Division Description Changes — Bills — Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014, Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014; in Committee — 17th Jul 2014

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senate vote 2014-07-17#14 Edited by Henare Degan on 2014-10-10 15:30:09	Title Description ~~This division relates to the Policy _[For privatising government assets](/policies/21)_.~~ This division relates to the Policies _[For privatising government assets](/policies/21)_ and _[For increasing funding to road infrastructure](/policies/38)_. The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate). Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). ) _Background to the bills_ The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF'). The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. ) The [Council of Australian Governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG) voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [here](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964).)
senate vote 2014-07-17#14 Edited by Henare Degan on 2014-10-10 15:26:37	Title Description The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate). Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). ) ~~_Background to the bills_~~ The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF'). The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. ) This division relates to the Policy _[For privatising government assets](/policies/21)_. The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate). Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). ) _Background to the bills_ The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF'). The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. ) The [Council of Australian Governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG) voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [here](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964).)
senate vote 2014-07-17#14 Edited by system on 2014-10-07 16:22:20	Title Description The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron]. Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here]. ) ~~''Background to the bills''~~ The [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22 Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014] and the related [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22 Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014] were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF'). The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here]. ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information. ) The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].) The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate). Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). ) _Background to the bills_ The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF'). The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. ) The [Council of Australian Governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG) voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [here](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964).)
senate vote 2014-07-17#14 Edited by system on 2014-10-07 16:17:01	Title Description The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron]. Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.[1] Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here]. ) ''Background to the bills'' The [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22 Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014] and the related [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22 Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014] were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF'). The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3] The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here]. ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information. ) ~~The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.[4]~~ The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].) ~~''References''~~ * [1] Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here]. * [2] Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here]. * [3] See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information. * [4] Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].
senate vote 2014-07-17#14 Edited by mackay staff on 2014-07-24 12:20:04	Title ~~Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014 and Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 - In Committee - Transparency~~ Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014 and Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 — In Committee — Transparency Description The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron]. Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.[1] ~~''Background to the bill''~~ ''Background to the bills'' The Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF') is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3] The [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22 Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014] and the related [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22 Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014] were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF'). The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3] The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.[4] ''References'' * [1] Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here]. * [2] Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here]. * [3] See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information. * [4] Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].
senate vote 2014-07-17#14 Edited by mackay staff on 2014-07-24 12:14:13	Title Bills — Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014, Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014; in Committee Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014 and Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 - In Committee - Transparency Description ~~<p class="speaker">Doug Cameron</p>~~ ~~<p>These amendments on clauses 18 and 24 on sheet 7486 are being moved together, and items (10) and (13) deliver transparency that is otherwise absent from the Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014.</p>~~ <p>The CHAIRMAN: Would you like to seek leave to move them together and then move those amendments?</p> The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron]. Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.[1] ''Background to the bill'' The Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF') is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3] The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.[4] ''References'' * [1] Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here]. * [2] Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here]. * [3] See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information. * [4] Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here]. ~~<p>I seek leave to do so.</p>~~ ~~<p>Leave granted.