RESEARCH PAPER SERIES, 2018-19 18 DECEMBER 2018

Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events

Anna Hough Politics and Public Administration Section and Dr Dianne Heriot, Parliamentary Librarian

Introduction Parliament House, which was officially opened in 1988, is the home of the Parliament of . It is located on a 32-hectare site on Capital Hill in Canberra. In 2013 the Parliamentary Library published a chronology of events, Australia’s Parliament House—More Than 25 Years in the Making!, in recognition of the building’s 25th anniversary. In May 2018 that chronology was updated and reissued as The 30th anniversary of Australia’s Parliament House. Australia’s Parliament House in 2014 and 2015: a Chronology of Events highlighted significant milestones associated with Australia’s Parliament House and the Parliament itself between January 2014 and December 2015. Australia’s Parliament House in 2016: a Chronology of Events continued the story. This chronology, commencing in January 2017 and finishing in December 2017, does likewise. This chronology of events has been compiled from published sources and includes images and links to audio- visual and documentary records. Appendix 1 presents a list of key legislation passed by the Commonwealth Parliament in 2017.

Abbreviations AG ALP DHJP Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party Hon. Honourable Ind. Independent JLN Network Lib. Liberal Party of Australia NP The Nationals NXT Team PHON ’s One Nation Retd Retired

ISSN 2203-5249

Australia’s Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 1

2017 Milestones Details Source Documents

12 January Storm uproots trees at Parliament House A windstorm uproots trees across Canberra, including some on the lawns of Parliament House.1

13 January resigns from the ministry Sussan Ley (Lib., Farrer, NSW) resigns as Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport, following controversy about her use of parliamentary travel entitlements.2 Prime Minister (Lib., Wentworth) announces changes to the management of parliamentarians’ work expenses, including the establishment of an independent parliamentary expenses authority.3 Sussan Ley

Image source: Auspic

18 January Ministerial changes; first Indigenous federal minister Changes to the ministry are announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. 4 They include the elevation of (Lib., Hasluck, WA) to the role of Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health, making him Australia’s first Indigenous federal minister.5

Ken Wyatt

Image source: Auspic

1. J Hayne, ‘Canberra windstorm fells trees, causes havoc across city; emergency services inundated’, ABC News website, 14 January 2017. 2. S Ley (Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport), ‘Statement from Sussan Ley’, Media statement, 13 January 2017. 3. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Press conference, , 13 January 2017’, Transcript, 13 January 2017. 4. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Ministerial arrangements’, Media release, 18 January 2017. 5. Ibid. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 2

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3 February Rodney Culleton ruled ineligible by the High Court The High Court rules that Senator Rodney Culleton (Ind., WA) was incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator by reason of section 44 (ii) of the Constitution. The resulting vacancy is to be filled by a special count of the ballot papers.

Rodney Culleton

Image source: Auspic

7 February resigns from the Liberal Party Senator Cory Bernardi (Lib., SA) resigns from the Liberal Party and announces the launch

of a new party, Conservatives.6 He tells the Senate that the new party:

… will be united by the desire to create stronger families, to foster free enterprise and to limit the size, scope and reach of government Cory Bernardi whilst seeking to rebuild confidence Image source: Auspic in civil society.7

The new party is officially registered on 11 April 2017.8

7 February 50th anniversary of Black Tuesday bushfires Watch:

The House and the Senate (on 8 February) ’s statement commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Senator Lisa Singh’s motion 1967 Black Tuesday bushfires in , in which 64 people died. 9 The fires were the Source: ParlView deadliest in Tasmania’s history.10

6. C Bernardi, ‘Statements: Liberal Party of Australia’, Senate, Debates, 7 February 2017, p. 4. 7. Ibid. 8. Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), ‘Current register of political parties’, AEC website. 9. ‘Statements on Indulgence – Tasmania: 50th Anniversary of Black Tuesday Bushfires’, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 February 2017, p. 37 and ‘Motions – Black Tuesday Bushfires’, Senate, Debates, 8 February 2017, p. 326. 10. A Wilkie, ‘Statements on Indulgence – Tasmania: 50th Anniversary of Black Tuesday Bushfires’, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 February 2017, p. 37. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 3

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8 February Bill to ban full face coverings introduced A private senator’s bill to ban full face coverings is introduced by Senator Jacqui Lambie (JLN, Tas.). The Criminal Code Amendment (Prohibition of Full Face Coverings in Public Places) Bill 2017 seeks to make it an offence to wear full face coverings in a public place under Commonwealth jurisdiction. Senator Lambie argues that:

There is a clear national security Jacqui Lambie need to bring in a nationwide ban on Image source: Auspic all identity concealing garments.11

At the date of publication, the Bill is still before the Senate.

14 February Closing the Gap statement Watch:

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull delivers the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s 2017 Closing the ninth annual Closing the Gap statement. He Gap statement says: Opposition Leader ’s response This report demonstrates that all Source: ParlView Australian governments have much more work to do …

If we look at the long-term intergenerational trends, we see that Indigenous life expectancy is increasing, babies are being born healthier, more people are studying and gaining post-school qualifications and those adults are participating in work. There are achievements that families, elders and communities can be proud of.

But incarceration rates and rates of child protection are too high.12

In his response, the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic.), says: We must forget the insulting fiction that the First Australians are a problem to be solved and, instead, have a new approach to listen to

11. J Lambie, ‘Bills: Criminal Code Amendment (Prohibition of Full Face Coverings in Public Places) Bill 2017–Second Reading’, Senate, Debates, 8 February 2017, p. 327. 12. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Ministerial Statements: Closing the Gap’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 February 2017, pp. 896-897. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 4

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people who stand on the other side of the gap; a new approach that, from now on, the First Australians must have first say in the decisions that shape their lives; a new approach that means a stronger voice for the National Congress of Australia's First People and the resources to make it happen; a new approach to extend ourselves beyond handpicked sources of advice; a new approach to be in the places where our First Australians live and work and play, from Mount Druitt to Logan, in the APY Lands and East Arnhem.13

14 February Visit by Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visits Australia from 13–17 February to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. At a reception at Parliament House, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe signs says: the visitors’ book at Parliament House We are delighted that we are hosting Image source: Michael Masters, Auspic you as we celebrate the strong bond between our two nations. A bond that has endured and grown stronger over 70 years …

Today, we are working together to ensure the prosperity and security of our region, on issues from trade to law enforcement, from science to combatting the scourge of people smuggling.14

16 February Changes to parliamentary entitlements The Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 passes both Houses.15 The Bill ends access to the Life Gold Pass scheme from its commencement (with the exception of former Prime Ministers and

13. B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Ministerial Statements: Closing the Gap’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 February 2017, p. 900. 14. M Turnbull, (Prime Minister), ‘Remarks at a Reception to Commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Australia-Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations’, Transcript, 14 February 2017. 15. , ‘Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 homepage’, Australian Parliament website. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 5

Milestones Details Source Documents their spouses or partners), while reducing the entitlement for current and former members.16 The Bill also introduces penalty loadings when a claim is made in excess of entitlement.17 The following day, the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017 is passed.18 The Bill establishes:

… the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority as an independent statutory body with responsibilities relating to the work expenses of parliamentarians and their staff, ensuring that taxpayers’ funds are spent appropriately and in compliance with the rules.19

On 11 May, the passage of the Parliamentary Business Resources Bill 2017 establishes ‘a new framework for the remuneration, business resources and travel resources for current and former members of the federal Parliament.’20

2 March Official Observer exhibition opens The Official Observer exhibition showcases images by David Foote—the official photographer for the Australian Government Photographic Service, Auspic—taken over Image source: Auspic the past 25 years. David Foote has been photographing Australian prime ministers from Bob Hawke onwards, including their overseas travels and interactions with world leaders.

21 March Parliamentarians’ private numbers published online Media reports reveal that the private mobile phone numbers of federal politicians, former prime ministers and senior political staffers were inadvertently published online.21 The phone numbers had not been properly

16. C Madden, Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, Bills digest, 62, 2016-17, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017, p. 2. 17. Ibid. 18. Parliament of Australia, ‘Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017 homepage’, Australian Parliament website. 19. Explanatory Memorandum, Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017, p. 1. 20. C Madden, Parliamentary Business Resources Bills 2017 and Parliamentary Business Resources (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2017, Bills digest, 97, 2016-17, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017, p. 3. 21. A Gartrell, ‘MPs’ private phone numbers go online’, The Canberra Times, 21 March 2017, p. 8. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 6

Milestones Details Source Documents deleted from a report on parliamentarians’ phone bills provided by a private contractor, TELCO Management, and published on the Parliament House website by the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS).22 A DPS spokesperson said ‘… DPS will work with parliamentarians to address privacy concerns and change mobile numbers if required.’23

23 March Terrorist attack at Westminster Parliament offers condolences to the British parliament and people following the previous day’s terrorist attack at Westminster. The British High Commissioner to Australia, Her Excellency Menna Rawlings, is in the House at the time.24 Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says: Image source: Mike Gimelfarb, Wikimedia Commons It was an attack on parliaments, freedom and democracy everywhere in the world …

We send our heartfelt condolences, especially to the families of the victims, including the police officer murdered by the terrorist as he attempted to enter the Houses of Parliament, and we wish all those injured a full recovery.

We stand, all of us, with the United Kingdom … We will never give in to terror.25

The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, says:

Today Australia offers our oldest friend our deepest sympathies. The hearts of this nation go out to the people of Britain … Our parliament stands united with all parliaments in condemning this attack on arguably the world’s oldest democratic institution.26

22. Ibid. 23. Ibid. 24. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished Visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 March 2017, p. 3028. 25. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Statements on Indulgence–London: Attacks’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 March 2017, p. 3028. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 7

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23–24 March Visit by China’s Premier China’s Premier Li Keqiang visits Parliament House. The visit marks the 45th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.27 During this visit the two governments sign, inter alia, an MOU on vocational education and training and an agreement enabling better access to the Chinese market for Australian meat 28 producers and exporters. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Image source: ParlView

Watch: Joint Signing and Media Conference

Source: ParlView

25 March Beehives at Parliament House Three beehives are installed in bushland on the grounds of Parliament House.29 The hives are part of an effort to arrest the decline of bee populations–bees are crucial to Australia’s food security, agriculture and environmental sustainability.30 Parliament House’s honey will win second Image source: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com 31 prize at the 2018 Royal Canberra Show. It is not the first time there have been beehives at Australia’s Parliament. In 1976, William Yates, a Victorian member of parliament, installed two hives in the House of Representatives garden at what is now Old Parliament House.32

26. B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Statements on Indulgence–London: Attacks’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 March 2017, p. 3029. 27. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Visit to Australia by China’s Premier Li Keqiang’, Media statement, 24 March 2017. 28. Ibid. 29. T McIlroy, ‘Beekeeping the buzzword getting political capital’, The Age, 20 March 2017, p. 4. 30. Ibid. 31. Parliamentary Education Office (PEO), ‘In case you missed it’, PEO website; Royal Canberra Show, ‘2018 Horticulture Produce Schedule’, Royal Canberra Show website. 32. Ibid. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 8

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27 March New senator for Peter Georgiou (PHON, WA) is sworn in as a Senator. He replaces Rodney Culleton whose election was declared void by the High Court under sections 44 and 45 of the Australian Constitution. He makes his first speech on 16 August 2017.

Peter Georgiou

Image source: Auspic

28 March China extradition treaty ratification repealed Following a decision of the Opposition not to support ratification of an extradition treaty with China,33 the Government announces that it will repeal the ratification regulation rather than have it defeated in the Senate.34

5 April ruled ineligible by the High Court The High Court rules that former Senator Bob Day, who resigned in November 2016, was incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator by reason on section 44(v) of the Constitution. The resulting vacancy is to be filled by a special recount of ballot papers.

