Tony Zappia's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-10T22:05:30+00:00
items: Public Works Joint Committee; Reference to Federation Chamber | Committees | House debates
items: Public Works Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
items: Labor Government | Adjournment | House debates
items: Defence Properties | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Jonceski, Mr Ljupco (Luch) | Condolences | House debates
items: Bolkus, Hon. Nick | Condolences | House debates
items: Middle East | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Petition: Light Pollution | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Byner, Mr Leon | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Makin Electorate: Schools | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: United States-Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates

Public Works Joint Committee; Reference to Federation Chamber | Committees | House debates
type: item
description: I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
encoded: I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
date: 2026-02-10T16:18:00+00:00

Public Works Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
type: item
description: I move: That the House take note of the 89th annual report.
encoded: I move: That the House take note of the 89th annual report.
date: 2026-02-10T16:18:00+00:00

Public Works Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
type: item
description: On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the 89th annual report and report No. 1 of 2026, Referrals made in September and October 2025. Report made a...
encoded: On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the 89th annual report and report No. 1 of 2026, Referrals made in September and October 2025. Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e). I ask leave of the house to make a short statement in connection with the reports. Leave granted. Once again, on behalf of the Public Works, I present the committee's first report for 2026 and the third for the 48th parliament. This report considers the following six proposed works: (1) the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's Black Mountain greenhouse redevelopment project, which has a total estimated cost of $37.9 million; (2) the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness stage 1 part-life refit, which has a total estimated cost of $372.216 million; (3) the Australian Tax Office's proposed fit-out of leased premises levels 5 to 10, 152 Wharf Street, Brisbane, Queensland, which has a total estimated cost of $29.17 million; (4) Services Australia's proposed fit-out of leased premises at 90 Crown Street, Wollongong, New South Wales, which has a total estimated cost of $22.34 million; (5) the Attorney-General's Department's proposed fit out of existing leased premises at 3-5 National Circuit Barton, Australian Capital Territory, which has a total estimated cost of $39.93 million; and (6) the Department of Home Affairs's Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre Hawk Compound redevelopment project, which has a total estimated cost of $34.94 million. In considering these proposed works, the committee received submissions and held private briefings, public hearings and in camera hearings with the relevant agencies as well as conducting formal and informal site inspections at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, the Black Mountain greenhouse site in Canberra and the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre near Perth. Af…
date: 2026-02-10T16:03:00+00:00

Labor Government | Adjournment | House debates
type: item
description: In March, South Australians will choose who governs the state for the next four years. It will be a choice between an experienced, disciplined and competent Peter Malinauskas Labor government and...
encoded: In March, South Australians will choose who governs the state for the next four years. It will be a choice between an experienced, disciplined and competent Peter Malinauskas Labor government and a mix of untested non-Labor candidates. The South Australian Liberal Party, previously seen as the natural alternative to Labor, is paralysed by disunity, scandal and inexperience. Four years ago, when Peter Malinauskas was elected premier, he outlined a vision to transform South Australia, tackle the issues that mattered and make South Australia a leader, not a follower. Today the widely held view is that he has delivered on his vision and has turned South Australia around. Whilst the following is by no means a comprehensive list, it provides some noteworthy achievements of the Malinauskas Labor government. Since 2022, South Australia has had the strongest four years of international trade on record, with $21 billion worth of goods being sold to the world. Unemployment is at 3.9 per cent and is the equal lowest of all Australian states. On dwelling stats, construction work, jobs growth and economic growth, South Australia is now leading or amongst the highest ranking of the Australian states. Over 15,000 homes were approved in South Australia in 2025—more than any other year in history and a 22 per cent increase over 2024. In the health sector, whilst there is still so much more to do, South Australia now has over 1,460 more nurses, 640 more doctors, 380 more allied health professionals and 300 paramedics and ambulance officers. Thirteen new or rebuilt ambulance stations have been opened, and four 24/7 pharmacies are now operating. If re-elected, a fifth is planned for the Adelaide Hills. Serving the Makin electorate region, there are now 80 more hospital beds at the Lyell McEwen Hospital and 72 more at the Modbury Hospital. The events calendar in South Australia is packed, including the bp Adelaide Grand Final, formerly known as the Adelaide 500, which has been secured un…
date: 2026-02-09T19:45:00+00:00

