Linda Burney's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2025-09-07T23:05:14+00:00
items: Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
items: Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee | Committees | House debates
items: Free TAFE Bill 2024; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Australian Society: Social Cohesion | Grievance Debate | House debates
items: Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee; Reference to Federation Chamber | Committees | House debates
items: Antisemitism | Motions | House debates
items: Barton Electorate: Teachers, Middle East | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Domestic and Family Violence | Adjournment | House debates
items: Barton Electorate: Christmas Card Competition | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Northern Territory Government: First Nations Australians, Queensland Government: First Nations Australians | Adjournment | House debates
items: Clague, Aunty Joyce Caroline, MBE, Newman, Aunty Jennifer | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Parliamentary Budget Officer | Statement by the Speaker | House debates
items: Canterbury Bankstown Torch, Eve's Apple | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
items: Cost of Living | Adjournment | House debates
items: Cost of Living, Volunteering | Constituency Statements | House debates

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
type: item
description: On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, I present the following reports: Report 509: inquiry into public sector information technology procurement and projects, Report 510:...
encoded: On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit, I present the following reports: Report 509: inquiry into public sector information technology procurement and projects, Report 510: inquiry into the use and governance of artificial intelligence systems by public sector entities'Proceed with caution',Report 511: inquiry into the contract management frameworks operated by Commonwealth entities and Report 512: report of the inquiry into the administration of Commonwealth regulations. Reports made parliamentary papers in accordance with standing order 39(e). by leave—I now present four reports of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit. Report 509: i nquiry into public sector information technology procurement and projects found shortfalls in capability, planning and management at Commonwealth entities for external information technology contracts. A key question that arose during this inquiry was whether Australian government departments have the adequate capability to deliver information technology systems, programs, projects and reforms. Factors such as labour market competition impact on internal knowledge and skills in information technology. This can lead to agencies having to supplement this capability through outsourcing, which can perpetuate their capability loss and continue to trend towards reliance on external contractors. The committee's view is that departments should aim to enhance their internal knowledge and capability, and, if outsourcing is required, they should ensure that their own expertise on project requirements is maintained. The committee also takes the view that engagement should be planned appropriately with a longer term view to enhancing internal capability and that outsourcing should not be seen as a permanent feature of information technology delivery. Departments should also have strategic and longer term approaches to supplementing staff capabilities and embed this organisational thinking in governance documents s…
date: 2025-03-26T17:23:00+00:00

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee | Committees | House debates
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description: I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit concerning the draft budget estimates for the Australian National Audit Office and the Parliamentary...
encoded: I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit concerning the draft budget estimates for the Australian National Audit Office and the Parliamentary Budget Office for 2025-26. On behalf of the committee, I present this statement on the draft budget estimates of the Australian National Audit Office, the ANAO, and the Parliamentary Budget Office, the PBO. The committee is required, under the Public Accounts and Audit Committee Act 1951 and the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 to consider the draft budget estimates of the ANAO and the PBO, respectively, and to make recommendations regarding these estimates to both houses of parliament. The statement on behalf of the committee, in advance of the budget being handed down, is an important transparency measure that informs the parliament and the public on the adequacy of the resourcing of the ANAO and the PBO. The committee considers both offices vital in supporting the work of this parliament and strengthening integrity and transparency in public administration. The committee has carefully scrutinised the ANAO's and the PBO's draft budget estimates for 2025-26 and has resolved to endorse them subject to further review of the costings and final estimates, which may be agreed with the Department of Finance. The committee is advising that additional funding of $96.1 million is being sought by the ANAO over the forward estimates, requiring an ongoing funding increase of $24.9 million per year. The Auditor-General has also indicated to the committee in a recent update that the ANAO expects to run an operating loss of approximately $6.1 million in 2024-25, similar to the loss of $6 million ANAO incurred in 2023-24. The ANAO's request for increased funding is fully supported by the committee, which regards it as critical in ensuring the future accountability, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness of the expenditure of the Australian taxpayer's money. The committee has been concerned, o…
date: 2025-03-25T18:14:00+00:00

