Senate debates
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012; Second Reading (8 speeches)
A little earlier in the week I commenced my second reading debate contribution and spoke, I think, for all of 37 seconds about this important legislation—the Crimes Legislation Amendment...
- Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012; In Committee (20 speeches)
by leave—I move opposition amendments (1), (2) and (3) together: (1) Schedule 1, item 8, page 4 (line 8), omit paragraph (d) of the definition of coercion in section 270.1A. (2) Schedule 1,...
- Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012; Third Reading (1 speech)
I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Rearrangement (1 speech)
I move: That government business order of the day no.2, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012, be postponed till a later hour of the day. Question agreed to.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Matters of Public Interest (0 speeches)
- Western Sydney (1 speech)
The great heartland of Sydney is Western Sydney. Acres of newsprint have recently been devoted to Western Sydney, there have been hours of television and radio commentary about Western Sydney and...
- Australian Labor Party (1 speech)
I also rise to discuss a matter of public interest. I noted with interest a few weeks ago a number of media reports in which the Vice President and National Secretary of the Transport Workers...
- Road Infrastructure (1 speech)
Last week saw the demise of yet another private toll road consortium when receivers were appointed to BrisConnections, the operator of Brisbane's new $4.8 billion airport link toll road. This...
- Unemployment Benefits (1 speech)
The Gillard Labor government's effective financial management over recent years has meant that we have got through the worst of the global financial headwinds with strong fundamentals. Life is...
- Economy (1 speech)
I rise to speak on a matter of grave national importance—the destruction of industries and jobs by a Labor government that simply does not understand how business operates. Australian...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Prime Minister: Visit to Western Sydney (31 speeches)
My question without notice is to the minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Conroy. Given the Prime Minister's desperate announcement of a one-week Rooty Hill based visit to Western...
- Visas (13 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Lundy. Can the minister update the Senate on the steps being taken by the government to help...
- Health Funding (29 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Conroy. I remind the minister of the government's $403 million in retrospective cuts to public hospital funding this...
- Minerals Resource Rent Tax (30 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, Senator Ludwig. I ask: given that the evidence shows the government has made a complete mess of the treatment of...
- Reserve Bank of Australia (22 speeches)
) ( ): My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Wong. Why did the Treasurer think ripping a $500 million dividend from the Reserve Bank to improve the look of the...
- Fiji (7 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Bob Carr. Can the minister update the Senate on developments regarding Fiji's efforts to return to democracy?
- Accommodation for Indigenous Students (9 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, Senator Kim Carr. On 24 July 2008 in a media release the Hon. Julia Gillard, the then...
- Waubra Wind Farm (13 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Senator Ludwig. In light of the recent communication to my office by Mr Paul Jarman, Assistant...
- Answers to Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
- Question No. 2006 (2 speeches)
by leave—Yesterday Senator Abetz asked me a question pursuant to standing order 74(5) in relation to two outstanding questions to me in my capacity as Minister representing the Treasurer. I...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Prime Minister: Visit to Western Sydney (17 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 Payne...
- Minerals Resource Rent Tax (3 speeches)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Senator Ludwig) to a question without notice asked by Senator Milne today relating...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Morris, The Hon. John Joseph (4 speeches)
It is with deep regret that I inform the Senate of the death on 8 February 2013 of John Joseph Morris, a senator for the state of New South Wales from 1985 to 1990. I call the Leader of the...
- Business (0 speeches)
- Leave of Absence (4 speeches)
by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Kroger for 26 February 2013, for personal reasons. So yesterday.
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Business (0 speeches)
- Consideration of Legislation (1 speech)
I move: That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Amendment Bill 2013, allowing it to be...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (4 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) February 2013 is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, (ii) Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is run each year by Ovarian Cancer Australia with its...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Lake Eyre Basin (10 speeches)
I, and also on behalf of Senator Waters, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that South Australia's iconic Lake Eyre is dependent on water flows from the Cooper, Diamantina and Georgina...
- Proposed Pulp Mill (2 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) the comments by the Tasmanian Premier Ms Lara Giddings at the Press Club in the week beginning 17 February 2013 calling for the Tamar Valley pulp...
- Gunns Ltd (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) the Minister for Environment and Water Resources under the Howard Government approved the construction and operation of the Gunns proposed pulp...
- National Security Inquiry (4 speeches)
) ( ): I seek leave to make a brief statement.
