assent: 23/9/03; Act No. 87, 2003

Higher Education Support Amendment (Abolition of Compulsory Up-front Student Union Fees) Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills to establish a framework for the Commonwealth funding of higher education, the bill amends the proposed Higher Education Support Act 2003 to abolish compulsory student unionism in higher education institutions which receive Commonwealth funding.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/03

Senate:

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

Higher Education Support Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills to establish a framework for the Commonwealth funding of higher education, the bill replaces the current arrangements under the Higher Education Funding Act 1988 and provides for: grants (primarily through the Commonwealth Grants Scheme) and other payments to higher education providers; financial assistance to students including: HECS-HELP assistance for student contribution amounts, FEE-HELP assistance for tuition fees, and OS-HELP assistance for overseas study; a Student Learning Entitlement equivalent to 7 years of full-time study; repayment of student loans; administrative matters; provision of higher education in the external Territories; and review of the impact of the proposed Act.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 16/10/03

CID amendments: 3 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 27/10/03; Passed 5/12/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Committee amendments: 132 Govt/passed; 1 Dem/passed; 1 Ind (Murphy)/passed; 1 Division negatived; 2 clauses negatived; 79 Opp/negatived; 103 Dem/negatived; 1 Dem to Govt/negatived; 8 AG/negatived; 2 Parts opposed/Parts agreed to; 2 Divisions opposed/Divisions agreed to; 3 Subdivisions opposed/Subdivisions agreed to; 8 clauses opposed/clauses agreed to

Committee requests: 5 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 5 Dem/negatived; 1 AG/negatived

[Reps made Senate requests for amendments 5/12/03; Reps agreed to Senate amendments 5/12/03]

Assent: 19/12/03; Act No. 149, 2003

Higher Education Support (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills to establish a framework for the Commonwealth funding of higher education, the bill provides for transitional arrangements and consequential amendments to the Higher Education Funding Act 1988 and 11 other Acts as a result of the new funding framework. Also amends the Australian National University Act 1991 and Maritime College Act 1978 in relation to the governance structures of the Australian National University and the Australian Maritime College.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 16/10/03

Senate: Intro. 27/10/03; Passed 5/12/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Committee amendments: 27 Govt/passed; 3 items negatived; 2 Opp/negatived

Committee requests: 2 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 1 Dem to Govt/negatived

[Reps made Senate requests for amendments 5/12/03; Reps agreed to Senate amendments 5/12/03]

Assent: 19/12/03; Act No. 150, 2003

HIH Royal Commission (Transfer of Records) Bill 2003

Provides for the transfer of custody of certain records of the HIH Royal Commission to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 18/6/03; Passed 23/6/03

Senate: Intro. 24/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): No reference

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 61, 2003

PS Human Rights (Mandatory Sentencing for Property Offences) Bill 2000 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Seeks to give effect to Australia—s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child by providing that a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or Territory must not require a court to sentence a person (including a person who is under 18 years of age) to imprisonment or detention for a property offence. Also contains certain application and transitional provisions.

Senate: Intro. 6/9/00; 2nd reading adjourned 6/9/00

SBC report 7/01 (tabled and adopted 23/5/01): No reference

Reference: Referred to Legal and Constitutional References Committee 24/5/01 reference readopted 11/3/02; report due 21/3/02; report tabled 12/3/02

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/11/02

Import Processing Charges (Amendment and Repeal) Amendment Bill 2003

Introduced with the Customs Legislation Amendment (Application of International Trade Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2003, the bill amends the Import Processing Charges (Amendment and Repeal) Act 2002 to extend the application of cost recovery charges during the transition between the Customs legacy electronic systems and the new Integrated Cargo System.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Industrial Chemicals (Notification and Assessment) Act 1989 to: increase the maximum quantity of new industrial chemicals that a manufacturer or importer can introduce under the Commercial Evaluation Permit system from 2 000 to 4 000 kilograms; align the renewal deadline for the registration of introducers of industrial chemicals with the expiry date of registration (i.e. 31 August); require notification of non-renewal by 31 August; abolish the urgent handling fee and establish late renewal penalties for renewals received after the renewal deadline; and remove fees and charges provisions from the Act so that they may be specified in regulations. Also contains application and saving provisions.

Reps: Intro. 28/5/03; Passed 18/6/03

Senate: Intro. 19/6/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 74, 2003

Industry Research and Development Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Industry Research and Development Act 1986 to: remove the existing powers of the Industry Research and Development Board to commit and approve expenditure of Commonwealth funds; and clarify the Board—s role in the provision of advice on innovation programs in addition to research and development programs. Also contains savings and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 3/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 3/12/03

Industry, Tourism and Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

(Previous title: Industry, Tourism and Resources Legislation Amendment Bill 2002)

Amends the: ACIS Administration Act 1999 to clarify the use of duty credits earned under the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme; Bounty (Computers) Act 1984 to replace a reference to the Standards Association of Australia with a reference to Standards Australia International Limited; Bounty (Ships) Act 1989 to provide for progress payments of the research and development bounty; Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Legislation Amendment Act 2001 to correct a drafting error; Pooled Development Funds Act 1992 to correct a drafting oversight in relation to excluded superannuation funds; States Grants (Petroleum Products) Act 1965 to reflect changes in administrative arrangements; and Trade Practices Act 1974 to correct a drafting oversight in relation to country of origin defences. Also repeals the Aluminium Industry Act 1960 and Management and Investment Companies Act 1983.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 26/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): No reference

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 21, 2003

Inspector-General of Taxation Bill 2002

(Act citation: Inspector-General of Taxation Act 2003)

Establishes an independent statutory office of Inspector-General of Taxation to conduct reviews and advise the Minister in relation to tax administration systems. Also makes consequential amendments to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and National Crime Authority Act 1984.

Reps: Intro. 19/9/02; Passed 16/10/02

Senate: Intro. 17/10/02; Passed 13/12/02 a.m.

SBC report 11/02 (tabled 23/10/02; motion to adopt report amended and agreed to 23/10/02): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee 23/10/02; report tabled 3/12/02

Committee amendments: 9 Dem/passed; 3 Dem/negatived

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 12/2/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps and agreed to 3 Govt further amendments 27/3/03; Reps agreed to Senate further amendments 27/3/03]

Assent: 15/4/03; Act No. 28, 2003

Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the Patents Act 1990, Trade Marks Act 1995 and Designs Act 1906 to clarify that errors or omission by persons such as independent contractors, employed by the Commissioner of Patents, Registrar of Trade Marks or Registrar of Designs, are encompassed by the existing extension of time provisions; Patents Act 1990 in relation to disclosure of information to the Commissioner of Patents that is relevant to the patentability of an invention; Trade Marks Act 1995 to: amend the definition of —employee—; and remove the term —trade marks officer—; and Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000 to correct a drafting error. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 2/6/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 19/6/03

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): No reference

Assent: 26/6/03; Act No. 48, 2003

Intelligence Services Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Intelligence Services Act 2001 to: allow the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) to provide for the protection of its staff members and agents, including the provision of self-defence training and weapons for use outside Australia under strict conditions; and allow ASIS to accept protection from other agencies, including armed protection in certain circumstances. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 15/10/03; 2nd reading adjourned 15/10/03

Reference: Referred to Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD 15/10/03

Main committee: Referred 24/11/03; Returned to House 26/11/03

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): Deferred

International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the International Tax Agreements Act 1953 to: give legislative authority to agreements between Australia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Australia and the United Mexican States, in relation to the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion; and make consequential amendments. Also makes consequential amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Taxation (Interest on Overpayments and Early Payments) Act 1983.

Reps: Intro. 11/9/03; Passed 16/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 27/11/03

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 17/9/03; report presented 3/11/03 and tabled 24/11/03

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 123, 2003

PS Kyoto Protocol (Ratification) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Requires the Australian Government to effect Australia—s obligations arising from the Framework Convention on Climate Change by ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.

Senate: Intro. 19/9/02; 2nd reading adjourned 19/9/02

SBC report 9/02 (tabled and adopted 25/9/02): No reference

PM Kyoto Protocol Ratification Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Thomson — ALP)

Requires the Australian Government to effect Australia—s obligations arising from the Framework Convention on Climate Change by ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.

Reps: Intro. 26/5/03; Read a 1st time 26/5/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 3/11/03

PS Kyoto Protocol Ratification Bill 2003 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator Lundy — ALP and Senator Brown — AG)

Requires the Australian Government to effect Australia—s obligations arising from the Framework Convention on Climate Change by ratifying the Kyoto Protocol.

Senate: Intro. 30/10/03; 2nd reading adjourned 30/10/03

SBC report 15/03 (tabled and adopted 26/11/03): Referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 26/11/03; report due 4/3/04

PS Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Conroy — ALP)

Penalises late payment of commercial debts by Commonwealth government agencies and large corporations to small business in relation to contracts for the supply of goods and services. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Senate: Intro. 6/3/03; 2nd reading adjourned 6/3/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee 19/3/03; extensions of time to report 11/8/03, 21/8/03, 15/10/03; report tabled 29/10/03

Legislative Instruments Bill 2003

Introduced with the Legislative Instruments (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003, the bill establishes a regime for the registration, tabling, scrutiny and sunsetting of legislative instruments. Deals with: drafting standards; consultation before making legislative instruments; establishment of the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments; Parliamentary scrutiny of legislative instruments; sunsetting of legislative instruments; instruments not dealt with before the Act—s commencing day; gazettal and registration requirements; effect on existing tabling and disallowance requirements; delegation of certain Ministerial powers; review of the operation of the Act and sunsetting provisions; existing references to the Legislative Instruments Act. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 8/9/03

Senate: Intro. 9/9/03; Passed 2/12/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances 13/8/03; extension of time to report 16/9/03; report tabled 16/10/03

Committee amendments: 20 Govt/passed; 1 Dem/passed; 1 clause negatived; 1 Govt/negatived; 7 Dem/negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1, 2 and 4 to 22, disagreed to Senate amendment no. 3 and agreed to 5 Government amendments 3/12/03; Senate did not insist on its amendment no. 3 disagreed to by Reps and agreed to Reps amendments 4/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 139, 2003

Legislative Instruments (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Legislative Instruments Bill 2003, the bill: makes consequential amendments to 20 Acts (including the Acts Interpretation Act 1901); applies the proposed Legislative Instruments Act 2003 to certain rules of court; and repeals the Statutory Rules Publication Act 1903. Also contains a limited retrospective regulation-making power and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 8/9/03

Senate: Intro. 9/9/03; Passed 2/12/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances 13/8/03; extension of time to report 16/9/03; report tabled 16/10/03

Committee amendments: 1 Govt/negatived; 1 Dem/negatived

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 140, 2003

PM Local Community Input into Renewable Energy Developments Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Zahra — ALP)

Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to allow only those wind power stations that have been approved by local councils to issue renewable energy certificates.

