12 January

Parliament House water plan

The Department of Parliamentary Services is granted permission by the ACT government to draw water from Lake Burley Griffin to be treated and used on its grounds.[1] A 1.5km underground pipe will carry the water from a pump station near the lake to Capital Hill.[2] Parliament House will be permitted to use 1.5 per cent of the water available from Lake Burley Griffin.[3]

The new water plan follows a 2014 study which found that the lake could provide a safe, reliable and cost effective water supply for landscape irrigation at Parliament House.[4]

Parliament House with Lake Burley Griffin in the foreground

Image source: Matt Ryall, Wikimedia Commons

5 February

John Alexander sworn in after winning Bennelong by‑election

John Alexander (Lib.) is sworn in as the member for Bennelong (NSW) after winning a by-election in the seat on 16 December 2017.[5] He had resigned as the Member for Bennelong in November 2017 over possible dual citizenship which would have made him ineligible to stand for or sit in Parliament under section 44(i) of the Constitution. Mr Alexander renounced any rights to British citizenship prior to nominating for the by-election.[6] He was subsequently advised by the United Kingdom Home Office that they had not found any evidence that he had held British citizenship.[7]

John Alexander

Image source: Auspic

5 February

David Feeney resigns; by-election in Batman

The Speaker, Tony Smith (Lib., Casey, Vic.) advises the House that David Feeney (ALP, Batman, Vic.) has resigned his seat.[8] The resignation follows Mr Feeney’s referral to the High Court on 6 December 2017,[9] after he stated that he was unable to locate documentation confirming renunciation of his British and Irish citizenship.[10]

A by-election is subsequently held in the seat of Batman on 17 March.

David Feeney

Image source: Auspic

5 February

Fraser Anning to sit as an Independent senator

Senator Fraser Anning (Qld) announces that he will leave Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party to sit as an Independent.[11] Senator Anning filled the vacancy created by the disqualification of Senator Malcolm Roberts  (PHON, Qld) in October 2017.

Fraser Anning

Image source: Auspic

5 February

Lucy Gichuhi joins the Liberal Party

Senator Lucy Gichuhi (Ind., SA) announces that she has become a member of the Liberal Party.[12] Appointed to the Senate in April 2017, Senator Gichuhi filled the vacancy created by the disqualification of Senator Bob Day (FFP, SA),[13] but announced in May 2017 that she would sit as an Independent senator. [14]

Lucy Gichuhi

Image source: Auspic

5 February

Tributes for former minister Barry Cohen

A condolence motion in the House pays tribute to former minister Barry Cohen (ALP, Robertson, NSW), who died on 18 December 2017.[15] Mr Cohen was a Member of Parliament from 1969 to 1990.[16] He served as Minister for Home Affairs and the Environment; Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Environment; and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Bicentennial.[17]

Barry Cohen

Image source: Auspic

7 February

George Brandis resigns from the Senate

Senator George Brandis (Lib., Qld), resigns from the Senate. He first entered the Senate in 2000 and served in the ministry from 2007 to 2017, most recently as Attorney-General. In his valedictory speech, he says:

And so now, as I close this, the longest chapter of my life, I leave as I arrived: an unapologetic, committed liberal, a little bloodied perhaps but nevertheless unbowed.[18]

Senator Brandis’ resignation follows Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s announcement in December 2017 that he would be appointed Australia’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.[19]

George Brandis

Image source: Auspic

8 February

Statements on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull (Lib., Wentworth, NSW), and the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic.) both make statements in the House following the release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse on 15 December 2017. Mr Turnbull says:

The report is the product of five years of hard and harrowing work for all those involved, and today we honour the bravest among them—the survivors and their families. They relived the worst moments of their lives, often telling their stories for the first time, so that these terrible abuses will never be allowed to happen again ... Now that those stories have been told, now that they are on the record, we must do everything within our power to honour those stories and to act.

I am committed and my government is committed to doing everything possible to make sure that this national tragedy is never repeated.[20]

Mr Shorten says:

Open almost any page of the final report and you can find words that shake us to our core ... These institutions failed our fellow Australians, and then our nation did ... The reputation of powerful institutions and individuals was put ahead of the welfare of children ... If we believe the survivors, and we do, and if we accept responsibility, and we must, then conscience demands only one course of action: we must deliver a truly national redress scheme, one underpinned by uniformity and equity.[21]

Final report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Image source: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

12 February

10th annual Closing the Gap statement

The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, tables the 10th Closing the Gap report, and delivers the 2018 Closing the Gap statement. He says:

Every day, we see proof that many people's lives are improving.

As part of the Closing the Gap refresh, state-by-state targets will help give more granular and specific local insight to progress, or lack of progress, and more precisely, where more focused effort is needed.

I can advise the House three of the seven Closing the Gap targets are on track this year, giving us the most promising result since 2011.[22]

The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, says:

We all welcome the improvements in this year's Closing the Gap report. I concur with the Prime Minister that it's heartening to see the goals for reducing child mortality and improving early child education back on track. Year 12 attainment remains strong. I acknowledge the progress of the procurement strategy. In this place we should certainly celebrate the successes, the blue sky, and there are many. But we also need to face up to the fact that on too many fronts progress remains far too slow.[23]

The four Closing the Gap targets that are not on track relate to school attendance, reading and numeracy, employment and life expectancy.[24]

Malcolm Turnbull delivers the 2018 Closing the Gap statement while Ken Wyatt looks on

Image source: ParlView

Watch: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s 2018 Closing the Gap statement

Watch: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s response

Source: ParlView

12 February

Senators Colbeck and Martin sworn in

Tasmanian Senators Richard Colbeck (Lib.) and Steve Martin (Ind.) are sworn in.

Senator Colbeck, who served in the Senate from 2002 to 2016, returns to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Stephen Parry (Lib., Tas.) in November 2017 due to his dual citizenship.

On 6 February 2018 the High Court ruled that Steve Martin was not incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator by reason of section 44(iv) of the Constitution, a question that required resolution before the two Tasmanian Senate vacancies could be filled.[25] Senator Martin fills the vacancy that followed the resignation of Jacqui Lambie (JLN, Tas.) in November 2017 due to her dual citizenship. On 13 February 2018 he informs the Senate that:

Although I stood as a member of the JLN, I wish to notify the Senate that I will now be sitting as an Independent.[26]

He gives his first speech on 21 March.

