Ash Ambihaipahar's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Gender Equality | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. Why is gender equality a priority for our Labor government? And why do all Australians have a responsibility to do more and do better on matters of gender...
My question is to the Prime Minister. Why is gender equality a priority for our Labor government? And why do all Australians have a responsibility to do more and do better on matters of gender equality?
Barton Electorate: Hurstville Public School | Constituency Statements | House debates
I rise today to celebrate one of the many examples of community collaboration and inclusivity that define my electorate of Barton. In December last year, Hurstville Public School opened the first...
I rise today to celebrate one of the many examples of community collaboration and inclusivity that define my electorate of Barton. In December last year, Hurstville Public School opened the first dedicated sensory play area within the Georges River LGA—a wonderful playground designed to support childhood development through the engagement and exploration of their senses. Through the sensory playground, the lucky kids of Hurstville Public School are encouraged to meander along footpaths varying in texture from asphalt to sand to grass, and to spin totem poles and abacuses. It invites hands-on engagement with their environments. In another zone, the smell of scent infused playdough wafts around the air. A special auditory zone allows the kids to experiment with outdoor musical instruments including drums and xylophones—something I'm sure many parents in the local area are happy for their kids to get out of their system before coming back home. These types of spaces have been shown to enrich cognitive, emotional and social development for all students, particularly neurodivergent children, and they redefine how we think about childhood development and inclusion. Never has it been more important to foster reaching out into our environment, into our communities and to our neighbours with an attitude of curiosity, open-mindedness and willingness to grow together. These are not only values that are important for the younger generation but values that we must continuously remind ourselves to embody as well. In addition to vital funding support from the Community Building Partnership grant program, I pay special thanks to Mark Steed, the principal of Hurstville Public School, without whom the idea for the sensory playground would not have been sparked, as well as the Hurstville P? St George's Hurstville Anglican Church; Kingsgrove Community Aid Centre; and X-Life running group, headed by a wonderful councillor, Councillor Ben Wang of Georges River Council. These Barton community groups have shown us what community collaboration across education, politics and faith can achieve for the development of our kids and society at large, and I thank these groups for their indispensable consultation and fundraising efforts in bringing this vision to life. Being a former student of Hurstville Public School myself, I am incredibly proud of the direction the school is taking in promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the electorate of Barton. It's something that was brought home even stronger by the brilliant Arabic drumming performance held by a small group of Hurstville Public School students to commemorate the opening of the sensory playground. In the words of Principal Mark Steed, we hope to see more of these initiatives implemented by the wider community in the future, to continue supporting our young people and especially our neurodivergent young people in the local area.
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise to speak on the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. This is a bill that goes to the heart of how we deliver health care in this country, who we...
I rise to speak on the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025. This is a bill that goes to the heart of how we deliver health care in this country, who we trust, how we use our workforce, and whether Australians can access the medicines they need when they need them without unnecessary delay or cost. This bill is more than a legislative amendment; it is absolutely about modernising our health system in a way that reflects reality on the ground. It is about recognising the skill, training and professionalism of nurses, and it is also about ensuring Medicare continues to serve Australians not just for today but into the future. This reform matters because Australia's health system is facing pressures that are both known and deeply felt by communities across the country. We have an ageing population. We are seeing higher rates of chronic and complex disease. Demand for primary and acute care continues to rise while workforce shortages—particularly in general practice, aged care and rural and remote services—place real strain on patients and providers alike. For too many Australians, accessing health care has become more difficult than it should be. We know people are waiting longer for appointments. Emergency departments are under pressure, and in some communities people are travelling long distances or delaying care altogether. If we are serious about strengthening Medicare then we must look honestly at how our health system operates and how it can operate better. That means using the skills we already have in our workforce more effectively. Before coming into this place, I worked closely with the New South Wales Nurses & Midwives' Association. In that role, I had the privilege of listening to nurses from every corner of our health system, whether it was in the public or private system, in metro hospitals or regional clinics, or in aged-care facilities or community health services. I witnessed their pride in their professionalism, their commitment to patient care and their willingness to step up, often in incredibly challenging times. But I also heard their frustration. I heard from nurses who knew exactly what their patients needed but were constantly constrained by systems that no longer made sense. I heard from nurses who were trusted to manage complex clinical situations but could not take the final step of prescribing a medicine—even when it was safe, appropriate and well within their competence. I had the opportunity to listen last night to the contribution of the member of Indi on this piece of legislation. I, too, heard about nurses who spent hours chasing signatures, making phone calls and sending patients elsewhere for tasks that they could have easily resolved, quickly and safely, in the same consultation. I heard from patients, particularly older Australians and people living with chronic illnesses, who bore the cost of that inefficiency in delays, inconvenience and sometimes worsening health conditions. This bill responds directly to those experiences. It reflects what nurses have been saying for many years, that with the right training, safeguards and collaboration they can do more and patients would be better off for it. Registered nurses make up about half of the Australian health workforce. They are the pillar of our health system, delivering care across hospitals, general practice, aged care, disability services, community health and beyond. They are also the most geographically dispersed health professionals in the country. In many rural, regional and remote communities, nurses are not just part of the health system; they are literally the health system. Nurses are highly educated and highly regulated but also deeply trusted by the public of Australia. Yet, despite this, their scope of practice has not always kept pace with their training or the needs of patients. This bill takes a sensible step towards addressing that imbalance. The Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 makes targeted amendments to two key pieces of legislation. First, it amends the National Health Act 1953 to allow registered nurses who are endorsed under the relevant registration standard to become authorised prescribers of certain medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This means that when those nurses prescribe approved medicines, patients can access them at PBS subsidised prices, ensuring affordability and equity. Second, the bill amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to ensure that prescribing services provided by designated registered nurse prescribers are subject to the Professional Services Review scheme. This ensures that strong oversight, accountability and safeguards remain in place, protecting patients, taxpayers and the integrity of Medicare. This is not a radical change; it is a carefully designed reform that modernises our legislation to reflect contemporary healthcare practice. It is also important to be clear about what this reform is and what it is not. This bill does not create unsupervised prescribing. It does not lower standards. And it does not compromise patient safety. I had the opportunity to also listen to the contribution made by the member for Mallee, who was making rather bold assertions about this particular policy. She referred to it as being 'lazy', that it doesn't have enough evidence. Assigned registered nurse prescribing is the result of years of extensive research, consultation and policy development led by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia in collaboration with the Australian Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer. In December 2024, all Commonwealth, state and territory health ministers approved a new national registration standard endorsement for scheduled medicines designated registered nurse prescriber. That standard came into effect in September 2025. Under the standard, registered nurses must meet strict education, experience and competency requirements to gain and maintain endorsement. Prescribing must occur within an agreed scope and under a formal prescribing agreement with another authorised health practitioner. This is collaboration. This is team based care. This is the gold standard of modern health delivery. The first cohort of designated registered nurse prescribers is expected to complete their education, receive endorsement and commence prescribing from July 2026. This phased approach ensures the workforce is well-prepared, systems are ready and patient safety remains paramount. For patients, the benefits of this reform are real and immediate. It means quicker access to medicines for common and ongoing conditions. It means fewer unnecessary appointments simply to obtain a prescription. It means less pressure on overstretched general practices and emergency departments. It also means care that is delivered closer to home. For the people living in rural, regional and remote areas this reform is very important. In many communities, access to a GP can involve long travel times and extended waits. Enabling appropriately endorsed nurses to prescribe certain medicines allows people to receive care locally, safely and affordably. This is about fairness. Where you live should not determine how easily you can access essential medicines. This reform aligns directly with the work of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce and the Unleashing the potential of our health workforce: scopeofpracticereview. It recognises that workforce reform is essential to the long-term sustainability of Medicare. By allowing nurses to work to their full scope of practice, we improve efficiency across the system, reduce duplication and ensure that all health professionals can focus on the areas where they add the most value. This is not about replacing doctors or diminishing any other profession. It is about using the full health team efficiently and effectively so patients receive the right care from the right professional at the right time. The bill ensures that medicines prescribed by designated registered nurse prescribers under the PBS remain subject to the same rigorous processes that apply to other prescribers. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee will continue to assess which medicines are appropriate for prescribing under this model, ensuring decisions remain evidence based and cost effective. This protects the integrity of the PBS while expanding access for patients. For nurses, this bill represents recognition: recognition of their education, recognition of their clinical judgement and recognition of the role they play in our society by delivering high care to all Australians every day. Having worked alongside nurses through the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives' Association, I know how deeply this recognition matters. It's not about status. It is about being trusted to do the job they are trained to do—in partnership with others and in the best interests of the Australian people. This bill delivers on the Albanese government's commitment to strengthen Medicare, support our health workforce and improve access to affordable medicines. It empowers nurses, it supports patients and it builds a health system that is more responsive, more equitable and more sustainable. This is sensible reform, it is patient focused reform, and it is reform that reflects the realities of modern healthcare in Australia. I commend the bill to the House.
Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Attorney-General. How is the government addressing antisemitism and social cohesion after the Bondi terror attack? What role will the royal commission play?
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
It is no secret that we are seeing a rise in antisemitism, hatred and extremism in this country, and, more recently, the nation experienced its darkest day, at Bondi Beach in December last year....
It is no secret that we are seeing a rise in antisemitism, hatred and extremism in this country, and, more recently, the nation experienced its darkest day, at Bondi Beach in December last year. The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill is part of our response to this horrific event and a piece in the puzzle of restoring social cohesion in our wonderful nation. There are key reforms presented in this bill that I want to highlight because a few constituents have reached out to me with claims about the bill's effects that are untrue and inflammatory. Such claims stem from online disinformation and, sometimes, from those across the chamber. I'm glad we've come together as a parliament to make these changes. Let's be clear about what they do and not fall into a dangerous echo chamber that seeks only to divide this nation. Firstly, there's the introduction of a new aggravated offence for preachers and leaders and for adults radicalising children. Where these actors advocate for violence against others, they will face penalties of up to 12 years of imprisonment. Secondly, the bill will significantly increase penalties for hate crimes. These will capture offences involving advocating or threatening force or violence against protected groups, members of groups, their close associates and their property. Penalties will increase from five to seven years for base offences and from seven to 10 years where there's an added threat to the public order. Thirdly, the bill will amend the Crimes Act 1914 to introduce a new general sentencing principle that will require the courts, when sentencing a person for a Commonwealth offence, to consider an offender's hate motivation based on race or national or ethnic origin as an aggravating factor. This will encourage judges to apply a higher penalty within the maximum penalty range where hate motivation is a factor in the commission of a crime. Moreover, this bill will establish a new framework within the Criminal Code to enable the listing of organisations as prohibited hate groups. Once an organisation is listed, it will be a criminal offence to direct the activities of, be a member of, recruit for, give funds to or participate in training involving the organisation. Amongst other tests, and before a group is listed, the AFP minister must also obtain the Attorney-General's agreement in writing and arrange for a briefing for the Leader of the Opposition. On top of this, the bill will strengthen and expand the prohibited hate symbols offences in the Criminal Code, and symbols of these hate groups will be listed under the new regime. Finally, the bill will amend the Migration Act to enable earlier, clearer and more defensible refusal and cancellation of visas where a noncitizen poses a risk to the Australian community through conduct that promotes hate, vilification or division, while ensuring consistency with constitutional constraints and existing character powers. The proposed changes to the Migration Act will strengthen the existing character powers to better protect the Australian community from noncitizens suspected of engaging in hate-motivated conduct or extremism. I had the opportunity to listen to a number of members of the House speak on the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 this morning. I think the reality is that we don't need a royal commission or an investigation. We can all watch the footage of what happened on that dreadful night of 14 December last year. The guns didn't fire themselves. The guns were in the hands of individuals who were holding hate and extremism in their hearts. The reality is that this particular bill shouldn't be addressed on its own. This legislation came as an omnibus bill, and it should be seen in its entirety. I ask those in the chamber to really look at the way the legislation is being presented to us today. The reality is that it was hatred and extremism that pulled the trigger.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
Across our country, people are grieving, searching for answers and struggling to comprehend how 15 innocent lives were taken and many people were injured at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. That...
Across our country, people are grieving, searching for answers and struggling to comprehend how 15 innocent lives were taken and many people were injured at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. That night it started off as a place of joy and celebration, and it was turned into a scene of terror. On behalf of the people of Barton, our thoughts and prayers are, first and foremost, with the families and loved ones of those who were murdered and the Jewish community. Their loss is immense, and no words offered here today can truly ease their pain, but they deserve to know that this parliament stands with them in solidarity. This attack was not random. It was an act of terror, deliberately targeting the Australian Jewish community as they gathered together to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, a festival that symbolises light, resilience and hope. Many other cultural groups, in a similar vein, celebrate light over darkness. That such hatred was unleashed at a moment of faith and joy is deeply confronting for all Australians. From the night of the attack, in the days that followed, I was in contact and met with the members of my local Jewish community—including Dr George Foster from the Southern Sydney Synagogue based in Allawah, who has done an amazing job to support the local Jewish community in such a challenging time. What I heard was not just sorrow, but distress—distress that simply gathering to celebrate or to be visibly Jewish in public comes with risk. That should absolutely disturb every one of us in this place. Antisemitism, along with all forms of hatred, is not something we can afford to downplay or tolerate. It is an evil hatred and has no place in Australia. As a parliament, we must be condemning it and committed to taking meaningful action to remove all forms of hatred to all community groups. This tragedy has also touched my community of Barton. We were devastated to learn that Dan Elkayam, a football player with Rockdale Ilinden Football Club, was tragically killed in the massacre. I was able to attend Dan's funeral to pay my respects, but also to learn that he was a young French national of strong Jewish faith who made Australia his home. He truly embraced the Australian way of life. Football was Dan's passion. That passion brought him to Rockdale Ilinden Football Club, where he joined the association's premier league as a highly talented midfield player. Those who knew him described him as a down-to-earth guy and someone who was warmly embraced by everyone he met. His joyful presence, his respectful nature and his kindness will be deeply missed by his teammates and by all those who knew him. We pray for Dan, and we pray for his family as they grieve a shocking loss. My deepest condolences go to the Rockdale Ilinden football community. I also want to acknowledge the courage of the New South Wales police officers, first responders and healthcare workers who acted with deep calm and bravery. Their actions saved lives, and they represent the very best of public service. We must also acknowledge those who were injured physically and psychologically—those who witnessed scenes no person should ever have to witness. We stand in solidarity with you. And we honour the heroes that night—everyday people who showed bravery and selflessness—including those who were wounded and those who lost their lives trying to protect others. This House must affirm, without any qualification, the right of every Australian to live, work, practise their faith and just be in peace and safety, to gather freely without fear, to practise the culture of peace, and to participate fully in Australian life, proud of who they are and proud of the contribution their community has made to our nation. At moments like this, Australia is very much tested. We can allow hatred to divide us, or we can stand together in unity and in peace. I believe Australians and the people of Barton expect us to choose unity and peace—to confront hatred with courage, compassion and the best of the Australian spirit. For those who died on 14 December 2025, may they rest in eternal peace.
Racial Discrimination Act 1975: 50th Anniversary | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
Today I rise to acknowledge and honour the 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from...
