House of Representatives

Explanatory Memorandum

(Circulated by the authority of the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP)

FAMILIES, HOUSING, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS AND OTHER LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES) BILL 2008

OUTLINE

This bill makes minor amendments to the social security law and the family assistance law to improve the operation and effectiveness of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT), as follows:

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allow SSAT members to be appointed for a term of up to five years;

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allow the SSAT to make oral decisions on 'affirmed' cases; and

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allow Centrelink to make oral submissions to SSAT hearings.

The bill also makes technical amendments to several Acts, primarily the social security law, to repeal references to redundant payments or repealed provisions, correct cross-references, correct misdescribed amendments, and address similar matters.

Financial impact statement

There is no financial impact from these amendments.

NOTES ON CLAUSES

Clause 1 sets out how the Act is to be cited, that is, the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs And Other Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Act 2008 .

Clause 2 provides a table that sets out the commencement dates of the various sections in, and Schedules to, the Act.

Clause 3 provides that each Act that is specified in a Schedule is amended or repealed as set out in that Schedule.

This explanatory memorandum uses the following abbreviations:

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'Family Assistance Act' means the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 ;

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'Family Assistance Administration Act' means the A New Tax System (Family Assistance ) ( Administration) Act 1999 ;

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'Social Security Act' means the Social Security Act 1991 ;

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'Social Security Administration Act' means the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 ;

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'Income Tax Assessment Act' means the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 ;

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'Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act' means the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 ; and

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'Veterans' Entitlements Act' means the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 .