Richard Colbeck

Image source: Auspic

Steve Martin

Image source: Auspic

13 February

10th anniversary of the Apology to the  Stolen Generations

Parliament marks the 10th anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations, with former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd watching from the gallery.[27]

The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, says:

Today marks a decade since former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to Australia's first peoples. Ten years ago the gallery in this place was a sea of proud but heartbroken Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their eyes telling the story of the trauma they'd lived with for their whole lives. They came to hear the leader of the nation finally acknowledge that their pain, suffering and hurt, and the pain, suffering and hurt of their parents and grandparents, was a deep and irreparable wrong.[28]

The Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten, says:

Ten years after saying sorry, we need to know that we mean it with belated compensation for survivors, with support for the healing of their descendants, with national action to tackle the crisis of Aboriginal kids growing up in out-of-home care.[29]

Kevin Rudd

Image source: Auspic

13 February

Rotation of senators

In the wake of several changes in the Senate’s composition due to disqualifications under section 44 of the Constitution, the Senate resolves to allocate terms for a number of senators.

In doing so, the Senate again adopts order of election as the method for allocating long and short terms (initially adopted in August 2016), although in this instance terms are allocated according to the order of election arising from special recounts of 2016 election ballots rather than according to the order of election resulting from the original 2016 election itself.[30] The recounts are conducted for each state as if the number of vacancies is for a normal half-Senate election rather than a double dissolution election, and only include senators elected at the election.[31] Senators Martin (Ind., Tas.) and Hinch (DHJP, Vic.) speak against the motion.

The Senate resolution also involves changing the existing terms of some senators, and this is the first time that the Senate has altered the term lengths of senators during a term (after the initial allocation of terms in August 2016). The effect of the resolution is largely one ‘of shuffling terms within parties or party groupings, so that some candidates originally allocated 3-year terms are “promoted” to a 6-year term ahead of colleagues further down the ballot paper.’[32]

14 February

Murray-Darling basin plan changes disallowed

The Senate votes to disallow changes to the Murray-Darling basin plan to reduce water recovery targets, placing the future of the plan in doubt.[33] New South Wales and Victoria had threatened to withdraw support for the plan if the changes were disallowed.[34] A reduced water recovery target could be reconsidered along with changes to the southern basin plan to be considered by Parliament in May.[35]

15 February

New senator for New South Wales

Senator Kristina Keneally (ALP, NSW) is sworn in. The former Premier of New South Wales fills the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Sam Dastyari (ALP, NSW), following her unsuccessful attempt to enter the House of Representatives at the December 2017 Bennelong by-election. She gives her first speech on 27 March.

Kristina Keneally

Image source: Auspic

15 February

Opposition motion calls for sacking of Deputy Prime Minister

The Opposition moves a motion that calls on the Prime Minister ‘to immediately sack the Deputy Prime Minister for clearly breaching the Prime Minister’s Statement of Ministerial Standards.’[36] The alleged breach relates to the Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) reportedly seeking and accepting a gift in the form of rent‑free accommodation.[37] The motion is defeated by 73 votes to 70.[38]

15 February

Changes to the Statement of Ministerial Standards

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull amends the Statement of Ministerial Standards to include the words:

Ministers, regardless of whether they are married or single, must not engage in sexual relations with their staff. Doing so will constitute a breach of the standards.[39]

The Statement sets out the Prime Minister’s expectations concerning the behaviour of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.

The changes follow reports that Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, in Mr Turnbull’s words, ‘made a shocking error of judgement in having an affair with a young woman working in his office’.[40]

Read: Statement of Ministerial Standards

23 February

New homes for Parliament House possums

Possum boxes are set up in the gardens of Parliament House.[41] The boxes will be new homes for the possums that have been found living in unorthodox places around the building, such as in gardening sheds, tennis court pavilions, inside tyres and drain pipes, and on top of air-conditioning units.[42]

Brushtail possum

Image source: Andrew Mercer, Wikimedia Commons

23 February

Barnaby Joyce announces he will resign as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the National Party

Barnaby Joyce announces his intention to resign on 26 February as Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.[43] His resignation follows intensive media scrutiny of his partner’s employment within parliamentary offices and harassment allegations against him.[44]

Barnaby Joyce

Image source: Auspic

26 February

Michael McCormack becomes Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader

Following the resignation of Barnaby Joyce, the Nationals elect Michael McCormack (Riverina, NSW) as their new leader.[45] Mr McCormack is sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and becomes the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the portfolio previously held by Mr Joyce.[46]

Michael McCormack

Image source: Auspic

26 February

Speaker’s statement on security/protest

The Speaker, Tony Smith, makes a statement to the House concerning the protest in the public galleries which interrupted Question Time on 30 November 2016, and the additional protests that occurred the following day. He advises that the two protesters who abseiled down the front façade of Parliament House pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a disorderly manner on Commonwealth Premises, and each received a fine of $1,500.[47]

Protesters abseil down the front of Parliament House on 1 December 2016

Image source: A Hough

Watch: Statement by the Speaker

26 February

Award for Parliament House honey

Parliament House’s honey wins second prize at the Royal Canberra Show.[48] Cormac Farrell, the head beekeeper at Parliament House, thanked the landscaping team for creating beautiful bee-friendly gardens.[49]

Image source: Department of Parliamentary Services

2 March

Ministerial reshuffle – Chester and Pitt elevated

Former Cabinet minister Darren Chester (NP, Gippsland, Vic.) and former assistant minister Keith Pitt (NP, Hinkler, Qld), who lost their ministry positions in a December 2017 reshuffle, are reappointed to the ministry by new Nationals leader Michael McCormack.[50]

Mr Chester becomes the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister Assisting for the Centenary of Anzac.[51] Mr Pitt becomes Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister.[52]

Mr Chester and Mr Pitt replace Luke Hartsuyker (NP, Cowper, NSW) and Damian Drum (NP, Murray, Vic.).[53]

Darren Chester

Image source: Auspic

Keith Pitt

Image source: Auspic

15 March

Visit by the Prime Minister of Vietnam

The Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, visits Parliament House. During the visit, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announces that Australia and Vietnam are ‘elevating our relationship to a strategic partnership’.[54] Cooperation between the two countries will cover ‘areas from defence to development’.[55]

Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Malcolm Turnbull

Image source: ParlView

17 March

Batman by-election

Following the resignation of David Feeney (ALP) on 5 February, a by-election is held in the seat of Batman (Vic.). The by-election is won by Ged Kearney (ALP). Ms Kearney gives her first speech on 21 May.

