House debates

Thursday, 10 May 2007

  • Tax Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Costello. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The measures contained in this bill will cut personal income tax for all Australian taxpayers from 1 July 2007. The tax cuts are another step in...
  • Tax Laws Amendment (2007 Budget Measures) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Dutton. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill increases the dependent spouse tax offset from $1,655 to $2,100 with effect from 1 July 2007. The full dependent spouse tax offset is...
  • Tax Laws Amendment (2007 Measures No. 3) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Dutton. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill makes numerous improvements to Australia’s tax laws. Schedule 1 to this bill makes amendments to the tax integrity rules...
  • Tax Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Legislation (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      Mr Speaker, on indulgence, in the second reading speech on the Tax Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Bill 2007 I said that taxpayers will not reach the highest marginal tax rate...
  • Tax Laws Amendment (Small Business) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Dutton. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill implements changes to various tax acts to standardise the primary eligibility criterion for the small business tax concessions. These...
  • Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Nairn. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2007 primarily amends division 3 of part 4 of the Financial Management and...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Public Works Committee; Reference (1 speech)
      I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for...
  • Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Hunt. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill amends the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Act 1982 by making changes to the governance arrangements of the...
  • Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Ms Ley. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Amendment Bill 2007 (the bill) amends the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals...
  • Communications Legislation Amendment (Content Services) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Ms Ley. Bill read a first time.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. More Australians than ever are using mobile phones and today’s users expect their mobiles to deliver ever-increasing types of entertainment...
  • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (6 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 9 May, on motion by Mr Turnbull: That this bill be now read a second time. upon which Mr Garrett moved by way of amendment: That all words after “That” be omitted...
    • Consideration in Detail (2 speeches)
      Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
    • Third Reading (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Governance Review Implementation (Treasury Portfolio Agencies) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (4 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 28 March, on motion by Ms Julie Bishop: That this bill be now read a second time.
    • Third Reading (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Health Insurance Amendment (Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (14 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 29 March, on motion by Mr Abbott: That this bill be now read a second time.
    • Third Reading (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Corporations (NZ Closer Economic Relations) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (5 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 29 March, on motion by Mr Pearce: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I inform the House that the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs will be absent from question time today. He is in Melbourne to address the National Congress of the Vietnam Veterans’...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Economy (7 speeches)
      My question is directed to the Treasurer. Does the Treasurer agree that robust productivity growth is necessary to underpin future growth in the economy, incomes and jobs? Treasurer, if this is a...
    • Carbon Trading (13 speeches)
      My question is directed to the Treasurer, and I refer him to his interview on The 7.30 Report on the ABC on budget night where he refused to answer a question on past Treasury advice on carbon...
    • Budget 2007-08 (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Would the Prime Minister update the House on the reaction to this week’s budget announcements on education. What is the government’s response,...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (2 speeches)
      I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon delegates attending the Political Party Development Course at the Centre for Democratic Institutions. The delegates are from...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Education (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister, and it follows on from his previous answer. Isn’t it the case that, today, Australia has more than 100 full fee paying degrees that cost more than...
    • Economy (2 speeches)
      My question is addressed to the Treasurer. Would the Treasurer outline to the House the benefits that good economic management brings? How can that be shared in the community?
    • Education (5 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Did the Prime Minister say to the Australian parliament and people—and I quote—‘I can guarantee’—or words to that effect—
    • Economy (2 speeches)
      My question is addressed to the Treasurer. Would the Treasurer inform the House of the importance of various industries to the Australian economy?
    • Education (5 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, is it not the case that, under the government’s full-fee approach, in university lecture theatres around Australia students are sitting...
    • Transport Infrastructure (2 speeches)
      My question is addressed to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services. Would the Deputy Prime Minister outline to the House how the government’s investment...
    • Budget 2007-08 (8 speeches)
      My question is again to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister now confirm that according to his own budget papers his government’s spending on education will decline between 2005 and...
    • Workplace Relations (9 speeches)
      My question is addressed to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Would the minister inform the House how Australia’s workplace relations system has helped to create more...
    • Budget 2007-08 (2 speeches)
      My question is addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Would the minister update the House about budget initiatives on climate change through international reforestation, forest management...
    • Workplace Relations (14 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. I refer to the document released by the government last Friday called A stronger safety net for working Australians and I...
    • Climate Change (3 speeches)
      My question is addressed to the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. Would the minister advise the House on the role that coal will play in the world’s response to climate...
  • Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
    • Economy (3 speeches)
      Mr Speaker, I seek the indulgence of the chair to add to an answer.
  • Documents (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      Documents are tabled as listed in the schedule circulated to honourable members earlier today. Details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings. I move: That the House take...
  • Questions to the Speaker (0 speeches)
    • Questions in Writing (4 speeches)
      Mr Speaker, under standing order 105(b) I ask that you write to the relevant ministers and seek reasons why the following questions in writing have not been answered: 3799, 3800, 4905, 4908, 5321...
  • Budget 2007-08 (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I refer to comments of the Prime Minister in question time saying that Steve Lewis and Samantha Maiden never get things wrong. I seek leave to table an article from 21 March, page 1 of the...
  • Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
    • Education (10 speeches)
      I have received a letter from the honourable member for Perth proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The Government’s...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Selection Committee; Report (1 speech)
      I present the report of the Selection Committee relating to the program of private members’ business on Monday, 21 May 2007. Report relating to the consideration of committee and delegation...
    • Publications Committee; Report (1 speech)
      I present the report of the Publications Committee sitting in conference with the Publications Committee of the Senate. Report—by leave—adopted.
