Mary Doyle's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-10T22:05:34+00:00
items: Tertiary Education and Training | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Economy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: Australia Day Honours and Awards | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Valedictory | Statements | House debates
items: Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
items: Elm St Mission | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Austin, Ben | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Climate Change | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Medicare | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Youth Voice in Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Vocational Education and Training | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Manufacturing Industry | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Tilly Aston Community Awards, Labor Government | Adjournment | House debates
items: Address-in-Reply | Governor-General's Speech | House debates
items: Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Housing | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Child Care | Questions without Notice | House debates

Tertiary Education and Training | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to cut student debt and to make it cheaper and quicker to get the skills Australians need? And why is...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to cut student debt and to make it cheaper and quicker to get the skills Australians need? And why is unity so important in delivering for Australians?
date: 2026-02-09T15:15:00+00:00

Economy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
type: item
description: Let me begin by saying that the only thing reckless in this debate is the sheer nerve, the utter gall, of members of the Liberal Party standing up to lecture anyone on the economic responsibility...
encoded: Let me begin by saying that the only thing reckless in this debate is the sheer nerve, the utter gall, of members of the Liberal Party standing up to lecture anyone on the economic responsibility of the cost of living, particularly when their record left Australian families and small businesses worse off. In the 47th parliament, the Liberal Party along with their then partners, now ex-partners, the National Party made it their mission to block every single cost-of-living measure introduced by this government, measures that would have supported households and the 2.6 million small businesses that employ nearly 40 per cent of the workforce. That was not responsible or principled; that was reckless. Had our cost-of-living-relief measures not passed, that is what would have hurt Australian families and the small businesses that rely on their spending. After nine long years of cuts, chaos and neglect, those opposite left behind a system that was fundamentally broken, where inflation was rising, wages were going backwards, productivity was stagnant and essential services—which small businesses depend upon—were hollowed out. That is their legacy. However, this second-term Albanese Labor government has chosen a very different path—one grounded in responsibility, fairness and targeted relief for working people and the small businesses that form the backbone of our economy. The measures we have passed through this place are not reckless; they are deliberate. They have been thought through and they are changing lives in households, shopfronts and workplaces right across Australia. Yesterday, the independent Reserve Bank monetary policy board increased the cash rate by 25 basis points. We understand this will come as difficult news for millions of Australians with a mortgage and the pressure this puts on families and small-business owners juggling repayments, rent and cash flow. While the decision was widely expected, that doesn't make it any easier. That is why we continue to …
date: 2026-02-05T15:53:00+00:00

Australia Day Honours and Awards | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: I'd like to congratulate three of Aston's finest who received the Medal of the Order of Australia last week as part of the Australia Day 2026 honours list. Mrs Elizabeth Aylett OAM received the...
encoded: I'd like to congratulate three of Aston's finest who received the Medal of the Order of Australia last week as part of the Australia Day 2026 honours list. Mrs Elizabeth Aylett OAM received the award for her service to netball. Elizabeth has been a netball player since 1952 and an umpire since 1964. Elizabeth is the founder of the White Horse Netball Association, and went on to become a life member of the association in 1981. Following her outstanding contribution to netball, the Lizzie Aylett Umpires Award was established in 2016. Mrs Rita Brown received the OAM for her service to community health. Rita has been the Australian Borderline Personality Disorder Foundation President and Chair since 2018, and foundation director since 2013. Rita is additionally a member of the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders, a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Committee, and is the Associate Director of the Lived Experience Workforce. Mr John McGrath received the OAM for his service to surf lifesaving and to the community. From 2011 to 2020, John was the Director of Communications at Far South Coast Branch Surf Life Saving New South Wales. In 2014, John became the deputy president of the surf life saving club and presided over this role for three years. John has been a member of the surf life saving community since 1964 and has played a major role in the communities in which he has served. I thank them all for their contribution to Aston and also our nation. Thank you.
date: 2026-02-03T13:46:00+00:00

