Bills and related material may be accessed at http://www.aph.gov.au/bills/index.htm
As at cob 15 December 2009
(2009 Final Edition)
Abbreviations
AD Australian Democrats [Dem]
AG Australian Greens
ALP Australian Labor Party [Govt]
FFP Family First Party
Ind Independent
LP Liberal Party of Australia [Opp]
Nats The Nationals [Opp]
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
PS A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Improved Access to Baby Bonus) Amendment Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)
Amends the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 to abolish the age restriction to enable all adoptive parents access to the baby bonus scheme.
Senate: Intro. 20/3/08; 2nd reading adjourned 20/3/08
SBC report 4/08 (tabled and adopted 14/5/08): No reference
Access to Justice (Civil Litigation Reforms) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 in relation to: case management powers and procedural reforms; and appeal proceedings; Family Law Act 1975, Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 and Federal Magistrates Act 1999 in relation to the powers of the Chief Justices of the Federal Court and the Family Court and the Chief Federal Magistrate; and Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 to exclude certain decisions of the head of court from judicial review.
Reps: Intro. 22/6/09; Passed 9/9/09
Senate: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 27/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; report tabled 17/9/09
Committee amendments: 5 Govt/passed; 1 AG/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1 to 5, disagreed to Senate amendment no. 6 and agreed to a Govt amendment in its place 18/11/09; Senate did not insist on its amendment and agreed to the Govt amendment made by the Reps in its place 19/11/09]
Assent: 4/12/09; Act No. 117, 2009
ACIS Administration Amendment (Application) Bill 2009
Amends the ACIS Administration Amendment Act 2009 to clarify that the Act commences on 1 January 2010 so that additional assistance provided to motor vehicle producers is limited to the production of motor vehicles, engines and engine components from 1 January 2010.
Reps: Intro. 18/11/09; Passed 24/11/09
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): No reference
Assent: 15/12/09; Act No. 136, 2009
ACIS Administration Amendment Bill 2009
Introduced with the Automotive Transformation Scheme Bill 2009, the bill amends the ACIS Administration Act 1999 and ACIS Administration Amendment Act 2003 to establish the Automotive Transformation Scheme from 2011 by: repealing stage 3 of the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme; and providing increased uncapped assistance for persons registered under the scheme.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 20/8/09
Senate: Intro. 7/9/09; Passed 14/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Assent: 29/9/09; Act No. 94, 2009
PS Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005, Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 to: establish the Responsible Advertising of Alcohol Division within the Australian Communications and Media Authority to monitor the advertising of alcohol; limit the times at which alcohol products are advertised on radio and television and impose a penalty for breaches; and provide for the labelling of alcohol products to include certain health information.
Senate: Intro. 19/9/07; 2nd reading adjourned 19/9/07
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/08
SBC report 1/08 (tabled and adopted 14/2/08): Referred to Community Affairs Committee; report tabled 18/6/08
Amendments Incorporation Amendment Bill 2008
Amends the Amendments Incorporation Act 1905 to provide for the publication of Acts in electronic form.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/08; Read a 1st time 12/2/08; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting
PS Anti-Terrorism Laws Reform Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Ludlam — AG)
Amends the: Criminal Code Act 1995 to: insert a new definition of —terrorist act—; remove the offences of —reckless possession of a thing—, sedition, and associating with a terrorist organisation; amend the reference to —fostering the doing of— a terrorist act in the definition of —terrorist organisation—; provide for terrorist organisations to be prescribed in regulations; and amend the —supporting— offence; Crimes Act 1914 to: remove —investigative dead time— from the calculation of dead time; and remove the presumption against bail for certain offences; and Australian Security Information Organisation Act 1979 in relation to the questioning and detention of terrorism suspects. Also repeals the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004.
Senate: Intro. 23/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 23/6/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; report tabled 28/10/09
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2008-2009
Appropriates additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the government, in addition to the appropriations provided for by the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2008-2009.
Reps: Intro. 4/12/08; Passed 25/2/09
Senate: Intro. 10/3/09; Passed 20/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/passed
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 21, 2009
Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2008-2009
Appropriates additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure, in addition to the appropriations provided for by the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2008-2009.
Reps: Intro. 4/12/08; Passed 25/2/09
Senate: Intro. 10/3/09; Passed 20/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/passed
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 22, 2009
Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2008-2009
Appropriates additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the government, in addition to the appropriations provided for by the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2008-2009 and Appropriation Act (No. 3) 2008-2009.
Reps: Intro. 26/2/09; Passed 16/3/09
Senate: Intro. 17/3/09; Passed 20/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/passed
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 23, 2009
Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2008-2009
Appropriates additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure, in addition to the appropriations provided for by the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2008-2009 and Appropriation Act (No. 4) 2008-2009.
Reps: Intro. 26/2/09; Passed 16/3/09
Senate: Intro. 17/3/09; Passed 20/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/passed
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 24, 2009
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2009-2010
Appropriates money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the government.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 22/6/09
Senate: Intro. 23/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Assent: 30/6/09; Act No. 63, 2009
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2009-2010
Appropriates money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 22/6/09
Senate: Intro. 23/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Assent: 30/6/09; Act No. 64, 2009
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2009-2010
Appropriates additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the government, in addition to the appropriations provided for by the Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2009-2010.
Reps: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2009-2010
Appropriates additional money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for certain expenditure, in addition to the appropriations provided for by the Appropriation Act (No. 2) 2009-2010.
Reps: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
Appropriation (Nation Building and Jobs) Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to establish the Energy Efficient Homes Program to: provide free ceiling insulation for all uninsulated owner-occupied homes; provide landlords who install insulation in their rental properties with a rebate of up to $1000 until 30 June 2011 and remove the cap on the number of properties that can be insulated; and increase the maximum Solar Hot Water Rebate to $1600 for households that do not access the insulation program and who replace existing hot water systems with a solar and heat pump water system by 30 June 2012.
Reps: Intro. 4/2/09; Passed 5/2/09 a.m. (Votes and Proceedings 4/2/09)
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 12/2/09 [but see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Finance and Public Administration Committee 5/2/09; report tabled 10/2/09
Appropriation (Nation Building and Jobs) Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to establish the Energy Efficient Homes Program to: provide free ceiling insulation for all uninsulated owner-occupied homes; provide landlords who install insulation in their rental properties with a rebate of up to $1000 until 30 June 2011 and remove the cap on the number of properties that can be insulated; and increase the maximum Solar Hot Water Rebate to $1600 for households that do not access the insulation program and who replace existing hot water systems with a solar and heat pump water system by 30 June 2012.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 13/2/09
Assent: 18/2/09; Act No. 1, 2009
Appropriation (Nation Building and Jobs) Bill (No. 2) 2008-2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to provide funding for: educational infrastructure; states and territories to construct approximately 20 000 new dwellings; repairs to existing social housing; infrastructure projects in local communities; roads; and regional infrastructure.
Reps: Intro. 4/2/09; Passed 5/2/09 a.m. (Votes and Proceedings 4/2/09)
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 12/2/09 [but see bill below]
References: Provisions of bill referred to:
Community Affairs Committee 5/2/09; report tabled 10/2/09
Finance and Public Administration Committee 5/2/09; report tabled 10/2/09
Committee amendment: 1 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
Appropriation (Nation Building and Jobs) Bill (No. 2) 2008-2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to provide funding for: educational infrastructure; states and territories to construct approximately 20 000 new dwellings; repairs to existing social housing; infrastructure projects in local communities; roads; and regional infrastructure.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 13/2/09
Assent: 18/2/09; Act No. 2, 2009
Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2009-2010
Appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for expenditure in relation to the parliamentary departments.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 22/6/09
Senate: Intro. 23/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
Assent: 30/6/09; Act No. 65, 2009
Appropriation (Water Entitlements and Home Insulation) Bill 2009-2010
Introduced with the Appropriation (Water Entitlements) Bill 2009-2010, the bill appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the government relating to rebate payments under the Home Insulation Program and administrative costs for water buy-backs within the Murray-Darling Basin system.
Reps: Intro. 18/11/09; Passed 19/11/09
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; Passed 2/12/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): No reference
Assent: 4/12/09; Act No. 119, 2009
Appropriation (Water Entitlements) Bill 2009-2010
Introduced with the Appropriation (Water Entitlements and Home Insulation) Bill 2009-2010, the bill appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to bring forward water buy-backs from later years of the Restoring the Balance in the Murray-Darling Basin Program.
Reps: Intro. 18/11/09; Passed 19/11/09
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; Passed 2/12/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): No reference
Assent: 4/12/09; Act No. 120, 2009
Asian Development Bank (Additional Subscription) Bill 2009
The bill: allows the Treasurer to make the necessary agreement with the Asian Development Bank for the purchase by Australia of its entitlement of 16 379 paid-in shares and 393 101 additional callable shares of the capital stock of the bank; allows the Treasurer to issue promissory notes to the bank in payment; and appropriates the necessary funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to make such payments.
Reps: Intro. 13/8/09; Passed 16/9/09
Senate: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 29/10/09
SBC report 12/09 (tabled and adopted 20/8/09): No reference
Assent: 16/11/09; Act No. 109, 2009
PM Assisting the Victims of International Terrorism Bill 2009
(Introduced by Mr Abbott — LP)
Establishes a framework to provide financial assistance to persons or their next of kin who are injured or killed as a result of an international terrorist act.
Reps (Main Committee): Intro. 16/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 23/11/09
PS ATMs and Cash Facilities in Licensed Venues Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Xenophon — Ind)
Imposes civil penalties on financial institutions, corporations, body corporates and persons who install, own or operate automatic teller machines or other cash facilities in licensed venues.
Senate: Intro. 4/9/08; 2nd reading adjourned 4/9/08
SBC report 10/08 (tabled and adopted 4/9/08): Referred to Community Affairs Committee; report tabled 10/11/08
S Auditor-General Amendment Bill 2008 [2009]
(Act citation: Auditor-General Amendment Act 2009)
In response to certain recommendations of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit report on the Auditor-General Act (Report No. 386), the bill amends the Auditor-General Act 1997 to: clarify and extend the distribution of performance audit reports; provide for the inclusion of comments on proposed reports in final reports; clarify when audit information made available to entities and other parties in the course of a performance audit may be disclosed; clarify the powers of the Auditor-General when sensitive information is not to be included in a public report; and update penalty provisions.
Senate: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 5/2/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Reps: Intro. 5/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Assent: 25/2/09; Act No. 8, 2009
AusCheck Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the AusCheck Act 2007 to enable AusCheck to: undertake background checks for national security purposes; authorise and protect biometric information about an individual; and provide an online verification service.
Reps: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 18/3/09
Senate: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 29/10/09
SBC report 3/09 (tabled and adopted 18/3/09): No reference
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): Order varied: Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 16/6/09; report tabled 18/6/09
Committee amendments: 9 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 23/11/09]
Assent: 7/12/09; Act No. 123, 2009
Australian Astronomical Observatory Bill 2009
Introduced with the Australian Astronomical Observatory (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2009, the bill provides for the Anglo-Australian Telescope Board to be dissolved and to be re-established as the Australian Astronomical Observatory within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Australian Astronomical Observatory (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Australian Astronomical Observatory Bill 2009, the bill provides for transitional arrangements required to establish the Australian Astronomical Observatory within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Also repeals the Anglo-Australian Telescope Agreement Act 1970.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Australian Business Investment Partnership Bill 2009
Introduced with the Australian Business Investment Partnership (Consequential Amendment) Bill 2009, the bill establishes the Australian Business Investment Partnership Limited as a public company limited by shares, to provide refinancing for loans relating to commercial property assets where financiers have withdrawn from debt financing arrangements as a result of the global financial crisis.
Reps: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 17/3/09
Senate: Intro. 18/3/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 16/6/09
SBC report 3/09 (tabled and adopted 18/3/09): No reference
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Order varied: Referred to Economics Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Committee amendments: 6 Govt/passed; 4 AG/passed; 7 FFP/passed; 4 Ind (Xenophon)/passed; 4 AG/negatived
Australian Business Investment Partnership (Consequential Amendment) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Australian Business Investment Partnership Bill 2009, the bill amends the Corporations Act 2001 to exempt the Australian Business Investment Partnership Limited from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence.
Reps: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 17/3/09
Senate: Intro. 18/3/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 16/6/09
SBC report 3/09 (tabled and adopted 18/3/09): No reference
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Order varied: Referred to Economics Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Australian Capital Territory and Other Legislation Amendment (Water Management) Bill 2009
Amends the: Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988, Water Act 2007 and Canberra Water Supply (Googong Dam) Act 1974 to transfer the planning and management of all water extraction in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) from the Commonwealth to the ACT Government; Water Act 2007 to: provide that Commonwealth use of water in the Murray-Darling Basin, particularly water used at defence facilities, is taken account of through the Basin Plan; provide that the Basin Plan and water resource plans prepared by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority may adopt or incorporate matters contained in an instrument or other writing as it is in force from time to time; and clarify the definition of —referring State—; Water Amendment Act 2008 to clarify that the Chief Executive Officer of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority is appointed for four years from 15 December 2008; and Trade Practices Act 1974 to clarify the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission—s powers of delegation for its functions under rules made under the Water Act 2007.
Reps: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
PS Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Amendment (Disallowance and Amendment Power of the Commonwealth) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Bob Brown — AG)
Amends the Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 to repeal the provision which enables the Governor-General to disallow and recommend amendments to any Act made by the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly.
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): No reference
Australian Centre for Renewable Energy Bill 2009
Establishes the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy Board (ACRE) and the position of the Chief Executive Officer of ACRE to advise on the development of funding and promotion strategies for renewable energy development, commercialisation and use.
Reps: Intro. 18/11/09; Passed 25/11/09
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): No reference
S Australian Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Test Review and Other Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to implement recommendations of the Australian Citizenship Test Review Committee by providing that: certain people may be eligible for citizenship without sitting the citizenship test; the citizenship test must be completed within a specified period; and applicants for citizenship by conferral under 18 years of age must be permanent residents at both the time of application and time of decision. Also amends the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and Australian Citizenship (Transitionals and Consequentials) Act 2007 to provide for a special residence requirement.
Senate: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 16/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; report tabled 7/9/09
Committee amendments: 3 Govt/passed; 4 AG/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 1 AG/negatived; 1 item opposed (AG)/item agreed to
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
CID amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Assent: 21/9/09; Act No. 90, 2009
Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), the bill establishes the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority as an independent statutory body to administer the CPRS, the Renewable Energy Target and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System. Also contains a regulation making power.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
CID amendments: 11 Ind (Oakeshott)/negatived
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), the bill establishes the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority as an independent statutory body to administer the CPRS, the Renewable Energy Target and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System. Also contains a regulation making power.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
CID amendments: 11 Ind (Oakeshott)/negatived
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
Committee amendments: 2 Govt/passed
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Bill 2009
[Exposure draft of bill]
Proposes to establish the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority as an independent statutory body to administer the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the Renewable Energy Target and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System. Also contains a regulation making power.
Senate: Exposure draft tabled 11/3/09
Reference: Exposure draft referred to Economics Committee 11/3/09; interim report presented 14/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report presented 16/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Australian Energy Market Amendment (AEMO and Other Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 and Trade Practices Act 1974 to replace references to the National Energy Market Management Company Limited with the Australian Energy Market Operator Limited, to reflect the commencement of a single national energy market operator for both the electricity and gas sectors from 1 July 2009. Also amends the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 and Australian Energy Market Act 2004 to amend references to Western Australian gas legislation to reflect the delayed commencement of the National Gas Access Law in that state.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 11/3/09
Senate: Intro. 11/3/09; Passed 11/3/09
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): No reference
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 17, 2009
Australian National Preventive Health Agency Bill 2009
Establishes the Australian National Preventive Health Agency as a statutory body and provides for: the terms and conditions of employment, functions and powers of the Chief Executive Officer; staff and consultants; committees; strategic and annual operational plans; finance and reporting requirements; and grants by the agency. Also establishes the Australian National Preventive Health Agency Advisory Council and provides for: the terms and conditions of appointment of members to the Council; and meeting procedures.
Reps: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 26/10/09
Senate: Intro. 27/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 27/10/09, 28/10/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/pending
PS Australian Securities and Investments Commission (Fair Bank and Credit Card Fees) Amendment Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 to: limit banking and credit card penalty fees by ensuring fees are for cost recovery only; prevent fees being charged for third party dishonoured cheques; and enhance the powers of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to monitor penalty fees and investigate customer complaints.
Senate: Intro. 14/2/08; 2nd reading adjourned 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): Referred to Economics Committee; report tabled 16/9/08
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006 and Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 to: create the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) to replace the office of ASADA Chair; establish an Advisory Group to provide advice to the ASADA CEO on sports doping matters; establish an Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel (ADRVP) to replace the Anti-Doping Rule Violation Committee; and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Act 2006 to: maintain consistency with the World Anti-Doping Code; and make transitional arrangements to enable ASADA and ADRVP to carry out their functions under the National Anti-Doping Scheme.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 28/10/09
Senate: Intro. 29/10/09; Passed 29/10/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 16/11/09; Act No. 113, 2009
Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act 1980 and Trade Marks Act 1995 to bring the Australia—European Community Agreement on Trade in Wine into force; and Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act 1980 in relation to: the Label Integrity Program; compliance; and penalty units.
Reps: Intro. 22/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 22/6/09
Main Committee: Referred 23/6/09
Senate:
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Automotive Transformation Scheme Bill 2009
Introduced with the ACIS Administration Amendment Bill 2009, the bill establishes the framework for the Automotive Transformation Scheme which will replace the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme from 2011.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 20/8/09
CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 7/9/09; Passed 14/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee amendment: 1 Opp/passed
[Reps disagreed to Senate amendment 15/9/09; Senate did not insist on its amendment 16/9/09]
Assent: 29/9/09; Act No. 93, 2009
Aviation Legislation Amendment (2008 Measures No. 2) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Aviation Legislation Amendment (2008 Measures No. 2) Act 2009)
Amends the: Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to: broaden information collection powers to enable the secretary to require aviation industry participants to provide aviation security information; and allow the secretary to delegate powers and functions to another agency whose responsibilities include functions relating to national security; Civil Aviation Act 1988 to allow for copying and disclosure of aircraft Cockpit Voice Recorder information for maintenance purposes; and Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 to amend penalty and offence provisions relating to failure to report prescribed aviation, marine and rail accidents and incidents and provide that extra information is required in relation to those accidents and incidents.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 20/3/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Committee amendments: 1 Ind (Xenophon)/passed; 2 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 20/3/09]
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 26, 2009
Aviation Transport Security Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009
Amends the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to: designate categories of security controlled airports according to their risk profiles; allow unannounced inspections of businesses involved in air cargo; allow the secretary to enter into enforceable undertakings with aviation industry participants; and expand the scope of compliance control directions to include security controlled airports, screening authorities and screening officers.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 9/9/09
Senate: Intro. 9/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 9/9/09
SBC report 11/09 (tabled and adopted 12/8/09): No reference
Aviation Transport Security Amendment (2009 Measures No. 2) Bill 2009
Amends the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to enable cargo to be certified for security purposes earlier in the supply chain by: expanding the definitions of —cargo— and —certified—; aligning certification processes with examinations to allow certification of cargo by air cargo agents and aircraft operators; enabling the secretary to issue a notice prescribing the circumstances in which cargo may be certified; and providing for transitional arrangements for transport security programs.
Reps: Intro. 29/10/09; Passed 25/11/09
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): No reference
PS Banking Amendment (Keeping Banks Accountable) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the Banking Act 1959 to enable the Treasurer to determine that the Financial Claims Scheme no longer apply to a bank which either withholds an interest rate cut or increases its variable standard rate in response to an official interest rate reduction.
Senate: Intro. 25/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/6/09
SBC report 11/09 (tabled and adopted 12/8/09): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 24/11/09
Bankruptcy Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Bankruptcy Act 1966 in relation to: remuneration of registered trustees administering bankrupt estates; civil penalties; Bankruptcy Districts; creditor—s petitions; the stay period that follows the filing of a declaration of intent to file a debtor—s petition; and the debt, income and assets test thresholds for debt agreements.
Reps: Intro. 28/10/09; Passed 30/11/09
Senate: Intro. 2/12/09; 2nd reading adjourned 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 2/2/10
PS Britt Lapthorne Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
The bill: requires the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to identify and contact a person—s next of kin when that person is in a foreign country and believed to be missing; provides for the department and its agencies to offer assistance in such circumstances; and requires the minister to report annually on the development and implementation of international agreements relating to Australian citizens believed to be missing overseas.
Senate: Intro. 17/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/09
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Deferred
Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (Transition to Fair Work) Bill 2009
Amends the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 to: abolish the Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner and create the Office of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate; remove existing building industry specific laws; enable the Inspectorate to compulsorily obtain information or documents relevant to an investigation from certain persons; provide for safeguards in relation to the Inspectorate—s powers to obtain information and documents (including a five-year sunset provision); and create the office of the Independent Assessor.
Reps: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 13/8/09
Senate: Intro. 17/8/09; 2nd reading adjourned 17/8/09
SBC report 9/09 (tabled and adopted 18/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee; report tabled 10/9/09
PS Building and Construction Industry (Restoring Workplace Rights) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Siewert — AG)
Repeals the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 and Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Consequential and Transitional) Act 2005.
