Senate debates

Wednesday, 25 November 2015

• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (3 speeches)
    by leave—I want to indicate to the chamber that the government has just received a request for the Migration Amendment (Charging for a Migration Outcome) Bill 2015, which is before us, to...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 5) Bill 2015; Second Reading (9 speeches)
    What we are looking at in the Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 5) Bill 2015 is a series of minor taxation amendments that are really designed to raise $1.4 billion over...
  • Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2015 Measures No. 5) Bill 2015; Third Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Trustee Governance) Bill 2015; Second Reading (32 speeches)
    Finally it is here. There has been a lot of talk, a lot of waiting and a lot of anticipation about when we were finally going to see the Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Trustee Governance)...
  • Migration Amendment (Charging for a Migration Outcome) Bill 2015; In Committee (7 speeches)
    The committee is considering the Migration Amendment (Charging for a Migration Outcome) Bill 2015 and amendments numbered (4), (9), (19) and (26) on sheet 7807 moved by Senator Carr.
  • Migration Amendment (Charging for a Migration Outcome) Bill 2015; Third Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill 2015; Second Reading (4 speeches)
    As an island continent, it is in Australia's economic, environmental and national interests that we are a shipping nation. That is why it is so alarming that the Turnbull government has chosen to...
• Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
  • Bushfires: Western Australia (4 speeches)
    I thank the Senate for the opportunity to speak on the Esperance fires, which will be the subject of a motion this afternoon by all of Western Australia's senators. I seek the indulgence of the...
  • Workplace Relations (1 speech)
    I rise today to spend a few minutes to talk about the important issue of penalty rates. Why do I need to do this? Because, while those opposite may have changed prime ministers, they are still...
  • Minus18: Gender Diversity (1 speech)
    This afternoon I rise to speak about an event I recently attended in my home state of South Australia, hosted by an organisation doing good work across our country, the Minus18's same-sex and...
  • Northern Australia (1 speech)
    A very well-humoured presentation by Senator Simms. Some of the issues contained in his contribution are very important and significant and deserve constant attention by this place. I rise today...
  • Lennon, Mr Mark (1 speech)
    I rise to acknowledge the incredible contribution of a close friend and mentor of mine who recently announced his retirement from being head of Unions New South Wales, the peak union body in my...
  • Indigenous Incarceration, Indigenous Health (1 speech)
    I rise today to talk about Australia's appalling high rates of incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to talk about Aboriginal health. Today, the Australian Medical...
  • Goods and Services Tax (2 speeches)
    I take the opportunity to put a few remarks on the public record in the ongoing debate in respect of the GST. I meet many constituents who ask my opinion and have their own opinion and their...
  • Domestic and Family Violence (2 speeches)
    I will resist the temptation to respond to the interjections from Senator Wong because I want to address a matter which is very important and something which I think unites all people in this...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Goods and Services Tax (9 speeches)
    My question is to Senator Cormann, the Minister representing the Treasurer. I refer to a report by National Shelter released yesterday which shows that more people are paying more out of their...
  • Domestic and Family Violence (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Attorney-General, Senator Brandis, representing the Prime Minister. Can the Attorney-General advise the Senate what the government is doing to prevent violence against women?
  • Economy (11 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. I refer to the minister's statement yesterday that 'this side of the chamber are focused on policies that strengthen...
  • White Ribbon Day (12 speeches)
    My question is to Senator Brandis, the Minister representing the Prime Minister. Today is White Ribbon Day in Australia and internationally it is the day for the elimination of violence against...
  • Competition Policy (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Cormann, representing the Treasurer. What plans does the government have to work with the states and territories and other key stakeholders to...
  • Western Australian Bushfires (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Justice, Senator Brandis. I acknowledge the Prime Minister's statement this week in the other place paying tribute to the firefighters...
  • Economy (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Cabinet Secretary, Senator Sinodinos, representing the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. Will the Cabinet Secretary advise the Senate what action the government...
  • Trade with Israel (15 speeches)
    My question is also to the Cabinet Secretary, representing the Minister for Trade and Investment. The government is on a roll with its tariff-slashing trade accords with Japan and South Korea,...
  • Broadband (18 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Communications, Senator Fifield. I refer to the now Prime Minister's announcement on 14 December 2014 that the taxpayer would 'take progressive ownership of the...
  • Schools (6 speeches)
    My question is for the Minister of Education and Training, Senator Birmingham. Can the minister advise the Senate what the international comparative data released today is showing about...
  • National Security Committee (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. Minister, why did Mr Turnbull remove the immigration minister, Mr Dutton, as a standing member of the National...
  • Defence: Regional Cooperation (7 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Payne. Can the minister update the Senate on steps the government has taken to enhance Defence's international engagement within our region?
• Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
  • Western Australian Bushfires (1 speech)
    I have some further information for Senator Wang in relation to the question he asked me a short while ago, which has been provided by my colleague, Mr Keenan, the Minister for Justice, who has...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Economy, Broadband (9 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Cormann) and the Minister for Communications (Senator Fifield) to questions without notice asked by...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Withdrawal (8 speeches)
    I give notice of my intention for the giving of notices on the next sitting day to withdraw business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1 standing in my name for three sitting days after today...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That Senator Fawcett be granted leave of absence for the period 25 November 2015 to 26 November 2015 for personal reasons. Question agreed to.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Economics References Committee; Reporting Date (1 speech)
    Does any senator wish to have that question put? There being none, I shall now proceed to the discovery of formal business.
