House debates
Monday, 30 November 2015
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Responses (1 speech)
Ministerial responses to petitions previously presented to the House have been received as follows:
- Statements (1 speech)
Today's chair's presentation of petitions and responses is the last to occur in 2015. The next chair's presentation is scheduled for the first sitting Monday next year, on 8 February 2016. I will...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Eureka (6 speeches)
I move: That this House recognises: (1) the importance of the events that took place on 3 December 1854 on Eureka Hill at Ballarat; (2) the significance of these events in Australia's history;...
- National Security (12 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes the threat of violent extremism to Australian society; (2) further notes the: (a) acts of terrorism committed by violent extremists within Australia against...
- World AIDS Day (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) 1 December marks World AIDS Day, which is held every year to raise awareness about the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS, and is a day for people to...
- Domestic and Family Violence (5 speeches)
I move: That this House acknowledges the work of: (1) community legal centres in tackling domestic violence; (2) the United Nations and its 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Climate Change Rally (1 speech)
Yesterday I joined thousands of South Australians, including the federal member for Port Adelaide, Mark Butler, Labor Senator Anne McEwen, former Member for Hindmarsh and Labor's candidate for...
- Cowan Electorate: CCTV Installation (1 speech)
CCTV is an important element in combating crime. It has value in prevention, deterrence and detection of those involved in criminal activity on our streets and around our suburbs. All the way...
- Kingsford Smith Electorate: Cricket Competition (1 speech)
Yesterday I joined many members of our community to watch the mighty Randwick Petersham Cricket Club defeat Sydney university in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cricket Cup. Batting first, the local...
- Drought (1 speech)
Mr Deputy Speaker, drought has gripped my electorate of Barker—a phenomenon which I know that your own electorate of Maranoa knows much too much about. We are now experiencing a...
- Throsby Electorate: Top Blokes Foundation (1 speech)
Today I asking parliament to join with me in congratulating Melissa Abu Gazaleh, the 2016 New South Wales Young Australian of the Year. Melissa is a resident of Kanahooka in my electorate of...
- Petition: Mobile Phone Coverage (1 speech)
I table a petition containing 606 signatures which draws to the attention of the House the severe lack of mobile phone coverage in Doolbi, Horton, Abington, Goodwood, North Isis and Redridge in...
- Indi Electorate: Young Leaders (1 speech)
I would like to welcome proudly to the parliament today nine leaders from Indi. To Hannah, Will, Riley, Caleb, Mark, Quin, Brody, Lindsay and Jacqui, as our leaders, I would like to thank you for...
- Zonta: 16 Days of Activism (1 speech)
I have been a proud member of Zonta for many years and I am an advocate of our Zonta Says No campaign, which aims to combat violence against women on an international scale. Part of this is our...
- Richmond Electorate: Tourism (1 speech)
I rise to mention some major successes at the recent New South Wales Tourism Awards held last week in Sydney. I would especially like to congratulate these tourism achievements from my electorate...
- Durack Electorate: Exmouth (1 speech)
I am pleased today to speak about my recent trip to Exmouth a fortnight ago. Over 800 kilometres north of Geraldton, Exmouth is in the heart of the Gascoyne region, and this gorgeous iconic...
- Lalor Electorate: People's Climate March (1 speech)
I rise to share with the House an experience I had on Friday evening, when I proudly joined members of the Western Region Environment Centre and members of the Labor Party on the People's Climate...
- Corangamite Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
As Geelong and south-west Victoria continue to grow, the duplication of the rail track between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds is becoming a greater priority for our region. The current single...
- Newcastle Electorate: Hunter Medical Research Foundation (1 speech)
The Hunter Medical Research Foundation recently held their awards night to celebrate some of the remarkable work that their scientists do every day. The 2015 Researcher of the Year Award went to...
- Lindsay Electorate: Thoroughbred Racing Industry (1 speech)
The north and the southern wings of my electorate are home to many of the metropolitan thoroughbred racing breeding stables, including Darley's Osborne Park and Princes Farm, owned by the late...
- Canberra Electorate: People's Climate March (1 speech)
As so many of my colleagues have done, I rise today to speak about the People's Climate March that took place in Canberra yesterday but also at other locations right across the world. More than...
- Murray Electorate: Pony Clubs (1 speech)
The electorate of Murray is well known for its highly successful horse breeding. We have some of the best thoroughbred stables in Victoria, and Nagambie is the home of champion Black Caviar....
