Michael McCormack's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-10T22:05:30+00:00
items: Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (New South Wales Local Court) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: g89.18
items: g89.16
items: g89.1
items: Palestine Action Group: Protest | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Tumbatrek | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Protests | Adjournment | House debates
items: Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Riverina Electorate: Acknowledgements | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Jonceski, Mr Ljupco (Luch) | Condolences | House debates
items: Bolkus, Hon. Nick | Condolences | House debates
items: Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Riverina Electorate: Australia Day | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Copyright Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Transport Industry | Grievance Debate | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates

Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (New South Wales Local Court) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: It is insanity, Member for Mallee. Victoria is a mess. It is a complete mess. I do hope that there is a change of government there soon. When you think about that case and you think about what is...
encoded: It is insanity, Member for Mallee. Victoria is a mess. It is a complete mess. I do hope that there is a change of government there soon. When you think about that case and you think about what is going on at the moment in New South Wales, our largest populated state, with the protests, with the lack of tough sentencing on people who are doing dreadful things to the police, it is no wonder that people are uptight. Then you've got the New South Wales government wanting to change a word—wanting to change the title of a magistrate to a judge. I have to say that I believe words are important, and 'magistrate' probably suits the role that they do and the court that they preside over. Whether or not they deserve to be called a judge might be a matter, perhaps, for other legal minds to decide upon. But I don't know why we go down this path, because it then involves us getting up and talking about it. No doubt the Attorney-General thinks that I've probably just taken up 11 minutes of her life that she's never going to get back, but truly, really, doesn't the New South Wales parliament have better things to do? Don't our courts have better things to do? Doesn't our Commonwealth parliament have better things to do than to be going through the perfunctory bureaucratic nonsense that we are now faced with because these amendments are necessary to ensure so many aspects of the change from magistrate to judge? I just wonder, when we've got everything that's going on in New South Wales at the moment, why the government that runs that state thought that this was a priority. You really have to scratch your head and ask yourself why.
date: 2026-02-10T17:01:00+00:00

Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (New South Wales Local Court) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Of all the things that the New South Wales government has on its plate at the moment, you would think this would probably be the least imperative and important, but, given the fact that amongst...
encoded: Of all the things that the New South Wales government has on its plate at the moment, you would think this would probably be the least imperative and important, but, given the fact that amongst one of its so-called 'primary reforms' was the abolition of the statutory office of Magistrate of the Local Court and the establishment of a new statutory office called Judge of the Local Court, we find ourselves having to update all our statutes, books and paperwork involved in this. Now, of course the coalition supports this bill, but I do want to make a few pertinent remarks in relation to the Law and Justice Legislation Amendment (New South Wales Local Court) Bill of 2026 and other related matters pertaining to our legal system. Now, in the Local Court and Bail Legislation Amendment Act 2025 New South Wales made a series of amendments to the Local Court Act 2007 and related statutes. We know that because that's why we're here doing this supposedly perfunctory bill. The matters that are coming before the New South Wales courts at the moment are pretty important. And whilst I appreciate a lot of them aren't going before what were once local magistrates are and are going before other levels of courts in New South Wales, I do really worry about some of the sentences and some of the decisions being made in that state. It is my home state, and I care a lot about it and care deeply for the people of New South Wales. To be honest, I don't think—I can say this given the fact that I have parliamentary privilege here—that the people of New South Wales are being well served by some of the sentences being handed out. When you've got Justice Belinda Rigg making a decision against the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, who is doing a good job, and Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who is doing an excellent job—when they go and apply to the courts to have protests stopped and Justice Rigg then decides to overrule them and allow protests to go ahead, and we see what we saw on the Sydn…
date: 2026-02-10T17:01:00+00:00

