I move the motion: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) the Tibetan Plateau is: (i) the largest source of freshwater beyond the Arctic and Antarctic; (ii) a major driver of the global climate; (iii) the source of most of Asia's major rivers; and (iv) an area of great significance to the global environment; and…
In this Centenary of Anzac one battalion that deserves recognition is the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment, which celebrated 100 years of service at the weekend with a parade down the Cairns Esplanade. The battalion was formed in Egypt in 1914, but their role has changed profoundly since then. It was in the early…
I also rise to speak on the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill 2016. From my perspective, it is a very significant day when medical cannabis is acknowledged as being a product that makes a real difference to people suffering from chronic conditions or terminal disease. It will mean that patients and their family members will no…
On behalf of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia, I present the committee's report entitled Scaling up: inquiry into opportunities for expanding aquaculture in northern Australia, together with the minutes of proceedings. Scaling up is the report of an in-depth investigation into the aquaculture industry in Northern Australia following on from the committee's earlier…
I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2015-2016 and cognate bill. These bills seek authority from the parliament for the additional expenditure of money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for this financial year. The total of the appropriations being sought through these two bills is just over $2.2 billion. The…
This Friday I am looking forward to opening a new business in Cairns: Freedom Prosthetics. Co-founder Neil Greening is an amputee himself and knows firsthand the trials and tribulations of losing a limb, which has made him passionate and dedicated about providing an excellent service to the amputee community. The prosthetist, Jerry Vella, holds a…
As someone who has spends a considerable amount of time flying and at airports, I can tell you that a poor experience can send the best-laid plans well and truly out the window, whereas a good one could make travelling an absolute pleasure. So I was very pleased to hear last week that the Cairns…
Thank you very much Mr Deputy Speaker, and I am really pleased that you are sitting in the chair at the moment to share with me what I would like to say. Yesterday was a very sad day for myself, for many of our colleagues past and present and for all parties from both Houses…
On Friday, 20 November, people around the world stopped to commemorate the 16th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. In more than 20 countries, people remembered those who have died as a result of anti-transgender hatred and prejudice. In Sydney people gathered at an event organised by the Gender Centre, while in Brisbane the Story Bridge…
On 29 October I attended a citizenship ceremony hosted by Cairns Regional Council, where 83 people officially received their Australian citizenship. As someone who, like many others, takes their own citizenship as a given, it was an inspiring experience. From all around the world the new migrants came—a total of 20 countries—from Argentina to the…