</p>~~ ~~<p>I move these amendments on sheet 7486 together:</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">(7) Clause 18, page 17 (after line 23), at the end of subclause (1), add:</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">Note: See also section 21A.</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">(10) Page 19 (after line 24), at the end of Subdivision B, add:</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">21A Cost benefit analyses to be made public</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">     If a direction is made under subsection 18(1) in relation to a grant for an infrastructure project, the Infrastructure Minister must:</p>~~ <p class="italic">  (a) table in each House of the Parliament, within 14 sitting days of that House after the direction is made, a copy of the evaluation by Infrastructure Australia provided to the Minister under section 19; and</p> ~~<p class="italic">  (b) within 14 days of the direction being made, ensure that the following information about the project is made available on the Infrastructure Department's website:</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">     (i) a description of the project;</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">     (ii) when the project is to start and is likely to be completed.</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">(11) Clause 24, page 20 (after line 26), at the end of subclause (1), add:</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">Note: See also section 28A.</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">(13) Page 22 (after line 28), at the end of Subdivision C, add:</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">28A Cost benefit analyses to be made public</p>~~ <p class="italic">     If a direction is made under subsection 24(1) for the purposes of making infrastructure payments for an infrastructure project, the Infrastructure Minister must:</p> <p class="italic">  (a) table in each House of the Parliament, within 14 sitting days of that House after the direction is made, a copy of the evaluation by Infrastructure Australia provided to the Minister under section 25; and</p> ~~<p class="italic">  (b) within 14 days of the direction being made, ensure that the following information about the project is made available on the Infrastructure Department's website:</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">     (i) a description of the project;</p>~~ ~~<p class="italic">     (ii) when the project is to start and is likely to be completed.</p>~~ <p>These amendments are identical and require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment. The infrastructure minister will be required to table the Infrastructure Australia evaluation in both houses of parliament within 14 days of approval. Further details of the project will also be required to be posted on the department's website. Consistent with Labor's approach in government and in other bills before the parliament, through these amendments Labor will ensure that the evidence before the minister's funding decisions is open to the public. This includes cost-benefit analysis. This is consistent with concerns raised by many stakeholders. It is also consistent with coalition policy. Items (7) and (11) are consequential references.</p> <p>If there is one thing that has been argued consistently for some years, that is the need for openness and accountability in relation to big infrastructure projects. If you look at what is happening with WestConnex at the moment in New South Wales, you will see that decisions have been made to go ahead with a multibillion-dollar project without any Infrastructure Australia overview or any Infrastructure Australia agreement, and with no cost-benefit analysis in place. So this is to deal with that. This is to make sure that the public are getting value for money. This is to make sure that there is openness in the infrastructure development of this country. It is absolutely essential that these amendments ensure that what is being done is in the national interest—not in the interests of the National Party and not in the interests of the Liberal Party, but in the interests of the nation. These are important amendments and go a long way to ensuring that we have transparency and accountability.</p> <p>Given that it is coalition policy, I assume the coalition government will be supporting these amendments. These are important amendments that the public need to have in place to ensure that the public purse is well looked after, to ensure that there is no pork-barrelling going on and to ensure that experts deal with these issues and we do not do as we are doing in New South Wales at the moment, and that is career forward with a project like WestConnex which has no clear benefit, no analysis of the problems, does not look at how the problems can be dealt with and has no cost-benefit analysis.</p> ~~<p class="speaker">Scott Ludlam</p>~~ <p>Mr Chairman, could you or Senator Cameron make clear which amendments Senator Cameron has batched together. The Australian Greens support the principle in the amendments that the Labor Party have brought forward that have been mysteriously omitted from the government's original bill. Senators will note that these amendments are entirely consistent with amendments we moved and successfully passed back to the other place a couple of weeks ago when we were debating Infrastructure Australia.</p> <p>If provisions like these had been law before the last budget, it might have been possible to save the Commonwealth government from the expensive and embarrassing commitment of $925 million for the doomed Roe Highway extension in the southern suburbs of Perth and gargantuan budget commitments like that, particularly if they are screeching at every press conference that there is a budget emergency and that they cannot waste a cent of taxpayers' money, to these kinds of foolhardy projects that are very strongly opposed—and Senator Cameron named WestConnex and there is the east-west tunnel in Melbourne; they are right across the country. If we had these sorts of sensible provisions for transparency in place before the last budget was tabled we might have saved the government a lot of embarrassment and the taxpayer a lot of money. I am happy to support these amendments.</p> ~~<p>The CHAIRMAN: Senator Cameron, can you confirm which ones you moved.</p>~~ ~~<p class="speaker">Doug Cameron</p>~~ ~~<p>It was amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13) on sheet 7486 to the Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014.</p>~~ ~~<p class="speaker">Mathias Cormann</p>~~ <p>The government does not support these amendments. These amendments only add red tape with no additional benefit and they risk delaying the delivery of critical infrastructure that will enhance the long-term productive capacity of the economy. The opposition's amendments are about increasing duplication and are disruptive of parliamentary processes. They stand in the way of the government building a stronger, more prosperous economy and investing in new infrastructure.</p> ~~<p>The CHAIRMAN: The question is that opposition amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13) be agreed to.</p>~~

