House debates
Monday, 2 March 2020
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- Responses (1 speech)
I present the following 17 ministerial responses to petitions previously presented to the House: The document was unavailable at the time of publishing.
- Statements (1 speech)
The four petitions that I present today are paper petitions, each with one signature only—that of the principal petitioner. One signature is the minimum required for a petition to be...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Gender Equality (13 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) International Women's Day will be held on Sunday, 8 March 2020; and (b) the theme for 2020 is 'Each for Equality', which calls on all of us to...
- Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles Project (9 speeches)
I move: That the House: (1) notes that new Defence projects such as the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles built under the $5 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability...
- Jewish Australian Internet Radio (7 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) the Jewish Australian Internet Radio (J-AIR) is an outstanding broadcasting service that brings together Jewish culture, news, analysis, music,...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Economics Committee; Report (2 speeches)
On behalf of the Standing Committee on Economics, I present the committee's report entitled Review of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority annual report 2019, together with the minutes...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
- Federation Chamber (2 speeches)
I have to report that the Deputy Speaker has informed me that last Thursday 27 February the Federation Chamber was adjourned early because of continuing disorder. I understand that, following...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Australian Bushfires (1 speech)
Over this summer—this terrible summer—we've also seen some wonderful things that Australians have done, coming together to support other Australians. We saw the tennis world and the...
- Forde Electorate: Beenleigh Yatala Junior Chamber of Commerce (1 speech)
The Beenleigh Yatala Junior Chamber of Commerce is one of the many wonderful organisations in my electorate of Forde that fosters the development of high school students across Logan and the...
- Parramatta Electorate: Shakti Temple (1 speech)
Two events—and the difference between them couldn't be starker. On the one hand, in this place of all places, we saw a playground level performance by Treasurer Frydenberg when he ridiculed...
- PM's Spelling Bee (2 speeches)
Apparently, a-p-p-a-r-e-n-t-l-y, many politicians p-o-l-i-t-i-c-i-a-n-s believe b-e-l-i-e-v-e they are humorous h-u-m-o-r-o-u-s, particularly p-a-r-t-i-c-u-l-a-r-l-y when they persistently...
- Wellbeing Budget (3 speeches)
I was approached by many Australians over the weekend, appalled by the Treasurer's disgraceful performance last week. He thought he was being funny, attacking Labor for showing interest in New...
- Brown, Dr Benjamin (Ben) (1 speech)
I rise today to acknowledge the altruistic work and charitable actions of Dr Ben Brown and his team of nurses at the Sydney Animal Hospitals Newport, who put the needs of helpless animals above...
- Vocational Education and Training (1 speech)
New data from the education department reveals the Central Coast has lost 1,140 apprentices and trainees under the Liberals. Around 140,000 apprentices and trainees have been lost across...
- Agriculture Industry (1 speech)
Last Friday, in my capacity as chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources, I was briefed on Tasmanian Irrigation projects by CEO Andrew Kneebone. He described the 16...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
The Prime Minister needs to take climate science as seriously as he's taking the coronavirus science. Our summers are now twice as long as our winters in Australia. The climate crisis is hitting...
- Returned and Services League of Australia (1 speech)
Last month I was invited to celebrate the Woodford RSL Sub Branch's 100th anniversary with its more than 60 members. It got me thinking about the important role that RSL sub-branches play in the...
- Buddhist Vihara of Queensland (1 speech)
I'm delighted to advise the House that over the weekend I attended the opening ceremony of the Buddhist Vihara of Queensland as a place of worship. The Buddhist Vihara of Queensland services a...
- Environmental Conservation, National Plastics Summit (1 speech)
Plastic makes up around 80 per cent of all marine litter. In 2050 it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by weight. That is why I'm proud to be part of a...
- Women in Sport, T20 World Cup (3 speeches)
Today at 3 o'clock, while many of us in this place will be in question time, the mighty Australian cricket team will be taking on New Zealand for the sudden-death play-off to make it into the...
