Senate debates
Thursday, 4 December 2008
- MS Andrea Griffiths: Usher of the Black Rod (0 speeches)
- (9 speeches)
This is the last sitting day for the Usher of the Black Rod, Andrea Griffiths, before her retirement. Andrea started in the Department of the Senate on 1 July 1982—more than 26 years...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Presentation (0 speeches)
Senator Abetz to move on the next day of sitting:That—(a)there be laid on the table by the Chair of the Economics Committee (Senator Hurley), no later than 3 February 2009, an answer to...
- Withdrawal (2 speeches)
Pursuant to notice given at the last day of sitting I now withdraw notices of motion Nos 1 to 4 standing in my name for today.
- Leave of Absence (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Boyce for today, for personal reasons. Question agreed to.
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Postponement (0 speeches)
The following item of business was postponed: Business of the Senate notice of motion no. 6 standing in the name of Senator Barnett for today, proposing a reference to the Legal and...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Environment, Communications and the Arts Committee; Reference (1 speech)
I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 5 standing in my name. Leave granted. I move the motion as amended: That the following matters be referred to the Environment,...
- Procedure Committee; Reference (1 speech)
I move:That the following proposed amendments to standing order 25 be referred to the Procedure Committee for inquiry and report by 25 February 2009: Omit paragraphs (5) and (6),...
- Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee; Reference (2 speeches)
I move:That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee for inquiry and report by 18 June 2009: The investment of Commonwealth and State funds...
- Procedure Committee; Reference (3 speeches)
That the following matter be referred to the Procedure Committee for inquiry and report by 25 February 2009:The temporary orders of the Senate of 15 October 2008 and 13 November 2008,...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (11 speeches)
I ask that government business notice of motion No. 1 to vary the hours of meeting and routine of business for the remainder of the week be taken as formal.
- Human Rights (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
Given that 10 December is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I move:That the Senate—(a)notes that:(i)9 December 2008 is the 60th anniversary of the adoption...
- Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move:That the Senate—(a)notes and commends the sensible action taken by Labor Senators Sterle and Hutchins and also the Labor Member for Throsby, Ms George, in expressing concern over the...
- Duck Hunting (0 speeches)
- (3 speeches)
Mr President, before I move my motion on duck hunting, I seek leave to table a document. I understand I have support from the government and the opposition to do this. Leave granted. I table the...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bank Deposit Guarantee Committee; Establishment (32 speeches)
Mr President, I ask that general business notice of motion No. 324 standing in my name for today relating to the establishment of the Select Committee on the Bank Deposit Guarantee be taken...
- Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
I move: That the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing order 33(1) during the sitting of the Senate on...
- Senate Temporary Orders (0 speeches)
- (4 speeches)
I move: That the temporary orders of the Senate of 15 October 2008 and 13 November 2008, relating to the abolition of questions to senators other than ministers and to chairs of...
- Air Traffic Controllers (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move:That the Senate—(a)expresses its concern about the ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers at Australian airports;(b)welcomes the Government’s acknowledgement of the...
- Green Cooling Council LTD (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move:That the Senate—(a)notes that the Green Cooling Council Ltd’s highly significant and internationally-recognised work to facilitate a reduction in the use of high global warming...
- Denison Electorate (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move:That the Senate asks the Minister responsible for the Australian Electoral Commission to:(a)furnish the Senate with reasons for rejecting the name Inglis Clark (Andrew Inglis Clark was a...
- Koala Habitat (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move:That the Senate—(a)welcomes the reported decision of the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment (Ms Tebbutt) to spend $1.23 million on a recovery plan for koalas, including...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Withdrawal (1 speech)
Mr President, I withdraw general business notice of motion No. 324 standing in my name for today, proposing the establishment of a select committee on the bank deposit scheme.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Publications Committee (1 speech)
On behalf of Senator Carol Brown, I present the 8th report of the Senate Standing Committee on Publications. Ordered that the report be adopted.
- Budget (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Report (1 speech)
It is my pleasure this morning, on behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, to present report No. 413, creatively entitled The efficiency dividend and small agencies:...
- Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Intelligence and Security Committee; Membership (0 speeches)
Message received from the House of Representatives informing the Senate of the appointment of Mrs Hull to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.
- Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of Senator Sterle, I present the final report of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee on climate change and the Australian agricultural sector, together with the...
- Community Affairs Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of Senator Moore, I present the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, Government expenditure on Indigenous affairs and social services in the Northern Territory,...
- Economics Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of Senator Hurley, I present the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Economics, Disclosure regimes for charities and not-for-profit organisations, together with the Hansard...
- Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Committee; Report (4 speeches)
On behalf of Senator Marshall, I present the report of the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Allegations of academic bias in universities and schools,...
- Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee; Report (2 speeches)
I seek leave to comment on the report on agriculture and climate change tabled by the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport.
- Water Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Adoption of Report (0 speeches)
Debate resumed from 2 December, on motion by Senator Wong, as amended: That the report of the committee of the whole be adopted but, due to the Government’s failure to support in the House...
- Schools Assistance Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That intervening business be postponed till after consideration of government business order of the day no. 6 (Nation-building Funds Bill 2008 and related bills). Question agreed to.
- Nation-Building Funds Bill 2008; Nation-Building Funds (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008; Coag Reform Fund Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (4 speeches, 1 comment)
Debate resumed from 3 December, on motion by Senator Chris Evans: That these bills be now read a second time.
- In Committee (60 speeches)
NATION-BUILDING FUNDS BILL 2008 Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Uranium (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Faulkner. In today’s first national security statement to the parliament, the government identified...
- Economy (6 speeches)
My question is to the minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Evans. Can the minister outline to the Senate how the government’s Economic Security Strategy will deliver extra...
- Automotive Industry (28 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Carr. Does the minister fully support the recommendations of the Australian government’s Green Vehicle...
- Child Care (11 speeches)
I hope that Minister Carr will answer my questions with such enthusiasm. My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Education, Senator Carr. On 22 October, during estimates, the...
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (39 speeches)
My question—
- Australian Public Service (11 speeches)
My question is addressed to the Cabinet Secretary and Special Minister of State, Senator Faulkner. Will the minister inform the Senate of measures being taken by the government to ensure that...
- Border Protection (6 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Wong. Why did the government reject the submission of the minister responsible for the Australian Customs...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- (2 speeches)
Order! I draw the attention of honourable senators to the presence in the chamber of a parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Indonesia, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives,...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Alcohol Abuse (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Ludwig. Does the government agree that it is an important consumer right to have safety information on...
- Broadband (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. I refer to the minister’s recent reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to...
- Superannuation (7 speeches)
As the last questioner of the year, I have a question to the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Sherry. Is the minister aware of the ballooning problem of lost superannuation...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- Internet Filtering (1 speech)
Could I just update an answer I gave yesterday. I indicated that Senator Bernardi may have signed the letter supporting ISP filtering. He has informed me that he was not one of the 62 coalition...
- Agriculture (1 speech)
I wish to provide answers to the questions I took on notice, in my capacity as Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, during question time on 25 November from...
- Executive Salaries (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
by leave—On Tuesday last week I moved a motion: That the Senate calls on the Government to detail before Parliament rises in 2008, the actions it will take in relation to the concerns about...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Selection of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
by leave—I present the 17th report of 2008 for the Selection of Bills Committee. Ordered that the report be adopted. I seek leave to have the report incorporated in Hansard: Leave granted....
- Budget (0 speeches)
- Proposed Additional Expenditure; Consideration by Estimates Committees (1 speech)
I table particulars of proposed expenditure, as well as the Issues from the Advance to the Finance Minister as a final charge for the year ended 30 June 2008 and the final budget outcome...
- Portfolio Budget Statements (1 speech)
I table portfolio additional estimates statements and a portfolio supplementary additional estimates statement for 2008-09 for portfolios and executive departments in accordance with the list...
- Ministerial Statements (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Auditor-General’S Reports (0 speeches)
- Report No. 11 of 2008-09 (1 speech)
In accordance with the provisions of the Auditor-General Act 1997, I present the following report of the Auditor-General: Audit report No. 11 of 2008-09: Performance audit: disability...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Tabling (1 speech)
I table four documents:Parliamentarians’ travel paid by the Department of Finance and Deregulation for the period January to June 2008Former parliamentarians’ travel paid by the...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Treaties Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, I present report No. 97 of the committee, Treaties tabled on 16 September 2008. by leave—I move: That the Senate take note...