g89.18
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title: National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026, National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
description: I hear you say you appreciate it, and I genuinely mean that. But if Minister Plibersek or I when I was the minister did the wrong thing, let me tell you, we were hauled before the court of public...
encoded: I hear you say you appreciate it, and I genuinely mean that. But if Minister Plibersek or I when I was the minister did the wrong thing, let me tell you, we were hauled before the court of public opinion for doing so. That great old pub test. The media will soon catch you out. Besides, when you're a minister you've got a lot of responsibilities to do the right thing. I know that ministers in the Labor, Liberal and National parties take those responsibilities very seriously and earnestly, as they should. There are already Indigenous-specific children's commissioners in the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. Do we need more? Do we need another layer and level of bureaucracy? I doubt it. The Department of Social Services is also already required to consult children and young people, and we know that children and young people are our future irrespective of race, creed or whatever else. But the focus should be on ensuring existing bodies do their jobs, not on creating new bodies and then almost abrogating the responsibility that should lie with existing agencies and the minister. In his book The Gulf Country: The Story of People and Place in Outback Queensland from 2019, Richard J. Martin writes, 'Aboriginal people on the stations were most commonly involved in stockwork, where their understanding of country and skill with animals were highly valued by the pastoralists.' I use this reference for this particular bill not because I'm straying off the topic—I'm not—but because what we saw in the outback country of the gulf land in Queensland, in the Northern Territory and in other parts was an opportunity taken away from young Aboriginal people when a previous Labor government on 7 June 2011 stopped the live cattle trade to Indonesia. Mr Martin writes: 'The contributions of Aboriginal women were commonly around the homestead, where they worked as domestics or in the garden. Both men and women helped to look after children.' In this book—…
date: 2026-02-10T16:30:00+00:00

g89.16
type: item
title: National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026, National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
description: Well, Minister, you would know. You're an experienced minister, and I do have a lot of faith and trust in you. I do, and you know that.
encoded: Well, Minister, you would know. You're an experienced minister, and I do have a lot of faith and trust in you. I do, and you know that.
date: 2026-02-10T16:30:00+00:00

g89.1
type: item
title: National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Bill 2026, National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
description: Gerard Neesham is a celebrated Australian football player and coach in Australia. He played in five West Australian Football League premiership teams and is a member of the West Australian...
encoded: Gerard Neesham is a celebrated Australian football player and coach in Australia. He played in five West Australian Football League premiership teams and is a member of the West Australian Football Hall of Fame. He's a former coach of Fremantle. He played for the Sydney Swans as well as other clubs throughout his celebrated career. But the best thing that he perhaps will be remembered for is the fact that he established Clontarf. He steps down from his position as chief executive officer of that organisation this year. I'll give you a few statistics about Clontarf, which gives hope to young Aboriginal people. It supports 12½ thousand students at 161 academies, including 1,100 year 12 students, final year students who but for Clontarf would not, perhaps, be sitting for those final exams and who would not, perhaps, have the opportunities that will be afforded them because they've stayed the course at school. And that is in no small measure due to the work of Gerard Neesham. I thank him for the role he has played to enable young Aboriginal boys, in particular, to be the best versions of themselves. In his remarks on retiring from the position he acknowledged some key people he has worked with in his 26 years of service to Clontarf: Ross Kelly, the founding chair; and Craig Brierty, who has stood alongside him for most of the journey. He said that he appreciates the role that government and corporate partners have played, and the dedicated staff, past and present. He also said this: I would like to acknowledge … … … … most importantly, the thousands of young men who have been Clontarf members. Your stories of success, resilience and contribution to your communities are the true measure of Clontarf's legacy. It's organisations such as this and people such as Gerard Neesham OAM who, I think, hold the key. I appreciate that the government is pushing for a national commissioner. This bill, the National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young …
date: 2026-02-10T16:30:00+00:00

Palestine Action Group: Protest | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: That is rubbish—absolute rubbish!
encoded: That is rubbish—absolute rubbish!
date: 2026-02-10T14:06:00+00:00

