House debates

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2013; Reference to Federation Chamber (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That the Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2013 be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration. Question agreed to.
  • Australia Council Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. When introducing the Australia Council Bill 1974 into parliament on 23 July 1974, then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam proclaimed that upon passage:...
  • Australia Council (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This is a companion bill to the Australia Council Bill 2013, which I have just introduced. The Australia Council (Consequential and Transitional...
  • Court Security Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Federal courts and tribunals, due to their very nature as forums to resolve disputes, bring together people who are in serious conflict....
  • Court Security (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Speaker, I am pleased to present the Court Security (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2013. The Court Security Bill 2013 provides a new framework...
  • Marriage Amendment (Celebrant Administration and Fees) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Marriage Amendment (Celebrant Administration and Fees) Bill 2013 will help to improve the services celebrants provide to couples and their...
  • Marriage (Celebrant Registration Charge) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time The Marriage (Celebrant Registration Charge) Bill 2013 specifically implements the 2011-12 budget decision to introduce cost recovery for...
  • Social Security Legislation Amendment (Disaster Recovery Allowance) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill introduces a new disaster recovery income support payment, the disaster recovery allowance. In recent years we have seen a trend of...
  • Statute Law Revision Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Statute Law Revision Bills have been used for the last 30 years to improve the quality of Commonwealth legislation. The bills do not make...
  • Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (Registration Fees) Bill 2013, Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment (Registration Fees) Bill 2013; Reference to Federation Chamber (1 speech)
    I seek the leave of the House to refer bills to the Federation Chamber. Leave granted. I move: That the bills be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration. Question agreed to.
  • Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Amendment Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Bill 2013 makes amendments to the Indigenous Education (Targeted Assistance) Act 2000. The...
  • Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Compliance Measures No. 2) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The tragic deaths of two employees following an incident on the Stena Clyde rig in Bass Strait last year, the uncontrolled release of...
  • Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (New Mandate and Other Measures) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Export Finance and Insurance Corporation Amendment (New Mandate and Other Measures) Bill 2013 implements the government's response to the...
  • National Measurement Amendment Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The National Measurement Amendment Bill 2013 is a bill to amend the National Measurement Act 1960. It introduces changes appropriate for the...
  • Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Ensuring the health and safety of our citizens is a fundamental role of government—and of this parliament. But there is a clear and present...
  • Corporations Amendment (Simple Corporate Bonds and Other Measures) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The establishment of a deep and liquid retail corporate bond market in Australia is a key priority for the Gillard Labor government. A...
  • Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Military Compensation Review and Other Measures) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. It gives me great pleasure to present legislation that will enhance Australia's repatriation system and provide improved access to compensation...
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2013 Measures No. 2) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill amends various taxation and superannuation laws to implement a range of improvements to Australia's tax and super laws. Schedule 1...
• Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
  • (6 speeches)
    by leave—Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Customs and AusCheck Legislation Amendment (Organised Crime and Other Measures) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    ) ( ): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. In July 2010 the government established Task Force Polaris—a joint law enforcement taskforce targeting organised crime in the cargo...
  • Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    ) ( ): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposals) Bill 2013 contains several amendments to schedule 4 to the Customs Tariff Act...
  • Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2013 Measures No. 1) Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I am pleased to introduce the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2013 Measures No.1) Bill 2013, which amends the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. The...
  • Corporations and Financial Sector Legislation Amendment Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Today I am introducing a bill to amend a range of legislation, including the Corporations Act 2001, the Payment Systems and Netting Act 1998, the...
  • Student Identifiers Bill 2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Introduction The Australian government is committed to improving the transparency and responsiveness of the vocational education and training...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Report (6 speeches)
    On behalf of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, I present the following reports: Examination of legislation in accordance with the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011; Bills...
  • Health and Ageing Committee; Report (5 speeches)
    On behalf of the Standing Committee on Health and Ageing, I present the committee's report Diseases have no borders: inquiry into health issues across international borders, together with the...
  • Health and Ageing Committee; Report and Reference to Federation Chamber (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2013 Measures No. 1) Bill 2013; Report from Committee (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services I present the committee's advisory report, incorporating a dissenting report, on the Tax and Superannuation...
  • Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Reform of Self Managed Superannuation Funds Supervisory Levy Arrangements) Bill 2013; Report from Committee (2 speeches)
    On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, I present the committee's advisory report, incorporating a dissenting report, on the Superannuation...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • National Capital and External Territories Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, I present the committee's Report on the visit to Antarctica: 12-13 December 2012, together with the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Native Title Amendment Bill 2012; Report from Committee (2 speeches)
    On behalf of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, I present the committee's advisory report, incorporating a dissenting report, on the Native Title Amendment...
  • Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment (Registration Fees) Bill 2013; 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.
  • Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (Registration Fees) Bill 2013; 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.
  • Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2013; 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.
  • Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013; Second Reading (15 speeches)
    Yesterday evening, before the House moved to the adjournment debate, I was making the point on the Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (News Media Diversity) Bill 2013 that in this island nation...
• Statements by Members (0 speeches)
  • Oaktree Foundation: Roadtrip to End Poverty (2 speeches)
    Last week I met with a delegation of dynamic young men and women from my electorate who were visiting Canberra to promote the Oaktree Foundation's Roadtrip to End Poverty. The road trip is an...
  • Rare Voices Australia (1 speech)
    I rise to acknowledge the outstanding work of Rare Voices Australia. Today I attended a function, with some other parliamentarians, organised by Rare Voices Australia. This is an organisation...
  • Tweed Valley Relay for Life (1 speech)
    I rise to talk about a fantastic event in my electorate this Saturday: the Tweed Valley Relay for Life. I know there are many other 'relays for life' that occur, but it will be a great event this...
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (1 speech)
    I rise to talk about a recent family conference for the Tuberous Sclerosis Society, which follows on the Rare Voices barbecue that the member for Solomon talked about. I actually represented the...
  • Bosnian Sculpture (1 speech)
    On Tuesday, 12 March, I joined together with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Bob Carr, fellow parliamentarians and friends from the Bosnian Community, including the Ambassador for...
  • Aston Electorate: Knox Headspace (1 speech)
    I am proud to report to the House that the Knox Headspace Centre was officially opened this week. The opening of this centre has been the culmination of a two-year campaign which I have...
  • Media Reform (1 speech)
    Over the past 48 hours this House has been joined in a fierce debate over proposals for media reform. The member for Wentworth has been strident in his attacks on these proposed reforms, and his...
  • Brisbane Electorate: Caitlin Kirby (1 speech)
    I rise to acknowledge a remarkable young constituent from my electorate, Caitlin Kirby. Caitlin suffers from Down syndrome. However, despite her disability, she is a very talented swimmer....
  • Bass Electorate: Hirst Holdings (1 speech)
    I rise today to warmly congratulate Mark and Sarah Hirst from my electorate of Bass, who were last week announced as successful applicants in the federal government's Tourism Industry Regional...
• Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
  • Pope Francis (2 speeches)
    It is my pleasure to inform the House that this morning I received a message from Sir William Deane, who attended the installation mass of His Holiness Pope Francis in Rome last night, Australian...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Budget (9 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. Given that the Labor Party last delivered a surplus in 1989, a full quarter of a century ago, in what year does the government expect to deliver its first...
  • Age Pension (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on the increases to the pension that take effect from today? What will these mean for our senior Australians?
  • Budget (13 speeches)
    My question is to the Treasurer. I remind the Treasurer of his commitment in the 2010 budget to pay off all net debt by 2018, his commitment in the following budget to pay off all net debt by...
  • Age Pension (4 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Disability Reform. How is the government building a stronger, fairer Australia for pensioners?
  • Budget (7 speeches)
    My question is to the Treasurer. I refer the Treasurer to his comment on radio's 2UE on budget night in 2011 that Australia's debt is 'tiny, very tiny' and to his economic note a month ago that...
• Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    Before I call the member for Melbourne, I want to recognise in the gallery today that we have many students attending the National Schools Constitutional Convention. We welcome you to the House....
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Whaling (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Attorney-General. Three ships of the anti-whaling fleet and Sea Shepherd docked in Melbourne this morning, but their captain, Paul Watson, has been unable to join them...
  • Pensions and Benefits (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Treasurer. How is the government delivering new support for senior Australians in an economically responsible way? How does this build on the government's record?
  • Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (4 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. I remind her that her Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has presided over a $4.7 billion broadband tender that collapsed, a...
• Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    I want to recognise in the gallery today members of the Global Voices youth delegation, 26 young leaders who are going to be representing our country abroad wonderfully at many international...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Migration (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Will the minister update the House about the government's efforts to ensure that 457 visas are not being used to undermine workers...
  • Independent Members of Parliament: Legal Fees (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. Has the Prime Minister, or any member of her ministry or staff, held discussions during the past week with any of the Independent members of parliament...
  • Carbon Pricing (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. Will the minister update the House on the Household Assistance Package for...
  • Asylum Seekers (7 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the fact that this week three boats carrying almost 200 people illegally arrived in the space of 24 hours, and that so far in 2013 illegal boat...
  • Charter of the Commonwealth (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on the Charter of the Commonwealth.
  • Asylum Seekers (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Prime Minister. How many boats carrying unauthorised arrivals have arrived in the last week? Given that people smugglers are getting more done than this government, when...
  • Child Care (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care. Will the minister update the House on the government's childcare reforms. Minister, what benefits have they delivered for...
  • Carbon Pricing (2 speeches)
    My question is to the Treasurer. I remind the Treasurer that the average European carbon price forecast for 2016 is currently less than $10.50 a tonne. Given that the government is budgeting to...
  • Pensions and Benefits (2 speeches)
    My question goes to the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing. Given the pension increase is happening today, can the minister outline what other support the government is providing to older...
  • Carbon Pricing (10 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. I refer the minister to his answer in question time yesterday regarding AJ Bush & Sons, in which he stated that the...
  • Pensions and Benefits (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Community Services, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development and Minister for the Status of Women. How will the government's pension...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Presentation (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...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Government (23 speeches)
    I have received a letter from the honourable Leader of the Opposition proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The urgent need for...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Fair Work Amendment (Tackling Job Insecurity) Bill 2012; Second Reading (6 speeches)
    I move: That so much of the standing and sessional orders be suspended as would prevent the following occurring immediately: (1) the Fair Work Amendment (Tackling Job Insecurity) Bill 2012, as...
  • Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Reform of Self Managed Superannuation Funds Supervisory Levy Arrangements) Bill 2013; Reference to Federation Chamber (1 speech)
    By leave—I move: That the bill be referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration. Question agreed to.
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (1 speech)
    I move: That business intervening before order of the day No.5 Government business be postponed until a later hour this day. Question agreed to.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment Bill 2013; Second Reading (19 speeches, 1 comment)
    In addressing the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment Bill 2013, let me begin with an acknowledgement of community concern. The coalition recognises community concerns...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (1 speech)
    (): I move: That the business intervening before order of the day No.15 be postponed until a later hour this day. Question agreed to.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Royal Commissions Amendment Bill 2013; Consideration of Senate Message (1 speech)
    I move: That the amendments be agreed to. The proposed government amendments to the Royal Commissions Amendment Bill are designed to strengthen the confidentiality of information received at a...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • National Broadband Network (1 speech)
    The latest figures on the NBN rollout confirm that it continues to be a disaster. The National Broadband Network was announced by broadband minister Conroy and then Prime Minister Rudd on 7 April...
  • QBE Insurance (1 speech)
    I have recently learned that QBE is cutting 700 jobs in Australia and offshoring those jobs to Manila. The functions to be transferred to the Philippines include workers compensation claims,...
  • Gillard Government (1 speech)
    It has been said that adversity does not build a person's character but instead reveals it. The same holds true for political parties and the governments that they form. Today we observe a...
  • Sea Level Rise Guidelines (1 speech)
    Nowhere are the harmful consequences of the denial of global warming by the Liberal and National parties more apparent than in the new sea level rise guidelines promulgated by the New South Wales...
  • Tuberculosis (1 speech)
    Sunday, 24 March, is World TB Day. I place my great support on the record for this day of recognition. I also want to place on the record the name of a great champion in this place on the scourge...
  • Holt Electorate: Baron Casey Art Gallery (1 speech)
    I rise tonight to raise an issue that relates to social infrastructure in the outer suburbs, and in particular social infrastructure for those living in my electorate of Holt. In recent years,...
