Motion – National Apology on Forced Adoptions

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (17:00): I was certainly privileged to attend the national apology for forced adoptions in the Great Hall on 21 March in the company of many of those who had undergone a forced adoption experience. It was certainly a very humbling and touching event. I am glad that we, as a…

Adjournment – World TB Day

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (19:38): I rise tonight to acknowledge World Tuberculosis Day, this Sunday, 24 March. It is with great sadness that I highlight the case of Catherina Abraham, a 20-year-old girl from Daru Island who last year made a desperate journey to Australia to seek treatment for this killer disease. She had…

Constituency Statement – Tibet Petition

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (10:30):  I rise today to add my voice in support of those who seek a peaceful resolution in the crisis in Tibet. It is very distressing to hear the human rights situation is driving a number of Tibetans to self-immolate. On 25 February, Tsesung Kyab, a farmer, and Sangdag, a…

Adjournment – Mental Health

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (19:39): I rise tonight to speak on an issue that is very close to my heart. The mental health of our young people is something that cannot be neglected and we need to be proactive in the very early stages. That being the case, I would like to highlight the…

National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (12:14): In rising to speak on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012, I am by no means the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to stand in this chamber and say that the current system of support for people with a disability is definitely broken. We have…

Appropriation Bill 2012-2013

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (18:53): I rise this evening to talk about some serious health issues that have arisen in my electorate and the failure of this government to provide sufficient funding for programs to address them. As anyone who has experienced a serious illness knows, poor health can impact on many areas of…

EPBC Amendment (Making Marine Parks Accountable) Bill 2012

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…

Adjournment – Presentation of Petition for the Sikh community

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…

Private Member’s Business – Meals on Wheels Nutrition Project

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…