House debates
Monday, 23 June 2014
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Responses (1 speech)
The following ministerial responses to petitions have been received:
- Statements (1 speech)
In my last statement as Chair of the Standing Committee on Petitions, I spoke about the role and responsibilities of members in regard to petitions. This week I will comment on petitions received...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Treaties Committee; Report (1 speech)
() (): On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, I present the committee's Report 140: Treaty tabled on 13 May 2014: Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Greste, Mr Peter (8 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) expresses concern at the detention in Egypt of Australian citizen Peter Greste; (2) notes that: (a) Mr Greste is detained and currently on trial solely for conducting...
- Shipbuilding Industry (11 speeches)
May I associate myself with the remarks made by other members in this place on the motion relating to Peter Greste and his Al Jazeera colleagues. We wish them all a speedy release and that...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That business intervening before order of the day No. 1, Government business, be postponed until a later hour this day. Question agreed to.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 is one of two bills to repeal the...
- Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
Today the government reintroduces the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013. As I said back in November of last year when I introduced this bill for the first time, the...
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Manufacture Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 is one of two bills to repeal the...
- True-up Shortfall Levy (General) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Together, this bill, the True-up Shortfall Levy (Excise) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013, and the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill...
- True-up Shortfall Levy (Excise) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Together, this bill, the True-up Shortfall Levy (General) (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013, and the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal)...
- Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013 provides for an exemption from the equivalent...
- Customs Tariff Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Customs Tariff Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 amends the Customs Tariff Act 1995 to remove the elements of this act that were...
- Excise Tariff Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill, which amends the Excise Tariff Act 1921, reduces the increase in excise on aviation gasoline and aviation jet fuel that is applied...
- Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates and Other Amendments) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Clean Energy (Income Tax Rates and Other Amendments) Bill 2013 is part of a package of bills to remove the carbon tax. This bill amends...
- Clean Energy Finance Corporation (Abolition) Bill 2014; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill abolishes the Clean Energy Finance Corporation by repealing the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Act 2012. The Clean Energy Finance...
- Climate Change Authority (Abolition) Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Australian people delivered a clear message on 7 September 2013 that they do not want a carbon tax. The government is meeting this promise to...
- Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2013 [No. 2]; Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. This bill repeals the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT), as well as discontinuing or re-phasing those measures that were introduced by the former...
- Health Insurance Amendment (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Bill 2014; Second Reading (1 speech)
I rise to speak on the Health Insurance Amendment (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Bill 2014. I note that the government is intending to proceed with the savings this bill will realise. In fact,...
- Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Bill 2014; Second Reading (1 speech)
The Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Bill 2014 is, in effect, an initiative of the last Labor government. A bill in substantially identical terms was introduced into the parliament by the...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Melbourne International Horse Trials (1 speech)
One of the great attributes we have in my electorate of Lalor is Werribee Park and its surrounds, home to the Werribee Open Range Zoo and the National Equestrian Centre Recently, I had the...
- Mallee Electorate: One Night Stand, Domestic Violence (1 speech)
A few weeks ago Mildura held the One Night Stand and it was a great event. We had great acts like Illy, RUFUS and many others—music that I am sure you are accustomed to. That evening I...
- Gellibrand Electorate: Care to Share Project (1 speech)
I wish to associate myself with the comments from the member for Mallee. Last weekend I took part in Cooking Connections, an Afghani and Iranian cooking class, held as part of the Care to Share...
- Ryan Electorate: Michelton Youth Club (1 speech)
I rise today to comment on the outstanding work of one of the many clubs in my electorate of Ryan. Mitchelton Youth Club is a not-for-profit community organisation that has been a proud member...
- Newcastle Electorate: Medal of the Order of Australia Recipients (1 speech)
I rise to recognise the achievements of four Novocastrians who have been awarded an Order of Australia medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list. Susan Walton was recognised for her...
- Bass Electorate: Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (1 speech)
In August this year the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston, affectionately known as QVMAG, will open a major exhibition entitled The Great War 1914-1918 Sacrifice and Shadows....
