Senate debates

Wednesday, 8 February 2017

• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Petroleum Pools and Other Measures) Bill 2016; Second Reading (6 speeches)
    I am delighted to continue my comments on this bill and to draw to the chamber's attention that it is always easy in 2017 to say, 'The North West Shelf is there. Gorgon, Wheatstone and Ichthys...
  • Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Petroleum Pools and Other Measures) Bill 2016; In Committee (36 speeches)
    I moved a second reading amendment calling on the government: … to make further amendments to the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 to improve competitive tension in...
  • Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Petroleum Pools and Other Measures) Bill 2016; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Select Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill; Membership (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That Senator Rice be appointed as a member of the Select Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill. Question agreed to.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Competition and Consumer Amendment (Country of Origin) Bill 2016; Second Reading (46 speeches)
    Labor supports this bill because it provides certainty for industry that safe harbour provisions under Australian Consumer Law are aligned with new country of origin labelling requirements. This...
• Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
  • Judiciary (2 speeches)
    We all know in this place that those of us in parliament are, quite rightly, the subject of full accountability and transparency. My contribution today, unfortunately, reflects the fact that I do...
  • Ovarian Cancer (1 speech)
    I rise to speak about ovarian cancer, something that I am extremely passionate about. Unfortunately, this year 1,550 Australian women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and, of these, 1,200...
  • Centrelink (1 speech)
    I rise, once again, to speak on the Turnbull government's disastrous Centrelink automated debt recovery system. I have had many people contact my office with their experiences of the impact of...
  • Beef Industry (1 speech)
    I rise to provide an update in relation to matters in our very important beef industry. I know, Mr Acting Deputy President Sterle, that you will have a keen interest in my short report, as much...
  • Medicare (1 speech)
    Last Wednesday was Medicare's 33rd birthday. Our universal healthcare system, set up by Labor, has been and will continue to be defended by Labor. Over the past 33 years, successive coalition...
  • Melbourne: Attacks, Law Enforcement (1 speech)
    I was across the ditch on a brief holiday in New Zealand when the word came through that a killer on wheels had ripped the heart out of my beloved Melbourne. It prompted this gut-felt tweet,...
  • Western Australian Economy (1 speech)
    We all understand that there are significant economic challenges in my home state of Western Australia, and, speaking very frankly, there is no point trying to dance around that sensitive issue....
  • Medicare (1 speech)
    The date 1 February, just gone, marked Medicare's 33rd birthday. It is 33 years since the introduction of Medicare by the government of Bob Hawke. It is 33 years of universal health care—a...
  • Marriage (1 speech)
    Last night, I saw the light—to be more specific, I saw episode 6, season 4, of Married At First Sight. It highlighted for me the glory and sanctity of marriage in Australia. I now realise...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Indigenous Advancement Strategy (11 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Scullion. I refer to the Australian National Audit Office audit on the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, which points to the deep...
  • Child Care (10 speeches)
    My question is to Minister for Education and Training, Minister Birmingham. Will the minister inform the Senate what the government is doing to support working parents through its jobs for...
  • ABC Shortwave Radio Service (7 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Communications, Senator Fifield. On 31 January the ABC shut down its shortwave service in outback Australia, cutting of Australians living in remote and...
  • Asylum Seekers (21 speeches)
    My question is to the Leader of the Government representing the Prime Minister. Minister, the Acting Chief Migration Officer of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Kantha, has confirmed that 60 people who...
  • National Broadband Network (8 speeches, 1 comment)
    My question is to the Minister for Communications, Senator Fifield. Can the minister update the Senate on the National Broadband Network's latest milestone?
  • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (8 speeches)
    My question is to Senator Nash, the minister representing the Minister for Health. Every year dozens of young Australians die or are permanently disabled from meningococcal disease. The Bexsero...
  • Economy (15 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator Canavan. Can the minister outline to the Senate what role the resources sector has played in Australia's recent record...
  • Automotive Industry (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Senator Sinodinos. As recently as yesterday in the Senate you claimed that the government is going to help workers that will...
  • International Development Assistance: Volunteers (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Fierravanti-Wells. Can the minister advise the Senate of the contribution that Australian volunteers make to...
