House debates
Thursday, 26 March 2015
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Appropriations and Administration Committee; Report (1 speech)
I wish to inform the House that, in accordance with standing order 222A(a)(viii), the House Appropriations and Administration Committee met on Monday to consider Parliament House security upgrade...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Parliamentary Zone (1 speech)
I move: That, in accordance with Section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974, the House approve the following proposal for work in the Parliamentary Zone which was presented to the House on 23 March...
- Standing Orders (1 speech)
I move: That the standing orders be amended as follows: 63A Ministerial statements When the House has granted a Minister leave to make a ministerial statement, the House shall be deemed to have...
- Chamber Procedures (1 speech)
I move: That the House adopt the following resolution: (1) The House permits Members’ use of electronic devices in the Chamber, Federation Chamber and committees, provided that: (a) use of...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Joint Standing Committee on Treaties; Report (2 speeches)
I am a passionate supporter of the good work of the minister at the table, who did such great things for Norfolk Island. On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties I present the...
- Publications Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present a report of the Publications Committee sitting in conference with the Publications Committee of the Senate. Copies of the report are being circulated to honourable members in the...
- Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue, I present the committee's report entitled Tax Disputes, together with the minutes of proceedings. Report made a parliamentary paper in...
- Privileges and Members' Interests Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests, I present the report concerning the registration and declaration of members' interests during 2014. I also table copies of...
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Education and Employment Committee; Membership (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That Ms Bird be discharged from the Standing Committee on Education and Employment and that, in her place, Mr O'Connor be appointed a member of the committee. Question...
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Murray-Darling Basin (2 speeches)
by leave—I rise to update the House on the government's policy priorities in regard to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Water reform in our nation has progressed over many years. I speak on...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Fraser, Rt Hon. John Malcolm, AC CH (12 speeches)
I am pleased to be in continuation on this condolence motion for our 22nd Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Malcolm Fraser. Last night I was going through Malcolm Fraser's greatest achievements and how...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- New South Wales State Election (1 speech)
This Saturday the people of the New South Wales North Coast will have an opportunity to vote for real change in our area. They will have an opportunity to get rid of the wreckers that are the...
- New South Wales State Election, National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
I rise to share with the House the coalition government's commitment to support Australians with disability. I was pleased to see the announcement made by the Assistant Minister for Social...
- New South Wales State Election (5 speeches)
On Saturday the people of New South Wales have the opportunity to get rid of a bad government, a government that has shown that it is in the pocket of developers. In the Hunter and on the Central...
- Lyne Electorate: Nabiac Show, New South Wales State Election (1 speech)
I would like to congratulate the Nabiac Show Society for putting on a great 2015 Nabiac Show. I would like to compliment Cherie Paterson, David Reeve and other members of the committee. I am...
- New South Wales State Election (14 speeches)
() (): On Saturday the Baird government wants the voters of New South Wales to step into the unknown. They want them to vote them back into government even though there is an ASIC investigation...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Centenary of Anzac (2 speeches)
As members are aware, after today the House next meets on 12 May. During the recess, Australians will gather for Anzac Day as we do every year. But this Anzac Day will mark 100 years since the...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (8 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, it has happened again. Last week in the Prime Minister's courtyard, somebody said: A ratio of debt to GDP at about 50 or 60 per cent is a...
- National Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on further action the government is taking to keep Australians safe and secure.
- Economy (12 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. In light of the non-answer he gave to my previous question is the Prime Minister seriously denying to Australia that he said 'a ratio of debt to GDP at about...
- National Security (2 speeches)
I have a question for the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Minister, will you further update the House on action the government is taking to prevent young Australians from leaving to fight in the...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I wish to advise the House that we have a number of very distinguished people in the gallery today. We have the Samoan Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Commerce, Industry and...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Goods and Services Tax (20 speeches)
If I may, on indulgence, I would just like to add to your words, Madam Speaker. To Peter Greste, welcome home. My question is to the Prime Minister. Last week the Treasurer said in relation to...
- Higher Education (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education and Training. Minister, universities existed before your reform proposal and must exist afterwards, regardless of your success or failure. Hence, you...
- Immigration and Border Protection (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister update the House on action the government is taking to protect the community from threats at our borders?
- New South Wales State Election (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to reports that robocalls featuring the dulcet tones of the Minister for Communications have been heard by voters picking up their phones in New...
- Data Retention (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Justice. Will the minister inform the House of the importance of metadata in the fight against ice?
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Prime Minister (9 speeches)
Given that the Prime Minister did not have the chance to answer the last question I seek leave to move the following motion: (1) leading a chaotic and incompetent government; (2) ruling out more...
- Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Towner, Ms Joanne (3 speeches)
Today is quite a sad day for the chamber because it is the last day for Joanne Towner, Clerk Assistant (Table). She will be retiring before the House resumes for the budget sittings. I would just...
