Alicia Payne's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
Like all in this chamber, I rise with a profound sense of grief. On the evening of 14 December, at Bondi Beach, what should have been a beautiful celebration of faith and light was turned into a...
Like all in this chamber, I rise with a profound sense of grief. On the evening of 14 December, at Bondi Beach, what should have been a beautiful celebration of faith and light was turned into a scene of unimaginable darkness. The Chanukah by the Sea event was the first night of the Festival of Lights. Australians of Jewish faith had gathered to light the first candle of the menorah, a symbol of hope and of the triumph of light over darkness. That sacred moment was shattered by a targeted antisemitic terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 15 innocent people and injured many more. I want to say their names now: Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Alex Kleytman, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Reuven Morrison, Dan Elkayam, Peter Meagher, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Tibor Weitzen, Marika Pogany, Edith Brutman, Boris Tetleroyd, Adam Smyth, Tania Tretiak and Matilda, just 10 years old, whose parents gave her the most Australian name there was, such was their hope for their lives in this country. May their memory be a blessing. To the families of all 15 victims and the dozens more who were injured: this House and this nation grieve with you, and we stand together against antisemitism and hate. We must be direct about why this happened. This was not a random act of violence; it was a targeted antisemitic attack on the Jewish community. Antisemitism is abhorrent. It is a poison that has no place in Australia. The Jewish community have helped to build our nation and must always feel safe and welcome here. For a community to be targeted while celebrating a holiday that defines their heritage and their resilience is a strike at the heart of our multicultural society. In this country, the right to gather, to pray and to celebrate one's culture without fear is non-negotiable. When Jewish Australians are targeted, will are diminished. Today we not only give our condolences but stand resolved in the absolute rejection of extremist hatred in all its forms. I know that many members of the Jewish community here in Canberra had close connections with those who lost their lives or were injured. Again, I give them and their families my condolences and offer my solidarity. A week after the attack, I joined hundreds and hundreds of Canberrans for a vigil here at Parliament House. Rabbi Feldman, the senior rabbi from Chabad ACT, spoke, and I hope he won't mind me reflecting on some of his words. He said that, as a rabbi, he's often asked, 'Where is God?' in an event like this. His response is not to ask, 'Where is God?' but, 'Where is man?' He went on to say that it is amidst the darkness of 14 December that we see God in the way that people responded—in our shared humanity. We acknowledge the heroes of Bondi. There were civilians like Ahmed al-Ahmed, who risked everything to disarm the attackers; Reuven Morrison and Boris and Sofia Gurman, who lost their lives confronting the terrorists; Jessica Rozen, who found herself separated from her own three-year-old son but sheltered from the gunfire a little girl also separated from her family; and many others who shielded strangers. There were the police officers who ran towards danger to protect the community and were injured in the process; the lifeguards who sprung into action, providing first aid while the shooting was ongoing; the off-duty first responders who showed up because they knew there was need; the doctors, paramedics and other healthcare professionals who rushed to hospitals whether they were scheduled to work or not; the thousands of ordinary Australians who flocked to Red Cross blood donation centres, taking up the call from medical professionals who put out the plea for urgent blood donations; and everyone who attended vigils and lit candles in solidarity with the Jewish community. It is from our shared humanity—in recognising and responding to the divinity and dignity of every person—that we will rebuild from this. Hanukkah is a story of resilience. It is a reminder that even a small amount of light can dispel a great deal of darkness. We stand with the Jewish community of Bondi, of Sydney and of all Australia. We will not let fear and hate win.
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise in support of the package of appropriation bills. Budget management is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. It's about ensuring the resources and the wealth of this...
I rise in support of the package of appropriation bills. Budget management is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. It's about ensuring the resources and the wealth of this nation and its people are managed well. It's about ensuring that the services that Australians rely on and expect and deserve are funded and delivered. It's about protecting our people and our nation, whether from the global challenge of climate change or from other threats in an increasingly uncertain world. Most importantly, budget management is about priorities—the priorities that reflect the values and choices of the Australian people when they cast their vote. Since coming to government in 2022, this government has delivered meaningful reform and real progress for our nation. We are a government that acts, whether it's action on climate change after a decade of denial and delay; whether it's the introduction of the National Anti-Corruption Commission that is restoring accountability and integrity into public life; whether it's more affordable early childhood education, cheaper medicines or cheaper home batteries; whether it's the ambition to build 1.2 million new homes and help young Australians achieve the dream of homeownership; or whether it's cutting student debt or the introduction of fee-free TAFE and paid prac placements. At every step, the Albanese Labor government has been guided by the core Labor values of fairness, opportunity and support for those who need it most. We have delivered these reforms while maintaining strong fiscal discipline under the leadership of the Treasurer and the Minister for Finance. In the last term, we delivered the largest nominal budget improvement in a single parliamentary term. We delivered the first back-to-back budget surpluses in nearly two decades because, for all the bluff and bluster about surpluses from those opposite when they were in government, it took Labor to actually deliver one. That is the harsh reality for those opposite. This is responsible economic management in action, and it's what we are continuing to deliver in this second term in government. When Australians went to the polls, they voted for a government that would tackle the big challenges, invest in the services they rely on and build a stronger, fairer future. These appropriation bills reflect that choice. They give effect to the commitments we took to the people, commitments we are proud to deliver, commitments to reduce the cost of living and fight inflation, including more relief on energy bills, tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer, cheaper medicines and a 20 per cent cut to student debt. We are strengthening Medicare, including funding so that, by 2030, nine out of 10 GP visits will be bulk-billed; a huge issue in my community. There'll be more investment in our public hospitals; more urgent care clinics—with 137 right across the nation, including a new one right here in Canberra; more doctors and nurses in the system; and lower costs, more choice and more accessible health care for women. We're also making it easier to buy and rent a home. We're building more homes faster, using modern construction methods and expanding the Help to Buy scheme. We're providing up to $10,000 for apprentices in housing construction to ensure we have the tradies we need to build the homes Australians need. We're expanding the five per cent deposit scheme to all first home buyers, so the once insurmountable burden of saving for a deposit is less of a hurdle. We've invested $43 billion in our Homes for Australia plan, as we work towards our 1.2 million new homes by 2030. We're fast-tracking the approvals of 26,000 homes that have stagnated, and we're freezing changes to the Construction Code so that builders can get on with the job of building. Alongside the Housing Australia Future Fund, build-to-rent, our shared equity schemes and other initiatives, this government is by far the most ambitious when it comes to housing policy in a generation. On education, we're investing at every stage. We're guaranteeing access to at least three days a week of subsidised early childhood education and care. We're fully funding every public school. We've made free TAFE permanent, and we're delivering reform to the university sector through the Universities Accord. We're building a stronger, more resilient economy through our new National Competition Policy, the Future Made in Australia plan supporting green metals production and clean energy manufacturing, and through expanded funding for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. I also want to talk about some of the commitments we made at the election specifically for the people of Canberra. Our flagship announcement at our campaign launch was game-changing for our city. Labor announced a $200 million investment to green-light a new national convention and entertainment precinct and a new aquatic centre in Commonwealth Park. This is something that I have advocated for the whole time I have been in parliament, because this new convention centre will be befitting of a national capital. It's so important that our city can host the sort of events that we need to play our part on the world stage. This will be a game changer for our local economy as well. The joint project with the ACT government will create jobs, boost our local economy and give Canberra the modern facilities the national capital deserves. It will deliver a new convention and entertainment precinct capable of hosting major summits, conferences and events befitting a national capital, as well as a new aquatic centre to replace the ageing Civic Pool. This investment is about building Canberra's future, supporting local business, tourism and hospitality, and ensuring our city has the infrastructure it needs to grow. It shows the difference a federal Labor government makes when it works hand in hand with an ACT Labor government to deliver for Canberra—a government that's not ashamed of our national capital and that doesn't engage in cheap pointscoring, as the former opposition leader did with his attacks on the public service, which clearly backfired in the last election. We're also backing our local sporting community with $1.5 million for Hockey ACT to upgrade and replace the ageing Carter Field at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham. This is another project I was very proud to advocate for on behalf of my community, and I'm very pleased that we can deliver. The Carter Field is Canberra's premier hockey pitch, home to the Canberra Chill and the large Canberra hockey community. Everyone who plays hockey