Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's a privilege to represent the people of Isaacs for a seventh term in this 48th Parliament of Australia. To the people of my electorate of Isaacs, I thank them for the trust they have placed in me. To the volunteers who've supported my campaign, I express my sincere thanks. You gave your time to hand out how-to-vote cards, knock on doors, speak to neighbours and engage in respectful discussions about the future of our electorate and Australia. I also acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of my electorate office staff: Judd, Sally, Elly, Lucy, Nicola, Lydia, Olivia and Alex. You embody the very best of public service, and I'm grateful for your support.

I also want to thank the Australian Electoral Commission. I acknowledge the excellent work of the divisional returning officer for Isaacs, Marc Antoine, and his team. The expertise and patient work of the AEC are among the quiet strengths of our democracy. Because of the work of the AEC, Australians have confidence that our elections are conducted fairly and with integrity.

My campaign in Isaacs had a simple vision: to hear directly from the people of our community, to understand their challenges and aspirations and to ensure their voices shape our work. In the months leading up to the election I visited every part of my electorate—from Dandenong to Dingley, Chelsea to Cheltenham and from Moorabbin to Keysborough. I attended community forums, knocked on thousands of doors, joined sporting events, made hundreds of phone calls and visited festivals, shopping strips, businesses, hospitals and aged-care centres.

From a 20 per cent cut to student debt to free TAFE; from cheaper medicines and 60-day prescriptions to more Medicare urgent care clinics and to more bulk-billing; from support for businesses to building more housing; from wage increases for aged-care and childcare workers to secure funding for community legal services; from reforming family law to significant changes to Australia's privacy laws—every one of these policies will make a difference in people's lives, and every one of these policies will build a fairer Australia now and into the future. In all of the conversations I had, people said they wanted help with the cost of living, secure and decent jobs, affordable housing, accessible health care and education, and a government that listens and delivers.

The Albanese Labor government's free TAFE policy develops skills and supports long-term economic growth. When more Australians get the qualifications they need, businesses perform better, essential services improve and the economy strengthens. The Albanese Labor government's policy to cut student debt by 20 per cent is about giving people a fair chance to succeed. Less debt means easing financial pressure, especially for younger people. In my electorate of Isaacs, more than 20,000 people will have lower student debt.

Our government's Cheaper Child Care is about supporting economic productivity and easing cost-of-living pressures. Like cutting student debt, it gives people a level of financial freedom to make decisions that are right for them and their families. It helps parents return to work and increases workforce participation. Our government's tax cuts build on the cost-of-living relief policies we've already delivered. Workers will keep more of what they earn, easing pressure on household budgets, boosting savings and strengthening financial security for workers and their families across the country.

Cheaper medicines are another way we are easing cost-of-living pressures and ensuring more people can get the health care they need. Cheaper medicines have already saved households in my electorate more than $11 million and, with 60-day prescriptions now in place, Australians are saving even more money. The government's Medicare urgent care clinics are another example of policy that's delivering results and improving the lives of millions of Australians. Around 90 Medicare urgent care clinics are now operating across the country, taking pressure off hospitals and emergency departments. They open early and close late seven days a week and provide free walk-in urgent care with no appointment needed. All patients are fully bulk-billed. One of Australia's busiest Medicare urgent care clinics is in Dandenong South, in my electorate.

In my electorate, our policies are making a difference. I think of the young woman from Dandenong, Aadila, who told me that cutting her student debt meant she could finally save money for a car to get to work, or the mum in Keysborough, Sarah, who, thanks to more affordable childcare, is working more, earning more and saving more. In Chelsea, pensioners Barry and Iris spoke to me about how cheaper medicines are making a real difference. They no longer have to choose between filling a prescription or paying a bill. For them, the Albanese Labor government's introduction of 60-day prescriptions means fewer trips to the pharmacy, lower costs and real savings.

Australians are seeing the Albanese Labor government's plan in action. They see it when someone they know gets one of the million new jobs created since the Albanese Labor government came to office in 2022. They see it when a friend or family member enrols in a free TAFE course that leads to well-paid, secure skilled work. They see it when parents can return to work because child care is more affordable. They see it when they or someone close to them visits a Medicare urgent care clinic for the urgent care they need when they need it. And they see it at the pharmacy with cheaper medicines and 60-day prescriptions. They see it in their pay packets because the Albanese Labor government's tax cuts mean people earn more and keep more of what they earn. I'm reminded that the Liberal-National coalition opposed all of this. When Australians needed help the most, the Liberal-National coalition chose division, fear, distraction and harmful politics instead of working in this parliament to deliver meaningful support for all Australians.

The Albanese Labor government knows that Australians don't need more promises on housing; they need homes built. That's why we've set an ambitious target and are delivering the biggest housing investment in our nation's history. We're building more homes and backing first-home buyers. Since we came into government, new housing approvals are up by 30 per cent, and one million households across the nation have received an almost 50 per cent increase in Commonwealth rent assistance. Half a million homes have been built, 28,000 social and affordable homes are underway and our Build to Rent scheme is creating 80,000 new secure rentals nationally.

The Albanese government is working closely with state and territory governments. Australians expect governments to work together. When they do, we get better results for the people we serve: more homes, built faster, in the places they're needed most. We're delivering more social and affordable homes across Australia, providing security for renters, older Australians, women escaping violence, and families who need stability. For almost 10 years the Liberal-National coalition delivered headlines, not homes. The Albanese Labor government is delivering the biggest housing investment in our nation's history.

I now turn briefly to multiculturalism, because it remains one of Australia's greatest strengths. Multiculturalism is part of our nation's story, reflecting the simple truth that our community is shaped by people who come from somewhere else. It's a story shared by generations of Australians and stands at the heart of Australia's identity. Everyone in this building knows someone who migrated to Australia. For many of us it was our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents who made that journey, seeking safety, opportunity and a better future.

My electorate is one of the most diverse in Australia. People from more than 150 countries have made their homes in our suburbs. Their diversity is a source of strength for our community. I saw that strength earlier this year when I attended the inaugural Ramadan Night Market in Dandenong, organised by Bright Community, a group of local Muslim business owners. It was an extraordinary celebration over the nights of Ramadan, drawing thousands of people from all backgrounds to share food, culture and community.