- Privilege (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
We now turn to a more serious matter—not that that was not serious, but that was serious and there is happiness for Joanne. This is a different sort of serious matter. Yesterday the Manager...
- Parliamentary Office Holders (0 speeches)
- Speaker's Panel (1 speech)
Pursuant to standing order 17, I lay on the table my warrant nominating the honourable members for Chisholm, Newcastle, Charlton and Hotham to be members of the Speaker's panel to assist the...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Valedictory (1 speech)
I have a series of matters, and before I deal with those I might add the government's words to your comments about Joanne Towner. We would like to associate ourselves with the words that you...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
A document is tabled in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members earlier today. Full details of the document will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Leave of Absence (1 speech)
I move: That leave of absence be given to every Member of the House of Representatives from the determination of this sitting of the House to the date of its next sitting. Question agreed to. I...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Valedictory (1 speech)
Madam Speaker, if I may, I would like to briefly associate the opposition with the comments you made and your wishes for Joanne Towner. We wish her well in being able to spend more time with Ed....
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Budget (44 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 Government's...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Leave of Absence (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That the leave of absence given to the honourable member for Higgins for parental leave purposes be amended to conclude on 25 June 2015. I thank the opposition for their...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Public Works Committee; Reference (1 speech)
by leave—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...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Fraser, Rt Hon. John Malcolm, AC CH (3 speeches)
I rise to express my sincere condolences to the family of Malcolm Fraser—especially to his widow, Tamie—and to recognise his contribution to our country. Malcom Fraser's time in...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- New South Wales State Election (2 speeches)
This Saturday, the people of New South Wales will head to the polls for the state election. Like all elections, voters will be asking themselves a number of questions when thinking about how to...
- Perth Electorate: General Practice (1 speech)
I want to advocate on behalf of a GP in my area, Dr Stephen Wilson. Stephen has been running a medical practice in the area of Bassendean for some 32 years. He is incredibly committed to his...
- Gilmore Electorate: Mental Health Services (1 speech)
The issue of mental health has touched the lives of so many that it is important to see the work that is being done by both our professionals and our extraordinary volunteers. Last Sunday, Paul...
- Domestic Violence, Costigan, Ms Tara (1 speech)
It is with great sadness that I rise again today to speak about an issue that has sent shock waves through the Canberra community—that is, domestic violence. In a matter of weeks, we have...
- Macarthur Electorate: Infrastructure (2 speeches)
This is the third time this month I have chosen to speak about the Abbott and Baird governments' historic infrastructure investment in Western and South-Western Sydney. Unfortunately for those...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Gorton Electorate: Melton South Primary School (1 speech)
I rise to pay tribute to Melton South Primary School and its vibrant community of students, teachers and families. Established more than 90 years ago, Melton South Primary School has enjoyed a...
- Lyne Electorate: Agricultural Show Societies (1 speech)
I rise today to congratulate all the various show societies that have functioned, in many cases for over 100 years, within the Lyne electorate. I particularly want to bring to the attention of...
- Anzac Centenary (1 speech)
Next month, our nation will come together to commemorate the Anzac Centenary. Anzac Day 2015 marks 100 years since the Gallipoli landings. It is our nation's annual commemorative day for...
- Forde Electorate (1 speech)
It always gives me great pleasure to rise in this place and share some positive news about the good people of the electorate of Forde. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of local...
- New South Wales Election (1 speech)
On Saturday, there is a state election in New South Wales and the people of the Shortland electorate have the opportunity to vote to return a Labor government to power in New South Wales. In the...
- Forestry (1 speech)
The forests and forest product industry gala dinner in the timber-clad Great Hall, the people's hall, was a wonderful event last night. It was attended by the Prime Minister, who told the...
- Ballarat Electorate (1 speech)
I want to talk about the fantastic diversity of the events that have been occurring across my electorate, where, on the same weekend, you can take part in a tractor pull, take pride in a pride...
- Dobell Electorate: Tuggerah Shores Lions Club (1 speech)
Lions Clubs throughout Australia have a very proud history of achievement in disaster and emergency relief, medical research and community service. They were at the coalface of Cyclone Tracy, the...
- Electorate of Fremantle: Indigenous Affairs (1 speech)
My electorate of Fremantle is named for the city at the Swan River mouth, a place known as Walyalup to the Whadjuk Nyungar people, who are the traditional owners of the land. It has always been a...
- Health (1 speech)
It was not that long ago that physical activity and exercise were something no Australian lived without. We were outdoor people. We spoke to our neighbours across the fence while our children...
- Cunningham Electorate: #illeatwithyou (1 speech)
I want to report to the parliament this morning about a great local business in my area. It is called Samaras Restaurant. They have begun a campaign to stamp out racism. This is a family...
- Forest Industries (1 speech)
Today I rise to speak in support of Gippsland jobs and Australian jobs, particularly those associated with the timber and wood products industry in the electorate of Gippsland. The gross value of...