Ged Kearney

Image source: Auspic

19 March

Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples established

Following a resolution of the House of Representatives on 1 March to establish a Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, the Senate also resolves to establish the Committee.[56] The Committee is to consider the recommendations of the Referendum Council (2017), the Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017), the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (2015), and the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians (2012).[57]

The move follows the Turnbull government’s rejection in October 2017 of the Referendum Council’s call for a national Indigenous representatives’ assembly to be added to the Constitution.[58] Responding to the Referendum Council’s report, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Attorney-General George Brandis and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion stated that:

The government does not believe such an addition to our national representative institutions is either desirable or capable of winning acceptance in a referendum.[59]

The Committee publishes its interim report on 30 July 2018 and its final report on 29 November 2018. The recommendations of the final report include ‘that the Australian Government initiate a process of co-design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ for a First Nations Voice.[60]

19 March

New senator for South Australia

Tim Storer (Ind., SA) is sworn in as a senator. He was elected following a recount of ballot papers following the resignation of NXT senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore in November 2017. He had been an NXT senate candidate at the 2016 election, but was expelled from the party in October 2017 after making an unsuccessful legal bid to fill the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of party leader Nick Xenophon.[61] Former senator Kakoschke-Moore had attempted to reclaim her Senate seat in the High Court, but her bid was rejected.[62]

On 21 March Senator Storer informs the Senate that he will be sitting as an Independent senator.[63] He gives his first speech on 9 May 2018.

Tim Storer

Image source: Auspic

19 March

Visit by Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar

Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, visits Parliament House for bilateral meetings following the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Sydney.[64] During a meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Rakhine state in Myanmar is discussed and Mr Turnbull encourages ‘Aung San Suu Kyi to resettle displaced Rohingya’.[65]

Aung San Suu Kyi during a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House

Image source: ParlView

21 March

High Court challenge to David Gillespie unsuccessful

An attempt to challenge the eligibility of David Gillespie (NP, Lyne, NSW) to sit in the Parliament ends, after the High Court finds that the method of bringing the challenge was not legitimate.[66] The ALP candidate at the 2016 election, Peter Alley, had brought the case through the Common Informers (Parliamentary Disqualifications) Act 1975 (‘the Common Informers Act’).[67] He had argued that Gillespie’s ownership of a shopping centre which leased space to a franchisee of Australia Post constituted grounds for disqualification under section 44(v) of the Constitution.[68] The High Court holds that the Common Informers Act ‘does not confer jurisdiction upon the Court to decide whether a person is ... incapable of sitting as a senator or as a member of the House of Representatives.’[69]

David Gillespie

Image source: Auspic

22 March

New senator for Queensland

Amanda Stoker (Lib., Qld) is sworn in as a senator. She was chosen to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of George Brandis.

The President of the Senate, Scott Ryan (Lib., Vic.), notes that:

... this is the first time the Senate has had its full complement of 76 senators since the resignation of Senator Ludlam on 14 July last year. At 250 days, that represents the longest period the Senate has been incomplete since Federation.[70]

Senator Stoker gives her first speech on 20 June 2018.

Amanda Stoker

Image source: Auspic

26 March

Launch of Parliament House 30th anniversary program

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, and the President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, launch the Australian Parliament House 30th anniversary program and the exhibitions Design in a Decade–The 1980s and From Competition to Completion–Building Parliament House.

Design in a Decade showcases the art and craft of the 1980s, while From Competition to Completion charts the building’s progress from the announcement of its construction in 1978 to its opening in 1988 through objects, artworks and images.

The Presiding Officers launch the Parliament House 30th anniversary program

Image source: Department of Parliamentary Services

27 March

Indigenous women stage sit-in to raise awareness of domestic violence

Indigenous women from Alice Springs stage a sit-in, or sorry ceremony, at Parliament House in memory of Indigenous women who have been killed or injured by partners and relatives.[71] Senator Malarndirri McCarthy (ALP, NT), who joins the women at the sit-in, says:

They’ve gone through a lot. They’ve got a very deep investment on an emotional level in terms of what they want to see for themselves and for their children and grandchildren.[72]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are killed by their partners at twice the rate of other Australian women, according to research by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

27 March

Former minister Bruce Billson censured

The House of Representatives passes a motion censuring former Member and minister Bruce Billson (LP, Dunkley, Vic., 1996–2016):

for failing to discharge his obligations as a Member to the House in taking up paid employment for services to represent the interests of an organisation while he was a Member of the House, and failing to fulfil his responsibilities as a Member by appropriately declaring his personal and pecuniary interests, in respect of this paid employment ...[73]

The censure motion follows an inquiry by the Standing Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests which recommended that Mr Billson be censured and that the House standing orders be amended:

to include an express prohibition on a Member engaging in services of a lobbying nature for reward or consideration while still a Member of the House of Representatives.[74]

Mr Billson had accepted a paid part-time role with the Franchise Council of Australia while serving as Minister for Small Business.[75]

Bruce Billson

Image source: Auspic

28 March

Launch of The First Eight Project and Deakin book

The President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, and the Speaker of the House, Tony Smith, launch The First Eight Project at the Parliamentary Library. The project is a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library, the National Museum of Australia, the National Archives of Australia, the Victorian Parliamentary Library and the Australian National University’s Australian Studies Institute. Over the course of the project, the Parliamentary Library will hold annual lectures and publish a series of short biographies of each of Australia’s first eight Prime Ministers. The first book, Alfred Deakin – the lives, the legacy: Australia’s second prime minister by historian David Headon, is launched along with the project.

Scott Ryan, David Headon and Tony Smith at the launch of The First Eight Project and Alfred Deakin – the lives, the legacy

Image source: Auspic

2 May

Tim Hammond resigns

Tim Hammond (ALP, Perth, WA) announces his resignation from the Parliament, stating that:

as much as I have tried desperately, I just cannot reconcile my life as a Federal Member of Parliament with being the father I need – and want – to be to my three children ...[76]

Mr Hammond was first elected at the 2016 federal election.

Tim Hammond

Image source: Auspic

8 May

Treasurer delivers 2018 Budget

The Treasurer, Scott Morrison (Lib., Cook, NSW), delivers the 2018 Budget, his third. He states that:

A stronger economy. More jobs. Guaranteeing essential services. The Government living within its means. That is what this Budget is about.[77]

In his Budget reply speech on 10 May, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says:

My fellow Australians, as I listened to the government's fifth budget on Tuesday night, I knew immediately we can do better than this, the people of Australia deserve better than this and a Labor government will deliver better than this ...[78]

Scott Morrison delivering the 2018 Budget

Image source: ParlView

9 May

Parliament House 30th anniversary

At the start of the sitting on 9 May, the Speaker relayed to the House and the President relayed to the Senate a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the official opening by Her Majesty of Parliament House.[79]

In her statement the Queen says:

I remember with fondness my visit to Canberra during Australia's Bicentenary and was interested to learn that Parliament House now attracts more than one million visitors each year.

This message comes with my best wishes to you and the Australian people for a most successful year of events marking this milestone in the history of your National Parliament.[80]

A ceremony in the forecourt to celebrate the 30th anniversary includes an address by the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, a Smoking Ceremony, a Welcome to Country, a multi-faith blessing, a choir performance, and a birthday cake in the shape of Parliament House. Parliament House’s 30th anniversary Open Day, held on 6 October, includes a mass yoga session on the front lawns and the first public display of a new LEGO scale model of the building.

