Mr PITT (Hinkler) (14:13): My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline the economic impact of repealing the world’s biggest carbon tax?

Mr HOCKEY (North Sydney—The Treasurer) (14:13): The world’s biggest carbon tax, you say. We are keeping to our election commitment to get rid of the world’s biggest carbon tax. The Labor Party, unfortunately, is not keeping to its election commitment to terminate the world’s biggest carbon tax.

Mr Conroy interjecting—

Mr HOCKEY: There are teeth moving over there but I cannot see the face. There is something moving—lots of chompers. Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the Townsville termination, when the member for McMahon and the former Prime Minister went up to Townsville and proudly proclaimed that the Labor Party was going to terminate the carbon tax. If Labor was re-elected they were going to terminate the carbon tax. The only problem is that, coming into opposition, Labor is now determined to oppose the termination of the carbon tax. Why? I found out why today. Outside Parliament House, in words that would ring true to everything Labor does—

Ms Butler interjecting—

The SPEAKER: The member for Griffith will desist. Hopefully, she will learn from yesterday.

Mr HOCKEY: the member for McMahon said, in relation to the carbon tax: ‘The Labor Party’s position will remain consistent and clear.’ We are not sure if that was the original position in relation to an ETS, or whether it was the revised position in relation to a carbon tax, or whether it was the revised position on terminating the carbon tax—or who knows what their position is today?

Mr Champion interjecting—

The SPEAKER: The member for Wakefield is warned!

Mr HOCKEY: But we are getting rid of the carbon tax because it is a cost to Australian jobs. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because it is a handbrake on Australia’s economic growth. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because it increases inflation in Australia. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because it reduces our competitive position in relation to a whole range of other countries that we compete with every day in trade and commerce. We are getting rid of the carbon tax so that we can deal directly with the cost-of-living challenges for everyday Australian families. We are getting rid of the carbon tax because the carbon tax is a failed policy. It is flawed policy.

How ironic it is that, after yesterday addressing every question to the carbon tax and after opposing the repeal of the carbon tax on three occasions, today the Labor Party are not even asking a question. They are going to have to defend the carbon tax not just yesterday but for every day up to the next election and beyond, because the carbon tax and the Labor Party are one and the same.

 

 

Mr PITT (Hinkler) (21:05): Last month I announced that Bundaberg, at the northern end of my electorate, would be one of only 10 sites across the country prioritised for superfast broadband upgrades. NBN Co and Telstra have reached an agreement on an expanded program to plan, design and construct fibre-to-the-node high-speed broadband. About 200,000 premises will be passed by fibre to the node nationally, including a high proportion that were classified as being underserved in the government’s myBroadband study. While the planning and design work has not yet been completed to map exactly which suburbs and streets will receive the NBN in my electorate, it is expected that about 20,000 premises will be eligible to connect to high-speed VDSL fibre-to-the-node services in 2015.

The fact that Bundaberg is a point of interconnect for the NBN bodes well for further expansion down the track. The announcement was part of the government’s ongoing reform of the NBN to ensure that superfast broadband can be rolled out sooner and more cost-effectively in areas that are underserved. I would like to remind the House of the findings contained in the independent strategic review released by NBN Co in December last year. The review found the rollout was two years behind schedule, with final completion due 11 years later than was first promised by Kevin Rudd. The cost to taxpayers of completing the NBN under Labor’s plan had blown out to $73 billion. That is $29 billion more than Australians were told. An average broadband bill will now cost $72 per month using a mix of technology, compared with $139 under Labor’s plan.

NBN Co advised the government that to deliver broadband sooner, at less cost to taxpayers and more affordably for consumers, the NBN should be completed by using a mix of technology. When you consider that fewer than 400 million of the world’s 1.6 billion internet devices are PCs, it is easy to see why using a mix of technologies is ideal: people are moving towards portable wireless devices.

Wireless technology is particularly vital across vast distances, in regions that are sparsely populated. Twenty development applications have so far been lodged with Bundaberg Regional Council for wireless internet towers in outlying areas. A further 15 development applications for towers have been lodged with Fraser Coast Regional Council, at the southern end of the Hinkler electorate.

As with any development application, one tower in particular has drawn heavy criticism. My office receives regular complaints and inquiries about the quality and availability of internet at Pacific Haven. However, we also recently received a petition against an NBN tower in the same community. The residents argue the proposed location of the tower will distract drivers and reduce property values. They also claim electromagnetic radiation will affect their wellbeing. They have suggested two other sites for the tower. NBN Co took their concerns on board and assessed the sites, but found they were not feasible or appropriate.

