House debates
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Selection Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present report No. 7 of the Selection Committee relating to consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday, 27 February 2017. The report will be...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Tariff Proposals (0 speeches)
- Customs Tariff Proposal (No. 1) 2017 (1 speech)
I move: The proposal described as Customs Tariff Proposal (No. 1) 2017 in the terms to be printed proposal, which is now being circulated to honourable members. The customs tariff proposal I have...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017; Second Reading (5 speeches)
It is fair to say that I did not come to Canberra to talk about parliamentary entitlements and work expenses. Indeed, few people here would say that that was their motivation. I have been told it...
- Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017; Consideration in Detail (24 speeches)
I move: (1) Schedule 2, item 7, page 23 (lines 31 to 33), omit subsection 10C(4), substitute: (4) The recipient is liable to pay the Commonwealth, by way of penalty for the contravention of...
- Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017; 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.
- Treasury Laws Amendment (Bourke Street Fund) Bill 2017; Second Reading (2 speeches)
Perhaps the most poignant thing to come out of the tragedy that took place in Bourke Street on 20 January this year was a letter by Henry Dow, which was read at the Federal Square remembrance for...
- Treasury Laws Amendment (Bourke Street Fund) Bill 2017; 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.
- Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017, Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017; Second Reading (11 speeches)
I rise to speak on behalf of the opposition in support of the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017. This bill seeks to establish an independent authority to monitor and manage...
- Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017, Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017; Consideration in Detail (3 speeches)
by leave—I move amendments (1) to (5), as circulated in my name, together: (1) Clause 10, page 12 (line 28), omit paragraph (c), substitute: (c) at least 3, and not more than 4, other...
- Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017, Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017; 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.
- Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2017; 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.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme Savings Fund Special Account Bill 2016; Second Reading (9 speeches)
Today I am speaking on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Savings Funds Special Account Bill. This bill proposes a new savings fund sitting within the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and I...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Lyons Electorate: Wombat Sarcoptic Mange (1 speech, 1 comment)
I rise to today to speak about a terrible outbreak of sarcoptic mange in the north of my electorate, which is affecting the wombat population in the Narawntapu National Park. Ninety four per cent...
- Prostate Cancer (1 speech)
Yesterday the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, together with Astellas Pharma, hosted an event for parliamentarians to raise awareness of the impact of advanced prostate cancer on...
- Australian Football Women's League (1 speech)
On 3 February it was a historic moment for women's sport and for the AFL. At Ikon Park in Carlton we had the very first AFL women's football match. I have to say that I never thought I would...
- Goss, Mr Matthew (1 speech)
It is a wonderful opportunity to get up and follow on from the former member's remarks, particularly to encourage women's AFL and particularly to say, 'Go the mighty Dees!' It is, of course, also...
- Vocational Education and Training (1 speech)
Today I had the great pleasure of joining the Leader of the Opposition at the ACTION Tuggeranong bus depot to discuss Labor's plans for apprentices and building the trade skills of the future. It...
- Fall of Singapore: 75th Anniversary Commemorations (1 speech)
Today in this place and elsewhere around Australia we mark the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore in 1942. That fall marked the end of the Malayan campaign, which had lasted from 8...
- Melbourne Electorate: Lunar New Year Celebrations (1 speech)
'Chuc Mung Nam Moi', 'Gong Hei Fat Choy', and 'Xinnian kuaile'. Lunar New Year is an important time for many people within my electorate. Happy New Year to all those Melburnians celebrating the...
- Chisholm Electorate: Australia Day Honours (1 speech)
On Australia Day, some very special people related to Chisholm were acknowledged as part of our nation's honours system for the following: Mrs Rosemary Brown for service to international...
- Dobell Electorate: Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival (1 speech)
The Gallery Precinct 2259 Love Lanes Festival launched in my home town, Wyong, on Saturday, and it was an overwhelming success. Despite the heat, more than 4,500 people came out—including...
- Mallee Electorate: Sir Winton Turnbull (1 speech)
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore. In four days time we will mark the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. Those in the House of Representatives may not know that in...
- Macquarie Electorate: Hawkesbury Heights Shared Bike Path and Walking Trail (1 speech)
When you live in Hawkesbury Heights, you live in one of the most bush surrounded suburbs in the Blue Mountains—on the escarpment above the Nepean River and overlooking the Hawkesbury and...
- Young, Mrs Wilma (1 speech)
It is 75 years since the fall of Singapore, and I rise to speak on Wilma Young, nursing sister and war hero. She was born in Glenorchy, Victoria on 17 August 1916 and died in Melbourne on 28 May...
- Sri Lanka (1 speech)
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Australia and Sri Lanka. On 4 February, I attended the 69th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence....
- Skerman, Mr Allan (1 speech)
I rise today to pay tribute to a resident in my electorate who holds the distinction of being Mackay's last Rat of Tobruk. On hearing the call to arms in 1939, Allan Skerman was among the first...
