Anne Stanley's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-05T22:06:02+00:00
items: Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Werriwa Electorate: Community Events | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Gun Control | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
items: Valedictory | Adjournment | House debates
items: VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Fifteenth Avenue | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Megarrity, Mrs Alison Patricia | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Werriwa Electorate: Education | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Liverpool City Council | Adjournment | House debates
items: Workplace Relations | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Dismissal of the Whitlam Government: 50th Anniversary | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Medicare | Statements by Members | House debates

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to make my contribution to the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. Australia arguably has the best health workforce in the world. They are well...
encoded: I rise to make my contribution to the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. Australia arguably has the best health workforce in the world. They are well trained, up to date and regulated to ensure that best practice is followed. On the occasion when things do go wrong, we must admit and then do something about it. Our health system has checks and balances to ensure that the independent investigations are undertaken and appropriate measures are implemented to ensure better outcomes in the future. The demands of our health system are constant. We're all living longer and largely healthier lives, but, with an increasing population, this inevitably places more pressure on our system, particularly at our emergency departments and hospitals. The Albanese government has implemented many initiatives since being elected to ensure that Australians can see a doctor when they need to and that they have the appropriate care that is required. Just last week, the Medicare urgent care clinic promised by the Albanese government in Werriwa opened for patients. It is opening extended hours, and it means that people seeking medical assistance for things like stitches or illness will not face the long wait in emergency departments. The government has made the biggest investment into the health system in decades, prioritising primary health care with bulk-billing initiatives. There are so many pillars to our health system. I've already mentioned EDs, hospitals and primary care, but there's also the PBS system, Medicare, bulk-billing, urgent care clinics, gold card benefits for veterans and the National Immunisation Program. Underpinning all of this is the world's best-trained health workforce. The bill before us seeks to support our health workforce by amending the National Health Act 1953. Specifically, the bill supports the Albanese Labor government's election commitment to prioritise implementation of scope-of-practice reforms for nurses and …
date: 2026-02-05T11:07:00+00:00

Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Dealing with the complexities of life is difficult at the best of times. Paperwork, red tape, rules, regulations and just paying bills take up an incredible amount of time, not to mention...
encoded: Dealing with the complexities of life is difficult at the best of times. Paperwork, red tape, rules, regulations and just paying bills take up an incredible amount of time, not to mention patience. Then, of course, there's the issue of computers. If the connection isn't down, then the printer can almost certainly be jammed. For those of us whose first language is English, what I've described is manageable—if only just, at times. But it is so much more isolating if English is not your first language. My electorate is home to 152 discrete language groups. The data in the 2021 census is revealing in this regard. Sixty-six per cent of households in the electorate of Werriwa use a language other than English at home. Of these, Arabic, Vietnamese, Hindi, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic and Spanish are the most common. With regard to parenting, just over 68 per cent of Werriwa residents state that both parents were born overseas compared to the national average of 36 per cent. The diversity in my electorate is one of the things that I love about it, but it still can present challenges—especially when helping constituents with their matters. One of the most important tools for me and my staff is the national Translating and Interpreting Service, TIS National. Using TIS is often a game changer. When language barriers emerge, either over the counter or more likely on the phone, a quick call to TIS National can make all of the difference. It's not an exaggeration to say you can hear the barriers fall away as constituents speak to an interpreter in their own language. It means the constituent can properly express themselves and be guaranteed that any confusion or misunderstanding can be dealt with promptly, and it adds another benefit. A number of times in my electorate office the children of constituents have acted as interpreters for their parents. I thoroughly understand why this is the case, but it can be far from ideal for any number of reasons. Using TIS means the use of children as…
date: 2026-02-04T18:13:00+00:00

