Senate debates

Wednesday, 9 August 2017

• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Meeting (1 speech)
    Does any senator wish to have the question put on any of those proposals? There being none, we shall proceed.
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Membership (7 speeches)
    Order! Yesterday, the Deputy President informed the Senate that I had received letters from Senators Burston and Lambie seeking appointment to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Consideration of Legislation (9 speeches)
    I move: That the second reading of the Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 be restored to the Notice Paper and be made an order of the day for a later hour. In moving the motion, let me make...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016; Consideration of House of Representatives Message (19 speeches)
    I move: That the committee does not insist on its amendments to which the House of Representatives has disagreed and agrees to the amendments made by the House in place of those amendments.
  • Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting Benefits) Bill 2017; In Committee (49 speeches)
    The committee is now considering the Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting Benefits) Bill 2017 as amended.
• Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
  • Papua New Guinea: General Election (1 speech)
    Australia is a close and longstanding partner to Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is a country that I have visited many times over the last decade and I have come to develop a great affection...
  • Tasmania: Early Childhood Education (1 speech)
    Early in my working career, I was employed as an early childhood educator. I worked in childcare centres and then I ran my own family day care business. While the profession used to be simply...
  • Citizenship, Venezuela, Waste Management and Recycling (11 speeches)
    The MP citizenship issue has been a significant matter of public interest in recent weeks. I was personally devastated by the news that Scott Ludlam and Larissa Waters resigned from parliament...
  • Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1 speech)
    Today I want to talk about the custody notification service that has operated in New South Wales and the ACT for quite some time. It's a program that provides 24-hour legal advice for Aboriginal...
  • Kimberley Region, Rotary Club of Perth: Path of Hope Foundation (1 speech)
    I would like to begin by reflecting on Senator Macdonald's comments this afternoon. Those people who know Senator Macdonald who are listening on the broadcast will know that he's an enthusiastic,...
  • Migration (1 speech)
    I am well known for speaking up about immigration, but what isn't well known is that I am not anti migrant. In 1996, I spoke out about the high rate of immigration from Asia that would have put...
  • Immigration (6 speeches)
    I did mean to rise and discuss the issue of National Homelessness Week. I've only have got a couple of minutes, but I must respond to that racist rant from One Nation. If we are going to have a...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • North Korea (16 speeches)
    My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Brandis. Could the minister provide an update on the threat posed by North Korea to international peace and...
• Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
  • (1 speech)
    I acknowledge the presence in the President's Gallery a delegation from the Australian Political Exchange Council's 6th Delegation from the Republic of Korea. On behalf of all senators, I wish...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Energy (12 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. Yesterday, the minister boasted that the government had already adopted all bar one of the Finkel report...
  • Banking and Financial Services (14 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Finance representing the Treasurer, Senator Cormann. Minister, in response to last week's stunning revelations that the Commonwealth Bank facilitated money...
  • Economy (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Cormann. This government's commitment to economic growth and employment is irrefutable, but can the minister please explain to the Senate: what...
  • Manufacturing (12 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. The Australian automotive industry employs 380,000 people across 69,000 mostly small and family-owned businesses. The industry...
  • Workplace Relations (8 speeches)
    My question is for the Minister for Employment, Senator Cash. Can the minister update the Senate on why it is important to have a zero-tolerance approach to violence and intimidation in...
  • Murray-Darling Basin (15 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Senator Nash. I had a surreal experience last week, Minister, standing with uncommon allies supporting an independent inquiry into...
  • Marriage (13 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Brandis. Yesterday, Prime Minister Turnbull and the Minister for Finance announced the $122 million non-binding postal...
  • Workplace Relations (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Employment, Senator Cash. Can the minister explain why it's important to protect whistleblowers in registered organisations?
  • Cyclone Debbie (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Justice, Senator Brandis. To assist in recovery from Cyclone Debbie, the Queensland government with the support of local mayors...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Marriage (13 speeches)
    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 Pratt today relating to a proposed postal survey...
  • Banking and Financial Services (1 speech)
    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 Whish-Wilson today relating to the Commonwealth...
• Parliamentary Representation (0 speeches)
  • Qualifications of Senators (28 speeches)
    For the information of senators, I table a letter I received today by the Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Di Natale, relating to the eligibility of Senator Roberts under section 44 of...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Economics References Committee; Reporting Date (1 speech)
    Does any senator wish to have the question put on this proposal? There being none, we will move on.
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
    I seek leave to move a motion relating to the leave of absence for two senators. Leave granted. I move: That leave of absence be granted to Senator Dastyari for Monday, 14 August 2017 for...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Withdrawal (1 speech)
    by leave—I withdraw business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2.
  • Australia's Reef 2050 Plan (10 speeches, 1 comment)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator O'Sullivan, move: That the Senate acknowledges that— (a) on 5 July 2017, the World Heritage Committee unanimously endorsed Australia's Reef 2050 Plan and...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Regional Australia) Bill 2017; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, and for related purposes. Question agreed to I present the bill and...
  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Regional Australia) 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 I seek leave to have...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Parliament House: Cleaners (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that the unresolved bargaining dispute between cleaners at Parliament House and their employer Limro Pty Ltd means the cleaners have not had a wage...
