Zaneta Mascarenhas (Swan, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'm glad to have the opportunity to talk about this motion brought forward by the member for Bradfield. I feel that this is a similar theme and that we've been here before, talking about science and the future. On a previous occasion I spoke about the nature of science. Science isn't about guesswork or clinging to the past; it's about methodology. It's about facts and evidence and about taking actions based on that evidence. But here we are again, and what's the opposition up to this time? I feel like they're stuck in the seventies, the eighties or the nineties, refusing to embrace the future. Let me tell them something. The future is coming, and it's coming fast—and the future is quantum computing.

In my electorate of Swan, we indeed are leading the change. Swan is the home to the most powerful research supercomputer in the Southern Hemisphere. It's called the Pawsey supercomputer. It is a world-class facility that is doing incredible work. Back in September, I hosted a meeting with young people from Swan at the Pawsey centre. We held a changemakers conference because we wanted to talk about the future and what we could do to make our country a better place. We hosted it in that space because it was interesting to see the amazing contributions that quantum computing is making. It's making them in leaps and bounds and it's doing this by looking at the future and what we need for Australia. Let me tell you, Deputy Speaker, that they were enthralled. They saw this supercomputer and learnt about the possibilities that it creates. That's what we're doing: we're preparing young people for the opportunities ahead.

This isn't just for young people; it's honestly for the whole country. Quantum computing is a game changer. It has the massive potential to transform industries, solve complex problems and deliver benefits to all Australians. That's why we're not just talking about it; we're actually doing it. We're pushing forward. Meanwhile, what's the opposition doing? Tearing it down, ignoring the evidence and sticking to outdated ideas. Unlike them, Labor is embracing the evidence. This goes back to advice that the government has been given. Back in 2023 the nation's Chief Scientist, Catherine Foley, said:

This is a high risk, high reward venture, but one that would position Australia as a truly deep tech country …

She also said we have a chance to build the industry here. She said:

I can assure you I have not drunk the Kool-Aid. The assessment is based on evidence gathered.

This is based on evidence, not on Kool-Aid.

That's how we as a government work. The government is acting professionally and strategically to move quantum computing forward. We've done the homework. We're investing $470 million in equity and loans to build fault-tolerant quantum computing with PsiQuantum. This isn't some off-the-cuff decision. This is part of a methodical process. The process has involved looking at economic, legal, commercial, technical, probity and also national security advice. It was a whole-of-government effort. That's how you get things done. But what do we get from the opposition? Blockers, not builders. They're constantly saying no. They're the 'no-alition'. They said no to Intel when they wanted to set it up here. Now they're saying no to quantum computing. It's the same tired playbook—to say no to the future and hold Australia back.

Fortunately, the Albanese government isn't waiting around for their approval. We're taking action. We're preparing Australia for challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Quantum computing is a part of that vision. It's about innovation. It's about jobs. It's about ensuring Australia is a global leader in this space. This motion is another example of the opposition's refusal to engage with real work. It's nothing more than what we would expect—them saying no to progress. Well, I say no to their motion, and I say yes to the future—yes to science, yes to evidence, yes to the amazing potential of quantum computing and yes to a government that's getting the work done.

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