Senate debates
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
- Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009; Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill 2009; Midwife Professional Indemnity (Run-Off Cover Support Payment) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (5 speeches)
Debate resumed from 9 September 2009, on motion by Senator Ludwig: That these bills be now read a second time. upon which Senator Siewert moved by way of amendment: At the end of the motion,...
- In Committee (9 speeches)
Bills—by leave—taken together and as a whole.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That these bills be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bills read a third time.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That intervening business be postponed until after consideration of government business order of the day no. 3, the Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Bill 2009. Question...
- Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 26 October, on motion by Senator Wong: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Evans. Can the minister confirm the following report in today’s Herald Sun: Darwin’s immigration detention...
- Medical Workforce (9 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Ludwig. Can the minister outline for the Senate how the government plans to boost and support...
- Asylum Seekers (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Faulkner. In respect of the SIEV36 incident, it has been contended by the government: … the fire was deliberately lit by one or more...
- Emissions Trading Scheme (20 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Wong. Can the minister advise the Senate on the latest advice on the best way to achieve emissions...
- Mandatory Renewable Energy Targets (16 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Wong. Given media reports that just one football club actually received 17 taxpayer funded hot-water...
- Asylum Seekers (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Evans. Given reports of overcrowding on Christmas Island, where more than 2,000 asylum seekers are currently detained, what...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
Order! I draw the attention of honourable senators to the presence in the chamber of a delegation from the parliament of Tonga. On behalf of all senators, I wish them a warm welcome to Australia...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Menindee Lakes (24 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Wong. I refer the minister to Mr Rudd’s 2007 water election policy that claimed he would...
- Internet Content (6 speeches, 2 comments)
My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. What is the minister’s response to the recent criticism of the government’s...
- Charter of Rights (18 speeches)
My question is directed to Senator Wong representing the Attorney-General. Has the government made a decision about a charter of rights? What is that decision?
- Climate Change (34 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Carr. Can the minister inform the Senate about public reaction to the State of the Climate snapshot released...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
Mr President, I would like to add to an answer I gave to Senator Hanson-Young when she asked me about average processing times for asylum claims on Christmas Island. The figure, I have been...
- Environment (1 speech)
At question time today, Senator Birmingham asked me a question in relation to Menindee Lakes. I have some further information to add to that answer. The government is currently funding two major...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (9 speeches)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by Senators Evans and Faulkner to questions without notice asked by Senators Humphries and Johnston today, relating to asylum seekers....
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Presentation (0 speeches)
Senator Cormann and Senator Birmingham to move on the next day of sitting:That the Senate—(a)notes:(i)the persistent and continuing refusal of the Prime Minister and several other ministers...
- Withdrawal (1 speech)
I withdraw general business notice of motion No. 742.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (5 speeches)
by leave—I move: That the consideration of government documents be not proceeded with today and tomorrow 17 March 2010 and that government business continue until 7.20 pm.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Australian Crime Commission Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
by leave—At the request of the Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Crime Commission, Senator Hutchins, I move: That the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Postponement (0 speeches)
The following items of business were postponed: Government business notice of motion no. 1 standing in the name of the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (Senator...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Extension of Time (1 speech)
At the request of the Chair of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, Senator Moore, I move:That the time for the presentation of reports of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee be...
- Environment, Communications and the Arts References Committee; Extension of Time (1 speech)
At the request of the Chair of the Environment, Communications and the Arts References Committee, Senator Fisher, I move:That the time for the presentation of reports of the Environment,...
- Environment, Communications and the Arts References Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
At the request of the Chair of the Environment, Communications and the Arts References Committee, Senator Fisher, I move:That the Environment, Communications and the Arts References Committee be...
- Renewable Energy Target Legislation (0 speeches)
- (6 speeches)
I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 740 by deleting in paragraph (b)(iii) the words after the word ‘result’ and replacing them with ‘in additional costs...
- Indian Parliament (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 741 standing in my name, relating to the representation of women in the Indian parliament. Leave granted. I move the motion as amended:...
- Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
- Paid Parental Leave (30 speeches)
I inform the Senate that the President has received the following letter, dated 16 March 2010, from Senator Hanson-Young: Dear Mr President, Pursuant to standing order 75, I give notice that...
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Treaties Committee; Report (2 speeches)
I present a response to those recommendations in the 106th report of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties on nuclear and non-proliferation and disarmament which relate to the responsibilities...
- Parliamentary Zone (0 speeches)
- Proposal for Works (2 speeches)
In accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Act 1974, I present a proposal by the Department of Parliamentary Services for works within the Parliamentary Zone, to construct a vehicle...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Additional Information (1 speech)
On behalf of the Chair of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, Senator Moore, I present additional information received by the committee on the inquiry into the Social Security and Other...
- Treaties Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the 110th report of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties on treaties tabled in November 2009 and February 2010. I seek leave to move a motion in relation to the report. Leave...
- Membership (2 speeches)
Mr President has received a letter from a party leader requesting changes in the membership of committees.