Free TAFE Bill 2024; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I cannot understand for the life of me why you would object to fee-free TAFE. It seems to me that the statement by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that you don't value anything unless you pay...
encoded: I cannot understand for the life of me why you would object to fee-free TAFE. It seems to me that the statement by the Deputy Leader of the Opposition that you don't value anything unless you pay for it makes absolutely no sense. What the Free TAFE Bill 2024 will provide is opportunity, and it will provide the workforce and the skills that this country needs. It will also mean that people who are from backgrounds that aren't flush with money will be able to access education at the TAFE level. That's what it actually means. I think it is mean-spirited and short-sighted to not support this bill. There is nothing to not support. I join with my colleagues here today in supporting this bill. Education has been a running theme in my whole life. I was a school teacher, and I led the Aboriginal Education Consultative Group in New South Wales. I also was a board member of the Board of Vocational Education and Training in New South Wales and a board member of the accrediting authority in New South Wales for curriculum—the Board of Studies, as it was called back then. All of those positions give me a very thorough background in all aspects of education, from early childhood through to university. I well remember the work that I did on the Board of Vocational Education and Training around the VET sector, both private and public providers. I also understood that many people saw VET as a poor cousin to university. That is no longer the case in Australia. TAFE has come into its own. It provides courses that are varied, but, importantly, it also provides basic educational courses, and these are critical for people who are looking at second-chance education. My own son struggled with the HSC. He went back to TAFE and did the HSC qualifier again and did brilliantly. So I have a great deal to commend, and my family owes a great deal to TAFE. Right now, it seems to me that this is one of the most exciting, far-reaching and equitable things that could possibly happen to the TAFE sector,…
date: 2025-02-05T12:14:00+00:00

Australian Society: Social Cohesion | Grievance Debate | House debates
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description: What I wanted to raise tonight has been raised today in this parliament already, and it is about social cohesion. Probably a better way to say that, in my view, is social harmony. The member for...
encoded: What I wanted to raise tonight has been raised today in this parliament already, and it is about social cohesion. Probably a better way to say that, in my view, is social harmony. The member for Wentworth's motion earlier today highlighted the corrosive effects of antisemitism on our social fabric. We are seeing that being played out in cities like Sydney and Melbourne and in other places as well. The corrosive effect of all forms of racism and prejudice is before us as a nation once again. These issues seem to come up periodically, be they about people from certain faiths or people who have different cultural beliefs. We as a nation confidently say Australia is a shining example of multiculturalism—and, of course, it is—but it doesn't happen by magic. It happens by hard work. I have been very privileged to represent two of the most multicultural electorates in Australia: Barton for the past eight years and also the state seat of Canterbury for 13 years before that. I have to say that walking down the streets in Barton and Canterbury makes you feel proud. It makes you feel proud to be living in this country and proud of the generosity, and the embrace of cultures in those electorates is something to behold. Australian multiculturalism has been a success story—that is true. That's not just because of the cultures we bring to each other's lives but because we have so much joy to share. Hurstville hosts the largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of the Sydney CBD. Last Friday night, I joined the Lunar New Year celebrations with Bayside Council at Wolli Creek on Friday night. It was an absolutely outstanding evening. There were thousands and thousands and thousands of people from all cultures enjoying and celebrating Lunar New Year. Of course, this year is the Year of the Snake. Next month, many of you would have received invitations already, I'm sure. Muslims will begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan. Orthodox and Western Christians will begin their fast for…
date: 2025-02-04T18:40:00+00:00

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee | Committees | House debates
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description: by leave—I present executive minutes on reports Nos 475, 489, 495, 498, 502, 503, 504 and 506 of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.
encoded: by leave—I present executive minutes on reports Nos 475, 489, 495, 498, 502, 503, 504 and 506 of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit.
date: 2025-02-04T17:51:00+00:00

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee; Reference to Federation Chamber | Committees | House debates
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description: I move: That the orders of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
encoded: I move: That the orders of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
date: 2025-02-04T17:51:00+00:00

