Last week was a good week in this place in that we welcomed home Hakeem al-Araibi, a constituent of mine who had spent nearly 80 days in jail in Thailand when he should have been enjoying his honeymoon.
Read MoreThis parliament has been too slow to recognise loneliness as what it is: a national crisis requiring a national response. That so many Australians of all backgrounds and in all circumstances feel lonely is something we should care about.
Read MoreI rise to make a contribution to the debate on the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Amendment Bill 2018. This bill proposes a range of minor and technical changes to the operation of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, TEQSA.
Read MoreIt was my very great pleasure to have known Barney Cooney almost all my adult life, and it is a privilege to be able to say a few words in tribute to him and to commemorate him in this place, in a building that he loved and contributed so much to.
Read MoreI just want to say a few brief words on this important commemorative debate. As this parliamentary year commenced, it was striking that we heard excellent speeches, in particular from both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, about current natural disasters in Australia as we also reflected on the 10th anniversary...
Read MoreJust over half an hour ago, Hakeem al-Araibi came home to Melbourne. I rise in this place to celebrate his return and to celebrate his courage. I also want to acknowledge and pay tribute to the courage of his wife...
Read More