Valedictory | Statements | House debates
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description: As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect on what a rollercoaster of a year it was—a huge federal election campaign in the first half, an amazing win and many things delivered in the second half...
encoded: As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect on what a rollercoaster of a year it was—a huge federal election campaign in the first half, an amazing win and many things delivered in the second half of 2025 by this second term Albanese Labor government. I want to take this opportunity to thank the good people of Aston for re-electing me as their federal member on 3 May. It is such an incredible honour to represent you here in this place, and I assure you I do not take that privilege for granted. Our government has spent the past year working to strengthen communities and make everyday life a little easier by providing effective cost-of-living relief. For young people, this year has brought meaningful improvements in education and financial security. Our 20 per cent reduction to student debt has helped millions of Australians, including 21,439 people in Aston, with a HECS debt. This change has eased financial pressure for locals studying at nearby tertiary institutions or those beginning professional careers. Instead of entering the workforce burdened by debt, students and graduates now have a little breathing room, whether they are pursuing additional study, saving for a home or planning the next steps in their lives. For those in Aston aspiring to own their first home, policy changes this year have also had a real impact. With the introduction of the five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, more residents in suburbs like Bayswater, Rowville, Wantirna, Knoxfield and Scoresby can now see a clearer path to entering the housing market. For many local families, this has shortened the timeline for saving for a deposit, making what was once a distant dream of homeownership a more achievable goal. Additionally, Australia's healthcare system has seen substantial strengthening, with the single biggest investment in Medicare since its establishment. The expansion of urgent care clinics nationally, alongside increased bulk-billing for GP visits, has ensured that Australians c…
date: 2025-11-27T17:13:00+00:00

Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
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description: The month of October was Mental Health Month, and the Albanese Labor government is delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities right across the country. As part of our...
encoded: The month of October was Mental Health Month, and the Albanese Labor government is delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities right across the country. As part of our government's plan to strengthen Medicare, we made an historic $1.1 billion commitment at this year's election to deliver new and expanded mental health services that support Australians across every stage of life. As a government, we are establishing 91 Medicare Mental Health Centres offering free, walk in care from multidisciplinary teams. Our government is also creating 20 perinatal mental health centres to deliver tailored support for new and expecting parents and 17 Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs to provide children and their families with the behavioural, social, emotional and wellbeing support they need. For young people aged 12 to 25, 203 headspace services across the country continue to play a vital role in supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, as part of the Albanese Labor government's recent election commitment, headspace Knox in my electorate of Aston will be uplifted to a headspace Plus, demonstrating the deep understanding this government has regarding the growing need and complexity of youth mental health. Headspace Knox offers young people in my community aged 12 to 25 a welcoming environment where they can access confidential and free mental health support, health advice and general information. From early next year, we will also roll out a new national early intervention service, providing free mental health phone and online support from trained professionals. This service is expected to reach more than 150,000 Australians every year, helping people access care early before their challenges become a crisis. By expanding access to free public mental health services that meet different levels of need, our initiatives will relieve pressure on subsidised private psychology services, thus making it easier for people to get the right care when …
date: 2025-11-26T16:01:00+00:00

Elm St Mission | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: On the weekend, I had the honour of attending an event in Bayswater to celebrate the sixth birthday of the Elm St Mission. This celebration brought together residents, volunteers and supporters...
encoded: On the weekend, I had the honour of attending an event in Bayswater to celebrate the sixth birthday of the Elm St Mission. This celebration brought together residents, volunteers and supporters to celebrate the program's achievement and raise vital funds for a new defibrillator and first aid equipment. Elm St Mission was founded with a clear and compassionate purpose to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for individuals experiencing mental health challenges or social isolation. In only six years, it has grown into far more than a community service. It has become a refuge, a gathering place and, for many in my community, a lifeline. The volunteer, staff and supporters who sustain Elm St Mission embody the spirit of service that strengthens our social fabric. I would particularly like to acknowledge Ethne, Ray, Marj, John and Leo for their unwavering commitment to support some of our most vulnerable residents. The work of all involved in the Elm St Mission is truly inspiring, and our community is kinder, stronger and more connected because of their work. I wish Elm St Mission many more years of growth, impact and compassion, and I commend them for the hope and support they continue to offer to all who need it most.
date: 2025-11-26T13:37:00+00:00

