House debates

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

  • Higher Education (1 speech)
    One of the finest traditions that we have in this place is that we welcome kids from schools right around the country. I welcome those who have joined us today in the chamber. I was pleased to...
  • Clovelly Park Contamination (1 speech)
    () (): Back in July I updated the House about the industrial TCE contamination issue in the suburbs of Clovelly Park and Mitchell Park in my electorate. I also suggested that the state government...
  • Higher Education (1 speech)
    'Upon the education of the people of this country the fate of this country depends.' This is what the Tory statesman Benjamin Disraeli told the House of Commons in 1874. In its approach to higher...
  • Meals on Wheels (1 speech)
    I recently visited West Torrens and Glenelg Meals on Wheels branches where I met a number of fantastic volunteers who make Meals on Wheels possible. Last year I was lucky enough to don the apron...
  • Red Cross (1 speech)
    Representatives of 24 Victorian branches of Red Cross were recently presented with centenary certificates at Government House in Melbourne. Some of these branches were from my electorate of Indi...
  • O'Connor Electorate: Vietnam Veterans Day (1 speech)
    On 17 August, I was honoured to represent Senator the Hon. David Johnston, the Minister for Defence, at the Greenbushes RSL Vietnam Veterans Day commemoration service. More than 200 people...
  • Higher Education (1 speech)
    In my opinion, nothing better sums up how horrible these higher education reforms are for Australian universities and their students than the words of Gamal Babiker, who is a shopping centre...
  • Eden-Monaro Electorate: Veterans (1 speech)
    Today I rise to talk about our veterans and to acknowledge their past sacrifices and current work. Recently I attended the changeover luncheon of the Legacy Club of Wollongong and South Coast at...
  • Higher Education (1 speech)
    Today we resumed the debate on the government's higher education policies. I congratulate the Leader of the Opposition on his powerful speech in the second reading debate. Those opposite do not...
  • Brisbane Electorate: Saint Brigid's Catholic Church (1 speech)
    On Sunday, 10 August I was honoured to attend the centenary of the blessing and first mass at Saint Brigid's Catholic Church in Red Hill in my electorate of Brisbane. The service was conducted by...
  • Budget (1 speech)
    On 30 July, I received the following email from a constituent, Rabeya Akter: I am very disappointed about the proposed changes to higher education announced in the Federal Budget. Allowing...
  • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (1 speech)
    I rise to make clear that the most expensive drug on Australia's PBS is Lucentis, a medication for injection into the eye that costs the PBS $309 million every year. Treating 140,000 times each...
  • Budget (3 speeches)
    I rise to share my outrage and disgust at the appalling changes the Abbott government are attempting to make to higher education. The hikes to funding for university—
  • Hume Electorate: Brumby Aircraft Australia (1 speech)
    We need more pioneers like Brumby Aircraft Australia at Cowra in the west of my electorate. In the winter recess, I had the fortune of witnessing the signing of a 40-year joint venture contract...
  • Budget (1 speech)
    We all know that the new fee and loan repayment structures will see debt levels for future students doubling and trebling. But today I want to talk about the scale of the impact of the loan...
  • Reid Electorate: TVB Australia Carnival (1 speech)
    On Sunday I had the pleasure of attending the annual extravaganza that we in Reid know as the TVB Australia Carnival. Held annually, the carnival is a fun day for the family, with stalls...
  • Higher Education (1 speech)
    On higher education, a matter that the member for Aston, the parliamentary secretary, used to care about when he stood up for students: perhaps if he is listening to contributions today he might...
  • Suicide Prevention (1 speech)
    Recently I had the chance to greet the R U OK Bus when it visited Rockhampton in my electorate of Capricornia. This bright yellow coach is travelling Australia to acknowledge the sad issue of...
  • Higher Education (1 speech)
    The Abbott Liberal government's higher education reform is going to hit people in regional Australia, like my electorate of Newcastle, hardest. Nearly one-third of all students at the University...
  • Legacy (2 speeches)
    I am sure all members will be aware that this week is Legacy Week. Legacy raises important funds in order to provide much-needed support for widows and children of deceased military service...