Image source: Department of Parliamentary Services

Watch: A Birthday Celebration — 30 years of Australian Parliament House

Source: ParlView

Read: APH 30th anniversary program

Read: The 30th anniversary of Australia’s Parliament House

9 May

High Court finds ACT senator ineligible

The High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed returns, finds Senator Katy Gallagher (ALP, ACT) ineligible to sit in the Parliament under section 44(i) of the Constitution. The Court orders that the resulting vacancy be filled by a special count of the ballot papers from the 2016 election.[81]

Katy Gallagher

Image source: Auspic

9 May

Four Members of Parliament resign

In the wake of the High Court’s ruling on the eligibility of Katy Gallagher to sit in the Parliament, four further Members of Parliament announce their resignations:

• Justine Keay (ALP, Braddon, Tas.)
• Susan Lamb (ALP, Longman, Qld)
• Josh Wilson (ALP, Fremantle, WA)
• Rebekha Sharkie (CA, Mayo, SA)

On 24 May the Speaker advises the House that by-elections will be held on 28 July in those electorates—and in the electorate of Perth (WA), where the Member, Tim Hammond (ALP), resigned on 2 May.[82]

23 May

New senator for the ACT

Following a special count of the ballot papers from the 2016 election, the High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns, declares David Smith (ALP) duly elected as a senator for the Australian Capital Territory. He fills the vacancy created when Katy Gallagher (ALP, ACT) was declared ineligible to sit in the Parliament under section 44(i) of the Constitution. Senator Smith is sworn in on 18 June[83] and gives his first speech on 27 June.

David Smith

Image source: Auspic

24 May

Visit by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

A parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, led by Prime Minister the Hon Dr Keith Rowley, visits Parliament House.[84] ‘Matters of national security, border protection, counter terrorism as well as sea transport’ are reported as the main focus of the visit.[85]

25 May

Senator Martin joins the Nationals

Senator Steve Martin (Ind., Tas.) announces that he has joined the Nationals.[86] It is the first time the party has had representation in Tasmania since the 1920s (when it was known as the Australian Country Party).[87]

29 May

Electronic voting on the way for the House

The Leader of the House, Christopher Pyne (Lib., Sturt, SA), announces that electronic voting will be implemented for Members in the House of Representatives in 2019. Electronic voting was recommended by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure in its April 2016 report Division required?.[88]

4 June

Senator Anning joins Katter’s Australian Party

Senator Fraser Anning (Ind., Qld) announces that he has joined Katter’s Australian Party (KAP). Senator Anning’s move gives KAP one representative in each chamber.

13 June

Visit by the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands

The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, the Honourable Rick Houenipwela, visits Parliament House. It is his first official visit to Australia as Prime Minister.[89] Following a ceremonial welcome, bilateral discussions take place, focusing on security, telecommunications and cyber issues, including the construction of a telecommunication cable network to link remote provinces to the Solomon Islands’ capital city, Honiara.[90]

Madam Rachel Houenipwela, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Image source: ParlView

Watch: State visit by the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands

Source: ParlView

14 June

Senator Burston quits Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

Senator Brian Burston (PHON, NSW) announces that he has quit Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.[91] On 18 June Senator Burston announces that he has joined the United Australia Party, led by former Member of Parliament Clive Palmer (formerly of the Palmer United Party).[92]

Brian Burston

Image source: Auspic

21 June

Parliamentary privilege and the use of intrusive powers

The Senate adopts the recommendations of a March 2018 Senate Standing Committee of Privileges report titled Parliamentary privileges and the use of intrusive powers focusing on the use of intrusive powers by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.[93] The Committee concludes that ‘existing protocols are not sufficient to protect the work of the Parliament from possible interference’,[94] and recommends that new protocols be developed ‘that will set out agreed processes to be followed by law enforcement and intelligence agencies when exercising those powers’.[95]

The President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, also raises the issue of parliamentary privilege and the use of intrusive powers in a submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security’s review of the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018. When the bill is subsequently considered on 6 December 2018, the President tables a response from the Attorney-General and Acting Minister for Home Affairs, indicating that the government would ‘give serious consideration’ to the procedures governing the exercise of the relevant powers, and work collaboratively with the Parliament to ‘better address the intersection between parliamentary privileges and lawful access to modern communications.’[96]

25 June

Visit by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull meets with the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, the Honourable Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas during his visit to Parliament House.[97] The two leaders agree to ‘commence negotiations on a Bilateral Security Treaty’, ‘enhance official police-to-police cooperation’, and ‘deepen ... cooperation on labour mobility’.[98]

Prime Minister of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas and Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull

Image source: ParlView

Watch: Visit by the Honourable Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu

Source: ParlView

7 July

Crafting the house on the hill exhibition

The exhibition ‘Crafting the house on the hill: art, design and the building of Australian Parliament House’ opens at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG).[99] The exhibition, which runs until 4 November 2018, reveals the stories behind Parliament House’s major art and design commissions. The exhibition is a partnership between CMAG, Australian Parliament House and the National Archives of Australia.

The same day, artist Mandy Martin speaks at CMAG about her painting Red Ochre Cove. The 12-metre wide painting, commissioned for the Main Committee Room while Parliament House was under construction, was removed and replaced earlier in the year in order to facilitate the refurbishment of the Parliament House skylights.

The exhibition opening

Image source: Auspic

28 July

‘Super Saturday’ by-elections

Five by-elections are held on this day, referred to in the media as ‘Super Saturday’. Each of the four members of Parliament who had resigned in May over their dual citizenship—Justine Keay (ALP, Braddon, Tas.), Susan Lamb (ALP, Longman, Qld), Rebekha Sharkie (CA, Mayo, SA) and Josh Wilson (ALP, Fremantle, WA)—all regain their seats, while Patrick Gorman (ALP) succeeds Tim Hammond (ALP) in the seat of Perth.

Image source: Dude7248 (Own workown), Wikimedia Commons

6–10 August

The Great Hall Tapestry is cleaned

The tapestry in the Great Hall of Parliament House, which, at twenty metres wide, is one of the world’s largest, receives its first cleaning since 1999.[100] The delicate operation, conducted on the floor of the Members Hall, takes a week to complete.[101]

Student volunteers from the University of Canberra help to clean the Great Hall Tapestry

Image source: Australian Parliament House on Twitter (Department of Parliamentary Services)

13 August

‘Super Saturday’ MPs sworn in

The five members of the House of Representatives elected at the ‘Super Saturday’ by-elections on 28 July are sworn in.[102] Only one of the four, Patrick Gorman (ALP, Perth, WA), is new to the Parliament. He gives his first speech on 10 September 2018.