Reps: Intro. 1/12/03; Read a 1st time 1/12/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Maritime Legislation Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the: Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability) Act 1981 and Protection of the Sea (Oil Pollution Compensation Fund) Act 1993 to increase the monetary liability and compensation for pollution damage resulting from the escape or discharge of —persistent oil— (heavy oils which do not evaporate readily) from oil tankers; Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 to prohibit the disposal from a ship into the sea of incinerator ashes from plastic products which may contain toxic or heavy metal residues; allow garbage disposal placards to be written in Spanish (rather than English or French); and convert penalties from monetary amounts to penalty units. Trade Practices Act 1974 to clarify that stevedoring operators are not permitted to collude in setting charges for stevedoring services. Also repeals the Bass Strait Sea Passenger Service Agreement Act 1984.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 5/2/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 6/2/03; Passed 6/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/negatived

Assent: 19/3/03; Act No. 7, 2003

Maritime Legislation Amendment (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Bill 2003

Amends the Navigation Act 1912 and Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 to update cross-references and reflect the Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships, set out in Annex IV of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, which will ensure that the level of environmental protection from marine sewage in Australia is consistent with internationally adopted standards.

Reps: Intro. 25/3/03; Passed 2/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 19/6/03

SBC report 5/03 (tabled and adopted 14/5/03): No reference

Assent: 26/6/03; Act No. 47, 2003

Maritime Transport Security Bill 2003

Establishes a maritime transport security regulatory framework, including an enforcement regime and provides for flexibility to respond to the changing threat environment; and aligns Australian maritime transport security with international obligations under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 18/9/03; Passed 8/10/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 9/10/03; Passed 28/11/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): Provisions of bill referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee 8/10/03; extensions of time to report 27/10/03, 30/10/03, 25/11/03; report tabled 27/11/03

Committee amendments: 4 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 1/12/03]

Assent: 12/12/03; Act No. 131, 2003

Medical Indemnity Amendment Bill 2003

Introduced with the Medical Indemnity (IBNR Indemnity) Contribution Amendment Bill 2003 and further to the package of bills implementing the framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill amends the Medical Indemnity Act 2002 to implement the Exceptional Claims Scheme which will provide for the Commonwealth to assume liability for damages payable against a medical practitioner that exceed the practitioner—s insurance contract limit. Also makes changes to the administration of the medical indemnity contributions; and contains savings and transitional provisions and a power to make transitional regulations.

Reps: Intro. 6/11/03; Passed 25/11/03

Senate: Intro. 26/11/03; Passed 28/11/03

SBC report 15/03 (tabled and adopted 26/11/03): No reference

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 121, 2003

Medical Indemnity (IBNR Indemnity) Contribution Amendment Bill 2003

Introduced with the Medical Indemnity Amendment Bill 2003 and further to the package of bills implementing the framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill amends the Medical Indemnity (IBNR Indemnity) Contribution Act 2002 to give effect to a moratorium on incurred but not reported liabilities (IBNR) contributions; and reduce the IBNR contribution to be paid for the 2003-04 and 2004-05 financial years.

Reps: Intro. 6/11/03; Passed 25/11/03

Senate: Intro. 26/11/03; Passed 28/11/03

SBC report 15/03 (tabled and adopted 26/11/03): No reference

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 120, 2003

Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) Bill 2003

(Previous title: Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) Bill 2002)

Introduced with the Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2002 and further to the package of bills implementing the framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill provides for: medical indemnity cover only to be provided by general insurers and only under contracts of insurance, which will ensure that providers are subject to appropriate prudential supervision by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; transitional arrangements for current providers to meet minimum capital requirements; minimum product standards for medical indemnity insurance contracts; compulsory retroactive cover; and anti-avoidance provisions. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 24/3/03

CID amendments: 25 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 26/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

SBC report 4/03 (tabled and adopted 26/3/03): Bill reconsidered — no reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Assent: 2/5/03; Act No. 37, 2003

Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) (Consequential Amendments) Act 2003)

Introduced with the Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) Bill 2002 and further to the package of bills implementing the framework for medical indemnity insurance, the bill makes consequential amendments to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Act 1998, Financial Sector (Collection of Data) Act 2001, Insurance Act 1973 and Insurance Contracts Act 1984 to: require medical defence organisations (MDOs) to provide data to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; and prevent MDOs with discretionary liabilities from becoming authorised insurers.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 24/3/03

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 26/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Assent: 2/5/03; Act No. 36, 2003

Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Amendment Bill 2003

Introduced with the Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Agents Integrity Measures) Bill 2003, the bill amends the Migration Agents Registration Application Charge Act 1997 to: impose a pro rata charge on migration agents who register to provide immigration assistance on a non-commercial basis, but who give immigration assistance on a commercial basis during the course of their registration period. Also contains a regulation-making power and an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 8/10/03

Senate: Intro. 8/10/03; 2nd reading adjourned 8/10/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 8/10/03; report tabled 25/11/03

Migration Amendment (Duration of Detention) Bill 2003

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to clarify that an unlawful non-citizen must be kept in immigration detention unless a court finally determines that the detention is unlawful or that the detainee is not an unlawful non-citizen.

Reps: Intro. 18/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 11/8/03; Passed 8/9/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 4 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 10/9/03]

Assent: 23/9/03; Act No. 90, 2003

Migration Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2002

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to: clarify certain visa related matters (immigration status of non-citizen children born in Australia, security for , bridging visas, special purpose visas and non-citizen student visas); create a Deputy Principal Member position for the Migration Review Tribunal; remove ambiguities surrounding certain offence provisions; and correct a technical error. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/3/02; Passed 12/12/02

CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed; 2 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 5/2/03; 2nd reading adjourned 5/2/03

SBC report 2/02 (tabled and adopted 20/3/02): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 20/3/02; extension of time to report 15/5/02; interim report presented 22/5/02 and tabled 18/6/02; report presented 5/6/02 and tabled 18/6/02

PM Migration Legislation Amendment (Children and Families) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Ms Roxon — ALP)

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to release by Christmas 2003 all children detained in immigration detention centres.

Reps: Intro. 1/12/03; Read a 1st time 1/12/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Migration Legislation Amendment (Contributory Parents Migration Scheme) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Migration Legislation Amendment (Contributory Parents Migration Scheme) Act 2003)

Introduced with the Migration (Visa Application) Charge Amendment Bill 2002, the bill amends the Migration Act 1958 to make minor technical amendments in relation to the visa application charge limit; and Migration Regulations 1994 to: establish new parent visa classes and subclasses, both offshore and onshore; increase the assurance of support bond and period of effect in relation to applicants for the new parent visa classes; and offset the health costs of parent entry by requiring applicants for the new visa classes to pay an additional application charge.

Reps: Intro. 5/12/02; Passed 13/2/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendment: 1 Ind (Andren)/negatived

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 5/3/03

SBC report 14/02 (tabled and adopted 11/12/02): No reference

2nd reading amendments: 1 Opp/negatived; 1 Dem to Opp/negatived

Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived

Assent: 19/3/03; Act No. 5, 2003

Migration Legislation Amendment (Further Border Protection Measures) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to expand the definition of —excised offshore place— to include the Coral Sea Islands Territory and certain islands that form part of Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Reps: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 14/5/03

Senate: Intro. 14/5/03; Negatived at 2nd reading 16/6/03

Migration Legislation Amendment (Identification and Authentication) Bill 2003

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to provide a legislative framework for the collection of personal identifiers, such as fingerprints and handprints, photographs, physical measurements, audio and video recordings, signatures, iris scans and any other identifiers prescribed in regulations, from certain non-citizens at key points in the immigration process.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 18/9/03

Senate: Intro. 7/10/03; 2nd reading adjourned 7/10/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 20/8/03; extension of time to report 11/9/03; report tabled 18/9/03

Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Advice Industry) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Advice Industry) Act 2003)

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to repeal the sunset clause (due to take effect on 21 March 2003) to enable the continuation of the current statutory self-regulatory arrangements in relation to the migration advice industry.

Reps: Intro. 16/10/02; Passed 13/11/02

Senate: Intro. 14/11/02; Passed 6/2/03

SBC report 11/02 (tabled and adopted 23/10/02): No reference

Assent: 24/2/03; Act No. 3, 2003

Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Agents Integrity Measures) Bill 2003

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to strengthen and improve the regulation of migration; and make minor technical and consequential amendments. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 8/10/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 8/10/03; 2nd reading adjourned 8/10/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 8/10/03; report tabled 25/11/03

Migration Legislation Amendment (Protected Information) Bill 2003

(Previous title: Migration Legislation Amendment (Protected Information) Bill 2002)

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to provide increased protection to confidential information given to the Minister for the purposes of making decisions to refuse a visa application or to cancel an existing visa on the basis of the character or conduct of a non-citizen, by extending the statutory protection scheme in section 503A of the Act to the Federal Court of Australia and the Federal Magistrates Court. Also makes consequential amendments to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 2/6/03

CID amendments: 5 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 17/6/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 75, 2003

Migration Legislation Amendment (Sponsorship Measures) Bill 2003

Amends the Migration Act 1958 to: provide a framework for the Migration Regulations to prescribe requirements relating to sponsorship; and prevent abuse of the merits review process by certain temporary visa applicants who fail to meet the sponsorship requirements of their visa. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 4/6/03; Passed 24/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 25/6/03; Passed 11/9/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee 25/6/03; report tabled 12/8/03

Committee amendments: 1 Govt/passed; 1 Dem/negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 15/9/03]

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 99, 2003

Migration (Visa Application) Charge Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Migration (Visa Application) Charge Amendment Act 2003)

Introduced with the Migration Legislation Amendment (Contributory Parents Migration Scheme) Bill 2002, the bill amends the Migration (Visa Application) Charge Act 1997 to provide for: a visa application charge limit of $26 745 in relation to certain visa applications made during the 2002-2003 financial year; and indexation of the new visa application charge limit.

Reps: Intro. 5/12/02; Passed 13/2/03

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 5/3/03

SBC report 14/02 (tabled and adopted 11/12/02): No reference

Assent: 19/3/03; Act No. 6, 2003

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Bill 2003

Introduced with the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2003, the bill provides for a new military rehabilitation and compensation scheme for members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who suffer an injury or disease, or die, as a result of ADF service on or after commencement of the proposed Act. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Senate:

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee upon introduction in Reps (4/12/03); report due 19/3/04

Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Bill 2003, the bill makes transitional arrangements and amendments to 20 Acts consequential on the commencement of the new military rehabilitation and compensation scheme. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Senate:

Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee upon introduction in Reps (4/12/03); report due 19/3/04

PS Ministers of State (Post-Retirement Employment Restrictions) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senators Stott Despoja and Murray — AD)

Regulates certain pre- and post-retirement conduct of, and places post-retirement employment restrictions on, Ministers and ministerial advisers; and includes offence and penalty provisions.

Senate: Intro. 13/3/02; 2nd reading adjourned 13/3/02

SBC report 2/02 (tabled and adopted 20/3/02): No reference

Murray-Darling Basin Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Murray-Darling Basin Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the Murray-Darling Basin Act 1993 to approve and give effect to the Murray-Darling Basin Amending Agreement between the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia which will make new arrangements for sharing water made available in the River Murray catchment above Hume Dam by the Snowy Scheme.

Reps: Intro. 19/9/02; Passed 28/5/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 19/6/03

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

Assent: 26/6/03; Act No. 49, 2003

PS National Animal Welfare Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)

Provides a legislative framework for animal welfare in Australia, including the establishment of the National Animal Welfare Authority which will coordinate, monitor and review the care, protection and use of domestic animals, livestock, wildlife and animals kept for scientific purposes. Also contains savings and application provisions and a regulation-making power.