- Climate Change and National Security (2 speeches)
I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) on 25 February 2013, 38 retired generals and admirals from the United States of America (US), and prominent national security experts, presented...
- Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
- Health (13 speeches)
I inform the Senate that, at 8.30 am today, Senators Birmingham, Fierravanti-Wells, Ronaldson, Siewert and Williams each submitted a letter in accordance with standing order 75 proposing a matter...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Chair, Senator Macdonald, I present the report of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills. I also lay on the table the Scrutiny of Bills Alert Digest. Ordered...
- Economics References Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present a report on the Economics References Committee on the review of changes to car fringe benefits arrangements, together with submissions received by the committee. Ordered that the report...
- Economics Legislation Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Chair of the Economics Legislation Committee, Senator Bishop, I present the report of the committee on the Minerals Resource Rent Tax Amendment (Protecting Revenue) Bill 2012,...
- Electoral Matters Committee; Report (2 speeches)
On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, I present an advisory report of the committee on the Electoral and Referendum Amendment (Improving Electoral Administration) Bill...
- Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
- Report No. 25 of 2012-13 (1 speech)
In accordance with the provisions of the Auditor-General Act 1997, I present the following report of the Auditor-General: Report no. 25 of 2012-13: Performance audit––Defence’s...
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Membership (2 speeches)
The President has received a letter from a party leader seeking variations to the membership of a committee.
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Foreign Investment Review Board (1 speech)
I rise to take note of the Foreign Investment Review Board annual report 20011-12. Going through the report I have been particularly struck by the increase in foreign proposals and approvals from...
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Fiji (1 speech)
Earlier today, in question time, Senator Bob Carr in his capacity as the Minister for Foreign Affairs answered some questions relating to democracy in Fiji. His answers were welcome. They were...
- Western Australia (1 speech)
I rise tonight to talk about changes that have occurred over the last five years in my duty electorate of Swan in Western Australia. In the past, the Swan electorate was very much defined by its...
- James Price Point (1 speech)
It is fitting that I am able to rise tonight to speak on a matter that is very close to my heart after the parliament has spent a large amount of time today debating the Aboriginal and Torres...
- Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
- Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (Question No. 1898) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs upon notice on 25 June 2012: (1) Given that, in a speech made to the Association of International Life Offices, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi asked countries to...
- Goods and Services Tax (Question No. 1989) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 6 August 2012: For each of the following financial years, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12: (1) When was the due date for...
- United Nations (Question No. 2002) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs upon notice on 9 August 2012: (1) Will the Government honour the verbal undertakings that facilitated United Nations (UN) member states agreement by...
- Economy (Question No. 2006) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 9 August 2012 – (1) In relation to industrial disputation during the 2011 12 financial year: (a) what was the annual cost to...
- Cluster Munitions (Question No. 2124) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs upon notice on 31 August 2012: With reference to the Criminal Code Amendment (Cluster Munitions Prohibition) Bill 2010 and the Convention on Cluster...
- Thrombolites (Question No. 2220) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, in writing, on 19 September 2012: (1) Is the Minister aware of the health of the...
- Freedom of Information (Question No. 2231) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 3 October 2012: With reference to the freedom of information papers FOI Reference No: 11/4734, released on 28 May 2012: (1) In regard...
- Financial Management and Accountability (Question Nos 2248, 2257, 2264, 2265 and 2276) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth, the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Minister...
- Financial Management and Accountability (Question Nos 2343 and 2350) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, upon notice, on 10 October 2012: For each department and agency under the Financial Management and...
- Veterans' Affairs (Question No. 2364) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, upon notice, on 9 October 2012: For each department and agency under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and...
- Christmas Island Detention Centre (Question No. 2380) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 16 October 2012. With reference to the answer provided to question no. BE12/0380, taken on notice...
- Myanmar (Question No. 2388) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 19 October 2012: (1) Why has Australia not signed up to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, given that a number of...
- Government Programs, Initiatives or Decisions (Question Nos 2410 and 2411) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Minister for Disability Reform, upon notice, on 31 October 2012: Since 1 July 2010,...
- Government Programs, Initiatives or Decisions (Question Nos 2422, 2426 and 2435) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 31 October 2012: Since 1 July 2010, have any electorate-by-electorate dissections for actual or potential Government...
- Australian Taxation Office (Question No. 2448) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 1 November 2012 – With reference to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Draft Taxation Ruling TR 2011/D5, 'Income Tax: School...
