House debates

Wednesday, 26 March 2014

  • Statement by the Speaker (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      As the parliament is no doubt aware, I am required this morning to join with the Prime Minister and the President of the Senate at Fairbairn RAAF Base to farewell the Governor-General and,...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Treaties Committee; Report (4 speeches)
      On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, I present the committee's report entitled Report 138: treaties tabled on 11 and 12 December 2013, 20 January 2014 and referred on 15 January...
    • Treaties Committee; Reference to Federation Chamber (1 speech)
      by leave—I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
    • Human Rights Committee; Report (1 speech)
      On behalf of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, I present the committee's fifth report of the 44th Parliament entitled Examination of legislation in accordance with the Human...
    • Infrastructure and Communications Committee; Membership (2 speeches)
      I have received advice from the Chief Opposition Whip that he has nominated Mr Giles to be a member of the Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications in place of Mr S. P. Jones.
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Consideration of Legislation (8 speeches)
      I move: That, in respect of the proceedings on the Omnibus Repeal Day (Autumn 2014) Bill 2014, the Amending Acts 1901 to 1969 Repeal Bill 2014, and the Statute Law Revision (No. 1) Bill 2014, so...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Statements by Members (0 speeches)
    • Human Rights: Sri Lanka (1 speech)
      Today, the UN Human Rights Council will vote on a resolution on Sri Lanka that calls for an independent international inquiry into allegations of wartime violations of human rights and...
    • Page Electorate: Disability Jobs Drive (1 speech)
      About four weeks ago, I joyfully took on the position of ambassador for a disability jobs drive in my community. The aim of this disability jobs drive was to offer 50 jobs in 30 days to people in...
    • International Purple Day for Epilepsy (1 speech)
      March 26 is International Purple Day for Epilepsy and is dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. It is a day for us to dispel myths and inform those with seizures that they...
    • Braddon Electorate: McGrath Foundation and Pink Stumps Day (1 speech)
      The prefects at St Brendan-Shaw College in Devonport have put their teachers to the test—on the cricket pitch that is. They have battled it out, students against staff, for Pink Stumps Day,...
    • National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (1 speech)
      Recently, the Prime Minister said on radio that he would not let the people of Western Australia down on the issue of homelessness support services. The best way the Prime Minister can show that...
    • Casey Electorate: School Leaders (1 speech)
      On Friday morning, 14 March, I had the pleasure of attending the school assembly at The Patch Primary School in the electorate of Casey at the invitation of Principal Debra Herrmann. I was there...
    • Kingsford Smith Electorate: World's Greatest Shave (1 speech)
      I wish to congratulate the staff, students and parents of Chifley Public School for their wonderful fundraising efforts in support of leukaemia patients and leukaemia research through their...
    • Ingram, Mr Bob, Slack, Mr Doug (1 speech)
      I would like to say a few short words about the loss of a couple of large identities in the Emerald and Central Highlands region of Queensland—Mr Bob Ingram and Mr Doug Slack, who, sadly,...
    • Lindsay Electorate: Palmerston Hospital (5 speeches)
      I rise to express my concern at the decision by the Northern Territory government and the Abbott government here in Canberra to delay the construction of the new hospital for Palmerston, which is...
    • Dobell Electorate: Woongarrah Football Club (1 speech)
      Last Saturday, I attended Football Fest Day hosted by Woongarrah Football Club at their home ground at Hamlyn Terrace. The Woongarrah Wildcats Football Club was formed in 2008 by Kevin and Helen...
    • Lumb, Mr Martin (2 speeches)
      I rise today to pay tribute to someone who has been of great assistance to us all, although we might not have realised it: Parliamentary Library staff member Martin Lumb, who last week retired...
    • Military Superannuation (1 speech)
      I rise today to welcome the passage of fairer indexation legislation through this chamber last night and to note its significance to members of the Defence Force in my electorate. Through these...
    • Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (1 speech)
      I rise today to express my concern at the retrograde actions of this government in seeking to repeal section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act and failing to discuss section 18D, which...
    • McKinnon, Mr Alex (1 speech)
      The horrific and tragic injury suffered by NRL player Alex McKinnon reminds us of the dangers of body contact sports. The young Newcastle Knights forward hails from Aberdeen in my electorate and...
    • Humanise (1 speech)
      It is with great pleasure that I rise to inform the House of a fantastic local organisation, Humanise. I would like to acknowledge the presence of my good friends Martin Rogers, Phil Grueff and...