Austin, Ben | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: Last week my community and the cricket community across the country learnt of the devastating news of a tragic accident that occurred at a cricket training session in Ferntree Gully. This...
encoded: Last week my community and the cricket community across the country learnt of the devastating news of a tragic accident that occurred at a cricket training session in Ferntree Gully. This heartbreaking incident led to the death of 17-year-old Ben Austin. Ben was an adored son to Jace and Tracey, a deeply loved brother to Cooper and Zach, and a shining light in the lives of his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Young Ben loved his sport more than anything. He was an active and much loved member of the Ferntree Gully Cricket Club, the Mulgrave Cricket Club and the Eildon Park Cricket Club. Ben also represented his region with pride, captaining the Ferntree Gully and District Cricket Association to a premiership. Ben was an extremely talented bowler and batter, respected by team mates, coaches and opponents alike. His love for the game was matched only by his humility, leadership and kindness. In March this year, Ben received the Brian Wright Trophy, an award given to the junior player who shows the correct attitude and dedication to the game. It was a fitting recognition of the character and commitment that defined him both on and off the field. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 11:16 to 11:26 In the days following this tragedy, the Ferntree Gully community and the wider cricket family united in an extraordinary demonstration of compassion and strength. Last Saturday morning, I visited Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully, where I laid some flowers and placed a small cricket bat with a message alongside the incredible array of tributes already there. I also spoke with Lee Thompson, Ferntree Gully Cricket Club president, and asked that he please send my sincere condolences to Ben's family and also to his teammate, who must be hurting terribly as well. What began as unimaginable heartbreak quickly revealed the depth of kindness and solidarity that exists within our community. Clubs across the…
date: 2025-11-06T11:15:00+00:00

Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government strengthening Medicare by investing in bulk-billing after a decade of cuts and neglect? Is this...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government strengthening Medicare by investing in bulk-billing after a decade of cuts and neglect? Is this investment reaching all corners of the country? What has been the response to these changes?
date: 2025-11-05T14:56:00+00:00

Climate Change | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: On this side of the House, we know that taking strong action on climate change isn't just about protecting our environment; it's about securing our future and strengthening our economy. The...
encoded: On this side of the House, we know that taking strong action on climate change isn't just about protecting our environment; it's about securing our future and strengthening our economy. The science is clear: the climate is changing because of global emissions, and Australia is already feeling the effects. Droughts, bushfires and floods are events that are no longer warnings of the future but instead the reality of today. By reducing emissions now, we can limit the worst impacts of climate change while creating new industries, new technologies and good, secure jobs across the nation. Since coming to office, the Albanese Labor government has legislated our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 and set an ambitious target to cut emissions by 62 to 70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035. This is the next crucial step on our path to a cleaner, stronger economy. Our net zero plan outlines how we'll achieve a fair, orderly and efficient transition, a transition that grows the economy, reduces costs for households and businesses and ensures no Australian is left behind. Yet, while on this side of the House we are guided by science and ambition, those opposite are guided by denial and delay. Consumed by infighting and division, they offer Australians no credible path forward—just a net zero alternative to the leadership of this country.
date: 2025-11-04T13:46:00+00:00

Medicare | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Two weeks ago, the Minister for Health and Ageing announced that there had been over two million visits to Medicare urgent care clinics across the country. This means that over two million...
encoded: Two weeks ago, the Minister for Health and Ageing announced that there had been over two million visits to Medicare urgent care clinics across the country. This means that over two million Australians have been able to walk into one of these clinics and get the care they needed without paying one cent. From cuts and burns to sprains and infections, Australians are getting free health care closer to home when they need it. Since being elected, the Albanese Labor government has opened urgent care clinics right across the country, including the Bayswater urgent care clinic in my own electorate of Aston. And the good news is that there are even more of these clinics on the way. Also on the way, from 1 November, is a major boost in payments to general practices that bulk-bill every patient. Our investment will deliver an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits every year, nationwide, with nine out of 10 GP visits being bulk-billed by 2030. Australians know that, when it comes to investing in the health care of Australians, they can only trust a Labor government. On this side of the House, we know that, when it comes to getting quality health care close to home, all you need, or all you should need, is your Medicare card—not your credit card.
date: 2025-10-30T13:52:00+00:00

