Senate debates

Monday, 19 November 2012

• Business (0 speeches)
  • Days and Hours of Meeting (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That: (a) on Tuesday, 20 November 2012, the Senate commence sitting from 11 am; and (b) the routine of business from 11 am to 12.30 pm shall be consideration of the...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    by leave—At the request of the Chair of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Senator Cameron, I move: That the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee be...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers) Bill (No. 1) 2012-2013, Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers) Bill (No. 2) 2012-2013; Second Reading (5 speeches)
    I rise to speak on the Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers) Bill (No. 1) 2012-2013 and the Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert...
  • Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012; Second Reading (6 speeches)
    ( I rise to make my contribution to the debate on the Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012. I note that this legislation has a reasonable history through this place with two Senate inquiries so...
  • Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers) Bill (No. 1) 2012-2013, Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers) Bill (No. 2) 2012-2013; Second Reading (1 speech)
    Pursuant to order, the question is that the second reading amendment moved by Senator Hanson-Young be agreed to.
  • Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers) Bill (No. 1) 2012-2013, Appropriation (Implementation of the Report of the Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers) Bill (No. 2) 2012-2013; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    No amendments to the bills have been circulated. Before I call the minister to move the third reading, does any senator wish to have a committee stage on the bills to ask further questions or...
  • Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012; Second Reading (6 speeches)
    I have sought permission from the very generous and popular Chief Government Whip in the Senate, Senator Anne McEwen, to incorporate in Hansard the last page of my speech on the Illegal Logging...
  • Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012; In Committee (5 speeches)
    Chair, I indicate for the benefit of my colleagues who are going to be dealing with the amendments—I am the only one with amendments and I am doing this informally now, but I will move...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Child Care (11 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care, Senator Kim Carr. Given the cost of child care has risen by more than 20 per cent since Julia Gillard...
  • Environment (9 speeches)
    Mr President, my question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Senator Conroy. I ask: can the minister confirm that the...
  • Institutional Child Abuse (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Evans. Can the minister advise the Senate on the Prime Minister's...
  • Mining (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Wong. Does the government stand by its estimate in the MYEFO that its mining tax will raise $2 billion this year and $9.1...
  • Live Animal Exports (6 speeches)
    I direct my question to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig. Considering your department is currently investigating a reported breach of the Exporter Supply...
  • Middle East (8 speeches)
    My question today is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob Carr. Can the minister please update the Senate on events in the Middle East and on Egypt's efforts in particular to mediate...
  • Climate Change (18 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Ludwig. I refer the minister to Australia's May 2012 submission regarding the...
  • Broadband (10 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Conroy. Can the minister advise the Senate on the progress of building the National Broadband Network?
  • Homelessness (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Housing, Senator Evans. Given that former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described the issue of homelessness as a national obscenity in...
  • Natural Disasters (7 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Ludwig. It is pretty ironic that I ask this question given that yesterday afternoon he, I and others...
• Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
  • Environment (1 speech)
    On 1 November, Senator Waters asked me questions regarding the handover of federal environmental responsibilities to the states. I seek leave to have incorporated in Hansard some further...
• Answers to Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
  • Question No. 2389 (5 speeches)
    Pursuant to standing order 74(5), I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Senator Evans, for an explanation as to why answers have not been provided to question on...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Child Care (7 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Human Services (Senator Kim Carr) to a question without notice asked by Senator Nash today relating to child care. There...
  • Environment (1 speech)
    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 Milne...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Withdrawal (1 speech)
    I withdraw general business notice of motion No. 993.
  • Presentation (1 speech)
    I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move: Senator Collins to move: That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the Water Amendment...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Leave of Absence (2 speeches)
    by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Urquhart from 19 November to 22 November 2012 on account of parliamentary business. Question agreed to.