- Clean Up Australia Day (1 speech)
Hear, hear, Member for Dunkley! Yesterday was Clean Up Australia Day. Like thousands of Australians, I donned gloves and got out in the community to help restore our beautiful country. Every year...
- International Women's Day (1 speech)
It's International Women's Day on Sunday 8 March. I'll be celebrating with the women of Moreton on Friday with a morning tea. This year's theme is: 'An equal world is an enabled world. How will...
- Coronavirus (1 speech)
I rise to highlight the work being achieved by our medical research community in responding to the global coronavirus epidemic. The Morrison government has been preparing for the current public...
- Defence (1 speech)
This government likes to brag about its support for defence, but the truth is this government uses the defence capital budget as an ATM. Only last week we heard that they ripped out $5.2 billion...
- STOVES, Ms Doreen AM PSM (1 speech)
At the end of this month the Manningham community will say good bye to the chief executive officer of Doncare, Doreen Stoves. Doncare is the main welfare organisation in Menzies and has provided...
- Morrison Government (1 speech)
The people of Australia are getting a bit sick and tired of seeing the Treasurer and the Prime Minister use question time as a forum to practise their amateur acting skills. Outside the problems...
- Bass Electorate: Exeter Show (2 speeches)
Agricultural shows are an integral part of our community identity, and nowhere was this better represented than at the Exeter Show this past Saturday. I was thrilled to officially open the 107th...
- Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
Before we begin today, can I wish the Leader of the Opposition a happy birthday. I'm sure he'll return it in kind, generous remarks as question time goes on. I don't think so! An honourable...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Cabinet Office Policy Committee (4 speeches)
Thank you, Mr Speaker. My question is to the Prime Minister. Today the Minister representing the Prime Minister told the Senate that the Cabinet Office Policy Committee is made up of just one...
- Coronavirus (2 speeches)
My question is for the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister inform the House why the Morrison government is well prepared to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and its impacts, and what next...
- Cabinet Office Policy Committee (14 speeches)
My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. I ask: can he confirm that he is the only permanent member of the Cabinet Office Policy Committee?
- Coronavirus (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health. Will the minister outline the actions the Morrison government is taking to protect Australians from a coronavirus outbreak, including how it is working...
- Australian Bushfires (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Why has the Prime Minister broken his promise of immediate support for bushfire affected communities, given that fewer than 20 per cent of applications for...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I'd like to inform the House that we have present in the gallery this afternoon the Hon. Ian Viner AO QC, a former member of this House and minister for Indigenous affairs. On behalf of the House...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Energy (2 speeches)
Energy minister. The complete collapse of mineral processing. The most coal and gas rich nation on earth has the highest gas and electricity charges. Steel, aluminium and copper have stated plans...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
For the information of honourable members, I'd like to advise that a well-liked, well-known and well-respected member of our Parliamentary Library team is soon to retire. Indra Kuruppu is a...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Coronavirus, Economy (2 speeches)
I ask the Treasurer: would he outline to the House how the Morrison government has taken action to ensure that the Australian economy and our financial system are well prepared to respond to the...
- Eden-Monaro Electorate: Australian Bushfires (5 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, the president of the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce, Nigel Ayling, has said that this members have lost up to 60 per cent of their annual...
- Coronavirus (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer update the House on the impact of the coronavirus on the Australian economy, and how will this inform the Morrison government's response to...
- Alinta Energy (10 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. When did the Prime Minister first become aware that the foreign investment conditions he imposed on Alinta Energy as Treasurer, which were meant to protect...
- Infrastructure (2 speeches)
My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. Will the Deputy Prime Minister inform the House how the Morrison-McCormack...
- Alinta Energy (2 speeches)
My question is for the Treasurer. It refers to his earlier answer about Alinta Energy. Can the Treasurer explain why he's protecting the privacy of the company but not protecting the privacy of...
- Coronavirus (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Health. Will the minister outline to the House how the Morrison government is continuing to ensure our health system and our citizens are well prepared to...
