House debates
Monday, 20 March 2017
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Petitions Committee; Report (1 speech)
Today, I present the eighth report of the Petitions Committee for the 45th Parliament, together with 23 petitions and four ministerial responses to petitions previously presented. Of the 23...
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Statements (1 speech)
Petitioning the House is longstanding and important democratic right, and one which encourages involvement with the parliament by members of the public. With the introduction of the e-petitions...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Workplace Relations (11 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) families in regional and rural Australia rely on penalty rates to survive; (b) the Fair Work Commission's (FWC's) decision to cut penalty rates will...
- Australia-US Relations (13 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) recognises the strong historic relationship that exists between Australia and the United States of America; (2) acknowledges the Australia, New Zealand, United States...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- National Archives of Australia Advisory Council (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of section 10 of the Archives Act, this House appoint Mrs Prentice as a member of the National Archives of Australia Advisory...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Electoral Matters Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters I present the second interim report, incorporating dissenting reports, on the inquiry into the conduct of the 2016 federal election:...
- Intelligence and Security Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, I present the committee's report entitled Review of the listing and re-listing of four terrorist organisations under...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Mayo Electorate: Mount Lofty Ranges (1 speech)
The Mount Lofty region is pursuing a UNESCO World Heritage bid, and I want to publicly put my support behind its efforts. The Mount Lofty Ranges span my electorate from north to south, with small...
- Maranoa Electorate: Small Business (1 speech)
In my electorate of Maranoa, there are more than 30,000 small businesses working hard to support their local communities. Small business, particularly in smaller towns, thrives because of its...
- Michael Hughes Foundation (1 speech)
There is an amazing organisation in my community which literally saves lives. The Michael Hughes Foundation turn bystanders into first responders in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Their mission...
- Corangamite Electorate: Geelong (1 speech)
I rise to commend the government on our City Deals policy, which drives agreements between all levels of government to deliver investment and opportunity. Last week, I am very pleased to say here...
- Kingsford Smith Electorate: Harmony Day (1 speech)
Tomorrow is Harmony Day, Australia's annual celebration of multiculturalism, diversity and an inclusive community based on respect and a sense of belonging for all. Yesterday our community came...
- Kramer, Dr John (1 speech)
Today I would like to acknowledge Dr John Kramer, a well-respected general practitioner from Woolgoolga. Dr Kramer started working in Woolgoolga in 1981, when the town's population was just...
- Workplace Relations (1 speech)
I stand here today to give those opposite a bit of an IR lesson. They seem to choose to ignore the facts. When we talk about better off overall in collective bargaining we genuinely mean better...
- Belmont City Bowling Club (1 speech)
Last week I had the opportunity to see first hand the real difference the Turnbull federal government is making to our local communities. As part of the last round of the Stronger Communities...
- Western Australian State Election (1 speech)
I rise today to congratulate Premier Mark McGowan and the whole Western Australian Labor team on their remarkable electoral victory last Saturday, 11 March. It was a remarkable result that...
- Vocational Education and Training (1 speech)
Members from both sides are completing the work of the House Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training looking at innovation and creativity and making sure that the next generation...
- Lindsay Electorate: Glenmore Park Learning Alliance (1 speech)
Glenmore Park Learning Alliance is in its second year and coordinates young people from our community who are school prefects and captains. It is a chance for the primary students to gather with...
- Capricornia Electorate: Flying Foxes (1 speech, 1 comment)
I wish to raise an issue troubling the residents of Eungella at the peak of the Pioneer Valley. Last week, I witnessed first hand a large colony of flying foxes roosting in the national park...
- Buckley, Mr Tim (1 speech)
I rise to talk about a Territorian, Tim Buckley, and his son Ronan, who are competing in a very interesting marathon for a great cause. Tim is a long-time Territorian. He has lived in the...
- Berowra Electorate: Bendigo Bank (1 speech)
I rise today to highlight the success and incredible community spirit of the Galston and District Bank, a branch of the Bendigo Bank, in my electorate of Berowra. This week, the Galston branch of...
- Oxley Electorate: Naval Association of Australia (1 speech)
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Bundamba Naval Association to present them with a new red ensign flag and to accept the honour of becoming their patron. With 80 branches throughout...
- Farrer Food Fair (1 speech)
I rise today to highlight the magnificent food and wine that comes from the many growers and producers throughout my electorate of Farrer. I know my colleagues are keen to come to the very first...
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (1 speech)
This week, the Prime Minister faces a major test: does he stand on the side of bigots or on the side of multicultural Australia? If the government proposes any change to section 18C, no matter...
- Mackellar Electorate: Be Centre (1 speech)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting a unique play therapy centre in my electorate. The Be Centre is the only registered charity in Australia offering programs for children aged three to 13...