Senate: Intro. 28/8/08; 2nd reading adjourned 28/8/08
SBC report 9/08 (tabled and adopted 3/9/08): Referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee; report due 30/11/08; report presented 28/11/08 and tabled 1/12/08
Car Dealership Financing Guarantee Appropriation Bill 2009
Appropriates a sum out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purposes of paying claims under the Australian Government Guarantee to support interim funding to car dealerships.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 28/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Reference: Referred to Economics Legislation Committee 16/6/09; report tabled 23/6/09
Assent: 6/7/09; Act No. 67, 2009
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Amendment (Household Assistance) Bill 2009
Consequent on the implementation of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill amends the: Social Security Act 1991, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: increase pensions, income support allowances and family payments by 2.8 per cent over two years, commencing on 1 July 2011; and make adjustments to indexation arrangements; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance)(Administration) Act 1999 to: increase certain family tax benefit rates (FTB) additional to the usual indexation; and introduce a FTB combined supplement; Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to: increase disability, war widow and widower, and service pensions by 2.8 per cent over two years, commencing on 1 July 2011; and provide for increases to payment rates and adjustments to indexation by legislative instrument; Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 to increase the maximum rate weekly permanent impairment compensation, weekly compensation for wholly dependant partners and Special Rate Disability Pension by 2.8 per cent over two years, commencing on 1 July 2011; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Medicare Levy Act 1986 to increase the low income tax, Senior Australians tax, dependency tax, dependent spouse, housekeeper and child-housekeeper, invalid relative, and parent/parent-in-law offsets, and Medicare levy low-income thresholds.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference (see item 26, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 28/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Amendment (Household Assistance) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Consequent on the implementation of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill amends the: Social Security Act 1991, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: increase pensions, income support allowances and family payments by 2.8 per cent over two years, commencing on 1 July 2011; and make adjustments to indexation arrangements; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance)(Administration) Act 1999 to: increase certain family tax benefit rates (FTB) additional to the usual indexation; and introduce a FTB combined supplement; Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to: increase disability, war widow and widower, and service pensions by 2.8 per cent over two years, commencing on 1 July 2011; and provide for increases to payment rates and adjustments to indexation by legislative instrument; Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 to increase the maximum rate weekly permanent impairment compensation, weekly compensation for wholly dependant partners and Special Rate Disability Pension by 2.8 per cent over two years, commencing on 1 July 2011; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Medicare Levy Act 1986 to increase the low income tax, Senior Australians tax, dependency tax, dependent spouse, housekeeper and child-housekeeper, invalid relative, and parent/parent-in-law offsets, and Medicare levy low-income thresholds.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
Committee amendments: 43 Govt/passed
Committee requests: 2 Govt/passed
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
[Reps made Senate requests for amendments 2/12/09]
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill gives effect to Australia—s obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol by outlining: entities and emissions covered by the scheme; liable entities— obligations to surrender emission units corresponding to their emissions; limits on the number of emissions units that will be used; the nature and allocation of Australian emissions units; mechanisms to contain costs; linking to other emissions trading schemes; assistance in relation to emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities and coal-fired electricity generators; voluntary inclusion of reforestation activities under the scheme; the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units; and monitoring and enforcement. Also contains a regulation making power.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
CID amendments: 144 Govt/passed; 19 Ind (Oakeshott)/negatived
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill gives effect to Australia—s obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol by outlining: entities and emissions covered by the scheme; liable entities— obligations to surrender emission units corresponding to their emissions; limits on the number of emissions units that will be used; the nature and allocation of Australian emissions units; mechanisms to contain costs; linking to other emissions trading schemes; assistance in relation to emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities and coal-fired electricity generators; voluntary inclusion of reforestation activities under the scheme; the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units; and monitoring and enforcement. Also contains a regulation making power.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
CID amendments: 11 Ind (Oakeshott)/negatived
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG/negatived; 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
Committee amendments: 123 Govt/passed; 3 Nats/negatived; 55 AG/negatived; 15 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 7 Cormann-Cash-Back-Eggleston-Adams/negatived; 2 Parts opposed (AG)/Parts agreed to; 6 clauses opposed (AG)/clauses agreed to
[Amendments to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived; 1 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived]
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009
[Exposure draft of bill]
Proposes to give effect to Australia—s obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol by outlining: entities and emissions covered by the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme; liable entities— obligations to surrender emission units corresponding to their emissions; limits on the number of emissions units that will be used; the nature and allocation of Australian emission units; assistance in relation to emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities and coal-fired electricity generators; voluntary inclusion of reforestation activities under the scheme; the National Registry of Emissions Units; and monitoring and enforcement. Also contains a regulation making power.
Senate: Exposure draft tabled 11/3/09
Reference: Exposure draft referred to Economics Committee 11/3/09; interim report presented 14/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report presented 16/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—Customs) Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill imposes a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is a duty of customs.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—Customs) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill imposes a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is a duty of customs.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—Customs) Bill 2009
[Exposure draft of bill]
Proposes to impose a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is a duty of customs.
Senate: Exposure draft tabled 11/3/09
Reference: Exposure draft referred to Economics Committee 11/3/09; interim report presented 14/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report presented 16/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—Excise) Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill imposes a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is a duty of excise.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—Excise) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill imposes a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is a duty of excise.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—Excise) Bill 2009
[Exposure draft of bill]
Proposes to impose a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is a duty of excise.
Senate: Exposure draft tabled 11/3/09
Reference: Exposure draft referred to Economics Committee 11/3/09; interim report presented 14/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report presented 16/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—General) Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill imposes a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is neither a duty of customs nor a duty of excise.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—General) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill imposes a tax on the issue of Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is neither a duty of customs nor a duty of excise.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Charges—General) Bill 2009
[Exposure draft of bill]
Proposes to impose a tax on Australian emissions units issued as a result of an auction or for a fixed charge, to the extent that it is neither a duty of customs nor a duty of excise.
Senate: Exposure draft tabled 11/3/09
Reference: Exposure draft referred to Economics Committee 11/3/09; interim report presented 14/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report presented 16/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill: amends 11 Acts and the Financial Management and Accountability Regulations 1997 consequent on the introduction of the scheme; and makes transitional arrangements to transfer the functions of the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer and the Renewable Energy Regulator to the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill
2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the bill: amends 11 Acts and the Financial Management and Accountability Regulations 1997 consequent on the introduction of the scheme; and makes transitional arrangements to transfer the functions of the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer and the Renewable Energy Regulator to the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
CID amendment: 1 Ind (Windsor)/negatived
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
Committee amendments: 19 Govt/passed; 11 AG/negatived
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
[Exposure draft of bill]
Proposes to: amend 11 Acts and the Financial Management and Accountability Regulations 1997 consequent on the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme; and make transitional arrangements to transfer the functions of the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer and the Renewable Energy Regulator to the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority.
Senate: Exposure draft tabled 11/3/09
Reference: Exposure draft referred to Economics Committee 11/3/09; interim report presented 14/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report presented 16/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) Bill 2009
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) fuel credits, the bill establishes a CPRS fuel credits program to provide transitional assistance to eligible businesses and gaseous fuels suppliers to offset the impact of the scheme emissions unit charge.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) fuel credits, the bill establishes a CPRS fuel credits program to provide transitional assistance to eligible businesses and gaseous fuels suppliers to offset the impact of the scheme emissions unit charge.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
Committee requests: 13 Govt/passed
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
[Reps made Senate requests for amendments 2/12/09]
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme fuel credits, the bill amends the Fuel Tax Act 2006, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 consequent on the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) Act 2009.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme fuel credits, the bill amends the Fuel Tax Act 2006, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 consequent on the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) Act 2009.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Civil Aviation Amendment Bill 2009
Introduced with the Transport Safety Investigation Amendment Bill 2009, the bill amends the: Civil Aviation Act 1988 and Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to: establish a Civil Aviation and Safety Authority Board appointed by the minister; and provide for the board—s functions and powers; and Civil Aviation Act 1988 to: create an offence for negligently consigning or carrying dangerous goods on an aircraft; extend the period of Enforceable Voluntary Undertakings from six to 12 months; and clarify certain provisions in relation to: entitlements to certain protections for reporting information, the demerit points scheme, automatic stay, investigative powers, search and seizure procedures, and oversight of foreign aircraft operations.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 11/3/09
Senate: Intro. 11/3/09; Passed 11/3/09
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): No reference
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 19, 2009
PM Clean Energy Security Bill 2009
(Introduced by Mr Tuckey — LP)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to: limit the issue of renewable energy certificates to mature renewable energy technologies to one-third of the total certificates issued; and provide for the creation of certificates for building efficient long distance transmission systems.
Reps: Intro. 14/9/09
Main Committee: Referred 16/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/10/09
PM Climate Protection Bill 2008
(Introduced by Mr Windsor — Ind)
Provides for: a mandatory national target and strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which require public consultation; an annual report on the strategy; a scheme to be established to coordinate energy efficiency; government agencies to purchase accredited renewable energy; the preparation of Greenhouse Impact Statements and annual reporting; and recycling companies to be credited for emissions under any carbon pollution reduction scheme. Also amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Reps: Intro. 10/11/08; Removed from Notice Paper 23/6/09
PS Cluster Munitions (Prohibition) Bill 2006 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senators Allison and Bartlett — AD, Senator Bishop — ALP and Senator Bob Brown — AG)
Prohibits the manufacture, possession and use of cluster munitions and provides for decommissioning of cluster munitions held by the Australian Defence Force.
Senate: Intro. 5/12/06; 2nd reading adjourned 5/12/06
SBC report 15/06 (tabled and adopted 7/12/06): Referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee; extensions of time to report 29/3/07, 10/5/07; report presented 31/5/07 and tabled 12/6/07
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Act 1992 to: provide that employers are reimbursed from the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Fund for long service leave payments they make to employees which are preserved by the Fair Work Act 2009 and paid under industrial instruments and contracts; and preserve existing long service leave entitlements for employees in the black coal industry.
Reps: Intro. 18/11/09; Passed 24/11/09
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): No reference
Assent: 10/12/09; Act No. 127, 2009
PS Commonwealth Electoral (Above-the-Line Voting) Amendment Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bob Brown — AG)
Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to repeal provisions relating to group voting tickets and provide for preferential above-the-line voting for Senate elections.
Senate: Intro. 14/5/08; 2nd reading adjourned 14/5/08
Reference: Referred to Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (as part of inquiry into the 2007 federal election) 14/5/08; report tabled in Reps (22/6/09) and Senate (23/6/09)
S Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Political Donations and Other Measures) Bill 2008 [2009]
Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to: reduce the disclosure threshold to $1000; require certain persons making gifts above the threshold to furnish a return within eight weeks after polling day; ensure that for the purposes of the disclosure threshold and the disclosure of gifts, related political parties are treated as one entity; prohibit the receipt of a gift of foreign property and all anonymous gifts by registered political parties, candidates and members of a Senate group; provide that public funding of election campaigning is limited to the lesser amount of either the actual electoral expenditure or the amount awarded per vote where the four per cent threshold is satisfied; extend existing recovery powers; and introduce new offences and penalties and increase penalties for existing offences.
Senate: Intro. 15/5/08; Negatived at 2nd reading 11/3/09 [but see bill below]
SBC report 5/08 (tabled and adopted 18/6/08): Deferred
Reference: Referred to Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (as part of inquiry into the 2007 federal election) 18/6/08; report due 30/6/09; report tabled in Reps (23/10/08) and Senate (10/11/08)
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Political Donations and Other Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to: reduce the disclosure threshold to $1000; require certain persons making gifts above the threshold to furnish a return within eight weeks after polling day; ensure that for the purposes of the disclosure threshold and the disclosure of gifts, related political parties are treated as one entity; prohibit the receipt of a gift of foreign property and all anonymous gifts by registered political parties, candidates and members of a Senate group; provide that public funding of election campaigning is limited to the lesser amount of either the actual electoral expenditure or the amount awarded per vote where the four per cent threshold is satisfied; include five additional categories of electoral expenditure in relation to the rental of premises, payment of additional staff, purchase and hire of office equipment, consumables and running costs for equipment and travel and accommodation; prevent sitting members of Parliament from claiming electoral expenditure if allowances, entitlements or benefits received are used to meet that expenditure; extend existing recovery powers; and introduce new offences and penalties and increase penalties for existing offences.
Reps: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 16/3/09
Senate: Intro. 17/3/09; 2nd reading adjourned 17/3/09
SBC report 3/09 (tabled and adopted 18/3/09): No reference
Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Amendment Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill amends the Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Act 1911 to authorise the Treasurer to increase the cap on the face value of Commonwealth Government Securities on issue by $125 billion in special circumstances.
Reps: Intro. 4/2/09; Passed 5/2/09 a.m. (Votes and Proceedings 4/2/09)
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 12/2/09 [but see bill below]
SBC report 1/09 (tabled and adopted 5/2/09): Deferred
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Finance and Public Administration Committee 5/2/09; report tabled 10/2/09
Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Amendment Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill amends the Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Act 1911 to authorise the Treasurer to increase the cap on the face value of Commonwealth Government Securities on issue by $125 billion in special circumstances.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 13/2/09
Assent: 18/2/09; Act No. 3, 2009
PS Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management (Repeal and Consequential Amendment) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Ludlam — AG)
Repeals the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 and makes a consequential amendment to the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977.
Senate: Intro. 25/9/08; 2nd reading adjourned 25/9/08
SBC report 12/08 (tabled and adopted 25/9/08): Referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee; extensions of time to report 14/10/08, 2/12/08; report presented 18/12/08 and tabled 3/2/09
PS Constitution Alteration (Appropriations for the Ordinary Annual Services of the
R Government) 2001 [2008]
(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, 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Constitution Alteration (Electors— Initiative, Fixed Term Parliaments and
R Qualification of Members) 2000 [2008]
(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 four-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, 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Coordinator-General for Remote Indigenous Services Bill 2009
The bill: creates the statutory position of Coordinator-General for Remote Indigenous Services to coordinate the Remote Service Delivery Strategy; and provides for: the functions and general powers of the position; terms and conditions and staffing support; and regular and annual reporting requirements.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 18/6/09
CID amendments: 5 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): No reference
Assent: 8/7/09; Act No. 68, 2009
Corporations Amendment (Improving Accountability on Termination Payments) Bill 2009
Amends the Corporations Act 2001 to: lower the threshold at which termination payments to company executives (including senior executives or key management personnel) must be approved by shareholders; specify the types of benefits which are subject to shareholder approval; require unauthorised termination benefits to be repaid immediately; provide that retiree shareholders cannot participate in a vote on their termination benefit (except as a proxy); and increase the penalties applicable to unauthorised termination benefits.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 9/9/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
CID amendments: 3 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 26/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 7/8/09; interim report presented 28/7/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 7/9/09
Committee amendments: 1 Ind (Xenophon)/passed; 3 Opp/negatived; 6 AG/negatived; 1 FFP/negatived; 6 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 subsection opposed (AG)/subsection agreed to
[Reps disagreed to Senate amendment 29/10/09; Senate did not insist on its amendment 16/11/09]
Assent: 23/11/09; Act No. 115, 2009
S Corporations Amendment (No. 1) Bill 2008 [2009]
(Act citation: Corporations Amendment (No. 1) Act 2009)
Amends the Corporations Act 2001 to provide a mechanism for recognising disqualifications from managing corporations that occur in prescribed foreign jurisdictions.
Senate: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 4/2/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Reps: Intro. 5/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Assent: 25/2/09; Act No. 9, 2009
Corporations Legislation Amendment (Financial Services Modernisation) Bill 2009
Amends the: Corporations Act 2001 to: set a national regulatory regime for margin loans; require that promissory notes valued at $50 000 or over are subject to the same regulatory regime as debentures; require the establishment of a public register of debenture trustees; and provide that Australian Capital Territory courts have jurisdiction for certain offences; and Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and Corporations Act 2001 to transfer the regulation of trustee companies from the states and territories to the Commonwealth.
Reps: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 15/9/09
Main Committee CID amendments: 14 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 26/10/09; Passed 26/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 7/8/09; interim report presented 28/7/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 7/9/09
Assent: 6/11/09; Act No. 108, 2009
Crimes Amendment (Working With Children—Criminal History) Bill 2009
Amends the Crimes Act 1914 to: enable pardoned, quashed and spent convictions to be disclosed and taken into account by Commonwealth, state and territory screening agencies in determining whether a person is suitable to work with children; specify the criteria screening units must meet before obtaining and dealing with this information; and require the Minister for Home Affairs to conduct a review of these disclosures no later than 30 June 2011 and table the review report in Parliament within 15 sitting days of receiving the report.
Reps: Intro. 20/8/09; Passed 18/11/09
Senate: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; extensions of time to report 29/10/09, 17/11/09; report tabled 19/11/09
PS Crimes Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Child Protection from Predatory Tourism Offences) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bernardi — LP)
Amends the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002, Crimes Act 1914 and Criminal Code Act 1995 in relation to child sex tourism offences, by: relocating existing offences (currently in the Crimes Act) to the Criminal Code; creating new grooming, procuring and preparatory offences; making penalties consistent with like offences in the Criminal Code; introducing new offences relating to Australians overseas accessing child pornography or child abuse material; and providing for forfeiture of such material. Also makes consequential amendments to the Surveillance Devices Act 2004 and Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979.
Senate: Intro. 17/6/08; 2nd reading adjourned 17/6/08
SBC report 6/08 (tabled and adopted 25/6/08): No reference
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Bill 2009
Amends the: Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Bankruptcy Act 1966 and Crimes Act 1914 to introduce a regime for unexplained wealth; Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Crimes Act 1914 and Family Law Act 1975 to introduce freezing orders to ensure assets are not dispersed; Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to: remove the six-year limit on orders for non-conviction-based restraint and forfeiture of proceeds of crime; provide for non-conviction-based restraint and forfeiture of instruments of serious crime; enable the disclosure of certain information; and enable legal aid commissions to recover certain costs from the Confiscated Assets Account; Crimes Act 1914 and Customs Act 1901 to: harmonise the controlled operations, assumed identities and protection of witness identity regimes across Australia; and make a consequential amendment; Criminal Code Act 1995 to extend criminal liability to the joint commission of criminal offences; and Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to enable telecommunications interception to be available for certain offences for state and territory law enforcement agencies.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 16/11/09
CID amendments: 64 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 23/11/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; report tabled 17/9/09
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Bill (No. 2) 2009
Amends the: Proceeds of Crimes Act 2002 in relation to criminal asset confiscation and money laundering; Crimes Act 1914 to: enable seized material to be used by, and shared between, Commonwealth, state and territory law enforcement agencies; allow law enforcement agencies to access and search electronic equipment; and preserve the right of a person accused of a federal offence in Victoria to appeal a finding that he or she is unfit to plead; Witness Protection Act 1994 to: clarify the application of the Act to witnesses involved in state and territory matters; update the concept of identity; extend protection to former participants and related persons; and update and extend the scope of non-disclosure offences; Criminal Code Act 1995 and Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to: introduce offences into the Criminal Code to target persons involved in serious and organised crime; and ensure that telecommunications interception warrants are available for the investigation of the new offences; Criminal Code Act 1995 and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 to: extend the geographical jurisdiction and the scope of money laundering offences; and expand the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre—s ability to take enforcement action against non-complying reporting entities; Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 to: expand the Australian Crime Commission—s powers to deal with uncooperative witnesses; clarify procedural powers for issuing summons and notices to produce; and require a five-yearly review of the operation of the Act; Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977, Surveillance Devices Act 2004 and Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to make consequential amendments; and Criminal Code Act 1995 to: increase the penalties for bribing foreign and Commonwealth public officials; and provide that drug importation offences apply to offenders engaged in activity connected to the importation of drugs into Australia. Also amends 23 Acts consequent upon the joint commission offence being included in the Criminal Code; and amends 20 Acts consequent on provisions of the Crimes Act 1914 being repealed.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 18/11/09
Senate: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 17/9/09; report tabled 16/11/09; errata tabled 17/11/09
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Torture Prohibition and Death Penalty Abolition) Bill 2009
Amends the: Criminal Code Act 1995 to replace the existing offence of torture in the Crimes (Torture) Act 1988 with a new offence of torture in the Criminal Code to fulfil Australia—s obligations under the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; and Death Penalty Abolition Act 1973 to provide that the death penalty cannot be reintroduced anywhere in Australia. Also repeals the Crimes (Torture) Act 1988.
Reps: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Customs Amendment (ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Customs Tariff Amendment (ASEAN-Australian-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2009 to give effect to Australia—s obligations under the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, the bill amends the Customs Act 1901 to: provide preferential rates of duty for ASEAN and New Zealand originating goods; and impose certain obligations on Australian exporters and producers of goods who claim preferential tariff treatment.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 16/9/09
Senate: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 2/10/09; Act No. 97, 2009
Customs Amendment (Enhanced Border Controls and Other Measures) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Customs Amendment (Enhanced Border Controls and Other Measures) Act 2009)
Amends the Customs Act 1901 in relation to: arrival, stores and prohibited goods reporting requirements; infringement notices; failing to make a cargo report; missing goods and goods delivered without authority; harmonising the boarding powers with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; impending arrival reporting requirements for pleasure craft; devices used to enable boarding of ships subject to a —hot pursuit—; powers to request aircraft to land; seizure of unaccounted goods without a warrant; powers of arrest; warrants; obstruction or interference with Customs equipment; powers to moor a Customs vessel to man-made structures; enabling Customs officers to board ships; entering places other than ports or airports; right of access for patrols; and technical corrections.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 10/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Assent: 22/5/09; Act No. 34, 2009
Customs Legislation Amendment (Name Change) Bill 2009
Amends the Customs Administration Act 1985 to rename the Australian Customs Service as the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service. Also amends 24 other Acts to reflect the name change.
Reps: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 19/3/09
Senate: Intro. 20/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
SBC report 3/09 (tabled and adopted 18/3/09): No reference
Assent: 22/5/09; Act No. 33, 2009
Customs Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Excise Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009, the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to: increase the customs duty rate applying to certain alcoholic beverages (—alcopops—) from $39.36 to $66.67 per litre of alcohol content; and alter the taxation definitions of —beer— and —grape wine product—.
Reps: Intro. 11/2/09; Passed 25/2/09
CID amendments: 5 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 11/3/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 18/3/09 [but see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill and related matter referred to Community Affairs Committee 12/2/09; extension of time to report 12/3/09; report presented and tabled 16/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed
Committee requests: 18 Opp/passed; 1 FFP/negatived
[Reps did not make Senate requests for amendments 17/3/09; Senate did not press its requests for amendments (amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted:
1 AG-Opp/passed) 18/3/09]
Customs Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Introduced with the Excise Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009 [No. 2], the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to: increase the customs duty rate applying to certain alcoholic beverages (—alcopops—) from $39.36 to $66.67 per litre of alcohol content; and alter the taxation definitions of —beer— and —grape wine product—.
