The House Standing Committee on Procedure today tabled A window on the House, its report into the practices and procedures relating to Question Time.

‘The Committee is recommending a package of changes to improve how Question Time operates,’ the Chair of the Committee, Mr Ross Vasta, said.

‘The inquiry looked not just at the rules for questions and answers but also at the culture of Question Time,’ the Deputy Chair, Mr Milton Dick, said.

‘Many people contributed their views through surveys, submissions and hearings,’ Mr Vasta said. ‘The Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the inquiry.’

The Committee has recommended that Question Time consist of a minimum of 21 questions each day, including at least 10 questions from opposition members, five questions from government members, five constituency questions from government members and one question from a non-aligned member, with a further one supplementary question allowed from an opposition member each day.

The Committee also recommends new time limits of 30 seconds for all questions and two minutes for answers, with no points of order on relevance allowed in the first 30 seconds of an answer. It also proposes changes to the standing orders to curb the use of tag questions about alternative approaches and amend practices regarding answers to questions directed to the Prime Minister.

This package of changes would encourage questions to be more focused and answers to be tighter and more relevant.

The Committee has also made recommendations to hold a trial of very limited mobile phone use by Members and provide the Speaker with an additional option to manage disorderly behaviour. The Committee considers that the House could also make more use of and highlight other parts of the parliamentary day.

Changes to practices and procedures are ultimately a matter for the House itself, and the Committee hopes it will consider these recommendations carefully.

The full report is available on the Committee’s website.

Question time plays an important, critical review function in the House. In 2019 the Procedure Committee decided to inquire into the practices and procedures relating to this unique and very visible part of the parliamentary day. We were keen to hear directly from the public as part of our inquiry. As well as inviting submissions, we launched a survey to ask people their thoughts. Almost 3½ thousand people responded to the public survey and we received more than 50 submissions. We also had a survey for members.

I would like to thank everyone who made a submission or responded to the surveys. I would like to thank our current Speaker for his invaluable input. I would also like to thank state and territory Speakers, current members of this House, former Speakers, academics, parliamentary practitioners and school students who took the time to meet with us, make submissions or appear at hearings. We had hoped to meet with more members of the public face to face, but, unfortunately, COVID-19 meant we weren’t able to do that last year. Nonetheless, the message from the public survey was clear. More than 95 per cent of respondents thought the House should change how question time operates.

In the surveys, submissions and hearings we heard many suggestions for change. While we couldn’t consider them all, we explored a lot of them and we tried to address as many of them as possible in our report. Improving question time as a forum for accountability and scrutiny, having better questions and answers and lifting the standard of behaviour were key themes.

We have developed a package of 11 recommendations that we consider would address these. We recommend a question time consisting of a minimum of 21 questions each day, with at least 10 questions from opposition members, five questions from government members on a rostered basis, five constituency questions from government members on a rostered basis and one question from a non-aligned member, and there could be one supplementary question from an opposition member each day. We also recommend new time limits of 30 seconds for questions and two minutes for answers, with no point of order on relevance allowed in the first 30 seconds of an answer. We propose curbing the use of tag questions about alternative approaches and also suggest that the Prime Minister should speak to any questions posed to him or her first, even if they then choose to refer it to another minister for a more detailed response. I note that the Prime Minister seems to have addressed this issue, judging by his current approach. This package of changes would encourage questions to be more focused and answers to be tighter and more relevant. We would also limit opportunities for Dorothy Dix style questions while still allowing all members to ask questions.

The inquiry also heard concerns about the tone and tenor of question time. At the moment there are two options for managing disorderly behaviour: a one-hour suspension under standing order 94(a); or, more serious, naming, which can result in suspension for a minimum of 24 hours. We recommend an additional option so that the Speaker can direct a member who is disorderly to leave the House for a three-hour period. This would be served during question time and discussion of matters of public importance, and carry across sitting days if necessary.

We also recommend a trial of very limited mobile phone use by members. We know people are concerned when they see members who are on their phones and don’t seem to be paying attention to question time. But we also heard that phones are sometimes being used to communicate very relevant information. So we have proposed a trial to see whether limiting phone use would be workable in the longer term.

We are very conscious that question time is the window through which the House is often viewed and judged. But it is not always representative of the serious and thoughtful way that members carry out much of their other work. We recommend more promotion to highlight the other work of the House. The House may also wish to consider making more use of the time immediately after prayers for condolence motions and matters on indulgence.

