Pat Conroy's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Defence Equipment | Questions without Notice | House debates
I thank the member for Boothby, from the great defence state of South Australia, for her question. The Albanese government is united in working hard to deliver the capabilities our Defence Force...
I thank the member for Boothby, from the great defence state of South Australia, for her question. The Albanese government is united in working hard to deliver the capabilities our Defence Force needs to keep Australians safe. Importantly, we're accelerating delivery at the same time as creating Aussie jobs. We've increased naval strike range tenfold, and we're more than doubling the size of the warship fleet. Our first new warship will be delivered five years ahead of the Liberals planned first new frigate, and we'll deliver four new warships in the time the Liberal government was to deliver one. We're also delivering the autonomous Ghost Shark submarine to safeguard our maritime approach. They are rolling off production lines in a factory in Sydney right now. We're acquiring counterdrone capabilities in record time. And our world-leading Ghost Bat is the first military aircraft designed and made in Australia in more than 50 years. We're making missiles right now in South Australia, and we'll open another missile factory next year. By contrast, under the last Liberal government not a single missile was built. All they produced was two media releases. You can't defend a country with media releases. I'm also asked about what we've rejected. We've rejected the chaos and division that we've seen from the Liberals and Nationals. The Albanese government runs a proper, orderly cabinet process because our national security demands nothing less. This means we can deliver. We're creating 10,000 shipbuilding jobs. By contrast, the Liberals closed two shipyards, slashing thousands of jobs. We're investing $10 billion in drones and counterdrones. The Liberals cancelled the nation's only armed drone project. We're undertaking the biggest reform to defence in 50 years, while a pet goldfish lasted longer than Liberal defence ministers. We're building factories while they are building leadership contenders. We're rolling out missiles and drones while they're rolling leaders. We're opening production lines while they're opening old wounds. We're focused on boosting our missile numbers, our ship numbers and our drone numbers. The only number the shadow defence minister is focused on is boosting his own numbers in their party room. The Albanese Labor government is delivering on our commitments to keep our nation safe, create jobs and build Australia's future. The Liberals and Nationals are a shambles; they are completely divided. We're focused on national security; all they care about is their own job security.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
I share the shock and devastation of all Australians following the horrendous terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025—an act of evil, blatant antisemitism; a terrorist attack...
I share the shock and devastation of all Australians following the horrendous terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025—an act of evil, blatant antisemitism; a terrorist attack that has struck at the heart of our nation; and an attack on our way of life. My thoughts, and the thoughts of the people of Shortland, are with the family and friends of the 15 people who tragically lost their lives—who were murdered. The trauma and loss their families are dealing with is beyond anyone's worst nightmare. I think especially of the parents of 10-year-old Matilda, who are facing an unimaginable future without their daughter. My heart goes out to the people who were seriously injured, and may face lifelong impacts as a result, and to the broader Jewish community, who've faced a targeted antisemitic attack. The first day of Hanukkah should've been a joyous celebration of faith, but it will be remembered as one of our darkest days. My community also grieves with the people of Bondi. Like us, the Bondi community loves the ocean and the sunshine, and they've suffered an enormous trauma at the heart of their beloved beach. In the month since the attack we've seen Australians across the nation embrace their fellow Australians, especially those of Jewish faith. I know that people in Shortland have been deeply affected. In fact, my office has received thousands of emails and phone calls. Most of these people have been expressing horror and dismay that such a grotesque act of violence could take place in modern Australia. For example, Nicholas from Jewells wrote: I am writing to you as a constituent who is both deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. This was not only an attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours but an attack on the Australian way of life itself, a way of life built on fairness, tolerance and a belief that everyone is a mate, regardless of their faith or where they come from. Nicholas went on to write: Australians pride themselves on living peacefully side by side without fear or suspicion. The horror at Bondi Beach has shaken that spirit. It has left many of us feeling that the easy-going decency that defines our country has been violated. The Lake Macquarie and Central Coast communities have demonstrated their solidarity with Jewish Australians by coming together with love and unity. Just a few days after the attack, I attended a service at Newcastle Synagogue—as did you, Deputy Speaker Claydon—where people from across the Hunter stood side by side in the face of darkness. The synagogue was overflowing with people, who spilled out onto the street. The people on the street listened—in fact, they stood there silently for over an hour because they could not hear the service. They stood there to commemorate and to show solidarity. People wanted to demonstrate their sympathy for the Jewish community and stand against terror and hatred. We must also remember that, against this vile and cowardly attack, we saw acts of bravery—the best of humanity. If it wasn't for the courage and quick actions of the New South Wales police, medical professionals, first responders, lifesavers and many individuals just there on the day, many more people would have died. In particular, I'd like to mention Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim man who saved countless Jewish lives by disarming one of the attackers. I've had so many letters to my office praising him for his courage, including from Juan, a police officer of more than 28 years. He described Mr al-Ahmed's actions as courageous, selfless and inspiring—someone who acted to save life regardless of religious faith. Juan requested that Mr al-Ahmed be nominated for an award for his selfless bravery, and I thank the Prime Minister and the Governor-General for establishing special awards to recognise the bravery of those like Mr al-Ahmed. But there were many others like Mr al-Ahmed, many of them highlighted in today's debate—people who rushed towards danger, putting themselves in harm's way to save the lives of others. These people embody the best of what it is to be an Australian, showing the selfless courage that we have seen on battlefields but is rarely required of civilians. From such a horrific and tragic incident, one message must remain clear: there is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation—no place for antisemitism—and we will continue to stamp it out in all its forms. If we stand together, light will triumph over darkness every time. As the Prime Minister said, Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people that day. Australia is braver than those who seek to make us afraid. Australia will never submit to division, we will see justice done and we will come through this together. We will never forget the people who died on 14 December, the love they gave and everything they brought to our nation. May their memory be a blessing.
