Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Bonner for her question. Indeed my government is delivering for all Australians, and that includes young Australians, to give them an opportunity to get ahead and achieve their goals in life, and we've been doing a lot of that in the last week. We've cut student debt by 20 per cent, of course, benefiting three million students and apprentices, who will save an average of $5½ thousand each. We, of course, have legislated free TAFE so young Australians can get the skills that they need for the jobs that they want.

Today, importantly, legislation has passed both houses to enshrine penalty rates into law, to protect weekend and overtime pay. So, if you're a young person who relies on penalty rates now, you can trust they will be there in the future. This is so important, because penalty rates are the things that can make a difference for people, whether they are people working full time or just working on hours that disrupt their quality of life. If you're working on a Saturday night, on a Sunday or on a public holiday, you should be compensated for what you are giving up, and that is what this legislation will ensure.

We're also, of course, fast-tracking the five per cent deposit plan to 1 October, wiping years off the time it takes young first home buyers to save a deposit and getting them into a home quicker. So, whether you're a young Australian at work, you're looking to buy a home or you're paying off student debt, this government has your back through all of these measures to make a difference.

We've even got your back if you are not working on the weekend but you're at the local pub, because one of the things we've done is to freeze the draught beer excise so you and your mates can have a cheaper pint this weekend to make a big difference as we go forward. Lower student debt, higher wages, supportive housing policies and cheaper beer—that's what my government is about, and it's what we are delivering for young Australians.

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