Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Hansard source

I table a supplementary explanatory memorandum relating to the government amendments to be moved to this bill. The memorandum was circulated in the chamber earlier today. I move government amendment (1) on sheet AE217:

(1)   Clause 2, page 2 (table item 3), omit the table item.

We also oppose schedule 4 in the following terms:

(2)   Schedule 4, page 39 (line 1) to page 50 (line 11), to be opposed.

The government is committed to a targeted and efficient social security system. We remain committed to streamlining the process of notifying Centrelink when payments are made by compensation payers and insurers. This initiative is contained in schedule 4 of the bill in its current form.

The government has worked constructively with the insurance sector to ensure that the initiative can be implemented as intended. Schedule 4 will be withdrawn from the bill to allow further consultation and discussions with the insurance sector to finalise some outstanding issues. We remain committed to the initiative. Once implemented, it will help ensure people are paid their correct Centrelink entitlements and avoid debt and other payments.