Senate debates
Thursday, 26 June 2008
- Petitions (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
The Clerk: Petitions have been lodged for presentation as follows:
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
Senator Moore to move on the next day of sitting: That the Senate endorse the recommendation contained in paragraph 1.10 of the Community Affairs Committee report on the 2008-09 Budget estimates...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That the following government business orders of the day be considered from 12.45 p.m. till not later than 2 p.m. today: No. 3 Australian Energy Market...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Postponement (0 speeches)
The following item of business was postponed: General business notice of motion no. 123 standing in the name of the Leader of the Family First Party (Senator Fielding) for today, relating to an...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Membership (2 speeches)
I have received letters from party leaders seeking variations to the membership of committees.
- World Youth Day (0 speeches)
- (1 speech, 1 comment)
I move:That the Senate—(a) notes that:(i) Australia will host the visit of Pope Benedict XVI for World Youth Day 2008 from 15 July to 20 July 2008, in...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- GT Leste Biotech (0 speeches)
- (3 speeches)
I move:That the Senate asks the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Smith) to assess the memorandum of understanding between the Government of Timor Leste and GT Leste Biotech for a 100,000 hectare...
- Marine Environment (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move:That the Senate—(a) notes the International Whaling Commission 2008 State of the Cetacean Environment report, which lists the impact of climate change and ocean pollution...
- Whaling (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move:That the Senate—(a) expresses concern for the plight of two Japanese Greenpeace activists who are to be held another 10 days without charge by Japanese police for their...
- Budget (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Publications Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the third report of the Publications Committee. Ordered that the report be adopted.
- Community Affairs Committee; Report (4 speeches)
I present the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, A matter relating to the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Review 2000, together with the Hansard record of...
- Treaties Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, I present report No. 91 of the committee, Treaties tabled on 12 March 2008. I seek leave to move a motion in relation to the report and to...
- Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Report (2 speeches)
On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, I present the 410th report of the committee, Tax administration. I seek leave to move a motion in relation to the report. Leave...
- Governance Review Implementation (Aasb and Auasb) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (1 speech)
Bill received from the House of Representatives.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The speech read as follows— Today I introduce a bill...
- Protection of the Sea Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- First Reading (1 speech)
Bill received from the House of Representatives.
- Second Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The speech read as follows— The Protection of the...
- Communications Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2008; Statute Law Revision Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (2008 Budget and Other Measures) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Consideration of House of Representatives Message (3 speeches)
Message received from the House of Representatives returning the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (2008 Budget and Other Measures) Bill...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Rights of the Terminally Ill (Euthanasia Laws Repeal) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Report of Legal and Constitutional Affairs (5 speeches, 1 comment)
As the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs I present the report of the committee on the Rights of the Terminally Ill (Euthanasia Laws Repeal) Bill 2008...
- Parliamentary Zone (0 speeches)
- Tax Laws Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- In Committee (24 speeches)
Consideration resumed from 25 June.
- Australian Energy Market Amendment (Minor Amendments) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 23 June, on motion by Senator Conroy: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (International Agreements and Other Measures) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 16 June, on motion by Senator Faulkner: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Military Memorials of National Significance Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (3 speeches)
Debate resumed from 24 June, on motion by Senator Chris Evans: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Customs Amendment (Strengthening Border Controls) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 16 June, on motion by Senator Faulkner: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Customs Legislation Amendment (Modernising) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 16 June, on motion by Senator Faulkner: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Lands Acquisition Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 14 May, on motion by Senator Carr: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Governance Review Implementation (Aasb and Auasb) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (3 speeches)
Debate resumed.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (1999 Montreal Convention and Other Measures) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 16 June, on motion by Senator Faulkner: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage) Bill 2008; Protection of the Sea (Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (2 speeches)
Debate resumed from 16 June, on motion by Senator Faulkner: That these bills be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bills passed through their remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Sydney Airport Demand Management Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (4 speeches)
Debate resumed from 16 June, on motion by Senator Faulkner: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bill passed through its remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Governor-General Amendment (Salary and Superannuation) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (5 speeches)
Debate resumed from 24 June, on motion by Senator Chris Evans: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Third Reading (2 speeches)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. I take the opportunity to thank Senator Brandis for his contribution.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (5 speeches)
I move: That government business order of the day No. 1 (Tax Laws Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Bill 2008) be called on immediately and considered till not later than 2 pm.
