House debates
Monday, 14 September 2015
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Responses (1 speech)
Ministerial responses to petitions previously presented to the House have been received as follows:
- Statements (1 speech)
A proportion of petitions received by the committee each year are assessed to be noncompliant with the standing orders. These out-of-order petitions constituted approximately 33 per cent of the...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Broadband (8 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) places on the record that: (a) under the previous Government, at the time of the last election just 2 per cent of premises across Australia could access the National...
- Workplace Relations, Migration (6 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes: (a) the recent media investigation on the ABC program Four Corners about the abuse of 7 Eleven employees; (b) complaints against the 7-Eleven franchise...
- Northern Australia (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) commends the fantastic work that the Minister for Trade and Investment and the Government are doing to make northern Australia’s economic development a...
- Western Australian Economy (9 speeches)
I move: That the House: (1) recognises the failure of the Western Australian and Australian governments to manage the Western Australian economy; (2) notes that under the Western Australian and...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- World War I (1 speech)
On the back wall of St Margaret's Anglican Church, in Eltham, is an honour roll of those men and women from Eltham who served in World War I. There are 74 names inscribed on that honour roll and...
- Barton Electorate: St George Beachside Dash (1 speech)
The 2015 St George Beachside Dash took place yesterday in Barton, encouraging participants to run, jog or walk for the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation. It was a perfect day...
- Alcohol Advertising Review Board: Annual Report (1 speech)
Earlier today I attended the launch of the Alcohol Advertising Review Board's annual report for 2014-15, along with my colleagues from the Parliamentary Friends of Drug Law Reform, Senator...
- Bonner Electorate: 2015 Green Heart Fair (1 speech)
I rise today to congratulate the Brisbane City Council, Deputy Mayor Councillor Adrian Schrinner but, most of all, the wonderful volunteers and community groups that made the 2015 Green Heart...
- Australian Technology Park (1 speech)
Right now the Baird government is in the process of selling an absolute hothouse of innovation in Sydney: the Australian Technology Park. The site houses 100 resident technology firms, cranking...
- North West Football League (1 speech)
Nothing unites or divides us more than—what's it called?—football. North-west football is fantastic. ON Saturday the Wynyard Cats conquered the Ulverstone Robins in the North West...
- Abbott Government (1 speech)
When launching his 2013 election campaign, the then Leader of the Opposition told Australians that Australia's worst deficit was not the budget deficit but the trust deficit. Just as this...
- Transition to Work (1 speech)
Every day, I am really focused on the importance of delivering more local jobs for the people of my electorate, which is why I rise to commend an important program that will help young people...
- Parramatta Electorate: The King's School (1 speech)
It is my pleasure to welcome to Parliament House today the students from year 6 of The King's School. There they are up in the gallery; wave, Deputy Speaker Scott! And what a fine school it...
- Hindmarsh Electorate: Football (1 speech)
Football finals have gripped certainly Adelaide, my home city, as well as our country. It is great to celebrate some successes enjoyed by our local footy clubs in my electorate over the weekend...
- Scullin Electorate: Mill Park Primary School (1 speech)
A couple of weeks ago the Lu Alessi, the Principal of Mill Park Primary School, just around the corner from my electorate office, invited me to spend an afternoon with the year 6 students from...
- O'Connor Electorate: Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern Bloom Festival (1 speech)
On Friday, 11 September I attended the launch of the 2015 Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern Bloom Festival. Held over four weeks across eight shires, the festival showcases the very best of...
- Lalor Electorate: Student Representative Council Forum (1 speech)
I rise today to share with the House an event that occurred in my electorate. It was the second part of the student representative council forum that I run in the electorate of Lalor. I would...
- La Trobe Electorate: Bunjil Place Precinct (1 speech)
I am very proud to say that the Liberal government has committed $10 million to a project called Bunjil Place in Narre Warren. I would like to congratulate the Casey council and local residents,...
- National Stroke Week (1 speech)
Some 50,000 new strokes occur every year in Australia. This week is National Stroke Week, with the National Stroke Foundation encouraging all Australians to be more aware of stroke, to live...
- Hasluck Electorate: Centenary of Anzac (1 speech)
I rise to talk about the Guildford Association Anzac Centennial home poppy plaque presentation, held in the Guildford Town Hall on Saturday, 29 August. There was a great turnout, and it was a...
