Nita Green's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-10T22:05:33+00:00
items: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Third Reading | Bills | Senate debates
items: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
items: Johnston, Professor Emma Letitia, AO | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
items: Economy | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
items: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
items: Health Care | Adjournment | Senate debates
items: Law Enforcement Joint Committee; Government Response to Report | Committees | Senate debates
items: Bondi Beach: Attack | Condolences | Senate debates
items: Albanese Government, Irwin, Mr Robert Clarence | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
items: Northern Australia | Ministerial Statements | Senate debates
items: Attorney-General's Department; Order for the Production of Documents | Documents | Senate debates
items: Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; Third Reading | Bills | Senate debates
items: Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
items: Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
items: Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
items: Great Barrier Reef | Statements by Senators | Senate debates

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Third Reading | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
encoded: I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
date: 2026-02-05T10:12:00+00:00

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: The government will not be supporting these amendments. The government maintains this power provides flexibility to respond to changes in migration case loads in a timely way. It is appropriately...
encoded: The government will not be supporting these amendments. The government maintains this power provides flexibility to respond to changes in migration case loads in a timely way. It is appropriately constrained to apply to temporary visa types and does not apply to protection visa matters. Removing the regulation-making power would undermine the effectiveness of these reforms. As a regulation, though, it is of course disallowable by parliament, as is appropriate.
date: 2026-02-05T10:02:00+00:00

Johnston, Professor Emma Letitia, AO | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
type: item
description: On Boxing Day last year, Australia lost a visionary, an extraordinary marine scientist, a gifted educator and communicator, and a wife and mother: Professor Emma Johnston, AO. Her passing was...
encoded: On Boxing Day last year, Australia lost a visionary, an extraordinary marine scientist, a gifted educator and communicator, and a wife and mother: Professor Emma Johnston, AO. Her passing was felt not only across the scientific community but across every corner of the country that cares deeply about our oceans and our natural environment. I met Emma in my role as Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef. Emma was a board member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and her contribution to the reef authority and the Great Barrier Reef was second to none. Emma's work was defined by curiosity, rigour and deep compassion for our natural environment. She completed her doctorate in marine ecology at the University of Melbourne and built a career dedicated to understanding how human activities impact marine ecosystems from Sydney Harbour all the way to the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. She authored 185 peer reviewed research articles, supervised dozens of students and helped shape the very fabric of environmental science in Australia. Emma has been remembered as a communicator who was tactfully able to bridge the gap between complex research and public understanding. Whether she was on television or in lecture halls, she communicated with the same clarity, warmth and passion that defined her leadership. I was lucky enough to see Emma at the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science dinner in 2024. She'd just been appointed as the first female vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne. My thoughts are with Sam and with her family, friends, loved ones, colleagues and the broader reef community feeling this loss. Vale, Emma Johnston.
date: 2026-02-04T13:50:00+00:00

Economy | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
type: item
description: Queenslanders are doing it tough right now—really tough. I know that, after a summer of being battered by a monsoon troughs, floods and extreme weather, Queenslanders are calling out for...
encoded: Queenslanders are doing it tough right now—really tough. I know that, after a summer of being battered by a monsoon troughs, floods and extreme weather, Queenslanders are calling out for relief. Times like these bring our communities together. We see the very best of what Queenslanders and Australians are. But unfortunately when they look to this parliament over the next week, what they'll see from those opposite is nothing but division and disunity. At the same time, they'll see that our Labor government is solely focused on delivering for them. Our No. 1 priority remains the here and now for every Australian, while working to set up a better future for all. We'll continue to roll out responsible cost-of-living relief, including delivering a tax cut for every single taxpayer, with another cut coming in July. At the same time, we're working hard to strengthen the budget. We have found, since coming to government, $114 billion in savings including $20 billion in the most recent budget update. On top of this, we're addressing our longstanding productivity challenges. These investments that we are making are targeted and designed to take pressure off families. The question for those opposite really is: which part of this relief would you roll back? We will see a pay rise for minimum- and award-wage workers, taking the total increase under our government to over $9,000 for the lowest-paid workers in our economy. For new parents we've expanded paid parental leave to 24 weeks, and we're making sure that super isn't sacrificed, by ensuring super is paid on all government paid parental leave. We've delivered even more energy bill relief, with $150 off power bills for every household and one million small businesses. For apprentices building the houses that we need in this country, we're delivering a $10,000 bonus to top up their wages and incentivise their apprenticeships. And for those households who took up solar power, we've taken 30 per cent off the cost of batteries to…
date: 2026-02-04T12:47:00+00:00

