House debates
Thursday, 20 August 2015
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Marriage (1 speech)
by leave—I present the Uluru Bark Petition, which has been approved by the Standing Committee on Petitions. The petition read as follows— To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Public Works Committee; Approval of Work (1 speech)
I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing...
- National Capital and External Territories Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
I have received advice from the Chief Government Whip that he has nominated Mrs BK Bishop to be a member of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories in place...
- Publications Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the report from the Publications Committee sitting in conference with the Publications Committee of the Senate. Copies of the report are being placed on the table. Report—by...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Agriculture (1 speech)
Last week the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture and Industry announced an inquiry into innovation and productivity in agriculture. We all know that people are the key to...
- Trade with China (2 speeches)
Each and every day we are a government proudly fighting for jobs and growth. The deceptive and racist campaign being run by the unions and Labor against the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement,...
- Thomson, Mr Fergus, OAM (1 speech)
During the winter break, my electorate of Eden-Monaro lost one of its finest citizens. On the morning of 24 July, Eurobodalla councillor and former mayor Fergus Thomson OAM passed away peacefully...
- Employment (1 speech)
I rise to express my concern about this government's lack of action when it comes to jobs, especially in my home state of South Australia. We heard the Treasurer get up and say, 'There is more to...
- Page Electorate: Rugby League (1 speech)
An election commitment I gave was for new goalposts for McKittrick Park. I must say that I had an attempt at kicking the first goal at the opening game this season, which was a very unflattering...
- Employment (1 speech)
I rise to join my colleagues today to talk about the jobs crisis in this country. There are 800,000 unemployed Australians, as we stand here today. This is the highest number of unemployed...
- Petrie Electorate: Education (1 speech)
I was delighted to attend the National Science Week launch at St Benedict's College, Mango Hill, last week. It is now more important than ever to get students engaged in science, technology,...
- Employment (1 speech)
I stand today to reflect on the number of people who are currently unemployed in Australia. More than 800,000 people are now without a job. When the Abbott Liberal government was elected that...
- Mobile Phone Services (1 speech)
I want to talk about the Mobile Black Spot Program. It was a most important issue in my electorate—a regional electorate in Tasmania. I was very pleased prior to the election, when, Malcolm...
- Employment (1 speech)
You could not make it up. This week in question time we have been hearing from government members—in particular ministers like the Treasurer—trying to talk up this government's record...
- Council on the Ageing Northern Territory (1 speech)
I rise today to commend the good work that the Northern Territory branch of the Council of the Ageing, or COTA, has done. I have enjoyed working with COTA over the last few years and have seen...
- Defence Procurement (1 speech)
Yesterday, the Minister for Defence said that everyone except the opposition was happy with the government's announcements on the naval rebuild. Members will recall that, when in Adelaide, the...
- Leader of the Opposition (1 speech)
Last Monday, the Leader of the Opposition set out his vision for Australia's science future: announcement after announcement of uncosted, pie-in-the-sky good ideas wrapped up in feel good...
- Defence Procurement, Employment (1 speech)
At a time when unemployment is rising, the only jobs that the Prime Minister is fighting for are his own and that of his Liberal colleagues in this parliament. Having killed off Australia's car...
- Cootharinga North Queensland (1 speech)
Cootharinga North Queensland is a great society. It is all about inclusiveness and awareness when it comes to people with disability. They are aggressive, inventive and fun when it comes to...
- Canning Electorate (1 speech)
The voters in Canning will go to the polls in little more than four weeks to choose a federal parliamentary representative. These are sad circumstances. Canning has lost Don Randall, who was...
- Vietnam Veterans Day (1 speech)
Tuesday was Vietnam Veterans Day. Originally, it was a day to commemorate the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, which was the largest single unit battle fought in Vietnam by Australian troops....
- Trade with China (2 speeches)
Last year, the Prime Minister promised he would keep labour market testing under Australia's temporary skilled migration program. Labor market testing requires employers to advertise jobs to...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Employment (9 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister: if the last two years have been about jobs and growth, why is unemployment up and growth right down?
- Trade with China (2 speeches)
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, and may I also congratulate you on your appointment as Speaker. My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on how the free...
- Employment (7 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. If the last two years have been about jobs and growth, why are 30,000 more Western Australians unemployed, compared to when the Prime Minister was elected?
- China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (6 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline how the government is boosting jobs and growth through the free trade agreement with China in my electorate of Reid and throughout...
- 457 Visas (10 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's answer in question time yesterday regarding labour market testing for investment facilitation agreements. He said the IFA MOU...
- Trade (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. It was a national disgrace when Labor's pink batts scheme resulted in the deaths of Australians because unqualified workers did not meet Australian...
- Trade with China (9 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister explain how this government's free trade agreement with China will deliver jobs and growth to the services industry? Are...
- Shipbuilding Industry (10 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Just two weeks ago in Adelaide the Prime Minister said: What we are announcing today is basically a fleet build here in Australia, centred on SA … So...
