House debates

Wednesday, 2 March 2016

  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Committees (0 speeches)
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Rearrangement (1 speech)
      I move: That consideration of government business order of the day No. 3, Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Access Regime and NBN Companies) Bill 2015, be postponed until a later hour....
    • Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 (5 speeches)
      I move: That the bill be now read a second time. I am pleased to speak on the Courts Administration Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 on behalf of the minister. The Courts Administration...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      While members are congratulating the member for North Sydney, I acknowledge the presence of the President of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, Mr Don Harwin, in the distinguished...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Membership (2 speeches)
      I have received advice from the Chief Government Whip that members have been nominated to be members of certain committees.
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Statements by Members (0 speeches)
    • Australian Labor Party: 20th Anniversary of the Class of 1996 (1 speech)
      Twenty years ago today was a very notable day in the life of our nation—not because it was the member for Grayndler's 33rd birthday or the member for Gorton's 34th birthday and certainly...
    • Groom Electorate: Defence White Paper (1 speech)
      I rise today to talk about the local gains for our defence forces in the seat of Groom. Last week we saw in the defence white paper a spending increase of some $30 billion. A significant part of...
    • Brisbane City Council (1 speech)
      On 19 March there will be local government elections throughout Brisbane, and I rise to speak particularly about the Brisbane City Council election and some concerns I have—as written about...
    • Macquarie Electorate: Defence White Paper (1 speech)
      The release of the 2016 Defence white paper which sets out the coalition government's comprehensive and responsible long-term plan to ensure Australia's national security. The defence white paper...
    • Canberra Electorate: 20th Anniversary of the Howard Government (1 speech)
      The 20th anniversary of the election of the Howard government is a dark day for Canberra. Upon its election, the Howard government took an axe to our nation's capital—it took an axe to our...
    • Gayle-Weiling, Ms Jaide (1 speech)
      I rise today to talk about an incredible young person in my electorate of Macarthur who, just one year after undergoing spinal surgery, has earned the title of Australian inline skating champion....
    • Member for Wills (1 speech)
      Today, I clock up 20 years in this House. It is a great honour to serve here. In the age of the 24/7 media cycle, and a cultural tendency to chew politicians up and spit them out, it is a...
    • Dobell Electorate: Marine Rescue Norah Head (1 speech)
      Late last year I was honoured to attend Marine Rescue Norah Head to present a 15-year Service Medal to Bill Hignett, Coxwain Certificate to Fiona Perram, and a Marine Rescue Leading Crew...
    • Dodson, Mr Pat (1 speech)
      I just want to say how completely proud and pleased I am that Pat Dodson is joining the Labor team at the next election. Pat is a truly extraordinary guy. He has been a force in the Kimberley for...
    • Bass Electorate: 2016 Junior Track Cycling Nationals (1 speech)
      As patron of cycling in Tasmania, I had the privilege last Friday afternoon to present medals at the 2016 Junior Track Nationals in Launceston. It was fantastic to see Australia's first indoor...
    • Australian Labor Party (1 speech)
      Like my classmate from 2013, the member for Rankin, I rise today to celebrate the 20 years of service from the members for Wills, Jagajaga, Grayndler, Hunter and Senator Conroy in the other...
    • Capricornia Electorate: Defence (1 speech)
      I am pleased to inform the House that Central Queenslanders will benefit from a plan to spend $190 million on defence infrastructure in the Rockhampton-Livingstone regions in the coming years....
    • Jagajaga Electorate (1 speech)
      Twenty years ago today I was elected as the member for Jagajaga. No matter what any of us do in public life, our first duty is to our constituents. It was and is an incredible honour to be...
    • Meningococcal B (1 speech)
      I seek leave to table a petition for consideration by the House. I note the petition was certified at a recent meeting of the Standing Committee on Petitions as being in accordance with the...
    • Employment (1 speech)
      Twenty years ago today I was extended to the great privilege of representing the wonderful people of Hunter and I thank them for that honour. Hunter Region is a better, wealthier place and has...
    • Ovarian Cancer (1 speech)
      I rise to advise the House about an ovarian cancer fundraiser that was held last Friday, the Ovarian Cancer Cockteal Party, which was organised by Ali Burton from radio station Mix 104.9, who is...
    • Supertrawler: Geelong Star (1 speech)
      I take this opportunity to again speak about the ongoing travesty that is occurring in Australia's fisheries and marine environment with the introduction of the foreign supertrawler Geelong Star....