Today I rise to acknowledge and honour the 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 16:22 to 16:46 This is one of the most profound legislative markers in Australia's modern story and a law that has shaped the lived experience of millions, including families like mine and communities like Barton. The passage of the Racial Discrimination Act was not just a legal reform. It was Australia declaring formally and finally that equality before the law is not optional, not conditional, not aspirational, but fundamental. Half a century on, we recognise that this act continues to be a pillar of our democracy, our social cohesion and our identity as a nation that believes in fairness. When I delivered my first speech in this place, I spoke about the journey of my life. So many migrants arrived here with hope, humility and a fierce determination to build a much better life. I spoke about growing up in my electorate, about the pride I feel in my Sri Lankan and Papua New Guinean heritage—raised by a Maltese and Italian family—and about the pride I feel being Australian. I spoke about the lessons of my late grandfather, a man who taught me that service, kindness and dignity are the measure of a life well lived. What I did not get the chance to say, but wish to say today, is that their lives and mine would have been very different if not for the Racial Discrimination Act. When the Racial Discrimination Act passed this parliament in 1975, it did something incredibly simple yet profoundly transformative. It recognised that everyone in this country is entitled to the same respect, the same safety and the same dignity, regardless of race or background. That principle sits at the heart of the electorate of Barton. Barton is one of the most multicultural communities in the nation. Our residents come from every continent, every faith tradition and every culture, and we are stronger because of this. I'm proud to represent a community where diversity is not just tolerated or accepted but absolutely celebrated as our greatest asset. But the truth is that, for many decades in this country, people of colour, First Nations people and multicultural communities faced systemic discrimination. It occurred in housing, in employment, in education and in access to services. Many still face it today. The Racial Discrimination Act was a promise to all of those communities that the law would stand with them, not against them. It was a promise that the lapses of our past—including the White Australia policy, exclusionary practices and harmful sways—would not define our future. It is a promise that we must continue to uphold. Over the last 50 years this act has changed lives. It has empowered people who face discrimination to seek justice. It has shaped policies and behaviours across both public and private sectors. It has strengthened multiculturalism as a core Australian value. It has shown generations, including mine, that belonging is not something you must earn at the expense of your identity. Belonging is a right. In Barton I see the legacy of this legislation every single day. I see it in the confidence of young people who grow up speaking two or three languages at home. I see it in the parents who know their children will be judged on their character, not the colour of their skin. I see it in the friendships, in the local businesses, in community organisations and in faith groups that together form the social fabric of our community. But anniversaries are not only moments of celebration; they are moments of reflection, because the work of the Racial Discrimination Act is not finished. It cannot be finished while racism, in any form, still exists in this country. We know it persists. We see it in the rise of online abuse. We see it in misinformation campaigns targeting migrant communities. We see it in casual racism that still sits beneath the surface of national conversations. We see it in the prejudice experienced by our First Nations people, whose rights and voices must never be ignored. We see it in humiliating behaviour, particularly this week from Senator Hanson in the Senate, who's clearly said she has no respect for the people in this House, let alone the people of Islamic faith. We also see it in new forms, including algorithmic bias, discrimination in AI and inequalities in data and technology. These are challenges the original drafters of this act could never have imagined, yet they now fall on us to confront. It is our responsibility, as parliamentarians and as Australian citizens, to ensure the Racial Discrimination Act continues to evolve so it remains powerful and relevant for the next 50 years. As someone who has worked closely with communities through the St Vincent de Paul Society, I've seen the way discrimination, even subtle or systemic, compounds disadvantage. It limits pathways to employment. It affects health outcomes. It creates social isolation. It sends a message that some people are less valued. We are not simply recognising a historical achievement. We are recommitting ourselves to the vision of a nation where equality is real and not rhetorical. The founding words of the act are as relevant as they were in 1975. They say that racial discrimination is unlawful in any area of life. Those words must continue to guide us, especially in the era of global uncertainty, rising extremism and economic pressure. History has shown that in times of hardship, racism can resurface. It can be used by those who seek division. It can weaken the social cohesion that all Australians rely on. As leaders, it is our duty to push back clearly and firmly. In my first speech I spoke about the privilege of being the daughter and granddaughter of people who sacrificed so much so that I could stand in this Chamber. I spoke about representing a community that embodies the best of multicultural Australia. I spoke about the responsibility I feel to fight for fairness, for justice and for the dignity of every person in Barton. Those convictions are strengthened by the legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act. As we mark the 50th anniversary, let us pay tribute to the lawmakers who passed it, the activists who demanded it and the communities who needed it. But let us also honour the next 50 years, the generations who will depend on us to defend it. The fight against racism is not a moment; it is absolutely a movement. It's not a single law; it is a lifelong effort. It's not the work of one parliament; it is the work of an entire nation that believes in fairness. Australia is at its best when we treat every person with respect. Australia is at its strongest when we cherish our diversity as a source of pride. Australia is at its most united when we stand up clearly and courageously against racism in all forms. The Racial Discrimination Act gave us the foundation. It is our task to build the future. On behalf of the people of Barton, a community shaped by migration and strengthened by diversity, I am proud to stand today to honour the 50th anniversary of this landmark legislation.
Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise to speak on the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. I do so as not only the federal member for Barton but also someone whose professional life before entering...
I rise to speak on the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. I do so as not only the federal member for Barton but also someone whose professional life before entering parliament was spent, for a lot of the time, in the space of employment law. For over a decade, I represented workers who were underpaid, mistreated, threatened or simply too scared to speak up. I saw firsthand how vulnerable temporary migrant workers can be and how quickly hope turns into fear when safeguards fail or when devious employers—and I must say, only a few—see vulnerability as an invitation. I heard some comments from the member for Mallee tonight, particularly around bold assertions regarding the United Workers Union. I must say, the United Workers Union does important work to support migrant workers here in this country, because the reality is that migrant exploitation happens in Australia. It happens in our cities, suburbs and regions. It happens in our restaurants, construction sites, food processing plants, farms, cleaning companies, care sectors and gig work. It often involves workers who are here legally and are doing the right thing, yet are taken advantage of by someone who believes that they will never speak out. This is a serious issue. It's a moral issue, it's an issue of economic fairness and it's an issue of national character, because any system that depends on silence or fear is a system that fails not only migrant workers but every worker. Moreover, the bill aligns with this government's commitment to promoting Australia as a destination for highly skilled migrants. We need smart, qualified people to meet the skills shortage in our economy and boost productivity. Those people are going to work in Australia only if they can be guaranteed safe, secure work. The bill before us today is a practical, targeted and integrity-focused reform that strengthens protections for temporary skilled migrants. It creates a public register of approved work sponsors, increases transparency and allows migrant workers to verify the legitimacy of employers and seek new sponsorship opportunities without fear. These are not abstract administrative changes; they are protections that can change the trajectory of real lives. To understand the importance of this bill we need to be honest about the dynamics of power in workplaces. Workers who are on temporary visas often depend entirely on their sponsoring employer for their right to remain in Australia. This creates an enormous imbalance. When a worker fears losing their visa, every unreasonable demand begins to feel like something they must tolerate—longer hours, underpayments, threats, unsafe workplaces and even intimidation. As an employment lawyer I sat with workers who carried this fear silently. They did not want to cause trouble. They wanted to fit in and contribute. They simply wanted a chance to build a better life. But the lack of transparency in the sponsorship system meant that many did not know their rights or their options. Some did not even know whether their employer was legitimately registered. This bill directly addresses these issues. At its core, the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 establishes the authority for the Department of Home Affairs to publish and maintain a public register of approved work sponsors. The register will include the name of the approved sponsor, the approved sponsor's Australian Business Number, the postcode linked to the ABN, the number of sponsored workers and the occupations associated with those sponsorships. This is not simply an administrative database; it's a tool for transparency. It will give temporary skilled migrant workers the ability to check the legitimacy of their sponsoring employer. It will help them identify new sponsors if they wish to change jobs. It will give regulators and the public greater oversight of the system. And it will increase accountability for employers who participate in skilled migration. Many temporary migrant workers I met in my time as an employment lawyer described the same underlying problem: they did not feel they had any safe or realistic avenue to challenge the wrongdoing. Even when they knew they were being underpaid or threatened, the fear of visa cancellation or the loss of their job kept them silent. In practice, this meant that the sponsorship system, designed to bring skills into Australia, too often became a mechanism that tied workers to exploitation. The lack of visibility in the system made this worse. Workers relied almost entirely on whatever information the employer chose to provide. Many did not know whether their sponsor was compliant. Some did not know they were allowed to change sponsors. Others were misled into believing that reporting exploitation would automatically result in their removal from the country. When a worker's entire future rests on a single