2009 Speeches Archive
3 Minute Constituent Statement: Congratulating Kurt Fearnley - 24 November 2009
I rise today to commend a wonderful man, a constituent in my electorate of Newcastle Mr Kurt Fearnley. Last week he completed an absolutely astounding feat: he quite literally crawled the Kokoda Trail.
Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Amendment Bill 2009 - 24 November 2009
I too rise today to support the Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave Funding) Amendment Bill 2009. The coalmining industry is intrinsically tied to my electorate of Newcastle and the greater Hunter Region.
Inquiry into Financial Products and Services - 24 November 2009
I am very pleased to speak on the report of the Inquiry into Financial Products and Services in Australia by the Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services.
Private Members Bill: Assisting the Victims of International Terrorism Bill 2009 - 23 November 2009
This bill is opposed by the government in its current form. However, as the Prime Minister said today in Question Time, we are prepared to consult around finding better ways to support the ongoing needs of those who sustain physical and psychological harm as a result of catastrophic incidents such as terrorism.
Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit: Review of Auditor-General's Reports - 16 November 2009
On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, I present the committee's report.
Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit: Review of the Major Projects Reports - 16 November 2009
On 6 December 2006, the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit unanimously agreed to recommend that the Australian National Audit Office receive additional funding to produce an annual report on progress in major Defence projects.
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Cognate Bill 2009 [No.2] - 28 October 2009
I rise to speak in support of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) Bill 2009 [No. 2]. It was only a few months ago that I rose to speak in this House on this cognate bill, when I spoke abou the importance of its passage through the parliament to the people of Newcastle, whom I represent, the people of Australia and indeed the people of the world.
Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Bill 2009 - 27 October 2009
I rise to support the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Serious and Organised Crime) Bill 2009. It has been estimated that, on average, organised crime costs the Australian economy $15 billion a year.
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2009 - 21 October 2009
I rise to support the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Competition and Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2009. This bill is the legislative precursor to the most important facilitation to maximise individual potential, community potential and social and economic potential in our nation's history.
Address to the Financial Planners Association of Australia (Newcastle Chapter) - 14 October 2009
Good evening to everyone and thank you to the Newcastle Chapter of the Financial PLanners Association of Australia for inviting me to speak with you tonight.
Report on Statutory Oversight of the Australia Securities and Investment Commission - 17 September 2009
I rise today to speak on the report Statutory Oversight of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission of September 2009.
Report on Aspects of Agribusiness Managed Investment Schemes - 17 September 2009
It is pleasing to see people stand in this chamber and address the report of the Joint Parliamentary Committe on Corporations and Financial Services because this was an important report.
Friends in Far Places: Visits to Monglia and Timor Leste - 14 September 2009
I wish to take advantage of this debate to share with the House some observations and knowledge arising from the recent opportunities I had to visit Mongolia and Timor Leste.
Constituent Statement: Supporting NCC's Smart Grid Smart City Bid - 19 August 2009
Just recently, Newcastle City Council announced it will bid for the federal government's National Energy Efficiency Initiative, Smart City Smart Grid.
Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2009 - 17 August 2009
I rise to speak in support of the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill 2009. I have to say that i marvel at hearing the new experts, the weekend experts, in the opposition telling us what we need to do about climate change and renewable energy.
Private Member's Business: Condemning the Persecution of Dr Aung San Suu Kyi - 17 August 2009
I rise today to speak in support of the Private Member's Bill deploring the Myanmar regime for pressing new and spurious charges against Dr Aung San Suu Kyi for her ongoing detention and persecution.
Private Members Business: Recognising 20 years of Polish Independence - 22 June 2009
I stand to support the motion by the member for Fisher that the House recognise the 25th anniversary, on 4 June 2009, of the first postwar free elections in Poland, which marked the end of Communist rule in that country.
The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme - 3 June 2009
I can only say that i'm very proud to be standing today in this parliament to speak on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme 2009 and related bills. For me, this is why we are here. As members of our parliament, our aim is to improve the quality of life of both the people we represent and all Australians.
2009 Federal Budget - 25 May 2009
I am very pleased to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2009-2010 and related bills, which support the second budget of the Rudd Labor Government. The 2009 budget was a positive, responsible and appropriate budget for the future of Australia, given the current global financial crisis.
Violence Against International Students: Newcastle Says No - 25 May 2009
I wish to draw attention to the importance and worth of international students studying in Australia and to raise some concerns about their experiences while they are here.
Report by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit - 12 May 2009
Mr Speaker, the Public Accounts and Audit Committe Act requires the Committee to consider 'draft estimates for the Audit Office, with the Chair making a statement to the House on budget day on whether, in our opinion, the Auditor-General has been given sufficient funding to carry out his duties.
Alcopops and Binge Drinking - 19 March 2009
It is important for every member of parliament to put on the public record their position regarding our responsibility to give a very strong message to all communities across this country that we do not accept the pattern of binge drinking.
Protecting Jobs and the Environment in Newcastle - 18 March 2009
I want to share with the House an important announcement that was made in my electorate of Newcastle in February - that is, that the Rudd Government has chosen Newcastle as the location for the nation's Clean Energy Innovation Centre.
Official Opening of the Newcastle Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course- 2 March 2009
It really is a great honour for me to be with you today to open this Indigenous Pre-Recruitment Course (IPRC) on behalf of the Minister for Defence Science and Personel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP.
Newcastle's role in Australia's Clean Energy Future - 21 February 2009
Over the past two years, Newcastle's businesses, research institutions and community leaders have worked together to position Newcastle as a leader in clean energy innovation. A lot of hard work later it is great to see that Newcastle is ready to deliver on that vision.
Exhibition: Campus as Place, Footprints in the Forest - 20 February 2009
Campus as Place (NSW 2308) by Philip Pollard and Footprints in the Forest by Soozie Coumbe, form part of a Doctorate and a Master of Philosphy respectively. They hanhg from extensive experience of two unique places, carefully analysed, interpreted and documented in learned and important theses.
Motion of Condolence: Victorian Bushfires - 11 February 2009
I rise to support this condolence motion and register the heartfelt sympathy and concern of both myself and the people of my electorate, Newcastle, for our fellow Australians, the good and innocent people of Victoria.
Nation Building and Jobs Plan - 4 February 2009
I am very pleased to rise today to speak in support of the Appropriation (Nation Building and Jobs) Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009.
Nation Building and Newcastle - 4 February 2009
A good portion of the Rudd Government's Nation Building Package will come directly to the Newcastle and Hunter region and I am encouraging Newcastle residents to ‘think local’ when they access the Government’s benefits.