House debates
Thursday, 15 October 2015
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Whitehurst, Mrs Mary (1 speech)
It is with great pleasure that I rise today to wish a special happy birthday to Mary Whitehurst, who will join the ranks of Australia's supercentenarians when she turns 110 next week. For those...
- Mental Health: School Students (1 speech)
It saddens me to hear of some of the pressures that students are under as exam time comes up. I want to say to them: it is very important that you do your best, but life goes on no matter what...
- Lalor Electorate: Lalor Heroes 2015 (1 speech)
One of the pleasant duties of a local member is honouring those in the community whose passion and generosity make others' lives richer. Today I rise to I congratulate the 22 Lalor Heroes in the...
- McMillan Electorate: Mirboo North Secondary College (1 speech)
Last week I was invited to visit Mirboo North Secondary College, a proud school nestled in the steep majestic hills of South Gippsland. Today the paddocks provide a rich contrast to the red soil...
- Bendigo Electorate: Rail Infrastructure (1 speech)
Today I stand to join the local member in my electorate, Jacinta Allan, who is also the Minister for Public Transport in Victoria, in calling on this government to support the Labor government's...
- Calare Electorate: Ronald McDonald House (1 speech)
Last Friday saw the opening of Ronald McDonald House in Orange which, while in Orange, is very much a regional facility. Back in 1985, when Joanne and Jeff Lewis built the first McDonald's in...
- Gellibrand Electorate: West Gate Bridge (1 speech)
On this day 45 years ago, a 114-milimetre gap between spans 10 and 11 of the West Gate Bridge gave way and 2,000 tonnes of steel and concrete fell 58 metres into the Yarra. Thirty five workers...
- Banks Electorate: Mobile Phone Coverage (1 speech)
I would like to address an important issue in my community: the very poor mobile phone coverage in the Connells Point area. In seeking a solution for residents on this matter, I have discussed...
- Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
I would like to welcome to Parliament House today leaders of Australia's Catholic religious congregations, the Uniting Church and representatives from the Anglican, Jewish and Muslim faith. These...
- Lyne Electorate: Taree Show (1 speech)
My wife Charlotte and I, along with 2½ thousand people from the Manning Valley and surrounding areas, enjoyed the fun, excitement and spectacle of the 137th Taree Show, run by the Manning...
- Middle East (1 speech)
This week John Salisbury arrived at Parliament House, completing his 10-day walk from Sydney, to present parliamentarians with a petition signed by more than 1,000 people he met along the way...
- Moore Electorate: Edith Cowan University (1 speech)
I was honoured to join with the Hon. Hendy Cowan, Chancellor of Edith Cowan University, and Professor Steve Chapman, the vice-chancellor, to officially open the newly constructed six-storey...
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (1 speech)
This morning the Senate again considered a bill, already supported by two Liberal senators, Senators Smith and Bernardi, that seeks to water down Australia's protections against racist hate...
- Solomon Electorate: Palmerston Regional Hospital (1 speech)
I rise today to advise the House that tomorrow, Friday, 16 October, the first concrete pour of the Palmerston Regional Hospital will occur. I am looking forward to joining my 'Team Palmerston'...
- Canberra Electorate: Canberra Community Sleepout (1 speech)
Tomorrow night, nearly 2,000 Canberrans are sleeping rough for the third annual Canberra Community Sleepout. The sleep-out is jointly organised by Communities@Work and the St Vincent de Paul...
- Corangamite Electorate: Small Business (1 speech)
I rise to pay tribute to three great local initiatives to support small business and our wonderful local traders and artists in my electorate of Corangamite. Last weekend, I was delighted to...
- Western Australia (1 speech)
When the new Prime Minister announced his pitch for the Liberal leadership, he said: 'The only way we can ensure we remain a First World society is if we have economic leadership and strong...
- Jodie's Inspiration (1 speech)
Jodie's Inspiration is a newly created not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to raise funds for local health organisations, in particular the Lismore Base Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital...
