House debates

Thursday, 17 July 2014

  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Withdrawal (1 speech)
      On behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, I move: That the following order of the day, government business, be discharged: Independent National Security Legislation Monitor...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Privileges and Members' Interests Committee; Report (1 speech)
      As required by resolutions of the House, I table the following document: Privileges and Members' Interests Committee—Register of Members’ Interests—Notifications of alterations...
    • Publications Committee; Report (1 speech)
      I present a report of the Publications Committee sitting in conference with the Publications Committee of the Senate. Report—by leave—agreed to.
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Statements by Members (0 speeches)
    • Budget (1 speech)
      This Treasurer's budget is a shambles. The Treasurer has lost control of his agenda and his anger, and in his anger he has lashed out—prepared once again to punish those who can least...
    • Trade Agreements (1 speech)
      I am going to talk about something positive—the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement and the more recent Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement. Admittedly the Korea-Australia...
    • Minimum Wage (1 speech)
      This government must reject the disgraceful and economically inept proposal from the Commission of Audit to cut the minimum wage. The minimum wage is $622 a week, which is 56 per cent of average...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      I want to talk to the people of Western Australia and my electorate of Swan about the carbon tax repeal legislation that has passed the parliament today. This delivers on a major commitment the...
    • Education (1 speech)
      There are a large number of university students in my electorate of Griffith as well as a large number of school-aged children. Like many people, I am very concerned about the effect of...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      Today's vote to repeal the carbon tax is fantastic news for families and small businesses right across Australia, and particularly on the Central Coast. Scrapping the carbon tax was a commitment...
    • Budget (1 speech)
      The Treasurer said yesterday in relation to the budget: 'There are other alternatives that we can take as a government.' Does the Treasurer mean that he will re-introduce some of the nasty...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      I rise to congratulate and thank the Australian people on their efforts to have the carbon tax repealed. It is through their efforts that the cost-of-living pressures will be reduced for...
    • Indi Electorate: Red Tape (1 speech)
      There is a red-tape problem in my electorate. A group of winemakers from the Rutherglen district recently met with me. The wineries are constantly looking for ways to promote their excellent...
    • Boothby Electorate: Trichloroethylene Contamination (1 speech)
      Earlier this week, I spoke on the Clovelly Park contamination scandal in my electorate of Boothby. Ever since this news broke I have had residents calling me for help because they simply do not...
    • Budget (1 speech)
      Yesterday, the Treasurer threatened the people of Australia with even harsher budget cuts, saying, 'There are other alternatives that we can take.' The Treasurer must come clean on what these...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      Today marks the day when the Australian people have won. Businesses, organisations, families and individuals are now all free from the Labor-Greens carbon tax. I commend the Senate for finally...
    • Budget (1 speech)
      While the flat-earthers that inhabit the coalition are too busy high-fiving each other's foreheads for pushing Australia into reverse gear on climate change, if they let the ringing in their ears...
    • Tasmania (1 speech)
      The dynamic duo of duplicity descended on downtown Launceston a few weeks ago. The member for Gorton and the member for Jagajaga came with a big bag of scary spiders and fake skeletons but very...
    • Defence, Budget (1 speech)
      The government must rule out the recommendations of the Commission of Audit to reduce Defence staffing to 1998 levels. Before the election, the Abbott government promised that there would be no...
    • Gilmore Electorate: New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (1 speech)
      Recently I had the privilege of hosting 11 local entrepreneurs who were graduating from our local New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, or NEIS, which is delivered through Illawarra ITeC. I was proud...
    • Budget (1 speech)
      I rise to speak about the budget the whole country is still talking about some months after it was delivered. The Treasurer was talking about it yesterday as well. He said that, if we on this...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      This is a great day for Corangamite—for Colac, Geelong, Bannockburn and Winchelsea. Today's vote by the Senate to repeal the carbon tax is great news for Corangamite families and small...
    • National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
      I rise in relation to the Treasurer's comments yesterday on the budget that there are alternatives, apparently, that the government is now thinking of taking. I rise today to call on this...
    • Hindmarsh Electorate: Rotary Clubs (2 speeches)
      I rise today to recognise the wonderful efforts of Rotary clubs in my electorate. My grandfather was a Rotarian. I commend these clubs on their fantastic commitment to the community. I recently...
  • Ministerial Arrangements (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      Madam Speaker, I inform the House that the Foreign Minister will be late to question time today while she winds up a meeting.
  • Condolences (0 speeches)
    • Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey (1 speech)
      I report that the order of the day relating to the Prime Minister's motion of condolence in connection with the death of Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey has been debated in the Federation Chamber and...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Budget (4 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, given that the Treasurer has spectacularly failed to justify his unfair budget, given that the Treasurer is threatening to hurt Australians...
    • Carbon Pricing (13 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. Will the Prime Minister inform the House how all Australian families and businesses will benefit now that the world's biggest carbon tax has been scrapped....
