Phillip Thompson
Herbert · Liberal National Party · Australia
“The schedule ensures that a former partner is not excluded from support services simply because their relationship with the serving member has ended. Facilitating access to assistance for safe separation and improving the safety of victims-survivors are objectives the coalition strongly supports.”
“The general public around the country expects members of our ADF to be at the highest standard, and so do I, because when the time comes—and history shows it will—we will ask our brave men and women to travel to a foreign land, to stand side-by-side with our allies with the Australian flag on their shoulder and their will to win.”
“There is a word that used to mean something in this country—trust. Trust was the commitment a government made to the Australian people. This Labor prime minister said from this dispatch box whilst in opposition: … you can only lie to people once. Well, it's clear that this prime minister doesn't take his own advice.”
“Effective oversight will be the key to ensuring that lessons of the royal commission are translated into lasting and systematic improvements. The coalition supports the objectives of this bill. We are mindful of the history of reform in this area. For too many, the system has been the source of frustration rather than support.”
“We approach this debate in a spirit of constructive engagement, acknowledging the valuable work of ex-service organisations, advocates and families who have fought for these changes. However, our support is cautious.”
“These are the metrics by which the parliament and further governments will be judged. The coalition supports the referral of this legislation to a committee inquiry in the Senate. This process is not about delay; it's about diligence.”
The complete record
Every one of 308 lines we hold for Phillip Thompson, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 5 of 7.
“Celebrations in Australia are unique. We love a good get-together. We love a barbie in the park, going to the beach with family and friends. On 14 December the Jewish people of Bondi and greater Sydney were embracing this Aussie custom and celebrating the start of their religious tradition, Hanukkah, in a park at Bondi, one of Australia's most iconic locations. Their reality and innocence were taken away that afternoon by two men who had hate in their hearts—not love, not light, but hate. The week after this tragic day I attended the local Townsville Jewish community's Hanukkah celebrations, as I have for many years. These celebrations are usually held in the community, where members of the public are able to attend.”
“Andrew had his 20-year celebration with his business and present were mayors, former mayors, former ministers, state MPs and federal MPs. It was clear to me that Andrew and his business have seen lots of political change, but he will also be there long after all of us have been in this place and have left. I think that's a testament to him and his business, who've put down strong roots in Townsville. It'll be great to see the business grow and thrive. I hope that naming the two extra partners for QSolutions does him well as he slows down and goes into a bit of retirement where he can enjoy his life. But, from the people of Townsville, to Andrew and his team, we say, thank you. Thank you for employing locals. Thank you for driving our economy. You're a good man.”
“I believe that Nick Dametto resigning his position with the KAP—leaving the political party—demonstrates that he is willing to put people before politics. I'd also like to say congratulations to Andrew Gisinger and his team on an amazing 20 years of QSolutions. He spent 22 years in the Australian military and he bedded down his position with his company based in Townsville. When business does well, a lot of business leaders leave the regions to set up in the capital cities. Andrew and his team decided not to do that. Whether they work in Townsville, Brisbane, Western Australia, Papua New Guinea—all around the world—their base is Townsville. They employ locals. They support locals because they know the importance of getting behind the great city of Townsville.”
“I start by congratulating Nick Dametto on his resounding win in the mayoral by-election in Townsville. Nick, a former state member—not of the same political persuasion as me—decided to resign his seat in the state parliament and run for the city of Townsville mayoralty. He won resoundingly. I'd like to let Nick know, as well as the parliament and the wider community, that we look forward to working closely together to ensure that the people of Townsville have a mayor that puts them, not politics, first and that can work with all colours of political persuasions to get the job done for the people of Townsville. We have seen neglect over many, many years from former Labor mayors who haven't put the people of Townsville first. So having a new mayor is a breath of fresh air.”
“It has real economic sustainability, it is a clear differentiation from other states and it has industry engagement. Industry engagement is key. As the minister wants to do deals with the Greens and doesn't want to sit at the table with the coalition, we are going to see an industry that has built this nation, that has employed thousands of people— Maybe not in the member for Bruce's electorate, but in regional Australia. The people that do it tough already don't need another handbrake placed on their lives coming into Christmas. Thousands of jobs are on the line. I urge Minister Watt to sit at the table with the sawmillers.”
