House debates Bills
Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2014; Consideration in Detail
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer
1:29 pm
What a farce we have seen today in relation to this legislation. We had the parliamentary secretary move a second reading and forget to, or perhaps on instruction from the Leader of the House, read the second reading speech—which, as we have traversed, has some force of law; and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance read out the second reading speech without the force of law, trying to clean up the mess. These calamity kids over there—we see we have the adults in charge—now say, 'We know what's in this bill.' Some on that side of the House might know what is in the bill; the vast majority of the people who just spoke and who just voted do not know what is in the bill. Certainly, on this side of the House, we have had the opportunity for a very brief look at the bill and it is confirmed that the government is proceeding with abolishing the schoolkids bonus. It is confirmed that the government is proceeding with winding back the instant asset write-off and the loss carryback. It is confirmed that the superannuation guarantee is deferred. And it is confirmed that the low-income superannuation contribution is delayed. But there are changes.
The Treasurer is seeking the right by legislative fiat to change the superannuation guarantee without reference to the parliament. If you think we are going to cop that, you have got another thing coming. This government, who does not believe in superannuation, with a Prime Minister who calls compulsory superannuation a 'con job', now wants to remove the ability of the parliament to vote on legislation relating to the superannuation guarantee. This has been an appalling process and the House should not be treated with such contempt. Accordingly, I move:
That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the honourable member for McMahon from moving the following motion forthwith—That the debate be adjourned until the next sitting day to provide members with an opportunity to examine the legislation.
Jenny Macklin Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Families and Payments
I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
Steven Ciobo Moncrieff, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer
1:31 pm
I move:
That the question be now put.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Madam Speaker, on a point of order.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Is it that the question be put or that we no longer be heard?
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
There is no question before the House.
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Minister for Education
Yes, because the member for Jagajaga seconded it. You missed it.
Mr Tony Burke Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance
Thank you. That is fine.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
1:35 pm
The question now is that the motion to suspend standing and sessional orders be agreed to.
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer
Again, we see this continuing farce—
Steven Ciobo Moncrieff, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer
I move:
That the question be now put.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The question is that the question be now put.
Chris Bowen McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Treasurer
This is a rort to rout the superannuation savings of ordinary Australians. This is a disgrace!
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The member will resume his seat. We have just concluded the question that the motion be put, and the motion is that the bill be agreed to.