Tumbatrek | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: The Tim Fischer Tumbatrek is over for another year, and the walking and talking is done. The conversation and perspiration has ended. It is a great event, and it reminds us of the legacy that Tim...
encoded: The Tim Fischer Tumbatrek is over for another year, and the walking and talking is done. The conversation and perspiration has ended. It is a great event, and it reminds us of the legacy that Tim Fischer leaves. He started this trek in 1985 as a way of promoting the tourism and the business opportunities in Tumbarumba shire. Now, of course, that's part of Snowy Valleys Council. It's soon to be demerged. But so many representatives of Tumut and Tumbarumba gathered there. Prior to that, we had a very good meeting with Carlie Porteous and the Softwoods Working Group, Hyne and Visy, talking about the Walwa fire and the devastating impacts upon the forestry industry from that January incident. Then we had the dinner that night at the memorial hall, where the New South Wales Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Cately, attended. I give her credit for the job that she's doing, particularly this week. It was great to join state MPs Dr Joe McGirr and Justin Clancy on the actual walk with Julia Ham, the Snowy Valleys' mayor, and with Paul Culhane, the Mayor of Upper Lachlan shire. We trekked 12.2 kilometres from the Bago forest to the Henry Angel campsite. We trekked to the Burra Creek, passing the side of the Hussell's Mill before joining the famous Hume and Hovell Track. One of the morning highlights was seeing a crackle of cockatoos—that's the collective noun for cockatoos. There were six of the gang-gang cockatoos nesting. They were fantastic. We were also joined by the Consul-General of the Czech Republic, Hana Flanderova, and a German exchange student, Sophie, who's with Rotary International. It reminded us all about the importance of sometimes going and smelling the roses, the crisp clean air of Tumbarumba shire. There were people from right across the political divide, people with vastly different opinions. But there were 140 people trekking through the mountains. It was absolutely fantastic. We were joined by a large group of teenagers, mostly Tumbarumba…
date: 2026-02-09T10:36:00+00:00

Protests | Adjournment | House debates
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description: Three thousand police. Snipers on the roof. A ring of steel around the central business district of Sydney. Workers, visitors, residents told to stay either at home or away. What is going on in...
encoded: Three thousand police. Snipers on the roof. A ring of steel around the central business district of Sydney. Workers, visitors, residents told to stay either at home or away. What is going on in this country? How has it gotten to this? The visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog has been greeted with remarkable scenes not just in Sydney, not just in Melbourne, but in Wagga Wagga and Benalla. This has to stop. It simply must stop. I'm not quite sure indeed what these people are still protesting about. I have nothing against peaceful demonstrations. It's part and parcel of living in a democracy. But the Australian government's adherence to Palestinian statehood was announced on 11 August last year. It was formally recognised on 21 September last year. I disagreed with it, but this is what the United Nations and our nation did and followed through on. And yet still we're seeing protests week after week, day after day in our capital cities and in our country cities. And for what? I just don't understand it. Some of them are saying, 'Well, they're peaceful demonstrations.' No, they're not, because if you talk to the officers who are engaged with babysitting these people, they will tell you that these people throw things at them—anything they can lay their hands on—and they spit at them. Where have we got to as a country? Why is this happening? They would be far better off volunteering their time at a soup kitchen, attending a cancer hospice, doing anything but what they're doing. I spoke to Labor New South Wales Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley on Friday night. She's doing a good job under tremendous pressure. So too, I have to say, is Premier Chris Minns. He has shown leadership against all of this. Thank goodness we have Mal Lanyon in as the police commissioner, because he has requested, and rightly so, extensions to prohibitions on these protests. Then, of course, we've got the Teachers Federation and others involved in teaching our children usin…
date: 2026-02-09T19:40:00+00:00

Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. In the lead-up to the 2022 election, the Prime Minister repeatedly promised a $275 reduction in household energy bills, and I quote:...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. In the lead-up to the 2022 election, the Prime Minister repeatedly promised a $275 reduction in household energy bills, and I quote: I don't think, I know. I know because we have done the modelling. Without mentioning home batteries, will the minister finally admit that the Prime Minister was wrong, the modelling was wrong and Australian families are paying the price every day for this government's abject failure to deliver on its promise?
date: 2026-02-09T15:13:00+00:00