Defence Properties | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government reforming the Defence estate? What has been the response to this, and how does this compare to other approaches?
encoded: My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government reforming the Defence estate? What has been the response to this, and how does this compare to other approaches?
date: 2026-02-09T14:41:00+00:00

Jonceski, Mr Ljupco (Luch) | Condolences | House debates
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description: Having listened to so many fine tributes to Ljupco Jonceski—or, as we all knew him, Luch—it's hard to add much more to what has already been said. I begin by making this observation:...
encoded: Having listened to so many fine tributes to Ljupco Jonceski—or, as we all knew him, Luch—it's hard to add much more to what has already been said. I begin by making this observation: it was absolutely wonderful to see Luch's family on the floor of Parliament House yesterday when the Prime Minister moved the condolence motion. For someone who had been so much a part of this House, who had spent so much of his life in this building—and, in particular, on the floor of parliament where few people ever get to step—I think it was not only appropriate but so good to see his family share in the space that took up so much of Luch's life. To them I extend my sincere condolences. Luch died too young, and I'm sure that the heartache of knowing that he died too young is something that they will have to try to work through over the years ahead. When I heard of Luch's passing, like so many others I couldn't believe it. I just thought, no, it can't be possible. Sometimes things seem to be what they are—I can recall on the very last day of last year when we were in this place, seeing Luch there and admiring him on that particular day for the way he conducted himself and for the way he worked within this building. When I reflected back on it later, I thought, 'I have been here for 18 years, but why did I think of him on that particular day in the way that I did?' Perhaps it was because, for some unknown reason, it was the last time I would see him. When I came back here after the break, and even now, I still don't find it real that he's not part of this building and that he's not one of the people that we see each and every day. When I was first elected in 2007 and came here, Luch was the first attendant I got to know. He was the one that you might say I was introduced to as one of the attendants of this place. From that very first moment, he made me feel welcome and he made me feel supported. For a new member, it's pretty important to know that you feel that you've just made a frien…
date: 2026-02-05T12:40:00+00:00

Bolkus, Hon. Nick | Condolences | House debates
type: item
description: I'll begin my remarks by extending my condolences to Nick Bolkus's wife, Mary; to his children Aria, Mikayla and Nicholas; and to his sister, Anna. When you're speaking last on a condolence...
encoded: I'll begin my remarks by extending my condolences to Nick Bolkus's wife, Mary; to his children Aria, Mikayla and Nicholas; and to his sister, Anna. When you're speaking last on a condolence motion, there's not much left to be said, especially having listened to the contributions of all my colleagues here in this place over the last day or two, where I believe that they all have beautifully summed up Nick's life. I wasn't able to get to the funeral service for Nick at the Greek Orthodox Church, otherwise known as the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel, in Adelaide on 21 January, because parliament here was sitting, but I was able to get to the state memorial on 22 January at the Allan Scott Auditorium in the Hawke Building at the University of Adelaide. Again, the collective contributions there on the day, beginning with Daniela Ritorto, Premier Peter Malinauskas, former deputy premier John Rau, Mary, Aria and Mikayla, and the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing's contribution in this chamber yesterday, I believe perfectly encapsulate the life of Nick Bolkus and the person he was—the husband, the father, the friend, the politician and the community man that so many others have spoken about in their contributions about him. The number of people who were at the Allan Scott Auditorium state memorial service also provided a glimpse of the respect that Nick was held in by people from across the country. The number and diversity of people who had come to know him and the impact that he had had on their lives were well displayed on the day by the presence of those people. I first met Nick Bolkus shortly after the dismissal of the Whitlam government, when I took a job working as research officer to Senator Jim Cavanagh. Nick was then working for Clyde Cameron. The federal MPs and senators at the time predominantly worked on the 15th floor of the AMP building, which was located directly across the road from the state parliament house. The senators and members …
date: 2026-02-05T11:43:00+00:00

