Minutes of Proceedings

759

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

No. 50

THURSDAY 17 MARCH 2016

Contents

1 Meeting of the House ...... 760 2 2016 Lunar New Year celebrations (Formal Business) ...... 760 3 Rural Fire Service Far North Coast (Formal Business) ...... 760 4 Arab Women in the West Conference (Formal Business) ...... 762 5 Anglican Dean of Sydney (Formal Business) ...... 762 6 Homelessness amongst older women (Formal Business) ...... 763 7 Greek Festival of Sydney (Formal Business) ...... 764 8 Visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kyr Irinej (Formal Business) ...... 765 9 Protest against passing of a bill—Inclosed Lands, Crimes and Law Enforcement Legislation Amendment (Interference) Bill 2016 ...... 766 10 Notices of Motions ...... 767 11 Conduct of Business—Order of Private Members’ Business...... 767 12 Steel Industry Protection Bill 2016 ...... 767 13 New tolls on existing roads ...... 767 14 Commonwealth Day ...... 769 15 Questions ...... 770 16 Commonwealth Day ...... 770 17 Sub-Continental Community in New South Wales ...... 771 18 Adjournment ...... 771 19 Attendance ...... 772

760 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

1 MEETING OF THE HOUSE

The House met at 10.00 am according to adjournment. The President took the Chair and read the prayers.

2 2016 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS (Formal Business)

Mr Wong moved, according to notice:

1. That this House congratulates the Chinese community following the enormous success of the 2016 Lunar New Year celebrations in and around Sydney and across New South Wales and the rest of the country.

2. That this House:

(a) acknowledges that the Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, the leading representative of the Chinese community, funded and organised ‘lighting of the Sydney Opera House in red’, which marked the initiation of the Chinese community’s celebration of the Chinese New Year with the Australian community, and

(b) notes that honorary members who attended the event included: (i) Premier and Member for Manly, the Honourable Mike Baird MP, (ii) Opposition Leader and Member for Auburn, Mr Luke Foley MP, (iii) Federal Labor Leader, Mr Bill Shorten MP, (iv) the Chinese Consul-General Li Huaxin, (v) Minister for Multiculturalism, the Honourable John Ajaka MLC, (vi) NSW Treasurer, the Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP, (vii) Senator Sam Dastyari, (viii) Federal Member for Kingsford-Smith, Mr Matt Thistlethwaite MP, (ix) Member for Kogarah, Mr Chris Minns, MP, (x) Member for Oatley, Mr Mark Coure, MP.

3. That this House recognises that the Lunar New Year celebration has become a much anticipated event on the Australian events calendar, having grown from an initial modest community street market in 1995 to one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, with it being estimated that this year alone, some 600,000 local and international visitors joined in one of the many celebrations that were held across Sydney, including dragon boat races, street parades, lion dancing, lantern lighting ceremonies, fireworks and even a ‘karaoke bridge climb’.

4. That this House commends the dedication and unwavering support of the local community including local businesses, community groups, fundraising and charitable organisations, private sponsors, major business organisations, volunteers, participants and visitors, who are collectively responsible for the success of this celebration.

Question put and passed.

3 RURAL FIRE SERVICE FAR NORTH COAST (Formal Business)

Mr Franklin moved, according to notice:

1. That this House:

(a) notes that on Saturday 27 February 2016 the Rural Fire Service Far North Coast held its medals presentation in the Ballina electorate at the Ocean Shores Country Club,

(b) acknowledges the attendance of the following distinguished guests at the event: (i) Chief Superintendent Brett Condie, Regional Manager, Region North,

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(ii) Superintendent David Cook, Manager, Far North Coast Team, (iii) Member for Tweed Mr Geoff Provest MP, (iv) Member for Richmond Ms Justine Elliott MP, and

(c) notes that the Honourable David Elliott MP, Minister for Emergency Services, was unable to attend but was represented at the event by the Honourable Ben Franklin MLC.

