9th Nov 2016, 3:56 PM – Senate Motions - Day, Mr Bob, AO

The majority voted against a motion introduced by NSW Liberal Democratic Party Senator David Leyonhjelm, which means it was unsuccessful.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes former Senator Day, in his 35 years as a builder:

(i) built over 10,000 homes,

(ii) directly employed over 1,000 people and indirectly over 5,000 trade contractors,

(iii) donated millions to charities, becoming known in Adelaide as "the man who gives away houses" because of all the houses he built for charity groups,

(iv) sponsored hundreds of sporting clubs, individuals and community groups,

(v) was appointed an officer of the Order of Australia in 2003 for services to the housing industry and to social welfare, particularly housing the homeless, and to the community,

(vi) later in 2003, was awarded the Centenary of Federation medal for service to housing and charity, and

(vii) in 2005, was awarded the inaugural Pride of Australia medal for 'Community Spirit' for restoring the village of Houghton and creating the Soldiers Memorial Walk and Remembrance Wall;

(b) notes, in relation to the failure of former Senator Day's business that :

(i) all homes under construction are covered by Home Owners warranty insurance, which means any costs to complete the homes will be covered by insurance, not taxpayers,

(ii) many suppliers and trade contractors have credit insurance which will cover much of their losses, and

(iii) former Senator Day has always agreed to sign personal guarantees, which means he will lose his house as a consequence of the failure of his business;

(c) congratulates former Senator Day on his commitment to assisting those who have been impacted by the company's closure; and

(d) thanks him for his service in the Senate.