Anne Urquhart's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Kennedy, Ms Alyssia, Mount Lyell Strahan Picnic | Constituency Statements | House debates
I'm extremely proud to say that the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania was awarded to Braddon local Alyssia Kennedy, a remarkable young woman who has turned her own lived experience...
I'm extremely proud to say that the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania was awarded to Braddon local Alyssia Kennedy, a remarkable young woman who has turned her own lived experience into meaningful change. After leaving school, Alyssia discovered gaps familiar to many young Australians. Despite strong academic results, she found herself without the practical life skills needed to navigate adulthood: budgeting, managing bills, completing a tax return. She learnt these lessons the hard way, but she was determined that others shouldn't have to. Alyssia created the Upturned Tasmania program Life After School, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. She now works with schools and youth groups to empower young people with the confidence and capability they need to thrive as adults. Alyssia's vision is simple but also powerful: every young person deserves the tools to succeed in life, not just in school. Her dedication is helping build a more capable and confident generation of young Tasmanians. I want to congratulate Alyssia on this outstanding achievement and thank her for the profound contribution she's making to young people right across Tasmania. Her work is transforming lives today and strengthening our future but also the future of our young people. On 26 January I attended the 128th annual Mount Lyell Strahan Picnic, at West Strahan Beach. This event is one of the West Coast's most enduring and treasured community traditions. For more than a century, the picnic has brought together workers, families and visitors from right across the region, and it continues to reflect the resilience, camaraderie and deep sense of belonging that define the West Coast community of Tasmania. It began with mine workers travelling from Queenstown to Strahan Beach by train in 1897, and that tradition has continued every year. From traditional games and footraces to the food stalls that local volunteers prepared with such pride, the day once again showcased the spirit of a community that support one another through good times but also through tough times. It is this spirit that has ensured the picnic not only survives but thrives generation after generation. I give a big thanks to the Mount Lyell Strahan Picnic Committee and volunteers who make this event possible each year. Their dedication keeps an important part of West Coast history alive. Events like the Mount Lyell Strahan Picnic remind us of the importance of local traditions that bring people together. I look forward to continuing to support this remarkable community and the events that reflect its proud history.
Braddon Electorate: Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
Thanks to the Albanese Labor government, residents of Braddon now have access to free mental health care with the opening of a temporary pop-up Medicare mental health centre in Burnie. Located in...
Thanks to the Albanese Labor government, residents of Braddon now have access to free mental health care with the opening of a temporary pop-up Medicare mental health centre in Burnie. Located in Cooee along the Bass Highway, this walk-in service provides immediate support for anyone in distress—no appointment, no referral, just help when they need it most. It is staffed by a dedicated team of clinicians and peer workers, ensuring that our locals receive the right care at the right time. This temporary centre will remain in place while a permanent Medicare mental health centre is established at the Burnie Health Hub, due open in late 2026. This is the second Medicare mental health centre in Braddon, with a national roll-out of 92 centres right across the country. Along with this clinic, a new Medicare urgent care clinic will open on 9 February, offering bulk-billed extended hours care for non-emergency conditions also in Burnie at the Health Hub. This will be the second urgent care clinic in Braddon and is something I campaigned for in the election. This provides my constituents with better access to urgent care and mental health assistance when they need it most, taking pressure off the emergency department at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie. On this side, all of us are about delivering on our promises. Over on that side, it's all about division.
Regional Australia | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government focused on keeping regional communities connected in...
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government focused on keeping regional communities connected in the air and on the ground? What approaches to regional Australia has the government rejected.
Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
October was Mental Health Month, a time to reflect on and to raise awareness of the wellbeing of every Australian. It's a time to speak openly, to listen deeply and to act with compassion. In my...
October was Mental Health Month, a time to reflect on and to raise awareness of the wellbeing of every Australian. It's a time to speak openly, to listen deeply and to act with compassion. In my electorate of Braddon, we have a powerful reason to celebrate. We just marked a major milestone for mental health care in our region, with the official opening, alongside Assistant Minister Emma McBride, of the new Medicare mental health centre in Devonport. This isn't just another health facility; it's a lifeline, a place where people in distress can walk through the door and find support without barriers, without judgement and without delay. For too long, mental health support has been out of reach for many Tasmanians, particularly in our regional areas. We've heard the stories of long wait times, referral requirements and those cost barriers—people struggling in silence, unsure where to turn or unable to afford the help that they need. That's not good enough, and it's not the kind of Australia we want to build. The Devonport Medicare mental health centre changes that. It offers free, walk-in support, with no appointment, no referral and no treatment plan required—just help when and where it's needed most. The model of care is built around the individual. It's staffed by a team of clinicians and peer workers—people with both professional expertise and lived experience. Together they provide support that is compassionate, timely and tailored to each person's needs. Whether someone is experiencing a crisis or seeking ongoing care, the centre is ready to respond. It's a safe space, a welcoming space and a place where people are seen, heard and supported. I'm proud to say that we'll take a major step forward soon with the opening of a new Medicare mental health centre in Burnie. This centre will join the growing network of Medicare mental health centres across Australia designed to fill critical gaps in the mental health system and reduce that pressure on our hospital emergency departments. Its establishment reflects the Albanese Labor government's commitment to delivering accessible, community based mental health support, particularly in regional areas like Braddon. This is deeply personal for our community. We've seen the toll that mental distress can take, especially in our regional areas, where services are limited. But that stigma still lingers, because of our small communities. We know that mental health doesn't discriminate. It affects young people, parents, older Australians, workers and carers. It actually affects all of us, and we know that when people reach out for help they deserve to find it close to home. Across the country, the Albanese government is delivering more mental health services right in the heart of our communities. As part of our plan to strengthen Medicare, we've made an historic $1.1 billion commitment to expand mental health services across the whole lifespan. This includes 91 Medicare mental health centres offering that free, walk-in care from a multidisciplinary team—and, as I said, we've got one in Devonport and are really excited that we'll be opening