  • Western Australia: Employment (16 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. The latest labour force data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that since the Abbott-Turnbull...
  • Ovarian Cancer (9 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Employment and Minister for Women, Senator Cash. February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and I note that many of my colleagues around the chamber are...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Indigenous Advancement Strategy, ABC Shortwave Radio Service (7 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs (Senator Scullion) and the Minister for Communications (Senator Fifield) to questions without notice...
  • Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Attorney-General (Senator Brandis) to a question without notice asked by Senator McKim today relating to asylum seekers on Manus...
• Privilege (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    Senators, I wish to advise you about a matter of privilege that has been raised by Senator Waters. By letter dated 27 January this year, the Chair of the Environment and Communications References...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Presentation (1 speech)
    I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move: That the following matter be referred to the committee of privileges for inquiry and report: Having regard to the material tabled by...
  • Withdrawal (3 speeches)
    I give notice of my intention at the giving of notice of motions on the next sitting day to withdraw business of the Senate notices of motion Nos 1, 2 and 3 standing in my name for 9 February...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Environment and Communications References Committee; Reference (4 speeches)
    At the request of Senator Waters, I move: That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 23 August 2017: The...
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Gallacher, I move: That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 November 2017: The...
  • Community Affairs References Committee; Reference (4 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Cameron, move: That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 10 May 2017: The design, scope,...
  • Finance and Public Administration References Committee; Reference (1 speech)
    I move: That the following matter be referred to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 9 May 2017: The operation, effectiveness, and consequences of...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Fisheries Legislation Amendment (Representation) Bill 2017; First Reading (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Ruston, I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the law relating to fisheries, and for related purposes—Fisheries Legislation...
  • Fisheries Legislation Amendment (Representation) Bill 2017; 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....
• Budget (0 speeches)
  • Consideration by Estimates Committees (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Fifield, I move: That the order of the Senate of 8 November 2016 relating to the hearings for the 2017-18 Budget estimates, be amended as follows: (a) paragraph (1): (i)...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Women in Sport (6 speeches)
    I ask that the name of Senator Farrell be added to this motion.
  • Ovarian Cancer (3 speeches)
    Before moving the motion, I wish to inform the chamber that Senator Bilyk will also sponsor the motion.
  • Melbourne: Attacks (1 speech)
    At the request of Senators Brandis, Hinch, Di Natale, Hanson, Wong, Xenophon, Leyonhjelm and Lambie, I move: That the Senate records its deep sorrow following the tragic events of 20 January in...
  • Black Tuesday Bushfires (1 speech)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Polley, Urquhart, Brown, Duniam, Abetz, Lambie, McKim, Whish-Wilson, Bushby and Parry, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) yesterday...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Criminal Code Amendment (Prohibition of Full Face Coverings in Public Places) Bill 2017; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 in relation to the wearing of full face coverings in public places, and for related...
  • Criminal Code Amendment (Prohibition of Full Face Coverings in Public Places) Bill 2017; Second Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a second time. I seek leave to table an explanatory memorandum relating to the bill. Leave granted. I table an explanatory memorandum and seek leave to have the...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Public Accounts and Audit Committee; Meeting (1 speech)
    I move: That the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit be authorised to hold public meetings during the sittings of the Senate, from 9.30 am, as follows: (a) Wednesday, 22 March 2017; and...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Dental Benefits (4 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) condemns the Government's:   (i) harsh cut to dental services for children in lower income families, ripping away $300 per child from the Child Dental...
  • Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II — Sapphire Jubilee (4 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Hanson, Fawcett, Bushby, Bernardi, Fifield, Fierravanti-Wells, Ryan, Macdonald, Back, Nash, Williams, Scullion, Canavan, Ruston, McKenzie, Duniam, Cormann,...
  • Child Sexual Abuse (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) acknowledges that 4,444 people made allegations of child sexual abuse by members of the Catholic Church, including the clergy, between January 1980 and February...
  • Select Committee on a National Integrity Commission (1 speech)
    On behalf of Senator Wong, I move: (1) That a select committee, to be known as the Select Committee on a National Integrity Commission, be established to inquire into and report on the...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Resettlement of Refugees; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
    I move: That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, on 15 February 2017, the agreement between Australia and the United States...