in Canberra plays at the Lyneham fields. But, after nine seasons, the playing surface has deteriorated, posing a safety risk to players and falling below international standards. I was very proud to run a petition which saw over 1,000 Canberra hockey players and fans show their support for an upgrade to our hockey centre. With this strong community support, I was pleased to secure a commitment from the government. Our commitment will deliver a full pitch replacement, including a new international category 1 surface—the same as what was used in the Paris Olympics. This investment will also upgrade irrigation, fencing and other essential infrastructure. The new surface will reduce water consumption by 45 per cent and will support over 10,000 community fixtures and training sessions over the next decade. Our commitment secures the future of hockey in Canberra and ensures that players at all levels, from juniors through to elite athletes, have access to a world-class facility. Our government recognises the specific challenges Canberrans face when seeing a GP. Our city has some of the lowest bulk-billing rates in the country and Canberrans pay some of the highest GP fees. It's simply not good enough. That is why, on top of our national commitment to make nine in 10 GP appointments free by 2030, we're investing $14.3 million to directly boost bulk-billing GP rates in Canberra. This funding will go towards funding three new fully bulk-billed GP practices across the city and will guarantee the ongoing operation of Interchange Health Co-operative in Tuggeranong. We're also delivering new training initiatives, including the first metropolitan trial of the single-employer model, to attract more GPs to Canberra and keep them here. This is a game-changing investment for our city. It will mean more choice, better access and more affordable health care for Canberra families. Labor has also committed to delivering a new Medicare urgent care clinic in Woden, which is much needed. This clinic will be open seven days a week, over extended hours, with no appointment needed, and every patient will be fully bulk-billed. It will provide urgent medical care close to home without the stress of going to the emergency department. The Woden clinic will also take pressure off Canberra Hospital and make sure that families in Woden and across the city can see a doctor when it really matters. It will build on the five existing nurse led walk-in clinics already operating in the ACT, which have seen more than 236,000 presentations since opening, and it shows once again the difference a Labor government makes when it invests in the health of our community. We're also investing an extra $10 million into respite services here in Canberra to ensure that people who need a bed in a respite centre will get one, because the health and wellbeing of Canberrans matters to our government. We are also helping Canberrans electrify their homes and reduce energy bills through the Albanese government's suburb-wide electrification programs. Building on the success of early pilots like Electrify 2015, we are expanding this approach here in Canberra and working with communities such as Giralang to help households transition from gas to electric heating, cooking and hot water. These programs provide funding support, expert guidance and practical solutions to make upgrades easier and more affordable for families. Early results from similar pilots have been very encouraging. Households have cut energy use, lowered bills by thousands of dollars a year and reduced emissions, all while improving comfort and efficiency. By bringing this program to Canberra, we are giving residents choice, saving families money and building the renewable energy infrastructure that will power our city into the future. We're also contributing $5 million to stage 2 of the Garden City Cycleway through the inner north. Stage 1 has been an absolutely massive success. I'm looking forward to seeing the cycleway extend to Watson. I was thrilled to join the minister for infrastructure, the Chief Minister and the ACT transport minister to turn the sod of the light rail stage 2A to Commonwealth Park. It is a great example of our two governments working together. The government is also investing in the roads infrastructure that Canberrans need. We're providing $53.5 million to support key projects, including completing stage 1 of the Monaro Highway upgrade, planning for stage 2 and finishing the duplication of Gundaroo Drive. These upgrades will improve safety, ease congestion and make daily commutes faster and smoother for Canberran residents on these key arterial roads. The Albanese government is also backing Canberra's local defence industry, and building Australia's future through this. It was great to join Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy in the last term to announce a $272 million investment in CEA Technologies in Fyshwick, supporting 720 local Canberra jobs and delivering 14 world-class active phased array radars to the Australian Army's long-range fire capability. CEA is a Canberra success story, producing cutting-edge radar technology that strengthens our Defence Force, and has exported globally. This project highlights how the Albanese government is creating high-tech Australian made solutions while boosting local employment and capability. It was wonderful to tour this facility and hear about the Canberra history of this major employer in our city. They are a great example of Canberra punching above our weight when it comes to innovation and incredible capability in our city that is exported to the world. Many in Canberra who commute through or around State Circle would also know our government is building a brand new national security precinct in Barton which will employ around 10,000 people. The multiplier effect will be major, with this project providing a huge economic boost to our city. Just this week, we are one step closer to setting up Australia's Centre for Disease Control, which will be headquartered right here in Canberra, something I and the other Labor representatives—the members for Fenner and Bean, and Senator Gallagher—were very keen to see. The Minister for Health and Ageing has introduced legislation to establish the agency which will deliver $251.7 million to set up the CDC and ongoing annual funding of $73.3 million in 2028. These bills deliver for Canberra and deliver for Australia. They are about keeping faith for the Australian people, delivering on the commitments we have made, strengthening the services that Australians rely on and building a stronger, fairer future for our economy. They reflect the values of this Labor government—fairness, opportunity and responsibility. I commend them to the House.
Albanese Government | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
There's a lot of rhetoric coming from those opposite today about governing for all Australians, and I agree with the Assistant Treasurer that it's a very interesting topic for them to bring,...
There's a lot of rhetoric coming from those opposite today about governing for all Australians, and I agree with the Assistant Treasurer that it's a very interesting topic for them to bring, given their record in government over nearly a decade compared to what we have achieved already in one term and just a couple of months of this term. There are obviously many issues in which we could contrast our record against theirs, where we are actually governing for all Australians and where they neglected Australians. I'm just going to pick one, and that's education because it's a really important one. Education is how you build the future. If you want to measure a government's priorities, we should start by asking: How we are governing for the youngest Australians? How are we investing in their education, their opportunities and their future? Nothing is more fundamental to fairness and nothing is more essential to national prosperity than ensuring that every child, no matter where they live and no matter their background, has access to a high-quality education. That's why this government has made huge investments in both schools and skills, investing in education at all levels so that all Australians, from the youngest through to older Australians pursuing new skills and training, have the best opportunities to take on the jobs of the future. In regard to schools, we are delivering the first ever national agreement that fully funds public schools to 100 per cent of the schooling resource standard. This is absolutely huge. This is a historic step. For too long, governments—specifically, the last coalition government—left public school students shortchanged, forcing teachers and principals to stretch resources while parents fundraised for the basics. Let's remind ourselves of the recent history in this space. In 2012, David Gonski released the report into Australia's school funding, recommending changes with the aim of reducing the impact of social disadvantage on educational outcomes. The key recommendation was introduction of the schooling resource standard, a base rate of funding per student which would determine the required funding needed for each school. When the coalition came to government a year later, they tore up that Gonski report. They directed funds to less needy schools and left public school students to endure substandard resourcing. That all changed with the change in government. We are ending that era of underfunding because we believe every child in every school deserves the same chance to succeed. I want to acknowledge the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, and the incredible work he's done in this space. Our government has invested $16.5 billion in additional funding to fully fund all public schools. We've introduced paid prac for teaching students to help with the cost of placements. There are more teachers in the pipeline, with enrolments in teaching degrees up 11 per cent this year. I want to acknowledge too that in the ACT, the community that I represent, we were the only jurisdiction that was already at 100 per cent of the resource standard, and that is, in a big way, thanks to our ACT Labor government and Minister Yvette Berry. But this agreement that our government has delivered has actually further increased that funding for ACT schools. As a parent whose children attend public schools I know that that is much needed. It is really wonderful to see that every school around this country will now receive a 100 per cent of that resource standard and be able to invest in their future and give our teachers, who do such incredible and important work every day, the resources that they need to empower these young people to learn. There's a particular focus with the agreement on ensuring that teachers have the things they need to stop students falling behind before it is too late—things like the year 1 phonics test, which is critically important to ensure that students at that age are learning the things they need to continue that journey. So I'm so proud of this achievement of our government, this historic Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which ensures that we back every student in this country—no matter where they live, no matter what their parents' income—and give them the opportunity for a great public education.