- United Nations International Day of Rural Women (2 speeches)
I enjoyed my visit to the member for Page's electorate very recently, where we had a national Country Labor forum. I did note that the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and a whole...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Deputy Prime Minister will be absent from question time today, while he attends to a personal matter. The Treasurer will answer questions relating to infrastructure...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- National Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Can the Prime Minister please update the House on Australia's efforts to counter violent extremism?
- Infrastructure (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. How is the government supporting investment in the critical drivers of economic growth, especially productive infrastructure? Is the government aware of any...
- Workplace Relations (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister reverse his government's current policy to force tradies, labourers and nurses—who have worked hard their whole life—to...
- Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. Will the minister inform the House how the recently negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement will help create jobs and...
- Family Payments (16 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Jill O'Connor from Dobell is worried about her daughter and two grandchildren, aged eight and five. Jill says her daughter is starting to feel panicked...
- Live Animal Exports (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. The live animal export industry is systemically cruel, not in Australia's economic self-interest and lacks popular support. But...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon about 30 former members and senators currently attending their annual Canberra reunion. On behalf of the House, I extend a...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Economy (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Industry Innovation and Science. Will the minister update the House on the importance of innovation and commercialising research in creating jobs and growth in...
- Superannuation (6 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The average superannuation balance of an Australian woman is around $40,000. Why is the Prime Minister making it harder for Australian women to save for...
- Economy (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister update the House on the role of 457 visas in creating jobs and building the economy? How does engaging with...
- Taxation (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Today the Senate passed Liberal government legislation that will ensure that the amount of taxation paid by private corporations with a turnover of more than...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
It is my pleasure to inform the House we have joining us in the gallery this afternoon Baroness Jenny Tonge, co-chair of a United Kingdom parliamentary group. I extend a very warm welcome to you....
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Environment (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for the Environment. Will the minister update the House on how innovative Australian businesses will create more jobs by exporting environmental technology thanks...
- Taxation (10 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Yesterday the Treasurer said about the multinational tax policy that 'it will raise real revenue'. But, according to page 14 of the government's own budget...
- Small Business (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer. Will the minister explain to the House how the government will protect small businesses from unfair contract terms?
- Taxation (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. The minimum outside investment for the Bowery Opportunity Fund registered in the Cayman Islands and invested in by the Prime Minister is US$1 million. Why...
- National Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Counter-Terrorism. Will the minister advise the House of the steps the government is taking to address...
- Taxation (3 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. According to The Australian, the Prime Minister has said: If you are a PAYE taxpayer there are fewer opportunities available to you to reduce the level of...
- International Development Assistance (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific. Will the Minister outline the priorities of the Australian government's aid program? How have these priorities...
- Taxation (13 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's obligation under clause 2.2—
- Infrastructure (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Major Projects. Will the minister outline what the trend is in infrastructure spending and what it has been over the years, and are there any alternative views?
- Taxation (16 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister, and I refer to the Prime Minister's previous answer. The average superannuation balance of an Australian woman still contributing to superannuation is around...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
- (8 speeches)
I wish to make a personal explanation.
- Questions to the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Questions in Writing (2 speeches)
In accordance with standing order 105(b) I ask that you kindly write to the following ministers seeking reasons for the delay in answer to these questions: Prime Minister—question numbers...
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Superannuation (30 speeches)
I have received a letter from the honourable member for Rankin proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: The Government undermining...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Chronic Disease Management (1 speech)
Making sure that our health system is set up to provide quality chronic disease management is one of our great challenges. I have previously spoken about integrated health checks, a health policy...
- Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
It is well past time to dispense with some myths and to confront some uncomfortable truths in relation to Australia's offshore detention system. It is wrong for anyone to say that our complicity...
- Parliamentary Group on Population and Development (1 speech)
Today we had the annual general meeting of the bipartisan group named the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development. We have been in existence in this parliament for some 20 years and we...