Werriwa Electorate: Community Events | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: Representing a multicultural electorate like Werriwa is a privilege. It means that I receive so many generous invites to community, religious and other celebrations. These events highlight what...
encoded: Representing a multicultural electorate like Werriwa is a privilege. It means that I receive so many generous invites to community, religious and other celebrations. These events highlight what is best about having people from all around the globe choose Australia, and, more importantly, Werriwa, as their home. New Year celebrations in Werriwa start on 1 January and continue till August, cycling through Chinese New Year, the Tet festival, Cambodian celebrations, Assyrian New Year and Mandaean New Year late in July. The commemorations continue for Australia Day. And I'm looking forward to the many iftars during Ramadan, which starts in the middle of February. While this makes the days very busy, it is humbling to be part of a community and join with their observances. It proves to me that we are more alike than we are different and what is important to all of us are our family, our friends and faith. In the last month, I've attended the Iraqi graduates forum's celebration of success on Australia Day. The event has been held for more than 15 years and celebrates the academic achievements of those with Iraqi heritage in our community, and it's those students who do well in their HSC, in TAFE and in university. The results are always inspiring, with more than 20 students recognised for HSC results over 90 and one getting over 99. Degrees in all areas of study are also recognised. Congratulations to Dr Bushra and the volunteers of the board, who work so hard to make this event a success. In a couple of weeks, New Year celebrations will be in full swing for Chinese New Year, and I look forward to our celebrations at the Mingyue temple in Bonnyrigg. James Chan OAM and Vincent Kong and all the volunteers make the event a colourful celebration, with fireworks, lion dances and musical numbers. I was privileged to speak at the 2026 Australia Day and Lunar New Year event organised by the Chinese Associations of Greater Western Sydney. This event has also been held for over a de…
date: 2026-02-04T10:47:00+00:00

Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: When it comes to bolstering health care—and, in particular, Medicare—the Albanese Labor government's record is second to none. The government's record investment in health has been a...
encoded: When it comes to bolstering health care—and, in particular, Medicare—the Albanese Labor government's record is second to none. The government's record investment in health has been a real game changer for people in my community. As a result of boosting the bulk-billing incentives for GPs, bulk-billing numbers are way up. Not only that, but the government has also made sure that scripts at the chemist are cheaper. Then there is the record investment in mental health, women's health and funding for our hospitals. One of the key initiatives also introduced by the Albanese Labor government was bulk-billed Medicare urgent care clinics that have opened across the country. These Medicare urgent care clinics make it easier for Australians to get the urgent treatment they need, free of charge. They are also taking the pressure off our hospitals. For some time, our community has had access to urgent care clinics located in both Liverpool and Campbelltown. I'm delighted that my constituents will now have access to a third clinic located in Austral. Austral joins over 120 clinics Australia-wide. This is great news and will complement the existing network of bulk-billing GPs in Werriwa. The opening of the new UCC in Werriwa demonstrates again that it is the Albanese government which is delivering for our community.
date: 2026-02-03T13:31:00+00:00

Gun Control | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. Why is the passage of the Albanese government's gun reforms so important for Australians? What would it have meant to the Bondi terror attack and...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. Why is the passage of the Albanese government's gun reforms so important for Australians? What would it have meant to the Bondi terror attack and what opposition has there been?
date: 2026-01-20T14:53:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
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description: Every death diminishes our society, and those whose lives are cut short because of violence leave a void for the people they've left behind and a void for the wider community—places at...
encoded: Every death diminishes our society, and those whose lives are cut short because of violence leave a void for the people they've left behind and a void for the wider community—places at celebration tables that are forever empty, a life's history not written nor told. For the families of the 15 people who died at Bondi on the night of 14 December, I offer my thoughts and condolences and those of our community in Werriwa. We stand with you in your pain and hope that time will allow you to remember those treasured people for the beauty they had and contributed not for the horror in which they died. For those who were injured, some still in hospital or starting the long journey of rehabilitation, we stand with you, willing your health to return as soon as possible. Out of the horror of that night Australia saw what is the best of our society, perhaps because Bondi had already been touched by violence such a short time ago. Shopkeepers and residents opened their doors to shelter people to keep them safe. We will never know how many people were saved by the actions of others. Bystanders on the beach used their own bodies to shield children and saved more lives. They showed kindness. First responders ran into the face of danger to help. The vision of the lifesavers running from neighbouring beaches with first-aid kits to help will stay with me forever. They are always the best in our community, and they did not fail to step up and support. We also saw so many Australians waiting for hours in line to give blood and provide other supports, because they wanted to help and be part of this community. Overwhelmingly we have seen the best of our fellow Australians. It is that community spirit we must now harness to make sure that as a parliament we do our best to ensure that an act of such violence does not happen again. As a community we must recognise and value each person for their right to be part of our Australian society and recognise everyone's right to contribute and be su…
date: 2026-01-19T20:40:00+00:00

Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to make my contribution to the debate on the Migrant Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, currently before the House. The Albanese government has made a commitment in the...
encoded: I rise to make my contribution to the debate on the Migrant Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, currently before the House. The Albanese government has made a commitment in the Migration Strategy, released in December 2023, to develop the skills-in-demand visa. The passage and implementation of this bill will continue the government's commitment to strengthen and maintain the integrity of the temporary skilled migration system. The bill is needed to enhance protections and oversight mechanisms through the establishment of a public register of approved sponsors. The intention for the public register is to ensure that there is a limit to the exploitation of temporary skilled migrant workers and provide these workers with a resource to check that the sponsoring employer is legitimate. Unfortunately, I've seen too many people in my electorate office who've fallen prey to unscrupulous employers who promise things that are untrue, and when the worker arrives in Australia the conditions they are expected to work in are not up to Australian workplace standard conditions or the wages are not what they should be. Often when they come to Australia these temporary workers have families with them. They are promised well-paying jobs and quickly find themselves here at the mercy of circumstances that were not what they were expecting. They can be trapped in this country, not only by the poor conditions and pay but also by concerns about the expectation from family and friends at home, particularly that what they are doing is going to enhance their family's and their own circumstances. This leaves them very vulnerable to mental health challenges and it makes it difficult for them to find suitable and reasonable accommodation and the other basics of life. The development of this register will help combat worker exploitation and provide a resource to check that a sponsoring employer is legitimate. This is very important in order to maintain the integrity and transp…
date: 2025-11-27T10:09:00+00:00

Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
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description: Recently I joined the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and the member for Macarthur at the opening of the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Campbelltown. The service is beautiful, calm,...
encoded: Recently I joined the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and the member for Macarthur at the opening of the Medicare Mental Health Centre in Campbelltown. The service is beautiful, calm, welcoming place, close to Campbelltown railway station and the bus interchange, and there's parking in proximity. The service is open seven days a week, and, like all Medicare Mental Health Centres, it has a range of support professionals including peer support workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and wrap around supports when you walk in. Medicare Mental Health Centres are free. All you need is your Medicare card, and they're available for you to walk in and find support straight away. The Campbelltown centre is also special because it's the 50th Medicare Mental Health Centre that has opened in Australia and the 44th opened since the Albanese government was elected in 2022. For anyone needing support, there is also a Medicare Mental Health Centre located in Liverpool on Macquarie Street. All the details are on the website if you need them. I'm looking forward to joining the assistant-minister in opening our own Medicare Mental Health Centre in Werriwa in 2026. No-one has worked harder than the members for Hindmarsh and Dobell to provide support for Australians seeking help with their mental health. The Albanese government is investing an historic $1.1 billion over a range of incentives to deliver new and expanded mental health services across the whole of your life, working with state and territory governments to provide affordable and often free support as soon as possible. In 2025, as part of the $41.1 billion mental health election commitment, we committed to boosting the number of Medicare Mental Health Centres by 30, taking the total to 91. In my part of the world, my opponents did not even match this commitment to deliver any more community based mental health services. As part of the Albanese government's plan to strengthen Medicare with this historic $1.1. billion commit…
date: 2025-11-26T11:26:00+00:00