Albanese Government | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its commitment to build Australia's future?
Women's Health | Statements by Members | House debates
It's Women's Health Week, and, this morning, I joined the new Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care at Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, a critical service for our community here in...
It's Women's Health Week, and, this morning, I joined the new Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care at Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, a critical service for our community here in Canberra, to discuss the Albanese Labor government's announcement of more training for practitioners for the placement and removal of IUDs and birth-control implants. This free training boost will make long-acting contraceptives more widely accessible on top of our previous commitment to make them more affordable. For far too long, women's health has been underfunded, underresearched and undervalued. Now, the Albanese Labor government has invested a massive $729.9 million into women's health to ensure that women have more choice and better outcomes for their reproductive health. I also want to acknowledge the former assistant minister for women's health, Ged Kearney, for her work in this area. We have put the first new contraceptive pills on the PBS for the first time in 30 years. We will open more pelvic pain clinics around the country, and we are training nurses to help support women through the non-optional hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause. And now, from 1 January, PBS scripts will cost no more than $25. They have not been that low since 2004. Labor is the party of Medicare, and we will always strengthen it, including for Australian women, because women's health is central to gender equality and gender equality is essential to the Albanese Labor government's agenda.
Parents and Carers, Canberra Electorate: Karinya House | Adjournment | House debates
(): In a few weeks I am due to welcome a new baby into this world. To be a mother is something I am deeply thankful for. Preparing for the birth of a baby brings a profound sense of...
(): In a few weeks I am due to welcome a new baby into this world. To be a mother is something I am deeply thankful for. Preparing for the birth of a baby brings a profound sense of both privilege and responsibility; a new life, a new human story, is about to begin with you, for better or worse. Mothers desperately want to give their babies the very best start—the best foundation—that they can for that life. As an expectant mother, I am thankful to have a supportive and loving partner and family around me, to have a secure roof over my head and not to worry about where our next meal will come from or about providing the things I need for this baby or my other children. Bu the reality is that, for so many mothers in our community, this is not the case. Karinya House is an inspiring Canberra organisation that believes no woman should navigate parenting alone. For over 27 years they have provided safety, accommodation, support and community to thousands of women impacted by violence, homelessness and disadvantage while pregnant or parenting. They are a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service and the only service of their kind specifically for pregnant women, their babies and young children in our region. I want to begin by acknowledging the work of their CEO, Lavinia Tyrrel, and their whole team, including the volunteers who create this peaceful home, as Karinya is for the women there and their families. This September they will hold a major new fundraising initiative, the Walk for Hope, with all funds raised going to Karinya House to directly support pregnant and parenting women in crisis. I am proud to have signed up as a community champion for the walk, and I encourage anyone who is able to do so to support this wonderful organisation. I want to acknowledge the other around 20 champions—there are too many to name—and their generous commitments. It's an honour to join them. The walk will be held on 14 September and is open to our entire community. The aim of the Walk for Hope is not just to raise the much-needed money for Karinya House's vital work but also to walk alongside pregnant women and new mothers as a community. Many will be walking with weighted vests to represent the weight of a pregnancy—I won't be doing that! We often use the phrase these days, 'It takes a village,' and this is about putting meaning to that. As Karinya's CEO, Lavinia Tyrrel, has said: …there's no place for disadvantage for children, pregnant women and women raising children in Canberra. I hope this is a statement that we can all agree with, for women not only here in Canberra but all around our country. Karinya House faces a waiting list of women needing support. It is important we focus not just on supporting incredibly important work like what they do but also help prevent women from facing violence, poverty and disadvantage in the first place. I, like many in this place, am here in parliament because I believe that government has a role in preventing poverty and disadvantage. The Albanese Labor government has focused on building an inclusive Australia where no-one is left behind or held back. I am proud of our commitment to ending violence against women and children in a generation and of the extensive and multifaceted policies we are pursuing to support that. I am particularly proud that we restored single parenting payments to sole parents up until their child is 14, and I am proud of the substantial increases to rent assistance we have delivered. Currently, however, the key payment for a single woman who is unemployed and not yet a mother—including if she is pregnant—is the JobSeeker payment, which is currently around $390 per week. If the recipient is under 21, they receive the lower youth allowance, which is currently around $332 per week. I note that a single person paying $75 per week in rent will be eligible for rent assistance up to a maximum of $106 per week but only where their weekly rent is $216 or more. Finding or maintaining a job while pregnant can obviously be challenging, especially when someone is also dealing with other complex circumstances, like family and domestic violence. I think it is easy to see how homelessness becomes a real possibility for someone trying to survive on that income. I think if we as a society agree that there is no place for disadvantage for pregnant women and newborn babies—that there is more that we can do to make sure these women don't fall into poverty and homelessness—I know many in my community would support this. House adjourned at 20:00
Battery Industry | Private Members' Business | House debates
I thank the member for Swan for bringing this motion and rise today to speak in support of the Albanese Labor government's vision for a future made in Australia and to highlight one of the most...
I thank the member for Swan for bringing this motion and rise today to speak in support of the Albanese Labor government's vision for a future made in Australia and to highlight one of the most exciting new programs under that agenda, the Battery Breakthrough Initiative. A future made in Australia is about making sure that all Australians thrive in a changing world. It's about seizing the opportunities of the global clean energy transformation rather than letting them pass us by. It's about using the resources, the ingenuity and the skills we have right here at home to create the jobs and industries of the future. Australia has abundant natural advantages. We have world-class deposits of critical minerals, unmatched renewable energy resources and outstanding research institutions, including, of course, right here in Canberra. Together they form the foundation of future export industries. But to secure these opportunities we need to make smart, strategic investments today. That's exactly what the Albanese government is doing. We are building a more resilient economy—one that ensures us against a changing geopolitical environment and protects us against global shocks. In last year's budget, we committed nearly $23 billion to our Future Made in Australia agenda, and this investment is already transforming our industrial base. The $500 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative is part of that plan and will enable us to accelerate battery manufacturing here at home. Labor's National Battery Strategy sets a bold vision. By 2035 Australia will be a globally competitive producer of batteries and battery materials, delivering secure supply chains and affordable energy and creating secure, well-paid jobs. And it's backed by significant investment. We've already committed over $20 million for battery innovation, scale-up programs, best practice guidelines and workforce training. This includes support for the Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre and the Powering Australia Industry Growth Centre. The Battery Breakthrough Initiative is one of the largest investments in Australian battery manufacturing capability to date. We're also ensuring this investment delivers on our climate commitments, by backing projects that not only strengthen supply chains but also contribute to emissions reduction. The Battery Breakthrough Initiative will also ensure that public and private investment flows to local communities, creating safe, secure and well-paid jobs. It promotes inclusive workforce development, supporting First Nations employment, gender equality and regional transition opportunities. Every funded project will also be required to share data and insights, building a collective knowledge base that benefits the whole industry and accelerates innovation. The government's approach stands in stark contrast to those opposite. The coalition have never reckoned with the changing global landscape. They are happiest when they're talking Australian industry down. They spent a decade in government doing nothing to address our declining productivity, nothing to strengthen our sovereign capability and nothing to prepare Australia for a clean energy future. They cannot even agree on whether climate change is real, let alone put forward a serious plan to seize the opportunities of the global energy transformation. Their approach is one of complacency and neglect, leaving Australia underinvested and vulnerable to global shocks. By contrast Labor is acting with urgency and ambition. We are building new industries, new jobs and new opportunities and securing our place in the global clean energy economy. We are ensuring that the benefits of this transformation are felt by communities across our country. Fundamentally, the Future Made in Australia agenda, with the Battery Breakthrough Initiative, is about people. It's about the workers in Port Kembla, in Geelong, in Brisbane, in Sydney and in regional towns across the country who will find new opportunities in the industries of the future. It's about the students in our universities who will help develop the next breakthroughs. It's about the communities who will benefit from cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy. This is what a future made in Australia looks like—a future where we not only mine the minerals but manufacture the products; a future where our economy is more resilient, our communities are stronger and our environment is safeguarded. I am proud to be part of a government that is making this vision a reality.