- Tax Laws Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Alcopops (4 speeches)
My question is to Senator Conroy, the Minister representing the Treasurer. I refer to my question yesterday about the government’s legislation to validate its $3.1 billion midnight RTD tax...
- Budget (2 speeches)
My question is to Senator Evans, the Minister representing the Prime Minister. Can the minister report to the Senate on the progress of the important inflation-fighting measures contained in the...
- Goods and Services Tax (12 speeches)
My question is to Senator Conroy, the Minister representing the Treasurer. My question concerns the GST—a tax, I understand, Senator Conroy is very familiar with. In fact Senator Conroy...
- Climate Change (2 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Wong. Can the minister outline for the Senate the benefits of preparing the economy for climate change? Is there anything...
- Taxation: Family Trusts (12 speeches)
I direct my question to the Minister representing the Treasurer. I refer the minister to Labor’s decision to reverse the Howard government’s family trust changes. Is the minister...
- Fuel Prices (11 speeches)
My question is to Senator Conroy, the Minister representing the Treasurer. Minister, five years ago families were paying 85c a litre for petrol in Melbourne. Today they are paying $1.70 a litre....
- Carers (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Evans. In January, in a typical spin versus substance stunt, Kevin Rudd gave his senators and members—
- Ministerial Staff Code of Conduct (4 speeches)
My question is directed to the Special Minister of State, Senator Faulkner. Will the minister advise on the status of the code of conduct for ministerial staff which was foreshadowed by the Prime...
- Kurdistan (4 speeches)
My question, the last question I will ask in this chamber, with some sadness, is addressed to Senator Faulkner, the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Given that the nations...
- Child Abuse (4 speeches)
My question is to Senator Evans, the Leader of the Government in the Senate and the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. I remind...
- Higher Education (4 speeches)
My question is directed to Senator the Hon. Kim Carr, representing the Minister for Education. As a result of special coalition funding, the University of Tasmania was able to lift the proportion...
- Climate Change (4 speeches)
My question is also to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Carr. Could the minister please inform the Senate on what today’s CSIRO report, Growing the green...
- Natural Resource Management (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Senator Wong.
- President of the Senate (0 speeches)
- (7 speeches)
Although I will continue to be President until the new Senate elects my successor, today marks my last sitting day and last question time in this position. I believe that it is appropriate, and...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- Alcopops (3 speeches)
Mr President, could I also thank you and congratulate you on your term in office and thank you for your kind words about how much you missed Senator Carr and me in the last week. I took two...
- Defence Procurement (0 speeches)
- Return to Order (1 speech)
by leave—I want to respond to an order of the Senate that was agreed yesterday: that there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Defence no later than 3.30 pm...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Alcopops (4 speeches)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (Senator Conroy) to a question without notice asked by Senator Colbeck...
- Valedictory (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
I seek leave to incorporate a valedictory speech from Senator John Watson. It was in the chamber last evening but was not incorporated. Leave granted.
- Tax Laws Amendment (2008 Measures No. 1) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- In Committee (41 speeches)
Consideration resumed. (Quorum formed)
- Adoption of Report (7 speeches)
I move: That the report from the committee be adopted.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question put.
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Presentation (0 speeches)
Senator O’Brien to move on the next day of sitting:That the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for inquiry and report by 30 March...
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Auditor-General’S Reports (0 speeches)
- Report No. 45 of 2007-08 (1 speech)
In accordance with the provisions of the Auditor-General Act 1997, I present the following report of the Auditor-General: Report No. 45 of 2007-08: Performance audit—specific purpose...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Tabling (1 speech)
I table the following government documents: Parliamentarians’ travel paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation for the period July to December 2007 Former parliamentarians’...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Privileges Committee; Additional Information (1 speech)
On behalf of the Privileges Committee, I present additional information received by the committee in relation to its 133rd report, namely, a letter to the committee dated 16 June 2008 from the...