employer, misinformation becomes a powerful tool of control. Greater transparency disrupts that dynamic. A public register gives workers a clear line of sight to their rights and options. It gives them the confidence to seek support, the freedom to move to another legitimate sponsor and the ability to plan their lives with security rather than in fear. This measure also supports small and medium businesses that do the right thing. Many small-business owners in my community want a fair and transparent system. They want to hire skilled workers from overseas to fill shortages and grow their business, but they also want confidence that competitors who cut corners cannot get ahead by exploiting workers. This bill helps create the level playing field that we need. It complements the work we have already done through the Migration Strategy released in December 2023, including the development of the new Skills in Demand visa. That strategy was grounded in significant consultation with unions, employers, migrant communities and experts. It recognised the need for better integrity measures, greater worker protections and a migration system that supports productivity and fairness. These reforms were previously part of the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024, which lapsed when parliament ended before the election. The Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee noted that most submissions supported the measures, and the committee recommended that the bill pass the Senate. The government's response to that report was tabled on 20 October 2025. We are now moving forward with these important amendments again. If this bill passes, the register will be implemented either on a fixed date by proclamation or six months after the act receives royal assent. This window allows time for regulations, technical development, stakeholder engagement and functionality to be built in the department's website. This is necessary for proper implementation. It is worth exploring one simple question: why do we need this bill? The answer's very straightforward. We need these protections because exploitation continues to exist—and we've heard from some of the speakers across the chamber who agree with this—because transparency combats exploitation and because good employers should not be undercut by bad ones. If we do not pass this bill, the rollout of the public register will be delayed and so will these integrity measures. Workers will remain less protected, genuine employers will have fewer tools for transparency and the system will remain more vulnerable to misuse. The register will not include any identifying information about individual workers. Privacy will be fully protected. It will only reflect publicly available information about employers. Approved sponsors will be informed at the time of application that their information will appear on the register, consistent with existing obligations under the Privacy Act. Barton is one of the most multicultural electorates in the country. People from more than 70 cultural backgrounds call it home. Many local families arrived in this country as migrants or refugees. Many worked incredibly hard in jobs where English was not their first language, conditions were difficult and exploitation was always a risk. My own family made that journey. I grew up witnessing the strength, resilience and sacrifice that defines migrant communities. When we talk about this bill, we are not talking about a conceptual policy. We're talking about people—people like the workers who came to me when I was a lawyer because they had been underpaid by $10 an hour for a night work shift, people like the woman whose employer confiscated her passport to stop her from leaving and people like the young tradesperson who was threatened with deportation if he refused unpaid overtime. These experiences stay with people for years. They shape their view of this country, and they shape how safe they feel in their workplace, in their community and in their new home. We owe it to them to get it right. Australia's reputation as a safe and fair place to work should never depend on luck or on the goodwill of the employer. It must be built into the system itself. It must be grounded in transparency and oversight. Now cue all the trolls and the bots on socials. Here they come, rushing to comment on how we're importing voters, how the colour of my skin must mean I'm a part of some big greater conspiracy and how this bill is going to ruin Australia as we know it. Newsflash—'Australia as we know it' is multicultural! Those people who are lucky enough to be permitted to work here must learn the importance of our employment law system. We can only teach them such rights and values if they are entitled to them in the first place, and we can only hope to build the homes and staff the hospitals that our country needs through skilled migration. Anyone who denies this fact is dreaming. This bill is not the end of the work; it forms part of a broader reform agenda. For example, while this bill does not include labour market testing reforms, the government has already streamlined those requirements by reducing advertisement obligations and removing unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining strong local worker protections. Similarly income thresholds and the indexation for the skills and demand visa are already set through regulatory changes made in December 2024. They now automatically adjust each year on 1 July in line with the average or weekly ordinary time earnings. This ensures the system remains fair, competitive and aligned with economic realities. This bill is a pragmatic, responsible and much-needed measure. It enhances protections for temporary skilled migrant workers, it promotes transparency, it strengthens system integrity, and it supports the many employers who do the right thing. As a member of this parliament, as someone who has worked in employment law and as someone who represents one of the most diverse electorates in the country, I know how important this reform is. I know how much it matters to local families, to new arrivals, to workers who want a fair chance and to employers who want a trusted system. Migration has shaped the story of Australia for generations but so has fairness. We are a nation that prides itself on giving everyone a fair go. This bill helps ensure that those values remain central to our migration system and that temporary skilled workers are not left behind. It gives them tools to protect themselves, to move safely and to build their lives without fear. This bill strengthens our migration system by prioritising integrity, transparency and dignity. It is a step forward to a fairer and more accountable system, it is a step forward to reducing exploitation, and it is a step forward honouring the values of equality and respect that every Australian deserves, regardless of where they were born.
Commonwealth Prac Payment | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
I would like to thank the member for Indi for raising her matter of public importance for discussion in this House, the example of Darcy's story and the other issues raised in the member for...
I would like to thank the member for Indi for raising her matter of public importance for discussion in this House, the example of Darcy's story and the other issues raised in the member for Indi's contributions this afternoon. I can hear that there's a bit of consensus in this chamber around some of the challenges for students in higher education. I also speak from a place of experience. Before I was a solicitor, I worked at the University of Sydney for about eight years in the anatomy department—specifically, teaching medical students and a number of other students in the allied health profession. I understand from that experience a lot of challenges that students go through on campus and also in dealing with cost-of-living challenges and accommodation. On the tail end, prior to coming into this House, I had the opportunity to work with St Vincent de Paul Society for a couple of years. In that capacity, I had the opportunity to look after a very big patch of New South Wales going up from Wyong, out to the Blue Mountains and down to Helensburgh. That captured a number of great institutions, a number of universities, where a lot of youth Vinnies members did a lot of engagement on those campuses with students dealing with cost-of-living challenges, with housing and accommodation. So this comes from a place of experience and understanding. I want to acknowledge that everyone in this chamber seems to be singing from the same song sheet, knowing that those are the challenges for a lot of students in this industry. Also I've had the opportunity to speak to a number of HSU members—and I've had really active conversations more recently—who work in the allied health profession. This Labor government understands that it's quite tough for students when they're completing mandatory placements. That is why we are delivering on real cost-of-living support, which includes this Commonwealth prac payment. I believe this assistance is quite careful; it's quite considered. The payment is helping those who are studying to become teachers, social workers, nurses and midwives so they can solely focus on upskilling. Having the opportunity to reflect on some of the stories that we're hearing in this chamber today, including from the member for Indi—the reality is that the universities accord has recommended the government focus on nursing, on care and teaching professions. This is a responsible government responding to advice provided to us to prioritise key roles and courses. The 2023 employment white paper also identified that those in care and teaching professions are key enablers for the economy and that unpaid placements discourage many students in care and teaching professions from enrolling in and completing courses. And, as the Minister for Education has said, the accord is not a plan for one budget but a blueprint for the next decade and beyond. You've heard today from a number of people on this side of the chamber that we've developed this policy position over a period of time in the Labor Party. I'm very proud that we have made these changes and that we have support in the chamber on this here today. But I understand that there's a lot of work to be done to help those who are studying these particular courses. Since 1 July 2025, around 73,000 students across Australia have been eligible for $331.65 each week. It is the first time ever that a federal government has provided financial support to students while they complete their mandatory prac placements; I think it's pertinent to highlight that. There is a review, and there is opportunity to expand, but this is a conversation that we can continue to have not only in the chamber but outside as well. It's important to highlight that this is the first time that a Labor federal government has introduced this. We're starting with students who are studying nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work, to address the urgent need for more students in these areas. Going back to the universities accord, it's talking about particular courses of priority and focusing on the skill shortage. To further support students with the cost of living, Labor is cutting 20 per cent from everyone's student debt. I know that, in my electorate, this message has been well received. You can see from the results of the election that it is something that people supported and voted for. I am really proud that we will be able to deliver that in the coming days. I again thank the member for Indi for her contributions and also the member for Mayo for sharing the experience with her daughter. As someone who's also taught students and who has experience of supporting students at the University of Sydney and in my capacity at St Vincent de Paul, I completely understand these challenges.
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today in support of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which goes right to the centre of communities, jobs, small businesses and Australian social life. This bill...