    • Grey Electorate: Woomera and Cultana (1 speech)
      Like many South Australians, I welcome the government's white paper on defence. As a South Australian I took particular note of the commitment to enable the shipbuilding industry, the extent of...
    • Grayndler Electorate (1 speech)
      Twenty years ago today I had the honour of being elected as the member for Grayndler. I never forget the date because it happened to be my 33rd birthday, and since then I have been proud to...
    • Petition: Refugee Intake and Resettlement (1 speech)
      I congratulate the members for Hunter, Grayndler and Jagajaga on their 20 years of service. They have been a credit to the institution of this parliament. Today I ask your indulgence to present...
  • Shadow Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      (—) (): by leave—For the information of the House I present a revised list of the shadow ministry. In addition to his responsibilities as shadow minister for employment and workplace...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • National Security (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to newspaper reports today which contain leaked national security documents and which also extensively quote the member for Warringah. This morning...
    • Economy (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on the government's plan for Australia to make a successful transition to the new economy? How is steady and...
    • Defence Procurement (11 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's previous answer and I refer him to the member for Warringah's comments reported in The Australian today where he said that he...
    • Economy (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer update the House on how the latest national accounts provide further evidence of the growing strength of the Australian economy and how we are...
    • Taxation (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Today's Australian Financial Review reports that the Prime Minister is preparing to overrule the Treasurer in addressing the excesses in negative gearing. I...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      The member for Denison, if you could just bear with me for one second—I am not going to forget you, I promise. We have a number of former members in the gallery this afternoon. I can see...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Gambling (7 speeches)
      My question is specifically to the Prime Minister, because the community wants to hear his answer. Prime Minister, I have just given notice of a private member's bill to combat poker machine...
    • Building and Construction Industry (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, representing the Minister for Employment. Will the minister outline to the House the importance of a well-regulated building...
    • Taxation (3 speeches, 1 comment)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Today the Treasurer said, in reference to Labor's negative gearing reforms: 'Obviously, those who are more engaged in negative gearing have higher incomes than...
    • Building and Construction Industry (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Will the minister outline to the House the importance of a well-regulated building and construction industry to decisions investors make...
    • Taxation (11 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to reports today that the current Prime Minister is preparing to cave into the former Prime Minister and protect what his own Treasurer described as...
    • Australian Defence Force (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. Will the Deputy Prime Minister update the House on the vital role that the Australian Defence Force...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I have been advised by a number of members in the chamber that there are a number of state MPs from various states. I would like to welcome them. They include the state member for Kiama, Mr...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Taxation (12 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Today, in opposing Labor's reforms to negative gearing, the Treasurer described negative gearing as 'an entirely legitimate practice to offset the cost of earning...
    • Cybersecurity (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister representing the Minister for Defence. Will the minister advise the House on what the government is doing to strengthen...
    • Taxation (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Today, when asked about negative gearing excesses, the Treasurer redefined 'excesses' and said that they are now 'enthusiasms'. Given the government has refused...
    • Defence White Paper (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Materiel. Will the minister advise the House how the government's defence white paper and 2016 Defence Industry Policy Statement...
    • Taxation (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Is it not the case that, by not addressing what the Treasurer calls excesses or enthusiasms in negative gearing, the Prime Minister is choosing to protect...
    • Resources and Energy (7 speeches)
      I rise not to parrot newspaper headlines; instead, I have a question for the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia. Minister, as you know, South32—
  • Documents (0 speeches)
  • Committees (0 speeches)
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Rearrangement (9 speeches)
      I seek leave to move the following motion: That the House: (1)notes: (a)the Prime Minister has previously said he supports a free vote on marriage equality; (b)former Prime Minister John Howard...
  • Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
    • Superannuation (23 speeches)
      The Speaker has received a letter from the honourable member for Rankin proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The Government's...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • Youth Unemployment (1 speech)
      Youth unemployment is an issue not just in my electorate or in Central Victoria but across the entire country. Currently, there is a perfect storm brewing for young people who are trying to get...
    • Housing Affordability (1 speech)
      I rise to speak about housing affordability in Australia and in particular for the people within my electorate of Canning who are seeking to own property. Property rights in the Western...
    • Calwell Electorate: Stronger Communities Program (1 speech)
      In 2015 the Australian government announced the Stronger Communities Program to fund small capital works projects in local communities, matched dollar for dollar or in kind. Funding was set at...
    • G21 Geelong Region Alliance (1 speech)
      It was my great pleasure today to welcome a delegation from G21. G21 is an effective and very well-respected lobby group from my region, made up of representatives from the five regional...
