Senate Speech – Vale Hon. Ronald Boswell AO
First, can I acknowledge the contributions of my friends from the National Party. I thought they were just outstanding, and you really did justice on this occasion, so you should really be proud of those contributions. Also, I associate my remarks with the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. Before I say anything else, […]
Senate Speech – Senate Estimates – Non-Visa Holder Data
I’ll put these questions to you. If you’ve got the figures there, you can provide them; if not, please take them on notice. How many non‑visa holders are currently in Australia, excluding bridging visas? So how many unlawful non‑citizens do you think are in Australia at the moment? RespondentWe published an estimate of that figure. […]
Senate Speech – Senate Estimates – Visa Funding and Programs
If I can just echo Senator Shoebridge’s concern on that matter—it is a very, very important matter. Thank you, Mr Keeley. Is he here? Ah, there he is. I wanted to ask some questions on legal representation, specifically in relation to any reporting you’ve received on the success or otherwise of programs where legal funding […]
Senate Speech – Senate Estimates – – Study Visas, Migration Numbers, Fees & Migration Backlogs
Can I talk about study visas and Ms Sharp, were you watching the evidence from the AAT last night, or was it brought to your attention? Respondent:I was indeed, Senator, as was Mr Willard. Senator Scarr:The evidence was to the effect that as at 31 January 2025, there are 50,686 appeals against study‑visa decisions, refusals […]
Senate Speech – Senate Estimates – Further Royal Commission Questions
Thank you very much, Chair. Good to see you, Minister. Secretary, may I begin by thanking your staff for the substantial work involved in bringing together the Combating Antisemitism legislation — first the initial omnibus bill, and then the significant task of splitting it out and dealing with amendments, including those requested by various parties. […]
Senate Speech – Senate Estimates – Further Royal Commission Questions
I want to return to the role of the Attorney‑General’s Department in the establishment of the Royal Commission into the Bondi terrorist attack. I’ll also be moving shortly to the subsequent steps you’ve been taking to progress the Royal Commission — so that’s just to give all prospective witnesses a heads‑up. Secretary, during the lunch […]
Senate Speech – Senate Estimates – Royal Commission Questions
On 30 December 2025, the Prime Minister said that “actual experts and current experts” had advised against establishing a Royal Commission following the Bondi terrorist attack. Minister, can you identify the experts the Prime Minister was referring to? And were any of them from the Attorney‑General’s Department? Respondent:Senator, thank you for the question. I don’t […]
Senate Speech – QWN – Interest Rates
My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. Minister, yesterday the Reserve Bank of Australia announced a decision that many struggling Australian families had feared but hoped wouldn’t happen—a large interest rate rise. Yesterday, you did not know how much—or you refused to tell us how much—your government’s interest rate rise would […]
Senate Speech – Administrative Review Tribunal
A key feature of our administrative law review system is that applicants can introduce new evidence at the review stage. Home Affairs made clear that, in many student visa cases, the issue is not that documents existed but weren’t attached. Rather, applicants often simply did not have the required documents—such as proof of enrolment—at the […]
Senate Speech – Veterans
I’ve recently spoken with the Australian Medical Association in Queensland, and I am deeply disturbed by a number of concerns they have raised. So I hope the Minister or the Minister’s staff are listening carefully, because after Senate estimates last week, they should expect probing questions on the matters I’m about to outline. So, Minister, […]