Migrant-run businesses make up nearly one-third of small businesses in Australia, and in Isaacs they are the backbone of our shopping centres, restaurants and professional services. They create jobs, generate investment and open doors to new international markets. Many children and grandchildren of migrants are now leaders, in medicine, education, law, sport and the arts. Their stories reflect the best of our nation: hard work, determination and the belief that no matter where your family came from you can succeed in Australia. I see it every day, in Springvale, Noble Park, Keysborough, Mordialloc and Dandenong. When people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate fully, contribute to society and feel they belong, we are a stronger and more united country. But belonging is only meaningful if people feel it is safe to participate, whether as voters, candidates or volunteers. A healthy democracy depends not just on the right to vote but also on the ability to participate without fear of intimidation, harassment or abuse.

I acknowledge my Liberal opponent at the 2025 election, Fiona Ottey. Fiona conducted herself with dignity and respect throughout the campaign. While we may differ in our policies and visions, we share a commitment to service and our community. I thank Fiona Ottey for her contribution to the democratic process and for engaging in a contest of ideas, not personalities. In my electorate of Isaacs the campaign was respectful and principled. However, I must draw attention to the deeply troubling conduct that occurred in the neighbouring electorate of Goldstein, which shared the Cheltenham prepoll booth with Isaacs.

Goldstein was one of the most closely contested electorates in the nation. Following a re-count, the Liberal candidate and now member for Goldstein, Mr Tim Wilson, was elected by a margin of just 175 votes. Yet, throughout the campaign, there were repeated incidents involving Mr Wilson's campaign volunteers that fell well short of the standard of behaviour Australians expect. These incidents included verbal abuse of volunteers working for other candidates and threats of violence and even death threats against public figures. This conduct was clearly intended to intimidate. One incident reported involved a Liberal campaigner verbally abusing two young women, including one who was just 17 years old, calling them 'little scum'. Another involved a threat of extreme violence, including a death threat directed at the Premier of Victoria and the former member for Goldstein Ms Zoe Daniel.

Mr Wilson did not condemn these incidents. He made excuses instead of accepting responsibility and taking immediate action to remove and hold those responsible accountable. He even attempted to justify one of these incidents, absurdly suggesting his campaign volunteer had low blood sugar levels. On election day, private security personnel needed to be engaged in the electorate of Goldstein to ensure the safety of volunteers and prevent vandalism by Mr Wilson's campaign team. The conduct of Mr Wilson's campaign has undermined both the fairness and the safety of the election process.

I acknowledge Ms Zoe Daniel, the former member for Goldstein, for the integrity with which she conducted her campaign. She ran on ideas, on values and on service to her community. Despite this, her campaign was at times deeply personal and harrowing. As a respected journalist and parliamentarian, she faced a level of hostility no candidate should ever have to endure. She was subjected to vile abuse on the street, including misogynistic slurs. She had to report incidents of stalking and harassment to the police. Her car was identified online. She feared being followed home, and, in the final week of the campaign, she needed the protection of the Australian Federal Police. The hostility also extended to her volunteers and staff, who were intimidated at booths and endured a barrage of personal attacks online and in person. Through it all, Ms Daniel refused to retaliate. She focused on policy and principle. Her campaign was a model of integrity, and her resilience in the face of such adversity deserves recognition and respect from all sides of politics.

One reported incident also involved Mr Wilson himself. As a candidate for public office, he shouted at a member of Ms Daniel's staff as she returned to her car: 'Enjoy your last week.' It was a comment intended to intimidate—behaviour unbecoming of anyone seeking to serve in our national parliament. I'm sure he would not accept such treatment if it were directed at him. The behaviour did not end with the campaign. It carried into the prolonged counting process, where Mr Wilson's campaign scrutineers were encouraged to intimidate, distract and use standover tactics against Ms Daniel's scrutineers.

The behaviour of Liberal volunteers and Mr Wilson at polling booths in Goldstein, including those shared with Isaacs, shows how quickly abuse and intimidation can erode confidence in our democracy. Hostility and harassment do not just silence voters' voices in the moment; they deter people from wanting to take part at all. Democracy only works when Australians can participate without fear or intimidation. This is not about courtesy; it goes to the very integrity of our democracy here, in our local communities and across the nation.

What occurred in Goldstein reflects a broader challenge facing democracies in Australia and across the world. Harmful political discourse, threats of violence and death, and the harassment of candidates are pushing people away from public life. We must not allow that to take hold in Australia. The strongest safeguard against this kind of conduct is a shared commitment to democratic principles, truth, mutual respect and civic participation. When those principles are undermined, the harm extends beyond individual candidates. It erodes public confidence and weakens the foundations of our democracy. All members of this parliament, regardless of their political views, benefit from the strength of our democratic institutions and share a responsibility to uphold the standards that Australians rightly expect and to protect those institutions in return.

The unfortunate behaviour of the new member for Goldstein and his team during the Goldstein campaign is particularly disappointing given Mr Wilson's service as Australia's human rights commissioner from 2014 to 2016. That statutory role exists to champion respect, dignity and the protection of rights for all Australians. A genuine commitment to human rights is tested in moments of difficulty: when taking action is inconvenient, when stepping in to stop misconduct carries political risk and when personal accountability is required. By any fair assessment, Mr Wilson did not show such a commitment during the election campaign. He had the opportunity to uphold the principles of respect, accountability and fairness that underpin our democracy, but he chose not to act. That is what leadership demands, and it is what the Australian community is entitled to expect, especially from someone who has held the office of Human Rights Commissioner.

It was also deeply troubling that in October 2024 a former Liberal MP, Jason Falinski, referred Ms Daniel to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. This was a reckless attempt to misuse the commission for political advantage. The commission has made it abundantly clear that the referral was groundless. I'll quote the commission's statement:

… the Commission considers that no corruption issue arises, and will take no further action in relation to the referral.

This episode says something deeply concerning about the Liberal Party. It shows a willingness to misuse, for political gain, one of the most important anticorruption institutions in our democracy. The National Anti-Corruption Commission exists to prevent corruption in government. It is not there to be used as a tool for political advantage. Such conduct undermines trust in our institutions and has no place in Australian politics. Democracy works best when people can participate without fear or intimidation, because fear undermines the core principles that make democracy function, such as fairness, safety and equal participation. This is not simply a matter of politeness or manners; it goes to the integrity of our democratic system.