- Community Sport Infrastructure Grant Program (2 speeches)
My question is to the Prime Minister. Today the Prime Minister's own department told the Senate that Mr Gaetjens wasn't aware of the 136 emails and 28 colour-coded spreadsheets that passed...
- Coronavirus (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. Will the minister outline to the House how the Morrison government's strong border protection regime is helping to protect Australians from the...
- Economy (9 speeches)
My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister stand by his 2019 statement that he 'brought the budget back to surplus next year'?
- Coronavirus (3 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. Will the minister update the House on how the Morrison-McCormack government has been at the forefront of infectious diseases...
- Economy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Why does the Treasurer pretend that weakness in the economy is entirely due to the bushfires and coronavirus, when last year the Reserve Bank had already cut...
- Coronavirus (4 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Education, representing the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Will the minister outline to the House how the Morrison government is responding to the...
- Economy (2 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer confirm that recent data showed that, in the December quarter, construction work fell by three per cent and capital expenditure fell by 2.8 per...
- Coronavirus (2 speeches)
My question is to the Attorney-General. Will the Attorney outline to the House how legislative mechanisms currently in place ensure the Morrison government is able to respond to the coronavirus?
- Economy (7 speeches)
My question is to the Treasurer. Can he confirm that since he became Treasurer economic growth has almost halved, wages growth has stalled further, business investment and productivity have...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Corporations and Financial Services Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, I present the committee's report entitled Regulation of auditing in Australia: Interim report—Report,...
- Public Works Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present Eighty-third annual report (2019) of the committee. Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing...
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Coronavirus (1 speech)
On 3 January this year, I received a message from someone who has a longstanding interest in epidemiological and pandemic reports and who drew my attention to a report from the Center for...
- Moore-Gilbert, Dr Kylie (1 speech)
I rise to draw attention to the plight of Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian national and an academic by profession who has been held in Iranian state custody since September 2018. Dr...
- Economy (1 speech)
There is a lot of concern and anxiety in our community about the coronavirus outbreak. We understand that anxiety. That's why we have extended a bipartisan hand when it comes to listening to and...
- Herbert Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
One of the gems of the electorate of Herbert is Great Palm Island, a community with a rich Indigenous heritage and history. Recently I had the great pleasure of heading over once again for a...
- Defence Procurement (1 speech)
In 2007, when I was elected here, there were a number of problems with the Collins class submarine. They centred around politics, because the Howard government had decided to blackguard that very...
- Forde Electorate (1 speech)
It's my pleasure to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of some great individuals across my electorate of Forde. On the weekend a number of locals in many of our electorates would have...
- Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
- Corangamite Electorate (1 speech)
In 1868, something extraordinary took place in the maritime village of Queenscliff: our nation's first international sporting team sailed from the Queenscliff harbour to complete a tour of...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
I rise to address the Labor Party's recently announced policy of net zero emissions by 2050. Let's be clear: that's a policy that would cripple the Australian agriculture industry. Opposition...
- Payten, Mr David (Dick), OAM (1 speech)
A few years ago I was asked to represent the Australian government and the Australian people at the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Kokoda. I took that trip, along with Scott Morrison,...
- Braddon Electorate: Mr Peter Brown (3 speeches)
Lest we forget. There is absolutely no doubt that we live in the best country in the world, and that our country needs defending. Our borders and our interests, now more than ever, require young...
- Newstart Allowance (3 speeches)
This March—this month—marks the 20th anniversary since Newstart last had an over-the-inflation-rate increase. That of course was done by the Keating government at the time, and now we...
- Domestic and Family Violence (1 speech)
The tragic events of the past month have been a horrific reminder that the scourge of domestic violence, and in particular violence by men against women and often their own children, continues to...
- Organ Donation (1 speech)
Today I want to talk about a subject that is quite difficult for some people and some families but is really important—organ donation and donating your body to science when you pass. It can...