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
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description: On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Audit, I present the following reports: Report 507: Defence 2022-23 major projects report and Report 508: annual report 2023-24....
encoded: On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Audit, I present the following reports: Report 507: Defence 2022-23 major projects report and Report 508: annual report 2023-24. Reports made parliamentary papers in accordance with standing order 39(e). by leave—Now in its 16th year, the major projects report continues to be an important tool for defence accountability and transparency. In adopting its annual MPR inquiries, the committee establishes the expansive terms of reference to allow it to consider any matters contained in and associated with the MPR. This year the committee paid attention to growing secrecy and the need to maintain transparency, the lessons-learned process, the Australian industry capability plans, the implementation of defence risk management systems, contingency statements and the use of terminology. The committee also examined scope creep, off-the-shelf options in defence procurement, the accuracy of the battlefield command system project data summary sheet and the future of the MPR itself. The committee made four recommendations, which will result in important corrections and introduce evolutions to the MPR process. This will improve transparency and accountability for what are large amounts of public expenditure. Broadly, these recommendations deal with the reinstatement of lessons learned, reporting on improved governance and assurance processes, assessments of the full project costs of each project and more clearly identifying the scope of schedule and budget changes. On Report 508, the Joint Standing Committee of Public Accounts and Audit is required under the Public Accounts and Audit Committee Act to report annually to parliament on the work it has undertaken. The committee's work includes reviews of the Australian National Audit Office, reports on other priorities of the parliament and making recommendations to the government on budget estimates of the ANAO and the Parliamentary Budget Office. In 2023-24 the committ…
date: 2025-02-04T17:46:00+00:00

Antisemitism | Motions | House debates
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description: I want to thank the member for Wentworth for raising this very real and corrosive issue in this House, and I consider the last speaker from the opposition to be part of that corrosiveness and...
encoded: I want to thank the member for Wentworth for raising this very real and corrosive issue in this House, and I consider the last speaker from the opposition to be part of that corrosiveness and that type of attitude towards an issue that we should be coming together on. Last month Southern Sydney Synagogue, in Allawah, was vandalised with antisemitic slogans. The synagogue is just outside my electorate, with a rail line between us, but the congregation are very much part of the community. It wasn't just property damage; it was an attempt to instil fear in the small Jewish congregation, and it made the wider St George community feel less safe. The attack has been part of a pattern of antisemitic violence in Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of Australia. That violence has targeted homes and properties in areas where there are large Jewish populations. New South Wales and federal police are acting swiftly to find the culprits. The government has legislated to ban the display of hate symbols and Nazi salutes, which homes in on the very public attempts to intimidate our communities. The government has imposed sanctions on the Terrorgram network. It has announced $100 million for countering violent extremism. The Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, has been conducting important work to determine the scale of this prejudice and provide advice to the government. I have a very simple message to those perpetrating these antisemitic acts. If you think you are feeding a cause, you are not. You are making it worse for everyone. Disgust will be your reward. Sowing division and fear is not brave; it is completely unacceptable. When we see what is taking place in this country, we see pure evil and pure racism, and we have seen it periodically in this country when it comes to different groups of people. This parliament has a responsibility to come together and show a really decent approach to this issue and to show leadership. The last speaker from the opposition spo…
date: 2025-02-04T13:12:00+00:00

Barton Electorate: Teachers, Middle East | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: We are blessed in my electorate of Barton to have a cohort of fantastic teachers. I have been taking the time to congratulate our longest serving teachers for their devotion to their work and for...
encoded: We are blessed in my electorate of Barton to have a cohort of fantastic teachers. I have been taking the time to congratulate our longest serving teachers for their devotion to their work and for creating a bright future for students in their care. I was pleased to be able to present awards for long service in person at Danebank Hurstville. Some teachers have been there for over 37 years, and the smart, strong young women I met are a testament to their commitment. As we come to the close of another year, I know that the joy of the festive season is tempered by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. I continue to receive many emails and calls from constituents and have spoken to them in meetings. They express their collective grief; their horror at the sheer number of humanity lost; and the desperate need for a ceasefire. They are aware of the realities of international politics and diplomacy, but they are calling on their leaders to centre humanity and for Israel and Palestine to be equal partners on the global stage. In this season of peace, joy and hope, may we all be the instruments for creating a more just and secure future for the world. I wish Barton residents and everyone here a very happy festive season and success and health in 2025.
date: 2024-11-27T10:46:00+00:00