    • Rogers, Mr Murray (1 speech)
      ) ( ): I congratulate one of the great sporting figures of Ipswich, Mr Murray Rogers, who was recently awarded an Order of Australia medal for services to sports administration in the community...
    • Launceston Cycling Festival (1 speech)
      I rise today to highlight the Launceston Cycling Festival which comprises three major events. The National Junior Track Series unleashes our stars of the future. It started the careers of Macey...
    • Honours and Awards (1 speech)
      I n the same year that k nighthoods were abolished in Australia , the UK b and the Thompson Twins had a hit called King for a Day . So I dedicate my 90- second statement to the Prime Ministe r's...
    • Murray Electorate: Albanian Community (1 speech)
      Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the Shepparton Albanian Harvest Festival at Shepparton showgrounds. This week has also seen us look at some of the most recent research into...
    • Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Special Broadcasting Service (2 speeches)
      On the week before the budget, I make a plea to the government to keep their promise not to cut the funding for the ABC or the SBS. These are vital services to my neck of the woods. Many people...
  • Condolences (0 speeches)
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Abbott Government Priorities (17 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister made two policy choices yesterday. He reintroduced knights and dames to the Australian honours list and his government voted in the House...
    • Economy (23 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. How will cutting red tape—
    • Education Funding (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has chosen to break his pre-election promises on education—cutting money from schools, trade training centres and research and...
    • Budget (8 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline the challenges for the budget over the medium term? Treasurer, how will fixing the budget assist families in Western Australia and...
    • Paid Parental Leave (9 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister has chosen to splurge $5½ billion annually on a paid parental leave scheme which will give well-paid executives an extra $75,000 to...
    • Mining (5 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline the importance of repealing the mining tax? How will repealing the mining tax assist families in Western Australia and elsewhere?
    • Abbott Government (11 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. How does the Prime Minister explain the following priorities: breaking election promises by cutting health and education, cutting payments to orphans of...
    • Climate Change (8 speeches)
      My question is the Minister for the Environment. Ronald Reagan said that the first duty of any government is to protect its country's people. However, since you became minister in September, you...
    • Carbon Pricing (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for the Environment. I refer to figures released by the Clean Energy Regulator that show the carbon tax has hit Western Australia with at least $627 million in...
    • Honours and Awards (7 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Why does the government have a plan to bring back knights and dames, but no plan for Australian jobs? Prime Minister, why is the Abbott government's priority...
    • Education (14 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Education. I remind the minister of his recent visit to the Ocean Road Primary School in my electorate, one of more than 240 independent public schools across...
    • Age Pension (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Given the Prime Minister ruled out scrapping his $5½ billion gold-plated paid parental scheme in question time on 27 February, will the Prime Minister...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I would like to acknowledge that we have in the chamber with us today the Honourable David Bradbury, the former member for Lindsay and former minister. We also have with us the 8th Australian...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Road Infrastructure (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. How will the government ensure that local councils continue to receive funds to upgrade and...
    • Privatisation (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to reports that the Treasurer will meet with state governments on Friday to discuss federal demands for state asset sell-offs. Will the Prime...
    • Broadband (24 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Communications. Will the minister update the House on the rollout of the NBN in Western Australia? How important is affordable broadband to families in Western...
    • Asylum Seekers (9 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister update the House on the number of days that have elapsed since the last successful people-smuggling venture...
    • Economy (66 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Why has the Treasurer chosen to double budget deficits over the next four years in his mid-year economic statement by adding $68 billion in new spending and...
  • Personal Explanations (0 speeches)
    • (31 speeches)
      I wish to make a personal explanation in relation to a statement made by the Leader of the Opposition during question time yesterday.
  • Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
    • Budget (17 speeches)
      I have received a letter from the honourable member for Perth proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion namely: The government’s bad...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • Education Funding (1 speech)
      Earlier this year, my eldest daughter started school. Like all parents, my wife and I want to give our kids the best education they can possibly get. Education is the foundation to a fulfilling...
    • Ludlam, Senator Scott (1 speech)
      The people of Western Australia face a historic Senate election. For the second time since Federation, WA will be the only child of Australian politics. Minor parties and independents of near...
    • Kingston Electorate: Community Services (1 speech)
      I rise tonight to speak about an urgent matter that concerns many in my local community in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. In recent weeks I have heard from numerous local organisations and...
    • Western Australia Senate Election (1 speech)
      In 10 days time, Western Australians will have to vote, again, for the Senate. This is a choice that is absolutely clear. The voters have three clear policies that are of great concern to them,...
