Senate debates

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

  • Israel (1 speech)
    I rise today to speak in strong support of the motion relating to the Hamas attack on Israel that was moved by Minister Wong. I had intended to give this speech last night when the motion was...
  • Economy (1 speech)
    Before I pivot to the content of my speech, I want to acknowledge the contribution from Senator O'Neill and thank her for it. It was a powerful delivery and, Senator O'Neill, I want to associate...
  • Oil and Gas Exploration (1 speech)
    WHISH-WILSON () (): I want to highlight in the Australian Senate today that seismic testing corporations TGS and Schlumberger are jointly proposing the biggest ever 3D seismic blasting survey on...
  • Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 (1 speech)
    The Albanese Labor government is tackling cost-of-living pressures and fighting to deliver a fairer system for hardworking Australians and good businesses. This is in stark contrast to those...
  • Israel (1 speech)
    I rise to again strongly support the motion, passed in the Senate this morning, on the Hamas attacks on Israel. I was incredibly proud to support this motion, and I join coalition colleagues who...
  • Migration Legislation (1 speech)
    A precedent-setting change to immigration policy has passed this chamber today. I'm using this time to raise this crucial matter because today an immigration amendment bill on a merit based...
  • Tamar River (1 speech)
    I rise to speak on the new pipeline to improve the health of the Tamar estuary in northern Tasmania. On Monday 9 October, I was delighted to join TasWater, the Launceston City Council and the...
  • Israel (1 speech)
    I rise today in further acknowledgment of the people of Israel and what is occurring in the Middle East. We have seen today absolute destruction of a hospital in Gaza, with evidence now emerging...
  • Women's Walk for Freedom (1 speech)
    An hour ago I had the privilege of meeting a courageous group of women who have just finished an epic 640-kilometre journey on foot from Melbourne. They have come to this place, Parliament House,...
  • Australian Constitution (2 speeches)
    Our Prime Minister, Mr Albanese, has gotten himself into a bit of a hole, hasn't he, having gambled—that's what he's done—most of his political credit on a now completely discredited...
  • Israel (1 speech)
    This morning I voted with the majority of my colleagues here in support of the motion that supported Israel, and I just want to make some comments about that now. I want to say, firstly, that I...
  • Prime Minister's Prizes for Science, Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes Rising Star Award (1 speech)
    This week, parliament is hosting Australia's world-leading scientists, innovators, educators and medical researchers. These leaders work every day to discover, understand and improve the world...
  • Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Voice (1 speech)
    I rise today to speak with a heavy heart on the outcome of Saturday's referendum. Saturday's result was not the outcome that so many of us were hoping for and working towards. I want to...
  • Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
    You cannot deliver on the national ambition to end violence against women within a generation if you don't focus on children. Violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia. In some...
  • Western Australia: Fundraising (2 speeches)
    On a brighter note, it gives me great pleasure to rise to share two minutes worth of happiness with the chamber. As most Western Australians know, this weekend is Telethon Weekend. What is also...
  • Albanese Government (1 speech)
    I've served in this parliament over the terms of four prime ministers, and Prime Minister Albanese has easily been the worst of them. He promised he would lead a more accountable government in...
  • McKerrow, Mrs Shirley, OAM (1 speech)
    I rise to note the passing of one of the most inspirational women I have ever had the pleasure to know. Shirley McKerrow OAM was not a politician, but she was definitely a woman in politics. She...
  • Collingwood Football Club (3 speeches)
    On a much more positive note I stand today to talk about, share with a sense of pride and joy, and celebrate one of the greatest and most spectacular grand final victories in modern history. It...
  • Australian Constitution: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice (1 speech)
    This has been a tough six months for First Nations mob. Right now, many of us are hurting. We are sad, we are angry and we are heartbroken. I want to assure you that all of these feelings are...
  • Select Committee on Australia's Excess Mortality (1 speech)
    In March this year, I asked the Senate to establish a select committee to investigate excess deaths and unexplained mortality in our nation. At that time, back in 2022, there had been tens of...
  • Fuel (1 speech)
    We all dread the moment when the little orange light comes on in the car—the fuel tank is empty again. The cost of filling it up climbs higher every single time you head to the bowser. The...
  • Israel (1 speech)
    It's hard to adequately articulate just how devastating the situation that we are witnessing in Israel and Gaza is. At this moment, I echo calls to protect civilian lives and adhere to...
  • Small Business (1 speech)
    On Monday this week Senator David Pocock, Allegra Spender, who's the member for Wentworth, and I hosted a breakfast in Parliament House for Australian small businesses and their peak...
  • World Menopause Day (1 speech)
    Today, 18 October, marks World Menopause Day. This is our opportunity to shine a light on this far-reaching issue, because, like in so many areas of women's health, stigma and discrimination too...
  • South Australia: Truro Bypass (1 speech)
    Yesterday, I tabled a non-conforming petition signed by more than 12,000 people in support of the Truro bypass project in South Australia. The Truro bypass is one of more than 400 infrastructure...
  • Foodbank Australia (2 speeches)
    It was a privilege to hear from Foodbank Australia—