House debates

Wednesday, 22 August 2018

  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Selection Committee; Report (1 speech)
      I present Report No. 29 of the Selection Committee relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday, 10 September 2018 and the...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
  • Committees (0 speeches)
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Statements by Members (0 speeches)
    • India: Floods (1 speech)
      Over the last few weeks we have seen devastating images coming out of Kerala, India, with millions of locals being affected by torrential flooding in the south. August rainfall in the state so...
    • North Sydney Electorate: Drought Fundraising (1 speech)
      Like all Australians, residents of my electorate have been moved by the plight of farmers affected by the drought. Our connection with those living and working on the land runs deep, even in the...
    • India: Floods (1 speech)
      I, too, wish to reflect on the terrible situation in the southern Indian state of Kerala, where almost 800,000 people have been displaced and over 350 lives lost in a rising death toll as a...
    • Parliamentary Behaviour (1 speech)
      King Solomon was brought a baby and asked to judge which one of the two women was its mother. He suggested cutting the baby in half. One woman was happy to see it divided, out of spite, at the...
    • Solomon Electorate: Sport (1 speech)
      On the wisdom of King Solomon, I associate myself with the comments of the member opposite. Australia deserves better than this mob and what we're currently getting—but I digress. On Sunday...
    • Drought (1 speech)
      () (): When drought hits, as widespread and severe as it is in New South Wales and Queensland, there are repercussions. When production goes down, costs go up. We export 75 per cent of what we...
    • Victoria: Rural Community Leadership (1 speech)
      On behalf of everybody here, can I welcome the Loddon-Mallee-Murray community leaders that have joined us today. Last night we had a great discussion about: if they were Prime Minister of this...
    • Chisholm Electorate: Huntingtower School (1 speech)
      Last Friday, together with our foreign minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop, I had the honour of officially opening the Performing Arts Centre at Huntingtower School in Mount Waverley. This was a true...
    • Indi Electorate (1 speech)
      Colleagues, I would like to introduce you to some of the members of Benalla P-12 College in the gallery. Thank you and welcome. I've had the delightful experience today of having lunch with Alex,...
    • Victoria: Rural Community Leadership (1 speech)
      The 90-second statements theme seems to be about leadership, and there's a reason for that. In the gallery today are people from the Northern Mallee Leaders and the Loddon Murray Community...
    • Turnbull Government, Payday Loans (1 speech)
      There are three words to describe the Turnbull government: chaos, division and dysfunction. Time and again we're seeing this government ripping itself apart while ordinary working Australians are...
    • Australian Bushfires (1 speech)
      A dry autumn and a dry spring were precursors to Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday. I'll repeat that: a dry autumn and a dry spring were precursors to Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday and the...
    • Turnbull Government, Payday Loans (1 speech)
      We all were gripped by our television screens as we watched the final fizzle of this fizzer government, not half an hour ago. Prime Minister Turnbull dumped his signature tax cuts policy. On this...
    • Wright Electorate: Canungra Show (1 speech)
      I rise to speak on the drought. This weekend we will be celebrating in my electorate the 80th anniversary of the Canungra Show. Competitors and office bearers at this year's show include some of...
    • Liberal Party Leadership (1 speech)
      The coalition parties are focused on the wrong jobs. We've got the former Minister for Border Protection, who we discover has been double-jobbing, after the Prime Minister's job. We've got the...
    • Dawson Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
      Back in the real world, when the Labor government was booted out of office in 2013, the Bruce Highway was ranked the 22nd most dangerous highway in the world, based on the World Health...
    • Road Safety (1 speech)
      People must despair when they look at what's going on here with all the rubbish and the leadership speculation, because we do things here that matter to people. We make laws that matter. They...
    • Diabetes (1 speech)
      Recently I met with Chelsea Mather and her daughter, Scarlett, two constituents of mine in Dunkley who have type 1 diabetes. Chelsea and Scarlett are on multiple injections of insulin every day....
    • Turnbull Government (1 speech)
      What do the government stand for? I have to ask that question. What do the government stand for? They have junked four energy policies in two years. Today we saw a another surrender: they...
    • Committee for Greater Shepparton (2 speeches)
      When I first stood for the seat of Murray I came up with a saying to explain what it meant to represent the area where I grew up. That saying was: 'I'm proud. I'm proud to come from Congupna,...
  • Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
    • Australian Parliament House (3 speeches)
      I have a very short statement for the information of honourable members, who would recall that on 9 May this year—budget day—we marked the 30th anniversary of the opening of...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Taxation (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. When talking about the government's handout to big business yesterday, the finance minister promised, 'The moment will come when this parliament will have to...
    • Turnbull Government (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister outline to the House how this government is backing families with lower taxes and cheaper energy, including in my electorate of Brisbane?
    • Member for Dickson (5 speeches)
      My question is to Prime Minister: I refer to the Cabinet Handbook and to reports that the childcare centres owned by the member for Dickson's trust received over $5 million in public money. Given...
