Martin Ferguson (Batman, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Resources and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

Can I first say that in respect of the passenger movement charge I find it interesting that the opposition would question appropriate consideration of budget measures by government which go to the fight against terrorism. That is what we are talking about in terms of the allocation of some of these financial resources, and people should appreciate that one of the reasons why people actually want to come to Australia is because we are a safe place to have a holiday. Just as the previous government sought to make sure that we had adequate budget resources to put in place proper security measures and also quarantine measures, especially given the recent equine problems, it is more than appropriate that the Treasurer give proper consideration to these issues.

Yes, the passenger movement charge has been increased and so have visa fees, just like they have been in the past. I assume the modelling by Treasury was akin to the modelling conducted by the previous government with all these measures. It is interesting to note, because these are Treasury issues, as the member for Moncrieff appreciates, that the same consideration would have been given by the current government to such budgetary matters as was given by the previous government. I note that, yes, there is an increase in the passenger movement charge of $9. The passenger movement charge has not increased since 1 July 2001. I also note that in a period of 18 months, from 1 January 1999 to 1 July 2001, under the previous government the passenger movement charge increased on two occasions—not one occasion; two occasions—from $27 to $30 on 1 January 1999 and by another $8 on 1 July 2001. This was an amount of $11 over a period of 18 months.

Despite the fact it has not been increased since 1 July 2001, it was increased by an amount of $9, all related to issues going to the cost of processing international passengers at international airports and maritime ports and all the associated issues with visas and visa charges et cetera. So, yes, no-one likes increases in charges. They occur under this government just like they have occurred under previous governments.

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