PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: Mr Deputy Speaker, the Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment (Schoolkids Bonus Budget Measures) Bill 2012 abolishes a good program, the education tax refund, and replaces it with a fistful of dollars designed to shore up the electoral prospects of the Pr... ... (05-Sep)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of joining many of the more disadvantaged residents of my electorate for a meal which was being put on by Foothills Community Care. This is a church-based organisation that runs a program called the Mountain Gates Meals Night. Every Tues... ... (24-Aug)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: I thought I must have been given the wrong topic for this Matter of Public Importance debate today because the topic in front of me says we are going to be discussing:
The immediate need for bipartisan support to improve our schools and give our children a better future... ... (23-Aug)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: When Julia Gillard finally announces her new school funding policy in a few weeks time, it will be the first time in 8 years that Labor has put forward an alternative funding plan.
Their last plan -- Latham's hit list in 2004 – cut the funding of dozens of schools ... ... (21-Aug)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE (CANBERRA): Mr TUDGE (ASTON) Toughest of tough soldiers, known as a hard-hitter, Special Air Service Regiment Patrol Commander, Sergeant Blaine Flower Diddams, was also a tender loving husband and father to Toni-Ann, their daughter Elle-Lou and son Henry. He was a valued ... ... (15-Aug)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA: Mr TUDGE (Aston) (12:34): I start by commending the Member for Forrest's contribution there in outlining, particularly, the impact of the Higher Education Support Amendment (Student Contribution Amounts and Other Measures) Bill 2012 on regional and rural students. She is ... ... (27-Jun)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA: This Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2012 before us is presented by the Attorney-General as an urgent response by the Government to the decision of the High Court last Wednesday. That decision in the case of Williams and the Commonwealth found... ... (26-Jun)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA: There are only two reasons that we are here debating the bill in front of us, the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Bill 2012. The first is because of the sheer stench surrounding the Craig Thomson affair. Such was the stench that it has embarrassed the... ... (25-Jun)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA: I inform the House that a Headspace Centre will soon be established in the Knox area in my electorate, which is a terrific outcome. It is a combination of a more than 12-month-long campaign which I have spearheaded along with many other people in the local community... ... (25-Jun)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA: I would like to pay tribute to a man whom we are losing from the Knox community, the Reverend David Devine.
For the last 15 years, Reverend Devine has been the pastor at the Rowville Baptist Church. Last Sunday, however, he announced that he would be stepping down from ... ... (21-Jun)