Bob Day

Image source: Auspic

9 May 2017–18 Budget The Treasurer, (Lib., Cook, NSW) delivers the 2017-18 Budget, his second. He says:

Mr Speaker, tonight I announce a fair and responsible path back to a balanced budget. Having exhausted every opportunity to secure savings Scott Morrison delivers the 2017-18 from our 2014-15 and 2015-16 Budget Budgets, we have decided to reset

33. P Wong and M Dreyfus, Transcript of joint doorstop interview: China extradition treaty; 18C, Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 28 March 2017. 34. J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), China extradition treaty, media release, 28 March 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 9

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the Budget by reversing these Image source: ParlView measures at a cost of $13 billion. Watch: Scott Morrison’s budget speech Despite this, I can confirm tonight that the Budget is projected to return Source: ParlView to balance in 2020-21 and remain in surplus over the medium term.35

In his budget reply speech on 11 May, Opposition Bill Shorten says:

This is a budget and a government that wants to bury its past and rewrite its history. The Liberals want Australians to forget four wasted years in which wages growth has hit record lows, unemployment is up, underemployment and casualization are at record highs, living standards have stagnated, inequality has widened. This budget is an admission of guilt, a signed confession.36

9 May New Senator for (SA) is sworn in. She replaces Bob Day, who resigned in November 2017 and whose election was subsequently declared void by the High Court under section 44(v) of the Australian Constitution.37 She is the first person of black African descent to be a member of Australia’s parliament.38

After her swearing in Senator Gichuhi states Lucy Gichuhi she will sit as an Independent senator.39 She Image source: Auspic gives her first speech on 21 June.

35. S Morrison (Treasurer), ‘Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2017-2018: Second Reading’, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 May 2017, pp. 4058-4066. 36. B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2017-2018: Second Reading’, House of Representatives, Debates, 11 May 2017, pp. 4445-4450. 37. Following Senator Day’s resignation, the he belonged to merged with the . See L Bourke, ‘Bernardi’s Australian Conservatives to merge with Family First’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 April 2017, p. 7. 38. ‘Family First to Senate first’, The Age, 10 May 2017, p. 10. 39. L Gichuhi, ‘Parliamentary Representation–South Australia: Senators Sworn’, Senate, Debates, 9 March 2017, p. 3040. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 10

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9 May First baby breastfed in Australia’s parliament (AG, Qld) breastfeeds her daughter in the Senate chamber. It is the first time a baby has been breastfed in the Australian parliament.40 Senator Waters later posts on Twitter:

So proud that my daughter Alia is the first baby to be breastfed in the federal Parliament! We need more women and parents in Larissa Waters moves a motion in the Senate while Parli[ament].41 breastfeeding her baby (22 June 2017) Image source: ParlView

9 May Despatch box 90th anniversary The 9th of May marks the 90th anniversary of the opening of the provisional parliament building, now referred to as Old Parliament House, in Canberra in 1927. On that day the Duke of York (later King George VI) presented two rosewood despatch boxes as gifts to the new parliament.42 The despatch boxes sit on each side of the table between the government and opposition benches in the House of Representatives chamber, and have Despatch box 43 been in continuous use since 1927.

23 May Manchester Arena attack Parliament offers sympathy to the people of the United Kingdom following the explosion at Manchester Arena on 22 May. The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, says:

Australia's heartfelt sympathy and resolute solidarity is with the people of the United Kingdom. We stand with them today, as we always have and always will, steadfast allies in freedom's cause. So far we know that at least 19 people have been killed and about 60 injured as a result of an explosion at the Manchester Arena shortly after the conclusion of an

40. B Merhab, ‘Alia milks her moment in the Senate’, Daily Telegraph, 10 May 2017, p. 3. 41. Ibid. 42. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Happy 90th to the people’s House’, The Canberra Times, 6 May 2017, p. 2. 43. Ibid. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 11

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Ariana Grande concert last night.44

The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, says: The people of Britain should know that we feel their pain and we share their shock and anger … What I think we also need to say to people is that the world should not get used to this. We should not accept this as the normal state of affairs.45

24 May Indigenous Youth Parliament Ahead of National Reconciliation Week, Parliament welcomes the fifty participants in the Indigenous Youth Parliament to the building. Speaking at the Indigenous Youth Parliamentarians’ Reception, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tells the participants:

you young Australians, young Indigenous Australians can do anything. There is nothing beyond your reach. Nothing that you can dream of that you cannot achieve. You have the great foundations of 50,000 years of culture and history. You have the great example of the leadership of the ‘67 campaigners …46

The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, says at the reception: Can we who are gathered here, we who have power in this country, the privileged position of leadership: is our imagination now up to what it was of the campaigners we celebrate 50 and 25 years ago? …Can we imagine an equal and reconciled Australia? … I think the young people we have been privileged to meet - they can imagine it.47

44. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Statements–Manchester: Attacks’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 May 2017, p. 4826. 45. B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Statements–Manchester: Attacks’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 May 2017, p. 4828. 46. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of remarks at the Indigenous Youth Parliamentarians’ Reception: Parliament House, Canberra’, 24 May 2017. 47. B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Transcript of remarks to the Indigenous Youth Parliamentarians Reception: Mural Hall, Canberra’, 24 May 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 12

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24–26 May Visit of Sri Lanka’s President, H.E. Hon. Maithripala Sirisena The President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, visits Parliament House for discussions on security and defence—the first bilateral visit by a Sri Lankan head of state. President Sirisena greets Prime Minister Malcolm To mark the visit, Foreign Minister Julie Turnbull at Parliament House Bishop and Sri Lankan Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva sign a Joint Image source: Auspic Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation. The two governments also sign an MoU on Chronic Kidney Disease research and a Letter of Intent on geoscience.48

25 May Attempt to evict senator from Estimates hearing During a Senate Estimates appearance by the Australian Human Rights Commission, committee Chair Senator Ian Macdonald (Lib., Qld) attempts to evict Senator Nick McKim (AG, Tas.) from the hearing and to silence Senators (ALP, Qld) and (ALP, SA).49 Following a short Ian Macdonald suspension of the committee, Senator Macdonald notes that he is not empowered Image source: Auspic to evict committee members.50

27 May–3 June National Reconciliation Week National Reconciliation Week 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the Mabo Decision and the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. As part of National Reconciliation Week, the exhibition Prevailing Voices–Indigenous Australian Parliamentarians opens at Parliament House. The exhibition aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution of Opening of the Prevailing Voices exhibition Indigenous parliamentarians to the Image source: Auspic Australian Parliament.51 A portrait of Ken Wyatt (Lib., Hasluck, WA), the first

48. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), ‘President H. E. Hon. Maithripala Sirisena Official Visit to Australia’, DFAT website. 49. I Macdonald, ‘Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee: Attorney-General’s Portfolio–Australian Human Rights Commission’, Senate, Estimates, 25 May 2017, pp. 87-88. 50. Ibid., p. 89. 51. Parliament of Australia, ‘Prevailing Voices – Indigenous Australian Parliamentarians’, Parliament of Australia website. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 13

Milestones Details Source Documents Indigenous member of the House of Representatives and the first Indigenous federal minister, is unveiled at the opening.52

13 June Ministerial Statement on National Security In his ministerial statement on national security, the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, says:

The global threat we face from Islamist terrorism has been cruelly brought home to us in the past two weeks with young, innocent Australians murdered in Baghdad, Malcolm Turnbull delivers his London and Melbourne … We have Ministerial Statement on National mourned the loss of four Australians Security killed in terrorist attacks in the last Image source: ParlView few weeks … My No. 1 priority, my government's No. 1 priority, is to keep Australians safe … We must be faster, smarter and more agile than those who seek to do us harm.53

The Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, says in response: I thank the Prime Minister for his words. There is no greater responsibility for every member of this place than keeping Australians safe. As I have said, and Labor has demonstrated for four years now, when it comes to fighting terrorism and Islamist terrorism we are all in this together.54

9 June Finkel review of electricity market security released The final report of the Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market, chaired by the Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, is released. The Minister for the Environment and Energy, (Lib., Kooyong, Vic.) says:

The final report contains 50 recommendations and is intended to Alan Finkel provide a blueprint for the once-in-a-

52. F Hunter, ‘A portrait of strength, hope and sadness’, The Canberra Times, 30 May 2017, p. 4. 53. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Ministerial Statements: National Security’, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 June 2017, pp. 6171-75. 54. B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Ministerial Statements: National Security’, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 June 2017, p. 6176. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 14

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century transformation currently Image source: Danimations, taking placing in Australia’s energy Wikimedia Commons system. The report is focussed on four key outcomes: increased security, future reliability, making sure consumers are better off and meeting our international targets.

The will now carefully consider the recommendations of Dr Finkel’s final report.55

13 June Senator Chris Back announces his retirement Senator Chris Back (Lib., WA) announces his retirement, creating a casual vacancy in the Senate.56 Senator Back first entered the Senate in 2009.

Chris Back

Image source: Auspic

13 June 2023 Women’s World Cup bid The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, speaks at a Matildas Women’s Football event at Parliament House to announce support for the Football Federation of Australia’s bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. He says:

A Women’s World Cup hosted in our backyard would inspire a new generation of women and girls right across Australia. It continues our Government’s commitment to promote female participation in sport from the grassroots level, from the little ones, right up to the elite level, the Matildas.57

55. J Frydenberg (Minister for the Environment and Energy), ‘Turnbull Government welcomes Finkel Review’, Media release, 9 June 2017. 56. S Martin, ‘Shock as Libs director quits’, The West Australian, 14 June 2017, p. 7. 57. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Remarks at the Matildas Women’s Football Morning Tea to announce support for the FFA bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup’, Transcript, 13 June 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 15

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20 June New Human Rights Commission President appointed The Attorney-General, (Lib., Qld), announces the appointment of Rosalind Croucher as the next President of the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).58 Professor Croucher is the head of the Australian Law Reform Commission.59 She replaces outgoing AHRC President Gillian Rosalind Croucher Triggs. Image source: Australian Human Rights Commission, Flickr

20 June crosses the floor George Christensen (NP, Dawson, Qld) crosses the floor, voting with the ALP to protect penalty rates for workers.60 Mr Christensen says the amendments gave effect to his own private member’s bill.61 The amendments were defeated by 73 votes to 72.62

George Christensen

Image source: Auspic

12 July Parliament House protesters appear in court On 30 November 2016, Speaker Tony Smith (Lib., Casey, Vic.) suspended Question Time in response to disruptions caused by people in the public gallery noisily protesting the Government’s treatment of asylum seekers.63 On 12 July 2017, seven people are charged with intentionally damaging Commonwealth property ‘after they allegedly superglued their hands’ to railings in the House of Representatives gallery, and are committed for trial.64

58. G Brandis (Attorney-General), ‘President of the Australian Human Rights Commission’, Media release, 20 June 2017. 59. Ibid. 60. J Kelly, ‘National crosses floor to save penalty rates’, The Australian, 21 June 2017, p. 4. 61. Ibid. 62. ‘Fair Work Amendment (Repeal of 4 Yearly Reviews and Other Measures) Bill 2017’, House of Representatives, Votes and Proceedings, 20 June 2017, p. 875. 63. A Hough with D Heriot, ‘Australia's Parliament House in 2016: a chronology of events’, Research paper series 2017–18, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 14 December 2017. 64. A Back, ‘Superglue protesters to stand trial’, Canberra Times, 13 July 2017, p. 10. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 16

Milestones Details Source Documents The matter is heard in the ACT Supreme Court in 2018, with the protesters found not guilty.65 14 and 18 July Senators Ludlam and Waters resign from Parliament due to dual citizenship On 14 July, (AG, WA) resigns from the Senate, having discovered that he holds dual Australian and New Zealand citizenship.66 His colleague Senator Larissa Waters (AG, Qld) resigns on 18 July, having discovered she holds dual Australian and Canadian citizenship.67 Section 44 of the Australian Constitution disqualifies people from being ‘chosen’ or sitting in the Parliament on a number of grounds, including being ‘a subject or a citizen or entitled to the rights or privileges of a subject or a citizen of a foreign power’ (s. 44i). ‘Its purpose is to ensure that people elected to Parliament are beholden to no- one but the electors as a whole and may therefore perform their duties free from undue external influence’,68 avoiding both actual and perceived conflicts of interest. Green’s leader Senator (AG, Vic.) commits the party to ‘an urgent root-and-branch review’ of its processes ‘to prevent this from happening again’.69