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Membership (2 speeches)
The President has received letters from party leaders seeking to vary the membership of committees.
- Nation-Building Funds Bill 2008; Nation-Building Funds (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008; Coag Reform Fund Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- In Committee (49 speeches)
Consideration resumed.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That these bills be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bills read a third time.
- Safe Work Australia Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That intervening business be postponed till after consideration of government business order of the day no. 5, (Interstate Road Transport Charge Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2008 and...
- Interstate Road Transport Charge Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2008; Road Charges Legislation Repeal and Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- In Committee (50 speeches)
ROAD CHARGES LEGISLATION REPEAL AND AMENDMENT BILL 2008
- Adoption of Report (2 speeches)
I move: That the report from the committee be adopted.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That the Interstate Road Transport Charge Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2008 be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That the Senate continue to sit between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm today. Question agreed to.
- Temporary Residents’ Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 2008; Superannuation (Departing Australia Superannuation Payments Tax) Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- In Committee (13 speeches)
Consideration resumed from 27 November.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That the Superannuation (Departing Australia Superannuation Payments Tax) Amendment Bill 2008 be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That intervening business be postponed till after consideration of government business order of the day no. 10, the Corporations Amendment (Short Selling) Bill 2008. Question agreed to.
- Corporations Amendment (Short Selling) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (4 speeches)
Debate resumed from 27 November, on motion by Senator Ludwig: That this bill be now read a second time.
- In Committee (4 speeches)
Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Aged Care Amendment (2008 Measures No. 2) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (12 speeches)
Debate resumed from 26 November, on motion by Senator Sherry: That this bill be now read a second time.
- In Committee (28 speeches)
Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Responses to Senate Resolutions (1 speech)
At the request of the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Sherry, I table the government response to the resolution of the Senate of 25 November 2008 relating to executive...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That intervening business be postponed till after consideration of government business order of the day No. 11 (Tax Laws Amendment (Luxury Car Tax—Minor Amendments) Bill 2008)....
- Tax Laws Amendment (Luxury Car Tax — Minor Amendments) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (5 speeches)
Debate resumed from 1 December, 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.
- Social Security Legislation Amendment (Employment Services Reform) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (5 speeches, 2 comments)
Debate resumed from 25 November, on motion by Senator Ludwig: That this bill be now read a second time.
- Social Security and Veterans’ Entitlements Legislation Amendment (Schooling Requirements) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Second Reading (11 speeches)
Debate resumed from 15 September, on motion by Senator McLucas: That this bill be now read a second time.
- In Committee (92 speeches)
Bill—by leave—taken as a whole.
- Third Reading (2 speeches)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Road Charges Legislation Repeal and Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Nation-Building Funds Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Consideration of House of Representatives Message (55 speeches)
Message received from the House of Representatives returning the Nation-building Funds Bill 2008 and informing the Senate that the House has disagreed to the amendments made by the Senate, and...
- Nation-Building Funds (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Consideration of House of Representatives Message (1 speech)
Message received from the House of Representatives returning the Nation-building Funds (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008 informing the Senate that the House has disagreed to the amendments...
- Temporary Residents’ Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Returned from the House of Representatives (0 speeches)
Message received from the House of Representatives acquainting the Senate that it had agreed to the amendments requested by the Senate to the bill.
- Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Television Switch-over) Bill 2008 (0 speeches)
- Consideration of House of Representatives Message (17 speeches)
Message received from the House of Representatives returning the bill informing the Senate that the House has agreed to the bill with amendments and requesting the concurrence of the Senate in...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Fair Work 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— FAIR WORK BILL 2008 I...
- Valedictory (0 speeches)
- (9 speeches)
I take this opportunity at the end of the 2008 sittings to thank all senators for their cooperation and assistance this year. My thanks, also, to my colleagues the temporary chairmen of...
- Leave of Absence (0 speeches)
- (1 speech)
I move: That leave of absence be granted to every member of the Senate from the end of the sitting today to the day on which the Senate next meets. Question agreed to.
- 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] Australian Radiation Protection and...
