29th Nov 2021, 1:15 PM – Senate Social Security Legislation Amendment (Remote Engagement Program) Bill 2021 - Second Reading - Criticism

The majority voted against an amendment to the usual second reading motion "That this bill be now read a second time," which is parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill. This means that the amendment failed. It was introduced by NSW Senator Jenny McAllister (Labor).

Amendment text

At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate:

(a) notes:

(i) that the proposed pilot remote engagement program is intended to replace the current remote employment program, the Community Development Program (CDP),

(ii) that the Government is the architect of the current failed CDP and the bill again delays long-overdue changes to this program,

(iii) concerns that this bill could entrench a welfare model, rather than job creation, economic development and self-determination, and

(iv) that this bill does not address fundamental issues in remote Australia such as housing and essential services; and

(b) calls on the Government to adopt Labor's policy of a remote employment program with real jobs, proper wages with full conditions, and meaningful community control".