2. That this House congratulates the following awards recipients:

(a) George Michael Rushby, recipient of the National Medal, Long Service Medal and 1st Clasp for 21 years of distinguished service,

(b) Darren Bailey, recipient National Medal 1st Clasp for 35 years of distinguished service,

(d) Desmond Mayblom, Long Service Medal for 12 years of service,

(e) John Nolan, Long Service Medal for 12 years of service,

(f) Dudley Leggett, Long Service Medal for 12 years of service,

(g) Adam Davis, Long Service Medal for 12 years of service,

(h) Karl Hearn, Long Service Medal for 12 years of service,

(i) Neil Wheeler, Long Service Medal for 12 years of service,

(j) Christopher Ross, Long Service Medal for 12 years of service,

(k) Yvonne Smart, Long Service Medal for 13 years of service,

(l) Arthur Smart, Long Service Medal for 13 years of service,

(m) Lynette McMahon, Long Service Medal for 13 years of service,

(n) Troy Hodges, Long Service Medal for 14 years of service,

(o) James Jamieson, Long Service Medal for 15 years of service,

(p) Ronald Rosolen, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 21 years of service,

(q) Geoffrey Soul, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 22 years of service,

(r) Marcus Da Silva, Long Service Medal, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 22 years of service,

(s) Stewart Outerbridge, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 22 years of service,

(t) Kenneth Harrison, Long Service Medal, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 24 years of service,

(u) John Vanderbyl, Long Service Medal, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 27 years of service,

(v) Lloyd Warren, Long Service Medal, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 28 years of service,

(w) Mark Cowan, Long Service Medal, Long Service Medal 1st Clasp for 29 years of service,

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(x) Geoffrey White, Long Service Medal, Long Service Medal 1st and 2nd Clasp for 33 years of service,

(y) Raymond Collyer, Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp for 41 years of service,

(z) Gayle Collyer, Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp for 41 years of service,

(aa) Gloria (Lorraine) Judge, Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp for 41 years of service, and

(ab) David Judge, Long Service Medal 3rd Clasp for 41 years of service.

3. That this House expresses its appreciation for our dedicated Rural Fire Service volunteers across the state for the extraordinary job they do for our communities.

Question put and passed.

4 ARAB WOMEN IN THE WEST CONFERENCE (Formal Business)

Mr Moselmane moved, according to notice:

1. That this House notes that women worldwide contribute greatly to the social, economic, cultural and political development of modern day societies, yet genuine gender parity continues to elude many western women, even more so migrant and Arab women in the west.

2. That this House notes that:

(a) on Friday 11 March 2016, the Forum for Middle East Affairs held its Arab Women in the West Conference at Parliament House,

(b) the conference was well attended by Arab women from across the community, as well as the Honourable Courtney Houssos MLC, Ms Julie Finn MP, Member for Granville, and by the convenor of the Forum for Middle East Affairs, the Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane MLC, and

(c) the three key speakers were: (i) Her Honour Imaan Tabba, Commissioner, Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales who spoke on Arab women and the glass ceiling, (ii) Majida Abboud Saab, a pioneer in multicultural broadcasting who spoke on Arab women in the media, (iii) Fatima Alali, Chair of the Arab Council Australia, who spoke on Arab women in Guantanamo West.

3. That this House notes that Arab women in Australia have faced significant challenges, yet despite this have made incredible contributions to the advancement of multicultural Australia.

Question put and passed.

5 ANGLICAN DEAN OF SYDNEY (Formal Business)

Mr Clarke moved, according to notice:

1. That this House notes that:

(a) on Thursday 4 February 2016 in the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Sydney, The Most Reverend Dr Glenn Davies, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney and Metropolitan of New

763 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

South Wales, officiated at the Installation Service of The Reverend Kanishka de Silva Raffel as Dean of Sydney, and

(b) those who attended as guests included: (i) the Honourable David Clarke MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Justice representing the Honourable Mike Baird MP, Premier, (ii) the Honourable Walt Secord MLC, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Health, representing Mr Luke Foley MP, Leader of the Opposition, (iii) Reverend the Honourable Fred Nile MLC, Assistant President of the Legislative Council, (iv) NSW Commissioner of Police Mr Andrew Scipione APM, (v) representatives of various church and community organisations.

2. That this House:

(a) congratulates the Reverend Kanishka de Silva Raffel on the occasion of his installation as Anglican Dean of Sydney, and

(b) extends its heartfelt best wishes and thanks to the Anglican community of New South Wales for its ongoing positive contribution to the life and wellbeing of our state.

Question put and passed.

