Senate debates

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Economics References Committee, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, Select Committee on Unconventional Gas Mining; Meeting (1 speech)
    Does any senator wish to have any of those motions put? There being none, we will proceed to business.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Amendment (Inter-State Voyages) Bill 2015; Second Reading (5 speeches)
    ( It is a real balancing act. On one hand, we need to make sure that we protect ourselves from those who would seek to harm us. On the other hand, we need to make sure our security arrangements...
  • Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Amendment (Inter-State Voyages) 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.
  • Aged Care Amendment (Red Tape Reduction in Places Management) Bill 2015; Second Reading (4 speeches)
    I rise to speak on the Aged Care Amendment (Red Tape Reduction in Places Management) Bill 2015. I will say at the outset that Labor will support this bill, and I note that this legislation has...
  • Aged Care Amendment (Red Tape Reduction in Places Management) Bill 2015; 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.
  • Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Bill 2015; Second Reading (2 speeches)
    I will resume my comments on the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Bill 2015. After listening carefully yesterday to the debate on all sides of...
  • Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Bill 2015; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    As there are no amendments, I call the minister.
  • Food Standards Australia New Zealand Amendment (Forum on Food Regulation and Other Measures) Bill 2015; Second Reading (5 speeches)
    I rise to speak on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Amendment (Forum on Food Regulation and Other Measures) Bill 2015. Food standards are something that many Australians take for granted,...
  • Food Standards Australia New Zealand Amendment (Forum on Food Regulation and Other Measures) Bill 2015; In Committee (12 speeches)
    I table a supplementary explanatory memorandum relating to the government's amendments to be moved to this bill. By leave—I move government amendments (1) and (2) on sheet GB124 together:...
  • Food Standards Australia New Zealand Amendment (Forum on Food Regulation and Other Measures) Bill 2015; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
• Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
  • Superannuation (1 speech)
    I rise today to continue a conversation I commenced in December here in the chamber and have spoken about in the media in recent times, and that is the opportunity for young people from their...
  • Education Funding (3 speeches)
    I rise this afternoon in senators' statements to put on the record some remarks around the significant announcement that was made by the Labor leader, Bill Shorten, about reform that is needed to...
  • Marine Plastics (1 speech)
    Around three years ago, I did my first senator's statement on a burning issue that I care most deeply about—the threat of plastic pollution to our world's oceans and marine wildlife. I have...
  • Queensland: Adani Carmichael Coalmine (1 speech)
    Today, I would like to give praise to a decision made yesterday by the Queensland Labor government. It is not common, obviously, to give praise to other political parties, but I think it is...
  • Automotive Industry (1 speech)
    I rise to take part in the statements and join Senator Canavan on his unity ticket about jobs. I suppose the only difference is that Labor is trying to pin a tail on a donkey of his colour about...
  • Housing Affordability (1 speech)
    I rise today to commend the work of international research organisation Demographia and its directors: US urban planning and transport expert Wendell Cox and New Zealand urban planning consultant...
  • Adoption, Focus ACT, Australian Capital Territory: School Awards (1 speech)
    Again, I would like to bring to the attention of the Senate the issue of the need for reform in the area of adoption and out-of-home care here in Australia. It is an issue that I know that many...
  • Goods and Services Tax (5 speeches)
    Prime Minister Turnbull has said, 'There's never been a more exciting time to be an Australian,' but, when it comes to most Australian families, it could be argued—and in fact I will...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Education Funding (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Cormann. I refer to the minister's statement last night that the Turnbull government's school-funding formula beyond 2018 is: …...
  • Asylum Seekers (9 speeches)
    My question is to the Attorney-General and Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Brandis. Will the Attorney-General acquaint the Senate with the High Court decision this morning on the...
  • Education Funding (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. I refer to the now Prime Minister's statement in relation to the 2014 budget when he said, 'I support the reforms...
  • Asylum Seekers (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Attorney-General representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. As we have already heard from the Attorney-General, today the High Court declared the way to remove 267...
  • Economy (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. Can the minister explain why the government's economic reform agenda is so important to the nation?
  • Building and Construction Industry (35 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister in the Senate. A joint media release by the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and the employment minister on 30 December...
  • International Development Assistance (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Australia's aid budget. The Howard government committed itself in 2000 to reach 0.7 per cent of...
  • Goods and Services Tax (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. I refer to the Treasurer's commitment that a higher GST will not lead to an increase in the total tax-take and ask:...
  • Innovation and Science (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Education and Training, Senator Birmingham. Can the minister advise the Senate how the government's National Innovation and Science Agenda will promote...
  • Taxation (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. I refer to the minister's statement yesterday that the government has made no decision to increase the rate of the GST...
  • Northern Australia (6 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs representing the Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia. Will the minister update the Senate on its signature Northern...
  • Member for Fisher (8 speeches)
    My question is to Senator Brandis, the Minister representing the Prime Minister. I note the minister's refusal to answer my question about the Special Minister of State yesterday, so I will ask...
  • Trade (7 speeches)
    My question is to the Cabinet Secretary, Senator Sinodinos, representing the Minister for Trade and Investment. Will the Cabinet Secretary outline for the Senate the benefits to Australia of the...