Domestic and Family Violence | Adjournment | House debates
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description: The theme of this year's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is simple: 'No excuse'. Last Saturday, Bayside Council in the electorate of Barton held its annual walk...
encoded: The theme of this year's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is simple: 'No excuse'. Last Saturday, Bayside Council in the electorate of Barton held its annual walk against domestic violence. Residents came out in force to say there is no excuse for violence. I was proud to join them alongside Mayor Ed McDougall; Steve Kamper, the New South Wales Minister for Multiculturalism and member for Rockdale; and St George Police Area Command Detective Superintendent Paul Dunstan. This is something deeply personal to me. So many women and children have experienced violence in the places where they should be safest: in their homes and in relationships. It breaks survivors and their families. In New South Wales, one in four women have experienced violence by a partner or another known person since they were 15. Yesterday, the government tabled the response to the report of the missing and murdered First Nations women and children inquiry. The inquiry heard from survivors, and families made submissions on behalf of their relatives. First Nations women are 33 times as likely to be hospitalised due to family and domestic violence. Aboriginal women in New South Wales are eight times as likely to be recorded as victims. Of the 26 women killed nationally in intimate partner homicides since January, seven were Aboriginal women. Events like Bayside Walk demonstrate the important change in our society around domestic and family violence. This change is an important piece of the puzzle in preventing violence and ensuring survivors know their community is behind them. But prevention and proper support are also essential. The Albanese Labor government has made addressing gendered violence a priority. The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children sets out what governments and wider society will do to end gender based violence in one generation. Four point four billion dollars in Commonwealth funding commitments will support that work. The governme…
date: 2024-11-26T19:54:00+00:00

Barton Electorate: Christmas Card Competition | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Each Christmas, I ask schools in the electorate of Barton to provide artwork for my festive greeting cards. This year, it was six children in year 2: Ari, Annie and Jerry from Earlwood Public...
encoded: Each Christmas, I ask schools in the electorate of Barton to provide artwork for my festive greeting cards. This year, it was six children in year 2: Ari, Annie and Jerry from Earlwood Public School and Lanna, Amelia and Hussain from Carlton Public School. In the busyness of the festive period, I enjoy taking time to appreciate the creative talents of the young people in the electorate of Barton. Lanna and Amelia have created colourful abstract works in watercolours, Annie and Jerry have portrayed Santa in more traditional scenes and Ari's Santa is ready for the beach in his swimming trunks. The Grinch makes an appearance in Hussain's drawing. Please don't take it personally if you get a Grinch card. Colleagues have sent me lovely cards. I look forward to sharing mine with you. I thank the teachers involved in coordinating the year's competition: Ellen Koustoubardis, relieving principal at Carlton; year 2 classroom teacher Miss Sutherland; Ms Davis, the relieving principal at Earlwood; and Miss Williams.
date: 2024-11-25T16:07:00+00:00

Northern Territory Government: First Nations Australians, Queensland Government: First Nations Australians | Adjournment | House debates
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description: I rise tonight to express my alarm. The first acts of the new Country Liberal government in the Northern Territory and the Liberal-National government in Queensland have been to take many steps...
encoded: I rise tonight to express my alarm. The first acts of the new Country Liberal government in the Northern Territory and the Liberal-National government in Queensland have been to take many steps backward and drive First Nations people into more disadvantage. In October the Northern Territory government legislated to criminalise children as young as 10. This was barely a year after the previous Labor government deemed 12 as the age of criminal responsibility. Tough-on-crime policies can be electorally popular, but most Australians would be surprised at how far those kinds of policies can go. Yesterday researchers at Edith Cowan University released a study that found that 94 per cent of Western Australians did not know that children as young as 10 can be incarcerated. Many were shocked. A child is just that: a child. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are one of the most incarcerated people on earth. Prison sentences without rehabilitation won't stop reoffending. Locking children up sets them up for a life in the justice system. The Chief Minister is also promising to drop alcohol policies that are working. We know minimum unit pricing and trading restrictions are changing lives. In Darwin there has been a 14 per cent drop in alcohol related assaults and a 21 per cent reduction in domestic and family violence assaults involving alcohol. In Tennant Creek, purchase limits and reduced trading hours have resulted in a 92 per cent drop in alcohol fuelled family violence and domestic assaults—92 per cent! Instead of improving something that's working, the Country Liberals plan to criminalise public drunkenness, to lock people up and not tackle the root problem. I am proud of opposition leader Selena Uibo and our Labor colleagues in the territory for standing up to bad laws. We must call out the harm these policies will do. Abandonment of the truth-telling and treaty process in Queensland by the new Liberal-National premier, David Crisafulli, is disheartening and ha…
date: 2024-11-05T19:35:00+00:00