Riverina Electorate: Acknowledgements | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: It's never too soon to fall in love—or back in love, as the case might be. And, with apologies to John Paul Young: Love is in the air everywhere I look around, Love is in the air in every...
encoded: It's never too soon to fall in love—or back in love, as the case might be. And, with apologies to John Paul Young: Love is in the air everywhere I look around, Love is in the air in every sight and every sound. And I don't know if I'm being foolish, don't know if I'm being wise, But it's something that I must believe in And it's there when I look in your eyes. There have been some wonderful wedding anniversaries in the Riverina lately, and I mention Faye and Barry Irvine, who have had 60 years together—a diamond wedding anniversary; Margaret and Robert Hamilton, who have 65 years of commitment; Barbara and David Carter, with 60 years as well; Beth and Bruce Irvine, with 60 years of marriage—and Bruce and Barry Irvine are cousins; and Erica and Michael Coghlan, who celebrated a golden 50th wedding anniversary. Isn't that just beautiful? And we should congratulate them for staying together for that long of a period. We should admire them. We should follow their example indeed. As you would know, Valentine's Day is this Saturday, 14 February—that day of universal love. For some it's come early. For some it's in the air. Love is in the air. May it abound in this place, the House of Representatives, in the Senate and elsewhere. Love is truly in the air.
date: 2026-02-09T13:41:00+00:00

Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
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description: I am in furious agreement with the good member for Chisholm when she says that it should not matter what your postcode is to get access to health services. One-hundred per cent—the member...
encoded: I am in furious agreement with the good member for Chisholm when she says that it should not matter what your postcode is to get access to health services. One-hundred per cent—the member for Chisholm is absolutely right. But the trouble is that it doesn't ring true. The trouble is that this Labor government has not done what it says it was going to do when it comes to bulk-billing or access and availability of health services. In fact, it's been an abysmal, dismal failure. Bulk-billing rates have gone from 88 per cent to 77 per cent. That's an 11 per cent drop. It doesn't matter how those members opposite colour it, how they argue it or how often they say that they are doing something. It doesn't matter how often that is the case; saying it doesn't make it true. Bulk-billing rates have dropped. What did we see when somebody complained about this in the media to the health minister from the leafy suburbs of Adelaide? He said, 'Well, if you can't get a bulk-billing doctor, pick up the phone and ring another one.' That might be well and good in Adelaide. It doesn't cut it in regional Australia. In some communities in regional Australia you're lucky if you've got a doctor at all, let alone trying to phone for another doctor to get an appointment. In country Australia it shouldn't be the case that, when in pain, catch the plane. You should be able to have access and availability of a doctor when you need it, but the difficulty is that we don't. Thank goodness we've got the Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network, which was set up and established by a coalition government—a coalition government which recognised that regional Australians have health issues too. This government does not provide equity for postcodes when it comes to health provision. We see that with the urgent care clinics. I hear the member for Lyne all the time going on about Taree. Taree and a whole host of other regional centres don't have those regional aftercare clinics, those emergency care clinics, …
date: 2026-02-09T11:01:00+00:00