I rise today in support of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which goes right to the centre of communities, jobs, small businesses and Australian social life. This bill reinforces the Albanese Labor government's decision to pause indexation on draught beer excise and excise equivalent customs duties for two years, beginning 1 August 2025. It is a policy underpinned by fairness, community values and economic responsibility. It is a policy that recognises and supports Australian pubs, clubs, brewers, hospitality workers and the millions of Australians who rely on these venues for work, connection and community life. It is a policy that speaks directly to the people and businesses in my electorate of Barton, from Hurstville to Wolli Creek, Beverly Hills to Clemton Park and Rockdale to Earlwood. This measure does one simple, clear thing. It pauses automatic inflation-linked increases to draught beer excise for two years. It applies specifically to containers of eight to 48 litres designed for gas or pump systems—our standard kegs in pubs and clubs—and containers over 48 litres, used by larger hospitality venues. This pause does not apply to bottled beer, canned beer, spirits or retail alcohol. This is targeted, disciplined policy designed to support hospitality venues and the sector, not supermarkets, not bottling multinationals, not liquor companies but the pubs, clubs and taverns and small brewers who serve our communities directly from a tap. (Quorum formed) This policy supports 10,000 hospitality venues across Australia, and about 75 per cent of them are small, family-run businesses. This policy will be supporting approximately 160,000 workers in hospitality and brewing. Further, this will support thousands more in supply chains, like farmers, those in logistics, tradies, cleaners, entertainers and local suppliers. These are the venues that sponsor the local footy club, host family dinners, employ young people, train chefs, host charity events and offer a safe and social space for neighbours to connect. For two years, this means the tax on a pint stays steady, family-run pubs get certainty, small brewers have breathing room, young workers keep their shifts and venues avoid passing cost increases on to locals. This pause means that, when a family in Barton heads out for a Friday night meal, when a group of mates meets after work in Banksia or Beverly Hills to watch the UFC or when seniors meet for raffles in Hurstville or Earlwood, the cost of connection doesn't climb. This is a cost-of-living measure that also strengthens small-business resilience, regional tourism, jobs and apprenticeships, local manufacturing and community connection. It is cost-of-living relief, economic support and community support rolled into one smart, responsible policy. In Australia, pubs and licensed venues are not just businesses; they are community institutions. In many places they are the heart of the suburb or the heart of the town. They are where we gather to watch the footy, celebrate a birthday, share a meal, attend a fundraiser or simply sit among neighbours and feel part of something bigger than ourselves. In Barton we see this every day. We see this at Beverly Hills Hotel, where local families gather after weekend sport. We see it at the Rocksia and at Earlwood-Bardwell Park RSL, where locals build friendships over generations. We see this at the Ritz in Hurstville, buzzing with life, especially on trivia nights; at the Forest Inn in Bexley, with its proud community ties and killer pizzas; and in clubs like St George Leagues Club, Arncliffe Scots Club and Club Central Hurstville, which support sport and charity. Just outside the border but beloved by Barton locals is the local brewery the Social Brewers, a great brewery tucked in the member for Banks's electorate. Thousands of Barton residents work in hospitality as bar staff, cooks, cleaners, security officers, musicians, waitstaff, bottle shop attendants, managers and apprentices. When we keep these venues strong, we keep the community strong, we keep young people employed, we keep families connected and we keep traditions alive. I want to share why this is important to me. Before entering parliament, I worked supporting the hospitality sector. This included working with the Australian Hotels Association. I stood shoulder to shoulder with venue operators, from suburban pubs to regional institutions, and saw their strong commitment to creating safe and welcoming spaces. I saw the pressure they felt in balancing rising costs with fair pricing for their customers. I saw their pride in employing and training local workers and their generosity in supporting teams, charities and community groups. I've supported business owners who stayed awake at night worrying whether they could afford to keep staff on. I've seen young people transform their lives through their first hospitality jobs, and I want to acknowledge the great work of the mighty United Workers Union in the sector, supporting workers in collaboration with these employers. Hospitality isn't just an industry; it absolutely is a pathway, a community hub and a cultural institution. So, when I say this policy matters, it's not flippant. This is from lived experience supporting the sector. We've listened, we've consulted, we've acted. This is responsible government. That is the Albanese Labor government. Rather than responding with mantras, we've responded with solutions. We target support where it delivers the most benefit. This industry endured months of pandemic shutdowns, supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges and years of inflation pressures under the opposition, yet these Australians kept going. They adapted and they innovated. They did takeaway and they did home deliveries. They kept food in fridges, beers in kegs and, where they could, they kept staff on the books. They held communities together in some of the hardest times we've known. They deserve support, and we are giving it. I must also add that this great policy works hand in hand with the New South Wales Minns Labor government and Minister John Graham, who's working hard to boost the New South Wales economy and revive our night-time economy after a decade of lockouts and then lockdowns by the former Liberal state government. This is what a Labor government does; it supports the economy, and it supports small businesses. This measure also supports independent brewers who rely heavily on draught sales. It helps them manage production, maintain cash flow, retain staff, invest in quality and keep supplying local venues. Local taps in Barton serve beer from passionate independent producers—Sydney brewers who stand for the craft. We are making sure they can keep doing that. By supporting draught production, we protect diversity and fairness in our beer and hospitality markets, not just for the biggest players. I want to be very clear that this policy is temporary. It is fiscally responsible and it does not change Australia's alcohol taxation system. It does not undermine public health objectives. It ensures that the excise returns to normal after two years. The opposition had an opportunity to listen to some of the speeches, and they sound like they are distorting this, because I recall this also being an election commitment from those across the chamber. It's still on the Liberal Party's website to this day, six months after the election. But the fact remains that this is targeted relief. It does not fuel inflation, it protects jobs and communities, and it maintains our public health settings. This is steady, disciplined economic management—low risk, high benefit and temporary. This is one part of a very comprehensive cost-of-living agenda. I listened to some of those across the chamber and observed their line of questioning at question time—no rhyme and no thought. They say the government is spending too much, and then they have the hide to say we're not doing enough for the cost of living. Then we hear today, 'It's not enough, but it does a little bit for small businesses.' Choose your side. Let me remind the opposition of what the Albanese Labor government has already delivered: wage rises of a minimum of 3.5 per cent and an award increase; super at 12 per cent; an increase in paid parental leave to 24 weeks with super; 150 bucks more energy relief this year; apprentice payments of $10,000; cheaper home batteries; a 20 per cent cut in student HECS-HELP debt for three million Aussies; Commonwealth prac payments for nursing, teaching, midwifery and social work students; pay rises for aged-care workers; cheaper medicines; and expanded bulk-billing. This is real relief, delivered responsibly. While many major economies are facing recessions and job losses, Australia has strong employment and stable growth, and we are navigating global challenges with competence, steadiness and fairness. This two-year excise pause is fair, targeted, responsible and deeply needed. It recognises the role hospitality plays in the lives of Australians in our suburbs, in our cities, in our regions and in electorates like mine, the seat of Barton. It supports the places where we gather to celebrate, mourn, reconnect, unwind and belong. It backs the workers pulling pints, washing glasses, scrubbing kitchens, running events, serving meals and keeping our venues safe and welcoming. It helps small businesses breathe, plan, invest and continue supporting our community. It protects local jobs, it lowers cost-of-living pressure, it strengthens local economies, it reflects both economic discipline and social understanding and, most importantly, it reflects the core promise of this Albanese Labor government to look after working Australians, to support small business and to govern responsibly and fairly for every community.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise to speak in support of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025. This bill is a significant...
I rise to speak in support of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025. This bill is a significant step forward for our cultural influence, for our local screen sector and for every Australian who deserves to see their own stories reflected in shows they watch, no matter what screen they view them on. When Australians think about stories that have shaped us, connected us and helped to define who we are, they are not thinking about content created overseas; they are thinking of shows, characters and worlds that feel distinctly Australian. We think of classics like Kath & Kim, which captured the humour and charm of Aussie suburban life. We think of Bluey, which has become a world success because it speaks to families everywhere while staying very much true to Australians. We think of The Secret Life of Us and its portrayal of friendships and young adulthood in St Kilda. We think of documentaries like Fire Front, which helped the nation understand the summer bushfires through the voices of those who lived them. Australian storytelling is not just produced by large studios or major broadcasters; it is nurtured in our communities, in our suburbs and in grassroots creative organisations that provide pathways for people who would otherwise never get the opportunity to see themselves on screen or contribute to the creative process. My electorate of Barton is home to two extraordinary organisations that embody the spirit of Australian storytelling: Shopfront Arts Co-op and Bus Stop Films. Shopfront Arts has been a local establishment for youth arts development for decades. It is a place where young people come to tell their own stories and to learn the craft of performance, filmmaking, writing and collaboration. It is a place that celebrate difference and creativity. When you walk into Shopfront in Carlton, you feel the energy of young people who are being empowered to speak in their own voices. They create short films, theatre works, digital media and documentaries that reflect the world as they see it. These are not just creative projects; they are the early seeds of Australian content, nurtured locally and driven by authenticity. Bus Stop Films is another organisation that makes our community proud. They have become a global leader in inclusive filmmaking, working with people with disability to deliver world-class film production, training and storytelling. Their films have travelled internationally and have won awards. But, more importantly, they have changed the landscape of representation. They have given people with disability the opportunity to be in front of the camera, behind the camera and part of the creative process at every single level. Bus Stop Films shows us what modern Australian storytelling should look like: inclusive, diverse, meaningful and empowering. These organisations prove that Australian content does not start with big studios. It starts with local talent, community support and opportunities to be seen and heard. Shopfront Arts and Bus Stop Films are the incubators for the next generation of creators, producers, actors, editors and cinematographers. They demonstrate what is possible when local stories are invested in and when diversity is embraced. This bill ensures that the platforms with the greatest power in the screen landscape also carry their share of responsibility to support content and production like this. The bill requires major streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers to invest at least 10 per cent of their total program expenditure on new Australian commissions or first release acquisitions. For those who choose the alternative, it will be 7.5 per cent of their gross Australian revenue. This is fair, balanced and essential to ensure that creativity does not become centralised in overseas content pipelines. It ensures that organisations like Shopfront Arts and Bus Stop Films will have a stronger future because the broader industry will be healthier, better funded and more committed to telling stories from every corner of Australia. These stories matter. They help us understand each other. They reflect our culture back to us. They build pride, they challenge us and they connect us. Yet the reality is that more and more Australians are watching content on streaming platforms. But those platforms are not currently required to invest in Australian stories in the same way that free-to-air broadcasters have been required to do for decades, and that has created a growing imbalance. It means that, unless action is taken, Australian storytelling is at risk of being overshadowed or underfunded in the new streaming era. The Albanese Labor government promised that our national cultural policy, Revive, would restore, rebuild and restrengthen our creative sector. At the heart of Revive is a simple truth: Australian stories are our greatest cultural asset. This bill delivers on that truth. It delivers on the commitment made by the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Arts during the election