House debates
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
- Bills (0 speeches)
- 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...
- Public Works Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the committee's 6th report of 2015 related to referrals made in May and June 2015. Report made a parliamentary paper...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Australian Defence Force Superannuation Bill 2015, Australian Defence Force Cover Bill 2015, Defence Legislation Amendment (Superannuation and ADF Cover) Bill 2015; Second Reading (13 speeches)
The Australian Defence Force Superannuation Bill 2015 is important legislation. It is timely legislation. It was introduced on 25 June 2015 and provides new, modern and flexible superannuation...
- Australian Defence Force Superannuation Bill 2015, Australian Defence Force Cover Bill 2015, Defence Legislation Amendment (Superannuation and ADF Cover) Bill 2015; Third Reading (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Bill read a third time.
- Australian Defence Force Cover Bill 2015; 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.
- Defence Legislation Amendment (Superannuation and ADF Cover) Bill 2015; 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.
- Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 2) Bill 2015; Second Reading (9 speeches)
I say at the outset that the opposition supports this bill, which contains four schedules. Schedules 1, 3 and 4 are non-controversial, technical changes with no fiscal impact. Schedule 1 provides...
- Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 2) Bill 2015; 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.
- Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2015; Second Reading (7 speeches)
The Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2015 amends the Gene Technology Act. It is not often that this piece of legislation, or indeed this subject matter, gets debated in this House, so I may take...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Marriage (1 speech)
Just last week I had a visit in my office from two constituents who are also very good friends of mine—Julie and Cas. They came to talk about how important marriage equality is to them and...
- Jobs and Infrastructure (1 speech)
The communities of Mackay, Bowen and throughout Central and North Queensland welcome the announcements by the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General that the government will repeal section...
- Renewable Energy (1 speech)
Talking about Aussie jobs, last night the irrepressible team from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency presented their extraordinary wares to parliamentarians. The real eye-opener for me was...
- Calare Electorate: Industry Skills Fund (1 speech)
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge a local Bathurst business, Ray Morcoms Auto Body Repairs, which has recently benefited under the $664 million Industry Skills Fund. They have...
- Australian Public Service (1 speech)
This morning I was alerted to some concerning statistics about how the Abbott government's Public Service job cuts are affecting Canberrans. The Canberra suburbs of Kambah, Greenway, Oxley and...
- Banks Electorate: St George Athletics (1 speech)
Today I want to address an important issue today regarding a lack of infrastructure in my local community. The St George area does not have a professional quality athletics facility. There is no...
- Environment (1 speech)
We now understand the government is intent on further weakening Australia's carefully established framework of environmental protection. In response to a court decision setting out the...
- Parkes Electorate: Local Sporting Champions (1 speech)
During the winter break, I had the pleasure of meeting some of the successful recipients of Local Sporting Champions grants. I think this is one of the better proposals that the government, and...
- Indi Electorate: Government Programs (1 speech)
As we all know, government programs can have a real impact at a community level. Parklands Albury Wodonga, in partnership with Wodonga Urban Landcare Network and the Green Army, are doing great...
- Leichhardt Electorate: Mainie (1 speech)
On 7 August I had the privilege of helping to launch a new Cairns-made fashion label called Mainie, which is the work of Charmaine Saunders and Denis Keeffe. The label marries the ancient art of...
- Rankin Electorate: Calamvale Special School (1 speech)
Even the member for Aston would agree with me that one of the great things about being a member of parliament is being visited in this place by your local schools. For the kids, it is an...
- Brisbane Electorate: School Events (1 speech)
I rise today to update the House on a number of school events across my electorate that highlight the history and the community spirit of Brisbane. Over the course of three days, four separate...
- Lalor Electorate: Eid Celebration (1 speech)
I rise to share with the House today an event that occurred in my electorate recently. On 17 July, I joined the Muslim community from the Werribee Islamic Centre and the Virgin Mary Mosque to...
- Tyrell, Mr William (1 speech)
I rise to bring to the attention of the Australian Parliament the recently established 'Where's William? Help Bring Him Home' campaign. As many people would be aware, nearly 12 months ago the...
- Workplace Relations (1 speech)
I support the cleaners at Parliament House. This week the cleaners here at Parliament House are taking industrial action. They are not cleaning the toilets or the bathrooms. Why have they taken...
- Moore Electorate: Lake Joondalup Baptist College Sports Centre (1 speech)
I was honoured to attend the opening of the sports centre at Lake Joondalup Baptist College on 24 July 2015. It represents a $6 million investment. The landmark two-storey building, located...