Ultimately, responsibility for the operation of question time rests with the House itself. I hope it will use this report as a blueprint for change. I commend the report to the House.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister for Women’s Safety and Minister for Families and Social Services, the Hon. Anne Ruston, for visiting my electorate of Bonner and meeting with local groups from across the women’s safety sector recently.

It was a timely visit to address the topic of women’s equality, economic security and health and wellbeing ahead of the federal budget this week. We started our day with a women in business breakfast event at Wynnum Golf Club.

Individuals came from across Bonner to attend, including many of our female small-business owners, local community groups and student leaders from three of our highly regarded Bayside high schools. Over the course of the morning, we heard from the minister on the importance of prioritising women’s safety and equality in our community. It was an overwhelmingly productive and insightful discussion with attendees.

I would like to thank everyone who came along and contributed to the morning.

Our next stop was an important round table discussion with local women’s safety groups that I convened at the Beyond DV centre. Beyond DV provides programs for women and children who have escaped from a domestic violence situation and is a haven to many.

This round table was also timely, as the month of May marks Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

It provided a chance for the minister and I to listen and engage with survivors of domestic violence as well as those working in local front line services.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg reiterated the urgency of domestic violence response and prevention during his budget speech this week, where women’s safety was a key focus.

The Treasurer noted that, sadly, one in four women experience violence from a current or former partner. These numbers are staggering and far too often women are being denied their dignity and personal and economic security. It must stop.

All Australians have the right to be safe, which is why the 2021 budget contains an historic $1 billion for women’s safety measures.

Under the package, the government will provide $164.8 million to establish escaping violence payments to provide women with up to $1,500 in immediate cash, and a further $3½ thousand in kind for goods or services and direct payments of rental bonds, school fees or other items.

I commend this government for putting these measures in place and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to ending violence against women and their children. The Morrison government’s plan to not only reduce but eliminate domestic violence is ambitious and is exactly what our country needs.

Thank you, for visiting our electorate and listening to the needs of our community. I’d also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Carolyn Robinson from Beyond DV and the brave domestic violence survivors who shared their stories with us.

The time for change is now.

Deputy Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to thank this Government for its continued investment into our communities following the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

I am especially pleased to see the reinvigoration of the creative and cultural sectors in my electorate of Bonner, with the Wynnum Fringe Festival recently awarded $236,000 in funding thanks to the Morrison Government’s RISE fund.

The funding awarded to this festival means it can return as an annual event on the Bayside!

It will also enable Bonner’s local artists to get back on the stage and for the community to experience the arts right in their own backyards.

I had the privilege of personally congratulating festival Founder, Artistic Director and Bonner constituent, Tom Oliver on securing this funding.

With an impressive background in the arts, the festival was an idea created by Tom last year after seeing how hard hit this sector was.

Tom couldn’t have been more pleased to receive this funding for the festival, especially after seeing firsthand the remarkable outcomes it delivered to the arts sector and local economy following last year’s first event.

With this funding, the event will be returning even bigger and better in November this year.

This government understands that by investing in the community and events like the Wynnum Fringe Festival you are also investing in the passion and livelihoods of all.

I am honoured to be a part of the Morrison Government- what a great feeling it is to see the continued reinvigoration into communities across all sectors.

Wynnum’s Fringe Festival is back and better than ever this year after being awarded funding as part of the Morrison Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, which supports the creative and cultural sector reactivate following disruption caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

The Festival’s success during its first year was a key driver in it securing this funding of $236,000, which will now see it’s return as an annual event.

With the Wynnum Fringe Festival being an idea born out of Wynnum based actor, singer and creative producer Tom Oliver during Covid last year, this arts experience enabled valuable community opportunities by means of creating jobs whilst also supporting the creative sector.

The Morrison Government has committed almost $15 million from the $200 million RISE Fund to deliver the creative and cultural sector the support it needs.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said funding of these arts projects will mean more jobs, arts, cultural activities and events to ensure this sector can get back on its feet.

“I am very pleased Wynnum Fringe Festival will be receiving a funding boost, returning for an even bigger and more show stopping year taking place between 16 to 21 November. I recently had the privilege of congratulating Wynnum Fringe Festival Founder and Artistic Director Tom Oliver personally,” Mr Vasta said.

“The cultural sector has proven its resilience over this challenging period. This is certainly fantastic news for our Bonner community as the funding will also help sustain local businesses and tourism, hospitality and transport and will provide confidence to the sector to plan for the future.”

Wynnum Fringe Festival Founder and Artistic Director Tom Oliver said he is thrilled to see the event receive this funding, especially after experiencing the remarkable outcomes within the arts sector and local economy following last year’s event.