Reps: Intro. 22/6/09; Passed 22/6/09
Senate: Intro. 23/6/09; Passed 13/8/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Assent: 27/8/09; Act No. 74, 2009
Customs Tariff Amendment (ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Customs Amendment (ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Implementation) Bill 2009 to give effect to Australia—s obligations under the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to: provide duty-free and preferential rates of customs duty for certain goods of ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand origin; maintain rates of customs on certain goods (alcohol, tobacco and petroleum products); and phase the preferential rates of customs duty to zero by 2020.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 16/9/09
Senate: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 2/10/09; Act No. 98, 2009
Customs Tariff Amendment (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) Bill 2009
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme fuel credits, the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to ensure reductions made to excise rates on fuels also apply to relevant imported products.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Customs Tariff Amendment (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme fuel credits, the bill amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to ensure reductions made to excise rates on fuels also apply to relevant imported products.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill 2009
Amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to: provide duty free entry into Australia for goods used in the testing, quality control, manufacturing evaluation or engineering development of motor vehicles designed or engineered in Australia by motor vehicle producers registered under the Automotive Competitiveness and Investment Scheme; increase the rates of duty for certain alcohol and tobacco products imported under the Australia-Chile Free Trade Agreement; and increase the rates of customs duty for certain beer and grape wine products.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 23/11/09
Senate: Intro. 24/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
Assent: 10/12/09; Act No. 128, 2009
Customs Tariff Validation Bill 2009
Introduced with the Excise Tariff Validation Bill 2009, the bill validates all customs duties demanded or collected before 14 May 2009 to ensure the duties have been lawfully imposed and lawfully demanded or collected.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 12/5/09
Senate: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 13/5/09
Assent: 13/5/09; Act No. 29, 2009
PS Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Amends the Defence Act 1903 to provide for parliamentary approval of overseas service by members of the Australian Defence Force.
Senate: Intro. 13/2/08; 2nd reading adjourned 13/2/08
SBC report 2/08 (tabled and adopted 12/3/08): No reference
PS Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2008 [No. 2]
(Introduced by Senator Ludlam — AG)
Amends the Defence Act 1903 to provide for parliamentary approval of overseas service by members of the Australian Defence Force.
Senate: Intro. 17/9/08; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/08
SBC report 11/08 (tabled and adopted 18/9/08): No reference
SBC report 12/09 (tabled and adopted 20/8/09): Order varied: Referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 17/11/09; report due 25/2/10
Defence Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2009
Amends the: Defence Act 1903 to introduce a Tactical Payment Scheme to provide for no-liability payments to persons who are adversely affected by Australian Defence Force operations outside Australia; and Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Act 2008 in relation to: rejoining members, subsidy certificates and service credits, subsidy lump sums, shared ownership and liability, and delegations to senior employees.
Reps: Intro. 18/3/09; Passed 16/6/09
Senate: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Assent: 24/6/09; Act No. 46, 2009
Defence Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Defence Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2009)
Amends the: Geneva Conventions Act 1957 to establish a third universal emblem, the —Red Crystal—, for the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement; Criminal Code Act 1995 to ensure the emblem is covered by existing offence provisions relating to the improper use of emblems of the Geneva Conventions; Defence Act 1903 to enable the making of regulations to provide medical and dental treatment (including pharmaceuticals) to an Australian Defence Force member or cadet or their family; and Defence (Special Undertakings) Act 1952 to: provide that the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap is a special defence undertaking and a prohibited area; clarify that the Defence power is not the only constitutional basis relied upon to support the Act; and make technical amendments.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 10/2/09
Senate: Intro. 11/2/09; Passed 11/3/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Provisions of bill referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee; report presented 20/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
Committee amendment: 1 Schedule opposed (AG)/Schedule agreed to
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 18, 2009
Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2008
(Act citation: Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Act 2009)
Amends: the Age Discrimination Act 2004 to remove the —dominant reason— test; the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 and Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to: provide an explicit and positive duty to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities (which responds to the 2003 High Court decision of Purvis); respond to the Full Federal Court case of Forest in relation to carers, assistants and aids; clarify the defence of unjustifiable hardship; and replace the —proportionality test— in the definition of indirect discrimination; 24 Acts to reflect the name change of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission to the Australian Human Rights Commission; and the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to make technical amendments.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 25/6/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; extension of time to report 11/2/09; report presented 26/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
Committee amendment: 1 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 25/6/09]
Assent: 8/7/09; Act No. 70, 2009
Do Not Call Register Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Do Not Call Register Act 2006 to extend the regulatory framework so that individuals and organisations can register their preference not to receive telemarketing calls or marketing faxes; and Telecommunications Act 1997 to make consequential amendments, including enabling the Australian Communications and Media Authority to develop an industry standard for the fax marketing industry.
Reps: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee; report due 24/2/10
PS Drink Container Recycling Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Requires producers, distributors and industry groups to submit to the minister a beverage container stewardship plan to manage the collection and recycling of beverage containers. The bill also sets minimum recovery rates for containers; requires public consultation on draft plans; and provides for annual reporting.
Senate: Intro. 13/3/08; 2nd reading adjourned 13/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): Deferred
Reference: Referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee 20/3/08 (as part of inquiry into the management of Australia—s waste streams); order varied 17/6/08: report due 28/8/08; extension of time to report 27/8/08; report tabled 3/9/08
Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Re-registration of Providers and Other Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 and Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997 to: require the re-registration of all institutions currently registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students by 31 December 2010; introduce two new registration criteria; require providers to maintain and publish a list of persons/agents who represent them; provide the minister with a discretion to enable a suspended provider to accept monies in certain circumstances; enable national alignment of regulatory actions; and provide for regulations to be made in relation to: providers— agents, and criteria to be applied when consideration is given to whether a course is a suitable alternative course.
Reps: Intro. 19/8/09; Passed 19/10/09
CID amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 2 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 26/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/10/09
SBC report 12/09 (tabled and adopted 20/8/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee; report presented 16/10/09 and tabled 26/10/09
PS Electoral Amendment (Political Honesty) Bill 2003 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)
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
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Electoral (Greater Fairness of Electoral Processes) Amendment Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)
Amends the: Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 in relation to: accountability; political advertising; and electoral funding and disclosure; and Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 and Referendum (Machinery Provisions) Act 1984 in relation to: voting by prisoners; closure of the electoral roll; nomination deposits; use of Commonwealth facilities; and conduct of state referenda and ballots.
Senate: Intro. 1/3/07; 2nd reading adjourned 1/3/07
SBC report 4/07 (tabled and adopted 21/3/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PM Emergency Assistance Fund for the Lower Lakes and Coorong Region of South Australia Bill 2008
(Introduced by Dr Nelson — LP)
Requires the responsible minister to determine, by legislative instrument, guidelines for the operation of the Lower Lakes and Coorong Assistance Scheme, and gives the secretary responsibility for the administration of the scheme.
Reps: Intro. 1/9/08; Removed from Notice Paper 24/2/09
PS Emergency Assistance Fund for the Lower Lakes and Coorong Region of South Australia Bill 2008 [No. 2]
(Introduced by Senator Minchin — LP)
Requires the responsible minister to determine, by legislative instrument, guidelines for the operation of the Lower Lakes and Coorong Assistance Scheme, and gives the secretary responsibility for the administration of the scheme.
Senate: Intro. 4/9/08; 2nd reading adjourned 4/9/08
SBC report 11/08 (tabled and adopted 18/9/08): No reference
PS Emergency Water (Murray-Darling Basin Rescue) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Xenophon — Ind)
Provides the minister with power to direct the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to establish an Interim Basin Plan to provide for emergency measures to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Senate: Intro. 28/8/08; 2nd reading adjourned 28/8/08
Reference: Referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee 28/8/08 (as part of inquiry into the management of the Murray-Darling Basin system); extension of time to report 25/9/08; interim report presented 3/10/08 and tabled 13/10/08; final report presented 10/10/08 and tabled 13/10/08
Employment and Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 2008
(Act citation: Employment and Workplace Relations Amendment Act 2009)
Amends the: Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 to increase lump sum compensation to $400 000 and to $110 a week (to be increased annually) for benefits paid to each prescribed child in the event of a work-related death; Social Security Act 1991 to: extend the Sickness Allowance and Parenting Payment (single) which prevents a person from receiving payment while there is an Assurance of Support in force; and clarify rent assistance entitlements for Austudy and ABSTUDY receipts. Also makes technical amendments to the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, Social Security (International Agreements) Act 1999 and Social Security Legislation Amendment (2007 Budget Measures for Students) Act 2007.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 14/5/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Committee amendments: 5 Govt/passed
Committee requests: 3 Govt/passed
[Reps made Senate requests for amendments 14/5/09; Reps agreed to Senate amendments 25/5/09]
Assent: 3/6/09; Act No. 37, 2009
PS Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Control of Power Station Emissions) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Amends the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to: provide for a set greenhouse gas emission intensity threshold to apply to all new power stations and require the responsible minister to approve the operation or construction of those power stations which meet this condition; establish a monitoring regime; and include offence and penalty provisions.
Senate: Intro. 19/6/08; 2nd reading adjourned 19/6/08
SBC report 6/08 (tabled and adopted 25/6/08): No reference
PS Environment Protection (Beverage Container Deposit and Recovery Scheme) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Ludlam — AG)
The bill: establishes the national Beverage Container Deposit and Recovery Scheme; enforces and imposes civil penalties on persons or body corporates for breaches of the scheme; provides for an annual report on the operation of the proposed Act; and contains a regulation making power.
Senate: Intro. 14/5/09; 2nd reading adjourned 14/5/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): Referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 23/6/09; report tabled 17/9/09
PS Euthanasia Laws (Repeal) Bill 2004 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Repeals the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997 which prevents the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly and the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly from legalising voluntary euthanasia.
Senate: Intro. 3/3/04; 2nd reading adjourned 3/3/04
SBC report 3/04 (tabled and adopted 10/3/04): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Evidence Amendment (Journalists— Privilege) Bill 2009
Amends the Evidence Act 1995 to amend the professional confidential relationship privilege provisions available to protect confidential communications between journalists and their sources in certain circumstances by: providing that courts observe public interest considerations; requiring courts to consider any likely harm to a journalist if certain evidence were given; repealing provisions for automatic loss of privilege in cases of misconduct; and removing the requirement for courts to give the greatest weight to any risk of prejudice to national security.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 15/6/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; interim report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report tabled 12/5/09
Excise Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Customs Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009, the bill amends the Excise Tariff Act 1921 to: increase the excise duty rate applying to certain alcoholic beverages (—alcopops—) from $39.36 to $66.67 per litre of alcohol content; and alter the taxation definition of —beer—.
Reps: Intro. 11/2/09; Passed 25/2/09
CID amendments: 4 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 11/3/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 18/3/09 [but see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill and related matter referred to Community Affairs Committee 12/2/09; extension of time to report 12/3/09; report presented and tabled 16/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed
Committee requests: 2 Opp/passed
[Reps did not make Senate requests for amendments 17/3/09; Senate did not press its requests for amendments (amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted:
1 AG-Opp/passed) 18/3/09]
Excise Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Introduced with the Customs Tariff Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009 [No. 2], the bill amends the Excise Tariff Act 1921 to: increase the excise duty rate applying to certain alcoholic beverages (—alcopops—) from $39.36 to $66.67 per litre of alcohol content; and alter the taxation definition of —beer—.
Reps: Intro. 22/6/09; Passed 22/6/09
Senate: Intro. 23/6/09; Passed 13/8/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Assent: 27/8/09; Act No. 73, 2009
Excise Tariff Amendment (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) Bill 2009
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme fuel credits, the bill amends the Excise Tariff Act 1921 to reduce fuel tax on 1 July 2011 to 35.688 cents per litre.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 13/8/09 [and see bill below]
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 14/5/09; report tabled 15/6/09
Excise Tariff Amendment (Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of four bills to establish Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme fuel credits, the bill amends the Excise Tariff Act 1921 to reduce fuel tax on 1 July 2011 to 35.688 cents per litre.
Reps: Intro. 22/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
2nd reading amendments: 1 AG-Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Williams/negatived
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 1/12/09: 1 FFP/negatived]
Excise Tariff Validation Bill 2009
Introduced with the Customs Tariff Validation Bill 2009, the bill validates all excise duties demanded or collected before 14 May 2009 to ensure the duties have been lawfully imposed and lawfully demanded or collected.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 12/5/09
Senate: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 13/5/09
Assent: 13/5/09; Act No. 30, 2009
PS Fair Work Amendment (Paid Parental Leave) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Hanson-Young — AG)
Amends the Fair Work Act 2009 to: provide 26 weeks government-funded paid parental leave for all eligible Australian parents at the level of the federal minimum wage, or average wage, with a right to return to work; and make consequential amendments.
Senate: Intro. 13/5/09; 2nd reading adjourned 13/5/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): No reference
Fair Work Amendment (State Referrals and Other Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: Fair Work Act 2009 to: give effect to state references of workplace relations matters to the Commonwealth that take effect after 1 July 2009 but on or before 1 January 2010; enable states to declare employers not to be national system employers; and enable state ministers to intervene in court proceedings and make submissions in relation to matters before Fair Work Australia; and Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 and seven other Acts to transition certain employers and employees to the new national workplace relations system. Also makes technical amendments to the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009.
Reps: Intro. 21/10/09; Passed 17/11/09
CID amendments: 19 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; Passed 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee; report tabled 16/11/09
Assent: 9/12/09; Act No. 124, 2009
Fair Work Bill 2008
(Act citation: Fair Work Act 2009)
Implements a workplace relations system which provides for: the establishment of National Employment Standards, modern awards and national minimum wage orders; the establishment of the statutory offices of Fair Work Australia to administer the system and the Fair Work Ombudsman to promote compliance; fair work instruments; and the creation of Fair Work Divisions in the Federal Court and Federal Magistrates Court to hear workplace relations matters.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/08; Passed 4/12/08
Senate: Intro. 5/12/08 a.m. (Journals 4/12/08); Passed 20/3/09 a.m. (Journals 19/3/09)
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee 25/11/08; report presented 27/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee amendments: 217 Govt/passed; 2 Opp (1 as amended by FFP)/passed; 4 AG/passed; 4 Ind (Xenophon)/passed; 3 clauses negatived (Govt); 1 clause negatived (AG); 6 Govt/negatived; 21 Opp/negatived; 69 AG/negatived; 12 FFP/negatived; 27 clauses opposed (AG)/clauses agreed to; 1 subclause opposed (AG)/subclause agreed to; 8 Opp/withdrawn
[Amendment to motion that the report from the committee of the whole be adopted 20/3/09 a.m. (Journals 19/3/09): 1 FFP/negatived]
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1 to 30, 35 to 93, 95 to 135 and 137 to 231 and disagreed to amendments nos 31 to 34, 94 and 136, 20/3/09; Senate did not insist on its amendments nos 31 to 34, 94 and 136, 20/3/09]
Assent: 7/4/09; Act No. 28, 2009
Fair Work (State Referral and Consequential and Other Amendments) Bill 2009
Amends: the Fair Work Act 2009 to: enable states to refer matters to the Commonwealth to provide for the establishment of a uniform national workplace relations system for the private sector; enable states to choose the extent to which the Act applies to the public sector; and make consequential and minor amendments; the proposed Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 and Fair Work Act 2009 to: transition Victorian employers and employees to the workplace relations system created by the Fair Work Act; and establish a framework for making state reference public sector modern awards; and 67 Acts to make transitional and consequential amendments. Also enables further transitional and consequential arrangements to be made by regulation.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 2/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 17/6/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): No reference
Assent: 25/6/09; Act No. 54, 2009
Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
The bill: repeals the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (other than Schedules relating to registered organisations and transitionally registered associations) and renames it the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009; provides for the application of the National Employment Standards and minimum wages to all national system employees from 1 January 2010; ensures no reduction in employees— take home pay results from the transition to a modern award; establishes rules in relation to the treatment of existing instruments; introduces transitional bargaining and agreement-making rules; abolishes the office of Workplace Ombudsman (WO); provides for the limited, continued operation of the Australian Fair Pay Commission, WO, Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) and Australian Industrial Registry and appoints existing full-time AIRC members to Fair Work Australia (FWA); provides that existing investigations and compliance proceedings by the WO will be dealt with by the Fair Work Ombudsman and allows Fair Work Inspectors to exercise new compliance powers in relation to breaches occurring before or after 1 July 2009; gives FWA power to make representation orders in response to union demarcation disputes; and establishes rules to enable state-registered organisations to participate in the new federal workplace relations system; and amends the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 and Federal Magistrates Act 1999 to create Fair Work Divisions within those courts.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 2/6/09
CID amendments: 110 Govt/passed; 9 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 17/6/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Committee amendments: 18 Govt/passed; 2 Ind (Xenophon)/passed; 2 items negatived (Govt); 10 Opp/negatived; 3 AG/negatived
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 18/6/09]
Assent: 25/6/09; Act No. 55, 2009
Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives Bill 2009
Part of a package of three bills to effect three private health insurance tiers, the bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Private Health Insurance Act 2007, Taxation Administration Act 1953 and Taxation (Interest on Overpayments and Early Payments) Act 1983 to reduce the amount of private health insurance rebate eligible taxpayers with complying private health insurance are entitled to when their income for surcharge purposes is above the relevant Medicare levy surcharge threshold.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 2/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 9/9/09 [but see bill below]
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 27/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC reports below]
SBC reports 6/09 and 7/09 (tabled 15/6/09; motion to adopt reports amended and agreed to 15/6/09): Reference of provisions of bill transferred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report presented 5/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of three bills to effect three private health insurance tiers, the bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Private Health Insurance Act 2007, Taxation Administration Act 1953 and Taxation (Interest on Overpayments and Early Payments) Act 1983 to reduce the amount of private health insurance rebate eligible taxpayers with complying private health insurance are entitled to when their income for surcharge purposes is above the relevant Medicare levy surcharge threshold.
Reps: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives (Medicare Levy Surcharge) Bill 2009
Part of a package of three bills to effect three private health insurance tiers, the bill amends the Medicare Levy Act 1986 to increase the rate of Medicare levy surcharge for certain taxpayers who do not have complying health insurance and whose income for surcharge purposes is above the relevant Medicare levy surcharge threshold.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 2/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 9/9/09 [but see bill below]
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 27/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report below]
SBC reports 6/09 and 7/09 (tabled 15/6/09; motion to adopt reports amended and agreed to 15/6/09): Reference of provisions of bill transferred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report presented 5/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives (Medicare Levy Surcharge) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of three bills to effect three private health insurance tiers, the bill amends the Medicare Levy Act 1986 to increase the rate of Medicare levy surcharge for certain taxpayers who do not have complying health insurance and whose income for surcharge purposes is above the relevant Medicare levy surcharge threshold.
Reps: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives (Medicare Levy Surcharge—Fringe Benefits) Bill 2009
Part of a package of three bills to effect three private health insurance tiers, the bill amends the A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge——Fringe Benefits) Act 1999 to increase the rate of Medicare levy surcharge for taxpayers who do not have complying health insurance and whose income (including reportable fringe benefits) for surcharge purposes is above the relevant Medicare levy surcharge threshold.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 2/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Negatived at 2nd reading 9/9/09 [but see bill below]
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 27/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report below]
SBC reports 6/09 and 7/09 (tabled 15/6/09; motion to adopt reports amended and agreed to 15/6/09): Reference of provisions of bill transferred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report presented 5/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
Fairer Private Health Insurance Incentives (Medicare Levy Surcharge—Fringe Benefits) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Part of a package of three bills to effect three private health insurance tiers, the bill amends the A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge——Fringe Benefits) Act 1999 to increase the rate of Medicare levy surcharge for taxpayers who do not have complying health insurance and whose income (including reportable fringe benefits) for surcharge purposes is above the relevant Medicare levy surcharge threshold.
Reps: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (2009 Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 to enable three additional parcels of land in the Northern Territory to be granted to the relevant Aboriginal Land Trusts; Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to: enable people in Cape York who receive age pension or carer payments to have their payments income managed; and make changes to the treatment of residual balances when a person again becomes subject to income management, or dies; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999, Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 in relation to the administrative functions of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal; Social Security Act 1991 to clarify that a gift that has been returned does not have to be assessed as a deprived asset for the purposes of the social security assets test; Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to clarify the requirements for an individual to pass the control test in relation to a controlled private trust; and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to require notification within 26 weeks to be given when a child for whom baby bonus is paid leaves an individual—s care. Also makes minor and technical amendments to five Acts.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 9/3/10
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Emergency Response Consolidation) Bill 2008
Amends the: Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 to prohibit certain pay television licensees from providing television channels that contain a large amount of R18+ programming to certain prescribed areas; Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 to permit the transportation of pornographic material through a prescribed area to a place outside the prescribed area; Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 to repeal permit system amendments providing public access to certain Aboriginal land; and Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 to enable community dependent roadhouses to be licensed as community stores.
Reps: Intro. 21/2/08; Passed 2/9/08
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
CID amendments: 25 Govt/passed; 7 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 4/9/08; Passed 27/11/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Committee; interim report presented 7/5/08 and tabled 13/5/08; extension of time for final report 13/5/08; final report tabled 15/5/08
Committee amendments: 6 Opp/passed; 1 Schedule negatived (Opp); 12 items negatived (Opp); 1 AG/negatived; 1 clause opposed (AG)/clause agreed to
[Reps reported Senate message returning bill with amendments 1/12/08]
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2008
Amends the: A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to enable: Centrelink to make oral submissions to Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT) hearings; SSAT to give oral reasons on —affirmed— cases; and SSAT members to be appointed for a term of up to five years; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to repeal redundant references to disability wage supplement and rehabilitation allowance; and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005, Native Title Amendment (Technical Amendments) Act 2007, Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to make technical amendments.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/08; Passed 4/2/09
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; 2nd reading adjourned 5/2/09
SBC report 16/08 (tabled and adopted 26/11/08): No reference
PS Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Restoration of Racial Discrimination Act) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Siewert — AG)
Amends the Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Act 2007, Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 and Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Payment Reform) Act 2007 so that: provisions of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 prevail over those Acts; those Acts do not authorise conduct inconsistent with the Racial Discrimination Act 1975; those Acts and any acts done under them are intended to qualify as special measures; and any acts done, decisions made or discretion exercised under the Acts must be consistent with the intended beneficial purpose of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
Senate: Intro. 29/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 29/10/09
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 9/3/10
Family Assistance Amendment (Further 2008 Budget Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to: introduce mandatory continuous adjustment of family tax benefit rates in certain circumstances; cease fortnightly family tax benefit and past period payments in the same income year when income tax returns are not lodged; and enable information sharing between the Australian Taxation Office and Centrelink for reconciliation and debt offsetting purposes.