I also recently met with representatives from Bundaberg Port. They say internet availability is one of the major deciding factors for many yachtsmen and businesses. The Bundaberg Port Marina is the most popular ports of entry into Australia. International visitors come from all corners of the globe and use the marina as a gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef and a centralised base for their inland adventures. Unfortunately, the Bundaberg Port Marina and the nearby town of Burnett Heads have among the worst internet coverage in the Hinkler electorate. As a result, Bundaberg Port is struggling to compete with destinations that have reliable internet. Visitors are staying for fewer nights and moving on to other ports.

As with most complaints about local internet service, Telstra says there are no ports available in the roadside cabinet. They have no plans to expand or upgrade the service in the foreseeable future. The simple truth is that Telstra did not invest enough in the fixed-line network, while Labor continued to make unrealistic promises. It is understandable that Telstra did not want to invest, when the infrastructure might be removed a short time later to make way for the NBN.

I hope that this latest announcement on NBN will put an end to this stalemate. The NBN roll out across Bundaberg should free up some of Telstra’s capital, and I urge Telstra to re-invest any savings back into the local network in areas where expansion is sorely needed. Telstra’s one saving grace locally is customer service specialist, Roger Dewar. He responds promptly whenever my very diligent electorate officers contact him with a constituent inquiry.

Prior to entering politics, I was an electrical engineer and a small business owner. I have three school-age children, and my wife works in allied health. I understand how important it is that Australians have access to reliable high-speed internet, including those who live in regional Australia. I have fought hard to ensure Hinkler residents are among the first to receive the NBN. Under Labor, the NBN was the most wasteful and mismanaged infrastructure project in Australia’s history. We are taking steps to get this project on track after so many years of misinformation and frustration. I thank Hinkler residents for their patience and understanding.

Motorists on the Bruce Highway will enjoy safer conditions with the $8 million upgrade to the Lucketts and Goodwood roads intersection opened today, months ahead of schedule.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the job was completed in just five months.

“These important works will make a tremendous difference for the more than 6,500 motorists and truck drivers who use this section of the highway each day,” Mr Truss said.

“From Brisbane to Cairns, the Bruce Highway is the backbone of Queensland. The Federal Government will deliver more than $900 million for further safety works on the highway, starting this financial year, to address issues such as this old intersection.”

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt welcomed the opening of the extended right-turn lane at the Lucketts Road intersection and new traffic signals at the Goodwood Road intersection.

“With the installation of the new signals, the Butchers Road intersection was moved a short distance south, significantly improving safety for turning vehicles,” Mr Pitt said, when officially opening the project.

“The local community and adjacent businesses have been very patient throughout construction, and I thank everyone for obeying road signs, slowing down and driving carefully around the road works site.”

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said providing better infrastructure is an important part of our strong plan for a brighter future and it is great to have an Australian Government that prioritises the Bruce Highway.

“While interim safety measures have been implemented over the years, it’s great to finally see some long-term improvements come into fruition for our regional communities in Queensland,” Mr Bennett said.

[ENDS]

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers has been awarded $80,000 to undertake a Trade Mission in South Korea as part of the Federal Government’s Asian Business Engagement Plan. 

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated BFVG on its deserving application.

“BFVG’s success shows what an effective advocate the organisation is for our local producers and value adders,” Mr Pitt said.

“These grants will enable organisations like BFVG to pursue opportunities generated by the Government’s recently concluded Free Trade Agreement with South Korea.”

Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd said helping businesses expand into new markets would give the horticulture sector a much needed shot in the arm.

“Export trade is not only good for the businesses concerned; it’s also good for jobs and good for the local and national economies,” Mr O’Dowd said.

BFVG Executive Officer Peter Hockings said the grant would help support a market familiarisation and trade relations program for some of the Wide Bay Burnett’s horticulture businesses.

“South Korea is one of Australia’s largest trading partners,” Mr Hockings said.

“This is a valuable opportunity for producers to develop longer-term business and trade relations, potentially increasing the volumes and range of horticulture produce currently exported to South Korea.”  

BFVG is one of 18 member-based organisations nationally which have been awarded an ABE grant in 2014. Under the Plan, eligible applicants can be offered between $20,000 and $300,000 in grants. The grants, administered by Austrade, are merit-based and competitive.

Australia’s trade links with Asia are expected to represent at least one-third of GDP by 2025, up from one-quarter in 2011. 

Media contacts: Keith Pitt: Larine Statham 0427 653 814, Ken O’Dowd: David Kerr 0405 380 264

Stakeholders and elected representatives today met in Brisbane to discuss contract labour hire issues confronting the Queensland agriculture sector.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Senator Barry O’Sullivan brought peak industry bodies and businesses together to hear firsthand the difficulties workers, hostels, farmers and legitimate labour hire contractors confront.

Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan will take stakeholders’ concerns to the relevant Federal Ministers.

Mr Pitt, a former canefarmer and training provider, said it was the increasing number of very serious complaints made to his office that prompted he and Senator O’Sullivan to organise the forum.

“Allegations range from the underpayment and exploitation of workers to tax evasion, visa breaches, racial discrimination, intimidation of farmers and overcrowding in private residential properties,” Mr Pitt said.

“One of the problems people face in formally reporting their complaint is the sheer number of agencies involved across all three levels of Government. In many cases they are just too scared to give their name to the authorities.  

“Today’s forum has helped us flesh out some of the issues. Now, we will be asking our Ministerial colleagues to help us cut this blemish out before it grows and spoils what is by-and-large a very reputable industry.

“We want to ensure our seasonal workers are protected; that businesses have a level playing field and Australia remains a destination of choice for overseas students and working holiday makers.”

Senator O’Sullivan, a former police detective, said maintaining strong communication channels between industry and enforcement agencies was essential to investigating and prosecuting those conducting illegal activities.    

“Whether it is concerns over labour, profitability or trade, the most practical and relevant solutions are those developed by industry,” Senator O’Sullivan said.

“The participation of so many peak bodies at this meeting illustrates industry’s willingness and desire to confront these employment issues.

“Growers must remain vigilant in their willingness to report illegal contracting arrangements.

“Our international reputation is dependent on Australia’s ability to develop practical and ethical labour sourcing strategies.”          

Senator O’Sullivan and Mr Pitt thanked all the participants for their valuable input, including John Brent (Scenic Rim Mayor and Ausveg board member) who chaired the forum.

Concerned stakeholders can add their voice to the debate by emailing Keith.Pitt.MP@aph.gov.au and Senator.O’Sullivan@aph.gov.au     

Media contacts:

Keith Pitt MP: Larine Statham 0427 653 814

Senator Barry O’Sullivan: Troy Rowling 0400 386 666​

 

 

Contract labour hire practices in the Queensland agricultural sector

Stakeholder Forum hosted by Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Senator Barry O’Sullivan

STATEMENT OF INTENT

Stakeholders in attendance agree that:

a) Seasonal (foreign/itinerant) workers are vitally important to the agricultural sector, regional Queensland communities and the Australian economy

b) the majority of contractors, hostels, growers/farmers and workers act lawfully. The industry ultimately has responsibility for ensuring the relevant laws are upheld. 

c) external cost and time pressures have increased the industry’s utilisation of low-cost labour hire contractors

d) anecdotal evidence suggests the problem has escalated significantly in recent years

e) offending contractors are highly organised and, due to the transient nature of the workforce, are masters at avoiding detection    

f) the issue has the potential to damage Australia’s reputation among international students and working holiday makers  

Stakeholders in attendance acknowledge:

a) the advocacy and assistance currently being provided to growers by peak industry bodies

b) the efforts of previous Governments to address some of the issues

c) that the issues are extremely complex and broad in nature, and multi-jurisdictional  

Stakeholders in attendance request that:

a) Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan present stakeholders’ concerns to the relevant Ministers

b) Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan seek formal briefings from the relevant Ministers about what action is currently being undertaken by Commonwealth agencies

c) Mr Pitt and Senator O’Sullivan obtain advice from the relevant Ministers about the avenues and resources available to properly address this endemic problem

[ENDS]  Brisbane, 27 June 2014

 

 

 

 

Bundaberg has been prioritised for superfast broadband upgrades, with the NBN Co and Telstra reaching an agreement on an expanded program to plan, design and construct fibre-to-the-node high speed broadband.

About 200,000 premises will be passed by fibre-to-the-node nationally, including a high proportion that were classified as being underserved in the Government’s ‘MyBroadband’ study.

It is expected about 20,000 Bundaberg premises will be covered once planning and design work is completed. End users are expected to be eligible to connect to high speed services in 2015.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the announcement was part of the Government’s ongoing reform of the NBN, to ensure that superfast broadband can be rolled out sooner, more cost effectively in areas that are underserved.

“I’ve been fighting hard to ensure the Hinkler electorate is a priority area for the NBN,” Mr Pitt said.

“As a former electrical engineer and small business owner with three children at school and a wife who works in allied health, I understand how important it is that Australians have access to reliable high speed internet.

“The top available downloads speeds will be approximately 25 times faster than current average fixed line broadband connections to Australian households.