“I moved back to Wynnum last year after an Australian tour I was performing in was cut short. I saw how hard hit our creative industry was in Brisbane. With so much local talent thrown into unemployment, I knew I needed to play a part in rebuilding the arts sector and Wynnum Fringe was the answer,” Mr Oliver said.

“With this cash boost thanks to the Morrison Government, I couldn’t be more excited for this year’s festival in November, not only to see our much-loved local artists get back on the stage, but for the community to experience the arts in a way they haven’t before.”

The $15 million allocation of the RISE funding will support 61 arts projects across Australia- including Wynnum Fringe Festival- bolstering the cultural and creative sector that is a vital part of the economic and social life of the nation.

Small to medium organisations accounted for eighty-five per cent of successful recipients in this batch, approximately forty percent of the funding will go to organisations in the not-for-profit sector and sixty percent to the commercial sector.

For more information on how the RISE fund is supporting the arts and entertainment sector to reactivate, please click here:  https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/rise-fund

Speaking in the Federation Chamber on Wynnum Fringe Festival

Tax relief for small brewers and distillers to support more jobs

Small brewers and distillers will benefit from $255 million in tax relief to support more jobs and investment as part of the 2021-22 Budget.

Under our plan to support jobs in this growing sector, small brewers and distillers will benefit from a tripling of the excise refund cap for small brewers and distillers from $100,000 to $350,000 per year.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said with the hospitality industry being hard hit during COVID-19, this decision will make a key difference in these businesses being able to stay open.

“The only thing better than beer brewed in Australia, is when it’s been brewed in your own neighbourhood. This tax relief will help us support Bonner’s hospitality sector by providing opportunities to invest in and expand these businesses and hire more locals,” Mr Vasta said.

“More broadly, this is great news for Australia as it leverages our global positioning as being home to world class beer, gin, whiskey and rum.”

From 1 July 2021 eligible brewers and distillers will be able to receive a full remission of any excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $350,000. Currently, eligible brewers and distillers are entitled to a refund of 60 per cent of the excise they pay, up to an annual cap of $100,000.

This will align the benefit available under the Excise Refund Scheme for brewers and distillers with the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) Producer Rebate.

Co-owner of Hudson Brewing in Wynnum, Sarah Hudson said, “Bonner is home to some fantastic breweries, and we welcome the Federal Government’s initiative.”

“We opened Hudson Brewing in December 2020, so as a new business this is fantastic news as it not only contributes to ensuring its longevity but means we can continue to play a part in supporting this growing sector of the economy,” Mrs Hudson said.

There are around 600 brewers and 400 distillers across Australia, with around two thirds operating in rural and regional areas. The announced changes will allow these brewers and distillers to keep more of what they earn, helping them to invest, grow and support around 15,000 Australians that are currently employed in the sector.

Additional support to brewers and distillers across the country will also serve as much-needed relief for those businesses severely impacted by COVID-19.

Today’s announcement builds on the Morrison Government’s track record of supporting small brewers and distillers including by enabling them to automatically receive excise duty remissions when they lodge excise returns; providing them with record investment incentives; and fast tracking the reduction in the small company tax rate to 25 per cent by 1 July 2021.

The Morrison Government is committed to assisting local manufacturing businesses to grow, create jobs and support Australia’s economic recovery.

• New biosecurity package strengthens Australia’s ability to keep out exotic pests and diseases, together with its preparedness, response and recovery capability in the event of an outbreak
• Investment part of Australian Government’s ongoing commitment in support of agriculture industry’s goal of $100 billion in farmgate output by 2030

Safeguards to protect Australia’s farming communities from exotic pests and diseases are being boosted with a new $371 million investment to strengthen biosecurity.

The package complements significant reforms the Australian Government has committed to across the biosecurity system to ensure it is modern, efficient and keeps Australia safe from risks such as African swine fever, khapra beetle or foot and mouth disease.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said Australia’s biosecurity system protects $53 billion in agricultural exports and 1.6 million Australian jobs across the supply chain.

“Biosecurity plays a critical role in reducing risk and shaping our nation to become one of the few countries in the world to remain free from the world’s most severe pests and diseases,” Mr Vasta said.

“It provides critical protection for our agricultural industries, expected to be worth $71.2 billion this year, and the health of our communities, environment and the national economy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said protecting our disease free status delivers access to premium global markets and generates real, significant benefits for agriculture.

“We are protecting industry as well as rural and regional communities like those in Bonner that depend on it, and ensuring agriculture continues playing a leading role in Australia’s national economic recovery,” Minister Littleproud said.

