House debates
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Israel: Elections (1 speech)
I would like to record my concern at the victory of Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Likud Party in Israel's recent elections, which appears to be attributable to extreme pre-election rhetoric...
- National Schools Constitutional Convention (1 speech)
I am pleased to say that the Central Coast is really well represented in this year's National Schools Constitutional Convention, being held here in Canberra. Yesterday at Parliament House, I had...
- Telecommunications (1 speech)
I just want to express my outright astonishment that the Abbott government has been completely unable to give any assurance to the telecommunications industry about the extent to which the...
- Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (1 speech)
When I was elected in 2013, there was no greater issue on the electorate's mind than fixing Tasmania's shipping and helping our businesses compete on a level playing field with mainland...
- Lalor Electorate: Multicultural Fiesta (1 speech)
On Sunday I had a great opportunity to celebrate Harmony Day at the Wyndham Multicultural Fiesta, at the beautiful Werribee Park. It was a great setting for what was a fabulous day. I joined my...
- Hasluck Electorate (1 speech)
I wish to update the House on a variety of goings on in my electorate of Hasluck. Last week I had the great opportunity to welcome three ministers to my electorate. Minister for Health Sussan Ley...
- Sudan (1 speech)
Today many members of Australia's South Sudanese communities, together with the Reverend Tim Costello, have travelled to parliament in Canberra to brief all of us on the humanitarian crisis and...
- Hindmarsh Electorate: Clean Up Australia Day (1 speech)
Earlier this month I joined over half a million Australians and rolled up my sleeves and took part in Clean Up Australia Day in my electorate of Hindmarsh. I love getting involved in the Clean Up...
- Workplace Relations (1 speech)
Reports today in an article in TheAustralian Financial Review by Ewin Hannan that Australia's largest carpet manufacturer is seeking to use the Abbott government's proposed national construction...
- Page Electorate: Road Safety (1 speech)
My entire community was shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific crash at Dyraaba that took the lives of Shaun, Kaleb and Zara Zagar in June 2013. Shaun, 28, and his children Kaleb, 6, and...
- Makin Electorate: Kurdish Newroz Festival (1 speech)
Last Friday evening, along with my colleagues the member for Adelaide, the Hon. Kate Ellis, and state Labor MPs Michael Atkinson and Leesa Vlahos, I attended the Kurdish Newroz Festival at...
- New South Wales State Election (1 speech)
I would like to take this opportunity today to compliment my two state Liberal colleagues Shelley Hancock, member for South Coast, and Gareth Ward, member for Kiama. The work they have done in...
- Dementia (1 speech)
At present there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia. However, research over the last decade has provided new hope for dementia prevention. In particular, a growing body...
- New South Wales State Election (1 speech)
This Saturday the people of south-western Sydney and indeed of New South Wales have a very clear choice: to support the pro-jobs, pro-infrastructure Baird government or to return to the...
- Kingsford Smith Electorate: Women in Policing (1 speech)
On the weekend, the Eastern Beaches and Botany Bay police local area commands in our community celebrated 100 years of women in policing, at Coogee Beach and Mutch Park in Pagewood. I was...
- Bennelong Electorate: Road Infrastructure (1 speech)
Bennelong contains five of the state's most congested roads. We have seen huge levels of development and population growth, which is putting even more pressure on our overstretched public...
- Harris, Aunty Judy (1 speech)
I rise today to pay tribute to the Winnunga health clinic's former long-serving chairperson and lifelong fighter for Aboriginal advancement, Aunty Judy Harris. Aunty Judy Harris, sadly, passed...
- Macarthur Electorate: Road Infrastructure (1 speech)
I rise today to highlight the fantastic work of the Abbott and Baird governments in implementing one of the largest infrastructure investments in Australia's history. Thanks to this partnership,...
- New South Wales State Election (1 speech)
I have to say: what a wonderful display of solidarity from the New South Wales Liberal MPs in this parliament—standing up and trying to convince people to vote for them. But let me tell you...
- Eden-Monaro Electorate: Bombala RSL (2 speeches)
On the evening of Saturday, 14 March, I had the honour and great pleasure to attend an Anzac Centenary memorial dinner in Bombala in my electorate of Eden-Monaro. I was invited to the dinner by...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- France Air Disaster (2 speeches)
The Australian government extends its deepest condolences to those people who have lost family or friends on Germanwings flight 4U9525 that crashed overnight in the French Alps. Tragically,...
- Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Minister for Agriculture has personal leave and will be absent from question time today and tomorrow. The Deputy Prime Minister will answer questions on his behalf.
