Senate debates

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Abbott Government's Budget Cuts Select Committee, Senate Select Committee on Health; Meeting (1 speech)
    Does any senator wish to put the question on any of those motions? There being none, I will proceed.
• Parliamentary Representation (0 speeches)
  • Australian Capital Territory (1 speech)
    I inform the Senate that I have received a letter from Senator Lundy—which people would not be surprised about after her speech last night—resigning her place as a senator for the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014; In Committee (17 speeches)
    Could I just seek some clarification from the Clerk as to whether we dealt with the amendments on sheet 7683 last time. I think we were halfway through that vote, from memory. The CHAIRMAN: Where...
  • Migration Amendment (Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2014; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
  • Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014, Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Amendment Bill 2014; Second Reading (6 speeches)
    I rise to speak on the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014 and the Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Amendment Bill 2014. These bills are part of the repeal day...
  • Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Deregulation) Bill 2014, Telecommunications (Industry Levy) Amendment Bill 2014; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    As no amendments to the bills have been circulated, I shall call the minister to move the third reading unless any senator requires that the bills be considered in Committee of the Whole.
  • Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2015; In Committee (77 speeches)
    I have a very quick question for the government and Senator Fierravanti-Wells, who looks as though she might have been thrown in the deep end. Is Senator Fierravanti-Wells aware of whether the...
• Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
  • New South Wales State Election (1 speech)
    I rise to speak about the important day coming up in New South Wales this Saturday. Of course, it is the state election. The New South Wales people have a simple decision to make: do they...
  • Abbott Government (1 speech)
    The Abbott government's failings are widely known in the community. There are the broken promises and the cruel cuts to health, pensions, education and superannuation. There is the callous...
  • Budget (1 speech)
    I rise today as budget talks get underway to pose the question: where are we going as a nation? What is the destination for Australia and what is the plan to get there? What are the competing...
  • Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption (1 speech)
    Today I rise to speak on matters that concern the links between the New South Wales CFMEU and controversial businessman George Alex, and between Mr Alex and two Islamic State terrorists. George...
  • Birth Abnormalities (1 speech)
    I was born in the year 1961. If I may be so immodest, my parents were blessed with a healthy baby boy, but across our country and around the world, at the same time, there were many people who...
  • Taxation (1 speech)
    It was Benjamin Franklin who said, 'In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.' Will Rogers responded: 'Yes, and the only difference between death and taxes is that death does not get...
  • Mr Lee Kuan Yew GCMG CH (1 speech)
    I rise to express my condolence at the passing away on Monday of this week of past Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew and extend that sympathy to his family and indeed to the people of...
  • Pensions and Benefits (8 speeches)
    Today Australia's 3.7 million pensioners want to send a message to the Abbott government: 'Don't pocket our pension!' After the announcement of the Abbott government's first budget, I received...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Defence Procurement (21 speeches, 1 comment)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. Will the government provide bipartisan support for Australia's Future Submarine project, our largest ever Defence...
• Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    I inform honourable senators of the presence in the gallery today of the Australian Political Exchange Council's 9th Delegation from the Philippines. On behalf of all senators, I wish you a warm...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Infrastructure (11 speeches)
    My question is to the diligent Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator Cash, in her capacity representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. Will...
  • Economy (23 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. I refer to the recent release of a publication by the Minister for Trade and Investment, Mr Robb, entitled Why...
  • Forestry (6 speeches)
    Mr President, my question is to Senator Birmingham, the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment. Is the minister aware the Tasmanian government has approved logging in critical...
  • Centenary of Anzac (6 speeches)
    My question is to the very diligent Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of Anzac, Senator Ronaldson. Can the minister explain to the Senate how the Spirit of Anzac Centenary...
  • Goods and Services Tax (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Finance. For many months now the call for a fairer distribution of GST has gone unanswered. The people of Western Australia are frustrated by the conflicting...
  • Government Services (6 speeches)
    My question is to the
  • Indigenous Employment (7 speeches)
    Mr President, my question is to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. Minister, whilst I am encouraged by news yesterday out of my home state that, in order to open up job opportunities, penalty...
  • Research and Development (36 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Science, Senator Ronaldson. I refer to a report released today showing that $145 million worth of economic activity, or...
  • Industry Skills Fund (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Assistant Minister for Education and Training, Senator Birmingham, representing the Minister for Education and Training. Can the minister update the Senate on the benefits...
• Budget (0 speeches)
  • Consideration by Estimates Committees (6 speeches)
    Pursuant to standing order 74(5) on questions on notice, I seek an explanation from the Assistant Minister for Social Security, Senator Fifield, as to why question on notice 1487 asking for a...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • WestConnex; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
    I table a response to an order for the production of documents agreed to by the Senate on Wednesday, 18 March 2015 relating to the WestConnex road project in New South Wales.
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Defence Procurement (23 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Employment (Senator Abetz) to a question without notice asked by Senator Conroy today relating to the manufacture of the...
  • Forestry (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Assistant Minister for Education and Training (Senator Birmingham) to a question without notice asked by Senator Milne today relating...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
    by leave —I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Bilyk for the period from Wednesday, 25 March to Thursday, 26 March 2015, on account of absence due to personal reasons....
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Reporting Date (1 speech)
    Does any senator wish to have any motion put in relation to those extensions? There being none, we will move on.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Australian Centre for Social Cohesion Bill 2015; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I seek leave to have my second reading speech to the Australian Centre for Social Cohesion Bill 2015, which was introduced on my behalf on 9 February, incorporated into Hansard. Leave granted....