• Answers to Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
  • Question Nos 2630, 2631 and 2632 (5 speeches)
    Pursuant to standing order 74(5), I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development for an explanation as to why answers have not yet been provided to...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Education Funding (9 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for Finance (Senator Cormann) to a question without notice asked by Senator McAllister today relating to school funding. I...
• Statements (0 speeches)
  • Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation Amendment (Exit Arrangements) Bill 2015 (1 speech)
    After discussion between the two sides of the parliament, I wish to seek leave to make a short statement about the passage this morning of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Legislation...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That leave of absence for personal reasons be granted to Senator Carr for today, 3 February, and tomorrow, 4 February 2016. 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.
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference (6 speeches)
    I move: That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 June 2016: The need for a nationally-consistent approach,...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Bushfires (4 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Reynolds and Senator Smith, move: That the Senate— (a) notes the severity of recent catastrophic bushfires across Western Australia, South Australia,...
  • Ovarian Cancer (1 speech)
    At the request of Senators Polley and Bilyk, I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, (ii) the campaign for 2016 urges Australians to 'Know...
  • Western Australia: Bushfires (1 speech)
    I wish to inform the chamber that Senator Back will also sponsor the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senators Cash, Bullock, Sterle, Siewert, Lines, Ludlam, Cormann, Smith and Back, move: That...
  • Sex Discrimination Commissioner (1 speech)
    I seek to add the name of Senator Moore as a co-sponsor for the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senator Moore, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) it has been over 150 days since...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Public Accounts and Audit Committee, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    I seek leave to move general business notices of motion Nos 1009 and 1010, relating to committee meetings, together. Leave granted. At the request of Senators Smith and Fawcett, I move: (1) That...
  • National Capital and External Territories Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Brown, I move: That the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories be authorised to hold private meetings otherwise than in accordance...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Western Australia: Australia Day Honours (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Reynolds, Johnston, Cormann, Back and Cash, move: That the Senate— (a) congratulates the 37 worthy Western Australians who were recipients of Order of...
  • Centrelink (4 speeches)
    I would like to add the name of Senator Cameron as a co-sponsor of this motion. I, and also on behalf of Senator Cameron, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) in the 2014-15 financial...
  • Road Infrastructure (9 speeches)
    I propose to add Senator Glenn Sterle's name as a co-sponsor of the motion. Before I move the motion on behalf of myself and Senator Sterle, I seek leave to make a very brief statement.
  • Gold Coast Airport (5 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a)   notes that: (i)   the Federal Government has approved an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for the Gold Coast Airport (GCA) at a...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Postponement (1 speech)
    by leave—at the request of Senator Lambie I move: That general business notices of motion nos 1004 and 1005 standing in the name of Senator Lambie for today, relating to nuclear programs in...
• Answers to Questions on Notice (0 speeches)
  • Perth Freight Link (1 speech)
    by leave—Senator Ludlam asked me after question time about a response to a question on notice, question on notice No. 2630. I can advise the chamber that I wrote to the Clerk on 23 November...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Turnbull Government (22 speeches, 1 comment)
    At 8.30 am this morning Senator Siewert and Senator Leyhonhjelm each submitted a letter in relation to standing order 75, proposing a matter of public importance. The question of which proposal...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of Senator Polley, the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills, I present the first report. I also lay on the table Scrutiny of Bills Alert Digest No. 1 of...
  • Regulations and Ordinances Committee; Delegated Legislation Monitor (1 speech)
    On behalf of Senator Williams, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances, I present the Delegated Legislation Monitor No. 1 of 2016. Ordered that the report 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 33rd report of 44th Parliament, Human Rights Scrutiny Report. Ordered that the report be printed. by...
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Government Response to Report (1 speech)
    I present the government’s response to the report of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee on its inquiry into work undertaken by the Australian Federal Police’s...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
    I table a document relating to the order for the production of documents concerning training for estimates hearings undertaken by public servants.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Membership (2 speeches)
    The President has received a letter requesting changes in the membership of committees.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Radio) 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.
  • Broadcasting Legislation Amendment (Digital Radio) 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— BROADCASTING...
  • Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection and Other Measures) 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.
  • Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection and Other Measures) Bill 2015; Second Reading (2 speeches)
    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— MIGRATION AMENDMENT...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Finance and Public Administration 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 19 of today's order of business, together with documents...
  • Social Security Legislation Amendment (Further Strengthening Job Seeker Compliance) Bill 2015; Second Reading (11 speeches)
    The Social Security Legislation Amendment (Further Strengthening Job Seeker Compliance) Bill 2015 seeks to amend the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to support measures that the...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Trade (1 speech)
    Whilst I do not want to take too much of my time in making reference to the contributions by our colleagues across the chamber, I have noticed a trend since I have returned, and that is: every...
  • Industrial Relations (1 speech)
    It is with great dissatisfaction that I come before you again to discuss the anti-union behaviour of an iconic Australian transport company in the United States. As members of the Transport...
  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1 speech)
    A big issue for me and many of the people I talk to throughout rural and regional Victoria is the concern about the lack of local content in media programming, particularly in their local ABCs....