Rob Mitchell's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-05T22:05:59+00:00
items: Early Childhood Education and Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Albanese Government | Grievance Debate | House debates
items: McEwen Electorate: Infrastructure | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Moffat, Mr Allan George, OBE | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Men's Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: McEwen Electorate | Adjournment | House debates
items: McEwen Electorate: Whittlesea Show | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Regional Australia: Roads | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
items: Freedom of Information | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Address-in-Reply | Governor-General's Speech | House debates
items: McEwen Electorate: Stronger Communities Program, McEwen Electorate: Fishing for Mental Health | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Housing Affordability | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Economy | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Regional Australia | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: Men's Health | Motions | House debates
items: McEwen Electorate: Roads | Adjournment | House debates

Early Childhood Education and Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Education. What reforms is the Albanese Labor government delivering to help more children from disadvantaged backgrounds get access to early education and care,...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Education. What reforms is the Albanese Labor government delivering to help more children from disadvantaged backgrounds get access to early education and care, and improve the safety of our early education and care system? What are the risks?
date: 2026-02-05T14:43:00+00:00

Albanese Government | Grievance Debate | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to talk about the issues that really matter to the people of McEwen. We are a community of working families, young people trying to get ahead, older Australians who have given so...
encoded: I rise today to talk about the issues that really matter to the people of McEwen. We are a community of working families, young people trying to get ahead, older Australians who have given so much for our community and local businesses and towns that keep our suburbs thriving. McEwen is a proud growth electorate. From the new estates in Donnybrook, Beveridge and Wallan, through to the established communities of Doreen and Diamond Creek, right through to the Macedon Ranges up to Woodend, people are drawn to our area because it is very special and because of the opportunities, the lifestyle and the community that we have. But with growth comes pressure—pressure on health services, housing, roads, schools and household budgets. For far too long, people in growth areas like ours were ignored. For nine long years, under the coalition, all our community ever got was empty promises and a pack of media releases. Infrastructure lagged behind population growth, costs kept rising, and essential services became harder to access. But 22 May 2025 changed that. The Albanese Labor government is delivering practical, tangible reforms and delivering on its promises, which are making life easier for people in our communities. And there is more to come. Health care is consistently raised as one of the biggest concerns for families. People want to be able to see a doctor when they need to, and they want to be able to afford their medicines and get mental-health support close to home. That's why we've got this historic investment in Medicare—and why it's so important—tripling the bulk-billing incentive. As a result, bulk-billing rates have done a dramatic U-turn locally. That means more families in our communities can now visit a GP without having to choose between health care and groceries. In fact, the latest figures now show 23 fully bulk-billing practices in McEwen, which is double what there was prior to this reform. Cheaper medicines are making a real difference to families. Under …
date: 2026-02-03T13:23:00+00:00

McEwen Electorate: Infrastructure | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: 'Pork-barrelling'—that's a great one! The project will nearly double the current sports stadium capacity, adding three more courts. The expansion also includes an additional AFL and cricket...
encoded: 'Pork-barrelling'—that's a great one! The project will nearly double the current sports stadium capacity, adding three more courts. The expansion also includes an additional AFL and cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts and improvements to carparking and landscaping, ensuring the precinct remains a world-class venue for sports and community activities. It is great news for our community. Stage 2 will ensure that we can accommodate more sporting participants and better recreational facilities for our growing community and enhance the Macedon Ranges as a regional community hub. We fought long and hard for this to get done. A generation of our kids missed out on sporting facilities because the former government for 10 years absolutely refused to fund this. In fact, not only did they go to three elections not doing it but the member for colour-coded sports sheets, Senator McKenzie, told the community, 'Put in an application,' and it never happened. They couldn't even find the decency to help this generation of kids in this region. But under an Albanese Labor government, it's promise made, promise kept. Another great example— An opposition member interjecting Well, maybe we'll look forward to you actually getting one right one day, but we won't hold our breath. We've also started work on stage 2 of the Yan Yean Road upgrade. This has been a much-needed project that has meant growing communities have suffered by not having access to the infrastructure they need. We know those opposite proudly talk about how they only gave Victoria seven per cent of infrastructure funding throughout their nine years which meant our roads crumbled and things weren't done. But, of course, when we got into government, we addressed that. We have helped fix that problem by giving stage 2 the funding that was necessary to get it done. This is a government that actually goes out and gets things done, and it's another part of our story where we can say that a promise made is a promise kept. The …
date: 2025-11-27T10:03:00+00:00

McEwen Electorate: Infrastructure | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to celebrate sod-turning of two great local projects being delivered in our community by this government. First of all is the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct stage 2. It was my great...
encoded: I rise to celebrate sod-turning of two great local projects being delivered in our community by this government. First of all is the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct stage 2. It was my great pleasure last week to join the now mayor of the Macedon Ranges Shire, Kate Kendall—I congratulate her on her appointment—to turn the sod on stage 2 of the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct. Stage 1 already delivered over $29 million worth of much needed recreational amenities to the Macedon Ranges and the regional area. It includes a three-court sports stadium, a natural-grass AFL and cricket oval, a multifunction pavilion and a variety of associated indoor and outdoor amenities. Stage 2 is set to expand on these facilities significantly. The Albanese Labor government committed and has delivered $15 million of the $17 million for the stage 2 project.
date: 2025-11-27T10:03:00+00:00

Moffat, Mr Allan George, OBE | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: Today I rise to pay tribute to one of Australia's greatest people, and that is Allan George Moffat. Allan Moffat was a Canadian-born race car driver who came to Australia and became up there...
encoded: Today I rise to pay tribute to one of Australia's greatest people, and that is Allan George Moffat. Allan Moffat was a Canadian-born race car driver who came to Australia and became up there equally one of the best drivers that this country has ever produced. Allan and his good friend Peter Brock went toe-to-toe for a decade through car racing. Allan's record still stands as one of the greatest we've seen through his Coca-Cola Mustang, the Boss 302, which won two out of every three races it was ever entered into. There were four Bathurst wins at a time. Allan and Peter are the only two who actually stand in Australian history to have won in both the 500-mile format and the 1,000-kilometre format. Allan has made a lot of people think about Australian cars. We think about the Toranas and the GT Falcons. Of course, the 65E in 1971 was one of Allan's greatest wins, where he drove solo from start to finish in a car and finished laps and laps ahead of everyone else. But I think my favourite was Allan's win in 1977—the famous one-two finish—which I know still hurts today for Holden people. They watched cars 1 and 2, side-by-side, go down the track, with his great mate Colin Bond beside him. I was just reading some stuff on Allan the other night and read about the commercial for the XC Ford that was built back in '77. Australia's top race car drivers all lined up, and the car weaved between them just to show how good the Ford Australia car was made. It was Allan who suggested that the only person he would allow to drive a car with him standing in the middle of the road was his mate Fred Gibson, who was another great champion. Allan was someone who, throughout his racing career, was always seen as very much matter of fact. He was the kind of bloke who never suffered fools easily. He was always a great person to talk to and very knowledgeable and very friendly to share his time with. Unfortunately, as he got older, Allan suffered the ravages of dementia and became an absolute…
date: 2025-11-25T17:15:00+00:00

Men's Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I rise this evening to support the motion by the member for Hunter. Men's mental health is an issue of national importance. It's one where we should all be working together to deliver better...
encoded: I rise this evening to support the motion by the member for Hunter. Men's mental health is an issue of national importance. It's one where we should all be working together to deliver better outcomes. We see it all around us, no matter where we are. Men show up at work and they support their families. They crack a joke, and they put a smile on faces. But when they turn away from the world, they struggle. All too often, they struggle alone day after day, year after year. The struggle becomes a fight—a fight against an enemy only they can see. It's in their own mind. Since we were boys, we've always been told to just 'man up', and that's what we do. But, sadly, it often can be too much to bear. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australian men between the ages of 18 and 44. As many as two in three men forgo mental health support, and around half believe avoiding a health check-up is normal. These are national problems that we should talk about, and I'm proud that this government is supporting the mental health of Australians, no matter where they live. Our government, the Albanese Labor government, supports a range of mental health and suicide prevention services to support all Australians, with an estimated $7.8 billion in funding in 2025-26 across the Health, Disability and Ageing portfolio. Under the Strengthening Medicare program, $1.1 billion is being invested in mental health. We're expanding services, employing extra clinicians and reducing waiting times for young people seeking mental health care. These steps are consistent with what the National Men's Health Strategy 2020-2030 said. The government has recognised that there are five key priority issues: mental health and wellbeing; chronic conditions; sexual and reproductive health and conditions; injuries and risk-taking behaviour, which we've all done; and healthy ageing. With these issues front of mind, we are committed to the goal that every man and boy in Australia is supported to live a long,…
date: 2025-11-24T19:22:00+00:00

Men's Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I second the motion, and I reserve my right to speak.
encoded: I second the motion, and I reserve my right to speak.
date: 2025-11-24T19:12:00+00:00

McEwen Electorate | Adjournment | House debates
type: item
description: I rise tonight to talk about two terrific projects delivered in McEwen, projects that demonstrate exactly what happens when a government stops making excuses, stops issuing media releases and...
encoded: I rise tonight to talk about two terrific projects delivered in McEwen, projects that demonstrate exactly what happens when a government stops making excuses, stops issuing media releases and actually gets on with the job of putting communities first. In Diamond Creek the upgrade to the much-loved community pool has finally been delivered. These upgrades give the local families a modern, accessible and safe facility that our growing community deserves. It's not just about fresh tiles and new changerooms; it's also about giving everyone in our community from young children to families and our seniors an accessible and affordable place to swim. It's about making sure that the communities of Nillumbik have the kinds of recreational facilities that keep a community healthy, active and connected. Locals came to us before the 2022 election and let us know how important the upgrade to this beloved community asset was and we listened with a $1.5 million commitment. I particularly want to acknowledge here the advocacy of Councillor Peter Perkins, who was a hard-working local councillor. This funding saw improvements to the existing toilets and changerooms to improve accessibility, façade and painting works, updates to the plant room, with a new heat pump to come, and upgraded walkways for access around the complex. This $1.5 million commitment came from the Invest in Our Future program, and that's exactly what the Albanese Labor government is doing in our communities. Now, over in Doreen, the Hilltop Park playground and splash park is taking shape and is already proving to be extremely popular, as I found out Saturday first-hand. This project has delivered a vibrant and inclusive outdoor area where kids can play, cool off and simply enjoy being kids. It's exactly the kind of infrastructure our community deserves and will be a drawcard for people from surrounding communities as well. We already know that there are plenty of parties taking place, with more being planned. It's …
date: 2025-11-24T19:55:00+00:00

McEwen Electorate: Whittlesea Show | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: Well, as the member for Goldstein was home, sooking about having to work four days this week, on the weekend we were celebrating the Whittlesea Show. The Whittlesea Show has been going since...
encoded: Well, as the member for Goldstein was home, sooking about having to work four days this week, on the weekend we were celebrating the Whittlesea Show. The Whittlesea Show has been going since 1859, and it's run by a great bunch of volunteers who deliver a fantastic show that's close to Melbourne but gives you all the elements of a country show and all the elements of a fair. Every community group is there, whether they're selling food or goods or even just presenting animals. Of course, you get the custom—you've got to have a wood-chop at a good show. There are the vintage machines, the cars. Whatever you want, there is something there. The SES and the CFA put on some fantastic examples. The Whittlesea Men's Shed and Whittlesea Women's Shed were also heavily involved, selling their wares or just opening their doors so that people could see what great organisations they are. Wherever you looked across the showground, it was just a fantastic day. You had kids on horses and kids on motorbikes; there was the grand parade—a whole heap of things happening. No matter what you were into, whether it be crafts, photography, history or whatever, there was something there for everyone. This show, as I said, has been going since 1859. It was the Labor Party's 23rd year of being at the show. Our Liberal mates haven't been there for 16 years, but we still turn up, rain, hail or snow. I want to congratulate President Jayson Munro, Vice President Celina Mott, Secretary Wally Mott and of course Treasurer Sarah Foggie, who just put this whole thing together, with a bunch of volunteers. It really just shows how great it is to live in the seat of McEwen and why we love it so much.
date: 2025-11-05T13:52:00+00:00

Regional Australia: Roads | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: You won't find much more hypocrisy in this place than when listening to the Nationals complaining about road funding. I say this in absolute honesty. We've just heard five minutes of whining and...
encoded: You won't find much more hypocrisy in this place than when listening to the Nationals complaining about road funding. I say this in absolute honesty. We've just heard five minutes of whining and complaining about something that was actually done by them. In 2018, the then deputy prime minister, Michael McCormack, the member for Riverina, had this specific plan laid out; as part of the National Road Safety Action Plan there was a commitment to lower speed limits. That comes on top of the fact that you would have thought a member from Victoria would have stood up during those nine years and complained about Victoria only getting seven per cent of the infrastructure spend nationally. But, no, there was absolute silence. It was okay to build a backlog of potholes and road repairs with no investment in Victoria because they were in government. Now, suddenly, it's: 'Oh, look at this. It's a big problem.' You can't expect all this backlog to be fixed in five years. But what you can expect is a government to be out there working for rural and regional Australians, and that is why there are more Labor MPs in rural and regional seats than the National Party—because we got rid of those that sit around and do nothing. We got rid of those who just enjoy themselves here, creating havoc and delivering nothing. We saw more press releases on every single road project in Victoria than we did shovels or action. The number of times they went to an election promising to fund this and to fund that and to do all these things for rural and regional Australia—they didn't do a thing. The National Party is the absolute most disgraceful party you can think of for rural and regional Victoria. When you look at every one of their seats, they have problems with education, with health and with jobs. The one consistency is re-voting in Nationals. That's why they are down to four per cent of the national vote—because they do not deliver. They're just a little tail on the back of the coalition dog, an…
date: 2025-11-03T16:50:00+00:00

Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: It’s great to rise tonight to support the Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025. It's great to do that because what...
encoded: It’s great to rise tonight to support the Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025. It's great to do that because what we've seen is this government come to office and actually do things that help people with their cost of living. We heard someone rattle off just before about the cost of living, but what the member opposite never mentioned is that, every single time there's been a cost-of-living amendment, they've opposed it. Even this, going into the election, was not a bipartisan supported program. In fact, the shadow Treasurer made it clear that they were not doing it. But once Labor came out with it and committed to it, after we had a great report from the committee last year—a bipartisan report—that looked into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia, suddenly the fighting over this stopped momentarily to support something we were doing. And that's the important thing. This is about a government that leads—a government that has brought people from all walks of life under one roof. We're lucky to have venues in our electorates that bring people from all walks of life together. They are those crucial spaces where members of a community can meet, relax and spend time together and, more often than not, have a nice, cold, frothy one. However, as we know, many of these venues have been doing it tough. With high overheads, strong regulations to meet and a host of other costs, profit margins for many owners can be slim. For these cornerstones of our community, the cost-of-living issues we inherited from the previous government brought many to the brink. It's a delicate balancing act. Charge too little for drinks, and the venue operates at a loss. Charge too much, and no-one comes in. Throw in a couple more facts and the fact that these businesses are operating at all becomes more impressive. Many hospitality venues are still recovering from the pandemic era disruptions. The lack of trade and the ong…
date: 2025-11-03T19:06:00+00:00

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
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description: This is a very important day for our broader nation and what's happening with the defence royal commission. We know that people who are in our Defence Force and their families are so important....
encoded: This is a very important day for our broader nation and what's happening with the defence royal commission. We know that people who are in our Defence Force and their families are so important. We owe a lot to them, and we can never say thanks enough. It's important that, when we bring people into the ADF, we make sure that they are looked after. We make sure that they get everything they need. Particularly on finishing their service, we should make sure that the right thing is done by them. We know that this has been an issue in the past. We know that veterans went through a long period of time during the former government where at one stage over a thousand claims were sitting on the minister desk unopened. We know that veterans came to us saying that the problem they were having was with DVA in the previous government. The words that really haunt me still are the veterans' view when it comes to DVA and supporting veterans was 'delay, deny, die'. That was what veterans believed was happening. They believed that they were constantly being delayed and denied, and some took the worst-case scenario out. It was something that we had to fix, so we worked extremely hard to push for the royal commission into veteran suicide. We know the issues, and I've met Julie-Ann Finney myself a few times—lovely lady. She is suffering quite a lot with what's happened to her, and she is not alone; there are lots of others like that. When you talk to people through the veterans community, you know that, for a range of reasons, this is not uncommon. It's why governments need to act and do the right thing. If someone put their life on the line to defend our nation, our values and everything we believe in, you have an absolute obligation to make sure that, if they're broken, you look after them. You make sure that, if they've got problems, you fix them and you give them the support that they need. As I said, this was something that never happened, and I was a bit miffed this morning listeni…
date: 2025-09-04T11:40:00+00:00

Freedom of Information | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Attorney-General. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of integrity and transparency frameworks?
encoded: My question is to the Attorney-General. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of integrity and transparency frameworks?
date: 2025-09-03T14:26:00+00:00

Address-in-Reply | Governor-General's Speech | House debates
type: item
description: On 3 May this year I was given the great honour of being returned to this place by the people of McEwen. And as I've said before, in every one of these addresses, I pledge to work day and night...
encoded: On 3 May this year I was given the great honour of being returned to this place by the people of McEwen. And as I've said before, in every one of these addresses, I pledge to work day and night to fulfil my commitments to them. I pledge to do all that's within my power and the power of this government to make our lives better. I will always bring their interests to this place and give our communities a seat at the table. It's a great privilege and honour to have this job. In Canberra we each speak with the voice of more than 100,000 people, and we act in their interests. We have spent the past three years in government listening hard and laying the foundations for our nation for the next three years. We see those foundations everywhere in McEwen. In May 2022 Australia voted for change, after nine years of stagnation, rorts, rip-offs and scandals under those opposite. I'm proud to report that this change has been seen across our towns and our communities in McEwen. Over the past three years we saw essential programs expand their reach in the communities, be that in health, education, cost-of-living support or, importantly, roads and infrastructure. I point that out because one of biggest challenges we face is the road infrastructure in our communities. Under the coalition, our state, which is 25 per cent of Australia's population, received only seven per cent of infrastructure spending. I'm glad to report that Victoria is now receiving the funding it deserves to maintain and develop our state road network, and our communities see these benefits happening. In the past three years there has been a lot of change and growth in McEwen. We have seen a series of major grants. We secured $1 million to expand the Diamond Creek Mens Shed. We'll deliver the space to expand their operations, supporting the mental and physical wellbeing of men in our community. It's a success measured in mateship, in conversations that would have gone unheard. It's also a chance to talk about the…
date: 2025-08-27T11:55:00+00:00

McEwen Electorate: Stronger Communities Program, McEwen Electorate: Fishing for Mental Health | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: It'd be interesting to know which way the member for Capricornia went on that pineapple stuff! Over the last few weeks, it's been a pleasure to go to some of the recipients of the Stronger...
encoded: It'd be interesting to know which way the member for Capricornia went on that pineapple stuff! Over the last few weeks, it's been a pleasure to go to some of the recipients of the Stronger Communities Program grants in McEwen. I'm proud to say that, under the Albanese Labor government, we're supporting groups that are making a real difference in our communities. First of all, at the Diamond Creek Football Netball Club, $18,000 has been put towards NAIDOC jumpers and netball dresses. The jumpers will be worn at the Sir Doug Nicholls Round each year. Apart from looking great, they serve the very important purposes of strengthening the club's connection to the local Indigenous community and growing an understanding of the Indigenous connection to the great game of AFL. I want to extend my appreciation to Maria Jory and Shaun Fitzpatrick for their hard work and dedication in pushing this along to make sure that the jumper is a true reflection of Diamond Creek, by getting a local artist to do the design that includes Diamond Creek—the hills, the trees and everything about the local area. I think it's important that these sorts of things happen for our communities, because it's people like Shaun and Maria and the rest of the crew down there who really sustain the heart and soul of the clubs in local communities, which are so important for all of us. I can't wait to see the Creekers come out in the special occasion colours. I know the boys were rapt seeing the jumpers last week; it was great fun. Also, I want to celebrate an important local initiative that is taking place in our region next week. On 6 September, another Fishing for Mental Health Day will take place at Kyneton, at Lauriston Reservoir. It's now an annual event for locals to get together, have a great day outdoors and promote mental health. There are even prizes for the biggest catch and smallest catch of the day, as well as for the best joke—which I can sadly say I never win. Apparently, my dad jokes are not…
date: 2025-08-27T10:04:00+00:00

Housing Affordability | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: When it comes to affordable housing, Australians know they can rely on the Albanese Labor government to deliver homes for more people. It's not our government that said in 2017, 'If you want to...
encoded: When it comes to affordable housing, Australians know they can rely on the Albanese Labor government to deliver homes for more people. It's not our government that said in 2017, 'If you want to buy a house, get rich parents.' It wasn't our government that said, 'If you want to buy a house, get a better job.' No, it was our government that said to young Australians, 'We want to help you get into your first home,' and we've done so through our five per cent deposit scheme. Nearly 1,300 people in McEwen have benefited from this, and we know that, right across the country, more Australians will get access to that Australian dream of owning their own home because this government actually went out and supported Australians. We went out and said that we need to get more homes for people fleeing domestic violence. We fast-tracked our support for tradies to get more people building homes and getting into the housing sector. We've also delivered more homes for defence veterans, and we've done the work that is about unlocking the opportunities for young people to get a new home, without relying on, as those opposite said, getting your parents to fund you or getting a better job. We know times are hard, but it's our government that is standing up consistently for Australians and making sure that every opportunity there is to get into your own home is being done courtesy of us. This $43 billion plan is not just about the dollars but about making lives better for families, making lives better for younger and older people, and giving them the safety and security that they need to deliver a better future for themselves.
date: 2025-08-26T13:59:00+00:00