Change

Division

senate vote 2014-07-17#14

Edited by Henare Degan

on 2014-10-10 15:30:09

Title

Description

~~This division relates to the Policy _[For privatising government assets](/policies/21)_.~~
This division relates to the Policies _[For privatising government assets](/policies/21)_ and _[For increasing funding to road infrastructure](/policies/38)_.
The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate).
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). )
_Background to the bills_
The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF').
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. )
The [Council of Australian Governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG) voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [here](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964).)

senate vote 2014-07-17#14

Edited by Henare Degan

on 2014-10-10 15:26:37

Title

Description

The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate).
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). )
~~_Background to the bills_~~
The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF').
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. )
This division relates to the Policy _[For privatising government assets](/policies/21)_.
The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate).
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). )
_Background to the bills_
The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF').
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. )
The [Council of Australian Governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG) voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [here](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964).)

senate vote 2014-07-17#14

Edited by system

on 2014-10-07 16:22:20

Title

Description

The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron].
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here]. )
~~''Background to the bills''~~
The [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22 Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014] and the related [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22 Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014] were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF').
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here]. ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information. )
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].)
The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5) "_that opposition [amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1) be agreed to_", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [Doug Cameron](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate).
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "_require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment_" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [here](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1). )
_Background to the bills_
The [Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22) and the related [Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22) were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF').
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [Warren Truss](http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives)'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [here](http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm). ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [bills digest](http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090) for more information. )
The [Council of Australian Governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG) voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [here](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964).)

senate vote 2014-07-17#14

Edited by system

on 2014-10-07 16:17:01

Title

Description

The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron].
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.[1]
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.(Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here]. )
''Background to the bills''
The [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22 Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014] and the related [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22 Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014] were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF').
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3]
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.(Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here]. ) Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.(See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information. )
~~The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.[4]~~
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.(Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].)
~~''References''~~
* [1] Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here].
* [2] Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here].
* [3] See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information.
* [4] Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].

senate vote 2014-07-17#14

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-07-24 12:20:04

Title

~~Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014 and Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 - In Committee - Transparency~~
Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014 and Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 — In Committee — Transparency

Description

The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron].
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.[1]
~~''Background to the bill''~~
''Background to the bills''
The Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF') is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3]
The [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5255%22 Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014] and the related [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr5256%22 Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014] were introduced to create the Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF').
The ARF is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3]
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.[4]
''References''
* [1] Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here].
* [2] Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here].
* [3] See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information.
* [4] Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].

senate vote 2014-07-17#14

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-07-24 12:14:13

Title

Bills — Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014, Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014; in Committee
Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014 and Asset Recycling Fund (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014 - In Committee - Transparency

