Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have to report that the House this day attended Her Excellency the Governor-General in the Senate chamber, when Her Excellency was pleased to make a speech to both houses of the parliament. I have received a copy of the speech, which will be incorporated in Hansard for record purposes.

The speech read as follows—

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal People as the traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on, and other families and people with connection to the land in Canberra and surrounding regions.

I acknowledge their Elders, past and present.

I would also like to acknowledge and welcome all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with us today.

Honourable senators and members of the Parliament of Australia.

The last federal election was the largest in our history.

At a time of declining electoral turnouts around the world, a record number of Australians had their say.

Peacefully and purposefully, they re-elected a government that will continue building on the foundations of its first term.

Upholding the values of fairness, aspiration and opportunity.

Shaping an economy that rewards effort and innovation.

And ensuring every Australian has the chance to succeed, and can access essential services.

The Government will work to repay the trust Australians have placed in it.

Within weeks of its re-election, the Government advocated for an increase in the National Minimum Wage and award wages.

It provided essential support to communities across Australia affected by devastating floods.

And it has strengthened ties in our region, and with our strategic partners around the world, with the Prime Minister attending the G7 Leaders' Summit, and visiting Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Fiji, the United States, Canada and China.

The Government recognises we live in a time of global uncertainty.

So in this term—the 48th Commonwealth Parliament—the Government will act to respond to challenges and secure the opportunities before us.

This starts with delivering lasting cost of living relief:

helping Australians keep more of what they earn,

strengthening Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme,

making education and training more affordable, and

assisting more people realise their dream of owning a home.

And it continues with ensuring our economy is resilient, diversified and productive.

Supporting Australian industry and driving innovation to ensure our cities and regions alike reap the benefits of the jobs of the future.

Deepening connections with our region and the world.

And making sure no one is held back—and no one is left behind.

The Government is ready to return to the task—of building Australia's future.

Easing cost of living pressure

Three years ago, the Government took office amid a worldwide inflation crisis.

Fighting inflation was prioritised, along with cost of living relief for Australians.

Today, inflation is moderating.

Interest rates have fallen.

Real wages are growing.

And more than a million jobs have been created.

Australians, together, have steered our economy through choppy waters.

Many, however, are still under pressure.

The Government will continue delivering cost of living relief for those doing it tough.

It has legislated two additional tax cuts, on top of its first round last year— meaning 14 million Australians will benefit from a lower tax bill.

And it will introduce a $1,000 instant tax deduction from the next financial year—saving taxpayers time and money.

The Government will make the largest investment in Medicare's history to deliver an extra 18 million bulk-billed GP visits each year and expand the bulk-billing incentive to cover all Australians.

It will add another 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics to the 87 already created.

In its last term, the Government made the most significant cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

This term, it will ensure people will pay no more than $25 for PBS medicines.

This will save Australians more than $200 million each year on essential medicines, while for pensioners and concession card holders the price of scripts will be frozen until 2030.

In its first term, the Government raised the base rate of JobSeeker, delivered increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, and expanded eligibility for Parenting Payment Single.

The Government has also extended its Energy Bill Relief—reducing household bills by an average of 7.5 per cent nationally.

And it will ban supermarket price gouging.

Families can also expect continued support with the cost of child care.

This term the Government will invest in building child care centres and expanding high-quality not-for-profit services, making affordable care accessible for even more families.

Another priority is supporting younger Australians to have access to a good education and gain employable skills by making the education system fairer and more affordable.

The Government will cut 20 per cent off all student loan debts, raise the minimum repayment threshold, and reduce repayment rates.

And it will make free TAFE permanent, nationwide.

Strengthening Medicare

The Government will continue strengthening Medicare.

Building a future where every Australian can access affordable, world-class health care.

It will establish 1800MEDICARE—a free, 24-hour health advice and afterhours GP service that will save a quarter-of-a-million Australians unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

Mental health services are another priority.

The Government is already setting up funding for more than 60 Medicare Mental Health Centres, and is expanding the mental health workforce through more than 4,000 scholarships, internships and placements.

It will commit $1.1 billion to build and upgrade Medicare Mental Health Centres, headspace services, and Youth Specialist Care Centres for people with complex needs, and will fund 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.

The Government is also investing more than $790 million in women's health.

This funding will give women more choice and reduce the costs of long-acting reversible contraceptives.

It will expand Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics from 22 to 33 nationwide, enable these clinics to help people experiencing menopause and perimenopause, and create a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments.

The Government has introduced a men's health package to break the stigma around seeking support for mental and physical health.

The Government also recognises that affordable, tailored healthcare requires a pipeline of skilled health professionals.

So it will introduce the largest GP training program in the nation's history—training 2,000 practitioners every year by 2028.

This will be accompanied by further scholarships for 400 nurses and midwives to complete postgraduate studies.