  • Defence Procurement; Order for the Production of Documents (8 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Carr, move: That the Senate: (a) notes that:   (i) on 9 November 2016 the Senate agreed to an order for production of documents directed at the Minister...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Federal Anti-Corruption Commission (11 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate supports the establishment of an independent federal anti-corruption commission to oversee federal members of parliament and the public service.
  • Migration (4 speeches)
    At the request of Senator Wong, I move: That the Senate— (a) reaffirms its support for Australia's non-discriminatory immigration policy that strengthens and enriches our country through...
  • Australia Day (8 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) in 1946, the Commonwealth and state governments agreed that 26 January each year would be celebrated as Australia Day,...
  • President of the United States (15 speeches)
    I ask that general business notice of motion No. 181 standing in my name for today, relating to President Trump, be taken as a formal motion.
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Consideration of Legislation (1 speech)
    I move: (1) That so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent this resolution having effect. (2) That the Parliamentary Expenses Amendment (Transparency and Accountability) Bill 2015...
  • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That Senator Abetz be granted leave of absence for today for personal reasons. Question agreed to.
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • Turnbull Government (25 speeches)
    I inform the Senate that, at 8.30 am today, Senators Gallagher, Hinch and Siewert each submitted a letter in accordance with standing order 75 proposing a matter of public importance. The...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Regulations and Ordinances Committee; Report (1 speech)
    I present Delegated Legislation Monitor No. 1 of 2017 of the Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances. Ordered that the report be printed. Question agreed to.
  • Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
    I present the Scrutiny Digest No. 1 of 2017 of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills. Ordered that the report be printed. I move: That the Senate take note of the report. I rise to...
  • Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Additional Information (1 speech)
    I present additional information received by the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee relating to the supplementary budget estimates 2016-17. I move: That the Senate take note of...
  • Membership (2 speeches)
    Order! The President has received letters requesting changes in the membership of various committees.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Corporations Amendment (Professional Standards of Financial Advisers) Bill 2016, Statute Update (A.C.T. Self-Government (Consequential Provisions) Regulations) Bill 2016, Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2016 Measures No. 2) Bill 2016; 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...
  • Corporations Amendment (Professional Standards of Financial Advisers) Bill 2016, Statute Update (A.C.T. Self-Government (Consequential Provisions) Regulations) Bill 2016, Tax and Superannuation Laws Amendment (2016 Measures No. 2) Bill 2016; 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— CORPORATIONS...
  • Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Amendment Bill 2016, Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Levy Bill 2016; 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.
  • Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Amendment Bill 2016, Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Levy Bill 2016; 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— The purpose of...
  • Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Bill 2016; 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.
  • Privacy Amendment (Notifiable Data Breaches) Bill 2016; 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— The Privacy Amendment...
  • Corporations Amendment (Crowd-sourced Funding) Bill 2016; 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.
  • Corporations Amendment (Crowd-sourced Funding) Bill 2016; 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— This Bill forms part of...
• Regulations and Determinations (0 speeches)
  • Dental Benefits Amendment Bill 2016; Disallowance (5 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Di Natale, Senator Griff, Senator Lambie and Senator Hinch, move: That item 2 of Schedule 1 of the Dental Benefits Amendment Rule 2016 (No. 2), made under the...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Competition and Consumer Amendment (Country of Origin) Bill 2016; Second Reading (3 speeches)
    In continuation of my discussion of the presentation on country-of-origin labelling, this legislation before chamber today amends Australian consumer law to simplify the test used to justify a...
  • Competition and Consumer Amendment (Country of Origin) Bill 2016; In Committee (24 speeches)
    I have a number of questions in respect of the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Country of Origin) Bill and in relation to the second reading amendment which was just defeated. I outlined the...
  • Competition and Consumer Amendment (Country of Origin) Bill 2016; Third Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Renewable Energy (1 speech)
    I rise today to address a deeply troubling challenge facing my home state of Victoria—that of energy affordability and security. All of us in this place know of the recent closure of the...
  • Telecommunications (1 speech)
    I rise to speak in the Senate tonight on an issue of great importance to the people of the Northern Territory, to Northern Australia, to Australians in the Pacific region and to all those who...