As I commence my seventh term, I remain driven by the values that have guided my service—fairness, integrity and a genuine commitment to this community. Public service is not about self-interest; it is about serving the community's interest. That is what guides my work as a member of parliament. My vision for Isaacs and for Australia is a community that is inclusive, connected and economically secure—a place where every child can access a good education, where health care is available when needed and where opportunities are not limited by one's postcode or background. The people of Isaacs have trusted me again with the responsibility to represent them in this place, and for that I am deeply grateful.

I will continue to deliver on the Albanese Labor government's commitments to defend the integrity of our democracy and uphold the standards the public rightly expects of us. I call on all members to send a clear message: intimidation and abuse have no place in Australian politics. We must lead by example and help build a democratic culture grounded in respect, inclusion and integrity.

Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Skills and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On 3 May the opposition sought to harness pessimism and cynicism in a path to power that was without purpose. But people in the Scullin electorate saw through this, as did Australians right around our country. They recognised the leadership of our prime minister—his record, his character—and our plans to bring out the very best for our nation and every one of its citizens. They noticed that Labor listened, and not just to the loudest voices. They noticed that we understood the need to both keep responding to urgent cost-of-living pressures in the short term and offer hope for the future beyond that. They noticed that we were serious about the challenges holding back Australians doing it tough and about realising those wonderful opportunities that lie before us. They noticed that we had prepared a policy agenda anchored in this appreciation—policies fit for purpose for the needs of Australians now and as we look to the future.

I begin my contribution by thanking the voters of the Scullin electorate for again placing their trust in me and in the Albanese Labor government. It is an incredible honour to have been elected for a fifth time, and of course, more importantly, there is the responsibility and obligation to represent, advocate for, contribute to and deliver for the people of the Scullin electorate. This is my focus as a very proud member of our re-elected Albanese Labor government—a government whose ethos of leaving no-one behind and holding no-one back resonated so strongly from the very start with the people of Scullin across its length and breadth, in all its wonderful diversity.

I recognise in saying that that I now have the privilege of representing a number of communities which are new to the electorate: parts of Campbellfield, more of Wollert and a little slice of Fawkner. So I was particularly pleased to form relationships and begin an understanding of those communities, which I look forward to representing in this, the 48th Parliament. But, of course, I'm proud to represent all of the communities across Scullin and the people who make them such wonderful places.

After almost a decade of serving in this place in opposition, the opportunity to serve from the government benches after the 2022 election enabled me to advocate for and deliver on a number of local wins that I'm particularly proud of, even if in some cases people waited too long for those wins to be realised. I think about the $2 million in funding our government delivered for the Peter Hopper Lake in Mill Park after strong advocacy from local residents for some time. A big shout-out to everyone involved in Friends of Peter Hopper Lake for their enduring advocacy. I can now see the funding being put to work to improve the quality of the environment of the lake, with stage 2 works now well underway and expected to be nearing completion by the end of the year.

Another set of funding that's made a big difference has been the Schools Upgrade Fund. Three schools in my electorate have benefited from funding through this program: Norris Bank Primary School in Bundoora for new playground equipment, playing equipment and shade sails; Findon Primary School in Mill Park for much-needed refurbishment of student toilets—the images that the students sent to me of the need for this really resonated with me, and I was so pleased to be able, thanks to the great work of Minister Clare, to deliver on their request; and Merriang Special Developmental School for upgrades to their inclusive play space at their South Morang campus.

The Scullin electorate is a diverse place, and across the multicultural communities there is a common desire to maintain connection to culture and to language. Our government recognises this, and, to help ensure communities can continue to do this work, we've supported nine community language schools through grants to strengthen social inclusion and an ongoing connection to language, which is so vital.

One of the issues that have been raised constantly with me in my time in this place is the importance of access to health care, and I am so thrilled about the Epping urgent care centre and the impact it is making every single day. The clinic has now seen more than 13,000 visits since it opened, and I wish a happy birthday, on Monday, to everyone involved at the Epping urgent care clinic. Obviously, I won't be there, but I'll be thinking of the incredible staff for the impact they have there in the urgent care clinic itself and, of course, in the women's health specialist services that are offered there as well. I think about those people who've faced some unexpected moments and needed access to a nurse or doctor for themselves or for their children. The clinic receives 37 visits a day, with doctors and nurses working hard to keep our community healthy. This is not only access to local urgent care but access to free health care when people need it.

Another thing that really brings me great joy is the progress towards the opening of the Epping study hub, which will provide student support and campus-style facilities and bring university and TAFE closer to home and closer together, because we know that where you live can be a barrier to continuing an educational journey. That's why we've delivered these hubs. The one in Epping is paired with the one in Broadmeadows—and a shout-out to my good friend the new and excellent member for Calwell, Basem Abdo. I've really enjoyed sharing your journey through a difficult campaign in which you revealed many of your qualities and just a hint of the capacity you're going to bring to this place as a wonderful advocate for your communities and a contributor to the work of government. These hubs will support local TAFE and university students to attain their qualifications, but they will also inspire the next generation, as high school students can see, feel and touch that next step in their journey.

I'm also really proud to be part of a government that's delivering a $4.5 million investment to revitalise the Nick Ascenzo Reserve in Thomastown. The funding is going towards a new multipurpose sports court, a scooter and BMX loop and upgrades to the existing playground. I've been speaking to local residents and also parents from Thomastown East Primary School, just over the road, who expressed their optimism for the suburb and what this investment means for them, for their families and for a more cohesive, more active and more connected community. I'm really looking forward to seeing this come through and, of course, to some other really critical initiatives. There are just two I want to highlight: the facility upgrades at the offices of the Board of Imams Victoria in Thomastown, as well as a really important upgrade supporting the incredible work of Turbans 4 Australia. The work that's being led and the way in which it's being led by my friend Amar Singh is truly wonderful. That's right around the country but, most importantly, in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

I want to briefly touch on some of the privileges I've had in the current and over the former parliament, particularly in the roles that I've served in thanks to the Prime Minister—firstly, as then minister for immigration, citizenship and multicultural affairs. As then minister for immigration and as current minister for skills and training I've had an extraordinary opportunity to change lives and change our country. I want to briefly reflect on that.