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: The government will be opposing this amendment. The government considers that review on the papers is an appropriate and proportionate method of review for temporary visa refusal matters. Having...
encoded: The government will be opposing this amendment. The government considers that review on the papers is an appropriate and proportionate method of review for temporary visa refusal matters. Having a standard process for these matters, particularly student visa matters, ensures there is certainty and consistency in how the tribunal deals with this high-volume cohort. Giving the president discretion to exempt individual matters would likely result in a high number of applications to the president for that exemption, which would be time consuming and undermine the efficiency gains of this new process. Further, an applicant could seek judicial review of the president's exercise of discretion, or their failure to exercise discretion, in relation to this case. This would likely give rise to significant litigation and further delays in the resolution of matters. Importantly, the bill already gives the Governor-General the ability to make regulations to proscribe certain types of applications, which would be exempted from the on-the-papers process. This gives the government flexibility to adapt these new procedures if it becomes clear, based on operational experience, that hearings would be preferable for certain cohorts.
date: 2026-02-04T12:07:00+00:00

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: While we appreciate the arguments that you quite often make about reviews of certain legislation, the government will be opposing this amendment. With respect to these reforms, it may give you...
encoded: While we appreciate the arguments that you quite often make about reviews of certain legislation, the government will be opposing this amendment. With respect to these reforms, it may give you comfort to hear that the ART regularly publish data on case loads and are accountable to the parliament through Senate estimates—they will appear next week. These processes provide clear insight into the effectiveness of these measures, both on managing the tribunal's case load and supporting access to merits review that is quick, informal and effective. The government also notes that the Administrative Review Tribunal Act already contains an independent statutory review at section 294A, which states: The review must start within the 3 months before the fifth anniversary of the commencement of this Act. Finally, the Administrative Review Council, which was re-established by this government, serves to provide continued scrutiny of our system of administrative law. The ARC is already reviewing migration related provisions of the ART Act. On this basis, there is clear scrutiny of the tribunal, and it's enabling our legislation. The government considers it is unnecessary for there to be a further statutory review on top of this scrutiny.
date: 2026-02-04T12:05:00+00:00

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: by leave—I move government amendments (1) to (3) on sheet GJ111 together: (1) Schedule 1, item 9, page 5 (lines 23 to 24), omit "relates to a refusal to grant a student visa or another...
encoded: by leave—I move government amendments (1) to (3) on sheet GJ111 together: (1) Schedule 1, item 9, page 5 (lines 23 to 24), omit "relates to a refusal to grant a student visa or another decision", substitute "is for review of a decision relating to a temporary visa, and is". (2) Schedule 1, item 16, page 7 (lines 9 to 12), omit paragraphs 367C(2)(a) and (b), substitute: (a) the decision is a decision relating to a temporary visa; and (b) the application is of a kind (if any) prescribed for the purposes of this subsection. (3) Schedule 1, page 15 (after line 13), at the end of the Schedule, add: Part 3 — Other amendments Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 22 Subsection 212(2) After "President" (first occurring), insert "in the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) (vacancy in the office of President)". 23 After subsection 212(2) Insert: (2A) A person must not be appointed to act as the Presidentin the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) (absence, etc.) unless: (a) either: (i) the person is qualified, as mentioned in subsection 205(3), to be appointed as the President; and (ii) the Minister has consulted the Chief Justice of the Federal Court; or (b) the person is a member who is a Non-Judicial Deputy President. (2B) An appointment of a member who is a Non-Judicial Deputy President to act as the President as mentioned in paragraph (2A)(b) must not be for a period of more than 3 weeks. 24 Subsection 212(7) Repeal the subsection, substitute: (7) The extension must not be for more than: (a) unless paragraph (b) applies—12 months; or (b) in the case of a Non-Judicial Deputy President appointed to act as the President as mentioned in paragraph (2A)(b)—3 weeks. 25 After paragraph 279(2)(a) Insert: (ab) other than in accordance with subsection (2A)—a function or power under section 200 (giving directions) or subsection 203(3) (restricting member's duties); or 26 Subsection 279(2) (table items 8 and 11) Repeal the items. 27 After subsection 279(2) Insert: Fu…
date: 2026-02-04T11:51:00+00:00

