Claire Clutterham
Sturt · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Some in this House have asked: how many cups of coffee can you buy with the Albanese Labor government's 1 July 2026 tax cuts? But I ask: how many cups of coffee can you buy with the money that you save from seeing a GP for free?”
“The eSafety Commissioner has identified serious compliance concerns and is actively investigating five major platforms due to their noncompliance.”
“But we need action from the entire parliament, in this place and in the other place, for that to happen. I call on all members and senators to walk together to take this action. I do that because this issue is also deeply personal for me. In my first speech to this parliament, I spoke about my own experience of bullying at school.”
“One of the early scenes in the 2010 movie The Social Network depicted young women at Harvard recoiling in disgust as they discover a website created by one of their peers that allowed male students to compare them based on their so-called 'hotness'. The website was a precursor to what would become Facebook.”
“Social media is a part of the world they have always known, yet they were remarkably forthright about its downsides. They spoke about algorithms that keep them scrolling, the pressure to seek approval through likes and followers, and the impact social media was having on their confidence, self-esteem and mental health.”
“That is why keeping children safe online should be a bipartisan issue. When the Albanese Labor government introduced the social media minimum age of 16 last year, we did so because we listened to parents, educators, experts and young people.”
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“To the contrary, maintenance of that spending requires an offset of savings and creation of efficiencies in the budget to ensure it is sustainable, which is standard practice for this government. The Treasurer and the Minister for Finance have quite rightly been absolutely clear and that we are looking at where we can find savings and efficiencies, and we will maintain the discipline to make absolutely sure that budget pressures are managed to ensure the continuity of these critical programs that Australians deserve. Health care, infrastructure, education, grassroots sports and community climate resilience are what Australians expect and what Australians deserve. Quite rightly, as a feature of good economic management, targeted savings, efficiencies and restructure will be a key part of the May 2026 budget.”
“This is important because efficiencies and savings are preferable to cutting programs, which is the tone of the free advice that is often given to this government, often couched in the oversimplified suggestion of 'just cut spending'. The initiatives that I have outlined in health care, community climate resilience and grassroots community sports are the product of deliberate, targeted spending that no Australian wants to see reduced or cut. No Australian deserves that it be reduced or cut. The government has a duty to the people of Australia and to communities to provide these types of programs, and this government intends to continue to fulfil that duty. It is not frivolous spending that can just be cut.”
“The Kensington Wama redevelopment is a further example of this government's policy agenda with respect to health and fitness, community connection and active support for women and girls to play sport. It is deliberate, targeted funding which will have positive impacts for the broader community. I'm looking forward to attending the sod-turning ceremony next Tuesday, 17 February 2026, and to watching this development take shape. What is really important to this government is to continue to find savings in the budget—noting that we've found $114 billion worth of savings to date and that finding savings of this magnitude is incredibly difficult. But we will continue to do this and continue to find ways to create efficiencies through restructuring government programs and drawing on new technologies.”
“The broader community will benefit from use of the gym and changing facilities; use of the main clubroom space, which can be configured for use as both a function venue and a flexible fitness and training studio; and, of course, access to the bar and canteen. This development is being undertaken with the maximum possible benefit for the community as the key driver. Importantly for the growth and facilitation of women's sport, the new facility will enable greater participation for women, which has been limited for decades because of the poor condition of the current facility. Women play cricket and rugby too, and they should not have to do so in a substandard environment which screams 'afterthought'.”
“The existing clubrooms were constructed in two parts in 1950 and 1970, and I can attest firsthand that they are in a less-than-satisfactory condition and in dire need of an upgrade. Modern amenities are non-existent there, and they are just not suitable for the growing cohort of female cricket and rugby players. The federal government has contributed $3.6 million to the upgrade of these new facilities, which will sit on the same footprint. Not only will the new facility be the home base for both the cricket club and the rugby club; it will also be beneficial to the community because of the breadth of what is happening. It will include six change rooms meeting universal design standards; accessible facilities including an elevator and ramp; a medical room; clubrooms with integrated bar and kitchen; and a gymnasium.”
“The result is more green space, trees, a new playground, a public toilet, a basketball court, barbecues, picnic shelters, furniture, paths, landscaping and irrigation in a climate-resilient setting. Residents now have a one-in-100 risk of flooding and flood damage, compared to a one-in-20 risk prior to the project. That is targeted government funding with a discernible, sustainable outcome. Also in my electorate of Sturt is the Burnside City Council, which is home to the mighty Kensington District Cricket Club and Burnside Rugby Union Club, which currently occupy separate ends of the same clubrooms, centrally located in beautiful Kensington Wama/Kensington Gardens Reserve.”