- Macedonia (1 speech)
Last week, the member for Cowan spoke strongly in favour of Australia recognising the Republic of Macedonia by its preferred name. I too understand how strongly Australian Macedonians, and indeed...
- Infrastructure (1 speech)
I am still as determined as ever to see the East West Link built in Melbourne and ensure that the contract is honoured. This project was put on the agenda back in 2008 by the then Labor...
- National Schools Constitutional Convention (1 speech)
I rise today to talk about the National Schools Constitutional Convention, which is happening this week. I had the pleasure of going down to meet the students who are attending the convention....
- North Lakes Mustangs Soccer Club (1 speech)
Sport has the power to bring people together. It has the power to teach confidence and it allows people to physically achieve more than, sometimes, they ever thought they possibly could. For...
- Grayndler Electorate: World's Greatest Shave (1 speech)
I rise today to pay tribute to the students and staff at my old school, St. Mary's Cathedral College, in Sydney. On the first day of the new school year, his fellow students learned that Jacques...
- Herbert Electorate: Green Army (1 speech)
Tony Abbott's Green Army is 15,000 strong, composed of 17- to 24-year-old people looking for an opportunity. We are just about to finish our first project in Townsville, which is cleaning up the...
- Renewable Energy (1 speech)
The federal government's short-sighted hostility to renewable energy in favour of fossil fuels has set investment in the industry back to the level that prevailed 12 years ago. In addition to the...
- Kooyong Electorate: Hawthorn Relay for Life (2 speeches)
Last weekend our team, the Kooyong Colts, participated in the Hawthorn Relay for Life, raising more than $16,000 for the Cancer Council of Victoria. This brought the total funds raised by the...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That order of the day No. 1, committee and delegation business, be postponed until a later hour this day. Question agreed to.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Standing Committee on Health; Report (1 speech)
Skin cancer is very frequently referred to as our national cancer. The outcome of the inquiry that the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health undertook into skin cancer in...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Chisolm Electorate: St Leo's College Site (1 speech)
I rise to congratulate the dedicated group of residents in Box Hill South in my electorate who have just won an enormous victory to halt an inappropriate development in their neighbourhood. I...
- South Perth Aquatic Centre Feasibility Study (1 speech)
I rise to talk on the South Perth Aquatic Centre feasibility study. Like the member for Chisholm, mine is a city issue with planning and the rest; but with mine the residents are actually on...
- Vocational Education and Training (1 speech)
Today I rise to speak about an issue that has received quite a lot of local media attention and concern in my electorate. In Bendigo, a group of about 50 Karen refugees, who have settled and made...
- Centenary of Anzac (1 speech)
This year marks 100 years since the brave soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, the Anzacs, went ashore at Gallipoli, Turkey in 1915. One of the most significant events...
- Wills Electorate: Wills Youth Issues Forum (1 speech)
On the 18 February, I hosted the Wills Youth Issues Forum, which discussed a range of serious issues impacting on our most vulnerable, including the drug ice, alcohol, crime, mental health,...
- Superannuation (1 speech)
This week we have been talking about how we can support older Australians in their retirement through the age pension. Australia's demographics are changing, and people in this place must display...
- Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (1 speech)
On Monday this week the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet held an event in the parliament for Tibet Advocacy Day. The AAPGT is a bipartisan group whose purpose is to amplify...
- National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, Alannah and Madeline Foundation (1 speech)
Last Friday, 20 March, was the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, and I was privileged to spend the morning with students and teachers at the Wadalba Community School, who were...
- Veterans (1 speech)
I rise to speak on the building at 310 St Kilda Road, located within Melbourne's Victoria Barracks. Opened in 1937, 310 St Kilda Road was formally known as the repatriation building for soldiers...
- Page Electorate: New Italy (1 speech)
On 12 April, I will be at New Italy to celebrate Carnevale Italiano. There is an amazing story of resilience behind this annual celebration. In 1880, 50 Italian families, 340 people, left poverty...
- Nigeria (5 speeches)
Thank you very much, Acting Speaker.
- Banks Electorate: Lucy Chieng Aged Care Centre, Banks Electorate: Padstow (1 speech)
I am very pleased to have the opportunity this morning to talk about my recent visit to the Lucy Chieng Aged Care Centre in Hurstville. Lucy Chieng is a not-for-profit aged-care centre that is...
- East West Link (3 speeches)
I rise today to draw the attention of the House to a most serious issue that I have discussed many times in this place and that is very important to my electorate of Deakin: the current state of...
- McEwen Electorate: Infrastructure (11 speeches)
I will just point out to the member for Deakin that he misled people when he said that Bill Shorten, the Leader of the Opposition, has supported the East-West Link. What he failed—
- Shortland Electorate: Telecommunications (1 speech)
I wish to raise two telecommunication issues in the Shortland electorate in this adjournment debate today. The first is mobile coverage in the Caves Beach area of Shortland electorate and,...