Patrick Gorman

Image source: Auspic

13 August

Senator crosses the floor

Senator Steve Martin (NP, Tas.) crosses the floor to oppose legislation that would make university graduates start paying back their loans once their earnings reached $45,500 per annum.[103] Senator Martin says he is ‘staying true to my word’ after promising to oppose the legislation before he joined the Nationals.[104]

A Government or Opposition member of parliament refusing to vote with his or her own party in this way (and instead crossing the floor of the chamber to vote with another party) has occurred in approximately three per cent of divisions since 1950.[105]

13 August

President’s statement on parliamentary language in the Senate, censure motion

The President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, makes a statement about parliamentary language following an exchange between Senators David Leyonhjelm (LDP, NSW) and Sarah Hanson‑Young (AG, SA) on 28 June 2018 that ‘became the subject of substantial public debate and commentary’.[106] The President states that:

This is rightly a place of vigorous debate, but personal abuse has no place in this chamber, particularly if it targets personal attributes, such as race or gender ... I intend to take a strict line on the use of such language ...[107]

The following day, the Senate passes a motion censuring Senator Leyonhjelm for his comments.[108]

Earlier in August Senator Hanson-Young commenced defamation proceedings against Senator Leyonhjelm—the first time a sitting Australian parliamentarian has taken such action against a fellow parliamentarian.[109]

David Leyonhjelm

Image source: Auspic

13 August

Senator Rhiannon gives her valedictory speech

Senator Lee Rhiannon (AG, NSW) gives her valedictory speech,[110] having flagged her intention to retire from Parliament in May 2018.[111] Senator Rhiannon has been a senator since 2010 and previously served in the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1999 to 2010.

Lee Rhiannon

Image source: Auspic

14 August

Senator Anning’s first speech

Senator Fraser Anning (KAP, Qld) gives his first speech, in which he calls for a ‘final solution to the immigration problem’.[112]

His speech is widely criticised by his fellow parliamentarians.[113] On 25 October 2018, Senator Anning is expelled from Katter’s Australian Party.[114]

15 August

Restoring Territory Rights (Assisted Suicide Legislation) Bill voted down

The Senate holds a conscience vote on a private Senator’s bill introduced by Senator David Leyonhjelm. The Restoring Territory Rights (Assisted Suicide Legislation) Bill 2015 seeks to restore the right of the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory to make laws concerning assisted suicide. The Bill is voted down by 36 votes to 34.[115]

In September, the Speaker, Tony Smith, informs the House that he has received remonstrances from the legislative assemblies of the Northern Territory (on 12 September 2018) and the Australian Capital Territory (on 18 September 2018), concerning the democratic rights of territory citizens.[116] (A remonstrance is a formal document setting out grievances or complaints and seeking their redress.)

15 August

Opposition Leader asked a question without notice

Unusually, a question without notice is directed to the Leader of the Opposition. Susan Lamb (ALP, Longman, Qld) asks Bill Shorten to ‘inform the House about the progress through the Parliament of his private member’s bill which would restore penalty rates for working Australians’.[117]

The Speaker, Tony Smith, notes at the time that ‘questions are allowed to private members on private members’ bills that have been introduced by those members and on notices of motion’.[118]

20 August

Two milestones for women in the Senate

Senator Mehreen Faruqi (AG, NSW) becomes the 100th woman to serve as a senator[119] and the first female Muslim senator.[120]

Senator Faruqi served in the New South Wales Legislative Council from 2013 to 2018. She fills the casual vacancy created by the retirement of Lee Rhiannon. She gives her first speech on 21 August 2018.

Mehreen Faruqi

Image source: Auspic

20 August

Visit by the President of Poland

The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, visits Parliament House.[121] His meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull includes discussions of ‘progress on an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement and bilateral trade links’.[122]

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with Polish President Andrzej Duda

Image source: Auspic

21 August

Liberal Party leadership spill

Following ‘a week of mounting pressure on [his] leadership over his handling of energy policy’, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull calls a Liberal Party leadership ballot.[123] He is challenged by the Minister for Home Affairs, Peter Dutton (Lib., Dickson, Qld). Mr Turnbull wins the ballot with 48 votes to Mr Dutton’s 35.[124]

Immediately after the ballot Mr Dutton resigns from Cabinet.[125] The Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (Lib., NSW) resigns from the ministry.[126] Mr Turnbull also accepts the resignation from the ministry of Senator James McGrath (Lib., Vic.), the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister.[127]

Other frontbenchers who voted for Mr Dutton, including Michael Sukkar (Lib., Deakin, Vic.), Angus Taylor (Lib., Hume, NSW) and senators James McGrath (Lib., Qld) and Zed Seselja (Lib., ACT), also offer to resign, but the Prime Minister does not accept their resignations.[128]

Peter Dutton

Image source: Auspic

21 August

Shadow Ministry changes

The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, announces changes to the Shadow Ministry.[129] Linda Burney (Barton, NSW) becomes Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services, replacing Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Vic.); Ed Husic (Chifley, NSW) gains the additional role  of Shadow Minister for Human Services; Terri Butler (Griffith, Qld) gains the role of Shadow Minister for Employment Services, Workforce Participation and Future of Work; Senator Jenny McAllister (NSW) becomes Shadow Assistant Minister for Families and Communities; and Senator Louise Pratt (WA) becomes Shadow Assistant Minister for Universities.[130]

21 August

75 years of women in the Australian parliament

Parliament marks the 75th anniversary of the election of the first women to Australia’s Parliament. On this day in 1943, Enid Lyons of the United Australia Party and Dorothy Tangney of the Australian Labor Party were elected; Lyons to the House of Representatives and Tangney to the Senate.[131]

In the House, the Minister for Women, Kelly O’Dwyer (Lib., Higgins, Vic.), speaks about Enid Lyons in a ministerial statement.[132] In the Senate, Senator Louise Pratt (ALP, WA) speaks about Dorothy Tangney in an adjournment speech.[133]

On 5 December the Senate and House of Representatives Alcoves are officially renamed after Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons, respectively, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their election to Parliament.[134]

Enid Lyons

Image source: Antoine Kershaw (National Library of Australia), via Wikimedia Commons

Dorothy Tangney
Image source: Broothorn Studios (National Library of Australia), via Wikimedia Commons

22 August

Leadership spill petition circulated

Supporters of Peter Dutton circulate a petition among Liberal Party parliamentarians calling on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to call a party room meeting, aiming to trigger a second leadership spill.[135]

Mr Dutton faces questions about his eligibility to sit in Parliament relating to his business interests in childcare centres.[136]

23 August

More ministerial resignations

The Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation, Senator Zed Seselja (Lib., ACT), and the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, Michael Sukkar (Lib., Deakin, Vic.), resign from the ministry.[137]

The Minister for Finance, Senator Mathias Cormann (Lib., WA), the Minister for Communications, Senator Mitch Fifield (Lib., Vic.), and the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash (Lib., WA) announce that they have withdrawn their support from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and have resigned from Cabinet.[138]