“The mapping incorporated a range of future scenarios, including infill development and the continuing effects of climate change. Like the Albanese Labor government, the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters relies on the science and knows that climate change is real, and I am proud to be part of a federal government that partners with local communities to invest in resilient strategies so that the effects are minimised. This project involved the construction of a detention basin in the reserve to temporarily detain water in the event of a major storm, to alleviate the risk of flooding to properties in the direct area and downstream. The construction of the detention basin altered the landscape of the reserve, making an ideal opportunity for the existing assets to be upgraded.”
“The targeted funding for this program is absolutely necessary to reduce the damage caused by disasters and to make recovery efficient and cost-effective. There are four key elements to the Preparing Australian Communities Program: the social environment, which helps people work together to keep important services running; the economic environment, targeted at helping local businesses survive disasters; the built environment, protecting infrastructure like roads, houses and powerlines; and the natural environment, looking after nature such as forests and rivers. In 2019 the future-focused council of the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters completed comprehensive city-wide flood plain mapping, identifying areas at risk of flooding.”
“The federal government contributed $9.9 million to this project as part of the Preparing Australian Communities Program, which targets projects that improve resilience against natural disasters. Through this program, the federal government is funding 158 projects to help Australians cope better with bushfires, floods and cyclones. These projects will make it easier not only to plan for disasters but to educate local communities about risks and to build, improve and protect buildings, roads, bridges and natural areas. This is designed to reduce the impact of disasters, to handle disasters better when they occur and, importantly, to recover faster when disasters happen. The first two months of 2026 have seen natural disasters take place across Australia, and climate change is making them worse.”
“Promoting and supporting local community endeavours is also a feature of this government's policy agenda because, when local communities thrive and grow, the country thrives and grows. In my electorate of Sturt, the fruits of this agenda have recently been realised in connection with educational facilities, climate resilience preparation and grassroots sport. Last weekend, I attended the opening of the upgraded facilities in the St Morris Reserve. Thanks to the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council, those who attended the celebration enjoyed free gelati and a sausage sizzle, but they did so in the knowledge that the $20 million upgrade to the reserve would protect their properties and streets in the event of a significant flood or storm event.”
“It is healthcare initiatives like 1800MEDICARE and Medicare Mental Health Check In that make the appropriation of funds in these bills so important. Sustainable investment in health care is a key item of this government's policy agenda, because it is the single most important factor in building the foundations of a productive economy. A healthy population underpins a healthy economy, and that healthy economy can stretch and grow and become more productive. This government's policy agenda is driven by the understanding and knowledge that health is an economic proposition and that propositions to promote better health for all Australians are economic imperatives. To cut or reduce health care would be to do a disservice to the Australian people and to the Australian economy.”
“Just like urgent care clinics, 1800MEDICARE was deliberately designed not only to provide health care to Australians but to take pressure off hospitals. Estimates are that around 250,000 Australians will avoid a trip to a hospital emergency department each year, because of the health advice and services provided by 1800MEDICARE. The Albanese government's Medicare Mental Health Check In is also a program the bills currently before the House are designed to support. Medicare mental health check-ins are now online, giving easy and free access to early support for Australians experiencing mild mental health challenges. This service forms part of the Albanese government's commitment to ensuring Australians can receive free mental health care when they need it. Over time, it is expected to help more than 150,000 people each year.”
“The registered nurses at 1800MEDICARE are there 24/7 to provide advice, assurance and care and to refer callers to the health service that they need, whether that is a regular GP, the local hospital or a Medicare urgent care clinic. These triage nurses will listen to concerns, assess symptoms and advise on next steps, so Australians who are feeling unwell, caring for someone or unsure of whether to seek medical help can call 1800MEDICARE. Triage nurses can also connect callers to a free telehealth session with a 1800MEDICARE GP via phone or video, with this service available all weekend and weeknights between 6 pm and 8 am. So, if required, by phone and in the comfort of your own home, a 1800MEDICARE GP can provide free care, like an emergency prescription for your regular medication or treatment for illness or injury.”