- Selection of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
by leave—I present the seventh report of 2008 of the Selection of Bills Committee. Ordered that the report be adopted. I seek leave to have the report incorporated in Hansard. Leave...
- Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Trustee Board and Other Measures) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008; Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Bill 2008; Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008; Tax Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Reduction) Bill 2008; Income Tax (Managed Investment Trust Transitional) Bill 2008; Income Tax (Managed Investment Trust Withholding Tax) Bill 2008; Tax Laws Amendment (Election Commitments No. 1) Bill 2008; Export Market Development Grants Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Assent (0 speeches)
Messages from His Excellency the Governor-General were reported informing the Senate that he had assented to the bills.
- Parliamentary Retiring Allowances Trust (0 speeches)
- Appointment (2 speeches)
I have received a letter from the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate nominating Senator Ferguson to serve as a trustee on the Parliamentary Retiring Allowances Trust, consequent upon the...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Community Affairs Committee; Extension of Time (1 speech)
by leave—At the request of Senator Moore, I move: That the time for the presentation of the report of the Standing Committee on Community Affairs on the Poker Machine Harm Reduction Tax...
- Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009; Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009; Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2008-2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (8 speeches)
Debate resumed from 23 June, on motion by Senator Sherry: That these bills be now read a second time.
- Valedictory (0 speeches)
- (6 speeches)
I am not sure how I feel about interrupting that interesting contribution by Senator Chapman—but that is not for me to comment on. When I first came into this place and made my first...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That the Senate continue to sit between 6.30 pm and 7 pm. Question agreed to.
- Valedictory (0 speeches)
- (9 speeches)
I would like to add my voice to the acknowledgement of the contribution of Senator Webber and other departing senators. As I explained in my own valedictory last night, because of the unique...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Membership (2 speeches)
Order! The President has received letters from party leaders seeking variations to the membership of committees.
- Temporary Chairmen of Committees (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
Order! Pursuant to standing order 12, I lay on the table a warrant nominating Senators Fierravanti-Wells, Humphries, Joyce, Parry and Trood as additional temporary chairs of committees when the...
- Election Commitments (0 speeches)
- Return to Order (26 speeches)
Yesterday I sought leave to take note of documents tabled on 23 June 2008 by Senator Faulkner relating to sports grants and I was told that leave would be granted today. Therefore, I again seek...
- Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009; Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009; Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2008-2009 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (6 speeches)
Debate resumed.
- Third Reading (0 speeches)
Bills passed through their remaining stages without amendment or debate.
- Leave of Absence (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Nash from 23 June to 26 June 2008 and Senator Fierravanti-Wells on 25 June 2008, for family reasons. Question agreed to.
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate do now adjourn till noon on 26 August 2008, or, such other time as may be fixed by the President or, in the event of the President being unavailable, by the Deputy...
- Child Abuse (1 speech)
I rise to give my final speech, and I wish to inform the Senate of some important measures that are being taken by the South Australian and the Rudd Labor governments to help protect children...
- Immigration; Taxation; Australian Democrats (1 speech)
Mr President, as you would know, Thursday evening is usually the time when an opportunity is given to speak to government documents. As some senators might know, that is something that I often...
- Mr Cleaver Elliott (1 speech)
I rise tonight to speak of someone named Mr Cleaver Elliott, who will be swapping jobs in the Senate and leaving his position as Clerk Assistant. That job title did not mean much to me before I...
- Budget (1 speech)
I want to take a minute or two to expand on a point that I was making earlier on at the conclusion of my remarks about this year’s budget. For the last 11 years, I have sat in this place on...
- President of the Senate (1 speech)
I will not detain the Senate for very long. I indicate that it is good to see retiring senators such as Senator Bartlett and Senator Chapman here to the very end. There are only minutes to go...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Tabling (0 speeches)
The following documents were tabled by the Clerk: [Legislative instruments are identified by a Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (FRLI) number] Aged Care Act—Determinations—...