“There is another way where the sawmilling industry won't have to lay off thousands of people throughout Queensland and the nation—that is to look at the Queensland government's Future Timber Plan 2050. It has environmental leadership, as Queensland's approach sets a benchmark for balancing timber production with environmental protection. It looks at a sustainable harvesting model. Unlike other states that rely on clear-felling, Queensland uses a selective harvesting model, removing roughly one in 100 trees, which maintains forest health and biodiversity. It looks at industry and environment. It's a win-win. We also see a long-term vision from the Queensland LNP when it comes to sawmilling. The Future Timber Plan 2050 provides certainty for industry investment and planning.”
“I am pleased to acknowledge Professional Bull Riders Australia as a significant sporting association delivering substantial benefits to Queensland, Australia. I look forward to seeing the continued growth of Professional Bull Riders Australia and its contribution to sporting, economic and cultural life. One of the key issues that we have seen of the last few days is the government's new and not-so-well-thought-out environmental bill. Sawmills throughout this country that have been the backbone of employment and have really built this nation now face job losses and uncertainty, all because of a minister who refuses to engage with them. There is another option.”
“The organisational aligns with the characteristics of a recognised sport, being a competitive, skill based human activity requiring physical exertion and discipline; organised nationally and internationally, with established athlete pathways; and governed by a professional body with strong oversight and integrity measures and development programs. On this basis, the Australian government must support the Professional Bull Riders Australia efforts to progress recognition at the national level, including its ambition to be formally listed on the Australian Sports Directory administrated by the Australian Sports Commission. Such recognition would reflect professional bull riding in Australian and strengthen its ability to deliver athlete development, youth engagement, community outreach and international sporting exchange.”
“In addition to its competition framework, Professional Bull Riders Australia has made a strong commitment to youth engagement through its junior academy program, which provides structured pathways for young athletes, skill development and progression to elite competition. This program has already opened new opportunities for young Queenslanders to participate in a unique, demanding sport that promotes resilience, discipline and community connection. The Australian government must recognise that Professional Bull Riders Australia operates within a structured and professional sporting framework.”
“The Australian government must acknowledge the important role that Professional Bull Riders Australia plays in the sporting, cultural and economic landscape. Professional Bull Riders Australia has demonstrated substantial growth and impact as the peak organisation for professional bull riding in Australia. Their events attract significant audiences, both live and broadcast, and showcase Australian skills on a national and international stage. The expansion of Professional Bull Riders Australia events across regional and metropolitan areas delivers meaningful benefits through tourism, local economic activity and increased visibility for our nation's sporting and cultural profile.”
“869639—Lance Corporal Tulsa Rumney. Tulsa tragically lost his life in a military training accident on 15 October 2025. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment lost a brother. His parents lost a son. His siblings have lost a family member. And a partner lost their love. This country lost a warrior and a proud Australian. Tulsa was 26 years old, with his whole life to live. He was a motivated infantry soldier and served in Old Faithful as a signaller. He supported Operation COVID-19 Assist. He deployed to Papua New Guinea as part of the Operation Kudu training team training Ukrainian soldiers. To Ben and Kristen, I'm sorry this happened to your son. Tulsa, your brothers of the 3rd Battalion will miss you. You will never be forgotten; you'll always be remembered. You were a great mate, a great man and a bloody good Australian.”
“There are people in this parliament who believe taxing unrealised gains is a good idea. We heard speeches from Labor government members saying it is a good idea, and now there has been a change. I have no problem when a government reflects and changes, but not owning up to the mistake of announcing this is something that I take issue with. Our farmers are already hurting. They put food on all our plates, so when the government announces something like this, it hurts them. Changing it is a good idea; owning up to it is a better one. But good ideas don't come from politicians; they come from the experts in the regions. We need the Treasurer and the Labor Party to get out of the Canberra bubble and go out and speak to those on the ground.”