campaign. It delivers on a promise to protect and promote Australian content for generations to come. This bill introduces an Australian content obligation on major streaming services with more than one million Australian subscribers. These services will be required to invest at least 10 per cent of their total program expenditure in Australia on Australian commissions or first release acquisitions and key formats. These formats include drama, children's programs, documentaries, arts programs and educational programs. These are the kinds of programs that shape culture, influence imagination and spark creativity. This policy is fair, balanced and future focused. It recognises the scale of the major streaming platforms and the significant influence they have over what Australians watch. It ensures that investment is linked directly to their presence in the Australian market. It recognises that consumers deserve continued access to local stories across all screens, not just traditional television. The bill uses the same definition of Australian content that already applies to free-to-air broadcasters. It provides a three-year carryover period for program expenditure to give companies flexibility in meeting their obligations, and it requires a statutory review to take place four years after the scheme begins. This ensures transparency, accountability and the ability to adapt as new technologies and audience behaviours evolve. Importantly, this bill applies only to major streaming services. It does not apply to platforms with user-generated content, to services that rely solely on advertising revenue, or to niche services with limited public appeal. It does not apply to services that rely solely on one-off transactions or that operate for short-term special events. The bill is carefully targeted to the services with significant reach and financial capacity. This legislation is not only about economics, although the economic benefits will be quite substantial. It is about the value of culture. It is about identity. It is about ensuring that future generations grow up with shows that reflect their lives and their communities. It is about making sure that young people in suburbs like Hurstville, Carlton, Clemton Park and across the electorate of Barton can see themselves on the screen. When a child sees themselves represented, it expands their sense of possibility. It shows them that they belong. When a community sees its story told with accuracy and respect, it strengthens social cohesion, it creates pride and it makes Australia a richer and more inclusive society. For decades Australian television has nurtured the carers of our actors, writers, producers, directors and crew. People have gone on to succeed on the world stage. I'm thinking of Nicole Kidman, Chris Hemsworth, Deborra-Lee Furness and so many others. Their journeys began because Australian content was funded, supported and valued. This bill ensures the next generation will have the same opportunity. Without this reform, Australian stories are at risk of being left behind. Other countries already have strong local content rules for streaming platforms. Canada has required investment in Canadian content. Europe has mandated quotas for European works. Australia cannot afford to fall behind, especially when we have one of the most talented and innovative screen industries in the world. Our actors, screenwriters and production crews deserve certainty, our local production companies deserve stability and our audiences deserve authenticity. In the electorate of Barton we have families who watch Bluey together on weekends, seniors who love watching local documentaries, young people who binge Australian dramas and new migrants who learn about Australia through the stories we tell. Representations matters, fair access matters and cultural visibility matters. We should not underestimate how important it is for Australians to see themselves on screen, whether this is through shows like TheNewsreader, which explores the media landscape of the 1980s, or Heartbreak High, which reconnects young audiences with stories of contemporary Aussie high-school life. These shows reflect our humour, diversity, challenges and triumphs. They show Australia in all of its complexity and beauty. This bill ensures that these kinds of stories will continue to be made. While this bill strengthens Australian content obligations, it also sends a message to the world. It says that Australia values its creative industries, that we trust our artists and storytellers, that we believe in our capacity to create world-class content that can reach global audiences while staying proudly Australian. I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in culture, creativity and the stories that hold us together. This bill supports jobs, the economy and our national identity. It supports the idea that Australia should not simply consume stories from abroad but also contribute stories that enrich the global conversation. As the federal member for Barton, one of the most culturally diverse electorates in the country, I know how important it is for people to see their heritage, languages and experiences represented truthfully. From the children in our multicultural schools to the families I meet at community festivals, people want to see themselves reflected on screen like they want to see themselves reflected in this Parliament House. They want to see Australian stories that acknowledge their contributions and their place in our national story. This bill makes it possible. I commend the Minister for the Arts and the Prime Minister for their leadership. I'm incredibly proud to represent a community that is home to creative organisations with such heart, purpose and talent. Shopfront and Bus Stop Films are shaping the next generation of Australian storytellers. They prove that when we invest in local creativity we do not only produce content; we produce confidence, belonging, pride and opportunity. This bill supports them, it supports the broader industry and it supports every Australian, who deserve to see themselves reflected on screen. I commend the screen sector and Screen Producers Australia for their continued advocacy, and I commend the many Australian creators whose talent, passion and perseverance has kept Australian storytelling alive even during the most challenging years. This bill is for them. This bill is for our future children. I proudly support this bill and encourage all members of the House to do the same.
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak in strong support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. That might sound technical in nature, but it is in fact deeply grounded in fairness, integrity...
I rise today to speak in strong support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. That might sound technical in nature, but it is in fact deeply grounded in fairness, integrity and opportunity. This bill goes to the heart of something deeply important to the people of Barton and to communities right across our wonderful country: ensuring that vocational education remains accessible, accountable and very much trusted. In my electorate, families know the value of vocational education and training. Our nurses, aged-care workers, tradespeople, early-childhood educators, hospitality staff and emerging innovators are the backbone of our local economy and the backbone of our nation. When we invest in VET, we invest in our future workforce, in economic growth and in giving Australians—particularly young Australians, career changers and parents re-entering the workforce—a genuine pathway to skills and dignity through secure work. That is exactly what this Albanese Labor government is doing. But with investment comes responsibility to ensure our VET system is fair, transparent, modern and worthy of public trust. That's why this bill matters. Let me be very clear about what this legislation does and why it's absolutely necessary. During a review of the administration of VET student loans, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations identified that VET student loan providers had historically handled students' tax file numbers, even though that authority was not clearly set out in the VET Student Loans Act 2016. Now, I want to be absolutely clear—for the public, for students, for parents and for institutions—this was not misused. This was not misconduct. There were no student complaints, no privacy breaches and no adverse impacts on students or repayments. Providers acted in good faith, in line with practice and administrative expectations. The handling of tax file numbers was necessary to verify students and ensure loans and repayments could occur through the tax system. However, the legislative authorisation for that handling was not explicit. Our government believes in doing things properly. We do not sweep things—particularly administrative gaps—under the rug; we work towards fixing them. This bill does three simple but very important things. One, it retrospectively authorises the handling of tax file numbers by VET student loan providers from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2025. That gives providers and government offices legal certainty that their actions were valid and lawful. Two, it ensures that, from 1 October 2025, VET providers will no longer need to handle tax file numbers, because the government has now modernised the system, investing in secure digital automation to protect personal information. Three, it strengthens alignment between IT systems and legislation to safeguard privacy, improve modernisation and enhance trust in the VET student loans program. This is responsible, transparent and very considered policy-making. It fixes a gap, protects students, respects providers and strengthens public confidence. This bill sits within a broader, principled Labor approach to vocational training that is grounded in restoring integrity to a system that was badly damaged by the previous coalition government. It was the former coalition government that oversaw the explosion of crooked private operators, the exploitation of vulnerable students, billions of dollars wasted and dodgy schemes targeting people hoping to build a better life. Students who were just looking to learn and prepare themselves for their careers were taken for an absolute ride. According to the Senate standing committee's report on VET student loans, a number of registered training organisations and their agents aggressively marketed courses to vulnerable people using high-pressure tactics including free laptops, claims of free training and guaranteed jobs. In turn, providers enrolled students into large loans for courses that were unnecessary for employment, had low completion rates or were of questionable relevance to the labour market. Not only did this create a huge liability for the Commonwealth but it damaged the reputation of the VET sector more broadly. And no wonder—it was dodgy, bad policy that hurt the most vulnerable in our community. Labor came in and cleaned it up through the VET Student Loans program. We are now continuing that work to make sure that the VET system remains trusted and strong. This bill reflects our approach: steady, responsible, student focused and forward looking. For a loans system to function, trust matters. When taxpayers help fund a student's education, they deserve confidence that the system is fair, that repayments are handled accurately, that data is protected and that regulation keeps up with technology. This bill ensures that. It authorises, retrospectively and transparently, past handling of tax file numbers by approved providers, including TAFE and reputable registered training organisations. It also ensures that, from October this year, automated secure systems—not training providers—will handle tax file number transfers. This strikes the right balance, protecting students, maintaining loan integrity, supporting providers, complying with privacy rules and ensuring seamless loan administration. This is government doing its job, safeguarding integrity and modernising public systems responsibly. The bill applies to current and former VET student loans providers, their staff—who handled tax file numbers in good faith—the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Commissioner of Taxation, and relevant Commonwealth officers involved in administration. This does not give blanket immunity for wrongdoing. It validates legitimate administrative actions taken in good faith to support students. Strong privacy protections, security obligations, oversight mechanisms and criminal penalties for unauthorised disclosure remain in place. VET is an economic imperative for our nation. Our workforce is rapidly evolving. We face skills shortages in nursing, aged care and disability support; shortages in construction, electrical trades, cybersecurity and tech; new industries emerging in advanced manufacturing, renewables and clean energy; and the growing need for retaining and upskilling as careers change. VET is the bridge between economic need and opportunity. VET student loans are a lifeline for thousands of Australians chasing skills and a better future. In my electorate, the St George Kogarah TAFE campus and the administrative and teaching staff have been doing amazing work to upskill the next generation across various occupations. I must also highlight that I had the privilege of having the Treasurer and member for Rankin, Jim Chalmers, and the Minister for Skills and Training and member for Scullin, Andrew Giles, visiting the St George Kogarah TAFE campus, which has specialised facilities, such as simulated hospital settings. We had the opportunity to meet a number of students and teaching staff and learn more about their collaboration with local public hospitals, like the St George Hospital, to ensure we have the best-trained students to participate in our health sector. Since July 2023, this government has invested $42.2 million to modernise the VET student loan system. This bill ensures that those investments land on a strong legislative foundation. It reminds me that TAFE campuses, like the St George TAFE in Kogarah and many more, are important assets in all of our communities. It ensures our students, our providers and our economy have stability and certainty. This bill may be technical in nature, like I said earlier, but it has a purpose, a very clear purpose, and it is quite principled. It gives certainty and legal clarity to students, providers and governments to safeguard personal information and strengthen privacy, to modernise the VET loan system and to uphold integrity in education, which is one of the great enablers of Australia's prosperity and aspiration. To every student in Barton and across this nation: we are building an education system worthy of your dreams. We will always defend your right to learn, to grow and to build a future with dignity and purpose. I commend the bill to the House.
Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise to speak on the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 to reform the Freedom of Information Act, which is well overdue, necessary and grounded in one simple democratic principle: the...
I rise to speak on the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 to reform the Freedom of Information Act, which is well overdue, necessary and grounded in one simple democratic principle: the public has a right to know. Freedom of information laws sit at the heart of a functioning democracy. They create transparency, they forward accountability, and they ensure that government at every level remembers who we serve—that is, the people. I had the opportunity to hear the member for New England's speech on the amendment bill, and I want to quote something he said tonight. He said, 'When a government becomes too powerful, it covers its tracks.' Now, I'm not going to listen to advice from a member who was part of a former government that provided multiple secret ministerial portfolios to a former prime minister. For me, transparency is not an abstract principle. It is a lived value that all Australians expect that governments of the day will uphold. Before entering this house, I spent a decade working in employment and industrial relations law. In that role, I stood next to working people like nurses and electricians—people who relied on accurate information to stand up for their rights. I've seen firsthand that, when transparency fails, working people lose power, and, when systems become confusing, slow or difficult, it is everyday Australians who are left behind. FOI is no different. Access to government information empowers our communities. It builds trust. It gives people confidence that public institutions serve them, not themselves. Yet we must also be honest. The FOI framework as it stands today is not working as intended—not for government, not for public servants and certainly not for the public. When the FOI Act came into force over 40 years ago, the Public Service did not operate in the world we live in today. There was no email inbox overflow every morning, there were no digital archives holding decades of communications, and there were no thousands of pages generated every week across government offices. Back then, the volume of public sector records and the pace at which information moves now would have been unimaginable. Today, by contrast, the government receives over 34,000 FOI requests each year, and departments and agencies spend more than one million hours processing them annually—and it comes at a cost. Last financial year alone, FOI processing cost government more than $86 million, a 23 per cent increase on the year before and more than double what it cost in 2010-11. That is taxpayers' money. That is Public Service time and capability. That is not sustainable without reform. If we do not modernise this system, we'll continue to choke it, we'll continue to see delays and we'll continue to see resources diverted away from public delivery and into administrative gridlock. Worst of all, genuine requests from the public, whether it be journalists, researchers, academics or community advocates, will be pushed to the back of the queue, crowded out by unreasonable or abusive demands. We must protect FOI, but in order to protect FOI we must also protect the integrity of the system that underpins it. We know that over recent years, FOI has increasingly been used not as a tool for accountability but as a tool for harassment or disruption. Public servants who've simply turned up to do their job to serve the community have been subjected to abusive, threatening and excessive FOI requests designed not to seek truth but to intimidate or distract. Agencies have been weighed down by overly broad or malicious requests that consume enormous time and resources without delivering public value. As an employment lawyer and someone who's had the opportunity to work in operations as well—at St Vincent de Paul—I understand the balancing of WHS operational challenges and protecting workers in their duties. It is paramount that government be a role model for balancing protections for workers with accountability expectations from the community. While government must always be accountable, no system should tolerate abuse of workers, resources or processes. We are here to ensure transparency, not enable harassment. There has to be a balance. Accountability cannot come at the expense of safety or function. The reforms before us recognise this balance. They modernise the FOI system. They make it fairer, clearer and more efficient. They restore the intention of the act to provide access to information for those genuinely seeking it. Let me outline a couple of key features. Firstly, the reform modernises how requests are made and processed. We live in a digital age; our laws must meet this reality. Secondly, it ends anonymous FOI requests. Transparency cuts both ways. The public deserve transparency from government, and government deserves transparency about who is requesting sensitive information, particularly where national security may be at risk. Thirdly, it ensures decision-makers have adequate time to handle complex requests so that responses are accurate the first time instead of rushed or flawed. Fourthly, it introduces processing caps and the ability to change modest application fees for non-personal information, with waivers for financial hardship. Almost every Australian jurisdiction currently has an initial FOI application fee. This is not about shutting the door on transparency, like we hear from those across the chamber. It is about keeping the door open for genuine users by preventing the system from being overwhelmed. Fifthly, it provides agencies the ability to manage vexatious requests without removing the applicant's right to make future FOI requests. This is proportionate. This is absolutely fair. Sixthly, it clarifies legal ambiguities, especially following the full court's decision in the case of Patrick v Attorney-General, ensuring conventions around cabinet confidentiality and transitions between government are preserved. Ministerial deliberations must be protected. Cabinet confidentiality must be protected. Otherwise, collective responsibility, a core pillar of our Westminster system, will begin to collapse. These reforms do not weaken accountability. They safeguard the integrity of decision-making while guaranteeing the public's legitimate right to information. The FOI Act was created to shine a light on government, not to bury it under paper, not to threaten its workers and not to compromise its ability to deliver services. This bill brings clarity where there has been a bit of confusion. It brings structure where there has been strain. And, critically, it brings a balance that recognises both the rights of citizens and the responsibilities of government. We must never discourage scrutiny, and we must never shy away from transparency. But we must also ensure that FOI remains a system for accountability, not attrition. I know members opposite may raise concerns about restricting access or imposing barriers. I say this very clearly: a broken system serves nobody. These reforms give FOI longevity, they ensure public access remains quite meaningful and they ensure genuine requests are prioritised. And, yes, they ensure public money and public time is used responsibly, not drained by a handful of abusive or extreme demands while journalists, community members and advocates wait months or sometimes years to get an answer. Our commitment to transparency is not negotiable. Our commitment to accountable government is not negotiable. These reforms do not walk away from those commitments. They absolutely strengthen them. They ensure FOI remains a tool for democracy, not a weapon against it. They ensure the system supports fairness, not frustration, and they honour the foundational principle that government information belongs to the people, it belongs to the public, it belongs to us as Australians, and access to that information must be real and reliable. The strongest democracies are those that evolve. They recognise when systems strain, and they adjust to modern realities with integrity and purpose. This bill is not about closing doors. It's about keeping them open and functional for generations to come. This Labor Albanese government and the FOI reforms are focused on delivering for the Australian people. I commend the bill to the House.
Raise Our Voice in Parliament | Constituency Statements | House debates
I rise to read one of the selected speeches I received from students in Barton through the Raise Our Voice in Parliament initiative. This one comes from Angela, Dhanvi, Swara, Jaai and Grace from...