- Taxation Laws Amendment (Political Contributons and Gifts) Bill 2010 (0 speeches)
- Assent (0 speeches)
Message from the Governor-General reported informing the Senate of assent to the bill.
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Recreational Fishing for Mako and Porbeagle Sharks) Bill 2010; Higher Education Support Amendment (Fee-Help Loan Fee) Bill 2010; Trans-Tasman Proceedings Bill 2009; Trans-Tasman Proceedings (Transitional and Consequential Provisions) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (1 speech)
Bills received from the House of Representatives.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That these bills be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The speeches read as follows— ENVIRONMENT...
- Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Child Care) Bill 2010 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (1 speech)
Bill received from the House of Representatives.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The speech read as follows— Rudd Government was...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Parliamentary Library Committee; Membership (1 speech)
A message has been received from the House of Representatives informing the Senate of the appointment of Mr Melham to the Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library.
- Cyber Safety Committee; Establishment (1 speech)
The Acting Deputy President: A message has been received from the House of Representatives agreeing to the amendment made by the Senate relating to the appointment of the Joint Select Committee...
- Cyber Safety Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
The Acting Deputy President: The President has received letters from party leaders seeking appointment to the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety. There are two nominations for one position...
- Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Chair of the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, Senator Polley, I present the report of the committee on the provisions of the Freedom of Information...
- Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
Order! It being 7.21 pm, I propose the question: That the Senate do now adjourn.
- Australian Capital Territory (2 speeches)
I seek leave to incorporate a speech on behalf of Senator Lundy. Leave granted.
- Paid Parental Leave (3 speeches)
Despite some requests after last night’s adjournment to go down the path again of household hints and after the urgency debate in the Senate, today I will focus on Tony Abbott’s...
- Education: Future Footprints (1 speech)
I actually hope to make a contribution on something that is positive and is happening in Australia, and that is a program known as Future Footprints, being conducted in secondary boarding schools...
- World Tuberculosis Day (1 speech)
As we move closer this week to World Tuberculosis Day, I want to speak again in this place about the scourge of this disease across the world. We know that tuberculosis is a contagious disease...
- Tasmanian Elections (3 speeches)
This Saturday, Tasmanians will have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. They have a real ability to deliver real change. Labor, and its Premier, David Bartlett, are offering the...
- Philippines (7 speeches)
Before I go to the issue that I intend to speak on, I will comment on the last contribution by Senator Bushby. It is very interesting that in the lead-up to a Tasmanian state election next...
- Social Housing (1 speech)
I rise tonight in the adjournment debate to talk about an area of government policy which is emerging as a significant problem for communities around Australia. I am referring to the...
- Cybersafety (1 speech)
Before I start my speech I would like to refer to the speech made earlier tonight by Senator Bushby. I think that speech resorted to the complete depths of grubbiness that one would expect from...
- World Down Syndrome Day (1 speech)
I am delighted to rise tonight to advise the Senate that the fourth World Down Syndrome Day will be held this Saturday, 22 March. World Down Syndrome Day has very deliberately been held on the...
- National School Chaplaincy Program (5 speeches)
I stand tonight to speak in support of the National School Chaplaincy Program and in so doing seek leave to table a non-conforming petition and a related letter in a similar form.
- Health (10 speeches)
It is a pleasure to follow Senator Barnett on the issue of chaplaincy and to be able to say that although the program, which was initiated under the Howard government, was scheduled to end, this...
- Roads: Princes Highway Duplication (1 speech)
I make a brief statement on the vital project Labor is funding in south-west Victoria, which is the duplication of the Princes Highway between Waurn Ponds and Winchelsea. This is one of the most...
- Legislative Policy (3 speeches)
I am going to contribute to the adjournment debate tonight by firstly starting with a quote from what Senator Marshall said a short while ago. He said, ‘All stunts and no substance.’...
- Defence (1 speech)
I seek leave to speak for up to 20 minutes. Leave granted. For almost my entire time in the Senate but more particularly as a result of my long-term interest in defence matters, I have been...
- Rudd Government: Policy (1 speech)
No government of any persuasion likes it when it does not get its way in the Senate. However, the Rudd Labor government has taken the level of moaning, whingeing and sulking about so-called...
- Australian Consumer Law (1 speech)
I seek leave to speak for 20 minutes. Leave granted. This evening I rise to speak about the importance of the Australian government’s landmark reforms to Australian Consumer Law. These...
- Local Government (1 speech)
I seek leave to speak for up to 20 minutes. Leave granted. Tonight I rise to speak about the Rudd government’s tremendous support for local government. I think we know—senators,...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Tabling (0 speeches)
The following government documents were tabled: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission—Telstra’s compliance with the price control arrangements—Report for 2008-09....
- Indexed Lists of Departmental and Agency Files (0 speeches)
The following document was tabled pursuant to the order of the Senate of 30 May 1996, as amended: Indexed lists of departmental and agency files for the period 1 July to 31 December...
