Welcome to the latest edition of Clark Matters, my monthly email newsletter to help keep you abreast of federal politics and what I’ve been up to.
Take off for independent airline ombudsman scheme
I’ve long pushed for an independent airline ombudsman that can effectively resolve customer disputes and enforce consumer guarantees. That’s why it was welcome news to hear that the Federal Government is intending to set up an Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme and charter of customer rights to provide better protections for customers if their flight is cancelled or delayed.
Australia has long been lagging behind other countries when it comes to securing compensation from airlines, with there being unfair pricing practices, poor communication with customers, advertising fares for cancelled flights and frustrating flight delays. It’s obvious the airlines couldn’t be left to regulate themselves.
If established correctly these reforms will give Australians confidence they will not be unreasonably out of pocket for flight disruptions, and that there will be appropriate mechanisms in place to help them navigate the system.
Gambling advertising is a matter of conscience
Recently the Independent Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, and I wrote to the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition to urge them to allow a conscience vote in Parliament on the question of whether or not a complete ban is imposed on gambling advertising in Australia.
Usually, Members of Parliament who are a member of a party are required to vote in accordance with the party line, even if they themselves do not agree with the policy. A conscience vote, also called a free vote, would allow all Members to vote according to their beliefs, morals and views of their community.
This is a battle I will continue to fight as gambling advertising is harming the whole community. A partial ban like the one the Government is interested in is not enough. A full ban, like what was recommended by the You win some, you lose more report into online gambling and its impacts on problem gamblers, is needed now.
A Future Made in Australia can be stronger
The Future Made in Australia Bill is a welcome step in the right direction from the Government, but there is a glaring loophole in it that needs closing. And that is, that despite being touted as a game changing investment in clean energy industries, jobs and exports, under this legislation there is no requirement for these investments to actually be clean and green.
Drawing on the work and recommendations of the Australian Conservation Foundation, I will introduce an amendment that closes this loophole and prohibits investment in fossil fuels, nuclear power or carbon capture and storage under either stream of the National Interest Framework.
The potential benefits of the net zero transition and this Bill for job creation and skills development, local communities and the environment are self-evident. We just need to make sure it’s set up and powered by renewable energy and industries, and not off the back of continued investment in climate-wrecking fossil fuels or green-washed non-solutions such as nuclear power and carbon capture and storage.
Yours sincerely