Senate: Intro. 11/8/03; 2nd reading adjourned 11/8/03

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): No reference

National Blood Authority Bill 2002

(Act citation: National Blood Authority Act 2003)

Establishes the National Blood Authority to manage and coordinate Australia—s blood supply in accordance with the National Blood Agreement agreed by the Commonwealth, States and Territories. Also provides for corporate plans, reporting requirements and a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 26/3/03

Senate: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 5 Dem/negatived

Assent: 15/4/03; Act No. 29, 2003

S National Gallery Amendment Bill 2002 [2003]

(Act citation: National Gallery Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the National Gallery Act 1975 to enable the National Gallery of Australia to gift works of art with saleable value, subject to approval by the Gallery Council and the Minister.

Senate: Intro. 25/9/02; Passed 6/2/03

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

Reps: Intro. 10/2/03; Passed 27/3/03

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 27, 2003

National Handgun Buyback Bill 2003

Appropriates funds out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purpose of providing financial assistance to the States (including the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory) and making certain other Commonwealth payments in connection with the implementation of the handgun buyback that will run from 1 July to 31 December 2003. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 15/5/03; Passed 2/6/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/passed

Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 60, 2003

National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits—Budget Measures) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

Amends the National Health Act 1953 to increase Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme patient co-payments and safety net thresholds.

Reps: Intro. 13/11/02; Passed 4/12/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 5/12/02; Negatived at 2nd reading 4/3/03

SBC report 13/02 (tabled and adopted 4/12/02): No reference

National Health Amendment (Private Health Insurance Levies) Bill 2003

Part of a package of five bills in relation to private health insurance industry levies, the bill amends the National Health Act 1953 to make changes consequential to the reimposition of the four private health insurance industry levies, including repealing the existing provisions imposing the levies. Also contains a saving provision.

Reps: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 19/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 69, 2003

National Measurement Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the National Measurement Act 1960 to: establish the National Measurement Institute (including the establishment of the position of Chief Metrologist) within the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources and outline its functions and responsibilities; and dissolve the National Standards Commission. Also contains transitional provisions to provide for the transfer of assets and liabilities from the Commission and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to the Commonwealth; amends the Science and Industry Research Act 1949 and National Measurement Regulations 1999; and contains a regulation-making power and an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 3/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 3/12/03

National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Amendment Act 2003)

Introduced with the National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Amendment Bill 2002, the bill amends the National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Act 1998 to restate the operative and maximum rates of national residue survey customs levy on apples and pears from a per box rate to a per kilogram rate.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 15/9/03

Senate: Intro. 16/9/03; Passed 18/9/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 92, 2003

National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

Introduced with the National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003, the bill amends the National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Act 1998 to insert the current operative levy rate of 0.3 cent and increase the maximum levy rate to 0.6 cent per kilogram for honey exported from Australia.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 15/9/03

Senate: Intro. 16/9/03; Passed 18/9/03

SBC report 5/03 (tabled and adopted 14/5/03): No reference

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 93, 2003

National Residue Survey Customs Levy Rate Correction (Lamb Exports) Bill 2003

Validates levy already collected at the rate of 8 cents per head in respect of the export of lambs valued at more than $75, for the period 1 July 2000 to 30 May 2003.

Reps: Intro. 26/11/03; Passed 4/12/03

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): No reference

National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Amendment Act 2003)

Introduced with the National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Amendment Bill 2002, the bill amends the National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Act 1998 to restate the operative and maximum rates of national residue survey excise levy on apples and pears from a per box rate to a per kilogram rate.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 15/9/03

Senate: Intro. 16/9/03; Passed 18/9/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 94, 2003

National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

Introduced with the National Residue Survey (Customs) Levy Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003, the bill amends the National Residue Survey (Excise) Levy Act 1998 to insert the current operative levy rate of 0.3 cent per kilogram and increase the maximum levy rate to 0.6 cent per kilogram for honey produced in Australia.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 15/9/03

Senate: Intro. 16/9/03; Passed 18/9/03

SBC report 5/03 (tabled and adopted 14/5/03): No reference

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 95, 2003

National Residue Survey Excise Levy Rate Correction (Lamb Transactions) Bill 2003

Validates levy already collected in respect of lambs with a sale price of more than $75, at the rate of 4 cents per head for the period 1 July 2000 to 16 November 2001 and for the period 16 November 2001 to 30 May 2003.

Reps: Intro. 26/11/03; Passed 4/12/03

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): No reference

National Transport Commission Bill 2003

Introduced with the National Transport Commission (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2003, the bill: replaces the National Road Transport Commission by establishing the National Transport Commission which will have responsibility for developing, monitoring and maintaining uniform regulatory and operational reforms relating to road, rail and intermodal transport; and provides for model legislation and other instruments to be set out in the regulations, enabling the State and Territories to reference or enact the substance of the model legislation in their own laws, which will ensure national uniformity.

Reps: Intro. 4/6/03; Passed 14/8/03

Senate: Intro. 14/8/03; Passed 21/8/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): No reference

Assent: 6/9/03; Act No. 81, 2003

National Transport Commission (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2003

Introduced with the National Transport Commission Bill 2003, the bill: repeals the National Road Transport Commission Act 1991; and makes consequential amendments to the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 and Road Transport Charges (Australian Capital Territory) Act 1993. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/6/03; Passed 14/8/03

Senate: Intro. 14/8/03; Passed 21/8/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): No reference

Assent: 6/9/03; Act No. 82, 2003

New Business Tax System (Consolidation and Other Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2002

(Act citation: New Business Tax System (Consolidation and Other Measures) Act 2003)

Introduced with the New Business Tax System (Venture Capital Deficit Tax) Bill 2002 and further to the New Business Tax System (Consolidation) Act (No. 1) 2002, New Business Tax System (Consolidation, Value Shifting, Demergers and Other Measures) Act 2002 and New Business Tax System (Consolidation and Other Measures) Act (No. 1) 2002, the bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and 5 other Acts to implement the final stage of the consolidation regime which commenced on 1 July 2002 in relation to consolidated groups (including the taxation of life insurance companies) and the simplified imputation system (including venture capital franking). Also contains transitional provisions and makes consequential amendments.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 12/2/03

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 6/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 16, 2003

New Business Tax System (Taxation of Financial Arrangements) Bill (No. 1) 2003

Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to remove the taxing point at conversion or exchange of certain financial instruments; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to make technical corrections to the capital gains tax provisions to ensure that they operate as intended for convertible interests and rights; and Financial Corporations (Transfer of Assets and Liabilities) Act 1993, Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to clarify provisions relating to the tax treatment of foreign currency gains and losses. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 23/6/03

Senate: Intro. 24/6/03; Passed 1/12/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee 25/6/03; extension of time to report 11/8/03; report tabled 13/8/03

Committee amendments: 24 Govt/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 2/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 133, 2003

New Business Tax System (Venture Capital Deficit Tax) Bill 2002

(Act citation: New Business Tax System (Venture Capital Deficit Tax) Act 2003)

Introduced with the New Business Tax System (Consolidation and Other Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2002, the bill imposes a tax in relation to venture capital sub-account deficits of pooled development funds.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 12/2/03

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 6/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 17, 2003

New International Tax Arrangements Bill 2003

Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to: modify certain foreign investment fund rules; provide an interest withholding tax exemption for interest paid on certain debentures issued by eligible unit trusts; remove the need for certain income of a controlled foreign country resident to be included as notional assessable income; and prevent double taxation of royalties subject to withholding tax. Also makes consequential amendments and contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Non-Proliferation Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 to strengthen arrangements for the protection of, and application of non-proliferation safeguards to, nuclear material, facilities and associated information; Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Act 1998 to enable Australia to enact legislation banning nuclear weapon tests ahead of entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty; and Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 1994, Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Act 1998 and Nuclear Non-Proliferation (Safeguards) Act 1987 to provide for the implementing office and its Director to be referred to by a name or title specified by the Minister. Also makes consequential amendments to the Australian Protective Service Act 1987 and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 5/11/03

CID amendments: 6 Ind (Andren)/negatived

Senate: Intro. 24/11/03; Passed 28/11/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee 20/8/03; report tabled 11/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived

Committee amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 2 Dem/negatived; 7 items opposed/items agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 1/12/03]

Assent: 12/12/03; Act No. 132, 2003

S Norfolk Island Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Norfolk Island Act 1979 to align electoral arrangements in Norfolk Island more closely to those of other Australian parliaments, including those of the other self-governing Territories.

Senate: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Amendment (Employee Involvement and Compliance) Bill 2002

Amends the Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 to provide improved health and safety protection for Commonwealth employees; and makes technical amendments and contains transitional, application and savings provisions. Also amends the Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001 to repeal certain redundant amendments.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/02; 2nd reading adjourned 26/6/02

Senate:

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Offshore Petroleum (Safety Levies) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Amendment Bill 2003, the bill imposes levies (a safety investigation levy, a safety case levy and a pipeline safety management plan levy) on the operators of facilities engaged in the exploration, development and production of offshore petroleum. The levies will be used to fund the regulatory activities of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 13/10/03

Senate: Intro. 14/10/03; Passed 25/11/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

Assent: 4/12/03; Act No. 117, 2003

Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills, the bill amends the: Ozone Protection Act 1989 to: provide for a national regulatory scheme for the management of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases used as their replacements; ratify the Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer which requires a ban on trade in and manufacture of bromochloromethane, and a ban on trade in hydrochlorofluorocarbons with certain countries; change the long and short titles of the Act; and Evidence Act 1995 and Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 to reflect the title change of the Ozone Protection Act 1989 to the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 5/6/03; Passed 4/11/03

Senate: Intro. 24/11/03; Passed 27/11/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 6 AG/negatived

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 126, 2003

Ozone Protection (Licence Fees—Imports) Amendment Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills, the bill amends the Ozone Protection (Licence Fees—Imports) Act 1995 to: extend the existing levies on imports of ozone-depleting substances to the synthetic greenhouse gas replacements for ozone-depleting substances; set maximum limits for the existing and new levies; and change the long and short titles of the Act.

Reps: Intro. 5/6/03; Passed 4/11/03

Senate: Intro. 24/11/03; Passed 27/11/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 124, 2003

Ozone Protection (Licence Fees—Manufacture) Amendment Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills, the bill amends the Ozone Protection (Licence Fees—Manufacture) Act 1995 to: extend the existing levies on the manufacture of ozone-depleting substances to the synthetic greenhouse gas replacements for ozone-depleting substances; set maximum limits for the existing and new levies; and change the long and short titles of the Act.

Reps: Intro. 5/6/03; Passed 4/11/03

Senate: Intro. 24/11/03; Passed 27/11/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 5/12/03; Act No. 125, 2003

PS Parliamentary Approval of Treaties Bill 1995 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Bourne — AD)

Provides for parliamentary approval of international treaties and any reservations to a treaty signed by Australia.

Senate: Intro. 31/5/95; 2nd reading adjourned 31/5/95

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 1/5/96, 23/11/98, 13/2/02

PM Parliamentary (Choice of Superannuation) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Andren — Ind)

Amends the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948 to allow senators and members of the House of Representatives to make contributions to a complying superannuation fund or retirement savings account of their choice instead of the compulsory parliamentary superannuation scheme.

Reps: Intro. 8/9/03; Read a 1st time 8/9/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

PS Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (Bali Bombings) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Provides for a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry in relation to the operation of Australian security and intelligence services relating to the Bali terrorist attack on 12 October 2002. Also provides for a regulation-making power.

Senate: Intro. 4/12/02; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/02

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

PS Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry (Forest Practices) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Provides for a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry in relation to Forestry Tasmania to investigate certain matters.