6 HOMELESSNESS AMONGST OLDER WOMEN (Formal Business)

Ms Barham moved, according to notice: That this House notes that:

(a) there is no New South Wales or Australian Government strategy to deal with the issue of homelessness amongst older women,

(b) the 2011 census estimated that there were: (i) 1,480 women aged 55 and over who were homeless in New South Wales, (ii) a further 1,503 women aged 55 and over were marginally housed in caravan parks or living in overcrowded or other improvised dwellings,

(c) the number of women aged 55 and over renting in the private market in Australia increased by 47.6 per cent between 2006 and 2011, from 91,549 to 135,494,

(d) the 2015 Women in NSW report found that 55.3 per cent of single people aged 45 and over experiencing rental or mortgage stress were women,

(e) older women’s homelessness is related to low incomes and a lack of assets, which sees them unable to pay their mortgage or afford private rent,

(f) older women’s homelessness often arises after a divorce, family breakdown or the death of a spouse, and

(g) a report prepared by the University of Queensland for the Mercy Foundation entitled ‘Older Women’s Pathways out of Homelessness in Australia’ found that to address older women’s homelessness, there needs to be ‘services that engage with older women in housing crisis’ and provision of a range of affordable housing options that meet the diverse needs of older women.

Question put and passed.

764 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

7 GREEK FESTIVAL OF SYDNEY (Formal Business)

Mr Clarke moved, according to notice:

1. That this House notes that:

(a) on Sunday 28 February 2016 the official launch of the 34th annual Greek Festival of Sydney was held in Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour and was attended by several thousand visitors,

(b) the festival, which runs from 27 February to 17 April 2016, comprises an extensive series of events which showcase the cultural, artistic, historic and literary achievements of Hellenic civilisation and the Hellenic-Australian community,

(c) since its inception 34 years ago the Greek Festival of Sydney has been organised and hosted by the Greek Orthodox community of New South Wales, and

(d) those who attended the official opening of the festival included: (i) the Honourable Dr Stavros Kyrimis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, (ii) Senator the Honourable Arthur Sinodinos AO, Cabinet Secretary, Senator for New South Wales, representing the Honourable Malcom Turnbull MP, Prime Minister, (iii) the Honourable Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, representing the Honourable Bill Shorten MP, Federal Leader of the Opposition, (iv) Dr Geoff Lee MP, Member for Parramatta, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, representing the Honourable John Ajaka MLC, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services and Minister for Multiculturalism,

(v) the Honourable Linda Burney MP, former Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Member for Canterbury, representing Mr Luke Foley MP, Leader of the Opposition, (vi) the Honourable David Clarke MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, (vii) the Honourable Sophie Cotsis MLC, Shadow Minister for Women, Shadow Minister for Ageing, Shadow Minister for Disability Services and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, (viii) Mr Nickolas Varvaris MP, Federal Member for Barton, (ix) Mr Steve Kamper MP, Member for Rockdale, (x) Councillor Brian Robson, Mayor of Canterbury City Council, (xi) Councillor Bill Saravinovski, Mayor of Rockdale City Council, (xii) Councillor Angelo Tsirekas, Mayor of City of Canada Bay Council, (xiii) Councillor Angela Vithoulkas, City of Sydney Council, (xiv) Mr Andreas Stathopoulos, General Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, (xv) Mr Peter Theofilou, President of the Inter-Committees Council of the Greek Archdiocese of Australia, (xvi) Mr Sotiris Tsouris, President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, (xvii) Mr Terry Bouggas, Managing Director of St George Graphics and Printers, (xviii)Mr Bill Eliades, Century Venues, (xix) representatives of Hellenic brotherhoods and associations.

2. That this House:

(a) congratulates the Greek Orthodox community of New South Wales, in particular its President Mr Harry Danalis, Festival Chair Nia Karteris and its executive, for organising the 2016 Greek Festival of Sydney, and

(b) extends its best wishes and thanks to the Hellenic-Australian community for its ongoing positive contribution to the life and wellbeing of our state.

765 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

Question put and passed.

