Tom French (Moore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Australians expect parliament to focus on outcomes, not theatrics. The Albanese Labor government has approached its work in that spirit—steady, practical and aimed at improving people's daily lives. The government has legislated tax reductions for every taxpayer. Bulk-billing has been strengthened through the largest increase to Medicare incentives in decades. Childcare costs have been reduced for over a million families to help parents stay in work. Fee-free TAFE has supported hundreds of thousands of Australians to train in critical industries, including construction, manufacturing and care. The National Reconstruction Fund is beginning the long-term task of rebuilding sovereign capability. National energy infrastructure has been modernised through Rewiring the Nation so the grid is fit for the coming decades. Aged-care standards have been lifted by ensuring nurses are onsite and improving nutritional and clinical care. PBS reforms have reduced the cost of many common medicines. And the housing agenda, through the Housing Australia Future Fund, has begun expanding the supply of social and affordable houses.

None of this is transformational overnight, nor is it claimed to be. It is careful, incremental work that good government undertakes. It reflects a belief that policy should be evidence based, fiscally responsible and aimed at long-term benefit. It demonstrates that parliament functions best when it focuses on solutions rather than conflict. Australians deserve that approach, and this government intends to continue it.

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