The Attorney-General, Christian Porter (Lib., Pearce, WA), confirms that he has sought advice from the Commonwealth Solicitor-General on Peter Dutton’s eligibility to sit in parliament.[139] A motion in the House of Representatives to refer the matter to the High Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns is defeated.[140]

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull adjourns Parliament at 11:35am, pre-empting Question Time.[141] Mr Turnbull says that the Liberal party room needs to see the Solicitor-General’s advice concerning Mr Dutton’s eligibility. He says he will hold a party room meeting and move a spill motion if he receives a letter signed by a majority of the Liberal party room.[142]

23 August

Senate inquiry into ‘au pair allegations’

The Senate refers allegations ‘concerning the inappropriate exercise of ministerial powers, with respect to the visa status of au pairs, and related matters’ to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report.[143] The allegations relate to two interventions by the then Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton.[144]

The committee report’s recommendations include that the Senate consider censuring Mr Dutton and that he provide an explanation to the Senate.[145] A motion of no confidence moved against Mr Dutton in the House of Representatives on 20 September 2018 is defeated, 68 votes to 67.[146]

23 August

Senator Bartlett gives his last speech

Australian Greens Senator Andrew Bartlett (Qld) gives his final speech in the Senate, ahead of his resignation on 27 August. In his speech he states his intention to contest the seat of Brisbane (Qld) at the next federal election.[147]

Senator Bartlett filled the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Senator Larissa Waters in November 2017. He previously served as an Australian Democrats senator from 1997 to 2007, including as party leader from 2002 to 2004.

Andrew Bartlett

Image source: Auspic

24 August

Scott Morrison becomes Prime Minister after second leadership spill

Peter Dutton states that he has received advice from the Commonwealth Solicitor-General ‘that in his view I am capable of sitting as a Member of the House of Representatives’.[148]

After a petition for a second Liberal Party leadership spill gains sufficient signatures, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull steps aside.[149] A three-way leadership challenge ensues between Scott Morrison, Peter Dutton and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Party Leader Julie Bishop (Lib., Curtin, WA). Ms Bishop is eliminated in the first round. In the second round, Mr Morrison receives 45 votes to Mr Dutton’s 40, and becomes Australia’s new Prime Minister.[150]

Scott Morrison

Image source: Auspic

26 August

Julie Bishop resigns from the ministry

Following her unsuccessful leadership bid Julie Bishop resigns from Cabinet.[151] She says that she has not made a decision as to whether she will contest the next election.[152]

Ms Bishop served as the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party from 2007 to 2018, alongside Liberal Party leaders Brendan Nelson, Malcolm Turnbull, Tony Abbott, and, again, Malcolm Turnbull.

Julie Bishop

Image source: Auspic

26 August

Morrison ministry announced

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces the composition of his first ministry. As part of the ministerial reshuffle, Barnaby Joyce is appointed Special Envoy for Drought Assistance and Recovery.

The Prime Minister says:

This is a team on the side of Australians; a team focussed on listening to Australians and engaging on the issues that are important to them, and acting on my Government’s priorities.[153]

The Morrison ministry

Image source: Auspic

31 August

Malcolm Turnbull announces his resignation

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull resigns from Parliament, triggering a by-election in his seat of Wentworth (NSW).[154] The Speaker, Tony Smith, advises that he is considering possible dates for the by-election.

Mr Turnbull served as a Member of the House of Representatives from 2004, as Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Minster for Communications, and as Prime Minister from 2015 to 2018.

Malcolm Turnbull

Image source: Auspic

10 September

Larissa Waters returns to the Senate

Larissa Waters (AG, Qld) is sworn in as a senator, filling the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Andrew Bartlett (AG).[155] In doing so she becomes the first senator to return to the Senate after being disqualified under section 44 of the Constitution for holding dual citizenship.[156] Her return is also notable because she fills the Senate position originally made vacant by her own disqualification.[157]

Larissa Waters

Image source: Auspic

10 September

Attorney-General’s intervention in Auditor‑General’s report criticised

The Deputy Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, Julian Hill (ALP, Bruce, Vic.), criticises the intervention of the Attorney-General, Christian Porter (Lib., Pearce, WA), in order to prevent the publication of parts of the Auditor-General’s report No. 6 of 2018-19, Army’s protected mobility vehicle—Light. The report examined the Department of Defence’s procurement of the Hawkei vehicle.  Mr Hill says:

the Attorney-General used a provision in the Auditor-General’s Act, which has never been used before, and issued a certificate which gagged the Auditor-General, requiring him to delete large slabs of the report.[158]

17 September

Speaker uses casting vote

The Speaker, Tony Smith, uses his casting vote to oppose an Opposition amendment to the Customs Amendment (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Implementation) Bill 2018.[159] He says:

... House of Representatives Practice outlines the principles that have been used in the exercise of the casting vote, one of which is that a casting vote on an amendment should leave a bill in its existing form. This principle has seen the casting vote used against amendments; therefore I cast my vote with the noes.[160]

Previously, Mr Smith had indicated that he would not use his casting vote to give the government a majority in a vote on legislation where the government was unable to command a majority on the floor of the House of Representatives.[161]

Under the Constitution the Speaker may only vote in a division of the House in which the numbers are equal, in which case he or she has a casting vote.[162] One principle handed down from the United Kingdom’s House of Commons is that a Speaker’s casting vote on an amendment to a bill should leave the bill in its existing form.[163]

16 October

Bill passes all stages in a single day

Unusually, in the House of Representatives a bill is introduced and passes all stages in one sitting.[164] The bill, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Lower Taxes for Small and Medium Businesses) Bill 2018, brings forward a reduction of the corporate tax rate for small and medium businesses.[165]

15–16 October

‘It’s okay to be white’ motion

On 15 October 2018, Government senators vote for the following motion, put forward by Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party:

That the Senate acknowledges:

(a)     the deplorable rise of anti-white racism and attacks on Western civilisation; and

(b)     that it is okay to be white.[166]

The motion is voted down by 31 votes to 28.

