Senate debates

Wednesday, 2 March 2011

  • Governor-General’S Speech (0 speeches)
    • Address-in-Reply (1 speech)
      I inform the Senate that yesterday, accompanied by honourable senators, I presented to the Governor-General the address-in-reply to her speech, on the occasion of the opening of parliament, which...
  • Tax Laws Amendment (Temporary Flood and Cyclone Reconstruction Levy) Bill 2011; Income Tax Rates Amendment (Temporary Flood and Cyclone Reconstruction Levy) Bill 2011 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (30 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 1 March, on motion by Senator Farrell: That these bills be now read a second time.
  • Telecommunications Interception and Intelligence Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (4 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 28 February, on motion by Senator Sherry: That this bill be now read a second time.
    • In Committee (39 speeches)
      Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
    • Third Reading (2 speeches)
      I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
  • National Health and Hospitals Network Bill 2010 (0 speeches)
    • Second Reading (3 speeches)
      Debate resumed from 27 October 2010, on motion by Senator Farrell: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Matters of Public Interest (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      Order! It being 12.45 pm, we will move to matters of public interest.
    • Philippines (1 speech)
      I rise today to speak in solidarity with those fighting for change in the Philippines. I am proud to speak on this issue today because, while we in Australia enjoy all the privileges of a healthy...
    • International Women's Day (1 speech)
      As the coalition’s spokesperson for the status of women, I was delighted to co-host yesterday’s International Women’s Day parliamentary breakfast to celebrate the 100th...
    • Ovarian Cancer (1 speech)
      I rise today to speak about an issue that is very close to my heart. I am speaking as a woman, a mother, a grandmother and a sister about a disease that affects far too many Australian women....
    • Youth Allowance (1 speech)
      Before I begin, I want to commend Senator Polley for the comments she has just made in the chamber. I think on all sides of the chamber we are very aware of the importance of this issue. I would...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      I wish to raise the destructive impact of a carbon tax on Australian jobs. The Prime Minister has promised that a tax on carbon will lead to a clean energy economy and jobs. It will do neither,...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Carbon Pricing (18 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Wong. Isn’t it the case that a carbon tax does not guarantee emissions reductions? Isn’t it also the case that a...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (2 speeches)
      Order! I draw to the attention of honourable senators the presence in the chamber of a parliamentary delegation from the Kingdom of Bhutan led by Her Excellency Pema Lhamo. On behalf of all...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Carbon Pricing (58 speeches)
      My question is also to the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Minister Senator Wong. Can the minister outline to the Senate the importance of maintaining fiscal integrity around major...
    • Asylum Seekers (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister representing the Attorney-General, Senator Ludwig. Last week the Department of Immigration and Citizenship during the Senate estimates hearing confirmed that there...
    • Carbon Pricing (26 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Evans. I refer the minister to the Prime Minister’s statement in which she warned that families may have to wait...
    • Bibles: Citizenship Ceremonies (13 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Carr. Why has the government banned the giving of Bibles and other holy books as gifts at...
    • Edwards, Lance Corporal Mason (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Evans. Is the government of a report in the Herald Sun on 9 February 2011 regarding the decision by...
    • Asylum Seekers (23 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Carr. I refer to the evidence given by Andrew Metcalfe, Secretary of the Department of...
  • Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
    • Carbon Pricing (12 speeches, 1 comment)
      I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation (Senator Wong) and the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
  • Notices (0 speeches)
    • Presentation (0 speeches)
      Senator Cash to move on the next day of sitting:That the Senate—(a)notes that 8 March 2011 is International Women’s Day;(b)acknowledges:(i)the work that UN Women, the United Nations...
    • 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 Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Senator Ludwig) for today,...
    • Withdrawal (1 speech)
      I withdraw business of the Senate notice of motion No. 3 standing in my name, which is a reference to the Economics References Committee.
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Senators’ Interests Committee; Reference (1 speech)
      I move:That:(1)The following matter be referred to the Standing Committee of Senators’ Interests for inquiry and report by 12 May 2011:The development of a draft code of conduct for...
  • Independent Youth Allowance (0 speeches)
    • (7 speeches)
      by leave—I amend, in the terms circulated in the chamber, general business notice of motion No. 188 standing in my name for today relating to the eligibility criteria for independent youth...
  • Notices (0 speeches)
    • Withdrawal (1 speech)
      I withdraw general business notice of motion No. 149 standing in my name for today ordering the production of documents on a report from the Australian Information Commissioner on the National...
  • Dampier Archipelago Rock Art (0 speeches)
    • (6 speeches)
      I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 185, standing in my name and the name of Senator Siewert, in the terms which I understand have been circulated in the chamber. Leave...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Treaties Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
      At the request of Senator McGauran, I move:That the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Monday, 21 March 2011, from...
