House debates
Thursday, 26 November 2009
- Occupational Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (0 speeches)
Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Clare for Ms Gillard. Bill read a first time.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill implements the government’s response to the review of the Comcare scheme, as well as some other associated amendments. The...
- Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2009-2010 (0 speeches)
- (0 speeches)
Message from the Governor-General transmitting particulars of proposed expenditure and recommending appropriation announced.
- First Reading (0 speeches)
Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Emerson. Bill read a first time.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. There are two additional estimates bills this year: Appropriation Bill (No. 3) and Appropriation Bill (No. 4). I shall introduce the latter bill...
- Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2009-2010 (0 speeches)
- (0 speeches)
Message from the Governor-General transmitting particulars of proposed expenditure and recommending appropriation announced.
- First Reading (0 speeches)
Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Dr Emerson. Bill read a first time.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2009-2010 provides additional funding to agencies for expenses in relation to grants to the states under section 96 of...
- Information Commissioner Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (0 speeches)
Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Byrne. Bill read a first time.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The purpose of the Information Commissioner Bill 2009 is to establish the Office of the Information Commissioner. The bill will implement the...
- Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (0 speeches)
Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Byrne. Bill read a first time.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The main purpose of the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009 is to amend the Freedom of Information Act 1982 to usher in a new...
- Do Not Call Register Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (0 speeches)
Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Albanese. Bill read a first time.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Do Not Call Register Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 amends the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 and the Telecommunications Act 1997. Under the...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders (1 speech)
I move: That standing order 31 (automatic adjournment of the House) and standing order 33 (limit on business) be suspended for this sitting. As members would be aware, it is vital that the Carbon...
- Leave of Absence (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move: That leave of absence be given to every member of the House of Representatives from the determination of this sitting of the House to the date of its next sitting. Question agreed to.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Withdrawal (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That the following government business orders of the day be discharged:200 department of health and ageing—medical training review panel eleventh report—MOTION...
- Orders of the Day (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That Main Committee order of the day No. 4, government business relating to Australia’s response to the Global Financial Crisis, be returned to the House. Question...
- Withdrawal (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That the order of the day returned to the House in accordance with the resolution agreed to earlier be discharged. Question agreed to.
- Journalists Lost in the Line of Duty (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
by leave—At the beginning of this parliament I was fortunate enough to be a permanent delegate to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, made up of delegates from 152 countries. On attending my...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Public Works Committee; Approval of Work (6 speeches)
I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing...
- Members’ Interests Committee; Report (1 speech, 1 comment)
As required by resolutions of the House, I table copies of notifications of alterations interests received during the period 25 June 2009 to 25 November 2009.
- Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth I present the committee’s report entitled Housing the Homeless: Report on the inquiry into homelessness...
- Standing Committee on Publications; Report (1 speech)
I present a report of the Standing Committee on Publications sitting in conference with the Senate Standing Committee on Publications. Copies of the report have been placed on the table. I move:...
- Valedictory (0 speeches)
- (45 speeches)
I thank all members who are present in the chamber and everyone who is listening to today’s debate. As the parliamentary year draws to a close, it is a time for us all to reflect on the...
- Apology to the Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants (0 speeches)
- (4 speeches)
Order of the day returned from Main Committee for further consideration; certified copy of the motion presented.
- Statute Law Revision Bill 2009 (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.
- Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (15 speeches)
Debate resumed from 23 November, on motion by Mr Marles: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Attorney-General will be absent from question time today as he is addressing the Family Relationship Services Australia National Conference, ‘Children and...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Asylum Seekers (7 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the arrival today of yet another boat, bringing the surge to 55 boats and more than 2,450 unauthorised arrivals since he...
- Climate Change (19 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Would the Prime Minister update the House on global action on climate change and new evidence of the necessity for action?
- Uranium Sales to India (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the recent decision of the Canadian government to allow uranium sales to India and to overnight reports that the President of...
- Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science and the Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change. What is the cost of not acting on climate change and why is...
- Asylum Seekers (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer him to the report, tabled today, of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works entitled Redevelopment of the Villawood Immigration...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel. On behalf of the House, I extend to Mr Olmert a warm welcome.
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Climate Change (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. How is the government working with our agricultural industries to address climate change, and how has this cooperation been...
- Asylum Seekers (17 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. I refer the minister to the government’s repeated refusal to answer questions about the special deal that enticed 78 asylum seekers from the...
- Economy (28 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. What has the government and the Australian community achieved in 2009 that will help us meet the economic challenges of 2010 and beyond?
- OzCar (11 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Finance and Deregulation representing the Special Minister of State. Will the minister outline the importance of public servants providing impartial advice and...