one very soon in Burnie—20 perinatal mental health centres supporting new and expectant parents; 17 Medicare mental health kids hubs helping children and families with behavioural, emotional and social wellbeing; and 203 headspace services supporting young people aged 12 to 15. We have an expanded headspace service right in Burnie. We're not stopping there. We're investing an additional $72.7 million to boost headspace services right across the nation, giving our young Australians quicker access to the free mental health support that they need when they need it. This funding will add more staff to meet growing demand, expand individual and group therapies, and improve infrastructure to create safe, welcoming spaces. I found that really important in terms of the Medicare health hub in Devonport, where, when you walked in, you felt a really relaxing, calm environment. That's really important, particularly for young people. It will also enhance inclusive support for First Nations youth, for LGBTIQA+ individuals and our CALD communities. I'm especially proud to say that Burnie will be home to one of those 30 headspace services that I talked about as being uplifted to headspace Plus—providing enhanced care for young people experiencing severe mental health issues, right in our community. They don't have to travel. It's a really difficult time for young people when they have mental health issues and then have to find the care that they need right in their own community. That's what this delivers. We know that regional communities need to be able to access services. Expanding these facilities in Burnie will mean much more support for young people aged 12 to 25 right where it's needed most. I've sat down with the health and support people in the Burnie health space and they are excited about reaching out more broadly from Burnie, right across the community of Braddon. I'm excited about that. From early next year we'll also roll out a national early intervention service, providing free phone and online support from trained professionals. That's expected to help more than 150,000 Australians each year. We are layering the assistance. People can walk in or they can get on the phone, and they can get the service they need without long waiting lists. We're also investing in the workforce that makes this care possible. Without fantastic health workers in this area, we just can't do the sorts of things that we want to do. We're investing in that workforce with over 4,000 psychology scholarships, internships and training places and investing in new support to professionalise the peer workforce. We value that lived experience. When we opened the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Devonport recently, I met a fabulous support worker who has had lived experience. I think it makes the journey for someone with a mental health condition much easier if they can actually speak to someone who has had that lived experience as well. We know that peer workers bring something powerful to the table: empathy and understanding, which then provides hope for people. Next year we'll establish a peer workforce association and conduct a national census of peer workers to better support and grow this vital part of our mental health system and provide the support that those workers need. As we expand the range of free services, we're making it easier for Australians to find that right support. The Medicare Mental Health national phone service number, 1800595212, and the website, medicarementalhealth.gov.au, are there to help people connect with the care that they need. With a phone call or a tap on a website you've got the help that you need. You can go and find them and navigate through. Mental Health Month reminds us that wellbeing is not a luxury. It is a right. With every new centre, every new service and every new conversation, we're building a stronger and more compassionate Australia. But we should also say that every day is a chance to look after our own and others' mental health—not just for the month of October, but all year round.
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak in support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. This bill is about fixing a problem identified during a review of how VET student loans were...
I rise today to speak in support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. This bill is about fixing a problem identified during a review of how VET student loans were administered under the previous government. It is a practical measure that ensures certainty for students, providers and the integrity of the system. Since the VET Student Loans Act commenced in 2017, VET student loans providers and registered training organisations, including TAFEs and private colleges, have played an important role in administering loan applications. In practice, this involved handling tax file numbers for the purpose of verifying a student's identity and ensuring loan repayment through the tax system. However, during a review of how VET student loans were administered, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations identified that the Vet Student Loans Act 2016 did not explicitly authorise providers to handle TFNs. The program operated as intended, providers acted in good faith and the system functioned to help Australians access training without upfront costs, but the legal footing needed to be clearer. This bill addresses that gap. It clarifies the authority retrospectively so that everyone involved—providers, Commonwealth officers and the department—has certainty that their past handling of TFNs for the administration of loans was lawful. The bill does three key things. First, it retrospectively authorises the handling of those tax file numbers by VET student loans providers and relevant Commonwealth officers for the purposes of administering VSLs from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2025. This ensures that the good-faith actions taken to administer the scheme were legally supported. Second, it provides certainty to providers, government officers and students that past practices where tax file numbers were used to correctly link a student's loan account to their Australian Taxation Office record were lawful and appropriate. Third, from 1 October 2025 providers will no longer need to handle tax file numbers at all. Updated IT systems in the department now mask tax file numbers from providers and automate their secure transfer between relevant systems; in other words, the future design eliminates the need for providers to handle tax file numbers while preserving the essential function of the program. A tax file number is essential for an income contingent loan program like VET student loans because the loan is repaid through the tax system. A tax file number enables accurate tracking of a student's loan. It ensures the correct linkage to their Australian Taxation Office account and supports repayments as the student's income grows. Without a tax file number, the integrity of the program would be compromised. Providers have always been subject to strict integrity safeguards, including compliance with disclosure provisions under the VSL Act, extensive approval processes and mandatory reporting of any data breaches. These protections have applied in the past and will continue to apply, and, with the new IT architecture, we will go further. Tax file numbers will be masked from providers, and the secure handling of sensitive identifiers, which is really important, will occur within government systems designed expressly for that purpose—not for other purposes but expressly for that purpose. The bill is not just about fixing a technical gap. It is about supporting Australians who rely on VET to build their careers. We know that there are many young and mature students out there who are looking at getting assistance to get through a VET program, and, in my home region of Braddon, the importance of VET cannot be overstated. Across the electorate of Braddon, VET student loans have helped locals train for many jobs like aged-care and disability support. Those sectors are growing rapidly as our population ages, and we want to encourage more people to get into those roles. It's really important. The loans have also backed apprentices and trainees in construction and advanced manufacturing. These