Clague, Aunty Joyce Caroline, MBE, Newman, Aunty Jennifer | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: It is with great sadness that I rise to acknowledge the passing of Aunty Joyce Clague and Aunty Jennifer Newman, two remarkable First Nations women. Aunty Joyce grew up on Ulgundahi mission on...
encoded: It is with great sadness that I rise to acknowledge the passing of Aunty Joyce Clague and Aunty Jennifer Newman, two remarkable First Nations women. Aunty Joyce grew up on Ulgundahi mission on the Clarence River. Her work dated back to before the 1967 referendum, right through to the referendum last year. In 1996 Aunty Della Walker and Aunty Joyce began the landmark Yaegl native title claim. This led to recognition of title over 90 kilometres of coast and sea, the first of its kind in New South Wales. She did this alongside her husband, Colin, a strong ally to Indigenous people, and with their four daughters. Both were committed to the Labor cause, with Joyce running for preselection in the 1980s. Aunty Joyce was a living example of the resilience of First Nations culture and people. Aunty Jennifer Newman was a proud Wiradjuri woman, who lived in the inner west. A talented storyteller, she used her skill to build understanding and recognition across Australia. Aunty Jennifer felt a deep connection to country and caring for country. Part of her legacy will be as president of the Cooks River Valley Association.
date: 2024-11-04T16:06:00+00:00

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee; Report | Committees | House debates
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description: On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit I present the following reports: Report 505: Inquiry into Policy and Program Design and Implementation; and Report 506: Inquiry into...
encoded: On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit I present the following reports: Report 505: Inquiry into Policy and Program Design and Implementation; and Report 506: Inquiry into Commonwealth Financial Statements 2022-23. Policy and program design and implementation is an area that requires continuous improvement. The delivery great policy model introduced in 2019 by government states that policy advice should be clear on intent, well-informed, practical to implement and influential. There is an expectation that government entities will adopt these practices but the inquiry found this is not always the case. The reports of the Auditor-General that were examined in this inquiry highlighted inadequate stakeholder engagement, a lack of effective performance measures and deficiencies in the advice to government among their findings. Ineffective decision-making and departure from best practice resulted in common issues being identified by the ANAO even though the audited programs were very different and included the export control legislative framework, telehealth expansion, family migration and the black economy task force. The Delivering Great Policy model outlines the need for policymakers to be well informed and for active stakeholder consultation. Some of the audited agencies only did this at an executive level and thus excluded the views of some of the most impacted parties for consideration. On several occasions throughout this inquiry examples were provided to the committee of poor information management and lack of coordination between agencies and inadequate communication to stakeholders. Further issues included inadequate support resulting in ineffective implementation and the need for additional resources to correct this. The committee also learned of instances where critical deficiencies in the advice to government created additional strain in the delivery of the relevant programs and policies. The telehealth services expansion by Department …
date: 2024-11-04T10:07:00+00:00

Parliamentary Budget Officer | Statement by the Speaker | House debates
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description: As the chairperson of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit I very much support the appointment of the new Parliamentary Budget Officer. She is incredibly appropriate and has all the...
encoded: As the chairperson of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit I very much support the appointment of the new Parliamentary Budget Officer. She is incredibly appropriate and has all the prerequisites required for the position. We went through a process to make sure that the appointment was done appropriately. Of course the Parliamentary Budget Officer is a very important role. In many ways it's an apolitical role to make sure the commitments of the government, the opposition and other parties make in relation to elections is looked at impartially, and I'm sure the new Parliamentary Budget Officer will do that.
date: 2024-11-04T10:06:00+00:00