- Moreton Electorate: Holland Park Mosque (1 speech)
Yesterday, I was proud to help raise the Australian, Queensland and Aboriginal flags as part of a ceremony recognising the history of the Holland Park Mosque, Australia's oldest continuing mosque...
- Hughes Electorate: Roads (2 speeches)
I would like to acknowledge the very good work of the New South Wales state government in upgrading local roads in my electorate of Hughes. Firstly, we have had the upgrade of the Alfords Point...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
The Minister for Revenue and Financial Services will be absent from the House for the next two sitting weeks. The minister is unable to fly, given she is in the final weeks of her pregnancy, so...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Workplace Relations (24 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Andrew lives in Gawler in South Australia. He is here in the gallery today. Andrew works at Spotlight on a Sunday to pay his way through university. Andrew...
- Energy (5 speeches)
Will the Prime Minister advise the House how the government's Snowy Mountains Scheme 2.0 will make renewables reliable and help stabilise Australia's electricity supply for households and...
- Workplace Relations (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware that just last week the now former Western Australian minister Joe Francis said on 6PR radio: 'Penalty rates: I know people who...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon from the Parliament of Tasmania Minister Matthew Groom, the member for Denison. On behalf of the House I extend a very warm...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Regional Australia (7 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, last week you announced the Regional Australia Ministerial Taskforce. This is a welcome innovation and I look forward to a coherent regional...
- Infrastructure (4 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources. What action is the government taking to improve energy and water security for hardworking Australian...
- Energy (6 speeches)
My question is to the minister for the environment. Minister, I ask this question when only moments ago the spot price for electricity in South Australia was approaching 50 times the cost of...
- Pauline Hanson's One Nation (9 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to previous answers where he has defended his industry minister describing One Nation as more sophisticated. Since parliament last sat, we have had a...
- Energy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security. Will the minister inform the House what the expansion of the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme would mean for our...
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (4 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to reports that the Prime Minister's colleagues are seeking to water down protections against race hate speech. Will the Prime Minister rule out...
- G20 Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer update the House on key outcomes of the G20 finance ministers' and central bank governors' meeting in Germany? How will continued cooperation...
- Budget (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister rule out making any cuts to pensioners in this year's budget?
- Global Security (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister update the House on action that the government is taking with our international allies to ensure the security of Australians...
- Housing Affordability (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Finance. Can the minister confirm that the Minister for Finance said: We went to the last election promising no increases in taxes on...
- Workplace Relations (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Defence Industry, representing the Minister for Employment. Can he outline how the government's commitment to industrial relations reform will help protect...
- Housing Affordability (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Today the Treasurer said in relation to the housing market: I had discussions with the Council of Financial Regulators and we've been looking at these issues on...
- Immigration (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister update the House on the action the government has taken to maximise job opportunities for young...
- Superannuation (9 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. An eminent person, who is often quoted by the Prime Minister, has described allowing Australians to access super to purchase housing as a 'thoroughly bad...
- Murray Basin Freight Rail Project (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Will the minister update the House on projects that will address freight efficiency for the producers of the Wimmera, Mallee and...
- Telecommunications (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Urban Infrastructure representing the Minister for Communications. Minister, regional, rural and remote Australia faces a number of challenges, including poor...
- Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
- Report No. 42 of 2016-17 (1 speech)
I present the Auditor-General's performance audit report No. 42 of 2016-17 entitled Cybersecurity follow-up audit across entities. Ordered that the report be made a parliamentary paper.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
Documents are tabled in accordance with the list circulated to honourable members earlier today. Full details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Workplace Relations (3 speeches)
I am rising tonight to speak about an issue that is very critical to my electorate and is indeed a critical issue facing this country: protecting penalty rates and the terrible impact that the...
- Young Australians (1 speech)
One of the important opportunities we have as elected representatives in this parliament is to work with young people in our own local communities. It is an important part of our role, because...
- Infrastructure (1 speech)
A couple of Saturdays ago, a summer that has at times been infuriating and heartbreaking changed into something altogether different. Back in December, it was another story. Back in December,...
- Housing Affordability (1 speech)
The Prime Minister has declared that there has never been a more exciting time to be an Australian. Jobs and growth, driven by innovation, is the positive and optimistic mantra. However, the sad...
- Health Care (1 speech)
We have been hearing some rumblings and some vague references in the past few days about the government thinking it may lift its forecast six-year Medicare freeze. Well, I say hallelujah; it is...
- Sweeney, Mr Thomas 'Tom' Leo (2 speeches)
I rise tonight to acknowledge the death two weeks ago of Thomas Leo Sweeney and to place on record my condolences to his family and friends. I first met Tom Sweeney some 20 years ago and had many...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Lalor Electorate (1 speech)
It is my pleasure today to talk about what it means to live in a democracy. I have always believed that an informed, engaged and articulate community will be heard by government, will have the...