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Defence Procurement (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the government join with Labor and commit to building, maintaining and sustaining our next fleet of submarines in Australia? After all, that was your...
- Asylum Seekers (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on the action the government is taking to ensure that Australia's borders are safe and secure?
- Defence Procurement (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister join with Labor and commit to conducting a competitive tender process for building, maintaining and sustaining future submarines in...
- Illicit Drugs (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Justice. Will the minister inform the House of action the government is taking to disrupt organised crime and to stop the ice epidemic afflicting our communities?
- Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Given Labor's stated support in October last year for Australia's participation in the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, has the government finally come...
- Preferential Voting (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Does the government plan to introduce optional preferential voting in the Senate elections, which will guarantee 38 senators and eliminate most of the...
- Foreign Aid (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister advise the House of steps the government has taken to ensure Australia has a more sustainable, effective and efficient aid...
- Mining (9 speeches)
My question is to the Foreign Minister. Early today, the minister said that the capping of iron ore production was 'an idea worth considering'. Hours later, does the minister still hold this view?
- Budget (4 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline the importance of putting the budget on a sustainable footing? How will a strong budget help my constituents in Robertson?
- Infrastructure (4 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. Will the Minister update the House on how regional and rural New South Wales is...
- Road Infrastructure (8 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. Why has the Commonwealth government reduced its funding for the Pacific Highway upgrade by 65 per cent this year from $1.023 billion last financial...
- Workplace Relations (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education and Training representing the Minister for Employment. Will the minister update the House on the action the government is taking to remove the threat...
- Budget (10 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Treasurer, would net debt of 50 to 60 per cent of GDP jeopardise the Australian government's AAA credit ratings?
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Social Services. Will the minister update the House on the work the government is doing to give young people in Greater Western Sydney access to the benefits of...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I wish to advise the House that we have with us in the Speaker's gallery members of the Australian political exchange, which is hosting the ninth delegation from the Philippines. The delegation...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Today's Australian Financial Review says that respected business leader, David Murray, said that 'the outlook for government deficits was unclear and poorly...
- Environment: Malabar Headland (12 speeches, 3 comments)
My question is to the Minister for the Environment. Will the minister update the House on the government's commitment to return the Malabar Headland to the people of New South Wales?
- Economy (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Earlier in question time, the Treasurer confirmed that a debt level of 50 to 60 per cent of GDP would see Australia lose its AAA credit ratings. Does the...
- Mobile Phone Services (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Communications. Will the minister update the House on the government's plans to improve mobile coverage in regional and remote Australia?
- Budget (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the fact that the Prime Minister confirmed, on 16 September 2013, that the budget he inherited was not markedly different from the Pre-Election...
- Food Labelling (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Industry and Science. Will the minister outline to the House the government's approach to country-of-origin food labelling? Will the minister outline what...
- Privilege (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
Madam Speaker, I wish to raise a matter of privilege. I refer to the unanimous support from the House for the actions that you took at the beginning of question time today relating to the member...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
A document is presented as listed in the schedule circulated to honourable members. Details of the document will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Budget (48 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable member for McMahon proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The impact of the...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Public Works Committee; Reference (1 speech)
I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Fraser, Rt Hon. John Malcolm, AC CH (27 speeches)
It gives me great pleasure to participate in this condolence motion for the Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser. He was one of the old regime. We do not have them anymore, thank goodness—not the old...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Education: Early Childhood Education, Child Care (1 speech)
I rise this evening to speak on two issues, both of which come within the purview of Minister Morrison in his new portfolio, being funding for kindergartens and out-of-school-hours care....
- Barton Electorate: St George Hospital (1 speech)
This Saturday is an important date for the people of NSW. It is a day in which the good people of the St George area are faced with two stark options: choosing an effective Liberal government,...
- Democracy (1 speech)
In yesterday's Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Hartcher writes about how 'democracy is letting us down'. The context of this piece was the passing of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's first Prime Minister,...
- Agriculture (1 speech)
I rise to speak about a situation that is all too common in the horticulture sector. The supermarket giant demands to pay a lower price, but the farmer's input costs continue to rise. Reliant on...
- Petition: Holroyd Community Aid (1 speech)
I rise to speak on the devastating closure of Holroyd Community Aid, a well-known and respected organisation in our community. I am proud to be presenting this petition approved by the Petitions...
- Prevention of Violence Against Women (1 speech)
I rise this evening to discuss what is probably the most important issue to me and my community at the moment and that is the prevention of violence against women. Just last week, my...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Calwell Electorate: Anzac Centenary (1 speech)
On Saturday I had the great privilege of attending the Keilor Historical Society's book launch of a book Keilor's Anzac Memory. This very important book has come about as a result of the previous...