The package comes immediately after a record $888 million Australian Government investment in biosecurity and export services in 2020-21 and includes:

• $84 million towards critical frontline resources and people to better manage the risk of pests and diseases coming to Australia, including more on the ground resources to target known and emerging threats, like African swine fever.
• $80.9 million to build a modern, effective biosecurity system underpinned by the right technology and analytical capabilities.
• $205.9 million to strengthen partnerships with importers, companies, producers, state and territory governments and the community to improve our ability to detect and manage threats offshore, while increasing capacity to respond to incursions. Proof of concept trials will explore options for faster, safe, clearance of low-risk goods.

Fast facts

• Recent University of Melbourne Centre for Excellence in Biosecurity Risk Analysis modelling puts the net present value of the biosecurity system at $314 billion over 50 years.
• This means a $30 return on investment for every dollar we spend on biosecurity over the next 50 years.
• The national biosecurity system is a key contributor to our farming systems, the wider economy, our environment and biodiversity, our human health and the social fabric of our country.
• Last year there were over 2.5 million container arrivals into Australia, 19,000 commercial vessel arrivals and 60 million mail items.

The Morrison Government has welcomed the opening of a world-class Olympic winter training facility at the Sleeman Sport Complex in Chandler.

The Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre is the Souther Hemisphere’s only all-year outdoor water ski ramp-elevating the aspirations of athletes for generations to come.

The Commonwealth Government contributed $5.3 million towards construction of the $6.5 million facility, a collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said he was thrilled to see the opening of the centre, with Bonner becoming home to these athletes ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

“To compete on a world stage, our Australian athletes need to be at the top of their game. With this new centre, athletes now have access to the facilities they need, that previously never existed in this part of the world,” Mr Vasta said.

“The idea for this facility has been more than a decade in the making. All levels of Government have worked together to deliver on Geoff Henke’s incredible vision for this centre and ensure the ongoing support of our athletes.”

“This will well and truly be a game-changer for the future of Australian winter sport and the generations of elite athletes to come.”

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said “The Morrison Government is right behind the bid to bring the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to Brisbane, but right now we’re delivering a world-class facility to our Aussie Winter Olympians.”

“Australia has long enjoyed success in aerial ski disciplines, from Alisa Camplin’s historic Olympic gold medal in 2002, through to the success this year of aerial ski world champion Laura Peel and Crystal Globe winner Matt Graham, in the moguls,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility boasts varying levels of difficulty making it a fitting training venue for athletes eager to hone their skills and one day represent Australia on the world stage.

Athletes can reach speeds of more than 70km/h and launch up to 17m above the water from the top of the 37m ramp.

It allows trainees to test and perfect manoeuvres safely before transitioning to snow.

“We expect the 37m-high water jump will also become a beacon for international athletes who seek to come to Australia, hire these facilities and push our athletes to become the very best they can be,” Minister Colbeck said.

The facility is named in honour of the life-long contribution Geoff Henke AO has made to Australian Winter Olympic sport.

Over the last 12 months, Telehealth services have been life changing for many in need of support, which is why as part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government is investing more than $114 million to extend Telehealth until the end of the year.

Telehealth items were rapidly implemented in March 2020 to ensure our primary care sector could continue to function and that Australians could continue to access important health services.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP welcomed the Government’s commitment to Australian patients.

“Over the last 12 months, Telehealth services have been life changing for many in need of support,” Mr Vasta said.

“The extension will ensure that Australians can continue to see their GP, renew scripts and seek mental health support from the safety of their own home. This allows vulnerable Australians, such as the 14,262 pensioners in Bonner, to feel protected and supported during these unprecedented times.”

From 13 March 2020 to 21 April 2021, over 54 million COVID-19 MBS telehealth services have been delivered to 13.6 million patients, with $2.9 billion in Medicare benefits paid. More than 83,540 providers have used telehealth services.

The extension of Telehealth includes services for general practitioners, medical practitioners, specialists, consultant physicians, nurse practitioners, participating midwives, allied health providers and dental practitioners.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Telehealth has played an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic.

“We recognise that Telehealth continues to play an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic,” Minister Hunt said. “Which is why as part of the 2021-22 Budget, we are extending Telehealth services to 31 December 2021.”

“It is critical that Australians continue to look after their health and stay engaged with your primary care providers.”

The Government continues to work with peak bodies to co-design permanent post pandemic Telehealth as part of broader primary care reforms to modernise Medicare and provide flexibility of access to primary and allied healthcare services.

Media contact – Kaylah Bulow – 0402 845 576