65. ‘Superglue protesters not guilty of damage to Parliament House’, The Australian, 29 March 2018. 66. S Ludlam, ‘Statement: Greens WA Senator Scott Ludlam’, media release, 14 July 2017. 67. S Waters, ‘Statement from Senator Larissa Waters’, media release, 18 July 2017; H Belot, ‘Larissa Waters, deputy Greens leader quits in latest citizenship bungle’, ABC News (online), 16 August 2017; M Grattan, ‘Greens senator Larissa Waters forced out of parliament’, The Conversation, 18 July 2017. 68. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 8–17 August 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 317, Parliament of Australia, 18 August 2017. 69. R Di Natale, ‘Leader of the Australian Greens, Dr Richard Di Natale responds to Larissa Waters’ resignation’, media release, 18 July 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 17

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22 July Retirement of inaugural Parliamentary Budget Officer Phil Bowen retires as Parliamentary Budget Officer on 22 July 2017, having held office since 2012. On 19 June 2017, the President and the Speaker advise their respective Houses that Jenny Wilkinson has been appointed as the next Parliamentary Budget Officer.70 Jenny Wilkinson, Parliamentary Budget Officer Ms Wilkinson commences in the role on 24 Image source: Auspic July. 25 July Senator Canavan resigns from the ministry Senator (NP, Qld) steps down from the ministry due to possible Italian citizenship.71 Unlike former Senators Ludlam and Waters, who acquired dual citizenship by birth, Senator Canavan’s circumstances involve citizenship by descent, a matter on which the High Court has not previously ruled.72 Attorney General George Brandis states that Matt Canavan it ‘is the Government’s preliminary view’ Image source: Auspic that, because Senator Canavan’s mother registered him as an Italian resident abroad ‘without his knowledge or consent, that he is not in breach of s 44 of the Constitution’.73

8 and 9 August Four senators referred to the Court of Disputed Returns On 8 August, President Stephen Parry tables the resignation letters of Greens Senators Ludlam and Waters.74 The Senate refers the matters of Ludlam, Waters and Canavan to the High Court to determine ‘whether by reason of s 44(i) of the Constitution there is a vacancy in the representation’ of Western Australia and in the Senate, and if so, ‘by what

70. S Parry (President), ‘Statement by the President: Parliamentary Budget Officer’, Senate, Debates, 19 June 2017, p. 4197; T Smith (Speaker), ‘Statement by the Speaker: Parliament House: Security; Parliamentary Budget Officer’, House of Representatives, Debates, 19 June 2017, p. 6856. 71. M Canavan (Minister for Resources and Northern Australia), ‘Statement on Citizenship Status’, media release, 25 July 2017. 72. A Green, ‘Matt Canavan: the High Court’s question after the latest citizenship resignation’, ABC News (online), 16 August 2017. 73. G Brandis (Attorney-General), Transcript of statements on Senator Canavan’s citizenship, Brisbane, media release, 25 July 2017. 74. Australia, Senate, ‘Vacancies in the representation of Western Australia and Queensland—Qualifications of senators’, Journals, 49 (proof), 8 August 2017, p. 1598. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 18

Milestones Details Source Documents means and in what manner that vacancy should be filled’.75 (Should a person returned as a senator or member be later found to be ineligible, then there is not a casual vacancy but rather an invalid election which must be completed.)76 Also on 8 August, Senator Richard Di Natale gives notice of a motion to refer Senator Malcolm Roberts to the Court of Disputed Returns77 following controversy regarding his possible British citizenship.78 The following day, the Senate refers Senator Roberts to the High Court on the motion of his party leader, Senator Pauline Hanson.79

8 August Watch the condolence statements on the deaths of Parliament marks the Deaths of Dr G. Dr G. Yunupingu and Kunmanara Lester in the House Yunupingu and Kunmanara Lester of Representatives and the Senate Before Question time the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition rise, on indulgence, to acknowledge the deaths of musician Dr G Yunupingu and anti-nuclear and Indigenous rights advocate Kunmanara Lester.80 The Senate records its condolences to the deaths of both men on 17 August.81

8 August A novel excuse? The Sydney Morning Herald reports that a ‘man caught driving more than 50km/h over the speed limit at Yass allegedly told police he was in a hurry to catch a Parliament House tour’. It is also reported that the driver was fined and his driving privileges were revoked.82

75. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Canavan—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’ Journals, 49 (proof), 2017, 8 August 2017, p. 1599; ‘Qualification of former Senators Ludlam and Waters—References to Court of Disputed Returns’, Ibid., p. 1599. 76. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 8-17 August 2017, Procedural Information Bulletin no. 317, Parliament of Australia, 18 August 2017. 77. R Di Natale, ‘Notices: Presentation’, Senate, Debates, 8 August 2017 p. 4962. 78. A Remeikis, ‘MPs scramble to confirm citizenship’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July 2017; R Baxendale, ‘Senator refuses proof of sole citizenship’, The Australian, 22 July 2017; S Martin and N Evans, ‘No Italian ballot papers for Canavan’, West Australian, 28 July 2017; B Doherty, ‘Malcolm Roberts citizenship explainer: one nation – or more?’, The Guardian, 28 July 2017; R Lewis, ‘Roberts’s eligibility as MP in ‘real difficulty’’, The Australian, 29 July 2017. 79. P Hanson, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators’, Senate, Debates, 9 August 2017, p. 5216. 80. M Turnbull, ‘Condolences: Yunupingu, Dr. G’, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 August 2017, p. 643. 81. ‘Condolences: Lester, Mr Kunmanara OAM, Yunupingu’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 6008. 82. ‘Man caught at 162km/h on Hume Highway ‘didn’t want to miss Parliament tour’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 8 August 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 19

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8 August ‘The House’ television series The House, a six part light entertainment series exploring operations of Australian Parliament House, debuts on ABC TV. The series is inspired by the BBC program Inside the Commons. A highlight of the show is drone footage shot in, over and around the building. A drone flying past artwork in the Members Hall Image source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Library

9 August Statements on the deaths of Betty Cuthbert and Les Murray Prior to Question Time, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition make statements, by indulgence, acknowledging the deaths of former Olympian Betty Cuthbert and sports journalist Les Murray.83

9 August Same-sex marriage plebiscite becomes a postal survey Following the defeat of the Government’s motion to restore the Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 to the Senate Notice Paper,84 the Government announces its intention to press ‘ahead with a voluntary postal plebiscite for all Australians’.85 Treasurer Scott Morrison issues a direction to the Australian Statistician asking the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to conduct the survey.86 Funding of $122 million is made available.87 The collection period for the postal survey opens on 12 September and continues until 7 November.

10 August Inquiry into fake Indigenous art The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs adopts an

83. ‘Condolences’, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 August 2017, pp. 7886. 84. Australia, Senate, ‘Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage Bill) 2016—proposed restoration to Notice Paper’, Journals, 50 (proof), 2017, 9 August 2017, p. 1620. 85. M Cormann, (Minister for Finance), Next steps for a national plebiscite on same sex marriage, media release, 9 August 2017. 86. Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Direction 2017, 9 August 2017. An amended Direction is issued on 16 August 2017, clarifying ‘the statistical information to be published and defin[ing] eligibility for participation in the statistical survey as those persons who would be entitled to vote in a federal election’. 87. M Neilson, Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills Digest, 54, 2017-18, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017, p. 6. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 20

Milestones Details Source Documents inquiry into ‘the growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ‘style’ art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia.’88

10 August -7 High Court Challenge to the same-sex September marriage postal survey Andrew Wilkie (Ind., Denison, Tas.) announces a High Court application to stop the voluntary postal survey on the grounds that the Government has no power to order the ABS to conduct it or to appropriate funds to pay for it.89 Australian Marriage Equality co-chair, Alex Andrew Wilkie Greenwich, also seeks a High Court injunction to stop the postal survey, with Image source: Auspic Senator (AG, Vic.) a joint plaintiff. 90 On 7 September, the High Court unanimously dismisses both challenges as being ‘demonstrably without substance’, publishing its reasons on 28 September.91 Such is the interest in the outcome that the High Court’s website crashes minutes before the announcement.92

14 August State visit by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister The Honourable Mr Manasseh Damukana Sogavare MP, Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, visits the Parliament on 14 August as part of a guest of government visit to Australia. The Honourable Mr Manasseh Damukana Sogavare at Parliament House The 14 year Regional Assistance Mission to Image: Auspic Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to restore stability and economic growth ended on 30 June Watch the arrival of the Solomon Islands Prime 2017. Speaking in the Chamber, Prime Minister at Parliament House Minister Malcolm Turnbull pays tribute to all those involved in the Mission.93

88. House of Representatives Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, ‘The growing presence of inauthentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 'style' art and craft products and merchandise for sale across Australia’, inquiry homepage. 89. A Wilkie, Application to stop postal vote lodged with High Court, media release, 10 August 2017. 90. P Karp, ‘Marriage equality postal vote to be challenged in high court by Andrew Wilkie and advocates‘, The Guardian, 9 August 2017. 91. M Davey and P Karp, ‘Same-sex marriage postal survey is lawful, high court finds’, The Guardian, 7 September 2017; Wilkie v The Commonwealth [2017] HCA 40; E Byrne, ‘SSM survey challenges 'demonstrably without substance', High Court finds’, ABC News (online), updated 28 September 2017. 92. C Simpson, ‘The same-sex marriage ruling broke the High Court's website’, Gizmodo, 7 September 2017. 93. M Turnbull, ‘Ministerial Statements: Solomon Islands’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, p. 8233. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 21

Milestones Details Source Documents During the visit, Foreign Minister (Lib., Curtin, WA) and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Tozaka sign a new security treaty to enable rapid deployment of Australian police, armed forces and civilian personnel to the Solomon Islands, should need arise and where both countries Image source: J Bishop, twitter consent. The Department of Foreign Affairs notes that ‘this will be Australia’s first bilateral security treaty in the Pacific’.94

14 August citizenship issue Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) informs the House that the New Zealand High Commission has contacted him to advise he may be a ‘citizen by descent of New Zealand’. He goes on to state that, on the basis of legal advice from the Solicitor- General, the Prime Minister has asked that I Barnaby Joyce remain Deputy Prime Minister and Image source: Auspic continue my ministerial duties.95

The House refers Mr Joyce to the Court of Disputed Returns later that day.96 The issue of his eligibility is of particular significance given the Turnbull Government holds a one seat majority in the House.97 The Opposition is critical that Mr Joyce has not stepped down from the ministry while the issue is resolved.98 During a doorstop interview at Parliament House, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop accuses the Labor party of ‘seeking to use the New Zealand Parliament to undermine the Australian Government’ and states:

New Zealand is facing an election. Should there be a change of Government, I would find it very hard to build trust with those involved in

94. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), ‘Solomon Islands: Bilateral security treaty’, DFAT website. 95. B Joyce (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources), ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members: Joyce, Barnaby, MP’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, p. 8185. 96.Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Reference of matter to the Court of Disputed Returns’, Votes and proceedings, 68, 14 August 2017, p. 958. 97. M Grattan, ‘High Court to rule on whether Barnaby Joyce is a New Zealander’, The Conversation, 14 August 2017, accessed 3 January 2017. 98. T Burke, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, p. 2840; ‘Suspension of standing orders moved’, House of Representatives, Votes and Proceedings 2016-17, no. 68, 14 August 2017; ‘Suspension of standing orders moved’, House of Representatives, Votes and Proceedings 2016-17, no. 71, 17 August 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 22

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allegations designed to undermine the Government of Australia.99

14 August No role for parliament in approving overseas military activity Greens leader Senator Richard Di Natale again fails to win Senate support for a motion to call on debate of the Defence Legislation Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2015. The bill, which has ‘been on the Notice Paper since the mid-1980s’,100 amends the Defence Act 1903 to insert a new section into the Richard Di Natale Defence Act 1903 requiring decisions to Image source: Auspic deploy members of the overseas to be debated and voted on by the Parliament. ‘Under the Australian Constitution, the power to declare war is the prerogative of the executive arm of government’.101 However, minor parties have several times introduced Bills to remove the exclusive power of the executive to commit Australia to war: the in 1985, and the Greens in 2003, 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2017.102

