Senator BIRMINGHAM: (South Australia) (18:56): Earlier today, in question time, Senator Bob Carr in his capacity as the Minister for Foreign Affairs answered some questions relating to democracy in Fiji. His answers were welcome. They were strong and clear on the expectations that Australia has for democratic advancement in Fiji and on the lifting of…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia) (10:58): I rise to also contribute to this debate on the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Excessive Noise from Wind Farms) Bill 2012. I welcome the opportunity provided by this debate for us to make some comments on what is a genuine area of concern in parts of the community and…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM: (South Australia: 7.02pm) Thank you, Mr President. I thank the Senate and I thank the government for their facilitation, whilst in no way of approving of the gag that was just applied by the government and the Greens to this debate. I come to the issue. I rise to support reform. I rise…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia) (12:37): I am delighted to have learned from listening to Senator Whish-Wilson that you and I, Senator Ruston and Senator Farrell live in some type of litter and recycling nirvana. Where we are is obviously heaven on earth compared to everywhere else-and it is. It is a wonderful place to live,…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia) (18:04): I rise to speak on the Clean Energy Amendment (International Emissions Trading and Other Measures) Bill 2012, which is part of a package of legislation that once again demonstrates— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Birmingham, I am sorry. Order, please! If you are not participating, could you leave the…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia) (18:04): I rise to speak on the Clean Energy Amendment (International Emissions Trading and Other Measures) Bill 2012, which is part of a package of legislation that once again demonstrates- The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Birmingham, I am sorry. Order, please! If you are not participating, could you leave…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia) (13:26): Thank you very much Mr Acting Deputy President. It is a pleasure to note that the debate is not being closed and that I do not need to go through the same processes we did at the end of last year in seeking some leave from the chamber to make…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM: (19:02): Thank you, Mr President. I thank the Senate and I thank the government for their facilitation, whilst in no way of approving of the gag that was just applied by the government and the Greens to this debate. I come to the issue. I rise to support reform. I rise to support…
DetailsSenator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia) (10:12): Hell has truly frozen over in this place this morning, because we just received a lecture on economic and fiscal responsibility from the Australian Greens! The Australian Greens-the big taxing, big spending party of this parliament, who put even the Labor Party to shame with their spending habits-have just…
DetailsSENATOR BIRMINGHAM: (South Australia) (16:53): This matter of public importance has been nominated by the Australian Greens. When we look at matters of public importance sometimes we need to look at their tone at the very outset, before we get into the detail. Today we are discussing the Gillard government’s plans, at the upcoming COAG…
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