Senate debates

Thursday, 20 September 2012

• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2012; Second Reading (21 speeches)
    I am in continuation from my contribution from last night and, as I indicated to the chamber last night, I will be supporting the Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2012. Today I want to talk about...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Selection of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
    I present report No. 12 of 2012 of the Selection of Bills Committee. Ordered that the report be adopted. I seek leave to have the report incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The report read...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (1 speech)
    I move: That government business order of the day no. 2 (Judges and Governors-General Legislation Amendment (Family Law) Bill 2012) be considered from 12.45 pm today under the temporary order...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Reporting Date (1 speech)
    by leave— At the request of the Chair of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Senator Crossin, I move: That the time for the presentation of the report of the Legal...
  • Electricity Prices Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    by leave—At the request of the Chair of the Select Committee on Electricity Prices, Senator Thistlethwaite, I move: That the Select Committee on Electricity Prices be authorised to hold a...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Brandis for today, on account of parliamentary business. Question agreed to.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of the Chair of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, I move: That the Community Affairs Legislation Committee be authorised to hold private meetings otherwise than in...
  • Community Affairs References Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of the Chair of the Community Affairs References Committee, I move: That the Community Affairs References Committee be authorised to hold private meetings otherwise than in...
  • Community Affairs References Committee; Reference (1 speech)
    I move: That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 24 April 2013: The involuntary or coerced sterilisation of people with...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
    I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, by 28 September 2012, the following:...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Excessive Noise from Wind Farms) Bill 2012; Reference to Committee (5 speeches)
    On behalf of Senator Xenophon and myself, I move: That the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Excessive Noise from Wind Farms) Bill 2012 be referred to the Environment and Communications...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference (11 speeches)
    I move: That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 27 March 2013: The role played by the former Australian...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Wilders, Mr Geert (26 speeches, 1 comment)
    I move: That the Senate—   (a)   notes the contribution to Australia's vibrant multicultural society by citizens of all cultures and religions;...
  • Bald Hills Wind Farm (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate—   (a)   notes that:      (i)   the Bald Hills wind farm in South Gippsland was approved by the...
  • Newstart Allowance (8 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate—   (a)   notes that:      (i)   today, due to the differences in the types of indexation, pensions...
  • Threatened Species and Wilderness (2 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate—   (a)   notes:      (i)   the intention of the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water,...
• Budget (0 speeches)
  • Consideration by Estimates Committees (1 speech)
    On behalf of the respective chairs, I present additional information received by committees relating to the following estimates: Budget estimates 2012-13—   Community Affairs...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Additional Information (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee (Senator Moore) I present additional information received by the committee relating to its inquiry into Australian Charities...
  • Publications Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Standing Committee on Publications (Senator Brown) I present the 19th report of the Publications Committee. Ordered that the report be adopted.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill 2012, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2012; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time. Question agreed to. Bills read a first time. Bill read a first time.
  • Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill 2012, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (Consequential and Transitional) Bill 2012; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I table the revised explanatory memorandum relating to the bills and move: That these bills be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard....
  • Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2012; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I have approached this issue of marriage equality in the terms of the Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2012 with an open mind, conscious of the complexity of views in the community and aware of...
  • Judges and Governors-General Legislation Amendment (Family Law) Bill 2012; Second Reading (2 speeches)
    I want to make some remarks about this legislation on my own behalf but also on behalf of Senator Brandis, who has coalition responsibility for the carriage of this legislation. I indicate that...
  • Judges and Governors-General Legislation Amendment (Family Law) Bill 2012; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    No amendments to the bill have been circulated. I shall call the minister to move a third reading unless any senators require that the bill be considered in a committee of the whole. There being...
  • Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2012; Second Reading (7 speeches)
    I support the Marriage Amendment Bill (no.2) 2012 and I thank my Senate colleagues for introducing the bill. I also thank the Prime Minister Julia Gillard for allowing those of us in the Labor...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Budget (10 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator Wong. I refer to my question yesterday in which I asked the minister to rule out...
  • Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians (8 speeches)
    My question is to Senator Evans, the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Can the minister update the Senate on the progress towards...
  • Mining (13 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Evans. I refer the minister to reports today that BHP Billiton has confirmed that it will not proceed with the planned Red...
  • Vocational Education and Training (13 speeches)
    I direct my question to Minister Evans. Given that thousands of students, parents—
  • Building Better Regional Cities (9 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Senator Evans. Can the minister confirm whether all of the government's promised $112.1 million...