- Perth Freight Link (1 speech)
I am not going to be rubbing the noses of my eastern states colleagues in the victories of the Dockers and West Coast on Saturday. No, I will leave that for another fortnight. I just want to...
- Durack Electorate: Dowerin GWN7 Machinery Field Days (1 speech)
I am very pleased today to speak about the Dowerin field days. The Dowerin field days are one of the biggest agricultural events in regional Australia. Thousands of people travel from interstate...
- Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
It is time for a national crisis summit on family violence, not a talkfest but an assembly of the front line—community and legal services, law enforcement and experts, people working in...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Assistant Treasurer will be absent from question time today for personal reasons, but the Treasurer will answers questions on his behalf.
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Domestic Violence (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. In the past week, Australians have looked on in horror as three women have been killed at the hands of someone they allegedly knew, highlighting the need for...
- Trade with China (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister update the House on how the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement will help create jobs in my electorate, in Canning and in my home...
- Abbott Government (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said earlier today, 'I am worried about being the best possible Prime Minister.' Can the Prime Minister nominate a single person sitting...
- Economy (6 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 how the government's investment in key...
- Perth Freight Link (2 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. Both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have failed to respond to the fact that Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett said, in...
- Employment (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Defence. Defence APS staff recruitment has been under an interim recruitment arrangement, which the APS commissioner lifted on 1 July 2015. However, many...
- Trade with China, Korea and Japan (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister explain how this government's free trade agreements with China, Korea and Japan will deliver jobs and growth to Western...
- Abbott Government (9 speeches, 1 comment)
My question is to the Prime Minister. In the two years since he became Prime Minister unemployment is up, debt and deficit is up, growth is down and confidence is certainly down. Is this the...
- Western Australia: Employment (10 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline to the House how the government is building a stronger economy, especially in Western Australia? What will this mean for jobs in...
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister the Communications. I refer to the minister's responsibility for the ABC. In a press conference broadcast today on the ABC, the Prime Minister is heard saying: I'm...
- Trade with China (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Will the minister please advise the House of the stringent safeguards in place for Australian workers under Australia's landmark agreement...
- Foreign Investment (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Why has the government imposed a $15 million screening threshold on Chinese investments in agricultural land, while the Americans,...
- Trade with Asia (5 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. Will the minister update the House on the benefits to date of the government's free trade agreements with Japan and Korea? How will the export...
- Climate Change (26 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. The islands of Saibai, Poruma and Warraber in the Torres Strait are at risk because of sea level rise caused by climate...
- Trade with China (7 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Education and Training. Will the minister update the House on the benefits to higher education services of the export agreement with China, particularly in my...
- Infrastructure (7 speeches)
My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. I refer to his pre-emptive opening of the Gateway WA project yesterday, which will actually be completed next year. Prime Minister, how many...
- Trade with China (5 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development—
- Health (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The government is cutting some $270 million from the Medicare safety net meaning cancer patients receiving life-saving radiation oncology could pay $12,000...
- Trade with China (2 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Industry and Science. Will the minister outline to the House how the agreement with China is good for the medical technology sector. How will agreements like...
- Abbott Government (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. When asked about plans to introduce a GP tax before the Griffith by-election, the Prime Minister said: Nothing is being considered. Nothing is being...
- Budget: Jobs for Families (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Social Services. Will the minister inform the House how Western Australian families will benefit from the government's increased investment in child care? How...
- Fair Work Commission (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister stand by his 2002 statement about his personal pick for vice president of the industrial relations umpire Michael Lawler, and I...
- Employment (3 speeches)
My question is to the Assistant Minister for Employment. Will the minister update the House on the rollout of the government's new employment services program, jobactive? How will this program...
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (12 speeches)
Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
Documents are presented as listed in the schedule circulated to honourable members. Details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- House Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
I have received advice from the Chief Government Whip nominating to be a member of the House Committee in place of Mr Ruddock.
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- 2015 Ministerial Investment Statement (2 speeches)
by leave—Mr Speaker, I am very pleased to be here today to present the second annual Investment Statement to the parliament. This government instituted the Investment Statement because we...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Liberal Party Leadership (1 speech)
What extraordinary times we live in! I was going to stand tonight and speak about the Barangaroo redevelopment in Sydney and the very important role that former Prime Minister Paul Keating is...