“The bills include provisions to replenish the advance to the finance minister and the advance to the responsible presiding officer provided in the appropriation acts, which is a longstanding practice. These acts include the following advance to the finance minister and the advance to the responsible presiding officer provisions: $400 million in act 1, $600 million in act 2 and $1.9 million in parliamentary departments act 1, plus amounts allocated under the presiding officer provisions. These bills contain funding for critical initiatives like 1800MEDICARE, free mental health services, environmental projects, support for multicultural communities, and other local community endeavours. Thanks to 1800MEDICARE, which launched in January this year, Australians now have even better access to free health advice.”
“I rise today to speak in support of the 2025-26 additional estimates appropriation bills: Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. Before making my remarks, I acknowledge I am making these remarks on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons who have joined us in the gallery today. These bills propose additional annual appropriations to address funding requirements that have emerged since the 2025-26 budget and to support the implementation of government decisions that have been subsequently made and that have financial impacts in 2025-26.”
“I stand with the Minister for Home Affairs in this important work, and with this government as it prosecutes its commitment to ensuring Australia's national security laws continually evolve to protect the Australian community while ensuring that strong safeguards and public trust and confidence in the process remain firmly in place. I commend the bill to the House.”
“ASIO's compulsory questioning powers provide them with a unique and necessary tool to investigate the most significant threats confronting Australia today. The important reforms contained in this bill are designed to ensure that ASIO's powers remain commensurate to the emerging challenges being faced by Australia so that ASIO can execute its mission to counter threats to Australia's security, and ensure that all Australians not only feel safe but are safe. Terrorists, malign actors and extremists need to get it right once in order to cause destruction, injury and death on a mass scale. ASIO has to get it right 100 per cent of the time, and it needs to be properly equipped to do so.”
“Further, the measures in the bill will provide additional strength to the existing safeguards already in place in the framework, including by ensuring the independence and impartiality of prescribed authorities and ensuring the Attorney-General is made aware of relevant information regarding conduct under the warrant, including any instances of noncompliance. These amendments will strengthen key safeguards in the existing legislative framework to promote fairness, uphold human rights and the right to a fair trial, and to enhance transparency and accountability. The Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation performs an essential role in protecting Australia and Australians from threats to their security.”
“The person also has a right to contact the Inspector-General of Security and Intelligence to make a complaint in relation to ASIO, to contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman to make a complaint in relation to the Australian Federal Police or to contact the complaints agency of the relevant state or territory to make a complaint in relation to the police force of that relevant state or territory. So with respect to these safeguards and the new regime, division 3 of part III will remain consistent with article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as it is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving the legitimate objective of maintaining national security.”
“They also include the requirement that the subject of compulsory questioning be advised of the nature of the warrant in terms of what it allows the prescribed authority to do, the period for which the warrant is in force, the circumstances in which the subject may be apprehended, the subject's right to apply for financial assistance and the subject's right to make a complaint in relation to aspects of the warrant. A person who is the subject of a compulsory questioning warrant continues to have the ability to seek a judicial remedy in relation to the warrant or treatment in connection with the warrant.”
“The bill therefore retains the existing safeguards, oversight mechanisms and accountability measures that apply to the framework, including oversight by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security. The measures are available to all members to review in section 34 of part III of division 3 of the ASIO Act and include contact with legal and other representatives, the use and disclosure of information so as not to prejudice a fair trial, the prohibition on questioning of persons under 14 years of age, access to interpreters and additional time for questioning if an interpreter is required.”
“As an Australian citizen living and working in this great country, I want ASIO to be able to anticipate, to be able to properly advise government and other stakeholders and to be able to prepare accurate and thorough risk assessments so that dynamic and critical risks to the security of the Australian people can be properly managed. I want to know that ASIO knows what is going on and what the threats to this country and its people might be and how best to counter them. That being said, these compulsory-questioning powers are, of course, serious and need to be used within a framework of the highest standards of integrity, fairness and probity. ASIO has used these powers judiciously since inception, and the framework must be designed so it can continue to do so.”
“In this bill the compulsory-questioning warrants will become a permanent feature of ASIO's intelligence collection powers, allowing ASIO to collect the information and intelligence it needs to anticipate Australia's needs in a changing security environment. It must be proactively equipped to deal with this, and this step is illustrative of the government's view that these compulsory-questioning powers now form an essential part of ASIO's collection powers, particularly in light of the evolving security environment.”
“The use of compulsory-questioning powers over more than two decades by ASIO has demonstrated that the powers have been used judiciously to obtain high-value intelligence in circumstances where ASIO's other powers may not be as effective. In reflection of the fact that proper and thorough oversight is critical, given the nature of these powers and the need to ensure trust and confidence, the bill will also make consequential amendments to the Intelligence Services Act 2001 to enable that further review of the compulsory-questioning framework by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. This is a part of a process of continual review and measurement to ensure that the bill and the framework it promotes are working but working in a way that promotes public trust and confidence.”