    • Budget (10 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. I refer to the Treasurer's new approach of pursuing alternative savings measures. Will the Treasurer consider the following alternatives: (1) scrapping the Prime...
    • Carbon Pricing (8 speeches)
      My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. Will the Deputy Prime Minister outline to the House the benefits to the economy that will...
    • Budget (19 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to an email I received from Marie Kinniburgh in my electorate and her 23-year-old daughter with a disability. Marie said: 'We will be affected by all...
    • Telecommunications (4 speeches, 1 comment)
      My question is to the Minister for Communications. It is hard to believe that we might aspire to be like Bhutan and Thailand, where there is national mobile phone coverage. I am sure I speak on...
    • Carbon Pricing (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline to the House the economic significance of scrapping the world's biggest carbon tax? What will the scrapping of the carbon tax mean for...
  • Distinguished Visitors (0 speeches)
    • (1 speech)
      I inform the House that we have with us in the gallery today the Hon. Fiona Simpson, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, and former senator for Western Australia Ross...
  • Questions without Notice (0 speeches)
    • Carbon Pricing (6 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's claim that 'Whyalla will be wiped off the map' as a result of the carbon price. Can the Prime Minister advise us of a date...
    • Budget (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline the economic imperative of fixing the budget? How will fixing the budget lead to more and better jobs?
    • Disability Services (21 speeches)
      My question is the Prime Minister. The government is already cutting support for carers and Australians living with a disability. Now, the Treasurer has confirmed the government is looking at...
    • Carbon Pricing (7 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Will the minister update the House on international approaches to taxing carbon? How will scrapping the carbon tax bring Australia into line...
    • Budget (5 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to Dell Stagg, a full-time carer for her daughter, in the electorate of Boothby. Because of the government's budget changes, Dell says her family...
    • Carbon Pricing (8 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Education representing the Minister for Employment. Will the minister explain how scrapping the carbon tax will support jobs in the economy. Why is it important...
    • Trade Support Loans Program (2 speeches)
      My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to correspondence from Paul Byrne in my electorate, who runs a small electrical contracting business that employs a number of apprentices. Paul says...
    • Carbon Pricing (5 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for the Environment, who has done such a wonderful job. Will the minister update the House on the benefits to jobs and business growth in Gilmore and in Australia...
    • Medicare (8 speeches)
      My question is for the Prime Minister. I refer to the petition of more than 2,500 GPs calling on the Prime Minister to abandon his GP tax and to a GP registrar in the member for Corangamite's...
    • Carbon Pricing (2 speeches)
      Madam Speaker, my question is to the Minister for Small Business—the outstanding Minister for Small Business. Will the minister explain to the House how savings will be passed onto...
    • Budget (5 speeches)
      Madam Speaker, my question is to the Prime Minister. According to NATSEM, a single income family on $65,000 will be $6,000 a year worse off because of the Prime Minister's unfair budget.
    • Asylum Seekers (3 speeches)
      My question is to the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. Will the minister explain to the House why it is so important to be resolute in dealing with the scourge of people smuggling?...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
    • Government Response (1 speech)
      Pursuant to the resolution of the Senate of 6 September 1984 and the House of Representatives of 11 October 1984, I present a report on access to committee documents. Also for the information of...
  • 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.
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Leave of Absence (1 speech)
      I move: That leave of absence be given to every Member of the House of Representatives from the determination of this sitting of the House to the date of its next sitting. Question agreed to.
    • Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders (1 speech)
      I move: That standing order 31 (automatic adjournment of the House) and standing order 33 (limit on business after normal time of adjournment) be suspended for this sitting. Just to explain to...
  • Matters of Public Importance (0 speeches)
    • Budget (59 speeches)
      I have received a letter from the honourable the Leader of the Opposition proposing that a definite matter of public importance be submitted to the House for discussion, namely: This Prime...
  • Committees (0 speeches)
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Business (0 speeches)
    • Days and Hours of Meeting (1 speech)
      On indulgence, I am sure the House will not mind being informed about the process that we are going through. This is one of those rare occasions when all members of the House of Representatives,...
  • Bills (0 speeches)
  • Constituency Statements (0 speeches)
    • Holt Electorate: Indian Community (1 speech)
      I rise today to provide an update on the enormous contribution that is made to my electorate and to our country by the Indian community. In Australia there is a rapidly growing Indian community...
    • Lyne Electorate: Surf Life Saving (1 speech)
      I rise to publicly acknowledge the contributions and commitment of Surf Life Saving Australia around the nation but, in particular, the Lower North Coast Branch, which held its awards of...
    • Murphy, Mr Conor (2 speeches)
      I want to take a few minutes to talk about a remarkable young man, Conor Murphy, who sadly passed away on Monday morning. Conor was a member of my staff and he was my friend. He had worked in my...
    • Forgotten Australians (1 speech)
      I, too, would like to acknowledge Conor Murphy and the contribution made by the member for Fremantle. I had the privilege of meeting Conor with the Rare Voices group and have spent much time with...
