Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the Omnibus Repeal Day (Autumn 2015) Bill 2015 on this the 14th day of spring. I think this is the third such occasion where the backbench members, like the member for Dobell, have stood up to celebrate red tape repeal days. In the trenches, attacking commas, they went over the top together to overtake brackets and mow down a couple of full stops. It is incredible the vision that they have, unbelievable. It is definitely a part of that whole militarisation of our political discourse that we have seen from those opposite—a war on windfarms, an assault on solar. You do not just have people planting trees; you form a green army. You do not just have people checking the passengers' shampoo; you form a border force. Everything is militarised as if security is their safety blanket. It is unbelievable. The Prime Minister is happy to jump in a helicopter and put on a jacket—all this militarisation.

We know those opposite like to beat their chests and crow about how visionary they are. Why? Because they can repeal legislation. They come in here seeking a medal for doing their job! That is what governments do. When we were in office, we did it all of the time. The member for Leichhardt is going to speak on this bill. I know he used to be in the RAFF and I commend him for his service. He knows that if you are in the ADF, and the member for Riverina across the table knows this too, that it takes four years to get a medal not two years—the turning up on Monday medal. You must actually turn up every day for four years in the ADF and you will be recognised with the Australian Defence Medal.

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