Middle East | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: At the ecumenical worship service for the opening of the 2026 federal parliamentary year, there was a call for peace throughout the world. Every day, billions of people struggle through life...
encoded: At the ecumenical worship service for the opening of the 2026 federal parliamentary year, there was a call for peace throughout the world. Every day, billions of people struggle through life living in extreme poverty, violent conflict, war and oppression, none more so than the Palestinians, who have never known peace in their lifetime and who only know a life of daily survival and misery. With so much else going on in people's lives here in Australia and overseas, and with people tiring of the decades-old Palestine-Israel conflict, the daily sufferings endured by Palestinians hardly rate a mention in mainstream media here in Australia. That has been even more noticeable since the announcement of a ceasefire in October, when, for most outsiders, the conflict was supposedly settled. Yet the shootings, the bombings, the air strikes and the suffering did not stop with the announced ceasefire. Credible sources report that, since the ceasefire, over 500 Palestinians, including innocent women and children, have been violently killed. The Israeli land grab continues. Journalists are barred from the region in an attempt to prevent the truth from being reported. International aid to desperate and starving Palestinians is restricted by the Israeli military. And even with the recent opening of the Rafah crossing to Egypt, on-the-ground reports claim that very little aid is now getting through. Aid workers who risked their lives to save people are pleading for international intervention to force the Netanyahu government to ease their restrictions over Palestinian people, and now the Jewish Independent reports that the Israeli Knesset is considering legislation that would make the death sentence mandatory for intentional killing by Palestinians, but not by Israelis. Since October 2023, around 72,000 Palestinians, including over 20,000 children, 1,700 health workers and 259 journalists and media workers, have been killed; 182,000 people have been wounded; 870,000 have been displac…
date: 2026-02-05T10:17:00+00:00

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: It's a pleasure to follow the member for Richmond. Having heard her contribution and how well she summarised the importance of this legislation, the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of...
encoded: It's a pleasure to follow the member for Richmond. Having heard her contribution and how well she summarised the importance of this legislation, the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025, I feel she's left me with very little else to say! I commence my own remarks by thanking the nurses in our health workforce—over 400,000 of them across the country, and, as the member for Richmond quite rightly pointed out, the most evenly spread and the largest health force sector we have in the country. Every day they provide patient care that is second to none in terms of the relationships they build with patients, the confidence they give them, and the counselling and support they give them to get through, in many cases, very difficult health issues. It's not surprising that, given the work they do, they are probably rated as the most trusted profession across all professions in the country. That says a lot about the confidence the community has in nurses. That is not surprising when you think about the work they do, dealing each and every day with sometimes incredibly difficult situations—dealing with patients that have got very serious injuries, horrific injuries at times. They have to face that on a regular basis, whether it's drug-affected people or people with serious disability or even dementia; they're dealing with people who don't know what they're doing, and it's incredibly difficult and draining work. In particular, it can also be very risky work. I note that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of South Australian nurse Gayle Woodford, in the outback in South Australia. I well remember that incident. That highlights the work nurses do and the risks they often take. I'm pleased to say that, as a result of what happened to Gayle, the laws were changed to try and provide a little bit more support and security for our nurses at the time. Australia's health system is indeed one of the best in the world; again, we can…
date: 2026-02-05T10:44:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
type: item
description: To the families and loved ones of the people killed at Bondi on 14 December, I extend my profound condolences. I can only try to understand their grief and their loss. It has now been over a...
encoded: To the families and loved ones of the people killed at Bondi on 14 December, I extend my profound condolences. I can only try to understand their grief and their loss. It has now been over a month since the Bondi Beach shootings. Time moves on so quickly, and, for most people, normal life resumes. But it doesn't for those killed at Bondi, nor for their families and close friends—15 people that were celebrating life, probably looking forward to the summer holidays and Christmas plans that never came to pass. For their families and close friends, and for those wounded, their lives were changed forever, left with heartache and memories that will never leave them. On 14 December our nation was left shocked, angry, saddened and grieving in a way I have never seen before: angry at those who committed such a cowardly and heartless act; shocked that such an event could happen in Australia, where the principle of a fair go is ingrained in our identity and where we pride ourselves on multicultural success; saddened and grieving that 15 defenceless people—including 10-year-old Matilda—who had done no harm to their killers and were going about their lives as we all do could be mercilessly gunned down. We cannot turn back time, we cannot bring back the lives of those killed and we cannot restore the lives of their loved ones. But we can, and we do, thank those who in any way assisted on the day—some risking or losing their own lives, as so many other speakers have noted. Today there is too much hate throughout the world—too many innocent lives lost every day because of hate, bigotry, greed, and racial and religious intolerance. Hate and bigotry are used by evil people to indoctrinate others, who then commit vile atrocities even at the cost of their own lives. Jewish people know hate and bigotry only too well, having experienced antisemitism for centuries. The Bard, William Shakespeare, wrote about it over 400 years ago in his play The Merchant of Venice. In act 3, scene 1, Shylo…
date: 2026-01-19T20:54:00+00:00

Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I speak in support of the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. Over recent years there's been a lot of misinformation about migration. Some of it has just been through...
encoded: I speak in support of the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. Over recent years there's been a lot of misinformation about migration. Some of it has just been through misunderstandings, but much of it has been deliberate, intended to sow division within communities, to score cheap political points or to divert attention away from the real issues that are causing social struggles. The fact is that migration has been critical to Australia's development, and this has been particularly so since World War II. In the years since then, there has been an influx of migrants. Immediately after World War II, we saw a huge number of British and European migrants come to this country. In the decades that followed, that changed, with people coming here from many other parts of the world. The reality is that today we often speak of Australia as being a successful multicultural country, with, indeed, almost every country in the world being represented by people who now live here. In the past four decades, under Labor and coalition governments, we have seen, I understand, some seven million or more people come and permanently settle in Australia. Yet I accept that Australians want a controlled immigration program. They want an immigration program that serves Australia's needs and that they can have confidence in. Importantly, they want an immigration program that is not rorted, yet that is what has been happening over recent years, during which, because of widespread conflict overseas, desperate people fleeing war or persecution have been prepared to do whatever it takes to come to Australia. These are, indeed, vulnerable people who are then taken advantage of by, sometimes, people smugglers who put them through life-threatening journeys, and if they do manage to reach Australia, they then are often taken advantage of by employers or job recruiters. Often people of their own culture are those very job recruiters—people who promise them work on the basis …
date: 2025-11-27T10:19:00+00:00

Petition: Light Pollution | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I present a petition with 12,144 signatures organised by the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance. The petition is calling for legislation to limit light pollution, specifically artificial light at...
encoded: I present a petition with 12,144 signatures organised by the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance. The petition is calling for legislation to limit light pollution, specifically artificial light at night. Light pollution has a number of negative consequences, which include ecological impacts on plants and animals, harming biodiversity; human health, especially sleep disruption; energy waste; and a reduction in the visibility of stars and planets, impacting astronomy. At present, there is a lack of comprehensive legislation to address light pollution and its impacts. I note that addressing light pollution does not mean forgoing useful lighting but rather going about it in a smarter way, which might include targeted lighting, choosing an appropriate intensity of lighting or eliminating unnecessary lighting. I'm advised that the petition has been considered by the Standing Committee on Petitions and found to be in order. This petition is timely as the International Union for Conservation of Nature's World Conservation Congress recently carried a motion on this very matter. I commend the Australasian Dark Sky Alliance for their efforts in raising a matter which I suspect many people are not aware of, and I draw the matter to the attention of the minister and to the attention of the House. The petition read as follows Light pollution caused by excessive Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) has harmful effects on human health, is harmful and disruptive to vulnerable species of flora and fauna, and has negative impacts on the economy, including placing unnecessary loads on electrical infrastructure, which leads to increases in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Reducing ALAN not only helps to reduce the harmful effects listed above, but can also lead to benefits, such as making streets safer by reducing glare and light trespass, and increasing Astrotourism. We therefore ask the House to interduce legislation to limit light pollution and ALAN, including public and private e…
date: 2025-11-24T16:01:00+00:00

Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
encoded: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
date: 2025-11-24T11:40:00+00:00

Public Works Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
type: item
description: On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the committee's report for 2025: Referrals made in July 2025. I ask leave of the House to make a short statement in...
encoded: On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the committee's report for 2025: Referrals made in July 2025. I ask leave of the House to make a short statement in connection with the report. Leave granted. This report is the fourth report of 2025 and the second for the 48th parliament. This report considers two proposed works by Airservices Australia. The first proposal deals with the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Services' NexGen project for the upgrade of end-of-life facilities for phase 1A in Queensland and Victoria, which has a budget of $163.4 million. The second proposal is for PFAS remediation works at the former firefighting training grounds at Rockhampton Airport in Queensland, with a budget of $24.975 million. Phase 1A of the NexGen works proposes to rebuild end-of-life facilities at Airservices Australia aviation rescue firefighting stations, complete minor works and build cold-drill firefighter training grounds across Queensland and Victoria. The proposed works are intended to support training objectives, comply with regulations and meet workforce capability needs. The works will also ensure that stations receiving the first newly procured ultralarge firefighting vehicles are fit for purpose and capable of storing the new fleet. The PFAS remediation at Rockhampton Airport propose to manage PFAS contamination from affected infrastructure and soil at the former firefighting training grounds at the airport. The objective of the proposed work is to reduce the risk of PFAS contamination to humans and the surrounding environment. This will occur by removing 90 per cent of the estimated 140 kilograms of PFAS mass residing in the soil and around the former firefighting training grounds. After conducting site inspections in Rockhampton related to the two inquiries and holding public and in camera hearings into the proposed works, the committee is satisfied with the proposals. The committee acknowledges the efforts of Airservices Aust…
date: 2025-11-24T15:12:00+00:00

Byner, Mr Leon | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to acknowledge the life of radio personality Leon Byner, who passed away on Remembrance Day, 11 November. Through his top-rated mid-morning talkback program on 5AA, Leon became a trusted...
encoded: I rise to acknowledge the life of radio personality Leon Byner, who passed away on Remembrance Day, 11 November. Through his top-rated mid-morning talkback program on 5AA, Leon became a trusted household name throughout South Australia. Leon was not just a host but a problem solver and a justice advocate for people who had no-one else to turn to. He cared for people who were treated unfairly and was a straight talker, holding government and business leaders to account. Leon would always begin his program with a thoughtful commentary on a current issue of public concern, never taking political sides but focusing on the issue where a local, state or federal government or, at times, industry response was needed—and always giving every person in the firing line a chance to be heard. Through his callers and regular expert guests, Leon's program was filled with helpful everyday information. When Leon referred a caller to one of his many contacts, he would always ensure the referral had been followed up. Nothing slipped his mind. Poor health, sadly, brought Leon's six-decade radio career to an end. For the thousands of listeners who regularly tuned into his program, Leon will be remembered fondly and with much respect and gratitude. To Leon's family, his long-time producer, Tammii Caught, and all his radio colleagues and friends, I extend my condolences.
date: 2025-11-24T13:34:00+00:00

