House debates

Wednesday, 11 May 2011

• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Australian Research Council Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2010, Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Dividend and Other Measures) Bill 2011; Returned from Senate (0 speeches)
    Messages received from the Senate returning the bills without amendment or request.
  • Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test and Other Provisions) Bill 2011; First Reading (0 speeches)
    Bill and explanatory memorandum presented by Mr Bowen. Bill read a first time.
  • Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test and Other Provisions) Bill 2011; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that a visa applicant or holder will fail the character test should they be convicted of any offence...
  • Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2010; Consideration of Senate Message (2 speeches)
    Bill returned from the Senate with amendments. Ordered that the amendments be considered immediately. Senate's amendments—
  • Social Security Legislation Amendment (Job Seeker Compliance) Bill 2011; Report from Committee (2 speeches)
    On behalf of the Standing Committee on Education and Employment I present the committee's report entitled Advisory report on the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Job Seeker Compliance) Bill...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Treaties Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, I present the committee's report entitled Report 116: Treaties tabled on 24 and 25 November 2010, 9 February and 1 March 2011 and Treaties...
  • Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Report (4 speeches)
    On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit I present the committee's report entitled Report 422: Review of the 2009-10 Defence Materiel Organisation major projects report....
  • Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Report and Reference to Main Committee (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Main Committee for debate. Question agreed to.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Corporations Amendment (Improving Accountability on Director and Executive Remuneration) Bill 2011; Second Reading (10 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Midwife Professional Indemnity Legislation Amendment Bill 2011; Second Reading (20 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Midwife Professional Indemnity Legislation Amendment Bill 2011; 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.
  • Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment (Copyright) Bill 2011; Returned from Senate (0 speeches)
    Message received from the Senate returning the bill without amendment or request.
  • Social Security Legislation Amendment (Job Seeker Compliance) Bill 2011; Second Reading (7 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
• Statements by Members (0 speeches)
  • Budget (1 speech)
    I rise today to express my disappointment for the agricultural industry in the budget. Not only has the government delivered nothing for the industry; it has also failed to alleviate the...
  • Australian Export Awards: Pivot Maritime International (1 speech)
    I am most pleased to congratulate Dr Jeff Hawkins and Dr Luz Hawkins on their recent success in the 49th annual Australian Export Awards. This is the second year running that they have secured a...
  • Aston Electorate: Volunteering (1 speech)
    This week is National Volunteer Week, so there is no better time than this week to highlight the role of volunteers in our community and to say thank you. Volunteers are the glue that holds...
  • Melbourne Electorate: Carringbush Adult Education Centre (1 speech)
    Last week I visited the Carringbush adult education centre in my electorate of Melbourne. The electorate of Melbourne has the highest number of public housing dwellings of any electorate in the...
  • Flinders Electorate: Somerville Police Station (1 speech)
    I rise, on behalf of the people of Somerville, to welcome the news that the Victorian government has approved the creation of a police station for Somerville. This is overdue news, it is welcome...
  • Fraser Electorate: Welcoming the Babies (1 speech)
    On 27 March this year I held Canberra's inaugural 'Welcoming the Babies' event at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park. Over 150 mums, dads, bubs, brothers and sisters enjoyed a perfect Canberra autumn...
  • McPherson Electorate: Gold Coast Quarry (1 speech)
    Boral Resources is pushing ahead with its proposal for a quarry in Tallebudgera Valley within the electorate of McPherson, despite significant opposition from local residents as well as the...
  • Canberra Electorate: Liz Dawson (1 speech)
    Today I rise to honour another Canberra legend, Liz Dawson. Liz is a tireless and tenacious advocate for the homeless and disadvantaged in the ACT. She is one of the brains and drivers behind the...
  • Hasluck Electorate: West Rise Disability Competition (1 speech)
    I stand here today to draw attention to the good work of the West Rise Disability Competition in Kalamunda. West Rise is a competition for intellectually disabled people within Hasluck and...