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: I thank all senators who have contributed to this debate. The Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 supports the tribunal to deliver efficient and high-quality...
encoded: I thank all senators who have contributed to this debate. The Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 supports the tribunal to deliver efficient and high-quality reviews of government decisions. The bill enhances the tribunal's powers and procedures so that merits review processes are proportionate and efficient. Efficient and timely decision-making is particularly important in the context of the tribunal's review of migration decisions, such as reviews of decisions to review visas. Delays in decision-making can cause backlogs, which creates an access-to-justice issue for genuine visa applicants while incentivising non-genuine applicants to apply for a merits review in order to extend their stay. The bill supports the tribunal by expanding its ability to make decisions based on written materials without holding an oral hearing. The government has considered the report of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee following the inquiry into the bill. The government agrees with recommendations 1(b) and 2 of the committee's report and will be proposing amendments to the bill to implement those recommendations. The bill itself would amend the Migration Act 1958 to require the tribunal to make decisions without conducting an oral hearing in reviews of certain migration decisions—specifically, decisions to refuse to grant a student visa. Subject to the passage of government amendments, the new procedure would only apply to reviews of temporary visa decisions prescribed in regulations. The proposed amendments give effect to recommendation 2 of the committee's report. The committee recommended 'that the government consider amending the bill to require a decision to refuse to grant a student visa to be prescribed in order to be an "application to be reviewed on the papers"'. The government's intention is that student visa refusal matters will be the first visa type prescribed to be subject to this process. Reviews of te…
date: 2026-02-04T11:34:00+00:00

Health Care | Adjournment | Senate debates
type: item
description: It's good to have you back, Senator Lambie, and thank you for that contribution. We and many people in this chamber know that having a baby is the most wonderful thing in the world. But, for some...
encoded: It's good to have you back, Senator Lambie, and thank you for that contribution. We and many people in this chamber know that having a baby is the most wonderful thing in the world. But, for some families, the experience can be incredibly physically and mentally difficult. Before my daughter, Stevie, was born, I had heard the term 'birth trauma', but I didn't really understand how common an experience it can be. I never thought that I would experience this trauma, and I never thought about how it would impact my life years after Stevie was born. Birth trauma can relate to physical and psychological trauma. For me, it was both. I was in pain and possibly in labour, but, for a variety of reasons, I was turned away. Among other circumstances, that led to an emergency C-section, a difficult recovery and a very close call for me and for the little, tiny baby that I had wanted for so very long. Of course, it was all worth it. Stevie is turning four in four weeks, and she just started soccer lessons on Saturday, so I'm a very proud soccer mum finally. But we know that, when pregnancies or births don't go to plan, women often suffer in silence, so I am sharing this story tonight. We also know that, when you don't know where to go to get help, it embeds trauma instead of allowing people to recover from it. That's why I'm just so grateful and proud that our government, working alongside the Gidget Foundation, is delivering perinatal mental health centres across the country. I want to thank Assistant Minister Emma McBride for being in Townsville last week to announce that Townsville will be one of the very first places to establish one of these centres. The Townsville perinatal mental health centre will mean so much to parents, offering the specialised and important care that new parents need and deserve. This is a hallmark of our Labor government—a government that has set out to strengthen Medicare for all Australians. After a decade of neglect, cuts and freezes under the for…
date: 2026-02-03T19:40:00+00:00

Law Enforcement Joint Committee; Government Response to Report | Committees | Senate debates
type: item
description: I present the government response to the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement on its inquiry into the impact of new and emerging information and communication...
encoded: I present the government response to the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement on its inquiry into the impact of new and emerging information and communication technology. I seek leave to incorporate the document in Hansard. Leave granted. The documents read as follows— Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement report: Impact of New and Emerging Information and Communication Technology NOVEMBER 2025 Recommendations made in Impact of new and emerging information and communication technology Committee Recommendations Recommendation 1: The committee recommends that the National Cybercrime Working Group examines and reports on the merits of the following initiatives as part of its work developing a new National Plan to Combat Cybercrime: Response: The Government notes this recommendation. However, given the passage of time since the report was tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate. Recommendation 2: The committee recommends that the Australian government considers establishing a task force comprising information and communications technology (ICT), legal, law enforcement and security experts, including from academia, to: Response: The Government notes this recommendation. However, given the passage of time since the report was tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate. Recommendation 3: The committee recommends that the Australian government evaluates the current Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty process and identifies: Response: The Government notes this recommendation. However, given the passage of time since the report was tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate. Recommendation 4: The committee recommends that the Australian government explores a range of approaches for improving the information and communications technology (ICT) skills and capabilities of the law enforcement workforce, including: Response: The Governmen…
date: 2026-02-03T18:32:00+00:00