Senate: Intro. 20/6/02; 2nd reading adjourned 20/6/02

SBC report 5/02 (tabled and adopted 26/6/02): No reference

Parliamentary Proceedings Broadcasting Amendment Bill 2002

Amends the Parliamentary Proceedings Act 1946 to alter gender specific references to non-gender specific references.

Reps: Intro. 12/2/02; Read a 1st time 12/2/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Passenger Movement Charge (Timor Sea Treaty) Amendment Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills, the bill makes technical amendments to the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978, retrospectively, as a consequence of the ratification by Australia and East Timor of the Timor Sea Treaty.

Reps: Intro. 5/3/03; Passed 5/3/03

Senate: Intro. 6/3/03; Passed 6/3/03

Assent: 2/4/03; Act No. 11, 2003

PS Patents Amendment Bill 1996 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)

Amends the Patents Act 1990 to prohibit the patenting of naturally occurring genes or gene sequences.

Senate: Intro. 27/6/96; 2nd reading adjourned 27/6/96

SBC report 10/96 (tabled and adopted 12/9/96): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 23/11/98, 14/5/02

Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Amendment Bill 2003

Introduced with the Offshore Petroleum (Safety Levies) Bill 2003, the bill amends the Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1967 to: establish a National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority which will provide a national safety regulatory regime for Australia—s offshore petroleum industry in Commonwealth, State and Northern Territory coastal waters; ensure that the Commonwealth remittance to the States and the Northern Territory of annual fees collected in respect of titles does not include the goods and services tax component of the fees; move the procedures for petroleum data submission from the Act into regulations; and improve safety regulation and administration. Also contains a regulation-making power and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 17/9/03; Passed 13/10/03

Senate: Intro. 14/10/03; Passed 25/11/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 2 Dem/negatived; 1 AG (as amended)/negatived; 2 Dem to AG/withdrawn

Assent: 4/12/03; Act No. 118, 2003

Petroleum (Timor Sea Treaty) Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills, the bill gives retrospective effect to the Timor Sea Treaty between Australia and East Timor, which provides a framework for the exploration, development and exploitation of the petroleum resources in the Joint Petroleum Development Area created by the Treaty. Also contains application and transitional provisions and a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 5/3/03; Passed 5/3/03

Senate: Intro. 6/3/03; Passed 6/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/negatived

Committee amendments: 2 AG/negatived

Assent: 2/4/03; Act No. 9, 2003

Petroleum (Timor Sea Treaty) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

Part of a package of three bills, the bill makes consequential amendments to 12 Acts, retrospectively, to give effect to certain Articles of the Timor Sea Treaty in relation to criminal jurisdiction, customs, employment regulation, migration, quarantine, income tax and fringe benefits tax. Also repeals the Petroleum (Timor Gap Zone of Cooperation) Act 1990 and contains application, saving and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 5/3/03; Passed 5/3/03

Senate: Intro. 6/3/03; Passed 6/3/03

Assent: 2/4/03; Act No. 10, 2003

PM Plastic Bag Levy (Assessment and Collection) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr Andren — Ind)

Provides for the assessment and collection of a 25 cent levy on the use of plastic bags at retail points of sale. Also includes reporting requirements and a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 21/10/02; Read a 1st time 21/10/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 16/6/03

PS Plastic Bag Levy (Assessment and Collection) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Provides for the assessment and collection of a 25 cent levy on the use of plastic bags at retail points of sale. Also includes reporting requirements and a regulation-making power.

Senate: Intro. 21/10/02; 2nd reading adjourned 21/10/02

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): Referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 5/3/03; extensions of time to report 7/10/03, 29/10/03; report tabled 26/11/03

PM Plastic Bag (Minimisation of Usage) Education Fund Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr Andren — Ind)

Establishes the Plastic Bag and Other Waste Minimisation of Usage and Education Fund. Also includes reporting requirements.

Reps: Intro. 21/10/02; Read a 1st time 21/10/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 16/6/03

PS Plastic Bag (Minimisation of Usage) Education Fund Bill 2002 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Establishes the Plastic Bag and Other Waste Minimisation of Usage and Education Fund, for the purpose of education about plastic bag damage to the environment and dangers posed by plastic bags to wildlife and marine life. Also includes reporting requirements.

Senate: Intro. 21/10/02; 2nd reading adjourned 21/10/02

Postal Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Australian Communications Authority Act 1997 to provide the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) with responsibility for monitoring and reporting on Australia Post—s supply of postal services and its performance in relation to its prescribed performance standards; Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 to: extend the responsibilities of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in relation to Australia Post; exclude document exchanges and aggregation services from Australia Post—s reserved services; allow performance standards in relation to Australia Post—s delivery arrangements to be prescribed; update a reference to a repealed Act; and establish a levy on Australia Post to fund the new functions conferred on the ACCC and ACA; and Trade Practices Act 1974 to allow the ACCC to delegate its powers under the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 to a member of the Commission. Also contains application and saving provisions.

Reps: Intro. 19/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 19/6/03

Senate:

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 25/6/03; extension of time to report 18/8/03; report tabled 19/8/03

Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Amendment (Dairy) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Dairy Industry Service Reform Bill 2003, the bill amends the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999 to impose the dairy service levy which replaces the current dairy promotion, research and corporation levies. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 12/2/03; Passed 6/3/03

Senate: Intro. 19/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

Assent: 15/4/03; Act No. 31, 2003

Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Amendment (Wine Grapes) Bill 2003

Amends the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Act 1999 to increase the maximum allowable rate of the research and development component of the wine grapes levy from $3 to $10 per tonne, commencing on 1 July 2004.

Reps: Intro. 26/11/03; Passed 4/12/03

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): No reference

Privacy Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Privacy Act 1988 to: ensure that the protections under the Act are available to all persons irrespective of nationality; provide the private sector with greater flexibility in relation to privacy codes; and correct an unintended limitation on the provision of superannuation services to Commonwealth employees. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 3/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 3/12/03

Private Health Insurance (ACAC Review Levy) Bill 2003

Part of a package of five bills in relation to private health insurance industry levies, the bill reimposes the Acute Care Advisory Committee review levy on registered health benefits organisations and validates the previous imposition of the levy.

Reps: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 19/6/03

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 70, 2003

Private Health Insurance (Collapsed Organization Levy) Bill 2003

Part of a package of five bills in relation to private health insurance industry levies, the bill reimposes the collapsed organization levy on registered health benefits organisations and validates the previous imposition of the levy.

Reps: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 19/6/03

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 71, 2003

Private Health Insurance (Council Administration Levy) Bill 2003

Part of a package of five bills in relation to private health insurance industry levies, the bill reimposes the Private Health Insurance Administration Council administration levy on registered health benefits organisations and validates the previous imposition of the levy.

Reps: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 19/6/03

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 72, 2003

Private Health Insurance (Reinsurance Trust Fund Levy) Bill 2003

Part of a package of five bills in relation to private health insurance industry levies, the bill reimposes the Reinsurance Trust Fund levy on registered health benefits organisations and validates the previous imposition of the levy.

Reps: Intro. 26/3/03; Passed 19/6/03

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 73, 2003

Product Stewardship (Oil) Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003

Amends the: Product Stewardship (Oil) Act 2000 to exempt certain multi-use oils and uses of multi-use oils from the Product Stewardship (Oil) levy by creating a new category of benefit which will be paid for uses of certain oils as approved by the Minister; and Product Grants and Benefits Administration Act 2000 to make consequential amendments to enable the new category claimants to register for benefits. Also contains a transitional provision.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 23/6/03

Senate: Intro. 24/6/03; Passed 11/8/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Assent: 14/8/03; Act No. 79, 2003

PM Protection of Australian Flags (Desecration of the Flag) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mrs Draper and Mr Randall — LP)

Amends the Flags Act 1953 to protect the Australian National Flag or an Australian Ensign from unlawful desecration or destruction by inserting offence and penalty provisions.

Reps: Intro. 18/8/03; Read a 1st time 18/8/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

PS Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistleblowers) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)

Provides protection for persons who disclose conduct adverse to the public interest in the public sector.

Senate: Intro. 11/12/02; 2nd reading adjourned 11/12/02

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

S Quarantine Amendment (Health) Bill 2003

Amends the Quarantine Act 1908 in relation to: health clearances for incoming overseas vessels; independent medical assessments; vector monitoring and control activities; creation of vector control offence and penalty provisions; insertion and repeal of certain definitions; removal of certain outdated references; clarification that a person can be quarantined on the basis of a quarantine officer—s reasonable suspicion of infection or exposure; and provision that persons released under quarantine surveillance cannot be apprehended. Also contains savings and application provisions.

Senate: Intro. 21/8/03; Passed 10/9/03

Reps: Intro. 10/9/03; Passed 15/9/03

Assent: 26/9/03; Act No. 91, 2003

PM Racial and Religious Hatred Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr McClelland — ALP)

Amends the Crimes Act 1914 to create new offences for acts of racial and religious hatred.

Reps: Intro. 1/12/03; Read a 1st time 1/12/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

PS Racial and Religious Hatred Bill 2003 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator Ludwig — ALP)

Amends the Crimes Act 1914 to create new offences for acts of racial and religious hatred.

Senate: Intro. 1/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 1/12/03

PS Reconciliation Bill 2001 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Ridgeway — AD)

Advances reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all other Australians, by establishing processes to identify, monitor, negotiate and resolve unresolved issues for reconciliation.

Senate: Intro. 5/4/01; 2nd reading adjourned 5/4/01, 27/11/03

SBC report 7/01 (tabled and adopted 23/5/01): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2002

Amends the: Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 in relation to: clarification of definitions, including those related to eligible renewable energy sources, components of a power station, relevant acquisitions of electricity and penalty charges; extension of authorised officers; capacity of Renewable Energy Regulator to: vary certain decisions; suspend entitlements, including the accreditation of a power station, in certain limited circumstances; and gather information; and inclusion of administrative review provisions covering decisions by the Regulator to take action to vary or suspend; and Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 to clarify the avenues for appeal in relation to assessment decisions under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 12/12/02

Senate: Intro. 13/12/02 a.m.; Passed 13/12/02 a.m.

SBC report 9/02 (tabled and adopted 25/9/02): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 25/9/02; extension of time to report 14/11/02; interim report presented 28/11/02 and tabled 2/12/02; report tabled 2/12/02

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 5 Dem/negatived; 5 AG/negatived; 1 item opposed/item agreed to

[Reps reported message 13/12/02 a.m.]

PS Republic (Consultation of the People) Bill 2001 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)

Provides for electors to be consulted, at the same time as the next House of Representatives general election, on whether Australia should become a republic and on whether they should vote again, if applicable, to choose from different republic models.

Senate: Intro. 26/9/01; 2nd reading adjourned 26/9/01

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/5/02

PM Royal Commission (House of Representatives elections) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Organ — AG)

Provides for the appointment of a royal commission of inquiry to determine an appropriate model and method of implementation of a system of proportional representation for House of Representatives elections.