    • Energy (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer update the House on the powers the government will impose to ensure big electricity companies reduce electricity prices for everyday...
    • Member for Dickson (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to reports that the childcare centres owned by the member for Dickson's trust received over $5 million in public money. Given that having a financial...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I would like to inform the House that we have joining us in the gallery this afternoon three former members of parliament: the Hon. Bob Baldwin, Mr Peter King and Mr Sandy MacKenzie. On behalf of...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Cystic Fibrosis (7 speeches)
      Mr Speaker—
    • Minister for Health (5 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Health. I refer to the principle of cabinet solidarity outlined in the Cabinet Handbook, which applies to all ministers. Does the minister retain enough...
    • Queensland: Economy (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Will the Deputy Prime Minister update the House on how the government is putting downward pressure on...
  • Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
    • Member for Dickson (1 speech)
      Mr Speaker, I seek to add to an answer in respect of the question about section 44. I'm advised by the Attorney-General that advice has not been sought from the Solicitor-General.
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Minister for Human Services (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Human Services. I refer to the principle of cabinet solidarity outlined in the Cabinet Handbook, which applies to all ministers. Does the minister retain enough...
    • Economy (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister update the House on how the government is ensuring that Australian businesses can create jobs and invest in a competitive...
    • Member for Dickson (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. In December, the Prime Minister said: We can't in good conscience fail to refer anyone—whether on our side or on Labor's side or on the cross...
    • Economy (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer update the House on how the release of recent data on the Australian economy demonstrates how the government's economic plan is working to...
    • Member for Dickson (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's previous answer. Has the Prime Minister read the advice that the member for Dickson says he's relying upon? Is it as strong...
    • Defence Industry (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry. Will the minister update the House on how the government is helping workers and ensuring the future of our defence industry by getting on with...
    • Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Law Enforcement and Cyber Security. I refer to the principle of cabinet solidarity, outlined in the Cabinet Handbook, which applies to all ministers. Does the...
    • Taxation (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation. Will the minister update the House on how lower taxes support small businesses to invest and grow?...
    • Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs (2 speeches)
      My question as to the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. I refer to the principle of cabinet solidarity outlined in the Cabinet Handbook, which applies to all ministers. Does the...
    • Taxation (5 speeches)
      My question is for the Minister for Revenue and Financial Services. Will the minister update the House on how the government is ensuring the integrity of the tax system? Is the minister aware of...
    • Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. I refer to the principle of cabinet solidarity outlined in the Cabinet Handbook, which applies to all ministers. Does the...
    • Drought (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government. Will the minister update the House on how the government is supporting our rural communities doing it...
    • Economy (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Today the member for Dickson proposed changing the GST on energy bills—a policy the Treasurer called a 'budget blower, an absolute budget blower'. Can the...
    • Online Harassment (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Attorney-General: Will the Attorney-General update the House on how the government is working to protect all Australians from online harassment and how these measures are...
    • The Treasurer (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. I refer to the principle of cabinet solidarity outlined in the Cabinet Handbook, which applies to all ministers. Is the Treasurer aware of conflicting media...
    • Centrelink (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Human Services. Will the minister update the House on the government's commitment to improving access to the essential services that Australians rely on? And...
  • Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
    • Fowler, Mr Peter (7 speeches)
      Before members leave, I've got a very short statement. I want to say a few words about one of the staff of the Department of the House of Representatives, Peter Fowler, who is having his last...
  • Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
    • Report No. 3 of 2018-19 (1 speech)
      I present the Auditor-General's Performance audit report No. 3, 2018-19, entitled Award of funding under the Community Development Grants Program: Department of Infrastructure, Regional...
  • 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)
    • Health Care (22 speeches)
      I have received a letter from the honourable member for Ballarat proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The government's five-year...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • Sydney Electorate: Redfern (1 speech)
      One of the great privileges of being the member for Sydney is representing the wonderful community of Redfern. Redfern is a suburb that's changed a lot over the years, but it is and has been for...
    • What's Your Superpower? (1 speech)
      I have some very special guests in the gallery tonight. Laura Lewis and Deborah Oxtoby are two incredible advocates for people with autism in our community. Hi, Deb. Hi, Laura. Hi, Jeff. They...
    • Paterson Electorate (1 speech)
      During the past few days of this parliamentary sitting week the people of Australia could be forgiven for thinking that the business of running this country has been forgotten, for thinking that...
    • La Trobe Electorate: Tour of Hope (1 speech)
      I rise tonight to speak about a solution to the great concern in my electorate regarding youth crime and gang crime. Together with Pastor Larry Sebastian, from Casey City Church, and Mr Beram...
    • India: Floods (1 speech)
      I rise tonight to address the parliament about the devastating floods that have befallen southern India. The state of Kerala hugs the south-western coast of India and it is home to more than 33...