Defence | Questions without Notice | House debates
I thank the member for Newcastle for her question. The Albanese government is united and working hard to deliver the capabilities our defence force needs to keep Australian safe. Importantly, we...
I thank the member for Newcastle for her question. The Albanese government is united and working hard to deliver the capabilities our defence force needs to keep Australian safe. Importantly, we are accelerating delivery at the same time as growing Aussie jobs. This is in stark contrast to the Liberals and Nationals, who aren't listening, have no ideas and are focused on themselves. We've delivered naval strike missiles, Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles to the Navy years ahead of schedule, increasing their range tenfold. We are more than doubling the Navy's warship fleet and we've selected the Mogami class frigates months ahead of schedule, with the first frigate to be delivered in 2029. Our first frigate will be delivered five years ahead of the coalition's planned first new warship, and we'll have delivered four new warships when they had planned to deliver one. We've committed to continuous naval shipbuilding in Adelaide and Perth, delivering tens of thousands of new jobs. In contrast, the Liberals closed two shipyards, slashing thousands of jobs and secretly cutting $20 billion from the defence budget. We're increasing the budget by $70 billion. That is what a responsible, united government does. I'm asked about alternative approaches. We saw it on display by the last government and continued in the opposition leader's thought-bubble of a defence speech last week. It was a thought bubble so empty that the shadow minister for defence didn't even know about it. It was a speech that lauded Scott Morrison's commitment to producing guided weapons in this country. There's only one slight problem. Under the Morrison government, they produced zero missiles. The only thing they produced was media releases. I've got news for the opposition: you don't defend the nation with media releases or Top Gun music. In contrast, we're building two missile factories and we'll be producing missiles by the end of this year. That is what a united government does. The other insight of the opposition leader was that we need to invest in drones and autonomous systems, and I couldn't agree more. That's why we've allocated over $10 billion to do that, and that's why we're repairing the damage her government did when they cancelled the country's only armed drone project. By contrast, we've built the Ghost Shark factory, growing hundreds of jobs in Sydney and delivering to the Navy. The truth is that we're getting on with the job of supporting the ADF by growing the defence industry workforce. Only one side of the parliament can be trusted with national security, and they're sitting right over here.
Shortland Electorate: Schools | Constituency Statements | House debates
It's always heartening to hear about excellence in innovation in our schools. In Shortland, I'm proud to say, we have some of the best. Hunter Sports High in Gateshead made history a few months...
It's always heartening to hear about excellence in innovation in our schools. In Shortland, I'm proud to say, we have some of the best. Hunter Sports High in Gateshead made history a few months ago after being named government secondary school of the year, and overall— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 09:32 to 09:44 As I was saying, it's always heartening to hear about excellence and innovation in our schools, and in Shortland I'm proud to say we have some of the best. Hunter Sports High School in Gateshead made history a few months ago after being named government secondary school of the year and overall Australian school of the year in the Australian Education Awards. Not only is this an amazing achievement; it is the second year in a row it's won both categories. Just think about that—it's the second year in a row that it has been the best school in Australia. To be awarded Australian school of the year once is a big deal, but to be awarded it back to back is phenomenal. I'd like to recognise and congratulate Principal Rachel Byrne, her staff, students and the wonderful community for cementing Hunter Sports High as a prime example of excellence in public education. It is setting the standard for education right across the country. These awards truly reflect the passion, expertise and commitment of the entire school community in providing an outstanding learning environment. Hunter Sports High prides itself on inspiring a love of lifelong learning in its 950 students from years 7 to 12. It delivers a learning environment that balances academic excellence and sporting achievement. Twenty-two per cent of its students identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, ensuring rich cultural experiences are part of the diverse fabric of the school community. Especially, as the school represents a region that includes Windale and Gateshead and other communities like that, this is a phenomenal achievement of which I am so proud. Just five minutes away is Mount Hutton Public School, a K-6 primary school with around 170 students, of which 23 per cent identify as First Nations. Around 40 per cent of the cohort have at least one disability, often more. This is a school that is leading the way on how to embed the explicit instruction teaching model. This approach helps students process new information more effectively to prevent cognitive overload. The successes being enjoyed by the leadership team at Mount Hutton Public School have been recognised by the Australian Education Research Organisation and feature in a new video on the AERO website. With its teachers using a consistent and collaborative approach to teaching, Mount Hutton has seen positive changes throughout the school. There's no doubt that improving teaching practices and boosting teachers' confidence in their methods improves student outcomes. I couldn't be prouder of these two schools in my electorate. They are leading the way in delivering high-quality, best-practice education, and I am so proud to be part of the Albanese Labor government that is delivering, for the first time, full and fair funding for public schools right across Australia, including for those on our home turf in Shortland.
Manufacturing Industry | Questions without Notice | House debates
It is the cheapest approach as well. All those opposite do is oppose and obstruct the rollout of renewables. The truth is the Liberals and Nationals aren't listening. They have no new ideas. All...
It is the cheapest approach as well. All those opposite do is oppose and obstruct the rollout of renewables. The truth is the Liberals and Nationals aren't listening. They have no new ideas. All they have got is contempt for manufacturers, continued opposition to our efforts to make power cheaper through rolling out renewables, continued opposition to our support for industries through tailored packages. In the end, all we have from over there is obstruction, contempt for jobs and contempt for the communities that rely on those well-paid, secure, highly skilled jobs.