    • Employment: South Australia (3 speeches)
      I want to talk about jobs in South Australia. It has been a pretty tough week for South Australia and for jobs in my state. We see that in steelmaking, we have seen that in shipbuilding and we...
    • Page Electorate: Lower Clarence Scottish Association, Linkater, Ms Alba (2 speeches)
      This year is the 112th Highland gathering in Maclean. As Bob MacPherson, one of the organisers, told me, having an event that goes over 100 years is not a surprise when you have always had a Scot...
  • Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
    • Medicare (3 speeches)
      I rise to condemn the coalition government for their continued attacks on Medicare. For 40 years we have seen the Liberal Party try to destroy Medicare. They opposed it from the start and...
    • Banks Electorate: Caroline Chisholm School, Chinese New Year (1 speech)
      I rise today to discuss two important issues in my community. Firstly, there is an ongoing issue at Caroline Chisholm School in Padstow. Caroline Chisholm School is a school for children with...
    • Education Funding (1 speech)
      Yesterday I met with Ray Collins, the superintendent of Catholic Education in the Hunter. He talked to me about the impact the Gonski reforms have had in Catholic education. He also spent quite a...
    • Tasmania: Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme (2 speeches)
      I rise to congratulate those involved in the promotion and development of the Southern Highlands Irrigation Scheme at Bothwell, in the Central Highlands municipality in my electorate of Lyons. I...
    • International Development Assistance (1 speech)
      One of the challenges, I think, for Australians is that we are becoming a little too selfish. If you look at generations in the past, they have contributed and done great things, and I wonder...
    • Parramatta Electorate: Indian and Tamil Communities (1 speech)
      On Saturday, I will be joining the wonderful women from the United Indian Association at their International Women's Day celebration for this year. I have attended for a few years in a row now...
    • Page Electorate: Economy (1 speech)
      The latest economic figures on the Clarence Valley show some promising trends, and that is before the majority of the benefits of the over $7 billion upgrade of the Pacific Highway between...
    • Budget (1 speech)
      Time and time again, we have seen the Turnbull-Abbott government go after low- and middle-income earners in our community. We have seen them go after pensioners, the very men and women who have...
    • Swan Electorate: Stronger Communities Program (1 speech)
      I am pleased to be able to speak this morning about three grants that I have announced in my electorate as part of the Turnbull government's Stronger Communities Program. Since we just heard a...
    • Fowler Electorate: Safer Streets Program (1 speech)
      I understand that during this period of time funny things tend to happen in politics, but I thought a rather funny thing happened yesterday in question time. A Dorothy Dixer was asked of the...
    • Hindmarsh Electorate: Tennis (1 speech)
      As many will know in this place, and in my electorate of Hindmarsh, I am a keen tennis player and I love being on the court. I am privileged to call the member for Bennelong, and Australian...
    • Griffith Electorate: Brisbane City Council Elections (1 speech)
      As you would be aware, the cities agenda is so crucial for our future economic prosperity. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister has paid a lot of lip service to the cities agenda but has got nothing...
    • Dobell Electorate: Education (1 speech)
      I rise to share with the House some new programs that I have implemented in the Dobell electorate for the new school year. The first of these is known as the Kindy Reading Program. During my time...
    • Oromo People of Ethiopia (1 speech)
      Today I rise to begin bring to the Australian parliament's attention the emergency facing the Oromo people. The Oromo people are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, with a unique language and...
    • Gilmore Electorate: Crime Prevention (1 speech)
      Earlier this month there was a large gathering of concerned East Nowra residents. The theme was crime prevention and talking with our local police. Members of Nowra Police Station's Crime...
    • Lalor Electorate: Budget (1 speech)
      I rise today to share my concerns. It is now 10 weeks until Prime Minister Turnbull and his Treasurer, the member for Cook, hand down their first budget. They have 10 weeks to tell us that the...
    • Bradfield Electorate: Killara Bowling Club (1 speech)
      I rise to speak about a fine organisation in my electorate, the Killara Bowling Club. The Killara Bowling Club was formed in 1916, and it was first bowling club on the North Shore. It still...
    • East West Link (1 speech)
      A generation ago, the government of then premier Jeff Kennett in Victoria took decisions about infrastructure that have had a very substantial continuing economic effect, in Melbourne in...
    • Rail Infrastructure (2 speeches)
      I rise to support high-speed rail down the east coast of Australia. In government as the infrastructure minister, I commissioned a $20-million study into the economic opportunities that would be...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Procedure Committee; Report (1 speech)
      I rise to support the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure's report into the consideration in detail of the main appropriation bill. It is appropriate that this debate takes...