- Tasmania: Economy (1 speech)
If that is what the people of the member for Sydney's electorate are really interested in, then she believes in fairies at the bottom of the garden! Tasmania, on the other hand, is indeed open...
- Multiculturalism (1 speech)
On 28 August I was a very proud Melburnian. I was proud of the spontaneous response of the city I live in to Operation Fortitude, the suggestion that the newly established Australian Border Force...
- Asylum Seekers, North Queensland (1 speech)
Before I begin my speech, I want to make a few brief comments in relation to the previous speaker's speech. He talked about calls from government backbenchers for the government to prioritise...
- Uber (1 speech)
On 17 August I spoke in the Federation Chamber about the activities of the Uber service and the concerns of taxicab owners and drivers about this service, which they categorised as unregulated,...
- Inland Rail (2 speeches)
On Friday morning, another milestone was reached in the wonderful nation-building infrastructure project, the Melbourne to Brisbane rail line, otherwise known as Inland Rail. The implementation...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Abbott Government (3 speeches)
The troubles the government are having at the moment are very interesting. It casts one's mind back to some of the things they are on the record saying about leadership. We all know that this...
- Northern Territory Pride of Australia Medal (1 speech)
The Northern Territory Pride of Australia Medal for 2015 finalists were announced yesterday. The finalists include 25 strong and selfless people in the community, across 10 categories. These...
- Domestic Violence (1 speech)
I rise this morning, with the rest of Australia, reeling at the news that in 2015 we have lost the lives of 62 women—62 women killed by someone they once loved and someone who claimed to...
- Trade with China (1 speech)
The current Leader of the Opposition has left us with many great quotes. I think, Madam Deputy Speaker, the one that stands out to me was during an interview on Meet the Press June 2005 when the...
- Abbott Government (1 speech)
Labor will always back regional and rural Australia and we have a proud history of supporting and delivering in these areas. We know that investing in regional areas is critically important for...
- Gilmore Electorate (1 speech)
Gilmore is always a place to gloat about and last Friday was no exception. The day began at the Navy base HMAS Albatross to turn the first sod. At least, this was a symbolic gesture. I almost...
- Mossfield, Mrs Jan (1 speech)
It is with great sadness that I rise to remember someone who many in this place from all sides of the parliament will also remember with great fondness. I rise to pay tribute to the life of Jan...
- Lyons Electorate: Rural Awards (1 speech)
Last week truly was a stellar week for regional and rural Tasmania, with Tasmanian farmers taking out four of the 10 categories at the Australian Farmer of the Year awards, as well as achieving...
- Dunn, Mr Chris (1 speech)
I rise today to pay tribute and bid farewell to a friend and colleague, Chris Dunn, who sadly passed away on 30 August. Chris was one of the most loyal, hardworking local members of the Labor...
- Tangney Electorate: Anzac Day Schools' Awards (2 speeches)
Recently, I presented a number of schools in my electorate of Tangney with an Australian government Anzac Day Schools' Awards. The schools I attended ceremonies at were Rossmoyne Senior High...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Health (5 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) National Asthma Week was 1 to 7 September 2015; (b) the theme of National Asthma Week 2015 was „You Care We Care—One Asthma...
- Animal Testing of Cosmetics (6 speeches)
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker Southcott, and I congratulate you on your retirement and service to the country. I move: That this House: (1) notes that the: (a) majority of Australians believe the...
- Prostate Cancer (5 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) nine men a day die from prostate cancer; (b) September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month; (c) Members of Parliament and members of the community are...
- Malaysia (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) celebrates: (a) 16 September as the anniversary of the 1963 Malaysian federation; and (b) the long term friendship that exists between governments and people of...
- Apprenticeships (9 speeches)
I move: That this House calls on the Government to: (1) acknowledge that: (a)the drop in apprentices currently in training from 417,700 in September 2013 to 319,700 in March 2015 will impact on...
- Australian Defence Force Cadet Program (8 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that more than 27,000 Australian boys and girls participate in the Australian Defence Force Cadet program: Army, Air Force and Navy; (2) expresses its support...