- Leak, Mr Bill (1 speech)
Last week, with the tragic death of Bill Leak from a massive heart attack at the age of 61, this nation lost a national treasure. It is worth reflecting on the last year of Bill Leak's life....
- Centrelink (1 speech)
I rise today to speak about the robo-debt debacle. It may no longer be in the news every single day but it is absolutely in the lives of many thousands of Australians every single day. Today I...
- People Who Care: Seniors Outdoor Fitness, Swan Electorate: Commonwealth Home Support Program (2 speeches)
Earlier this month I was asked to launch a world record attempt right in the heart of my electorate. Before I get into that world record attempt, let me tell you a little bit about the...
- Pensions and Benefits (1 speech)
Over the four long years of the Abbott-Turnbull government pensioners in Lilley and right across the country have endured economic assault after economic assault from the Liberal Party. First of...
- Toowong Rowing Club (1 speech)
The Toowong Rowing Club has a race-winning octogenarian eight. For them, rowing never gets old. The club, with an active membership of more than 250 rowers, has, however, seen its fair share of...
- parkrun (2 speeches)
parkrun is an international phenomenon. At present there are 210 parkrun locations within Australia. These events are free, organised by local volunteers and inclusive in that they are accessible...
- Lamont, Mr Andy (2 speeches)
I would like to inform the House of a constituent in my electorate of McPherson who encapsulates the spirit of adventure and generosity that Australians have become renowned for. His name is Andy...
- Western Australian State Election (1 speech)
On the weekend before last, my constituents voiced their support for a fresh approach to WA loud and clear at the ballot box, electing a Mark McGowan WA Labor government with a thumping majority....
- Innovation (2 speeches)
Next Monday in the Great Hall, we are going to have the innovation fair, where great innovations from the innovation capital of Australia, Macquarie Park, will be present. We will have a hydrogen...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- International Women's Day (13 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that International Women's Day: (a) was celebrated on Thursday 8 March, with this year's theme being Be Bold for Change; and (b) is an important time to reflect...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Energy (11 speeches)
I move: That this House notes that: (1) the Australian coal industry plays a vital role in the creation of jobs and investment in this country, particularly in central Queensland; (2) coal-fired...
- Burma: Rakhine State (8 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) commends the work funded by the Australian Development Assistance program through bilateral, multilateral and non-government organisation partners like Save the...
- Trade Unions (13 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the findings of the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, which found 'widespread and deep-seated' misconduct by union officials;...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Gallipoli War Poetry (1 speech)
On Wednesday, 15 March I hosted a bilingual poetry reading event in my electorate for the book This Intimate War: Gallipoli/Canakkale 1915. It is the only contemporary Australian-Turkish...
- Berowra electorate: Storms (1 speech)
Last month the temperature dropped and a severe storm descended on northern Sydney, hitting my electorate of Berowra especially hard. There were hailstones the size of golf balls falling at my...
- Dermer, Mr John (2 speeches)
Deputy Speaker and colleagues, it gives me enormous pleasure today to welcome into the parliament and to acknowledge one of Australia's outstanding artists, internationally acclaimed potter John...
- Groom Electorate: National Ice Action Strategy (1 speech)
Sunrise Way is a drug and rehabilitation centre in Toowoomba, working with others on the scourge of drug addiction in our community. Led by Wendy Agar and her team, they are helping people with...
- Guides Australia: Queens Guide Award (1 speech)
When you are five or six, being a Girl Guide seems like a lot of fun, but I want to pay tribute to one particular guide, a member of the Hazelbrook-Lawson district, who through weeks and months...
- Western Australian State Election, Canning Electorate: Telecommunications (1 speech)
Last weekend, Western Australians went to the polls and elected a new state government. I congratulate the McGowan government on its victory and trust the new Premier will join me and my WA...
- Lalor Electorate: Weerama Festival (1 speech)
Weerama means 'to play' and is the name of the festival that showcases all that there is in Wyndham. In 1978, the Keep Australia Beautiful committee merged with the Wyndham City Council to form a...
- Corangamite Electorate: Great Ocean Road, Corangamite Electorate: Medical Workforce (1 speech)
It was my great pleasure last Friday and Saturday to be in Apollo Bay, where I visited a wonderful ecotourism proposal. I met with Lizzie Corke of the Conservation Ecology Centre, and heard all...
- Morton Electorate: Harmony Week (1 speech)
I rise to mention the wonderful ceremony I participated in on Saturday, a citizenship ceremony, as part of Harmony Week celebrations. It took place at the Centre for Interfaith & Cultural...
- Page Electorate: Sporting Achievements (1 speech)
Today I congratulate a group of seven local high school girls on their fantastic performance at one of the biggest cheerleading competitions in the world. They are Shakira Jefferys and Jessi...