Jonceski, Mr Ljupco (Luch) | Condolences | House debates
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description: Just think about this: condolence motions are usually reserved for royalty, for world leaders, for ministers of the Crown and now Luch. Luch! What a national icon he is in life and in death....
encoded: Just think about this: condolence motions are usually reserved for royalty, for world leaders, for ministers of the Crown and now Luch. Luch! What a national icon he is in life and in death. Ljupco 'Luch' Jonceski was 59 years young. Like the member for Fisher, I was shocked and saddened when I learnt of his death. I learnt it from Zoe McKenzie's Facebook page, actually. I was just stunned. I think we all were. He had such a wonderful life. He'd packed so much into those 59 years, and I'll say 'short years' because he left us all too soon, all too suddenly. There are thousands upon thousands of people who come to Parliament House to work every day. It doesn't matter whether the place is sitting or whether it's in recess. I can think of four who are universally loved and, moreover, universally known by all of us, and they are, in no particular order, Brigette Bull, who is the barista at Aussie's Cafe, and then Maria Ljubic and her sister, Anna, the cleaners—those well-known cleaners who always have a cheery smile and sometimes a cuddle and a kiss for the MPs. Aren't they fantastic? What an amazing duo! Then there was Luch, universally loved and respected and known. Now the parliament stops to honour his memory, a right usually only reserved for somebody really important. But, you know, Luch was important, and he was important to each and every one of us because he made our jobs easier; he made our lives better. He was a builder, and we know that he helped build this place. Later on, when his labouring days were over and he became a greencoat, he built relationships. He built relationships across the aisle. We didn't even know that he was doing it, but he did. The last time I saw Luch, I was dressed up as Elvis Presley. I was. We had our seventies and eighties dress-up theme night, as only the Nationals could do, and Luch spotted me in my powder-blue sequined suit, and he made a beeline for me because he wanted a picture with me. We did the old Elvis thing. I was a li…
date: 2026-02-05T12:28:00+00:00

Bolkus, Hon. Nick | Condolences | House debates
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description: It's actually an honour to follow the member for Scullin. They were fine words, indeed. I'm sure Nick Bolkus's family will very much appreciate reading and hearing those words you've just uttered...
encoded: It's actually an honour to follow the member for Scullin. They were fine words, indeed. I'm sure Nick Bolkus's family will very much appreciate reading and hearing those words you've just uttered in your speech. You might find it perplexing to understand why a National Party member is standing to rise to speak on somebody he never met—somebody from the Labor Centre Left—but I was reminded when I walked into the chamber by the member for Adelaide, who is a very good friend of mine, about Nick Bolkus. Steve Georganas reminded me that he worked for Nick Bolkus for 10 years and said that but for Nick Bolkus he wouldn't actually be in this place. So Nick Bolkus does have a little bit to answer for! I say that with genuine warmth, and it is meant, because Steve and I are great mates. I know Nick Bolkus was great mates with people across the aisle in the parliament. He was also of Greek descent, just like the member for Adelaide and me. We've both, fortunately, made sure all the necessary arrangements with the citizenship test are in place such that we are very much Australian and have very much renounced any Greek descent status that would perhaps prevent us from taking our places here. As Steve reminded me as well, Nick Bolkus was a good friend of multicultural Australia. He was somebody who strove to make Australia a better place. Often, when Labor luminaries pass away, I refer to my predecessor Kay Hull to see what she thought of them and to get an understanding of the part they played in the parliament and in the life of Australia. I messaged Kay yesterday, and she said, 'He was a decent person.' She said, 'We did disagree on the South Australian water view.' I'm not quite sure how many members for Riverina would ever agree with a South Australian on the water situation; we always agree to disagree in that context. She said: 'To be honest, he was a decent backbench senator when I was there. He was so diplomatic and loyal to the Labor party.' She said, 'I always felt s…
date: 2026-02-05T10:39:00+00:00

Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: When addressing the graduating class of the Australian Defence Force Academy last year, Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC said: You have prepared yourselves to live ADFA's motto: to lead, to excel....
encoded: When addressing the graduating class of the Australian Defence Force Academy last year, Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC said: You have prepared yourselves to live ADFA's motto: to lead, to excel. You have learned to be leaders who will work for peace and stability, who will make ethical and helpful decisions, who will prioritise human life and dignity and always act with compassion and care. You embody the ADF values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence. I believe these values will guide you throughout your careers—not as abstract ideals, but as the foundation of trust, teamwork, service, loyalty and duty. I attended this particularly wonderful function at Duntroon to see Inigo Bardos, son of David and Jane from Wagga Wagga, graduate. Those who graduated on that day will one day be veterans. Those who graduated on that day will one day need our help. Those who graduated will look to the Department of Veterans Affairs. They will come through their military careers. There will be ups and downs, but we wish them every success. We know that they will uphold that bond of courage, unity and teamwork. So we must ensure that, when they do finish their military careers, we are there for them. That's why this veterans legislation is important.
date: 2026-02-04T11:38:00+00:00