  • Consideration of Legislation (1 speech)
    I move: That general business order of the day No. 83, Low Aromatic Fuel Bill 2012, be considered on Thursday 22 November 2012 under the temporary order relating to the consideration of private...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Heffernan, I move: That the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee be authorised to hold an in camera hearing during the sitting of the Senate on...
  • National Capital and External Territories Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Pratt, I move: I move: That the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Female Genital Mutilation (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Kroger, move: That the Senate— (a) notes the World Health Organization (WHO) findings in relation to female genital mutilation (FGM), including:...
  • Grameen Bank (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Stephens and Eggleston, move: That the Senate— (a) recognises and applauds the work of the Grameen Bank in helping to lift millions of poor people,...
  • Hicks, Mr David (2 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) recognises that:   (i) the recent ruling by the United States (US) Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which found that providing...
  • Environment and Communications Legislation Committee (2 speeches)
    I move: That— (a) for the purpose of its inquiry into the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Excessive Noise from Wind Farms) Bill 2012, the Environment and Communications...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Asylum Seekers (13 speeches)
    A letter has been received from Senator Fifield: Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion: The failure of...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Tabling (1 speech)
    Pursuant to standing orders 38 and 166, I present documents as listed below which were presented to the President, the Deputy President and Temporary Chairmen of Committees after the Senate...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Community Affairs References Committee; Government Response to Report (1 speech)
    I present the government’s response to the report of the Community Affairs References Committee on Disability and Ageing Lifelong planning for a better future. I seek leave to incorporate...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Tabling (1 speech)
    I present responses to Senate resolutions as listed at item 13 on today's Order of Business. Minister for Foreign Affairs (Senator Bob Carr) to a resolution of the Senate of 16 August 2012...
  • World Mental Health Day (4 speeches)
    I seek leave to take note of the responses by the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mr Butler, the Premier of South Australia, Mr Weatherill, and the Premier of New South Wales, Mr...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Electricity Prices Committee; Documents (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Select Committee on Electricity Prices, I present the Hansard record of proceedings and documents presented to the committee.
  • Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
    Order! The President has received a letter from a party leader seeking a variation to the membership of a joint committee.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Fair Entitlements Guarantee Bill 2012, Tax Laws Amendment (2012 Measures No. 5) Bill 2012, Water Amendment (Long-term Average Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment) Bill 2012, Wheat Export Marketing Amendment Bill 2012; First Reading (1 speech)
    These bills are being introduced together. After debate on the motion for the second reading has been adjourned, I shall move a motion to have the bills listed separately on the Notice Paper. I...
  • Fair Entitlements Guarantee Bill 2012, Tax Laws Amendment (2012 Measures No. 5) Bill 2012, Water Amendment (Long-term Average Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment) Bill 2012, Wheat Export Marketing Amendment Bill 2012; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I table four revised explanatory memoranda 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....
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Economics Legislation Committee, Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee, Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Report (1 speech)
    Pursuant to order and at the request of the chairs of the respective committees, I present reports on legislation from the Legal and Constitutional Affairs, the Education, Employment and...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012; In Committee (62 speeches)
    The committee is considering the Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012. The question is that amendment (1) on sheet 7202 be agreed to.
  • Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill 2012; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
  • Federal Circuit Court of Australia Legislation Amendment Bill 2012; Second Reading (2 speeches)
    Let me say it once: the opposition supports the Federal Circuit Court of Australia Legislation Amendment Bill 2012. I say that with great pleasure, for two reasons. First of all, and I do not...
  • Federal Circuit Court of Australia Legislation Amendment Bill 2012; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    As no amendments to the bill have been circulated, I shall call the minister to move the third reading, unless any senator requires that the bill be considered in a committee of the whole.
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (1 speech)
    I move: That intervening business be postponed until after consideration of government business order of the day No. 5, Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012. Question agreed to.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2012; Second Reading (4 speeches)
    I was speaking on the last occasion about Labor's proposal under its national partnership agreement for adult public dental services. Of course, we know it proposes funding of $1.3 billion for...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Middle East (1 speech)
    I stand here tonight with great fear and trepidation at the developing crisis in the Middle East. My fear and trepidation is shared by countless millions of peace-loving people around the world....