Reps: Intro. 3/6/09; Passed 17/6/09
Senate: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 3/6/09; report tabled 16/6/09
Assent: 24/6/09; Act No. 49, 2009
Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment (2008 Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to remove the tax system option for delivery of family tax benefit payments; Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to enable people subject to the Northern Territory income management regime to access the Social Security Appeals Tribunal and Administrative Appeals Tribunal appeal mechanisms; and Social Security Act 1991 to: provide new Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) participants, commencing on or after 1 July 2009, with access to the CDEP program while receiving income support payments; and provide that existing CDEP participants receive CDEP wages from CDEP providers and, in certain circumstances, the CDEP Scheme Participant Supplement.
Reps: Intro. 18/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Committee amendment: 1 Schedule opposed (AG)/Schedule agreed to
Assent: 24/6/09; Act No. 48, 2009
Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care) Bill 2009
Amends the: A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999, A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999, Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care Budget and Other Measures) Act 2008 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to change —child care tax rebate— to —child care rebate— (CCR); A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 in relation to: CCR in substitution; recovery of debts; civil penalties being imposed by regulations; and calculation and payment of CCR for the final quarter of an income year; and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to make amendments consequential on the removal of the minimum child care benefit rate from 7 July 2008.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 28/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 24/6/09; Act No. 50, 2009
Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Participation Requirement) Bill 2009
Amends the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to require persons aged between 16 and 20 years to complete their final year of secondary school (or equivalent level of education) to receive family tax benefit Part A.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 19/11/09
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 10/12/09; Act No. 129, 2009
Federal Court of Australia Amendment (Criminal Jurisdiction) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Federal Court of Australia Amendment (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 2009)
Introduced with the Trade Practices Amendment (Cartel Conduct and Other Measures) Bill 2008, the bill amends the Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983, Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 and Judiciary Act 1903 to enable the Federal Court to apply uniform indictable criminal procedure across Australia to deal with serious cartel offences. Also makes consequential and other amendments to five other Acts.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 10/2/09
Senate: Intro. 11/2/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; extension of time to report 11/2/09; interim report presented 26/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09; further interim report presented 4/3/09 and tabled 10/3/09; extension of time for final report 10/3/09; final report tabled 11/3/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/passed
Committee amendments: 30 Govt/passed; 5 items negatived (Govt); 1 AG/negatived
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 19/10/09]
Assent: 6/11/09; Act No. 106, 2009
Federal Financial Relations Bill 2009
Introduced with the Federal Financial Relations (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2009, the bill appropriates funds to provide financial assistance to the states by implementing COAG—s Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations through general revenue assistance (including GST payments), National Specific Purpose Payments and National Partnership payments.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 11/3/09
Senate: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 12/3/09
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report due 3/3/09; report presented 27/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 11, 2009
Federal Financial Relations (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Federal Financial Relations Bill 2009, the bill makes amendments and repeals parts of five Acts consequent on the proposed Federal Financial Relations Act 2009. Also repeals the Health Care (Appropriation) Act 1998.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 11/3/09
Senate: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 12/3/09
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report due 3/3/09; report presented 27/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 12, 2009
Federal Justice System Amendment (Efficiency Measures) Bill (No. 1) 2008
(Act citation: Federal Justice System Amendment (Efficiency Measures) Act (No. 1) 2009)
Amends the: Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 to: allow the Federal Court to refer all or part of a proceeding to a referee for report; and allow a single Federal Court judge to make interlocutory orders in proceedings that would otherwise be heard and determined by a Full Court; International Arbitration Act 1974 to give the Federal Court concurrent jurisdiction with state and territory Supreme Courts to enforce foreign arbitral awards; Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, Family Law Act 1975, Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 and Native Title Act 1993 to remove restrictions on Chief Justices and Presidents acquiring an interest in land for the purposes of the Lands Acquisition Act 1989; Public Order (Protection of Persons and Property) Act 1971 to allow authorised, non-judicial officers of the Federal Court to make orders specifying that certain premises are —court premises—; and Family Law Act 1975 to respond to the Full Family Court of Australia decision in Black v Black relating to the satisfaction of technical requirements for binding financial and termination agreements.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 5/2/09
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Passed 26/10/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; interim report presented 17/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09; final report presented 23/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
Committee amendments: 18 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 23/11/09]
Assent: 7/12/09; Act No. 122, 2009
Financial Assistance Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 to increase the general drawing rights limit for the 2008-09 financial year to $1 250 000 000 to enable the Commonwealth to provide general purpose financial assistance to the states; and Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995 to enable the minister to permit a state to receive an entitlement to financial assistance before the end of the financial year to which that assistance relates.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 13/5/09
Senate: Intro. 13/5/09; Passed 14/5/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 27/5/09; Act No. 36, 2009
Financial Sector Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2009
Amends: the Life Insurance Act 1995 to establish a prudential regulation regime for non-operating holding companies of life insurance companies to be administered by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA); 19 other Acts to make consequential amendments; and the Banking Act 1959, Insurance Act 1973, Life Insurance Act 1995, Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and First Home Saver Accounts Act 2008 to provide APRA with power to seek court injunctions against breaches of conditions or directions issued under those Acts.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 27/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 13/8/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Assent: 27/8/09; Act No. 75, 2009
Fisheries Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Fisheries Management Act 1991 to: enable the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to undertake certain administrative and licensing functions by an eLicensing system (GOFish); and provide that fisheries officers engaged in investigating suspected illegal fishing can be issued with, and carry, prescribed defensive equipment in the course of their duties; and Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 to clarify which individuals who receive fish directly from Torres Strait commercial fishers require a fish receiver licence.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Deferred
PS Flags (Protection of Australian Flags) Amendment Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Barnett — LP)
Amends the Flags Act 1953 to protect the Australian National Flag and proclaimed flags from unlawful desecration or destruction by inserting offence and penalty provisions.
Senate: Intro. 3/9/08; 2nd reading adjourned 3/9/08
SBC report 10/08 (tabled and adopted 4/9/08): No reference
PS Food Safety (Trans Fats) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Siewert — AG)
The bill: prohibits the manufacture, distribution, offering for sale, selling or otherwise trading in food containing synthetic trans fatty acids; and retains the right of state and territory governments to develop their own complementary or alternative regulatory regime.
Senate: Intro. 16/3/09; 2nd reading adjourned 16/3/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
PS Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Xenophon — Ind, Senator Bob Brown — AG and Senator Joyce — Nats)
Amends the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 to require Food Standards Australia New Zealand to develop and approve food product labelling standards to be used by food producers, manufacturers and distributors.
Senate: Intro. 20/8/09; 2nd reading adjourned 20/8/09
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 26/11/09
PS Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling—Palm Oil) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Xenophon — Ind, Senator Bob Brown — AG and Senator Joyce — Nats)
Amends the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act 1991 to require Food Standards Australia New Zealand to develop and approve labelling standards to be used by food producers, manufacturers and distributors of food containing palm oil.
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 23/11/09
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 15/6/10
Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 to require foreign investors to notify the Treasurer where there is a possibility, either now or in the future, that an investment arrangement will influence or control the business or assets of an Australian company.
Reps: Intro. 20/8/09; Passed 23/11/09
CID amendments: 11 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): No reference
Foreign Evidence Amendment Bill 2008
Amends the Foreign Evidence Act 1994 to: streamline the process for adducing foreign material that appears to consist of a business record; and make amendments in relation to: testimony obtained from foreign countries; non-conviction based proceeds of crime matters; court discretion when using foreign evidence; and the Attorney-General—s certification of foreign material. Also contains application and transitional provisions.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 5/2/09
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; 2nd reading adjourned 5/2/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; extension of time to report 13/2/09; interim report presented 4/3/09 and tabled 10/3/09; extension of time for final report 10/3/09; final report tabled 11/3/09
Foreign States Immunities Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 to enable a foreign state and its emergency management personnel to be immune in tort proceedings for acts or omissions that occur in the course of the foreign state providing emergency management assistance to Australia. Also contains a regulation making power.
Reps: Intro. 19/8/09; Passed 10/9/09
Senate: Intro. 14/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 12/09 (tabled and adopted 20/8/09): No reference
Assent: 18/9/09; Act No. 89, 2009
PS Freedom of Information Amendment (Open Government) Bill 2003 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)
Amends the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations to: extend access to information in the possession of the Commonwealth; and create an independent position of Freedom of Information Commissioner to be held by the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Senate: Intro. 25/6/03; 2nd reading adjourned 25/6/03
SBC report 8/03 (tabled and adopted 13/8/03): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 17/11/04, 18/3/08
SBC report 4/08 (tabled and adopted 14/5/08): No reference
Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Information Commissioner Bill 2009, the bill amends: the Freedom of Information Act 1982 to: establish a statutory framework for a publication scheme for certain Commonwealth agencies; remove fees for applications under the Act; enable the Information Commissioner to extend time periods for processing requests in certain cases; provide for consultation processes when responding to onerous requests; provide that documents held by certain contracted service providers are subject to the Act; and limit access to certain intelligence agency information and documents of the Department of Defence; the Archives Act 1983 to reduce open access periods for certain Commonwealth records; the Archives Act 1983, Freedom of Information Act 1982 and Privacy Act 1988 to: amend exemption provisions; and provide for a public interest test; the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and Ombudsman Act 1976 to provide that the Information Commissioner has: a merits review and an investigatory function; and the power to declare a person to be a vexatious applicant; and 17 Acts consequent on the establishment of the Office of the Information Commissioner. Also makes consequential and transitional amendments.
Reps: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; report due 16/3/10
S Freedom of Information (Removal of Conclusive Certificates and Other Measures) Bill 2008 [2009]
(Act citation: Freedom of Information (Removal of Conclusive Certificates and Other Measures) Act 2009)
Amends the Freedom of Information Act 1982, Archives Act 1983, Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 and Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1986 to: remove the power to issue conclusive certificates; revoke existing conclusive certificates if a new access request is received; implement measures to protect sensitive information in proceedings before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal; and make consequential amendments.
Senate: Intro. 26/11/08; Passed 13/8/09
SBC report 16/08 (tabled and adopted 26/11/08): Referred to Finance and Public Administration Committee; report tabled 10/3/09
Committee amendments: 3 AG/negatived; 1 item opposed (AG)/item agreed to
Reps: Intro. 17/8/09; Passed 15/9/09
Assent: 6/10/09; Act No. 99, 2009
Fuel Quality Standards Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 to: provide the minister with a wider range of conditions that can apply to approvals to vary fuel standards; simplify procedures when an urgent approval is required to avoid a fuel supply shortfall; provide for civil penalties, infringement notices and enforceable undertakings; enable the minister to consider how fuel is to be supplied when determining a standard; extend information sharing powers; and extend the types of courts that have jurisdiction for various matters.
Reps: Intro. 18/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Committee amendment: 1 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 20/10/09]
Assent: 6/11/09; Act No. 107, 2009
PS Genetic Privacy and Non-discrimination Bill 1998 [2008]
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; report due 11/8/98; interim report presented 10/8/98 and tabled 10/11/98
Reference: 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, 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PM Geothermal and other Renewable Energy (Emerging Technologies) Amendment Bill 2009
(Introduced by Mrs Bishop — LP)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to: require regulations to be made to determine that food processing activities, to the extent they are trade exposed, be given a 90 per cent partial exemption from the additional renewable source electricity acquisition obligation for 2010 and later years; and provide that certain emerging renewable energy sources gain a share of the guaranteed renewable energy market.
Reps: Intro. 14/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/10/09
PS Geothermal and Other Renewable Energy (Emerging Technologies) Amendment Bill 2009 (No. 2)
(Introduced by Senator Minchin — LP)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to provide that certain emerging renewable energy sources gain a share of the guaranteed renewable energy market.
Senate: Intro. 16/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 16/9/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Guarantee of State and Territory Borrowing Appropriation Bill 2009
Provides for: a standing appropriation to pay claims under the Guarantee of State and Territory Borrowing; and a borrowing power enabling money to be borrowed to pay those claims should there be insufficient funds in the Consolidated Revenue Fund at the time claims are to be paid.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 17/6/09
Senate: Intro. 18/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 27/5/09; report tabled 16/6/09
Committee amendments: 1 Opp/passed; 1 AG/negatived
[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 18/6/09]
Assent: 29/6/09; Act No. 61, 2009
Health Insurance Amendment (Compliance) Bill 2009
Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to: enable the Chief Executive Officer of Medicare Australia to require certain documents to be produced by a medical practitioner during a compliance audit; and provide that a practitioner unable to substantiate an amount paid for a service may be liable to pay a penalty.
Reps: Intro. 17/9/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Passed 23/11/09
SBC report 15/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Committee amendments: 7 Opp (1 as amended)/passed; 2 Opp-FFP-Ind (Xenophon)/passed; 1 subsection negatived (Opp); 3 AG/negatived; 1 FFP/negatived
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 2 to 9 and disagreed to Senate amendments nos 1 and 10, 24/11/09; Senate insisted on its amendments nos 1 and 10, 26/11/09; Reps reported Senate message insisting on its amendments 26/11/09]
Health Insurance Amendment (Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation) Bill 2009
Amends the Health Insurance Amendment (Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation) Act 2007 to: broaden the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme to require practices providing non-radiology services, or a combination of radiology and non-radiology services, to obtain accreditation; and provide transitional arrangements.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Deferred
Health Insurance Amendment (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Bill 2009
Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to enable the minister to determine, by legislative instrument, the maximum increase of benefit payable under the Extended Medicare Safety Net for specified Medicare Benefits Schedule items.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 15/6/09
Senate: Intro. 16/6/09; Passed 16/9/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report presented 5/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp-FFP-Ind (Xenophon)/passed
Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed; 1 AG/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 17/9/09]
Assent: 7/10/09; Act No. 101, 2009
Health Insurance Amendment (New Zealand Overseas Trained Doctors) Bill 2009
Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to: enable certain New Zealand permanent resident and citizen doctors to provide professional services that attract Medicare benefits without being subject to a ten-year waiting period (the —moratorium— period); remove the requirement for overseas trained doctors to have both Australian permanent residency or citizenship and medical registration before the moratorium period commences; and provide for a 90-day period in which medical practitioners can appeal against a refusal for an exemption from the moratorium period.
Reps: Intro. 21/10/09; Passed 30/11/09
Senate: Intro. 2/12/09; 2nd reading adjourned 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
PS Health Insurance Amendment (Revival of Table Items) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Cormann — LP, Senator Fielding — FFP and Senator Xenophon — Ind)
Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to provide that if an item in the general medical services table is disallowed under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, the corresponding item in the previous regulations is taken to apply from the time of disallowance.
Senate: Intro. 28/10/09; Passed 28/10/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
Reps: Intro. 28/10/09; Read a 1st time 28/10/09; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting
Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009
Amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 and National Health Act 1953 to: enable nurse practitioners and appropriately qualified and experienced midwives to request appropriate diagnostic imaging and pathology services for which Medicare benefits may be paid; and allow those health professionals to prescribe certain medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Also makes consequential amendments to the Health Insurance Act 1973, Medical Indemnity Act 2002, Medicare Australia Act 1973 and National Health Act 1953.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 8/9/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 9/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 9/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; interim report presented 7/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 17/8/09
Reference: Bill and Government amendments referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 23/11/09; report due 1/2/10
Health Workforce Australia Bill 2009
Establishes Health Workforce Australia as an independent statutory body to implement Council of Australian Governments (COAG) health workforce initiatives agreed to in November 2008 including funding, planning and coordinating clinical training, supporting clinical training supervision and health workforce research and planning, funding simulation training, and providing advice to Health Ministers. Also contains a regulation making power.
Reps: Intro. 13/5/09; Passed 27/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 24/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 15/6/09; report tabled 16/6/09
Committee amendment: 1 Opp/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 24/6/09]
Assent: 22/7/09; Act No. 72, 2009
Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities, and Other Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: Higher Education Support Act 2003 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to: allow higher education providers to impose an annual capped compulsory student services and amenities fee of $250 from 1 July 2009; establish the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP): Services and Amenities-HELP (SA-HELP) to enable eligible students to access a loan for the fee; require higher education providers that receive funding for student places under the Commonwealth Grants Scheme to implement National Access to Services Benchmarks; and Higher Education Support Act 2003 to: broaden the guidelines-making powers to vary the VET FEE-HELP debt; allow different requirements to apply to different students undertaking VET units of study; and provide that officers of Tertiary Admission Centres have the same status and duty of care as those of higher education providers in relation to processing student information.
Reps: Intro. 11/2/09; Passed 19/3/09
Senate: Intro. 20/3/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 18/8/09 [but see Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2009 below]
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee; report tabled 10/3/09
Committee amendments: 1 Govt/passed; 4 AG/negatived; 6 Joyce-Nash-Williams/negatived
Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2009
Amends the: Higher Education Support Act 2003 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to: allow higher education providers to impose an annual capped compulsory student services and amenities fee of $250 from 1 July 2009; establish the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP): Services and Amenities-HELP (SA-HELP) to enable eligible students to access a loan for the fee; and require higher education providers that receive funding for student places under the Commonwealth Grants Scheme to implement National Access to Services Benchmarks.
Reps: Intro. 9/9/09; Passed 26/11/09
Senate: Intro. 30/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 30/11/09
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): No reference
Higher Education Support Amendment (2009 Budget Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to: revise the maximum funding amounts for the Commonwealth Grant Scheme, Other Grants, and Commonwealth Scholarships; include a funding cluster for education and provide increased funding for all clusters; increase the maximum additional funding certain eligible higher education providers can receive; vary the purposes for which Other Grants may be made and eligibility for those grants; change maximum student contribution amounts for certain students; remove the OS-HELP loan fee from 2010; and apply new indexation arrangements to maximum student contribution amounts in 2011.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 19/8/09
Senate: Intro. 19/8/09; Passed 7/9/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee 28/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report 7/09 below]
SBC report 6/09 (presented 1/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09): No reference
SBC report 7/09 (presented 4/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 24/6/09; report presented 5/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09
Assent: 18/9/09; Act No. 86, 2009
Higher Education Support Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 in relation to the FEE-HELP and VET FEE-HELP assistance schemes by: removing the need for certain organisations to have tuition assurance arrangements when applying for approval to offer assistance; and allowing recommendations from certain agencies to be used as part of the assessment and approval of training organisations to deliver assistance.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 16/9/09
Senate: Intro. 17/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Higher Education Support Amendment (VET FEE-HELP and Providers) Bill 2009
Amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to: clarify that students cannot access VET FEE-HELP assistance to undertake a vocational education and training (VET) unit of study that is not essential to the student—s course; ensure that the minister can revoke the approval of a VET provider of a body corporate that does not meet certain requirements; and allow higher education and VET provider notices of approval to take effect the day following registration on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
Reps: Intro. 18/3/09; Passed 27/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 15/6/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Assent: 23/6/09; Act No. 39, 2009
Higher Education Support Amendment (VET FEE-HELP and Tertiary Admission Centres) Bill 2009
Amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to: broaden the guidelines-making powers to vary the VET FEE-HELP debt; allow different requirements to apply to different students undertaking VET units of study; and provide that officers of Tertiary Admission Centres have the same status and duty of care as those of higher education providers in relation to processing student information.
Reps: Intro. 9/9/09; Passed 19/11/09
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): No reference
Assent: 7/12/09; Act No. 121, 2009
Horse Disease Response Levy Bill 2008
Part of a package of three bills to establish a horse disease response levy, the bill imposes a levy on the first registration of horses, to enable the horse industry to repay amounts paid by the Commonwealth on behalf of the horse industry in the event of an outbreak of an emergency horse disease.
Reps: Intro. 21/2/08; Passed 3/9/08
Senate: Intro. 3/9/08; Negatived at 3rd reading 4/2/09
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Reference: Referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee 4/9/08; interim report presented 3/10/08 and tabled 13/10/08; extension of time for final report 13/10/08; final report tabled 13/11/08
Horse Disease Response Levy Collection Bill 2008
Part of a package of three bills to establish a horse disease response levy, the bill: enables the collection and administration of a horse disease response levy from horse registration bodies; imposes penalties for unpaid levies and the remission of any penalties resulting from late payments; introduces information gathering powers to allow for the collection of information and documents as specified by the Commonwealth; and provides for regulations to prescribe details for the collection of the levy.
Reps: Intro. 21/2/08; Passed 3/9/08
Senate: Intro. 3/9/08; Negatived at 3rd reading 4/2/09
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Reference: Referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee 4/9/08; interim report presented 3/10/08 and tabled 13/10/08; extension of time for final report 13/10/08; final report tabled 13/11/08
Horse Disease Response Levy (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008
Part of a package of three bills to establish a horse disease response levy, the bill amends the Australian Animal Health Council (Live-stock Industries) Funding Act 1996 to enable horse disease response levies to be appropriated to the Australian Animal Health Council to repay amounts paid by the Commonwealth due to an outbreak of an emergency horse disease. Any excess levies are to be used for research and development activities or the promotion or maintenance of horse health.
Reps: Intro. 21/2/08; Passed 3/9/08
Senate: Intro. 3/9/08; Negatived at 3rd reading 4/2/09
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Reference: Referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee 4/9/08; interim report presented 3/10/08 and tabled 13/10/08; extension of time for final report 13/10/08; final report tabled 13/11/08
Household Stimulus Package Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill amends the: Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to provide for the payment of a one-off $950 bonus to: eligible students returning to study or training in 2009 and certain other income support recipients; and farmers and farm-related small business owners receiving exceptional circumstances related income support payments; Social Security Act 1991 to: reduce the qualification period for the education entry payment from 12 months to four weeks of continuous receipt of income support payments; and provide for an education entry payment supplement of $950 to those eligible for the education entry payment; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to: provide for the payment of a one-off $950 per child bonus to families eligible for family tax benefit (FTB) Part A and certain children who receive a carer payment or disability support pension; and provide for a single income family bonus payment of $950 for families entitled to the FTB Part B. Also: enables the establishment of administrative schemes to provide bonus payments in circumstances where the statutory regime does not produce an appropriate result; and makes consequential amendments to four other Acts.