- LLOYD, Ms Carol (1 speech)
I rise to inform the House of the passing of a local resident in my electorate and a trailblazer for rock'n'roll, singer Carol Lloyd. Earlier this week, Carol lost her long-running battle with...
- St George Business Chamber (1 speech)
I rise today to congratulate the St George Business Chamber on their great efforts in my local community. Previously, of course, we had the Hurstville Chamber of Commerce and the Kogarah Chamber...
- Workplace Relations (1 speech)
Last night the government, led by the Leader of the House, confirmed it had abandoned any due process when it gagged debate on the ABCC legislation. They sought to rush the bill through this...
- Economy (1 speech)
We do not need to 'make Australia great again', but we do need to make Australia competitive again. For Australia to get back on top, to maintain our way of life and our standard of living, and...
- Suncorp Super Netball Competition (1 speech)
I rise today to get on the record the fabulous efforts this morning by the politicians' netball team in defeating the press gallery. Sorry, Press Gallery, but you went down again on the netball...
- Child Care (2 speeches)
There are 6,040 families in Dunkley who depend on child care so that they can go to work. Those opposite have irresponsibly put at risk these families in Dunkley, and families across Australia...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- 75th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore (2 speeches)
Seventy-five years ago, Singapore fell to the imperial forces of Japan. It was a shattering moment. Australians had believed the might of the Royal Navy and the guns of Singapore's island...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Minister for Veterans' Affairs will be absent from question time today. He will be representing the government at the national commemorative service to mark the 75th...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Taxation (14 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister withdraw his $50 billion tax cut for big business instead of threatening to increase the taxes of every Australian?
- Cost of Living (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on how the government is reducing cost-of-living pressures and helping hardworking Australians to get ahead,...
- Taxation (6 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. I refer to media reports today that the Treasurer is threatening to increase taxes on all Australians. Will the Treasurer be increasing the GST to 15 per cent,...
- Economy (6 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer update the House on how the government is ensuring that Australia has a competitive and growing economy? Is the Treasurer aware of any threats...
- Pauline Hanson's One Nation (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to his earlier answers, where he has defended his industry minister describing One Nation as 'more sophisticated'. One Nation in Western Australia...
- Telecommunications (7 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. In regional areas when we have a bushfire, our power is often cut. No power in a few hours means no mobile phone network. There is no legislative requirement...
- Agriculture Industry: Electricity Security (4 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. Will the minister outline to the House the impact of unreliable and unaffordable energy on the...
- Revenue (6 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Today the Financial Review reports that the Treasurer said Labor needs to suggest alternative revenue measures. How can the Treasurer possibly not know that, for...
- Energy Security (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry, representing the Minister for Employment. Will the minister outline to the House the impact that an unreliable energy supply has on businesses...
- Pensions and Benefits (4 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Michelle Grattan reports today that it was the Treasurer's idea to hold people with disability to ransom. She says: … there had been some resistance from...
- Migration (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the Minister update the House on actions the government is taking to ensure Australia's migration program does not...
- Welfare Reform (3 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer confirm that in the last week he has introduced a bill with cuts to families, pensioners, carers and new mums; held child care and the National...
- Economy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Will the minister please outline to the House the importance of investment to create jobs and ease cost-of-living pressures for...
- Perth Freight Link (7 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware that the Perth Freight Link will not actually take freight to the port but instead stop three kilometres short of it? Why is this...
- Dementia (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Aged Care—and may I congratulate you, Ken, on your appointment and say that it is a privilege to ask you this first question. Will the minister update the...
- Perth Freight Link (3 speeches)
On behalf of all those in the House, it was good to see Mr Wyatt get to answer his first question. My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. The government has punished Victorians for...
- Energy Security (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for the Environment and Energy. I again raise the issue of electricity, because South Australia is in such a state of crisis. Will the minister outline to the House...
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (7 speeches)
Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
Documents are tabled in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members earlier today. Full details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Infrastructure (49 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable member for Grayndler proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The government's failure...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Holt Electorate: Australia Day Awards (1 speech)
I rise this evening to talk about a group of exceptional people that I had the privilege of honouring on Australia Day as part of the 13th Annual Holt Australia Day Awards. Twenty-eight...
- Housing Affordability (1 speech)
I am proud to say I have lived and worked in Maranoa all my life. Maranoa takes up 42 per cent of Queensland, predominantly Western Queensland, and it has provided me with the opportunity to have...
- Centrelink (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about the government's Centrelink robo-debt debacle and the impact it is having on everyday Australians, including many good people who live in my electorate. Over the...
- Postle, Mr Arthur Benjamin (1 speech)
The new Toowoomba Sport Hall of Fame committee has recently announced its first inductees, including rugby league players Tom Gorman and John 'Cracker' McDonald—both of whom I have spoken...