Reps: Intro. 1/12/03; Read a 1st time 1/12/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Sex Discrimination Amendment Bill 2002

Amends the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to enable States and Territories to legislate to limit access to assisted reproductive technology services to married couples and couples in a de facto marriage.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; 2nd reading adjourned 27/6/02

Senate:

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): No reference

Sex Discrimination Amendment (Pregnancy and Work) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Sex Discrimination Amendment (Pregnancy and Work) Act 2003)

Amends the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to clarify certain provisions in relation to discrimination on the grounds of pregnancy, potential pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Reps: Intro. 14/2/02; Passed 11/2/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 37 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 8/9/03

SBC report 1/02 (tabled and adopted 13/3/02): No reference

2nd reading amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 AG/passed

Committee amendments: 31 Opp/passed; 4 Dem (2 as amended by Opp)/passed; 1 Dem/negatived

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 10/9/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 7/10/03]

Assent: 15/10/03; Act No. 103, 2003

PS Sexuality and Gender Identity Discrimination Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Greig — Dem)

Prohibits discrimination on the ground of sexuality, transgender identity or intersex status and makes consequential amendments to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Senate: Intro. 25/11/03; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/03

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): No reference

PS Sexuality Anti-Vilification Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Greig — Dem)

Prohibits certain conduct involving the vilification and incitement to hatred of people on the ground of gender or sexuality.

Senate: Intro 27/3/03; 2nd reading adjourned 27/3/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997 to exempt from goods and services tax certain transactions and transfers associated with the corporatisation of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Authority.

Reps: Intro. 11/12/02; Passed 11/2/03

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 6/3/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Assent: 19/3/03; Act No. 8, 2003

Social Security Amendment (Further Simplification) Bill 2003

Amends the Social Security Act 1991 to: repeal existing provisions in relation to rent assistance and consolidate and simplify them in one new part; and make minor amendments to: clarify the payments recoverable when customers receive economic loss compensation payments; apply the definition of —independence— to disability support pension youth customers; and clarify the operation of the income and assets test provisions. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 16/10/03; Passed 26/11/03

Senate: Intro. 27/11/03; 2nd reading adjourned 27/11/03

SBC report 14/03 (tabled and adopted 29/10/03): No reference

PS Social Security Amendment (Supporting Young Carers) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Lees — APA)

Amends the Social Security Act 1991 to extend the eligibility of persons under 25 years of age to the carer payment.

Senate: Intro. 26/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 26/6/03

SBC report 10/03 (tabled and adopted 10/9/03): No reference

Spam Bill 2003

Introduced with the Spam (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003, the bill establishes a civil penalties regime regulating the sending of commercial electronic messages, including a prohibition on sending unsolicited commercial electronic messages (—spam—) and regulation of general commercial electronic messages. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 18/9/03; Passed 9/10/03

Senate: Intro. 13/10/03; Passed 28/11/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 8/10/03; extension of time to report 27/10/03; report tabled 29/10/03

Committee amendments: 9 Opp/passed; 7 Dem/negatived; 1 clause opposed/clause agreed to

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 1/12/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 2/12/03]

Assent: 12/12/03; Act No. 129, 2003

Spam (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Spam Bill 2003, the bill makes consequential amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997 to provide a framework for the Australian Communications Authority to enforce the scheme regulating the sending of commercial electronic messages, including development of industry codes and standards, power to seek monitoring and investigatory warrants, and investigation of complaints and possible breaches. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 18/9/03; Passed 9/10/03

Senate: Intro. 13/10/03; Passed 28/11/03

Committee amendments: 6 Opp/passed; 6 Dem/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 2 Dem/negatived

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 1/12/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 2/12/03]

Assent: 12/12/03; Act No. 130, 2003

PS State Elections (One Vote, One Value) Bill 2001 [2002]

R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)

Provides that the —one vote, one value— principle must be observed as closely as possible in state and territory elections.

Senate: Intro. 7/8/01; 2nd reading adjourned 7/8/01, 21/8/03

SBC report 15/01 (tabled and adopted 26/9/01): Deferred

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/pending

Reference: Referred to Legal and Constitutional References Committee 9/9/03; extension of time to report 28/10/03; report due 1/3/04

States Grants (Primary and Secondary Education Assistance) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the States Grants (Primary and Secondary Education Assistance) Act 2000 to provide: additional capital grant funding amounts for government and non-government schools for 2004-2007; additional funding for 2004 for the Strategic Assistance for Improving Student Outcomes programme; and funding for 2003-2004 for the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies and Projects programme.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 26/11/03

CID amendments: 2 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 27/11/03; Passed 1/12/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

2nd reading amendments: 1 Dem/passed; 1 AG/negatived

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 2/12/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 3/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 145, 2003

Statistics Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, Census and Statistics Act 1905 and the Statistics Regulations to rectify technical deficiencies in relation to secrecy provisions, engagement of supplementary staff and validation of certain Australian Bureau of Statistics practices, which arose as unintended consequences of previous amendments to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 18/9/03

Senate: Intro. 7/10/03; Passed 9/10/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): No reference

Assent: 21/10/03; Act No. 106, 2003

Student Assistance Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Student Assistance Act 1973 to: close the Student Financial Supplement Scheme to new applications from ABSTUDY students from 1 January 2004 and continue loan repayment arrangements for existing loans; and make a minor technical amendment to extend the regulation-making power relating to notifications.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 11/9/03

Senate: Intro. 15/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 15/9/03, 25/11/03, 26/11/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/pending

Superannuation (Financial Assistance Funding) Levy Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Superannuation (Financial Assistance Funding) Levy Amendment Act 2003)

Introduced with the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Amendment Bill 2002, the bill amends the Superannuation (Financial Assistance Funding) Levy Act 1993 to: allow for a minimum and maximum levy payable in respect of any levies imposed; and enable aggregate amounts of financial assistance to be collected in one levy in each financial year, rather than individually.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 15/5/03

Senate: Intro. 15/5/03; Passed 23/6/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): Provisions of bill referred to Select Committee on Superannuation 5/2/03; report tabled 19/3/03

Assent: 26/6/03; Act No. 51, 2003

Superannuation (Government Co-contribution for Low Income Earners) Bill 2002

Introduced with the Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 2002, the bill establishes arrangements for government-funded superannuation co-contributions for eligible low income earners. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 23/10/02

CID amendments: 5 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 11/11/02; 2nd reading adjourned 11/11/02, 18/11/02

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): Provisions of bill referred to Select Committee on Superannuation 21/8/02; report tabled 26/9/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Dem/pending

Superannuation (Government Co-contribution for Low Income Earners) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Superannuation (Government Co-contribution for Low Income Earners) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003, the bill establishes arrangements for government-funded superannuation co-contributions for eligible low income earners. Also contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 19/6/03

CID amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 9/10/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Committee amendments: 11 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/passed; 4 AG/passed; 2 Opp/negatived

Committee requests: 2 Govt/passed

[Reps made Senate requests for amendments 8/10/03; Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1 to 4, 8 to 11 and 13 to 15 and disagreed to amendments nos 5 to 7 and 12, 13/10/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 27/10/03]

Assent: 12/11/03; Act No. 110, 2003

Superannuation (Government Co-contribution for Low Income Earners) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003

Introduced with the Superannuation (Government Co-contribution for Low Income Earners) Bill 2003, the bill: makes consequential amendments to 9 Acts in relation to: eligibility for and taxation treatment of Government superannuation co-contributions; arrangements for certain Defence personnel and Commonwealth public servants; use of the Superannuation Holding Accounts Reserve; interest on late repayments of overpayments; and review of certain decisions; and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to repeal the existing personal superannuation contribution taxation rebate for low income earners. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 19/6/03

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 7/10/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Committee amendments: 2 Govt/passed; 7 Dem/passed; 3 AG/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 7 and 12 and disagreed to amendments nos 1 to 6 and 8 to 11, 8/10/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 27/10/03]

Assent: 12/11/03; Act No. 111, 2003

Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Amendment Act 2003)

Introduced with the Superannuation (Financial Assistance Funding) Levy Amendment Bill 2002, the bill amends the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 to make minor consequential amendments to: clarify a reference; and remove and replace certain terms.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 15/5/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 15/5/03; Passed 23/6/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): Provisions of bill referred to Select Committee on Superannuation 5/2/03; report tabled 19/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Committee amendments: 1 Opp/negatived; 4 Dem/negatived

Assent: 26/6/03; Act No. 52, 2003

Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 2002

Introduced with the Superannuation (Government Co-contribution for Low Income Earners) Bill 2002, the bill: makes consequential amendments to 9 Acts in relation to: eligibility for and taxation treatment of Government superannuation co-contributions; arrangements for certain Defence personnel and Commonwealth public servants; use of the Superannuation Holding Accounts Reserve; interest on late repayments of overpayments; and review of certain decisions; and amends 3 Acts to reduce the maximum superannuation and termination payments surcharge rates from 15 to 10.5 per cent over the next 3 years; 5 Acts to reduce the superannuation surcharge cap; and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to repeal the existing personal superannuation contribution taxation rebate for low income earners. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 23/10/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 11/11/02; 2nd reading adjourned 11/11/02, 18/11/02

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): Provisions of bill referred to Select Committee on Superannuation 21/8/02; report tabled 26/9/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/pending

Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Choice of Superannuation Funds) Bill 2003

(Previous title: Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Choice of Superannuation Funds) Bill 2002)

Amends the: Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 to: require employers to make superannuation contributions on behalf of an employee to a complying superannuation fund or scheme or retirement savings account in compliance with the choice of fund requirements; and provide for penalties for breach of the choice of fund requirements; and Retirement Savings Accounts Act 1997 to remove a redundant provision.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 5/12/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 39 Govt/passed

Senate:

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): Provisions of bill referred to Select Committee on Superannuation 21/8/02; extensions of time to report 19/9/02, 16/10/02; report tabled 12/11/02

Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Family Law) Bill 2002

Amends 7 Acts in relation to Commonwealth civilian and Australian Defence Force superannuation schemes as a consequence of new legislative arrangements for splitting superannuation on marriage breakdown. The bill provides for a framework within each relevant superannuation scheme for dealing with an agreement made by separating parties or a Family Court order that provides for an amount of the member—s superannuation to be allocated and paid to the member—s former spouse.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 14/5/03

Senate: Intro. 15/5/03; 2nd reading adjourned 15/5/03

SBC report 1/03 (tabled and adopted 5/2/03): No reference

Superannuation Legislation (Commonwealth Employment) Repeal and Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Superannuation Legislation (Commonwealth Employment) Repeal and Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Amends the: Superannuation Act 1976 in relation to: reversionary benefits; consolidation of funds from other superannuation arrangements into the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS); powers of Reconsideration Advisory Committees; Superannuation Act 1976 and Superannuation Act 1990 in relation to the scope and administration of the Acts, the CSS and the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS); delegation by the relevant Board; and benefit options for members who cease membership on sale of an asset or transfer or outsourcing of a function, retrospective to 27 June 1997; Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, Law Officers Act 1964 and Workplace Relations Act 1996 in relation to benefits for CSS and PSS members who join the Judges— Pension Scheme; and Superannuation Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 1995 to remove redundant references.

Reps: Intro. 21/2/02; Passed 15/5/02

CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 19/6/02; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

SBC report 1/02 (tabled and adopted 13/3/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 13 Govt/passed; 1 Part negatived; 7 items negatived; 4 Dem/negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 27/6/03 a.m.]

