On behalf of the Labor Party I say happy Diwali to everyone around Australia who is celebrating the festival of lights. At Diwali, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists—some of the world's oldest religions—light the diya with family and friends. And importantly, in our great multicultural society, they share its spirit with all of us.
Read MoreThe work of these portfolio agencies has never been more important. I want to acknowledge the contribution of the minister for emergency management and the agencies that he's responsible for within this portfolio. The work that individuals did in that agency in conjunction with the states and many Australians over the summer is something all of us in this place acknowledge and pay tribute to.
Read MoreThe basis for these changes rests in very large part in the work of the Financial Action Task Force which is an intergovernmental body established by the then G7 back in 1989 and of which Australia has been a member since 1990. From that time, the recommendations of the task force have set international benchmarks for measures that respond to money laundering and terrorist financing.
Read MoreBut these portfolios in this budget and in the previous budgets under this government sum up the government. There has been a relentless focus on announcements and a total failure to prioritise the delivery we need. That has mattered across the life of the government, but now it matters more than ever.
Read MoreSeven years is a long time, and no doubt it feels so much longer for refugees who have been detained indefinitely. It's been seven years since New Zealand offered hope to those refugees in Papua New Guinea and Nauru to resettle them in New Zealand. So today we must say enough is enough and that the Australian government must do the deal...
Read MoreI rise to speak on the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Coronavirus and Other Measures) Bill 2020, and in support of the second reading amendment moved by my friend the shadow minister and the member for Barton. Before I turn to the substance of the bill, I'd like to acknowledge the contribution of the member for Higgins and in particular her affecting and informed remarks in terms of her former profession, going to the questio...
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