House debates

Monday, 14 July 2014

  • Petitions (0 speeches)
    • Responses (1 speech)
      The following ministerial response to a petition has been received:
    • Statements (1 speech)
      As Chair of the Petitions Committee I have spoken in previous weeks about the role of the committee and members generally in presenting petitions to the House of Representatives. Today I thought...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
  • Motions (0 speeches)
    • Local Government (21 speeches)
      I move: That this House: (1)   condemns: (a)   the decision by the Government to freeze indexation of Financial Assistance Grants to local governments across...
    • Carbon Pricing (12 speeches)
      I move: That this House: (1) understands that the carbon tax has caused a reduction in confidence and competiveness for small business; (2) notes that: (a) the carbon tax has seen gas and...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia; Appointment (1 speech)
      I have received a message from the Senate informing the House that the Senate concurs with the variation to the resolution of appointment of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia.
    • Membership (1 speech)
      I have received messages from the Senate acquainting the House of the appointment of senators to certain joint committees. Copies of the message are on the chamber table and details will be...
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Consideration of Legislation (6 speeches)
      For the benefit of the House, since I do not believe that the motion to do with the Clean Energy legislation was circulated in time, I will read it so that the House knows what we are doing. I...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Statements by Members (0 speeches)
    • Science (1 speech)
      I rise to speak about the Abbott government's continuing disdain for science in Australia. I recently received an open letter from the leadership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute...
    • Lyons Electorate: Anzac Centenary (1 speech)
      Calls for applications for funding from the centenary of Anzac program struck a nerve in my electorate of Lyons, in Tasmania. In fact, the one-off national funding program for projects to...
    • Middle East (1 speech)
      In this international year of solidarity with the Palestinian people and as someone who lived in Gaza for 2½ years when I worked with UNRWA I wish to register my extreme concern about the...
    • Dobell Electorate: Iris Foundation (1 speech)
      Recently I was honoured to attend the opening of the Iris Foundation's Early Intervention Centre for the Prevention of Suicide at Wyong. Formed in 2006, the Iris Foundation promotes early...
    • Newcastle Electorate: Black Totem II (1 speech)
      I rise today to voice concerns at the lack of agreement between representatives of three major accounting professional organisations regarding the donation of the Black Totem II sculpture to...
    • Hasluck Electorate: National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
      I rise to talk about the launch of the NDIS's Perth Hills trial site, where we were welcomed by Marita Walker, the trial site manager, and by Indigenous elder Sean Nannup. The launch was held at...
    • Kingsford Smith Electorate: South Sydney High School (1 speech)
      I congratulate the students, staff and families of South Sydney High School on a very successful multicultural flags ceremony, on 20 June, which I was fortunate to attend. Their flags ceremony is...
    • Yatras, Mr Joe (1 speech)
      When a person is elected to represent a community, we are given a unique honour to be part of changing the direction of a nation. Sometimes you meet a constituent who has a unique place in your...
    • Lye, Ms Moira (1 speech)
      It is with great sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding Canberran, Moira Lye, who tragically lost her battle with cancer just over a week ago, at the tender age of 41....
    • Barker Electorate: Bowhill Engineering (1 speech)
      I rise today to speak with great pride about the ongoing success of Bowhill Engineering, a family-owned business based in the Murraylands in my electorate of Barker. Bowhill Engineering won the...
    • Lalor Electorate: Aged Care (1 speech)
      I rise today on behalf of Manor Court aged care in my electorate of Lalor. I have been contacted by the managing director, Mr Ross Smith, who has deep concerns about the removal of the aged care...
    • Powers, Superintendent Noel APM, Queensland Budget (1 speech)
      Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of Logan District Superintendent Noel Powers who, as a result of his efforts, has received the highest honour...
    • Indi Electorate: Manufacturing (1 speech)
      My sympathy is with the 60 workers who found out suddenly last Friday that their jobs with major Wangaratta manufacturing business Bruck Textiles have been lost. This news was a devastating blow...