    • Afghanistan (1 speech)
      Since the fall of the Taliban regime in late 2001 we have witnessed significant advances in human rights across Afghanistan. Millions of Afghan girls and boys are now going to school. Many women...
    • Western Australia: Infrastructure (2 speeches)
      Two days ago, on 24 March, a joint media statement was made by Jamie Briggs, the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, and the new Minister for Transport in Western...
  • Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
    • Charlton Electorate: Eraring Public School (1 speech)
      Eraring Public School will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Saturday with a range of activities to commemorate the school and celebrate its special place in the town. Nestled amongst the trees...
    • Macarthur Electorate: Rotary Police Officer of the Year Awards 2014 (1 speech)
      Today I rise to pay tribute to the outstanding police officers of Macarthur who were recognised for service above self at the Macarthur Rotary 8th annual Police Officer of the Year awards. These...
    • Road Safety (1 speech)
      I rise today to strongly urge the government not to abandon the efforts initiated by the previous Labor government to improve the safety standards for our road transport industry. Late last year,...
    • Broadband (1 speech)
      I rise today to discuss the Labor Party's poor policy management when they were in government. When members opposite launched their National Broadband Network satellite with great fanfare they...
    • Indi Electorate: Sustainable Community Gardens (1 speech)
      I would like to support the comments of the member for Maranoa. It is totally the same in Indi, so good luck to you in your work on that. In early February I was delighted to launch the...
    • Corangamite Electorate: Telstra (1 speech)
      I rise to address a serious matter about the conduct of Telstra in my electorate of Corangamite. Across Geelong in suburbs like Highton and Marshall and in towns such as Ocean Grove and Torquay,...
    • Superclinics (1 speech)
      This week saw the opening of the GP superclinic in Bruce. Residents in Canberra's north now have better access to general practitioners, nurses, pathologists, dieticians, counsellors and a range...
    • Petrie Electorate: Military Cadets (1 speech)
      The words leadership, initiative, courage and integrity are words all parents would love to use when describing their children. When put to action, these words become deeds that can build...
    • Abbott Government (1 speech)
      Never has it been more obvious that the Abbott government has serious problems than last night when the Prime Minister announced his back-to-the-future policy of reintroducing dames and knights...
    • Pearce Electorate: Health (1 speech)
      I rise to congratulate five recipients of recent Home and Community Care Program—or HACC—grants in my electorate. In February this year, the Northam Silver Chain group, the Shire of...
    • Geelong: First World War Centenary Commemoration (1 speech)
      This year marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Next year will mark the centenary of Anzac. As everyone in this chamber knows, a program has been put in place to provide...
    • Gilmore Electorate: National Broadband Network (1 speech)
      Last Friday I had the great privilege to meet Merryn Joske and also to meet up with a Rotarian mate, Ken Wheatland. Merryn is blind in one eye and lacks full vision in the other eye. She had her...
    • Petition: Health Services (3 speeches)
      On behalf of my community I present 10,000 signatures on a petition from members of the community opposed to cuts to services to our local community hospital, the Prince of Wales Hospital in...
    • Purple Day, Epilepsy (1 speech)
      It is not every day that I wear purple in parliament, as I am doing today, but today marks Purple Day, which is all about epilepsy and epilepsy awareness. Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain's...
    • Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh (1 speech)
      Today I am here to inform this chamber of the significance of constructive international unionism and the efforts made by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association, known as the...
    • Banks Electorate: St George Christian School (1 speech)
      I am pleased to rise today to congratulate St George Christian School on its recent open day. St George Christian School is a large school with the main campus located at Hurstville in my...
    • Canberra Electorate: Radio Streaming (1 speech)
      Over the past few months I have been contacted by dozens of frustrated Canberrans. The reason for their frustration is that, despite being in the 21st century, despite living in Australia's...
    • Barton Electorate: Youth (1 speech)
      It was a great honour to address the Asian community at Cahill Park recently, on the auspicious occasion of the Summer and Falgun Festival, organised by Desperate YOUTH Australia. I was among...
    • Lalor Electorate: Department of Human Services Offices (1 speech)
      I rise this morning to highlight a growing concern in my electorate of Lalor. Over the past few weeks my office has been contacted on numerous occasions regarding the wait time for people who...
    • Defence Veterans' Superannuation (2 speeches)
      Legislation was passed last night in this place to deliver equity for veterans and their families. Finally this government has acted to deliver fair indexation for Defence Force superannuants. Is...
  • Bills (0 speeches)