Reps: Intro. 4/2/09; Passed 5/2/09 a.m. (Votes and Proceedings 4/2/09)
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 12/2/09 [but see Household Stimulus Package Bill (No. 2) 2009 below]
SBC report 1/09 (tabled and adopted 5/2/09): Deferred
References: Provisions of bill referred to:
Community Affairs Committee 5/2/09; report due 10/2/09; reference withdrawn 5/2/09
Finance and Public Administration Committee 5/2/09; report tabled 10/2/09
Committee amendments: 6 Govt/passed
Household Stimulus Package Bill (No. 2) 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill amends the: Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to provide for the payment of a one-off $950 bonus to: eligible students returning to study or training in 2009 and certain other income support recipients; and farmers and farm-related small business owners receiving exceptional circumstances related income support payments; Social Security Act 1991 to: reduce the qualification period for the education entry payment from 12 months to four weeks of continuous receipt of income support payments; and provide for an education entry payment supplement of $950 to those eligible for the education entry payment; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 to: provide for the payment of a one-off $950 per child bonus to families eligible for family tax benefit (FTB) Part A and certain children who receive a carer payment or disability support pension; and provide for a single income family bonus payment of $900 for families entitled to the FTB Part B. Also: enables the establishment of administrative schemes to provide bonus payments in circumstances where the statutory regime does not produce an appropriate result; and makes consequential amendments to four other Acts.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 13/2/09
Assent: 18/2/09; Act No. 4, 2009
Income Tax (TFN Withholding Tax (ESS)) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Budget Measures No. 2) Bill 2009, the bill imposes a withholding tax on employees who have not quoted a Tax File Number or Australian Business Number to their employer by the end of the income year in relation to employee share schemes.
Reps: Intro. 21/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Passed 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 16/11/09
Assent: 14/12/09; Act No. 132, 2009
PS Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws Bill 2008 [No. 2]
(Introduced by Senators Troeth and Humphries — LP)
Provides for the appointment of an independent person to review the operation, effectiveness and implications of laws relating to terrorism.
Senate: Intro. 23/6/08; Passed 13/11/08
SBC report 7/08 (tabled and adopted 26/6/08): No reference
Reference: Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee 2/9/08; order varied 2/9/08: report due 24/9/08; extension of time to report 22/9/08; report tabled 14/10/08
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee amendments: 11 Troeth (1 as amended by AG, 1 as amended by 4 AG)/passed; 2 AG/passed; 1 AG/negatived
Reps: Intro. 24/11/08; Read a 1st time 24/11/08; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting
Information Commissioner Bill 2009
Introduced with the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009, the bill: establishes and provides for the appointments and staffing of the Office of the Information Commissioner; provides for the appointment, functions and powers of the two new statutory positions of Information Commissioner and Freedom of Information Commissioner, and the Privacy Commissioner; establishes the Information Advisory Committee; imposes a penalty for unauthorised disclosure of information; requires the Information Commissioner to prepare an annual report; and provides for a review of the operation of the Act after a two-year period.
Reps: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; report due 16/3/10
PS Infrastructure Australia Amendment (National Broadband Network and Other Projects) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Minchin — LP)
Amends the Infrastructure Australia Act 2008 to: require Infrastructure Australia to assess the proposed national broadband network and provide a report to the minister to be tabled in Parliament; and enable either House of the Parliament to refer infrastructure proposals to Infrastructure Australia for analysis and assessment.
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 15/6/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): No reference
International Arbitration Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the International Arbitration Act 1974 to: apply most of the amendments made by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law in 2006 to the Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration to international commercial arbitration in Australia; confine the circumstances in which courts can set aside an award made under the Model Law or refuse to enforce foreign awards under the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards and the Model Law; include additional optional provisions to be made available to the parties to an arbitration agreement; and make general amendments in relation to the operation of the Act.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
International Monetary Agreements Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the International Monetary Agreements Act 1947 to enact any amendments to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Articles of Agreement, including those recently approved by the Boards of Governors, upon their entry into force.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 7/9/09
Senate: Intro. 8/9/09; Passed 9/9/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 10/9/09; Act No. 82, 2009
International Monetary Agreements Amendment (Financial Assistance) Bill 2009
Amends the International Monetary Agreements Act 1947 to: enable loans or currency swaps to be provided as part of a package prepared by the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank; appropriate funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for such loan or currency swaps; and provide that the Treasurer table in each House a national interest statement when an agreement to provide such financial assistance is entered into.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 15/6/09
Senate: Intro. 16/6/09; Passed 17/6/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): No reference
Assent: 26/6/09; Act No. 57, 2009
International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2009
Amends the International Tax Agreements Act 1953 to give legislative authority to agreements between Australia and the British Virgin Islands and the Isle of Man in relation to the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 16/9/09
Senate: Intro. 17/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Assent: 8/10/09; Act No. 105, 2009
International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2009
Amends the: International Tax Agreements Act 1953 to give legislative effect to: the 2009 Convention between Australia and New Zealand for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and Fringe Benefits and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion; the Second Protocol amending the Agreement between Australia and the Kingdom of Belgium for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income; and the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Jersey for the Allocation of Taxing Rights with Respect to Certain Income of Individuals and to Establish a Mutual Agreement Procedure in Respect of Transfer Pricing Adjustments; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to align the definition of dual listed company arrangements with the 2009 Australia-New Zealand Convention.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
PS Keeping Jobs from Going Offshore (Protection of Personal Information) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
The bill requires: Australian organisations to meet certain requirements before transferring personal information about an individual to an organisation in a foreign country; and foreign call centres to identify the city and country in which they are located when contacting customers.
Senate: Intro. 26/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/10/09
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Deferred
Law and Justice (Cross Border and Other Amendments) Bill 2009
Amends the: Service and Execution of Process Act 1992 to: establish the Cross Border Justice Scheme to enable judicial officers, police and other officials to deal with offenders from any of the participating jurisdictions (Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory); and clarify that prisoners may give evidence by audio or video link when subpoenaed to give evidence in interstate court or tribunal proceedings; and Evidence and Procedure (New Zealand) Act 1994 to expand the range of proceedings covered by the scheme established between Australia and New Zealand for the service of subpoenas between the two jurisdictions.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 26/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 20/8/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; interim report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09; final report tabled 12/5/09
Assent: 7/9/09; Act No. 77, 2009
Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (Identity Crimes and Other Measures) Bill 2008
Amends the: Criminal Code Act 1995 to: insert three new identity crime offences in relation to identification information; and allow a victim of identity crime to obtain a certificate which may assist in re-establishing their credit history; Crimes Act 1914 in relation to the administration of justice offences and makes consequential amendments to eight other Acts; Director of Public Prosecutions Act 1983 to: allow for the delegation of functions and powers to facilitate joint trial arrangements; and provide legal immunity for persons carrying out functions and duties under the Act; Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 in relation to certain written notices and the disclosure of sensitive information held by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre; Australian Federal Police Act 1979 to: enable the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to use alcohol screening as a preliminary test for all random, targeted investigation and certain incident alcohol testing; and allow the Commissioner to confer awards on other AFP employees; and Judiciary Act 1903 to repeal redundant provisions in relation to eligibility to practice law in the territories. Also makes miscellaneous amendments to the Australian Federal Police Act 1979, Crimes Act 1914, Criminal Code Act 1995 and Privacy Act 1988.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 23/2/09
Senate: Intro. 10/3/09; 2nd reading adjourned 10/3/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Long Service Leave Legislation Amendment (Telstra) Bill 2009
Amends the Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976, Telstra Corporation Act 1991 and Telstra (Transition to Full Private Ownership) Act 2005 to extend the application of the Long Service Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act 1976 to Telstra pending development of national long service leave arrangements in consultation with the states and territories.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 21/10/09
Senate: Intro. 26/10/09; Passed 29/10/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 16/11/09; Act No. 110, 2009
PS Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Hanson-Young — AG)
Amends the Marriage Act 1961 to: remove all discriminatory references based on sexuality and gender identity; and allow marriage regardless of sex, sexuality and gender equality.
Senate: Intro. 24/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 24/6/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; report tabled 26/11/09
PS Marriage (Relationships Equality) Amendment Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Nettle — AG)
Amends the Marriage Act 1961 to amend the definition of —marriage— to include same-sex couples.
Senate: Intro. 14/2/08; 2nd reading adjourned 14/2/08
SBC report 2/08 (tabled and adopted 12/3/08): No reference
Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill 2009
Introduced with the Midwife Professional Indemnity (Run-off Cover Support Payment) Bill 2009, the bill establishes the Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme to provide indemnity insurance to eligible privately practising midwives.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 8/9/09
Senate: Intro. 9/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 9/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; interim report presented 7/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 17/8/09
Reference: Bill and Government amendments referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 23/11/09; report due 1/2/10
Midwife Professional Indemnity (Run-off Cover Support Payment) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill 2009, the bill imposes the run-off cover support payment as a levy on insurers— premium income for providing insurance cover to eligible midwives.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 8/9/09
Senate: Intro. 9/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 9/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; interim report presented 7/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 17/8/09
Reference: Bill and Government amendments referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 23/11/09; report due 1/2/10
S Migration Amendment (Abolishing Detention Debt) Bill 2009
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to: remove the liability for immigration detention and related costs for certain persons and liable parties and extinguish all outstanding immigration detention debts; and ensure regulations can no longer prescribe sponsorship undertakings or obligations that include payments to the Commonwealth in relation to the cost of a person—s immigration detention.
Senate: Intro. 18/3/09; Discharged from Notice Paper 25/6/09 [but see bill below]
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Migration Amendment (Abolishing Detention Debt) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to: remove the liability for immigration detention and related costs for certain persons and liable parties and extinguish all outstanding immigration detention debts; and ensure regulations can no longer prescribe sponsorship undertakings or obligations that include payments to the Commonwealth in relation to the cost of a person—s immigration detention.
Reps: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
Senate: Intro. 11/8/09; Passed 8/9/09
SBC report 9/09 (tabled and adopted 18/6/09): No reference
Committee amendments: 2 FFP/negatived
Assent: 18/9/09; Act No. 85, 2009
Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection) Bill 2009
In response to certain recommendations of the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee—s reports A Sanctuary under Review: An Examination of Australia—s Refugee and Humanitarian Determination Processes and Administration and operation of the Migration Act 1958 and the Senate Select Committee report Ministerial Discretion in Migration Matters, the bill amends the Migration Act 1958 to introduce complementary protection arrangements to allow all claims that may engage Australia—s non-refoulement obligations to be considered under a single protection visa application process.
Reps: Intro. 9/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 9/9/09
Senate:
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; interim report presented 16/10/09 and tabled 26/10/09; final report presented 19/10/09 and tabled 26/10/09; correction presented 22/10/09 and tabled 26/10/09
S Migration Amendment (Immigration Detention Reform) Bill 2009
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to implement seven Immigration Detention Values to provide the framework for immigration detention.
Senate: Intro. 25/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/6/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; interim report presented 7/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extensions of time for final report 11/8/09, 13/8/09; final report tabled 20/8/09
Migration Amendment (Protection of Identifying Information) Bill 2009
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to: ensure all personal identifiers obtained by the department are subject to Part 4A of the Act; and provide that personal information must only be disclosed to the extent necessary in order to obtain help from an individual to identify, authenticate the identity of, or locate the subject, in connection with the administration of the Act.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 18/6/09
Senate: Intro. 22/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): No reference
Assent: 8/7/09; Act No. 69, 2009
PS Migration Legislation Amendment (Access to Judicial Review of Migration
R Decisions) Bill 2007 [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Amends the Migration Act 1958 in relation to access to judicial review of migration decisions.
Senate: Intro. 1/3/07; 2nd reading adjourned 1/3/07
SBC report 4/07 (tabled and adopted 21/3/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
S Migration Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2008 [2009]
(Act citation: Migration Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2009)
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to: clarify that the Migration Review Tribunal and the Refugee Review Tribunal may invite either orally or in writing, review applicants or third parties to give information; reinstate uniform time limits for applying for judicial review of a migration decision in the Federal Magistrates Court, Federal Court and High Court; and limit the appeals against judgments by the Federal Magistrates Court and the Federal Court that make an order or refuse to make an order to extend time to apply for judicial review of migration decisions.
Senate: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 4/2/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Reps: Intro. 5/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Assent: 25/2/09; Act No. 10, 2009
PS Migration Legislation Amendment (End of Mandatory Detention) Bill 2006 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Amends the Migration Act 1958 to end the mandatory detention of visa applicants and asylum seekers.
Senate: Intro. 7/9/06; 2nd reading adjourned 7/9/06
SBC report 10/06 (tabled and adopted 14/9/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Zone Excision Repeal) Bill 2006
R [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Introduced with the Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Zone Excision Repeal) (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2006, the bill amends the Migration Act 1958 to repeal provisions which provide for the excision from the migration zone of certain offshore places and prevent a person who arrives unlawfully at an —excised offshore place— from making a valid visa application unless the minister determines it is in the public interest to do so.
Senate: Intro. 15/6/06; 2nd reading adjourned 15/6/06
SBC report 6/06 (tabled and adopted 22/6/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Zone Excision Repeal)
R (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2006 [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Introduced with the Migration Legislation Amendment (Migration Zone Excision Repeal) Bill 2006, the bill makes consequential amendments to the Migration Act 1958 in relation to the repeal of the excision from the migration zone of certain offshore places.
Senate: Intro. 15/6/06; 2nd reading adjourned 15/6/06
SBC report 6/06 (tabled and adopted 22/6/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Migration Legislation Amendment (Provisions Relating to Character and
R Conduct) Bill 2006 [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Amends the Migration Act 1958 in relation to ministerial discretion to assess the character or conduct of a non-citizen for the purposes of refusing a visa application or cancelling an existing visa.
Senate: Intro. 14/8/06; 2nd reading adjourned 14/8/06
SBC report 9/06 (tabled and adopted 7/9/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Migration Legislation Amendment (Restoration of Rights and Procedural
R Fairness) Bill 2007 [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Amends the: Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 and Migration Act 1958 to remove the privative clause mechanism restricting access to Federal and High Court judicial review of administrative decisions made under the Migration Act; and Migration Act 1958 in relation to: immigration detainees; the natural justice hearing rule; the refusal or cancellation of visas on character grounds; and mandatory migration detention.
Senate: Intro. 8/8/07; 2nd reading adjourned 8/8/07
SBC report 13/07 (tabled and adopted 16/8/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Migration Legislation Amendment (Temporary Protection Visas Repeal) Bill 2006
R [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Amends the Migration Regulations 1994 to remove the category of Temporary Protection Visa.
Senate: Intro. 22/6/06; 2nd reading adjourned 22/6/06
SBC report 7/06 (tabled and adopted 9/8/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
S Military Justice (Interim Measures) Bill (No. 1) 2009
Introduced with the Military Justice (Interim Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2009, the bill amends the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 to: provide an interim response to the High Court decision in Lane v Morrison by returning to the service tribunal system that existed before the creation of the Australian Military Court. Also makes consequential amendments to the Defence Act 1903, Defence Force Discipline Appeals Act 1955, Judges— Pensions Act 1968 and Migration Act 1958, and contains application and transitional provisions relating to proceedings and office holders.
Senate: Intro. 9/9/09; Passed 10/9/09
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): No reference
Reps: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 14/9/09
Assent: 22/9/09; Act No. 91, 2009
S Military Justice (Interim Measures) Bill (No. 2) 2009
Introduced with the Military Justice (Interim Measures) Bill (No. 1) 2009, the bill imposes disciplinary sanctions on persons which correspond to punishments imposed by the Australian Military Court and, to the extent necessary, summary authorities in the period between the Court—s establishment and the High Court—s decision in Lane v Morrison. Also provides persons with a right to seek review of their disciplinary liability under the Act.
Senate: Intro. 9/9/09; Passed 10/9/09
SBC report 13/09 (tabled and adopted 10/9/09): No reference
Reps: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 14/9/09
Assent: 22/9/09; Act No. 92, 2009
PS Ministers of State (Post-Retirement Employment Restrictions) Bill 2002 [2008]
R (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
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Nation-building Funds Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Nation-building Funds Act 2008 to redirect $2.5 billion from the Education Investment Fund to the Clean Energy Initiative.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 13/5/09
Senate: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 15/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 23/6/09; Act No. 40, 2009
Nation Building Program (National Land Transport) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the AusLink (National Land Transport) Act 2005 to: replace references to —AusLink— with —Nation Building Program—; clarify funding for off-network projects and off-network projects in regional areas; enable the minister to specify funding conditions in certain documents from time to time; enable the minister to grant certain funding recipients an exemption for calling for public tenders; extend the types of projects that can receive funding as Nation Building Program Black Spot Projects; and enable the minister to increase monies payable to organisations on the Nation Building Program Roads to Recovery List. Also contains a transitional regulation making power.
Reps: Intro. 13/5/09; Passed 1/6/09
CID amendments: 21 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 16/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee; report tabled 15/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp (as amended by Govt)/passed
Committee amendments: 3 AG/negatived
Assent: 26/6/09; Act No. 56, 2009
National Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 and Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991 to establish a merit-based appointment process for ABC and SBS non-executive directors for their respective boards; and Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983 to re-establish the position of staff-elected director to the ABC Board.
Reps: Intro. 29/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 29/10/09, 1/12/09
Senate:
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): No reference
PS National Commissioner for Children Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
Establishes the Office of the National Commissioner for Children and Young People to promote and protect the rights, interests and wellbeing of all Australian children under 18 years of age, and appoints and outlines the functions and responsibilities of the Commissioner. Also establishes an Advisory Committee on Children and sets out membership, function, procedure and membership conditions.
Senate: Intro. 18/3/08; 2nd reading adjourned 18/3/08
SBC report 4/08 (tabled and adopted 14/5/08): No reference
National Consumer Credit Protection Bill 2009
Part of a package of three bills to implement a national consumer credit regime, the bill: establishes a licensing regime for persons who engage in credit activities through an Australian Credit Licence to be administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; applies conduct obligations on licensees; establishes a civil penalty and consumer remedy framework; and provides consumer access to a three-tiered dispute resolution process for credit issues.
Reps: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 20/8/09
Senate: Intro. 7/9/09; Passed 26/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 7/8/09; interim report presented 28/7/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 7/9/09
Committee amendments: 56 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 23/11/09]
Assent: 15/12/09; Act No. 134, 2009
National Consumer Credit Protection (Fees) Bill 2009
Part of a package of three bills to implement a national consumer credit regime, the bill imposes fees, for chargeable matters, collected by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Reps: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 20/8/09
Senate: Intro. 7/9/09; Passed 26/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 7/8/09; interim report presented 28/7/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 7/9/09
Assent: 16/11/09; Act No. 112, 2009
National Consumer Credit Protection (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2009
Part of a package of three bills to implement a national consumer credit regime, the bill: provides for matters resulting from the transition to the regime including the treatment of credit contracts, mortgages, guarantees, consumer leases, court proceedings and orders, and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission—s (ASIC) role to bring or continue appeal, review or enforcement proceedings; and requires persons currently engaged in credit activities to register with ASIC prior to applying for an Australian Credit Licence. Also makes consequential amendments to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 and Corporations Act 2001.
Reps: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 20/8/09
Senate: Intro. 7/9/09; Passed 26/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 7/8/09; interim report presented 28/7/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extension of time for final report 11/8/09; final report tabled 7/9/09
Committee amendments: 43 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 23/11/09]
Assent: 15/12/09; Act No. 135, 2009
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 to: clarify definitions; require results of audits to be included on the National Greenhouse and Energy Register; extend secrecy requirements to cover audit information; allow the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review certain decisions made by the Greenhouse and Energy Data Officer (GEDO); give the GEDO authority to audit certain reporting entities; expand the scope of the legislative instrument relating to guidelines for external auditors; require auditors to apply to the GEDO for registration and provide the minister with power to determine registration requirements; remove the requirement for the GEDO to publish certain corporate level energy production information; and make consequential amendments.
Reps: Intro. 18/3/09; Passed 12/8/09
CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 17/8/09; Passed 7/9/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Finance and Public Administration Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Committee amendments: 3 AG/negatived
Assent: 18/9/09; Act No. 87, 2009
National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical and Other Benefits—Cost Recovery) Bill 2008 [No. 2]
(Act citation: National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical and Other Benefits—Cost Recovery) Act 2009)
Amends the National Health Act 1953 to enable regulations to be made for the cost recovery of services provided by the Commonwealth in relation to the exercise of powers for listing medicines, vaccines and other products or services on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and designation of vaccines for the National Immunisation Program.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 13/5/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 15/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Committee amendments: 2 AG/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 16/6/09]
Assent: 22/7/09; Act No. 71, 2009
National Health Security Amendment (Background Checking) Bill 2009
In response to a recommendation of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee report on the AusCheck Amendment Bill 2009, the bill amends the National Health Security Act 2007 to enable the minister to require background checks of individuals who handle or dispose of security sensitive biological agents to be conducted by AusCheck.
Reps: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
National Health Security Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the National Health Security Act 2007 to: enable the minister to suspend certain regulatory requirements and specify new conditions to ensure adequate controls are maintained in the event of a security sensitive biological agent (SSBA) outbreak; establish controls relating to the handling of biological agents suspected of being SSBAs; provide for additional search and seizure powers; require registered entities to report certain existing reportable events to state or territory police; require registered entities to lodge nil annual and biannual reports; enable the secretary to cancel registration of an entity no longer handling SSBAs; and amend the definition of —biological agent—.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 9/9/09
Senate: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 11/09 (tabled and adopted 12/8/09): No reference
Assent: 7/10/09; Act No. 100, 2009
PS National Market Driven Energy Efficiency Target Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to create a market for energy savings, additional to energy efficiency activities set by minimum energy performance regulation, by: setting a National Market Driven Energy Efficiency Target; and providing for the creation, acquisition and trading of Energy Efficiency Certificates.
Senate: Intro. 14/8/07; 2nd reading adjourned 14/8/07
SBC report 13/07 (tabled and adopted 16/8/07): Referred to Economics Committee; interim report tabled 17/9/07; extension of time to report 17/9/07; further interim report tabled 12/2/08
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 2/08 (tabled and adopted 12/3/08): Referred to Economics Committee; report presented 30/5/08 and tabled 16/6/08
S National Security Legislation Monitor Bill 2009
The bill: appoints a National Security Legislation Monitor to review the operation, effectiveness and implications of counter-terrorism and national security legislation; and provides for: the functions and powers of the position; annual reporting requirements; and protection from legal action. Also contains a regulation making power.