8 VISIT OF HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH KYR IRINEJ (Formal Business)

Mr Clarke moved, according to notice:

1. That this House notes that:

(a) on Thursday 10 March 2016 a reception was held to welcome to New South Wales His Holiness the Archbishop of Pech, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci, Patriarch Kyr Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church accompanied by His Eminence Dr Amfilohije, Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan of Montenegro,

(b) the reception, which was held at the Consulate-General of the Republic of Serbia, Wollahra, was hosted by the Ambassador of Serbia, His Excellency Miroljob Petrovic and the Consul-General for Serbia in Sydney, Mr Branko Radosevic, and

(c) those who attended as guests included: (i) His Grace, the Right Reverend Irinej, Serbian Orthodox Bishop of the Metropolinate of Australia and New Zealand, (ii) His Eminence, Metropolitan Mor Malatious Malki, Archbishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Australia and New Zealand, (iii) His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop Paul Saliba, Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, (iv) His Grace, Bishop Serathim of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archdiocese of Australia, (v) His Grace, Bishop Haigazoun of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, (vi) His Grace, The Right Reverend George, Bishop of Canberra and vicar bishop of the Diocese of Australian and New Zealand of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, (vii) The Very Reverend Father Shenouda Mansour from St Antonious and St Paul Parish Church, Guildford, of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Secretary-General of the NSW Ecumenical Council, representing His Grace, Bishop Daniel of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Diocese of Sydney and Affiliated Regions, (viii) the Honourable David Clarke MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, representing the Honourable Mike Baird MP, Premier, (ix) His Excellency Mr Vladimir Morozov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation, (x) His Excellency Mr Vladimer Konstantinidi, Ambassador of Georgia, (xi) Her Excellency, Mrs Nineta Barbulescu, Ambassador of Romania, (xii) Dr Sergey Shipilov, Consul-General of the Russian Federation in Sydney, (xiii) Mr Paul Mocanu, Consul-General of Romania in Sydney, (xiv) Councillor Gus Ballout, Liverpool City Council, (xv) representatives of Serbian church and community organisations.

2. That this House:

(a) welcomes to New South Wales His Holiness Patriarch Kyr Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church and His Eminence Dr Amfilohije, Metropolitan of Montenegro, and

(b) extends its heartfelt best wishes and thanks to the Serbian Orthodox community for its ongoing positive contribution to the life and wellbeing of our state.

Question put and passed.

766 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

9 PROTEST AGAINST PASSING OF A BILL—INCLOSED LANDS, CRIMES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (INTERFERENCE) BILL 2016

The President reported that the following protest was signed and lodged with the Clerk this day:

Protest against the passing of the bill titled “An Act to amend the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901, the Crimes Act 1900 and the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 in relation to interference with mining and other businesses or undertakings”.

Dissentient:

1. Because, if enacted, the Bill will seriously undermine the civil and political rights currently enjoyed by the community, by restricting the right to peaceful assembly and protest in a way which is not proportionate or reasonably adapted to the objects to which the legislation is directed;

2. Because the Bill offends against the implied freedom of political communication in the Australian Constitution;

3. Because the right to peaceful protest has been a cornerstone of our democracy for generations and has brought about many of the positive changes we now enjoy in our society, which have enriched our community and made our society a fairer, more equal place in which to live;

4. Because the serious erosion of rights by this Bill will diminish the freedoms enjoyed by the community and adversely impact the quality of our democracy;

5. Because the Bill offends against certainty in the law, by containing provisions cast in unacceptably wide terms such as to create uncertainty regarding the scope and content of the criminal law of the State, which is contrary to the public interest;

6. Because the Bill, if enacted, would permit the stopping and search of persons and vehicles by police without a warrant approved by a court, and would permit the seizure by police and forfeiture to the State of private property without due process or recourse to the Courts;

7. Because the Bill elevates the rights of commercial and business interests, including those of coal seam and other unconventional gas and other mining companies, above the interests of land owners, farmers and the general community; and

8. Because the provisions of the Bill are both harsh in content and unnecessary insofar as the objects to which the legislation is directed, including trespass, obstruction and risks to and the safety of persons, are already adequately addressed elsewhere in the law of the State.

Hon Adam Searle MLC, Leader of the Opposition Hon Walt Secord MLC, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Hon Sophie Cotsis MLC Hon Greg Donnelly MLC Hon Courtney Houssos MLC Hon Daniel Mookhey MLC Hon Shaoquette Moselmane MLC Hon Peter Primrose MLC Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Hon Ernest Wong MLC Hon Mick Veitch MLC Hon Lynda Voltz MLC

Legislative Council Chamber 17 March 2016

767 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

According to standing order, a copy of the protest was forwarded to His Excellency the Governor.