  • Immigration (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Lundy. Can the minister please outline to the Senate how Australian settlement services support the bipartisan policy of...
  • Defence Personnel (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel—I think, today, that is Senator Evans. Can the minister confirm reports today that the government...
  • Qantas (6 speeches)
    My question is to Senator Lundy, representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Is there a proposal before the minister or are there discussions between the minister for immigration...
  • Carbon Pricing (12 speeches)
    My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Ludwig. I refer the minister to the government's policy backdowns in relation to...
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Investment (17 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Ludwig. Can the minister please outline to the Senate—
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Budget, Mining, Building Better Regional Cities Program (7 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation (Senator Wong) and the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research (Senator...
  • Vocational Education and Training (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research (Senator Evans) to a question without notice asked by Senator Rhiannon...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Community Affairs References Committee; Government Response to Report (6 speeches)
    I present the government's response to the report of the Community Affairs References Committee on its inquiry into funding and administration of mental health services and seek leave to have the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2012; Second Reading (4 speeches)
    I rise to sum up the debate on the Marriage Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2012. I understand that I am the last speaker in what I think has been an important week for this country, both here and in the...
• Parliamentary Office Holders (0 speeches)
  • Temporary Chairmen of Committees (1 speech)
    Pursuant to standing order 12, I lay on the table a warrant revoking the warrant nominating Senator Sinodinos as a Temporary Chair of Committees.
• Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
  • Report for 2011-12, Report No. 4 of 2012-13 (1 speech)
    In accordance with the provisions of the Auditor-General Act 1997, I present the following two reports of the Auditor-General: Report for 2011-12. Report no. 4 of 2012-13––Performance...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Electoral Matters Committee; Report (4 speeches)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, I present the report, Review of the AEC analysis of the FWA report on the HSU, together with the minutes of...
  • Human Rights Committee; Report (2 speeches)
    I present the fourth report of 2012 of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights on the consideration of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Fair Incentives To Work) Bill 2012,...
  • Membership (1 speech)
    I seek leave to move a motion to vary the membership of committees. Leave granted. I move: That senators be discharged from and appointed to committees as follows:. Australian Commission for Law...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Industries (22 speeches)
    I rise this evening to make some remarks regarding the government's abject failure to support Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries. It is not only a failure to support. The...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Human Rights Committee; Report (3 speeches)
    I seek leave to make a short statement.
• Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
  • Report No. 3 of 2012-13 (1 speech)
    I rise to take note of the Australian National Audit Office report on the design and conduct of the first application round for the Regional Development Australia Fund. The audit was designed to...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Living Away From Home Allowance (1 speech)
    I will use this time to speak on a bill which I was unable to speak on during the week, the Tax Laws Amendment (Measures No. 4) Bill which is related to reforms to the living away from home...
  • Operation Flinders (1 speech)
    The ancient Flinders Ranges in South Australia are the stunning backdrop to a program that has been transforming troubled kids' lives since 1991. In May this year I had the fortune to visit...
• Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1941) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Track:...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1942) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Trail, has any market...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1943) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Trail and trek...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1944) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Initiative Annual...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1945) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Initiative Annual...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1946) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Track, consultants and...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1947) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Track and the...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1948) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Track: (1) What projects...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1949) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Track: 1. What was the...
  • Kokoda Track (Question No. 1950) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 28 June 2012: With reference to the Kokoda Track:...
  • Immigration and Citizenship (Question No. 2093) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 22 August 2012: With reference to the answers provided to question nos AE12/0251, AE12/0252,...
  • Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 2095) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, in writing, on 23 August 2012: With reference to the answer provided to question no. EW0048_13, taken on...
  • Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 2099) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 23 August 2012 : With reference to the answer provided to question no. EW0277_13, taken on...
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Question No. 2110) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 23 August 2012: (1)    What are the proposed benefits. (2)    What are the benefits of...
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Question No. 2111) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 23 August 2012: With reference to the aerial dingo baiting trial being conducted to reduce dingo populations below the...
  • Housing (Question No. 2117) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 24 August 2012: Can details be provided on departmental and administered funds provided for matters pertaining to housing, including...
  • Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 2135) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 5 September 2012: With reference to the answer to question no. EW0306_13, taken on notice...
  • Employment and Workplace Relations (Question No. 2136) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 5 September 2012 : With reference to the Office of the Fair Work Building Industry...