Senate debates

Thursday, 25 September 2014

• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (3 speeches)
    by leave—I move: That general business orders of the day relating to the private senators' bills listed for today be called on and considered in the following order: No. 2, the Health...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Health Insurance Amendment (Medicare Funding for Certain Types of Abortion) Bill 2013; Second Reading (11 speeches)
    In keeping with my usual practice I will wade into matters that cause the most controversy in this place, that being the topic of abortion. It is a heartfelt topic. It is one on which people hold...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Report (2 speeches)
    I present the 12th report of the Selection of Bills Committee and seek leave to have the report incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The report read as follows— SELECTION OF BILLS...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (1 speech)
    I move: That: (a)   government business order of the day relating to the Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 4) Bill 2014 be considered from 12.45 pm today;...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Macdonald, on behalf of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, I seek leave to move a motion relating to the committee meeting during the sitting of...
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    As the Chair of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Reference Committee I seek leave to move a motion to enable the committee to meet during the sitting of the Senate today. Leave granted. I...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Withdrawal (1 speech)
    On behalf of Senator Xenophon, I withdraw general business notice of motion No. 384 standing in his name for today.
• Regulations and Determinations (0 speeches)
  • Migration Amendment (Repeal of Certain Visa Classes) Regulation 2014; Disallowance (2 speeches)
    I move: That the Migration Amendment (Repeal of Certain Visa Classes) Regulation 2014, as contained in Select Legislative Instrument 2014 No. 65 and made under the Migration Act 1958, be disallowed
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Racial Discrimination Amendment Bill 2014; First Reading (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Bernardi, Leyonhjelm and Smith, move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, and for related...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Alice Springs: Dialysis (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) the dangerous spread of the Ebola virus in parts of West Africa, that has infected more than 5 500 people, and caused the deaths of more than 2 600,...
  • Ebola Virus (2 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) the dangerous spread of the Ebola virus in parts of West Africa, that has infected more than 5 500 people, and caused the deaths of more than 2 600,...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Economics Legislation Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Edwards, I move: That the Economics Legislation Committee be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Thursday, 2 October 2014, from 9.30...
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Gallacher, I move: That the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee be authorised to hold a private meeting otherwise than in accordance with standing...
  • Economics References Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Dastyari, I move: That the Economics References Committee be authorised to hold a public meeting during the sitting of the Senate on Tuesday, 30 September 2014, from 4...
  • Senate Select Committee on Health; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator O'Neill, I move: That the Select Committee on Health be authorised to hold public meetings during the sittings of the Senate, as follows: (a) Tuesday, 30 September 2014,...
  • Climate Change (4 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) congratulates United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on inviting world leaders from government, business and civil society to the Climate Summit on...
  • Abbot Point (4 speeches)
    I ask that general business notice of motion No. 453 standing in my name for today, relating to taxpayer funds to dump dredge sludge at Abbot Point be taken as a formal motion.
  • East West Link (2 speeches)
    I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, no later than 4 pm on 2 October 2014, the following documents held...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • National Water Commission (Abolition) Bill 2014; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time. Question agreed to. Bill read a first time.
  • National Water Commission (Abolition) Bill 2014; 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— Since the Australian...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (4 speeches)
    I move: That: (a) if by 2 pm on Thursday, 25 September 2014, the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014 has not been finally considered the Senate shall not adjourn, the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Migration Amendment (Humanitarian Visa Intake) Bill 2014; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Migration Act 1958 in relation to the annual humanitarian visa intake, and for related purposes. Question agreed to....
  • Migration Amendment (Humanitarian Visa Intake) Bill 2014; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to table my explanatory memorandum relating to the bill. Leave granted. I table an explanatory memorandum and seek leave to have my...
• Budget (0 speeches)
  • Consideration by Estimates Committees (1 speech)
    I present additional information received by committees relating to estimates.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Education and Employment 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, as listed at item 9 on today’s Order of Business, together with the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 4) Bill 2014; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill may proceed without formalities and be now read a first time. Question agreed to. Bill read a first time.
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 4) Bill 2014; 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— TAX AND SUPERANNUATION...
  • Australian Citizenship Amendment (Intercountry Adoption) Bill 2014, Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Amendment Bill 2014, Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014; First Reading (1 speech)
    I indicate to the Senate that these bills are being introduced together. After debate on the motion for the second reading has been adjourned, I will be moving a motion to have the bills listed...
  • Australian Citizenship Amendment (Intercountry Adoption) Bill 2014, Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Amendment Bill 2014, Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That these bills be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The speeches read as follows— AUSTRALIAN...
  • Infrastructure Australia Amendment (Cost Benefit Analysis and Other Measures) Bill 2014, Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 5) Bill 2014; First Reading (1 speech)
    I indicate to the Senate that these bills are being introduced together. After debate on the motion for the second reading has been adjourned, I will be moving a motion to have the bills listed...
