Senate debates

Monday, 18 March 2024

• Condolences (0 speeches)
  • White, Senator Linda (2 speeches)
    It is my very sad duty to inform the Senate of the death, on 29 February 2024, of Senator Linda White, who served Victoria with distinction in this place from 2022. I call the minister to move...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Rearrangement (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That the routine of business for today be as set out on today's order of business. The routine of business for today be: (a) government business only; (b) at 3 pm,...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Meeting (1 speech)
    I remind senators that the question may be put on any proposal at the request of any senator.
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme; Order for the Production of Documents (3 speeches)
    The government continues to reiterate its view that it cannot agree with the assertions made in the motion. We do, however, acknowledge the interest in the chamber in reforming the NDIS to get it...
• Motions (0 speeches)
  • Middle East (19 speeches)
    I seek leave to move a motion to give precedence to general business notice of motion No. 451 relating to Gaza. The motion has been circulated. Leave not granted. How surprising! Pursuant to...
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023; Second Reading (5 speeches)
    I rise to speak to the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023. This bill implements the second tranche of the government's paid parental leave reform...
  • Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023; In Committee (61 speeches)
    by leave—I move: That the House of Representatives be requested to make the following amendments: (1) Clause 2, page 2 (table item 1), omit the table item, substitute: (2) Page 14 (after...
  • Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023; Third Reading (1 speech)
    I move: That this bill be now read a third time. Question agreed to. Bill read a third time.
  • Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill 2023; Second Reading (7 speeches)
    I was saying that the government must remain accountable for the expenditure of taxpayers' money and that, if this ARC Board goes on a frolic of its own and starts irresponsibly approving...
  • Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill 2023; In Committee (43 speeches)
    I've got a number of questions for Senator Chisholm. Obviously there are many amendments before the Senate, but I would like to ask those questions now of the Minister representing the Minister...
• Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
  • Infrastructure (1 speech)
    It is less than 50 days, just 48 days, to the next stunning beef week in Rockhampton. We are really looking forward to this week, because months after beef week we were meant to start work on the...
  • Schools (1 speech)
    Over the past few weeks I have had the honour of visiting a number of schools in South Australia that have benefited from an investment by the Labor government in the Capital Grants Program. I...
  • Political Parties (1 speech)
    It's another day and another Liberal preselection where the bloke has toppled the woman. Another day where the Liberals, instead of backing an experienced, well respected woman, have backed in a...
  • Tasmania State Election (1 speech)
    As Tasmania approaches its state election this weekend, it is clear there is a huge risk to my home state and to the prosperity and success of Tasmanian families and businesses. That risk is the...
  • Health Care: Women (1 speech)
    When you look across our healthcare system you don't have to dig very deep at all to see example after example of where women have been discriminated against, where women have felt unheard, where...
  • Labor Party (1 speech)
    On the weekend, former ACTU president and former Labor member of parliament Jennie George AO published an article in the Australian newspaper. It's compulsory reading. Jennie clearly holds...
  • Western Australia: Gun Control (1 speech)
    Western Australians have a good political radar. They know a bit of political nonsense when they hear it, and we've seen that well and truly on display once again from the state Labor government...
  • White, Senator Linda (1 speech)
    I rise today to speak on the passing of my good friend Senator Linda White. I note that the formal condolence motion will be dealt with tomorrow, but I will be unable to contribute to that...
  • Women's Sanitary Products (1 speech)
    One in five Australians have been unable to afford period products at some point in their life. Period poverty shouldn't exist in wealthy country like ours. But where it does, not-for-profit...
  • Liberal Party of Australia (1 speech)
    I rise to congratulate my colleague Senator Alex Antic on securing the very highest spot on the South Australian Liberal Party ticket. Good job, Senator Antic! While the Liberal Party seems all...
  • Mervin, Ms Kunmanara, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands (1 speech)
    As a Liberal, I pay tribute to the incredible life and contribution of South Australian Pitjantjatjara woman, Kunmanara Mervin. 'Kunmanara' is a respectful reference to people of the Great Sandy...
  • Tasmania: Maritime Industry (1 speech)
    It grinds my gears when we have opportunities to bring money into northern Tasmania when instead we're watching it sail away to the mainland or internationally. Southern Marine ShipLift operates...