Economy | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer update the House on what progress the Albanese Labor government has made when it comes to housing and in our economy more broadly?
encoded: My question is to the Treasurer. Can the Treasurer update the House on what progress the Albanese Labor government has made when it comes to housing and in our economy more broadly?
date: 2025-08-25T14:56:00+00:00

Regional Australia | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
type: item
description: We're not!
encoded: We're not!
date: 2025-07-29T16:07:00+00:00

Men's Health | Motions | House debates
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description: I rise to support this motion—it's not a bill; it's a motion—of the member for Hunter and to speak on an issue that is of national importance: men's health, particularly the mental...
encoded: I rise to support this motion—it's not a bill; it's a motion—of the member for Hunter and to speak on an issue that is of national importance: men's health, particularly the mental health and wellbeing of men and boys. I speak today not just as a member of parliament but as a father, grandfather, uncle, brother, mate and someone who, like many of us here, has known the pain of losing someone far too soon and has dealt with the ongoing consequences of that. Every day, across this country, too many men are struggling in silence. They show up to work. They'll pick up the kids. They'll crack a joke at the pub, but, behind all that, they're hurting. They carry burdens that no-one sees, and the saddest part is that they're often told, 'Suck it up,' and they have to carry it alone. Too many are battling with mental and physical health behind closed doors, often feeling unable to speak up or seek help. Outdated stereotypes about masculinity continue to cast a long shadow, stopping men from reaching out when they need it the most. The silence can be deadly. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australian men aged 18 to 44. That is a heartbreaking reality, and it's a national emergency that we must face with urgency and compassion. I'm proud to be a part of a government, the Albanese Labor government, that is taking action, not just with slogans but with serious, targeted investment in men's health. We are strengthening Medicare and delivering $32 million in dedicated initiatives focused on supporting men and boys, including the $11.3 million for Movember to train 60,000 primary healthcare workers across the country and to encourage men to take the first step—visit your doctor. And it includes the $20.7 million for grassroots mental health programs—support where it's needed most—including funding for men's sheds, the Ahead of the Game initiative, Healthy Male and the Danny Frawley Centre, all of which are doing life-changing and life-saving work in our communities t…
date: 2025-07-28T17:36:00+00:00

McEwen Electorate: Roads | Adjournment | House debates
type: item
description: Tonight I want to speak about something that is very important to our community: Labor's commitment to infrastructure in communities across McEwen. These are essential commitments to our...
encoded: Tonight I want to speak about something that is very important to our community: Labor's commitment to infrastructure in communities across McEwen. These are essential commitments to our community. Failing to deliver commitments like these affects everyone. It affects everyone from the single mum who has to get up an hour earlier to go to work to those who are travelling to go and see sport or friends and those that get caught and blocked on the highway because there's no other exit to get off. Failing to do these things also affects the kids who have to see a note on the kitchen table instead of mum around there in the morning. For too long Victoria was short-changed by coalition governments. For nine years our rural roads crumbled and traffic piled up. Successive governments from the other side failed to fund the development needed by regional communities in McEwen. With Liberal governments unwilling to give Victoria more than seven per cent of infrastructure funding, despite us making up 25 per cent of the population, it seemed the biggest congestion we had for a decade was getting money out of Canberra. I'm glad to report that since the election of the Albanese Labor government that tide has turned. More than a billion dollars in federal road funding is now being delivered across the electorate—transformative commitments that will shape the region for decades to come. The projects funded today become the foundations of tomorrow for McEwen, and those foundations for our communities are strong. The Camerons Lane Interchange and the northern intermodal project will see $900 million directed at a critical link in the chain that connects Melbourne's northern growth corridor. By better connecting the Hume Highway to the community around Beveridge, a fast-developing suburb gets an equal opportunity where people can live and work in the region. Regionally, it is a necessary step in the right direction. It's necessary because it brings jobs to our region and it brings bu…
date: 2025-07-28T19:54:00+00:00