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Xenophon, McKenzie, Whish-Wilson and Madigan move: That the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee...
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference (6 speeches)
    I move: That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 19 February 2016: The mental health of Australian Defence...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Construction Industry Amendment (Protecting Witnesses) Bill 2015; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to A Bill for an Act to amend the Fair Work (Building Industry) Act 2012, and for related purposes. Construction Industry...
  • Construction Industry Amendment (Protecting Witnesses) Bill 2015; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I table the explanatory memorandum relating to the bill and move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave granted....
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Withdrawal (1 speech)
    I move: That the government business order of the day relating to the Automotive Transformation Scheme Amendment Bill 2014 be discharged from the Notice Paper. Question agreed to.
  • Rearrangement (1 speech)
    I move: That the hours of meeting for Tuesday, 12 May 2015, be from 12.30 pm to 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm to adjournment, and for Thursday, 14 May 2015 be from 9.30 to 6 pm and 8 pm to adjournment, and...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Liverpool Plains (9 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) the Minister for the Environment (Mr Hunt) has referred the Shenhua Watermark coal mine planned for the Liverpool Plains to the Independent...
  • Environment (4 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) congratulates the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama for the Executive Order requiring the reduction of greenhouse gas pollution by 40 per...
  • National Broadband Network (1 speech)
    I move: That the resolution of appointment of the Select Committee on the National Broadband Network be amended, as follows: After paragraph (d), insert: (da) the development of a long term,...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Days and Hours of Meeting (3 speeches)
    I move: (1) On Wednesday, 25 March 2015: (a) the hours of meeting shall be from 9.30 am to 7 pm and 7.30 pm to 11.10 pm; (b) the routine of business from not later than 7.30 pm until 10.30 pm...
  • Suspension of Standing Orders (54 speeches)
    Pursuant to contingent notice standing in the name of the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Abetz, I move: That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent me...
  • Sugar Industry (10 speeches)
    At the request of Senator O'Sullivan, I move: That the Senate notes: (a) the importance of the sugar industry in Australia; (b) the unique marketing challenges that face this industry; and (c)...
  • Uranium Mining (8 speeches)
    At the request of Senator Canavan, I move: That the Senate— (a) recognises that the uranium mining industry has the potential to generate significant economic growth, jobs and income in...
  • Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (15 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Cash and McKenzie, move: That the Senate— (a) notes recent reports and evidence of aggression and abuse towards women by Construction, Forestry, Mining and...
  • Whistleblower Protection Legislation (4 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) the importance of comprehensive whistle-blower protection legislation at all levels of government and across both the public and private sectors, and...
  • Great Barrier Reef (5 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) the recent report of the Australian Coral Reef Society which stated that policies for a safe climate are inconsistent with the opening of new fossil...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Health and Education (36 speeches)
    A letter has been received from Senator Moore: Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion: The Abbott...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
    I present the fourth report of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills. I also lay on the table Scrutiny of Bills Alert Digest No. 4 of 2015, dated 25 March 2015 together with The...
  • Regulations and Ordinances Committee; Delegated Legislation Monitor (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances, Senator Williams, I present the Delegated Legislation Monitor No. 4 of 2015 of the Standing Committee on...
  • Joint Standing Committee on Migration; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration, Senator Back, I present the committee's Report of the inquiry into the Business Innovation and Investment Programme. Ordered...
  • Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Report (1 speech)
    (—) (): On behalf of the Chief Government Whip and Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, I present the Human rights scrutiny report: Twenty-first report of the 44th...
  • Economics Legislation Committee; Corrigenda to Report (1 speech)
    I present a corrigendum to the Economics Legislation Committee's Annual reports (No.1 of 2015). Ordered that the document be printed.
  • Environment and Communications References Committee; Report (3 speeches)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Environment and Communications References Committee, Senator Urquhart, I present the National Landcare Programreport, together with the Hansard record of...
  • Procedure Committee; Report (1 speech)
    I present the first report of 2015 of the Procedure Committee. Ordered that the report be adopted.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Amendment (A Stronger Land Account) Bill 2014; Report of Legislation Committee (1 speech)
    Pursuant to order and at the request of the chair of the committee, I present a report of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Amendment (A...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Wind Turbines Select Committee, Abbott Government's Budget Cuts Select Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
    The President has received letters from senators seeking variations to the membership of committees.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Public Governance and Resources Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2015; 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.
  • Public Governance and Resources Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2015; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I table a revised explanatory memorandum relating to the bill and move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave...
  • Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015; 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.
  • Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I table a revised explanatory memorandum relating to the bill and move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard. Leave...
  • Australian Border Force Bill 2015, Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Australian Border Force) Bill 2015; 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.
  • Australian Border Force Bill 2015, Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Australian Border Force) Bill 2015; 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 BORDER...
  • Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2015; In Committee (83 speeches)
    I believe the amendment should be agreed to, so I commend it to the chamber. For the benefit of senators, when the debate was interrupted before question time we were discussing the issue of...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Native Title (1 speech)
    In the available time this evening, I would like to focus on an issue that I would contend is among the most significant financial issue facing Western Australia and of particular significance...
  • Centenary of Anzac (2 speeches)
    There have been many speeches in this place and around the world that reflect upon the centenary of Anzac commemorations. Politicians on all sides will talk of the sacrifice and bravery of the...