  • Liquid Fuel Emergency Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
      Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
    • Third Reading (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
      Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
    • Third Reading (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Condolences (0 speeches)
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Privileges Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
      Mr Speaker has received advice from the Chief Opposition Whip that he has nominated Mr Snowdon to be a member of the Committee of Privileges in place of Ms AL Ellis.
    • Australian Crime Commission Committee; Membership (1 speech)
      Mr Speaker has received a message from the Senate informing the House that Senator Parry has been appointed a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Crime Commission and a...
  • Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Radio) Bill 2007; Radio Licence Fees Amendment Bill 2007; Social Security and Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (One-Off Payments and Other 2007 Budget Measures) Bill 2007; Superannuation Laws Amendment (2007 Budget Co-Contribution Measure) Bill 2007; Education Services for Overseas Students Legislation Amendment Bill 2007; Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Returned from the Senate (0 speeches)
      Message received from the Senate returning the bills without amendment or request.
  • Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (0 speeches)
      Bill received from the Senate, and read a first time. Ordered that the second reading be made an order of the day for the next sitting.
  • Corporations (NZ Closer Economic Relations) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      Debate resumed from 29 March, on motion by Mr Pearce: That this bill be now read a second time.
    • Third Reading (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Native Title Amendment (Technical Amendments) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (7 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 29 March, on motion by Mr Ruddock: That this bill be now read a second time.
    • Third Reading (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Governance Review Implementation (Treasury Portfolio Agencies) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Returned from the Senate (0 speeches)
      Bill returned from the Senate with an amendment. Ordered that the amendment be considered at the next sitting.
  • Forestry Marketing and Research and Development Services Bill 2007; Forestry Marketing and Research and Development Services (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (6 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 29 March, on motion by Mr McGauran: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Postponement (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That business intervening before order of the day No. 9, government business, be postponed until the next sitting. Question agreed to. Sitting suspended from 6.00 pm to...
  • Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2007-2008 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      Debate resumed from 8 May, on motion by Mr Costello: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Notices (0 speeches)
    • (3 speeches)
      The following notices were given:
  • Statements by Members (0 speeches)
    • Taiwan: World Health Organisation (1 speech)
      On behalf of concerned Australian communities I rise to bring to the government’s attention the application to participate in the World Health Organisation of our close neighbour Taiwan. I...
    • Workplace Relations (1 speech)
      As we head towards decision day later in the year, it is important in an election to look at the philosophical underpinning of the two major political groupings in Australia. While the Liberal...
    • Concord Garden Club (1 speech)
      Today I again speak in this House about the wonderful Concord Garden Club in my electorate of Lowe. On Saturday, 24 March 2007, the Concord Garden Club held its annual Autumn Flower, Floral, Art...
    • Mental Health (1 speech)
      I am pleased to have been able to secure $1.5 million of federal funding for the Central Coast Division of General Practice to establish a local youth mental health service. With this funding,...
    • Medicare (1 speech)
      I would like to endorse the words of the member for Dobell and the support that he has expressed for those organisations on the Central Coast. They do very worthy and worthwhile work. I would...
    • Queensland Dams (1 speech)
      Last month the Assistant Minister for the Environment and Water Resources made a major funding announcement for the Burnett-Mary catchment area—$3.2 million from the National Action Plan...
    • Workplace Relations (1 speech)
      The same constituent that raised with me the health issues I have discussed today—and other issues of health which I have not raised within the parliament—also raised an issue that is...
    • Transport Infrastructure (1 speech)
      I am pleased to rise to talk about the Howard government’s investment, after over 10 years of responsible economic management, in new infrastructure for land transport. Particularly of...
    • Chifley Electorate: Ms Christine Cawsey (1 speech)
      I want to talk today about Christine Cawsey, the first female school principal of Rooty Hill High School. She was one of seven principals who received a national award for excellence here at...
    • Do Not Call Register (2 speeches)
      It was hardly a surprise to read recent media reports that the newly introduced Do Not Call Register was inundated on its opening day. Unchecked telemarketing has every potential to develop into...
  • Liquid Fuel Emergency Amendment Bill 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (3 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 28 March, on motion by Mr Ian Macfarlane: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2007 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (17 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 29 March, on motion by Mr McGauran: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Condolences (0 speeches)
    • Senator Jeannie Margaret Ferris (19 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 8 May, on motion by Mr Howard: That the House record its deep regret at the death on 2 April 2007 of Senator Jeannie Margaret Ferris, Senator for South Australia, place on...
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I move: That the Main Committee do now adjourn.
    • National Library of Australia: Digitisation Project (1 speech)
      I rise as one of the parliamentary representatives on the National Library Council to advise with pride that the National Library has commenced digitising Australian newspapers. Two weeks ago the...
    • Wakefield Electorate (1 speech)
      I rise today to draw to the attention of the House the opening in the electorate of Wakefield of West Avenue, which joins the developing area of Edinburgh Parks, which is an industrial area, with...
    • Official Visit to Canada and Germany; United States of America (1 speech)
      Recently I was part of an official delegation, along with the Speaker of the House, to Canada and Germany. In the week before the delegation commenced, I decided that I would take the opportunity...
    • Land and Housing Prices (1 speech)
      I rise today to speak on the issue of land and housing prices. I was curious to see that the Treasurer, once again yesterday, blamed land release for the high cost of housing in Australia. It is...
    • Veterans’ Affairs (1 speech)
      I rise to draw the House’s attention to the recent discovery of the remains of two soldiers in Vietnam. Australia, as people would be aware, had a large commitment to the conflict in...