16 August New Senator for WA (Lib.) is sworn in as senator for Western Australia. Senator Brockman has been chosen by the Western Australian Parliament (under section 15 of the Constitution) to fill the Slade Brockman is escorted into the Senate chamber vacancy caused by the July retirement of to take the oath of office by fellow Western Senator Chris Back (Lib., WA). Senator Australian Liberal senators and Brockman had previously worked as chief of . staff for Senator Mathias Cormann (Lib., WA) Image source: Auspic and in his first speech in October 2017, remarks: Watch Senator Brockman’s swearing in and first speech As you can see, this building holds

99. J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Doorstop interview, media release, 15 August 2015; M Grattan, ‘Barnaby Joyce: No, it wasn't a conspiracy that caused his citizenship problem, it was himself’, The Conversation, 16 August 2017; A Gartrell, ‘The email that could bring down a deputy PM’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 August 2017; J Gooding, ‘Paranoia on Aotearoa’, The Interpreter, Lowy Institute Blog, 17 August 2017; P Wong, Radio interview ABC Radio National Breakfast, media release, 16 August 2017. 100. S Ludlam, ‘Defence Legislation Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2015: Second Reading Speech’, Senate, Debates, 9 February 2017, p. 422. 101. J Curtis, ‘’To the last man’—Australia’s entry to war in 1914’, Research paper series 2014-15, Parliamentary Library, 31 July 2014, p. 5. 102. Ibid., p. 6. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 23

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special memories for me. As hinted at earlier, it was in this building that I met my wife, a senior researcher at the Parliamentary Library. I think I can safely say that no politician or staffer has gained more intelligence or wisdom from the Parliamentary Library than I have! And, luckily, she was born in WA!103

16 August Visit by the President of the Republic of

Croatia Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic visits Parliament House during her trip to Australia, the first by a Croatian head of State 104 since 1995. (l-r) Speaker Smith, Her Excellency, Kolinda Grabar- Kitarovic and President Parry at Parliament House 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two Image source: Auspic countries.

17 August Senator Pauline Senator Pauline Hanson wears a burqa to Hanson wears a Question Time burqa into Question Time Senator Pauline Hanson (PHON, Qld) causes Image source: consternation by wearing a burqa to Auspic Question Time,105 removing it as she rises to ask the Attorney-General whether he would work to ban such garb in Australia.106

103. S Brockman, ‘First Speech’, Senate, Debates, 17 October 2017, p. 7725. 104. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Visit to Australia by the President of Croatia, media release, 11 August 2017. 105. S Parry, ‘Questions without notice: Trade Unions’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 5979; S Dastyari, ‘Questions without Notice: Pauline Hanson’s One Nation’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 5980; A Remeikis, ‘One Nation leader Pauline Hanson wears burqa in Senate question time stunt’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 August 2017. 106. P Hanson, ‘Questions without notice: National Security’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 5984. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 24

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17 August NSW Senator declares possible

dual citizenship Senator Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) announces that she may be a British citizen by descent, but will not be standing aside from her ministerial or party responsibilities.107 Senator Nash is referred to the Court of Disputed Returns when Parliament resumes on 4 September,108 with the Attorney- Fiona Nash addresses the Senate General informing the Senate that ‘the government is of the view that Senator Nash Image source: Auspic is not ineligible to sit and was not incapable of being chosen’.109 The Opposition expresses ‘grave concerns that the minister is refusing to follow the lead of her colleague, Senator Canavan, and standing aside as a minister’.110

17 August Meeting Place: Michael Nelson Jagamara and Imants Tillers exhibition at Parliament House Speaker Tony Smith unveils ‘The Messenger’, a new acquisition for the Parliament House Art Collection, which features in a new exhibition of works by artists Nelson Michael Nelson Jagamara Jagamara and Imants Tillers. Image source: Auspic The Speaker observes that ‘both of the artists…have links with this building going back to the very beginning’.111

107. F Nash (Minister for Regional Development), ‘Adjournment: Deputy Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 6054. 108. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Nash—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 56 (proof), 2017, 4 September 2017, p. 1788. 109. G Brandis (Attorney-General), ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6059. 110. P Wong, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6060; H Polley, ‘Questions without notice: Deputy Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6116; C Moore, ‘Questions without notice: Deputy Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6116; [Multiple senators], ‘Questions without notice: Take note of Answers: Deputy Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6132. 111. T Smith (Speaker), ‘The opening of the exhibition ‘Meeting Place’ and unveiling of new work ‘The Messenger’, speech, Tony Smith MP website, 17 August 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 25

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31 August Possible constitutional breach for Senator Hinch Senator Derryn Hinch (DHJP, Vic.) indicates he may be in breach of section 44(i) of the Constitution as he holds a social security number, and has until recently received a pension, from the United States of America, having worked there for some years. He is reportedly seeking advice from the Solicitor- General.112 Derryn Hinch On 4 September, Senator Hinch informs the Image Source: Auspic Chamber that he has legal advice that his eligibility for a ‘superannuation style pension’ in the United States does not represent a breach of section 44, and so he will not be seeking referral to the High Court. The Government and Opposition concur.113

4 September referred to the House Privileges Committee The House of Representatives refers to its Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests the issue of whether ‘the former member for Dunkley, Mr Bruce Billson, by accepting an appointment as, and acting as, a paid director of the Franchise Council of Bruce Billson Australia whilst still a member of the Image source: Auspic House gives rise either to any issues that may constitute a contempt of the House or to any issues concerning the appropriate conduct of a member having regard to their responsibilities to their constituents and to the public interest.’114

The referral follows media reports that Mr Billson, the former Minister for Small Business, had failed to disclose to the House that he was receiving a salary from the lobby group while still in parliament.115

112. P Coorey, ‘Refer me to High Court, says Hinch’, The Australian Financial Review, 1 September 2017, p. 5. 113. D Hinch, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators: Hinch, Sen Derryn’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6063; D Hinch, Hinch S44 citizenship issue cleared by Government and Opposition, media release nd. 114. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Matter of privilege—Reference to Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests’, Votes and Proceedings, 72, 4 September 2017, p. 1018. 115. P McGrath, ‘Bruce Billson, former Liberal minister, failed to disclose salary from lobby group while in parliament’, ABC News, 9 August 2017; M Knott, ‘Former MP insists he was transparent’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 August 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 26

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4 September SA Senator Nick Xenophon referred to the Court of Disputed Returns The Senate refers Senator Nick Xenophon (NXT, SA) to the Court of Disputed Returns to determine ‘whether by reason of s 44(i) of the Constitution there is a vacancy in the Nick Xenophon (standing) representation of South Australia in the Image source: Auspic Senate for the place for which [he] was returned’.116 While Senator Xenophon renounced his Greek citizenship (by descent) before entering Parliament, he becomes aware in August that he may have inherited British citizenship from his Cyprus born father. (Cyprus remained British colony until 1960).117 Xenophon becomes the sixth senator and the seventh member of Parliament to be referred to the High Court.

6 September Clinton’s Walk for Justice Clinton Pryor arrives at Parliament House, ending his year long, 5,800 kilometre trek from Heirisson Island (Perth) to the Federal Parliament. Pryor presents a list of demands for justice Clinton Pryor at Australian Parliament House and sovereignty to the Governor-General, Image source: AAP Image/Lukas Coch and the Prime Minister. Pryor is critical of both for not meeting with him and others at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy,118 and turns his back on the Prime Minister when he perceives ‘Malcolm Turnbull did not listen respectfully’.119 Senator (AG, WA) tables Pryor’s list of demands in the Senate.120

116. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Xenophon—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 56 (proof), 2017, 4 September 2017, p. 1789; A Remeikis, ‘Xenophon blames political rivals over nationality questions’, The Canberra Times, 18 August 2017, p. 9. 117. A Remeikis and A Gartrell, ‘Xenophon gets drawn into ongoing constitutional crisis’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 August 2017, p. 4. 118. Welcome to Country, ‘Clinton Pryor walks across Australia, Governor General refuses to step outside’, Welcome to Country website, 30 August 2017; J Robertson, ‘Clinton Pryor has tense meeting with PM after walking across Australia’, The Guardian, 6 September 2017. 119. N Thorpe, ‘Clinton Pryor turns his back on Prime Minister’, NITV News (online), 7 September 2017. 120. R Siewert, ‘Documents: Indigenous Affairs’, Senate, Debates, 5 September 2017, p. 6336. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 27

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6 September Visit of Pope Tawadros II His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, visits Parliament House121 during a 10 day pastoral visit to Australia.122 His Holiness is hosted by Mr Peter Khalil, Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II at Parliament House. Member for Wills and ‘the first Copt to be elected to the federal parliament’.123 Image source: Auspic According to the 2016 census, there are 28,641 Coptic Christians in Australia.124

12 September Parliament House’s new fence The first prefabricated panels for the new 2.6 metre security fence are lifted into place on the roof of Parliament House. This is part of a package of works approved by the Parliament in December 2016,125 with temporary construction fences installed on Image source: Auspic the grass ramps since May 2017 to enable ground works to be completed. Once complete, the package of security enhancements will include: a new physical perimeter comprising fencing and landscaping; replacement of framing and glazing at the northern, eastern and western entrances; and additional CCTV security cameras.126 The increased security measures follow the raising of the National Terrorism Threat Advisory System in September 2014, the first time the threat level had been raised since the system was introduced in 2003. The total cost of the security upgrades is $126.7 million,127 with works due to be completed by the end of 2018.

121. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished Visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 September 2017, p. 9464. 122. Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, ‘His Holiness Pope Tawadros II: 2017 Australian Papal Visit’, Pope of Hope website. 123. P Khalil, ‘Statements by Members: His Holiness Pope Tawadros II’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 September 2017 p. 9463. 124. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2016 Census of Population and Housing. 125. S Parry (President), ‘Parliamentary zone: approval of works’, Senate, Debates, 1 December 2016, pp. 3943; T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Zone’, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2016, p. 5089. 126. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Zone’, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2016, p. 5089. 127. Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee, Official committee Hansard, 22 May 2017, p. 61. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 28

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14 September Murphy Class A records tabled in Parliament The final set of documents from the 1986 Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of Justice Lionel Murphy is tabled in the Parliament. The papers, comprising material relating to the conduct of Justice Murphy, are published on the Parliament’s Lionel Murphy, during his time as a Senator (1962-74) website with ‘a small amount of personal 128 Image source: National Archives of Australia information…redacted’. While the papers 11259786 attract considerable media interest,129 Justice Murphy’s son, Cameron Murphy, is highly critical of the decision to release them.130

16 October Visit by the Irish President Irish President Michael Higgins visits Parliament House as part of his official visit to Australia.131 ‘President Higgins is the first Irish President to visit Australia as a Guest of Government Irish President Michael Higgins with Senate President since Her Excellency Mary McAleese in Stephen Parry and Speaker of the House of 1998.’132 Representatives Tony Smith Image source: Auspic

16 October Condolences for Evelyn Scott Parliament acknowledges the death of Indigenous elder and advocate Dr Evelyn Scott AO.133 Dr Scott was the first General-Secretary for the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, Chair of the Cairns and District Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Women, and Chairperson of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation between 1997 and

128. S Parry (President), ‘Statement by the President: Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry’, Senate, Debates, 22 June 2017, p. 4661; T Smith (Speaker), ‘Statement by the Speaker’, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 June 2017, p. 7423. 129. K McClymont, M Whitborn, ‘A judge and a Swiss bank account’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 September 2017; A Lynch, ‘The Lionel Murphy papers shed more light on a controversial life’, The Conversation, September 14 2017; A Davies, ‘Lionel Murphy papers: the allegations the inquiry wanted answering’, The Guardian,14 September 2017; A Clark, ‘Lionel Murphy inquiry papers prove no more guilt for the judge’, Australian Financial Review, 14 September 2017; G Kelly, ’Trials of Lionel Murphy ‘to clear the air’ just a witch-hunt’, The Australian, 29 September 2017. 130. B Norington, ‘Lionel Murphy couldn’t defend himself, says angry son’, The Australian, 14 September 2017. 131. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished Visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 16 October 2017, p. 10678; M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Remarks at the bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 16 October 2016. 132. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Visit to Australia by the President of Ireland, media release, 12 October 2017. 133. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Condolences: Scott, Dr Evelyn Ruth, AO’, House of Representatives, Debates, 16 October 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 29