  • Rush, Mr Scott (2 speeches)
    I rise to acknowledge the great work done by the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, the foreign minister, Kevin Rudd, and many other members on behalf of Lee and Chris Rush and their son Scott....
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Budget (77 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer the Prime Minister to the government's $2 billion cut to family benefits, including for those earning as little as $45,000 a year, while its spending...
• Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
  • (5 speeches)
    Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Selection Committee; Report (1 speech)
    I present the Selection Committee's report No. 19 relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday 23 May 2011 and bills referred to...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    Documents are tabled in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members earlier today. I move: That the House take note of the following documents: Education and Employment—House...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders (1 speech)
    I move: That standing order 31 (automatic adjournment of the House) be suspended for the sitting on Thursday, 12 May 2011 and at that sitting, after the Leader of the Opposition completes his...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Budget (16 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 government's...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Enrolment and Prisoner Voting) Bill 2010; Returned from Senate (0 speeches)
    Message received from the Senate returning the bill without amendment or request.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Electoral Matters Committee; Reference (2 speeches)
    I have received a message from the Senate transmitting a resolution agreed to by the Senate on 11 May 2011 relating to the referral of an inquiry to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Provisional Voting) Bill 2011; Consideration of Senate Message (2 speeches)
    Bill returned from the Senate with amendments. Ordered that the amendments be considered immediately. Senate’s amendments—
  • Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Air Cargo) Bill 2011; 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.
  • Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Air Cargo) Bill 2011; 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.
  • Customs Amendment (Export Controls and Other Measures) Bill 2011; Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
    Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment, appropriation message having been reported; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
  • Customs Amendment (Export Controls and Other Measures) Bill 2011; 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.
  • Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment (Child Care and Other Measures) Bill 2011; Report from Main Committee (0 speeches)
    Bill returned from Main Committee without amendment, appropriation message having been reported; certified copy of the bill presented. Ordered that this bill be considered immediately. Bill agreed to.
  • Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment (Child Care and Other Measures) Bill 2011; 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.
  • Trans-Tasman Proceedings Amendment and Other Measures Bill 2011; 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.
  • Trans-Tasman Proceedings Amendment and Other Measures Bill 2011; 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.
  • Social Security Legislation Amendment (Job Seeker Compliance) Bill 2011; Second Reading (10 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Social Security Legislation Amendment (Job Seeker Compliance) Bill 2011; Consideration in Detail (2 speeches)
    Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
  • Social Security Legislation Amendment (Job Seeker Compliance) Bill 2011; 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.
  • Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2011 Measures No. 1) Bill 2011; Reference to Main Committee (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2011 Measures No. 1) Bill 2011 be referred to the Main Committee for further consideration. Question agreed to.
  • Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection) Bill 2011; Second Reading (3 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Paterson Electorate: Building the Education Revolution Program (1 speech)
    I rise today on behalf of small business tradesmen in my electorate of Paterson who have been failed by the Gillard Labor government. These workers are owed in excess of $600,000 for work they...
  • Australian Mammal Extinction (1 speech)
    Over the past 200 years, more mammal species have become extinct in Australia than anywhere on earth. Australian mammal extinctions account for about one-third of all mammals that have...
  • Budget (1 speech)
    It is a pleasure to rise tonight to talk in the adjournment debate about the topic of the day, and that is the big spending, high taxing Labor budget. Last night, the Treasurer said this was a...
  • Victoria: Cattle Grazing and Duck Hunting (1 speech)
    In the relatively short time it has been in power, the Victorian coalition government has lost no time in opening up the environment for exploitation. It reintroduced cattle grazing into...
  • Employment (1 speech)
    There is nothing more fundamental in terms of the core responsibilities of government than to provide an economic environment that fosters growth. There is nothing more fundamental that flows...
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (1 speech)
    I rise to bring the House's attention to the seriousness of chronic fatigue syndrome, commonly known as CFS, in Australia. As many of you would be aware, this week is ME/CFS Awareness Week. It is...