I hear the contempt from those opposite about an aluminium smelter getting assistance on an electricity contract. It demonstrates what they think about manufacturing in this country. This is a...
I hear the contempt from those opposite about an aluminium smelter getting assistance on an electricity contract. It demonstrates what they think about manufacturing in this country. This is a short-term deal but it provides breathing space for Rio and the state government to negotiate a long-term energy solution that ensures the smelter's viability. This is important because Bell Bay is a cornerstone of the local Tasmanian economy. The Albanese Labor government recognises the importance of smelters like Bell Bay, not only to the economy but to the workers and families in the community and that is why we are building a reliable energy system that will secure Australian competitiveness for decades. That is what Future Made in Australia, the capacity investment scheme and the CEFC all do. They make sure we have cheap power and in turn a vibrant and world-class industrial sector that delivers good jobs. Opposition members interjecting— Again, I hear interjections over there about our efforts to save manufacturing. Again, it demonstrates their contempt for manufacturing and the communities that rely on these well-paid secure jobs. Their opposition to intervention demonstrates their unfitness for government. We are getting on with the job of supporting manufacturing in this country while those on the other side demonstrate their contempt. We saw it when they were in government as well, where they delivered 22 failed energy policies. Under their watch, 24 of 28 ageing coal-fired power stations announced they were closing within a decade when they were in power. You would hope they had learned from the past. The fact is the only way to keep the lights on and reduce power bills is to accelerate the rollout of renewables, firmed for storage and backed by peaking gas.
I thank the member for her question. I know that manufacturing is an incredibly important part of her local economy. Her community will be relieved to hear that the Tasmanian government, Hydro...
I thank the member for her question. I know that manufacturing is an incredibly important part of her local economy. Her community will be relieved to hear that the Tasmanian government, Hydro Tasmania and Rio Tinto have come to a 12-month in-principle electricity agreement for Bell Bay Aluminium—a business that employs 550 staff and supports nearly 300 local businesses through its supply chain.
Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
We've been modernising our electricity grid, and the coalition has opposed us every step of the way. The coalition has campaigned against generational projects across the nation, and in...
We've been modernising our electricity grid, and the coalition has opposed us every step of the way. The coalition has campaigned against generational projects across the nation, and in abandoning net zero the National Party has betrayed regional Australia—even though they know regional Australia has the most to gain from taking action on climate. Renewables are creating jobs and new revenue sources across regional Australia. In campaigning against affordable energy, the coalition is campaigning against blue-collar jobs. We're making sure that we're delivering the cheapest power possible and in turn a world-class, vibrant industrial sector. In contrast, the coalition's chaos and division are making energy more expensive and unreliable and will kill manufacturing stone dead.
I thank the newly-shaven member for Hunter. His passion for jobs in our community is very laudable. We know that our vibrant, world-class industrial sector delivers good jobs for...
I thank the newly-shaven member for Hunter. His passion for jobs in our community is very laudable. We know that our vibrant, world-class industrial sector delivers good jobs for Australians—hundreds of thousands of jobs—and most of them in regional Australia. But the truth is that, without access to cheap and reliable energy, these industries and jobs are under threat. Just ask the workers at Tomago. Rio has been very clear: they haven't been able to secure competitive coal power offers. That's the truth of the matter. But it's a very different situation in Gladstone, where Rio have been able to secure renewable energy agreements. Boyne Island smelter has secured 80 per cent of its electricity needs through new firm renewable projects—the cheapest power available—at prices that will not only keep the smelter open but give the owners the confidence they need to invest. The bottom line is that, without access to reliable energy now and for years to come, heavy industries like smelters will not have a future. The future is renewables, and the Albanese government recognises this. We're supporting industries to move to renewable energy through the Powering the Regions Fund and the Green Aluminium Production Credit. The Net Zero Fund will invest $5 billion from the NRF on energy efficiency and decarbonising large industrial sites and will also invest in low-emissions manufacturing. The Capacity Investment Scheme is delivering 40 gigawatts of the cheapest generation storage available. The CEFC, which those opposite tried to abolish, has driven renewable energy infrastructure and technology projects nationwide. The truth is that, at Tomago, we're seeing the consequences of the coalition's decade of energy policy failure—22 failed energy policies, and the workers of Tomago are paying the price.
I'll conclude by saying we're providing more certainty to workers than those on the opposite side ever did. I invite Mr Bowen to speak.
I'll start the question, but, as it was directed to a question about energy, I think it would be more appropriately answered by the minister for energy. We have been very clear that the energy...
I'll start the question, but, as it was directed to a question about energy, I think it would be more appropriately answered by the minister for energy. We have been very clear that the energy sector is going through a transition as ageing coal-fired power stations close down. Unlike those opposite, we've got plans in place to drive investment into the sector. When they were in government, gigawatts of capacity closed down without a suitable replacement. And who suffered the most? Heavy industry in this country. That uncertainty drove power prices, as they had 23 different energy prices that placed Australian manufacturing under huge pressure. We're combating that right now with our Future Made in Australia agenda, which is driving investment into manufacturing because we're focused on it. Unlike those opposite, who cheered manufacturing going offshore, including the automotive industry, we're focused on cheap energy to drive manufacturing.
