Senate debates
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
- Parliamentary Representation (0 speeches)
- Matters of Public Interest (0 speeches)
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1 speech)
The first of July this year marked the 80th anniversary of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The ABC is a national institution and one of the world's great public broadcasters. It is not...
- Defence Budget (1 speech)
I rise to speak today about the current state of the Defence portfolio and Defence funding following this year's Commonwealth budget. As we now know, our Navy is in considerable difficulty, with...
- Environment (2 speeches, 1 comment)
I rise to put on record as a matter of public interest the grave concerns the Australian Greens have for the future of our precious places and unique wildlife, following the federal government's...
- Renewable Energy (1 speech)
I rise to contribute some comments on industrial wind turbines. Whilst the whole question of the economic benefit or otherwise of turbines to the renewable energy debate is the subject of debate,...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I draw the attention of honourable senators to the presence in the chamber of a parliamentary delegation from Ireland, led by Senator Denis O'Donovan. On behalf of all senators I wish you a warm...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Defence Budget (21 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Senator Bob Carr. Is the minister aware of reports of whether substantial cuts to defence announced in the May budget have...
- Afghanistan (6 speeches)
My question is also to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob Carr. Can the minister update the Senate on the situation for women and girls in Afghanistan?
- Budget (23 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator Wong. I refer the minister to the fact that the government's stock of outstanding debt has grown by $5 billion since the...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of former senator Chris Ellison. Welcome back. It hasn't changed! Honourable senators: Hear, hear!
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (30 speeches)
Thank you, Mr President.
- Carbon Pricing (14 speeches)
My question is directed to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Evans. Is the minister aware that today is the second anniversary of Mr Wayne Swan's vehement denial, in the final...
- Broadband (13 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. Can the minister advise the Senate of the direct contribution of the National Broadband...
- Carbon Pricing (29 speeches, 1 comment)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Wong. I refer the minister to the annual survey of the CEO Forum, which indicates that...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- James Price Point (1 speech)
On 14 August 2012 during question time Senator Siewert asked me a question as the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities concerning...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Defence Budget (6 speeches)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Senator Bob Carr) to a question without notice asked by Senator Macdonald today relating to Australian...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (5 speeches)
by leave—I move: That consideration of government business continue from 6.50 pm till 7.20 pm today. Question agreed to. by leave—I move: That, on Thursday, 16 August 2012: (a) the...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- London Olympic Games (1 speech)
I move: That following the 30th Olympiad the Senate congratulates our Olympians on their performances in London 2012. Question agreed to.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Meeting (3 speeches)
I move: That the Community Affairs Legislation Committee be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate on...
- Reporting Date (1 speech)
I move: That the time for the presentation of the report of the Community Affairs References Committee on its inquiry into health services and medical professionals in rural areas be extended to...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Homelessness (7 speeches)
I, and also on behalf of Senator Ludlam, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) the week 6 August to 12...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Withdrawal (1 speech)
Pursuant to notice given at the last day of sitting on behalf of the Regulations and Ordinances Committee, I now withdraw business of the Senate notice of motion No. 673 standing in my name for...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Banking (2 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) Westpac ' s environmental credentials have assisted it to promote...
- National Security (8 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) reports of a surveillance system known as TrapWire operating in the...
- Minerals Resource Rent Tax (9 speeches)
I move: (1) That the Senate notes that: (a) on 18 March 2012, the Prime Minister promised former Senator Bob Brown, then Leader of the Australian...
- World War II (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that in 2012 Australia is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the War in the Pacific and acknowledging the contribution of...
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (20 speeches)
A letter has been received from Senator Fifield: Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion: The Gillard...
- First Speech (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
Order! Pursuant to order, I now call Senator Thorp to make her first speech and ask honourable senators that the usual courtesies be extended to her.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (2 speeches)
I congratulate Senator Thorp on her maiden speech. It is always of great significance to get through your maiden speech. You did it beautifully, so well done. That is perhaps the most encouraging...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the 8th report of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills, which I am pleased to say Senator Thorp is now part of. I also lay on the table Scrutiny of Bills Alert Digest No. 8....
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Kanwal Village Post Box (1 speech)
by leave—On behalf of Senator Sinodinos, I present to the Senate the following petition, from 2,240 citizens and relating to an Australia Post box being relocated to Kanwal Village shops,...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Adams, Mrs Judith Anne (1 speech)
I seek leave to table a volume of documents relating to the late Mrs Judith Adams. Leave granted. I table a bound volume of condolences and other speeches relating to Mrs Judith Adams.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Membership (1 speech)
I seek leave to move a motion to vary the membership of committees. Leave granted. I move: That Senator Birmingham be appointed to the Environment and Communications Legislation and References...
- Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, Senator Stephens, I present the report of the committee on the provisions of the Defence Trade Controls...
- Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Chair of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Senator Cameron, I present the report of the committee on the provisions of the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Australian National Internship Program (1 speech)
I rise tonight to speak about a program at the Australian National University which offers students from Australia and indeed around the world an opportunity to come to Canberra and partake of an...
- Marine Sanctuaries (1 speech)
I want to speak today about a matter that is causing great concern up and down the coast of Queensland. The Gillard government currently has a proposal which increases the number of marine...
- Education Funding (1 speech)
I rise tonight to speak on something that is very close to my heart, something which, more importantly, is of vital significance to Australia's future: to our prosperity, our social cohesion and...