To carry out, in the first instance, our government's commitments to replace cruelty for cruelty's sake with policies that were fit for purpose and consistent with who we are as a multicultural nation that has really been built by immigration was extraordinary. In that, I want to recognise the work, in the lead-up to the last election, of my friend Kristina Keneally—the work that she did as the shadow minister for home affairs and the work that I was able to continue, together with my friend Minister O'Neil. I think about, in particular, with Kristina in mind, the decision made within weeks of coming to government to finally enable the return of the Nadesalingam family to their home in Biloela. This was a really important moment for our country as the nation and, indeed, the Biloela community came together. It's wonderful that Nades, Priya, Kopika and Tharnicaa are continuing to build their lives and build their contribution to our country in their home with certainty.

Another thing that really mattered that I think I was able to play a small part in was ending some unfair restrictions on residency pathways for temporary skilled workers and, of course, thousands of recognised refugees—20,000 of whom are now permanent in their connection to Australia and, again, able to make their contributions after a decade of waste of potential, of waste of their lives and of cruelty for cruelty's own sake. I was also able to see changes to citizenship, dealing with backlogs and enabling more people to become full members of our community and fully realise their contribution. I was pleased to be able to work with unions and workers to make reforms ending the exploitation of migrant workers, benefiting all Australian workers, and to be part of work led by Minister O'Neil on a migration strategy, building a migration system that is fit for our national purpose, not something that is neglected, as was the case for a decade.

It was a pleasure to be part of the work which led to the Multicultural Framework Review, the first look at our multicultural framework at a national level in 50 years, building on the great legacy of Al Grassby and so many others, giving voice to so many people across the length and breadth of our nation—people very new to our country and people here for generations—and thinking of building that culture of respect and belonging that not only really makes us a great nation today but enables us to imagine how good we can be with every single voice properly heard. I want to extend my appreciation to the panel members there—Hass Dellal, Nyadol Nyuon and Christine Castley—for the extraordinary work they did in enabling so many people to be heard who would not otherwise have been heard in this place. I'm so pleased to see the incredible work of my friend Minister Anne Aly building on this legacy in our own inimitable fashion.

In my current portfolio I continue to witness how decisions that we make in national government can change people's lives for the better and change our communities and change our country. It makes me so proud—thanks to your vote and the member for Makin's vote, in particular—that free TAFE is now permanent, opening more doors for more people that would have otherwise stayed shut. Australians are now gaining skills they want for jobs we need, because we value TAFE.

I think about the National Skills Agreement and the partnerships that enables between this government, every state and territory, business, First Nations community controlled organisations, workers and union so that we can work together to achieve our national purposes, to make sure that everyone can unlock their potential—wherever they may be, whatever their circumstances. They're accessing skills and training that will enable them to realise their ambitions so that we can do a better job at connecting their ambitions to our national aspirations so people can make contributions in fulfilling their potential.

Some of the announcements we made at the last election take this to the next level. I think about the Advanced Entry Trades Training commitment, which recognises that there are thousands of Australians who have experience but no formal qualifications. We can do better to recognise them and enable them to work to their potential. I think about the Key Apprenticeship Program, which has been hugely successful already in clean energy and now in housing and is already opening up more doors for more people to undertake apprenticeships—a pathway to a good job and to a real contribution.

I want to take this opportunity to recognise the extraordinary people who have worked within my office throughout my time as minister. I think about Jesse Northfield. I could not have had a better chief of staff—or the opportunity, frankly, to work with a better human being—and he was so well supported by the brilliant Alice Smith. To work with people like Lori Faraone, Henry Sherrell, Zoe Ranganathan, Kun Huang, Ben Wicks, Roman Ristovski, Laura Matheson, Justine Evesson, Emilia Hutchinson, Madison Child and Ash Grimwood has been a real privilege—seeing so many people so dedicated to making the most of the opportunities that government presents to make a contribution.

I'm also incredibly proud of the work done by the team in the Scullin electorate office. I think all of us in this place know that we are nothing without the teams we work with and the extraordinary kindness, professionalism and dedication they show to solving the problems in peoples lives—often problems that seem insuperable to individuals but can be solved by the great work of our electorate office team. I acknowledge everyone's EO staff but particularly mine. My deepest thanks go to Sally, Khadija, Maureen, Monika, Steph, Cat, Amelia, Sam and Hamish. Day in, day out they are working hard to support community members, and I think particularly of the work they did to support members of our wonderful Palestinian community at such awful times.

I also want to say this. For much of the last term, my electorate office had to be shut due to a number of security incidents. I strongly support the right to peaceful protest; it is a cornerstone of a democratic society. So too are the right of a worker to be safe at work and the right of a citizen to engage with their democratically elected representative. The Scullin electorate office staff were subjected to circumstances no worker should have to endure: physical threats and the denial of access to someone's workplace. This cannot be part of our politics. It cannot.

I was pleased to be here for the contribution of the member for Isaacs, which highlighted a number of other concerning incidents which I do think, collectively, we need to look at as we think about a politics that is fit for the Australian people. There can be no place for violence and intimidation overshadowing the work of democratic representatives, the engagement of anyone in the political process and of course the fundamental need of any Australian to access government services, including through their local federal parliamentarian's electorate office. The campaign in the Scullin electorate was not particularly shadowed by some of the incidents that the member for Isaacs touched upon, but still I think there are things we should reflect on—in particular, the conduct of a range of organisations at early-voting centres, which I am concerned about and which I hope the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will look into—so that every member of the community feels safe and welcome when casting their secret ballot.

I do want to acknowledge the other candidates who contested the election and thank them for their engagement. Obviously we all reflect different world views, but our ability to talk to one another, particularly on the campaign trail, is something that is precious and a critical part of our democracy. I want to recognise the incredible work of the many volunteers who really were the Scullin campaign—the people who walked with me as I doorknocked hundreds of houses, who made phone calls, who stood with me at train stations and who really lent their understanding, passion and selfless commitment, asking for nothing other than to contribute to their vision of a fairer and better society, expressed through the election of an Albanese government.