Australian Centre for Disease Control Bill 2025, Australian Centre for Disease Control (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Defence Industry | Questions without Notice | House debates
I thank the member for his question. Australia faces the most challenging strategic environment since 1945, and that's why the Albanese government is investing record amounts in the Australian...
I thank the member for his question. Australia faces the most challenging strategic environment since 1945, and that's why the Albanese government is investing record amounts in the Australian defence industry to keep Australians safe and deliver a future made in Australia. I'm delighted to inform the House that, according to the latest statistics, the industry grew by 12½ per cent, and jobs grew in that sector by almost 10 per cent. This investment is guided by the lessons from recent conflicts, including that we don't just need the right equipment; we need the ability to make this equipment in Australia. There's no better example of this than the Albanese government's $10 billion plan for drone and counterdrone technologies. Last month I announced our plan to acquire $1.3 billion worth of drone defences for the Australian Defence Force. Importantly, this will involve many innovative Australian companies, like Acacia Systems in Adelaide, which I recently visited. Their home-grown technology will be the brains of the ADF drone defence. We're also designing and making drones in Australia. Take a look at Ghost Shark, delivered on budget and ahead of schedule, or Ghost Bat, the first aircraft to be designed and made in Australia in over 50 years. So we're growing capabilities for the ADF, we're growing jobs and we're growing sovereignty and self-reliance for Australia. Our record stands in stark contrast to the coalition's wasted decade, where they failed to support our local industry. They cancelled the only armed drone project and delivered zero drone defences for this country. We're delivering both armed drones and drone defences for the ADF. They closed two shipyards, costing thousands of Aussie jobs. We're delivering continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and SA, supporting over 10,000 jobs. All they did for missile manufacturing was two media releases. We're building two missile factories, and this year Aussie workers will start making missiles in this country. Under their plan, there would have been no major warships for the Navy until 2034. Under us, there will be four new warships in that time, with the first delivered this decade. Unlike those opposite, we support Aussie workers and manufacturing, and that's why the Albanese government is backing a defence future made in Australia. In contrast, as question time again demonstrated, those on the opposite side can't be trusted on defence, can't be trusted on national security and always go the low road.
Address-in-Reply | Governor-General's Speech | House debates
Let me start by saying this: representing the people of Shortland is the greatest honour of my life. I'm incredibly thankful to my community for putting their trust in me once again. I won't take...
Let me start by saying this: representing the people of Shortland is the greatest honour of my life. I'm incredibly thankful to my community for putting their trust in me once again. I won't take it for granted. I promise to keep working hard every single day to deliver for you and for our region. The result of the 2025 election sent a strong message across the country: Australians want a government that listens, that delivers and that puts people first. I'm proud to stand here and say that's exactly what the Albanese Labor government is doing and will keep doing. Throughout the campaign, my team and I spoke with thousands of people across our community. We doorknocked, we phone-called, we held street stalls, eager to hear what mattered most to people. We listened, we made commitments and now we're delivering. One example I'm especially proud of is our support for an amazing local organisation, Survivor's R Us. Survivor's R Us helps people dealing with domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment, some of the hardest things anyone can go through. They told us they needed a permanent space so they could keep doing their vital work. We listened, and now we deliver. A commitment by the Albanese Labor government of $2.8 million will help them buy a permanent site. This will give them the security they need to continue helping our community for many years to come. That's what good government looks like: backing local organisations, supporting people doing work on the ground and making a real change in people's lives. Everyone deserves safety, dignity and opportunity to rebuild. But our work doesn't stop there. We've also committed funding to support important community upgrades across Shortland. There is $4.6 million to deliver the second state upgrade of Belmont Sporting Complex, $130,000 to fix the steps of Charlestown Netball Courts, $220,000 to address Windale rugby league club's drainage issues at Hunter Barnett Oval, $420,000 to upgrade the lighting at John Balcomb Oval, home of the Dudley Magpies, $275,000 to install new floodlighting at Lisle Carr Oval in Whitebridge, $275,000 to upgrade the lighting at Cardiff Netball Courts, $275,000 to install floodlighting at Jack Edwards Oval in Argenton, $325,000 to fix longstanding flooding issues at Slade Park and $35,000 for new fencing at Halekulani Oval, home of the Budgewoi Bulldogs. These projects may not make national headlines, but they matter deeply to our community and to the players, families and volunteers who use these spaces every week. I'm also proud of the $90,000 in funding we've committed for the expansion of the Vedic Samiti Temple in Cardiff South. This will help deliver a new, all-weather dining space for our growing local Hindu community, making it easier to come together, celebrate and connect. Across Shortland and across Australia, people voted for a better future, for fairness, for stability and for a government that backs everyday Australians, not just the big end of town. That's what Labor stands for, that's what I stand for and that's what we'll keep delivering. When I was out and about in my community, my constituents told me they wanted help with the cost of living. They told me they were feeling the squeeze. That's why we're delivering real cost-of-living relief. We gave millions of households more direct energy bill belief, and there's another $150 off electricity bills to come. We've introduced cheaper child care and rolled out free TAFE, and now we're cutting the costs of medicines even further, cutting the price of PBS prescriptions to just $25, the lowest it's been since 2004. Meanwhile, pensioners and concession card holders will keep saving money thanks to the price freeze on PBS medicines, which will stay at just $7.70 until 2030. We'll continue to protect our PBS. That's how we help families, workers and pensioners right now—with practical support that makes a difference every day. During the campaign, young people told me they were struggling. The Albanese Labor government believes in a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, and that's why we've backed minimum wage increases. If you're getting a pay slip soon, minimum wages are now 3.5 per cent higher. We didn't just promise more jobs; we delivered better jobs