Bondi Beach: Attack | Condolences | Senate debates
type: item
description: On 14 December, the first evening of Hanukkah, Australia's soul broke, with 15 victims that, in the space of six minutes, were taken from their families, from their communities and from all of us...
encoded: On 14 December, the first evening of Hanukkah, Australia's soul broke, with 15 victims that, in the space of six minutes, were taken from their families, from their communities and from all of us forever. And it still aches as we stand here in grief and unity to mourn the victims. Each life lost was an unthinkable tragedy. From Alex Kleytman, who survived the Holocaust as a young child, to Matilda, a young child herself, whose image stays with me and with many others—just a young girl, sitting with her sister, petting a lamb, face painted and smiling from ear to ear. Australia and this parliament will remember each of the victims—their names, their faces, the love that their families and friends felt in their presence because of their generosity and their big heartedness. This is what we should remember. The victims taken from us at Bondi will be etched into Australia's history forevermore, because what occurred on 14 December, the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, was the purest act of evil. What should have been a joyous celebration of faith and light ended in a nightmare from which these victims' families will sadly never wake. Cowards committed a targeted, antisemitic attack on Jewish Australians, and an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every single Australian, because there is no place for hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. My thoughts have been filled every day since with the people impacted by this event, particularly the loved ones of those who died and those who were injured. But, in the darkest moments, we see the greatest courage and compassion from everyday Australians. From the second the first shot was fired, we saw heroes, like Ahmed al-Ahmed, the police and surf lifesavers, who so courageously fought back, running barefoot across the sand towards the sound of gunfire to tend to the wounded—something no ordinary Australian expects to do on a Sunday afternoon nor is trained for. But they did it anyway to protect their fe…
date: 2026-01-19T13:06:00+00:00

Albanese Government, Irwin, Mr Robert Clarence | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
type: item
description: As you know, Acting Deputy President Polley, and as I'm sure you campaigned to the good people of Tasmania, during the election we promised to cut student debt, and we meant it. It was the very...
encoded: As you know, Acting Deputy President Polley, and as I'm sure you campaigned to the good people of Tasmania, during the election we promised to cut student debt, and we meant it. It was the very first piece of legislation we introduced in this parliament, and now we are delivering on that commitment. Over the next couple of weeks, young Australians will be getting one of the best text messages they've ever received. It's a simple message but one that will make a real difference. It will let them know that their student debts have been reduced by 20 per cent. Our government is stepping up for the more than three million Australians with a student debt. The average HECS debt today is about $27,000. That means the average reduction will be around $5½ thousand—wiped from those balances. There will be no applications, no forms and no hoops to jump through, just real cost-of-living relief at a time people need it most. That is what we are doing. We are delivering for the people of Australia. We've delivered more bulk-billing Medicare. We've delivered cheaper medicines. We are now delivering the student debt cuts that we promised at the election. While those opposite bicker and back-step, our government is getting on with the job of delivering for all Australians. In my last few seconds, as I stand here for what will probably be my last contribution of this parliamentary year, I want to say a quick congratulations to Australia's very own Robert Irwin. He has made the finals of Dancing with the Stars, and I know so many of us in Australia are rooting for him to bring it home tonight in the US. Robert is Australia's travel ambassador in the US. He's out there, working hard and proving why US travellers should come and visit Australia. I know those twinkle toes are going to bring home the trophy tonight. Good luck, Robert! We are all behind you. We can't wait to see you exceed our expectations. Congratulations for making the final.
date: 2025-11-25T13:32:00+00:00

