Senate Speech – Right to Protest Bill 2025
If you come into my office you’ll immediately see two things: a photograph of John Stuart Mill, the famous author of that wonderful essay on liberty, and a waxwork of the great French philosopher Voltaire. Those two historic figures, great advocates for freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of expression encapsulate the values […]
Senate Speech – Build to Rent Developments
It’s a real delight to follow the remarks of my colleague. There was a lot of common sense and wisdom in that presentation. I’ve got here the State of the housing system 2025 report from the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council. If you were to listen to those opposite, they would say to you […]
Senate Speech – Copper Smelter at Mount Isa & Copper Refinery in Townsville
I’d like to make some remarks in relation to the position regarding the copper smelter at Mount Isa and the copper refinery in Townsville. I must say it will be absolutely heartbreaking for those communities if the copper smelter in Mount Isa and the refinery in Townsville close. I say that as someone who, decades […]
Senate Speech – Housing Investment Probity Bill 2024
It really is a delight to follow my colleague Senator Cash, who spoke extraordinarily eloquently in relation to the Housing Investment Probity Bill 2024—which was put forward by my good friend Senator Andrew Bragg, from New South Wales—and who made a number of points which she has repeatedly made in this place over a number […]
Senate Speech – Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU)
I am very pleased to have the opportunity to rise to speak on this matter of public importance being put forward by Senator Bragg. The prospect of the CFMEU inserting itself into construction of apartment buildings is horrifying—absolutely horrifying—because, as Senator Bragg has rightly said, there is a CFMEU tax, a tax of an additional […]
Senate Speech – Scarr to Wong – PM Honesty Around Biosecurity Protocols
Question: Why won’t the Prime Minister level with the Australian people about the discussions and dealings with the United States that led to Australia changing its biosecurity protocols.
Senate Speech – Senator Scarr to Senator Wong – Question Time – Beef & The Prime Minister
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. The Prime Minister had to correct the Minister for Trade and Tourism on Sunday and deny the US President had discussed the beef import ban with him. Was the beef ban discussed during the Prime Minister’s meeting with US officials?
Senate Speech – Congratulations to Buddha’s Light International Association Queensland Loving Care Group
I congratulate all members of the Loving Care Group of the Buddha’s Light International Association for another successful fundraising dinner and another successful year of helping those in need. Since its formation in 2005, the Loving Care Group has donated more than $2 million through 219 donations to organisations doing wonderful work in our community. […]
Senate Speech – Congratulations to the Majha Youth Club Brisbane
I congratulate the Majha Youth Club Brisbane for organising another outstanding sports carnival. Thank you to all the participants and the many members of Queensland’s wonderful Punjabi community who gave their support. It was really heartwarming to see three generations of the same family cheering on the participants. It was also heartwarming to watch the […]
Senate Speech – Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence) Bill 2025
At the outset, I acknowledge the role that Senator Waters played in the Senate inquiry into current and proposed sexual consent laws in Australia, which went through the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee, and thank her for her role and ongoing advocacy in relation to these issues. I note that Senator Green is going […]