Affordable housing

The Government recognises the dream of home ownership feels out of reach for many—particularly young people and aspiring first-home buyers.

Part of the solution lies in reducing the financial barriers.

In its first term, the Government legislated the Help to Buy scheme.

Over the next four years, this will help 40,000 people achieve their dream of owning their first home.

Since May 2022, the Government's Home Guarantee Scheme has helped more than 150,000 eligible home buyers.

The Government will expand eligibility for the scheme so it is available to every Australian first-home buyer.

Unlocking housing supply is another critical step.

The Government understands this will benefit prospective buyers, as well as those struggling with insecure rental agreements.

The Build to Rent scheme will help deliver 80,000 new rental properties.

These properties must offer five-year leases—giving greater rental security to tenants.

The Government has committed $43 billion under its Homes for Australia plan to build 1.2 million houses over the next five years.

And it will work with state developers and industry to build up to 100,000 homes that will be reserved for sale to first-home buyers.

To meet these targets, the Government will accelerate the pace of construction.

The Government will invest $54 million in the advanced manufacturing needed to produce prefabricated and modular homes, incentivise states and territories to remove red tape, and train more tradies.

The Government will double the incentive payment for eligible apprentices starting their trade in the housing construction industry.

And it will fast-track the qualification of 6,000 experienced workers through the Advanced Entry Trades Training program.

Child care and education

The Government is committed to helping the next generation of Australians reach their dreams.

This term it will continue to progress its Early Years Strategy to give Australian children the very best start in life—particularly those in need.

The Government will also continue to work towards universal early education.

It will guarantee eligibility for three days of child care subsidies a week for children who need it, while building more child care centres in areas of need.

Continuing to roll out pay rises for our dedicated early childhood educators will also remain a priority over the coming term, helping to enable the highest quality care.

The Government will also ensure every Australian school student receives the funding they need to reach their full potential.

Fourteen years since the Gonski Review identified the Schooling Resource Standard, the Commonwealth now has an agreement with all states and territories to make that standard a reality.

The Government will continue to stand with parents and teachers when it comes to technology, and making clear the social and legal responsibilities social media companies have to young Australians.

The Government will also continue investing in Australian skills.

This includes making Free TAFE permanent, delivering a 20 per cent cut to student debt, and rolling out the Commonwealth Prac Payment, which helps Australians studying to be a teacher, a nurse, a midwife or a social worker to get the support they need while on prac.

The Government will pursue its goal of 80 per cent of the Australian workforce holding a TAFE qualification or a university degree by 2050, and it will continue implementing the Australian Universities Accord.

Building a stronger economy

The Government is focused on delivering help with cost of living, while building for the future.

This means an economy that is more resilient, diversified and productive.

One that works for every Australian, in every part of the country.

It will do this by advancing equality for women at work, by working to close the gap in economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and by bringing a new generation of manufacturing and renewable energy jobs to our regions and outer suburbs.

The Government will improve wages and conditions for Australian workers.

It has argued for an increase in the National Minimum Wage and award wages, and it will also introduce legislation to protect penalty rates in modern awards.

Its ambition is to build an economy where wages, growth and productivity rise together.

And one which thrives in a time of global uncertainty. Meeting this ambition requires a unified national effort. Government, business, unions and civil society working together: to boost productivity, and strengthen Australia's budget sustainability and economic resilience.

And the Government respects the vital role the Australian Public Service has to play in the development and delivery of these reforms.

The Government has taken steps to improve productivity—from introducing a National Productivity Fund to committing to banning non-compete clauses for most workers.

And it will continue to prioritise investing in the skills, research and infrastructure to help the economy flourish, while also respecting the vast capability of our private sector and doing what is needed to reduce red tape and encourage private investment.

This includes supporting Australia's small businesses by building on more than $2 billion in targeted support the Government committed in its last term.

The Government will also continue to engage widely—with the tech sector and local businesses, workers and unions—to ensure Australia can seize the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence and manage its risks.

Working for women

For the first time in Australia's history, women make up the majority of the federal cabinet.

As a Government that places gender equality at the heart of its agenda, this is a source of pride.

Developed during its first term, the Government's Working for Women strategy sets out its vision for gender equality.

For an Australia where people are safe, are treated with respect, and can make choices, access resources, and achieve equal outcomes, no matter their gender.

Over this term, the Government will continue to drive national action to end gender-based violence and put women's economic equality at the centre of what they do.

Already there have been welcome improvements—in the last year, for example, Australia's gender pay gap reached the lowest point on record.

More work lies ahead.

Whether that is holding employers to account for equality in their workplaces, improving women's access to vital healthcare, or supporting the representation of women in leadership and decision-making roles.

Importantly, gender equality cannot be achieved if women are not safe.

The Government will continue delivering the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, and working with National Cabinet on a broad range of initiatives—from intervening early to target high-risk perpetrators and prevent violence, to better financial and housing support for women escaping violence.