Northern Australia | Ministerial Statements | Senate debates
type: item
description: On behalf of the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, I table the 2025 Annual Statement on Developing Northern Australia, and I move: That the Senate take note of the statement. A...
encoded: On behalf of the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, I table the 2025 Annual Statement on Developing Northern Australia, and I move: That the Senate take note of the statement. A strong north means a strong Australia. Together with the Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King; and one of the territory's strongest advocates, special envoy and member for Solomon, Luke Gosling, we are working to secure the prosperity and security across this great region. It is a privilege to represent such a dynamic and diverse part of our country, and it's a privilege to be part of this northern Australia team in a government that is continuing to unlock some ambitious and promising opportunities for the north. From our Future Made in Australia agenda, our investments in green energy to deliver important water infrastructure and the recent landmark critical minerals deals with the US, we are doing the heavy lifting in a range of key areas to ensure that our country continues to grow, we create jobs and prosperity in the north, and we protect our natural environment. But with this is an acknowledgement that there is still more work to do to ensure that we truly grasp these opportunities and deliver lasting, meaningful impacts on our communities. Last year, Minister King launched our government's Northern Australia Action Plan. Today, Minister King delivered the Annual statement on developing northern Australia and also released the annual progress report on the action plan, outlining our government's achievements across six policy priority areas. This report shows that we are activating the northern economy, driving growth across agriculture, tourism, critical minerals and renewable energy. We are investing in infrastructure to unlock growth, including road, rail, port and digital connectivity projects. Here are just a few of those important projects. We're delivering $7.2 billion to improve safety on the Bruce Highway. Work has officially started on Queensland's bee…
date: 2025-11-24T19:00:00+00:00

Attorney-General's Department; Order for the Production of Documents | Documents | Senate debates
type: item
description: I table documents relating to the order of production of documents concerning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
encoded: I table documents relating to the order of production of documents concerning the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
date: 2025-11-06T11:16:00+00:00

Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; Third Reading | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
encoded: I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
date: 2025-11-06T11:16:00+00:00

Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: The brevity of my answer doesn't indicate the care that we have for this issue, but I think you've seen a willingness from the government and the opposition to consider these further, and we will...
encoded: The brevity of my answer doesn't indicate the care that we have for this issue, but I think you've seen a willingness from the government and the opposition to consider these further, and we will undertake to do that. I don't have anything to add to my answer other than the broad humanitarian exemption is complex, and that is why we are considering it.
date: 2025-11-06T11:07:00+00:00

Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; In Committee | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: Senator Faruqi is correct—the government will not be supporting these amendments at this time. I want to put on the record some of the reasons and what the Criminal Code Amendment (State...
encoded: Senator Faruqi is correct—the government will not be supporting these amendments at this time. I want to put on the record some of the reasons and what the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025 does and doesn't do in terms of protections. The Australian government strongly supports the critical work of humanitarian workers in crisis zones around the world, and we are deeply committed to ensuring humanitarian workers are protected and afforded the access that they need to carry out lifesaving work. This is why we led the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, launched in September in New York, with over 100 signatories. We will continue to work across government and with the sector to ensure we can uphold the principles we committed to in the declaration. The government acknowledges the advocacy of groups such as the Australian Council for International Development and the Save the Children Australia for greater humanitarian exemptions not only in respect of this bill but existing terrorism offences. The government is actively engaging with humanitarian organisations in relation to their concerns with these frameworks and their advocacy for a broad humanitarian exemption. These are complex matters requiring careful consideration, and we must avoid the risk of unintended consequences. The bill directly responds to the highly concerning emergence of the threat of state sponsored terrorism. It is not an appropriate vehicle to consider broader changes to Australia's counter-terrorism framework. Further these amendments propose changes to part 5.3 of the Criminal Code, which is supported by referral powers from the states. Consistent with section 100.8 of the Criminal Code and the Inter-Governmental Agreement on Counter-Terrorism Laws, the agreement of the first ministers is required to change part 5.3. It is important to note that the bill contains general defences in relation to individuals performing an official duty or func…
date: 2025-11-06T11:01:00+00:00

Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: I want to thank my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions to the debate on the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025 and to the committee process. Keeping our...
encoded: I want to thank my parliamentary colleagues for their contributions to the debate on the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025 and to the committee process. Keeping our community safe from those who seek to do us harm is a top priority for the Albanese government. The government condemns in the strongest possible terms foreign states who seek to harm and terrify Australians. These actors seek to sow discord and division in our community and they will not be allowed to succeed. The bill amends the Criminal Code to introduce a framework to list foreign state entities as state sponsors of terrorism and respond to state terrorist acts. The bill will also provide a comprehensive suite of criminal offences addressing state sponsors of terrorism and the acts they seek to foster on our shores. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will be provided the same powers to investigate and disrupt these threats as they have for non-state terrorist acts. Many of my Senate colleagues have done a good job of summing up the structure of this bill and the way that it will seek to list state sponsored terrorism, so I won't go into that, but I wanted to address the second reading amendment that's been proposed by Senator Thorpe. I think it's important to put this on the record. Of course we respect Senator Thorpe, but the government will not be supporting her second reading amendment. There is no place in Australia for racism, hatred or discrimination of any kind, and we unequivocally condemn it. Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to enjoy their life in any Australian community without prejudice or discrimination. It is inappropriate to use a second reading amendment to attack or criticise our law enforcement agencies. We note that Senator Thorpe does have other mechanisms available to her to put motions to the Senate or debate this issue, and I urge the Senate to oppose this amendment. In concluding on the bill itself, I want …
date: 2025-11-06T10:43:00+00:00

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | Senate debates
type: item
description: I sincerely thank all senators for their contributions to this debate. With the passage of this legislation, the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill...
encoded: I sincerely thank all senators for their contributions to this debate. With the passage of this legislation, the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, our social security system will be stronger, it will be fairer and it will be more responsive to the needs of the Australian community. I want to touch on some of the very important measures this bill contains. The bill expands access to the special circumstances waiver to protect victims-survivors of financial abuse and coercion. These debt reforms will make a big difference to many women who have suffered financial coercion and abuse. In doing so, I want to recognise the important work of many people in this chamber and in the House on really highlighting the importance of this issue and the measures that can be taken to respond. The bill also increases the small debt waiver threshold to $250, to be indexed annually in line with the consumer price index. This change will wipe $1.2 million in under-determined debts from the backlog in 2025-26 alone. In doing so, the government is sparing many thousands of low-income Australian families the stress of being pursued for those small debts. The bill also takes a fair and reasonable approach to tackling the longstanding error known as income apportionment. By validating the past use of income apportionment, we spare taxpayers the cost of having government recalculate millions of debts going back decades. This validation recognises that a debt was likely still owed, but it was often miscalculated at the edges. The bill provides, as senators have recognised, the important Income Apportionment Resolution Scheme, which has been carefully designed to remedy this issue. The scheme provides a clear pathway for those affected to receive resolution payments. However, no-one is obliged to participate in this scheme or is prevented from exercising any legal rights to pursue a claim relating to their debt. Finally, I want to address the n…
date: 2025-11-05T19:14:00+00:00

Great Barrier Reef | Statements by Senators | Senate debates
type: item
description: Our precious Great Barrier Reef is not just an incredible environmental accent. It is also an economic powerhouse. A report released last week confirms the reef is worth $95 billion. It...
encoded: Our precious Great Barrier Reef is not just an incredible environmental accent. It is also an economic powerhouse. A report released last week confirms the reef is worth $95 billion. It contributes $9 billion to our economy every single year and supports 77,000 jobs. The majority of these jobs are in tourism in regional Queensland. I know that's hard for those opposite to hear. It's inconvenient for them to recognise that regional Queenslanders' jobs rely on the Great Barrier Reef. If the reef were a private business, it would be Australia's fifth-largest employer—bigger than any bank, bigger than BHP. And the biggest risk to all of those jobs is, of course, climate change. This report must have gone unread by those opposite. Those jobs are going ignored. A week later, what are they doing over there on that side of the chamber? They are walking away from net zero. They're walking away from protecting our reef and the tens of thousands of jobs that it supports. They're putting the reef at risk in real terms and reputationally. Those opposite claim that they represent the regions, but Queenslanders know that our regions will be impacted first and worst by climate change. The LNP are in a shambles: splits, dummy-spits and, of course, leadership spills to come. But the only jobs that the Liberal and National parties are fighting to protect are their own. The only endangered species the LNP have their eyes on is that of the Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley. While the LNP are focused on themselves, our government is getting on with the job of delivering the energy transition we need, protecting jobs in regional Queensland and giving businesses the certainty that they need to invest.
date: 2025-11-05T13:32:00+00:00