Parliament

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (18:24):  The Midwife Professional Indemnity Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 has received a great deal of attention. Debating issues around better support for midwives has taken a great deal of the time of many senators.

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (17:02):  Madam Acting Deputy President, thank you for your graciousness in allowing me to speak on the Social Security Amendment (Parenting Payment Transitional Arrangement) Bill. I will admit I was in the Opposition Whip's rooms with the class of 2004, saying farewell to some of our colleagues. So thank you for holding my spot for me.

Terms of Reference – Business of the Senate No.1 – 16 June 2011 Inquiry into improvements in animal welfare for Australian live exports

That the following matters be referred to the Senate Rural Affairs and Transport Reference Committee for inquiry and report by Thursday August 25 2011:

1. Investigate and report into the role and effectiveness of Government, Meat and Livestock Australia, Livecorp and relevant industry bodies in improving animal welfare standards in Australia’s live export markets, including:

 ATM and EFTPOS Fees - (Question No. 587)

Senator Siewert  asked the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, upon notice, on 8 April 2011:
With reference to the answer to question on notice no. 361 (Senate Hansard, 1 March 2011, p.872) about how much Outback Stores made from ATM and EFTPOS transactions, which stated 'the stores currently do not make any money from EFTPOS transactions', but did not clarify the situation with ATMs:

(1) Do any Outback Stores make money from ATMs in their stores.

Live Animal Export (Slaughter) Prohibition Bill 2011

This bill will put an immediate end to the horrific treatment of Australian cattle in overseas abattoirs.

 Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (15:29):  I too would like to take note of the minister's answers on this issue, and note that he did not actually answer one of my questions, which asked: what is the government going to do about Meat and Livestock Australia's role in this whole business?

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (14:33):  My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Given that the live cattle export industry is now facing serious financial hardship as a result of the necessary suspension of exports to Indonesia, and given the failure of organisations such as Meat and Livestock Australia to maintain welfare standards, I would like to know when and how the government will hold these organisations to account?

Senator RONALDSON:  The farmers' friends, the Greens—what a joke that is!

Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (12:54):  I rise to make remarks on the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010 and particularly the extent to which it targets the Aboriginal community and Aboriginal land. I would also like to note that I know there are people keenly listening to this debate, both in the gallery and back in many communities.

Community Affairs - Basics Cards 02/06/2011

Senator SIEWERT:  We did touch on this somewhat yesterday, but I thought it was more appropriate to ask most of the questions here. How quickly will you be able to roll out the BasicsCard infrastructure in these areas?