  • Australia's Matildas (1 speech)
    I move— That the Senate— (a) notes:   (i) the inaugural Tournament of Nations (the Tournament), an international women's football tournament, was held in the United States...
  • Homelessness (1 speech)
    I move— That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) 7 to 13 August 2017 is Homelessness Week,   (ii) the theme of this year's week is 'Action and Innovation' which aims...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • National Integrity Commission; Reporting Date (1 speech)
    At the request of Senator Collins, I move— That the time for the presentation of the report of the Select Committee on a National Integrity Commission be extended to 13 September 2017....
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Plebiscite on Marriage; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
    I move— That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Finance, by no later than 11.50 am on 10 August 2017, the following documents held, commissioned or requested by the Department...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Cyclone Debbie (4 speeches)
    At the request of Senators Chisholm, Watt, Ketter and Moore, I move— That the Senate— (a) notes:   (i) the enduring and lasting impact that Tropical Cyclone Debbie has had...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Social Security Amendment (Caring for People on Newstart) Bill 2017; First Reading (1 speech)
    I move— That the following bill be introduced: A Bill for an Act to amend the Social Security Act 1991, and for related purposes. Social Security Amendment (Caring for People on Newstart)...
  • Social Security Amendment (Caring for People on Newstart) 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 seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (13 speeches)
    We now go to business of the Senate notice of motion No. 4, standing in the name of Senator Wong.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Finance and Public Administration References Committee; Reference (5 speeches)
    I seek leave to amend business of the Senate notice of motion No. 4, standing in my name for today, proposing a reference to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee, by...
  • Murray-Darling Basin (16 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Bernardi, Gichuhi, Hanson-Young and Xenophon, move: (1) That the Senate— (a) affirms its support for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan; (b) expresses deep...
  • Homelessness (5 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senator Cameron, move: That the Senate— (a) notes that:   (i) according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the most recent statistics from...
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference (11 speeches)
    I, and also on behalf of Senators Hinch, Lambie and Xenophon, move: (1) The following matters be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 14...
  • Early Retirement of Coal-fired Power Stations (9 speeches)
    I thank everyone for staying with us. Obviously, it's the highlight of general business today and it's not only a motion from me; it's also from Senator O'Sullivan. The wording got a bit...
  • Commonwealth Bank of Australia (11 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate— (a) notes:   (i) claims by AUSTRAC that the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) handled over 53 000 transactions through so-called Intelligent Deposit...
• Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
  • Barwon-Darling Basin (18 speeches)
    I inform the Senate that at 8:30 am today 12 proposals were received in accordance with Standing Order 75. The question of which proposal would be submitted to the Senate was determined by lot....
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Regulations and Ordinances Committee; Delegated Legislation Monitor (1 speech)
    I present Delegated Legislation Monitor No. 8 of 2017 of the Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances. Ordered that the report be printed.
  • Human Rights Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, I present Human rights scrutiny report 7of 2017. Ordered that the report be printed. I seek leave to have the tabling statement...
  • Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Report (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills, Senator Polley, I present Scrutiny digest 8 of 2017. Ordered that the report be printed.
  • Treaties Committee; Report (1 speech)
    I present the 172nd report of Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, Singapore free trade agreementamendmentandDefence supplies and servicesJapan, and move: That the Senate take note of the...
  • Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Additional Information (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, I present additional information received by the committee on its inquiry into the provisions of the Industrial Chemicals...
  • Community Affairs References Committee; Additional Information (1 speech)
    On behalf of the Chair of the Community Affairs References Committee, I present additional information received by the committee on its inquiry into the Better Management of the Social Welfare...
  • Intelligence and Security Committee; Government Response to Report (1 speech)
    I present the government response to the advisory report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on its inquiry into the Telecommunications and Other Legislation...
  • Membership (2 speeches)
    The President has received letters requesting changes in the membership of committees.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Australian Immunisation Register and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposal and Other Measures) Bill 2017, Education Legislation Amendment (Provider Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2017, Prime Minister and Cabinet Legislation Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1) Bill 2017; 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...
  • Australian Immunisation Register and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, Customs Tariff Amendment (Incorporation of Proposal and Other Measures) Bill 2017, Education Legislation Amendment (Provider Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2017, Prime Minister and Cabinet Legislation Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1) Bill 2017; 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...
• Regulations and Determinations (0 speeches)
  • Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016; Disallowance (10 speeches)
    I move: That the Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016, made under the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016, be disallowed. This morning we...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Education and Employment Legislation Committee, Community 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 20 on today's Order of Business, together with the Hansard...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting Benefits) Bill 2017; In Committee (23 speeches)
    As I understand, we are dealing with the One Nation amendments, and I use the word 'amendments' loosely. I did say in my earlier contribution today that One Nation have never stood up for workers...
  • Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting Benefits) Bill 2017; Third Reading (2 speeches)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time.
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Australian Human Rights (1 speech)
    I rise to speak on the Australian Human Rights Commission Change the course on sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities. This landmark report and nationwide survey found...
  • Valedictories (1 speech)
    This evening I want to make a short contribution acknowledging the work that both Senator Ludlam and Senator Waters made in and gave to this place. The circumstances of their leaving us have been...