Canterbury Bankstown Torch, Eve's Apple | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: There was a time when the local newspaper was the fixture of front lawns across our suburbs. Often they'd fly out the window of a station wagon with varying degrees of accuracy. Local media has...
encoded: There was a time when the local newspaper was the fixture of front lawns across our suburbs. Often they'd fly out the window of a station wagon with varying degrees of accuracy. Local media has been there to cover the issues that matter to our communities, the ones bigger outlets weren't interested in. Sadly, times have changed. After 104 years service to our community. The CanterburyBankstown Torch has printed its last newspaper. Both in my time in this place and as the member for Canterbury, the Torch gave me the platform to speak to constituents. More importantly it was a way for them to speak to me too. It was accessible and free. My team and I would like to thank the diligent editors, journalists and staff who have worked there over the years. Our community will miss you. I would also like to acknowledge another fixture of my time as member for Barton. Eve Issa and her father, George, bought her brother's fruit shop under the Kogarah railway station 33 years ago. Like many successful small businesses, Eve's Apple quickly became central to the Kogarah community. Many stopped to buy fruit and veg fresh from the Sydney markets. Her four children more or less grew up in the shop. They helped Mum behind the till and setting up for the day. In sad news for the community, last week Eve sold the shop and has retired to her son's home in Greenacre. I can assure you it's a retirement she has absolutely earned along with her family. I appreciate her support during my time as local member and wish her a well-earned rest and a happy retirement.
date: 2024-09-11T09:39:00+00:00

Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
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description: on indulgence—I acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. Thank you for allowing us to be on your country. As I stand here today, I am deeply reflective and immensely grateful for the...
encoded: on indulgence—I acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. Thank you for allowing us to be on your country. As I stand here today, I am deeply reflective and immensely grateful for the journey I have shared with you all in this parliament. When I first entered this House, I knew I was walking a path that had never before been walked by someone like me, the first Indigenous woman elected to the House of Representatives—a path paved with hope, with responsibility and with a deep commitment to representing not just my own community of Barton but all Australians, including, of course, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I am humbled by the trust and the ownership of me shown by First Nations Australians, many of whom are still paying a heavy price for dispossession and exclusion from our nation's foundation and, too often, exclusion from the institutions which exist to serve us all. All up, I have been a member of parliament for 21 years. It has been the most profound honour to serve and to work towards a more just and inclusive Australia. My commitment has been to serve with fairness, compassion and integrity. I have never seen public service as a way to be liked or popular. Anyone who does will get a rude shock. But I hope to leave having earned respect for the way I have worked and the work that I have done. When I was growing up as a freshwater girl in the Riverina, the daughter of an Aboriginal man and a white woman, raised by my great aunt Nina and her brother Billy, we didn't have much—just a small wooden house with no carpet or paint inside, no running water, and an outhouse—up in the back corner of the yard, thankfully. They were two very old people who sacrificed so much to raise me and instilled in me the values of compassion, integrity, resilience, truth and love. I never dreamt I could grow up to be a member of parliament, let alone a minister in the federal government. Nina and Billy, I hope I made you proud. Being elected to this place was t…
date: 2024-08-21T16:11:00+00:00