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 64, 2003

Superannuation Safety Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 to strengthen the prudential regulation of superannuation, including providing for: the licensing of trustees of superannuation entities regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and the registration of those entities; and enforcement powers and penalty provisions; and Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and Retirement Savings Accounts Act 1997 to expand the reporting requirements for actuaries and auditors. Also contains transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 27/11/03; 2nd reading adjourned 27/11/03

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 3/12/03; report due 19/2/04

R Superannuation (Surcharge Rate Reduction) Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Superannuation Contributions Tax Imposition Act 1997, Superannuation Contributions Tax (Members of Constitutionally Protected Superannuation Funds) Imposition Act 1997 and Termination Payments Tax Imposition Act 1997 to reduce the maximum superannuation and termination payments surcharge rates from 15 to 10.5 per cent over 3 years commencing retrospectively from 1 July 2002; and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act 1973, Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948, Superannuation Act 1976, Superannuation Contributions Tax (Application to the Commonwealth—Reduction of Benefits) Act 1997 and Superannuation Contributions Tax (Members of Constitutionally Protected Superannuation Funds) Assessment and Collection Act 1997 to reduce the superannuation surcharge cap. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 19/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Negatived at 2nd reading 24/6/03 [Bill restored — see below]

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Bill restored at 2nd reading 10/9/03; Passed 7/10/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Committee amendments: 31 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1 to 26 and 28 to 32 and disagreed to amendment no. 27, 8/10/03; Senate did not insist on its amendment disagreed to by Reps (1 Dem amendment moved as an amendment to the motion/negatived) 27/10/03]

Assent: 12/11/03; Act No. 112, 2003

PM Taxation Laws Amendment (A Simpler Business Activity Statement) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Latham — ALP)

Amends the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax Administration) Act 1999 to simplify the business activity statement to allow small businesses to pay a goods and services tax (GST) payment based on a calculated GST ratio multiplied by their quarterly turnover and eliminate the need for quarterly and annual GST reconciliations.

Reps: Intro. 18/8/03; Read a 1st time 18/8/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 6) 2002

(Act citation: Taxation Laws Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 in relation to interest withholding tax exemptions; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to capital gains tax exemption for certain compensation payments; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to friendly society investment products. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 19/9/02; Passed 13/12/02 a.m.

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 4 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 5/2/03; Passed 4/3/03

SBC report 12/02 (tabled and adopted 13/11/02): No reference

Assent: 2/4/03; Act No. 12, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2003

(Previous title: Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 7) 2002)

Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to tax exemptions for: certain temporary residents; and the Commonwealth Games Federation; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to exempt from income tax compensation received for loss of defence remuneration; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to exclude repayment of certain amounts from assessable income; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to increase the level of expenses above which the medical expenses tax offset applies. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 23/10/02; Passed 27/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 3 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 13/02 (tabled and adopted 4/12/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 Schedule negatived

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 27/3/03; Senate insisted on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 17/6/03; Reps agreed to amendments insisted on by Senate 24/6/03]

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 65, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2003

(Previous title: Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 8) 2002)

Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: provide for income tax deductions for gifts to certain organisations; and enable co-operative companies to either frank distributions to shareholders or claim existing deductions for distributions of assessable income to shareholders; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 and Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 to take into account capital gains or losses while shares or rights are in an employee share trust; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to correct an anomaly in the reasonable benefit limit provisions; Petroleum Resource Rent Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: recognise expenditures associated with closing down a facility that has ceased to be used for a petroleum project but continues to be used under an infrastructure licence; and provide for uniform treatment of partial use arrangements. Also makes technical amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and 11 other Acts; ensures that there are no taxation consequences as a result of the corporate conversion of AGL (Australian Gas Light Company) and its registration; and contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 5/12/02; Passed 10/9/03

CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed; 4 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 15/9/03; Passed 15/9/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 19/3/03; extension of time to report 16/6/03; report tabled 19/6/03

Committee amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 5 items negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 17/9/03]

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 101, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 4) 2003

Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to treat certain internal roll-overs as eligible termination payments; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to make technical corrections and amendments in relation to the uniform capital allowances system; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to clarify the recognition and treatment of non-assessable non-exempt income amounts; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to refundable tax offset rules; Taxation Administration Act 1953 to introduce new withholding obligations to apply to certain payments to foreign residents; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to: apply pay as you go (PAYG) withholding to enterprise-to-enterprise transactions in Australia if no Australian Business Number (ABN) is quoted; and ensure that the relevant withholding rules have the same geographical application as the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999; and Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to provide a fringe benefits tax exemption for certain payments to approved worker entitlement funds. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/2/03; Passed 6/3/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 8 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 19/3/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 19/3/03; extension of time to report 16/6/03; report tabled 19/6/03

Committee amendment: 1 Opp/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 26/6/03]

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 66, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 5) 2003

Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Laws Amendment Act (No. 7) 2000 in relation to: application of the thin capitalisation rules to securitisation vehicles and financial entities; record keeping requirements for permanent establishments; and revaluation of assets; Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 in relation to certain exemptions for public hospitals; Income Tax Rates 1986, Superannuation Contributions Tax (Assessment and Collection) Act 1997 and Superannuation Contributions Tax (Members of Constitutionally Protected Superannuation Funds) Assessment and Collection Act 1997 to: reduce the effective tax rate on the excessive component of an eligible termination payment or death benefit from a superannuation fund; and reduce the amount of contributions subject to the superannuation surcharge; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: remove an anomaly in the tests that apply to companies deducting prior year losses and bad debts written off; and reinstate certain deductible expenditure as a foreign dividend account debit; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to allow corporate tax entities to choose the amount of prior year losses they want to deduct in an income year. Also contains application provisions and a technical amendment.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 26/11/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 15 Govt/passed; 3 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 1/12/03; Passed 2/12/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 18/6/03; extension of time to report 11/8/03; report tabled 21/8/03

Committee amendments: 1 Opposition-Democrat/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 2 Schedules opposed/Schedules agreed to

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendment 3/12/03; Senate did not insist on its amendment disagreed to by Reps 4/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 142, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 6) 2003

Amends the: Medicare Levy Act 1986 to increase the Medicare levy low income thresholds for individuals, married couples, sole parents and pensioners below age pension age; A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge—Fringe Benefits) Act 1999 to increase the Medicare levy surcharge low income threshold; Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to modify the general value shifting regime; and membership rules for subsidiaries of multiple entry consolidated groups held through an interposed non-resident entity; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to: cost setting rules for linked assets and liabilities and for partners and partnerships; and introduction of a new deductible gift recipient category of harm prevention charities; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 in relation to transitional foreign-held membership structures; New Business Tax System (Consolidation, Value Shifting, Demergers and Other Measures) Act 2002 to make minor technical amendments; Taxation Administration Act 1953, Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986, Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to streamline procedures under which taxpayers can be released from a tax liability where payment would entail serious hardship; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997, Taxation Administration Act 1953 and Taxation Laws Amendment Act (No. 3) 2003 to allow New Zealand companies to choose to enter the Australian imputation system; and A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax Transition) Act 1999 to apply the goods and services tax insurance provisions to settlement of claims arising under a compulsory third party scheme. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 19/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 23/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 Schedule negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 26/6/03]

Assent: 30/6/03; Act No. 67, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 7) 2003

Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to provide tax exemptions for Australian residents receiving Second World War compensation payments from overseas funds; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: update and simplify the listing of specifically-listed deductible gift recipients; allow deductions for cash donations to deductible gift recipients to be spread over a period of up to 5 years; and provide an automatic capital gains tax roll-over for financial services providers during the financial services reform transitional period; Crimes (Taxation Offences) Act 1980 to correct a technical deficiency with the deeming mechanism; and clarify the interpretation of offences under the Criminal Code; Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to allow certain entities with foreign losses to be excluded from a consolidated group for a transitional period; A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 to ensure that certain supplies made as a result of the consolidation regime are not taxable supplies; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to include imputation rules for life insurance companies; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to exclude from the overseas forces tax offset provisions periods of service for which an income tax exemption for foreign employment income is available; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to treat foreign hybrids as partnerships. Also makes technical amendments to 8 Acts to repeal redundant provisions and correct terminology, section references and cross-references and contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 10/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 14 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 11/9/03; Passed 8/10/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 13/8/03; extension of time to report 8/9/03; report tabled 10/9/03

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed; 72 items negatived

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 14/10/03; Senate reported message 15/10/03]

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 8) 2003

Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to franking of non-share dividends; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 in relation to the consolidation regime by: clarifying the cost setting rules; ensuring that multiple entry consolidated groups are given the same treatment as consolidated groups; and enabling the transfer of unapplied excess franking deficit tax (FDT) offsets; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to: income tax deductions for certain conservation covenants; and endorsement of perpetual bodies as deductible gift recipients; Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 in relation to the fringe benefits tax deemed depreciation rate for cars; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to clarify eligibility rules for the farm management deposits scheme; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to insert rules in the simplified imputation system for offsetting FDT against company tax. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 11/9/03; Passed 17/9/03

Senate: Intro. 18/9/03; Passed 9/10/03

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): No reference

Assent: 21/10/03; Act No. 107, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (No. 9) 2003

Amends the: A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 in relation to first aid or life saving courses; Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to provide for a transitional exclusion for certain indirect value shifts involving services; Fringe Benefits Tax Assessment Act 1986 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to: personal services income; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to sugar industry exit grants; Taxation Administration Act 1953 in relation to application of foreign resident withholding arrangements to certain alienated personal services payments; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 in relation to: demutualisation of friendly societies; and eligibility for the research and development tax offset; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to: optional roll-over relief for certain simplified tax system partnerships; and a technical correction; Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 in relation to: revocation of certain choices under the consolidation regime; and technical corrections. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Taxation Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Bill 2003

Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to increase the low income tax offset and the income threshold at which the low income tax offset begins to be withdrawn; Income Tax Rates Act 1986 to: increase the personal income tax thresholds for resident and non-resident taxpayers; and make consequential amendments; and Medicare Levy Act 1986 to increase the income threshold that applies to taxpayers who are eligible for the Senior Australians Tax Offset. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 29/5/03; Passed 4/6/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Passed 16/6/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

2nd reading amendments: 1 Dem/negatived; 1 AG/negatived

Assent: 24/6/03; Act No. 45, 2003

Taxation Laws Amendment (Superannuation Contributions Splitting) Bill 2003

Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Superannuation Contributions Tax (Assessment and Collection) Act 1997 to provide for the taxation treatment of split superannuation contributions between a fund-contributing member and their spouse. Details of the operation of superannuation contributions splitting will be specified in regulations under the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

Reps: Intro. 11/9/03; Passed 17/9/03

Senate: Intro. 18/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 18/9/03

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 17/9/03; extensions of time to report 27/10/03, 3/12/03; report tabled 5/12/03

Taxation Laws (Clearing and Settlement Facility Support) Bill 2003

Ensures that there are no taxation consequences as a result of a payment out of the National Guarantee Fund under section 891A of the Corporations Act 2001 (which provides for payments to prescribed bodies to fund clearing and settlement facility support). Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

Telecommunications Interception and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the: Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979 to provide the proposed Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commission (WACCC) and the proposed Parliamentary Inspector with access to relevant intercepted information; and to permit telecommunications interception warrants to be sought for slavery, sexual servitude, deceptive recruiting and aggravated people smuggling offences; Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 to provide the WACCC with access to financial transaction reports information; and Crimes Act 1914 to include the WACCC in the assumed identities scheme.