  • Infrastructure Australia Amendment (Cost Benefit Analysis and Other Measures) Bill 2014, Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 5) Bill 2014; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That these bills be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speeches incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted. The speeches read as follows— INFRASTRUCTURE...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Joint Select Committee on the Australia Fund Establishment, Joint Select Committee on Trade and Investment Growth (1 speech)
    The President has received messages from the House of Representatives agreeing to the Senate resolutions relating to the appointment of the following committees: Joint Select Committee on the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014; In Committee (29 speeches)
    The committee is considering the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014 and amendments Nos (1) and (2) on sheet 7570, moved by Senator Macdonald.
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 4) Bill 2014; Second Reading (3 speeches)
    Labor is more than happy to provide support for sensible measures when we see them. We will provide our support to this measure, the Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 4)...
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2014 Measures No. 4) Bill 2014; 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 Committee of the Whole.
  • National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014; In Committee (15 speeches)
    We are dealing with amendments (1) and (2) on sheet 7570 moved by Senator Macdonald.
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Higher Education (13 speeches)
    My question without notice is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. Yesterday I asked the minister a question about the following statement by the Prime Minister in...
  • Budget (12 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Cormann, representing the Treasurer. Can the minister update the Senate on the final budget outcome for the 2013-14 budget released today,...
  • Financial Services (16 speeches)
    My question is to the still Acting Assistant Treasurer, Senator Cormann. Is the minister aware of comments by John Brogden of the Financial Services Council that: The reality is that public trust...
  • Asylum Seekers (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator Cash. Tomorrow, the minister for immigration will be visiting Cambodia and then will...
  • Defence Procurement (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Senator Brandis. On August 28 this year, the Minister for Defence issued a press release regarding a $170 million upgrade to...
  • Agriculture (6 speeches)
    My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture Senator Abetz. Just over a year ago the government promised, as part of their election campaign, that they would provide...
  • East Arnhem (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Assistant Minister for Health Senator Nash. Can the minister inform the Senate of the focus of her recent visit to East Arnhem?
  • Medicinal Marijuana (6 speeches)
    My question is for the minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Abetz: I refer to comments made by the Prime Minister to the broadcaster Alan Jones on 17 September this year where he...
  • Ukraine (5 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. I refer to the Treasurer's media conference on 19 September in which he undertook to raise the matter of Russia's...
  • Higher Education (12 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Human Services, Senator Payne, representing the Minister for Education. Can the minister inform the Senate of the opportunities that the government's higher...
  • Anti-Discrimination (17 speeches)
    My question is to the Attorney-General, Senator Brandis. I refer to the report that the Attorney-General has joined the Melbourne Savage Club, which declared on its website: Membership is offered...
  • Agriculture (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Employment, Senator Abetz, representing the Minister for Agriculture. Can the minister outline how the coalition government's policies are contributing to the...
  • Arts Funding (7 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for the Arts, Senator Brandis. Can the minister confirm he directly awarded $275,000 to the classical music organisation Melba Recordings? Can he further confirm...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Answers to Questions (17 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given by ministers to questions without notice asked by Opposition senators today. If ever there was an example of how out of touch the frontbench...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Government Response to Report (1 speech)
    I present the government's response to the 441st report of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit. I congratulate them on so many reports. I seek leave to incorporate the documents in...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Responses to Senate Resolutions; Tabling (1 speech)
    I present the response from the Minister for the Environment (Mr Hunt) to a resolution of the Senate of 3 September 2014 concerning World Ranger Day.
• Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
  • Report No. 2 of 2014-15 (1 speech)
    (): In accordance with the provisions of the Auditor-General Act 1997, I present the following report of the Auditor-General: Report No. 2 of 2014-15: Performance audit: Food security in remote...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, Joint Select Committee on Trade and Investment Growth; Membership (2 speeches)
    The President has received letters from a party leader requesting changes in the membership of committees.
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • National Independent Commission Against Corruption (17 speeches)
    At the request of Senator Milne, I move: That the Senate calls on the Government to establish a National Independent Commission Against Corruption, delivered through an integrity commissioner, to...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee (2 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the document. The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee report Industry structures and systems governing levies on grass-fed cattleis...
  • Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Report (2 speeches)
    I rise to take note of the final report of the Environment and Communication Legislation Committee's report on the performance, importance and role of Australia Post in Australian communities and...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014; In Committee (104 speeches)
    The committee is considering the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014 and amendment (1) on sheet 7579, moved by Senator Leyonhjelm.
  • National Security Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2014; Third Reading (6 speeches)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Might I take the opportunity of making some brief third reading remarks to thank those who have contributed to the outcome that the Senate has...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Australian Dairy Industry (1 speech)
    It gives me such great pleasure to be here tonight, and I thank all my colleagues for sticking around to listen to what Senator Faulkner and I have to say tonight. Tonight I want to address the...
  • Recognise Campaign (1 speech)
    I support the Recognise Campaign for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia's Constitution. Recognise is critically important to raising awareness for a referendum to...