Senator Siewert to move on the next day of sitting:

That the Community Affairs Committee be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Thursday, 16 October 2008, from 3.30 pm, to take evidence for the committee’s inquiries into the Poker Machine Harm Reduction Tax (Administration) Bill 2008, the Poker Machine Harm Minimisation Bill 2008 and the ATMs and Cash Facilities in Licensed Venues Bill 2008.

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

That the Senate—

(a)

notes the following statement of claims from the Fair Go for Pensioners Coalition:

‘1.   That the Federal Government increases the pension rate from 25% of average weekly earnings to 35% of average weekly earnings until a more appropriate pension measure is developed.

2.   That proper and improved healthcare measures for pensioners are prioritised, including medical, dental, optical, hearing, pharmaceutical and culturally appropriate services.

3.   That the level of funding for aged care services, including culturally appropriate services, is significantly increased and extended to meet the growing demand in this area.

4.   That our pensions are not restricted due to overseas travel to visit loved ones.

5.   That legislation/regulations be enacted to protect older people considering taking out reverse mortgages.

6.   That a thorough review of the means test and GST impact for pensioners and concessions should be undertaken to ensure that pensioners are not losing out.’; and

(b)

asks the Government to consider it for inclusion in the 2008-09 Budget.

Senator Hanson-Young to move on the next day of sitting:

That the Senate—

(a)

notes that:

(i)

19 October 2008 marks the 7th anniversary of a boat known as the Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel X (SIEV X), bound for Australia and carrying 421 passengers and crew,

(ii)

this boat sank with the tragic loss of 353 lives, including 146 children, and

(iii)

in Opposition, the Government repeatedly expressed its anger and frustration with the former Government’s inaction on establishing a full judicial inquiry into the SIEV X tragedy;

(b)

expresses its regret and sympathy at the tragic loss of so many innocent lives; and

(c)

calls on the Government immediately to establish an independent judicial inquiry into all aspects of the ‘People Smuggling Strike Team’ operated by the Commonwealth Government from 2000 to date, in particular the boat known as SIEV X.