Mary Doyle (Aston, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect on what a rollercoaster of a year it was—a huge federal election campaign in the first half, an amazing win and many things delivered in the second half of 2025 by this second term Albanese Labor government. I want to take this opportunity to thank the good people of Aston for re-electing me as their federal member on 3 May. It is such an incredible honour to represent you here in this place, and I assure you I do not take that privilege for granted.

Our government has spent the past year working to strengthen communities and make everyday life a little easier by providing effective cost-of-living relief. For young people, this year has brought meaningful improvements in education and financial security. Our 20 per cent reduction to student debt has helped millions of Australians, including 21,439 people in Aston, with a HECS debt. This change has eased financial pressure for locals studying at nearby tertiary institutions or those beginning professional careers. Instead of entering the workforce burdened by debt, students and graduates now have a little breathing room, whether they are pursuing additional study, saving for a home or planning the next steps in their lives.

For those in Aston aspiring to own their first home, policy changes this year have also had a real impact. With the introduction of the five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, more residents in suburbs like Bayswater, Rowville, Wantirna, Knoxfield and Scoresby can now see a clearer path to entering the housing market. For many local families, this has shortened the timeline for saving for a deposit, making what was once a distant dream of homeownership a more achievable goal.

Additionally, Australia's healthcare system has seen substantial strengthening, with the single biggest investment in Medicare since its establishment. The expansion of urgent care clinics nationally, alongside increased bulk-billing for GP visits, has ensured that Australians can access timely and affordable care. In the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, where families rely on a mix of local clinics and nearby hospitals, these improvements have contributed to better access to essential health services. More bulk-billed GP appointments mean fewer barriers for parents bringing children to the doctor, older residents seeking routine care and individuals managing ongoing health needs. These measures contribute to a more accessible and affordable healthcare environment for the entire community.

Education and vocational training have continued to support opportunities and skills development across electorates like Aston. The ongoing expansion of free TAFE has opened doors for people looking to retrain, upskill or pursue new career pathways. Local students and workers have benefited from easier access to courses that align with key industries in the outer eastern suburbs, helping strengthen both their employment prospects and their region's economic resilience.

Workers in Aston have also seen practical improvements to their financial security through the introduction of payday super, which ensures that superannuation is paid at the same time as wages. This change has been particularly meaningful for residents in casual, part-time or shift based roles.

This year the Albanese Labor government has additionally committed to ensuring that working parents who experience the unimaginable tragedy of stillbirth or early infant death can continue to access the employer paid parental leave to which they are entitled. The Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025, which passed the parliament, makes that possible where it is consistent with an employee's terms and conditions of employment.

At a time when cost-of-living pressures have been front of mind for families and small businesses, energy bill relief and tax changes have provided further support. Households across the Aston electorate, many of which have felt cost-of-living pressures, have benefited from additional assistance to manage utility bills, while tax adjustments have helped ensure that workers can earn more and keep more of what they earn. These measures offer both immediate relief and long-term financial stability.

Furthermore, from 10 December 2025, the Albanese government's world-leading action to ban social media for under-16's will come into effect. The restrictions will aim to protect young Australians from pressures and risks that users can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts.

As we reflect on the year it becomes clear that the broader national reforms delivered have had real, tangible effects on the Australian people. From easing the burden of student debt to making homeownership more accessible and from strengthening Medicare to broadening education opportunities and supporting household budgets, these changes collectively contribute to the wellbeing and stability of families across my electorate. I want to wish all the people of my electorate all the very best over the holiday season. Stay safe when out driving. For those of you who celebrate it, have a very merry Christmas, and to all: have a happy new year in 2026.

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