“Our environment, from a security perspective, is becoming more complex. We have seen recent instances of foreign interference on our shores. Along with security threats from espionage and politically motivated violence, these remain our principal security concerns. But, as things move and change and they do so rapidly, it is important that ASIO's powers continue to evolve to enable ASIO to respond in an increasingly volatile threat environment. The compulsory-questioning framework is therefore critical, but it must also be proportionate and reasonable to the objective. In this respect, the compulsory framework has, since its introduction, been subject to five parliamentary and two independent reviews.”
“The 2025 annual threat assessment also outlined that now more than ever information is needed to allow ASIO to anticipate, to look forward, to identify trends and to identify patterns of behaviour. Credible risk assessments and advice to government and other stakeholders can only be developed in relation to credible information from relevant sources. ASIO's compulsory-questioning powers are part of this. They are a vital capability in protecting Australia and Australians from threats to their security. Introduced in 2003, following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the powers were intended to improve ASIO's ability to identify and counter threats to terrorism. The security environment has evolved considerably since 2003, and these reforms have been made to the framework as a result.”
“These newly expanded areas were already contemplated in the ASIO Act as being relevant to the security of the Australian people. They will now join the other existing elements of that definition with respect to the scope of adult questioning. In his 2025 annual threat assessment, the Director-General of Security outlined ASIO's outlook to 2030, which assessed that, over the next five years, Australia's security environment will become more dynamic, more diverse and more challenging. Australia is facing multifaceted, merging, intersecting, concurrent, cascading threats, and, if we are to ensure that Australians are safe and feel safe, ASIO must be properly equipped to respond.”
“Security is defined in that legislation as: … protection of, and of the people of, the Commonwealth and the several States and Territories from: (i) espionage; (ii) sabotage; (iii) politically motivated violence; (iv) promotion of communal violence; (v) attacks on Australia's defence system; or (vi) acts of foreign interference; whether directed from, or committed within, Australia or not … Of these elements in the definition of security, sabotage, promotion of communal violence, attacks on Australia's defence system and serious threats to Australia's territorial and border integrity will be included in the scope of adult questioning in additional to espionage, politically motivated violence including terrorism and acts of foreign interference.”
“Background that is important and relevant to this is that on 25 August 2025 the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025 was referred to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security for inquiry and report. Six public submissions were received, and a public hearing into the operation of the framework was held on 17 November 2025, resulting in that amendment. The four new expanded grounds, in relation to which the scope of adult questioning warrants apply, are already set out in section 4 of the ASIO Act under the definition of 'security'.”
“In doing this, the bill also seeks to make comprehensive reforms to the compulsory questioning warrants framework by amending the act to do the following. It expands the scope of adult questioning warrants to include four new grounds and, by making amendments to requirements relating to prescribed authorities, includes new grounds that would disqualify a prospective prescribed authority from being appointed and amending when the Attorney-General can terminate the appointment of a prescribed authority. The bill also makes an amendment to the Intelligence Services Act 2001 to require that the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security review the amendments contained in the bill on the third anniversary of its commencement.”
“This bill will operate to amend the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation's compulsory questioning powers as contained in division 3 of part 3 of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Division 3 of part 3 of the ASIO Act provides for ASIO to request that the Attorney-General issue a warrant to require a person to appear before a prescribed authority to give information, or produce a record or some other thing that is or may be relevant to intelligence that's important in relation to the matter being questioned. The Attorney-General may issue an adult questioning warrant for a person over 18 years or a minor questioning warrant for a person aged 14 to 17 years.”
“I rise to speak in support of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025. As with the other bills pertaining to security and intelligence that have been debated in the 48th parliament, the primary purpose of this bill is to implement reform to keep Australians safe. The role the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation plays in doing that and keeping Australians safe from national security threats cannot be underestimated. There is a grave need, more than ever, for its powers to be adequate to support this function at the same time as being necessary and proportionate to respond to the everchanging and challenging security environment.”
“A key achievement was Mr Kirkmoe's pivotal role in the statewide road crash rescue review and the interagency training reforms that followed. Receiving the Emergency Services Medal was Mr David Potter of Rostrevor, who was recognised for his career with the SA Metropolitan Fire Service. In particular, his service during the catastrophic 2019-20 bushfire season, where he was deployed to Kangaroo Island and New South Wales, was acknowledged. Finally, Chief Superintendent Stephen Howard of Beaumont was awarded the Australian Police Medal in acknowledgement of his leadership in seeking to improve key policing processes, with his work strengthening both operational practice and justice outcomes. I congratulate all.”