    • Mallee Electorate: Carbon Tax (1 speech)
      I rise today in the context of the carbon tax debate that is going on in the parliament. Over the last few weeks I have spent some time with the Birchip Cropping Group and the Victorian No-Till...
    • Le, Mr Hieu Van (1 speech)
      I congratulate Hieu Van Le, who in September will be appointed the next Governor of South Australia. Hieu Van Le was in his early 20s when he came to Australia as a boat refugee from Vietnam, in...
    • O'Connor Electorate: Truffle Kerfuffle (1 speech)
      On the weekend of 20 and 21 June I had the pleasure of attending the annual Truffle Kerfuffle in the town of Manjimup in the far south-west of my electorate of O'Connor. This event, now in its...
    • Climate Change (1 speech)
      I want to put on the record today that I was in this chamber and a member of parliament when my own country took a leap back into the past. We have a climate policy in this country that works. We...
    • Banks Electorate: Chinese Moon Festival (1 speech)
      I rise today to wish the Chinese-Australian community in my electorate of Banks all the best for the upcoming Moon Festival to be held on and around 8 September. Preparations for events are...
    • Perth NAIDOC Ball (1 speech)
      Last Friday I was privileged to be invited to celebrate the life spirit of WA's Aboriginal community at the NAIDOC ball at the Perth convention centre. Over 1,100 frocked up to show their pride...
    • Capricorn Coast Trade Training Centre (2 speeches)
      As the federal member for Capricornia, I know it is vital that we give our young people a good start and train them to be ready to take up local jobs. That is why I was pleased to recently open a...
  • Condolences (0 speeches)
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Carbon Pricing (12 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. On 25 May 2011 the Prime Minister told the Australian people that the carbon price would be a $10-a-week hit on the average person at the supermarket...
    • Trade with Japan (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister inform the House how achieving the Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan will benefit exporters and consumers in my electorate of...
    • Carbon Pricing (33 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Last week Woolworths said in relation to the carbon price: 'Just as prices didn't increase when the tax was introduced, we don't expect any substantial...
    • Budget (7 speeches)
      My question is to the health minister. Minister, another aspect of the government's miserable budget is an investigation into the sell-off of Australian Hearing. This greatly concerns the clients...
    • Carbon Pricing (38 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for the Environment. I refer the minister to the Queensland Competition Authority's report into regulated electricity prices that states: 'Power prices will be...
    • Budget (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer report to the House on the support that the government has received for its plans to repair the budget?
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I note we have in the House with us today the state member for the seat of Parramatta, Dr Geoff Lee. We welcome him to the chamber. Honourable members: Hear, hear!
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Budget (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Before the election, the Prime Minister promised cost-of-living relief for families. No matter what chaotic deals are being cobbled together today by the...
    • Carbon Pricing (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Before the election the Prime Minister said: I think the Australian people are sick of the governing party which makes decisions on the basis of squalid...
    • Higher Education (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Education. Will the minister explain how the government's higher education reforms will assist Central Queensland University and other universities to compete...
    • Introduction of Legislation (8 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Before the election the Prime Minister promised: The coalition will engage in genuine consultation with business, the not-for-profit sector and the community...
    • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, can you inform the House on how a co-payment has helped to make our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme sustainable, and how the government's...
    • Budget (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. In the last week, we have seen chaos and confusion from this government, shady backroom deals that the Prime Minister promised he would never do and his...
    • Asylum Seekers (7 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. I ask the minister to update the House on the government's investment in creating stronger borders in this budget to build a...
    • Budget (8 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Before the election, the Prime Minister promised all significant government decisions should be considered by cabinet before they are announced rather than...
    • National Broadband Network (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Communications. Will the minister inform the House on the performance of the NBN for the 2013-14 financial year? How does this performance align with the...
  • Documents (0 speeches)
    • Presentation (1 speech)
      Documents are presented as listed in the schedule circulated to honourable members. Details of the documents will be recorded in the Votes and Proceedings.