“This government spends a lot and goes into debt a lot but doesn't put funding where it should. Every Labor speaker who's stood up said, 'When you were in government, Opposition, you did blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, and you should have been better.' You have to take an inward vision of yourself and go, 'We are not an opposition in government,' which is the Labor Party. You are the government. You sit in the big office. You have many staff and departments. Your job is to serve the Australian people. If we're paying $50,000 in interest every minute—it's not your money; it's taxpayer money. Those who work hard every day—it's their money, and the government is supposed to spend it responsibly. I don't think there's any way you can cut this as this government spending it responsibly.”
“The Salvation Army provides a service called the Sallyman. The Sallyman will go outfield on operations, travel around and offer not just a coffee, a cordial or something to eat but a listening ear. Soldiers have told me that, without the Sallyman, they wouldn't be here today. But, once again, because of the fiscal irresponsibility of the Labor government, they have decided to cut the funding for the Sallyman. Look at another service that provides lifesaving, job-creating opportunities for our Defence Force members and their families: the Oasis Townsville, one of the first veteran hubs in the country. It has done great work. Yes, they need a sustainability model, but they should be working closely with government. But, once again, there's no support, and funding is not there.”
“Because the Labor government can't manage money, they come after yours or they cut projects. We hear a lot from the Labor government, talking about everything they're spending taxpayer dollars on, but, when you look at the numbers—Land 400, which is for infantry fighting vehicles that our Australian Defence Force members, our soldiers, will use not just in training but in combat, went from 450 vehicles down to 129. This wasn't at the recommendation of the Army; the Chief of Army actually came out at Land Forces and said that it should all be included and that we should have the full amount. But, because the government can't manage their budget, they slash where they find it easy, and it's sad to say that the Labor government find it easy to take funding away from the Australian Defence Force and the veterans.”
“By the time I finish this speech, the government will have spent $250,000 on interest. That's $50,000 every minute. When you look at what this Labor government spends its money on—actually, what it spends taxpayer dollars on—it is quite astonishing. This Labor government sends $50 million to Afghanistan. The Taliban hate us, and they should be able to hate us for free. We shouldn't be wasting money sending taxpayer dollars to Afghanistan, where the terrorist organisation of the Taliban, who have been fighting Australians—soldiers have been killed in action—are sitting there counting their millions from the Australian taxpayer. Labor's priorities are all wrong. This is a kick in the guts to our Defence Force personnel, our veterans and their families.”
“It's also going to create a hole and a gap in services for veterans and those that serve and their families in their time of need. This simply isn't good enough. The Labor government can find money for anything and everything, but when it comes to Defence and our veterans, they are missing in action. First it was the Sallyman; that now no longer exists. Now it's going to be the Oasis Townsville. The Oasis has saved lives. We need the service to be sustainable for our veterans. The Oasis should be working closely with this government to make sure that there a sustainability model, not for my generation but for many to come.”
“On Anzac Day, Labor politicians will run to any veteran wearing medals, or any Defence Force member in uniform, to get a photo to place on their social media and say things like, 'Lest we forget,' and, 'We'll be there to help you in your time of need.' Well, when it comes to action, this Labor government has failed. They have failed the people of Townsville with our veterans' hub, the Oasis. The Oasis supports thousands of veterans throughout Townsville. It was one of the first hubs that was established and, for the last several months, John Caligari has been writing to Minister Matt Keogh, asking for support. Yet this has fallen on deaf ears. Now, the Oasis has said they may have to close, or they will be closing, at the end of the year. That's going to put veterans and veterans' families who work there out of a job.”