Police Week | Private Members' Business | House debates
On 29 September, we will mark National Police Remembrance Day. This is a day to reflect on the courageous officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This is the 36th National Police...
On 29 September, we will mark National Police Remembrance Day. This is a day to reflect on the courageous officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This is the 36th National Police Remembrance Day, and it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the courage, commitment and dedication of police officers who protect our community each and every day. On the 29th, a ceremony is held at the National Police Memorial, in my electorate of Canberra, each year. It complements the ceremonies that are held in each state and territory around the country. The National Police Memorial honours and remembers those police officers from all Australian police jurisdictions who gave their lives in the line of duty. It provides an opportunity for solemn reflection and seeks to encourage serving and retired police officers, their families and the community to honour the memory of those who have given their lives in service. Here in the ACT, ACT police officers have been serving the capital since 1927. The original local police force had one police sergeant and 10 Commonwealth police officers. While ACT policing has now expanded and become the community policing arm of the Australian Federal Police, these officers have diligently protected our city no matter the challenges put ahead of them. The Australian community is reminded of the importance of National Police Remembrance Day by the terrible events at Porepunkah. They are a reminder to all of us of the dangers that police officers face in keeping our communities safe each day. I offer my deepest condolences, on behalf of the people of Canberra, to the families, loved ones and colleagues of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart. Detective Leading Senior Constable Thompson was looking forward to retirement and all the possibilities that would open up for him with his partner, Lisa. Senior Constable De Waart came from Belgium and served his community in Victoria. He was a man with many passions, including motorbikes and scuba diving. Both of these men will be deeply missed by their families and communities. May they rest in peace. We honour their bravery, and my thoughts are with their fellow officers who were at the scene, including their colleague who is recovering in hospital from gunshot wounds. As the Prime Minister said, the death of any officer in the line of duty hits deeply at the heart of members of the police family. Every day, as a police officer puts themselves on the line, they are doing it for the safety of their community, and they know that there is a possibility that the worst could happen on that, or on any, day. Often police officers are the first responders—whether in an emergency, during a pandemic or in a natural disaster—at significant personal risk. It is they whom we look to, to keep us safe, protect us and guide us in the most challenging of times. It is the bravery of these police officers at work every day that makes their loss even more deeply felt. For the families of police officers who have passed away, on or off duty, Police Legacy is there to support them. This service provides support and financial assistance to these families, no matter the circumstances—through accident, injury or illness. The Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance is another event that celebrates and remembers those police officers from around Australia who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year, the final leg of the ride, between the New South Wales Wall of Remembrance in Sydney and the National Police Memorial here in Canberra, will take place on Saturday 13 September. Police, family, friends and visitors are welcome at the National Police Remembrance Day events, and I strongly encourage the community to attend. This day is a time to grieve with police families who have lost loved ones and reflect on their commitment to duty and to keeping our communities safe from harm. We all stand with the families and loved ones of the fallen officers, who we will come together to commemorate.
Cybersafety | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Communications. How will the Albanese Labor government's world-leading social media minimum age law protect young Australians online?
Australian National University, Climate Change | Constituency Statements | House debates
The Australian National University is an important institution for our whole nation. As the only national university established by federal legislation, it is unique in its remit. It's research...
The Australian National University is an important institution for our whole nation. As the only national university established by federal legislation, it is unique in its remit. It's research is groundbreaking, and it holds a level of community trust that is precious. But, at the moment, the ANU is in crisis. Over many months I've been hearing from countless ANU staff about the situation there, as well as engaging with the National Tertiary Education Union. Many of the staff are not feeling heard, and they feel that the Renew ANU process is being driven without transparency, consultation or a clear rationale for the number of job cuts and other changes that are being made. These people are coming to their political representatives because they are not feeling heard; they feel they have exhausted their avenues for feedback and that it's not been taking seriously. There have also been serious allegations that have come to light, through the Senate committee, of bullying and mismanagement. There has clearly been a lack of consultation and transparency. There have been announcements of the closure of institutions that are incredibly important to Australian culture and society, including the National Dictionary Centre, the Australian Dictionary of Biography and the Humanities Research Centre—unique work that does not happen anywhere else—as well as significant changes proposed to the School of Music with far-reaching consequences for the music ecosystem in Canberra and beyond. I've been incredibly concerned by what I've heard, and I've been passing these concerns on to the Minister for Education and directly to the vice-chancellor as well. I was pleased to see that the regulator, TEQSA, has stepped in and put the ANU on notice to ensure that they are being compliant with their obligations and these standards. I think it's incredibly important that trust is restored within the ANU staff, community and leadership if things are to in any way be rescued from where they are at the moment. The reputation and the role of this institution are too important to let it be destroyed, and serious action is needed to be taken. This week we have learnt that Australian emissions fell by 6.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in the year to March 2025. That's a 1.4 per cent reduction, taking us to 28 per cent below 2005 levels—proof that we are well on track to meet and beat our 43 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030. To put that in perspective, a reduction of 6.5 million tonnes is like taking 1.4 million cars off the road or eliminating the annual electricity use of around 1.3 million homes. I know Canberrans want to see us set a strong 2035 target, and this is something I am raising their voice for in our government.
Address-in-Reply | Governor-General's Speech | House debates
I want to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet for this parliament, the Ngunnawal people, which is of course part of the electorate that I am so proud to...
