Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I know that you mean that, Senator Brandis. I note that the matters raised in debate were similar to the comments raised by the opposition senators in their report. Customs have provided detailed figures in their submissions to the committee, indicating what is spent on processing passengers. They have been very transparent about it—so, that information has been supplied. The government will not be deferring or abolishing the commencement of the charge. As said in the other place, and reiterated in the standing committee report, this is a measured increase in line with CPI. Moreover, it will assist with the huge cost of aviation security necessary to ensure the safety and security of tourists, and Australia’s reputation as a safe destination.

The Customs budget is around $1 billion this year and, like all agencies, it has been asked to achieve some efficiency savings. The efficiency dividend that will apply to Customs has been more than offset by the injection of $16 million, following an election promise by the government, to provide increased capacity for Customs to inspect cargo at four important regional ports: Darwin, Newcastle, Launceston and Townsville.

I want to thank all senators for their contributions to the debate and look forward to the bill passing.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.