“Just because their husbands have been killed on the battlefield doesn't mean they're innocent bystanders. Many of them have been involved in the fighting, in the war, and they shouldn't be here. Question agreed to. Federation Chamber adjourned at 13:29”
“How did they travel to Australia? How did they get their passports? None of these things were even answered in Senate estimates. Have they been charged? If not, why not? Tim Ayres, who's a minister in the Labor government, fumbled his way through an interview this morning and said, 'It's our security agencies' job to keep people safe.' Wrong. The first priority of any government is to keep its citizens safe. This Albanese Labor government is putting people in danger by allowing ISIS members to travel to Australia to live freely and to have no accountability. The Australian people want answers and they deserve answers, because no-one should feel unsafe. We have people that we've been fighting against in wars for decades travelling here.”
“ISIS members are returning to Australia. Why is this Labor government risking the safety of Australians with this reckless move? This is a social media quote from an Australian citizen who's been branded an 'ISIS bride': 'Kill the kafir, the non-believer. In alleyways stab them, poison them. Poison your teachers. Go to haram restaurants, poison the food in large quantities. Our husbands die on the frontlines, but that doesn't stop women in the West from sending their husbands to kill the kafir. Attack the UK, Australia and the US.' These are not innocent bystanders; these are terrorists. They are not ISIS brides; they are ISIS members. This government is putting Australians at risk by allowing them to travel home. We have the government putting their hands up and saying, 'We knew nothing about it.' Well, how did they get the papers?”
“Therefore, I'm calling on this Labor government to act swiftly to restore integrity and fairness to social services and to rebuild trust by listening to those who are impacted by its decisions so that they can continue to receive the support they need.”
“So my questions to this Labor government are: Has funding been provided in the Social Services portfolio to fill the gap and fund the Sallyman program after this funding was cut? Did the Minister for Defence consult with the Department of Social Services to see what could be provided for the program? Will this government take responsibility for its decision, acknowledge that it has made a mistake and act urgently to restore funding for the Sallyman so that this vital and longstanding service can continue supporting Australians in need? These failures, and many others like it, have eroded public confidence in Labor's management of social services.”
“The Sallymen have heroically provided pastoral care and support services to our defence personnel, veterans and their families for over 125 years. Our soldiers trust the Sallyman, and anyone who has served knows how important their role is in boosting the wellbeing and morale of our service members. One soldier told me he was in a dark place and that without the Sallyman he wouldn't be here today. That's the kind of support you can't put a price on, yet this Labor government did. Their decision to defund the Sallyman by cutting $1.5 million in federal funding for the program has sparked outrage and disbelief among many of our service members and their families. In Townsville, Australia's largest garrison city, soldiers frequently ask me if this Labor government will reverse their disastrous decision.”
“Therefore, I'm seeking answers from the Labor Minister for Social Services, Minister Plibersek, on the following questions: why has an organisation advised by a former Labor premier secured major contracts across the country while smaller providers have been excluded from their communities, and exactly what safeguards are in place to ensure fairness and integrity in the contract award process? I wrote to the minister several weeks ago with these questions but have not yet received a response. I will not stop demanding accountability. People with disability and their families deserve assurances that their employment service providers are selected based upon merit and outcomes, not political party contacts. Another failure is the Labor government's defunding of another critical support program, the Salvation Army 'Sallyman'.”
“This disadvantaged smaller provider wrote to me, saying: Our exclusion will have devastating effects on people with disability and their families, including my own, who rely on this vital, hands-on support to find and maintain meaningful employment. They said: The apparent favouring of corporations with political ties undermines confidence that this process was free from bias or undue influence. If it is happening in my electorate, it will be happening all over Australia. And they are right. Australians deserve transparency on whether there are any conflicts of interest in Labor's contract award process in disability employment.”
“But I also hear about the ways that this current Labor government is letting down people with disability, and I'm deeply concerned about Labor's apparent preference for political affiliations over merit when it comes to engaging with providers of disability employment services. One non-profit provider in Western Australia recently wrote to me, saying their contract for their local community, through which, for over a decade, they have helped people with disability find employment, had been abruptly cancelled by this Labor federal government. Meanwhile, a large for-profit corporation secured extensive government contracts for that region and beyond. That large corporation has Labor Party heavyweights on its advisory board, including a former Labor state premier.”
