The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest health challenge of our time. As I speak, more than 1.4 million have died from the virus and more than 63 million people have been infected. While we have great hope about the future, following the discovery of vaccines, we also understand that this battle does not end with the discovery of vaccines.
Read MoreI'm not pleased that after seven years these issues are still before the parliament, still unresolved, when they could so easily be resolved. When it comes to our obligations to people seeking our help from places in turmoil around the world there are many issues that are difficult and challenging.
Read MoreMy thoughts today are with Australia's Ethiopian community. A full-scale humanitarian crisis has been unfolding in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, where I believe 50 Australian citizens are presently located. The situation there remains grave.
Read MoreWe have seen that in the last 45 years in establishing two critical frameworks for how we manage family law. Firstly, the provision of no-fault divorce. It is impossible—perhaps for many of us here—to understand what life was like for many people before there was no-fault divorce. It has transformed society, recognising that relationships are, of course, formed between human beings with all their fallibilities and vulnerabilities.
Read MoreOn 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.
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