Milestones Details Source Documents 2000.134

16 October Brendan Nottle’s Walk for the Homeless On 16 October, Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle arrives at Parliament House, completing his 40 day walk from Melbourne to highlight the issue of homelessness. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is among the many supporters who join Nottle for the final leg.135 While in Canberra, Major Nottle also meets with the Prime Minister to discuss a national plan on homelessness.136

18 October Australian Citizenship Bill discharged from the Notice Paper The Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017 is removed from the Senate Notice Paper. The Bill implements the Government’s announcement in April 2017 of a series of changes to citizenship policy,137 including a longer permanent residency requirement and a heightened English language requirement. The Bill also creates ‘new Ministerial powers to exclude personal decisions from merits review and override decisions of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal’ and ‘expanded powers to cancel citizenship approvals and to revoke citizenship’.138 The Bill is the subject of an inquiry by the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee.139 On 19 September, the Senate agrees (32 to 29) to a motion that the Bill be discharged from the notice paper if not finally considered by 18 October.140 The Bill is not called on and is duly discharged at the

134. Australian Government, ‘Dr Evelyn Scott AO (1935-2017)’, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website, 6 October 2017. 135.TEN Eyewitness News, ‘Brendan Nottle completes walk for the homeless’, TEN Eyewitness News (online), 16 October 2017. 136. I Royall, ‘Walk prize a win for homeless’, The Herald Sun, 19 October 2017. 137. M Turnbull (Prime Minister) and P Dutton (Minister for Immigration and Border Protection), Joint press conference: strengthening the integrity of Australian citizenship, media release, 20 April 2017. 138. C Petrie and H Sherrell, Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017, Bills Digest no. 23, 2017-18, Parliamentary Library, 1 September 2017, p. 1. 139. Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Report Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017, 5 September 2017. 140. Senate, ‘Consideration of legislation—Proposed discharge of order of the day’, Journals, 62, 13 September 2017, p. 1985. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 30

Milestones Details Source Documents close of business on 18 October.141

24 October Suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, (Lib., Wannon, Vic.), makes a statement in the House presenting the Government’s response to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report The Constant Battle: Suicide by Veterans.142 Dan Tehan The Government agrees to all the committee’s recommendations and Image source: Auspic announces a package of $31 million and new Watch the Ministerial Statement programs to ‘deliver better support for veterans and their families’.143 As recommended by the Committee, the ANAO commences an audit on the efficiency of veterans' service delivery by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The audit is tabled in June 2018.

25 October Marking National Week of Deaf People Julie Owens (ALP, Parramatta, NSW) stands in the House of Representatives to wish ‘the deaf community in Australia a happy National Week of Deaf People’, simultaneously delivering her speech in Auslan (sign language). 144 Two days earlier, Steve Georganas (ALP, Hindmarsh, SA), marks the week with a Julie Owens constituency statement in the Federation Image source: Auspic Chamber, highlighting the lack of supported Watch Julie Owens making her speech interpreter and translation services for the in Auslan deaf.145 In September, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport handed down its report Still waiting to be heard … Report on the Inquiry into the Hearing Health and Wellbeing of Australia.

141. Senate, ‘Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Requirements for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill 2017—Order of the day discharged’, Journals 66, 18 October 2017, p. 2131. 142. Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee, Report: The Constant Battle: Suicide by Veterans, Canberra, 14 August 2017. 143. D Tehan (Minister for Veteran’s Affairs), ‘Ministerial Statements: Veterans: Government Response to Report’, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 October 2017, p. 11705ff. 144. J Owens, ‘Statements by Members: National Week of Deaf People’, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 October 2017. 145. S Georganas, ‘Constituency Statements: National Week of Deaf People’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 October 2017, p. 11610. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 31

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27 October The High Court and the ‘Citizenship Seven’ The High Court hands down its judgment regarding the qualification of the six senators and the member of the House of Representatives referred to the Court of Disputed Returns. The The Court unanimously holds that Scott Image source: ABC News Ludlam (AG, WA), Larissa Waters (AG, Qld), Malcolm Roberts (PHON, Qld), Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) and Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) were each ‘a subject or a citizen … of a foreign power’ at the time of their nomination for the 2016 federal election, and that each was ‘therefore incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or member of the House of Representatives (as applicable)’.146 It finds (again unanimously) that neither Senator Canavan nor Senator Xenophon was disqualified by this provision.147 The Court orders the Australian Electoral Commission undertake special counts of the ballot papers to fill the four vacant Senate positions. The Speaker of the House of Representatives issues the writ for a by-election in New England to be held on 2 December 2017.148

28 October Ministerial reshuffle Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announces changes to the Ministry in the wake of the High Court Decision. The Prime Minister takes portfolio responsibility for Agriculture and Water. Senator Matt Canavan (NP, Qld) is sworn in again as the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia. Fiona Nash’s former portfolios are assigned to (NP, Gippsland, Vic.) and Senator (Vic.). Julie Bishop is appointed Acting Prime Minister during Mr Turnbull’s trip to Israel for commemorations

146. High Court of Australia, In the matters of questions referred to the Court Of Disputed Returns pursuant to section 376 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) concerning Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan, Mr Scott Ludlam, Ms Larissa Waters, Senator Malcolm Roberts, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash and Senator Nick Xenophon, [2017] HCA 45, judgment summary, 27 October 2017. 147. Ibid. 148. T Smith (Speaker), By-election for New England, media release, 27 October 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 32

Milestones Details Source Documents of the Battle of Beersheba.149

1 November Senate President announces resignation due to dual citizenship Senate President Stephen Parry (Lib., Tas.) announces his intention to resign, having ‘received advice from the British Home Office that [he is] a British citizen by virtue of [his] father’s birthplace, thereby being a dual citizen under the provisions of the Australian Constitution.’150 Senator Parry is the eighth parliamentarian to become enmeshed in the Stephen Parry 151 ‘dual citizenship saga’. Image source: Auspic Senator Parry’s matter is referred to the Court of Disputed Returns when the Senate next sits (13 November 2017).152 However, in accordance with section 3 of the Parliamentary Presiding Officers Act 1965, he is deemed to continue to be the Presiding Officer of the Senate until his successor is chosen by that House.

10 November John Alexander resigns due to dual citizenship; by-election in Bennelong John Alexander (Lib., Bennelong, NSW) resigns from Parliament, conceding he too is likely to be a dual British citizen by descent.153 With Mr Alexander’s resignation, the Government holds only 74 seats in the House of Representatives. However, having John Alexander renounced his British citizenship, he is returned as the member for Bennelong at Image source: Auspic the 16 December by-election. Alexander wins the seat by a margin of 8,217 votes154 over the ALP’s surprise candidate, former NSW Premier Kristina Kenneally, with a swing of - 4.84 per cent.155

149. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ministerial arrangements; visit to Israel; same-sex marriage legislation, media release, Sydney, 28 October 2017. 150. S Parry (President of the Senate), ‘Statement to Senate Colleagues’ and ‘Letter from Stephen Parry to the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia resigning from the Office of President of the Senate dated 2 November 2017’, tabled in the Senate on 13 November 2017. 151. R Yosufzai, ‘Senate President Stephen Parry signals resignation if he is a dual UK citizen’, SBS News, 31 October 2017. 152. Australia, Senate, ‘Resignation of President—Vacancy in the representation of Tasmania—Orders of Court of Disputed Returns—Election of senators’, Journals, 68 (proof), 2017, 13 November 2017, p. 2163. 153. J Norman, ‘Liberal backbencher John Alexander resigns amid deepening citizenship crisis’, ABC News [online], 11 November 2017; N Wolfe, ‘Liberal MP John Alexander quits over dual citizenship’, news.com.au, 11 November 2017. 154. Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), ‘Tally Room: Bennelong, NSW’, AEC webpage. 155. H Belot, ‘: Former NSW Premier to go up against John Alexander in Bennelong by-election’, ABC News online 15 November 2017; Australian Electoral Commission, ‘Tally Room: Bennelong, NSW’, AEC website. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 33

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13 November New senators sworn in From top, Senators Anning, Bartlett and Following its decision in [2017] Steele-John are HCA 45, on 10 November the High Court escorted to the declares three new senators elected to the Senate table to take Senate for Queensland and Western their oaths of office. Australia. They are sworn in to Parliament by Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove on 13 Image source: November: Auspic • (Qld), replacing former Senator Malcolm Roberts (PHON) • (Qld), replacing former Senator Larissa Waters (AG) • Jordon Steele-John (WA), replacing former Senator Scott Ludlam (AG).156 At age 23, Jordon Steele-John becomes the youngest person to enter the Senate. The former Member for Longman remains the youngest person to enter the Australian Parliament, having been elected aged 20 years and three months.157

13 November New President of the Senate Victorian Senator and Special Minister of State Scott Ryan (Lib.) is elected as the 25th President of the Senate, following the resignation of former Senator Stephen Parry (Lib., Tas.).158 At age 44, he is the youngest person to become President of the Senate. Senator Ryan resigns from the ministry to take up his appointment as President, and Finance Scott Ryan Minister Mathias Cormann (Lib., WA) takes Image source: Auspic on the role of acting Special Minister of Watch the election of the new State.159 President

13 November Citizenship registers for the Parliament and 4 December On 13 November the Senate agrees to establish a citizenship register, ‘requiring declarations and documentation from senators in respect of their citizenship status,

156. P Cosgrove (Governor-General), ‘Parliamentary representation: Senators sworn’, Senate, Debates, 13 November 2017, p. 8123. 157. H Gobbett, S Speldewinde and R Lundie, First, most and more: facts about the Federal Parliament, Research paper series, 2016–17, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017. 158. Australia, Senate, ‘Election of President’, Journals, 68 (proof), 2017, 13 November 2016, p. 2163. 159. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ministerial arrangements, media release 13 November 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 34

Milestones Details Source Documents any previous foreign citizenships held and actions taken to renounce them, birth places of parents and grandparents, and associated details’.160 The online register is overseen by the Standing Committee on Senators’ Interests. Senators’ declarations are to be lodged by 5pm on 1 December 2017. On 4 December, the House of Representatives also agrees to a resolution requiring each Member to provide (by 9am on 5 December) a statement (and evidence) in relation to citizenship to the Registrar of Members' Interests.161

13 November Read the condolence speeches in the Senate and in Tributes to former Governor-General the House of Representatives. and 4 December Ninian Stephen Condolence motions in the Senate (13 November) and in the House (4 December) pay tribute to Australia’s twentieth Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen who died on 29 October, aged 94.162 Following a distinguished legal career, culminating in his appointment to the High Court, Sir Ninian was sworn in as Governor General on 29 July 1982. He later served as a judge on the International Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda (1993-97).163 Sir Ninian is farewelled at a State Funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral (Melbourne) on 8 November.

14 November Senator Lambie resigns Having previously rejected speculation that she too may be a dual citizen,164 Senator Jacqui Lambie (JLN, Tas.) resigns from the Senate having received confirmation of UK 165 citizenship by descent.