Riverina Electorate: Australia Day | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: We all have them in our electorates—those selfless volunteers who are the very glue that binds our communities together. On Australia Day we recognise them, acknowledge them and honour...
encoded: We all have them in our electorates—those selfless volunteers who are the very glue that binds our communities together. On Australia Day we recognise them, acknowledge them and honour them. Here is a roll call of community champions for the Riverina electorate. They are citizens of the year—volunteers who have done so much to make our towns and Wagga Wagga a better place in which to live. In Coolamon there was Guy Purcell. In the Cootamundra-Gundagai local government area, there were Maureen Simpfendorfer and Sister Kathy Hodge in Cootamundra and Wendy Anderson in Gundagai. In Cowra, there was Jenny Friend. In the Hilltops local government area there were: in Boorowa, Angus Clements, who won Citizen of the Year; in Harden-Murrumburrah, Sarah and Andrew Jones; in Wombat, the Wombatian Citizen of the Year Cathy Simpson; and in Young, Ted Webber. In Junee, it was Natalie Phillips. In Lockhart, it was Keith Fraser. In the Snowy Valleys there were Shane Walsh in Adelong, Glenn Lavis in Tumbarumba, and Jane Dean and Adam Farquharson in Tumut. In Temora, there was Frances Dwyer. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 10:17 to 10:26 The Upper Lachlan Shire's Shire Citizen of the Year was Melinda Medway. In Crookwell it was Louise Gibbs. In Taralga it was Robert Handley. In Wagga Wagga Aunty Mary Atkinson deservedly was honoured with Citizen of the Year. In Weddin which is Grenfell, John Gorman got the gong. In Yass Valley it was Phil Gaden. We thank each and every one of them. Congratulations to past and present Riverina constituents who were awarded an Order of Australia for their contributions: John Killick OAM of Galong; Thomas Moss OAM of Khancoban; Stephen Sullivan OAM of Taralga; and Brett Murray, with whom I worked at the Daily Advertiser in the 1980s, who received an OAM for services to motor sports and journalism. I'm also very pleased that Gerard Kearns, the Kapooka commandant, the leader of 1st Recruit Training Batt…
date: 2026-02-04T10:16:00+00:00

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: We should thank our nurses each and every day—not only our nurses but our pharmacists and our doctors. Anyone who puts on scrubs and goes into a theatre ward and anyone who serves our...
encoded: We should thank our nurses each and every day—not only our nurses but our pharmacists and our doctors. Anyone who puts on scrubs and goes into a theatre ward and anyone who serves our hospital system or our medical system needs the applause and the gratitude of this place and of Australians right across the nation. I'm one who listens very carefully in question time. This government is now nearly four years old. For four years, the Labor government has been blaming the Morrison-McCormack government in particular and previous coalition governments per se for the financial stresses it claims it's under. They exaggerate the figure. Yes, we did have a debt, that debt born out of a global pandemic the likes of which we had not seen since just after World War I—which, of course, ended in 1918. We did what we could. We spent the money that was needed to keep people in jobs and, more importantly, to keep Australians alive—not just Australians but our Pacific neighbours and friends as well. Through those Morrison years, there were more than 94 million telehealth consultations through Medicare, with 16 million patients, and that was a significant achievement. Speaking as one who comes from rural and regional Australia, we don't ever want to see telehealth replace hands-on medical professional care. It was necessary during the COVID years and it's necessary at any time, but, particularly in remote Australia and in Indigenous communities, we don't want to see telehealth replace a person who can give a consult. During the Morrison years, from 2019, 857 new medicines were listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme—another significant achievement. There were 1,400 additional nurse placements for the regions, and that is something that we should also be very proud of as a former coalition government. The Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 is about empowering nurses. The bill worries me as one who comes from the regions and as one who w…
date: 2026-02-04T11:57:00+00:00

Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Last night, at the Australian War Memorial, the shrine of remembrance, that remarkable Australian place where the memory of 103,000 fallen is sacrosanct and they are honoured, immortalised and...
encoded: Last night, at the Australian War Memorial, the shrine of remembrance, that remarkable Australian place where the memory of 103,000 fallen is sacrosanct and they are honoured, immortalised and memorialised, we had a service, a last post ceremony, for Major Cyril Herbert Dodson Lane. He was killed at Gallipoli, aged just 27. He was killed at Hill 60 on 29 August in that fateful year 1915. He was born at Bondi and, whether by design or by chance, it was rather interesting, given what happened there on 14 December last year, that somebody with such a connection to that eastern suburbs beach—that eastern suburb in Sydney—should be honoured at the Australian War Memorial at the last post ceremony commemorating the start of the parliamentary year. I think it's nice, and it's appropriate, that, at the start of each parliamentary year, MPs and senators go across the lake from the front doors of parliament and up that straight line to the Australian War Memorial to honour those who gave us the unique, rare and great privilege of being able to serve a free and fair democracy, because it is the service and sacrifice of those men and women that enables us to do our jobs for and on behalf of Australian people. Whether it be Major Lane or any one of the other 103,000 men and women on the Roll of Honour—bronzed Aussies all, heroes all; any of them—we are able to do our jobs because of them. I'm very proud that I come from Wagga Wagga, a garrison city, a military town, a defence town. There are 1,576 people, or 2.9 per cent of the population, aged 15 and over who have past Australian Defence Force service. There are 1,489 people, or 2.7 per cent of the population, aged 15 and over who are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force. The proportion of veterans in Wagga Wagga, 2.9 per cent, is higher than the average for regional New South Wales. We've had the Air Force there since 29 July 1940. The 1 Recruit Training Unit is one of the primary defence strategic establishments …
date: 2026-02-03T19:16:00+00:00

Copyright Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Whilst the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025 is largely a technical bill, it is, as the member for Griffith quite correctly points out, an important one. It's not going to grab headlines, but...
encoded: Whilst the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025 is largely a technical bill, it is, as the member for Griffith quite correctly points out, an important one. It's not going to grab headlines, but headlines are what it's all about because we live in a digital media age. We live in the information age. When I was a newspaper journalist, indeed a newspaper editor for more than a decade, I was fortunate to have some of the experience imparted upon me by Bruce Burke. Bruce Burke is a very good defamation lawyer, particularly specialising in the media. He won the Australian Press Council Press Freedom Award in 2022 for his work. He was very good at the traditional print media, and the media landscape has changed vastly. I refer to the book, More or Less: Democracy and New Media, edited by Helen Sykes. Far be it from me to start quoting Labor members of parliament or former members of parliament, but I note that in the chapter titled 'Free Speech, Responsible Media, Law and Liberal Democracy', by former Attorney-General from 1993 to 1996, Michael Lavarch, he writes—and quite correctly too—about the role of media in a democracy. He notes: 'The media plays a central role in our lives, even more so now that we can access a range of media sources through the gadgets we all carry around. I do not just mean social media but also more traditional forms, such as television, radio and newspapers. We have an abundance of information and opinion at our fingertips, all jostling for our attention.' He says: 'In order for democracy to flourish, it is vital that the citizen has various sources of information and access to proper forums for open and fair debate. The media plays a critical role in stimulating debate about important issues, presenting facts and reporting news, uncovering corruption and misconduct, and providing a vehicle for diverse perspectives.' And he's very right. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in this subject. Further on in the book there is a chapter by no l…
date: 2026-02-03T17:10:00+00:00

