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

Today does mark six months since the re-election of the Albanese Labor government—six months of action, six months of delivery, six months of putting Australians first. And let me tell you, we have not wasted a single second. From day one, we promised results, not rhetoric. We said the first law we'd pass in this parliament would be to cut student debt by 20 per cent, and we did. Over three million Australians now save an average of $5,500. That's real money in people's pockets. That's a nurse being able to save for a first home. That's a young professional finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. That's Labor getting on with the job, while the coalition hangs by a thread.

We know life is still tough for many Australians. Families are juggling household bills, parents are working long hours, young people are worried about their future. That's why Labor is acting where it matters most. We've made medicines cheaper, boosted the minimum wage, protected penalty rates and expanded paid parental leave. This is about fairness. This is about dignity. This is about giving Australians the security that they deserve.

Health care is no different. Every Australian should be able to see their doctor when they need to, without worrying about the cost. That's why we've made the single largest investment into Medicare in its history. We are opening 50 new urgent care clinics on top of the 87 that are already servicing our communities. Families can take their kids to see a doctor when they need it and they can get the care that they need quickly without having to seek help in an ED.

Mental health is also no longer an afterthought. We're opening 31 new and upgraded Medicare mental health centres, expanding Headspace services and training more professionals to meet demand. And, in Maribyrnong, young people will soon have access to a Headspace service in Moonee Valley—a place to be heard, a place to get support and a place to know they're not alone. For younger Australians dreaming of buying their first home, we're turning that dream into a reality with just a five per cent deposit, and we can see more homes being built right across the country. This is about creating real opportunities that make a difference for families, workers and young people getting into the housing market.

Right here in Maribyrnong, Labor is delivering for our community as well. The Gladstone Park Bowls Club is getting a brand new synthetic green and shelter. Walter Street Reserve will soon have a completely new pavilion, with female change rooms, and the Buckley bowls club redevelopment is transforming the site into a bowls super hub—bringing together Buckley Park, Maribyrnong Park and Essendon bowls clubs. These are the places where families, neighbours and communities come together to play, socialise and celebrate. After a decade in government, the coalition were never serious about investing in Maribyrnong. But Labor is getting on with the job and delivering for our community.

Speaking of the coalition, nothing has changed. They remain more divided than ever. They're obsessed with attacking each other and are focused on themselves and pushing extremist policies that punish everyday Australians. Even as women, young people and multicultural communities turn their backs on them, their message of division remains. While they bicker, leak and talk our country down, Labor is getting on with the hard work of delivering for working people and their families. Of course we know there is more work to be done. Life is still hard for many. Families are juggling costs, students still feel pressure and communities need support. But my colleagues and I are listening to our communities and we are prepared to work.

Fixing the damage of a decade under those opposite doesn't happen overnight, but we are determined to keep working for all Australians. Six months in, the Albanese Labor government has delivered student debt relief, cost-of-living support, stronger health care, mental health services, women's health funding, first-home-buyer assistance and local projects that make a difference to people in my community. The contrast has never been so clear. Labor is working hard together while the coalition is marred with hate and division. We are proud of what we have achieved, honest about the work still to be done and committed to building a better, fairer, stronger future for us all.

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