are the industries that drive major projects in Tasmania, like the Marinus Link and beyond. Those construction and advanced manufacturing jobs are very, very important for the renewable rollout that we are seeing right across the country but particularly in my region of Braddon, in Tasmania, and we need to back in apprentices and trainees and give them every opportunity to go through the VET system and get trained. Students at TasTAFE's Burnie and Devonport campuses are completing diplomas in things like agriculture, project management and nursing skills. These are essential for strengthening our hospitals, advancing our renewable energy projects and also supporting our local businesses. Private providers in Braddon play a vital role too. They deliver courses in hospitality, tourism and tour guiding, which create pathways for jobs that showcase our region. We have a fantastic region to showcase and we need really high-skilled people. People can get on board, get skills and training and get involved in those courses to help showcase our region through events like the Wynyard Tulip Festival, which runs every year. It's run by a small committee, but they need lots of volunteers and people with skills. There's also the Unconformity festival, which happens every two years in Queenstown, on the West Coast, and brings in people both from all over Tasmania and from mainland Australia, and there are also international people that visit there. Having really well-trained people with the skills and the opportunities to showcase those regions is vitally important. Without VET student loans, many of these students would face upfront costs they simply could not afford, and we see a lot of students make the decision about whether to actually get involved in a VET course based on whether or not they can afford it. Free TAFE has been tremendous in supporting many students, both young and mature, in realigning their careers and changing the shape of what they want to do for the rest of their life. That measure has been really helpful. This bill's changes around student loans will make a difference in people's lives. The bill ensures that the system underpinning those opportunities is sound, secure and futureproof. We want more aged-care workers. We want more electricians for renewable energy projects, and we need more chefs in a local cafes and restaurants. These are the sorts of opportunities that students get when they go through a VET course. The VET Student Loans program has been helping Australians access training since 2017, but during a recent review we found something important—that the law didn't clearly allow providers to handle tax file numbers, even though they needed to at the time for the system to actually work. We're fixing that, and that's something this bill is doing. Since early this year, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has upgraded its IT systems so providers will no longer see the tax file numbers. They're now masked and transferred automatically. This government is investing $42.2 million over four years to build a modern VSL platform. From 2026, the program will run on a new secure system for assessments and payments. The bill starts the day after royal assent, so it's really urgent that we get this bill dealt with. It confirms that past practices were lawful, but it also introduces a safer and more modern way to handle that sensitive data like tax file numbers and that data that students have. Why does it matter? Well, it matters particularly because VET student loans make training more accessible. They let students defer fees and gain skills in our areas that the economy needs most around science, technology, engineering—in our licensed trades. They help tackle skills shortages and create better job outcomes. In Braddon, the area that I represent in Tasmania, that means that there will be more nurses in a hospital—we need a lot more of them—and more skilled trades for housing projects. We are working on that really hard as a government, and we need more people to come on board to get the skills to be able to build those homes. There will also be more technicians for renewable energy. As I said earlier, we have a very big renewable energy hub right on the north-west coast of Tasmania, and I want to see our young people have opportunities to get trained to be technicians and work in those renewable energies that provide really great future jobs and good, secure jobs for the future for those young people. It means stronger local businesses and a stronger regional economy. This bill is about doing the right thing for students, for providers and for the integrity of our loan system. It ensures that VSL can keep supporting Australians without the complexity that's there, without uncertainty. Really importantly, it is with the privacy protections that the public rightly expects.
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak in support of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the associated bill—a practical, targeted and responsible measure from the Albanese Labor...
I rise today to speak in support of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the associated bill—a practical, targeted and responsible measure from the Albanese Labor government, one that backs our pubs, clubs, brewers and hospitality workers right across Australia, including in the electorate of Braddon in regional Tasmania, where I come from. From 1 August 2025 the government will pause indexation on draught beer excise and excise equivalent customs duties for two years. This is a sensible decision that supports small businesses, protects jobs and helps keep the price of a pint stable for everyday Australians. In towns across the electorate of Braddon, the local pub is more than a business; it's where people gather for sport, celebrations and support in their tough times. It's where locals find work, where small brewers find customers and where regional economies find strength. These venues are the heart of our communities and they deserve our support. This excise applies to containers between eight and 48 litres, those commonly used in pubs and clubs and larger containers used in hospitality venues. It's tightly targeted. It doesn't apply to bottled or canned beer, spirits or other excisable beverages. That's deliberate. This is about supporting our hospitality operators, not the retailers. Around 10,000 venues will benefit from this measure, and about 75 per cent of those are small family-run businesses. These are the venues that sponsor the local footy team, host charity raffles and employ young people starting out in the workforce, many of them university students. It also supports our brewers, especially small and independent producers, who rely on keg sales to stay afloat. (Quorum formed) Take Communion Brewing in Burnie, in the electorate of Braddon, for example. This family-friendly brewpub is the heart of the CBD. It brews all its beer onsite, with names inspired by local heritage, like the Paper Maker, a nod to Burnie's industrial past. Communion is more than a brewery; it's a community hub, a local employer and a proud contributor to the region's cultural and economic life. Island State Brewing in Devonport is another fantastic example. Known for its bold, locally crafted beers and its commitment to quality, Island State Brewing supplies venues right across the north-west coast and beyond. It's a growing business that supports local jobs, partners with regional suppliers and brings people together through great Tasmanian beer. And, of course, we have the renowned and famous James Boag Brewery in Launceston, an iconic institution in Tasmania's cultural and economic landscape. Situated on the banks of the North Esk River, the James Boag Brewery has been a cornerstone of the region since its establishment in 1881. For over 140 years, the brewery has produced beer that embodies the purity and the character of Tasmania, utilising pristine local water, regionally sourced ingredients and a time honoured brewing tradition passed down through generations. Beyond its contribution to Tasmania's brewing heritage, Boag's plays a significant role in the local economy and the local community. It supports employment, it drives tourism and it contributes to regional events. Its presence in Launceston is a source