10 NOTICES OF MOTIONS

11 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS—ORDER OF PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BUSINESS

Dr Phelps moved, according to sessional order: That standing and sessional orders be suspended to allow the moving of a motion forthwith relating to the conduct of business of the House this day.

Question put and passed.

Dr Phelps then moved: That the order of private members’ business this day be as follows:

1. Private members’ business item no. 669 outside the order of precedence standing in the name of Mr Shoebridge relating to the Steel Industry Protection Bill.

2. Private members’ business item no. 649 outside the order of precedence standing in the name of Mr Mookhey relating to new tolls on existing roads.

3. Private members’ business item no. 678 outside the order of precedence standing in the name of Mr Farlow relating to Commonwealth Day.

4. Private members’ business item no. 7 in the order of precedence standing in the name of Mr Primrose relating to the contribution of the sub-continental community.

Question put and passed.

12 STEEL INDUSTRY PROTECTION BILL 2016

Mr Shoebridge moved, according to notice: That leave be given to bring in a bill for an Act to ensure that Australian steel is used in infrastructure or public works constructed by or on behalf of public authorities.

Question put and passed.

Bill presented.

Bill read a first time and ordered to be printed.

Mr Shoebridge then moved: That this bill be now read a second time.

Debate ensued.

Motion made (Mr Donnelly) and question: That this debate be now adjourned until five calendar days ahead—put and passed.

13 NEW TOLLS ON EXISTING ROADS

Mr Mookhey moved, according to notice:

1. That this House notes:

(a) the commitment given by former Premier the Honourable Barry O’Farrell that a Liberal Government would not put any new tolls on existing roads,

768 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

(b) that the Liberal Government is breaking its promise and placing tolls on existing roads, including the M4, and

(c) that this toll represents a great big tax on residents of Western and South Western Sydney to the tune of up to $2,189 per year.

2. That this House calls on the Government to uphold its promise that there would be no tolls on an existing road as part of Westconnex construction.

Debate ensued.

Mr Gay moved: That the question be amended by omitting all words after “notes” and inserting instead:

“(a) the commitment given by former Premier the Honourable Barry O'Farrell that a Liberal Government would get started on one missing motorway link in the first term of Government,

(b) that the Liberal Government has delivered on its promise to deliver new motorway links including the M4, and

(c) that this investment in new infrastructure will benefit residents of Western and South Western Sydney for decades to come.

2. That this House notes the Labor Government failed to deliver these new links during 16 years in office, and left an infrastructure backlog.”

Debate continued.

Question put: That the amendment of Mr Gay be agreed to.

The House divided.

Ayes 21

Mr Amato Mr Farlow Mr Mallard Mr Blair Mr Franklin * Mr Mason-Cox Mr Borsak Mr Gallacher Mrs Mitchell Mr Brown Mr Gay Revd Mr Nile Mr Clarke Mr Green Mr Pearce Mr Colless Mr MacDonald Dr Phelps * Ms Cusack Mrs Maclaren-Jones Mrs Taylor

* Tellers

Noes 16

Ms Barham Mr Mookhey Ms Sharpe Mr Buckingham Mr Moselmane * Mr Shoebridge Ms Cotsis Mr Pearson Ms Voltz Mr Donnelly * Mr Primrose Mr Wong Dr Faruqi Mr Searle Mrs Houssos Mr Secord * Tellers

Pairs

Mr Ajaka Mr Veitch

769 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Original question, as amended, put:

1. That this House notes:

(a) the commitment given by former Premier the Honourable Barry O'Farrell that a Liberal Government would get started on one missing motorway link in the first term of Government,

(b) that the Liberal Government has delivered on its promise to deliver new motorway links including the M4, and

(c) that this investment in new infrastructure will benefit residents of Western and South Western Sydney for decades to come.

2. That this House notes the Labor Government failed to deliver these new links during 16 years in office, and left an infrastructure backlog.”

The House divided.