- Trade with China (5 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Will the minister outline to the House how the campaign of misinformation being waged by militant elements of the union movement against...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
Before I call the member for Batman, I wish to inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon the Hon. David Tollner MLA, the Northern Territory Treasurer and former member...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Defence Procurement (17 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's statements about Australia's offshore patrol vessels. In Adelaide, the Prime Minister said construction of our future naval...
- Trade with China (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. Will the minister update the House on how the free trade agreement with China will boost jobs and growth for farmers in the electorate of Mallee...
- Environment (10 speeches)
My question is also to the Minister for Agriculture. Minister, you mentioned the National Farmers Federation. Its vice-president has said of the government's changes to John Howard's...
- Trade and Investment (7 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline how the government is boosting jobs and growth by encouraging investment in Australia? What are the threats to investment in Australia...
- Goods and Services Tax (7 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Just three months ago when I asked if the GST should be removed from sanitary products the Treasurer said, 'It probably should, yes. The answer is yes.' Why...
- National Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I ask the minister to update the House on what the government is doing at home and overseas to starve—let me emphasise it—starve...
- Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Is it not the case that Mr Dyson Heydon would not have to sit in judgement of his own bias tomorrow if the Prime Minister finally stopped the chaos, showed...
- Border Protection (2 speeches)
My question is directed to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister update the House on the success of the government's border protection policy, particularly in...
- Mantach, Mr Damien (10 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. In 2013 the Prime Minister said: I know Damien Mantach well. He is a person of integrity, so let's see where this investigation goes. He has my confidence....
- Carbon Pricing (4 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. Will the Deputy Prime Minister update the House on the benefits to the economy and jobs...
- Fair Work Commission (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister stand by his statement about his personal pick for vice president of the industrial relations umpire, Michael Lawler, when he said,...
- Employment (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Social Services. Will the minister update the House on what the government has done to make it easier for families to get into work, stay in work or work more?
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
A document is tabled in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members today. Full details of the document will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Economy (20 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...
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (3 speeches)
Mr Speaker, I wish to raise a matter under standing order 68. I wish to make a personal explanation.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Taxation (1 speech)
Respected political commentator Peter Hartcher recently wrote that increasing numbers of Australians are asking the question: what is the point of the Abbott government? One point, you might...
- Calare Electorate: Mining (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the Lithgow Springvale mine, where over 300 workers will bear the brunt of a final decision not being handed down to extend the project. This is not a new mine; this is an...
- Middle East (1 speech)
Considering the approach this government has taken so far to our renewed military engagement in the Middle East, it was no great surprise to hear through the media that the Prime Minister was...
- Trade (1 speech)
The current economic situation in South Australia has been well-documented in recent times. We have the highest unemployment rate of all the states in Australia. We are witnessing the downturn in...
- Blair Seniors Link Directory (1 speech)
I rise to speak about a valuable new information resource for older people living in Ipswich and the Somerset Region, the 2015 Blair Seniors Link Directory. I was pleased to launch this, my first...
- Mining (1 speech)
The people of Central and North Queensland—in cities and towns like Mackay, Bowen, Ayr and Townsville—have been through difficult times over the past two years as the region adjusts...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Shortland Electorate: Australian Technologies Competition (1 speech)
Today is the Hunter region final of the Australian Technologies Competition. There are four finalists that are going to be judged today. One of those finalists comes from Shortland electorate....
- Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program (1 speech)
These are the words of Major Tracey Allison of the Australian Army. 'The Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program aims to promote mutual understanding amongst Defence personnel, members and...
- Indian Independence Day (1 speech)
Over 400,000 people of Indian descent live in Australia and Australia's Indian community has made a profound contribution to Australia and to our local community. Last Saturday, in Melbourne, the...
- Vietnam Veterans Day (1 speech)
This year has been a very significant one for Australia. Earlier this year our nation came together to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings and the forging of the Anzac spirit. But this...
- China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (1 speech)
Earlier this week in question time I asked the Minister for Trade and Investment why it is important that the government's landmark free trade agreement with China comes into force by the end of...
- Pakistani Community (1 speech)
Earlier this month I had the pleasure, as always, to attend the Independence Day event put on by Pakistanis in Australia. I always enjoy these events because not only do they have fantastic food...
- Dobell Electorate: Rural Fire Service (1 speech)
I have spoken many times in this place about volunteering. Volunteering is a strong Australian tradition. It is so strong, in fact, that it is estimated to be worth more than $200 billion a year....
- Schools: Science (1 speech)
A week or so ago at the Australian American Leadership Dialogue I was very heartened that a great deal of the focus of that discussion was on science and technology, in terms of students pursuing...
- Lawfare (1 speech)
Queensland's biggest coalmining project is to be sited in my electorate of Capricornia. Our government supports this project which would create thousands of jobs for Queensland families and...
- Griffith Electorate: Bulimba Barracks (1 speech)
As you know, the federal government is moving to sell about 21 hectares of land in my electorate at the site of the Bulimba Barracks. The Brisbane City Council and the state of Queensland are...