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Membership (2 speeches)
      I have received advice from the Chief Government Whip and the Chief Opposition Whip that they have nominated members to be members of certain committees.
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Public Works Committee; Approval of Work (1 speech)
      I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • Education (1 speech)
      Is there any election promise that this government will not break? On 26 August 2012 Christopher Pyne said in a media release: The coalition has no plans to increase university fees. Then, on 1...
    • Mining (1 speech)
      I rise today to discuss the important measures the coalition government is putting in place to assist the mining, exploration and resources industries get back on track. I am proud that...
    • Asylum Seekers (1 speech)
      Before September 2001, I had not given much thought to Australia's policies in relation to asylum seekers or the politics of this question. I suspect I am not alone. Since then, it has been very...
    • Ramingining (1 speech)
      I have committed to spending, since 1994—20 years ago—two weeks of my working year in remote Australia. I am pleased to have had the privilege to spend a week in the Arnhem community...
    • Medicare (1 speech)
      For over 30 years we have had universal health care, the core of which is every Australian's capacity to see a GP and have x-rays, blood tests and imaging without the need for cash on the day. It...
    • Economy (1 speech)
      I rise to inform the House that Australia must act urgently to address the economic issues we currently face. It appears that some people are either asleep or in denial on this issue. I am...
  • Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
    • Australian Hearing (1 speech)
      I am sure members have been contacted by their constituents about the proposal to sell off Australian Hearing, and the scoping study that is currently being undertaken. I have been contacted by...
    • NAIDOC Week (2 speeches)
      This year's NAIDOC Week had the theme of Serving Country, honouring all Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders who have fought in Australian wars. This aspect of history has been somewhat...
    • Judicial Behaviour (1 speech)
      The concepts of separation of powers and judicial independence are very important pillars of our democracy. However, those concepts are not absolute. Our High Court has the power to review laws...
    • Women in Maths, Science and Engineering (1 speech)
      I rise to celebrate the groundbreaking work that is done right around this country by women working in the areas of maths, science and engineering, particularly in South Australia. I was very...
    • Flynn Electorate: Emerald Westpac Ag-Grow Field Day (1 speech)
      The Ag-Grow field days in Emerald are very important annual events of the agricultural community of Central Queensland. The three-day event is one of the premier Queensland agricultural field...
    • Budget (1 speech)
      The Abbott government has introduced a lot of legislation since the budget that makes it harder and harder for families to support themselves and raise their children, perhaps none more so than...
    • Bass Electorate: Bell Bay Aluminium (1 speech)
      I rise to discuss the importance of Rio Tinto's aluminium smelter at Bell Bay, in my electorate of Bass, which is a major contributor to the Tasmanian economy. This was the first aluminium...
    • O'Connor Electorate: Respite Care (1 speech)
      I rise today in recognition of the great work done by unpaid carers in our communities and the networks that support them. I also take this opportunity to thank Senator Dean Smith and the...
    • Grayndler Electorate: Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN) (1 speech)
      Today I rise to recognise one of the many great community organisations in my electorate of Grayndler, SAMSN, which was started by one of my constituents, Craig Hughes-Cashmore and his mate Shane...
    • Winter, Ms Beryl (1 speech)
      I rise to pay tribute to the late Beryl Winter, who died last Thursday at the age of 94. Beryl was a life member of the Australian Labor Party; a former drama teacher; employee of Film Australia,...
  • Private Members' Business (0 speeches)
    • Human Rights in Myanmar (7 speeches)
      I seek leave to amend private member's business notice No. 1 in the terms circulated to honourable members. Leave granted. I move notice No.1, as amended, relating to human rights in Myanmar:...
    • Australian Defence Force (10 speeches)
      I move: That this House applauds the Government for its resolute commitment to supporting the men and women of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), past and present, by: (1) honouring its election...
    • Atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (4 speeches)
      I move: That this House: (1) notes:   (a) the devastating effects of atypical Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) and its long term impact on the lives of the sufferer, as well as their...
    • Australian Citizens and Extremist Causes (11 speeches)
      I move: That this House: (1) notes the increasing instances of Australian citizens taking up arms for foreign military and extremist causes including, but not limited to, the Islamic State of...
    • Cyprus (4 speeches)
      I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges that 20 July 2014 marks 40 years since Cyprus was divided; (2) recognises the continuing support of this parliament and successive Australian governments...
  • Statements by Members (0 speeches)
    • Gellibrand Electorate: Vietnamese Community (1 speech)
      I recently had the pleasure of attending the Vietnamese community in Australia Dual Identity Leadership Program Graduation Dinner in West Footscray. The Dual Identity Leadership Program is...
    • Bennelong Electorate: Eastwood Ryde Netball Association, Bennelong Electorate: Ryde Regional Radio (1 speech)
      The Eastwood Ryde Netball Association is the governing body of 31 netball clubs across our region and offers a wonderful competition for all ages and abilities. This year ERNA celebrates 60 years...
    • Richmond Electorate: Marks, Dr Betty (1 speech)
      I rise to speak about a remarkable woman in my electorate, Dr Betty Marks, who recently retired as a GP in the local area. Dr Betty is 90 and she has retired after a 66-year career in medicine....
    • Rotary Club of Kirra Currumbin (1 speech)
      I take this opportunity to inform the House about a fantastic community organisation in my electorate of McPherson—the Rotary Club of Kirra Currumbin. I recently had the pleasure of...
    • Indi Electorate: Cafe Connect (1 speech)
      You can get a real sense of how well a community is going by paying attention to the young people. I was delighted last week in Mansfield to stop at Cafe Connect on High Street where I was...
    • Taxation (1 speech)
      I rise to talk about payroll tax and how we need to find a better way of funding our state governments than continuing with payroll tax. The other day I met with a lot of business leaders right...
    • Hazaras (1 speech)
      I rise today to speak briefly about a recent photographic exhibition at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre in my electorate of Bruce in Dandenong. It was a photographic exhibition focusing...
    • Renshaw, Mr Mark (1 speech)
      I would like to congratulate former Bathurst resident Mark Renshaw on his amazing achievements in cycling. Mark is currently competing in the Tour de France and has been achieving some fantastic...
    • Aurora Community Association (1 speech)
      I rise today to acknowledge two extraordinary women from the Scullin Electorate: Cara Horner, the secretary, and Toni-Marie Wuelfert, the president, have been wonderful leaders at the Aurora...
    • Brisbane Electorate: Vocational Education and Training in Schools (1 speech)
      It is with great pride that I rise today in showcasing the wonderful students who were awarded prizes as top performers in 2013 for vocational education and training in schools—VETiS. These...
    • Innes, Mr Graeme, Disability Discrimination Commissioner (1 speech)
      I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the very important and substantial contribution that Graeme Innes made through his work as the Disability Discrimination Commissioner. As a...
    • Lyne Electorate: Bridge and Road Funding (1 speech)
      I rise to congratulate the Dyers Crossing community for their support and help in the success of getting funding of $10 million for the Dyers Crossing Bridge, for which they have been agitating...
    • Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (1 speech)
      I take the opportunity in this brief amount of time available to me to talk to the chamber of about an issue that I know many of us in regional and rural areas grapple with, and that is road...
    • Port Pirie Men's Shed (1 speech)
      Over the last few months I have visited a number of men's sheds. In May, I had the honour of opening the Uniting Care Wesley's new facility at Port Pirie—and a wonderful set-up it is, with...
    • Musgrave Park Family Fun Day (1 speech)
      On Friday I had the honour of attending the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day, part of NAIDOC Week celebrations. I was one of around 25,000 people who attended. It was a massive event with almost 200...
    • Clovelly Park Contamination (1 speech)
      I want to speak about the contamination which has occurred in Clovelly Park, a suburb in my electorate of Boothby. Residents here have been affected by a harmful airborne contaminants known as...
    • Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards (1 speech)
      On Saturday night I attended the 2014 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards. They were organised by the Lake Macquarie Business Growth Centre and I congratulate them on an excellent night,...
    • Forrest Electorate: Cowaramup Deja Moo Country Fair (1 speech)
      I would like to congratulate the organisers and participants of last weekend's Guinness World Record attempt in Cowaramup in my electorate of Forrest in the south-west of Western Australia to see...
    • Rural and Regional Health Services (1 speech)
      Last Friday I was able to join the Heathcote district residents at the launch of their $2.9 million primary healthcare redevelopment. Construction of the Heathcote primary healthcare facility is...
    • La Trobe Electorate: Upwey Preschool (1 speech)
      On Thursday, 12 June, I met with Tyson Clugg and Kellie Macknam, parents of children from the Upwey Preschool in my electorate of La Trobe. They stated that they were very concerned with the...
    • Malaysia (1 speech)
      As a child I lived in Malaysia and I am a keen follower of Malaysian politics. Malaysia is a country with which Australia has a strong economic and diplomatic relationship, and many Malaysian...
    • Casey Electorate: Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association (1 speech)
      I rise today to make mention of NAIDOC Week. On Wednesday of last week, I had the privilege of attending the Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association family fun day at the Sanctuary...
    • Makin Electorate: Ridgehaven Scout Group (1 speech)
      I congratulate the Ridgehaven Scout Group, who this year celebrate their 40th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a celebration event was held at the scout clubrooms on Saturday, 5 July, with...
    • Eden-Monaro Electorate: Marland, Mrs Hope (1 speech)
      I am rising to pay my respects to a formidable lady who passed away. Hope Marland, a stalwart of the Queanbeyan community in my electorate, recently passed away at the age of 91. Hope was one of...
    • Cunningham Electorate: Muslim Community (1 speech)
      I take this opportunity to extend a sincere thank you to a local couple, Nihal and Cetin Uckan, who invited me into their home last Thursday evening to enjoy an Iftar dinner with them, for our...
    • Longman Electorate: Road Funding (1 speech)
      () (): Along with my colleagues on this side of the House, I am proud to be part of a federal government that is making the single largest investment in infrastructure that our nation has ever...
    • Canberra Electorate: Tuggeranong Netball Association (1 speech)
      I recently had the honour of being appointed the patron of the Tuggeranong Netball Association. TNA is an important part of the Tuggeranong and Canberra community. TNA holds a number of community...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      Today I am glad to report to my constituents in Tangney that this Liberal government is keeping the promise it made at the last election to scrap the carbon tax. Today is the day that this toxic...
    • Animal Welfare (1 speech)
      During the last election Labor made a commitment to lead a national consultation and discussion on phasing out the importation, manufacture, sale and advertising of cosmetics and cosmetic...
    • Human Trafficking (2 speeches)
      Today I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of a passionate group of people in my electorate of Deakin called Unshackled. Based at the NewHope Baptist Church in Blackburn, Unshackled...
  • Grievance Debate (0 speeches)
    • Budget (1 speech)
      I rise out of great concern for constituents in my electorate and indeed Australians right around this country. In recent months Australians have been reeling from one of the most savage, cruel...
    • Employee Share Ownership (1 speech)
      I wish to speak tonight about the notion of shared ownership via employee share ownership schemes. The notion of share ownership within an employee's place of work is designed to facilitate...
    • Budget (3 speeches)
      There are now countless examples of the Abbott government saying one thing to the voters of Australia before the election and proceeding to do the exact opposite afterwards. Before the election...
    • Telecommunications (1 speech)
      Tonight I rise to speak on behalf of my constituents who struggle on a daily basis to send a text message or receive a call or receive or send a simple email due to significant shortcomings in...
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I move: That the Federation Chamber do now adjourn. Federation Chamber adjourned at 17:38.