with better pay and better conditions. That's why we're supporting apprentices in dealing with cost-of-living pressures while ensuring Australia has the workforce it needs to build 1.2 million homes over five years. We're paying housing construction apprentice tradies $10,000 in incentives, because we're building the workforce Australia needs for the future, and we're giving Australians real pathways into meaningful careers. That's what my community wants, and that's Labor's way—lifting people up, not leaving them behind. We know education changes people's lives, and that's why Labor has made it easier to learn, train and grow. I've heard from students and their parents that crushing HECS debts were stopping young people from buying houses and getting ahead. That's why we cut 20 per cent off HECS debt, why we introduced free TAFE and why, for the first time ever, eligible student nurses, teachers, social workers and midwives are getting paid for their prac placements—as they should. This is not just good policy; it's common sense. Because, if we want a strong future, we need to invest in the people building it. We know housing has become a major stressor for far too many people in Shortland and across Australia—renters, first home buyers and people trying to get a roof over their heads. That's why Labor is delivering. We're tackling the housing crisis with our $43 billion Homes for Australia plan, making it easier to buy and better to rent and building more homes. We're delivering up to 100,000 homes just for first home buyers, with no competition from investors, and we're making sure they're built near jobs, families and the community. From 2026, every first home buyer can access a government backed five per cent deposit, with no income caps and no limits on how much you can earn to be eligible. Our Help to Buy scheme will make it easier to buy your first home by cutting the size of your mortgage, with the government covering up to 40 per cent of the upfront costs. We are also speeding up construction with prefab and modular homes, which will fast-track building times. We're cutting red tape and fast-tracking the qualifications of 6,000 tradies to get it done. We've backed renters with more rights and more assistance, and now we're making the dream of homeownership achievable again. We're not ignoring the housing crisis; we're tackling it head-on. My constituents also told me how important Medicare is to our community, and I'm so proud that we're strengthening and protecting it. We tripled the bulk-billing incentive, making it easier to see a GP—especially for kids, pensioners and concession card holders. We all know how important it is to get medical care when you need it without spending hours waiting in a hospital emergency room. That's why we've opened urgent care clinics in Lake Haven and Charlestown. These clinics have quickly become some of the busiest in New South Wales, demonstrating just how vital they are to our community. Because of their success, we're delivering more resources to help them meet growing demand, so more people can get the care they need, when they need it, and for free. This is great news for local families, providing faster and more accessible care for our region. When I'm out in the community, I hear time and time again how much people value these services, so I'd like to thank the dedicated staff who work in these clinics. Your care and commitment are making a real difference every day, as is the care and commitment of every single person in the health sector in Shortland. Now we're working to deliver expanded mental health support, because my community told me that's what they need next. I'm proud that we will have a Medicare mental health clinic in Charlestown in the near future—because your health should not depend on your bank balance, and, under Labor, it never will. My constituents also care deeply about the environment. That's why we're taking bold, responsible action on climate change—not just because it's the right thing to do for our planet, but because it's the smart thing to do for our economy. Under Labor, Australia is becoming a renewable energy superpower. We're investing in batteries, home solar and the Rewiring the Nation project to modernise our grid. We're creating thousands of clean energy jobs and driving down power prices, all while cutting pollution and protecting our future. You can characterise our government as being steady. We've been focused, and we've kept our promises. From cost-of-living relief to Medicare reform and from housing to climate, the Albanese Labor government has delivered what we said we would, and we'll continue to do exactly that. At the end of the day, this election wasn't just about policies; it was about values, Australians chose fairness over division. But, unfortunately, the campaign also had its darker side. I saw scenes I'd never witnessed my time in politics. We had Exclusive Brethren in Liberal shirts busting into our neighbourhoods from as far away as South Australia. They were there not to campaign but to bully, harass and intimidate. They physically blocked voters from entering polling booths, ripped other parties' materials from voters' hands, tore down signs, hurled sexist and offensive remarks and confronted volunteers and voters with aggression and contempt. This was not about persuasion and campaigning; this was about coercion and intimidation. These tactics—the coordination, the coercion and the intimidation—were among the most egregious I've ever witnessed. They were corrosive to democracy and contrary to everything we stand for. They didn't even bother to pretend to know the electorate. They didn't even know where the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic was, even though many of them were at a prepoll centre just around the corner from the clinic for two whole weeks. All this, according to media reports, was coordinated out of the then Liberal leader's office—a nationwide, orchestrated effort by a secretive religious cult to influence our election. Let's ask ourselves: Why did the Exclusive Brethren, who don't even vote, mobilise in their thousands for the Liberal Party? What were they promised? What was the quid pro quo? Let's hope the Liberal Party never again employs such disgraceful, antidemocratic tactics. I'm pleased to report the voters of Shortland, when faced with this orchestrated campaign of fear and intimidation, said no. They provided the Liberals with the result they deserved. My constituents chose compassion over cruelty, hope over fear and action over spin. They chose a government that builds, not blames; that backs workers, supports families and stands up for the vulnerable; and that listens, delivers and brings people together. So to everyone who put their trust in me and Labor: thank you. I won't take your support for granted. Together we'll keep building a better Australia—one that is fairer, stronger and full of opportunity for all. I'd like to say a big, heartfelt thank you to my amazing team. I couldn't have done this without you. To the mighty trade union movement I say thank you. Every day you work tirelessly to improve the safety and working conditions of millions of Australians. In particular, I would acknowledge the support of the Mining and Energy Union, the AMWU, the MUA veterans and the SDA. Without your support, the result we achieved in Shortland would not have been possible. To my staff, my