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…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (18:51): I rise to speak this evening on the passage of the MRRT repeal bill through the Senate yesterday and the repeal of this failed mining tax. Without question this is a significant milestone not only for Western Australia but also for the Australian economy. There are few pieces of legislation…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (16:41): I rise to address this matter of public importance that has been raised by Senator Moore on behalf of the Labor Party. As a member of the Senate Community Affairs References Committee, I am happy to speak on this MPI because it provides an opportunity to remind the Senate how,…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (17:22): I would like to first thank the Minister for Defence for his statement on this issue today. I also stand to speak strongly in support of the government’s position as I believe that this is both a humanitarian emergency and also a national security threat that we cannot ignore. I…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (16:17): I rise to speak on Senator Xenophon’s Anti-Money Laundering Amendment (Gaming Machine Venues) Bill 2012. The government does not support this bill. This bill seeks to introduce amendments to existing legislation that will increase the regulatory demand on an already heavy regulated sector. Electronic gaming machine venues, such as casinos,…

Senator REYNOLDS (Western Australia) (20:35): I rise to speak on the coalition government’s white paper on the reform of our Federation. Firstly, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister and the government for providing all Australians with this historic opportunity to have a direct say in the future of our Federation. Over the years…