Senate debates
Tuesday, 4 February 2025
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Meeting (1 speech)
If there is no objection, the meetings are authorised.
- Shadow Ministry (0 speeches)
- Presentation (3 speeches)
by leave—I advise the Senate that I have been elected Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, and I congratulate, following her successful election, Senator Ruston as the coalition's deputy...
- Motions (0 speeches)
- Antisemitism (26 speeches)
by leave—I move: That the Senate— (a) deplores the appalling and unacceptable rise in antisemitism across Australia, including violent attacks on synagogues, schools, homes and...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Statements by Senators (0 speeches)
- Chung, Mr Grange (1 speech)
It's a pleasure to shine a light on a man who has dedicated his life to service, first in the Royal Australian Navy, then in the aviation sector and now as the Liberal candidate for the seat of...
- Leader of the Opposition (1 speech)
Ten billion dollars—that is how much Mr Dutton wants Australian taxpayers to pay for their bosses' long lunches. This is the Liberal leader who has opposed higher wages for Australians....
- International Relations: Australia and the United States of America (1 speech)
The election of Donald Trump is a threat to Australia and the world. His attacks on human rights, democracy and climate action; the toxic relationship Mr Trump has with the tech billionaires Elon...
- Ghost Rock Wines (1 speech)
I'd like to give a shout-out today to a small business in my local patch in north-west Tasmania, Ghost Rock Wines, established by Colin and Cate and now run by Justin and Alicia. They had an...
- South Australia: Schools (1 speech)
In recent weeks, we've had tremendous news in my home state of South Australia, with the South Australian government signing up to the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which means that, after...
- Small Business (1 speech)
I spent all my time over Christmas talking to Tasmanians, especially Tasmanian small businesses—what's left of them—and boy, are they are doing it tough. When Senator Pocock and I...
- Kapterian, Ms Gisele (1 speech)
Last month the New South Wales Liberal Party selectors made history in selecting Gisele Kapterian as our candidate for Bradfield in the largest democratic plebiscite the party has held. Gisele...
- Leader of the Opposition (1 speech)
There is a very clear choice to be made at the next election. It will be a vote about our country's future. It's about this government securing the prosperity of all Australians versus Mr Dutton...
- Tasmanian Devil (1 speech)
As I always do each summer, I visited Marrawah, Circular Head and the Tarkine in January. I popped in to see a good mate of mine Alice Carson. A shout-out to Alice and her family, who are...
- Health Care (1 speech)
Over the past couple of years I've heard from so many Canberrans about the cost of health care. Communities across the country are feeling the sting, but if you look at the statistics in the ACT,...
- Western Australia: Environment (1 speech)
Welcome to 2025. We've barely started the new year and the Albanese Labor government have already backflipped. You guessed it—I'm talking about the proposed nature positive bill. Classic...
- Energy (1 speech)
Yesterday, Richard Forbes of Independent Food Distributors Australia told the Australian newspaper: As far as I am concerned, the government's energy policy has and continues to increase the...
- Taxation (1 speech)
One in three of the 100 biggest corporations in this country pays absolutely no tax whatsoever in Australia. Think about that. If you are a nurse, if you are a teacher, if you are a plumber, if...
- Energy (1 speech)
Australia is considered one of the global leaders when it comes to rooftop solar, with approximately one-third of houses having solar installations. All this adds up to over 23 gigawatts of...
- Goldfields Basketball Stadium (1 speech)
Last Thursday, along with the Western Australian Premier Roger Cook; the local member for Kalgoorlie, Ali Kent; the local mayor, Glen Wilson; and the president of the Kalgoorlie Boulder...
- Ministry (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
by leave—For the information of senators, I table a revised ministry list which reflects the changes to the ministry announced by the Prime Minister on 16 January 2025. I congratulate my...
- Temporary Arrangements (1 speech)
by leave—I advise the Senate of changes to ministerial arrangements for question time. Senator McAllister will be absent from question time this week on account of ministerial business...
- Shadow Ministry (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
by leave—With great fanfare, I would like to advise that, in addition to her existing ministry responsibilities as shadow minister for child protection and the prevention of family...
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Antisemitism (15 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said of the attack on the Adass synagogue in Melbourne: Unfortunately, it...
- Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
- Bushby, Mr David (1 speech)
PRESIDENT (): Before I go to Senator Sheldon, I welcome to the public gallery former senator David Bushby. Welcome. Honourable senators: Hear, hear!
- Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
- Queensland: Floods (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Watt. In recent days, we've seen the effects of ongoing flooding and severe weather on communities...
- Antisemitism (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. When was the Prime Minister first briefed on the discovery of a caravan in Dural, New South Wales, that was packed...
- Dental Health (24 speeches)
My question is to Minister McCarthy, representing the Minister for Health and Aged Care. Minister, we know from tax data that one in three big corporations pay no tax. When a nurse or a teacher...
- Cost of Living (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Can the minister explain how the Albanese Labor government is delivering cost-of-living relief for all Australians...
- Cybersafety (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Communications, Minister McCarthy. In November 2023, the government announced a review of our online safety laws. On 1 November last...
- Insurance: Genetic Testing (8 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer. I think the minister would agree with me that removing the barriers for individuals to undertake genetic screening is worthwhile to...
- Campbell, General Angus, AO, DSC (Retd) (8 speeches)
My question is for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and concerns her appointment of Angus Campbell as Australia's next ambassador to the kingdom of Belgium and his nomination for ambassador for...
- Economy (10 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. Tackling the inflation challenge while supporting Australians with cost-of-living pressures, including by tax cuts...
- Energy (21 speeches)
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. The members of Independent Food Distributors Australia have said, 'The government's energy policy has and continues...
- Wages (12 speeches)
My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Watt. The Albanese Labor government's secure jobs, better pay changes passed the parliament in December 2022 and...
- Questions without Notice: Additional Answers (0 speeches)
- Campbell, General Angus, AO, DSC (Retd) (1 speech)
I was asked a question by Senator Lambie in relation to the appointment of General Angus Campbell. I'm advised that General Campbell is employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at...
- Questions without Notice: Take Note of Answers (0 speeches)
- Antisemitism (9 speeches)
I move: That the Senate take note of the answers given by the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Senator Wong) to questions without notice asked by the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator...
- Dental Health (1 speech)
I rise to take note of the answer to my question of the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Aged Care. I move: That the Senate take note of the answer given by the Minister for...
- Notices (0 speeches)
- Presentation (1 speech)
On behalf of the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation, I give notice of my intention, at the giving of notices on the next day of sitting, to withdraw business of the...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Reporting Date (1 speech)
If there is no objection, those matters are dealt with.
- Business (0 speeches)
- Leave of Absence (1 speech)
by leave—I move: That leave of absence be granted to the following senators: (a) Senator Green for today, on account of parliamentary business; and (b) Senator McAllister from 4 to 6...
- Condolences (0 speeches)
- Sercombe, Mr Robert Charles Grant (Bob) (1 speech)
It is with deep regret that I inform the Senate of the death, on 12 January 2025, of Robert Charles Grant 'Bob' Sercombe, a member of the House of Representatives for the division of Maribyrnong,...
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Matters of Urgency (0 speeches)
- Auditor-General's Reports (0 speeches)
- Report No. 20 of 2024-25 (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate take note of the document. This is a remarkable report card from the Audit Office on the Department of Defence. Every time I think Defence has reached its ultimate...
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Government Response to Report (1 speech)
In respect of the government response to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee report into the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Climate Equity) Bill...
- Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Additional Information (2 speeches)
On behalf of the chair of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, I table additional information relating to the Migration Amendment Bill 2024 [provisions] report.
- Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, I present the report of the committee on Australia's efforts to advocate for the worldwide abolition of the death...
- Economics Legislation Committee, Economics References Committee, Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, Environment and Communications References Committee; Additional Information (1 speech)
On behalf of the chairs of respective committees, I present additional information received by the committees on inquiries as listed at item 16 on today's Order of Business.
- Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, I present the 507th and 508th reports of the committee, as well as executive minutes relating to other reports of the committee.
- Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
I rise to take note of the report from the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade on an inquiry that I had a privilege of serving on as Deputy Chair. I move: That the...
- Intelligence and Security Joint Committee; Report (1 speech)
I present the report of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security on the Review of administration and expenditure no. 22 (2022-2023): Australian intelligence agencies. I...
- Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Government Response to Report (1 speech)
I present a government response to the report of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee on its inquiry into the review of the Defence Industry Security Program. I seek leave to...
- Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Additional Information (4 speeches)
Thank you to my colleague and Australian Greens spokesperson for immigration Senator Shoebridge for your work on the Migration Amendment Bill and on this inquiry. Let's call out this legislation...
- Economics Legislation Committee; Additional Information (3 speeches)
I rise to take note of additional information related to the Economics Legislation Committee inquiry into the Treasury Laws Amendment (Build to Rent) Bill 2024 and Capital Works (Build to Rent...
- Energy Planning and Regulation in Australia Select Committee; Report (4 speeches)
In respect of the final report of the Senate Select Committee into Energy Planning and Regulation in Australia, I move: That the Senate take note of the report. I'm pleased to share the findings...
- Economics References Committee; Report (1 speech)
I move: That the Senate take note of the report. I want to address the Economics References Committee's report on the Australian taxation system. I thank everyone that made a submission. Yet...
- Delegation Reports (0 speeches)
- Budget (0 speeches)
- Proposed Expenditure (1 speech)
I table particulars of proposed and certain proposed additional expenditure for 2024-25: Particulars of proposed additional expenditure in respect of the year ending on 30 June 2025. Particulars...
- Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements (1 speech)
I table portfolio additional estimates statements for 2024-25 for portfolios and executive departments as listed on the Dynamic Red. Copies are available from the Senate Table Office.
- Documents (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Committees (0 speeches)
- Bills (0 speeches)
- Adjournment (0 speeches)
- Ovarian Cancer (1 speech)
Ovarian cancer, often called the silent killer, has subtle symptoms that are easily mistaken for less serious conditions, making early detection challenging. By the time most women are diagnosed...
- Small Business (1 speech)
Over the last few weeks, I've been out doorknocking, standing on listening posts and visiting small businesses right around the country so that I can hear the concerns of businesses and ordinary...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
I speak today for the increasing number of Australians who are having to endure relentless heatwaves that are increasing and impacting on their safety and wellbeing. The capacity of our hospital...
- Maryvale Paper Mill, Forestry Industry (1 speech)
This evening, I rise in support of the 308 pulp and paper manufacturing workers who've been brutally stood down without pay at the Maryvale mill in Victoria's Latrobe Valley. The workers were...
- Housing (1 speech)
The Australian people are wondering why housing has gone so badly off track under this government. I believe that, when people come looking for answers, it's important that we are able to give...
- Tasmania: Grocery Prices (1 speech)
What would you do with an extra $900 in your pocket every year? It would mean your son could finally play on the football team because he could finally afford the uniform and membership fees....
- Broadband (1 speech)
GROGAN () (): The internet is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental utility in this country and across the world, as essential as your water, electricity supply and roads. But far too many...
- Energy (1 speech)
In the last few years lots of us in North Queensland have heard Labor politicians promise us that there will be a utopia of new hydrogen jobs coming through for us within years. Indeed, two years...
- Johnston, Hon. William Joseph (Bill) (1 speech)
The combination of longevity and sustained achievement in a political career is a rare thing. For more than a quarter of a century, Bill Johnston has been a central figure in the election and...
- Antisemitism (1 speech)
Eighty-five years ago, the world learned a terrible lesson about what happens when hatred is ignored. In 1938 the streets of Germany and Austria were littered with the broken glass of Jewish...
- ADVANCE, Youth Justice (1 speech)
So-called Advance Australia is just the Liberal Party's most extreme faction. ADVANCE is a front group for the most conservative and divisive elements inside the coalition. It was started by...
- Australian Eritrean Community, Karen New Year, Universities: Antisemitism (1 speech)
On 17 and 18 January, just last month, the Australian Eritrean community held its inaugural Eritrean Australian Community and Youth Festival in my state of Queensland. I was delighted to attend,...
- Westbrook, Eden Jayde (1 speech)
It has been almost 10 years since much-loved 15-year-old Eden Westbrook was found hanging in a park in St Helens, Tasmania, 10 years since the police told her family that she had taken her own...
- Gender Dysphoria (1 speech)
I rise to address the attacks we've witnessed on our young trans people and their families in recent days, fuelled by Trump's harmful attacks in the US and by those here in Australia who feel...
- Climate Change (1 speech)
For the last 30 years Australia has been hostage to the supposedly green movement's great climate fraud, designed to create an all-purpose excuse to do whatever the government wants—an...
