Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (20:17): This is an issue that is very close and dear to my heart. After a recent visit to Daru in the Western Province, I remain absolutely committed to raising the profile of this issue and getting some level of resolution to the dreadful situation in which we found ourselves…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (20:36): I welcome the opportunity to speak on this bill. Quite frankly, the process under which the Coral Sea marine reserve was declared last week is an absolute disgrace. For generations this resource has been fished in a totally sustainable way; the fact that the area is now judged worthy…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (16:30): I rise this evening to acknowledge the members of the Australian Sikh community, who have made great efforts to be here to witness the tabling of this historic petition. In fact, we have had members of the Sikh community travel from all over Australia and even from as far…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (20:29): I welcome the opportunity to second the amendment to the motion moved by my friend and colleague the member for Parkes. Meals on Wheels is a cause that is very close to my heart. There is no disputing the fact that this organisation has played an absolutely vital role…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (13:18): I welcome this opportunity to speak today on this motion for disallowance on the Health Insurance (Dental Services) Amendment Determination 2012 (No. 1). While I am sure I am not alone in dreading a trip to the dentist, I am fully aware of the importance of good oral health.…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (16:06): I rise today to welcome to Far North Queensland an event which is a fantastic opportunity for our tourism industry: the 20th Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference. Taking place in Cairns from 15 to 17 October this year, the conference will see industry leaders from around the world offer…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (12:34): I certainly welcome the opportunity to speak today on this package of bills relating to the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, the ACNC. Frankly, there are a number of elements within these bills that concern not just me but the organisations and people within my electorate,…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (11:11): I rise in this Suicide Prevention Week to highlight the work of a very worthwhile organisation in Cairns, the Dr Edward Koch Foundation. Since 1996 this non-profit organisation has been involved in many public health activities in Far North Queensland, but a focus I have been particularly supportive of…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (11:06): I am somewhat taken aback by the contribution of my good friend the member for Hindmarsh. He states that the size of the catch and other issues have been raised and that there needs to be further science on the decision in relation to this large vessel that is…
Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (11:27): In speaking to this private member’s bill, the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012, I certainly would like to reconfirm my commitment to removing financial and legal discrimination against same-sex couples. I have been a very, very strong and a very public advocate on this issue since-from memory-about 2002, at a…