of pride for many residents. I hosted a 'beers and banter' event at the Beach Hotel in Burnie not that long ago alongside local publican Ben to mark the Albanese Labor government's announcement of a pause in the indexation of draught beer excise. During the event, I spoke with local posties and other community members enjoying their well-earned Friday evening knock-off drinks. The response was overwhelmingly positive. They welcomed the decision as a practical and meaningful measure. They were excited that the price of a pint will remain stable. This pause in indexation ensures that the price of a pint remains stable. Allowing workers to continue enjoying a social moment at the end of the week without added financial pressure, it also provides tangible benefits to brewers such as Communion, Island State and Boag's brewery, as well as publicans like Ben. By helping them manage costs, plan production and invest in their communities, this policy supports both local industry and the social fabric of all of our towns. Approximately 160,000 Australian workers work in the hospitality and brewing sectors. These are real jobs, they're local jobs, and they rely on venues staying open and profitable. This excise pause will help stabilise the tax component of a pint for two years, reducing pressure on venues to pass rising costs on to customers. For small publicans and family run clubs, this decision offers certainty. It helps them to plan ahead, retain staff and also reinvest in their businesses, which is really important for the future. It's a lifeline during a time of economic pressure. Across Braddon, the pub is the heart of the community. Keeping those doors open actually matters. This measure reinforces the government's commitment to regional Australia, it helps protect tourism and local hospitality jobs, and it supports Australian brewers, particularly small and independent producers who supply draught beer to local venues. Many of these brewers rely heavily on keg sales to maintain cash flow and jobs. The benefits of this policy reach beyond pubs and brewers. They flow to farmers, transport operators, equipment suppliers and the thousands of small businesses linked to the hospitality supply chain. This is a cost-of-living measure that also strengthens small-business resilience. It's a clear example of responsible government action, designed to make a difference without driving inflation or compromising fiscal discipline. The Albanese Labor government has listened to industry feedback from brewers, from publicans and from the small-business groups, who have consistently called for relief from automatic excise increases during a period of high inflation. We've heard them and we've acted on that. Our approach is pragmatic and balanced. It provides targeted support where it's most needed while ensuring excise arrangements return to normal after the pause. It forms part of a broader package of small-business supports that includes extended instant asset write-offs, support for digital transformation and lower energy costs for small operators. This policy reflects Labor's belief that responsible government can ease pressure on families and businesses while maintaining the economic discipline required to keep the budget sustainable. It's a demonstration of Labor's partnership with the hospitality, tourism and manufacturing sector industries that drive local jobs and form the backbone of many regional economies. The pause ensures that small brewers and publicans can continue competing fairly against large multinational producers, protecting diversity and competition in Australia's beer and hospitality industries. The government remains committed to evidence based health policy and responsible consumption. The pause does not change the overall structure of alcohol taxation or weaken public health objectives. This measure is time limited, fiscally responsible and carefully calibrated to help small businesses through a challenging period. It is another example of Labor governing with balance and purpose, backing small business, protecting workers and ensuring that Australians can continue to enjoy affordable, responsible hospitality at their local pub or club. This decision also shows that the Albanese government is in touch with community life. We understand the pressures small businesses face and we act decisively to support them. This is about keeping our local venues open, keeping people in work and keeping communities connected—values that sit at the heart of the Labor tradition. It is good, steady, responsible government in action, targeted relief, real results and a fair go for Australian workers and small-business owners alike.
Carers | Statements by Members | House debates
This week I had the privilege of attending Carers Australia's young carers Australia barbecue right here in Parliament House, where I met the wonderful Taya and her mum, Kathryn, from Burnie in...
This week I had the privilege of attending Carers Australia's young carers Australia barbecue right here in Parliament House, where I met the wonderful Taya and her mum, Kathryn, from Burnie in the electorate that I represent. Taya is an extraordinary 15-year-old and a proud young carer. She cares for her younger brother Kye, who has level 3 autism, is nonverbal and lives with a global development delay. When Kye was first diagnosed, Taya knew nothing about autism or the challenges ahead, but she embraced her role with courage and resilience. Her caring responsibilities are significant. She manages toileting, nightly medication, getting both herself and Kye ready for school, ensuring someone is home to meet his bus and providing constant supervision. These are just some of the daily tasks that make life more complex for her family. While many of her peers may not fully understand the demands of her role, Taya continues to show incredible strength. Despite these responsibilities, she's still a teenager with really big dreams. She plays club football, performs in musicals, takes on leadership roles in school, works part time and maintains a social life. She speaks honestly about carer burn out and the struggle to balance her own needs with Kye's and reminds us that caring takes a village. She's grateful for the support around her. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of our young carers, and my hat goes off to her.
Braddon Electorate: Child Care | Statements by Members | House debates
The closure of St Patrick's Child Care Centre in Latrobe on the 24 December would have created a significant gap in early learning services for families in the Braddon electorate that I...
The closure of St Patrick's Child Care Centre in Latrobe on the 24 December would have created a significant gap in early learning services for families in the Braddon electorate that I represent. Surrounding centres are already operating at capacity, and this planned closure placed immediate pressure on parents who rely on quality care to stay in the workforce. I was pleased to announce last week that the Albanese Labor government has stepped in to support local families. Lady Gowrie Tasmania successfully secured $334,000 in federal funding to redevelop a temporary early learning space on Gilbert Street in Latrobe. This interim solution will ensure continuity of care for children and peace of mind for parents until the permanent Cotton Street centre is completed between July and September next year. As one parent told me, 'Without this support, I didn't know how I'd keep working. Knowing there's a safe, quality place for my child means everything to our family.' This is a great outcome for our community. It demonstrates our commitment to making early childhood education accessible and to supporting working families in Braddon. I also want to thank the Latrobe Council, the state government and Lady Gowrie Tasmania for supporting the federal government to deliver this much needed service in Latrobe when it looked like there was going to be no other opportunity. Everyone has worked really hard together, and I want to thank all of them.
Regional Australia | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
I rise today to speak on the matter of public importance, borne to the chamber by the member for Page. The MPI is really a load of rubbish. Honestly, it's not worth the paper it's written on. The...