  • The Hunger Project (1 speech)
    I rise tonight to speak on The Hunger Project. Contrary to its name, The Hunger Project has nothing to do with food. In fact, it prides itself on never having fed a single person through a food...
  • Mekong River, World Toilet Day (1 speech)
    On 7 November, Laos and Thailand began construction of the Xayaburi dam across the Mekong River. If this dam is built, there will be tragic consequences for the Mekong River and its people. The...
  • Water Safety (2 speeches)
    Last week I was saddened to learn of the tragic drowning death of a man at Little Bay, in Sydney's south-east. As a local to the area I am very aware of the dangers that await the thousands of...
• Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
  • National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement (Question No. 2009) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 13 August 2012: (1) For what reasons were the following applications for $25 000 in clean up and recovery grants from the...
  • Round One Energy Efficiency Information Grants (Question No. 2139) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, upon notice on 6 September 2012: (1) Can a detailed outline be provided of what information each of the...
  • Immigration and Citizenship (Question No. 2147) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 10 September 2012: (1) Has there been a reduction in the number of plants in departmental and agency...
  • Job Services Australia and Disability Employment Services (Question No. 2156) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, upon notice, on 10 September 2012 : (1) Is the Minister aware that, as of March 2012, Job Services...
  • Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (Question No. 2173) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Australia, upon notice, on 18 September 2012: In regard to the 2012-13 financial year: (1) What is the net financial effect on the...
  • Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (Question No. 2174) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Arts, upon notice, on 18 September 2012: In regard to the 2012-13 financial year: (1) What is the net financial effect on the department's...
  • Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Question No. 2183) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 18 September 2012: In regard to the 2012-13 financial year: (1)...
  • Health and Ageing (Question Nos 2192, 2196 and 2205) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 18 September 2012: In regard to the 2012-13 financial year: (1) What is the net financial effect on the department's...
  • Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (Question No. 2215) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Sport, upon notice, on 18 September 2012: In regard to the 2012-13 financial year: (1) What is the net financial effect on the department’s budget of: (a) the...
  • Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities: Biological Control Agents (Question No. 2219) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 19 September 2012: (1) Have appropriate biological control agents...
  • Women's Suffrage Memorial (Question No. 2225) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government in the Senate, upon notice, on 28 September 2012: With reference to the...
  • Women's Suffrage Memorial (Question No. 2226) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government in the Senate, upon notice, on 28 September 2012: With reference to the Women's...
  • Prime Minister and Cabinet: Stakeholder Consultations (Question No. 2232) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Prime Minister in the Senate, upon notice, on 3 October 2012: In regard to each department and agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act...
  • Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (Question No. 2246) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 3 October 2012 In regard to each department and agency under the...
  • Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Stakeholder Consultations (Question No. 2249) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 3 October 2012: (1) Is information collected from stakeholders and the broader community; if so: (a) what forms or...
  • Social Inclusion: Stakeholder Consultations (Question No. 2258) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for Social Inclusion in the Senate, upon notice, on 3 October 2012: In regard to each department and agency under the Financial Management and...
  • Human Services: Stakeholder Consultations (Question No. 2263) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Human Services, in writing, on 3 October 2012: In regard to each department and agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and each Commonwealth...
  • Public Service and Integrity (Question No. 2269) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Public Service and Integrity, upon notice, on 3 October 2012: In regard to each department and agency under the Financial Management and...
  • Finance and Deregulation: Financial Management and Accountabililty (Question Nos 2280 to 2327) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, upon notice, on 4 October 2012: In regard to each department and agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and each...
  • Cook Islands (Question No. 2390) (2 speeches)
    asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 19 October 2012: (1) What is Australia’s position, and what activities has Australia recently undertaken, regarding French...