I want to begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet for this parliament, the Ngunnawal people, which is of course part of the electorate that I am so proud to represent in this place, and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. It was particularly moving to see Aunty Violet Sheridan do the welcome to country for the opening of parliament this term. It was really wonderful to see her, as someone I know and am often with at events, have that honour this time. We share this continent with the world's oldest continuing culture—more than 60,000 years of custodianship and of deep connection to country, land that always was and always will be Aboriginal land. 'Canberra', of course, comes from a word meaning 'meeting place', a fitting description for a place which for millennia has brought together Indigenous nations and today brings together the representatives in our democracy. I was born and raised here in Canberra, and it is an immense privilege to have been re-elected by my community to represent them in the 48th Parliament. On 3 May, Canberrans once again rejected the politics of hate and division, they rejected fear campaigns, they rejected relentless attacks on public servants and they rejected the tired, cynical attempts to diminish this city. As a proud Canberran, I was heartened to see the rest of the nation reject those attacks too, resoundingly, and to see my Labor team and my prime minister defend our city and the hardworking people that live here, not just here in our city but in the national conversation. Canberra is a special place. We have five university campuses in my electorate. The federal government is a major employer. We have an incredible small-business community that makes our city the vibrant and wonderful place that it is. For many years, Canberrans have punched above our weight on the national and international stage. I want to focus for a minute on the Public Service. The men and women who make up our APS are dedicated, hardworking, professional people. The work of the APS is the solid foundation that we use to build the future prosperity of the nation. It is work that confronts the challenges we face as a nation, from climate change to health care to infrastructure to social security. It requires long and tiring work hours, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of what Australia and Australians need as a nation and as a people. As the term suggests, these people are servants of the public. They are people whose motivation to go to work every day is the national interest, and that is something that, as a Canberran, I have a deep respect for. Canberrans know, probably more than most, the value of an empowered APS in delivering the policy outcomes that create a better future for all Australians and are a key part of a well-functioning democracy. I saw it in my father's career in the Public Service, and I was fortunate that he taught me about the principles of frank and fearless advice and how important that was to getting the best policy outcomes for Australia. In my own career, including as a public servant in Treasury, I was also able to see that work firsthand and work with some of the most professional and dedicated people I will ever have the privilege to work with. That is why it is so enraging to see the politics of Canberra-bashing wielded by those opposite. While in office, those opposite gutted the APS in what could only be seen as an attitude of contempt for those who work in it. We saw huge amounts of outsourcing, arbitrary employment caps designed for political pointscoring, wage freezes, and speeches by the former prime minister that completely misunderstood the purpose and mission of the APS—or, more likely, misrepresented what he knew was the hardworking and important role they play, as anyone who has served as a minister or of course prime minister would know from working directly with those people. When Labor returned to power in 2022 we set about rebuilding a greatly diminished APS, and the response of those opposite was as expected. For the last term we saw Trumpian attacks on public servants, culminating in the election threat to sack 41,000 Canberra based public servants and end flexible work. Thankfully, Australians understood the dire consequences there would have been, not just for those who would have lost their jobs but also for the services that Australians rely on. Given that election result and the fact that our government openly rejected this, I hope we can move on from this cheap politics of Canberra-bashing that had no basis in actual outcomes for the Australian people but was based on a cheap political idea that attacking our city is popular elsewhere. I hope we can put that to bed and move on from it, because I've been incredibly proud of the way our prime minister, our government and my ACT colleague Senator Katy Gallagher, who has ministerial responsibility for the APS, have stood up to defend those hardworking people. On 3 May Australians voted for a government that, over the previous three years, had delivered stability, decency and vision—a government that understands the lives, hopes and needs of everyday Australians. Australians told us clearly what they wanted to see: help with the cost of living, serious action on climate change, action on housing so that more people can have a roof over their head and own their own homes, free health care and affordable medicines, cheaper early childhood education and care, fully funded public schools, a fairer deal on student debt, Australia's global reputation restored, and the ability to earn more and keep more of what they earn. The Albanese Labor government delivered on these priorities and will continue to deliver for the Australian people in the 48th Parliament. We are lucky to live in Australia. Our democracy is robust, our elections are fair and our independent Australian Electoral Commission is one of the best in the world. We should be immensely proud of the system we have built, a system that delivers stability, integrity and a voice for every citizen. Our elections are well run, transparent and trusted—a credit to the professionalism of the AEC. Of course, no system is perfect, and there are always improvements that can be made. But the 2025 federal election once again showed why Australia's democracy is among the strongest and most inclusive in the world. Our system of compulsory and preferential voting is unique and powerful. It ensures broad participation and real representation, and we must never allow it to be undermined. I should say that while my Labor values are fundamentally part of who I am and will always motivate me, my first love is democracy, and my first political lesson from my mother was that you should never take for granted your right to vote. We continue to see people around the world dying for that very right. I think it is something that we must cherish and always take the opportunity to engage in as much as we can. When I'm out talking to Canberrans and campaigning, I'd rather hear someone say to me that they are supporting someone else or that they want to see me or my party doing something differently than hear someone express a total disinterest or disengagement with politics. It is so important that we stay engaged in order to maintain that strong democracy. I'm particularly pleased about and looking forward to serving on the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in this 48th Parliament and to do my part in protecting and strengthening our democracy for future elections. My own re-election campaign here in Canberra was a massive grassroots effort as it always is. Our campaign team was made up of committed volunteers, mostly from Labor Party members, who did everything from erecting roadside corflutes, doorknocking and assembling booth kits to standing on pre-poll for countless hours, always with a smile on their face. I really want to thank them for their efforts from the bottom of my heart. I'm always hesitant to start naming people because you will leave someone off, and I probably didn't actually see the work that many people were doing behind the scenes, putting in countless hours doing things like putting the signs out at night. But I particularly want to thank a few volunteers who showed up to pretty much every doorknock across almost all of the suburbs in my electorate, including Oksana Melnyk, Anne Baly and Julia Raine. I also want to acknowledge Janaline Oh, Labor's formidable second Senate candidate, who was doorknocking at not only all of my doorknocks but also those for our other ACT candidates. Her commitment to our cause was an inspiration, and I'm so grateful for the time that she gave to my campaign. With over 32 booths on polling day, it took essentially an army of volunteers to man those booths and spread the Labor message. I want to thank everyone who helped out on that day, particularly the booth captains of whom there are far too many to name. I want to thank my core team: Hamish; Rad Miller; Grace; Andrew; India; my volunteers Fran and Karen, who came out of retirement to help out on the election campaign; and Tina, who always takes time off work to come and volunteer in the lead-up to polling day. I couldn't do it without you guys. You're absolutely amazing, and I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful team around me. I also want to thank the Labor Environment Action Network for the faith they placed in me when naming me as one of their LEAN champions in recognition of the importance of having people within our Labor caucus speaking up on environment and climate matters. It was really helpful for me, with the grassroots campaigning that the ACT region LEAN team did for me as well as the national efforts around that. Campaigns are run by people, but they also require money. I want to thank the many Canberrans and Labor Party members who donated generously to my campaign. I'm very grateful. To my community who put their faith in me at the ballot box: I will not let you down and I pledge to work every day to represent you as best as I can in this place. Thank you for placing your trust in me. For those who didn't support me at the election, I want you to know that I am equally here to listen to you and understand the changes that you want to see and also to represent you in this place. Even before this parliament convened, key policy changes began from 1 July. Paid parental leave was extended to 24 weeks, with superannuation now paid on that leave. This is something that will make a huge difference for so many families around Australia. Also from 1 July, every household and business began receiving energy bill relief. We slashed the price of home batteries to help lower household emissions and energy bills at the same time. Apprentice tradies who will be building Australia's homes became eligible for a $10,000 bonus. An extra $1.8 billion flowed into hospitals, including here in Canberra. Paid prac placements began for nursing, teaching, social work and midwifery students. The superannuation guarantee increased to 12 per cent, and millions of minimum wage and award wage workers got a 3.5 per cent pay rise. These are true Labor reforms to improve the lives of Australians. The mission of Labor governments has always been one of fairness, of a society where, as the Prime Minister says, no-one is held back and no-one is left behind. We are the party that created and will always strengthen Medicare, we are the party that stands up for our environment and for climate justice and we are the party that established the NDIS and paid parental leave. We will continue to deliver on these things in this term. I now want to turn to some of the issues that my constituents have been raising most with me since the election and in the lead-up to the election. I want to begin by speaking about the situation in the Middle East. The people of Gaza are starving. The humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip is beyond comprehension. As the Prime Minister has said, it has exceeded the