I rise today to speak on the matter of public importance, borne to the chamber by the member for Page. The MPI is really a load of rubbish. Honestly, it's not worth the paper it's written on. The Albanese Labor government understands that families in our region are doing it tough. Whether it's rising grocery prices, energy bills or housing costs, the pressure is real. I come from regional Australia. I travel to regional Tasmania regularly. I see the difficulties that people face. That's why the Albanese Labor government is focused on responsible, targeted cost-of-living relief and relief that makes a real difference to the lives of people, particularly those living in regional Australia. We're not here to play politics with issues facing those Australians; we're here to deliver on the promises we made, and that's exactly what we're doing. Since 1 July, a suite of measures rolled out right across the country, and I've seen firsthand my electorate how they're helping households in regional Australia. Wages are up. The national minimum wage and award wages have increased by 3.5 per cent, a direct boost for thousands of workers in regional areas—workers in our factories. The previous speaker spoke about the farmers, we have lots of farmers in our region, and they support the workers in those factories that, now, many of whom will get the benefit of the wage increase we have provided to them, which is a direct boost for thousands of workers. It's money in their pockets, not promises on paper but money in their pockets. Superannuation is stronger. The superannuation guarantee has risen to 12 per cent, helping to secure a better retirement for locals who've worked hard all their lives. We have introduced that payday super for workers to get a better deal so they don't get ripped off. Families are better supported. Paid parental leave has increased to 24 weeks and, for the first time, superannuation is paid on government PPL. That's a gamechanger for young families planning for the future. Energy bill relief is real. Another $150 is on the way before the end of this year, to help households manage rising costs and keep the lights on. We are backing apprentices. Many of those apprentices work and live in regional Australia. With the $10,000 incentive payments for those entering housing trades as well as fee-free TAFE, again in regional communities, we are supporting jobs and helping build the homes that our communities desperately need. We're cutting emissions and costs. On the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, we hear the energy minister almost every question time tell us about the areas where the cheaper home batteries are actually being installed. That will make a huge difference to people. I've heard directly from constituents in Spreyton and Devonport, who are already seeing the benefits of those batteries. We're easing student debt. Student loan balances have been cut by 20 per cent for three million Australians. These are issues that are meaningful for people right across the country but in particular those in regional areas. This support is targeted, it's responsible and it's reaching people who need it most. But we're not stopping there. More relief is rolling out through the remainder of 2025. Tax cuts for every taxpayer kicked in last year, and there are more rounds coming next year and the year after. That's long-term relief, not short-term spin. Medicare is expanding. I hear often from people that this is the best thing that government has done. The urgent care clinics, the Medicare walk-in centres for mental health—these are the things that make a difference to people who live in Devonport, in Burnie and in places around regional Australia where they can walk into an urgent care clinic. Regional people in my community can get that care when they need it, without having to pay for it on their credit card. Another 50 urgent care clinics will open this year, and bulk-billing will expand in November. We're already seeing practices take up that bulk-billing incentive, and I think that will continue to keep rolling out. We're not chasing headlines; we're delivering outcomes—that's what we're doing. We're delivering for regional Australians. We're backing workers, families, students and retirees. We're investing in our future while easing the pressure today. We'll keep working every day to make sure no-one in regional Australia is left behind, because on this side that's what good government looks like. That's what leadership looks like and it's what our regional communities deserve. I'm proud to represent the Albanese Labor government in the electorate of Braddon to deliver for regional Tasmania and people in my region.
Regional Australia: Roads | Private Members' Business | House debates
After a decade of neglect and underinvestment by the former coalition government, the Albanese Labor government is delivering record infrastructure investment to rebuild our regions and make our...
After a decade of neglect and underinvestment by the former coalition government, the Albanese Labor government is delivering record infrastructure investment to rebuild our regions and make our roads safer for all Australians. We're not just talking about change; we're actually delivering it. We understand that safe, reliable infrastructure is the backbone of thriving communities. That's why the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is undertaking a comprehensive consultation process, engaging with road safety experts, industry leaders, local governments and, of course, everyday Australians. We've committed to a 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline that exceeds $120 billion, the largest and most sustainable infrastructure investment in our nation's history. This pipeline supports a program of nationally significant transport infrastructure projects across each state and territory, with a strong focus on regional Australia. As part of the 2025-26 budget, we allocated $8.6 billion under the infrastructure investment pipeline towards 22 new major projects that will directly benefit regional communities. In Tasmania, we are investing $2.3 billion over the next decade to deliver transformative infrastructure upgrades across the state. This includes $628.8 million for the new Bridgewater Bridge, which officially opened in June 2025 and is already improving travel times and safety for thousands of Tasmanians who travel that every day, and $363.2 million for upgrades to the East and West Tamar highways, the Bass Highway and the Ridgley Highway. When I talk about highways, I also talk about these roads that are in regional Tasmania. Many of them are in the area that I represent. There is $150 million to duplicate the Tasman Highway causeways, easing congestion and improving safety; $100 million for safety improvements to the iconic Great Eastern Drive; $82 million to expand the bulk minerals export facility at the Burnie port, supporting regional export and jobs; $80 million for bridge and road pavement replacements across the state; and $80 million for safety upgrades to the Lyell Highway, a vital route for those commuting to the west coast communities. In addition, the 2025-26 budget committed a further $345.2 million to seven new projects, which include improvements to the Ridgley Highway, another corridor to the west coast of Tasmania. We're also backing Braddon's communities and industries by increasing support through the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, our highway to the mainland. The Albanese Labor government has boosted TFES assistance by 25 per cent, delivering additional funding over the next two years. This targeted investment will help reduce freight costs for local producers, manufacturers and exporters, making it easier for Braddon businesses to compete, to grow and to create jobs. In the electorate of Braddon, which I represent, we're seeing real results on the ground. Under phase 4 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, eight local councils in Braddon received over $4 million to deliver priority road and community infrastructure projects: Central Coast Council, nearly $800,000; Circular Head Council, over $800,000; the city of Burnie, almost $500,000; Devonport City Council, over $500,000; King Island Council, over $400,000; Latrobe Council, over $300,000; Waratah-Wynyard Council, over $500,000; and the West Coast Council, over 300,000. These are rural, regional and remote areas in north-west Tasmania. Through the Black Spots Program, we're delivering $685,000 to improve dangerous intersections in Braddon and, under the Better Active Transport grant program, we're funding $1.27 million for stages 3 and 4 of the Spreyton connector in Devonport and $192,000 for the Wynyard to Smithton shared user trail feasibility study, supporting active transport and tourism. Across the country, we are delivering for regional Australia. We have increased the Black Spot Program to $150 million annually, and created the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program with $200 million per year to improve safety and productivity on local roads. We're investing in safer roads, stronger communities and a better future for Tasmanians and for regional Australia. We're listening to locals and delivering on our commitments.
Braddon Electorate: Wynyard Tulip Festival, Braddon Electorate: Penguin | Constituency Statements | House debates
Despite wild weather in the lead-up to the event, the skies cleared just in time and the community turned out in force with gumboots on and spirits high for the 2025 Tulip Festival in Wynyard....
