Seven 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...
Read MoreBefore I turn to the measures contained in the budget and to alternatives—and perhaps rather more to the alternatives—I want to begin by making some acknowledgments that reflect those circumstances and particularly the circumstances of more recent days of my home state of Victoria and my hometown of Melbourne.
Read MoreThe record of the Morrison government reflects the approach that its leader has taken. His focus on marketing in place of policy has led to a long series of announcements that have not been matched by delivery. Nowhere is this more clear than when it comes to infrastructure and to cities. Nowhere is this more clear than when it comes to the Western Sydney Airport and the city deal there.
Read MoreI rise to talk about priorities, about the standards we set in public life, the choices we make and the signals that they send. It took the Prime Minister an hour to act when it came to the purchase of luxury watches for Australia Post staff. But it has now been two weeks since Senator Abetz questioned the loyalty of Chinese Australians at a Senate inquiry, and the PM has failed to condemn those comments.
Read MoreAustralia is a vibrant multicultural society. Our diversity is our greatest strength. And we live in a democracy in which every citizen is equal. This is fundamental to who we are. However, last week, three Chinese Australians, all born in this country, had their loyalty to Australia questioned by a government senator. This is a disgrace.
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