- Homeless Persons Week (1 speech)
'There was no way I could've afforded my own place. I had no bond, no rental history, no credit history, no hope.' That was a quote I heard last week, which was Homeless Persons Week, and tonight...
- Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
- Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 1558) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 17 February 2012: With reference to comments made by the Minister on the Fairfax Radio Network...
- Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 1809) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 19 April 2012: With reference to Part 6 of the Administrative Arrangements Order, relating to workplace relations policy...
- Australia Post (Question No. 1866) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, upon notice, on 30 May 2012: (1) Given that the Post Office licensee has been informed that there will be a number of...
- Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Question No. 1870) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister in the Senate, upon notice, on 1 June 2012: In regard to claims made by Mr Wilson, a former Wall Street resource analyst, of ongoing...
- Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Question No. 1871) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 1 June 2012: In regard to claims made by Mr Wilson, a former Wall Street resource analyst, of ongoing interference by the...
- Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (Question No. 1872) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Minister for Disability Reform, upon notice, on 5 June 2012: Given that feed-in...
- Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research (Question No. 1874) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, upon notice, on 7 June 2012: (1) Was the cost of $13 million, cited when the NMC was opened in 1991: (a) the cost for the...
- World Health Organisation (Question No. 1879) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 12 June 2012: 1) Given that on 31 May 2011 the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on...
- Health and Ageing (Question No. 1881) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 14 June 2012: With reference to correspondence sent from the department's Ministerial Liaison and Support Section on 19...
- Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Question Nos 1886 and 1887) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 18 June...
- Treasury (Question No. 1888) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 19 June 2012: (1) With reference to the committee of experts developing the new System of Environmental–Economic Accounting...
- Resources and Energy (Question No. 1889) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 19 June 2012: Will the Minister commit to delaying any declaration of Muckaty as the final location for the proposed nuclear waste...
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Question No. 1897) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice,25 June 2012: (1) Given that the shark product data collected by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is...
- Climate Change (Question No. 1902) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Human Services, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: How many recipients of Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package payments have been found to be: (a) deceased; (b)...
- Australian National University Student Union (Question No. 1903) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: Given that the Australian National University Student Union has used funds acquired under...
- Fair Work Australia (Question No. 1905) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: Does the Government support the findings of Fair Work Australia's report into...
- Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 1907) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012 With reference to the Incoming Minister brief that was released following a...
- Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 1910) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012 With reference to the answer to question on notice no. 1570 (Senate Hansard, 8...
- Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 1911) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: With reference to the statement made during question time on 19 March 2012, that...
- Fair Work Australia (Question No. 1914) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: Has the Minister received a copy of the Fair Work Act Review; if so, is the...
- Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (Transition to Fair Work) Bill 2012 (Question No. 1916) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: With reference to the Government's amendment to the Building and Construction...
- Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 1921) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon noticein writing, on 25 June 2012: In regard to the Minister's address to the ACTU Congress on 18 June...
- Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No, 1922) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: (1) Is the Minister aware of the Howe Inquiry. (2) Given that the report based...
- Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 1923) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: With reference to the promise made by the Treasurer in the 2011–12 Federal...
- Fair Work Australia (Question No. 1924) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 25 June 2012: In regard to the Fair Work Australia (FWA) investigation into the Health...
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Question No. 1925) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice on 25 June 2012: With reference to media reports that the company Seafish Tasmania Pty Ltd (Seafish) is seeking to bring...
- Immigration and Citizenship (Question No. 1928) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 26 June 2012: With reference to partner visa applications: (1) How many (a) individuals; and (b)...
- Defence: Procurement (Question No. 1934) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 27 June 2012: With reference to procurement procedures undertaken by the department to implement the following...
- Defence: Heavy Landing Incident (Question No. 1936) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 27 June 2012: With reference to the incident at Darwin airport on Tuesday, 28 February 2012 involving the Adagold...
- Prime Minister and Cabinet (Question No. 1951) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the answer to question on notice no. 1867: (1) What funding has the department...
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (Question No. 1952) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 5 July 2012: (1) Given the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) as the national...
- Health and Ageing (Question No. 1953) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on5 July 2012: Given evidence provided to the 2011-12 additional estimates hearing of the Economics Legislation Committee on...
- Burma (Question No. 1954) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 5 July 2012: (1) Is the Government providing any financial, technical, preliminary or drafting support towards a regulatory framework for...
- Resources and Energy and Tourism (Question No. 1955) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 5 July 2012: (1) Is the Minister aware of the 29 June 2012 report (ntnews.com.au) regarding the Deputy Secretary of the Department of...
- Immigration and Citizenship (Question No. 1957) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 9 July 2012: For each year since 2008-09 to date, how many refugees have been taken by Australia from...
- Minister for Foreign Affairs: Statement of Interests (Question No. 1958) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister in the Senate upon notice, on 9 July 2012: (1) Are ministers required to furnish the Prime Minister or her department with statements of their...
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority (Question No. 1962) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 13July 2012: (1) Does the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) have an industry strategy to deal with...
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority (Question No. 1963) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 13 July 2012: (1) How many Commonwealth fisheries officials would be aboard the FV Margiris, or a ship of similar size...
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority (Question No. 1964) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 13 July 2012: (1) Will the Government or department provide a guarantee that the FV Margiris will not fish the...
- Resources and Energy (Question No. 1966) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 20 July 2012: Given the response received in the answer to question on notice no. 1889 concerning the declaration of Muckaty in the...