- Mitchell Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
This Saturday on 28 March residents in western Sydney and Sydney will have the opportunity to re-elect the Baird Liberal government, a government which is delivering infrastructure for western...
- Lakeside Drive Landcare (1 speech)
On Saturday I attended a bush tucker day with Lakeside Drive Landcare, in Swansea. The Lakeside Drive Landcare site is located on the eastern side of Lake Macquarie. It was previously a rich...
- Forrest Electorate: Mr Jacob Willcox (1 speech)
Jacob Willcox is a young surfer from Margaret River in my electorate of Forrest who is making headlines all around the world. At the same time, he has been pursuing his surfing career ambitions....
- National Rugby League (1 speech)
I want to read into Hansard a letter I have written to the NRL judiciary, NRL management and to the Minister for Sport: As Federal Member for Kennedy, I represent vast areas of North and North...
- Bradfield Electorate: Centenary of Anzac (1 speech)
I am pleased to rise to speak about the activities planned in Bradfield to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac, which is a very important occasion for our nation as we work to perpetuate the...
- Schools (1 speech)
Last week I had the opportunity to visit the Aboriginal communities of Jigalong and Punmu to see how the introduction of the instructional technique known as direct instruction or DI was working....
- Environment (1 speech)
On Saturday, I stood with the Prime Minister, the Hon. Tony Abbott, with the environment minister, and with Queensland's minister for the Great Barrier Reef, Steven Miles, on Hamilton Island in...
- Fowler Electorate: Courage to Care Exhibition (1 speech)
Last week I attended the launch of the Courage to Care exhibition and education program conducted at Liverpool Library. Courage to Care is a community outreach initiative aimed at educating...
- Hughes Electorate: New South Wales State Election (1 speech)
In my home state of New South Wales, between 2009 and 2013, there was a 100 per cent increase in the number of households that had their electricity cut off—disconnected. In fact, last...
- Iraq and Syria (1 speech)
I commend the Victorian Minister for Education, James Merlino, who has criticised comments by a school principal in Melbourne that Daesh, the Islamic State, is a Western plot. Minister Merlino...
- Higgins Electorate: 2015 Honours (1 speech)
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate a number of residents within the Higgins electorate who received honours and recognition on Australia Day of their service to our country and...
- Broadband (1 speech)
Over the last couple of months I have been receiving a number of phone calls and emails from Canberrans wanting to know what is going on with the NBN. Under the previous Labor government...
- Cowan Electorate: The Kids' Cancer Project (1 speech)
I take this opportunity to speak about an amazing and inspiring charity, The Kids' Cancer Project. This morning I attended a breakfast held by the charity, where I had the opportunity to hear...
- Wills Electorate: Multiculturalism (1 speech)
I rise to endorse the Harmony Day celebrations which occurred on 21 March—an annual celebration of Australia's cultural diversity which is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of...
- Indigenous Affairs (1 speech)
I rise today to support the comments by Adam Giles, the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. He was speaking in the Northern Territory parliament about the alleged despicable act of a crime...
- Grayndler Electorate: Multiculturalism (1 speech)
I am pleased that the community-based Red Rattler Theatre in Marrickville, in my electorate, has apologised for refusing to allow the Jewish student group Hillel to use its space on the basis...
- Page Electorate: Northern Co-operative Meat Company Ltd (1 speech)
I want to talk today about a very important institution in my local community, the Northern Co-operative Meat Company. It is based in Casino and it is recognised as one of Australia's leading red...
- Temporary Work Visa (1 speech)
Today I rise to welcome the Senate's announcement yesterday that they will hold an inquiry into the temporary work visa programs that we have in this country. There are more than 1.1 million...
- Hindmarsh Electorate: Surf Life Saving Clubs (2 speeches)
I rise today to acknowledge the great work of the numerous surf life saving clubs in my electorate of Hindmarsh. Hindmarsh has the best metropolitan beaches Adelaide has to offer—from...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That order of the day No. 1, committee and delegation reports, be postponed until a later hour this day. Question agreed to.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Economics Committee; Report (3 speeches)
I rise to speak in relation to the latest report by the House of Representatives Economics Committee, its Review of the Reserve Bank of Australia Annual Report 2014. I wish to thank the new...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Mr Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH (14 speeches)
I rise today to acknowledge the passing of Singapore's first Prime Minister and founding father, Lee Kuan Yew. Lee Kuan Yew was one of the great nation builders of the 21st century. He took...