    • Sharks (1 speech)
      I would like also to associate myself with the remarks of the member for Fremantle and to pass on my condolences to Conor's family and to Melissa's staff. It has been a very difficult time for...
    • Braddon Electorate: Economy (1 speech)
      As many of my colleagues well know, the mining industry has always been a significant contributor to the economic fortune of my state of Tasmania. It is a matter of concern that many in...
    • Early Childhood Education (1 speech)
      Early childhood education is a fundamental part of development. For most it is the first educational experience which drives learning and intellectual, social and emotional development. But it...
    • Hindmarsh Electorate: Community Forums (1 speech)
      I rise today to provide details about two recent community forums held in the electorate of Hindmarsh with the Hon. Kevin Andrews, Minister for Social Services and member for Menzies. The forums...
    • Canberra Electorate: CSIRO (1 speech)
      Yesterday I attended the CSIRO's briefing—Science for Breakfast: getting more from their science. Improved efficiency and sustainability in the way that we use our limited resources are...
    • Gilmore Electorate: Hewitt Earthworks Subcontractors (2 speeches)
      ) ( ): Mr Speaker, Gilmore is proud to have HMAS Albatross in our region, especially as it is the new Romeo helicopter training location. Our local subbies secured many of the subcontracts,...
  • Adjournment (0 speeches)
    • National Disability Insurance Scheme (1 speech)
      On 1 July this year the NDIS celebrated its first anniversary. It is an anniversary that is worth celebrating because it has made such a difference in the lives of so many people. I would like to...
    • Carbon Pricing (1 speech)
      Later day, perhaps even in a few moments time, the Australian Senate will—all going to plan—vote to repeal the world's largest carbon tax. It has been a significant attack on the...
    • Trade Training Centres (1 speech)
      I rise today to talk about my real concern about the future of Trade Training Centres in schools. This goes to the heart of the future of our young people being able to learn a trade and develop...
    • Mallee Electorate: Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program (1 speech)
      The Anzac Centenary Local Grants is a fantastic thing program and has been strongly welcomed across my electorate. There has been a process where we have been able to provide $125,000 and we have...
    • FoFA (1 speech)
      In light of the disappointing developments in the Senate on Tuesday night, which saw the Palmer United Party assist the government senators to scrap important financial advice regulations, I want...
    • Elliott, Mrs Lorraine (1 speech)
      This morning I want to pay tribute to a great Victorian, a great Australian, a great person, a great wife and mother, a wonderful grandmother and a first-class friend to many, myself...
    • Kent, Mr Lewis and Mrs Vera (1 speech)
      I rise today to honour the lives of Lewis and Vera Kent. Lewis Kent was a member of this place as member for Hotham between 1980 and 1990. Although that in itself is a significant achievement for...
    • Hyundai: Electric Vehicle Project (1 speech)
      Earlier this week I had the opportunity to attend a briefing by the Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle project team who were sharing their passion and vision for a hydrogen highway in...
    • Gorton Electorate: Budget (1 speech)
      I rise on behalf of the Brimbank/Melton Local Learning and Employment Network to express my strongest support for this valuable service. It is yet another crucial organisation that has been hit...
    • Education (1 speech)
      ) ( ): As we move into the 21st century and as we are signing trade agreements with out Asian neighbours to the north, the importance of a productive agricultural sector is now more important the...
    • Asian Democracy (1 speech)
      On Wednesday, 9 July, Indonesia, a massive nation of 250 million people, and friend of Australia, held free and democratic presidential elections. In April and May, the largest and most amazing...
    • Daniel Morcombe Foundation (1 speech)
      On 7 December 2003 a great tragedy befell a Queensland family. Daniel Morcombe was abducted and murdered on the Sunshine Coast. He had been on his way home to do some Christmas shopping. For...
    • Cosmetics Testing (1 speech)
      In March, federal Labor made a commitment to run a national consultation on phasing out the importation, manufacture, sale and advertising of cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients tested on animals....
    • South West Football League (1 speech)
      I would like to congratulate the players and coaches of the South West Football League who once again have taken out the landmark country week football division 1 championship over the weekend of...
    • Blair Electorate: NAIDOC Week (1 speech)
      I want to congratulate Anne Martin and Benjamin Mitchell, who were the co-chairs of the National NAIDOC Committee—they have done a great job this year. In 2014, the national theme for...
    • Perth Airport Preliminary Draft Master Plan 2014 (1 speech)
      I rise to comment on the Perth Airport Preliminary Draft Master Plan 2014. I stress that it is the preliminary draft. All master plans are important for the airport communities, but this document...
    • Abbott Government (1 speech)
      One of the most notable aspects of the singularly unsuccessful first year of this government has been the way that the Abbott cabinet has shown itself to be consistently more extreme and more out...
    • Battle of Beersheba (1 speech)
      I rise today to raise awareness of the remarkable Australian light-horse regiments who fought in the Battle of Beersheba and Macarthur's special role as a training ground for these men and their...