“His leadership roles within the Defence Science and Technology Group, including serving as chief of maritime operations and electronic warfare, demonstrate a distinguished career of national significance. Finally, the late Mr William Quinlan-Watson, formerly of Newton, was recognised for his outstanding service to the community of Robe, demonstrated through his leadership on the district council, as both chairman and councillor, and through his pivotal role in establishing the Robe Customs House Maritime Museum. Vale, William. Mr Simon Kirkmoe of Burnside was awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal for his leadership and dedication at the SA Metropolitan Fire Service and as a longstanding volunteer with the SA Country Fire Service.”
“Mrs Kay Collas of Leabrook had her 20-year teaching career recognised alongside her service to St Peter's Cathedral through leadership, volunteer work and support of the St Peter's Cathedral Music Foundation. Mr Patrick Bourke, also of Leabrook, was recognised for his services to the community through public-speaking coaching, including to local schools in Sturt, such as Seymour College, Prince Alfred College and Loreto College Marryatville. His work has increased confidence, resilience and almost a love of public speaking in his students. The professional achievements of Dr David Heilbronn of Fullarton in the field of defence science are extensive.”
“Nine residents of Sturt were recognised on Australia Day 2026 for their outstanding service, commitment and dedication to the community, to others and to this great country. The first six amazing individuals I will speak about now were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. Mr Peter Wallace of Glenside was recognised for exceptional service to community health through his leadership roles at the National Heart Foundation, as executive director for the South Australian division and as chief executive officer. Mr Jean El Kfoury of Newton was recognised for services to taekwondo, including teaching critical self-defence skills to women and girls.”
“These actions are about ensuring that the union can continue to represent its members effectively, lawfully and with public trust. So, rather than turning a blind eye, the government is taking a balanced approach, acknowledging the essential role of unions while acting responsibly to address misconduct, rebuild confidence and protect workers. That is not avoidance; that is responsible leadership.”
“The challenges faced within parts of the CFMEU did not arise overnight, and addressing them requires more than rhetoric alone. It requires careful, sustained reform that strengthens lawful union functioning rather than undermining unionism itself. That is why our approach has focused on intervention and support, not abandonment. The scheme of administration of the CFMEU's construction division is a clear example. It is a measured step to restore confidence, accountability and proper governance within the union. In a relatively short period, significant changes were made by the administrator, including staffing changes, the introduction of a national code of conduct, clearer expectations around behaviour and inquiries into state branches.”
“The suggestion that Labor would turn a blind eye to corruption within a trade union, where the whole point of trade unions is to support workers, is plain wrong. That is also why strong TAFE and VET systems matter in this discussion. The people training the next generation of construction workers, apprentices, educators and supervisors need to operate in an industry that they can trust. When young people enter the system through TAFE or vocational training, they should see a sector defined by professionalism, safety and respect for the rule of law. A construction industry that is free from corruption supports better training outcomes, stronger workforce participation and greater confidence amongst educators and students alike.”
“The construction industry is central to Australia's future, from delivering housing to building the infrastructure our economy depends on. To attract and retain workers, that industry must be safe, lawful and free from corruption, intimidation or criminal influence. When those standards are compromised, everyone loses, workers most of all. We cannot afford to lose workers. In South Australia, my home state, we are building, building, building the submarine construction yard at Osborne, the new women's and children's hospital, the River Torrens to Darlington Project and record housing developments, particularly in the north and inner city. We need construction workers, and we need good conditions for those workers.”
“To be clear, despite the comments from the member for Goldstein, multi-employer bargaining does not facilitate misconduct or kickbacks or corruption. It's designed to allow negotiations between employers, unions and workers to boost slow wage growth, to reduce pay inequality and to collectively negotiate for improved conditions. This is why, because unions matter, integrity within them matters. Any corruption or lack of integrity within any union or indeed any trade organisation needs to be stamped out. Otherwise, the benefits enjoyed by Australian workers will be at risk. And Labor is the party of the Australian worker and of working families and the party that will take all necessary steps to protect Australian workers, jobs, wages and conditions.”