- South Sudan Australia Peace Initiative (1 speech)
It is with great sadness that I rise today to bring attention to the continuing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. The United Nations has issued a declaration of famine for the Leer and Mayendit...
- Petrie Electorate: Broadband (1 speech)
With the NBN rollout well underway, increasing numbers of residents in my electorate of Petrie are starting to make the switch. Just this week, in North Lakes, a second stage of the build was...
- Thomson, Miss Riharna (1 speech)
Canberra lost a beautiful young woman earlier this month, and today I rise to pay tribute to her. Riharna Thomson was 22 when she passed away from injuries she sustained in a tragic accident: a...
- Swan Electorate: Perth Stadium (1 speech)
I rise today to discuss the new Perth Stadium, a massive infrastructure project nearing completion in my electorate of Swan. Perth Stadium is a multipurpose venue designed to host AFL, rugby,...
- Indi Electorate: Mars Factory, 50th Anniversary (1 speech)
I would like to tell the House that manufacturing is alive and well in my electorate of Indi. Today I would like to make a special callout to Mars, the maker of over 550 million cans and trays of...
- Energy (1 speech)
Secure and affordable energy is the very foundation of our nation's prosperity. It gives me great concern that I read in today's paper an article by Robert Gottliebsen entitled, 'Energy crisis...
- Parramasala Festival (1 speech)
In Parramatta we have an enormous amount of talent, but it is not always seen. That is why for the last two years I have hired a stall at the Parramasala Festival to showcase some of our...
- Early Childhood Development (1 speech)
Most of us have children, and we want them to do well. We want them to inherit the best possible nation a generation from now. But, in reality, about one in four kids do not have that opportunity...
- Moorooka Laneway Festival, Ballistic Beer Company (1 speech)
I want to mention two events I went to in my electorate on the weekend—firstly, the Moorooka Laneway Festival in the suburb where I live. Steve Griffiths, Mark Bailey and many others...
- Capricornia Electorate: Flood Study, Capricornia Electorate: Mobile Blackspot Program Round 2 (1 speech)
I am pleased to inform the House that Isaac Regional Council in a remote part of Capricornia has been awarded a joint government grant to help cover the cost of a flood study for Moranbah. The...
- Lyons Electorate: Bream Creek Show (1 speech)
It is a great pleasure to announce that I was at the Bream Creek Show on Saturday in my electorate. This is an annual show, one of the better country shows in the country. I am sorry to tell my...
- Tangney Electorate: Kennedy Baptist College (1 speech)
I was pleased to join Principal Mark Ashby, Chairman Philip Bryant, students, staff and parents of the Kennedy Baptist College to open the new Kennedy sports centre. Head Boy Joe Frost, Head Girl...
- Solomon Electorate: Health Care (1 speech)
I want to update the House on the progress of the PET scanner and cyclotron for Darwin. We have had a great breakthrough in that the Northern Territory government is going to put in $3 million to...
- Maranoa Electorate: Australian Vinegar (1 speech)
Most people know Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt as Queensland and Australia's premier wine region, with more than 100 cellar-door wineries producing dozens of wine varieties, but it is also home...
- Canberra Electorate: Returned and Services League (1 speech)
Last week, I had the great pleasure once again to attend the ACT RSL's annual congress and AGM. I have been going to these meetings since 2011 and it is always a great pleasure to catch up with...
- Moore Electorate: HBF Arena (1 speech)
Population growth in my electorate has contributed to the increased need to expand local recreational sporting facilities. I am pleased to inform the parliament that construction works on the HBF...
- Parramatta Electorate: Holi Festival of Colours (1 speech)
On Sunday I attended two Holi Festivals of Colours in the Parramatta electorate. The first one, hosted by Hindi Samaaj, a regular event at Upjohn Park, was its usual wonderful family gathering....
- Wide Bay Motor Complex (1 speech)
The great city of Maryborough in Wide Bay is known for its serene environment and heritage architecture, but it also has a long history of a different kind. Motor sport enthusiasts have enjoyed...
- Diabetes (4 speeches)
I rise today to speak on the importance of diabetes awareness in Australia. Currently 1.7 million Australians are living with diabetes, a figure which is set to increase to 3½ million in two...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Workplace Relations (23 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) the retail trade industry is the second largest employment category in Australia; (b) one third of workers in the retail trade industry are between 15...
- Small Business (15 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) there are 2.1 million small businesses in Australia, accounting for 97 per cent of businesses in Australia; (b) the small business sector employs...
- Citizenship Applications (12 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes: (a) that Australian citizenship is precious and the community must have confidence that the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 is...
- Queensland Infrastructure (21 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) denounces the Queensland Government's underinvestment in infrastructure throughout the state; (2) notes that: (a) the Queensland Government: (i) has...