- Women in Science (1 speech)
This week is National Science Week, the annual celebration of the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge. Science supports jobs in health, education, construction, ICT,...
- Trade (1 speech)
Last week we joined together here in federal parliament to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence. Since 1965, when they were a small, undeveloped country with almost zero...
- Trade Unions (3 speeches)
I want to follow the excellent member's contribution by talking about my disgust at revelations that the Australian union movement is importing workers under 457 visas into Australia and...
- Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Schultz, Mr Albert 'Alby' John (1 speech)
I advise the House that last night members concluded their tributes to the late Alby Schultz. I now ask all present to rise in their places as a mark of respect. Honourable members having stood...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I can inform the House that the Minister for Justice will be absent from question time today and tomorrow while he attends bilateral discussions with his Indonesian counterparts on...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Abbott Government (27 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister confirm—
- China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (44 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on the benefits to the economy of the free trade agreement between Australia and China? Are there any threats to the...
- Employment (13 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the unemployment rate higher today than when the Liberal government got elected two years ago?
- Mental Health (2 speeches)
Mr Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Health. Mental illness affects one in five Australians every year, often in dreadful ways and especially in Tasmania. Clearly a better approach is...
- China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Will the minister please update the House on responses to the campaign of misinformation being waged against the landmark free trade...
- Employment (14 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, when was the last time more than 800,000 Australians were unemployed?
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
On behalf of the House could I welcome a delegation from Saudi Arabia, who have joined us on the floor of the House today. Honourable members: Hear, hear!
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Trade with China (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. Will the minister update the House on how the free trade agreement with China will help boost jobs and growth for Australian farmers and businesses...
- Mining (9 speeches)
My question is also to the Minister for Agriculture. Minister, do you support the Shenhua coalmine project, notwithstanding any impact it might have on the agriculture sector, or does your...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I welcome Mr John Haslem, a former member for Canberra, who joins us in the gallery today. Honourable members: Hear, hear!
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Trade (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister inform the House how the government's economic diplomacy strategy is delivering jobs and growth to Western Australia; and are...
- Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption (20 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister outline the exact process and time line the government took in appointing Dyson Heydon as royal commissioner?
- Economy (9 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer inform the House on how the government is working to create a strong and prosperous economy. What threats are there to boosting jobs and growth?
- Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the speech delivered to the Centre for Independent Studies by Dyson Heydon AC, QC shortly before his appointment as royal commissioner. Prime...
- Infrastructure (4 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. Will the minister advise the House on how the government's $50 billion infrastructure program...
- Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption (13 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to his last answer, where he talked of defending the indefensible. Does the Prime Minister stand by his statement that, and I quote: Kathy Jackson is...
- 457 Visas (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister update the House on the importance of the 457 visa program for the provision of skilled workers for...
- Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. In the interests of transparency, will the Prime Minister tell the House what it is costing taxpayers to engage Dyson Heydon? Can the Prime Minister confirm...
- Shipbuilding Industry (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Defence. Will the minister inform the House of the opportunities available for Western Australian shipbuilders following the government's recent commitment to a...
- Parliamentary Office Holders (0 speeches)
- Speaker's Panel (1 speech)
Pursuant to standing order 17(a), I lay on the table my warrant nominating the honourable member for Boothby to be a member of the Speaker’s panel to assist the chair when requested to do...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Selection Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present Report No. 31 of the Selection Committee relating to the consideration of committee and delegation business and private members' business on Monday 7 September 2015. The report will be...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
Documents are presented in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members earlier today. Details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (5 speeches)
Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Employment (33 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable the Leader of the Opposition proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The...
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Export Market Development Grants Scheme (2 speeches)
Today I table the 2015 review of the Export Market Development Grants Scheme. Over 40 years, the scheme has helped smaller exporters cover their promotional costs offshore. It is worthwhile...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Australian Hearing (3 speeches)
In 1949 in Ben Chifley's election speech—it is some 65 pages long, but you will be happy to know I will not be reading every page out tonight—
- Randall, Mr Donald James (1 speech)
Vale, dear Don Randall. I was on my way home from Alby Schultz's funeral when I received a very sombre and tearful phone call from my daughter Emily to inform me that Don had passed away. I do...
- Women: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (1 speech)
Tonight I rise to speak about an important issue for our nation, and that is the issue of trying to get more women participating in STEM disciplines. I have said in the House numerous...