  • Budget (2 speeches)
    This federal Labor budget is a disappointment for most and a disaster for many small businesses and family enterprises. The Gillard Labor government has short-changed small businesses and family...
  • Braddon Electorate (1 speech)
    Since 2007, the Labor government has been highly supportive of, and has invested heavily in, my region. The budget last night continued to support my region and I thank this government very much....
  • Hinkler Electorate (1 speech)
    In recent months the local economies of Hervey Bay and Bundaberg have taken sustained and consecutive blows with the closure of key businesses. Regional economies are doing it tougher than ever...
  • Queensland Floods (1 speech)
    On 16 January this year thousands of Queenslanders were returning to their homes and businesses after the recent floods, often to find them completely destroyed. Many tragically lost whatever...
  • D'Orazio, Mr John (1 speech)
    I rise this evening during the adjournment debate as the federal member for Perth to make some remarks about the late John D'Orazio, a former Labor member of the Western Australian state...
  • Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving (2 speeches)
    I commend the minister for his tender farewell to a close colleague and friend. It is with great pleasure that I inform the House of the formation of the Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • (0 speeches)
    The following notices were given: Mr Stephen Smith to present a Bill for an Act to amend the Military Justice (Interim Measures) Act (No. 1) 2009, and for related purposes. Mr McClelland to...
• Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
  • Home Insulation Program (1 speech)
    Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to alert you to a terrible story about the government's continued failure on the home insulation scheme—a scheme that has cost lives and homes, destroyed...
  • Volunteers (1 speech)
    'Hard work often going unrecognised. No pay at all but the warm afterglow of knowing you have helped somebody in need'. If this was a job ad, no Australian would ever apply. Yet millions of...
  • Herbert Electorate: Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services (1 speech)
    Townsville is a fantastic city. It is a place where people gather with a positive attitude and we get things done. We respect those who have a go and we look to them for leadership. There should...
  • Budget (2 speeches)
    By any measure, the economy in Australia in 2011 is going well. We have unemployment levels below five per cent. We have fantastic growth, in excess of four per cent per annum. We have record...
  • Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
    I rise today to say, 'Shame on the government for its recent announcement to reopen the Manus Island detention facility and exchange asylum seekers with Malaysia.' Manus Island was as much a part...
  • Education Funding (1 speech)
    I rise to express my concern in relation to Catholic school funding and the direction in which the government is likely to be taking the school funding regime post the expiration of the existing...
  • Brain Cancer (1 speech)
    As it is unlike its more colourful cousins, many Australians will not have seen the grey and white ribbon that I am wearing today, yet many people in my electorate and throughout Australia will...
  • Swan Electorate: Mother's Day Classic (1 speech)
    I support your cause, Member for Newcastle. My eldest brother died of a brain tumour at the age of 51, so I understand the reason for the speech you made. Also talking about cancers, last Sunday,...
  • Blair Electorate: Building the Education Revolution Program (2 speeches)
    Building the Education Revolution has benefited 65 schools in Blair to the tune of nearly $109 million, from Mount Kilcoy in the north to Redbank Plains in the south. On 11 April 2011, I had the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment (Child Care and Other Measures) Bill 2011; Second Reading (6 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Trans-Tasman Proceedings Amendment and Other Measures Bill 2011; Second Reading (3 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Air Cargo) Bill 2011; Second Reading (5 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • Customs Amendment (Export Controls and Other Measures) Bill 2011; Second Reading (16 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Gambling Reform Committee; Report (10 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That the House take note of the report.
• Condolences (0 speeches)
  • Rose, Mr Lionel Edward, MBE (16 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That the House express its deep regret at the death of Mr Lionel Rose MBE, place on record its appreciation for his outstanding service to world sport and to the...
• Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
  • Choules, Mr Claude Stanley (6 speeches)
    Debate resumed.