Valedictory | Adjournment | House debates
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description: Longer days and queues at shopping centres and Australia beating England in the Ashes cricket can only mean one thing—Christmas is fast approaching, along with the end of the year, and 2025...
encoded: Longer days and queues at shopping centres and Australia beating England in the Ashes cricket can only mean one thing—Christmas is fast approaching, along with the end of the year, and 2025 has been a very interesting year. Globally, we've seen conflict after conflict and, tragically, the needless deaths of far too many people, especially civilians. Famine and war are sadly a constant, and I acknowledge all of those in my community who are touched because they have friends and family in danger. Their fear and concern are something they live with every day. As this is my last speech in this place for 2025, I want to acknowledge and thank everyone who has invited me so warmly and welcomed me into our community: All Saints Liverpool, St Rafqa's, Saint Zaia Cathedral, John the Baptist, the Bilal Mosque at Hinchinbrook, Iftar and Ramadan dinners, Assyrian New Year events, the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, the Ramadan Eid bazaars, the many Buddhist new year and lunar events, Mandaean events such as Dehwa Daimana ceremony, the Hindu Festival of Chariots—the list is extensive and encompasses every corner of the globe and of Werriwa. And then there are the many sporting groups who do so much in the electorate to support fun and healthy activities for tens of thousands of people. Thank you to all the volunteers of the Liverpool Catholic Club, junior rugby league, Liverpool Olympic Football Club, Southern Districts football, Preston Hornets, Hoxton Park Tigers cricket, Autism Advisory & Support Service, CNA and Ladies Like To Lunch. I've been generously invited to many events, including those of the Liverpool historical society, the Rural Fire Service medal presentation and the opening of McGirr Park. The events I've listed are just a taste of what I've been to this year, and I always receive a generous welcome in our community. Day in and day out, in countless ways, there are thousands of people who devote themselves to helping others. To each of them, I express my since…
date: 2025-11-26T19:54:00+00:00

Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I have!
encoded: I have!
date: 2025-11-26T19:14:00+00:00

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: I've spoken at other times in this place about the critical need for Australia to have a skilled and job-ready workforce. Unfortunately, the failure of successive coalition governments has meant...
encoded: I've spoken at other times in this place about the critical need for Australia to have a skilled and job-ready workforce. Unfortunately, the failure of successive coalition governments has meant that many geographical areas around our nation have critical workforce shortages. Further, there are a number of workforce speciality areas that have severe shortages, regardless of your postcode or where you live. The key to addressing workforce shortages is training and education. This can often commence at high school but also occurs at TAFE, university and through approved course providers. A key aspect of meeting Australia's workforce needs is free TAFE courses. Along with the states, the Albanese Labor government has partnered to deliver more than $1.5 billion worth of funding for 500,000 fee-free TAFE and VET places across Australia from 2023-26. This is a marvellous program and one that I am delighted to support. I have seen firsthand in the electorate of Werriwa the life-changing and positive effects that the fee-free TAFE program is having. It really can be a game changer. It opens opportunities to my constituents that they would never have been able to achieve. Complementing the fee-free TAFE program is the government's delivery of a 20 per cent reduction to student HECS debt. Hundreds of thousands of Australians have already received that SMS message from the Australian Tax Office, and millions of Australians will continue to receive it over the coming weeks, advising them that their debt has been slashed by 20 per cent. I'm sure that will be a welcome early Christmas present for everyone. Importantly, and relevant to the matter before us now, VET student loans are also included in the debt reduction scheme. Student loans for vocational education and training were first introduced in 2008, under the VET FEE-HELP scheme. Without these VET student loans, many students wouldn't have had the opportunity to undertake tertiary studies, with serious flow-on effects for …
date: 2025-11-26T11:40:00+00:00