- Hotham Electorate: Hotham Writing Prize (1 speech)
Mr Deputy Speaker: Girls of today are bombarded with images of unattainable beauty. Through all these provocative and sexualised pictures it's difficult to find depictions of positive body image...
- Gilmore Electorate: Project Bucephalus (1 speech)
You have to be curious when you see an email from a group called Project Bucephalus asking you to support a MINDSTORMS event. Under the guidance of Lyndell and Andrew Clark, a number of my...
- Whaling (2 speeches)
Japan's announcement over the weekend that it will this summer resume the slaughter of whales in the Antarctic is an outrage that must be condemned. Less than two years ago, Australia won a...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that the Prime Minister will be absent from question time today and tomorrow. He is attending the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of The...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Climate Change (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Australian reports today that the Prime Minister will put innovation at the centre of his climate change agenda in Paris. In the context of...
- Child Care (2 speeches)
My question is to the Acting Prime Minister and the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. Will the minister advise the House how regional communities will benefit from the...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House we have present in the gallery this afternoon the Hon. Telmo Languiller, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria. On behalf of the House, I extend a very warm welcome...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Climate Change (10 speeches, 1 comment)
My question is also to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In a press conference immediately after deposing the member for Warringah, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said: … we've already...
- Budget (3 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Deloitte Access Economics now says the budget has deteriorated by $38 billion. How much of that deterioration occurred since he became Treasurer and how much...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon a delegation from the Council of Mayors South East Queensland. On behalf of the House, I extend a very warm welcome....
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Regional Australia (2 speeches)
My question is to the
- Taxation (11 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer advise the House how important it is for the tax system to support economic growth and jobs, and is the Treasurer aware of any alternative...
- Trade (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Trade and Investment. Will the minister update the House on the vital contribution that Australian exporters make to our economy across a wide range of areas...
- Economy (4 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Senior Treasury official Mr Nigel Ray has said that, under the Turnbull government, Australia is experiencing 'a prolonged period of below-par growth, the likes...
- Mental Health (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health. Will the minister please outline the government's plans to improve the care provided to people suffering from mental health issues? What has been the...
- Taxation (9 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Isn't it the case that the two quarters following the introduction of the GST, in 2000, saw the worst six-monthly performance of the Australian economy in the...
- Mining (4 speeches)
My Question is to the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia. As you are aware, my electorate of Flynn is home to some of Australia's most significant resources and energy...
- Parenting Payments (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, representing the Minister for Education. When will the government release the detailed modelling of its childcare package that...
- Azerbaijan (2 speeches)
My constituency question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Minister, in Cowan I have constituents of Azerbaijani and Turkish origins, and they have contacted me and asked me about the...
- Special Minister of State (4 speeches)
My question is to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's responsibility for the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act. As a matter of government policy, does the minister ask the...
- Manufacturing (4 speeches)
My constituency question is to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. One of the biggest issues for my constituents in Corangamite is jobs. There is strong growth in some sectors, but...
- Special Minister of State (3 speeches)
My question is again to the Special Minister of State. I referred to the minister's previous answer when I asked: does the minister ask the Australian Federal Police to investigate when staff...
- Family Payments (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Social Services. My electorate has a very mobile population, and Australia's childcare system is vital. My constituents are asking me how we can make savings...
- Special Minister of State (3 speeches)
My question is again to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's answers in question time last week and today. On 29 March 2012 the minister texted his email address to James...
- Infrastructure: Water (2 speeches)
My constituency question is to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources on behalf of the attendees of the Fitzroy water forum recently held in Rockhampton. Will the minister update the...
- Special Minister of State (2 speeches)
My question is again to the Special Minister of State. Again, I refer to text messages exchanged between the minister and James Ashby on 29 March 2012. The minister sent a text back, after James...
- Syrian Refugees (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. What security and screening measures is the government taking to ensure that the 12,000 refugees from Syria coming to...
- Special Minister of State (2 speeches)
My question is to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's answers in question time last week and today. On 29 March 2012, now former journalist Steve Lewis sent an email to the...
- Economy (2 speeches)
My constituency question is to the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia. Minister, the coal industry is absolutely critical to jobs and economic growth in my electorate of...
- Special Minister of State (10 speeches)
My question is, again, to the Special Minister of State. I refer to the minister's answers in question time last week and today. On 29 March 2012 James Ashby sent a text message to the minister...