Reps: Intro. 18/9/03; Passed 15/10/03

Senate: Intro. 27/10/03; Passed 30/10/03

SBC report 12/03 (tabled and adopted 8/10/03): No reference

Assent: 12/11/03; Act No. 113, 2003

Telstra (Transition to Full Private Ownership) Bill 2003

Amends the Telstra Corporation Act 1991 in relation to: repeal of provisions which require the Commonwealth to retain 50.1 per cent of the equity in Telstra Corporation Limited; cessation of Ministerial directions and reporting obligations once the Commonwealth—s equity falls below certain percentages; foreign ownership limits; regular independent reviews of regional telecommunications; and sale provisions; Telecommunications Act 1997 to permit licence conditions on Telstra to ensure that it maintains a local presence in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia; Telstra Corporation Act 1991, Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Regulations and Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Regulations to preserve employee entitlements; Freedom of Information Act 1982, Archives Regulations, Freedom of Information (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, Occupational Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991 and Ombudsman Regulations to make transitional provisions and consequential amendments.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 21/8/03

CID amendment: 1 NATS/negatived

Senate: Intro. 21/8/03; Negatived at 2nd reading 30/10/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Legislation Committee 13/8/03; report due 30/10/03; report tabled 27/10/03

Terrorism Insurance Bill 2003

(Previous title: Terrorism Insurance Bill 2002)

Renders ineffective terrorism exclusion clauses in eligible insurance contracts and implements a framework for reinsurance for terrorist acts for commercial properties and infrastructure, including business interruption and public liability risks. Also establishes the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation which will provide the reinsurance cover; and contains a regulation-making power.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 27/3/03

CID amendments: 8 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 15/5/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 19/3/03; extensions of time to report 27/3/03, 13/5/03; report tabled 14/5/03

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 4/6/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 16/6/03]

Assent: 24/6/03; Act No. 43, 2003

PS Textbook Subsidy Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)

Extends the Educational Textbook Subsidy Scheme beyond 30 June 2004 (when it is due to lapse).

Senate: Intro. 18/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 18/6/03

SBC report 7/03 (tabled and adopted 25/6/03): No reference

Therapeutic Goods Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2003

(Previous title: Therapeutic Goods Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2002)

Amends the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to clarify the definition of a —therapeutic good—; transfer advertising offences from the regulations to the Act; create new offences for publishing advertisements that breach the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code and extend the coverage of existing offences to broadcast media; and strengthen existing requirements on manufacturers and sponsors of therapeutic goods to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of therapeutic goods supplied in, or exported from, Australia; and Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to remove provisions relating to pre-approval of therapeutic goods advertisements in the broadcast media, to enable these functions to be transferred to the Therapeutic Goods Regulations.

Reps: Intro. 27/6/02; Passed 14/5/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 4 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 15/5/03; Passed 15/5/03

SBC report 8/02 (tabled and adopted 18/9/02): No reference

Assent: 27/5/03; Act No. 39, 2003

PM Tobacco Excise Windfall Recovery (Assessment) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr S Smith — ALP)

Provides for the assessment of certain windfall amounts not paid to the States as tobacco franchise fees or to the Commonwealth as tobacco excise.

Reps: Intro. 16/9/02; Read a 1st time 16/9/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 24/3/03

PM Trade Practices Amendment (Credit Card Reform) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr Griffin — ALP)

Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission power to deal with any price exploitation arising from changes in the regulation of credit card fees.

Reps: Intro. 23/9/02; Read a 1st time 23/9/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 26/5/03

PS Trade Practices Amendment (Credit Card Reform) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator Conroy — ALP)

Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission power to deal with any price exploitation arising from changes in the regulation of credit card fees.

Senate: Intro. 23/9/02; 2nd reading adjourned 23/9/02

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

Trade Practices Amendment (Personal Injuries and Death) Bill 2003

Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to prevent individuals, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in a representative capacity, from bringing actions for damages for personal injuries or death resulting from contraventions of Division 1 of Part V of the Act, which prohibits unfair practices in trade and commerce, including misleading and deceptive conduct.

Reps: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 25/6/03

Senate: Intro. 25/6/03; Passed 1/12/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 18/6/03; report tabled 20/8/03

Committee amendments: 2 Opp-Dem/passed

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 2/12/03; Senate reported message 3/12/03]

PM Trade Practices Amendment (Public Liability Insurance) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr McMullan — ALP)

Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to give the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission power to monitor and deal with any price exploitation arising from changes in the law in relation to public liability.

Reps: Intro. 23/9/02; Read a 1st time 23/9/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 26/5/03

PS Trade Practices Amendment (Public Liability Insurance) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

(Introduced by Senator Conroy — ALP)

Senate: Intro. 23/9/02; 2nd reading adjourned 23/9/02

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

PM Trade Practices Amendment (Public Liability Insurance) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Griffin — ALP)

Reps: Intro. 18/8/03; Read a 1st time 18/8/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Trade Practices Amendment (Small Business Protection) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to allow the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to bring representative actions in relation to contraventions of provisions relating to secondary boycotts and contracts, arrangements or understandings affecting the supply or acquisition of goods or services. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 26/9/02; Passed 13/12/02 a.m.

Senate: Intro. 5/2/03; Negatived at third reading 3/3/03

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 3 Dem/negatived

Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill 2003

Amends: the Trade Practices Act 1974 to: clarify the ability of State and Territory access regimes to confer duties upon the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Competition Tribunal (ACT) and the conditions under which a law of a State or Territory may confer functions, powers and duties upon the ACCC or ACT. Also repeals the Prices Surveillance Act 1983 and replaces it with a new part in the Trade Practices Act 1974 which preserves the existing prices surveillance powers; and provides for a body other than the ACCC to hold a price inquiry; amends the: Airports Act 1996, Air Services Act 1995, Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 and Australia Postal Corporation Act 1989 to make consequential amendments; Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 and Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989 to delete redundant references; and contains transitional provisions.

Rep: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 6/11/03

Senate: Intro. 24/11/03; Passed 1/12/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 26 Opp/passed

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 2/12/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps and agreed to 1 further Govt amendment 5/12/03; Reps agreed to Senate further amendment 5/12/03]

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 134, 2003

Transport Safety Investigation Bill 2002

(Act citation: Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003)

Introduced with the Transport Safety Investigation (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2002, the bill deals with aviation, marine and rail transport safety and provides for: reporting of transport safety matters; conduct of safety investigations by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau; making of safety action statements; and publication of investigation results. Also contains regulation-making provisions.

Reps: Intro. 20/6/02; Passed 24/9/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 1 Ind (Andren)/passed; 1 Ind (Andren)/negatived

Senate: Intro. 15/10/02; Passed 26/3/03

SBC report 7/02 (tabled and adopted 28/8/02): No reference

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): Order varied — Referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee 16/10/02; extensions of time to report 12/11/02, 18/11/02, 3/12/02, 5/12/02, 10/12/02, 11/12/02; report tabled 5/2/03

Committee amendments: 6 Govt/passed; 17 PHON/negatived; 1 clause opposed/clause agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 26/3/03]

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 18, 2003

Transport Safety Investigation (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Transport Safety Investigation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2003)

Consequential on the Transport Safety Investigation Bill 2002, the bill: repeals certain provisions of the Air Navigation Act 1920 and Navigation Act 1912 concerning aviation and marine safety investigations; and amends the: Air Services Act 1995, Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 to include cooperation with the Australian Transport Safety Board in the objects of the Acts; Civil Aviation Act 1988 to protect the confidentiality of cockpit voice recording information; and Freedom of Information Act 1982 to exempt certain safety information. Also contains transitional arrangements.

Reps: Intro. 20/6/02; Passed 24/9/02

Senate: Intro. 15/10/02; Passed 26/3/03

SBC report 7/02 (tabled and adopted 28/8/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 3 Govt (1 as amended by 2 Ind (Lees))/passed

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 26/3/03]

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 19, 2003

Treasury Legislation Amendment (Professional Standards) Bill 2003

Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974, Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and Corporations Act 2001 to establish a structure under which the Commonwealth, by prescribing State professional standards legislation (PSL) schemes (via regulations), can support PSL by allowing liability under the relevant Commonwealth legislative provisions to be capped.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/03; 2nd reading adjourned 4/12/03

PS Truth in Food Labelling Bill 2003

(Introduced by Senator Brown — AG)

Provides for a food labelling system in Australia which will require the labelling of all genetically modified foods and not just those foods that still have detectable levels of genetically modified protein or DNA left after processing.

Senate: Intro. 13/10/03; 2nd reading adjourned 13/10/03

SBC report 14/03 (tabled and adopted 29/10/03): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 29/10/03; report due 11/3/04 (agreed to 25/11/03)

PS Uranium Mining in or near Australian World Heritage Properties (Prohibition)
R Bill 1998 [2002]

(Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)

To prohibit the mining, extraction, treatment and transport of any uranium or uranium ore in or near any property in Australia on the World Heritage List.

Senate: Intro. 28/5/98; 2nd reading adjourned 28/5/98

SBC report 8/98 (tabled and adopted 24/6/98): No reference

Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 23/11/98, 11/12/02

Veterans— Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2002

(Act citation: Veterans— Affairs Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2003)

Amends the Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 in relation to: continued indexation of —saved— child-related income support payments; misuse of the commutation provisions relating to the means testing of income streams for income support pensions; transfer of certain pension bonuses unclaimed under social security law; calculation of pension bonuses; backdating of claims for partner service pensions in certain circumstances; and alignment with social security law of compensation recovery provisions applicable to multiple lump sum compensation payments. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 5/12/02; Passed 26/3/03

Senate: Intro. 27/3/03; Passed 27/3/03

SBC report 14/02 (tabled and adopted 11/12/02): No reference

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 26, 2003

Vocational Education and Training Funding Amendment Bill 2003

Amends the Vocational Education and Training Funding Act 1992 to: supplement 2003 funding; appropriate general vocational education and training funding for 2004; provide additional growth funding in 2004 for those State and Territories that satisfy the provisions set out in the Australian National Training Authority Agreement for 2004-2006; and provide further funding under the —Australians Working Together— and —Recognising and Improving the Capacity of People with a Disability— programs.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 9/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 10/9/03; Passed 11/9/03

SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed

Assent: 14/10/03; Act No. 100, 2003

Wheat Marketing Amendment Bill 2002

(Act citation: Wheat Marketing Amendment Act 2003)

Amends the Wheat Marketing Act 1989 to provide for an appropriation out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to the Wheat Export Authority (WEA), of monies equivalent to a charge to be imposed on exports of wheat through regulations which are proposed to be made under the Primary Industries (Customs) Charges Act 1999; and includes minor technical amendments relating to the operations of the WEA and its monitoring powers.

Reps: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 27/3/03

Senate: Intro. 13/5/03; Passed 27/6/03 a.m.

SBC report 1/03 (tabled 5/2/03; motion to adopt report amended and agreed to 5/2/03): Provisions of bill referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee 5/2/03; extensions of time to report 20/3/03, 14/5/03, 16/6/03; report tabled 18/6/03

Committee amendments: 5 Dem (1 as amended by Opp)/passed; 2 Opp/negatived; 3 Opp to Dem/negatived; 1 section opposed/section agreed to; 3 items opposed/items agreed to

[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 27/6/03 a.m.]