Senate: Intro. 25/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/6/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Referred to Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; report tabled 7/9/09
Native Title Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Native Title Act 1993 to: enable the Federal Court to determine whether the court, the National Native Title Tribunal, or another individual/body should mediate native title claims; specify the manner in which mediations are conducted; change powers of the court in relation to agreed statements of fact and consent orders; enable native title proceedings to rely on new evidence rules; vary the operation of representative bodies, including their recognition and removal of transitional arrangements; and make minor and technical amendments.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
CID amendment: 1 Ind (Oakeshott)/negatived
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 14/9/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; interim report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09; extension of time to report 12/5/09; final report tabled 13/5/09; corrigendum presented 1/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09
Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Assent: 17/9/09; Act No. 83, 2009
Native Title Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2009
Amends the Native Title Act 1993 to: provide that representative Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander bodies and certain native title claimants may comment or request to be consulted about proposed housing and other services for indigenous communities which may affect native title; apply the principle of non-extinguishment to the proposals; provide for compensation for any acquisition of property; and provide for a 10-year sunset period.
Reps: Intro. 21/10/09; Passed 24/11/09
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 2/2/10
Occupational Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 to provide that the manufacture, supply, installation, design and safe use of lifts are regulated; Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 to: restore Comcare—s access to the Consolidated Revenue Fund to pay compensation claims for diseases with long latency periods; re-instate workers— compensation claims arising from off-site recess injuries; allow for compensation for medical expenses to be paid when payment of compensation benefits is suspended; and set time limits within which claims must be determined; and Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991, Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993 and Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 to make amendments consequent on the commencement of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
Reps: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee; report due 25/2/10
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 in relation to: granting certain access authorities; declaring locations from the Designated Authority to Joint Authority; granting scientific investigation consents; the notification of discovery of petroleum in production licence areas; datum provisions and the relabelling of title areas and blocks; duty of care offences; consent to operate a pipeline; requirements for data management plans; titleholder responsibilities and drilling safety; and the registration and transfers of, and dealings in, petroleum titles; Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1997 to add the Western Australian mirror legislation to the Act; and Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006, Archives Act 1983, Freedom of Information Act 1982 and Privacy Act 1988 in relation to commissions of inquiry into significant offshore incidents. Also makes minor technical corrections to five other Acts.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 9/9/09
Main Committee CID amendments: 3 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 15/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Assent: 8/10/09; Act No. 102, 2009
Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Safety Levies) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Safety Levies) Act 2003 to remove references to the pipeline safety management plan levy to enable the payment of safety case levies for pipelines.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 9/9/09
Senate: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Assent: 8/10/09; Act No. 103, 2009
PS Parliamentary Charter of Rights and Freedoms Bill 2001 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Lees — AD)
Provides for a Parliamentary Charter of Rights and Freedoms to protect all Australians against violations of their fundamental civil and political rights by governments.
Senate: Intro. 27/9/01; 2nd reading adjourned 27/9/01
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 9/11/05, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Parliamentary (Judicial Misbehaviour or Incapacity) Commission Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Kirk — ALP)
Establishes an independent commission to hear and determine matters concerning alleged judicial misconduct or incapacity, and requires the commission to report its findings and make recommendations to Parliament.
Senate: Intro. 11/9/07; 2nd reading adjourned 11/9/07
SBC report 16/07 (tabled and adopted 20/9/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 15/5/08
SBC report 5/08 (tabled and adopted 18/6/08): No reference
PS Parliamentary Superannuation Amendment (Removal of Excessive Super) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Act 1948 to: terminate the Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Scheme; require existing scheme members to choose a complying superannuation fund in line with the arrangements applying to new parliamentarians since 2004; and require the Commonwealth to pay into the complying superannuation funds chosen by members their respective commuted superannuation benefits and ongoing superannuation contributions.
Senate: Intro. 14/5/09; 2nd reading adjourned 14/5/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): Referred to Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 8/9/09; report tabled 17/9/09
PS Patents Amendment Bill 1996 [2008]
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, 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Peace and Non-Violence Commission Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Establishes a Peace and Non-Violence Commission, an independent statutory body, to promote peace and non-violence and advance Australia—s obligations under international humanitarian law.
Senate: Intro. 18/6/07; 2nd reading adjourned 18/6/07
SBC report 12/07 (tabled and adopted 9/8/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Personal Property Securities Bill 2008
[Exposure draft of bill]
Establishes a national regime for the registration of security interests in personal property, other than land, supported by a national online register of personal property securities.
Senate: Exposure draft tabled 13/11/08 (by Senator Crossin — ALP)
Reference: Exposure draft referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee 13/11/08; extension of time to report 11/2/09; interim report presented 4/3/09 and tabled 10/3/09; extensions of time for final report 10/3/09, 11/3/09; final report tabled 19/3/09
Personal Property Securities Bill 2009
Establishes a national regime for the registration of security interests in personal property, other than land, supported by a national online register of personal property securities.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 16/9/09
Senate: Intro. 17/9/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; interim report presented 7/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09; extensions of time for final report 11/8/09, 13/8/09; final report tabled 20/8/09
Assent: 14/12/09; Act No. 130, 2009
Personal Property Securities (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
Consequent on the Personal Property Securities Bill 2009, the bill amends 25 Acts relating to fisheries, intellectual property, maritime and other legislation to enable the creation, registration, priority, extinguishment or enforcement of interests in personal property.
Reps: Intro. 21/10/09; Passed 19/11/09
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 16/11/09; report tabled 23/11/09; errata tabled 25/11/09
Assent: 14/12/09; Act No. 131, 2009
PS Plain Tobacco Packaging (Removing Branding from Cigarette Packs) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 and Trade Practices (Consumer Product Information Standards) (Tobacco) Regulations 2004 to ban advertising, logos or trademarks and specify the appearance requirements for cigarette packaging.
Senate: Intro. 20/8/09; 2nd reading adjourned 20/8/09
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 17/3/10
PS Plastic Bag Levy (Assessment and Collection) Bill 2002 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Bob 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; extensions of time to report 7/10/03, 29/10/03; report tabled 26/11/03; corrigendum tabled 1/3/04
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/5/08
SBC report 11/08 (tabled and adopted 18/9/08): No reference
PS Plebiscite for an Australian Republic Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bob Brown — AG)
Provides for a national plebiscite to be held in conjunction with the next House of Representatives election on whether Australia should become a republic.
Senate: Intro. 11/11/08; 2nd reading adjourned 11/11/08
SBC report 15/08 (tabled and adopted 13/11/08): Referred to Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 25/11/08; report tabled 15/6/09; correction tabled 16/6/09
PS Poker Machine Harm Minimisation Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Seeks to promote responsible gaming practices by: imposing technical requirements on corporations which manufacture, sell and supply gaming and poker machines, manufacture or supply cash-back terminals, and on financial institutions which own or operate automatic teller machines; and imposing penalties for contraventions of the requirements.
Senate: Intro. 19/6/08; 2nd reading adjourned 19/6/08
SBC report 6/08 (tabled and adopted 25/6/08): Referred to Community Affairs Committee; report tabled 10/11/08
PS Poker Machine Harm Reduction Tax (Administration) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
The bill: provides for the administration of a poker machine harm reduction tax to be payable by a licensed operator on revenue derived from licensed poker machines; establishes the Poker Machine Harm Reduction Transition Fund Supervisory Board to determine grants to be made from the fund for the purposes of funding community activities, rehabilitation and prevention programs; and provides for promotional educational programs highlighting the risks of gambling.
Senate: Intro. 14/2/08; 2nd reading adjourned 14/2/08
SBC report 2/08 (tabled and adopted 12/3/08): Referred to Community Affairs Committee; extensions of time to report 18/3/08, 26/6/08; report tabled 10/11/08
PS Poker Machine (Reduced Losses—Interim Measures) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Xenophon — Ind)
Proposes to regulate poker machine use by requiring that poker machines cannot: accept banknotes with a denomination greater than $20; accept certain additional credits; allow a bet in excess of $1 per spin; and allow a loss exceeding $120 in one hour—s operation. Also imposes penalties for a contravention of these requirements.
Senate: Intro. 28/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 28/10/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 18/3/10
PS Pregnancy Counselling (Truth in Advertising) Bill 2006 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD, Senator Troeth — LP, Senator Nettle — AG and Senator Carol Brown — ALP)
Prohibits misleading or deceptive advertising or notification of pregnancy counselling services.
Senate: Intro. 7/12/06; 2nd reading adjourned 7/12/06, 14/6/07
SBC report 1/07 (tabled and adopted 8/2/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 19/6/08 (by Senators Stott Despoja and Nettle)
SBC report 6/08 (tabled and adopted 25/6/08): No reference
PS Privacy (Data Security Breach Notification) Amendment Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)
Amends the Privacy Act 1988 to require organisations and Commonwealth Government agencies to notify affected individuals of a data security breach where their personal information is accessed by, or disclosed to, an unauthorised person.
Senate: Intro. 16/8/07; 2nd reading adjourned 16/8/07
SBC report 16/07 (tabled and adopted 20/9/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Privacy (Extension to Political Acts and Practices) Amendment Bill 2006 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)
Amends the Privacy Act 1988 to remove the exemption in the Act for political acts and practices.
Senate: Intro. 22/6/06; 2nd reading adjourned 22/6/06
SBC report 7/06 (tabled and adopted 9/8/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the: Private Health Insurance Act 2007 and Age Discrimination Act 2004 to allow insurers to permanently offer extended family policies to cover —dependent child non-students—; and Private Health Insurance Act 2007 to make amendments consequential on the establishment of the National Joint Replacement Register.
Reps: Intro. 3/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
Senate: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 3/6/09; report tabled 16/6/09
Assent: 1/7/09; Act No. 66, 2009
Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2009
Amends the Private Health Insurance Act 2007 to: allow for conditional listing of prostheses in the Private Health Insurance (Prostheses) Rules; and require the Minister for Health and Ageing to make rules specifying criteria for listing prostheses in the rules.
Reps: Intro. 17/9/09; Passed 28/10/09
Senate: Intro. 29/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 29/10/09
SBC report 15/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Bill 2009
The bill: imposes a levy on joint replacement prostheses sponsors to provide funding for the National Joint Replacement Registry; and enables the minister to make Private Health Insurance (National Joint Replacement Register Levy) Rules by legislative instrument.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 18/6/09
Senate: Intro. 18/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee 28/5/09; report tabled 16/6/09
Assent: 24/6/09; Act No. 51, 2009
PS Protecting Children from Junk Food Advertising Bill 2006 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to impose restrictions on: food and beverage advertising on television during children—s viewing times; and advertising in schools by companies whose principal activity is the manufacture, distribution or sale of junk food.
Senate: Intro. 30/3/06; 2nd reading adjourned 30/3/06
SBC report 7/06 (tabled and adopted 9/8/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Protecting Children from Junk Food Advertising (Broadcasting Amendment) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bob Brown — AG)
Amends the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 and Schools Assistance (Learning Together—Achievement Through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004 to: impose restrictions on food and beverage advertising on television during children—s viewing times; and provide that financial assistance to schools is conditional upon schools not displaying advertisements or sponsorship announcements by companies whose principal activity is the manufacture, distribution or sale of junk food.
Senate: Intro. 4/9/08; Negatived at 2nd reading 18/6/09
SBC report 10/08 (tabled and adopted 4/9/08): Referred to Community Affairs Committee; extension of time to report 11/11/08; report tabled 2/12/08
PS Protecting Problem Gamblers Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Proposes to regulate poker and gaming machine use by placing technical requirements on manufacturers and suppliers of those machines by requiring that they cannot: accept banknotes with a denomination greater than $20; accept certain additional credits; and allow a bet in excess of $1 per spin. Also imposes penalties for a contravention of these requirements.
Senate: Intro. 27/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 27/10/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): Referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 18/3/10
PS Public Interest Disclosures Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Murray — AD)
Creates a framework to facilitate the disclosure of information in the public interest by protecting public officials and others who make such disclosures.
Senate: Intro. 14/6/07; 2nd reading adjourned 14/6/07
SBC report 12/07 (tabled and adopted 9/8/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Qantas Sale (Keep Jetstar Australian) Amendment Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the Qantas Sale Act 1992 to ensure that restrictions about foreign ownership and other matters that apply to Qantas also apply to Jetstar and other Qantas subsidiaries.
Senate: Intro. 27/2/07; 2nd reading adjourned 27/2/07
SBC report 3/07 (tabled and adopted 1/3/07): Referred to Economics Committee; report tabled 20/3/07; corrected comments tabled 28/3/07
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PM Quarantine Proclamation Amendment Bill 2009
(Introduced by Mr Katter — Ind)
Amends the Quarantine Proclamation 1998 made under the Quarantine Act 1908 to require the Director of Quarantine to take into account certain matters when deciding to grant a permit to import fruit and vegetables into Australia.
Reps: Intro. 22/6/09; Read a 1st time 18/8/09; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting
PS Renewable Energy Amendment (Feed-in-Tariff for Electricity) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Milne — AG)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to establish a national feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme to provide financial support for the commercialisation of prospective renewable energy technologies by providing: that the minister sets and reviews a FiT rate for renewable energy technology and a FiT levy rate to fund payments under the scheme; that qualifying generators be allowed to connect and feed into the grid; that the Renewable Energy Regulator establish a Feed-in-Tariff Register; and for the preparation and tabling of an independent report on the operation of the scheme.
Senate: Intro. 11/11/08; 2nd reading adjourned 11/11/08, 13/11/08
SBC report 15/08 (tabled and adopted 13/11/08): No reference
PM Renewable Energy Amendment (Feed-in-Tariff for Electricity) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Mr Oakeshott — Ind)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to establish a national feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme to provide financial support for the commercialisation of prospective renewable energy technologies by providing: that the minister sets and reviews a FiT rate for renewable energy technology and a FiT levy rate to fund payments under the scheme; that qualifying generators be allowed to connect and feed into the grid; that the Renewable Energy Regulator establish a Feed-in-Tariff Register; and for the preparation and tabling of an independent report on the operation of the scheme.
Reps: Intro. 18/8/09; 2nd reading adjourned 14/9/09
PS Renewable Energy Amendment (Increased Mandatory Renewable Energy Target) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Milne — AG)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to increase the mandatory renewable energy target from 9500GWh to 45 000GWh and require the minister to review the targets annually.
Senate: Intro. 27/11/08; 2nd reading adjourned 27/11/08
PS Renewable Energy (Certificates and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Cash — LP)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to: limit the issue of renewable energy certificates to mature renewable energy technologies to one-third of the total certificates issued; and provide for the creation of certificates for building efficient long distance transmission systems.
Senate: Intro. 17/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/09
SBC report 15/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to: clarify the objectives of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme; increase annual targets for renewable energy generation from 2010; implement a Solar Credits mechanism; require a review of the legislation and regulations in 2014 and for the review to be tabled in Parliament; provide partial exemptions from liability for certain activities; provide for the transition of existing and proposed state renewable energy target schemes; enable power stations utilising waste coal mine gas as a fuel source to participate in the RET scheme for a specified period; and further increase the annual targets under the scheme for the years during which this fuel source will be eligible.
Reps: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 17/8/09
CID amendments: 23 Govt/passed; 13 Opp/negatived; 4 Ind (Oakeshott)/negatived
Senate: Intro. 18/8/09; Passed 20/8/09
SBC report 9/09 (tabled 18/6/09; motion to adopt report amended and agreed to 18/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 12/8/09
Committee amendments: 4 Govt/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 19 AG/negatived; 11 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived; 1 Schedule opposed (AG)/Schedule agreed to; 4 items opposed (AG)/items agreed to
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 20/8/09]
Assent: 7/9/09; Act No. 78, 2009
Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Charge) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) (Charge) Act 2000 to increase the shortfall charge payable by non-complaint liable parties from $40 per megawatt-hour to $65 per megawatt-hour.
Reps: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 17/8/09
Senate: Intro. 18/8/09; Passed 20/8/09
SBC report 9/09 (tabled 18/6/09; motion to adopt report amended and agreed to 18/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 12/8/09
Assent: 7/9/09; Act No. 79, 2009
PS Renewable Energy (Food Processing Activities) Amendment Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Boswell — Nats)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 to require regulations to be made to determine that food processing activities, to the extent that they are trade exposed, be given a 90 per cent partial exemption from the additional renewable source electricity acquisition obligation for 2010 and later years.
Senate: Intro. 17/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/09
SBC report 15/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
PS Renewable Energy Legislation Amendment (Renewable Power Percentage) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Amends the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations 2001 to expand interim targets by increasing the renewable energy power percentages from 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2020.
Senate: Intro. 14/2/08; 2nd reading adjourned 14/2/08
SBC report 2/08 (tabled and adopted 12/3/08): Referred to Economics Committee; report presented 30/5/08 and tabled 16/6/08
PS Repatriation of Citizens Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senators Allison and Stott Despoja — AD)
Provides for the repatriation of Australian citizens held in detention overseas if there is a risk of infringement of their human rights.
Senate: Intro. 29/3/07; 2nd reading adjourned 29/3/07
SBC report 10/07 (tabled and adopted 21/6/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Republic (Consultation of the People) Bill 2001 [2008]
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, 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists Bill 2009
(Previous title: Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists Bill 2008)
Establishes a resale royalty right for visual artists and an accompanying statutory scheme. The resale royalty right will entitle visual artists to a royalty payment on the sale price of any commercial resale of their original works of art valued over $1000, be inalienable and endure for the life of the artist plus 70 years.
Reps: Intro. 27/11/08; Passed 8/9/09
Reference: Referred to Climate Change, Water, Environment and the Arts Committee 27/11/08; report due 20/2/09; report tabled 23/2/09
Main Committee CID amendments: 4 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 9/9/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 3/09 (tabled and adopted 18/3/09): No reference
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee amendments: 3 AG/negatived
Assent: 9/12/09; Act No. 125, 2009
Reserve Bank Amendment (Enhanced Independence) Bill 2008
Amends the Reserve Bank Act 1959 to give the Governor-General authority to appoint, suspend and terminate the positions of Governor or Deputy-Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia. Terminations of these positions require parliamentary approval.
Reps: Intro. 20/3/08; Passed 26/5/08
CID amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 16/6/08; Passed 23/6/08
SBC report 4/08 (tabled and adopted 14/5/08): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report due 31/5/08; interim report presented 30/5/08 and tabled 16/6/08; final report presented 11/6/08 and tabled 16/6/08
Committee amendments: 2 Opp/passed; 1 Dem/passed; 1 FFP to Opp/negatived
[Reps reported Senate message returning bill with amendments 24/6/08; Senate requested Reps to immediately consider amendments 19/3/09; Reps reported further Senate message requesting them to immediately consider amendments 19/3/09]
PS Restoring Territory Rights (Voluntary Euthanasia Legislation) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bob Brown — AG)
Amends the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978, Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 and Norfolk Island Act 1979 to remove the prohibition on legalising voluntary euthanasia. Also repeals the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997.
Senate: Intro. 17/9/08; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/08
SBC report 11/08 (tabled and adopted 18/9/08): No reference
PS Rights of the Terminally Ill (Euthanasia Laws Repeal) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bob Brown — AG)
Repeals the Euthanasia Laws Act 1997 which prevents the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly and the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly from legalising voluntary euthanasia.
Senate: Intro. 14/2/08; 2nd reading adjourned 14/2/08
SBC report 2/08 (tabled and adopted 12/3/08): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; extensions of time to report 18/3/08, 23/6/08, 25/6/08; report tabled 26/6/08
Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Repeal Bill 2009
Repeals the Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Act 1995 to allow the Australian Capital Territory Government to implement the agreed model dangerous goods transport legislation in accordance with the Inter-Governmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Road, Rail and Intermodal Transport entered into between the Commonwealth, states and territories.
Reps: Intro. 22/6/09; Passed 13/8/09
Senate: Intro. 17/8/09; Passed 17/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Assent: 8/10/09; Act No. 104, 2009
Rural Adjustment Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Rural Adjustment Act 1992 to allow for the re-appointment of National Rural Advisory Council members for two subsequent terms after their initial term.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 23/6/09
Senate: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 24/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 25/6/09; Act No. 53, 2009
PS Safe Climate (Energy Efficient Non-Residential Buildings Scheme) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Milne — AG)
Establishes an emissions intensity cap and building efficiency certificate trading scheme for non-residential buildings.
Senate: Intro. 17/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 17/9/09
SBC report 15/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 10/3/10
Safe Work Australia Bill 2008 [No. 2]
(Act citation: Safe Work Australia Act 2008)
Establishes Safe Work Australia (SWA) as a statutory body to make recommendations directly to the Workplace Relations Ministers— Council in relation to occupational health and safety outcomes and workers— compensation arrangements. SWA will replace the Australian Safety and Compensation Council.
Reps: Intro. 13/5/09; Passed 12/8/09
Senate: Intro. 13/8/09; Passed 7/9/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Committee amendments: 2 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
Assent: 18/9/09; Act No. 84, 2009
Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 to provide that the minister is not compelled to consider requests for declarations of eligibility by corporations seeking to join the Comcare scheme as self-insurers.
Reps: Intro. 21/10/09; Passed 25/11/09
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
PS Same-Sex Marriages Bill 2006 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senators Stott Despoja and Bartlett — AD)
Amends the Marriage Act 1961 to ensure that same-sex marriages are given equal status to heterosexual marriages, including repealing the definition of —marriage— as the union between a man and a woman and repealing provisions which prevent same-sex marriages entered into under the law of another country from being recognised in Australia.
Senate: Intro. 15/6/06; 2nd reading adjourned 15/6/06
SBC report 6/06 (tabled and adopted 22/6/06): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Same-Sex: Same Entitlements Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senators Allison, Bartlett, Murray and Stott Despoja — AD)
Implements recommendations of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report Same-Sex: Same Entitlements to remove from Commonwealth law relating to taxation, superannuation, employment and family law, provisions which discriminate against same-sex couples and their children.
Senate: Intro. 14/8/07; 2nd reading adjourned 14/8/07
SBC report 13/07 (tabled and adopted 16/8/07): No reference [Report of inquiry (conducted by Democrat senators) tabled 20/9/07]
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PM Save Our Solar (Solar Rebate Protection) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Mr Hunt — LP)
Requires the responsible minister to determine, by legislative instrument, guidelines for the operation of the Solar Homes and Communities Plan, and gives the secretary general responsibility for the administration of the plan.
Reps: Intro. 23/6/08; Removed from Notice Paper 10/2/09
PS Save Our Solar (Solar Rebate Protection) Bill 2008 [No. 2]
(Introduced by Senator Johnston — LP)
Requires the responsible minister to determine, by legislative instrument, guidelines for the operation of the Solar Homes and Communities Plan, and gives the secretary general responsibility for the administration of the plan.
