Debates

Housing aspects of the Stimulus Package

Thursday 12th February 2009, 12:00am

Senator SHERRY (Tasmania-Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law) (10.25 am)-That was a very effective contribution. I think Senator Cameron outlined very succinctly the issues facing this chamber and the country. Senator Ludlam is here. I have, as I have indicated, been responding to questions in this committee stage. I want to outline to him a response to an issue that he raised yesterday. I think this is now the only question that we have not responded to and I want to take this opportunity in the early stage of the committee debate today to respond.

Senator Ludlam asked for information about the degree to which the government is considering resilient housing measures and adaptability to these sorts of events and what kinds of benchmarks we would be setting for the developers and builders. Bearing in mind that the package has not been passed yet and obviously there are some discussions going on with the states and territories-hopefully, the package will be passed and those discussions have got down to the detail but there is no conclusion yet-the government will be encouraging social housing projects that incorporate innovative ideas in both the design and construction elements. This will include construction techniques and use of materials that will make housing more resilient over time.

Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Laws Bill 2008

Tuesday 18th November 2008, 6:32pm

Senator LUDLAM (Western Australia) (1.33pm)-I move Greens amendment (1) on sheet 5636:
(1) [Amendment to Senator Troeth's amendment (1) on sheet 5632]
At the end of paragraph (g) of the definition of terrorism laws, add:
; (h) any other law or part of a law of the Commonwealth under which a power is conferred or a liability is established in connection with, either directly or indirectly, a terrorist act (whether or not a terrorist act has occurred or will occur).