- Wine Industry (5 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. Will the minister update the House on new innovations in the wine industry that will support the integrity of Australian wine...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
Documents are presented as listed in the schedule circulated to honourable members earlier in the day. Full details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Leave of Absence (1 speech)
I move: That leave of absence from 12 October 2015 to the end of the current period of sittings be given to the honourable member for Lilley on the ground of parliamentary business overseas....
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That consideration of government business order of the day No. 3, Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015, be postponed until a later hour this...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Centenary of Anzac (2 speeches)
by leave—It is with great pleasure that I rise to deliver this ministerial statement—my first as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for...
- Statements on Indulgence (0 speeches)
- Terrorist Attacks around the World (16 speeches)
I rise to speak on the terrorist attacks around the world and to support the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. I thank the member for Batman for his contribution just now,...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Social Cohesion (1 speech)
The Prime Minister has changed the tone of the government's language about Muslim Australians, and that is a good thing. Yesterday there was a return to the old rhetoric from the Minister for...
- Infrastructure: South-East Queensland (1 speech)
South-East Queensland is responsible for one fifth of Australia's economic and employment activity; and currently one in seven Australians resides there. Its population is expected to grow from...
- Telecommunications (1 speech)
Once again I find myself speaking on the mobile phone black spot issue, this time on behalf of the community of St Andrews—just near your electorate, Mr Speaker. Through the Mobile Black...
- Herbert Electorate: 3rd Brigade (1 speech)
As 2015 heads toward an inevitable close, Townsville's 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks embarks on a new phase. The last couple of years have seen a remarkable transition from an infantry base to...
- National Security (1 speech)
There has been a welcome change of tone in our national conversation about terrorism and national security since the new Prime Minister deposed the member for Warringah. Gone is the worst of the...
- Wright Electorate: Scenic Rim Business Excellence Awards (1 speech)
Today we were joined in the parliament by the Council of Mayors of South-East Queensland. I take this opportunity to acknowledge Paul Antonio, Mayor of Toowoomba; Paul Pisasale, Mayor of Ipswich;...
- Ladies in Black (1 speech)
In 20 years time, when Ladies in Black is having its second-decade anniversary performance, I will be able to say that I was at the opening night of that Queensland Theatre Company production of...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- HIV-AIDS (1 speech)
Tomorrow is World AIDS Day, a day to raise awareness of HIV-AIDS issues to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died. We have come a long way since the first...
- Second Sydney Airport (1 speech)
I rise to speak today regarding the Western Sydney Airport, which will be developed in Greater Western Sydney at Badgerys Creek. I rise to assure residents I represent that I have heard their...
- Scullin Electorate: Bubup Wilam (1 speech)
Bubup Wilam is an Aboriginal child and family centre established under the former national partnerships, located in Thomastown in the Scullin electorate. I have often spoken about Bubup Wilam in...
- Forde Electorate (1 speech)
It is always a terrific opportunity to stand in this House and celebrate some of the wonderful events that go on in our electorates each week. I would like to take this opportunity to talk about...
- Canberra Electorate: National Broadband Network (1 speech)
I rise this morning to again speak about an issue that is having a significant impact on thousands of Canberrans—that is, their internet connection, or lack thereof. Over the last six...
- Dobell Electorate: Coast Shelter (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about Coast Shelter, an organisation on the Central Coast that is dedicated to providing assistance to the most vulnerable people in our community. Coast Shelter has been...
- Corio Electorate: Economy (1 speech)
I read with interest that this weekend gone, the Victorian Liberal State Council met in my electorate in Geelong. But, whilst they may have been in Geelong, it is very clear that there is little...
- Solomon Electorate: Capital Grants Program, Solomon Electorate: Australian Football League (1 speech)
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of contacting three school principals in my electorate—Holy Family Catholic Primary School in Karama, Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School in Wanguri...
- Fowler Electorate: Grand Cultural Festival (1 speech)
Over the weekend, I attended the Grand Cultural Festival in Bankstown to celebrate 40 years since the first Vietnamese refugees were settled in this country. This vibrant event was organised by...
- Ryan Electorate: Defence International Training Centre (2 speeches)
As a member whose electorate is home to the second-largest Defence Force population in Australia, I involve myself in as many activities as possible to get a better understanding of the many...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Iraq and Syria (5 speeches)
I move: That this House calls on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to support a parliamentary debate during the current sitting on the Australian Government's strategy in response to the crisis in...