Senate: Intro. 24/6/08; 2nd reading adjourned 24/6/08, 25/9/08
Reference: Bill and related matters referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee 25/6/08; interim report presented 15/8/08 and tabled 26/8/08; final report presented 25/8/08 and tabled 26/8/08
PM Saving the Goulburn and Murray Rivers Bill 2008
(Introduced by Ms Bailey — LP)
Amends the Water Act 2007 to: prohibit the unauthorised extraction of water from the Murray-Darling Basin; prevent the construction of water infrastructure or river flow control work; ensure the states of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales comply with their obligations to allocate audited, saved water to the Living Murray Initiative and Water for Rivers; and ensure water is not used for any other purpose other than the Living Murray Initiative and Water for Rivers.
Reps: Intro. 1/12/08; Removed from Notice Paper 8/9/09
Social Security Amendment (Liquid Assets Waiting Period) Bill 2009
Amends the Social Security Act 1991 to: reduce the length of the liquid assets waiting period by doubling the maximum reserve threshold for liquid assets to $5000 for singles without dependants or $10 000 for others for a two-year period from 1 April 2009; and remove the surrender value of life insurance policies from the definition of —liquid assets— for social security purposes. Also makes technical amendments to five other Acts.
Reps: Intro. 12/3/09; Passed 18/3/09
Senate: Intro. 18/3/09; Passed 19/3/09
SBC report 3/09 (tabled and adopted 18/3/09): No reference
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 25, 2009
Social Security Amendment (National Green Jobs Corps Supplement) Bill 2009
Amends the Social Security Act 1991 to provide for a training supplement of $41.60 per fortnight for participants in the National Green Jobs Corps who receive youth allowance, newstart allowance and parenting payment.
Reps: Intro. 17/9/09; Passed 18/11/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 19/11/09; Passed 19/11/09
SBC report 15/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 4/12/09; Act No. 116, 2009
Social Security Amendment (Training Incentives) Bill 2009
Amends the Social Security Act 1991 to provide that: certain recipients of newstart allowance and parenting payment may receive a training supplement of $41.60 a fortnight; and early school leavers undertake full-time study or comply with a Youth Allowance Employment Pathway Plan to qualify for youth allowance.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 15/6/09
Senate: Intro. 16/6/09; Passed 17/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee 28/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report below]
SBC report 6/09 (presented 1/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09): No reference
Assent: 23/6/09; Act No. 43, 2009
Social Security and Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (2009 Budget Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to introduce a non-indexed Carer Supplement, payable to carers currently receiving qualifying payments; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to exempt the supplement from income tax; and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 to remove indexation of higher income thresholds for certain family assistance payments until 2012.
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 13/5/09
Senate: Intro. 13/5/09; Passed 14/5/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 27/5/09; Act No. 35, 2009
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Australian Apprentices) Bill 2009
Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to exempt payments made under the Skills for Sustainability for Australian Apprentices and Tools For Your Trade programs from treatment as assessable income for taxation, social security and veterans— affairs purposes.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 16/6/09
Senate: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee 28/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report below]
SBC report 6/09 (presented 1/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09): No reference
Assent: 24/6/09; Act No. 52, 2009
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Income Support for Students) Bill 2009
In response to recommendations of the Review of Higher Education (the Bradley Review), the bill amends the: Social Security Act 1991 to: phase-in a change to the age of independence from 25 to 22 years for the purposes of the independent youth allowance; provide that youth allowance claimants will not be able to attain independence through part-time employment or wages; increase the annual parental income threshold for non-independent youth allowance recipients; change the taper rate from 25 per cent per person to 20 per cent for families for the parental income reduction for youth allowance; increase and index to the Consumer Price Index the personal income free area for youth allowance, austudy students and Australian Apprentices; and provide the training supplement to all parenting payment recipients who are subject to participation requirements; and Social Security Act 1991, Higher Education Support Act 2003, Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to: provide for a start-up scholarship and a relocation scholarship (both to be indexed from 2011); and exempt (to an indexed threshold) merit and equity based scholarships from the income test under social security and veterans— entitlements legislation.
Reps: Intro. 10/9/09; Passed 27/10/09
CID amendments: 4 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 28/10/09; Passed 17/11/09 [but see bill below]
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): Provisions of bill referred to Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; extension of time to report 26/10/09; report tabled 27/10/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee amendments: 7 Opp/passed; 2 AG/passed; 1 Opp/negatived; 3 AG/negatived; 6 FFP/negatived
Committee requests: 3 AG/negatived
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments nos 1 and 2 and disagreed to amendments nos 3 to 9, 18/11/09; The committee of the whole disagreed to further amendments (8 Govt) and resolved not to insist on amendments nos 3 to 9; The Senate disagreed to the motion to adopt the report of the committee 24/11/09]
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Income Support for Students) Bill 2009 [No. 2]
In response to recommendations of the Review of Higher Education (the Bradley Review), the bill amends the: Social Security Act 1991 to: phase-in a change to the age of independence from 25 to 22 years for the purposes of the independent youth allowance; provide that youth allowance claimants will not be able to attain independence through part-time employment or wages; increase the annual parental income threshold for non-independent youth allowance recipients; change the taper rate from 25 per cent per person to 20 per cent for families for the parental income reduction for youth allowance; increase and index to the Consumer Price Index the personal income free area for youth allowance, austudy students and Australian Apprentices; and provide the training supplement to all parenting payment recipients who are subject to participation requirements; and Social Security Act 1991, Higher Education Support Act 2003, Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to: provide for a start-up scholarship and a relocation scholarship (both to be indexed from 2011); and exempt (to an indexed threshold) merit and equity based scholarships from the income test under social security and veterans— entitlements legislation. Also requires a review of the impact of this proposed Act on student income arrangements to be completed by 30 September 2012.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; Passed 25/11/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 30/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 30/11/09
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): No reference
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform and Other 2009 Budget Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: Social Security Act 1991 to: increase the single maximum basic rate of certain pensions; index pensions using the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index; index pensions using a combined couple benchmark; increase pensions to compensate for anticipated increases in the living cost index arising from the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme; increase the income test taper rate and remove the additional income test free area for dependent children; introduce a Work Bonus so that certain income is disregarded as ordinary income; close the pension bonus scheme from 20 September 2009; make transitional arrangements; increase the qualifying age for age pension from 65 to 67 years; enable certain social security recipients to apply for an advance of social security entitlements; and enable certain social security recipients to be paid while studying overseas; Social Security Act 1991, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to consolidate a number of smaller payments and allowances into one pension supplement; Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to: require income salary sacrificed to superannuation to be included as adjusted taxable income for the Commonwealth seniors health card; and exclude amounts and benefits received under the Western Australian Cost of Living Rebate Scheme and the Western Australian Country Age Pension Fuel Card from social security and veterans— affairs income tests; A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 to change indexation arrangements for certain family tax benefit child rates and the maternity immunisation allowance; Aged Care Act 1997 to increase payments to people in residential aged care; and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to enable Australian Defence Force members allotted for duty on HMAS Canberra as part of Operation DAMASK VI to access entitlements under the Act.
Reps: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 17/6/09
Senate: Intro. 17/6/09; Passed 25/6/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 23/6/09; report tabled 24/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee amendments: 2 Schedules opposed (AG)/Schedules agreed to
Assent: 29/6/09; Act No. 60, 2009
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform and Reinstatement of Racial Discrimination Act) Bill 2009
Amends the: Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Social Security Act 1991 to establish a new model of income management to be used in selected Australian locations; Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 to: tailor alcohol restrictions based on community circumstances; and clarify the administration of five-year land leases; Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 to enable residents in prescribed areas to apply for the removal of restrictions on prohibited material; Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to provide for an explicit food security objective in relation to community stores licensing; and Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 to ensure that the Australian Crime Commission—s use of its special powers is in relation to violence and child abuse committed against Indigenous victims. Also repeals provisions of the Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Act 2007, Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act 2007 and Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Payment Reform) Act 2007.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report due 9/3/10
Social Security and Veterans— Entitlements Amendment (Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) Bill 2009
Amends the Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to provide for adjusted taxable income to include income from a superannuation stream with a taxed source (gross superannuation) and income salary sacrificed to superannuation for the purposes of qualification for the Commonwealth seniors health card.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 17/3/09
Senate: Intro. 18/3/09; Discharged from Notice Paper 17/6/09
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): No reference
Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee requests: 2 AG/negatived
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Digital Television Switch-over) Bill 2009
Amends the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to enable Centrelink to use and disclose protected information to facilitate the Digital Switch-over Household Assistance Program.
Reps: Intro. 13/5/09; Passed 26/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 26/6/09; Act No. 58, 2009
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Employment Services Reform) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Social Security Legislation Amendment (Employment Services Reform) Act 2009)
Amends the Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to: implement a job seeker compliance system to apply to certain job seekers in receipt of newstart allowance, parenting payment, youth allowance and special benefit; give effect to employment pathway plans; remove references to the Personal Support Programme; and make minor technical and consequential amendments.
Reps: Intro. 24/9/08; Passed 24/11/08
CID amendments: 7 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 25/11/08; Negatived at 2nd reading 4/12/08 [but see below]
SBC report 12/08 (tabled and adopted 25/9/08): Provisions of bill referred to Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee; report tabled 24/11/08
2nd reading moved again and agreed to 4/2/09; Passed 4/2/09
Committee amendments: 13 AG/passed; 1 Ind (Xenophon)/passed; 11 AG/negatived;
1 subdivision opposed (AG)/subdivision agreed to
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 5/2/09]
Assent: 24/2/09; Act No. 7, 2009
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Improved Support for Carers) Bill 2009
Amends the: Social Security Act 1991 to: enable a person who qualifies for a carer payment to automatically qualify for a carer allowance; provide that the qualification criteria and assessment process for carer payments for care provided to children with a disability or medical condition will be based on the level of care required; and allow a person to qualify or remain qualified for a carer payment while a child care receiver is in hospital for an unlimited number of days per calendar year; and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to make consequential changes to the administrative structure for the carer allowance.
Reps: Intro. 18/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 16/6/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee requests: 2 AG/negatived
Assent: 23/6/09; Act No. 44, 2009
Social Security Legislation Amendment (Improved Support for Carers) (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2009
Consequent on the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Improved Support for Carers) Bill 2009, the bill amends the: Social Security Act 1991 in relation to: redundant references; activity test relief; short term or episodic carers qualification for a health card; and principal beneficiaries of special disability trusts; Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 in relation to: redundant references; and backdating claims for carer payments made between 1 July and 1 October 2009; and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 in relation to principal beneficiaries of special disability trusts.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 15/6/09
Senate: Intro. 16/6/09; Passed 16/6/09
SBC report 8/09 (tabled and adopted 17/6/09): No reference
Assent: 23/6/09; Act No. 45, 2009
PS Special Broadcasting Service Amendment (Prohibition of Disruptive Advertising) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Amends the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991 to prohibit certain advertising being shown during programs on SBS television.
Senate: Intro. 12/3/08; 2nd reading adjourned 12/3/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
PS Special Broadcasting Service Amendment (Prohibition of Disruptive Advertising) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Ludlam — AG)
Amends the Special Broadcasting Service Act 1991 to prohibit certain advertising being shown during programs on SBS television.
Senate: Intro. 7/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 7/9/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
PS State Elections (One Vote, One Value) Bill 2001 [2008]
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
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; interim report tabled 1/3/04; extension of time to report 1/3/04; report tabled 3/3/04
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/02, 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Statute Law Revision Bill 2009
The bill: amends 54 Acts to correct clerical and drafting errors; repeals five redundant Acts; amends the Tradesmen—s Rights Regulation Act 1946 to replace gender-specific language with gender-neutral language; amends the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to ensure the consistent use of the expression —ballot paper—; and amends 75 Acts to ensure the consistency of language used to describe the internet and internet-related technology.
Reps: Intro. 28/10/09; Passed 26/11/09
Senate: Intro. 30/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 30/11/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): No reference
Statute Stocktake (Regulatory and Other Laws) Bill 2009
The bill: amends 17 Acts to remove redundant provisions; repeals eight redundant Acts; and makes consequential amendments to three Acts.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 17/9/09
Senate: Intro. 26/10/09; Passed 29/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Assent: 16/11/09; Act No. 111, 2009
PS Stolen Generation Compensation Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Bartlett — AD)
The bill: provides for compensation payments for certain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons removed from their families; establishes the Stolen Generations Tribunal and Stolen Generations Fund and their functions and powers; and provides for additional support services.
Senate: Intro. 14/2/08; 2nd reading adjourned 14/2/08
SBC report 2/08 (tabled and adopted 12/3/08): Referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; report tabled 16/6/08
PS Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Siewert — AG)
Establishes a Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal to decide and make recommendations on claims for reparation.
Senate: Intro. 24/9/08; 2nd reading adjourned 24/9/08
SBC report 12/08 (tabled and adopted 25/9/08): No reference
Tax Agent Services Bill 2008
(Act citation: Tax Agent Services Act 2009)
The bill: establishes a national Tax Practitioners Board as a statutory authority within the Australian Taxation Office; requires certain entities that provide tax agent services and Business Activity Statement (BAS) services to be registered; introduces a Code of Professional Conduct to govern tax and BAS agents; provides for disciplinary sanctions to be imposed by the board; and replaces criminal penalties for certain misconduct by agents and unregistered entities with civil penalties and injunctions.
Reps: Intro. 13/11/08; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 12/3/09
SBC report 16/08 (tabled and adopted 26/11/08): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report tabled 12/2/09
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 13, 2009
Tax Agent Services (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
Consequent on the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, the bill: amends eight Acts; and provides for transitional arrangements for certain entities providing tax agent services before the commencement of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 27/10/09
Main Committee CID amendment: 1 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 29/10/09; Passed 29/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Assent: 16/11/09; Act No. 114, 2009
Tax Bonus for Working Australians Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to make payments of up to $950 to eligible taxpayers.
Reps: Intro. 4/2/09; Passed 5/2/09 a.m. (Votes and Proceedings 4/2/09)
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 12/2/09 [but see Tax Bonus for Working Australians Bill (No. 2) 2009 below]
SBC report 1/09 (tabled and adopted 5/2/09): Deferred
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Finance and Public Administration Committee 5/2/09; report tabled 10/2/09
Committee amendments: 3 Govt/passed
Tax Bonus for Working Australians Bill (No. 2) 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill authorises the Commissioner of Taxation to make payments of up to $900 to eligible taxpayers.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 13/2/09
Assent: 18/2/09; Act No. 5, 2009
Tax Bonus for Working Australians (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill makes consequential amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Social Security Act 1991, Taxation Administration Act 1953 and Veterans— Entitlement Act 1986 to: ensure bonus payments are not treated as income for tax and welfare related purposes; and provide for administrative arrangements applicable to the bonus payments.
Reps: Intro. 4/2/09; Passed 5/2/09 a.m. (Votes and Proceedings 4/2/09)
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Negatived at 3rd reading 12/2/09 [but see Tax Bonus for Working Australians (Consequential Amendments) Bill (No. 2) 2009 below]
SBC report 1/09 (tabled and adopted 5/2/09): Deferred
Reference: Provisions of bill referred to Finance and Public Administration Committee 5/2/09; report tabled 10/2/09
Tax Bonus for Working Australians (Consequential Amendments) Bill (No. 2) 2009
Part of a package of six bills to give effect to the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, the bill makes consequential amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Social Security Act 1991, Taxation Administration Act 1953 and Veterans— Entitlement Act 1986 to: ensure bonus payments are not treated as income for tax and welfare related purposes; and provide for administrative arrangements applicable to the bonus payments.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 12/2/09
Senate: Intro. 13/2/09; Passed 13/2/09
Assent: 18/2/09; Act No. 6, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2008 Measures No. 6) Bill 2009
(Previous title: Tax Laws Amendment (2008 Measures No. 6) Bill 2008)
Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 in relation to roll-overs for corporate restructures; Taxation Administration Act 1953 in relation to the collection or conservation of tax debts owed in foreign countries; Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 in relation to the late payment offset for superannuation guarantee contributions. Also makes minor amendments to six other Acts and repeals the Pay-roll Tax Act 1941.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 25/2/09
Main Committee CID amendments: 2 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 10/3/09; Passed 12/3/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 14, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Budget Measures No. 1) Bill 2009
Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to exempt from income tax foreign employment income derived by an Australian resident employed as an aid worker, a charitable worker, a defence or police deployment, and activities prescribed by regulation; Superannuation (Government Co-Contribution for Low Income Earners) Act 2003 to temporarily reduce the matching rate and maximum co-contribution payable on individual eligible personal superannuation contributions; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to reduce the caps on concessional superannuation contributions and transitional concessional superannuation contributions.
Reps: Intro. 27/5/09; Passed 1/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 24/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 27/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report below]
SBC report 6/09 (presented 1/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 22/6/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
Committee amendment: 1 FFP/negatived
Assent: 29/6/09; Act No. 62, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Budget Measures No. 2) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Income Tax (TFN Withholding Tax (ESS)) Bill 2009, the bill amends: six Acts in relation to shares or rights granted under employee share schemes; the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 in relation to the application of the non-commercial losses rules for taxpayers with an adjusted taxable income of $250 000 or more; and the Superannuation (Unclaimed Money and Lost Members) Act 1999, Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to require superannuation providers to transfer the balance of certain lost members— accounts to the Commissioner of Taxation.
Reps: Intro. 21/10/09; Passed 16/11/09
Senate: Intro. 17/11/09; Passed 2/12/09
SBC report 16/09 (tabled and adopted 29/10/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 16/11/09
Assent: 14/12/09; Act No. 133, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 GST Administration Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999, Fuel Tax Act 2006, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to require that input tax credits and fuel tax credits are claimed within a four-year period; A New Tax System (Goods and Services) Tax Act 1999, A New Tax System (Wine Equalisation Tax) Act 1999 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to enable residents of Australian external territories to claim refunds of good and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax under the tourist refund scheme; A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to enable certain intermediaries to act as principals for GST accounting purposes; A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 in relation to: clarification of the calculation of the gambling operator—s margin when the supplies made by the operator are GST-free; and the treatment of supplies and acquisitions between associates without consideration; and A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999, A New Tax System (Luxury Car Tax) Act 1999, Fuel Tax Act 2006 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to provide for the treatment of overpaid refunds.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009
Amends: the Taxation Administration Act 1953 to: provide for a 20 per cent reduction of the pay as you go (PAYG) instalment for the quarter that includes 31 December 2008 for certain small business taxpayers; and include a regulation making power to allow the amount of the PAYG instalment to be reduced in the future in circumstances specified by regulations; the Superannuation (Unclaimed Money and Lost Members) Act 1999 to make technical amendments and in relation to: dates for statements and payments of unclaimed money; unclaimed and lost member registers; and information, access and records; and six Acts to make consequential amendments. Also amends 13 Acts to expand income tests used to determine eligibility for a range of government financial assistance programs, including particular offsets and obligations to pay the Medicare levy surcharge.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 18/3/09
Senate: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 20/3/09
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report tabled 10/3/09
Motion to divide bill into 2 bills 20/3/09: AG/withdrawn
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 27, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Measures No. 2) Bill 2009
Amends taxation laws in relation to: payments made by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, or by a liquidator, under the financial claims scheme; increased access to small business capital gains tax concessions; capital gains tax exemptions for gains or losses arising from a right or entitlement to a tax offset, deduction or similar benefit; refundable tax offsets for certain projects under the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan; the list of deductible gift recipients; the Australian Business Register and the register acting as the Multi-agency Registration Authority; removing the Greenhouse Challenge Plus Programme condition for fuel tax credits; and the exemption from tax for the Clean-up and Restoration Grants paid to small businesses and primary producers affected by the Victorian bushfires.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 27/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 17/6/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
Assent: 23/6/09; Act No. 42, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Measures No. 3) Bill 2009
Amends the: Taxation Administration Act 1953 to set the gross domestic product adjustment for the 2009-10 income year at two per cent; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to enable certain eligible taxpayers to make annual pay as you go instalments; Petroleum Resource Rent Tax Assessment Act 1987 to: introduce a functional currency rule; introduce a modified —look-back— rule for certain exploration expenditure; introduce internal petroleum provisions; and extend the offshore exploration incentive for designated frontier areas; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to update the list of deductible gift recipients.
Reps: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 27/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 18/6/09
SBC report 5/09 (tabled and adopted 14/5/09): No reference
Assent: 24/6/09; Act No. 47, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Measures No. 4) Bill 2009
Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to increase the research and development expenditure cap for eligibility to the tax offset from $1 million to $2 million; A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999, Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, and Taxation Administration Act 1953 in relation to private ancillary funds; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 to provide capital gains tax relief to certain friendly societies; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 in relation to losses transferred to the head company of a consolidated group by a joining entity. Also amends 15 Acts relating to taxation laws to make various minor amendments.
Reps: Intro. 25/6/09; Passed 7/9/09
Senate: Intro. 8/9/09; Passed 10/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): No reference
Committee amendments: 3 AG/negatived; 1 AG-Nats/negatived
Assent: 18/9/09; Act No. 88, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Measures No. 5) Bill 2009
Amends the: A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax Act) 1999, Fuel Tax Act 2006 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 in response to the Federal Court decision in Deputy Commissioner of Taxation v PM Developments Ltd to confirm that a representative of an incapacitated entity is responsible for the GST consequences arising during its appointment; Taxation Administration Act 1953 to change the basis on which a pay as you go instalment liability is calculated; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: provide that the outer regional and remote payment made under the Helping Children with Autism package is exempt from income tax; and provide that payments made under the Continence Aids Payment Scheme are exempt from income tax; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 to exempt Commonwealth debt issued in Australia from interest withholding tax. Also enables the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Independent Advisory Panel to use donations for a broader range of purposes than the tax law considers charitable; and makes consequential amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 29/10/09
Senate: Intro. 16/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 4/12/09; Act No. 118, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Measures No. 6) Bill 2009
Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to: remove the capital gains tax trust cloning exception; provide a limited capital gains tax roll-over for the transfer of certain assets between trusts with the same beneficiaries; allow the roll-over of capital losses and transfer of revenue losses when complying superannuation funds merge; and update the list of deductible gift recipients; Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Tax Laws Amendment (2006 Measures No. 2) Act 2006 and Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Simplification) Act 2007 to clarify the circumstances in which income derived by life insurance companies in respect of immediate annuity business qualifies as non-assessable non-exempt income; Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to provide that the Income Recovery Subsidy for the North Western Queensland floods is not subject to income tax; and Excise Act 1901 to provide that the blending of spirits constitutes excise manufacture.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 25/2/10
Tax Laws Amendment (Confidentiality of Taxpayer Information) Bill 2009
The bill: amends the Taxation Administration Act 1953 to establish a framework to protect the confidentiality of taxpayer information by placing a general prohibition on the disclosure of taxpayer information except in certain specified circumstances; makes consequential amendments to 39 Acts; contains a regulation making power; and repeals the A New Tax System (Bonuses for Older Australians) Act 1999.