  • Juvenile Detention (1 speech)
    Once again, we're seeing politicians across the country spread fear and hate, and calling for more kids to be locked up. The federal coalition and some state Labor governments are undermining...
  • Supermarket Prices Select Committee (1 speech)
    We all know that, over the last 15 to 20 years, the supermarket industry has changed. It appears quite clear that this change is not for the better. A driving tour through the electorate of...
  • Legal Aid (2 speeches)
    I recently met with representatives from Community Legal Western Australia, the peak body for community legal services in my home state of Western Australia. In a world where access to justice is...
• Ministry (0 speeches)
  • Temporary Arrangements (1 speech)
    I inform the Senate that Senator Wong, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will be absent from question time today for personal reasons. We should congratulate her on her beautiful wedding on...
• Party Office Holders (0 speeches)
  • Australian Labor Party (1 speech)
    by leave—I advise that Senator Grogan has been appointed Deputy Government Whip in the Senate—congratulations, Senator Grogan—in addition to Senator Ciccone, replacing Senator Pratt.
• Shadow Ministry (0 speeches)
  • Presentation (1 speech)
    by leave—I advise the Senate that Senator Paterson has been appointed shadow cabinet secretary, in addition to his existing portfolio responsibilities as shadow minister for home affairs....
• Party Office Holders (0 speeches)
  • Liberal Party of Australia (1 speech)
    by leave—I also take the opportunity to advise the Senate that Senator Kovacic has been appointed as Opposition Deputy Whip, replacing Senator Scarr. I congratulate her on that appointment.
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Fiscal Policy (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. How much extra spending has the Albanese government committed to in the past week?
• Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
  • Kiribati: Parliamentary Delegation (1 speech)
    I draw to the attention of honourable senators the presence in the gallery of a delegation from the parliament of Kiribati. It's the Public Account Committee, led by the chair, the Hon. Taunei...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Women's Economic Security (8 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Finance and Minister for Women. Taking time out of paid work to care of children is a normal part of working life for parents. We know that it is women who...
• Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
  • Australian Political Exchange Council: Philippines (1 speech)
    I'd like to draw to the attention of honourable senators the presence in the gallery of the Australian Political Exchange Council's 15th delegation from the Philippines, led by the Hon. Jennie...
• Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
  • Middle East (37 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Farrell. In January this year UNWRA sacked multiple staff members for alleged involvement in the horrific 7...
  • Economy: Northern Territory (8 speeches)
    President, this is not my first speech. My question is to Senator Farrell, the Minister representing the Prime Minister. With reference to the cabinet's visit to the Northern Territory last week...
  • Energy (13 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator McAllister. The government has ruled out adding nuclear electricity to our energy mix based on the...
  • Migration (18 speeches)
    This is not my first speech. My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, Senator Watt. Minister, how many of the more than 2,000 visas granted to Palestinian...
  • Energy (26 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Farrell. The government's first legislative act of the year was to silence First Nations voices, breaking an election...
  • Cost Of Living (17 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister Watt. Over the last few months, a spotlight has been shown on our supermarkets, with countless reports of...
  • Immigration Detention (12 speeches)
    My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Farrell. Media outlets have reported that, at a secret media briefing held last Friday, the Minister for Home Affairs said...
• Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
  • National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People (1 speech)
    I have a follow-up from question time on 28 February 2024. I undertook to provide further information in response to questions asked by Senator Thorpe in my capacity as Minister representing the...
• Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
  • Answers to Questions (7 speeches)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given today by ministers to questions without notice asked by coalition senators. My colleague Senator Kovacic asked a question about government...
  • Energy (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy (Senator McAllister) relating to nuclear power. One Nation supports a...
  • Middle East (1 speech)
    I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong to my question without notice today on UNRWA funding. This was a...
• Notices (0 speeches)
  • Presentation (1 speech)
    I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move: That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to various bills, allowing them to be considered during...
• Business (0 speeches)
  • Consideration of Legislation (1 speech)
    I move: That private senators' bills be considered this week as follows: (a) Airline Passenger Protections (Pay on Delay) Bill 2024, on Wednesday, 20 March 2024; and (b) Plebiscite (Future...
  • Leave of Absence (4 speeches)
    by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted to the following senators for 18 March: (a) Senator Dean Smith, on account of parliamentary business; and (b) Senator Nampijinpa Price, for...
