Things are pretty tough in the northern suburbs of Melbourne right now, and I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts that my constituents are undertaking to support themselves, keep themselves safe and keep those around them safe. The Scullin electorate has been bearing the brunt of this latest outbreak, having also suffered terribly—particularly people in aged care—through previous outbreaks.
Read MoreI want to reflect on the circumstances back home in Melbourne's northern suburbs, where a number of my constituents are literally fighting the coronavirus right now. The hubris that was on display in question time yesterday from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs about their alleged role in this is something that I feel needs to be reflected upon.
Read More'Remarkable delusion'—nothing could sum up the contribution of the minister more than those two words. It was a remarkable performance. I'll give him chutzpah, though, because how could anyone who's been a minister for communications in this government talk about the NBN and compare our record to the record of this government?
Read MoreThe concern that has given rise to the need for this legislation relates to a cohort of 21 people who are presently in immigration detention who have all been found to be owed protection obligations but who have also failed to meet the criteria for a visa because they do not pass the character test or they have received adverse security assessments.
Read MoreEid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and will be marked from early tomorrow morning. I extend all my best wishes to everyone for whom this is a special time. This year's Ramadan has already been very different to last year's, and I hope the same can be said of Eid—that people can gather together.
Read MoreWhat a privilege it was to be here for the contribution of my friend the member for Macarthur, who brought to bear his life experience, passion and understanding in his consideration of these measures and the context in which they are situated. In my remarks on these two bills, Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2020-2021 and Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2020-2021...
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