  • Economics References Committee; Reference (1 speech)
    I move: That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 27 July 2016: The inconsistencies and inadequacies of current criminal, civil and...
  • Finance and Public Administration References Committee; Reference (1 speech)
    I move: That the following matters be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 24 August 2016: (a) the role of gender inequality in all...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Family Law Amendment (Financial Agreements and Other Measures) Bill 2015; First Reading (1 speech)
    On behalf of Senator Brandis I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend family law, and for related purposes. Question agreed to. I present the bill and move: That...
  • Family Law Amendment (Financial Agreements and Other Measures) Bill 2015; Second Reading (2 speeches)
    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....
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Asbestos Awareness Week (3 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Xenophon, move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) that 23 November to 27 November 2015 is Asbestos Awareness Week, (ii) the success of the Second...
  • Trade with Israel (7 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) acknowledges the Turnbull Government's renewed focus on innovation and improved commercialisation of research; (b) welcomes the recent Australian delegations to...
  • Community Radio 4ZZZ FM (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Waters, move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) that 8 December 2015 is the 40th anniversary of the first official broadcast of community radio station...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    On behalf of Senator Bilyk I move: That the Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity be authorised to hold private meetings otherwise than in...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Bushfires: Western Australia (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Cormann, Cash, Back, Johnston, Reynolds, Sterle, Ludlam, Bullock, Lines, Siewert and Wang, move: That the Senate— (a) notes the devastating bushfires that...
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (2 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes: (i) the suggestions by the Treasurer (Mr Morrison) that cuts may have to be made in the welfare system to pay for the National Disability Insurance...
  • White Ribbon Day (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Cash, Lines and Waters, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that 25 November: (i) is the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Postponement (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That general business notice of motion No. 6 standing in Senator Conroy's name for today, relating to the reference of a matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Economics References Committee; Reference (5 speeches)
    At the request of Senators Conroy, Xenophon, Whish-Wilson, Lambie and Lazarus, I move: That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 4...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • East West Link (15 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) there is a political stalemate between the Federal Government and the Victorian State Government in relation to the East West Link, (ii) there...
  • Cambodia (11 speeches)
    I advise senators that we have one further notice of motion to deal with, which may involve a division.
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Road Infrastructure (13 speeches)
    I inform the Senate that at 8.30 am today Senators Siewert and Leyonhjelm each submitted a letter in accordance with standing order 75 proposing a matter of public importance. The question of...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of Senator Polley, I present the 13th report of 2015 of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills. I also lay on the table Scrutiny of Bills Alert Digest No. 13 of 2015....
  • Regulations and Ordinances Committee; Delegated Legislation Monitor (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances, I present the Delegated Legislation Monitor No. 15 for 2015. Ordered that the document be printed.
  • Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, I present the Thirty-first report of the 44th Parliament: human rights scrutiny report. Ordered that the report be...
  • Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, I present Report 451: Community Pharmacy Agreements: Review of Auditor-General Report No. 25 (2014-15) as well as...
  • Community Affairs References Committee; Report (3 speeches)
    I present the report of the Community Affairs References Committee on the treatment of people with disability in institutional and residential settings, together with the Hansard record of the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment Bill 2015, Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Cargo) Bill 2015, Health Insurance Amendment (Safety Net) Bill 2015, Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Amendment (Inter-State Voyages) Bill 2015; 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...
  • Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment Bill 2015, Aviation Transport Security Amendment (Cargo) Bill 2015, Health Insurance Amendment (Safety Net) Bill 2015, Maritime Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Amendment (Inter-State Voyages) Bill 2015; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I table a revised explanatory memorandum relating to the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment Bill 2015 and I move: That these bills be now read a second time. I seek leave to...
  • Tax Laws Amendment (Gifts) 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. I seek leave to move a motion to exempt this bill from the bills...
  • Tax Laws Amendment (Gifts) Bill 2015; 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— This Bill amends...
• Regulations and Determinations (0 speeches)
  • Small Pelagic Fishery (Closures Variation) Direction No. 1 2015; Disallowance (9 speeches)
    I move: That the Small Pelagic Fishery (Closures Variation) Direction No. 1 2015, made under subsection 41A(3) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991, be disallowed [F2015L01450]. This motion I...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Motor Vehicle Standards (Cheaper Transport) Bill 2014; Report of Legislation Committee (1 speech)
    On behalf of the chair of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Senator Reynolds, I present the report of the committee on the Motor Vehicle Standards (Cheaper Transport) Bill...
  • Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill 2015; Second Reading (8 speeches)
    I was speaking on the Shipping Legislation Amendment Bill and pointing out some of the fatal flaws in Labor's legislation and the consequences of them and the need for the reform currently before...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Konrad Adenauer Foundation (1 speech)
    Last week I had the honour of participating as a guest of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in their Asian women parliamentarians dialogue in Brussels. The subject was on empowering women in Asia...
  • People With Disability (1 speech)
    This afternoon, the Community Affairs References Committee brought down its report on violence, abuse and neglect against people with disability. As I said in my contribution this afternoon, this...
  • Illicit Drugs (1 speech)
    The National Ice Task force is set to report soon, after months of examining the scourge of ice in Australia—and what a scourge it is. How many thousands of families has it destroyed? How...