    • Robertson Electorate: Central Coast Mariners (1 speech)
      In my electorate of Robertson, on the New South Wales Central Coast, there's been plenty of excitement this week. It's all thanks to the fastest man in the world. Usain Bolt has signed on to...
  • Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
    • Macarthur Electorate: Schools (1 speech)
      I'd like to inform the chamber of an issue with the physical condition of many of the public schools in my electorate of Macarthur. Many of the schools in Macarthur were built in the sixties and...
    • Dunkley Electorate: Women's Sports Facilities (1 speech)
      With the growing number of girls and women participating in sport across Australia, and especially in Dunkley, and an increased focus on health and activity levels throughout the community, one...
    • Turnbull Government (1 speech)
      I rise today to ask the question that's being asked around the corridors of Parliament House: what are our Liberal government talking about today? It's clear they're talking about themselves. We...
    • Boothby Electorate: Volunteering (1 speech)
      On Sunday, 12 August, I joined the dedicated Marino Residents Association volunteers and local residents for a working bee at Burnham Road, Kingston Park, in my electorate of Boothby. Kingston...
    • Tasmania: Health Care (1 speech)
      There's a health crisis in Tasmania and, frankly, both the Liberal and Labor parties are to blame. To see it for yourself you only need to wander down Liverpool Street past the Royal Hobart...
    • International Space Settlement Design Competition (1 speech)
      Mr Deputy Speaker Hogan, I'm sure that this will be close , and near and dear , to your heart . This is about regional kids having a crack, regional kids who are successful, r egional kids who I...
    • Live Animal Exports (1 speech)
      It has now been some 12 years since I first rose in this parliament to put forward my concerns about the issue of live exports and the concerns of the constituents that I represent here— 12...
    • Forde Electorate: Bethania Lutheran Primary School (1 speech)
      It's a pleasure to rise and speak today about the wonderful work being done at the Bethania Lutheran Primary School. Bethania Lutheran Primary School is just one of the many great primary schools...
    • Richmond Electorate: Hospitals (1 speech)
      I rise today to update the House and expose the full extent of the shameful New South Wales Nationals' disastrous plan for overdevelopment and the destruction of state-significant farmlands at...
    • Forde Electorate: Pacific Motorway Upgrade (2 speeches)
      I would like to take this opportunity to speak about the work underway to upgrade the M1-Gateway merge. It's good to see my good colleague the member for Bonner here with me as I'm speaking about...
    • Calwell Electorate (1 speech)
      Next Tuesday Coolaroo South Primary School, in my electorate, will hold its annual writers festival. This year's writers festival marks a significant milestone for the school, as it celebrates 10...
    • Bonner Electorate: Organ and Tissue Donation (1 speech)
      Last month we had DonateLife Week. I hope everyone had a chance to have that very difficult but necessary chat with their loved ones. Last week I met an extraordinary man from my electorate....
    • Education Funding (1 speech)
      I rise today to congratulate St Pius X in Windale on their absolutely fantastic NAPLAN results. In the category of schools they are in, their year 3 students came first in the whole of Australia...
    • Bennelong Electorate: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (1 speech)
      I would like to talk today about STEM in schools—or, to break down the buzzword: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These are the fields which will create the jobs of the...
    • Coalition Government (1 speech)
      What a ridiculous sideshow this government has become. Five long years they've subjected this country to, and then yesterday they made a mockery of our roles as representatives of our community...
    • Holt Electorate: Local Sporting Champions, Gerdes, Ms Vanessa, Maliki, Ms Erika (1 speech)
      Last Friday, I was honoured to host the 2018 Holt Local Sporting Champions grant presentation at the Arthur Wren Hall at Hampton Park. As members will be aware, the Local Sporting Champions...
    • Moreton Electorate: Koala Habitat (1 speech)
      Moreton is a city electorate. We have the Brisbane River to the north, but we also have large swathes of green, like Oxley Creek Common and Toohey Forest Park. It is 260 hectares that I try to...
    • Turnbull Government (1 speech)
      People in the electorate of Lalor woke this morning and got on with their busy lives. They got up and went to work. The kids went to school. People went and worked in their small businesses....
    • Richmond Electorate: Police (1 speech)
      I'd like to raise a couple of very important issues in my electorate. First I'd like to tell the House about the inaugural Police and Community Charity Ball that's being hosted this Saturday by...
    • Dunn, Mr Robert (2 speeches)
      Today I rise to pay tribute to Robert Dunn, a well-known and hardworking member of the Mackellar community. Robert has had a long and distinguished career as a solicitor, business owner, local...
  • Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
    • Lyons, Dame Enid Muriel, AD, GBE (13 speeches)
      I stand to pay tribute to Tasmania's Dame Enid Lyons, the first woman elected to the House of Representatives and the first woman to serve in a federal Australian cabinet—75 years ago this...