- Financial Sector: Shareholdings (Question No. 2453) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 1 November 2012: With reference to the Financial Sector (Shareholdings) Act1998 and its application to Authorised Deposit-taking...
- Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (Question No. 2458) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, upon notice, on 1 November 2012: (1) How many Australian Public Service full-time...
- Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (Question No. 2459) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for the Arts, upon notice, on 1 November 2012: (1) How many Australian Public Service full-time equivalent staff are engaged by each department,...
- Financial Management and Accountability (Question Nos 2461 and 2501) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 1 November 2012: For each department and agency under the Financial Management and Accountability...
- Financial Management and Accountability (Question Nos 2463, 2464, 2494 and 2495) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Management, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Justice, upon notice, on 1 November 2012: For each department...
- Financial Management and Accountability (Question Nos 2467 and 2474) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness upon notice, on 01 November 2012: For each department and agency under the Financial Management and...
- Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (Question No. 2500) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Sport, upon notice, on 1 November 2012: (1) How many Australian Public Service full-time equivalent staff are engaged by each department, agency and authority in relation...
- Sri Lanka: Illegal Boats (Question No. 2504) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 2 November 2012: (1) Have Sri Lankan authorities, including the Sri Lankan Navy, ever informed Australian officials of...
- Asylum Seekers (Question No. 2505) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 2 November 2012: (1) Have Sri Lankan authorities, including the Sri Lankan Navy, ever informed...
- Nauru (Question No. 2508) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, upon notice, on 02 November 2012: For each of the 11 flights used to transfer asylum seekers to Nauru during the...
- Employment and Workplace Relations: Briefing Material (Question No. 2515) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister forMinister for Employment and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 6 November 2012: (1) What briefing material is provided by the department to the...
- International Labour Organization Occupational Safety and Health Convention (Question No. 2542) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, in writing, on 6 November 2012: Does the Government continue to stand by article 16 of the International...
- Rio+20 Summit 2012 (Question No. 2564) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs upon notice, on 21 November 2012: (1) Did the Minister and/or any other minister or parliamentary secretary in the Foreign Affairs portfolio attend the...
- Veterans' Affairs: On Base Advisory Service (Question No. 2632) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Veterans' Affairs upon notice 28 November 2012: With reference to the department's On Base Advisory Service (OBAS): (1) How many OBAS officers are...
- Tourism Australia (Question No. 2634) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Tourism, upon notice, on 28 November 2012: (1) Given that, in 2009, the Minister for Tourism, Mr Martin Ferguson, encouraged tourism operators via the climate change guide...
- Traditional Credit Union (Question No. 2642) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and the Minister for Disability Reform, upon notice, on 29 November 2012: With reference to...
- Eucla Weather Station (Question Nos 2643 and 2644) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 29 November 2012: (1) Is the Minister aware of the closure of the...
- Robert Brennan and Associates (Question No. 2651) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 19 December 2012: (1) What process was undertaken to employ Robert Brennan and Associates to investigate the bullying,...
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (Question No. 2655) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Health, upon notice, on 12 December 2012: Can a list be provided detailing which organisations over the past 4 years have received grants or money...
- Defence Projects (Question No. 2664) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence Materiel, upon notice, on 19 December 2012: With reference to questions on notice nos 1634 to 1683, dated 5 March 2012, and questions on...
- Defence: Naval Vessels (Question No. 2665) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 19 December 2012: What is the: (a) hourly; (b) daily; (c) monthly; and (d) yearly cost to the department for each of the...
- Government Funding: Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia (Question No. 2668) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 14 January 2013: With reference to funding for Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia: (1) In each of the...
- Australian Government Authorised Officers (Question No. 2672 amended) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 14 January 2013: With reference to the establishment of Australian Government Authorised Officers (AAO) in export...
- Foreign Affairs; and Trade and Competitiveness: Redundancies (Question Nos 2701 and 2708) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, upon notice, on 6 February 2013: With reference to the department and all agencies within the Minister's...
- Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Redundancies (Question No. 2705) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 6 February 2013: With reference to the department and all agencies within the Minister's portfolio, how many: (a)...
- Pesticides (Question No. 2738) (2 speeches)
asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 5 February 2013: (1) How many neonicotinoid pesticides are registered for use in Australia, and can a list be provided...