- Page Electorate: Business (1 speech)
I want to acknowledge some business excellence award winners in my community over the last few weeks. On Saturday night, the Richmond Valley Business Excellence awards were held. I want to...
- Marriage (1 speech)
Tolstoy famously wrote that all happy families are alike, and I like to think, in saying this, he did not mean that all happy families were in any particular form; rather, that they were loving...
- Illicit Drugs (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the scourge of the ice epidemic. As a former criminal lawyer, I saw firsthand the devastation of this evil drug. It is a drug that does not discriminate, with people of all...
- Chisholm Electorate: Housing (1 speech)
I rise yet again to talk about the overdevelopment of my electorate and the concerns that my constituents are raising, in particular to the Hay Street development. This is an issue that continues...
- Hasluck Electorate: Lyme Disease (1 speech)
I rise to speak on a health issue faced by a number of my constituents. I will read an email I have received: I have Lyme disease and I would greatly appreciate your patience and time in reading...
- Fraser Electorate: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (1 speech)
Australians owe the CSIRO a debt of gratitude. It has generated dozens of world leading interventions and commercial innovations—among them, wi-fi, the polymer banknote and the Hendra virus...
- Gilmore Electorate: Shoalhaven Homelessness Shark Tank (1 speech)
On 5 August the Shoalhaven Homelessness Shark Tank took place to coincide with the national Homelessness Prevention Week. The Shoalhaven Homelessness and Good Living Conditions Interagency was...
- Traise, Mr Eric (1 speech)
I rise today to pay tribute to a great Canberran, Eric Traise. In doing so, I would like to acknowledge members of Eric's family who are sitting with us in the chamber, his wife, and members from...
- Trade with China (2 speeches)
Earlier this week my Gladstone office was picketed by trade unions protesting the China free trade agreement. They claimed it will cost Australian jobs. They claimed it will lead to an overflow...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
I rise today to speak on behalf of some of the most vulnerable people in my community: those with a disability; the families, the carers and all those affected by the impacts of disabilities. The...
- Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, Solomon Electorate: Palmerston Regional Hospital (1 speech)
I rise today to update the House on some of the things that are occurring in my electorate. I feel it particularly important to put the truth on the public record, because my constituents have...
- Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chifley Electorate: Learning Ground (1 speech)
The eleventh of July this year marked 20 years since the world witnessed one of the worst chapters of modern history. Back then, in a place few people outside of Bosnia-Herzegovina would know,...
- Lawfare (1 speech)
Members, I do not think you would be surprised to learn that Australia continues to have among the most stringent and effective environmental laws in the world. But the coalition government will...
- Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (1 speech)
There is always lots of talk in this place about what is going on in our regions. Some are quite alarmist and say our regions are dying. It could not be further from the truth. Our regions are...
- Green Army Program (1 speech)
I rise to speak on the coalition's wonderful Green Army initiative, which continues to deliver positive outcomes for our young people and environment in the electorate of Macquarie and indeed...
- Medicare (1 speech)
I would like today to talk about the government's continued assault on Medicare and the negative impact that this is having on families in my electorate of Brand. For the fourth time in just a...
- Live Animal Exports (1 speech)
One of the reasons why I put my name forward to run in the last federal election was the previous government's decision to shut down the live cattle industry overnight. I thought it was a...
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (1 speech)
The Attorney-General, Australia's first law officer, has decided in his wisdom that organisations whose purpose includes protection or conservation of the environment or research into the...
- Stronger Communities Program (1 speech)
I appreciate the contribution by the ornamental member for Moreton, who truly could be endangered—but we will see how we go. I would like to speak about something far more grounded and...
- National Science Week (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about one of my passions, and that is science—particularly, women in science. It is completely fitting, given that this is National Science Week. It was fantastic to...
- O'Connor Electorate: Health Services (1 speech)
Today I rise to report that on 16 July the federal health minister, the Hon. Sussan Ley, made a flying visit to the Goldfields-Esperance area to meet with local health professionals to discuss...
- Broadband (1 speech)
One of the continuous complaints that I receive from local residents in Greenway, and in particular in the suburb of Glenwood, is the lack of reliable broadband services. I draw the House's...
- Bruce Highway (1 speech, 1 comment)
Madam Deputy Speaker Prentice, as somebody who, I am sure, proudly represents many areas around Brisbane, you can understand and share my concern around the Bruce Highway as you head north. I...
- National Science Week (2 speeches)
This week we are celebrating National Science Week across the country. On Tuesday some scientists and researchers doing incredible projects which are being funded by the Australian Renewable...
- Calwell Electorate: Sicilian Association of Australia (1 speech)
I recently attended the Sicilian Association of Australia's 2015 annual gala evening held in my electorate at the Melrose reception centre in Tullamarine. It was a great pleasure to be there and...
- Lyons Electorate: Community Breakfast (1 speech)
It gave me great pleasure to welcome the Prime Minister to my electorate on Friday a week ago in the south-east part of Tasmania, in the town of Sorell. Sorell is the capital of south-east...