Any campaign cannot be run without volunteers. I'm so proud of the volunteers that I got to work with. Thank you to each and every one of you. I can't thank everyone, but there are a few I want to recognise particularly: my good friend Emeline Gaske and all the numbers of the Australian Services Union; the extraordinary Joe Petrucci, a man for all seasons and a person of so many qualities; Amar and Chaman Tiwari, extraordinary people who seem to have more hours in the day than I think are possible based on my understanding of maths; Succetin and Perihan Unal, two absolute pillars of the Turkish community, the northern suburbs and the Labor Party, and two dear friends—to them and their family, I will always be more grateful than I can say—and the irrepressible Monique Lobosco, who has done incredible things and will do more incredible things. Thanks to Ramy Aljalil, who is a wonderful young man with so many qualities. Thanks to Tori Edge, who showed me right around the length and breadth of Wollert, and showed me her passion for the work that she's done as an early childhood educator and now does in her current employment at the United Workers Union. Thanks to the wonderful Nessie Sayer.

The last person I want to touch upon is Monika Janinki. Monica was an extraordinary person, and I feel so grateful to have met her and spent a lot of time with her, talking about her passion for the world, particularly for animal rights as well as for a more just society. To spend time with her, I was excited by what was going to come. She talked about new study opportunities, including in the law. Monica is not with us. I think of her standing here and am filled with an immense sadness for all those who loved her and for all those around her who were unable to see her recognising herself. What an extraordinary person she was, and what an extraordinary contribution she could have made. She did make extraordinary contributions, and the person that she was and everything that she stood for is something that will live on. Monika, I stand here thinking deeply of you, feeling so terribly sad at the extraordinary loss—the loss that most touches those dearest to you. I hope they can feel a sense, as I talk about Monika in this place, of the impact that she will always have through her character and her contributions. Vale, Monika.

I started this contribution by reflecting on the politics pessimism and cynicism. As I stand here, I remain deeply concerned about the rise of reactionary and authoritarian forms of populism here in Australia and around the world. I think about the awful circumstances in the Victorian high country right now—two police officers who lost their lives, the community terrified. I think about all the manifestations we have to think about that pose a threat to the physical safety of community members and, more broadly, how we are part of a global community. I recognise that in tough times it's always tempting to find easy answers to complex problems—or worse, to look to blame the other rather than seek to come together to take responsibility. This is about something more than the policy choices that legitimately separates us in this place. It goes to how we conduct ourselves and our political actions. I think we need to find ways to disagree better to reflect on the fact that, while there may be things that we disagree about, this is not necessarily a terrible thing. We need to find ways to ensure that every person is respected, not every idea. In this place, I will do my best to live up to that in this term of parliament, representing the wonderful people of the Scullin electorate.

Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's a pleasure to follow the member for Scullin. I very much appreciated some of his remarks, particularly with respect to what is happening now in the high country, and also his recognition of the people that support us in our offices, which I will talk about with respect to my own office. It is so true that none of us could do what we do were it not for the people that are in the background doing all the day-to-day tasks that make us look so much better.

I stand in this place because a majority of voters in the Makin electorate voted for the re-election of an Labor government and for myself as the Labor candidate. To the people who voted for me, I say thank you. I've always taken everyone's vote as something that I should not take for granted, and I've always endeavoured to live up to the expectations that people have of me once they elect me, and I will continue to do that. I also stand in this place because of the Makin office team that I was referring to a few moments ago: Ann, Frank, James, Mignon, Rob and Wasim. There were some others who have come over the last couple of years to assist as well, but have moved on. All of those people respond to the daily phone calls, the emails, the personal visits of people who come to the Makin electorate office for assistance, and the staff in the office do all they can to assist those people. They take the calls from the critics and from people in desperate situations or people who have simply no-one else to turn to. And they always do so with a sympathetic air and an understanding that everyone's needs matter.

As everyone elected to this place knows, organising a federal election campaign and manning the early voting and election day polling booths requires an enormous effort. I simply could not do that without the support of my family, hundreds of committed volunteers and the Labor movement more broadly. I'm grateful to them all. They are the true believers of the Labor cause, who selflessly and for no personal gain give so much of their time to help me and the Labor government get elected. I also acknowledge the work of the Australian Electoral Commission for the professionalism that they showed in the course of the election campaign and for ensuring that all Australians can have confidence in the electoral process here in Australia.

The 2025 federal election resulted in an extraordinary outcome. A record number of 94 Labor members were elected to the House of Representatives. At 28.7 per cent of the seats, the coalition probably received its lowest-ever percentage of representation in the parliament. For the first time that I can recall—and I believe it's the first time on record—the opposition leader lost his seat. Representation of the Greens party, a party that was supposedly on the rise, was reduced from four seats to one, and the Greens leader also lost his own seat. In my view, the outcome highlights how Australians are more engaged in day-to-day politics than is often assumed, and they can see through the political spin and tactics used in election campaigns and often by the biased media outlets.

On the opening day of the 48th Parliament, as is customary, the Governor-General outlined the Albanese government's agenda for this term of parliament. It's an ambitious agenda which first and foremost delivers on Labor's 2025 election commitments. Quite rightly, delivering on election commitments should be a priority because that is what the majority of Australians voted for. However, in a parliament with such a clear majority, there should also be room for new ideas and bold reforms that will make Australia an even better country—reforms that we know are needed, which Australians have been calling for, which other countries have often embraced and which I believe are in the public interest.

I begin with Australian gas supplies. Regardless of the views about whether we should or should not use gas, it is ludicrous that, as the world's first- or perhaps second-largest gas exporter, we don't have enough gas for ourselves, that we pay world parity prices for it and that we receive comparatively very little tax income from gas exports. I can only imagine what people in other countries must think of us when, in countries such as Qatar, Norway, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, fossil fuel exports underpin their entire economy. Even more frustrating is the inability or lack of interest by successive governments to do anything about it. Australians expect that Australia reserves enough gas to meet our needs, that Australia collects a fair level of tax from the gas producers, most of whom pay negligible tax, and that Australians pay for gas at prices which reflect the cost of production, not global prices.

On the issue of taxes, if Australia and the rest of the world continue to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, as they should do, then Australia's ability to collect a fair level of taxes from Australia's fossil fuels, particularly from gas exports, will not be available to us in years to come as the transition to renewable energy continues. We have a diminishing opportunity to ensure Australians fairly benefit from the nation's gas reserves.