- Mallee Electorate: Refugees (1 speech)
Mr Speaker, this is my first speech before you. I congratulate you on your new role. It is time to see the benefit and not the burden. There are over 30,000 people who have been on visas that...
- Shortland Electorate: Mental Health (1 speech)
Mr Speaker, I would like to congratulate you. I believe this is the first time I have spoken since you have been in the chair. Congratulations on your elevation to Speaker. On Wednesday, 2...
- Vietnam Veterans Day (1 speech)
Mr Speaker, I too congratulate you on your elevation to the chair. Clearly, the way you are already carrying out your duties demonstrates why you received the unanimous support of this chamber....
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Women in Policing (1 speech)
Earlier this month, police staff from Liverpool, Green Valley, Fairfield and Cabramatta local area commands took part in the baton relay in recognition of 100 years of women in policing. The...
- Men's Sheds (1 speech)
Men have a tendency to neglect their health. As a group, we generally do not visit the doctor as often as we should. We do not like talking about our problems; we particularly do not like talking...
- Vietnam War 40th Anniversary (1 speech)
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and with it the exodus of an estimated one million Vietnamese people from their homeland. Of those who fled it is believed that...
- Cowan Electorate: Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex (1 speech)
In Cowan the Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex has hosted many sports with thousands of users each weekend. When I say 'thousands' I mean it, because during the netball season each Saturday more...
- Denison Electorate: Arts Funding (1 speech)
Just about every medium and small arts organisation in my electorate has approached me with concerns about the decision by the Minister for the Arts to take $104 million in arts funding from the...
- Solomon Electorate: Local Sporting Champions (1 speech)
I am delighted to announce the round 1 recipients of the 2015-16 Solomon local sporting champions grants. Each recipient will receive $500 towards their travel and accommodation costs to attend...
- National Science Week (1 speech)
This week is National Science Week, and I kicked it off by attending St Mary's Catholic school in Shortland electorate last Friday. I was overwhelmed by the activities of the students, by their...
- Robertson Electorate: Medical Research Future Fund (1 speech)
I rise to commend the House for the successful passing of legislation last week to establish the groundbreaking $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund, the largest of its kind in the world....
- Lalor Electorate: Centenary of Anzac (1 speech)
I rise today to share with the House an event that occurred in the electorate of Lalor on 17 July. That day I joined Senator Ronaldson, Professor Janet Butler, author of Kitty's War, an historian...
- Kokoda Challenge (1 speech)
It has been said that Gallipoli created a nation, but Kokoda saved a nation. At Gallipoli we fought for the British Empire, but at Kokoda we fought for Australia. The men who fought on the Kokoda...
- Throsby Electorate: Steel industry (1 speech)
Australia needs to be a country that continues to make stuff. As one of the world's largest exporters of iron ore and metallurgical coal, I say that Australia needs to be a country that continues...
- Deakin Electorate: Melbourne traffic congestion (1 speech)
A couple of weeks ago I was very pleased to have the opportunity to address a very spirited group of people who gathered—in their hundreds—outside state parliament in Melbourne. It...
- National Science Week (1 speech)
This week we are marking National Science Week, which celebrates and acknowledges the contributions of Australian scientists, not only on the global stage; it also aims to get more young...
- Coalmining (1 speech)
If you were putting a pool in at your house in Canberra—let us say a pool, although I do not know why you would—and you had to have a pool fence, would you accept that someone in...
- Hurndell, Mr Cecil Henry (1 speech)
Rank-and-file members are the lifeblood of the Australian Labor Party. Of those nearly 500 members who faithfully and energetically serve our party, the life members occupy a truly special place....
- Hindmarsh Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
Last Sunday I participated in the Cold Plunge for Those in Need, which was organised by the Rotary Club of Glenelg. I joined over 130 people who braved the cold, icy waters of...
- Gomboc, Mr Ron (1 speech)
Today I want to acknowledge the talent of Perth sculptor Ron Gomboc and to record how pleased we have been to have helped him with one of his projects. Many members may recall the fabulous Swan...
- Riverina Electorate: Debutante Balls (1 speech)
I love debutante balls. Way back in 1983 I partnered by now wife of 29 years, Catherine, to her debut. She was then only 17. When I receive debs coming out at deb balls I always tell that story...
- Film and Television Industry (1 speech)
The film and television industry is a very important employer in my electorate of Sydney. There have been changes recently and a perceived lack of support, or diminished support, from the federal...