“Australia has some of the best social services in the world, supporting more than six million Australians. At all times we must remember that our strong safety net needs to be managed responsibly because it's funded by the taxpayer—by families and hardworking Australians across the country. One of the important priorities for social services is ensuring disability participants have access to employment support and work opportunities. There are many fantastic providers around the country who help Australians with a disability find employment and achieve success at work and recognition for the skills that they bring. As one of the shadow ministers for the NDIS and as the deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, I have the incredible opportunity to hear about how social services are improving people's lives.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. Evidence from the Australian Federal Police at Senate estimates yesterday confirmed that more ISIS brides would be arriving in Australia over the net 12 months. Prime Minister, will the government be honest this time and tell the Australian people how many more ISIS brides will return, when they will arrive and where they will live?”
“I'm again calling on this Labor government to: legislate mandatory compliance to make insurers pass meaningful cost savings to consumers via the ARPC and not allow different insurer approaches; establish a real-time data dashboard on the ARPC website showing cost savings by each insurer; and produce clear, accessible consumer information on ARPC performance, not 90-page reports in fine print that no-one can understand. I'm calling on Minister Mulino to bring the ARPC to Townsville, consult with the people he is supposed to serve and support the most honourable of residents. Instead of turning a blind eye, this government must act now to bring accountability to insurers so that no-one will be left unprotected or priced out of their own home.”
“Labor's legislative review into the ARPC is apparently still ongoing, but, months ago, I wrote to Labor's Assistant Treasurer, Minister Mulino, and the ARPC, asking them to visit Townsville to hear from locals, because direct feedback from those being let down is essential in the review process. I received no response from the minister. I again wrote to the chair of the ARPC, and still no visit has occurred. People in the regions are doing it tough, but it's clear that's not a priority for this Labor government. Now, insurance companies are getting away with price gouging or leaving residents without cover. It seems this Labor government couldn't care less. The insurance sector needs accountability, and the ARPC requires urgent reform.”
“James from Condon, whose home isn't in a council designated flood zone, was labelled 'at risk' by his insurer, forcing him to consider selling because the premiums are unaffordable on his TPI income. Bronwyn from Hermit Park has been paying insurance for 35 years but saw her renewals skyrocket from $3,000 annually to $30,000. How can anyone afford these prices? No family should be forced to choose between food and insurance. This is unacceptable, and that's why the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation was established—to hold insurers to account—yet this Labor government refuses to use it effectively.”
“When families are forced to choose between putting food on the table, keeping the lights on and paying for insurance, it is clear the reinsurance pool is failing the very people it was designed for. A damning report was released this week by the Insurance Council of Australia, and it should be a wake-up call for this Labor government. It revealed that 240,000 homes across Australia are at severe risk of flooding, yet only two in 10 of these homes are insured. This data confirms what we've been seeing on the ground. In Townsville, which was hammered by the North Queensland floods in February, locals are being priced out of the market. After the floods, Neville from Garbutt was hit with a $28,000 insurance quote despite no prior flooding during his decade-long residence.”
“Instead, this government is going after the families and the children who rely on these NDIS plans. None of this is good enough. It doesn't put our most vulnerable first. Any sort of change or reform must have the participant at the forefront of mind. Sustainability isn't about the budget; sustainability is about making sure the participants have the services not just now but into the future. When it comes to reform, the government's top priority should be to ensure that the participants receive the support they need. This Labor government is letting down our participants and their providers, especially in the regions, and it's time they were held accountable for the sake of our most vulnerable.”
“We saw one multi-million-dollar NDIS provider collapse after making fraudulent service claims and unlawful breaches of private customer data. We've also seen another NDIS director buying luxury sport cars, donating to football clubs, owing millions in taxes and fleeing the country when the ATO found out. This is who the government should be going after—not children who need the support and early intervention. It's these people, these crooks, who are robbing the taxpayer, ripping off the Australian people and crushing the dreams of the children who need the support from the NDIS. We should be targeting these people, because when a fraudulent operation collapses, most of them just phoenix the company and start another one. There need to be real teeth here, real punishment.”