Ayes 21

* Tellers

Noes 16

Ms Barham Mr Mookhey Ms Sharpe Mr Buckingham Mr Moselmane * Mr Shoebridge Ms Cotsis Mr Pearson Ms Voltz Mr Donnelly * Mr Primrose Mr Wong Dr Faruqi Mr Searle Mrs Houssos Mr Secord * Tellers

Pairs

Mr Ajaka Mr Veitch

Question resolved in the affirmative.

14 COMMONWEALTH DAY

Mr Farlow moved, according to notice:

1. That this House notes that:

770 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

(a) on 14 March 2016 Australia and fellow Commonwealth countries celebrated Commonwealth Day, a day on which we commemorate the strong and diverse family of nations which makes up the Commonwealth and reflect on its successes and future ambitions,

(b) the Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states with the head being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,

(c) the theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day was ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’, emphasising the important values of tolerance, respect, understanding, equality and fairness, and

(d) the Commonwealth of Nations has an important role to play in promoting inclusiveness among its member nations which collectively represent a third of the world’s population.

2. That this House recognises the important role the Commonwealth of Nations plays and has played in promoting democracy and human rights throughout the world.

Debate ensued.

______

According to sessional order, proceedings interrupted at 2.30 pm for Questions. ______

15 QUESTIONS

16 COMMONWEALTH DAY

Order of the day read for resumption of the interrupted debate of the question on the motion of Mr Farlow:

1. That this House notes that:

(b) the Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organisation of 53 member states with the head being Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,

(c) the theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day was ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’, emphasising the important values of tolerance, respect, understanding, equality and fairness, and

(d) the Commonwealth of Nations has an important role to play in promoting inclusiveness among its member nations which collectively represent a third of the world’s population.

2. That this House recognises the important role the Commonwealth of Nations plays and has played in promoting democracy and human rights throughout the world.

Debate resumed.

Question put and passed.

771 Legislative Council Minutes No. 50—Thursday 17 March 2016

17 SUB-CONTINENTAL COMMUNITY IN NEW SOUTH WALES

Mr Primrose moved, according to notice:

1. That this House recognises the enormous contributions that those of sub-continent heritage have made to New South Wales through hard work and determination for a better life, in particular to the economic, social, educational and cultural well-being of the state.

2. That this House:

(a) congratulates the sub-continental community, and acknowledges the community’s commitment to social cohesion, and promotion of interfaith dialogue, and

(b) thanks the sub-continental community for sharing their rich and vibrant cultural traditions, and looks forward to even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Debate ensued.

______

According to sessional order, proceedings interrupted half an hour after the conclusion of Questions for adjournment. ______

18 ADJOURNMENT

Mr Gay moved: That this House do now adjourn.

Debate ensued.

______

Assent to Bills

The Deputy President reported receipt of messages from His Excellency the Governor intimating assent to the following bills:

Act No. 17 March 2016 2016

Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW) Amendment (Review) Bill 2016 ...... 4 Limitation Amendment (Child Abuse) Bill 2016 ...... 5

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Message from the Legislative Assembly—Inclosed Lands Crimes and Law Enforcement Legislation Amendment (Interference) Bill 2016

The Deputy President reported receipt of the following message from the Legislative Assembly:

Mr PRESIDENT

The Legislative Assembly has this day agreed to the amendments made by the Legislative Council in the Bill with the long title “An Act to amend the Inclosed Lands Protection Act 1901, the Crimes Act 1900 and the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002 in relation to interference with mining and other businesses or undertakings”.

Legislative Assembly SHELLEY HANCOCK 17 March 2016 Speaker

Return to Order—Under-dosing of Chemotherapy Patients

The Clerk, according to the resolution of the House of 25 February 2016, tabled:

(a) Documents relating to an order for papers regarding the under-dosing of chemotherapy patients, received this day from the General Counsel of the Department of Premier and Cabinet, together with an indexed list of documents.

(b) A return identifying documents received this day which are considered to be privileged and should not be made public or tabled. According to the standing order, the Clerk advised that the documents are available for inspection by members of the Legislative Council only.

______

Question put and passed.

The House adjourned at 4.39 pm until Monday 21 March 2016 at 2.30 pm.

19 ATTENDANCE

All members present, except Dr Kaye and Mr Veitch.

David Blunt Clerk of the Parliaments

______

Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales