Jason Wood's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Porter, Carol Anne, OAM | Adjournment | House debates
I rise today with a heavy heart to honour the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman, Carol Porter OAM, a longtime resident of Latrobe, a pillar of our community and a very close and dear...
I rise today with a heavy heart to honour the life and legacy of an extraordinary woman, Carol Porter OAM, a longtime resident of Latrobe, a pillar of our community and a very close and dear friend to myself and so many. Just two weeks ago we lost Carol. With her passing our community has lost one of the greatest champions. Carol Porter was a local legend who impacted many lives with her selfless service. A lifelong resident of Officer district, Carol poured her heart, energy and her remarkable generosity of spirit into helping others, particularly in the community. Carol was involved in an incredible 15 organisations. She served with the Officer Hall Committee, the Officer Football Club, the Officer Union Church committee, the St John of God hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She also served her community through her work with the Officer community association, the Probus club, the Red Cross and the Officer Memorial Gates. Those gates were moved when the oval had to be realigned, and Carol was the one who did all the hard work putting the application in. Carol also played a significant leadership role as a director of the Board of Directors for Beaconsfield District Community Financial Services, serving since it was established nearly seven years ago and helping ensure local banking profits were reinvested back into our local community. Carol's advocacy helped shape the Officer community we know today. She was instrumental in so many local achievements. She fought to return the post office box to Officer, and that was a very interesting one. One day Australia Post decided to move the Officer post office box, and Carol got me down there and said we want it back. I said, 'Carol, you can't go up against Australia Post.' She said, 'Well, you'd better start making speeches and petitions.' We did all that. Eventually we had the Australia Post regional manager in the office, and, after the meeting, the regional manager said to me, 'Is this Carol Porter going to give up?' I said, 'Make our lives easier and bring the thing back.' I may have used a few other words. Lo and behold, Officer now has its post office box back—all due to Carol. It's the same with the traffic lights at the intersection of Tivendale Road. There's also the big one, Beaconsfield interchange. Carol was on the Officer township committee and worked with the Beaconsfield Progress Association. That's a major project she fought to get. She also fought and stopped the poker machines coming into Officer. I think it's one of the first times a case has gone to VCAT and VCAT decided in favour of the local community, to keep pokies out because of the damage pokies do to families. She's always been an amazing contributor to our local community. She received—as you would expect based on what I've said so far—the Medal of the Order of Australia to recognise her for amazing community service. Madam Deputy Speaker Sharkie, you'll love this. She was a staunch Liberal. She was very Liberal. She was the person who, right from the start, got behind me. If it weren't for Carol, I wouldn't be a member of parliament. She's been a great mentor. I also want to say she's a very fair person. She worked with everyone in the community to make sure that, whatever the project was, it would be delivered to our community. Many conversations I had with Carol over the years started with Carol saying, 'Jason, somebody needs to tell you,' to which I would reply, 'Carol, why is it always you?' She's one of those constituents who would never give up. Her husband, Rob Porter, is sadly not with us any longer. He was also awarded an Order of Australia. They championed the Officer recreation reserve, and it's got new basketball courts in it. Carol was the one who led the charge there. The next mission was the sports club, which was upgraded. And, finally, there were the social rooms. I say to the Porter clan: thank you very much for allowing Rob and Carol to do so much for our community. To Geoff and his wife, Jayne; Gavin and his wife, Toni; the six grandchildren; and the four great grandchildren, we feel your immense loss, and we also feel your immense pride knowing what Carol and Rob have done for the electorate of La Trobe and especially for the people of Officer. May they both rest in peace.
Australia Day Awards and Honours | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary woman from my electorate of La Trobe, Norliah Syer-Peterson, who I had the great honour of presenting the Citizen of the Year to at the Latrobe...
I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary woman from my electorate of La Trobe, Norliah Syer-Peterson, who I had the great honour of presenting the Citizen of the Year to at the Latrobe Australia Day awards for her remarkable courage, compassion and unwavering adversity after the tragic death of her son Levi Syer. Levi was just 16 years of age, a bright year 10 student, at St Francis Xavier College at Beaconsfield when he passed away from meningococcal B disease in September last year. Heartbreakingly, he passed away within six hours of realising that something was actually wrong with him. Meningococcal B is a very fast-moving bacterial infection. It causes meningitis and blood-poisoning. And I would just say to Norliah, you are so amazing and you had so many friends and family with you—it was a very emotional day. What the family is fighting for is to make sure that the meningococcal B vaccine is funded in Victoria, especially for year 10 students. It's currently funded in South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. I call on the Australian government—I know Minister Mark Butler is working with the family—to make sure we have all kids in Australia receive the vaccination so that there are no more tragic deaths.
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Islamic terrorism is nothing new. On September 11, 2001, we saw the awful events in America. Another incident was the bombing in Oklahoma by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, who were two...
Islamic terrorism is nothing new. On September 11, 2001, we saw the awful events in America. Another incident was the bombing in Oklahoma by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, who were two hardline white supremacists. These laws here today must target both Nazi sympathisers and Islamic extremists. Here in Australia in 2008, Abdul Benbrika was convicted of directing planned terrorist attacks on the MCG and the Crown casino in Melbourne. He had been removed from his mosque because of his radical beliefs, but he went out there to use his influence to target young people. That's something important about the need to target hate speech. Back in, I think, 2008, I was out there saying that we need to target hate preachers. The reason for that is my background with Victoria Police. When I look at laws and legislation, I'm looking at how police can find a conviction. I've had concerns in the past. For example, going back to September 11, you had radical preachers out there talking about how the September 11 attacks were justified and saying that it's a good thing when infidels die. It's not actually going far enough to be incitement or threats. That's why this legislation here today is very important: to make sure we capture people who are trying to influence younger people to commit hideous attacks. We look at what's happened in recent times. It's even been reported in the news overnight that, again, our Jewish Australian community has been targeted. Young Jewish teens had to escape from a ute trying to hit them in St Kilda East as the offenders drove away doing Nazi salutes. Antisemitism has got much worse since 7 October, when those awful attacks happened in Israel. Two days after, we had statements and awful chants made in the Sydney Opera House by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Then it went further, with weekly protests at universities, with chants targeting the Jewish community—and no action was taken. You then had Neo-Nazis with their chants and their salutes, trying to get more members to join them. All of this just breeds more hate. Anything goes. We've seen the hate escalate against the Jewish community, going from chants to the bombing of a synagogue in Melbourne in a terrorist attack. We heard from authorities of that plan from overseas, which is quite unbelievable. And then we had the awful atrocity at Bondi. My thoughts go out to the victims. I'm very much in support of targeting hate preachers and hate groups. We've got all the advisers here today. One thing, though—and I'm putting my detective hat on here—when it comes to social media, I notice the proposed hate speech laws are going to target comments made on public social media platforms. What about private WhatsApp groups—for example, I'm on one with 200 members—that you are invited to join? When it comes to this Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026—and I've heard this before—the government is really rushing this through. We've recalled parliament early, but for members to work out if this legislation goes far enough—for example, when it comes to targeting those using social media—it really needed a lot more time and effort. Our Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security was only given a very short time to make its report. Even with the legislation, we only got to see it this morning. Again, my thoughts are with the victims of the Bondi massacre.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
I rise to speak on the condolence motion. One of the saddest aspects of being a member of parliament here is speaking to this awful tragedy at Bondi. If you asked every Australian what the most...
I rise to speak on the condolence motion. One of the saddest aspects of being a member of parliament here is speaking to this awful tragedy at Bondi. If you asked every Australian what the most significant places in Australia are, if their reply was not the MCG or the Opera House, it would be Bondi—everyone has been there. I'll start by putting on my hat as a former police officer. I really want to acknowledge those first responders. There is Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, who was just four months into the job. He was shot in the head and also the shoulder, and lost vision in one eye. Then there is Constable Scott Dyson, who suffered two gunshot wounds. He was put in an induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries. I've been asked, 'Why didn't they just shoot the offenders?' The simple reason, as I've explained to people, is that they have pistols; they were up against terrorists who had been planning this for months, if not years, and who had rifles and far superior weapons. The two constables, in particular, charging up to the offenders—or the terrorists—were simply putting their lives on the line. Again, there is Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza. He is another hero police officer. We saw the footage of him taking a miracle shot. To shoot a revolver with any accuracy over 20 metres is difficult, but he did it over 40 or 50 metres. Then there's the father of two Ahmed al-Ahmed, who disarmed one of the terrorists—and that's what they are; they should be referred to not as 'gunmen' but as 'terrorists'—and was shot five times. They are all community heroes. They all did amazing work. There are those who should not be forgotten: Edith Brutman, 68, vice president of B'nai B'rith's New South Wales antiprejudice and antidiscrimination committee; Dan Elkayam, 27, a French national who played for Rockdale Ilinden Football Club and worked in Sydney as an IT analyst; Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, two everyday Australians who, amazingly, tried to disarm the terrorists as they arrived and before they went on to their massacre; Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, 39, a rabbi who was secretary of Sydney Beth Din; Peter Meagher, 61, retired police detective and Randwick DRUFC manager, who was hired as a freelance photographer on the day; Reuven Morrison, 62, a businessman who threw rocks or bricks at the gunmen knowing that he most likely wouldn't survive; Eli Schlanger, 41, an assistant rabbi who, as we've heard, assisted those in corrective services; Adam Smyth, 50, a Bondi local taking his wife for a walk; Boris Tetleroyd, 68, a visitor at the Hanukkah event that day; Tania Tretiak, 68, a Randwick resident attending the event with her family; Tibor Weitzen, 78, an engineer who died with his wife, Edith Brutman; Marika Pogany, 82, a volunteer who delivered meals and services to Jewish seniors; Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor; and, as we all know, Matilda, the youngest of the victims. As the father of an 11-year-old girl, I say to Matilda's parents I just cannot imagine it. I say this also to her school friends and her young friends. I can't imagine the birthdays. Last year, it would have been all about whose birthday is next and who gets invited; sadly, that won't happen for little Matilda anymore. I say to the Jewish community we all feel very sorry for you. I acknowledge our members of the Jewish community here, too—the members for Isaacs and Macnamara, and Julian Leeser. It's been a really tough time. I say, finally, something about what I experienced in the former government, when I had the honour of delivering the Safer Communities Fund. One thing which really hit home when I went to a Jewish synagogue or community centre or school was the security measures—the armed guards. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe the stress those from the Jewish community had back then. Now it's to a new level. They deserve everything we can do. We must do everything we can do now to protect our Jewish community. They should be able to walk the streets freely, go to school freely, go to community events freely. Thank you.
Taunet Nelel Organisation, Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders Summit | Constituency Statements | House debates
I recently had the great privilege of joining the Kenyan Australian community for the Taunet Nelel Organisation's third Cultural Fashion show. I've been to many of their events. This celebration...
I recently had the great privilege of joining the Kenyan Australian community for the Taunet Nelel Organisation's third Cultural Fashion show. I've been to many of their events. This celebration was true to the Kenyan and Kalenjin heritage, and a fantastic display of culture, tradition and community spirit—all done in an alcohol free environment. I was deeply honoured to be joined by the elders of the Kenyan Australian community, who bestowed upon me the Ceremonial Elders Stick. I was also very privileged to be given a Kenyan name, Arap Kalya—meaning 'man of peace' in the Kalenjin language. It was truly a great honour. I am very humbled by this gesture. I thank the chairman, Charles Ruto; events director, Nicky Boit; and all the members of the Taunet Nelel Organisation for their warm welcome and hospitality. As always, was a fantastic event. The event was much more than a fashion pageant. It was about confidence, culture and character, giving our Kenyan Australian community a platform to share their talents, dreams and identity with pride, which is precisely what they did. These events help our youth connect with their roots, understand their heritage and build resilience. Congratulations again, and thanks to Taunet Nelel for three years of service to the Kenyan Australian community. I also had the honour of attending a welcoming event for the Pacific Australian Emerging Leaders Summit, known as PAELS. I acknowledge Her Excellency the Governor-General, the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC; the Pacific high commissioners and the great work they do; Reverend Tim Costello, who's done an amazing job with the foundation of Micah; Matt Darvas of Micah Australia; and the delegates who attended this summit. This was a very powerful reminder that the Pacific is one family. Our wellbeing is interconnected. Our futures are bound together by the ocean that links us rather than divides us. For four years now, PAELS has brought together emerging leaders from 16 Pacific nations and Australia. Many of these leaders are young people of faith and service, already leading today with courage and commitment. As I said to them, with the median age of the Pacific population being 23, they are not future or emerging leaders—they are the leaders of today. Their decisions to help shape issues such as climate resilience, economic development, security and social wellbeing are so important. The framework in the Pacific we see report offers a unifying vision of a flourishing Pacific, grounded in tradition and relationships. Again, I acknowledge the great work of Micah Australia, the Pacific Conference of Churches and DFAT officers for putting this event on. I was greatly honoured to meet all these Pacific island leaders doing incredible work.
Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Under Labor, the number of Australian families on financial hardship claims has surged by nearly 50 per cent. Australians, including...
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Under Labor, the number of Australian families on financial hardship claims has surged by nearly 50 per cent. Australians, including families in my electorate of La Trobe, are hurting. What is the message from this minister, who works part time, to more than 200,000 Australian families struggling to pay their power bills and cutting back this Christmas because of Labor's broken promise to bring down power prices?
Bureau of Meteorology: Website | Statements by Members | House debates
When it comes to storms in the electorate of La Trobe, especially the Dandenong Ranges, we get big storms. Back in 2021, areas in the Dandenong Ranges, including La Trobe—such as Cockatoo,...
When it comes to storms in the electorate of La Trobe, especially the Dandenong Ranges, we get big storms. Back in 2021, areas in the Dandenong Ranges, including La Trobe—such as Cockatoo, Gembrook and Emerald—lost power for many days. Everyone in the hills, if not right around Australia, relies on the Bureau of Meteorology's website to make sure they get up-to-date information when storms are coming. Recently, when I went on the website, like so many Australians, it was actually very hard to follow. I landed on a map of Australia rather than locally, and, when I looked at when the storm was coming, in actual fact, it had been changed from a bad storm of red to a different colour of blue. Then we found out that the bureau had actually upgraded their website with the full go-ahead of the Albanese government. It was supposed to be $4.1 million. When it comes to anyone building a website, $4 million is a lot of money. Yet, remarkably, under the Labor government, it blew out to $96 million. How can a website cost $96 million? It is an absolute disgrace, and the website didn't even work the way we expected it to. It was absolutely hopeless. Shame on the Labor government for wasting $96 million of taxpayers' money on a website that doesn't even work.
National Police Remembrance Day | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
I too am very saddened by the murders of two police officers who very tragically were taken from us. Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson served an amazing 40 years with Victoria Police, and...
I too am very saddened by the murders of two police officers who very tragically were taken from us. Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson served an amazing 40 years with Victoria Police, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart—they were both doing their job in protecting and upholding right. I know about upholding right, because I served 18 in the Victoria Police force. What's happened for these members and their family is very tragic. This is really hurting the brotherhood and sisterhood of Victoria Police at the moment. One thing I do know is that Victoria Police will not give up. As the search goes on, they will continue and continue until they get their man. Sadly, we saw in some protests—and I note what the member for Riverina said—people holding up placards trying to somehow honour the alleged police murderer. I'm hoping the courts take tough action against that, especially at a time when Victorian police members and their families are grieving, because it is a very close community. I joined the Victorian police force and graduated in April 1987. Just 12 months before that, we had the most awful bombing, the Russell Street bombing, in March 1986. That was outside the Russell Street police station. Tragically, Constable Angela Taylor was walking past and was killed in that explosion. Minutes beforehand, they had two groups of schoolchildren walking past, and, miraculously, they were spared. It was amazing work that the detectives did at the time. In actual fact, it was a stolen motor vehicle squad. A member went down to Dawson Street, I believe. He was investigating stolen cars on a racket, and he walked past the car which was actually the remains of the car used for the Russell Street bombing. He noticed the serial number had been drilled out in the same way as in his investigation, and that eventually led the police onto charging those responsible. I don't name them because they don't deserve to be named. But, again, it was just to go after the authority of Victoria Police. As I said, I graduated from the Victoria police force in 1987. In my sister squad, there was a really nice young man by the name of Steve Tynan. Sadly, and again very tragically, in 1988 on Walsh Street, Steve Tynan was murdered along with Damian Eyre. Steve Tynan was 22 years of age and Damian was 20 years of age. They were ambushed, and their firearms were used against them. Steve was a really nice guy and so was Damian, and it really sent shock waves through all those who had graduated and the wider Victorian police force. I'll just say this actually impacts police members right across the country and across the world because it is a very tight-knit family. Then, in 1998, we had a series of pizza shops being targeted. At the time I was seconded to Boronia's criminal investigations branch. I think it was the Pizza Havens being targeted. One night, the armed robbery squad arranged for every Pizza Haven restaurant to be surveilled. Surveillance units were there, and police members and detectives were ready in case the pizza shops were hit. So we were there—me, the detectives and Senior Constable Robert Baker—on the Friday night. We waited there all night, and nothing happened. The operation was called off, and the following night that pizza shop was actually hit. It ended up being the same offender who tragically took the lives of Sergeant Gary Silk and Senior Constable Rodney Miller again by setting off a restaurant. The Victoria Police detectives did an incredible job hunting down those involved. I've actually spoken to undercover police officers involved in that operation. One of their targets was on a building site, and, by the end of it, every worker on the building site was an undercover police officer. The police did incredible work to get their man at the end of the day. When it comes to serving, police members uphold the right. As we were told years ago at the academy, criminals don't have to decide what force they need to use and they don't need to think about internal investigations. Especially in this awful murder recently and these other ones I'm talking about, when police members are ambushed there's pretty much nothing they can do. They're not prepared for that. In the raids I've done in my day in Victoria Police, especially with the organised crime squad, we were always very much armed and ready to go, firearms drawn. Most police members, especially in the regions, aren't like that, because they're not used to dealing with the most violent offenders. That's a good thing but also a bad thing. The good thing is that the public see the police go in there without firearms drawn. The danger is that, if they need to draw them, the offender has the upper hand. I say to my former Victoria Police colleagues and especially all those new recruits going through that this is a very tough time for the Victorian police family and all police. They'll stand firm, they'll work together and they'll get their man. We just hope the police get a lot more support. I note the comments of the member for Riverina when it comes to the judiciary. We need the Victorian state Labor government to very much stand with Victoria Police and take very strong action against those who take on the police and assault police. Sadly, I've been told in recent times by my friends in Victoria Police that, whereas in my day you'd be in a police pursuit and the person or the group of youths would take off and you'd abandon the pursuit and let them get away, these days they actually turn around and ram the police car. When you've seen some of those riots and you have so many people, including youth gangs, attacking Victoria Police, there need to be very strong penalties. We need to uphold the law. 'Tenez le droit' means 'Uphold the right'. Victoria Police uphold the right, but we need the courts to uphold the law for those who target and attack our police. Again, may all those fallen members rest in peace. When it comes to Police Remembrance Day and Police Legacy, I've been to Police Legacy events. Don't think that the tragedy and the pain just diminish every year. The partners go along there—the former wives or the former husbands. It's very sad. You see the kids. I will just make one final point: there have been way too many members taking their own lives. They need all the support. It's what they've seen, especially those in the child exploitation units. They see the most ghastly things. I was very lucky; I never worked in that area in Victoria Police. For the members who have, what they tell me they have seen—I was speaking the other day to a member who contacted me after, believe it or not, he was arrested by Victoria Police for arresting a person committing graffiti in Upwey. The police member was arrested, but not the guy doing the graffiti. It was good the case was eventually withdrawn, but, as that member told me, he went out sick simply because of the awful child abuse material he used to see. Again, may all those former members rest in peace.
Micah Australia, Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria | Constituency Statements | House debates
I rise today to speak on the commendable work of two outstanding organisations—Micah Australia and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria—and their tremendous...
I rise today to speak on the commendable work of two outstanding organisations—Micah Australia and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria—and their tremendous contribution in serving communities both here in Australia and across our region. I've had many years working with Micah Australia. I recently had the privilege to meet with the Micah Women Leaders Delegation in Parliament House, and can I say they were very impressive and very passionate. These advocates set a compelling agenda centred on the modern case for Australian aid, grounded in the values of compassion and global responsibility. The delegation highlighted how effective aid fosters not only prevention but also, very importantly, stability. It also bolsters security, aligning with Australia's strategic interests in the region. Their key priorities include building broad bipartisan support for aid, advocating for its restoration to one per cent of the federal budget, and advancing an urgent humanitarian package for Myanmar. We have the Minister for International Development in the Chamber, and I'm sure she will look at that very closely and compassionately, as Myanmar is facing a very large humanitarian emergency. Micah's Safer World for All campaign—I must say that, when they first said it to me, I though it was 'safer world for oil', but it's actually Safer World for All, and I had to clarify that with them—reminds us that aid is not a charity; it's a strategic investment in peace, stability and prosperity. The work underscores the strong public support for aid, reflecting the values of compassion and solidarity that define us as a nation. In another significant engagement, I had the honour of meeting Lady Roslyn Morauta, chair of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. She briefed me on Australia's impactful partnership with the global fund, particularly in the pivotal role of pandemic preparedness. Australia stands as one of the most valued and longstanding partners of the global fund in the Pacific region. It's great to have the member for Riverina here today; he's a former shadow minister for the Pacific. With Australia's support, the global fund has saved an astonishing 26.4 million lives in the Indo-Pacific, including 210,000 lives in the Pacific alone. Over two decades, every dollar Australia has contributed to the global fund has returned over US$13 in value to our priority countries. That is not just good policy but exceptional value for money, and any government would be very proud of that. Both Micah Australia and the global fund exemplify how thoughtful partnerships and sustained aid investment can promote a safer, healthier, more secure world for all Australians and our region. I thank Micah Australia and the global fund for their leadership and look forward to working with them in the future. As I said before, I recommend that the minister look closely at the Myanmar funding.
Victoria: Tourism Industry | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise today to speak about an exciting local business in my electorate doing incredible things when it comes to sustainable tourism: the GlamXperience in Pakenham. Their show yard is nothing...
I rise today to speak about an exciting local business in my electorate doing incredible things when it comes to sustainable tourism: the GlamXperience in Pakenham. Their show yard is nothing short of a spectacular showcase of innovative tents, containers and domes that redefine camping as glamping. However, despite their enthusiasm and potential, they are facing significant hurdles from outdated and inconsistent regulations imposed by local councils but in particular forced by the state Labor government. Recently, I met the owners of GlamXperience, Leon Juffermans and Sandra Juffermans, alongside representatives from Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria, to hear firsthand the challenges facing the glamping industry in Victoria. Their message was clear: Victoria is very much failing. Victoria is the only jurisdiction without adequate statewide regulations in this growing sector. Meanwhile, states like New South Wales have made simple regulation changes and are now reaping the benefits—more investment, more jobs and stronger regional tourism. The new 2024 regulations in Victoria fail to even formally classify glamping tents as movable dwellings, leading to inconsistent and confusing planning and building requirements across local areas right across Victoria. To the Victorian state Labor government: you need to stop making business so difficult for Victorians trying to make a living and make the lives of Victorians easier.
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme | Private Members' Business | House debates
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the establishment and ongoing implementation of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, a significant bipartisan initiative designed to...
I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the establishment and ongoing implementation of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, a significant bipartisan initiative designed to address chronic workforce shortages in regional and rural Australia; (2) recognises the role of the former Government in consolidating the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme into the unified PALM scheme in 2021, streamlining Pacific labour mobility and enhancing regional cooperation; (3) notes that the PALM scheme provides a vital workforce for Australian farmers, growers, food processors, and regional businesses, particularly in horticulture, meat processing and essential services—sectors that face ongoing labour constraints; (4) further recognises the mutual benefits of the PALM scheme, delivering reliable employment and remittance opportunities to workers from nine Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste, while strengthening Australia's diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with our Pacific family; and (5) affirms Australia's responsibility as a regional partner, upholding its moral and regional leadership responsibility as a trusted partner in Pacific development. I rise to speak today in support of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, known to many as the PALM scheme, which has been a significant and positive force in supporting Australia's regional and rural employers and building stronger relationships with our Pacific island neighbours and Timor-Leste. The PALM scheme is a significant bipartisan initiative. It allows Australian employers, particularly those in rural and regional areas, to access a reliable pool of workers from nine Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste. Introduced in April 2022 by the Morrison coalition government—and I acknowledge the former minister, the member for Riverina, for the great work he did in this space—the PALM scheme replaced earlier programs, the Seasonal Worker Program and the Pacific Labour Scheme, and in doing so it brought together the best of both worlds: economic opportunity for our Pacific neighbours and a reliable workforce for Australian employers. This scheme is truly a win-win for both Australia and our Pacific family. Australian businesses benefit from the productivity and dependability of the PALM workers. Meanwhile, the Pacific and Timor-Leste nations gain valuable skills and, importantly, income, which they send back to their families through remittance. This money is critically important to these communities. It supports families, strengthens communities and lifts entire economies. According to data published last year, $212 million in remittances and superannuation flowed back to Pacific nations and Timor-Leste from long-term PALM workers, which is absolutely fantastic for their communities. Short-term workers remit on average $1,061 a month to their families, which has proven critical in supporting the livelihoods of those workers and, in particular, their families. The economic benefits to Australia are substantial too. According to the Australia Institute brief published in September 2024, approximately 31,000 PALM workers in Australia contributed nearly $1 billion to our economy through living expenses and taxes. However, while we celebrate the success of the PALM scheme, we must also confront the challenges that have emerged under the Labor government which threaten its effectiveness. In 2023 Labor imposed a minimum requirement that PALM workers must be guaranteed 30 paid hours every week. This decision totally disregards the seasonal and weather-dependent nature of farm work. Forcing a flat minimum of 30 hours per week every week was simply not workable. Industry bodies warned the government that this was inflexible and would cause employers to walk away. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened. The number of PALM workers in agriculture fell by a whopping 20 per cent in just a little over a year, threatening the sustainability of the scheme. Thankfully, after pressure from the coalition and industry groups, the Labor government introduced a partial backflip. The July 2024 guidelines amended the minimum hours of work for short-term workers from 30 hours per week averaged over four weeks to 120 hours over that same time period. This was a necessary and welcome step forward, but it should never have happened in the first place. But this is only a temporary fix. The current August 2025 guidelines extend this averaging provision only to 31 March 2026. After that, as things stand, the scheme will revert to the rigid 30 hours minimum every week. The government has offered no clear position or permanent solution beyond that date, leaving farmers and workers in a state of uncertainty. This is totally unacceptable for farmers and they need clarity. Workers need flexibility and our Pacific neighbours need continuity. We need a policy that understands the realities of seasonal, weather-dependent work, preferably extending the averaging period to eight or even twelve weeks, as industry bodies have suggested. The PALM scheme is too important to Australia, and too important to the Pacific, to be compromised. I urge the government to listen to industry, to engage constructively with all those stakeholders and to commit to a permanent, flexible framework that ensures the scheme's ongoing success. Let us protect the PALM scheme for our farmers, our neighbours and, in particular, our future. When it comes to the PALM scheme, why is it so important to Australian farmers? Because, quite often, we find the average Australian doesn't want to do this work. This is where our Pacific Islander friends come to do the heavy lifting, to save farmers and make sure their farms are profitable and to make sure that food and veggies get on the table of Australians. This is something that's so important—and, as I said before, it is very much also of benefit for our Pacific neighbours, who obviously take the funds they make in Australia back home to support their families.
La Trobe Electorate: Cultural Celebrations | Constituency Statements | House debates
I recently had the honour of attending two vibrant cultural celebrations reflecting the rich diversity and community spirit of my electorate of La Trobe. Namaskaram! On Saturday I joined the...
I recently had the honour of attending two vibrant cultural celebrations reflecting the rich diversity and community spirit of my electorate of La Trobe. Namaskaram! On Saturday I joined the Berwick Malayalam community for their Onam 2025 celebrations. I extend my sincere thanks to: Jose P Mathew, the Berwick Ayalkoottam committee's president; Ancy Aby, vice-president; Lalson Mathews, secretary; Unnimaya Febin, joint secretary; Midhun Francis, treasurer; and committee members Sajith Varkey, Jotsna Jose, Deon Boby and Sarath Purushothaman, as well as the entire Berwick Ayalkoottam team for organising such a fantastic and colourful event. Onam is one of the most cherished festivals of our Malayalam community. It celebrates Kerala's rich cultural heritage and brings families together to honour the legendary King Mahabali, who again showed up on this great occasion. I've had the privilege of attending many Onam celebrations over the years and have always been moved by the traditional performances and the spirit of unity, as well as their friendship. Berwick Ayalkoottam, funded in 2008 by eight families, now represents more than 160 families and nearly 500 members from Berwick and the surrounding suburbs, and they put on a magnificent event. With more than 80,000 Malayalam speakers in Australia, the contributions of our Malayalam community continue to enrich our nation. Once again, I commend the members of Berwick Ayalkoottam for their initiatives, support and celebration of our amazing Australian Malayalam community, and I wish everyone a joyful Onam. I also had the great privilege of attending the Cardinia Gujarati Association—and namaste to all of them. They held the Janmashtami and Ganesh Utsav celebrations in Pakenham. I thank Brijal, who's a great friend as well as the trustee, and all the committee members, for putting on such a magnificent event. Janmashtami marks the birth of Sri Krishna, who symbolises knowledge and wisdom. Ganesh Utsav celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesh, the embodiment of new beginnings, prosperity and good fortune. Both festivals hold great significance for our wonderful Australian Hindu community, and I extend my heartfelt wishes to all those celebrating. What made this event truly special was the leadership of the CGAI Junior Committee—children aged between 10 and 16 years who took charge of organising this wonderful event. Again, I commend the Cardinia Gujarati Association—such a vibrant community in my electorate of La Trobe. Again, I wish everyone a happy Onam and a happy Janmashtami and Ganesh Utsav.
Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I thank the minister for his eagerness to support our great friends in the Pacific. I know his intentions are well and truly for the right reasons. It is the same on the side of the House; I...
I thank the minister for his eagerness to support our great friends in the Pacific. I know his intentions are well and truly for the right reasons. It is the same on the side of the House; I acknowledge the member for Riverina, the former shadow minister for international development and the Pacific, who I know will be speaking after me. I make the point that the previous government never neglected our Pacific neighbours; in actual fact, it delivered a record $2.7 billion in Pacific support in 2021-22 across aid infrastructure, health and security. We became the first and only country with diplomatic posts in every Pacific Islands Forum nation, and we expanded regional security through the $2 billion Pacific Marine Security Program, including the delivery of the Guardian class patrol boat—something so important for our region. When it comes to this bill, the Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025, we definitely support the bill in principle. We support the intentions of the bill. However, we believe it needs to go to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee because there are questions which need to be answered in regard to it. One of the first things I will talk about is that the local bank over there in the South Pacific, the Bank South Pacific itself, is ASX listed. I met with a number of the executives the other day, and they gave me a bit of a rundown of what they do; I will just go through it here. Ninety-seven per cent of the BSP is owned by the South Pacific, making it the fundamental driver of the region's prosperity. The PNG government owns 22 per cent of South Pacific superannuation funds and is the largest shareholder in the BSP, with 36 per cent. It is one of the largest employers, with 4,600 employees. One of the points I'd like to make is that we want to make sure their voices are heard. When it comes to remote areas in the Pacific, that's where, I've been advised, the Bank South Pacific does a lot of good work on the ground. When we had the situation where money was given back in COVID times to Red Cross, where they supported other organisations providing funding—we just want to make sure we don't, as a country, do the wrong thing by the Bank South Pacific. With the best of intentions, I think the bill needs to be examined further. The Liberal-National coalition's track record in the Pacific has always been pragmatic: an infrastructure led engagement combining geopolitical interests with development goals. The coalition strongly supports the continuing commitment to the Pacific that began with early governments trying to address contemporary strategic and economic challenges. We know those challenges in the area, and I do acknowledge the work the government is doing. This should be an area with a bipartisan approach because it's in the interests of all Australians. This bill empowers the government to guarantee Australian bank operations in the Pacific using the consolidated revenue fund to provide financial backing should Australian banks in the Pacific face significant risk or default. The aim is not merely to secure continued bank operations but to maintain vital financial links for the Pacific island countries to the global financial system, especially for remittance, aid, and trade. We heard the minister rightly talk about the PALM program. That's something where those from the Pacific islands come and work in Australia. It could be in aged care. It could be in agriculture. The money they raise goes back to the families back home. The coalition strongly supports the intention of the bill. We have concerns about how it's been drafted—as I said, further examination by the Senate Economics Legislation Committee would be important. Can I just say one thing having previously been a member of government: we always think we've got it right and we're doing the right thing, but there are always unintended consequences, and I think that, in a good democracy, that should be played out to hear from those who may be impacted to come up with what could be a better outcome for all those involved. Understandably, market conditions have made the Pacific region commercially challenging for banks and resulted in the de-risking and withdrawal of banking relationships, threatening access to basic financial services for many Pacific communities. If Australian banks withdraw, others will fill the void with alternative financial networks that may lack transparency or fall outside the regulatory standards. That's why it is so important for Australia to be the good neighbour and good friend—not only for security but also for social reasons and supporting our Pacific neighbours. While the bill's intention is worthy, several concerns deserve attention. The bill creates a special appropriation from the consolidated revenue fund that is unlimited in scope and time. While this offers negotiating flexibility, it also raises transparency and fiscal oversight issues, potentially exposing Australian taxpayers to unknowing risk. Remember: this is Australian taxpayers' money. The bill and its mandatory materials lack clarity on several fronts, including the definition of low risk exposures to be guaranteed. Treasury says that financial risk is low and that the future guarantees will be time-limited and capped, but there is nothing in the bill that requires that. There is limited clarity on how future guarantees will be managed. The process for dispute resolution between banks and the government currently has no explicit mechanism in the bill for parliamentary oversight or regulatory review of the guarantees and their impact. Clearly, definitions are needed specifying the types of risk and exposures to be covered and outlining objective criteria eligibility to reduce the uncertainty risk of future disputes—as examples, tying guarantees to measurable commitments by banks, maintaining service standards, investing in digital banking improvement, supporting financial inclusion and capacity-building initiatives should be looked at. Banks should be encouraged to work with regional partners, as I've said before, and harmonise regulation and explore sustainable market based alternatives so the guarantees to bridge to longer-term solutions are not permanent subsidies. For example, work in Bank South Pacific, because I think that will be a good way to go forward. As I was saying before, in the former government we had a great respect for our Pacific neighbours, and that contribution, whether it be from security or aid, has always been important. I know the ANZ Bank announced in March 2025 that they would be one of the first recipients of the Pacific Banking guarantee of a maximum of $2 billion. The 10-year bank guarantee supported its operations in the region. As I said, we think that is very important. ANZ will be paying an undisclosed annual fee to the government for the guarantee, but exactly how it will go hasn't been made public. Many Pacific countries depend on correspondent banking, where larger banks like ANZ help local banks process payments and currency exchange. Since 2011, correspondent banking relationships in the south Pacific have fallen by 60 per cent, so it's so important Australia steps in and does its role there. The opposition are supportive, and we will not oppose the bill, but it should go to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee. There are questions that need to be asked. There is uncapped appropriation—no maximum dollar limit. There's no end date—the guarantee power is open ended. There is limited clarity on how the future guarantees will be managed. Why is there no limit. Why is there no sunset clause, and what oversight will apply to future guarantees? Again, to all the Pacific islands, we, as one, are supporting you.
Casey Hospital | Statements by Members | House debates
At a time of emergency, when you go to the hospital you want to make sure you're seen quickly, especially if it's your child. Back in 2019 my own daughter, Jasmine, had an anaphylactic reaction,...
At a time of emergency, when you go to the hospital you want to make sure you're seen quickly, especially if it's your child. Back in 2019 my own daughter, Jasmine, had an anaphylactic reaction, and they took her to Casey Hospital. I was amazed by how many people were waiting in the emergency department. The great news back in 2019 was that funding was announced under the former health minister Greg Hunt for an emergency department specifically for children. The state Labor government agreed to this, and yet we've had delays since 2020. It was delayed in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and, guess what, again in 2025. When it comes to a children's emergency department at Casey Hospital, the whole project is still delayed. Parents are contacting me all the time saying, 'When is work going to start?' When I visit the hospital, the nurses and the doctors are under so much pressure and stress. They want this emergency department for children to be up and running. It is an absolute crying shame and disgraceful that the Labor government of Victoria hasn't got Casey Hospital emergency department for children up and running. It is in one of the fastest-growing areas in Australia. It needs this emergency department for children, it needed it six years ago, it needs work— (Time expired)
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Reconsiderations) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I raise a point of order on correct titles.
Taxation | Questions without Notice | House debates
You still take their preferences!
Youth Crime | Statements by Members | House debates
Youth crime is out of control under Labor, with no consequences for violent crimes. Labor's way of weak bail laws and raising the age of criminal responsibility makes the problem worse. Instead...
Youth crime is out of control under Labor, with no consequences for violent crimes. Labor's way of weak bail laws and raising the age of criminal responsibility makes the problem worse. Instead of stringent bail laws, Labor allows violent youth to receive multiple bails for serious crimes. A Dutton-led government would work with the states to deliver strong laws and tackle knife crime. Under Labor, youth gangs post assault videos on social media. A Dutton-led government would punish those posting these videos, removing their criminal glory. Early intervention is crucial to prevent young people from engaging in crime, yet Prime Minister Albanese cut $50 million from high-risk-youth programs, leaving kids and families helpless. For example, Labor cut the funding for regional youth support services in Gosford, New South Wales which helped 3,000 young people and achieved a 25 per cent reduction in crime and an 85 per cent reduction in recidivism. Former member for Robertson Lucy Wicks initiated this program. Now it has been cut, but well done to Lucy, who's standing up for the people of Robertson to have this program recommitted. Under the Liberals, we committed $120 million. This Prime Minister should be condemned for allowing youth crime to go untouched across the nation. (Time expired)
Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
First of all, I must take up the Greens leader and member for Melbourne when it comes to some of his colleagues who've been really revving up the crowds and going to violent protests in...
First of all, I must take up the Greens leader and member for Melbourne when it comes to some of his colleagues who've been really revving up the crowds and going to violent protests in Melbourne, which, sadly, have been very much against the Jewish community. They are now basically calling for peace and harmony when the Greens leader himself and his Greens colleagues voted so many times against motions supporting the Jewish people in Australia and condemning Hamas. All of a sudden—I think because of election results in Queensland and also some council results—the Greens have realised, 'We might just want to get out there and support the Jewish community a tiny bit.' The Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 is necessary because of repeated failures of the Albanese government—in particular when it comes to the Prime Minister. Rather than stamping out antisemitism right from the start and really showing strong leadership in calling it out, especially when it started at the Opera House in New South Wales—sadly, that hasn't taken place. We're a country that prides itself on treating people equally regardless of faith or background, which is so important. It's a core national value. Antisemitism is a direct rejection of that value and of being Australian. Hamas is a Palestinian armed group and political movement in the Gaza Strip. We should never forget—and again, I didn't hear the Greens leader say this—why this awful situation has happened. It goes back to 7 October 2023, when Israel was attacked, with Hamas killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, of which we're now seeing some of the remainder being released. The 7 October attacks are the single greatest loss of Jewish lives on any day since the Holocaust. Jewish businesses, homes, cars and synagogues in Australia have been targeted, and the spread of antisemitism in Australia after 7 October has just been relentless, especially in recent months. It started with those demonstrations. Can I say not everyone's attending those demonstrations for violent means, but sadly they attracted a number of people who were motivated in that way. Obviously, when we've got these violent protests and we have Greens members of parliament attending those—why on earth would you go to a violent demonstration in Melbourne with this awful behaviour? It goes back, again, to Prime Minister Albanese, the leader of the Labor Party. He didn't take decisive action right from the start. He didn't condemn the antisemitic attacks and ensure that offenders faced legal consequences for saying the most awful things about the Jewish community just days after the awful terrorist attack, and we'll call it that, in Israel. There are laws in Australia that he could have directed the AFP and law enforcement agencies to use. The Prime Minister has failed to acknowledge how serious the situation was. He could have used existing laws under division 80 of the Criminal Code against urging violence against groups defined by race or religion, but they weren't used. As I mentioned, two days after this awful attack in Israel, on 9 October, there was a pro-Palestinian protest march from the Sydney Town Hall to the Sydney Opera House. This is where the awful chanting against the Jews happened. I obviously won't repeat what was said. Basically, as Israeli Australians were mourning, they were getting racially abused in our streets outside our famous Sydney Opera House. It then went on to universities, where we had protestors take over campuses. In May 2024, students staged protests at Deakin University, Monash University and the University of Melbourne calling for universities to cut ties with companies linked to Israel, and they sat there. Can I just say, I spoke to a number of Muslim students who were very much intimidated themselves because they felt that the university protests had been infiltrated by others with the view of spreading hatred against the Jewish community. The following are some of the antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne since October 2024. On 25 May 2024, Mount Scopus Memorial College in Melbourne, Australia's largest Jewish school, was graffitied. On 13 October, there was antisemitic graffiti on a Jewish bakery in Sydney, with a note left for the owners reading, 'Be careful.' On 21 November, cars were torched—and this is where the violence really started to happen—and buildings were vandalised in Sydney's east, an area with a large Jewish population. On 6 December, Adass Israel Synagogue was firebombed in Melbourne. This was obviously a terrorist attack. This has now got to the stage of causing mass fear in the Jewish community, where they're targeting their faith and going right after them. On 5 January 2025, a man was charged for allegedly threatening worshippers near the Chabad North Shore synagogue in northern Sydney. We've just had this roll-on of awful attacks against the Jewish people. On 10 January, Allawah synagogue in Sydney's south-west was graffitied with the Nazi hakenkreuz symbol. On 11 January, there was the graffitiing and attempted arson of Newtown Synagogue in Sydney's west. On 11 January, cars were vandalised and graffitied in Sydney. On 16 January, a federal taskforce made its first arrest, charging a man for allegedly making death threats and vandalism. On 17 January, cars were torched and a building formerly owned by a Jewish community leader was vandalised. I'm a former police officer, and it is clear that these attacks are rolling on every couple of days now. The big one was on 19 January 2025. A caravan containing explosives was found in Dural, Sydney. Questions were raised to the Prime Minister about whether he was briefed by ASIO and law enforcement and on what day, or whether he did not want to know about it. This is an exceptionally serious matter which could have ended up as Australia's worst terrorist attack. On 21 January, a childcare centre was set alight and graffitied in Sydney's west. On 29 January, a home next to Mount Sinai College in Maroubra, Sydney, was sprayed with antisemitic graffiti. These incidents have caused significant concern and distress for all of our Jewish community. Can I say again, the Prime Minister should have been very strong on this right from very the start, instead of trying to walk on two sides of the road at the same time. The one point I want to make is that the Nazi symbol targeting the Jewish community has been misconceived as the swastika. As the shadow minister for multicultural affairs, I want to point out that the swastika is actually an ancient and sacred symbol of peace and good fortune for Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and other faith communities. The Nazi symbol targeting the Jewish community is the Nazi symbol of hatred, the hakenkreuz. We have to be very clear about that. The hakenkreuz is a symbol of the Nazi Party, which committed, as we know, the most heinous crimes against humanity, particularly against the Jewish people. Using this hate symbol to intimidate and spread messages of antisemitism and intolerance towards a community in Australia is totally unacceptable and must be prosecuted. This bill is intended to help mitigate some of the government's failures. We have existing offences in division 80 of the Criminal Code that should have been used to stop the spark of antisemitism. Existing offences in division 80 of the Criminal Code make it an offence to urge violence against an individual or group on the basis of race, religion and the like. They make it an offence to advocate terrorism or genocide. For months, the coalition has been calling for these laws to be used, especially the opposition leader, who has been so strong in his support of the Jewish community. We, on this side, have been saying that the existing offences should be tested and those preaching antisemitism should be taken before the courts. Let the courts decide it, and, if there is an issue with the legislation, we can change or amend the legislation in parliament. We welcome the belated changes. These changes seek to lower the threshold for criminality for those who urge violence against individuals or groups. Instead of proving that a person 'intended' for violence occur, police now only need to prove that the person was 'reckless'. Can I just say, as a former police officer, that words are key when you have 'must' and 'shall' and 'could'. It is a much higher threshold for the police to prove that the person actually intended for the violence to occur. Now it will be 'reckless'—whether they knew their actions could lead to violence—which obviously makes it a lot easier for police to prosecute. These laws, as currently drafted, remove the good faith defence for those urging violence. This too is a welcome move because you cannot urge someone to engage in acts of violence in good faith. These laws introduce new offences for threatening force or violence. Again, in finishing, my heart goes out to the Jewish community, which has been targeted. Hopefully these laws will go smoothly through parliament and police will actually use them to prosecute those people who are committing crimes against the Jewish community.
Albanese Government | Statements by Members | House debates
I wish to highlight 10 of Labor's massive fails. In fact, there have been hundreds of failures by this Albanese Labor government. No.1, they wasted 18 months of government and $500 million on...
I wish to highlight 10 of Labor's massive fails. In fact, there have been hundreds of failures by this Albanese Labor government. No.1, they wasted 18 months of government and $500 million on their failed Voice campaign while ignoring the cost of living. No. 2 is the out-of-control spending that's fuelling inflation and keeping prices high. Even the RBA has acknowledged the homegrown inflation problem. Under Labor, we've had 12 interest rate hikes. The PM promised we'd actually have mortgage relief; that hasn't happened. The PM promised 97 times to reduce energy bills by $275. Instead, they've risen by a thousand dollars. No. 5, their weakness has allowed antisemitism to flourish in Australia. I feel so sorry for the Jewish community, under Labor. Sadly, 27,000 businesses have become insolvent under Labor. You can't forget Labor's immigration chaos, which has seen record-breaking migration fuelling the housing crisis. No. 8, you can't leave out Labor's release from detention of 215 dangerous, foreign born criminals. And guess what? The minister in charge then got promoted by the Prime Minister. Go figure that one. And, back in 2022, the PM promised life would be easier under him. Well, it's not. We can't afford three more years of this weak Labor government and weak Labor Prime Minister.
La Trobe Electorate: Summer Community Festival | Constituency Statements | House debates
I recently had the great honour of attending the world-renowned Summer Community Festival at St Mina and St Marina's Coptic Orthodox Church in Hallam. This festival, which has been a cherished...
I recently had the great honour of attending the world-renowned Summer Community Festival at St Mina and St Marina's Coptic Orthodox Church in Hallam. This festival, which has been a cherished tradition for nearly 30 years, continues to grow bigger and better each year, bringing joy and unity to our community. I attended this fantastic event alongside Zahid Safi, the Liberal candidate for Bruce. It was truly heartwarming to see so many families and children enjoying the fantastic community market stalls, indulging in traditional Egyptian sweets, savouring Mediterranean-style foods and participating in a variety of kids' activities. I extend my deepest gratitude to the much-loved Father Abanoub Attalla and Father Michael Galli for their kind invitation and warm hospitality. Can I say they are absolutely loved and admired by all their worshippers. Father Abanoub, you knew everyone's name and it was grade to go around with you. I also hit it off with Father Michael, being a former detective for Victoria Police. Their dedication was truly inspiring. The biannual festival is not just a celebration; it's also a significant fundraiser for the church's Sunday school and childcare centre. The funds raised during this event will play a crucial role in supporting these vital programs, which provide invaluable services to the children and the families. The congregation were washing cars and buying food; they were doing incredible work. I also congratulate Father Michael Galli at the church for his efforts in running Manna4Life LTD, which was established in Melbourne in 2012 and works with volunteers to support and provide relief for underprivileged youth and the elderly through humanitarian services. Today Manna4Life focuses on alleviating poverty amongst underprivileged communities and the homeless, supporting youth and adolescents, providing financial assistance to low-income families and promoting basic health and hygiene standards within the communities. Hard work and commitment are what make the Summer Community Festival event and relief support for the community possible, and these efforts are deeply appreciated by the Egyptian and wider communities. The St Mina and St Marina Coptic Orthodox Church is a shining example of what can be achieved when we all come together as a community. I again thank all those who were there on the day when we attended—a very exciting time for those at the church. As I said before, the way the congregation and those there support their church, from washing cars to providing funding to the stalls, all to help other people is a great achievement for them. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 16:27 to 16:49