“The suggestion today is that the government is turning a blind eye to union corruption. That claim, made with a lot of drama, does not reflect the facts. It's a tired refrain—that Labor is beholden to trade unions and that it turns a blind eye to corruption for its own benefit. Those claims are tired, boring, unoriginal and incorrect. Trade unions have a long and important history in protecting workers' rights, improving safety and ensuring fair pay and conditions across industry, including the construction industry. That contribution, which is ongoing and which adapts to the ever-changing way in which we work, should be acknowledged. But acknowledging the positive role of unions does not mean ignoring misconduct when it occurs.”
“We must monitor and measure the effectiveness of these measures and continually adapt, make changes and make improvements to ensure that the commission and the commissioner can always be a powerful force for the systematic change that we need. I commend the bill to the House.”
“That Tyrone received the support he needed to return to being a functioning member of the community is a positive story, but there are too many veterans who do not have the same level of support. There are too many stories that do not follow the same path as Tyrone's. There are too many tragedies, and that, in itself, is a crisis. The changes in this bill will ensure that the commissioner has the tools necessary so that the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission is enabled to drive system reform, to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members. Accountability, transparency and prompt action are facilitated by this bill, and it is our duty in this House to do this. It's not set-and-forget.”
“He couldn't go onto the street, couldn't go to the grocery shop and couldn't talk to others. Then, over time, things got a little better, and he could leave the house, but only with his wife. He couldn't go out alone. This, of course, affected his wife and her independence and impacted her quality of life as well. Tyrone then joined the OPK9 assistance program and was allocated a support dog named Teddy, and Teddy changed everything. His calming, confident presence has allowed Tyrone to leave the house, to go to the shop and to do things on his own—but always with Teddy by his side. It makes me deeply sad when I think that things could have been different for Tyrone—much worse—without the support of his wife and the See Differently program.”
“As part of my work as the member for Sturt, I have met a number of incredible veterans who have served our country with distinction. They have sacrificed, endured, felt alone and been asked to draw on every strength within them in order to act with bravery and courage for others. I won't forget one veteran in particular, Tyrone, who served in the infantry and who I met at See Differently in Gilles Plains in Sturt as part of the OPK9 program. Tyrone had a beautiful OPK9 Labrador who was his best friend and who had saved his life. Tyrone explained to me that his mental health trauma from service had previously been so bad that he couldn't get out of bed—a fit, healthy young man who couldn't get out of bed. Things got better with time, and he could leave the bed, but he couldn't leave the house.”
“This bill does that in a number of ways: through a focus on procedural fairness, and the bill crystallises procedural fairness by requiring the commissioner to afford a response opportunity to an agency, official or other person who is the subject of any criticism in a draft report; through reporting, as the bill requires Commonwealth entities, officials or other persons to provide to the commissioner information about the implementation of recommendations relevant to them; through accountability, as the bill requires the government to table a statement setting out its response to an inquiry report in parliament; through clarity, as the bill provides certainty that the commissioner may publish reports at the commissioner's discretion and make public statements about an inquiry; through urgency, as the bills include statutory deadlines for the completion of two inquiries into the Commonwealth's implementation of the government's response to the royal commission recommendations; and through transparency, by providing the terms and conditions of appointment of the commissioner in a standalone bill rather than in rules.”
“If someone voluntarily provides information, then any necessary and applicable protections from criminal and civil penalties have been expanded. That the work of the commission is transparent is another key focus of this bill, as is the need to cement accountability of the commission and to cement accountability of the bodies or persons that are subject to oversight.”
“Inquiries can only be successful if relevant stakeholders with actual lived experience of the inquiry subject matter are consulted in an environment where they have the confidence to give full and frank evidence and explanations. That is why the bill expands the scope of witness protections so that a person does not encounter detriment in providing information to an inquiry. This has two outcomes: firstly, the risk that the commissioner will not be provided with all information relevant to the inquiry will be minimised; and, secondly, the person providing the information to an inquiry will be supported and protected. It is critical to the success of the commission that those with relevant information feel supported and protected in providing information to an inquiry by the commissioner.”
“This creates an appropriate duty on those in charge of Commonwealth entities to take steps to facilitate that the entity does use its best endeavours to assist the commissioner in the performance of the commissioner's functions. A similar duty is placed on officials of the entity. For a commissioner led special inquiry to be successful and produce meaningful, broadscale outcomes, the commissioner needs access to all relevant information needed for that inquiry, so the bill also includes entry-to-premises powers and powers to obtain access to documents by remote means for Commonwealth entities and their contractors for the purpose of a special inquiry. Quite rightly, this bill also includes new offences for the provision of false and misleading information or documents or the destruction of documents or things.”