volunteers and, of course, my family: thank you for hitting the streets, knocking on doors, making countless phone calls, delivering flyers and handing out on polling places—on prepoll and on election day. We delivered one of the most active campaigns in all of New South Wales, and the results speak for themselves. Your support never wavered, and I have the great honour and privilege of serving the people of Shortland for another three years because of your hard work and dedication. I'd like to take a moment to pay tribute to a very special member of my team: my former office manager Kylie Katalinic. Kylie joined the Labor Party at just 17, inspired by her proud Labor father, and from that day on she dedicated her life to the movement. Kylie joined my office in August 2023. From day one, Kylie was focused on the election campaign to come. She knew just how important it was to have a Labor government in office and how a Labor agenda can transform lives. Tragically, Kylie lost her life to cancer in February this year. Kylie was a passionate unionist, a fierce advocate for mental health and someone who lived her Labor values every single day. Kylie brought warmth, energy and kindness to everything she did in our office, with her family and in our community. She is deeply missed by all of us, and I know she would be incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. I again pass my condolences on to Kylie's family and friends. In conclusion, I would like to thank two groups of people. First, I'd like to thank the Prime Minister for his continued leadership. He ran an incredibly disciplined, value driven, honest and effective government over the last three years, and the election result reflects the trust the people of Australia have in him and his agenda. He is a person who never forgets where he came from and is committed to fighting for Australians every single day. Finally, in conclusion, I'd like to thank my family again. To my beautiful wife, Keara, and my two amazing kids, Rachel and Michael: thank you for the sacrifices you make. Thank you for believing in the Labor project of improving the lives of all Australians. I apologise in advance for another three years of my absence, but I hope I can continue to make you proud and to repay the trust and sacrifice you make every single day so that I can continue to represent the people of Shortland. As I said earlier, representing my community in Shortland is the greatest honour of my life, and I will continue to work every day to make every moment in this place count. Thank you very much.
Defence Procurement | Questions without Notice | House debates
I thank the member for his question and applaud his commitment to Aussie manufacturing. The Albanese government has selected Mogami class as the preferred platform for our general-purpose...
I thank the member for his question and applaud his commitment to Aussie manufacturing. The Albanese government has selected Mogami class as the preferred platform for our general-purpose frigates for the Navy. This frigate decision is the biggest capability decision made by this government since announcing the Optimal Pathway for our submarines. It delivers on our plan to double the surface combatant fleet, giving the Navy much greater firepower. It's a plan backed by the Albanese government's $55 billion investment over the decade to deliver more ships more quickly. It's a plan to build eight of these next-generation stealth frigates right here in Australia, and it's supported by tens of billions of dollars of investment that we will make in Western Australia as part of our commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding. And I'm proud to say it will support over 10,000 well-paid, high-skilled jobs in WA and thousands more across Australia as Aussie businesses build these next-generation stealth frigates. This truly is delivering a future made in Australia. This decision was made months ahead of schedule and is an example of how we're accelerating critical defence capability projects to keep Australians safe, just like how we accelerated $1.3 billion in counter-drone capabilities to protect our troops and bases, a capability those opposite ignored when they were in power. We'll sign the frigate contract early next year, the first frigate will be delivered in 2029 and we'll have four frigates by 2034. That's four times as many frigates as the former coalition government planned and with the first new frigate delivered five years earlier. Let me repeat that: four times as many warships and the first five years earlier than the plan of those opposite when they were in power. I'm asked about a wasted decade. Our record on defence capability stands in stark contrast to the coalition. Under us, we'll have the largest surface combatant fleet since World War II. Under them, they delivered the oldest fleet the Navy has had in the history of the Navy. Under us, we're creating tens of thousands of jobs as part of continuous naval shipbuilding. Under them, they closed two shipyards in Australia, costing thousands of jobs in Melbourne and the Hunter. The Albanese government is getting on with the job of keeping Australians safe and delivering a defence future made in Australia, delivering more well-paid jobs for Australians, while those over there can't be trusted with defence or national security. (Time expired)
Mining and Energy Industry | Distinguished Visitors | House debates
I also applaud the member for Kennedy's long leadership on this issue. He's fighting very hard for his community, as is the Keep Our Copper delegation. As the Prime Minister said, Minister Ayres...
I also applaud the member for Kennedy's long leadership on this issue. He's fighting very hard for his community, as is the Keep Our Copper delegation. As the Prime Minister said, Minister Ayres is engaging with the state government and Glencore about this issue. As the PM has said—let's be clear—Glencore is a highly profitable company that has done very well out of Australia, and it's time for Glencore to be good to Australia. It's also important that Australian gas has to be available and affordable for all Australians, and that's why we've launched a review into the mechanisms involved there. This follows our work on capping coal and gas prices, which those opposite opposed. We'll focus on making gas more affordable for manufacturers so that Mount Isa has a strong future into the next few decades.
Critical and Strategic Minerals Industry | Questions without Notice | House debates
We're working closely with the companies involved as well as their workers and the unions representing them. We're also working closely with the state governments because it's important that we...
We're working closely with the companies involved as well as their workers and the unions representing them. We're also working closely with the state governments because it's important that we come at a solution together rather than using this as a political football. The truth is we need to solve the energy crisis that we inherited from the other side of government as well as dealing with the long-term issues and the global trade. We're going to get on with the job. We'll back Aussie manufacturing. We're not the side of parliament that cheered when the car industry left; that was under your reign of power. We're going to back manufacturing and Aussie jobs, and we're going to fix the mess that you left us.