Despite wild weather in the lead-up to the event, the skies cleared just in time and the community turned out in force with gumboots on and spirits high for the 2025 Tulip Festival in Wynyard. This festival began in 1991, born from the pride the Wynyard community felt in the breathtaking beauty of the region. What started as a small local celebration has blossomed, quite literally, into a nationally recognised event, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Over the past 33 years, we've seen the festival grow in scale and significance, with only one pause in 2020 due to COVID, which is an amazing result. Last year alone, Wynyard welcomed an estimated 20,000 people. That's a testament to the enduring appeal of the festival and the tireless work of the Waratah-Wynyard Council, staff, volunteers and stallholders, who make it all happen. This year's festival was made even more special by the presence of guest ambassadors MasterChef runner up from Smithton, Josh "Pezza" Perry, and Hannah Moloney, a host of ABC TV's Gardening Australia. Here's to 33 years of the Wynyard Tulip Festival, and I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026 for the 34th year! A week ago I attended a birthday party. That's not all that revolutionary; however, this was a combined 150th birthday for the township of Penguin and 50th birthday for the giant three-metre high penguin that sits on the foreshore. The town of Penguin, nestled beside the sea on the north-west coast in Braddon, had the biggest and best birthday party that I've ever been to. The Penguin 150 Street Party was the highlight of the year of festivities to celebrate the birthday of the town. There was live music, food stalls, local markets, entertainment and a lot of community spirit, capped off with a fabulous show of fireworks. The main street was closed off so it was safe to roam, and the street was abuzz with crowds, prams, children, dogs and people enjoying the sunshine and the atmosphere. For the occasion, Australia Post developed a special stamp collection with the Big Penguin and a specially minted dollar coin with the Big Penguin on the face. A huge congratulations goes to the committee members, the volunteers, the performers, the stallholders and everyone who worked so hard to make all of the wonderful events such a success. I echo the words of many who spoke: this is all about community. It's about knowing and watching out for your neighbours. The events this year really let the spirit of this fabulous little community shine through. I want to again congratulate the small community of volunteers who worked really hard to put on such a fabulous event for not just the Penguin town but the entire north-west region.
Unconformity | Statements by Members | House debates
An unconformity is a buried erosion surface separating two rock masses, or, as it happens on the west coast of Tasmania, it's a contemporary arts festival exploring the unique paradoxes of...
An unconformity is a buried erosion surface separating two rock masses, or, as it happens on the west coast of Tasmania, it's a contemporary arts festival exploring the unique paradoxes of Queenstown—a four-day biennial festival, where you can walk the landscape, meet the people, be provoked by the different art, learn and be taught, or just have a damn good time enjoying art and all of the different iterations. This year I had the honour of being joined by the federal arts minister, Tony Burke. I proudly escorted him around Queenstown, through many of the festival's venues, and introduced him to a wide range of artists. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our local arts community. There's something truly special about meeting artists in their element, seeing their work, hearing their stories. Whether you were sitting on Crib Road enjoying the music, sampling food from the local vendors or browsing artworks in pop-up galleries, Queenstown was really alive with creativity. Spiderbait, the legendary Aussie rock band, headlined the music program and brought an incredible energy to the weekend. Their performance drew crowds from across the region and was a highlight for many, myself included. I've been to every Unconformity since the festival's inception and I can say, without hesitation, that they just get better and better. Thank you to everyone who makes this festival possible: the artists, the organisers, the volunteers, the local businesses and the community of Queenstown. You continue to produce a top-tier festival.
Timber industry | Private Members' Business | House debates
The Albanese Labor government is unequivocal in its support for a sustainable and innovative Australian forestry industry. This means both native forestry and plantations. We recognise that...
The Albanese Labor government is unequivocal in its support for a sustainable and innovative Australian forestry industry. This means both native forestry and plantations. We recognise that native forests are a crucial and complementary source of wood products that plantations cannot supply. This reduces our reliance on importing this timber from countries that have weaker environmental standards. I recently visited Britton Timbers in Smithton in the Circular Head region on the far north-west coast of Tasmania. Britton Timbers celebrated its centenary in 2007. Britton Timbers has been a provider of quality Tasmanian timber—timber like blackwood, Tasmanian hardwood and other timbers—for over 100 years, providing good jobs for locals. Around one-third of the employees have been with Britton's for more than 10 years, and 17 per cent have been with the company for over 20 years. Britton Timbers have invested significantly in new technology to provide for more product flexibility to meet their customer requirements. The imported timber that they use is sourced from suppliers who identify environmental sustainability as a principal factor. Their timbers are also sourced principally from forests with international certification. Sitting down and talking with Shawn Britton was not only educational but also refreshing—hearing about how they care about their resource and also about their environment. The forest industry, like all our resource based industries, have long value chains. The Tasmanian forestry industry's value chain is made up of forest managers, harvesting contractors, log-truck drivers, sawmill operators and timber wholesalers and retailers. This flows through to house builders and furniture makers—and we have some wonderful specialty furniture makers in Tasmania, who use some of the most stunning timber that we grow. And, of course, we have many craft product makers, who sell their products in the boutique galleries that support our tourism and visitor economy. Annually, in Tasmania, we have the wonderful Australian Wooden Boat Festival, which has grown to become the largest single regular event on the Tasmanian tourism and events calendar. These beautiful boats are built from timbers that the Tasmanian timber industry is famous for. The native hardwood timber sector alone contributed $278 million to the national economy in 2022-23. This very much outlines its ongoing importance to our regional communities, providing jobs with wages that are often spent in the local economy and in our regional communities. In Somerset, a small town in Braddon, Forico have their plant nursery, which I recently visited with Minister Julie Collins. Forico is the largest private forestry management company in Tasmania and the largest hardwood replanting program in Australia. They currently breed and deploy species such as blue gum, shining gum and radiata pine. The nursery has capacity beyond Forico's internal needs and grows commercial seedlings for external clients both in Tasmania and on the south-east mainland of Australia. Decisions about the day-to-day management of native forests are ultimately a matter for the state governments, and our government is committed to providing a stable national framework, like the Regional Forest Agreements, that allows for sustainable native forestry to continue to occur. This government has a positive, forward-looking plan for the entire forestry and wood product sector. Through record investment, genuine partnership and a commitment to innovation, we are ensuring a strong, sustainable and prosperous future for the industry—and also, more importantly, the regional communities that depend so heavily on it. The Albanese government is backing the forestry industry with a landmark investment of $300 million to improve capacity, to drive innovation and to secure those jobs of the future. We're delivering where the previous government failed; while they promised a billion trees and delivered only one per cent, our $73.8 million Support Plantation Establishment program has already awarded funding for 25,000 hectares of new plantations. Through the Accelerated Option of Wood Processing Innovative Program, $89.49 million in grants has been provided to 30 projects to modernise manufacturing infrastructure and ensure our local processors remain at the cutting edge. There is a lot more that I could talk about in this. I am running out of time, but I do want to say that we are doing a lot more work within this area around forestry.
Braddon Electorate: Medicare Mental Health Centres, Rural and Regional Health Services | Statements by Members | House debates
Last week, along with Minister Emma McBride, we officially opened the Medicare mental health centre in Devonport, in the electorate of Braddon. This walk-in centre offers free mental health care...