- Adoption (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that National Adoption Awareness Week was recently celebrated, a week dedicated to raising awareness around the challenges faced by families and children...
- Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (4 speeches)
by leave—On behalf of the member for Newcastle, I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) three diseases—HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria—still account for the deaths of...
- Illicit Drugs (20 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that the drug 'ice' is at epidemic proportions and having a huge impact on our communities; (2) acknowledges the Government has: (a) identified the ferocity of...
- Diabetes (6 speeches)
by leave—On behalf of the member for Moreton, I move: That this House: (1) recognises that 14 November is World Diabetes Day; (2) acknowledges that: (a) there are 1.1 million diagnosed...
- Iraq and Syria (2 speeches)
I rise to support the member of Sydney's motion: That this House calls on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to support a parliamentary debate during the current sitting on the Australian...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Road Safety (1 speech)
Every day across this nation, thousands of truck drivers go to work on the roads that run through our communities—roads that they share with our families, our community and people either...
- McGrath Foundation (1 speech)
On 9 October, Hugh Bateman, a real estate agent and auctioneer, departed his home town of Mudgee to make a trek of almost 3,000 kilometres throughout New South Wales on a pink tractor. Hugh...
- Young Archie 2015 (1 speech)
I rise to speak about the Young Archie competition, which promising young local artists between the ages of 13 and 18 across my region will be encouraged to enter. The Young Archie competition is...
- Bennelong Electorate: Royal Rehab (1 speech)
Bennelong has many organisations at the cutting edge of their fields, perhaps none more impressive than Royal Rehab in Ryde. Founded by a deaf and blind woman in the final years of the 19th...
- Brazil: Mining Disaster (2 speeches)
According to BHP Billiton's code: Health and safety, social responsibility and environmental sustainability are crucial to maintaining … our social licence to operate. Yet it is evident...
- Mallee Electorate: Nutbush Dance (1 speech)
Other important issues. Last Sunday, 29 November, at the Horsham City Oval, the Horsham community attempted a world record of the 'Nutbush' dance. I tried a bit of the training myself, and I have...
- Petition: Climate Change (1 speech)
I present a petition that has been approved by the Standing Committee on Petitions. The petition read as follows— To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives...
- Deakin Electorate: Deakin Student Leadership Roundtable (1 speech)
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of the secondary school leaders who took part in the 2015 Deakin Student Leadership Roundtable series. Following on from the success...
- Shortland Electorate: Justices of the Peace (1 speech)
On Saturday afternoon, I attended a luncheon to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Doyalson branch of the Federation of Justices of the Peace. We all know what a valuable role justices of the...
- Gilmore Electorate (1 speech)
On Friday the 13th, while visiting Gilmore to celebrate the development of environmental projects with local oyster and dairy industries, the Hon. Mal Brough and I attended a dynamic breakfast...
- Fraser Electorate: Electorate Office (1 speech)
Politics is a team sport and in this final sitting week of 2015 I thank the team who has supported me this year. I thank my full-time staff, Lyndell Tutty, Jacob White, Thomas McMahon, Jennifer...
- Macarthur Electorate: Camp Quality esCarpade (1 speech)
I rise today to commend Macarthur's Team Kermit which raised an amazing $77,610 for Camp Quality, a wonderful organisation focused on creating a better life for children affected by cancer....
- Scouts Victoria (1 speech)
On Friday night, I attended my first meeting as a member of the Scouts Victoria state council. The speeches from the Scouts were inspirational. Hearing from girls who said that they used to be...
- Lyne Electorate: Australian Air Force Cadets (1 speech)
On Saturday a week ago in my electorate, I had the pleasure of attending the Australian Air Force Cadets annual review parade in Taree, along with 100 other proud local members of the Manning...
- Churchland, Ms Kira (2 speeches)
I rise today to congratulate a Canberra cricketer who, on the weekend, smashed through another glass ceiling—go sister! Kira Churchland has become the first woman to play in the Cricket ACT...
- Brisbane Electorate: Design Competition (1 speech)
I rise to thank every one of the 600 local Brisbane primary school students who participated in my annual Christmas card design competition. Congratulations to the winning designers: competition...
