Speeches

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (15:35): I seek leave to correct information I provided in an adjournment speech last night on the Solomon Islands election. Leave granted. Senator REYNOLDS: Thank you. Last night I reported to the Senate on my participation as a Commonwealth observer to the Solomon Islands at their general election last week. Then…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (21:50): I rise to speak on last week’s general election, of 19 November, in the Solomon Islands. Last night I returned from Honiara, where I was privileged to support democracy in the Solomon Islands as a member of the Commonwealth Observers Group. Commonwealth members, along with the Pacific Islands Forum, were…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (12:36): I rise today in support of the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme Bill 2014 and the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool Payment Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2014. These bills represent a necessary interim measure designed to reassure supported employees, their families and their carers by removing perceived liability…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (16:53): I also rise to speak on this urgency motion on the Ebola epidemic. I have to say up-front that, listening to the speakers opposite, all I could think was: never let the facts or the public interest get in the way of a good political scare story. It completely appals…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (18:39): I rise today in support of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014. This bill introduces measures to support Australia’s security agencies to ensure that Australians are as safe and secure as we can make them, without stripping away the freedoms we value and, in fact, are fighting to…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (19:44): Tonight I rise to speak on the principle of freedom of speech. I believe there is no democratic value or individual freedom more greatly valued and oft cited in the modern Western world than the right of free speech or freedom of expression. Arguably it is the cornerstone value of…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (16:56): Thirteen years ago I saw true evil up close and, for the first time in my life, I understood it. The events of 2001 and 2002 left an indelible mark on me. As chief of staff to Chris Ellison, the Minister for Justice and Customs during one of our most…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (09:47): I rise to speak on the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 1) Bill 2014 and the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (2014 Budget Measures No. 2) Bill 2014. Responsible governments do not take the easy way. They do what is right, they do what…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (16:55): I rise today on this very important matter of public importance. The Abbott government is getting on with the job of ensuring that our Navy has a sustainable and affordable long-term submarine capability. Despite all of the rhetoric this afternoon from Senator Conroy and his colleagues, this is a decision…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (10:45): There is no greater responsibility for any elected government than to keep the nation safe and secure and to make the decision to utilise military personnel, both domestically and overseas. Under our Constitution this is clearly the responsibility of the executive, who are elected by the Australian voters and accountable…