I thank the member for his question, which is about the future of manufacturing in this country—in particular, the future of smelters. As we've said in this place many times, the...
I thank the member for his question, which is about the future of manufacturing in this country—in particular, the future of smelters. As we've said in this place many times, the sustainability of our domestic minerals and metals processing capability is vital to our national interest, and that's why we're backing jobs, backing manufacturing and backing heavy industry. The member also talked about energy. Obviously, energy is a critical part of the mix, and that's why we're investing record amounts in renewing our energy grid, backing renewable energy—which is the cheapest form of new energy—as well as improving reliability. I stood with the Prime Minister and other ministers when we backed Aussie industry with new investment in energy. The truth is the coalition had a chance to fix these issues, but they left us with a graveyard of discarded energy policies; by my last count there were 23. We're getting on with fixing the job by taking a considered approach, and Minister Ayres, in the other place, is working very hard at this. We've put aside funding for smelters, we've put aside funding for the green iron fund and we've put aside $2 billion for aluminium, to help with their energy transition. There's more to do, but the truth is we're not going to cop attacks from the other side, who sat on their hands for nine long years and did nothing about it.
Mental Health | Constituency Statements | House debates
Mental health is something that touches every family, every workplace, every school and every part of our community. It's something we need to talk about openly, honestly and locally. In my...
Mental health is something that touches every family, every workplace, every school and every part of our community. It's something we need to talk about openly, honestly and locally. In my electorate of Shortland, covering parts of Lake Macquarie in the Central Coast, I've seen firsthand the struggles that people face, whether it's a young person battling anxiety, a parent under pressure, someone doing it tough financially or an older Australian feeling isolated. There are real challenges faced by real people in our community. So, when my community told me they needed better mental health support, I took that seriously. That's why the Albanese Labor government is delivering a free Medicare mental health centre in Shortland—so people can get the help they need when they need it, close to home. This centre will be open to everyone—no referral, no appointment and no out-of-pocket cost. Just walk in and get the help you need, because mental health care shouldn't be a luxury. It should be accessible, affordable and local, not just for people in the big cities but for people in the regions too. These centres will relieve pressure on families and the broader health system by providing a one-stop hub for support. They'll be staffed by mental health nurses, psychologists, peer support workers and other allied health professionals, working together to deliver tailored, expert care. Whether someone is in crisis or simply in need of someone to talk to, they'll find a team ready to respond quickly, compassionately and effectively. People will be assessed onsite and connected to the right evidence based care. That might be short-term support, longer-term help or a referral to other local services. This is part of our broader commitment to strengthen Medicare and invest in the health of every Australian, because mental health is health. We're not just talking about better mental health care; we're delivering it. The centre can also help connect locals with other services to provide support over the long term, like housing or help finding a job. These centres are built to look at the whole picture and make sure people have the right support to move forward. We want fewer people falling through the cracks, less pressure on our hospitals and more lives changed for the better. That's what good government does. It acts, and it delivers real outcomes for real people. Under Labor, that's exactly what we'll continue to do.
Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
The Pacific is our home. It is in our interest to foster a resilient, connected region that enables all our economies to grow and our people to prosper. The Albanese government has brought new...
The Pacific is our home. It is in our interest to foster a resilient, connected region that enables all our economies to grow and our people to prosper. The Albanese government has brought new energy and ambition to revitalise our Pacific partnership after a decade of neglect. We're using all tools of statecraft, security cooperation, development cooperation and people-to-people links to do this. We're also supporting the services that underpin economic growth, such as banking, aviation and critical infrastructure. The Pacific looks to us first for support. That is what good neighbours do. We're also facing a more uncertain international environment and we are in a permanent contest in the Pacific, both the Minister for Foreign Affairs and I have repeated that many times. That is why it's been so important that there has been such a transformational change in Australia's approach the Pacific since we were elected in 2022. We've signed landmark treaties with Tuvalu and Nauru, creating a safer region and advancing our position as a security partner of choice. We've strengthened cooperation with Papua New Guinea through our bilateral security agreement and our landmark national rugby league deal. These are both underpinned by strategic trust. We're also getting our relationship with the Solomon Islands on a better footing by building its police force. This confirms our position as their security partner of choice. We're also building a proud track record assisting one another after natural disasters. Most recently, we worked to support Vanuatu after its earthquake on 17 December last year, getting rescue and humanitarian teams on the ground within 24 hours of Vanuatu's request. And we shouldn't forget that, when Australia was hit by the terrible bushfires of 2019-20, Fiji sent 54 of its soldiers to help our emergency responses. I will always be grateful for that. Our investments have helped ensure every Pacific Islands Forum country will have an undersea telecommunication cable by the end of 2025, to bolster economic growth. I met with Prime Minister Teo, of Tuvalu, yesterday to discuss their recent connection, and we're building people-to-people links. A love of sport is a connection we share with the Pacific, and we're building sports cooperation, whether it's rugby league with PNG; soccer with Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands; netball throughout the Pacific; or rugby union with Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Sport is bringing our countries closer together. We're committed to growing and strengthening the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme so it delivers on the region's ambitions for more skills and opportunities. This includes expanding opportunities for the Pacific and Timor-Leste and embedding a skills dividend in the scheme by helping fill vital worker shortages in regional and rural Australia. And we've created the first ever Pacific permanent migration pathway through the Pacific engagement visa, responding to a longstanding request from our Pacific partners. The first ballot for that PEV had 56,000 applications for only 3,000 spots, demonstrating the strong support throughout the Pacific for this important scheme. Our engagement with the Pacific is underpinned by this government's recognition