Fifteenth Avenue | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: South-west Sydney is growing rapidly. Every day, new houses are going up and farm land, once so prevalent, is disappearing. The rapid population growth brings real opportunities but also raises...
encoded: South-west Sydney is growing rapidly. Every day, new houses are going up and farm land, once so prevalent, is disappearing. The rapid population growth brings real opportunities but also raises challenges. Foremost among those is the demand for infrastructure, not least as it relates to roads and transport. In the lead-up to the election this year, I was delighted to announce a billion dollar upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue, one of the worst bottlenecks in my electorate. The commitment of a billion dollars is a joint initiative by both the New South Wales and federal Labor governments. The project will upgrade Fifteenth Avenue but requires careful planning and staging, including extensive community consultation. I've met with the project team, and the plans are well advanced. I'm delighted to say that they are currently open for community feedback and will remain so until 14 December. This is a great opportunity for those members of my electorate to look at what's proposed and give feedback. I have some leaflets in my office. If you would like to come to my office we can give you something, or you can go on the website, but please make sure you have your say. The upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue can't come soon enough, and, for so many in Austral and surrounding suburbs, this will be a game changer. Please make sure that you give your feedback.
date: 2025-11-24T16:26:00+00:00

Megarrity, Mrs Alison Patricia | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Just over three years ago I lost a dear friend, my community lost a true champion and a family lost their much-loved mother and partner. Alison Megarrity, former Liverpool councillor and local...
encoded: Just over three years ago I lost a dear friend, my community lost a true champion and a family lost their much-loved mother and partner. Alison Megarrity, former Liverpool councillor and local member for Menai for approximately 12 years, fought a heroic battle against cancer. Friendships in politics are hard to form, but with Alison it was impossible to be anything but her friend. Coupled with a hardworking disposition that would never give up, she was also a very effective local member. So I was delighted, along with her husband, Robert, sons Liam and Glyn, and many state colleagues, including the Minister for Transport, to recently attend the opening of the Alison Megarrity Bridge over Harris Creek on Heathcote Road. It's a fitting tribute to Alison because she fought tirelessly to see Heathcote Road upgraded. Funding for the road was provided by the New South Wales and federal governments. The upgrade fixes access and makes the route safer, especially during flood events, meaning access to houses, the M5 and Holsworthy station will stay open. The opening of the bridge was accompanied by a community walk to raise money for cancer. It raised over $2,000. I congratulate all those who made this special day happen. Alison's name and achievements will never be forgotten.
date: 2025-11-24T13:31:00+00:00

Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to make my contribution to the debate on the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025. The purpose of the legislation is to strengthen the oversight of the...
encoded: I rise to make my contribution to the debate on the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025. The purpose of the legislation is to strengthen the oversight of the national intelligence community. The bill builds on two strong Labor legacies: the creation of the roles of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, the IGIS, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, the PGCIS, among others. These agencies were established under the Hawke government in 1986 and 1988 respectively. The bill will ensure the oversight of the national intelligence community will be holistic and appropriate in relation to significant powers invested in these agencies. The bill was developed in consultation with agencies from across the government. The government is committed to strengthening Australia's security agencies and to ensuring they are subject to appropriate public and parliamentary oversight. The national intelligence community is made up of the following agencies: the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Geospatial Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Signals Directorate, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, the Defence Intelligence Organisation, the intelligence division of the Department of Home Affairs and the Office of National Intelligence. These agencies do important work, and they have significant powers. As a result, it is critical to maintain public trust and, to do this, effective oversight of these agencies is required. The work done by these agencies is of a covert nature, and work and decisions are rarely overseen by the courts; therefore, robust and independent oversight is essential and extremely important. The bill implements recommendations made over the past several years that were failed to be implemented by the previous gover…
date: 2025-11-24T12:46:00+00:00

