Jo Briskey (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It's been four months since the election, and we have not wasted a single moment in delivering for Australians. We have been steadfastly focused on delivering for all Australians, including in my community of Maribyrnong. And, while we have been focused on delivering cheaper medicines and cutting 20 per cent off student debt, those opposite can't even pull themselves together. Instead, they're focused on some random, fanciful 'tax on your room'—it's insane. Their only apparent agenda seems to be coming from the member for New England and his determination to take Australia backwards by abandoning net zero.

It looks like the climate wars are there to stay in the coalition, but my community is taking advantage of 30 per cent cheaper batteries. Those opposite are divided. They're distracted. We're delivering for Australians. We've delivered the Commonwealth Prac Payments, supporting trainee nurses like those at Kangan Institute in Essendon. We've protected penalty rates while those opposite have tried to take them away. We're strengthening Medicare with more bulk-billing and cheaper medicines, while those opposite have spent the week barely hiding their hatred for bulk-billing.

Wages are growing, unemployment and the gender pay gap are low, and interest rates have been cut for a third time this year. As I finish my first full month as the advocate for Maribyrnong in this place, the coalition would rather fight amongst themselves than fight for Australia. Labor is on the side of Maribyrnong. Labor is on the side of Australia. We've started as we mean to continue. We'll keep on delivering.

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