“These speeds would allow more than ten high definition television shows to be streamed to a single household or business concurrently.  A three minute YouTube video will be able to be uploaded in 42 seconds, compared to 20 minutes on current ADSL connections.

“We have taken the steps to get this project on track after so many years of misinformation and frustration,” Mr Pitt said.

“We went to the election promising to get the NBN project done sooner and at less cost. Today’s announcement shows we are delivering on that promise.

“These upgrades will truly revolutionise the way people connect in their homes and businesses.”

Since the election, the NBN Co has expanded its fibre network in existing neighbourhoods to cover 385,000 premises, an increase of 86 per cent.   Work has begun on the fibre to the premises network in areas covering 447,000 premises.

Twenty development applications have so far been lodged with Bundaberg Regional Council for wireless internet towers in outlying areas. A further 15 development applications for towers have been lodged with Fraser Coast Regional Council.

“Today’s announcement and the rollout of wireless technology bodes well for further expansion across the electorate, especially given that Bundaberg is a point of interconnect.”    

 Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

Letter submitted to the NewsMail on June 23, 2014:

Dear Editor,

Nothing could be further from the truth than Sam Williamson’s claim (NM 23/6/14) that the state and federal governments have done “bugger all” to address unemployment.

In the final year of the Howard government, the local unemployment rate was just six per cent. Under the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd governments the unemployment rate in the Federal electorate of Hinkler increased to 9.6 per cent.

Since being elected less than a year ago, the Coalition has reinstated Work for the Dole. I fought hard to ensure two of the 18 communities selected for the first phase are in the Hinkler electorate. We’re providing loans of up to $20,000 to help apprentices complete their trade. And we’ve introduced a scholarship scheme for university students from low socio economic backgrounds and regional communities.

Long term unemployed young people will be eligible for job commitment bonuses when they have held down a job consistently for 12 months and two years.  There’s also funding available to cover the costs associated with relocating to take up a job. We’ve introduced financial incentives for business too, when they hire a job seeker over the age of 50 who has been unemployed for at least six months.

I’m proud to be part of a team that recognises that Governments don’t create jobs – businesses do! That’s why we’re making it easier, not harder to do business in Australia. We’re cutting red and green tape to save businesses time and money. We’re providing support for businesses that want to start exporting their products to the world. We’re reviewing competition laws and working to conclude free trade agreements with our major trading partners.  And we’re repealing the Carbon Tax! And, just last month, I hosted a forum for local businesses in Bundaberg with Federal Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson.

We’re giving business the confidence and stability they need to invest and employ! Labor gave us two Prime Ministers, two Treasurers, five assistant treasurers, and six small business ministers.

Keith Pitt MP

Federal Member for Hinkler.

In less than two weeks, Hinkler apprentices will be able to apply for loans of up to $20,000 to help them complete their trade.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Coalition Government was delivering on its commitment to introduce Trade Support Loans, in a scheme similar to HECS or HELP.

“About 50 per cent of young apprentices do not complete their training because they cannot afford the costs associated with undertaking an apprenticeship,” Mr Pitt said.

An electrician by trade, who completed his apprenticeship at Fairymead sugar mill, Mr Pitt said a diverse and skilled workforce was vital to having a strong economy.

“Not everyone wants to go to university, and I’m committed to making sure there are also opportunities for those people,” Mr Pitt said.

“There are currently 1,725 people undertaking an apprenticeship in Hinkler. Over the last five years, under Labor, employment growth in the technical and trades field was below average. I want to see the number of apprentices increase.”

Mr Pitt, who spoke extensively about the loans in Parliament this week, said apprentices who successfully completed their training would be rewarded.

“When an apprentice completes their training, 20 per cent of the loan (up to $4000) will be immediately deducted from the debt,” Mr Pitt said.

“The loans will only be repayable once apprentices earn more than $53,345 a year.

“These loans will provide real support for current apprentices to complete their skills training and provide a stronger incentive for young Australians to become apprentices.”

The Trade Support Loans will specifically target occupations on the National Skills Needs List such as plumbers, diesel mechanics, electricians and fitters.

The Trade Support Loans programme replaces the Tools For Your Trade payment. Under Labor, the payment had effectively become a hand-out that did little to help apprentices complete their training. The payment was only given in the later years, instead of when apprentices needed it most.

The Trade Support Loans program starts on July 1, and is part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy to build a strong, prosperous economy.

Hinkler apprentices can borrow up to $20,000 over the entire period of their training, with more support provided during the initial years when it is needed most. They can borrow up to $8,000 in the first year of the apprenticeship, $6,000 in the second, $4,000 in the third and $2,000 in the fourth.

[ENDS]

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814