Cost of Living | Adjournment | House debates
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description: Cost-of-living relief has been this government's No. 1 priority. If there's anything we can all agree on, it is that this is a real issue in our communities. We see it in our electoral offices,...
encoded: Cost-of-living relief has been this government's No. 1 priority. If there's anything we can all agree on, it is that this is a real issue in our communities. We see it in our electoral offices, we see it on the television and, of course, we hear about it very often. We know people that are doing it in a very difficult way. Every day, I see how our plan is taking the pressure off families in the seat of Barton. On Monday 1 July, the government delivered a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer. By Thursday morning, those tax cuts were in pay slips. In the weeks following, I have been speaking to people in Barton. One young professional in Kingsgrove said it wasn't just a nice surprise. He also said it was an immediate relief to cost-of-living pressures. Karen, a midwife at St George Hospital, said tax cuts will go a long way for her and her co-workers. She said, 'It's good that the government is listening and taking action.' We have been listening to the next generation of nurses and midwives too. They have told us practical placements can be a stressful time. Many students juggle their prac studies with part-time jobs. On Thursday 15 August, the Minister for Education introduced the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024, which will legislate prac payments for eligible students in sectors like nursing, education and social work. These payments will take pressure off students and let them focus on their education. This government wants Australians to keep more of what they earn, but we also want Australians, like hardworking early educators, to earn more too. During Early Learning Matters Week, I visited Gowrie early learning at Clemton Park. A very confident young man, aged five, showed me all the wonderful things they were learning, particularly about whales. The children at Gowrie are a credit to their highly skilled educators, and I met them as well. They have long hours, they work hard and their work is so valued. They are also committ…
date: 2024-08-20T19:34:00+00:00

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee | Committees | House debates
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description: On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit—this is not my valedictory—I rise in my capacity as Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit to make a...
encoded: On behalf of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit—this is not my valedictory—I rise in my capacity as Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit to make a statement on the appointment of the new Auditor-General. The JCPAA has a responsibility under the Public Accounts and Audit Committee Act 1951 to approve or reject a proposed recommendation for this appointment. The outcome of the significant statutory duty of the committee is also required to be reported to the parliament under the committee's act. As an independent officer of the parliament, the Auditor-General is responsible for ensuring accountability and transparency in the delivery of government programs and services and thus has one of the most important statutory roles in this country. I'm pleased to advise the House that the committee has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Dr Caralee McLiesh PSM to this position. She is extremely well-qualified. I won't go through all her qualifications—I'll leave those on the record. The committee's view is that Dr McLiesh's extensive qualifications and strong track record in senior leadership in government made her eminently qualified to lead the Australian National Audit Office for the next decade. I take this opportunity to thank the committee and also recognise the significant contribution of the previous Auditor-General, Mr Grant Hehir, who has served in the capacity with distinction since 2015. Mr Hehir showed unwavering commitment to his role and to holding public administration and the executive government to account. The committee also acknowledges the significant contribution of the Deputy Auditor-General, Ms Rona Mellor PSM, who has done an outstanding job as Acting Auditor-General. A strong working relationship with the Australian National Audit Office is critical to this committee performing its functions and fulfilling its statutory roles. We in the JCPAA look forward to developing this relationship with Dr McLeish in the com…
date: 2024-08-20T16:28:00+00:00

Cost of Living, Volunteering | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: People across the community of Barton can look forward to cost-of-living relief thanks to our government. The Albanese Labor government is delivering for every Australian because we are a...
encoded: People across the community of Barton can look forward to cost-of-living relief thanks to our government. The Albanese Labor government is delivering for every Australian because we are a government for all Australians. Here's what we delivered yesterday: every Australian taxpayer, not just some, gets a tax cut. Our $300 energy bill relief is beginning to flow. Backed in by our government, 2.6 million low-paid workers are getting their third consecutive pay rise. There will be cheaper medicines. We're providing cost-of-living support while putting downward pressure on inflation. I know that many people in our community are doing it really tough. While our government is providing more help, we're not doing it alone. Community organisations in our community, powered by volunteers, play an important role. During National Volunteer Week, I held a morning tea to thank our community organisations and their volunteers. Around 100 people joined me for a cup of tea and a very large cake. What brings volunteers together is a passion for making our community a better place. You can see that passion in volunteers like the late Michael Shiel, a volunteer with Gift of Bread. It was a privilege to present a posthumous community award to his mother, Patricia, and recognise his work. Patricia herself has fostered over 200 children—quite amazing. There are also volunteers like Helen Dwyer, who has given 40 years to 1st Hurstville Scouts. I would like to thank chair Russell Foxe, manager Lala, and assistant manager Laura at the Kogarah Storehouse, who hosted us for the morning tea. Volunteerism is an important part of who we are in our Barton community and, I know, in all communities across Australia. So, next time you see a volunteer in your community, give them a big thanks for all that they do.
date: 2024-07-02T16:03:00+00:00