The Government will also look at ways to support children and young people exposed to violence, and close loopholes that allow for financial abuse through the tax, superannuation, and social security systems.

Also high on the agenda is launching the first standalone First Nations national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.

A gender-equal Australia benefits everyone.

It needs the efforts of everyone, too—and the Government welcomes the continued contributions of men and boys as it pursues this vital progress.

First Nations Australians

This term, the Government will continue to invest in better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, honouring their profound connection to Country.

This commitment is grounded in the principles of self-determination and genuine partnership.

Building on the efforts of previous years, the Government recognises that lasting progress depends on policies and programs that draw on the experience and understanding of First Nations people and communities.

As such, the Government will continue to work towards closing the gap—in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, including peak organisations.

The Government will also build on its commitment to economic empowerment through the development of a First Nations Economic Partnership.

While acknowledging the challenges of the past and present, we must all approach the path forward together with determination, humility, and optimism.

Australia will be stronger when the gap is closed.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure investment is central to of the Government's plan to boost productivity, create jobs and reduce the strain on families.

In the Government's last budget, it committed more than $17 billion to road and rail upgrades—including the largest-ever federal investment in Bruce Highway safety improvements—as part of its 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline.

The Government will continue to invest in critical road and transport connections into the nation's biggest housing growth areas, like Western Sydney and Southeast Queensland.

It will complete the new Western Sydney International Airport.

It will work with the Victorian Government to finalise the path to construction for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

And it will deliver productivity-boosting projects right around Australia.

Recognising the importance of digital infrastructure, the Government will invest up to $3 billion for the upgrade of Australia's remaining national fibre-to-the-node network—delivering faster internet for more than 600,000 additional premises.

Climate change, energy and the environment

Acting on climate change and managing an orderly transition to clean energy will continue to be a priority for the Government—and a significant economic opportunity for Australia.

Decarbonising Australia's electricity grid is vital to achieving net zero targets— and the Government will continue pursuing its goal of 82 per cent renewables by 2030, backed by batteries, hydro and gas.

The Government recognises the importance of private sector investment to this transformation.

It is investing an additional $2 billion in the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to unlock $6 billion of private sector investment, and incentivise homes and small businesses to switch to renewables.

The Government has opened its $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

This is reducing the cost of a typical installed battery by 30 per cent, lowering energy bills, and improving the resilience and performance of our energy system.

More than one million new batteries are expected to be installed by 2030.

The Government will also continue to accelerate investment in renewable energy generation and storage through its Capacity Investment Scheme.

And it will co-fund a $40 million National Training Centre in New Energy Skills in Melbourne to help meet growing demand for workers in renewable energy sectors.

The Government understands Australian communities, farmers and businesses are already feeling the impacts of climate change.

The Government will continue to improve Australia's disaster preparedness, response and resilience capabilities—as well as deliver targeted support to those impacted by natural disasters.

Protecting the environment is our responsibility to future generations.

In this term, the Government will build on the initiatives of its first term by reforming our environment laws, including establishing a national environment protection agency, to better protect the natural world and provide certainty for business.

And later this year, the Government will set a 2035 emissions reduction target that is in Australia's national interest.

Resources and industry

The global transition to net zero represents a significant opportunity for our nation.

Australia is blessed with abundant solar and wind resources.

A skilled and innovative workforce.

And some of the world's largest deposits of critical minerals and rare earths.

Through its Future Made in Australia agenda, the Government is investing in our nation's manufacturing so we can make more things here.

And it is supporting Australia to build a stronger, more diversified and resilient economy, powered by clean energy.

This term, the Government will continue to lean into our advantage in areas like critical minerals processing, green metals, and renewable energy.

It will incentivise producers to process more of the critical minerals needed for solar panels, batteries and other clean tech, here, on our shores.

Similar production incentives will support the production of Australian-made metals like aluminium and iron as they transition to low emissions technologies.

The Government recognises the importance of aligning industry policy, innovation and science to advance our national interest, and to bring jobs and opportunities to our industrial heartlands.

And it will continue to invest in world-leading science and research to strengthen our ability to innovate.

To leverage our natural resources, and enable Australia to deal with trade and market disruptions, the Government will establish a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, investing in minerals that are most important for Australia's national security and the security of our key partners.

And it will expand the Critical Minerals Facility, to support private and international investors with the upfront costs of new projects, giving them the certainty they need to create Australian jobs.

Recognising the important role that Australian gas has to play in an orderly global and domestic energy transition, the Government will strengthen Australia's standing as a reliable energy partner for our region and implement the Future Gas Strategy to provide reliable gas for Australians.

Foreign affairs and trade

Australia is deeply engaged in the world.

In these uncertain times, our international relationships are vital for our security and prosperity at home, and our ability to play a positive and stabilising role in regional and international affairs.