- Geoscience Australia (1 speech)
Today I attended the 2014 Geoscience Australia parliamentary luncheon, which again underscored the fact that this agency is a national treasure and, if you were a geologist, working there would...
- Bennelong Electorate (1 speech)
I wish to update the House on a variety of goings-on in my electorate of Bennelong. Over recent weeks I have held mobile offices at Epping and West Ryde train stations. I have been chatting with...
- Budget (1 speech)
I have said in this place on many occasions now that the most recent budget was a terrible one for rural and regional Australia, and I think that is now a point without challenge. I was astounded...
- Bothwell Ambulance Service (1 speech)
Bothwell is a small town in Tasmania's central highlands in regional Tasmania. Like in many similar country towns the ambulance service is operated by local volunteers. The ambulance unit is a...
- Hotham Electorate: Holmesglen TAFE (1 speech)
On the western boundary of my electorate sits the Moorabbin campus of Holmesglen TAFE. This campus provides vocational training each year to more than 10,000 people who live in and around my...
- Barton Electorate: Ambulance Services (1 speech)
I rise to commend the recent announcement by the New South Wales government that my electorate of Barton will benefit from the $150 million plan to build ambulance station hubs across Sydney,...
- Bendigo Electorate (1 speech)
Bendigo residents are standing up in the face of an anti-Islamic protest that has been going on in Bendigo. For the last few weeks black balloons have been tied out the front of council officers...
- Gilmore Electorate (1 speech)
The last three days have been a time of celebrating Gilmore's achievements. On Friday our local multicultural group, under the leadership of Jan Frikken, demonstrated cultural dance and...
- Blair Electorate: Ipswich Region Trade Training Centre (1 speech)
Recently I was delighted to visit Ipswich State High School for the opening of the Ipswich Region Trade Training Centre. I have visited the school on numerous occasions during the trade training...
- Lindsay Electorate: TreeTop Adventure Park (1 speech)
It is not every day that you get to stand within the branches of three spotted gums to open a new tourist attraction. I recently had the pleasure of attending the opening of the brand-new TreeHut...
- Shortland Electorate: Health Services (1 speech)
I rise to join with the member for Hunter in calling on the government to fund the GP Access After Hours service that has been run through the Hunter Division of General Practice and through the...
- Berowra Electorate: Hornsby Rockets Tenpin Bowling Team (1 speech)
I have a positive story to be able to tell the House. It is different to what we hear on other occasions. It is a success story from the electorate of Berowra. The Hornsby Rockets are a tenpin...
- Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (1 speech)
It gives me great pleasure to rise in this House today and acknowledge the work of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. In particular I would like to acknowledge the work and the presence...
- Pentecost, Mr Nathan (2 speeches)
Penrith is lucky to be home to the inspirational and amazing Nathan Pentecost. Over the weekend, Nathan pushed through his pain barrier in his second 100-kilometre 'Pushathon'. In the process, he...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Treasurer and the Minister for Trade and Investment will be absent from question time this week as they participate in the Australia-China Strategic Economic Dialogue...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Budget (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. A single-income family earning $65,000 a year with two children will be around $6,000 worse off because of the Prime Minister's budget. This includes a $1.9...
- Carbon Tax (8 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Could the Prime Minister inform the House how scrapping the carbon tax will benefit households and strengthen the Australian economy?
- Budget (14 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. A single-income family with two children earning $65,000 a year will be $6,000 a year worse off because of the Prime Minister's broken promises on the GP...
- Carbon Tax (5 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. I refer to the list of liable entities, released by the Clean Energy Regulator on Friday, 20...
- Budget (23 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister promised before the election that he would 'reduce cost-of-living pressures'. Can the Prime Minister confirm that, because of his budget,...
- Mining (14 speeches, 3 comments)
The Galilee Basin has been on hold for 10 years.
- Carbon Pricing (11 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for the Environment. I refer the minister to the independent—
- Budget (11 speeches)
Can the Prime Minister confirm that, because of his budget, a single income family earning $65,000 with two children will be around $6,000 worse off? This includes a $1.2-billion cut to family...