- Indi Electorate: Wodonga Gold Cup (1 speech)
I rise today to congratulate Racing Wodonga on a highly successful Gold Cup on Friday. It was a beautiful day. Over 6,130 people watched Master Reset win the $90,000-cup. Congratulations to the...
- La Trobe Electorate: Fleetwood Primary School (1 speech)
Today I rise to recognise Fleetwood Primary School in the suburb of Narre Warren in my electorate of La Trobe. Fleetwood has approximately 330 students. It runs a fantastic range of educational...
- Shortland Electorate: Merchant Mariners (1 speech)
On Saturday 5 December, the annual merchant mariners morning will be held at Norah Head. This is an occasion when the community comes together and remembers the contribution that merchant...
- Sport (1 speech)
This has been a great few weeks for golf in Australia. Next door, in room 2R2, we have some of the elite golfers in Australia and about 20 members of parliament. Ten days ago, legendary...
- Horin, Ms Adele (1 speech)
Adele Horin's last article centred on the topic of luck: … I’ve attributed my moderate successes in life to luck— she began— Yes, hard work and intelligence do play a...
- Bonner Electorate: Wynnum (1 speech)
I am pleased to speak today on a fantastic initiative for small businesses in the Wynnum CBD area. This is an important part of my electorate. Wynnum CBD has experienced a downturn in the past,...
- Victoria: Public Housing (1 speech)
Earlier this year a woman who lives in my electorate, a constituent from Richmond, was doing the laundry in a shared laundry in her block of flats with her four-year-old. The four-year-old went...
- Indi Electorate: Electoral Office (1 speech)
I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank my staff by name: Jill Smith, manager; Karen Keegan, political adviser; Simon Crase, media and community engagement; and Kerryn Lee, PA and diary....
- South Australia: Arts Funding (1 speech)
South Australia is well known to some as the Festival State. It is with good reason, as the arts community in my state is strong and plays an im1portant role in the community. My own children...
- Shortland Electorate: Christmas (1 speech)
Each year, like many other members, I run a competition with schools for them to design a Christmas card. This year I had the usual excellent contributions from students throughout the...
- Reid Electorate: Maronite Community (1 speech)
In the seat of Reid I am blessed to have many wonderful communities. I go back a long way with one in particular—my local Maronite community. St Joseph's at Croydon was opened and blessed...
- Petrie Electorate: Rothwell roundabout (2 speeches)
On Friday last week, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the grade 5 students from Southern Cross Catholic College, MacKillop Campus, and their teacher, Jo Donohoe. The students had written to...
- Grievance Debate (0 speeches)
- Fiscal Policy (1 speech)
Madam Deputy Speaker, you yourself would know, being a marginal seat holder, that we have another scare campaign in marginal seats, headed up by the unions and their Labor mates. ACTU president...
- Calwell Electorate: Muslims (1 speech)
These are the words of one of my constituents, Dr Evangelia Axiarlis: The Australian mainstream media portrays a skewed stereotypical and overly negative image of the Muslim community. The...
- Hughes Electorate: Infrastructure (2 speeches)
This afternoon I would like to talk about what I believe is a terrible mistake my government is making, and it involves what is known as the Moorebank intermodal. I believe that, when history is...
- Taxation (1 speech)
Today I rise to speak on behalf of the 10 whiskey distilleries that I have in my electorate of Lyons, the craft brewers and, more broadly, the producers of the highest quality wines that this...
- Wakefield Electorate: Bushfires (1 speech)
It is my great honour to represent in this place some of most beautiful and productive farming land not just in South Australia but in the country and some of the best and most productive farming...
- Research and Development (1 speech)
In contributing to the grievance debate, I wish to make the case for greater investment in the commercialisation of local research and development in order to ensure that our domestic economy...
- Kingsford Smith Electorate: Urban Planning (1 speech)
When I was first elected as the member for Kingsford Smith, in September 2013, one of the first things that I did was to organise a public meeting at South Sydney Junior Rugby League Football...
- Page Electorate: Sport, Hosking, Mr Keith (1 speech)
Three swimmers from Trinity Lismore Swimming Club have performed exceptionally well at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide last week. The event is held every four years, and athletes from 12...
- Perdjert, Mrs Bilimbi Agatha, Tudor, Ms Jill (1 speech)
Last Friday I had the honour of attending a very uplifting celebration: the 100th birthday of a resident of Wadeye on the north-west coast of the Northern Territory, Bilimbi Agatha Perdjert....