world's worst fears of what could happen there. We see the photos of starving children and hear the reports of doctors collapsing from hunger. We watch the videos of desperate people scrambling for the tiniest scraps of food, dodging gunfire to do so. Just yesterday we saw another hospital bombed and more journalists killed in what has been the deadliest conflict on record for the press. UN agencies have warned that the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out. The famine is not the result of natural disasters or drought. It is not an unavoidable tragedy. It is a man-made catastrophe. It is a calculated, deliberate starvation of a civilian population that has endured relentless war for nearly two decades. We cannot let this go on. Using starvation as a weapon of war is horrendous and clearly a breach of international law, as is the bombing of hospitals and relentless killing of innocent people. I welcome Australia's decision to recognise a state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly. It is so important. It is a clear and principled statement and something that many people, including me, have advocated for for a long time. It is a recognition that the Palestinian people are entitled to dignity, to safety and to statehood. Of course, it doesn't address the current situation that is going on in Gaza. The fear that many are expressing to me is that, as the Foreign minister has said, there's a risk that there will be no Gaza left to recognise. But it is an important step in creating that international momentum. Our prime minister has been subject to personal attacks from the Prime Minister of Israel for taking this position. The Israeli prime minister has claimed that our prime minister is weak. But I thought the Leader of the House said it best when he said that strength is not measured by the number of people you can blow up or children you can starve. True strength is measured in the pursuit of peace. True strength is measured in protecting the innocent, in committing to uphold international law and in having the courage to stand on the side of humanity. I am proud of what our government has been doing in this regard. We have been calling for a ceasefire, we have been calling for aid to flow into Gaza and we have contributed significant aid. We have been calling on Israel to respect international law, and we will continue to do so. I hear my community and their deep distress about what is going on in Gaza. I have been engaging with people all of this time, particularly with the Canberra Palestinian community, with organisations like APAN and with any constituents, because I understand their desperation about wanting to see an end to this and the powerlessness that they feel when they see this happen. They just want to stop the killing and destruction. What I do reject when I hear it from my constituents is that our government is doing nothing, because we are not. We have been speaking very strongly on this. There is incredible work that is going on behind the scenes by the Foreign minister, the Prime Minister and others. I also want you to know that, as your representative, this is something that I am focusing on very much and constantly raising in discussions around this. We do want to see an end to what is happening there—this terrible situation. It would dehumanise us all if we were to stand by and see what is continuing to happen in Gaza. The government is taking real, responsible action to protect nature and secure the economy of the future. We are reforming Australia's outdated and broken environmental laws—laws that don't work for the environment, for business or for communities. We're responding to the Samuel review with our Nature Positive Plan, backed by serious investment, and we're getting on with delivering it. I've been really pleased, since the election, to see the momentum with which we are working towards delivering reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. This is something that my constituents raise with me constantly. It is something that I have focused my advocacy on for the whole time I've been in parliament, since 2019. It is critical that we get this right, and I was pleased to see that, as part of the roundtable last week, this priority was emphasised again. We need strong laws that protect nature and protect the environment but also are going to make it more efficient for projects to be approved in a way that is more fitting for these decisions. So I want to say to my electorate: I am raising those concerns that you raised with me, and I will continue to do so. When we choose fairness over division, compassion over cruelty and responsibility over denial, we build a better future for all Australians. That is the mission of this Labor government, and it is why I sought election, why I am honoured to serve in this place and why I will continue to work every single day for the people of Canberra and for our common future, because ours is a nation built on the principle that no-one should be held back and no-one should be left behind. I'm so proud to be part of a government that will always strive to achieve this goal.
Canberra Electorate: Housing | Statements by Members | House debates
My constituents Abby and Lachlan, both just 23, recently bought their first home in Lawson in my electorate. I want to thank them for welcoming me, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Housing...
My constituents Abby and Lachlan, both just 23, recently bought their first home in Lawson in my electorate. I want to thank them for welcoming me, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Housing to their home yesterday to hear about what it means to them to be paying off their own mortgage rather than someone else's and to meet their very cute puppy, Chilli, who they've been able to welcome now that they have their own home. This has been possible because of the Albanese government's five per cent home deposit scheme. We were there yesterday to announce that our election promise to expand eligibility of the five per cent deposit scheme to every first home buyer will be brought forward to 1 October this year. This is a game changer for countless young Australians who have been diligently saving to buy their first home—who might be living with parents as Abby and Lachlan were—and see the saving of 20 per cent deposit as an almost insurmountable task. This will bring them a step closer than ever before to having a place they can call their own. Since coming to office in 2022, Labor has helped over 180,000 first home buyers get into a home of their own with a lower deposit. This is just one part of our housing agenda. We've invested $43 billion in our Homes for Australia plan as we work toward our target of 1.2 million new homes by 2030. We're fast-tracking the approvals of 26,000 homes that have stagnated. We're freezing changes to the National Construction Code so that builders can get on with the job— (Time expired)
Paid Parental Leave | Private Members' Business | House debates
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to strengthening the paid parental leave system; (2) notes that on 1 July 2025: (a) the Government's paid parental leave...
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the Government's commitment to strengthening the paid parental leave system; (2) notes that on 1 July 2025: (a) the Government's paid parental leave increased by two weeks, from 22 weeks to 24 weeks; and (b) superannuation was added to Government paid parental leave meaning taking paid parental leave will not mean missing out on superannuation; and (3) welcomes the Government delivering the better future Australians voted for. I'm very proud today to move this motion relating to paid parental leave because it's an issue that's really close to my heart, not just at the moment but all the time. It is about supporting families at such an important time in their life as they welcome a new baby, it's about gender equality, it's about maternal health, and it's about recognising the importance of supporting both men and women to take time out of the workforce to care for family. Paid parental leave was first introduced by the Labor government when Jenny Macklin, who I'm so proud to have had the opportunity to work for, was the minister for social services. In 2011 this was introduced, and we were one of the last OECD countries to introduce such an important scheme. So this is a really proud Labor achievement. But we haven't just left it there. We've continued to improve this really critical scheme, and that's what I rise to speak about today: two very important reforms that came into effect from 1 July this year relating to paid parental leave—reforms that deliver really meaningful and life-changing support to families, delivering fairness, dignity and security to working families across the country. These are reforms that reflect our values and the priorities of the Australians who elected this government. Firstly, the duration of paid parental leave increased from 22 to 24 weeks, and this is part of our plan to reach 26 weeks by 2026. This is a meaningful change that gives parents more precious time at home with their newborns—time to bond, recover and adjust to life as a growing family. For babies, this time is critical. It supports healthy development, strengthens family relationships and lays the foundation for a strong start in life. For parents, particularly mothers, it's about their health and recovery after birth. It is about recognition, respect and economic justice. Secondly, and very significantly, superannuation is now being paid with paid parental leave. This is a reform that generations of Labor women, unions and advocates have fought for, and I'm proud to be part of the government that has delivered it. Both of these policy features were actually recommended in the initial Productivity Commission report on which the first scheme was very closely based, and these were things that were long an aspiration to be delivered: more leave, more time, and also superannuation. So it is really a very proud moment that our government has delivered these and that, from 1 July this year families have been benefiting from both of those. It means that taking time out of paid work to care for children will no longer have such an impact on women's retirement savings. It's helping to close that gap, and it's sending an important signal to employers about this as well. For too long women have been penalised for taking time out of the workforce to care for their children. The result is that women retire with around 25 per cent less superannuation than men. By paying this on the paid parental leave scheme, we are beginning to close that gap. It is my belief that it is incredibly important we make it easier for both men and women to take this time out of the workforce—that we normalise it as part of life that people need to take time out of work to do things like care for children and other family members and that this is shared equally between men and women. I believe one of the most key factors in influencing gender equality going forward is that this is seen as something that is normal and respected—respected in ways like paying superannuation on paid parental leave, which is a really important way to show that this is a serious and important thing. These changes will benefit around 180,000 families every year. It will give them more time, money and flexibility, and more people will be eligible. Labor created paid parental leave, and we will always defend it and continue to build on it. But it's not just paid parental leave that we're making better; these changes build on the Albanese government's broader agenda to support Australian families and modernise our workplace and care systems. Since we came to office, parents have been almost $12,000 better off. From cheaper early childhood education, with the goal of universal access, and paid placements for student nurses and teachers to getting wages moving again, we are backing working people and working families.
Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025 | Statements | House debates
Yesterday this parliament delivered on a promise we made to students, to young people, to workers retraining for the future and to every Australian who took on a student loan and pursued an...
Yesterday this parliament delivered on a promise we made to students, to young people, to workers retraining for the future and to every Australian who took on a student loan and pursued an opportunity. This bill, the Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025, is the first piece of legislation that was introduced into the 48th Parliament, just as the Prime Minister said it would be, and I am so proud that this was a key priority for us in the new parliament. This bill is about fairness; it's about making our student loan system more just, more affordable and more humane; and it's only happening because the Australian people put their faith in the Albanese Labor government on 3 May. More than three million Australian will see their student debts cut by 20 per cent overnight, and this includes 22,126 people in my electorate of Canberra. For someone with an average student debt, which is now around $27,600, that's a reduction of over $5,520. For someone with a $50,000 HELP debt that's $10,000 wiped away. That's a real relief for young people who feel like the system was working against them. Canberra is a university town. My electorate is home to five university campuses, and this bill will make a huge difference to the students who have studied in Canberra's universities, who are now contributing to our local economy as graduates. Importantly, this cut will be backdated to 1 June this year, before indexation kicked in. We know how much anxiety the annual indexation of HELP debts caused for students and graduates across the country. That's why this year our government capped indexation so that it will never outpace wage growth again. This is so important. This legislation goes even further. We are fundamentally reshaping how the repayments work. Under the current system, once you've earnt above the threshold—currently just $54,435—you start paying a percentage of your entire income. That can be punishing. For someone earning just over the threshold, it's like falling off a cliff. We are raising the minimum repayment threshold to $67,000 next year and indexing it to wages. Repayments will be based on what you earn above that threshold, not your entire income. That's a fairer, more progressive system. Let me give one example. Right now, someone earning $70,000 pays around $1,750 a year in HELP repayments. Under our changes, that same person will pay around $450, a saving of $1,300 every single year. That's money for rent, for groceries and for saving for a home. That's the kind of relief that we need in a cost-of-living crunch. This is not just a Canberra issue, but it matters deeply to my community. We are home to a large number of public servants, early career professionals and students—many of them carrying student loan debts—and it's something they talk to me about often. This bill will lift that weight. It's also a boost for women, who are more likely to take time out of paid work and more likely to carry their student debts for longer. And it isn't just about uni students. These reforms also apply to vocational education students and some apprentices. Labor values education in all its forms, not just what happens in lecture theatres, but in TAFE, in trade schools and on job sites. These reforms are just one part of a broader coherent vision for higher education. We've locked free TAFE into law, with more than 650,000 enrolments so far. We've introduced paid prac placements for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students. We've expanded FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses to give more people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a pathway to university, and we've established an independent Australian Tertiary Education Commission to drive long-term reform and equity across the sector. Finally, we've listened to young Australians and first-home buyers, who told us that student debt was locking them out of the property market. That's why the Treasurer worked with APRA and ASIC to ensure that HELP debts are treated fairly in loan assessments. Income-contingent loans should never have been treated like other loans when applying for a mortgage. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders assess how much you can borrow by calculating your debt-to-income ratio. This ratio compares your total debts to your income, affecting your borrowing capacity. This is obviously a sensible to do because we don't want people borrowing money they can't afford to pay back, but unlike credit card debt or personal loans HELP repayments depend solely on your income, not the outstanding loan amount or interest rates. This means that HELP doesn't behave like traditional debt. It's income contingent and doesn't fluctuate in response to changes in the cash rate. We've changed the rules so that HELP debts don't impact mortgage serviceability assessments—no more punishing people for taking on debt to improve their future income chances. I had one particular constituent raise this issue with me before this change was made. It was something I raised with the Treasurer. I actually saw her the other night, and she has been able to be approved for a loan. She hadn't been able to before that because of her substantial HELP debt, so this is really making a difference to people's lives. We believe in a society where education is not a privilege for a few but a right for all, where no-one is held back because of their postcode or their bank balance. Those opposite have called this bill elitist—what a load of rubbish. It just shows their attitude to universities and higher education, which they do so consistently. Young people have consistently told us that they feel the system is stacked against the. It costs far more to get into the property market. Degrees cost significantly more due to the policies of those opposite when they were in government. This bill is about letting those young people know that we hear them. We see them. They are the future of this nation. This bill delivers fairness, it delivers opportunity, and, as I've said, it delivers relief to over 22,000 people in my electorate. I've paid off a HECS debt too, and I remember the pressure that that put on me as a young person and the concern that I had about whether I would ever be able to save for a home et cetera. I'm lucky that when I was at university the debts were nothing compared to what they are these days. When I talk to young people, I can really understand their concern about the huge debts that they are now incurring when they study. Back in 2008 when I was a researcher at NATSEM I actually authored a report on HECS and the impact it was having on young people, called What price the clever country? As part of that, I had the great opportunity to work with Professor Bruce Chapman, the architect of HECS. He created this scheme, always envisaging it as a fair and equitable scheme. It was more about allowing the opportunity for more people to study and be able to pay the loan back in an equitable manner. I know that he is very welcoming of these changes because, even back then in 2008, he had concerns about the way the HECS system was going, that it wasn't delivering in the fair and equitable way that it was originally designed to do and that it had lost its way in many senses. It actually is a system that enables people who have studied. As our report back then showed, this does on average have a significant impact on improving lifetime incomes. But that shouldn't mean that it's absolutely crippling to pay back debts as a young person when you are trying to establish your career, your life outside of work and what that might mean for your ability to enter the housing market or consider things like starting a family. I know that Bruce Champman welcomed these changes, and these are excellent changes. I'm excited that we are doing this with urgency as part of a new government and excited about what this will mean for the young people in my electorate and all around the country.
Ibrahimi, Dr Nilofar | Adjournment | House debates
Deputy Speaker Scrymgour, I start by congratulating you as the first Aboriginal person to chair the House of Representatives. On Sunday, I had the most special day with my family. My friend, Dr...
Deputy Speaker Scrymgour, I start by congratulating you as the first Aboriginal person to chair the House of Representatives. On Sunday, I had the most special day with my family. My friend, Dr Nilofar Ibrahimi, hosted a special gathering with her family and friends to celebrate my being elected. Dr Nilofar Ibrahimi is one of the most inspiring people I have the great honour to know. She is a doctor from Afghanistan and was a female member of parliament in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban retook Kabul, she has been a Canberran and here has founded the ZamZam Foundation, which is an organisation that supports the education of young women in Afghanistan. So it was incredibly moving that she organised this celebration for me and my family when really the greatest honour is to know her and her beautiful family. To call her a friend and a supporter means more to me than I can put into words. Her story is incredibly inspiring and is covered in a documentary called Facing the Dragon that I hope we will be able to screen in the parliament some time very soon. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to view this to do so. It is one of the most powerful things I have ever watched. For me personally as a member of parliament, hearing her journey as a member of parliament representing her community and what that meant for her as a woman and the challenges she faced in Afghanistan was incredibly moving, particularly considering what has happened since then. Recently, Nilofar's sister, Manizha, and six of her daughters and her son have been able to join her here in Australia. I have seen these incredible young women and the resilience, strength and courage with which they are starting a new life here in Australia. Think about what their lives have been so far, what they have had to endure and what they would be if they were not here. What they will be now is an incredible testament to what it means when we can welcome refugees into this country. I was really pleased to have the opportunity to share in some of their Afghan culture on the weekend. What an incredibly beautiful and generous culture that is, one that, under the Taliban, is being so destructively attacked, particularly for women and their basic right to exist. On 15 August we will mark fourth anniversary of the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Since that terrible day, we have seen the decimation of human rights and a growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. In 2024 our government joined Germany, Canada and the Netherlands to take the Taliban to the International Court of Justice over the violation of women's and girls' human rights. We have allocated 26,500 dedicated visa places for Afghans to migrate to Australia under the offshore humanitarian program through to 2026, focusing on reuniting refugees with immediate family in Australia. We have also committed significant humanitarian and basic aid assistance to Afghanistan. When I see Nilofar's family here and the new lives they are making, I hope we can extend that to even more Afghan people for them to come and have a chance to live a life where women can pursue normal and happy lives like these wonderful women are. I particularly want to draw attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis affecting approximately four million Afghan refugees who are currently residing in Iran. This has been brought to my attention by two more local organisations, the Afghan Peace Foundation and Susan Hutchinson of Azadi-e Zan, a women's rights organisation based here in my electorate of Canberra which is aimed at bringing justice for human rights defenders of Afghanistan, ultimately for them to be able to continue defending women's rights for Afghan women. The world must not forget the plight of the women of Afghanistan. I'm proud that our government is doing this, and I hope that we can do more.
Artificial Intelligence | Motions | House debates
Environment | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. May I begin by congratulating you on your re-election as Deputy Speaker. I'm very pleased that my first contribution in the new parliament is to be speaking about the...
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. May I begin by congratulating you on your re-election as Deputy Speaker. I'm very pleased that my first contribution in the new parliament is to be speaking about the environment, something that's incredibly important to me and incredibly important to my constituents in the electorate of Canberra. I just want to respond to the hypocrisy writ large from the coalition in bringing this as a matter of public importance today, when they did nothing for a decade in government. It is actually hard to see how the shadow minister kept a straight face for half of that speech, with some of the things that were put forward. Like most Australians, I have been really concerned to see the devastating algal bloom in South Australia, seeing beautiful marine species washing up dead and the devastating impact that that is having. And I'm really pleased that our government has announced $14 million, partnering with the South Australian government and matching the funding they are putting in, to address this across priority areas including research and science, business assistance, community awareness and support, and clean-up efforts. This is critically important. But what those opposite seem to be ignoring by bringing this today is that what is driving this is climate change. That has been incredibly clear. It reminds me, having first been elected in 2019, what it was like to be here in opposition, with those opposite in government and doing absolutely nothing while a climate crisis unfolded—the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20 going on while those opposite ignored climate science. To come in here and claim that they suddenly care about the environment—well, I welcome that if they do, but it's going to take a lot of policy change on their side. In fact, at the moment, in the first week of parliament one of the first things we hear from them is that some of their own members want to bring in a private member's bill to drop their commitment to net zero. It is unbelievable. The other day I saw a great headline in the Betoota Advocate, who so often get it right, saying that the coalition, after ignoring climate science for decades, is also ignoring election results. What doesn't seem to be getting through to those opposite, after not just this election victory for Labor but also the previous one, is that Australians want to see action taken on climate change. They want to see our precious environment protected. I am proud to be part of a government that is doing that, and I am proud to be part of the Labor Party, who are responsible for every significant environmental reform in Australia's history. It's extraordinary to hear what those opposite have said in this matter of public importance debate today. This is a coalition that had a decade in government to fix environmental laws and instead they cut funding to the Environment Department by 40 per cent. They halved highly protected marine parks, they sabotaged the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and they let environmental standards slide into chaos. They had the Samuel review of our critically important environmental protection and biodiversity laws, and they ignored it and actually used it as an excuse to try and weaken the laws. Well, I am proud that one of the first things we are doing as a new government is to again try to reform those laws, as we attempted to do in the previous parliament. This is something that is incredibly important. We cannot protect nature without getting those laws right. We cannot protect nature without responding to the climate crisis. We cannot protect nature without an aim of getting to net zero. I mean, it's extraordinary that we are still even discussing this. Instead, those opposite took a nuclear fantasy to this election, which was more of a distraction from the climate crisis and the need to respond to it and a distraction from our plans to invest in renewable energy and transition us to a sustainable economy. I am so proud of what we have already achieved in our first term and that we are going to continue that as a re-elected government, because this is critically important. This is about the future of our planet. This is about life on Earth. This is about our economy and so much more. Those opposite seem to be completely in denial about what is required. (Time expired)
Budget | Constituency Statements | House debates
In accordance with standing order 193, the time for members' constituency statements has concluded.
Australian Public Service | Statements by Members | House debates
There are three things you can guarantee in life: death, taxes, and Canberra bashing from the Liberal Party. For those listening to the opposition leader's budget reply tonight, I have a...
There are three things you can guarantee in life: death, taxes, and Canberra bashing from the Liberal Party. For those listening to the opposition leader's budget reply tonight, I have a challenge for you. Count how many times he uses the word 'Canberra' as a slur. You could even make it a drinking game, but you might need an ambulance at the end. It is staggering how brazen those opposite are at attacking our community and the hardworking people who live here. And in case you've missed it, they've increased their commitment to cut the Public Service to 41,000 public servants. That is half of the APS. It's not just an attack on the hardworking public servants in Canberra and every Canberra small business in our entire local economy; it's an attack on every Australian who relies on public services and the good governance of this nation. The opposition leader knows that, but he is willing to gamble the wellbeing of Australians on his divisive populous politics. If you're a veteran claiming DVA supports, you'll remember what it was like under the Liberals—a backlog of 42,000 veterans' claims, some waiting more than two years to be processed. That's what happens when you hollow out the Public Service. It took a Labor government and the hardworking APS to clear that backlog. However, the Liberals have confirmed that DVA staff are in their sights, as with the rest of the APS. Today they've confirmed that, if elected, they'll actually increase your taxes. They'll actually not only oppose but repeal the tax cut we delivered for all Australian taxpayers in our budget on Tuesday night. Well, I will always stand up for hardworking public servants and the services that Australians need.
Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
The Albanese government is committed to putting Australian consumers at the heart of the telecommunications industry. Telecommunications should enrich people's lives, not cause inconvenience,...
The Albanese government is committed to putting Australian consumers at the heart of the telecommunications industry. Telecommunications should enrich people's lives, not cause inconvenience, frustration or detriment. We want to ensure that all Australians have access to reliable, high-quality and affordable telecommunications services supported by a strong regulatory and consumer safeguards framework. That is why this government has been actively reviewing the telecommunications consumer protection framework and making appropriate changes, and I thank the Minister for Communications for her hard work regarding the development of these changes. The minister's previous changes include implementing new rules around support provided to consumers experiencing financial hardship and, more recently, directing ACMA to create rules regarding support for consumers experiencing domestic, sexual and family violence. Our government knows that staying connected is a critical part of life. The reforms proposed in the Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025 go to the compliance and enforcement regime for consumer safeguards and constitute a comprehensive package of improvements to those arrangements. They help to ensure the ACMA is an empowered and effective regulator and that appropriate incentive structures are in place to drive better behaviour by telcos. Staying connected is an essential part of everyday life. The Albanese government understands how critical telco services are for everyone, including those facing vulnerable circumstances, people living in our regions, First Nations Australians and those who rely upon connectivity to support their families and provide services to their communities. Accordingly we want to ensure that the telco industry is working for Australians, that Australians have the best consumer safeguards in place to protect their interests and that there is a strong, clear recourse if telcos do the wrong thing. Telco services should enrich people's lives, not cause inconvenience, frustration or harm. Many Australians are experiencing significant cost-of-living pressures, and this includes being able to afford critical communications services like mobile and internet services. Debate adjourned.