“This mother went on to say: Everything has been cut, and it's almost like we're being penalised, because the more we fight, the more reductions are happening. It just shows that this government is refusing to hear the concerns of the families who need the support. It absolutely pains me to my heart that these families feel like their children are an inconvenient dollar figure on this Labor government's major bottom line. I fear that my daughter, Emery, who has autism, will be left without the supports that she needs. If I feel it in parliament as a politician, that will be reverberated around everyone's electorate. People are terrified that their child is not going to get the support that they need. At the same time, fraud is rampant. We have multinational companies getting away with scamming the system.”
“His botched rollout of the new support system, which isn't fully funded, that the states are supposed to cover half the cost of but haven't signed up to, is only creating more fear and anxiety. In Queensland, the minister found out from the media, in the paper, on the same day as the rest of Australia, that they were on the hook for half the funding. Seventy-nine per cent of families surveyed by the CYDA said that they are worried about the Thriving Kids program. How can a parent with a child who has autism feel confident about the future when the minister can't even say where their support will be coming from? One mother with a daughter who has level 3 autism told me: Regardless of the new program that was just announced, I'm worried about my daughter's future. As a father with a daughter who has level 3 autism, I'm terrified.”
“In regional cities with few alternatives, one provider's service reductions will impact an entire community. I wrote to Minister Butler twice, asking for an extension of three months to allow more time for providers to consult with the government and prepare for any changes. They refused to listen. Labor is too busy running the numbers and axing the funding to help those who are being hurt the most. These are policies created by inner-city technocrats who don't understand the challenges facing regional Australians. While Labor has been happy to pander to urban voters, families in the regions are left to deal with the fallout of this government's failed policies. The same goes for Minister Butler's disgraceful treatment of families with children with autism.”
“Allied health professionals are also facing funding cuts, reducing their capacity to help children who rely on the support to move, grow and get stronger. The government gave just 10 working days notice to physios, dietitians, and occupational and speech therapists about funding cuts. Families are now fearing their children are about to lose the therapy support they desperately rely on. One mother with a daughter who has cerebral palsy told me: It's really terrifying what's happening because it comes down to my daughter's quality of life, and whether or not she will be able to live independently. Her physio provider told me: Because of these cuts, the NDIS physiotherapy workforce is facing collapse, and participants will have no choice but to inundate struggling emergency departments or remove themselves from care altogether.”
“How can this Labor government justify the anxiety and financial stress they have inflicted on disability participants and their families? This government is cutting support for our most vulnerable while refusing to listen to their pleas for help. This comes on the back of Labor's disastrous funding cuts through their latest annual pricing review, which has hit the regions the hardest. These new funding cuts have blindsided providers and shocked families. The travel allowance for providers was halved, meaning many families who live in rural and remote areas will no longer be served. What about people who live on an island like Magnetic Island or Palm Island, where travel is required for these providers? Labor is happy to cater to the metropolitan electorates, but when it comes to regional Australia it's just not a priority.”
“The ongoing delays are placing Fred at serious risk, and intervention is urgently needed, but this government isn't listening. Another participant, David, a 50-year-old with dementia, has had his NDIS funding cut, which has left him with inadequate care. Townsville police were called to locate David multiple times this year, including through the deployment of the helicopter unit, after he wandered due to insufficient support. The NDIS responded by saying they are not 'a crisis service', leaving David and others like him in the care of overwhelmed hospitals and unpaid providers. David's sister told me: This is unsustainable and dangerous, and the responsibility cannot continue to be shifted solely to the provider. NDIS has to act.”
“Providers have been forced to work unpaid, hospitals are turning away people who need help, and participants have been left out in the cold. One provider told me that when the NDIS cancelled their client's funding they were told to send their client to the Townsville University Hospital instead. The hospital refused admission, the ambulance was turned away, and the client was sent home. This provider continued the necessary home care, valued at $70,000, out of pocket, with the NDIS refusing to pay until I intervened to secure funding from this Labor government. Another participant, Fred, who suffers from a hypoxic brain injury and who requires 24-hour care, with just two support workers, had his NDIS plan cancelled in July. His providers are still owed over $50,000 and are forced to work unpaid to keep him safe.”