- Economy (24 speeches)
I am mindful that it is less than a month until Christmas and, in a charitable spirit, my question is to the Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Minister for Small Business,...
- Civics Education (23 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 update the House on the need for...
- Sport (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth and Minister for Sport. I refer the minister to the time frame she has set to respond to the Crawford review...
- Parliament (10 speeches)
My question without notice is to the Leader of the House. Would the Leader of the House outline the importance of orderly processes to ensure the timely passage of legislation through the parliament?
- Australian Labor Party (15 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I remind the Prime Minister—
- Rudd Government (4 speeches)
I am sure the members opposite will be very interested in the answer to my question to the Prime Minister. Would the Prime Minister update the House on the achievements of the first two years of...
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (6 speeches)
Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.
- Auditor-General’S Reports (0 speeches)
- Report No. 15 of 2009-10 (1 speech)
I present the Auditor-General’s Audit report No. 15 of 2009-10 entitled AusAID’s management of the expanding Australian aid program - AusAID. Ordered that the report be made a...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Reports: Government Responses (1 speech)
For the information of honourable members, I present a schedule of outstanding government responses to reports of House of Representatives and joint committees, incorporating reports tabled and...
- 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 and I move: That the House take note of...
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Afghanistan (1 speech)
I present a copy of the statement by the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. John Faulkner, on Afghanistan made in the Senate on 26 November 2009.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders (1 speech)
I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent Government business Order of the Day No. 1 being brought on straight away. Question agreed to.
- Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Student Services and Amenities) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (6 speeches)
Debate resumed.
- Third Reading (5 speeches)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Whilst I think we have all received a little Christmas wish in finishing the year listening to the member for Indi talk about...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Days and Hours of Meeting (7 speeches)
For the benefit of members, it is the case that when the House adjourns at a later hour, very soon, the Speaker will suspend the sitting of the House until the bells ring. It is the...
- ACISAdministration Amendment (Application) Bill 2009; RESALE ROYALTY RIGHT FOR VISUAL ARTISTS BILL 2009; TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (RESALE ROYALTY RIGHT FOR VISUAL ARTISTS) BILL 2009; TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (2009 MEASURES NO. 5) BILL 2009; COAL MINING INDUSTRY (LONG SERVICE LEAVE FUNDING) AMENDMENT BILL 2009; FAMILY ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT) BILL 2009; CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (INCORPORATION OF PROPOSALS) BILL 2009; PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITIES BILL 2009; PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITIES (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 2009; HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPORT AMENDMENT (VET FEE-HELP AND TERTIARY ADMISSION CENTRES) BILL 2009 (0 speeches)
- Returned from the Senate (0 speeches)
Message received from the Senate returning the bills without amendment or request.
- Mumbai Terrorist Attacks (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
Madam Deputy Speaker, on indulgence: today marks the first anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The attacks, which began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November,...
- Health Insurance Amendment (Compliance) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Consideration of Senate Message (0 speeches)
Message received from the Senate returning the bill and acquainting the House that the Senate insists upon the amendments disagreed to by the House. Ordered that consideration of the message be...
- Valedictory (0 speeches)
- (20 speeches)
Madam Deputy Speaker, on indulgence: thank you very much for the opportunity to speak on the valedictory, and forgive me for starting with the retirement of the Clerk of the House, Ian Harris,...
- Business (0 speeches)
- (4 speeches)
The Leader of the House is overseas on government business, so for today and probably tomorrow I will act on his behalf. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will be Acting Deputy...
- Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
I thank the Manager of Opposition Business for his remarks, for his cooperation, for his spirit of generosity and for his sense of humour in the face of adversity! Mr Speaker, on indulgence: I...
- Health Insurance Amendment (New Zealand Overseas Trained Doctors) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (35 speeches)
Debate resumed from 25 November, on motion by Ms Roxon: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Business (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
On indulgence: I would like to indicate to the House, as I undertook earlier in the day to do, that the House will be suspended at 6 pm tonight. The House will resume its continuation of sitting...
- Health Insurance Amendment (New Zealand Overseas Trained Doctors) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (1 speech)
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.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bankruptcy Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (8 speeches)
Debate resumed from 28 October, on motion by Mr McClelland: That this bill be now read a second time.
- 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. Sitting suspended from 6.12 pm until the ringing of the bells Tuesday, 1 December 2009...
- Leader of the Opposition (0 speeches)
- (5 speeches)
Mr Speaker, I have the honour to inform you and the House that a little while ago I was elected leader of the federal parliamentary Liberal Party and therefore as Leader of the Opposition. I...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Days and Hours of Meeting (3 speeches)
I also congratulate the Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and associate myself with the remarks of the Acting Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition so far...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bankruptcy Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I present a replacement explanatory memorandum to the Bankruptcy Legislation Amendment Bill 2009.
- Trade Practices Amendment (Infrastructure Access) Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (11 speeches)
Debate resumed from 29 October, on motion by Dr Emerson: That this bill be now read a second time.
- 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.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That business intervening before order of the day No. 8, government business, be postponed until a later hour. Question agreed to.
- National Broadcasting Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (4 speeches)
Debate resumed from 29 October, on motion by Mr Albanese: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Days and Hours of Meeting (2 speeches)
On indulgence, Mr Speaker: I would like to take the opportunity to advise the House as to where we are now up to. We remain, as earlier, patiently in the hands of the other place. They are...
- Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS Fuel Credits) Bill 2009 [No. 2] (0 speeches)
- Consideration of Senate Message (2 speeches)
Bill returned from the Senate with requested amendments. Ordered that the requested amendments be considered immediately. Senate’s requested amendments— (1) Clause...
- Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Amendment (Household Assistance) Bill 2009 [No. 2] (0 speeches)
- Consideration of Senate Message (1 speech)
Bill returned from the Senate with requested amendments. Ordered that the requested amendments be considered immediately. Senate’s requested amendments— SCHEDULE A...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Days and Hours of Meeting (3 speeches)
Mr Speaker, on indulgence: to advise members of the current state of play, we have now dealt successfully with matters that have been returned to us from the Senate. As we speak of course the...
- Clerk of the House of Representatives (0 speeches)
- (3 speeches)
Before I move a formal motion adjourning the House, I think it is appropriate to say that, whilst formal valedictories have previously been made, this will be the last occasion that the Clerk of...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
The following notice was given:
- Request for Detailed Information (0 speeches)
- Parliament House: Water Harvesting (1 speech)
to ask the Speaker: As at 26 November 2009:(1)What water harvesting arrangements are in place at Parliament House, including where and how it is stored, and the storage capacity.(2)What amount of...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Flinders Electorate: Warley Hospital (1 speech)
Prior to the last election the Howard government made a commitment to protect and save Warley Hospital. The commitment was made before the commencement of writs. It was a decision of government....
- Werriwa Electorate: Macarthur Building Skills Centre (1 speech)
Three weeks ago I proudly attended the launch of the Macarthur Building Skills Centre project in the suburb of Ingleburn in my electorate, a project which I have been very excited about ever...
- Petition: Medicare (1 speech)
I rise to table the following petition from constituents in my electorate of Forrest who strongly oppose the Labor government’s cut to the Medicare rebate for cataract surgery. The petition...
- Solomon Electorate: Road Safety (1 speech)
I rise today to send a message to all Territorians and to those people who are fortunate enough to visit our great part of the world. The message is about taking care on our roads. In July this...
- Petition: National School Chaplaincy Program (1 speech)
I take this opportunity to place on the record the disappointment of the constituents of the Dickson electorate with the Rudd government’s refusal to provide them with certainty as to the...
- Hindmarsh Electorate: National School Chaplaincy Program (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the same issue that the member for Dickson just raised, but with one difference: there has been an announcement made for funding beyond 2010. I have spoken to the Deputy...
- Calare Electorate: Drought (1 speech, 1 comment)
I am sad and disappointed that I have to rise today to talk about the fact that on 24 September, almost two months ago to the day, I wrote to the Prime Minister outlining to him in detail the...
- Banks Electorate: Bankstown District Cricket Club (1 speech)
The Bankstown District Cricket Club has proven to be the most successful club in the Sydney Cricket Association over the past 20 years. Over recent years the club has involved itself in numerous...
- Petition: Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009; Domestic Violence (1 speech)
I rise in this debate today to present to the House of Representatives a petition signed by 265 people. This is one of a number of petitions that are now coming into my office; others will be put...
- Tibet (2 speeches)
In recent months there have been some unhappy developments regarding Tibet, with the Chinese government announcing the executions of a number of Tibetans for their role in the events in Tibet...
- Forgotten Australians (0 speeches)
- (3 speeches)
I want to address this motion on the national apology to the forgotten Australians and former child migrants through the eyes of Phil Manniche who lives within my electorate: I spoke with him...
- Statute Law Revision Bill 2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (3 speeches)
Debate resumed from 28 October, on motion by Mr McClelland: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move: That the Main Committee do now adjourn.
- Business and Professional Women Australia (1 speech)
I rise to speak about Business and Professional Women Australia, which has made a major contribution since its inception in 1946 to Australia and in my seat of Forrest. The aims of the BPW are to...
