Rebekha introduces five Private Members' Bills
Posted July 22, 2019
Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has fulfilled a 2019 election commitment and introduced five Private Member Bills into the 46th Parliament today. The legislation covered:
- Rural finance reform
- The phasing out of long-haul live sheep exports
- Transparency in staffing ratios in aged care facilities
- A national screening program for aged care workers, and
- National Heritage Listing for the Great Australian Bight,
“One of the Bills was a new commitment to establish a database for nationally consistent worker screening,” Rebekha.
“The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Amendment (Worker Screening Database) Bill 2019 implements a key recommendation of the 2017 Australian Law Reform Commission report into Elder Abuse, and seeks to minimise the risk of harm to older Australians from those who work closely with them.
“The other Bills reintroduce previous legislation I brought into the 45th Parliament, continuing my advocacy on issues I have been passionate about since first obtaining office.
“They include issues such as providing adequate protections for the pristine environment of the Great Australian Bight and banking protections for mum-and-dad farmers.
“I have also introduced the Aged Care Amendment (Staffing Ratio Disclosure) Bill 2019 which mirrors my 2018 legislation with the inclusion of a legislative review, recommended by the House Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport.
“This legislation calls for greater transparency for families moving loved ones into residential care so they can make more informed choices about the facilities they consider.
“It requires facilities to publicise staff-to-resident ratios by job description on the Federal Government’s My Aged Care website.
“My fifth Bill for today reintroduces legislation to phase out long-haul sheep exports.
“The Morrison Government and the media might not be talking about community opposition to this industry but I still receive countless emails from members of my community, including those on the land, who are deeply concerned about this trade.
“My legislation is a compromise Bill but it looks to put the welfare of animals above profit and it paves the way for a transition away from long-haul live sheep exports where we create Australian code abattoirs and employ local workers in much-needed production jobs.”
Rebekha has also lodged a Motion on Notice regarding a National Integrity Commission.
"I have put forward a Motion listing what I believe are essential inclusions in any Federal Independent Commission Against Corruption. That Motion is yet to be selected for debate,” Rebekha said.