“The National Disability Insurance Scheme has proved to be a lifeline for many of those who have a disability and family members who need that support. But it's unfortunate that many Australians with disabilities have been overlooked and under-served by this Albanese Labor government. From rushed NDIS funding cuts to reassessing plans without warning and kicking people off the scheme entirely, this Labor government has proven it is out of touch with the needs of disability participants. Rather than targeting fraud and waste, they have been taking aim at families who rely on support. In my own electorate of Herbert in Townsville, I've been hearing heartbreaking stories of participants who have been abandoned by a system that was designed to support them.”
“It should be condemned. There are questions the Prime Minister must answer and questions the Attorney-General must answer. Over the next four weeks, I hope that they can put together a statement to condemn this action.”
“This family photo that former premier Dan Andrews was in undermines our national security. It undermines us as a nation, but I think it also undermines the military, who are looking for leadership from those who have served in this place and in other state areas to stand up and say that these things are wrong, not sit alongside while the Soviet-style military parade was happening. China was showing off its long-range nuclear missiles, its hypersonic missiles, it's submarine-launched ballistic missiles—all of which are capable of reaching and threatening the Australian mainland. China's military parade also included new stealth attack drones, AI and lasers that are designed to wear down our defences. I do not believe that former Labor premier Daniel Andrews should have been there, neither does former Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.”
“The Attorney-General should report back to the House on the status of Daniel Andrews's compliance. The former Labor premier Daniel Andrews is on a taxpayer pension for life and is now undermining our national interests. That's why he has an obligation to answer the questions on whether he's on the payroll. That's why the Prime Minister must answer questions about his mate and former roommate Daniel Andrews. At the summit of the dictators, Dan Andrews posed in the family photo with the leader of China, Xi Jinping; the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un; the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin; the President of Iran; and the leader of the hardline regime in Belarus. This is not a place where you would think the former leader of a state, or anyone, should be attending.”
“Now we see a former Labor premier go over to China for their military display when it is clear that the CCP have not acted in good faith or as a friend to our military in the past. We haven't heard or seen condemnation from ministers in this government, but now we see a former Labor premier travelling overseas to see this military superpower demonstration. I think the former Labor premier Daniel Andrews must declare whether he has received any income, directly or indirectly, from the Chinese Communist Party. And who paid for this trip to China? Was any consular assistance provided, and did the Prime Minister facilitate any of that? Is the Attorney-General aware of whether Daniel Andrews has complied with the requirements of the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme?”
“It wasn't that long ago that our Navy clearance divers had sonar used against them by the Chinese PLA. I remember that at that time, when we were speaking about it, we didn't hear the Prime Minister go out and condemn these actions. We didn't see the Minister for Defence condemn these actions. And it was quite disappointing for those involved. Not too long after that, we saw a Chinese fighter jet fire its flares at an Australian aircraft, putting the people inside in danger and their lives at risk. We didn't hear too much from the government about that. Even though we saw the Prime Minister meeting in China, there still wasn't much communication about condemning such actions.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer him to former premier Daniel Andrews's significant and ongoing engagement with the Chinese Communist Party. Is the Prime Minister aware that Daniel Andrews has not disclosed his engagement on the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme register, and will the Prime Minister immediately write to his close personal friend, and former flatmate, seeking his immediate compliance with the register?”
“The Australian flag flies on the shoulder of the Australian Defence Force. I've fought under its colours on the battlefield. Mates of mine who have been killed in battle, died in training or succumbed to their war within have had their coffins draped in the Australian flag. More than 20,000 people have had enough, have signed a document and have said, 'We want this government to legislate to make burning the Australian flag a criminal offence.' It's about time this happened, because the Australian flag is not a bit of cloth; it's a fabric that brings this nation together. Here are 20,000 signatures of those people from around the country. I seek leave to table this petition.”