The motion is criticised by the Australian Labor Party, the Australian Greens and Senators Derryn Hinch (DHJP, Vic.) and Tim Storer (Ind., SA), with Senator Richard Di Natale (AG, Vic.) noting that the slogan ‘it’s okay to be white’ has ‘a long history in the white supremacist movement’.[167]

The following day the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Mathias Cormann (Lib., WA), advises the Senate that the government had intended to oppose the motion, but supported it as ‘a result of administrative failure’.[168] He seeks leave for another vote on the motion to replace that of 15 October.[169] The motion is voted on a second time—with Government senators voting against it—and is defeated.[170]

Pauline Hanson speaks to the motion

Image source: ParlView

16 October

Allegations of political interference in the ABC

The Senate refers allegations of political interference in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report.[171] The committee’s report, tabled on 1 April 2019, supported the Minister for Communications, Mitch Fifield’s 15 October 2018 statement that ‘all these claims are without basis’.[172]

16-17 October

Referrals to the Senate Privileges Committee

On 16 October the Senate refers to the Senate Standing Committee of Privileges (Privileges Committee) for inquiry and report the disposition of material over which Senator Louise Pratt (ALP, WA) has made a claim of privilege.[173] The material in question was seized by the Australian Federal Police in the execution of search warrants on 11 October 2018 on the office of an Australian Border Force employee.[174]

The Privileges Committee’s report, dated 26 November 2018, recommends that the Senate adopt its findings that the claim of privilege be upheld.[175]

The following day the Senate refers to the Privileges Committee allegations made by Senator Brian Burston against Senator Pauline Hanson (PHON, Qld).[176] The allegations involve ‘possible improper interference with a Senator in the free performance of his duties’.[177] The Committee’s report of 2 April 2019 concludes that the actions in question ‘were party matters and therefore do not amount to interference with Senator Burston’s duties as a senator.’[178]

17 October

The House pays tribute to Ian Kiernan

A condolence motion in the House pays tribute to Ian Kiernan, the founder of Clean Up Australia Day, who died on 16 October 2018.[179] Clean Up Australia Day began in 1989 as Clean Up Sydney Harbour Day.[180] It later developed into a global movement, Clean Up the World, which was launched in 1993.

18 October

Private member asked a question without notice

The Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Joel Fitzgibbon (ALP, Hunter, NSW), asks a question without notice of a private member (and former minister), Barnaby Joyce.[181] The question concerns the status of a motion on the Notice Paper. The Speaker, Tony Smith, clarifies that the question is in order, given that standing order 99 states that ‘questions must relate to a bill, motion, or other business’.[182]

20 October

Wentworth by-election

A by-election is held in the seat of Wentworth (NSW) to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The seat is won by Independent candidate Kerryn Phelps. She is sworn in on 26 November 2018 and gives her first speech on the same day. In her speech, Dr Phelps says ‘it is a great honour for me know that I am the first woman of the Jewish faith to be elected to the Australian parliament’.[183]

Kerryn Phelps

Image source: Auspic

22 October

National apology to victims of and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, delivers the national apology to the victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse for the crimes exposed by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. In his speech, he says:

... today Australia confronts a trauma, an abomination, hiding in plain sight for far too long. Today we confront a question too horrible to ask, let alone answer: why weren't the children of our nation loved, nurtured and protected? ...

Today, as a nation, we confront our failure to listen, to believe and to provide justice. And again today we say sorry—to the children we failed, sorry; to the parents whose trust was betrayed and who have struggled to pick up the pieces, sorry; to the whistleblowers who we did not listen to, sorry; to the spouses, partners, wives, husbands and children who have dealt with the consequences of the abuse, cover-ups and obstruction, sorry; to generations past and present, sorry.[184]

Approximately 800 survivors from around Australia gather at Parliament House to hear the apology.[185]

Campaigner Chrissie Foster and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Image source: Alex Ellinghausen, Sydney Morning Herald

24 October

Portrait of former Prime Minister Gillard unveiled

The official portrait of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, painted by artist Vincent Fantauzzo, is unveiled at Parliament House. Ms Gillard, Australia’s first female Prime Minister, says at the unveiling that she hopes the portrait will inspire young girls to aspire to the country’s highest office.[186]

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard with her portrait

Image source: Auspic

9–19 November

Centenary of the Armistice

Thousands of knitted, crocheted and felted poppies are arranged on an outer wall of the Great Hall (until 3 February 2019) and on the Parliament House Forecourt (until 19 November 2018) as part of a program of events to commemorate the Centenary of the end of the First World War. The program also includes two art exhibitions, ‘Lest we forget’ and ‘From War’, the latter exhibition made up of works by artists and poets who are also defence forces veterans.

Poppies on the APH Forecourt

Image source: Anna Hough

Image source: Australian Parliament House (Department of Parliamentary Services), Twitter

25 November

Portrait of former Speaker Bishop unveiled

A portrait of former Speaker of the House of Representatives Bronwyn Bishop by artist Jiawei Shen is unveiled. Ms Bishop, who served as Speaker from 2013 to 2015, remains Australia’s longest serving female parliamentarian, having served in both the House and the Senate over a period of 28 years.[187]

Artist Jiawai Shen and former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop unveil her portrait

Image source: Auspic

27 November

Prime Minister and Treasurer announce an April Budget

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and the Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, announce that the Budget will be handed down on 2 April 2019, and that ‘it will be a surplus budget’.[188]

27 November

Julia Banks quits the Liberal Party

Julia Banks (Lib., Chisholm, Vic.) makes a personal statement in the House of Representatives in which she announces that she will now be serving as an Independent representative.[189] Ms Banks had previously announced that she would not be recontesting her seat of Chisholm as a member of the Liberal Party.[190]

Julia Banks

Image source: Auspic

27 November

Senator suspended

The Senate passes a motion suspending the Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale (Vic.).[191] The suspension comes after Senator Di Natale refuses to withdraw comments concerning Senator Barry O’Sullivan (NP, Qld), which were prompted by comments made by Senator O’Sullivan about Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.[192]

Following the suspension, the President of the Senate, Scott Ryan, notes that the relevant standing order has not been used for over fifteen years.[193]

Richard Di Natale

Image source: Auspic

3 December

Visit by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu

The Senate and the House of Representatives welcome a distinguished visitor, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Right Honourable Enele Sopoaga.[194] During his visit Mr Sopoaga calls on Australia to take ‘a more progressive response to climate change’.[195] He warns that without urgent action on climate change, rising sea levels could lead to Tuvalu being ‘totally destroy[ed]’.[196]

The Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Enele Sopoaga, watches Senate Question Time

Image source: Department of the Senate

4 December

The dress code in the House

Following an incident the previous day in which ‘a journalist was asked to leave the press gallery during question time as a result of her standard of dress’, the Speaker, Tony Smith, makes a statement concerning the dress code in the House of Representatives.[197] He states that:

the journalist in question was attired in a way which would be reasonably considered as professional business attire. She should, in hindsight, not have been asked to leave.[198]

The journalist, Patricia Karvelas of the ABC, was wearing a short-sleeved top and no jacket.[199]

Journalist Patricia Karvelas wearing the outfit in question

Image source: Patricia Karvelas, Twitter

13 December

Commonwealth Integrity Commission

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and the Attorney-General, Christian Porter, announce that the Government will establish a new Commonwealth Integrity Commission.[200] The new Commission ‘will take the lead on detecting and stamping out any corrupt and criminal behaviour by Commonwealth employees’.[201] The public consultation period for the proposed Commission closes on 1 February 2019.[202]

