Parliament

Senator RHIANNON  (New South Wales) (12:35): I move: 

That the Senate— 

(a) notes that: 

   (i) a video in circulation violently threatens a high-profile gun control advocate, 

   (ii) the individuals in the video have previously been referred to the New South Wales Police for posting violent videos aimed at racial and religious minorities and the Greens, and 

   (iii) former Prime Minister John Howard performed a courageous act in 1996 by pursuing national gun law reform; and 

(b) calls on the Federal Government to: 

Senator RHIANNON  (New South Wales) (18:05): In respect of the document just presented, the government's response to the report of the Education and Employment References Committee on long service standards, I move: 

That the Senate take note of the document. 

Senator RHIANNON  (New South Wales) (15:46): I, and also on behalf of Senator Xenophon, move: 

That the Senate— 

(a) notes that on 14 June 2016, the Turnbull Government announced a $55 million package paid for from the existing Department of Defence budget, for: 

   (i) containment and remediation of perfluorinated compound (PFC) contamination around the country, 

   (ii) an epidemiological study to examine the effects of PFC contamination in communities around the country, 

   (iii) a voluntary blood testing program, 

Senator RHIANNON  (New South Wales) (21:34): Bondi Pavilion is one of the nation's jewels. Recognised in 2008 by the Australian government as having 'exceptional' cultural significance, the National Estate listing identified Bondi as 'one of Australia's most treasured places' and 'one of the world's most famous beaches where Australians meet nature's challenge in the surf'. Bondi Pavilion is a central part of the Bondi experience. However, this stunning cultural and beachside centre faces a precarious future.

Senator RHIANNON (  New South Wales ) ( 18:19 ): by leave—I present to the Senate a petition relating to live animal exports from the port of Townsville, from 2,676 citizens, which is not in conformity with standing orders. 

Senator RHIANNON  (New South Wales) (12:12): The Governor-General's speech on behalf of the Turnbull government failed on many counts. It failed on one of the most critical issues that this government should be grappling with: how we protect our democracy. The word democracy did not actually appear in the speech at all. There was a vague mention of democracies in general but not Australian democracy and the urgent reforms that are needed.  

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (19:38): In recent days political donation scandals have dominated the media and at times debate in this place. It is thanks to the New South Wales corruption watchdog, ICAC, and also to the bill pay system that Senator Dastyari uses that has turned the spotlight on the corrupting influence of political donations.