160. Australia, Senate, ‘Proposed Citizenship Register’, Journals, 68 (proof), 2017, 13 November 2017, p. 2179. 161. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Proposed Citizenship Register’, Votes and Proceedings, 88, 4 December 2017, p. 1235. 162. Australian Financial Review, ‘Obituary: Sir Ninian dies at 94’, The Australian Financial Review, 30 October 2017 p.6. 163. High Court of Australia (HCA), ‘Sir Ninian Martin Stephen PC KG AK GCMG CGVO KBE QC’, HCA website; Politics and Public Administration Section, ‘Sir Ninian Stephen: 15 June 1923 – 29 October 2017’, Biographical information, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 1 November 2017. 164. P Karp, ‘Jacqui Lambie drawn into citizenship saga after 'revealing' father born in Scotland’, The Guardian, 8 November 2017; H Belot, ‘Jacqui Lambie denies citizenship concerns despite Scottish-born father’, Radio Australia, ABC Website, 9 November 2017. 165. J. Lambie, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Valedictory’, Senate, Debates, 14 November 2017, p. 8296. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 35

Milestones Details Source Documents Senator Lambie’s matter is referred to the Jacqui Lambie is farewelled by colleagues following Court of Disputed Returns.166 On 8 her valedictory speech. December, the High Court orders the two Image source: Auspic Tasmanian vacancies (created by the Watch Senator Lambie’s valedictory resignations of Senators Parry and Lambie) be filled by a special count of votes.167 The count identifies and Steve Martin as the candidates who should fill the vacancies. However, before the outcome can be declared, the High Court must first determine whether Mr Martin is an eligible candidate or whether, as Major of Devonport, he holds an office of profit under the Crown and so is prevented from being chosen by reason of section 44(iv) of the Constitution.168

15 November Results of the Australian Marriage Postal Law Survey and the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 Australian Statistician David Kalisch announces the results of the Marriage Law Postal Survey: 12,727,920 people have participated in the survey, 79.5 per cent of the eligible population, with 61.6 per cent Map showing results of the postal survey by electorate. responding ‘YES’ and 38.4 per cent Image source: Parliamentary Library responding ‘NO’ to the question: ‘should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?’ All states and territories record a majority YES response.169 Of the Federal Electoral Divisions, 133 record a majority YES response, and 17 a majority NO.170

166. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Lambie—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 69 (proof), 2017, 14 November 2017, p. 2201. 167. Re Parry; Re Lamb; Re Kakoschke-Moore [2017] HCATrans 254 (8 December 2017); Australian Electoral Commission, AEC to conduct special count for Tasmanian Senate, media release, updated 8 December 2017. 168. Re Parry; Re Lambie [2017] HCATrans 258 (13 December 2017). 169. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia supports changing the law to allow same-sex couples to marry, media release, 15 November 2017. 170. ABS, Australian marriage law postal survey, 2017, cat. no. 1800.0, ABS, Canberra, 15 November 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 36

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15 November The Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017 Senator Dean Smith (Lib., WA) introduces his private Senator’s Bill, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, co-sponsored by Senators Reynolds, Wong, Pratt, Di Natale, 171 Rice, Kakoschke-Moore, Hinch and Hume. Senator Dean Smith (centre) and five of the co- Drawing upon an earlier Government sponsors of his private bill (from left: Senators Louise 172 exposure draft, the Bill incorporates the Pratt, Janet Rice, Skye Kakoschke-Moore, Penny recommendations of a Senate Select Wong and Derryn Hinch. Committee regarding religious Image source: Auspic 173 protections. Watch the second reading speech Debate on the bill begins on the following Watch the third reading of the Bill in the Senate and day.174 and ALP members and the House of Representatives Senators are allowed a free vote. The bill passes the Senate on 29 November with amendments, 43 votes to 12.175 It passes the House of Representatives on 7 December (without amendment), with four members voting ‘no’.176 The Act enters into force on 9 December, with the first same sex weddings conducted (with special exemption from the 30 day waiting period) on 16 December.177

171. M A Neilsen, Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills Digest no. 54, 2017-18, Parliamentary Library, Canberra 2017. 172. Exposure draft of the marriage amendment (same-sex marriage) bill 173. Committee on the Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill, Report on the Commonwealth Government's Exposure Draft of the Marriage Amendment (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill, February 2017. M A Neilsen, Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills Digest no. 54, p.8. 174. D Smith, ‘Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017: Second Reading’, Senate, Debates, 16 November 2016, p. 8615. 175. Australia, Senate, ‘Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017’, Journals, 74 (proof), 2017, 29 November 2017, p. 2367. 176. House of Representatives, ‘Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017’, Votes and Proceedings, 91, 7 December 2017, p. 1288. 177.J Power and F Dmrtryshchak, ‘First official 'I do' for same-sex couple', Sunday Age, 17 December 2017; A Dow, ‘First same-sex wedding a race against time’, The Age 15 December 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 37

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15 November A new Senator for South Australia (NXT) is sworn in as Senator for South Australia, having been chosen by the Parliament of South Australia on to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation of party leader Nick Xenophon (NXT, SA) to contest the 2018 South Australian election.178 Although the party nominee for the position, Senator Patrick’s appointment to the casual Rex Patrick vacancy is less straightforward than usual: Image source: Auspic Lawyers representing former Nick Xenophon Watch the swearing in of Senator Team candidate Tim Storer write to the Patrick South Australian Premier asserting ‘rights in Watch Senator Patrick’s first speech relation to the filling of the casual vacancy’.179 The matter is resolved when Mr Storer subsequently withdraws his challenge.180 Senator Patrick makes his first speech on 4 December.181

19 November House of Representatives sittings postponed The Leader of the House (Lib., Sturt, SA) issues a statement stating that, given the Senate is ‘unlikely to finish debating the marriage equality bill until 30 November, the Prime Minister and I have consulted the Speaker and asked that he set an alternative day for the next meeting of the House, in accordance with the Standing Orders.

The House will resume on December 4 at 10am, not November 27, and will sit until marriage equality is law and all citizenship issues have been dealt with by the House.182 [emphasis in original]

House of Representatives Standing Order

178. N Xenophon, Why I will be leaving the Senate to run in the March 2018 South Australian election, media release, 6 October 2017 and Xenophon resigns from Senate, gears up for state poll, media release nd. 179. J W Weatherill, ‘Ministerial Statement: Senate Vacancy’, House of Assembly, Debates, 1 November 2017, p. 11798. 180. ‘Xenophon replacement settled as ‘rebel’ exits party’, Advertiser, 7 November 2017. 181. R Patrick, ‘First Speech: Patrick, Sen. Rex’, Senate, Debates, 4 December 2017, page 9538. 182. C Pyne (Leader of the House), Statement regarding the House of Representatives, media release, 20 November 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 38

Milestones Details Source Documents 309(c) provides that when ‘the House is not sitting, the Speaker may set an alternative day or hour for the next meeting’. The announcement is strongly criticised by the Opposition and minor parties.183

22 November Philip Ruddock appointed to head religious freedom review Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announces the appointment of Philip Ruddock to examine whether Australian law adequately protects religious freedom.184 Mr Ruddock is to report his findings by 31 March 2018.

22 November Senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore resigns due to dual citizenship Senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore (NXT, SA) announces her resignation as a senator having ‘received advice from the UK Home Office … that she had received British citizenship from her mother, who was born in Singapore in 1957’.185

The Senate refers the matter to the Court of Skye Kakoschke-Moore Disputed Returns when it next meets (27 Image source: Auspic November).186

23 November Foreign Affairs White Paper released The Government releases its Foreign Policy White Paper, the first such document since 2003, setting out ‘the Government’s strategy for engaging with the world, and in particular the Indo-Pacific region, over the next decade’.187

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister and DFAT Secretary Frances Adamson at the launch of the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper. Image source: DFAT/Nathan Fulton, Linda Roche

183. H Belot, ‘Government cancels sitting week to deal with SSM vote, clean up citizenship mess’, ABC News [online], 21 November 2017; M Doran, ‘Parliament cancelled or delayed? Major parties trade insults ahead of final sitting weeks’, ABC News [online], 21 November 2017; P Karp and G Hutchens, ‘Government accused of avoiding revolt as parliamentary sitting week cancelled’, The Guardian, 20 November 2017; R Baxendale, ‘Labor, Greens to join Katter in Canberra despite postponed sitting week’, The Australian 20 November 2017. 184. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ruddock to examine religious freedom protection in Australia, media release, 22 November 2017. 185. P Karp, ‘Skye Kakoschke-Moore: NXT senator resigns over dual citizenship’, The Guardian, 22 November 2017; Skye Kakoschke-Moore, Statement on Citizenship, media release, 22 November 2017. 186. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of former Senator Kakoschke-Moore—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 72 (proof), 2017, 27 November 2017, p. 2275. 187. M Parkinson, ‘2017 Foreign Policy White Paper: advancing Australia’s interests’, DFAT Blog, 22 November 2017, accessed 15 January 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 39

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28 November Committee inquiry into section 44 of the Constitution On 28 November, the Prime Minister refers to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters an inquiry into aspects of section 44 of the Australian Constitution, including:

How electoral laws and the administration thereof could be improved to minimise the risk of candidates being found ineligible pursuant to section 44(i)

Whether the Parliament is able to legislate to make the operation of section 44(i) more certain and predictable, and

Whether the Parliament should seek to amend section 44(i).188 The Committee reports on 17 May 2018.

29 November Senator Steele-John crowdsources his first speech Senator Jordon Steele-John (AG, WA) delivers his first speech.189 Taking a fresh approach to a venerable tradition, the Senator had turned to social media to crowdsource its contents, receiving 3,000 responses to his question: ‘you could say anything* to the people in this place what would you say?’ Jordon Steele-John I'm rather thrilled to be able to say Image source: Auspic that the response was quite overwhelming. Over 130,000 people saw our post. Almost 3,000 people told me what is important to them and what they think we should be doing here in this parliament, and that's not including the countless phone calls to my office, the emails and the many letters I've received as well as the conversations I've had with constituents.190

Watch Senator Steele-John’s first speech

188. Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, Inquiry into matters relating to section 44 of the Constitution, ‘Terms of Reference’, Parliament of Australia website. 189. J Steele-John, ‘First Speech: Steele-John, Sen. Jordon’, Senate, Debates 29 November 2017, p. 9256. 190. Ibid., p. 9257. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 40

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29 November Preventing leaks at Parliament House Scaffolding is put in place on the roof of Parliament House to enable repair of the main skylight. Over time, glazing in the link ways and skylights has deteriorated and de-laminated, resulting in leaks. ’A couple of years ago, during a particularly vigorous thunderstorm, attendants had to use both [towels and buckets] in the House of Representatives to mop up the drips that fell from the roof 191 during question time.’ Scaffolding over the main skylight, Australian In 2016-17, the Government provided Parliament House $18.3 million in capital over two years to Image source: Auspic repair and strengthen the main and side skylights within the APH.192

30 November Banking Royal Commission Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Treasurer Scott Morrison announce a royal commission into ‘the alleged misconduct of Australia’s banks and other financial services entities’.193 On 18 December, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove issues the Letters Patent appointing former High Court Justice Kenneth Hayne as Royal Commissioner and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull setting out the terms of reference for the Image source: Auspic Inquiry.

