• Paid Parental Leave Bill 2010

    June 16 2010  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    I believe we should be increasing the assistance that we give to families with children, because having children is expensive and families need help.

    But the Rudd Government’s paid parental scheme goes about doing this the wrong way.

    The scheme is a long, long way from perfect.

  • Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Speech - 3rd Reading

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, December 02 2009  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is very difficult. Why is it difficult? Because it polarises people.

  • Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Speech

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, November 25 2009  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    Here we are today debating the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme legislation, which is one of the biggest pieces of legislation ever to come before the parliament, and the Rudd government wants to ram it through the Senate. The CPRS is a multibillion dollar tax that will affect every single Australian. Just a few hours ago the Rudd government put forward changes to its flawed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and now it wants the Senate to agree to them without proper scrutiny and debate. This is irresponsible and reckless behaviour and, to me, it is an attack on what a democracy is all about. The Senate should not be voting on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme until at least after Copenhagen and until after we know what the rest of the world is going to commit to.

  • Military Superannuation Pension Speech

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, November 18 2009 |  Read more »

    Last week on Remembrance Day we stood for a minute’s silence to remember those Australians who died fighting to protect the values and freedoms which we so dearly cherish. The soldiers we remembered were brave individuals who each made the biggest sacrifice one can ever make: the sacrifice of their own lives for the sake of their country. Each day, thousands of Australian men and women put themselves in harm’s way and put their lives at risk to keep us safe and secure. It is just another reason why service in the Australian defence forces is not just some kind of ordinary job but a unique service which deserves special recognition as well as our full support and respect.

  • Britt Lapthorne Bill 2009 Speech

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, September 17 2009  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    Tomorrow, it will be the one year anniversary since Britt Lapthorne, the fun loving Melbourne backpacker went missing in Dubrovnick, Croatia.
    As many people in this chamber would know all too well, Britt’s body was found just under 3 weeks later, badly decomposed and floating out at sea.
    It was a crime which shocked everyone in this nation because of both its horrific nature and also because the details still continue to remain largely a mystery, with the perpetrators still continuing to roam free.

  • Improving Accountability on Termination Payments Speech

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, September 17 2009  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    There are few issues that rub people up the wrong way as much as the massive sums being paid to some company chief executives. While thousands of Australians this year have been sent to the dole queue, some of these company chief executives have enjoyed multimillion dollar payments at the workers’ expense.

  • Extended Medicare Safety Net Speech

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, September 09 2009  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    The extended Medicare safety net was introduced in 2004 as part of the Howard government’s MedicarePlus package. It was introduced to protect Australians from high out-of-pocket expenses for medical services provided out of hospital, particularly for those with complex, high healthcare needs.

  • Medicare Levy Surcharge-Fringe Benefits Speech

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, September 09 2009  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    Australian families are doing it tough. Thousands of workers are losing their jobs and those with jobs are being forced to tighten their belts. Many families have been left wondering how they will have enough money to pay their next bill and every additional expense now feels like an enormous burden. The Rudd government is now looking to deal families another devastating blow by cutting back on the 30 per cent private health insurance rebate.

  • Higher Education Support Amendment Speech

    Given by Senator Steve Fielding, Parliament House, Canberra, September 07 2009  |  Download speech |  Read more »

    Today we are here debating the level of financial assistance we should provide to Australian kids so that they can go to university. So how do you think a clever nation would deal with helping their kids get to university?

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