I was pleased to speak on the motion which affirms Australia’s commitment to the abolition of the death penalty on a global level and also acknowledges the bipartisan position of Australian governments over many years in our continued opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances for all people.

The death penalty has no place in modern society and my own personal opposition to it is absolute. It comes from my profound believe that no human being has the right to take the life of another human being under any circumstances. It is also central to the tenant of our belief – and my belief – in human dignity and the power of forgiveness and mercy.

I spoke in Parliament in support of the more than 2,700 Australians – most of them boys and men – living with haemophilia. I want to also acknowledge the members of the Haemophilia Foundation of Australia and I want to thank them for raising awareness of this insidious disease not only between 7 to 13 October - Bleeding Disorders Awareness Week, but all the work they do in delivering vital support to Australians with bleeding disorders through advocacy, education and promotion of research.

I spoke in Parliament about Trudi and Steven Hay's annual fundraising efforts to raise money for the Northern Hospital.

10 years ago Trudi's friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, this experience motivated Trudi to contact the fundraising team at Northern Health and find a way to give back meaningfully to the community.

We strongly condemn the motion put to the Senate by Senator Pauline Hanson and the decision by 23 government Senators to vote with One Nation to support it.

It is not OK to affirm white supremacist slogans in the Australian Senate. It is not OK for 23 members of the Morrison government to endorse white supremacism in the Australian Parliament.

This motion should have been defeated easily. Instead, 23 members of the Coalition government voted for it. Not only did 23 government Senators vote in favour of the motion – senior members of the government have backed it in since yesterday afternoon.