- Higher Education (22 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education. Will the minister inform the House how the government's higher education reforms will allow our universities to compete domestically and...
- Budget (9 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. A single-income family with two children, earning $65,000, will be $6,000 worse off because of the Prime Minister's cuts. Can the Prime Minister confirm...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I advise the chamber that we have on the floor of the House with us today His Excellency the Ambassador for Sri Lanka and a delegation from the parliament of Sri Lanka led by the Hon. Nimal...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Budget (9 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Workers at Oxford Cold Storage earn around $50,000 per year. Did the Prime Minister tell the Oxford Cold Storage workers, as he was being photographed with...
- Employment (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Industry. Will the minister inform the House how the government's trade support loans and plans for skills and training are providing opportunities for future...
- Budget (12 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm that, because of his budget, a single income family earning $65,000 with two kids will be $6,000 worse off? This includes a...
- Asylum Seekers (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister inform the House what action the government is taking to clear the backlog of more than 30,000 asylum...
- Budget (12 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister promised before the election that he would reduce cost-of-living pressures. Can the Prime Minister confirm that because of this budget a...
- Terrorism (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister inform the House of what steps the government is taking to keep Australians safe from terrorists returning from fighting in...
- Budget (8 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Why should Australian families have to pay for the Prime Minister's $1 billion in cuts to childcare assistance while spending over $20 billion on his rolled...
- People Smuggling (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Justice. Will the minister update the House on what federal law enforcement agencies are doing to combat people smuggling.
- Budget (23 speeches)
No matter what the Prime Minister says this week, all Australians will be paying because of the Prime Minister's broken promises on the GP tax, the petrol tax, family payment cuts and the cost of...
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (11 speeches)
Madam Speaker, I seek leave to give a personal explanation.
- Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I present the Auditor-General's Audit reports for 2013-14: No. 47, Managing conflicts of interest in FMA agencies across agencies; and No. 48, Administration of the Australian Business Register,...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Bill 2014; Second Reading (1 speech)
As I as saying before question time, there is a need to cut through this government's empty rhetoric about supposed red tape and deregulation and to look always at what is actually proposed. In...
- Regulatory Powers (Standard Provisions) Bill 2014; Reference to Federation Chamber (1 speech)
I declare that the following bills are referred to the Federation Chamber for further consideration: the Health Insurance Amendment (Extended Medicare Safety Net) Bill 2014 and the Regulatory...
- Trade Support Loans Bill 2014; Second Reading (23 speeches)
I rise to speak on the Trade Support Loans Bill 2014. The Australian government is committed to building a high-quality and nationally consistent Australian apprenticeship system which supports...
- Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2014-2015; Report from Federation Chamber (1 speech)
The question is that the bill be agreed to. A division having been called and the bells having been rung— As there are fewer than five members on the side for the noes, I declare the...
- Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2014-2015; Third Reading (2 speeches)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
- Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2014-2015; Report from Federation Chamber (1 speech)
The question is that the bill be agreed to. A division having been called and the bells having been rung— As there are fewer than five members on the side for the noes, I declare the...
- Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2014-2015; Third Reading (2 speeches)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
- Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2014-2015; Report from Federation Chamber (1 speech)
The question is that the bill be agreed to. A division having been called and the bells having been rung— As there are fewer than five members on the side for the noes, I declare the...
- Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2014-2015; Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2013-2014; Report from Federation Chamber (1 speech)
The question is that the bill be agreed to. Question agreed to. Bill agreed to.
- Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2013-2014; Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2013-2014; Consideration in Detail (6 speeches)
I present a supplementary explanatory memorandum to the bill. By leave—I move government amendments (1) and (2) as circulated together: (1) Page 15, before Schedule 1, insert: Schedule...
- Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2013-2014; 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 Legislation Amendment (Child Care Measures) Bill 2014; Consideration of Senate Message (1 speech)
I move: That the amendment be agreed to. I would like to update the House on the progress of this piece of legislation and, hopefully, illuminate the appalling and disgraceful behaviour of the...
- Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 1) Bill 2014; Explanatory Memorandum (1 speech)
Acting Deputy Speaker, I present a correction to the explanatory memorandum for the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 1) Bill 2014.
- Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 2) Bill 2014; Explanatory Memorandum (1 speech)
Acting Deputy Speaker, I also present a correction to the explanatory memorandum for the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 2) Bill 2014.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Public Works Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works I present report 4 of 2014 referrals made March 2014, AIR 9000 Phase 5C Replacement Chinook Facilities Project, Townsville,...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Centenary of the Red Cross in Australia (1 speech)
This year, 2014, marks the centenary of the Australian Red Cross. The Australian Red Cross was established at a momentous time in the history of the Commonwealth of Australia on 13 August 1914,...
- Western Australian Senate Election (1 speech)
It being the last week of the current Senate as they sit this week, I will take the opportunity to report on the outcome of the WA Senate election on April 5. There has been a fair bit of budget...
- Petition: Pensions and Benefits (1 speech)
Tonight I present to the House a petition signed by 1,051 petitioners and approved by the Petitions Committee for presentation to the House. The petition read as follows— To the Honourable...
- Sheean, Ordinary Seaman Edward (Teddy) (1 speech)
I am pleased to have this opportunity to highlight the extraordinary bravery of a Tasmanian man, Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean—known as Teddy to his mates—who died on 1 December 1942...
- Shortland Electorate: Belmont Medicare Rally (1 speech)
Around 500 people gathered at the 'Save Medicare' rally in Belmont this weekend to protest against the government's attack on our healthcare system. I was proud to march, as part of the...
- Little League Baseball National Champions (2 speeches)
It is a big thing to represent one's country in any regard but particularly in sport when you first have to be the best in the country. I therefore take this opportunity to pay tribute to the...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Euthanasia (1 speech)
Today I want to call upon the parliament to once and for all finalise the issue of voluntary euthanasia. I think it is fair to say that over the last 30 years we as a political class have failed...
- Petition: Mobile Phone Services (1 speech)
Inadequate mobile phone coverage remains a significant issue for Australians living, working and travelling in regional and remote areas of the country, particularly in the electorate of Braddon....
- Bendigo Electorate (1 speech)
Today I rise to show my support for one of my local councils, the City of Greater Bendigo, and their approval last week of a planning application to build a mosque in East Bendigo. I am told from...
- Sisters of Charity (1 speech)
It is with great pleasure today that I speak on the inspiring contribution of the Sisters of Charity to the Australian community. This is a year of celebration for the Sisters of Charity and it...
- Bowtell, Mr William Devere (1 speech)
I want to take this opportunity to record my condolences to the passing of William Devere Bowtell, known as 'Bowie', who was born July 1925. 'Bowie' was a great friend of many people in my...
- Domestic Violence (1 speech)
I wish to discuss an issue that is all too prevalent, not just in my electorate of Durack but, sadly, across the nation: domestic and family violence. In March this year I was given the honour of...
- Health Care (1 speech)
On Saturday, the Labor members of parliament from the Hunter, Pat Conroy, Sharon Claydon and I, joined with the shadow assistant health minister, Stephen Jones, to lead a Medicare march from the...
- Winterbottom, Mr John (1 speech)
I rise to speak today about a warm, empathetic, humorous, intelligent and funny friend of mine called John Winterbottom. On Friday, I had the absolute pleasure of presenting John with his Order...
- Grayndler Electorate: Women's Homelessness and Youth Services (1 speech)
Women's homelessness services in the electorate of Grayndler are at great risk. The state government's Going Home Staying Home initiative has changed the tendering for these services. The New...
- Ryan Electorate: Refugee Services (2 speeches)
The importance of a strong community and a flexible model to integrate refugees into Australian society cannot be stressed enough. All too often there is a one-size-fits-all model when it comes...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Funding of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (8 speeches)
I move: That this House notes: (1) notes that: (a) the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples (Congress) is the national representative body of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander...