Youth Voice in Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Through Raise Our Voice Australia, it is now my honour to read out a speech from 14-year-old Reyhaan, an outstanding young leader in my electorate of Aston. Reyhaan wrote about education equity:...
encoded: Through Raise Our Voice Australia, it is now my honour to read out a speech from 14-year-old Reyhaan, an outstanding young leader in my electorate of Aston. Reyhaan wrote about education equity: Imagine two students. One has access to every learning resource—stable internet, tutoring, a quiet space to study. The other wants to succeed just as much but has none of those things. Which one do you think gets left behind? If we want a better tomorrow for young Australians, we must make education equity a priority today. It's not just about funding, it's about access, support, and fairness. We need stronger support systems in public schools, and targeted programs for students in rural, low-income, and multicultural communities. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't. As a young person on my local council's Youth Advisory Committee, I see how deeply young people care about their future. Hence, I'm asking the government to continue to partner with us, invest in schools, mental health services, digital infrastructure, and youth leadership. Let's also invest in sustainability and STEM … education so students are ready for jobs in clean energy, climate innovation, and the industries of tomorrow. That's how we create a smarter, fairer, and greener Australia, not just in one neighbourhood or state, but right across the country. Thank you, Reyhaan, for your advocacy and your excellent speech.
date: 2025-10-27T16:17:00+00:00

Vocational Education and Training | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Skills and Training. How are the Albanese Labor government ensuring Australians, particularly apprentices, can make the most of the opportunities in the clean...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Skills and Training. How are the Albanese Labor government ensuring Australians, particularly apprentices, can make the most of the opportunities in the clean energy sector? Are they aware of any alternatives?
date: 2025-10-08T14:34:00+00:00

Manufacturing Industry | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: In my electorate of Aston, we have many incredible manufacturing businesses. Last month, I had the honour of visiting one of them to see firsthand how they operate. Catten Industries are a family...
encoded: In my electorate of Aston, we have many incredible manufacturing businesses. Last month, I had the honour of visiting one of them to see firsthand how they operate. Catten Industries are a family run business located in Bayswater, and they specialise in advanced sheet metal fabrication and creative metal design. Catten Industries also employ many Aston locals, including young apprentices, to help them kickstart a career in manufacturing. This is an incredibly important thing for the future of many young Australians. Unlike those opposite, our government understand how important it is to keep Australian jobs in Australia. In our first term alone, the Albanese Labor government created more than 1 million jobs right here in Australia, which is the highest number of jobs created by a first-term government. To see the member for Canning take to social media recently, profoundly expressing his sadness over the loss of our car manufacturing industry, was, quite frankly, galling. Let's not forget that this was the same member of parliament who was part of a coalition government that waved our car manufacturing industry goodbye as it sailed offshore, costing thousands of Australians their jobs. Coalition hypocrisy knows no bounds. Australians know that whilst those opposite are preparing for their fifth leadership change in 10 years, this Labor government will be busy delivering a future made right here in Australia.
date: 2025-10-08T13:48:00+00:00

Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Since the election, held in May, the Albanese Labor government has been committed to delivering its promise on building Australia's future. During the 48th Parliament's first four weeks the...
encoded: Since the election, held in May, the Albanese Labor government has been committed to delivering its promise on building Australia's future. During the 48th Parliament's first four weeks the contrast could not be clearer. Liberals are fighting Liberals, Nationals are fighting Nationals and the Libs and Nats are having a crack at each other. Labor meanwhile is focused on building Australia's future by delivering on our election commitment to tackle the cost of living and to strengthen Medicare. One way we're helping Australians with the cost of living is through cheaper medicines. From 1 January 2026 the Albanese Labor government is expanding that further by making cheaper medicines even cheaper. Earlier this week we passed legislation that would mean a prescription on the PBS would cost Australians no more than $25. The last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was in 2004, 21 years ago. Back in 2004, I was mum to my toddler son, three-year-old Clancy, and had just become mum for the second time to my youngest, Lily. I was on maternity leave, sleep deprived with hair like a bird's nest, wearing tracky dacks day after day and loving every minute of it. Cheaper medicines are another key cost-of living relief measure delivered by this government that I know will help ease the financial stress of constituents in my community of Aston who rely on these vital medications every single day. While those opposite are busy infighting, we're busy out fighting for all Australians.
date: 2025-09-04T13:35:00+00:00