  • Cowan, Hon. David Bruce (4 speeches)
    Debate resumed.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No. 2) Bill 2011; Second Reading (7 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
  • International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2011; Second Reading (4 speeches)
    Debate resumed on the motion: That this bill be now read a second time.
• Questions in Writing (0 speeches)
  • Official Development Assistance (Question No. 107) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 25 November 2010: How is the Government going to build on official development assistance policies covered by the current Water and...
  • Digital Television (Question No. 127) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, in writing, on 25 November 2010. (1) Is the Minister aware that entire rural communities like...
  • Ministers and Ministerial Staff: Mobile Phones and iPads (Question Nos 136 and 149) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Trade, in writing, on 25 November 2010: (1) How many (a) mobile phones, (b) blackberries and (c) I-Pads are currently allocated to the...
  • Ministers and Ministerial Staff: Mobile Phones and iPads (Question No. 162) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, in writing, on 25 November 2010: (1) How many (a) mobile phones, (b) Blackberries and (c) iPads are currently allocated to the (i) Minister, and (ii) the...
  • Digital Television (Question No. 173) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, in writing, on 8 February 2011: Similar to the residents in the Mildura/Sunraysia region in...
  • Superclinics (Question No. 195) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 21 February 2011: (1) Without identifying any individual medical practices or any individual medical practitioner, how many Medicare...
  • Superclinics (Question No. 196) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 21 February 2011: (1) Without identifying any individual medical practices or any individual medical practitioner, how many Medicare...
  • Superclinics (Question No. 201) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 21 February2011: For each of the eight GP Super Clinics that are operational, on what days of the week and over what span of hours is a...
  • United States of America: Australian Trade Missions and Consulates (Question No. 203) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 22 February 2011: In respect of trade missions and consulates in the United States of America (USA) during 2010-11: (a) how many staff in...
  • Australian Public Service Implementation Network (Question No. 207) (2 speeches)
    asked the Special Minister of State for the Public Service and Integrity, in writing, on 24 February 2011: In respect of the Advisory Group on Reform of Australian Government Administration's...
  • Superclinics (Question No. 210) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 28 February 2011: For each of the 64 locations of the GP Super Clinics, (a) is it classified as a District of Workforce Shortage on her...
  • Superclinics (Question No. 211) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 28 February 2011: For each of the 64 locations of the GP Super Clinics, (a) what sum has been spent on (i) funding for capital works, (ii)...
  • Superclinics (Question No. 212) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 28 February 2011: Of the $280.2 M allocated to the 2007-08 GP Super Clinics Program, what sum has already been paid to the funding recipients.
  • Superclinics (Question No. 214) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 10 February 2011: In total and at each location of the nine operational GP Super Clinics, how many (a) services have been delivered, (b)...
  • Primary Care Infrastructure Grants (Question No. 218) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 1 March 2011: In respect of the Government's commitment to primary care infrastructure upgrades— (1) What total sum of funding is...
  • Building Better Regional Cities Program (Question No. 224) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 1 March 2011: In respect of the Building Better Regional Cities Program: (1) What total sum...
  • Mental Health (Question No. 225) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Health and Ageing, in writing, on 2 March 2011: (1) What is the Government doing about the major shortcomings in the current mental health system in Mackay, reported in the...
  • Bankruptcy Petition (Question No. 226) (2 speeches)
    asked the Attorney-General, in writing, on 2 March 2011. In respect of Bankruptcy Number 5091/1998 of Queensland, why did the Official Receiver of the Insolvency Trustee Service of Australia sign...
  • Bankruptcy Petition (Question No. 227) (2 speeches)
    asked the Attorney-General, in writing, on 2 March 2011: In respect of Bankruptcy Number 5091/1998 of Queensland, (a) did the Insolvency Trustee Service of Australia (ITSA) consider it an offence...
  • North Queensland Fishing Industry (Question No. 228) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in writing, on 2 March 2011: (1) What measures is the government taking to help the North Queensland fishing...