MARK DREYFUS MP

This bill, like many similar bills that have come before successive parliaments, will not set the world alight, but they are a necessary administrative task of the parliament, and the Labor Party supports them.

Labor has for over a century demonstrated its understanding that it is a paramount responsibility of all parliamentarians to keep our community safe and our nation secure. We in Labor have demonstrated this commitment by working in a bipartisan way, whether in government or in opposition, to ensure that our security and law enforcement agencies have the powers and resources they need to keep our communities safe.

Australia is not merely an ally of Israel. We are a friend.

And this is a friendship has stood the test of time, through the upheavals of our political cycles here in Australia, and though the ever-changing diplomatic and political conditions of the world in which we live.

Australia has a proud history of passionate political expression, and last week, when Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, threatened to 'beat up' Australians who protest his visit to the ASEAN Summit in Sydney next month, he was rightly condemned by thousands of Australians both within and outside the Australian Cambodian community.

James Stott, known to everyone as Jim, was a giant of lifesaving in bayside Melbourne.

Labor is committed at all levels of government to combatting elder abuse in all its forms. We will work in Government not just with the States and Territories, but also with our non-government partners, including the CLCs, to combat elder abuse.

If this government truly believes in integrity and the importance of our democracy, they will put partisan politics aside and support Labor's initiative.

I love these events because it gives me an opportunity to listen to the views and experiences of local seniors as well as an opportunity to thank them for the contribution that they have made to making our community the great place that it is.

It is not too late to improve your legacy, Senator Brandis. You can start by respecting the staff of the federal courts.

This is a great moment for our country. At long last, after too long a delay, we have a bill to achieve marriage equality before the House of Representatives, a bill which has already passed the Senate. It will be a greater moment when, as I sincerely hope, this bill passes this House and marriage equality is finally a reality. It will be a moment which makes Australia a better place.