Makin Electorate: Schools | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: As we draw towards the end of the year I expect that, as I do, all members of this place will be attending year 12 graduation ceremonies in their electorates. They are special events that I look...
encoded: As we draw towards the end of the year I expect that, as I do, all members of this place will be attending year 12 graduation ceremonies in their electorates. They are special events that I look forward to, and I make every effort to attend the ceremonies of each of the public and private schools in the Makin electorate. Every school has its own individual way of celebrating year 12 graduations, and so they are all very different. However, for all the differences, there are important similarities in all the graduations. The first is the genuine care for the students shown by the respective teachers and other school staff and the reciprocal respect and gratitude students have for their teachers. The second is the impressive maturity and development of the students, who have reached a milestone in their lives, having completed some 12 years of structured education, and are about to embark on their own direction in life. We live in a time where, for all the supports and mod cons, for young people life can be so difficult. They are constantly influenced by the world around them. Additionally, peer pressure, bullying, self-esteem, image and exam preparation can all be disruptive influences on their lives, in a world that is already bursting with stress and anxiety. No-one understands these pressures better than the teachers who educate, guide and nurture the students on a daily basis at such a critical time in their lives. They listen to their stories and struggles with a sympathetic ear. These are teachers who simultaneously have their own personal lives and responsibilities to deal with—teachers whom I see on graduation nights filled with pride at seeing their year 12s graduate but also showing a touch of sadness as they say goodbye to the young people who have been so much a part of their lives. I thank staff at the following high schools in the Makin electorate: Banksia Park International High School, Endeavour College, Garden College, Gleeson College, Golden Grove H…
date: 2025-11-04T16:14:00+00:00

United States-Australia Framework for Securing of Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
encoded: I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
date: 2025-11-03T12:18:00+00:00

Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Yes.
encoded: Yes.
date: 2025-10-30T12:25:00+00:00

Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I'm seeking the call to make a point of order. I very much appreciate the comments being made by the member for Gippsland, but I fail to understand how they are relevant to the bill that is...
encoded: I'm seeking the call to make a point of order. I very much appreciate the comments being made by the member for Gippsland, but I fail to understand how they are relevant to the bill that is currently before us, so perhaps he could advise the House as to what the relevance of that is to the bill before us. I would ask you to bring him back to the bill that's before us.
date: 2025-10-30T12:25:00+00:00

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: It's a pleasure to speak on the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 and to follow the member for Sturt, who's just given a very good argument and a clear...
encoded: It's a pleasure to speak on the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 and to follow the member for Sturt, who's just given a very good argument and a clear explanation of why this legislation is so important. Some 50 years ago, in 1975, in introducing the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Bill, the then Attorney-General Kep Enderby, stated: … the Tribunal is not to be an ordinary court, but neither is it to be an appendage of government departments. The Tribunal is to be regarded as machinery provided by Parliament for adjudication rather than as part of the machinery of departmental administration. Nothing less than a tribunal of full judicial status would be satisfactory for these purposes. He went on: The tribunal is not to be bound by the rules of evidence but is empowered to inform itself in any way it sees fit. He then ends his speech with: It will provide an opportunity to build up a significant body of administrative law and practice of general application as well as providing the machinery to ensure that persons are dealt with fairly and properly in their relationships with government. Those opening comments, I believe, very well describe the purpose and intent of the then Administrative Appeals Tribunal and its successor, the Administrative Review Tribunal, which is the legislation that we are now dealing with. And albeit the name has changed, it is my view that the purpose and intent of the tribunal never did. Since 1975, when the Administrative Appeals Tribunal was established, society and the way it functions has changed markedly. Laws, regulations and processes have changed. Government administrative processes have changed as well. Society has changed. Community expectations and demands have changed. So where a grievance arises, the community must have confidence in the review process that is currently available to them. That is what this legislation seeks to do. It's a legislation that looks at what has happened in the…
date: 2025-10-30T13:14:00+00:00