Werriwa Electorate: Education | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Labor governments have always believed in education as the vehicle to lift living standards and improve the lives of all Australians. The Albanese government is no different in upholding Labor's...
encoded: Labor governments have always believed in education as the vehicle to lift living standards and improve the lives of all Australians. The Albanese government is no different in upholding Labor's traditions and record in this public policy. Who else would have been bold enough to offer hundreds of thousands of free TAFE courses? And who would provide a discount for HECS debts for hundreds of thousands? It was also our Minister for Education who negotiated and signed fair funding agreements with all of the states. A number of schools in my electorate are celebrating significant milestones this year. Fifty years ago the prime minister and local member, Gough Whitlam, opened St Francis Xavier's Catholic Primary School at Lurnea. In addition, my former high school—Lurnea High School—is celebrating 60 years of excellence in teaching and learning. A highlight of their celebrations will be a large function on the afternoon of 28 November, an event I wouldn't miss for all the world. Hopefully, we won't be still sitting. Finally, Miller Technology High School is also celebrating its 60th birthday. To each of these schools—in fact, all of the schools in Werriwa—their staff, students, past and present, I give genuine congratulations and best wishes, and I thank them for what they do.
date: 2025-11-05T13:31:00+00:00

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
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description: Deputy Speaker Wilkie, I promise not to make any of the same comments about your contribution to this place. I rise to make my contribution to the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025. The...
encoded: Deputy Speaker Wilkie, I promise not to make any of the same comments about your contribution to this place. I rise to make my contribution to the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025. The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 would amend the Freedom of Information Act 1982 to improve the operation of the freedom of information framework through reducing system inefficiencies, providing clarity of the law and addressing abuse of the processes that impact on people's right to access information. The bill responds to recommendations from a number of previous reviews and inquiries that have made recommendations for reform of the freedom of information system. This includes the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010 and recommendations from the 2013 Hawke inquiry. It also makes amendments that go beyond recommendations of these reviews. The proposed amendments would amend the cabinet exemption to clarify its operation. This ensures that it operates to appropriately protect information central to the cabinet process and ensure that the principle of collective ministerial responsibility is not undermined. It would also amend the public interest test as it relates to the deliberative processes exemption to clarify public interest factors which weigh against disclosure of deliberative material. These factors will include prejudicing the frank or timely provision of advice to or by an agency or minister, or prejudicing the orderly and effective conduct of a government decision-making process. The bill provides for how the act applies to documents of a minister where a minister ceases to hold office or moves to a new portfolio, responding to a 2024 judicial decision which introduced some uncertainty in this area. The bill will also clarify issues around the definition of what is a document of a minister and provide that agencies should not be required to conduct searches for official documents of a minister hosted on agenc…
date: 2025-11-04T18:42:00+00:00

Liverpool City Council | Adjournment | House debates
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description: Councils are the third tier of our important democracy in this country. They serve our communities every day and are the conduit for community activities. They provide and maintain sporting...
encoded: Councils are the third tier of our important democracy in this country. They serve our communities every day and are the conduit for community activities. They provide and maintain sporting grounds, playgrounds and green spaces, and they deliver initiatives to build community cohesion and build capacity. They should also be focused on fixing roads, collecting rubbish and using the rates, grants and other income they collect to do this with integrity, governance and equity. Leadership is essential. Delivery is essential. As a former councillor, I had hoped that, after the council elections in September 2024 and the confirmation of a substantive CEO earlier this year, Liverpool council would start to be that council, a council that would start providing the community with what it had been craving: delivery and leadership. Unfortunately, I have been further disappointed, and, given that the number of inquiries about Liverpool council my office deals with is actually double the number of any other type of inquiry my office gets, it seems the residents of Werriwa agree. This council built a completely inappropriate 'diamond-about' instead of providing traffic solutions that were fit for purpose. The ratepayers of Liverpool deserve delivery the first time, without projects having to be removed and redone. In June this year, the council constructed several 'roundabouts' on Fifteenth Avenue. That description suggests they should be round, or at least oval, to assist with the flow of traffic. Instead of this, they actually hindered the flow of traffic because trucks and buses need to do three-point turns around them, slowing traffic and causing hazards. The roundabouts lasted 48 hours before they were removed, causing further damage to the roads. Thankfully, I didn't hear of any serious injuries caused by accidents at these spots, but I fear that's far more because of the skill and patience of Liverpool drivers than anything else. I am grateful that the $1 billion announceme…
date: 2025-11-04T19:34:00+00:00