- National Police Remembrance Day (6 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) National Police Remembrance Day is observed on 29 September; and (b) this year marks 100 years of women in policing; (2) acknowledges the: (a)...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Human Trafficking (1 speech)
I rise to congratulate the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans, otherwise known as ACRATH, on their 10th anniversary of active campaigning and lobbying for the most...
- Australian Football League (1 speech)
Let's talk AFL. It is good to be a West Australian today following West Coast's and my beloved Fremantle's wins on the weekend, booking them both a home preliminary final and giving them a much...
- Domestic Violence (1 speech)
On 24 August, I visited the Mannering Park CWA. It was a very interesting morning. From this visit, we decided we would hold a domestic violence forum in Mannering Park. We are doing this on the...
- Hume Electorate: Agriculture (1 speech)
I have spoken many times in this place on the enormous opportunities for Australian agriculture. We sit on the edge of the strongest growing region in the world and we are extremely well placed...
- Petition: Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
Congratulations to the member for Hume: that is a real achievement. I present six petitions that have been approved by the House. There are three petitions from Dr Penny Vine from Albury and one...
- Church, Mr George (1 speech)
I rise today to celebrate the life of George Church, a great stalwart of the Kojonup community, who passed away last week at the ripe old age of 96. George was a lifelong farmer and contemporary...
- Newcastle Electorate: Local Sporting Champions Grants (1 speech)
I was delighted to recently host an awards ceremony for Local Sporting Champions grants in Newcastle. These grants go a long way to help families ensure their child can continue to play the sport...
- Peacekeeping Operations (1 speech)
Today marks the 68th anniversary of Australian involvement in global peacekeeping. Indeed, Australia's peacekeeping involvement commenced in Indonesia on 14 September 1947, with four Australian...
- Shortland Electorate: Meals on Wheels (1 speech)
I rise to congratulate Meals on Wheels. On 28 August I went out with Swansea Meals on Wheels and delivered meals to houses around Swansea. It was a fantastic experience talking to and meeting...
- Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
On Friday night in Brisbane at the Roma Street Parkland, I attended a candlelight vigil in support of and to welcome refugees in our community. It was a wonderful event, attended by more than...
- Indi Electorate: Mount Beauty Secondary College (1 speech)
It gives me great pleasure to welcome to Parliament House today nine students, one teacher and one parent from Mount Beauty Secondary College, which is in the most beautiful valley in north-east...
- Colless, Mr Lindsay Hammond, Mr Garth Kitchen, Mr Jack (1 speech)
I want to pay tribute to three outstanding individuals who, over the last year, have been lost to the community of the south-west of Western Australia. Lindsay Colless was a legend in the...
- Newcastle Electorate: Cessnock Memorial Service (1 speech)
Yesterday I attended an annual memorial service in the town of Cessnock, hosted by the CFMEU, northern mining and energy division. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of...
- Page Electorate: Kyogle Public School Performing Arts Team (1 speech)
Kyogle Public School's Wakakirri performing arts team has progressed to the Queensland state finals at the Logan Entertainment Centre this Wednesday. In a combination of drama and dance, the...
- Abbott Government (1 speech)
It seems that the government is finally getting the message. When you attack the egalitarian heart that beats in this country, when you say, 'We're going to make you pay hundreds of thousands of...
- Anti-Dumping Commission (1 speech)
I want to share with people in Australia at large and in this chamber a celebration of the fact that our new-look Australian Anti-Dumping Commission at last is showing real common sense and a...
- Workplace Relations (1 speech)
(—) (): On Saturday afternoon, I joined United Voice workers who have been working on the Save Our Weekend campaign at the beautiful Caves Beach in my electorate. They have been conducting...
- Plover Appreciation Day (1 speech)
Plover Appreciation Day is a day to raise awareness of the magnificent but vulnerable bird, the hooded plover, which is found along the sandy beaches of the east coast of Australia. If you have...
- Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (1 speech)
Three weeks ago, I had the pleasure of being part of the ADF Parliamentary Program and being an active participant in the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program, AACAP. AACAP has been...
- Cowan Electorate: St Stephen's School (1 speech)
I would like to commend St Stephen's School, the Carramar campus, for their national success in the primary school's competition of the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. St Stephen's School...
- Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
I rise today to talk to about the Melbourne Welcomes Refugees project, which my office and I are running. Since launching it last Thursday, 16,000 people have put up their hand to provide...