- Australia and Japan (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes the mutually beneficial and strengthening cooperation between Australia and Japan with particular emphasis on our: (a) strong trade relationship; (b)...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Anzac Centenary (13 speeches)
I move: That this House:: (1) that the spirit of ANZAC is one of special significance to all Australians as it showcases the attributes of courage, mateship and sacrifice which were demonstrated...
- Budget (8 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) recognises that: (a) since 1975, earnings at the 90th percentile have risen three times faster than earnings at the 10th percentile; and (b) since 1980, the top 1 per...
- Migration (2 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes with concern the extent to which 457 visas are being used where there are ample, suitably qualified Australians; and (2) urges the Government not to delay the...
- Lipoedema Awareness Month (5 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) June is Lipoedema Awareness Month, and that Lipoedema is a painful disorder of fat metabolism and distribution that causes deposition of fat in 5 to...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Australia-Indonesia Institute (1 speech)
In the late 1970s I lived in Indonesia for three years, in Jakarta and Banda Aceh. I stay in contact with my friend Niko, although my Indonesian has not advanced much beyond the schoolboy...
- Electorate of Barker: Stand Like Stone Foundation (1 speech)
On Saturday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Stand Like Stone Foundation's seventh annual 'Swinging with the Stars' fundraising event in Mount Gambier. The Stand Like Stone Foundation,...
- Housing Affordability (1 speech)
Housing affordability is an important issue for Australia. However, we will not remedy it if we allow shallow anecdotes and lazy stereotypes to determine our response. In this respect, I was...
- Black Spots Program (1 speech)
I want to commend the Black Spots program—genuine, economic infrastructure on the ground; child of the Howard government; and a big change from a Labor government that spent most of the...
- Taxation (1 speech)
I had the pleasure today of meeting with representatives of Micah Challenge Australia, who are in Canberra this week for their annual 'Voices for Justice' event. This year their campaign has been...
- Mental Health (1 speech)
I rise to speak about mental health. The member for Kingston and I cohosted a Parliamentary Friends of Mental Illness meeting on 19 June. We listened to two young people who were incredible. One...
- Jenkins, Mrs Wendy (1 speech)
I rise to draw the attention of the House to the passing of Wendy Jenkins, whose funeral took place in Melbourne this morning. I am very pleased that my friend the member for Chisholm was able to...
- Hughes Charity Car Show (1 speech)
I wish to advise the House of the success of the inaugural Hughes Charity Car Show that I proudly hosted and which was held at Kelso Park, Panania, last Sunday. We had over 200 great cars on...
- Higher Education (1 speech)
The Abbott government's proposed budget for 2014 commits an act of robbery. Thousands of hardworking and capable Australian students seeking knowledge and enlightenment by pursuing their right to...
- Herbert Electorate: Townsville City Lane Project (1 speech)
One of the hard things in Townsville is when you send out an RSVP and no-one responds. So Laurence Lancini sent out 600 invitations to the opening of our new urban renewal project City Lane. He...
- Australian Youth Climate Coalition (1 speech)
Thank you, Member for Herbert; that is certainly somewhere I look forward to visiting when I next go to Townsville. I want to take this opportunity to report to the House about a very important...
- Moggill Koala Hospital (1 speech)
The Moggill Koala Hospital in the electorate of Ryan is achieving wonderful outcomes for the rehabilitation and treatment of ill, deceased and orphaned koalas. More than 70,000 koalas have been...
- Budget (1 speech)
Today I rise to let the House know about an article that appeared in one of my local papers, the Midland Express. It is titled 'Doctors speak out,' and they are speaking out about the $7 GP tax....
- Australia-Spain Parliamentary Friendship Group (3 speeches)
As you would know, Deputy Speaker, I am the chair of the Australia-Spain Parliamentary Friendship Group. This morning I went to a ceremony to sign a memorandum of understanding on sports...
- Survivors of Suicide and Friends (1 speech)
It was a cold wet night on Saturday, when 200 of the Albury-Wodonga community gathered to shed light on the silent grief of suicide while at the same time taking up the challenge of reducing its...
- Students Advising Youth (1 speech)
I rise to speak on a brilliant youth engagement program being spearheaded by Western Australia Police, Lions clubs and Murdoch University. The SAY project, Students Advising Youth, is an...