Description

~~Doug Cameron~~
~~These amendments on clauses 18 and 24 on sheet 7486 are being moved together, and items (10) and (13) deliver transparency that is otherwise absent from the Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014.~~
The CHAIRMAN: Would you like to seek leave to move them together and then move those amendments?
The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.173.5 motion] "''that opposition [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13)] be agreed to''", which means that they were successful. The amendments were introduced by Labor Senator [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Doug_Cameron&mpc=Senate&house=senate Doug Cameron].
Senator Cameron explained that the amendments "''require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment''" under the Asset Recycling Initiative.[1]
''Background to the bill''
The Asset Recycling Fund ('ARF') is the fund from which grants to states and territories will be sourced under the Asset Recycling Initiative ('ARI'), which was developed to assist states to privatise assets and to speed up the construction of transport infrastructure in capital cities.[2] Under the ARI, states and territories will be encouraged to sell assets, including transport infrastructure, and use the proceeds to fund new public infrastructure. By way of encouragement, the Commonwealth will provide a financial contribution of 15 per cent of the asset value of the sale that is used to fund the new infrastructure.[3]
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COAG Council of Australian Governments] voted in favour of the ARI on 2 May 2014.[4]
''References''
* [1] Read Senator Cameron's full explanation of these amendments [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2014-07-17.172.1 here].
* [2] Read the Deputy Prime Minister [http://publicwhip-rails.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Warren_Truss&mpc=Wide%20Bay&house=representatives Warren Truss]'s comments on the initiative on ABC's PM program [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2014/s4000807.htm here].
* [3] See the [http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd1314a/14bd090 bills digest] for more information.
* [4] Read more about COAG's decision to agree with the ARI on ABC News [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-02/coag-agrees-to-hockeys-asset-sale-plans/5424964 here].
~~I seek leave to do so.~~
~~Leave granted.~~
~~I move these amendments on sheet 7486 together:~~
~~(7) Clause 18, page 17 (after line 23), at the end of subclause (1), add:~~
~~Note: See also section 21A.~~
~~(10) Page 19 (after line 24), at the end of Subdivision B, add:~~
~~21A Cost benefit analyses to be made public~~
~~     If a direction is made under subsection 18(1) in relation to a grant for an infrastructure project, the Infrastructure Minister must:~~
(a) table in each House of the Parliament, within 14 sitting days of that House after the direction is made, a copy of the evaluation by Infrastructure Australia provided to the Minister under section 19; and
~~  (b) within 14 days of the direction being made, ensure that the following information about the project is made available on the Infrastructure Department's website:~~
~~     (i) a description of the project;~~
~~     (ii) when the project is to start and is likely to be completed.~~
~~(11) Clause 24, page 20 (after line 26), at the end of subclause (1), add:~~
~~Note: See also section 28A.~~
~~(13) Page 22 (after line 28), at the end of Subdivision C, add:~~
~~28A Cost benefit analyses to be made public~~
If a direction is made under subsection 24(1) for the purposes of making infrastructure payments for an infrastructure project, the Infrastructure Minister must:
(a) table in each House of the Parliament, within 14 sitting days of that House after the direction is made, a copy of the evaluation by Infrastructure Australia provided to the Minister under section 25; and
~~  (b) within 14 days of the direction being made, ensure that the following information about the project is made available on the Infrastructure Department's website:~~
~~     (i) a description of the project;~~
~~     (ii) when the project is to start and is likely to be completed.~~
These amendments are identical and require the infrastructure minister to make public the supporting information behind the project that is approved for a grant or payment. The infrastructure minister will be required to table the Infrastructure Australia evaluation in both houses of parliament within 14 days of approval. Further details of the project will also be required to be posted on the department's website. Consistent with Labor's approach in government and in other bills before the parliament, through these amendments Labor will ensure that the evidence before the minister's funding decisions is open to the public. This includes cost-benefit analysis. This is consistent with concerns raised by many stakeholders. It is also consistent with coalition policy. Items (7) and (11) are consequential references.
If there is one thing that has been argued consistently for some years, that is the need for openness and accountability in relation to big infrastructure projects. If you look at what is happening with WestConnex at the moment in New South Wales, you will see that decisions have been made to go ahead with a multibillion-dollar project without any Infrastructure Australia overview or any Infrastructure Australia agreement, and with no cost-benefit analysis in place. So this is to deal with that. This is to make sure that the public are getting value for money. This is to make sure that there is openness in the infrastructure development of this country. It is absolutely essential that these amendments ensure that what is being done is in the national interest—not in the interests of the National Party and not in the interests of the Liberal Party, but in the interests of the nation. These are important amendments and go a long way to ensuring that we have transparency and accountability.
Given that it is coalition policy, I assume the coalition government will be supporting these amendments. These are important amendments that the public need to have in place to ensure that the public purse is well looked after, to ensure that there is no pork-barrelling going on and to ensure that experts deal with these issues and we do not do as we are doing in New South Wales at the moment, and that is career forward with a project like WestConnex which has no clear benefit, no analysis of the problems, does not look at how the problems can be dealt with and has no cost-benefit analysis.
~~Scott Ludlam~~
Mr Chairman, could you or Senator Cameron make clear which amendments Senator Cameron has batched together. The Australian Greens support the principle in the amendments that the Labor Party have brought forward that have been mysteriously omitted from the government's original bill. Senators will note that these amendments are entirely consistent with amendments we moved and successfully passed back to the other place a couple of weeks ago when we were debating Infrastructure Australia.
If provisions like these had been law before the last budget, it might have been possible to save the Commonwealth government from the expensive and embarrassing commitment of $925 million for the doomed Roe Highway extension in the southern suburbs of Perth and gargantuan budget commitments like that, particularly if they are screeching at every press conference that there is a budget emergency and that they cannot waste a cent of taxpayers' money, to these kinds of foolhardy projects that are very strongly opposed—and Senator Cameron named WestConnex and there is the east-west tunnel in Melbourne; they are right across the country. If we had these sorts of sensible provisions for transparency in place before the last budget was tabled we might have saved the government a lot of embarrassment and the taxpayer a lot of money. I am happy to support these amendments.
~~The CHAIRMAN: Senator Cameron, can you confirm which ones you moved.~~
~~Doug Cameron~~
~~It was amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13) on sheet 7486 to the Asset Recycling Fund Bill 2014.~~
~~Mathias Cormann~~
The government does not support these amendments. These amendments only add red tape with no additional benefit and they risk delaying the delivery of critical infrastructure that will enhance the long-term productive capacity of the economy. The opposition's amendments are about increasing duplication and are disruptive of parliamentary processes. They stand in the way of the government building a stronger, more prosperous economy and investing in new infrastructure.
~~The CHAIRMAN: The question is that opposition amendments (7), (10), (11) and (13) be agreed to.~~