House debates
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
- Standing Orders (0 speeches)
- (44 speeches)
I move: That, unless otherwise ordered, the following standing orders be amended to read as follows:1 Maximum speaking times (amendments to existing subjects, as...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Days and Hours of Meeting (6 speeches)
I move: That the following program of sittings for 2008, dated 12 March 2008, be adopted in substitution for the program adopted on 12 February 2008.
- Workplace Relations Amendment Regulations 2007 (No. 4); Workplace Relations (Registration and Accountability of Organisations) Amendment Regulations 2007 (No. 1) (0 speeches)
- Motion (2 speeches)
I move: That:(1)the Workplace Relations Amendment Regulations 2007 (No. 4), as contained in Select Legislative Instrument No. 306 of 2007 and made under the Workplace Relations Act 1996 and the...
- Governor-General’S Speech (0 speeches)
- Address-in-Reply (8 speeches)
Debate resumed from 11 March, on motion by Mr Hale: That the following Address in Reply to the speech of His Excellency the Governor-General be agreed to:May it please Your Excellency:We, the...
- 60TH Anniversary of the State of Israel (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
by leave—I move: That the House:(1)celebrate and commend the achievements of the State of Israel in the 60 years since its inception;(2)remember with pride and honour the important role...
- Governor-General’S Speech (0 speeches)
- Tax Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (20 speeches)
Debate resumed from 14 February, on motion by Mr Swan: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Pensions and Benefits (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to reports about the future of carers’ and seniors’ payments arising from late-night briefings by his staff. Will the...
- Economy (8 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on recent developments in global financial markets?
- Pensions and Benefits (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister confirm that lump-sum payments to carers and older Australians will be tax free and not treated as income in calculating their social...
- Economy (7 speeches)
My question is also to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister outline some of the factors contributing to the cost of living pressures Australians are facing at present and the...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon members of a parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Estonia led by the President of the Parliament, Ms Ene Ergma. On...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Wages (3 speeches)
My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. Has the Treasury provided advice to the government on its minimum wage submission that includes a recommended specific dollar increase? Will the...
- Workplace Relations (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Social Inclusion. What impact have Australian workplace agreements had on the...
- Pensions and Benefits (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that accommodation costs in aged care facilities are a set proportion of pension payments? If the carers’ and...
- Skills Shortage (5 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Social Inclusion. Will the Deputy Prime Minister inform the House about the causes...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon Mr Charles Chauvel, the New Zealand Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice. On behalf of...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Pensions and Benefits (16 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I draw the Prime Minister’s attention to the response given by the Leader of the House this morning on the 2UE Steve Price program to a question. The...
- Employment (8 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. What is the government doing to prevent the unemployed being recycled from welfare to work to welfare and what measures is the government taking to deal with the...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon members of a parliamentary delegation from Vietnam led by His Excellency Mr Nguyen Phu Trong, President of the National...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Wages (2 speeches)
My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. How can the Prime Minister claim, as he did in his answer to my previous question, that the government is still to settle its position regarding...
- Health (5 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. Will the minister explain what action the government has taken to put our health system on a long-term sustainable footing?
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
Order! The member for Wannon would appreciate this. The occupant of this chair does not get to play ‘spot the gallery’, but other people who are playing ‘spot the former member...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Dental Health (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware that more than 16,000 Australians have accessed the $4,250 Medicare dental rebate in just two months? Is the Prime Minister aware...
- Skills Shortage (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Employment Participation. What is the government doing to attend to skills shortages in Australia, and how will this ensure that Australians can find work?
- Dental Health (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware of comments made by the President of the Australian Dental Association, Dr John Matthews, that the Labor Party’s policy on...
- Defence Procurement (35 speeches)
My question without notice is to the Minister for Defence. Will the Minister for Defence inform the House what action the government is taking to begin fixing the Howard government’s legacy...
- Wheat Exports (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister and relates to the Prime Minister’s meeting with wheat growers in my electorate to discuss marketing of wheat exports in March 2006 in his then capacity...
- Regional Partnerships Program (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. Minister, what is the government’s response to community concerns about fiscal...
- Indigenous Communities (15 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister.
- Economy (6 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Treasurer. What action is the government taking to ensure Australian consumers are not being ripped off by cartel conduct? How does Australia’s policy...
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (22 speeches)
Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
Documents are presented as listed in the schedule circulated to honourable members. Details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Fertility Policy (5 speeches)
by leave—The Australia many of us grew up in can seem like a different place to the one that exists today. The pressures of increasing costs of living and too little time are the driving...
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Health Services (24 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable member for North Sydney proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The need to provide...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Intelligence and Security Committee; Membership (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Intelligence Services Act (as amended), Mr Bevis, Mr Downer, Mr Dreyfus, Mr Melham and Mr Ruddock be appointed members...
- Social Security and Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Enhanced Allowances) Bill 2008; Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Returned from the Senate (0 speeches)
Message received from the Senate returning the bills without amendment or request.
- Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Report from Main Committee (1 speech)
Bill returned from Main Committee with amendments; certified copy of the bill and schedule of amendments presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Main Committee...