In its first term, the Government strengthened Australia's relationships with our Pacific and Southeast Asian neighbours.

The Government has also built on our relationships with traditional friends—the United States, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom—as well as our key partners Japan, Republic of Korea, India, and the European Union.

And it has taken a calibrated approach towards stabilising relations with China.

The Government also supported Ukraine in its fight against Russia's illegal and immoral invasion.

In its second term, the Government will build on its relationships to advance Australia's interests and uphold the international rule of law.

Ultimately, the Government's foreign policy is an expression of our national values, national interests, and national identity.

And trade is an important part of that equation.

Australia is situated in the fastest growing region of the world in human history.

In its first term, the Government expanded and diversified Australia's export markets, and bolstered the rules-based multilateral trading system.

This delivered significant benefits for our economy and for Australian farmers, growers and producers in particular.

In its second term, the Government will continue advocating for a predictable, transparent, free, fair, inclusive, sustainable, and rules-based trading system.

It will strengthen Australia's anti-dumping regime to safeguard Australian manufacturers against unfair competition.

Offer $1 billion in zero-interest loans, through the National Reconstruction Fund, for firms to capitalise on new export opportunities.

Provide $50 million to help sectors affected by US tariffs to secure and grow new markets.

And it will continue to implement recommendations from Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

Making Australia's economy as resilient as possible by strengthening our trading relationships with existing partners and opening doors to new markets.

Defence and national security

There is no greater responsibility for government than keeping Australians safe and securing our nation's future.

We live in a time of significant geopolitical change and uncertainty, and the Government is positioning Australia to meet the growing global and regional security challenges we face.

The Government's National Defence Strategy is a whole-of- nation approach to Australia's defence, and the strengthening of our defence capability.

The Government has already committed funding to increase annual defence spending from $59 billion this year to $79.6 billion in 2029-30.

The Government is also supporting the Australian defence industry, with almost 80 per cent of Defence's annual budget spent in Australia.

Australia will start manufacturing missiles this year.

The Government's plan for continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment will be delivered by an Australian workforce, too.

The Government is also committed to strengthening Australia's security partnerships.

The AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to be progressed to deliver long-term strategic benefits for all three countries.

The Government will also negotiate a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union to strengthen cooperation on global security challenges.

And will continue to invest in security cooperation and defence links with the countries of our region, including key neighbours like Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

The Government also understands a strong domestic security agenda is essential to Australia's economic prosperity and social stability.

To that end, it will give our law enforcement and intelligence agencies the tools they need to protect our nation—including from politically motivated violence, cyber crime and foreign interference.

And it will work side-by-side with law enforcement and communities to defend every Australian's right to feel safe from violence and bigotry.

Veterans' affairs

Australians owe a profound debt of gratitude to all who serve our nation.

The Government is committed to ensuring our Defence personnel, veterans and families can access the services and support they need and deserve.

In its first term, the Government passed legislation to simplify and harmonise veteran compensation legislation, and worked towards ensuring claims are processed faster.

In its second term, the Government will prioritise the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

This will be the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the culture, systems and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

The Defence and Veterans' Services Commission will provide independent oversight and evidence-based advice to the Government on these reforms.

Fostering a multicultural Australia

The Government takes pride in the fact the values Australia projects to the world reflect who we are at home.

We are a young nation on an ancient continent.

We are also the product of generations of migrants who, coming here in search of a better life, have found a place of courage, kindness, and the fair go.

Today, multiculturalism is the foundation of our dynamic, egalitarian nation. And a huge asset for us as we build our links around the world.

The makeup of the new Parliament reflects this.

Over the coming term, the newly established Office for Multicultural Affairs will more closely align the Government's policies and programs promoting understanding, access, equity, and inclusion across Australia's diverse communities.

All of this speaks to the Government's understanding that multiculturalism is essential to Australia's national success.

Arts and culture

A thriving arts sector is vital to that sense of belonging.

As well as enriching us culturally, it contributes more than $60 billion to our economy each year.

In recognition of the sector's vital importance, in 2023 the Government launched ReviveAustralia's first cultural policy in a decade.

Over the coming term, the Government will continue to strengthen the sector through Revive, including allocating $25 million to extend the Revive Live program.

This will give more performers the chance to connect with new audiences, and make Australia's live music scene more inclusive and accessible for all.

Conclusion

I congratulate all members and senators on being called to serve.

Our democracy is the golden thread that unites Australians across geography and generations.

It is now your time to act as stewards of our proud democratic traditions—and to faithfully carry out the duty with which Australians have entrusted you.

As the Prime Minister has observed, democracy is always a work in progress—one that thrives when ideas and propositions are subject to robust, but respectful, interrogation.

I wish you all the very best as you build our extraordinary nation's future together.

It is now my duty, and my honour, to declare the 48th Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia open.