- Grey Electorate: Infrastructure (1 speech)
Yesterday I had the great pleasure of attending a press conference just north of Gepps Cross in Adelaide with the Premier, Steven Marshall, the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Stephan...
- Newcastle Electorate: Coastal Erosion (1 speech)
The weekend before last I stood shoulder to shoulder with Stockton residents. Stockton is a tight-knit community that is under massive pressure as it faces the full force of unchecked coastal...
- Clean Up Australia Day (2 speeches)
I rise to congratulate my community on a very successful Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday. This is a tremendous event that allows locals to get out there and, with the support of all levels of...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (22 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) on 20 January 2020 the final report from the review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 was handed down by Mr David Tune AO PSM; and...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Cain, Hon. John (5 speeches)
I move: That this House expresses its sincere sorrow at the death of the Honourable John Cain, and acknowledges his extraordinary contribution to public life and to the State of Victoria, in...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Medicare (10 speeches)
It's a real pleasure to rise today and just provide a little reminder of something that I sense that many Australians, at times, can take for granted. Of course, I'm speaking about the wonderful...
- Statements by Members (0 speeches)
- Indi Electorate: Tastes of Rutherglen (1 speech)
Grape and wine production is a major industry in Indi. From the King Valley's Prosecco Road to the full-bodied reds of Glenrowan and Rutherglen, our magnificent vineyards draw crowds, win awards...
- Boothby Electorate: Road Infrastructure (1 speech)
On 28 January this year I called on the South Australian Liberal government to urgently commission a planning study to find a heavy-vehicle bypass route to get trucks off the South Eastern...
- Macnamara Electorate: Community Events (1 speech)
Elwood is so nice that even members of the National Party like to go there! On the weekend I spent time at a number of different community events at Elwood. On Saturday afternoon I attended the...
- Lyne Electorate: Barrington Coast Region (1 speech)
I'd like to take this opportunity to promote a beautiful region in my electorate called the Barrington coast. It's governed by the MidCoast Council. Not only has the whole area been hard-hit by...
- Defence Facilities: Chemical Contamination (1 speech)
In early September 2015, my community was faced with a terrible shock. Splashed across the front page of the Newcastle Herald was: 'red zone'; 'contamination'. Commercial fisheries were closed...
- British Pensions (1 speech)
At every level, Australia's relationship with the United Kingdom is deep and enduring. We share so much in terms of our people-to-people contacts, our values and our history. It therefore saddens...
- Aged Care (1 speech)
Late last week we saw an extraordinary backflip by this government. It finally backflipped on its decision to privatise the aged-care assessment teams. After trying to pretend that it hadn't, two...
- Business (1 speech)
Today is Labour Day in my home state of Western Australia, a day which commemorates the achievements of organised labour to implement the eight-hour working day many the middle of the 19th...
- King, Ms Vicky (1 speech)
This Thursday in Wollongong we will pay our final farewell to a friend, a local city councillor, a local community leader—Vicky King. Vicky is the sort of person who I feel like I have...
- Lindsay Electorate (1 speech)
Like so many people in my community of Lindsay, my family and I enjoy spending time on the Nepean River. Our river has been there for generations for people in Western Sydney to enjoy. That's why...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
Climate change is real. The opportunities of acting on climate change are real—secure jobs, cheaper energy and a cleaner world. I spoke to a range of people on Clean Up Australia Day on...
- Coronavirus (1 speech)
The welfare of the people is to be the highest law—anyway, that's what Cicero said, or 'Kikkero', as my Latin teacher would correct me—and obviously the welfare of the people is best...
- Queensland: Bundamba By-Election (1 speech)
I rise to place on record my thanks and support for Jo-Ann Miller, the outgoing state member for Bundamba. Jo-Ann's been a fierce fighter for the people of Bundamba for over 20 years. Jo-Ann has...
- NSW TrainLink (1 speech)
Most members of parliament travel to and from Canberra by plane, and a few of us are lucky enough to drive. Last week I decided to make the journey by train, which is operated by NSW TrainLink....