Last week, along with Minister Emma McBride, we officially opened the Medicare mental health centre in Devonport, in the electorate of Braddon. This walk-in centre offers free mental health care for anyone aged 18 and over. It's open five days a week, with no appointment, no referral and no payment required. It's staffed with qualified mental health professionals, who can find the support that people need either on the phone, face to face or via the website. It's a warm, soothing environment, and as soon as you walk in the door you feel like it's giving you a warm hug. These centres are a much-needed addition to my community. Following the soft opening the week prior to the official opening, the centre had 15 walk-ins. When I dropped in last week to say hello, they told me they'd had a further 10 walk-ins since the official opening. These are services which really matter in a community, particularly in regional communities like the one that I represent, and I look forward to a second Medicare mental health centre opening soon, in Burnie. This will provide services right across the two major centres within the electorate of Braddon. The Albanese Labor government is getting on with the job of supporting our regional communities with these very important services. Again, they provide a walk-in service, with no referral and no payment required. We are getting on with the job of helping people in our regional communities.
Renewable Energy | Statements by Members | House debates
The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program is now helping more Australians take control of their energy bills and make the most of their rooftop solar. While over four million households...
The $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program is now helping more Australians take control of their energy bills and make the most of their rooftop solar. While over four million households have solar panels, only one in 40 had installed batteries, largely due to high upfront costs. This program is changing that. Last week in my electorate of Braddon, I spoke with Adrian from DMS Energy in Spreyton, who welcomed the program and its benefits. He described it as a smart forward-looking initiative that will help reduce electricity bills, lower peak demand and create a more stable grid. He also praised the program's strong focus on safety and permanent installation standards. This is about delivering real cost-of-living relief, supporting clean energy uptake and ensuring regional communities like Braddon aren't left behind. The Albanese government is taking practical steps to help Australians store the solar energy they generate and use it when they need it most. While we, on this side, are getting on with commitments we took to the election and helping Australians with the cost of living by supporting eligible households, businesses and community organisations to access a 30 per cent discount on small-scale battery systems, those on that side only seem interested in their internals, tearing themselves apart and looking inward. We are getting on with the job that we were elected to do.
Renewable Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. What progress is the Albanese government making on clean energy, and what are the risks?
Kiely Plumbing | Constituency Statements | House debates
The Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, and I recently visited Kiely Plumbing in Burnie, in the electorate of Braddon. Thank you to Sam Kiely and his team for hosting us. Kiely...
The Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, and I recently visited Kiely Plumbing in Burnie, in the electorate of Braddon. Thank you to Sam Kiely and his team for hosting us. Kiely Plumbing started in 1967 in Sam's pop's shed in Sulphur Creek. It has grown into a well-respected, modern, family owned and operated business. Kiely Plumbing is focused on delivering great service to customers and building a healthy and safe workplace culture with a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. I was very impressed with the young apprentices I met during my visit, including Isabella, a young woman working in what is still a non-traditional trade for women. She's being encouraged and supported in her chosen trade, and the minister and I enjoyed hearing about her experience. Kiely Plumbing is the first business in Tasmania to partner with Tradeswomen Australia. This is what Sam has to say about that partnership: We believe there is absolutely nothing more important than equality in life. It led us to partner with Tradeswomen Australia and participate in their Workplace Diversity Project. Proud to say we have employed our first woman apprentice and strive to create an inclusive workplace for future female tradeswomen. And it's not just in the workshop that he is encouraging girls and women to meet their potential. Sam wrote Plumbing Power with Mila and Maya to show that there's no limit to what girls can do, to encourage more women into trades and, in his words, 'to show kids that trade jobs aren't just about tools; they are about superpowers.' Congratulations to Sam and the team at Kylie Plumbing.
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, cognate with Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026. I'm very proud...
I rise to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, cognate with Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026. I'm very proud to represent the people of the federal seat of Braddon in this place. As you know, Deputy Speaker Claydon, I also served as a senator for Tasmania in the other place between 2011 and 2025. I'm a strong advocate for all things Tasmanian and particularly for the north-west, the West Coast and King Island. It's worth reminding everyone from metropolitan and regional electorates that my electorate is rural, it's remote and it's very remote. Braddon is a large electorate, and the population is geographically dispersed. Circular Head, one of eight local government areas in the electorate, boasts a location called 'the edge of the world'. At this location, looking out to the sea, the next closest piece of land in a straight line is Argentina, more than 15,000 kilometres away. I'm told it's the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on Earth. I'm yet to swim it! The electorate boasts extensive areas of wilderness, and it's no surprise that the West Coast was chosen not once but twice as the location for the SBS series Alone Australiaa wild place indeed. In Braddon, people commute long distances to work, to study, to see loved ones and to access services that, for many other people, are available just around the corner. On average, the electorate has an older population and has poorer health outcomes than other parts of Australia. These are issues in the electorate that are attributed to remoteness, but, for some issues, this is a poor excuse from service agencies who should work harder—and this is not good enough. For example, there are areas of my electorate that have persistently poor digital connectivity. This is a handbrake on businesses, it disadvantages students, and it isolates people and their communities. Consumers in my electorate are signing the same standard price contracts with telcos, but they receive far poorer services than the mainland and even some other parts of Tasmania. But I'm pleased to say that the federal government is funding incentives that will bring more competition to the market and better investment on behalf of their customers. The electorate isn't a squeaky wheel and often flies below the radar. It is home to many quiet achievers, boasts innovative industries and advanced manufacturers, is an emerging renewable-energy powerhouse and is a fantastic place to live. It is important that Braddon is not relegated to the edge of the world or left behind when it comes to federal government policy, programs and priorities. The Albanese Labor government has shown that it is a government for all Australians, including residents of Braddon. The electorate delivered the biggest swing in the country—over 15 per cent—to elect me as its representative. And there is a reason for this. The electorate saw that the Albanese Labor government doesn't leave people behind. We don't forget small communities like our agricultural and mining communities, and we know the challenges that face people who live outside metropolitan and regional Australia. The electorate saw Labor committing more funding to public hospitals. In 2025-26, we will deliver a 14 per cent increase in funding to