The second issue I raise is the inclusion of dental care into Medicare. This is a matter I first campaigned for in my first federal election campaign years ago. Of course, it will add an ongoing substantial cost to the federal budget, but I expect there will also be savings through better health outcomes. There is no logic as to why dental care, which is essential to good health, was left out of Medicare, and it is time this anomaly is corrected. As an aside, if our gas supplies paid their fair share of tax, we could afford public dental care.

The third issue I refer to is the Australian banks. When I first came to this place, former senator Doug Cameron and I met with Treasurer Wayne Swan to discuss the possibility of establishing a government or publicly owned bank. Of course, that hasn't happened. In the meantime, bank profits have soared, and I note that recently the Commonwealth Bank of Australia announced a $10 billion profit for last year. Services have been slashed, cash and cheques have been phased out, and bank branches have closed. Bank regulations have failed customers. I believe that the best form of regulation is a government owned bank that operates as an honest broker in the free market, a public bank that maintains a customer service standard and that keeps others honest whilst returning a profit to the people of Australia.

Banking is an essential service. This was recognised when the Commonwealth Bank of Australia was established as a public bank in 1911 by the Andrew Fisher Labor government. According to one background paper—and I haven't read all the parliamentary debates—at the time that the CBA was established the argument was that Australia needed a bank that would benefit all citizens, a bank that would bring stability to the banking system and offer an alternative to high fees charged by the private banks. Nothing has changed. Those same arguments would be applicable today. With cash and cheques being phased out, today there is no option but to manage finances through a bank, which in turn adds to the case for a public bank. It is indeed an essential service, and people cannot do without it.

The fourth issue I refer to is the importance of national reinvestment in Australia's rail system. Regrettably, and unlike those countries that have continued to invest in rail, Australia has over the past 50 years neglected its rail systems. In an expansive country like Australia, rail transport still makes a lot of sense. It is efficient, it is less polluting, it is reliable, it is cost-effective, and it saves wear and tear on our roads and therefore saves dollars for local, state and federal governments. Importantly, it also saves country and regional towns from dying, as so many did when they were cut from the rail networks. When regional towns decline, the effects are devastating for those left, and the downward spiral then continues. I know that rail systems rest primarily with state governments, but I believe that the federal government can show leadership in rebuilding a national rail grid.

I'm often contacted by a local railway historian, John Wilson, author of several railway books, who has become a terrific and articulate public advocate for restoring our national rail networks. John talks quite passionately about the importance of doing so. I appreciate that in recent years there has often been talk about rebuilding inland rail and the like, but I've seen very little evidence that we're making much progress in doing that.

I now turn my remarks to population growth. I've previously raised my concerns about global population growth and global consumption being the underlying cause of many of the global crises the world is now facing. Climate change, species extinction, global conflicts, refugee numbers, mass migrations, fish stock depletion and ocean pollution are all consequences of increased consumption driven by population growth and corporate greed, in turn leading to people being at war over diminishing resources or leaving their homelands in search of a safer and more secure place to live. Too many of the world's people are now literally fighting for their survival, in a world that is being rapidly depleted of resources, while our natural environment is becoming unsustainable.

Global population is now 8.2 billion and is expected to increase to more than 10 billion, or by about 25 per cent, over the next 30 years. By the time global population begins to decline towards the end of this century, it may well be too late to repair the damage. In a recent opinion piece, science writer Julian Cribb makes an excellent case for how humans are destroying their own world. He refers to a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research working collaboratively with BOKU University in Vienna, which found that 60 per cent of the world's land area is in a precarious state and 38 per cent is already at high risk of degradation.

The collapse of ecosystems has catastrophic consequences for humanity, yet, by and large, much of the world continues on its current trajectory, largely oblivious of the impending disasters. The global acceptance that climate change is real and that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential is welcome. However, environmental degradation—in particular, land clearing—continues and is contributing to climate change. Conversely, climate change is causing more environmental losses. The earth's plants and animals are disappearing at an alarming rate.

In May this year, I received an email from Dr John Wamsley OAM, a mathematician and environmental scientist who has studied trend lines from reputable sources for many years, which point to a collapse of nature in Australia somewhere between 2040 and 2080. Dr Wamsley attributes the collapse to three main causes. Firstly, he attributes between a third to half of the losses to climate change. Secondly, he points to unsustainable agricultural practices. Thirdly, he states that we do not properly protect the areas that have been declared protected areas. Dr Wamsley states:

Things look very grim for nature.

He ends his email with a call for a royal commission to investigate nature loss and its consequences and to chart a way forward. Environmental degradation has reached a critical level both in Australia and across the world. We cannot continue to ignore the facts, ignore the advice of experts like Dr Wamsley and keep kicking the can down the road.

In the time I have left, I'll return to one of the comments I opened with, and that is about the statement from the Governor-General and the agenda of the Albanese Labor government. It is indeed a very large agenda, which I'm proud to be a part of and which I hope we'll be able to deliver on. One of the critical issues that was debated in the 47th Parliament was the issue of what was referred to as the housing crisis across the country and across the world—and rightly so, because it is such an important issue. I want to spend a few moments talking about that.

From day 1, the Albanese Labor government made a huge investment to try to restore and rebuild the housing market and address the housing needs of our country. We have the Help to Buy scheme, the Home Guarantee Scheme, the build-to-rent scheme and a $43 billion plan to try to restore some confidence and address the housing needs of this country. And that is understandable because, as I've said in this place on previous occasions, homeownership is one of the most important thing that a family can do because it ensures stability for the individual, family and local community.

I was pleased that just this week the Albanese government announced that the expansion of the five per cent deposit for all first home buyers will now commence earlier, on 1 October of this year instead of next year. I think that that is a very welcome announcement. The way the scheme works is that the government guarantees a portion of the loan, which means that the first home buyer can purchase it with a lower deposit and not pay lenders mortgage insurance. That will make a lot of difference to a lot of people. Since 2022, 180,000 first home buyers have already been assisted with a lower deposit. On 1 October a number of other changes will also take place, expanding the scheme. Firstly, there will be no place limits. All Australian first home buyers who have saved a five per cent deposit can apply. Secondly, there will be no income caps, which means that first home buyers with higher incomes can access the scheme. Thirdly, higher property price caps will also apply, and that will help buyers where property prices have increased. Fourthly, there will be simpler access in regional areas. The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee will be replaced by the First Home Guarantee.