13 December

Release of review into religious freedom report

The Religious Freedom Review: Report of the Expert Panel (also known as the Ruddock Review after the Panel’s Chair, former parliamentarian Philip Ruddock) is released, along with the Government response to the report. The report’s recommendations include that:

Those jurisdictions that retain exceptions or exemptions in their anti-discrimination laws for religious bodies with respect to race, disability, pregnancy or intersex status should review them, having regard to community expectations.[203]

The Government Response to the review states that ‘the Government will consult with the States and Territories’ on those recommendations relating to anti-discrimination legislation.[204]

16 December

Prime Minister names next Governor-General

The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announces that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has approved his recommendation to appoint His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) as Australia’s next Governor-General.[205] General Hurley is currently the Governor of New South Wales, and is expected to be sworn in on 28 June 2019.[206] Prior to his appointment as Governor of New South Wales, he served in the Australian Army for 42 years, including as Chief of the Defence Force from 2011 to 2014.[207]

General David Hurley

Image source: US State Department/Wikimedia Commons

17 December

Andrew Broad resigns from the ministry

Andrew Broad (NP, Mallee, Vic.) resigns as Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister following allegations of inappropriate conduct during official government travel.[208] The following day he announces that he will not contest the next election.[209]

Andrew Broad

Image source: Auspic

Criminal law

Crimes Amendment (National Disability Insurance Scheme–Worker Screening) Act 2018

J Mills, Crimes Amendment (National Disability Insurance Scheme–Worker Screening) Bill 2018, Bills Digest

Amends the Crimes Act 1914 to enable the convictions of persons who work, or seek to work, with people with disability in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to be disclosed to, and taken into account by, Commonwealth, state and territory agencies in determining whether a person is suitable to work with people with disability in the NDIS.

Enhancing Online Safety (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2018

M Biddington, Enhancing Online Safety (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Bill 2018, Bills Digest

The Bill amends the Enhancing Online Safety Act 2015 and the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 to establish a complaints and objections system for the sharing of intimate images without the consent of the person depicted in those images.

National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018

O Griffiths, National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2018, Bills Digest

With its Consequential Amendment Bill - establishes the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse to operate for a 10-year period from 1 July 2018; providing a payment of up to $150 000 to survivors; providing access to counselling and psychological services to survivors; and providing an option for survivors to receive a direct personal response from the responsible institution.

Customs

Customs Amendment (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Implementation) Act 2018

J Tomaras and M Robinson, Customs Amendment (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Implementation) Bill 2018, Bills Digest

This Bill 2018 and its accompanying Customs Tariff Amendment Bill 2018 are implementing Bills for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11); together they amend the Customs Act 1901 to provide preferential rates of duty for certain Trans-Pacific Partnership originating goods, and impose certain obligations on exporters and producers of eligible goods to a party to the agreement for which a preferential rate of customs duty is claimed.

Education and training

Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (Student Loan Sustainability) Act 2018

H Ferguson, Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (Student Loan Sustainability) Bill 2018, Bills Digest

Amends the: Higher Education Support Act 2003 to: provide a new minimum repayment income of $44 999 for the compulsory repayment of HELP debts; replace the current repayment thresholds and introduce additional repayment thresholds; index HELP repayment thresholds to the CPI; introduce from 1 January 2019 a combined lifetime limit on the amount a student can borrow under HELP of $150 000 for students studying medicine, dentistry and veterinary science courses, and $104 440 for other students; Social Security Act 1991 and Student Assistance Act 1973 to align repayment thresholds for the Student Financial Supplement Scheme (SFSS) compulsory repayments with the HELP thresholds from 2019-20; Social Security Act 1991, Student Assistance Act 1973 and Trade Support Loans Act 2014 to provide that, from the 2019-20 financial year, SFSS debts will be repaid after HELP debts are discharged rather than concurrently; and VET Student Loans Act 2016 to make consequential amendments.

National Security

Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018

C Barker, D McKeown and J Murphy, Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Bill 2017 and Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (Charges Imposition) Bill 2017, Bills Digest

Introduced with the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (Charges Imposition) Bill 2017, the bill establishes the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme to: require registration by certain persons undertaking certain activities on behalf of a foreign principal; require registrants to disclose information about the nature of their relationship with the foreign principal and activities undertaken pursuant to that relationship; place additional disclosure requirements on registrants during elections and other voting periods; establish a register of scheme information and provide for certain information to be made publicly available; provide the secretary with powers to obtain information and documents; and establish various penalties for non-compliance with the scheme.

National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Act 2018

J Tomaras, O Griffiths, D Markham and C Petrie, National Security Legislation Amendment (Espionage and Foreign Interference) Bill 2017, Bills Digest

The purpose of the Bill, with other accompanying Bills, is to ‘modernise and strengthen Australia’s espionage, foreign interference, secrecy and related laws to ensure the protection of Australia’s security and Australian interests’.

Social Services

Social Services Legislation Amendment (Cashless Debit Card) Act 2018

D Arthur and J Haughton, Social Services Legislation Amendment (Cashless Debit Card) Bill 2017, Bills Digest

Amends the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to remove certain restrictions on the cashless debit card trial and thereby allow the extension of trial arrangements in current sites and to further sites.

Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Act 2018

D Arthur et al, Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Bill 2017, Bills Digest

The primary purpose of the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Act 2017 is to amend social welfare statutes to: create a single job seeker payment, establish a drug testing trial and remove existing exemptions for jobseekers experiencing drug or alcohol dependence

Treasury Laws Amendment (National Housing and Homelessness Agreement) Act 2018

M Thomas, Treasury Laws Amendment (National Housing and Homelessness Agreement) Bill 2017, Bills Digest

Amends the Federal Financial Relations Act 2009 to enable the Commonwealth to provide financial assistance to the states for housing, homelessness and housing affordability matters by: ceasing the National Specific Purpose Payment for Housing Services; and providing ongoing funding in accordance with a primary housing agreement, a supplementary housing agreement or a designated housing agreement.

Taxation

Treasury Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Plan) Act 2018

P Hawkins, Treasury Laws Amendment (Personal Income Tax Plan) Bill 2018, Bills Digest

The Bill seeks to implement all components of the PITP which reduces personal income taxes over the next seven years through a combination of changes to tax offsets for low and middle income earners and changes in income tax thresholds.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018

C Barker, M Biddington, H Portillo-Castro, Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Bill 2018, Bills Digest

The Bill will amend a number of Acts—primarily the Telecommunications Act 1997, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979 and the Surveillance Devices Act 2004—to facilitate access to certain communications and data for the purposes of disrupting and investigating criminal activity and threats to national security, including organised crime and terrorism.