Tasmanian state-run hospitals. Up from $660 million last year, the state will receive $750 million in Commonwealth funding this financial year. We will also invest $120 million to establish a heart centre in Launceston, making it easier for patients with heart disease from the north and north-west to get better health care. The people of Braddon also backed Labor's plan to strengthen Medicare, to make medicines cheaper and more accessible, to increase bulk-billing incentives for medical practices and to increase the number of doctors, nurses and midwives. The estimated savings to patients in Braddon from our cheaper medicines policy is so far almost $8.5 million, and, across Tasmania, more than $40 million has been saved. Our policy is putting money back in the pockets of patients when buying their medicines. We've also prioritised women's health, with over $790 million in funding to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women, including new rebates for longer consultations. Braddon voters have seen the great outcomes of Labor's first round of funding for Medicare urgent care centres. They supported our commitment to extending the number of urgent care clinics. A total of 87 Medicare urgent care clinics are currently operating across Australia. This number will expand to 137 clinics as part of the 2025-26 federal budget and Labor's plan. These are the things that make a difference to people in regional, rural and remote Tasmania and right across the country. The Devonport Urgent Care Clinic has delivered over 25,000 bulk-billed walk-in consultations since it opened at the end of 2023. I'm really pleased to say that a tender process is now underway to select a provider for our second urgent care clinic in Burnie. These initiatives help take numbers out of the emergency departments within our hospitals, which are always chock-a-block full. When people can go to an urgent care clinic, they can get seen within a very short period, get the treatment they need and not have to pay a cent for that. Across Tasmania, urgent care clinics have delivered over 100,000 bulk-billed appointments. Braddon will benefit from two Medicare mental health centres. One is currently being fitted out in Devonport and will open soon, and a second clinic will be located right in Burnie. Again, these centres provide free walk-in mental health services for people of all ages. They will be an important link between hospital services and people in the community with mental health issues and will provide services at a time when and at a place where people need them—no waiting. Walk in and be seen. The centres will be staffed by social workers, nurses, peer support workers and mental health workers, and they will have access to psychiatry services. We know that the dream of homeownership has been out of reach for many people. The Albanese Labor government is helping all first home buyers purchase their first home through the Home Guarantee Scheme. We're implementing the program early, on 1 October 2025, instead of waiting until next year. Under Labor, all first home buyers will be able to borrow for their first home with a five per cent deposit, with no caps in place and no income limits. For single parents, the deposit requirement will be just two per cent of the purchase price. Labor's scheme will save first home buyers tens of thousands of dollars in lenders mortgage insurance. In the first year alone, first home buyers are expected to avoid around $1.5 billion in mortgage insurance costs. Since we came to government, more than 560 people in Braddon have been able to buy their first home with a five per cent deposit or less thanks to Labor's Home Guarantee Scheme. That's 560 people for whom it would otherwise have been out of reach. For renters, we've delivered a 45 per cent increase in Commonwealth rent assistance—the biggest back-to-back increase in more than 30 years—helping over one million low-income Australian households pay their rent. In Braddon, there are 9,000 people who have benefited directly from this assistance. We've made strong progress in delivering 55,000 social and affordable rental homes for the Australians who need it most. We've invested a record $1.2 billion into building new crisis and transitional accommodation to ensure that at-risk groups, including older women, younger Australians and those fleeing from family and domestic violence, will have access to safe and stable housing. We've facilitated the training of more tradies through Labor's fee-free TAFE. More than 365 construction trade apprentices in Braddon, who are building new houses, are benefiting from $5,000 incentive payments. From 1 July this year, Labor's Key Apprenticeship Program has offered up to $10,000 in financial support to apprentices commencing or recommencing their careers in the clean energy or housing construction sectors. If you go along to a TAFE and talk to the students who are involved in that, they are absolutely stoked about it. They are coming through the door. It is helping to train those we need to build the homes. Following tax cuts and energy bill relief in our first term, we will deliver new tax cuts for every taxpayer, and we will deliver more energy bill relief. We've wiped 20 per cent off student debt so that three million students and apprentices will save an average of $5½ thousand each. Almost 8,000 people in Braddon will benefit from this. We're making free TAFE permanent, so young Australians can get the skills that they need for the jobs that they want, and we are delivering affordable child care closer to home. Last week, legislation passed both houses to put penalty rates into law, to protect weekend and overtime pay. Penalty rates make a big difference for many people. If you're working on a Saturday night, on a Sunday or on a public holiday, you should be compensated for what you are giving up, and that is what our legislation will ensure. There are many, many workers across this country who rely on penalty rates but also work unsavoury hours and shifts that keep them away from their families. They really deserve to have those penalty rates. We have looked after those workers, and we have now enshrined that in legislation. Labor governs for all. That's no more apparent than in electorates like mine. We also know that there is more to do. We are playing catch-up on a long period of neglect from those opposite: inconsistent investment, lack of certainty for business and renewables, and lack of concern for the people and places in rural and remote Australia. Our priorities, policies and programs will support and include those who live outside metropolitan and regional Australia—people like the people that I represent in the electorate of Braddon, which is remote, rural and very remote. I commend the bill to the House.
Braddon Electorate: Community Events | Statements by Members | House debates
The seaside town of Penguin on Tasmania's north-west coast is turning 150 this year in October. Through the year there have been many events to celebrate this occasion. Penguin was officially...
The seaside town of Penguin on Tasmania's north-west coast is turning 150 this year in October. Through the year there have been many events to celebrate this occasion. Penguin was officially proclaimed a town in 1875, although settlers had arrived as early as 1861, drawn to the area by timber and spectacular farmlands. In March, hundreds of us—and I joined in—from all along the coast dressed up in Penguin suits and masks and participated in the Great Penguin Waddle. It was a lot of fun. In April there was the Penguin Egg-Stravaganza, a huge Easter egg hunt, lawn games and painted penguin rookeries from the Antarctica exhibition in Hobart. Coming up in September there are two events: one to celebrate the legacy of the Lette sisters, who were instrumental in the town's early development, and the Penguin Cemetery Walk, to learn about the town's forbears. In October there's a huge street party scheduled, and I'm anticipating going along to that. I want to congratulate the small group of organisers who have very successfully put together the Penguin 150, putting this little piece of paradise on the map and celebrating the 150th birthday of Penguin.
Regional Australia: Housing | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government helping regional Australians into homeownership after...
My question is to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. How is the Albanese Labor government helping regional Australians into homeownership after a decade of being ignored?