2 December New England by-election Barnaby Joyce is elected to the House of Representatives at the New England by- election on 2 December, defeating Labor candidate David Ewings by 64,664 votes to 23,159, a margin of 41,505 votes. The result represents a 7.21 per cent swing to Mr Joyce. Voter turnout is a little over 87 per cent.194 Barnaby Joyce being sworn into Parliament Although a party to the High Court case Image source: Auspic which saw Mr Joyce disqualified, former Watch Mr Joyce’s swearing in

191. S Peatling, ‘House leaks are beyond the pail’, The Canberra Times, 5 August 2017. 192. Australian Government, Budget measures: budget paper no. 2: 2016–17, p. 133; T McIlroy, ‘High price to mopping up years of leaks in Parliament’, The Canberra Times, 30 November 2017. 193. M. Turnbull (Prime Minister) and S. Morrison (Treasurer), Royal Commission—banks and financial services, joint media release, 20 November 2017. See also, M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Transcript of joint press conference, Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 30 November 2017. 194. AEC, ‘Tally Room: New England (NSW)’, AEC website. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 41

Milestones Details Source Documents independent member for New England decides not to contest the by- election.195 The poll is declared on 6 December, and the writ returned to the Speaker of the House of Representatives the same day.196 At 2pm, the Speaker informs the House that he has received a return to writ certifying Mr Joyce’s election, and he is admitted and sworn in immediately thereafter.197

4 December A proposal from the floor! At the conclusion of his second reading speech on the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill, Tim Wilson (Lib., Goldstein, Vic.) proposes to his partner who is seated in the gallery—the first time a marriage proposal has been made from the floor of the Parliament.198 Mr Wilson’s partner says yes.199 Tim Wilson in the House of Representatives Image source: Auspic

Watch Tim Wilson’s second reading speech

4 December Refugees and New Zealand: Government loses vote in the House On 29 November, the Senate agrees to a motion calling on the Prime Minister to accept New Zealand’s offer to resettle 150 refugees currently in off-shore detention.200 The Senate requests the concurrence of the House in the resolution. The Senate’s message is debated in the House on 4 December, with the Government losing the vote 73 votes to 72 when two of its MPs (Warren Entsch and Steve Ciobo) are absent from the chamber.201 The Leader of the House (Christopher Pyne) moves that the vote be held again in accordance with standing order 132 (new division in case or

195. ABC News, ‘Tony Windsor confirms he will not run against Barnaby Joyce in New England by-election’, ABC News (online), 27 October 2017; M Doran, ‘Tony Windsor demands High Court find political nemesis Barnaby Joyce ineligible for office’, ABC News (online), 3 October 2017. 196. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Return to Writ—New England Division’, Votes and Proceedings, 90, 6 December 2017, p. 1271. 197. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Representation: Members Sworn’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, p. 12831. 198. T Wilson, ‘Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017: Second Reading’, House of Representatives Debates, 4 December 2017, p. 33. 199. Ibid. 200. Australia, Senate, ‘Asylum seekers—resettlement offer from New Zealand’, Journals, 74 (proof), 29 November 2017, p. 2381. 201. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Message from the Senate’, Votes and Proceedings, 88, 4 December 2017, pp. 1243. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 42

Milestones Details Source Documents error, confusion or misadventure). The Speaker agrees, but requires the two members to first ‘explain to the House that they missed the vote through one of the reasons in the standing orders, notably misadventure’.202 The Government wins the vote when the House divides again.203

4 December Celebration of Parliament’s first honey harvest On 4 December, Senate President Scott Ryan presides over the first harvest of honey from the new hives. Over two hundred people, including politicians, diplomats and members of the public, gather in the Great Hall for Bee keepers on their way to the first harvest of speeches, tastings, and information sessions. Parliament House honey. Image source: Auspic Read: Safekeeping, a report of a roundtable on the biosecurity of the Australian honey bee, convened by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources.

6 December Citizenship referrals and debate in the House Publication of senators and members information in the new citizenship registers generates another wave of speculation and debate regarding parliamentarians’ eligibility.204 On 5 December (ALP, Batman, Vic.) announces that is unable to locate documentation confirming renunciation of David Feeney his British and Irish citizenship.205 Mr Feeney Image source: Auspic is referred to the High Court, on motion of the Manager of Opposition Business (Tony Watch Mr Feeney’s statement in the Federation Burke), the following day.206 Chamber Watch the debate in the House of Representatives This referral follows an unsuccessful Opposition motion to refer to the High Court, in addition to the Member for Batman, a

202. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Resolutions of the Senate: Asylum Seekers: Consideration of Senate Message’, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 December 2017, p. 12415. 203. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Message from the Senate’, Votes and Proceedings, 88, 4 December 2017, p. 1248. 204. L Yaxley, ‘Citizenship documents, family histories of all federal senators released today’, ABC News [online], 4 December 2017; J Gans, ‘Papers, Please!’, Inside Story, 8 December 2017; ‘More MPs caught up in dual citizenship saga as register is made public’, SBS News, 5 December 2017; K Murphy, P Karp and G Hutchens, ‘David Feeney says he may hold dual citizenship as more MPs’ futures in balance’, The Guardian, 5 December 2017. 205. D Feeney, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members: Feeney, David, MP’, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 December 2017, p. 12731. 206. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Reference of Matter to Court of Disputed Returns’, Votes and Proceedings, 90, 6 December 2017, p. 1275. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 43

Milestones Details Source Documents number of other members about whose eligibility concerns had been expressed: Justine Keay (ALP, Braddon, Tas.); Josh Wilson (ALP, Freemantle, WA); Susan Lamb (ALP, Longman, Qld.); (NXT, Mayo, SA); Julia Banks (Lib., Chisholm, Vic.); (Lib., Mitchell, NSW); (Lib., Forrest, WA); and Jason Falinski (Lib., Mackellar, NSW). When the House divides on the motion, the vote is tied. In keeping with established precedent, the Speaker exercises his casting vote with the ‘noes’.207

6 December A further citizenship referral in the Senate In the upper house, by motion of her leader, Senator (ALP, ACT) is referred to the Court of Disputed Returns.208 She is the first Labor senator to be referred. This follows earlier speculation that the Senator held citizenship by descent from Ecuador or Britain.209 Senator Gallagher states that she had taken ‘all reasonable Katy Gallagher steps’ to renounce any citizenship Image source: Auspic entitlement but did not receive confirmation of this from the UK until 16 August 2018— some 118 days later. She also confirms that she ‘had indeed received British citizenship from [her] father’.210 Senator Gallagher stands down from the shadow cabinet and from the position of Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate until the matter is resolved.211 The Constitution requires that candidates not hold foreign citizenship at the time they nominate.212 The Senate notes, in a procedural bulletin, that ‘[t]he question engaged by Senator Gallagher’s case is whether … [the reasonable efforts] exception

207. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, p. 12889. 208. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Gallagher—Reference to Court of disputed Returns’, Journals, no. 78, 6 December 2017, p. 2471. 209. K. Gallagher, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators: Senator Katy Gallagher’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017; T McIlroy and B Hall, ‘Gallagher's status as Ecuadorian 'fanciful'’, The Canberra Times , 30 August 2017; Australian Associated Press, ‘Labor senator Katy Gallagher 'is not and has never been' a citizen of Ecuador’, The Guardian, 29 August 2017; T McIlroy, ‘Labor sought legal advice over Katy Gallagher's citizenship status’ The Canberra Times, 4 September 2017; T McIlroy, ‘Katy Gallagher faces High Court referral over dual citizenship amid cross-party talks’, The Canberra Times, 5 December 2017. 210. K Gallagher, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Gallagher, Senator Katy’, Senate, Debates, 6 December 2017, p. 9795. 211. Ibid., p. 9796. 212. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 27 November to 7 December 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 321, Parliament of Australia, n.d. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 44

Milestones Details Source Documents may also apply where a person has taken all necessary steps to renounce, but foreign law – or, possibly, foreign bureaucracy – has not operated to effect a change in status prior to nomination.’213 On 30 November the ACT Legislative Assembly establishes an inquiry to determine whether the Assembly should adopt new practices in appointing senators.214

6 December Committee inquiry into decisions of the Court of Disputed returns On 6 December, the Senate refers the implications of recent decisions made to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for inquiry and report by Tuesday 6 February. The Terms of Reference are: The implications of recent decisions by the Court of Disputed Returns concerning section 44 of the Constitution on questions referred by the Parliament under section 376 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, with particular reference to:

(a) the decisions in connection with the disqualification of former Senators Bob Day and Rodney Culleton; (b) a regime for disclosing information relating to aspects other than section 44(i), for which the Parliament has already provided; (c) the form such a process might take and how it could be implemented; and (d) any related matters.215

Committee Chair Senator (Lib., WA) says the inquiry is ‘an opportunity to provide greater clarity to the electoral

213. Ibid. 214. V Dunne (Deputy Speaker), ‘Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee Proposed Referral, ACT Legislative Assembly, Debates, 30 December 2017, p. 5393. 215. Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, Inquiry into matters relating to section 44 of the Constitution, ‘Terms of Reference’, Parliament of Australia website. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 45

Milestones Details Source Documents process.’216 The committee reports in February 2018.

6 December Parliament marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Harold Holt 17 December is the 50th anniversary of the disappearance of Prime Minister Harold Holt at Cheviot Beach near Portsea, Victoria.217 On 6 December the House of Representatives marks ‘one of the confounding events’ in Australia’s history and the life and achievements of the 17th Prime

Minister of Australia.218 Harold Holt Speaking on indulgence, the Prime Minister Image source: Parliamentary Library states: In his short time as Prime Minister, Watch the statements on the anniversary of the Harold Holt led Australia into a new death of Harold Holt in the House of Representatives era. … As Prime Minister, he ushered in many of the reforms that we now consider so crucial, such watersheds, in our evolution to the modern nation we are today. He oversaw the dismantling of the White Australia policy, throwing open our doors to people from all corners of the world ….

He drove the historic 1967 referendum 'yes' vote, winning the overwhelming approval of the nation to empower the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal people and ensuring that our first peoples were included in the national census. It was in his time as Prime Minister that Australians adopted the dollar over the pound and began navigating the shifting sands of a world with new economic rules and allegiances. In the context of massive global geopolitical realignment he reintroduced Australia to our region and forged deeper ties in Asia.219

216. Parliament of Australia, ‘New inquiry on decisions made by the Court of Disputed Returns’, media release, 12 December 2017. 217. I R Hancock, ‘Holt, Harold Edward (1908-1967)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 14, Melbourne University Press, 1996. 218. M Turnbull, ‘Statements on Indulgence: Holt, Hon Harold Edward CH’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017. 219. Ibid. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 46

Milestones Details Source Documents Members of Mr Holt’s family and friends of the Holt family are seated on the floor of the Chamber to listen to the debate.220

6 December Joint Committee report on modern slavery The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade tables Hidden in Plain Sight, the final report into its inquiry into establishing a modern slavery act. The Committee recommends a new Act that would draw together existing slavery and associated offences and, inter alia: • provide for an Anti-Slavery Commissioner; • provide for mandatory supply chain reporting; • establish a national compensation scheme for victims of modern slavery; • address orphanage trafficking; and • improve criminal justice responses.221

7 December Nationals elect new Deputy Leader The Nationals elect Senator Bridget McKenzie (Vic.) as its deputy leader, replacing Fiona Nash (NSW) whose election was ruled void under section 44(i) of the Constitution. Senator McKenzie was first elected to the Senate at the 2010 general election, beginning her term on 1 July 2011. Bridget McKenzie Image source: Auspic

220. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, p. 12831. 221. Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Hidden in Plain Sight: An inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia, Canberra, 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 47

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12 December Labor Senator announces his resignation Senator (ALP, NSW) announces his intention not to return to the Senate in 2018.222 This follows the Senator’s 30 November resignation as Deputy Opposition Whip223 amidst growing public controversy regarding his alleged ties to a political donor linked to the Chinese Communist Party.224 On 7 December, Attorney-General George Brandis Sam Dastyari gave notice of his intention to seek to refer Image source: Auspic Senator Dastyari to the Senate Privileges Committee.225 Senator Dastyari first entered Parliament in August 2013, filling a casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Matt Thistlethwaite (ALP, NSW).

15 December Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse concludes The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse presents its 17 volume final report to Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove. The Royal Commission was announced in November 2012 by then Prime Minister in November 2012226 and formally established in January 2013.227 The Royal Commission makes over 400 recommendations.228 On 26 October 2017, the then Minister for Social Services (Lib., Pearce, WA) introduced a bill to establish a Commonwealth redress scheme which would provide compensation and access to

222. S Dastyari, Statement, media release, 12 December 2017. 223. S Dastyari, Statements: Dastyari, Senator Sam, Senate, Debates, 30 November 2017, p. 1. 224. N McKenzie, J Massola and R Baker, ‘Dastyari told donor of phone tap’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 November 2017; Q McDermott, ‘Sam Dastyari 'tried to pressure' not to meet with Chinese activist’, ABC News [online], 11 December 2017; K Murphy, ‘The quest for Sam Dastyari's scalp turned a serious issue into a circus’,The Guardian online, 12 December 2017; M Grattan, ‘Two Labor frontbenchers urge Sam Dastyari to consider his position’, The Conversation, 11 December 2017. 225. S Ryan (President), ‘Privilege’, Senate, Debates, 7 December 2017, p. 105. 226. J Gillard (Prime Minister), Transcript of press conference: Parliament House,: Royal Commission into child sexual abuse, media release, 12 November 2012. 227. J Gillard (Prime Minister), Government formally establishes Royal Commission, media release, 11 January 2013 [enclosing Letters Patent and Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission]. 228. Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Final Report released, media release, 15 December 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 48

Milestones Details Source Documents counselling to eligible survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.229 On 20 June 2017, a joint select committee is established to oversee the Royal Commission’s redress related recommendations.230 The Committee, chaired by Senator Derryn Hinch (DHJP, Vic.), held hearings and accepted submissions in 2018. Its final reporting date, originally in November 2018, was extended to March 2019.