Transport Industry | Grievance Debate | House debates
type: item
description: Without trucking, the nation stops. Australia is so heavily reliant on our transport industry, particularly our truckies. They do a power of good, and they've never been under more pressure than...
encoded: Without trucking, the nation stops. Australia is so heavily reliant on our transport industry, particularly our truckies. They do a power of good, and they've never been under more pressure than right now with all the rules, compliance, obligations and regulations. They appreciate that they have to do the right thing, and, by and large, they do. But the onerous nature of what is expected of them is becoming all too much. Under this government, so many of these wonderful trucking companies are going to the wall. D.J.K. Transport in New South Wales went into liquidation in August 2025 after operating for 57 years. A K G Trucking, from the same state, also entered voluntary liquidation in the same month and on the same day as Round Em Up Transport. XL Express, a national company, went under in August, after 35 years in business, leaving around 200 employees without jobs. That's 200 employees in a cost-of-living crisis. Where do they go? What do they do? Don Watson Transport, another national company, closed its doors in June last year after 77 years of successful operation, carting much of the refrigerated transport demand. They're a logistics company with more than 300 staff, who transported cold goods between Sydney, Wodonga and Melbourne. There are over 140 trucks up for sale. Transtar Linehaul, another national company, entered administration in July 2025, leading to the company auctioning off their 38 prime movers and their 56 trailers. Closer to home for me, in Wagga Wagga, there is Ron Crouch Transport. It, too, is a third-generation business, founded by Ron and Beverley Crouch in 1978. It started carting hay for a single client and grew into quite a powerhouse. Certainly, it's a large company for Wagga Wagga. Thankfully, a buyer has been found, and that is some relief for Geoff Crouch, the son of Ron, and indeed for the workers who are in that company. But look at other companies that went to the wall. Newnham Trucking in Queensland, Aava Logistics, Truck Repai…
date: 2026-02-03T12:37:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
type: item
description: Fifteen blessings. Fifteen rays of light. Fifteen beacons of hope. Fifteen beautiful, innocent lives gone—lost, taken, stolen—in a hail of hateful bullets, a mad and bad fury of mere...
encoded: Fifteen blessings. Fifteen rays of light. Fifteen beacons of hope. Fifteen beautiful, innocent lives gone—lost, taken, stolen—in a hail of hateful bullets, a mad and bad fury of mere minutes when iconic, peaceful Bondi Beach changed forever. These were 15 Australians—strangers to most, but Australians. They loved and were loved. This country is girt by sea. We know this because we sing it every time we join in the national anthem. Bondi provides some of that girt. It encircles, fastens and helps to bind Australia. Our Jewish Australian community does the same. On 14 December, hundreds of Jewish Australians gathered at Bondi to celebrate and to commemorate. Hanukkah is about the victory of light over dark. What took place on that day of infamy should never, ever have happened—not anywhere and certainly not here in our law-abiding, peace-loving country. But let's be honest. Let's look deep into our hearts and minds. If we were that law abiding and peace loving, then how does something so terrible and terrifying occur? We need to be better as a nation and as a people. But will we? Already, in the short, sad days since the worst terrorism attack on Australian soil, we have seen and heard more of the antisemitism, the radical Islamist extremism, that has been allowed to spread like a cancer through society across our communities, even regionally. This must stop. It has to end now, for little Matilda's sake if nothing else. When a state premier, Chris Minns, and a police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, ask that a particular protest not go ahead, those requests must be upheld and honoured by the judiciary who head up our courts. Our New South Wales police, and all first responders to this incident, were magnificent. They were. They ran to help when harm threatened. The ordinary, everyday heroes were courageous in the true Australian spirit of mateship, of bravery and of humanity. Locally, for my electorate, candlelight vigils were held at Wagga Wagga on 18 December, when the mer…
date: 2026-01-19T12:59:00+00:00