I believe that they are all welcome steps towards fixing what has been a major problem for so many Australians across the country. Regrettably, in the last three years we haven't had much support from the other side of politics with respect to our housing policies, but I suspect that things are starting to turn around. I would like to think that the support for establishing the houses that we need in this country to meet the needs of the people at affordable prices is starting to take shape. With respect to that, it's also important to note that our economy is starting to stabilise, inflation is starting to come down, unemployment rates are still relatively low and wages are going up. All of those things will make a difference to people's ability to purchase their own home. It is true, and I accept some of the opinions I hear when I listen to the debates on housing. Everyone has a view as to what the solution is. Everyone seems to be an expert at it. There is a lot of truth to a lot of the comments being made, but, when you put it all together, it's also true that each decision sometimes has consequences that were not foreseen. Trying to get the balance right is not always easy, but I believe that the Albanese Labor government is doing that.

In the last two minutes, I will touch on some of the other issues that I think are so critical to this term of government, which were referred to in our election campaign and which the Albanese Labor government is now getting on with. It is indeed a very ambitious agenda. We already have the legislation passed through parliament to reduce higher education fees by another 20 per cent—again, a very welcome move out there in the electorate. Protecting penalty rates is another critical issue because it ensures that people will get increased wages or at least get the wages that they are entitled to and not lose money as a result of changes to their employment conditions. Reducing the cost of medicines, a bill that was debated in the parliament only up until this morning, is so critical to so many people. Quite often I have people say, 'So what are you doing to help with the cost of living?' Reducing the cost of medicines pretty much affects everybody in this country—in some cases, to a very large extent—and that's one of the critical differences that has been made in terms of assisting with the cost of living.

We then have the real wage increases that have come about because of the changes in industrial relations policy by the Albanese Labor government. We're strengthening Medicare. I could talk at length about all of that, but, again, our investment in restoring and securing the Medicare system in this country is not only making a difference to people's ability to access the health care they need but also making a difference to their out-of-pocket expenses as a result. We've increased child support in the last parliament, and our commitment to our climate change targets remain strong, as is our investment in renewable energy. Members would hear the Minister for Climate Change and Energy each day talking about, if nothing else, the home battery take-up, which is around 40,000 across Australia in such a short space of time. I was with the minister at Tindo Solar in my electorate only a few days ago, which is another great example of an investment we're making in building solar panels here in Australia. Our support for veterans is something that I have been passionate about since being here and is something that I welcome. Time has run out, but I'm pleased to be part of a re-elected Labor government that has a real agenda that will make a real difference to the lives of all Australians.

Anne Aly (Cowan, Australian Labor Party, Minister for International Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's the greatest honour of my life to serve as the member for Cowan, and I want to take a moment to thank the people of Cowan for once again placing their trust in me. Every day, I carry that responsibility with both pride and humility. I stood for election way back in 2016 because I believe in fairness, in opportunity and in building a community where everyone belongs, and over the past years I've worked every single day to deliver on those values in Cowan and in Canberra.

When I was first elected in 2016, I vowed to be a strong voice for our diverse and hardworking community. Nearly a decade later, I'm still here, and that principle still guides me. From Greenwood to Ballajura, from Westminster to Landsdale, Balga, Darch, Warwick, Nollamara, Alexander Heights, Marangaroo, Wangara, Madeley, Hamersley, Koondoola, Malaga, Dianella and Stirling, the Cowan community reflects the very best of Australia: resilient families, proud business owners, generous volunteers and people from every walk of life who look out for one another.

Together we've secured investment in safer roads, new cultural facilities, school upgrades and sporting infrastructure. Together we've built stronger communities—places where young people have opportunities, where seniors can retire with dignity and where families can thrive.

As a minister, I've had the opportunity to help deliver national reforms in early childhood education, in youth engagement, and now in my new portfolios: small business, international development and multicultural affairs. As we went into the recent election, the Albanese Labor government made commitments to the constituents of Cowan—not just promises, but plans, backed by real funding, to deliver for our community. We're upgrading the Girrawheen community hub, transforming it into a modern and welcoming space for families and community groups that provides opportunities for gatherings, education, community programs and services. I take this opportunity to thank the City of Wanneroo for all they have done to get this project up and running.

We're supporting multicultural and faith communities across Cowan, including the Vaishnav Sangh of WA, to build new cultural centres that will provide a range of activities, including Gujarati language teaching; Vaishnava art, dance and music activities; the celebration of festivals; vegetarian cooking classes; and the provision of vegetarian meals for the wider community.

We're strengthening the capacity of the iconic Mirrabooka Mosque to continue serving the local Muslim community—delivering upgrades to the mosque itself and creating a new space for educational programs, social events and broader community engagement activities. I again pay heed to the mosque organising committee and to Sister Fatima and Sheikh Mohammed for their work in creating a space at the mosque for the community.

We're supporting the Macedonian community, a large part of Cowan, to mark their 40th anniversary—what a milestone—and the Perth North Tamil School, to support the community language school and to commemorate three decades of fostering cultural diversity, language learning and engagement in the community. We're also investing in the Multicultural Services Centre in Mirrabooka, providing funding for the construction of a second storey that will host a range of activities, including upskilling workshops for women from multicultural backgrounds, visual arts exhibitions for emerging artists, community storytelling, poetry and related activities. I also thank the Multicultural Services Centre, with whom I've had a long relationship, for the work they do in servicing the multicultural communities in Cowan.

We're also protecting our local environment, something I know many Cowan residents are incredibly passionate about. We're backing in the City of Wanneroo's biodiversity plan, investing in environmental upgrades in Ballajura, and supporting Native Animal Rescue so they can continue protecting and rehabilitating our most vulnerable fauna. Having visited Native Animal Rescue several times, I am in absolute awe of what they do and the contributions they make to our community through their rescue efforts. If anyone in Cowan hasn't visited them yet, I guarantee you will not regret it.

Our support for the people of Cowan extends well beyond election commitments, with a range of grants helping our community to thrive. Through the Stronger Communities Program, the Albanese government is delivering for community groups, supporting everything from sporting clubs and multicultural services to youth programs and environmental initiatives. Our Volunteer Grants program has provided funding to 17 community groups in Cowan, including family centres, sporting organisations and toy libraries—ensuring our dedicated volunteers can continue their invaluable work.