  • Centrelink (1 speech)
    I rise to bring to the attention of the House an issue with Centrelink affecting two of my constituents, Mr Don and Mrs Valerie Clements. Mrs Clements took out a lifetime income stream before...
  • Education (1 speech)
    I rise tonight to talk about the importance of equity in education based on reports in today's paper that a guarantee has been given to the Independent Schools Council of Australia that...
  • Tuberculosis (1 speech)
    I rise tonight to acknowledge World Tuberculosis Day, this Sunday, 24 March. It is with great sadness that I highlight the case of Catherina Abraham, a 20-year-old girl from Daru Island who last...
  • Parliamentary Delegation to the Republic of Serbia (1 speech)
    Earlier this year, together with the member for Hindmarsh, the member for Cowan and Senator Helen Kroger, I was part of an Australian delegation visiting the Republic of Serbia. This delegation...
  • Gambling (1 speech)
    I like to watch basketball, football and soccer. When I cannot get to a game, I like to watch it at home on television. Generally speaking, when I watch a game at home I like to do it with my...
  • Child Sexual Abuse (1 speech)
    I rise to congratulate Newcastle Herald journalist Joanne McCarthy on receiving the prestigious Graham Perkin award for journalism in Melbourne last week for her key role in reporting child...
  • Riverina Electorate: Griffith Headspace (2 speeches)
    I have today begun the process to have a petition tabled in this parliament which contains some 2,400 signatures calling for a headspace facility to be built in Griffith which would service the...
• Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
  • Stirling Electorate: Surf Lifesaving (1 speech)
    I rise to show my appreciation of the vital role that surf lifesaving clubs play all around Australia in ensuring that when we go to the beach we have the best possible protection. In my...
  • Adelaide Electorate: National Broadband Network (1 speech)
    I rise today to update the House on efforts underway in Adelaide to ensure that our local community maximises the potential of the National Broadband Network and the huge opportunities that come...
  • Forde Electorate: Elective Surgery (1 speech)
    I rise to speak on an issue starting to affect a number of constituents in my electorate as a result of this government pulling $103 million of funding from Queensland Health and the flow-on...
  • Griffith Electorate: Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts (1 speech)
    In my community in Brisbane's Southside, we have some of Australia's most iconic arts and cultural institutions. One I am particularly proud of is the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts at...
  • Bullpitt, Mr Noel, MBE (1 speech)
    Today I would like to pay tribute to a man who devoted a great part of his life to the surf lifesaving movement. Noel Frank Bullpitt MBE passed away recently in Bundaberg aged 100. He celebrated...
  • Melbourne Electorate: Racial Profiling (1 speech)
    The struggle for full equality takes many forms. Sometimes it is progressed by laws in this place, sometimes it is progressed by the decisions of government, but most of the time it comes from...
  • Macarthur Electorate: World Down Syndrome Day (1 speech)
    This Thursday is World Down Syndrome Day and I would like to take this opportunity to praise a group of parents in my electorate who are committed to supporting families touched by Down syndrome....
  • La Trobe Electorate: Harmony Day (1 speech)
    This week is very happily bookended by Harmony Day and St Patrick's Day. As this year is my 30th year in Australia, I have had cause to reflect on what this country has offered to so many Irish...
  • Bennelong Electorate: North Ryde (1 speech)
    As you enter the electorate of Bennelong you quickly notice a firm line of separation between the commercial hub of Macquarie Park, which includes some of our country's biggest corporate names,...
  • Lindsay Electorate: National Volunteer Awards (2 speeches)
    I recently had the pleasure of hosting an event to celebrate some of the most dedicated volunteers in my community who were recently recognised under the National Volunteer Awards. I congratulate...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2013; Second Reading (2 speeches)
    I apologise for causing the delay in proceedings in this chamber. I rise to speak on the Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2013. The bill seeks to amend five acts across...
  • Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment (Registration Fees) Bill 2013; Second Reading (6 speeches)
    I rise to speak about the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Amendment (Scheme Enhancements) Bill 2012. In talking to this bill, I would like to propose a number of enhancements beyond what...