The final Legislative Council private members’ business day of 2024 was as busy as ever! The House debated nine general motions and agreed to six orders for papers. They also said ‘goodbye’ to a member, with the Hon Sam Farraway of the Nationals giving his valedictory speech to a packed chamber of colleagues and friends. Read on for more…
PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT – BICENTENARY CONCERT SERIES AND BICENTENARY CAROLS
The President made a statement regarding the ongoing Bicentenary Concert Series on Wednesday. Throughout 2024, these concerts have taken place in NSW Parliament’s Fountain Court to commemorate the Legislative Council’s Bicentenary. They invite audiences to enjoy captivating musical performances while reflecting on the Council’s rich history, celebrating its accomplishments, and imagining its future.
For the final concert of 2024 on Wednesday, attendees were treated to a festive performance by a jazz quartet from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Take a look at some photos from Wednesday’s concert below.
The music continues on 2 December with Bicentenary Carols, a performance by The Choir of St James’ in NSW Parliament’s historic Jubilee Room. This enchanting performance will be accompanied by delightful Christmas canapés and a welcome drink, making for a memorable occasion in one of Sydney’s most iconic venues. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy a blend of history, heritage and holiday cheer. Book your place online.
VALEDICTORY SPEECH
On Wednesday afternoon, the Hon Sam Farraway (Nationals) gave his valedictory speech to a chamber full of colleagues, family and friends, after announcing his intention to resign from the NSW Legislative Council after 5 years so as to contest a Federal seat.
A member of the NSW Nationals, Mr Farraway joined the Legislative Council in 2019. Details of his career at NSW Parliament, including his committee membership, can be found on the Parliament’s website. Read Mr Farraway’s speech in full in the Hansard record.
INTRODUCED: CRIMES AMENDMENT (ANIMAL SEXUAL ABUSE) BILL 2024
The Hon Emma Hurst (Animal Justice Party) introduced the Crimes Amendment (Animal Sexual Abuse) Bill 2024 on Tuesday. This private members’ bill seeks to amend the Crimes Act 1900 to replace the offence of bestiality with the offence of animal sexual abuse.
The bill, as outlined in Ms Hurst’s second reading speech, aims to strengthen the legal framework around crimes currently referred to as “bestiality” by replacing this terminology with “animal sexual abuse.” This change seeks to acknowledge animals as victims of abuse and aligns the term with other sexual offences in the Crimes Act. A new definition of “animal sexual abuse” is included to broaden the scope of the offence beyond acts of penetration, addressing other harmful acts such as forced sexual interactions involving animals. The bill includes reasonable exemptions for legitimate care and veterinary practices to avoid unintended legal consequences. Key provisions include replacing the existing offence of bestiality with “animal sexual abuse,” maintaining a maximum penalty of 14 years, and introducing an aggravated offence for committing animal sexual abuse in the company of another person, with a maximum penalty of 20 years. Read more about the bill in Ms Hurst’s second reading speech.
Following the bill’s introduction, debate was adjourned for five calendar days, according to standing order.
GENERAL MOTIONS
The following motions were debated in the House over the course of the day:
| Topic of motion | Moved by | Agreed to? |
| Doctor shortages in rural New South Wales, and continued here | The Hon Sam Farraway (Nationals) | Agreed to, as amended |
| COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report 2024 | The Hon John Ruddick (Libertarian Party) | Negatived |
| Vibrancy reforms in 2024 | The Hon Dr Sarah Kaine (Labor) | Agreed to |
| Institutional child abuse | The Hon Jeremy Buckingham (Legalise Cannabis Party) | Agreed to |
| Passing of Mr Ralph Schulzé AM | The Hon Sarah Mitchell (Nationals) | Agreed to |
| Indoor air quality in public schools | Dr Amanda Cohn (The Greens) | Agreed to, as amended |
| Central West of NSW flooding in 2022 | The Hon Scott Barrett (Nationals) | Agreed to |
| Housing and infrastructure in Western Sydney | The Hon Emily Suvaal (Labor) | Agreed to |
| Rising Tide court decision | The Hon Wes Fang (Nationals) | Agreed to, on division (Ayes: 27/Noes: 5) |
In addition to the above motions debated in the chamber, the following motions were agreed to without debate, during the morning’s formal business:
- Order for papers – Employment of Darren Stapleton, moved by Ms Sue Higginson (The Greens)
- Jack Ferguson Memorial Lecture 2024, moved by the Hon Cameron Murphy (Labor)
- 9th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, also moved by Mr Murphy
- 79th anniversary of the United Nations, also moved by Mr Murphy
- Homeless World Cup 2024, moved by the Hon Mark Banasiak (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party)
- Cross cultural rugby league game, moved by the Hon Stephen Lawrence (Labor)
- Dubbo Remembrance Day 2024, also moved by Mr Lawrence
- Tom Cullen Bridge, also moved by Mr Lawrence
- Cyprus Community of NSW Young Professionals Event 2024, moved by the Hon Mark Buttigieg (Labor)
- Dress for Success, moved by the Hon Aileen MacDonald (Liberal)
- International Men’s Day 2024, moved by the Hon Susan Carter (Liberal)
- Pacific youth panel on climate change, moved by Ms Abigail Boyd (The Greens)
- Creative sector workforce report, also moved by Ms Boyd
- New South Wales Minerals Council Parliamentary Dinner 2024, moved by the Hon Rachel Merton (Liberal)
- Children’s Book Council NSW, also moved by Ms Merton
- Oversupply of companion animals, moved by the Hon Emma Hurst (Animal Justice Party)
- Deepavali 2024, moved by the Hon Scott Farlow (Liberal)
- Hume Community Housing, also moved by Mr Farlow
- Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, also moved by Mr Farlow
- Republic of Korea National Foundation Day 2024, also moved by Mr Farlow
- Diwali Festival of Lights 2024, also moved by Mr Farlow
- The life and contribution of Fabian Lo Schiavo, moved by the Hon Penny Sharpe (Labor)
ORDERS FOR PAPERS
| Request | Moved by | Agreed to? | Due date |
| Employment of Darren Stapleton | Ms Sue Higginson (The Greens) | Agreed to | 11 December 2024 |
| Respirable crystalline silica air monitoring | The Hon Mark Banasiak (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party) | Agreed to | 18 December 2024 |
| Gaming and gaming reforms | Ms Cate Faehrmann (The Greens) | Agreed to | 11 December 2024 |
| Creative arts year 11 and 12 draft syllabuses | The Hon Sarah Mitchell (Nationals) | Agreed to | 4 December 2024 |
| Local Small Commitments Allocation | The Hon Chris Rath (Liberal) | Agreed to | 31 January 2025 |
| Racing NSW staff complaints, non-disclosure agreements, or financial and accounting practices | Th Hon Mark Latham | Agreed to, as amended on division (Ayes: 18/Noes: 11) | 11 December 2024 |
DOCUMENTS TABLED AND REPORTED IN THE HOUSE
Among the documents tabled and reported in the House on Wednesday was the Premier’s Department: Local Small Commitments Allocation Program: Proactive release of documents dated 11 November 2024.
Find all documents tabled and reported in our Tabled Papers Database.