- Epilepsy (2 speeches)
The Parliamentary Friends of Epilepsy is a very active group working in this parliament. The group was formed earlier during this parliament and is committed to publicising issues around epilepsy...
- Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Energy Breakthrough; Peninsula School; Alcohol Abuse (1 speech)
Today I rise to speak in support of the RACV Energy Breakthrough. It is a joint initiative of the Country Education Project, the Central Goldfields Shire Council and the Royal Automobile Club of...
- Life Education Australia (5 speeches)
Today I speak in praise of Life Education Australia and, of course, Healthy Harold. I think most members would be familiar with Healthy Harold, and we grown-ups seem to like him as much as the...
- Riverina Electorate: Gocup Road Upgrade (3 speeches)
I rise in the House today to present a petition. The petition does not meet the requirements of the Petition Committee, so I am using this time available to me to explain the reasons behind this...
- Australian Alliance to Save Energy (1 speech)
Today I wish to speak about energy efficiency—a topic of great importance. I want to make particular reference to the Australian Alliance to Save Energy, or A2SE, which is an independent...
- Parkes Electorate: Water (1 speech)
I rise to speak about an issue that is very important to the people of the lower Lachlan River in New South Wales. As of the last couple of weeks, the lower Lachlan River has ceased to run below...
- Chisholm Electorate: Transport (1 speech)
I rise to speak on issues arising from recent public transport zoning decisions made by the state government in Victoria. This is an issue that has particular resonance for my electorate, which...
- Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Income Support for Students) Bill 2009 [No. 2] (1 speech)
I congratulate the member for Chisholm for noting the outstanding educational contribution that Bridget McKenzie, the Senate candidate, has made in the past and will continue to make in the...
- South-East Queensland: Water (1 speech)
I rise today to talk about water issues, particularly those affecting South-East Queensland which have changed markedly in recent days with the rejection by Minister Garrett of the Traveston...
- Emissions Trading Scheme (3 speeches)
After hearing that speech, I think the member for Longman and I are almost related. I have a great idea for you, member for Longman: in days gone past my dad used to run a cattle property on...
- Shortland Electorate: Fernleigh Track (1 speech)
Last Friday was an exciting day for the people of Shortland. Stage 3 of the Fernleigh Track opened. This stage took the Fernleigh Track from Whitebridge to Redhead. There was $850,000 of federal...
- Cowper Electorate: Bellingen Hospital (1 speech)
I rise today to bring to the attention of members the concerns of residents in the Bellingen shire about the future of their hospital. Earlier this month a public meeting was held in Bellingen to...
- Leichhardt Electorate: Tourism (1 speech)
I rise today to report on some very good news for Cairns, a real shot in the arm, with the announcement yesterday that a deal has been done between the Cairns Airport and Jetstar to see 300,000...
- Swan Electorate: Government Services (3 speeches)
I rise to take this opportunity to reflect on the year 2009. As I, the member for Swan, know and as you, Madam Deputy Speaker Moylan, would know, we have a fantastic airport in Perth and Perth is...
- Mumbai Terrorist Attack (1 speech)
One year ago terrorists attacked Mumbai in India. Two Australians, Brett Taylor and Doug Markell, were killed in the attack on many sites including the Taj hotel. In the last few days some very...
- Rural and Regional Health Services (1 speech)
I rise today to talk about the issue of doctor shortages in regional, rural and remote Australia—and, indeed, across non-metropolitan Australia, in many ways. This is obviously not a new...
- Longman Electorate: Education (1 speech)
I would like to talk momentarily about education in my electorate. I will resist the temptation to respond to some of the provocative content of the former speaker’s contribution. I will...
- Flinders Electorate: Fire Risk and Road Safety (1 speech)
I want to deal with two issues in relation to safety on the Mornington Peninsula and in my electorate as we approach the summer period. The first of those is the area of Blind Bight and the...
- Employment (1 speech)
I welcome and support the call today by trade unions for a national inquiry into the disturbing trend towards the casualisation of the workforce in Australia. Australia has avoided the worst...
- Valedictories (1 speech)
I briefly wish to speak on the official last day of sitting—although we might return for another unofficial day next week—to thank a few people and wish them a Merry Christmas. I...
- Braddon Electorate: Makers Workshop Burnie (4 speeches)
Thank you for the opportunity to speak, Madam Deputy Speaker. Thank you to the member for Mayo for his kind wishes. They are also extended to you and your family and to all those on the other...
- Season’s Greetings (1 speech)
I want to very quickly jump up and wish everyone in my electorate a merry and safe Christmas. It is a wonderful festive season in which families and friends get together, but we need to remember...