Reps: Intro. 19/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 19/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 25/2/10
PM Tax Laws Amendment (Improving the Producer Offset) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Mr Ciobo — LP)
Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to specify the criteria the Commissioner of Taxation must consider when making a special assessments decision in relation to the producer offset.
Reps (Main Committee): Intro. 23/11/09; Read a 1st time 23/11/09; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting
Tax Laws Amendment (Medicare Levy and Medicare Levy Surcharge) Bill 2009
Amends the A New Tax System (Medicare Levy Surcharge——Fringe Benefits) Act 1999 and Medicare Levy Act 1986 to: increase the Medicare levy and Medicare levy surcharge low-income threshold amounts for individuals, families and pensioners below pension age; and increase the phase-in limits as a result of the increased threshold amounts.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 4/6/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 15/6/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee 28/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report below]
SBC report 6/09 (presented 1/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09): No reference
Assent: 23/6/09; Act No. 41, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (Political Contributions and Gifts) Bill 2008
Amends the: Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to remove tax deductibility for contributions and gifts to political parties, independent members and independent candidates; and A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 to make consequential amendments to ensure political parties, independent members and independent candidates continue to access goods and services tax concessions.
Reps: Intro. 27/8/08; Passed 13/10/08
Senate: Intro. 14/10/08; Passed 3/2/09
SBC report 9/08 (tabled and adopted 3/9/08): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report due 5/11/08; report presented 20/10/08 and tabled 10/11/08
Committee amendments: 17 AG/passed; 6 items negatived (AG); 1 FFP/negatived
[Reps disagreed to Senate amendments and agreed to 5 Govt amendments in their place 18/6/09; Senate reported Reps message disagreeing to Senate amendments and agreeing to amendments in their place 22/6/09]
Tax Laws Amendment (Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists) Bill 2009
Complementary to the Resale Royalty Right for Visual Artists Bill 2009, the bill amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 and Taxation Administration Act 1953 to provide that the resale royalty collecting society is not taxed on amounts it collects on behalf of resale royalty right owners.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 19/11/09
Senate: Intro. 23/11/09; Passed 26/11/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): No reference
Assent: 9/12/09; Act No. 126, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (Small Business and General Business Tax Break) Bill 2009
Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to provide for a temporary bonus income tax deduction for new investment in tangible depreciating assets undertaken between 13 December 2008 and 31 December 2009.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 13/5/09
CID amendments: 4 Govt/passed
Senate: Intro. 14/5/09; Passed 14/5/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Assent: 22/5/09; Act No. 31, 2009
Tax Laws Amendment (Taxation of Financial Arrangements) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Tax Laws Amendment (Taxation of Financial Arrangements) Act 2009)
Amends taxation laws to establish a set of principles and rules for the tax-timing and character treatment of gains and losses from financial arrangements.
Reps: Intro. 4/12/08; Passed 11/2/09
Senate: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 11/3/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; extension of time to report 4/2/09; report presented 26/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 15, 2009
PS Taxation Laws Amendment (Scholarships) Bill 2005 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)
Amends the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to: abolish the distinction between full-time and part-time scholarships and make all scholarships which satisfy certain criteria tax free; and extend the exemption for fee-waiver, fee-pay and Commonwealth Learning Scholarships from the social security personal income test to University Equity Scholarships.
Senate: Intro. 21/6/05; 2nd reading adjourned 21/6/05
SBC report 7/05 (tabled and adopted 10/8/05): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Telecommunications Amendment (Integrated Public Number Database) Bill 2009
Amends the Telecommunications Act 1997 to: allow information contained in the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND) to be disclosed to authorised persons to facilitate state and territory government initiated telephony-based emergency warning systems; require any disclosure of IPND information to be reported to the minister, Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Privacy Commissioner; and permit access to listed IPND data to provide a Location Dependent Carriage Service. Also contains offence provisions relating to the improper disclosure of information.
Reps: Intro. 23/2/09; Passed 26/2/09
Senate: Intro. 10/3/09; Passed 10/3/09
Committee amendments: 3 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 11/3/09]
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 16, 2009
Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to: enable owners and operators of computer networks to undertake activities to operate, maintain and protect their networks; enable Commonwealth agencies, security authorities and eligible state authorities to ensure their network is appropriately used by employees, office holders or contractors of the agency or authority; limit secondary use and disclosure of information obtained through network protection activities; and require the destruction of records obtained by undertaking network protection activities when the information is no longer required for those purposes.
Reps: Intro. 16/9/09; Passed 26/10/09
Senate: Intro. 27/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 27/10/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): Provisions of bill referred to Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; extension of time to report 17/9/09; report tabled 16/11/09
Telecommunications Interception Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2008
(Act citation: Telecommunications Interception Legislation Amendment Act (No. 1) 2009)
Amends the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 to introduce the Queensland Public Interest Monitor (PIM) into the telecommunications interception regime to enable Queensland to legislate for the PIM to be given specific oversight functions for the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission. Also makes minor and technical amendments to the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 and Surveillance Devices Act 2004.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 5/2/09
Senate: Intro. 5/2/09; Passed 14/5/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Assent: 22/5/09; Act No. 33, 2009
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2009
Amends the: Radiocommunications Act 1992, Telecommunications Act 1997 and Trade Practices Act 1974 to prevent Telstra from acquiring specified bands of spectrum which could be used for advanced wireless broadband services unless it structurally separates and divests its hybrid fibre coaxial cable network and its interests in Foxtel; National Transmission Network Sale Act 1998, Telecommunications Act 1997 and Trade Practices Act 1974 to require the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to: set up-front prices and non-price terms for declared services; make binding rules of conduct for the supply of declared services; remove the option to apply for exemptions from access obligations or undertakings; and remove merits review of regulatory decisions made by the ACCC; Trade Practices Act 1974 to: remove the requirement for the ACCC to undertake consultation before issuing a Part A competition notice; and clarify that content services supplied by carriers and carriage service providers are subject to the competition notice regime; Telecommunications (Consumer Protection and Service Standards) Act 1999 to: require the universal service provider to supply standard telephone services and payphones as determined by the minister; and provide for the minister to establish minimum Customer Service Guarantee performance benchmarks; and Telecommunications Act 1997 to: require service providers to offer a priority assistance service; and establish an infringement notice regime to deal with breaches of civil penalty provisions.
Reps: Intro. 15/9/09; Passed 22/10/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 26/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/10/09
SBC report 14/09 (tabled and adopted 17/9/09): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee; report tabled 26/10/09
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures—Network Information) Bill 2009
Amends the Telecommunications Act 1997 to: require utilities to provide information, as well as telecommunications providers, specified by the minister; specify the purposes for which protected network information is permitted to be disclosed and used; and change sunset periods so that information can be disclosed and used during the roll-out of the national broadband network.
Reps: Intro. 19/8/09; Passed 14/9/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 Opp/negatived
Senate: Intro. 15/9/09; 2nd reading adjourned 15/9/09
SBC report 12/09 (tabled and adopted 20/8/09): No reference
S Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures No. 1) Bill 2009
Amends the Telecommunications Act 1997 to: require utilities to provide information, as well as telecommunications providers, specified by the minister; specify the purposes for which protected network information is permitted to be disclosed and used; and change sunset periods so that information can be disclosed and used during the roll-out of the national broadband network.
Senate: Intro. 25/6/09; Discharged from Notice Paper 15/9/09 [but see Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures—Network Information) Bill 2009 above]
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee; report tabled 17/8/09
PS Textbook Subsidy Bill 2003 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)
Extends the Educational Textbook Subsidy Scheme beyond 30 June 2004 (when it was 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
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Amendment (Building Innovative Capability) Bill 2009
Amends the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Investment Program Scheme Act 1999 to: establish the Clothing and Household Textile (Building Innovative Capability) Scheme to replace the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Post-2005 (Strategic Investment Program) Scheme for the 2010-2011 to 2014-2015 program years; and amend the long and short titles of the Act.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 25/2/10
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2009 Measures No. 1) Bill 2009
Amends the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to enable: the suspension of registered or listed goods from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods; the issue of single site licences and allow for the transfer of licences between owners and variations to licence authorisations; samples of therapeutic and related goods to be taken from manufacturing premises and images and recordings to be made; the regulation of homoeopathic and anthroposophic medicines; standards to be set for the making of lists of permissible and prohibited ingredients in listed medicines; updated references to legislative instruments; and amendments in relation to: conditions imposed on registered and listed goods, the quality of overseas manufactured products, computer programs making certain decisions, the definition of accessory to a medical device, and an advertising code for therapeutic goods.
Reps: Intro. 19/3/09; Passed 14/5/09
Senate: Intro. 15/6/09; Passed 13/8/09
SBC report 4/09 (tabled and adopted 19/3/09): No reference
Assent: 27/8/09; Act No. 76, 2009
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2009 Measures No. 2) Bill 2009
Amends the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 in relation to: separate scheduling of medicines and poisons; the preclusion of certain kinds of medical devices from being entered in the register; consultation with the Gene Technology Regulator; advertising therapeutic goods; exercising delegations; and the inclusion of advisory statements on the labels of specified medicines.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 19/8/09
Senate: Intro. 20/8/09; Passed 9/9/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Community Affairs Legislation Committee; report presented 7/8/09 and tabled 11/8/09
Committee amendments: 1 Ind (Xenophon) (as amended by Govt)/passed; 3 Ind (Xenophon)/negatived
[Reps agreed to Senate amendment 9/9/09]
Assent: 29/9/09; Act No. 96, 2009
Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2009 Measures No. 3) Bill 2009
Amends the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to: introduce a framework to regulate biological therapeutic goods; provide immunity from civil actions, suit or proceedings for certain individuals performing duties under the Act; enable the recall of goods without suspending or cancelling the goods listing on the Therapeutic Goods Register; enable information to be sought from past sponsors and manufacturers of medicines and therapeutic devices; provide that unpaid annual charges remain payable if a therapeutic good is suspended from the register; and make minor technical amendments.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Deferred
S Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medical Devices and Other Measures) Bill 2008 [2009]
(Act citation: Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medical Devices and Other Measures) Act 2009)
Amends the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to: exempt medical devices from the operation of the Act to enable goods to be stockpiled for use in a health emergency and remove the requirement that such exemptions are disallowable instruments; adjust the test of whether a person is a —fit and proper person— to hold a manufacturing licence or a medical device conformity assessment certificate; adopt the European Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopoeia as additional default standards; enable public access to information held by the Therapeutic Goods Administration; ensure controls over restricted and prohibited representations apply to advertisements in all media; and align penalties with current policy formulations.
Senate: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 20/3/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): No reference
Committee amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Reps: Intro. 12/5/09; Passed 27/5/09
Assent: 17/6/09; Act No. 38, 2009
Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Amendment Bill 2009
Amends the Therapeutic Goods (Charges) Act 1989 to: impose an annual charge on biological therapeutic goods for inclusion in the Therapeutic Goods Register; and provide that when a registered or listed therapeutic or biological good is suspended from the register it continues to be taken to be included in the register for the purposes of the payment of the annual charge.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Deferred
Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Bill 2009
Amends the: Trade Practices Act 1974 to implement a national consumer law regime (the Australian Consumer Law) which will: address unfair contract terms; and include penalties, enforcement powers and consumer redress options; Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 to include corresponding provisions applicable to financial services; and Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977, Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 and Trade Practices Act 1974 to make consequential amendments.
Reps: Intro. 24/6/09; Passed 20/10/09
Senate: Intro. 26/10/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/10/09
SBC report 10/09 (tabled and adopted 25/6/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 7/9/09
PM Trade Practices Amendment Bill 2009
(Introduced by Mr Katter — Ind)
Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to provide protection to unions and their members from being sued if they stop the export of Pacific Brands manufacturing machinery or the importation of goods to replace Pacific Brands products.
Reps: Intro. 22/6/09; Read a 1st time 22/6/09; 2nd reading order of day for next sitting
Trade Practices Amendment (Cartel Conduct and Other Measures) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Trade Practices Amendment (Cartel Conduct and Other Measures) Act 2009)
Introduced with the Federal Court of Australia Amendment (Criminal Jurisdiction) Bill 2008, the bill amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 and Trade Practices Act 1974 to establish criminal offences and civil sanctions for serious cartel conduct. Also makes minor and technical amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 11/2/09
Senate: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 15/6/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; extension of time to report 4/2/09; report presented 26/2/09 and tabled 10/3/09
Committee amendments: 20 Govt/passed
[Reps agreed to Senate amendments 16/6/09]
Assent: 26/6/09; Act No. 59, 2009
PS Trade Practices Amendment (Guaranteed Lowest Prices—Blacktown Amendment) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Xenophon — Ind and Senator Joyce — Nats)
Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to provide that a corporation sells the same product at the same price at all its retail outlets within a 35 kilometre geographic area.
Senate: Intro. 24/6/09; 2nd reading adjourned 24/6/09
SBC report 11/09 (tabled and adopted 12/8/09): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report tabled 24/11/09
Trade Practices Amendment (Infrastructure Access) Bill 2009
Amends the National Access Regime in Part IIA of the Trade Practices Act 1974 in relation to: binding time limits and limited merits review; applications by certain persons that a certain service is ineligible to be a declared service; enabling the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to accept access undertakings with fixed principles that will apply to subsequent undertakings; enabling the ACCC to issue an amendment notice proposing amendments to a proposed access undertaking submitted by a service provider; administrative processes of the National Competition Council and the Australian Competition Tribunal; and consequential amendments.
Reps: Intro. 29/10/09; Passed 1/12/09
Senate: Intro. 2/12/09; 2nd reading adjourned 2/12/09
SBC report 17/09 (tabled and adopted 19/11/09): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 9/3/10
PS Trade Practices Amendment (Material Lessening of Competition—Richmond Amendment) Bill 2009
(Introduced by Senator Xenophon — Ind)
Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to prevent corporations from directly or indirectly merging with or acquiring an asset which would result in material lessening of competition in the relevant market.
Senate: Intro. 26/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 26/11/09
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): Referred to Economics Legislation Committee; report due 18/3/10
PS Trade Practices (Creeping Acquisitions) Amendment Bill 2007 [2008]
R (Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the Trade Practices Act 1974 to prohibit large businesses from acquiring shares, assets or other companies through buyouts or takeovers which result in reducing fair competition.
Senate: Intro. 20/9/07; 2nd reading adjourned 20/9/07
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 13/2/08
SBC report 7/08 (tabled and adopted 26/6/08): Referred to Economics Committee; report due 27/8/08; report tabled 26/8/08
Transport Safety Investigation Amendment Bill 2009
Introduced with the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill 2009, the bill amends the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 to: establish the Australian Transport Safety Bureau as a statutory agency from 1 July 2009; and allow for regulations to be made to establish voluntary and confidential reporting schemes. Also makes consequential amendments to four other Acts and provides for transitional arrangements.
Reps: Intro. 12/2/09; Passed 11/3/09
Senate: Intro. 11/3/09; Passed 11/3/09
SBC report 2/09 (tabled and adopted 12/2/09): No reference
Assent: 26/3/09; Act No. 20, 2009
Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill 2009
Introduced with the Trans-Tasman Proceedings (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2009, the bill: gives legislative effect to the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of New Zealand on Trans-Tasman Court Proceedings and Regulatory Enforcement; incorporates the existing provisions of the Evidence and Procedure (New Zealand) Act 1994 (the taking of evidence and service and enforcement of subpoenas); and incorporates Part IIIA of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (the conduct of market proceedings).
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): No reference
Trans-Tasman Proceedings (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2009
Introduced with the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill 2009, the bill: amends the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 in relation to the conduct of trans-Tasman market proceedings; makes consequential amendments to seven Acts; and repeals the Evidence and Procedure (New Zealand) Act 1994.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 19/09 (tabled and adopted 30/11/09): No reference
PS Unit Pricing (Easy comparison of grocery prices) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Fielding — FFP)
Amends the National Measurement Act 1960 to: require grocery retailers to display unit prices of products sold by measure, weight or volume; provide for a penalty regime for breaches; appoint unit pricing inspectors to monitor compliance; and require the secretary to undertake certain guidance functions.
Senate: Intro. 15/5/08; 2nd reading adjourned 15/5/08
SBC report 5/08 (tabled and adopted 18/6/08): Referred to Economics Committee; report due 2/9/08; report tabled 1/9/08
PS Uranium Mining in or near Australian World Heritage Properties (Prohibition)
R Bill 1998 [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Allison — AD)
Prohibits 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, 17/11/04, 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
Uranium Royalty (Northern Territory) Bill 2008
(Act citation: Uranium Royalty (Northern Territory) Act 2009)
Applies a profits-based mineral royalty regime to new projects containing designated substances, including uranium, on Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal land.
Reps: Intro. 3/12/08; Passed 24/2/09
Senate: Intro. 10/3/09; Passed 9/9/09
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Provisions of bill referred to Economics Committee; report presented 30/4/09 and tabled 12/5/09
2nd reading amendment: 1 AG/negatived
Committee amendments: 3 AG/negatived
Assent: 29/9/09; Act No. 95, 2009
PS Urgent Relief for Single Age Pensioners Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Coonan — LP)
Amends the Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to increase the single age pension, single age service pension and Widow B pension by $30 per week.
Senate: Intro. 22/9/08; Passed 22/9/08
2nd reading amendment: 1 FFP/negatived
Committee amendments: 2 AG/negatived; 8 FFP/negatived
SBC report 13/08 (tabled and adopted 15/10/08): No reference
Reps: Message from Senate transmitting bill reported 23/9/08
Veterans— Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: Australian Participants in British Nuclear Tests (Treatment) Act 2006 to extend nuclear test participant eligibility to certain Australian Protective Service officers; Defence Service Homes Act 1918 to enable Defence Service Homes Insurance to pay the New South Wales State Emergency Services levy; Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 in relation to: time limits for claims for certain travel expenses; the aggravation of war-caused or defence-caused injury or disease remaining compensable; dependants of veterans who were prisoners of war; and review of the Statement of Principles; Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 in relation to the serving of notices or other documents; Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 to: require that certain lump sum compensation payments are made into the recipient—s account; and make minor and technical amendments; and Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to enable Victoria Cross recipients to receive a Victoria Cross allowance or annuity under the Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 and from a foreign country.
Reps: Intro. 25/11/09; 2nd reading adjourned 25/11/09
Senate:
SBC report 18/09 (tabled and adopted 26/11/09): No reference
Veterans— Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Pension Reform) Bill 2009
Amends the: Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to: increase the single maximum basic rate of veterans— affairs pensions from 20 September 2009; index veterans— affairs pensions using the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index; index veterans— affairs pensions using a combined couple benchmark; increase veterans— affairs pensions to compensate for anticipated increases in the living cost index arising from the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme; increase the income test taper rate and remove the additional income test free area for dependent children; introduce a Work Bonus so that certain income is disregarded as ordinary income; close the pension bonus scheme from 20 September 2009; increase the pension age for persons other than veterans from 65 to 67 years; and enable certain veterans— affairs pension recipients to apply for an advance of veterans— affairs entitlements; Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986, Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004, Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Social Security Act 1991 and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to consolidate a number of smaller payments and allowances into one pension supplement; Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 and Social Security Act 1991 to allow veterans— affairs pensioners to transition to the new arrangements; and Aged Care Act 1997 in relation to the calculation of total assessable income for residents in aged care.
Reps: Intro. 12/8/09; Passed 19/8/09
Senate: Intro. 19/8/09; Passed 7/9/09
SBC report 12/09 (tabled and adopted 20/8/09): No reference
Assent: 10/9/09; Act No. 81, 2009
Veterans— Affairs Legislation Amendment (Budget Measures) Bill 2009
Amends the: Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to enable veterans— affairs pensions, allowances and other pecuniary benefits to be paid into accounts with foreign banks or other financial institutions; Defence Service Homes Act 1918 to extend eligibility for the Defence Service Homes Insurance Scheme to persons eligible for assistance; and Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 and Veterans— Entitlements Act 1986 to cease payment of dependants— pensions and provide for a lump sum payment to existing recipients.
Reps: Intro. 28/5/09; Passed 12/8/09
Senate: Intro. 13/8/09; Passed 7/9/09
Reference (see item 17, Journals 14/5/09): Provisions of bill referred to Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee 28/5/09; report due 16/6/09 [but see SBC report below]
SBC report 6/09 (presented 1/6/09 and tabled 15/6/09): No reference
Assent: 10/9/09; Act No. 80, 2009
PS Water Amendment (Saving the Goulburn and Murray Rivers) Bill 2008
(Introduced by Senator Birmingham — LP)
Amends the Water Act 2007 to: prohibit the unauthorised extraction of water from the Murray-Darling Basin; prevent the construction of water infrastructure or river flow control work; ensure the states of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales comply with their obligations to allocate audited, saved water to the Living Murray Initiative and Water for Rivers; and ensure water is not used for any other purpose other than the Living Murray Initiative and Water for Rivers.
Senate: Intro. 3/12/08; 2nd reading adjourned 3/12/08
SBC report 17/08 (tabled and adopted 4/12/08): Referred to Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee; extension of time to report 17/3/09; report presented 7/5/09 and tabled 12/5/09
PS Workplace Relations (Guaranteeing Paid Maternity Leave) Amendment Bill 2007
R [2008]
(Introduced by Senator Stott Despoja — AD)
Amends the Workplace Relations Act 1996 to provide for a 14-week government funded, paid maternity leave scheme available to all women in the Australian workforce.
Senate: Intro. 13/9/07; 2nd reading adjourned 13/9/07
SBC report 16/07 (tabled and adopted 20/9/07): No reference
Restored to Notice Paper at 2nd reading 14/2/08
SBC report 3/08 (tabled and adopted 19/3/08): No reference
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