19 December Major Cabinet reshuffle Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announces a much anticipated reshuffle of his ministry.231 As foreshadowed,232 becomes Minister for a new portfolio of Home Affairs, which brings together ‘Australia’s immigration, border protection, law enforcement and domestic security agencies in a single portfolio’.233 Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove with the new ministry Christian Porter (Lib., Pearce, WA) moves Image source: Auspic from Social Services to replace George Brandis (Lib., Qld) as Attorney-General—with Senator Brandis to take up the position of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in the new year. Before entering federal parliament, Porter served as the Attorney- General of Western Australia.234 Nationals Leader Barnaby Joyce (New England, NSW) becomes Minister for Infrastructure, replacing Darren Chester (NP, Gippsland, Vic.) who returns to the back bench.235

229. Commonwealth Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2017. 230. Australia, Senate, ‘Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse—Joint Select Committee—Appointment’, Journals, 45 (proof), 2017, 19 June 2017, p. 1472; Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Message from the Senate’, Votes and Proceedings, 62, 20 June 2017, pp. 869–71. 231. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ministerial Arrangements, media release, 19 December 2017. 232. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Transcript of press conference: Parliament House, Canberra: 18 July 2017: National security reform announcement, transcript, 18 July 2017; M Turnbull (Prime Minister), G Brandis (Attorney-General), P Dutton (Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) and M Keenan (Minister for Justice), A strong and secure Australia, joint media release, 18 July 2017. 233. C Barker and S Fallon, ‘What we know so far about the new Home Affairs portfolio: a quick guide’, Research paper series, 2017-18, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017. 234. Parliament of Western Australia, ‘Hon Charles Christian (Christian) Porter MLA’, extract from the Western Australian Parliamentary Handbook, webpage. 235. L Yaxley, ‘Cabinet reshuffle ruffles feathers in National Party, but Chester won’t rail against Littleproud’, ABC News [online]; J Kelly, ‘Boost for conservatives as Turnbull resets his team’, The Australian, 20 December 2017. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 49

Milestones Details Source Documents The number of women in Cabinet remains unchanged at five.236 Tasmania is not represented.237 The new Cabinet is sworn in on 20 December.

22 December NSW Senate recount declared On 22 December, the High Court declares retired Major-General Andrew James (Jim) Molan (Lib.) elected as Senator for the State of NSW, replacing Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) whose election was ruled void on 27 October.238 Filling the NSW Senate vacancy has proved complicated. Liberal Hollie Hughes had been identified by a special count of the ballots as the AO candidate to fill the vacant NSW seat. Image source: Auspic However, the High Court subsequently found that Hughes was ‘incapable of being chosen’ by operation of s 44(iv) of the Constitution, as she had been appointed a part-time member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, with effect from 1 July 2017 to 27 October 2017—and thus held an office of profit under the Crown.239 The Court’s reasons confirm ‘that a Senate election is not concluded if it returns an invalid candidate, but continues until a senator is validly elected. Any disqualification which arises in the meantime … renders the candidate incapable of being chosen.’240 Senator Molan is sworn in on 5 February 2018,241 and gives his first 242 speech on 14 February.

236. J Ireland, ‘Comment: Have yourself a merit little Christmas: Turnbull's reshuffle a logic-free zone’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 December 2017; P van Onselen, ‘Opinion: Why did capable women miss out?’, The Australian, 22 December 2017. 237. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Transcript of press conference: Sydney: 19 December 2017: Ministerial arrangements; climate change review’. 238. Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), ‘Senate special counts—statements of results: NSW 22 November 2017’, AEC webpage, accessed 10 January 2018. 239. Re Nash [No 2] [2017] HCA 52 240. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 27 November to 7 December 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 321, Parliament of Australia, 21 December 2017. 241. Australia, Senate, ‘Vacancy in the representation of —Election of Jim Molan’, Senate, Journals, No. 80 (proof), 5 February 2018, p. 2555. 242. J Molan, ‘First Speech: Molan, Sen Jim’, Senate, Debates, 14 February 2018, p. 1142. Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 50

Appendix: Key Commonwealth Acts passed in 2017

ACT BILLS DIGEST PURPOSE OF ACT

Banking

Major Bank Levy Act Introduced with the Treasury Laws Amendment (Major 2017 Bank Levy) Act 2017, the Act imposes a levy on authorised deposit-taking institutions with total liabilities of more than $100 billion.

Consumer law

Competition and P Pyburne, Competition The purpose of this Act is to amend the Australian Consumer and Consumer Consumer Law, which is in the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Country Amendment (Country of Act 2010 to simplify the test that is used to justify a claim of Origin) Act 2017 Origin) Bill 2016, Bills that certain foods were ‘made in’ a specified country of Digest origin. The Act achieves this by amending one of the safe harbour provisions in the Australian Consumer Law.

Criminal law

Criminal Code M Biddington, Criminal The purpose of the Act is to introduce an offence to Amendment Code Amendment criminalise acts done using a carriage service to prepare or (Protecting Minors (Protecting Minors plan to cause harm to, procure, or engage in sexual activity Online) Act 2017 Online) Bill 2017, Bills with, a person under the age of 16. This expressly includes Digest a person misrepresenting their age online as part of a plan to cause harm to another person under 16 years of age.

Education and training

Education and Other J Griffiths, C Ey, P To amend the Ombudsman Act 1976 to establish the office Legislation Pyburne, Education and of the VET Student Loans Ombudsman. In addition, the Act Amendment Act (No. Other Legislation amends the Australian Research Council Act 2001 to update 1) 2017 Amendment Bill (No. 1) indexation against appropriation funding caps for existing 2017, Bills Digest legislated amounts and includes an additional forward estimate amount.

Social Security M Thomas, Social Amends the: Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans’ Legislation Security Legislation Entitlements Act 1986 to provide that fortnightly incentive Amendment (Youth Amendment (Youth Jobs payments made to young job seekers undertaking Jobs Path: Prepare, Path: Prepare, Trial, Hire) internships under the Youth Jobs PaTH do not affect social Trial, Hire) Act 2017 Bill 2016, Bills Digest security payments or veterans’ entitlements; and Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 to provide that young job seekers employed by a Youth Jobs PaTH employer may have their social security payments suspended rather than cancelled in certain circumstances.

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Family law

Enhancing Online M Biddington, Enhancing To amend the Enhancing Online Safety for Children Act Safety for Children Online Safety for 2015 (the Act) to broaden the functions of the Children’s Amendment Act 2017 Children Amendment Bill eSafety Commissioner to include online safety for all 2017, Bills Digest Australians. As part of the amendments, the name of the Act will be amended, to be known as the Enhancing Online Safety Act 2015.

Gambling

Interactive Gambling R Jolly, Interactive To amend the Interactive Gambling Act to clarify licensing Amendment Act 2017 Gambling Amendment requirements for interactive gambling services in Australia, Bill 2016, Bills Digest to introduce a civil penalty regime to be enforced by ACMA and to define prohibited interactive gambling services not to be provided in Australia. The Act redefines telephone betting service specifically to exclude the in-play betting options offered by interactive betting services.

Human rights

Human Rights Amends (among other things) the: Racial Discrimination Act Legislation 1975 to: amend section 18C, which prohibits offensive Amendment Act 2017 behaviour based on racial hatred, to replace the words ‘offend’, ‘insult’ and ‘humiliate’ with ‘harass’ (resulting in the formulation ‘harass or intimidate’); and provide that an assessment of whether an act is reasonably likely to harass or intimidate a person or group of persons is made against the standard of a reasonable member of the Australian community.

Immigration and refugee law

Migration C Petrie, Migration Amends the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) to safeguard the Amendment Amendment (Validation validity of character decisions made by the Department, in (Validation of of Decisions) Bill 2017, the case of a successful High Court challenge to the validity Decisions) Act 2017 Bills Digest. of section 503A of the Act.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

National Disability P Pyburne, National Amends the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 Insurance Scheme Disability Insurance to establish the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission as Amendment (Quality Scheme Amendment an independent statutory body with a range of regulatory and Safeguards (Quality and Safeguards functions. It also makes amendments to the NDIS Act in Commission and Commission and Other accordance with the recommendations of an independent Other Measures) Act Measures) Bill 2017, Bills review that was undertaken in 2015. 2017 Digest

Native title

Native Title C Raymond, Native Title The Act proposes to: a. confirm the legal status and Amendment Amendment (Indigenous enforceability of agreements which have been registered

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(Indigenous Land Use Land Use Agreements) by the Native Title Registrar on the Register of Indigenous Agreements) Act Bill 2017, Bills Digest. Land Use Agreements without the signature of all members 2017 of a registered native title claimant; b. enable registration of agreements which have been made but have not yet been registered on the Register of Indigenous Land Use Agreements; and c. ensure that in the future, area ILUAs can be registered without requiring every member of the RNTC to be a party to the agreement.

Parliament

Parliamentary C Madden, Parliamentary Amends the: Members of Parliament (Life Gold Pass) Act Entitlements Entitlements Legislation 2002 to: amend the short title of the Act to Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, the Parliamentary Retirement Travel Act 2002; impose Amendment Act 2017 Bills Digest certain limits on access to the parliamentary retirement travel entitlement; reduce the number of trips available under the entitlement; remove the ability of spouses or de facto partners (other than those of a former prime minister) to access the entitlement; reduce the entitlement of spouses or de facto partners of a former prime minister; and require that all travel under the entitlement be subject to a public benefit test; Parliamentary Entitlements Act 1990 to: apply a 25 per cent loading to any adjustment to a prescribed travel benefit; and limit the domestic travel entitlement of dependent children of senior officers to those under 18 years of age; and Parliamentary Entitlements Act 1990 and Members of Parliament (Life Gold Pass) Act 2002 to enable the recovery of payments made which are beyond the entitlement.

Independent Introduced with the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Parliamentary Authority (Consequential Amendments) Act 2017, the Act: Expenses Authority establishes the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Act 2017 Authority as an independent statutory authority with responsibilities in relation to expenses and allowances of parliamentarians and their staff; provides for the Authority’s functions, powers, liabilities, membership, and appointment of a chief executive officer and staff; and provides for an independent review of the Authority.

Privacy

Privacy Amendment MA Neilsen, Privacy Implements recommendations of the Parliamentary Joint (Notifiable Data Amendment (Notifiable Committee on Intelligence and Security’s Advisory report Breaches) Act 2017 Data Breaches) Bill 2016, on the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Bills Digest Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2014 and the Australian Law Reform Commission’s report For Your Information: Australian Privacy Law and Practice by amending the Privacy Act 1988 to require agencies, organisations and certain other entities to provide notice to the Australian Information Commissioner and affected individuals of an eligible data breach.

Australia's Parliament House in 2017: a chronology of events 53

Same sex marriage

Marriage Marriage Amendment Amends the: Marriage Act 1961 to: redefine marriage as ‘a Amendment (Definition and Religious union of two people’; introduce non-gendered language so (Definition and Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills that the requirements of the Act apply equally to all Religious Freedoms) Digest marriages; enable same-sex marriages that have been, or Bill 2017 will be, solemnised under the law of a foreign country to be recognised in Australia; amend the definition of ‘authorised celebrant’ to include new categories of religious marriage celebrants and certain Australian Defence Force officers; enable ministers of religion, religious marriage celebrants, chaplains and bodies established for religious purposes to refuse to solemnise or provide facilities, goods and services for marriages on religious grounds; and make amendments contingent on the commencement of the proposed Civil Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2017; and Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to provide that a refusal by a minister of religion, religious marriage celebrant or chaplain to solemnise marriage in prescribed circumstances does not constitute unlawful discrimination.

Transport

Transport Security C Raymond, Transport Amends the: Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 to enable Legislation Security Legislation people, vehicles and goods to undergo aviation security Amendment Act 2017 Amendment Bill 2016, screening within an airside area or zone at a security Bills Digest controlled airport; and Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 to enable the secretary to delegate his or her powers to lower level Australian Public Service employees.

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