- Third Reading (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Screen Australia Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- National Film and Sound Archive Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Tax Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (14 speeches)
Debate resumed.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Referred to Main Committee (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That the bill be referred to the Main Committee for further consideration. I inform all honourable members that this motion enjoys the support of the Chief Opposition Whip,...
- Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Communications Fund) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (1 speech)
Debate resumed from 13 February, on motion by Mr Albanese: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Amendments to Standing Orders (0 speeches)
- (5 speeches)
Debate resumed.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Consideration of Private Members’ Business; Report (1 speech)
I present the report of the recommendations of the whips relating to the consideration of private members’ business on Monday, 17 March 2008. Copies of the report have been placed on the...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move: That the House do now adjourn.
- Investing in Our Schools Program (1 speech)
I rise tonight to talk about the decision of the Rudd Labor government to abolish, or not continue, the Investing in Our Schools Program. This is an important program that was instituted by the...
- Franklin Electorate: Bridgewater High School (1 speech)
Tonight I raise an issue of great concern in my electorate. It affects hundreds of students, parents and community members. The Bridgewater High School, in the northern point of my electorate of...
- Middle East (1 speech)
Today the parliament passed a motion honouring Israel’s 60 years. My purpose tonight is not to diminish the achievements of the state of Israel but to note the interests and legitimate...
- Cancer (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about the vital work that cancer support groups and organisations carry out in our community for cancer sufferers and their families. I want to pay tribute particularly to a...
- Parkes Electorate: Doctor Shortage (1 speech)
Tonight I wish to speak on an issue facing many towns in rural Australia—indeed, it is a particular issue in my electorate—and that is adequate access to doctors and medical...
- Gambling (1 speech)
Earlier today, in my maiden speech, I touched on the subject of electronic gaming machines and, in particular, drew conclusions regarding the design of these machines. I want the House to be...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- (4 speeches)
The following notices were given:
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Mr Trevor Drayton (1 speech)
I rise today to record the sad passing of renowned Hunter winemaker Trevor Drayton. He was killed in tragic circumstances at the Drayton winery in Pokolbin on 17 January 2008. Eddie Orgo was also...
- Moreton Electorate: Roads (1 speech)
I am pleased to inform members about how the Rudd Labor government are driving real transport solutions in the Moreton electorate. Within our first 100 days of government, we announced the...
- Herbert Electorate: Australian Defence Force (1 speech)
I once lived in Brisbane but in 1968—before the member for Moreton was born—I went to paradise, and now I represent Townsville in the Australian parliament. I do not know how you can...
- Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands (1 speech)
I would like to speak today about the Edithvale-Seaford wetlands, a large part of which are in my electorate of Isaacs, as well as the work of the Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, a...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
We have with us this morning participants in the Interparliamentary Study Program for 2008. On behalf of the Main Committee, I welcome our guests and I wish them every success for their time in...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- (0 speeches)
Consideration resumed.
- Grey Electorate: Tunarama Festival (1 speech)
I also welcome the delegation. Enjoy our country. This morning I would like to bring to this House’s attention a beautiful city in my electorate and a fantastic event. The city is Port...
- Corio Electorate (1 speech)
To the south of Corio Bay and to the east of the City of Geelong lies the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Dating from 1851, these are the fourth oldest gardens in Australia. Over the years they have had...
- Pension Bonus Scheme (1 speech)
I wish to refer to the Pension Bonus Scheme, which was introduced by the former coalition government in 1998. The Pension Bonus Scheme pays a tax-free lump sum to people who defer claiming their...
- Melbourne Grand Prix (1 speech)
For more than a decade, my constituents, particularly those in Albert Park and West St Kilda, and commuters in surrounding suburbs, have, first of all, been restricted from and then denied access...
- Carer Payments (1 speech)
I wish to call on the Australian government to commit to continuing the carer bonus, an initiative created by the Howard government. The bonus to carers is an annual one-off payment made since...
- Ms Viola Hill (2 speeches)
I rise to acknowledge the passing of Viola Hill and give tribute to her contribution to the local community in northern Brisbane. Viola Hill passed away on 18 February 2008. She was a...
- Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 20 February, on motion by Mr McClelland: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (11 speeches)
Debate resumed from 20 February, on motion by Mr Snowdon: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Consideration in Detail (2 speeches)
Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
- Screen Australia Bill 2008; National Film and Sound Archive Bill 2008; Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (6 speeches)
Debate resumed from 20 February, on motion by Mr Garrett: That this bill be now read a second time.
- National Film and Sound Archive Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (0 speeches)
Debate resumed from 20 February, on motion by Mr Garrett: That this bill be now read a second time. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time. Ordered that this bill be reported to the House...
- Screen Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (0 speeches)
Debate resumed from 20 February, on motion by Mr Garrett: That this bill be now read a second time. Question agreed to. Bill read a second time. Ordered that this bill be reported to the House...
- Infrastructure Australia Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (35 speeches)
Debate resumed from 11 March, on motion by Mr Albanese: That this bill be now read a second time.