- Sri Lanka (1 speech)
I rise today to reaffirm my heartfelt support for the determined efforts of the international community and the many people of goodwill in Sri Lanka to usher in an era of progress and...
- Gilmore Electorate: Save Our Voices Campaign (1 speech)
Today I speak in support of the Save Our Voices campaign. Our local people want our local media. There has been a rapid change in the way that media operates in our community. When the original...
- Cunningham Electorate: Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra (2 speeches)
Before I go to the topic of my speech, I associate myself with the comments that the member for Gilmore, my colleague, has made about the importance of the Save our Voices campaign. It is...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Recognise Palestine Walk 2015 (1 speech)
Yesterday I had the pleasure of welcoming to Parliament House Mr John Salisbury, who had just completed a 10-day trek in support of recognition of Palestinian statehood. John is a passionate...
- Ryan Electorate: Cancer Council Girls Night In (1 speech)
It is estimated that, in 2015 alone, 15,600 women and 145 men in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That is about 42 women a day. The occurrence of breast cancer is rising, with an...
- Police, National Security (2 speeches)
I want to talk about the Victoria police force, police forces across the country and particularly the growing stress that they have been dealing with, with matters such as we saw occur at the...
- Employment (1 speech)
When I am out there in the community—whether it be hosting street corner meetings or community meetings, door knocking, or attending local events—jobs and the future of our country,...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Micah Challenge (1 speech)
This week I was visited by young people from Micah Challenge, and I know that they visited most members here in parliament. They raised two issues with me. One was that we need to increase the...
- Parliament House Art Collection (1 speech)
I have a confession to make: I have offended the cafe latte set. I have offended them with the comments I made about the artwork here in Parliament House, much of which I referred to as being...
- National Security (1 speech)
On 2 October, a gunman callously shot down a member of the civilian police workforce, Curtis Cheng, a 17-year veteran of the Police Force, working in the finance department. That day, 2 October,...
- Dobell Electorate: Legacy (1 speech)
I rise to pay tribute to the many men and women involved with Legacy in Australia, and in particularly on the New South Wales Central Coast. It was a privilege to attend this year's launch of...
- Kingsford Smith Electorate: Mental Health (1 speech)
Each year in my community, the Plebs, Pros and Personalities 24 Hour Treadmill Run for suicide prevention takes place. Established in 2012 by a group of mates from Maroubra, the annual event came...
- Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
As I have said many times in this House before, the right for women and children to feel safe at home and to live their lives without fear of violence must be fearlessly protected by this...
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
In August I visited the National Disability Insurance Scheme launch site in Newcastle with the member for Shortland, where we met Peta Lambert and Natalie Howland, two young women whose lives...
- Page Electorate (1 speech)
At the recent New South Wales state indoor hockey championships on the Central Coast, the Grafton under-15 boys team did our region very proud. They were trailing 2-nil with 10 minutes to go. The...
- Watson Electorate: Ryde Joinery (1 speech)
Ryde Joinery is a small business in my electorate in the suburb of Punchbowl that provides award-winning interior fittings services across Australia. Ryde Joinery is a local success story, and I...
- Northern Australia: Innovation (1 speech)
Last week the very energetic and enthusiastic Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia visited my electorate—perhaps an obvious place for him to come and visit, with the...
- Perth Electorate: Islamic Community (1 speech)
On Sunday the Northbridge Piazza, Perth, held its second all-in Eid al-Adha celebration. The aim of this festival is to invite the wider Perth community into the celebrations of the Islamic...
- Riverina Electorate: Water (1 speech)
Water is of critical importance to the Riverina electorate. It underpins the region's economic sustainability, and this is critically so from Narrandera west. Irrigated agriculture, as I have...
- Family Law Act (1 speech)
The Family Law Act was introduced 40 years ago. There have been some amendments, the last being in 2006 and 2012. Our laws should be dynamic and should be reviewed and revised as needed. The...