Workplace Relations | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How is the Albanese government standing up for workers, including those who have to work on public holidays? What other...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How is the Albanese government standing up for workers, including those who have to work on public holidays? What other approaches have been put forward?
date: 2025-11-04T15:16:00+00:00

Dismissal of the Whitlam Government: 50th Anniversary | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I move: That this House: (1) notes that 11 November 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the removal of the Government of Prime Minister Whitlam; and (2) acknowledges: (a) the work of Professor...
encoded: I move: That this House: (1) notes that 11 November 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the removal of the Government of Prime Minister Whitlam; and (2) acknowledges: (a) the work of Professor Jenny Hocking to ensure that the historical events that happened at that time are documented; (b) that the reforms of Prime Minister Whitlam's Government modernised Australian society and its economy; and (c) that the impact of Prime Minister Whitlam's policies continue to define Australia's political landscape. The community I have the privilege of serving in this place is one that I have lived in all my life, which means I remember many of the members for Werriwa. The Honourable Edward Gough Whitlam was Prime Minister while I was in high school. I remember the exhilaration of my parents at the election of the Labor government after 23 years of conservative rule and the changes that they were so looking forward to. I remember him coming to my high school, who were celebrating their first multicultural day, and speaking to our students. This day in 1975 in many ways demonstrated how much that had changed already in Australia. Every culture was celebrated, discussed and admired. No-one was made to feel less. We were one, altogether. The Whitlam government was elected with a mandate to implement change and they left a legacy that is amazing, accomplishing so much in three short years, changing Australia for the better and laying the groundwork for the opportunities and successes we've enjoyed in the years since. The Whitlam era was significant for Australia. His government believed it could improve the conditions for everyday Australians. In the first few weeks, conscription ended, diplomatic relations with China began, and the remaining troops returned home from Vietnam. This government also introduced universal health care, known as Medibank—which was dismantled after the Dismissal by the Fraser government, until Hawke brought it back as the Medicare we now know; the Racial Dis…
date: 2025-11-03T18:42:00+00:00

Medicare | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Medicare as we know it began on 1 February 1984. It had its origins in the Whitlam government—when he introduced Medibank. That scheme was abolished by the Fraser government in 1981,...
encoded: Medicare as we know it began on 1 February 1984. It had its origins in the Whitlam government—when he introduced Medibank. That scheme was abolished by the Fraser government in 1981, resulting in a privatised Medibank. Labor has always championed universal health care no matter its name, and conservatives way back to Fraser have always sought to undermine it. Why they do this is a mystery, because few if any programs enjoy as much support as Medicare. Regardless Labor will always have Medicare's back, and integral to growing that is bulk-billing. Labor went to this year's election with a bold commitment to bolster bulk-billing, and, for an increasing number of Australians, that's exactly what happened from 1 November. The only thing that they will need when they go to their GP is a Medicare card, and their credit card will remain in their pocket. In Werriwa in the June quarter of 2025, the bulk-billing rate was a terrific 94.9 per cent. As at 27 October 2025, 17 GP practices have indicated their intent to become full Medicare bulk-billing practices. Significantly, six of these are currently mixed billing practices. So, after a decade of cuts, Medicare is back on track, with increased funding and bulk-billing. That's great news for all Australians.
date: 2025-11-03T16:13:00+00:00