Tilly Aston Community Awards, Labor Government | Adjournment | House debates
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description: Over the weekend I had the wonderful privilege of hosting the second annual Tilly Aston Community Awards. Held in Wantirna, at the Chinese Association of Victoria, these awards honoured...
encoded: Over the weekend I had the wonderful privilege of hosting the second annual Tilly Aston Community Awards. Held in Wantirna, at the Chinese Association of Victoria, these awards honoured outstanding contributions and achievements within the Aston community. Named after Tilly Aston, a renowned advocate for social causes, these awards aim to celebrate individuals and groups that have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and positive impact in various aspects of community life. Among the recipients of the awards were tireless volunteers in schools, charitable and community organisations and sporting clubs who've been working selflessly for others in ways that bring the community together. It was fantastic to be able to honour and recognise so many outstanding members of the Aston community and highlight their work with others. Speaking of bringing community together, I want to now highlight a great club in my electorate: the Knox United Soccer Club. This club, which began in 1993 and has many passionate members, had needed a new forever home for a while. I have met and consulted with them several times since becoming the member for Aston, and their advocacy for upgrades to facilities and the new pavilion paid off. I was rapt to have announced, alongside the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon. Catherine King MP, in April that a re-elected Albanese Labor government would commit $1.8 million towards a brand new pavilion with two extra change rooms catering to the needs of the increasing number of girls and women who play soccer with this club. Knox United Soccer Club, as well as Knoxfield Knights Cricket Club, were very happy to have this $1.8 million commitment from our government alongside a $5.3 million commitment from Knox City Council, and they're now looking forward to seeing the pavilion's implementation. The Albanese Labor government are committed to women's sport, as I am too, and this investment i…
date: 2025-09-01T19:35:00+00:00

Address-in-Reply | Governor-General's Speech | House debates
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description: I acknowledge that we meet on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples of this region, and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. The community of Aston,...
encoded: I acknowledge that we meet on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples of this region, and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. The community of Aston, which I represent, exists on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples of the Kulin nation, the outer eastern suburbs of Naarm/Melbourne—a place I have called home for the past 37 years. I acknowledge and pay my respects to their peoples past, present and emerging. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land. I came to live in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne because three of my older sisters had done the same, so naturally, when it was my time to move out of home from my home town of Echuca, this is where I gravitated to, because connection to family is so important. I'm a proud mum to my 24-year-old son, Clancy, and my 21-year-old daughter, Lily, and a proud great-aunty to 19-year-old Jamilah, who came into my care five years ago at the age of 14, when her beautiful mum, my niece Melanie, tragically died from a brain aneurysm at the age of 42. This sudden devastation occurred in Tasmania not long after the start of the COVID lockdowns in 2020. Having Jamilah join Clancy, Lily and me in our home was something I never questioned, as she needed connection to her mother's family. Being re-elected as the member for Aston was an enormous honour—one that was so humbling. It was also akin to being welcomed back to a family of sorts—in fact, a couple of families. There is the family of the electorate of Aston, such a vibrant, multicultural community—one where I have gained all kinds of siblings and maybe a few different mums, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Then there's my family of colleagues in Canberra—the MPs and senators I have come to know and respect, and their staff members too. It's good to be back in the big house, and that's an enormous honour as well. Having run three elections in three years has been a lot of fun—well, some …
date: 2025-08-27T11:30:00+00:00

Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: Between July 2023 and June 2024 alone, there were 1,694 serious incidents across Services Australia's face-to-face service channel. These were not minor complaints. These were serious incidents:...
encoded: Between July 2023 and June 2024 alone, there were 1,694 serious incidents across Services Australia's face-to-face service channel. These were not minor complaints. These were serious incidents: threats, assaults, intimidation, harassment and acts of violence. As recently as May this year, two Australian Border Force contractors were assaulted with a bladed weapon while simply doing their job. These are not isolated events. They are part of a disturbing trend of aggression towards the people who serve our communities on behalf of the Commonwealth. I say this clearly. Any violence towards a Commonwealth worker is unacceptable. It is unacceptable morally, it is unacceptable legally and it is unacceptable in the kind of nation we aspire to be. This bill aims to deter such abhorrent conduct, to protect Commonwealth workers and to make it crystal clear that violence, intimidation and threats against those who serve the public will not be tolerated. Why is new Commonwealth legislation necessary? At present, most states and territories do have protection order schemes: family violence orders, personal safety orders and workplace protection orders. But these schemes have a gap. Under those laws, it is usually the affected individual, the victim themselves, who must bring forward an application in their name. That means a Commonwealth worker who is harassed, threatened or assaulted while on duty would have to put their name forward personally in making the application and, in some cases, would have to face their aggressor in court. That is unfair. It places an additional burden on people who are already vulnerable and who have already been subjected to violence or threats. The bill closes that legislative gap. Under the Commonwealth workplace protection order scheme, an authorised person from a Commonwealth entity will be able to apply for a workplace protection order on behalf of the worker or the workplace. This not only enhances privacy for Commonwealth workers but also s…
date: 2025-08-27T18:53:00+00:00

Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I rise today in strong support of the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025. This bill introduces new legislation and with it a new national scheme designed to provide Commonwealth...
encoded: I rise today in strong support of the Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025. This bill introduces new legislation and with it a new national scheme designed to provide Commonwealth workers with the safety, dignity and protection they deserve in the course of their duties. This is a bill about safety. This is a bill about fairness. And, most importantly, this is a bill about respect—respect for the thousands of Australians who dedicate themselves to delivering critical services on behalf of the Commonwealth. Let me begin with why we are here. This bill is borne out of both necessity and tragedy. In 2023 the Albanese Labor government commissioned the Services Australia Security Risk Management Review, led by Graham Ashton AM APM, a respected law enforcement and public safety leader. That review, commonly referred to as the Ashton review, was triggered by what happened to a 55-year-old Services Australia team leader, Joeanne Cassar, one day in May of 2023 at a branch in Melbourne. Earlier that morning, a man whom Services Australia had already deemed a risk to workers, but whom they had no legal authority to ban from the branch, had turned up again. As team leader, Joeanne asked him to leave, and he did so immediately, but then he came back later with a knife. Joeanne had stepped in to cover for a security guard taking a lunch break. When the man returned with the knife, he lunged at Joeanne, chasing her back into the office. He punched her in the face and stabbed her once in the lower back, just missing her spine and kidneys but leaving her with life-changing injuries and enduring pain. This should never have been allowed to happen. Joeanne said only last month: 'We should all be safe at work. We all have family we want to get back to. It took me seven days to get home. And I'm one of the lucky ones.' No-one should ever go to work fearing that they may not come home safely or, worse, not come home at all. The Ashton review looked into the risks faced by C…
date: 2025-08-27T18:53:00+00:00

Housing | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: One of the greatest challenges for young people in Aston is that, despite their hard work and saving efforts, many still struggle to buy their first home. For these young people in my community,...
encoded: One of the greatest challenges for young people in Aston is that, despite their hard work and saving efforts, many still struggle to buy their first home. For these young people in my community, a 20 per cent deposit is daunting, and, if they can't get to 20 per cent, they have to pay for mortgage insurance as well. Across the course of the election campaign, I heard these concerns loud and clear. Since being re-elected, this government has been working hard to address this challenge. From 1 October this year, we are expanding our first home buyer scheme, a scheme that's already been assisting hundreds of people in my electorate to buy their first home. These expansions mean that from 1 October, every first home buyer in Aston will only need a five per cent deposit to enter the housing market and buy their first home. Additionally, we're going to remove income caps, and we're lifting the property caps from $800,000 to $950,000 in the city of Melbourne. This means a $1 million home in my electorate will only require a $50,000 deposit instead of a $200,000 deposit. However, this is not the only thing this government has done to assist people into housing. Since being re-elected, we have paused the National Construction Code and are fast-tracking 26,000 homes stuck in the approval process. We are building more social and affordable housing, and we've invested over $43 billion in the Homes for Australia plan. These reforms are giving Australians a chance to step into their first home, build security for their families and invest in their futures.
date: 2025-08-27T13:55:00+00:00

Child Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Attorney-General. How is the Albanese Labor government progressing reform to the working-with-children checks system, and are there any recent updates to this important work?
encoded: My question is to the Attorney-General. How is the Albanese Labor government progressing reform to the working-with-children checks system, and are there any recent updates to this important work?
date: 2025-08-25T15:18:00+00:00