- Mallee Electorate: Murray Basin Rail Project (1 speech)
I wish to talk about a major infrastructure project that will be very important for driving opportunities for the people of Victoria. The Andrews state government have committed to the Murray...
- Bourke, Lieutenant Colonel James Raymond, AM, MG (Retired) (1 speech)
It was my sad privilege recently to attend the funeral of Jim Bourke, a retired lieutenant colonel, a true hero of the Australian forces in the Vietnam War and a man who never forgot the people...
- Water (1 speech)
Every day of every week and every year across the Murray-Darling Basin, $5 million to $6 million is being lost in food and fibre production. That is per day. These calculations are based on...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Workplace Relations (1 speech)
Despite the change of Prime Minister, the very serious threat to cut penalty rates remains on the table as part of this government's agenda. It is very concerning that the new Prime Minister has...
- Capricornia Electorate: Water (1 speech)
Regional and rural Australia create real wealth for our nation. In fact, two-thirds of our export earnings come from regional parts of our country. Our coalition government is providing a new $5...
- Bendigo Electorate: Employment (1 speech)
The people of Bendigo in Central Victoria have launched a campaign called Save Our Local Jobs. It is community groups, it is unions, it is workers—these people are coming together to call...
- Petition: Lymphoedema Services (2 speeches)
I rise to present a petition. The petition read as follows— To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of The House of Representatives This petition is signed by concerned members of the...
- China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement. I rise as a proud member of the Labor Party and as a proud Labor representative in this place. I am proud because it was the Labor...
- Banks Electorate (1 speech)
I am very please this morning to have the opportunity to highlight a number of organisations in my electorate that are doing tremendous work in the community. On 2 October I attended the meeting...
- Taxation (1 speech)
There is a serious debate between the two major parties in Australian politics on how to handle multinational tax avoidance. We on this side of the House have put together a plan inspired by work...
- Hinkler Electorate: Health Services (1 speech)
Early next week, two oral healthcare centres are scheduled to be officially opened by the Queensland Minister for Health in my electorate of Hinkler. Unfortunately, I cannot be there due to...
- The Bunyip Newspaper, Indigenous Marathon Project (1 speech)
It is a great pleasure to talk to the House about The Bunyip, which is a local paper in the town of Gawler. It is a paper with great heritage in the town. The former Speaker's grandfather was an...
- Swan Electorate: Gateway WA (1 speech)
On Saturday I was at the Gerry Archer Oval for the Belmont Little Athletics opening day of the 2015-16 season. I see the member for Wakefield leaving the chamber. If ever I am in his area of...
- Ride-sharing Services (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about the concerns of taxi drivers and taxi owners as well as hire car operators and owners in my electorate whose livelihoods are being put at risk through the continued...
- Durack Electorate: Telecommunications (1 speech)
( I am pleased to speak to the House today to launch my latest campaign: 'Hey Durack, where is your mobile black spot?' As I am sure some my colleagues are very tired of hearing—I have said...
- Western Sydney: Public Transport (1 speech)
I extend my thanks to the prominent residents of eastern Sydney who take a lot of time to think about what Western Sydney needs and advocate for it, and have a willing ear in both the Sydney...
- Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
I rise to share with the House an important issue affecting Australia today: domestic violence. Latest statistics show that by 6.30 am, throughout Australia, police have attended the scenes of...
- Grayndler Electorate: Cooks River (1 speech)
( The Cooks River winds its way through the inner west as the southern boundary of my electorate of Grayndler. On a pleasant day, the local parks neighbouring the river overflow with families and...
- Corangamite Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
I rise this morning to speak about an important project in my electorate of Corangamite—that is, the duplication of the rail track between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds. This is becoming a...
- Government Services (1 speech)
Madam Deputy Speaker Landry, I think this may be the first time that you have been in the chair when I have spoken, so congratulations. I am going to share with the House something quite...