Assent: 22/7/03; Act No. 78, 2003

Workplace Relations Amendment (Award Simplification) Bill 2002

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to limit and clarify the allowable award matters and make related changes to the award making powers of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Also contains application and transitional provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/11/02; 2nd reading adjourned 13/11/02

Senate:

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Workplace Relations Amendment (Better Bargaining) Bill 2003

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 in relation to: industrial action before the expiration of an agreement; cooling-off periods; third party suspensions; and protected and unprotected industrial action. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 6/11/03; 2nd reading adjourned 6/11/03

Senate:

SBC report 16/03 (tabled and adopted 3/12/03): Deferred

Workplace Relations Amendment (Choice in Award Coverage) Bill 2002

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to: provide all businesses with information about their rights and the processes involved with logs of claims; limit the ability of unions to involve small businesses which employ no union members into the federal jurisdiction; and require the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to inquire into views of unrepresented small business employers potentially affected by a logs of claims. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/11/02; 2nd reading adjourned 13/11/02, 6/11/03

Senate:

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

Workplace Relations Amendment (Codifying Contempt Offences) Bill 2003

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to: codify offences that amount to contempt of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission; create a new offence prohibiting the giving of false evidence to the Commission; update certain penalties; and insert legislative notes after certain provisions.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 19/8/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 20/8/03; 2nd reading adjourned 20/8/03

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): Provisions of bill referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 20/8/03; extension of time to report 9/10/03; report tabled 30/10/03

Workplace Relations Amendment (Compliance with Court and Tribunal Orders) Bill 2003

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to: require officers and employees of registered organisations to comply with orders and directions of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and the Federal Court; and provide sanctions for failure to comply. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/2/03; Passed 13/8/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 14/8/03; 2nd reading adjourned 14/8/03

SBC report 6/03 (tabled and adopted 18/6/03): No reference

SBC report 9/03 (tabled and adopted 20/8/03): Order varied — Referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 20/8/03; extension of time to report 9/10/03; report tabled 30/10/03

PM Workplace Relations Amendment (Emergency Services) Bill 2002

(Introduced Mr Crean — ALP)

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to provide employment protection to employees who take part in emergency operations as members of an emergency services organisation. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 21/10/02; Read a 1st time 21/10/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 16/6/03

Workplace Relations Amendment (Fair Dismissal) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to exempt small businesses from the unfair dismissal provisions (except in relation to apprentices and trainees); and require the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to order that an unfair dismissal application is invalid if it relates to a small business employer.

Reps: Intro. 18/9/02; Passed 22/10/02

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 12 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 23/10/02; Passed 3/3/03

SBC report 10/02 (tabled and adopted 16/10/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 5 Opp (1 amended)/passed; 3 items negatived; 4 Opp/negatived

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 5/3/03; Senate insisted on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 5/3/03; Reps insisted on disagreeing to Senate amendments 6/3/03; Senate again insisted on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 24/3/03; Reps laid bill aside 25/3/03]

Workplace Relations Amendment (Fair Termination) Bill 2002

(Act citation: Workplace Relations Amendment (Fair Termination) Act 2003)

Amends the termination of employment provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 by: excluding certain classes of employees, including short-term casual employees; validating the operation of regulations purporting to exclude short-term casual employees (following a Federal Court decision invalidating these regulations) from the time the regulations were made to the commencement of the new termination provisions in this bill; and providing for payment, and indexation, of a lodgment fee for termination of employment applications; and Workplace Relations Regulations 1996 to repeal now invalidated provisions excluding certain classes of employees from termination of employment provisions. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 20/2/02; Passed 11/12/02

CID amendments: 3 Opp/negatived; 4 Ind (Andren)/negatived

Senate: Intro. 12/12/02; Passed 13/12/02 a.m.

SBC report 2/02 (tabled and adopted 20/3/02): Provisions of bill referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 20/3/02; extension of time to report 14/5/02; report tabled 15/5/02

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed; 3 Dem/passed; 1 Schedule opposed/Schedule agreed to

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 13/8/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments nos 1 and 5 disagreed to by Reps, insisted on its amendments nos 2 to 4 disagreed to by Reps and agreed to 2 Dem further amendments 15/9/03; Reps agreed to amendments nos 2 to 4 insisted on by Senate and agreed to further amendments 16/9/03]

Assent: 16/10/03; Act No. 104, 2003

PM Workplace Relations Amendment (Good Faith Bargaining) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr McClelland — ALP)

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 in relation to good faith workplace negotiations.

Reps: Intro. 16/6/03; Read a 1st time 16/6/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 1/12/03

Workplace Relations Amendment (Improved Protection for Victorian Workers) Bill 2003

(Previous title: Workplace Relations Amendment (Improved Protection for Victorian Workers) Bill 2002)

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 in relation to: safety net entitlements for employees in Victoria not covered by federal awards or agreements; access by Victorian employees to federal awards system; minimum pay rates for Victorian contract workers in the textiles, clothing and footwear industries; and annual leave entitlements for Victorian employees. Also contains application and saving provisions.

Reps: Intro. 21/3/02; Passed 26/11/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 10 Govt/passed

Senate: Intro. 1/12/03; Passed 5/12/03

SBC report 3/02 (tabled and adopted 15/5/02): No reference

SBC report 11/02 (tabled and adopted 23/10/02): Order varied — Provisions of bill referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 23/10/02; extension of time to report 12/11/02; report presented 15/11/02 and tabled 18/11/02

Committee amendments: 8 AG/negatived; 3 Subdivisions opposed/Subdivisions agreed to

Assent: 17/12/03; Act No. 137, 2003

Workplace Relations Amendment (Improved Remedies for Unprotected Action) Bill 2002

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to ensure that applications for orders to prevent unprotected industrial action are dealt with quickly and that, in dealing with applications, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission takes into account the undesirability of unprotected action.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/02; Passed 10/9/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 11/9/03; 2nd reading adjourned 11/9/03

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): No reference

SBC report 11/03 (tabled and adopted 17/9/03): Order varied — Referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 17/9/03; extension of time to report 9/10/03; report tabled 30/10/03

PS Workplace Relations Amendment (Paid Maternity Leave) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to provide for a system of paid maternity leave, including provision for a Government-funded basic maternity payment, for employees not employed by Commonwealth, State or Territory governments; and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to provide that women who receive this new maternity payment will be ineligible for the existing maternity allowance and maternity immunisation allowance.

Senate: Intro. 16/5/02; 2nd reading adjourned 16/5/02

SBC report 4/02 (tabled and adopted 19/6/02): Referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 19/6/02; report tabled 18/9/02

Workplace Relations Amendment (Prohibition of Compulsory Union Fees) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

(Act citation: Workplace Relations Amendment (Prohibition of Compulsory Union Fees) Act 2003)

Amends the certified agreement and freedom of association provisions of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to: nullify clauses in certified agreements that purport to require payment of bargaining services fees; and prohibit conduct designed to compel persons to pay such fees. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 4/12/02; Passed 12/2/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 6 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 3/3/03; Passed 24/3/03

SBC report 2/03 (tabled and adopted 5/3/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 2 Dem/passed; 4 items negatived

[Reps agreed to Senate amendment no. 2 and disagreed to amendments nos 1 and 3 to 6, 25/3/03; Senate did not insist on its amendments disagreed to by Reps 26/3/03]

Assent: 11/4/03; Act No. 20, 2003

Workplace Relations Amendment (Protecting the Low Paid) Bill 2003

Amends the objects of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to ensure that the primary focus of the award safety net is to address the needs of the low paid. Also requires the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to recognise this primary focus when performing its functions and exercising its powers in relation to awards. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/2/03; Passed 5/3/03

2nd reading amendment; 1 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 6/3/03; 2nd reading adjourned 6/3/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): Referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 19/3/03; interim report presented 2/5/03 and tabled 13/5/03; extension of time to report 13/5/03; report tabled 19/6/03

Workplace Relations Amendment (Protection for Emergency Management Volunteers) Bill 2003

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to make it unlawful to dismiss emergency management volunteers who are temporarily absent from the workplace on voluntary emergency management duty. Also contains an application provision.

Reps: Intro. 6/3/03; Passed 25/6/03

Senate: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 26/6/03

SBC report 3/03 (tabled and adopted 19/3/03): No reference

Committee amendments: 2 Opp/negatived

Assent: 15/7/03; Act No. 76, 2003

Workplace Relations Amendment (Secret Ballots for Protected Action) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to require that, in order to be protected industrial action under the Act, such action must be preceded by a secret ballot process overseen by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission; and, consequential on commencement of the proposed Workplace Relations Amendment (Genuine Bargaining) Act 2002, allows protected industrial action to be taken without a secret ballot, after a cooling-off period; and provides for the recommencement of protected action after the end of a suspension of a bargaining period. Also contains application and saving provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/11/02; Passed 4/3/03

Senate: Intro. 5/3/03; Negatived at 3rd reading 24/3/03

SBC report 13/02 (tabled and adopted 4/12/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 4 Dem/negatived; 23 items opposed/items agreed to

Workplace Relations Amendment (Simplifying Agreement-making) Bill 2002

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to: simplify agreement-making at the workplace level; reduce the delays, formality and cost involved in having an agreement certified; and prevent interference by third parties in agreement-making. Also contains application and saving provisions.

Reps: Intro. 26/6/02; 2nd reading adjourned 26/6/02

Senate:

SBC report 6/02 (tabled and adopted 21/8/02): No reference

Workplace Relations Amendment (Termination of Employment) Bill 2002

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to: extend the operation of the federal unfair dismissal system to all employees of constitutional corporations; prevent employees from accessing remedies under comparable State unfair dismissal schemes; and make amendments to the operation of the unfair dismissal system. Also contains application provisions.

Reps: Intro. 13/11/02; Passed 15/5/03

Senate: Intro. 16/6/03; Negatived at 3rd reading 11/8/03

SBC report 14/02 (tabled and adopted 11/12/02): Provisions of bill referred to Employment, Workplace Relations and Education Legislation Committee 11/12/02; extension of time to report 19/3/03; report tabled 26/3/03

Committee amendments: 14 Dem/negatived; 17 items opposed/items agreed to

Workplace Relations Amendment (Termination of Employment) Bill 2002 [No. 2]

Reps: Intro. 6/11/03; 2nd reading adjourned 6/11/03

Senate:

SBC report 15/03 (tabled and adopted 26/11/03): No reference

Workplace Relations Amendment (Transmission of Business) Bill 2002

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to empower the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to make an order that a certified agreement does not bind a new employer as a result of a transfer of a business, or only binds the new employer to a specified extent.

Reps: Intro. 21/3/02; Passed 25/6/03

2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived

CID amendments: 6 Opp/negatived

Senate: Intro. 26/6/03; Passed 13/8/03

SBC report 3/02 (tabled and adopted 15/5/02): No reference

Committee amendments: 4 Opp (2 as amended by Govt)/passed; 2 Dem/passed; 3 items negatived

[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments 19/8/03; Senate reported message 20/8/03]

PM Workplace Relations Amendment (Unfair Dismissal—Lower Costs, Simpler Procedures) Bill 2002

(Introduced by Mr Crean — ALP)

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to simplify procedures for consideration of unfair dismissal cases by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission; require claimants to seek reinstatement as one of their remedies; and create a register of industrial agents.

Reps: Intro. 26/8/02; Read a 1st time 26/8/02; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting

Removed from Notice Paper 3/3/03

PM Workplace Relations Amendment (Unfair Dismissal—Lower Costs, Simpler Procedures) Bill 2003

(Introduced by Mr Crean — ALP)

Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to simplify procedures for consideration of unfair dismissal cases by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission; and require claimants to seek reinstatement as one of their remedies.

Reps: Intro. 18/8/03; Read a 1st time 18/8/03; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting