Anne Urquhart (Braddon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to speak on the matter of public importance, borne to the chamber by the member for Page. The MPI is really a load of rubbish. Honestly, it's not worth the paper it's written on. The Albanese Labor government understands that families in our region are doing it tough. Whether it's rising grocery prices, energy bills or housing costs, the pressure is real.

I come from regional Australia. I travel to regional Tasmania regularly. I see the difficulties that people face. That's why the Albanese Labor government is focused on responsible, targeted cost-of-living relief and relief that makes a real difference to the lives of people, particularly those living in regional Australia. We're not here to play politics with issues facing those Australians; we're here to deliver on the promises we made, and that's exactly what we're doing. Since 1 July, a suite of measures rolled out right across the country, and I've seen firsthand my electorate how they're helping households in regional Australia.

Wages are up. The national minimum wage and award wages have increased by 3.5 per cent, a direct boost for thousands of workers in regional areas—workers in our factories. The previous speaker spoke about the farmers, we have lots of farmers in our region, and they support the workers in those factories that, now, many of whom will get the benefit of the wage increase we have provided to them, which is a direct boost for thousands of workers. It's money in their pockets, not promises on paper but money in their pockets.

Superannuation is stronger. The superannuation guarantee has risen to 12 per cent, helping to secure a better retirement for locals who've worked hard all their lives. We have introduced that payday super for workers to get a better deal so they don't get ripped off. Families are better supported. Paid parental leave has increased to 24 weeks and, for the first time, superannuation is paid on government PPL. That's a gamechanger for young families planning for the future. Energy bill relief is real. Another $150 is on the way before the end of this year, to help households manage rising costs and keep the lights on.

We are backing apprentices. Many of those apprentices work and live in regional Australia. With the $10,000 incentive payments for those entering housing trades as well as fee-free TAFE, again in regional communities, we are supporting jobs and helping build the homes that our communities desperately need.

We're cutting emissions and costs. On the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, we hear the energy minister almost every question time tell us about the areas where the cheaper home batteries are actually being installed. That will make a huge difference to people. I've heard directly from constituents in Spreyton and Devonport, who are already seeing the benefits of those batteries. We're easing student debt. Student loan balances have been cut by 20 per cent for three million Australians. These are issues that are meaningful for people right across the country but in particular those in regional areas. This support is targeted, it's responsible and it's reaching people who need it most.

But we're not stopping there. More relief is rolling out through the remainder of 2025. Tax cuts for every taxpayer kicked in last year, and there are more rounds coming next year and the year after. That's long-term relief, not short-term spin. Medicare is expanding. I hear often from people that this is the best thing that government has done. The urgent care clinics, the Medicare walk-in centres for mental health—these are the things that make a difference to people who live in Devonport, in Burnie and in places around regional Australia where they can walk into an urgent care clinic. Regional people in my community can get that care when they need it, without having to pay for it on their credit card. Another 50 urgent care clinics will open this year, and bulk-billing will expand in November. We're already seeing practices take up that bulk-billing incentive, and I think that will continue to keep rolling out.

We're not chasing headlines; we're delivering outcomes—that's what we're doing. We're delivering for regional Australians. We're backing workers, families, students and retirees. We're investing in our future while easing the pressure today. We'll keep working every day to make sure no-one in regional Australia is left behind, because on this side that's what good government looks like. That's what leadership looks like and it's what our regional communities deserve. I'm proud to represent the Albanese Labor government in the electorate of Braddon to deliver for regional Tasmania and people in my region.

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