    • Cyber-Safety Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
      At the request of Senator Wortley, I move:That the Joint Select Committee on Cyber Safety be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Monday, 21 March 2011, from...
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Bioregional Plans) Bill 2011 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in relation to bioregional plans, and for related...
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to table an explanatory memorandum relating to the bill. Leave granted. I table the explanatory memorandum and I seek leave to have...
  • Customs Amendment (Anti-Dumping) Bill 2011 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Customs Act 1901 in relation to anti-dumping duties, and for related purposes. Question agreed to. I present the bill...
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to table an explanatory memorandum relating to the bill. Leave granted. I table an explanatory memorandum and I seek leave to have...
  • Deep Sea Drilling Moratorium (0 speeches)
    • (5 speeches)
      I move:That the Senate:(a)notes that the British High Court is hearing a legal challenge to the decision to allow deep sea drilling in the North Sea, based on the concern that the oil and gas...
  • Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
    • Gillard Government (34 speeches)
      The President has received a letter from Senator Fifield proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion, namely: The Gillard Government’s...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
      On behalf of Senator Coonan, I present a report and the alert digest of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills. Ordered that the report be printed. I move: That the Senate take note of...
  • Defence Legislation Amendment (Security of Defence Premises) Bill 2010 (0 speeches)
  • Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
    • Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
      On behalf of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship I table a ministerial statement on moving asylum seeker children into the community.
  • Documents (0 speeches)
    • Departmental and Agency Contracts (1 speech)
      The Clerk: Documents are tabled in accordance with the list circulated to senators. Statements of compliance and letters of advice relating to continuing orders on departmental and agency files...
  • National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010; Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network Measures — Access Arrangements) Bill 2011; Tax Laws Amendment (2010 Measures No. 5) Bill 2010 (0 speeches)
    • First Reading (1 speech)
      Bills received from the House of Representatives.
    • Second Reading (1 speech)
      I table a revised explanatory memorandum relating to the National Broadband Network Companies Bill 2010 and the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (National Broadband Network...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • National Broadband Network Committee; Establishment (2 speeches)
      A message has been received from the House of Representatives transmitting for concurrence a resolution proposing the formation of a joint committee. Copies of the message have been circulated in...
    • Christmas Island Tragedy Committee; Establishment (2 speeches)
      The Acting Deputy President: A message has been received from the House of Representatives transmitting for concurrence a resolution proposing the formation of a joint select committee. Copies...
  • Health Insurance (Eligible Collection Centres) Approval Principles 2010 (0 speeches)
    • Motion for Disallowance (11 speeches)
      I move: That the Health Insurance (Eligible Collection Centres) Approval Principles 2010, made under subsection 23DNBA(4) of the Health Insurance Act 1973 , be disallowed. Quality health care...
  • National Health and Hospitals Network Bill 2010 (0 speeches)
  • Documents (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      Order! It being 6.50 pm, we will proceed to consideration of government documents.
    • Commonwealth Grants Commission (1 speech)
      I move: That the Senate take note of the document. I note from the Commonwealth Grants Commission report on GST revenue sharing that there has been a very slight decrease of 0.1 per cent in...
    • Review of Local Content Requirements for Regional Commercial Radio (1 speech)
      I move: That the Senate take note of the document. In doing so, I refer to the importance of this report into the review of the local content requirements for regional commercial radio. Many...
    • Consideration (0 speeches)
      The government document tabled earlier today (see entry no. 2) was called on but no motion was moved. The following orders of the day relating to government documents were considered: Aboriginal...
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      Order! It being 7.03 pm, I propose the question: That the Senate do now adjourn.
    • Drug Use (1 speech)
      The scourge of illegal drug use and addiction is a serious health issue, posing grave danger to the personal safety of the individuals using these substances and having a serious negative impact...
    • New Zealand Earthquake (1 speech)
      I rise to speak about the close links the Australian people have with their near neighbour New Zealand. As a New Zealand born senator I was deeply moved by the two minutes silence held in the...
    • Food Security (1 speech)
      I rise this evening to address an issue which I believe is of extraordinary national significance. I believe it is vital that as a nation we ensure that we never lose access to fresh, healthy,...
    • International Development Assistance (1 speech)
      Before I begin my contribution, I would like to put on record my support of Senator Adams’s very personal and thoughtful contribution here tonight on the New Zealand earthquake and to join...
  • Documents (0 speeches)
    • Tabling (0 speeches)
      The following documents were tabled by the Clerk: [Legislative instruments are identified by a Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI) number. An explanatory statement is tabled with...
    • Indexed Lists of Files (0 speeches)
      The following documents were 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...
    • Departmental and Agency Contracts (0 speeches)
      The following documents were tabled pursuant to the order of the Senate of 20 June 2001, as amended: Departmental and agency contracts for 2010—Letters of advice— Human Services...