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Reporting Date (1 speech)
    I remind senators that the question may be put on any proposal at the request of any senator.
  • Opportunities and Risks Arising from Artificial Intelligence Committee; Appointment (5 speeches)
    I move: (1) That a joint select committee, to be known as the Joint Select Committee on the Opportunities and Risks Arising from Artificial Intelligence (AI), be established to inquire into and...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Department of Education; Order for the Production of Documents (3 speeches)
    At the request of Senator Henderson, I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 490 standing in her name. Leave granted. I move the motion as amended: That— (a) the Senate...
  • Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel; Order for the Production of Documents (6 speeches)
    I move: That— (a) the Senate notes that: (i) on 28 February 2024, order for production of documents no. 474 was agreed by the Senate, requiring the Minister representing the Minister for...
• Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
  • Environment (11 speeches)
    Senator McKim has submitted a proposal under standing order 75 today: Pursuant to standing order 75, I give notice that today the Australian Greens propose to move "That, in the opinion of the...
• Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
  • National Security (9 speeches)
    A letter has been received from Senator Hughes: Pursuant to standing order 75, I propose that the following matter of public importance be submitted to the Senate for discussion: The endless...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
    by leave—I move: That the Senate take note of the document. I speak in response to order for the production of documents No. 474. This document deals with a panel supervising Defence's...
• Petitions (0 speeches)
  • Toondah Harbour (1 speech)
    by leave—I present to the Senate a petition which is not in conformity with the standing orders as it is not in the correct form, signed by 73,428 people, urging the environment minister to...
• Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
  • Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference (1 speech)
    by leave—I present the report of the Australian parliamentary delegation to the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference, held in Accra, Ghana. I seek leave to incorporate a...
• Documents (0 speeches)
  • Department of Health and Aged Care; Order for the Production of Documents (1 speech)
    I table documents relating to an order for the production of documents concerning the Future Fit Program.
  • Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Order for the Production of Documents (2 speeches)
    I table documents relating to an order for the production of documents concerning the national environmental standard for First Nations engagement and participation in decision-making.
• Committees (0 speeches)
  • Community Affairs Legislation Committee, Community Affairs References Committee, Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Environment and Communications References Committee, Finance and Public Administration References Committee, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, Parliamentary Library Joint Committee, Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
    The President has received letters requesting changes in the membership of various committees.
• Bills (0 speeches)
  • Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Accountability and Fairness) Bill 2023; 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.
  • Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Accountability and Fairness) Bill 2023; 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— Today I am proud to...
  • Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Amendment (Vaccine Indemnity) Bill 2023; Report from Committee (1 speech)
    Pursuant to order and at the request of the Chair of the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, I present the committee's report on the Public Governance, Performance and...
  • Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards and Other Measures) Bill 2023; Report from Committee (1 speech)
    Pursuant to order and at the request of the Chair of the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, I present the committee's report on the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment...
  • Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill 2023; In Committee (21 speeches)
    The committee is considering the Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill of 2023. There is a question in front of the chamber, but I note that it is after 6.30 pm, so any...
  • National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023; Second Reading (5 speeches)
    On behalf of the opposition, I rise to make a short contribution this evening on the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023. Whilst the coalition will...
• Adjournment (0 speeches)
  • Taxation (1 speech)
    Everyone gets a tax cut. The plan is clear and simple. The Albanese government's tax reform plan is significant and timely. It's much-needed tax reform for 2024 as Australians deal with the...
  • Tasmania: F1 in Schools STEM Challenge (1 speech)
    F1 in Schools is a multidisciplinary challenge presented by the by Re-Engineering Australia Foundation, REA, and supported by the Department of Defence. Combining STEM education with business...
  • Parliament (1 speech)
    Our democracy is struggling because too many people have tuned out. They are disconnected from politics and don't think that we here are at all interested in listening to them or actually...
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers (1 speech)
    I rise once again in this place to talk about the disturbing breach of trust which was perpetrated not just by Mr Peter-John Collins of PwC but, according to the evidence that we have, by almost...
  • Ukraine (1 speech)
    Saturday 24 February marked the second anniversary of Russia's illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine. Over the past two years, people from across the world have watched the remarkable resolve...