that climate change is the No. 1 concern of the Pacific. All this has helped us to build transformational relationships—for example, our landmark Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union responds to Tuvalu's position at the frontline of the climate crisis. I recognise this has enabled us to unlock greater security corporation. The Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025, which we're debating right now, is part of our commitment to our Pacific neighbours. The Albanese government places a high priority on ensuring that the Pacific and Timor-Leste remain connected to the global financial system. The Pacific, unfortunately, has experienced the fastest withdrawal of correspondent banking relationships anywhere in the world. Just as the Pacific suffers the worst consequences of climate change, its businesses, workers and people are being disproportionately affected by bearing the cost of debanking. Secure access to the global financial system and banking services is critical for economic growth, financial inclusion and overall stability. That's a statement of the bleeding obvious, but it's very important. At a national level, banking services mean government and businesses can engage in international trade, progress projects for infrastructure and essential services, and maintain and grow their economies. At a local level, banking services allow people to start up a new business and to maintain and grow their existing businesses. They enable workers to send money home to support their families and communities. For example, we've seen for many years how significant remittances can be. Under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, workers from the Pacific contribute to Australia by filling labour gaps in regional and rural areas and specific industries. Right now, over 30,000 PALM workers are filling those labour gaps, and, again, on behalf of the government, I want to say how grateful I am to them, their families and their countries for assisting the Australian economy. At the same time, those workers are sending, on average, $1,500 per month to their families and communities back home. I've visited many communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste, and I've seen firsthand how this income directly alleviates poverty in local communities. It helps pay for food and other essentials. It pays for education and medicine and is even used to start small businesses, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Importantly, it's also dealing with gender equality and the divide that we see in many nations around the Pacific. Banking services are essential in supporting remittances and funds transfers through people, organisations, businesses and nations. Australia and our Pacific partners want to avoid the situation where Pacific nations are debanked and lose access to timely and affordable cross-border payments and banking services. This is not about any individual country; this is about enhancing our cooperation with our Pacific island neighbours. This is about listening to their needs and working together on solutions. We all want to live in a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous—a region where our partnerships are grounded in respect, including respect for sovereignty. We're committed to doing our part to contribute to this vision. For over 140 years, Australian banks have been a partner to the Pacific region. Today, three Pacific nations use the Australian dollar as their national currency, underscoring our economic interdependence. In fact, the Foreign minister of Nauru reminded me about how generous they are to let us use their currency in Australia! But banks are not just financial intermediaries; they are symbols of our commitment to the region. They are a key to stronger trading and investment relationships between us and our Pacific neighbours. Their presence in the Pacific ensures that our neighbours can stay connected to the global financial system and experience secure, reliable and high-quality services. I've directly engaged with Pacific leaders and Australian bank executives to find ways to ensure that we have an enduring banking presence in the region. Australian banks' Pacific operations are lauded for maintaining high standards of service quality and high rates of regulatory compliance, helping to thwart financial crime. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Economic instability creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by transnational criminals and other bad actors. Ensuring that the Pacific has a robust financial system mitigates financial crime risks and supports economic resilience. A financially stable Pacific benefits Australia, and I thank the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for providing banking services to Nauru in our national interest. This is a critical part of the Nauru-Australia Treaty. Under that treaty, Australia committed to ensuring that Nauru will not be left without a bank when the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank departs this year. The treaty also reflects our shared commitment to security that is led by the Pacific family, which is in our deep national interest. I also acknowledge ANZ's commitment to remaining in eight Pacific markets and Timor-Leste. ANZ has been in the Pacific for 140 years, playing an incredibly important role. I remember meeting the regional ANZ manager in the Solomon Islands, where he briefed me about how they reduced their fees during the COVID period for admittances because they knew there were thousands of Solomon Islander workers stuck in Australia, trying to send money back to sustain their families, when the region was devastated by the economic impact of COVID. The guarantee contained in this bill will support meaningful access to face-to-face banking services. It will also support enhancements to ANZ's banking services, including its digital banking services. ANZ will continue to support access to international money transfers and correspondent banking services, and will also support Pacific countries through infrastructure financing in line with the bank's credit risk policies. The guarantee is a responsible and low-risk way to secure ANZ's long-term commitment to the Pacific. Supporting the Pacific Banking Guarantee Bill 2025 is how members in this House can advance our national interest. A secure, stable and inclusive financial system in the Pacific is not just beneficial to the region; it is in Australia's national interest. We're also doing our part to address the structural factors that are leading banks to exit the Pacific. This includes helping to build digital identity infrastructure in seven Pacific jurisdictions; building the capacity of financial intelligence units so Pacific governments can respond to money laundering and terrorism financing risks; trying to find ways to address the lack of scale in Pacific countries' financial markets—we're doing this in partnership with the World Bank; I met with the deputy head of the World Bank yesterday to discuss this important project—and supporting secure and affordable channels for Pacific workers to remit money, which is something we're doing with New Zealand and the European Union. I'm pleased to be part of a government progressing this important piece of legislation. We must ensure that Australia remains the partner of choice for the Pacific. Let us be clear that safeguarding banking services and the financial system is all about underpinning greater economic resilience and security in our region. We're committed to listening to and working together with our Pacific neighbours on issues that matter to us both. This bill is a clear demonstration of our commitment to do this. I commend the bill to the House.