At this point, I also have to thank the members of the Cowan community who form the committees that decide on the allocation of grants based on community need. They themselves are providing a very valuable volunteer service to Cowan, in ensuring that the needs of the Cowan community are met and reflected in the way these grants are delivered. All of these investments reflect essentially who we are in Cowan. We're diverse, we're inclusive and we're committed to protecting our environment for generations to come.

But our government is not only delivering for Cowan. As much as I am proud of the fact that we're delivering for Cowan, we are also delivering for communities right across Australia so that no-one is held back and no-one is left behind. We are providing cost-of-living relief with tax cuts that mean every Australian taxpayer gets to keep more of what they earn. From 1 October this year, everyone in Cowan and across the country will be able to buy their first home with just a five per cent deposit. This is going to cut years off the time it takes to save for a deposit, helping people into their own homes sooner. I know that in places that are still growing, like Lansdale and Darch, there are still many people who are moving into those areas, building their first home, getting the keys to their first home, being able to move into their first home. It's a real milestone in people's lives, particularly in the lives of young people, so I know that this five per cent deposit scheme is going to benefit so many people. I encourage people to come and move into Cowan. Come and build in Cowan—it's a great place to live and we have a beautiful community culture there as well.

We're investing in education, ensuring that every child has the absolute best start in life. We're creating jobs and building skills for the future with more apprentices and apprenticeships, free TAFE places. I know at the Balga TAFE that's situated in Cowin it has been an absolutely positive experience for those who have chosen to undertake a free TAFE course and who have developed their education and their skills through that initiative.

We're investing in clean energy and healthcare jobs, strengthening Medicare, making medicines even cheaper and expanding access to medicines through the PBS, while opening more urgent care clinics. We already have one in Morley—the Ruddock Road urgent care clinic. I must tell the House that during the election, when I was out doorknocking about our commitment to also open a new urgent care clinic in Mirrabooka, every single person I spoke to had a positive experience to relate to me about the urgent care clinic in Morley, and was over the moon to know that this Albanese Labor government would deliver another urgent care clinic for them in Mirrabooka. We're also improving access to GPs and restoring our health system after a decade of cuts.

These are not just abstract policies. I hear the member opposite let out a deep sigh—they're not just abstract policies. Each and every one of us in this place can tell you the stories that are relayed to them through their offices when they are out doorknocking, or doing meet-your-member events or having coffee catch up with their local communities about the positive impact that Albanese Labor government policies have had on them. Whether through access to cheaper medicines, being able to visit an urgent care clinic and get the care they need when they need it, or in the tax cuts and getting wages moving again, these are things that are actually making a real difference to the everyday lives of individuals and families in Cowan. They make a difference. They make a difference when a single mum manages to fill a script at the pharmacy. They make a difference when a young couple can finally buy their first home and celebrate getting those keys in their hands. They make a difference when a small business can take on an apprentice.

As I look ahead, my vision for Cowan is clear. I want our community to be a place where families feel secure and supported. I want our community to be a place where every child gets the very best start in life, no matter their background, where they were born or where their parents were born. I want our committee to be a place where small businesses and job creators have the backing that they need to succeed.

At this point, if I may, I'll just take a moment of indulgence to mention some of the great new small businesses that are opening up in the very heart of Cowan, in Westminster at the Stirling Central Shopping Centre, where my office is located. We already have the wonderful Fariha Beauty, which looks after not just my hair but the hair of everyone in my office as well. I'll just give a shoutout to Fariha and Ibrahim—congratulations on the birth of your second son, Noor. We have the new banh mi place that's opened. We have a kebab shop that sells, I have to say, probably the best kebabs in Western Australia. We have an award-winning bakery, and we have several new hawkers, markets and shops that have opened up in the shopping centre.

Having moved into the shopping centre before all of these new businesses came on board, I have to say that bringing the new businesses into the shopping centre has created an entirely different feel for the community. We now have people coming in to the shopping centre, occupying the spaces and getting together. When I walk through the shopping centre, I see people sitting down, like mums having a cup of coffee with their kids and older Cowan residents who have just finished their shopping sitting down to morning tea with friends. These are the social connections that are ever so important, but it feels like, in the age of digital connection, smartphones and social media are tearing away at the social fabric of who we are. The importance of small business cannot be underestimated and cannot be understated not just in the economic benefits that they bring but in the social benefits that they bring to the Cowan community as well.

I want Cowan and, indeed, Australia to strengthen and ground our identity as a country that embraces inclusivity and that upholds the values that unite us—the values of respect, equality, compassion and fairness. I don't think you can deny that they are what every parent wants for their child, every family wants for themselves and every individual aspires to. They aspire to fairness, equality, compassion and mutual respect.

When I think about the Australia that I know, I think about growing up playing cricket on the streets of the suburbs of Western Sydney. I think about those days when nobody cared where you were from and nobody cared that my skin gradually got darker and darker and blacker and blacker over summer as we stood out there on the hot tarmac—legends of Aussie driveway cricket. As the sun went down, each of our mums would come out and yell out our names for dinner. They each had a different accent, whether Greek, Italian, English, Irish, New Zealand or Egyptian. None of us kids cared. As long as you could chuck a ball, stand with your legs hip width apart and yell out, 'Howzat?' you were one of us. That's the Australia that I know, that's the Australia that I remember and that's the Australia that we can be—an Australia where we all belong because we know that we all share the same values.

I want to take these last few moments to once again thank the people of Cowan. I remember my very first election campaign when I first got elected to this place. As a newbie to politics, I had no idea what running an election campaign meant. I had absolutely no idea. I remember on the day before the election sitting around with these volunteers who to me were strangers. I'd never met them before running for office. I was in absolute awe that these were people that didn't know me but had given up so much of their time, put their faith in me and believed in me even at times when I didn't believe in myself. And so I stand here, almost a decade later—trust me; I didn't think I was going to be here that long—and I'm still in awe of the people of Cowan and how they continue to put their faith in me. It is not something that I take lightly, and it is not something that I take for granted. Every day that I have been here, I have raised the issues that matter the most to the people who have sent me here, the people of Cowan.

And every day that I am here I'll continue to do so because—as I began my speech so I end my speech here today—there is no higher honour than representing Cowan in this federal parliament.

Debate adjourned.