PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: I rise also to speak to this condolence motion, which was moved by the Acting Prime Minister and was spoken to by numerous parliamentarians before me. I acknowledge the member for Moreton with regard to his very moving and fine words, and I associate myself with his comments. Every soldier lost in…
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: I rise to contribute to this motion that moved by the Acting Prime Minister earlier this week. I would also like to commend the fine words of the member for Higgins and those of all the other members of this House on this motion over the last couple of days. It is…
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: As I go around my electorate, the overwhelming response I hear is that small businesses are doing it particularly tough at the moment. Across the retail precincts, we are now seeing some shops vacant when we have not seen vacancies for years. Individual shop owners tell me that customers are few and…
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, Canberra: I rise to congratulate the Rowville Hawks Football Club for their outstanding victory in Division 2 of the EFL on Saturday where they defeated Montrose 8.10.58 to 7.4.46. It was a fantastic effort from the club. They have had a stellar year and their victory means they will go into Division 1…
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 Prime Minister. The bill itself should be called the ‘sugar hit…
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 Tuesday night it provides about…
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. I emphasise the…
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 and contributed to…
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 friend, who is sadly missed. His family and friends were of greatest…
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 a very strong advocate in this parliament for those students particularly. This…