- Page Electorate: Netball (1 speech)
It was grand final day on Saturday for the Grafton Netball Association. In A grade the final was between the defending champions, the Tucabia Opals, and the Grafton High School Pink Ladies. It...
- Shortland Electorate: Parliament House School Tours (1 speech)
Last week I was very privileged to have two of the fantastic public schools in my electorate visit me here in Parliament House. Students from Blacksmiths Public School visited Parliament House on...
- Commonwealth Festival of Synchronised Swimming (1 speech)
On 4 September this year I visited the HBF Stadium in Perth to award some medals at the Commonwealth Festival of Synchronised swimming, which was hosted by Hancock Prospecting. There were...
- Indi Summit (1 speech)
Colleagues, I would like to tell you today about a really exciting event that is going to happen in my electorate of Indi on Saturday, 24 October, in Benalla. Today, particularly, I would like to...
- McMillan Electorate: Warrugal Bowling Club 100th Anniversary (1 speech)
This beautiful pen I have got in my hand here says: 100 years at Anderson Street, Warrugal Bowling Club. On Saturday we joined to celebrate 100 years on the site and we had afternoon tea at 2.30...
- Shortland Electorate: House with No Steps (1 speech)
On Monday, 31 August I visited the House with No Steps at Charlestown. The House with No Steps has a number of sites in the Hunter-Newcastle area and they provide an excellent service to people...
- Lyons Electorate: Centenary of Anzac (1 speech)
I had the real privilege on Saturday of attending a community event at Liffey, in the Northern Midlands of my electorate, to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac. The MC at the event was the former...
- Indi Electorate: Catholic College (2 speeches)
It gives me enormous pleasure to congratulate in this House today Catholic College on 'Romeo and Jules', their fantastic adaption of Shakespeare's Romeo and Julietwhich is particularly adapted to...
- Grievance Debate (0 speeches)
- Abbott Government (5 speeches)
Oh, the sweet irony of this place! I was going to stand up today and grieve about a whole range of issues. I was going to talk about all the failings of the government. I was going to talk about...
- Trade with China (1 speech)
This free trade agreement with our biggest trading partner and the second largest economy in the world, China, with total trade worth almost $160 billion in 2013-14 and a growing source of...
- Abbott Government (1 speech)
I am aggrieved on behalf of the people of Blair and also the nation. Before the last election, the current Prime Minister made promise after promise to the Australian people. In the last two...
- Leichhardt Electorate: Regional Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Program (2 speeches)
Cairns has a long, proud history in ship building. More than 270 vessels have been built in Cairns, including the Fremantle class patrol boat and the hydrographic ships for the Navy—on time...
- Throsby Electorate: Employment (1 speech)
Only two weeks ago the member for Cunningham and I wrote to the Prime Minister with some urgency. The BlueScope steelworks, in Port Kembla, in our electorate, is facing its toughest trading...
- Parramatta Electorate: Multiculturalism (1 speech)
I am going to start my grievance by talking about something positive, just to lay the context! I had the best weekend. On Friday night—or it might have been Saturday night—I went to a...
- Cowan Electorate: Broadband (1 speech)
Today I would like to once again speak about a modern problem, a problem that concerns many of my constituents in Cowan. It is a problem—well, a challenge—that has become such an...
- Human Rights (1 speech)
It seems that hardly a day goes by without news of reports of grave human rights abuses occurring in countries across the globe. Whether it is violations relating to civil, cultural, economic,...
- Braddon Electorate, World Suicide Prevention Day, National Stroke Week (1 speech)
All too often, members of parliament get into a frenzy of communication with their constituents—especially around election time, when there is a flood of doorknocking, community meetings...
- Health Funding, Ice Epidemic (1 speech)
I rise tonight to speak about two related topics. This government's cruel cuts to health funding and their lack of understanding of the support needed for those experiencing drug addition issues....
- Swan Electorate: Belmont Community Group (1 speech)
I have stood in this place before and spoken about a group in my electorate called the Belmont Community Group. At that particular time I linked them as an exact replica of Craig Thomson's...
- Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
There are times when an image cuts through the noise and haste of life and speaks directly to our core beliefs and values. The image of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy whose lifeless...