- Regional Australia (1 speech)
Mr Speaker, I rise tonight to raise the issue of regional inequality. In so many areas—health, education, employment, telecommunications and supporting those doing it tough—the...
- Perth Freight Link (1 speech)
Elections are about choices. The WA state election in March will be one of the most important elections for decades. Western Australians will be able to decide whether Roe 8 and Roe 9...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
I represent one of the most multicultural communities in Australia, and we have benefited enormously from the many waves of refugees who have come to make their home in the south-eastern suburbs...
- Gilmore Electorate: Agricultural Shows (1 speech)
During January, February and March in regional electorates like mine, we are overtaken by show society fever. Gilmore is in the lucky position of having six wonderful shows spread through the...
- Superannuation (1 speech)
I rise today to talk about the unacceptable level of unpaid and underpaid superannuation in Australia. At an industry briefing held in the parliament yesterday, members were told as many as...
- Sunshine Coast: Infrastructure (1 speech)
My wife, Leonie, our eldest daughter and I moved to the Sunshine Coast 23 years ago for a better quality of life, and that is what we found. I am pleased to say that we have not been alone. From...
- Care Leavers Australia Network (1 speech)
Today I rise to acknowledge the work of Care Leavers Australia Network, CLAN, and offer them my full support for a national independent redress scheme for Australian care leavers. There are over...
- Dunkley Electorate: Sky Rail (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about a significant concern for my electorate of Dunkley. I refer to an article in yesterday's HeraldSunwhich mentions that Premier Daniel Andrews of the Victorian...
- Bombing of Darwin: 75th Anniversary (1 speech)
I rise to tell a fairly unique but little-known Northern Territory story. As many would be aware, this week marks the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, which was the largest single...
- O'Connor Electorate: Order of Australia Medals (1 speech)
I rise today to congratulate some of my constituents in O'Connor who are very worthy recipients of the Order of Australia Medal. The strength of a community can often be measured in its...
- New South Wales North Coast (1 speech)
I was very pleased recently that Jenny Aitchison, the New South Wales shadow minister for the prevention of domestic violence but also the New South Wales shadow minister for small business,...
- Fadden Electorate: Schools (2 speeches)
It is great to be able to rise here and acknowledge the wonderful work that my state schools do on the northern Gold Coast and to support the principals of those schools as they seek to make a...
- Dobell Electorate: Pearson, Mr Lester, Dobell Electorate: Rotary Club of Gosford North (1 speech)
I rise today to recognise a life changing program running on the Central Coast: Save Our Kids. It was created by Lester Pearson, who was named 2017 Central Coast Citizen of the Year for his work...
- Forrest Electorate: Val Lishman Health Research Foundation (1 speech)
The Val Lishman Health Research Foundation, based in Bunbury in the South West of WA, is the only regional based charity in Australia dedicated to advocating for and promoting local health...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
Over Christmas we saw the release of a damning report—a report that confirmed that carbon pollution levels under this government were not only rising, but that they would...
- Food Lab (1 speech)
Who thought science could be so delicious? Today I rise to speak about the delights, tastes, smells and scientific principles of Ben Milbourne's Food Lab series. I recently attended the launch of...
- Lalor Electorate: Werribee South Youth Justice Facility (1 speech)
I stand here today, as I did on Monday evening, as the very proud member for Lalor. I represent a passionate, proud, informed, active community. The city of Wyndham falls within the boundaries of...
- Page Electorate: Bruce Green Memorial Paddle, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Sapphire Jubilee, Page Electorate: Floods (1 speech)
Today I would like to acknowledge the fantastic community spirit within the Red Rock-Corindi Surf Life Saving Club. On Australia Day, last month, they came together for the Bruce Green Memorial...
- Renewable Energy (1 speech)
Last Saturday, Richmond, in my electorate of Macquarie, came within 0.6 of a degree of being officially the hottest place on the planet, with a temperature of 47 degrees. Unofficially, our own...
- Broadband (3 speeches)
I am proud of our government's extraordinary progress with the NBN. As of this week, NBN broadband is available to one in three premises. That is around four million homes and businesses across...
- Whitlam Electorate: Employment (1 speech)
Madam Deputy Speaker Bird, can I say how delighted I am to have you in the chair when I advise the House that next week, on Tuesday, you and I are hosting a jobs forum in the Illawarra at 10.30...
- Hinkler Electorate: Employment (2 speeches)
It is good to follow on from the previous member because I am here to talk about jobs and job creation. At the end of last year, after a very hard fought battle of more than three years, it came...
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Closing the Gap (8 speeches)
I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of this land, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, and pay my respects to their elders past and present and future. It was incredible to stand in the...
- Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
- Report No. 38 of 2016-2017 (1 speech)
I rise to speak to the Auditor-General's report into the WestConnex project and into the Commonwealth financing of that project. The report resulted from an investigation which I requested last...