- Defence Facilities: Chemical Contamination (1 speech)
Along with many colleagues, I welcome the in-principle agreements reached in the class action over PFAS contamination in Williamtown, Katherine and Oakey. They are a win for these brave...
- British Commonwealth Occupation Force, Royal Papua and New Guinea Constabulary (1 speech)
Deputy Speaker Claydon, I want to remember two unique forms of national security: the British Commonwealth Occupation Force from 1945 and 1952 and the kiap patrol officers from 1949 to 1973, who...
- Moreton Electorate: Meals on Wheels (1 speech)
There are several wonderful Meals on Wheels services in my electorate of Moreton. Before I had kids and entered parliament I used to volunteer weekly, but I still try to get out and help them...
- Berowra Electorate: Inala (1 speech)
Inala is an outstanding organisation in my electorate which reflects so much of our community that makes me proud. It was founded in 1958 to provide the highest quality support to individuals...
- Calare Electorate: School Grants (1 speech)
I want to congratulate our 13 local schools who received funding under the Local Schools Community Fund. The successful schools in this round of funding are: Aitken Hill Primary School, to build...
- Heart Health Check (1 speech)
Last Wednesday, along with many of my colleagues, I took an annual heart health check. Qualified health professionals measured my blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels. I can...
- Shipping: Aurora Australis (1 speech)
It should be a no-brainer for a government that has otherwise ignored the serious decline in Australian shipping to look closely at the opportunity to secure the ongoing service of the Aurora...
- Reid Electorate: Schools (1 speech)
I rise today to commend the schools across Reid who are being supported by funding from the Morrison government for their fantastic environmental initiatives. There is $48,000 being delivered to...
- Cootes, Mr John, OAM (1 speech)
John Cootes is an Australian legend, and his legendary status was recognised on Australia Day when he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. Many people know John as a champion rugby...
- National Security (1 speech)
Most of us will never see the work that ASIO does in the shadows to keep us safe, that's why the Director-General's annual threat assessment speech is so important. I attended the speech last...
- Blair Electorate: Act For Kids (1 speech)
Today I wish to acknowledge and congratulate Act For Kids, doing great work in Ipswich in my electorate of Blair. Act For Kids is a charity providing integrated life-changing therapy to kids who...
- Groom Electorate: Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School (1 speech)
On Friday night my wife, Anita, and I were honoured to be guests at the Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance School, or RAMS, official dining-in night at the Swartz Barracks, Oakey, Army Aviation...
- Treasurer (1 speech)
According to its latest annual report, outcome 1 of the Australian Treasury is 'to improve the wellbeing of the Australian people'. Treasury has included 'wellbeing' in its mission statement...
- Veterans (1 speech)
Australian veterans deserve the best care. The allied health professionals and occupational therapists delivering that care deserve to be fairly compensated. But the Department of Veterans'...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
I spent most of my Sunday at the Sydney Road Street Party, chatting to the people of my electorate of Wills. I put up a board near the stall, with issues of importance marked on it, and invited...
- Fairfax Electorate: Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club (2 speeches)
I'd like to think that my deep suntan and my thick dreadlocks and chiselled physique might make it very clear that I represent some of Australia's finest surfing beaches, up on the 'Sunny Coast'...
- Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation (14 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) thanks the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for its service in delivering vital emergency broadcasts and comprehensive coverage during the catastrophic...
- Online Safety (8 speeches)
I rise to support this motion and to acknowledge the government's efforts to keep Australians safe online. In particular, I support the integration and expansion of the Office of the eSafety...
- Home Care Packages (10 speeches)
I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) there are 120,000 older Australians waiting for their approved home care package, with many waiting more than two years for the care they...
- Vocational Education and Training (7 speeches)
In my electorate of Lindsay, the pathways to education are creating bright, positive futures for our young people. It's all about ensuring that we're creating local jobs for local people; backing...
