John Watson (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances, I give notice that, 15 sitting days after today, I shall move that:

The Social Security (Asset-test Exempt Income Stream (Market-linked)—Payment Factors) (FACS) Principles 2005; and the Social Security (Partially Asset-test Exempt Income Stream—Exemption) (FACS) Principles 2005, made under the Social Security Act 1991, be disallowed.

I seek leave to incorporate in Hansard a short summary of the matters raised by the committee.

Leave granted.

The document as follows—

Social Security (Asset-test Exempt Income Stream (Market-linked) – Payment Factors) (FACS) Principles 2005

This instrument specifies the payment factor used for the purposes of the formula used to determine what is an ‘asset-test exempt income stream’ for the purposes of the Act.

Social Security (Partially Asset-test Exempt Income Stream – Exemption) (FACS) Principles 2005

This instrument specifies the criteria that must be met by an income stream in order to be an asset-test exempt income stream for the purposes of the Act.

These two instruments were both made on 22 December 2005, and registered on 13 October 2006. The Explanatory Statements provide no explanation for the delay in registering these instruments nor an assurance that no person, other than the Commonwealth, has been disadvantaged by this delay. The Committee has received a response and is seeking further advice from the Minister on these matters.

Senator Milne to move on the next day of sitting:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, no later than 4 pm on 7 February 2007, all correspondence, including e-mails and file notes of telephone conversations between the Federal Government and the Government of Tasmania concerning the implementation of the 2004 election commitment by the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) to protect 18 700 hectares of old-growth forest in the Styx and Florentine valleys.

Senator Nettle to move on the next day of sitting:

That the Senate—

(a)

notes recent statements by the United States Secretary of Defense, Mr Robert Gates, regarding the failure of Coalition forces in Iraq; and

(b)

calls on the Government to acknowledge that Coalition forces are losing the war in Iraq and immediately withdraw Australian troops.

Senator Bob Brown to move on the next day of sitting:

That the Senate wishes all Australians this season’s greetings and a happy New Year.

Senators Nettle and Bob Brown to move on the next day of sitting:

That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to remove recognition of the US Military Commissions intended to try Australian citizen David Hicks, from the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Removal of Recognition of US Military Commissions (David Hicks) Bill 2006.

Senators Stott Despoja, Troeth, Nettle and Carol Brown to move on the next day of sitting:

That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to prohibit misleading or deceptive advertising or notification of pregnancy counselling services, and for related purposes. Pregnancy Counselling (Truth in Advertising) Bill 2006.