- Gasfield Free Northern Rivers (1 speech)
This week the New South Wales state government is set to make a decision about mining company Metgasco suspension of their drilling licence at Bentley near Lismore. Many in our community have...
- Connors, Mr Graeme (1 speech)
(—) (): I am most fortunate to have constituents in my electorate such as country music legend Graeme Connors and his lovely wife Lyn, both of whom were born and bred in the North...
- Greste, Mr Peter (1 speech)
Today the Egyptian courts will hand down a verdict in the case of detained Australian journalist, Peter Greste, and his Al Jazeera-English colleagues, who have been through nearly six months of...
- Central Coast: 5 Lands Walk (1 speech)
Last Saturday, thousands of people from across the Central Coast came together for the annual and spectacular 5 Lands Walk. A record crowd of around 17,000 people explored the '5 lands' along our...
- Shining the Light on Tax Dodging and Corruption: Australia's G20 Opportunity (1 speech)
I have just been visited by representatives from Micah Challenge, who will be familiar to a number of members. They spoke to me about their new campaign, Shining the Light on Tax Dodging and...
- Deakin Electorate (1 speech)
We are very fortunate in my electorate of Deakin to be so well served by a large number of sporting clubs, all of which make a valuable contribution to our community. One of these is the Yarra...
- Blair Electorate (1 speech)
Last Saturday I had the privilege of opening the NAIDOC festivities in Lowood in my electorate. I commend the Somerset Regional Council for their initiative. Last year was the first occasion on...
- Macarthur Electorate: Champions of the West 2014 (1 speech)
I rise today to congratulate John Warby Public School in Airds and Wizard of Oz Funland in Leumeah on their recent wins at the 2014 Champions of the West awards. More than 400 people, including...
- Shortland Electorate: Surf Clubs (1 speech)
On Saturday night I attended the Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club presentation night. Shortland electorate is very fortunate because we have a number of outstanding surf-lifesaving clubs...
- Gifford, Mr Brandon (1 speech)
I have great news for you, Deputy Speaker, and in fact for everyone who is listening: I have met and personally know Australia's next Steve Irwin. Australia's next Steve Irwin is a Casino lad,...
- Micah Challenge (1 speech)
Like other members of the House, I have had the opportunity today to meet with a group from my local area who are participating in the Micah Challenge. I would just like to acknowledge Melissa...
- Foreign Investment (1 speech)
The government and the Minister for Agriculture are to be congratulated in their efforts to develop an accurate and effective foreign ownership register for agricultural land, as promised in the...
- Jenkins, Mrs Wendy, Good Friday Observance (2 speeches)
in the first instance, I want to identify with the member for Scullin with regard to the death of Wendy Jenkins—Dr Harry's wife and Harry Jenkins' mother. They have made a great...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Grievance Debate (0 speeches)
- Moreton Electorate: Taiwanese Community (1 speech)
I rise to speak about a significant community group in my electorate of Moreton, which has connections with Australia's 10th biggest export source. We are their 15th biggest trading partner; I am...
- Western Australia: Property Rights (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about property rights—those that have affected my constituent Peter Swift and have the possibility of impacting around 2,000 more landowners in Western Australia. For...
- Hospital Funding (1 speech)
As previously raised by me in this place, our community of Lalor is well served by our Werribee Mercy Hospital. This hospital has a proud history of servicing the community and has worked hard to...
- Page Electorate (1 speech)
I will start by congratulating you, Deputy Speaker. You were the deputy chair in the House of Representatives just a little while ago when those appropriation bills were going through. It was a...
- Scullin Electorate: Public Transport (1 speech)
If you live in Melbourne's outer suburbs and you rely on public transport, how it works has a major influence on your quality of life. It sets the boundaries of your world—how to get to...
- Warrnambool Telephone Exchange Fire (2 speeches)
It is a pleasure to see you in the chair tonight, Mr Deputy Speaker Goodenough. I rise tonight to talk about an incident which occurred a year and a half ago in my electorate. It was the...
