Improving Military Discipline
Some of us are better at following orders than others. I was 19 years of age when I was given the DCM, the ‘don’t come Monday’, when I was training to be a priest, because they didn’t think that I’d be able to fulfil my vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They were probably right, I guess, at the end of the day.
National Police Remembrance Day
I want to acknowledge the member for Fowler, who has brought this motion today. It’s a very important one. I won’t use the term heroes to describe our men and women who serve this country in blue, and in fact all our emergency services workers, because it’s so overused these days. But we thank them for their service.
Lakeisha ‘Lucky’ Patterson
I want to give a big shout-out today to our wonderful young Australian, 23-year-old Lakeisha ‘Lucky’ Patterson, who won gold in the S9 400 metres freestyle last night in Tokyo.
The 2020 Toyko Paralympic Games
Tonight I know we are all eagerly awaiting the adjournment of the House so that we can go home and get stuck into watching the opening of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Fighting Crime Online
I rise to speak on the Surveillance Legislation Amendment (Identify and Disrupt) Bill 2020. Internet connected devices are increasingly at the centre of our daily lives and never more so than now, in the era of COVID-19.
Events in Afghanistan
Last Monday, like many Australians, I woke to the news that Kabul had fallen to the Taliban. Whilst many of us weren’t shocked that Kabul had fallen, most of us were surprised at the speed at which the Taliban had advanced across the country and the speed at which they took control of the capital, […]
Increasing safety for NDIS Participants
I rise in support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Improving Supports for At Risk Participants) Bill 2021. Mr Deputy Speaker, before I get to the bill, I think it would be remiss of me if we didn’t change the tone for a moment and recognise what we are about to celebrate tomorrow. Tomorrow […]
Improving Customs Regulations
I rise in support of the changes to the Customs Tariff Act in the Customs Amendment (2022 Harmonized System Changes) Bill 2021 and the related bill. I want to acknowledge all those previous speakers who have spoken on such an important bill. It’s not very often that you get to speak on bills like this in this place, but today is one of those days, and I’m very, very pleased to be able to speak on it.
Tokyo Olympic Games
I have never been so proud of our country and its people as I have over the past two weeks. At a time when our nation needed a lift, our Olympians have truly delivered, with a record medal haul and a host of passionate performances in just about every sport.
Inquiry into Homelessness
On behalf of the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, I present the committee’s report, incorporating a dissenting report, entitled Final report: inquiry into homelessness in Australia, together with the minutes of proceedings.