I rise to read one of the selected speeches I received from students in Barton through the Raise Our Voice in Parliament initiative. This one comes from Angela, Dhanvi, Swara, Jaai and Grace from Kogarah Public School. I want to thank them for their passionate and insightful submission. They say the following: As young Australians, we know how important mental health is for our future. We want to see change that ensures every student feels supported, valued, and able to thrive. Too many students face body-shaming, insecurities, and judgement every single day, often made worse by the pressures of social media. It's no surprise that 1 in 7 Australians aged 4 to 17 experience mental health challenges. These struggles affect how we learn, how we connect with others, and how we see ourselves. But we believe it doesn't have to stay this way. The government can make a difference. First, by funding more school-based programs so every student has access to help during and after school. Second, by creating awareness campaigns that show it's okay to ask for support and that no one is alone. Third, by upskilling young Australians by integrating real strategies for resilience, online safety, and wellbeing into the school syllabus. We want to see it, and we know it will make a difference. This is about more than today, it's about tomorrow. Supporting students' mental health means shaping a future where young Australians are confident, resilient, and ready to lead. With the right support today, we can ensure tomorrow's Australia is filled with resilient, healthy, and empowered young people. It is so important to highlight in my community of Kogarah Public School— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 16:34 to 16:45 That speech is a really good reflection of the kinds of students that we have in my electorate of Barton. Kogarah Public School has amazing students like the students who provided this speech. I had an opportunity to meet them. They're so passionate about these issues, particularly those around mental health and also the introduction of the social media ban that's occurring in December. Kogarah Public School might have the future MP for Barton at play there, and I'd like to thank them for their contribution.
Energy | Private Members' Business | House debates
As someone who's worked on the frontline of community support at St Vincent de Paul Society and someone deeply connected to the people of Barton, I see firsthand the pressures that Australians...
As someone who's worked on the frontline of community support at St Vincent de Paul Society and someone deeply connected to the people of Barton, I see firsthand the pressures that Australians are carrying. Right now, the cost of living is the No. 1 concern for Australians and across the globe. We on this side of the chamber are not ignorant to the energy bills being high, and we are fixing this energy bin fire that we inherited from those opposite. Those opposite left Australians with an energy system that was fragile, outdated and vulnerable to global shocks. They walked away from renewable investment and refused to build a modern grid. And now, as history repeats itself, those opposite stand here pretending they have a plan. Let's be clear. Their plan is nuclear energy—the most expensive, slowest, riskiest and least pragmatic option available—a plan that will do nothing to help families here in Australia. The truth is simple. In times like these, people don't need slogans. They don't need a scare campaign. We are addressing the cost of electricity across all levels, such as with retail reforms to make sure Australians get the best possible deal and making sure more Australians can bring down the bills for good with more access to rooftop solar and cheaper home batteries, as well as better energy efficiency options. The Australian people need a government—a steady one, a practical one, a responsible one—on their side and that is what this Albanese Labor government is delivering. While those across the chamber point their fingers, we on this side of the chamber are getting on with the job. Since 2022, the wholesale electricity prices are coming down. The independent Australian Energy Market Commission forecast that prices will decline to 2030 as more renewables enter the grid. This is something we are proud of and is important also for our large-scale consumers like manufacturers and smelters. From next year, the Australian Energy Market Commission will implement new rules that will stop sneaky price hikes, preventing retailers from increasing prices more than once a year. We know electricity retailers are the primary buyers of the Australian wholesale electricity market, purchasing power from generators and reselling it to households and businesses. The new rules will also prevent customers from being charged more than the standing offer price if their initial low-cost offer changes or expires. Furthermore, there will be a ban on excessive retailer charges like late payment fees for all retail contracts and will ensure all consumers will be entitled to a fee-free payment method. The new rules will ensure vulnerable Australians are receiving the best offer from their retailer, placing a stronger onus on retailers to assist hardship customers. While the Albanese Labor government has taken strong action to provide energy bill relief to Australian households and businesses, those opposite have opposed this relief at every step. We have provided three rounds of energy bill relief to homes and small businesses to take that sting out of the bills, while doing the overall reform work to bring down bills for good. We also acted to cap coal and gas prices, shielding Aussies from the worst of the global energy crisis. Recent ACCC data shows some 80 per cent of households could be paying less on a different deal. The government's energy.gov.au website and the AER's Energy Made Easy website can help bill payers find their cheapest plan. For the people that came to Vinnie's and needed assistance with their electricity bills, the main thing that the Vinnie's team members did was look at their electricity plan to see if the person was on the cheapest plan available. Like many other amazing organisations, like the Salvos and Mission Australia, organisations like these have been advocating to ensure people are getting the best electricity deal possible. So rather than the member for Wannon submitting motions as such, how about advocating for constituents on seeking reviews of energy plans and guiding them to get the support they need. Australians deserve a government that shows up every single day. They deserve leadership that recognises that energy is not just about power bills; it's absolutely about dignity, opportunity and security. They deserve a government that listens, works tirelessly and takes responsibility. This Labor government does exactly that. We are lowering the bills, modernising our grid, protecting our consumers and absolutely building a better future where Australians can rely on clean affordable energy.
Aged Care | Private Members' Business | House debates
I rise to speak on the government's reforms to aged care that came into effect over the weekend just passed. Every older Australian deserves the same care and respect they gave this country...
I rise to speak on the government's reforms to aged care that came into effect over the weekend just passed. Every older Australian deserves the same care and respect they gave this country through a lifetime of work, love and contribution. These long overdue reforms put care and respect back at the heart of the system. Everyone with older loved ones has had to battle with the aged-care system at one point or another. It is a difficult transition period and you find yourself confronted by tough decisions around your loved one's health, home and quality of life. On top of this, we have all heard and lived the horror stories unearthed by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. In the words of the commission, the system was delivering substandard and unsafe care for Australians. It was too focused on providers and institutions and not on the rights, preferences and dignity for older Australians. These reforms build on the good work we have already completed as a government. We've already mandated 24/7 registered nursing. Because of this, there is a registered nurse on site in aged care more than 99 per cent of the time. We've also invested $17.7 billion to increase the wages of aged-care workers. This means that dedicated staff are paid what they deserve and that their deep knowledge of their residents and the care they need stays in the system. We've also improved the standard of care. In December 2023, only 54 per cent of aged-care homes had an overall star rating of four or five stars—that's 'good' or 'excellent'. Today, 79 per cent of homes do. These new reforms build on this work and further the fight to deliver rights based, dignified aged care for every older Australian. These reforms include three key changes. Firstly, they introduce a rights based framework. The statement of rights makes sure that older people can make their own decisions about their own lives and have those decisions respected. The statement includes the right for every person to have independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice, quality and safe funded services, respect for privacy and person centred communication. The Older Persons Advocacy Network calls this reform a 'historic moment' in aged care. I particularly want to speak to putting older Australians at the centre of decision-making and empowering their choices. Since becoming the member for Barton, I've had many constituents contact my office requesting help with navigating the system. I want to speak to these examples but will change their names to protect their privacy. Paul contacted my office because he had approved level 3 funding in October 2024 but still had not seen that funding flow through by October 2025. Khalid reached out because he believed his case had been given a priority status but had not been able to get a new assessment. In both of these cases, these constituents felt like they were not being listened to when reaching out for help and that their requests had been ignored. Whilst I'm happy to help in these situations, a constituent should not have to get their local MP involved just to exercise their rights. In the first instance, both Paul and Khalid's requests should have been listened to, respected and actioned. This new rights based framework enshrines their voices and wishes in the act. Whilst I'll always be here to support those people, this means that older residents of Barton will be listened to and their choices respected from the get-go. That's what this reform this really about: restoring respect and giving back agency to the people who have given so much to all of us. On top of this, our reforms also increase support at home. We recognise that many would rather stay in their home than move into assisted living facilities. These reforms will help more people to do that. From bigger budgets to separate streams for home modifications and assistive technology, the new program will deliver a high quality of care to residents in their homes. Finally, we are delivering extra places to people who do need to transition into residential care. Places will now be directly assigned to older people who have been approved for government funded residential care services. Accordingly, mainstream residential aged-care providers will no longer need an allocation of places. Instead, residents will have more choice and control over which provider delivers their services. This is what good reform looks like: a system that listens, respects and delivers for the Australians who built this country.
Housing | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. How is the Albanese Labor government working to build more homes for Australians, what other...
My question is to the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness and Minister for Cities. How is the Albanese Labor government working to build more homes for Australians, what other approaches are there and what is standing in our way?
Climate Change | Private Members' Business | House debates
I rise to speak on this motion moved by the wonderful member for Griffith. It's a very important motion for my community in Barton as well. It outlines the Albanese government's commitment to...
I rise to speak on this motion moved by the wonderful member for Griffith. It's a very important motion for my community in Barton as well. It outlines the Albanese government's commitment to both recognising and responding to climate change. Recognising and responding are two separate things. The first, recognition, was delivered by the Labor Party way back in 2007 when the wonderful Kevin Rudd—Kevin 07—called climate change 'the great moral challenge of our generation' and warned that delaying action would be 'reckless and irresponsible'. It's now 2025, and the National and Liberal parties still can't get their head around it at all. Climate change is real, and we're feeling the impacts right now: more floods, more fires, more extreme heat and more violent storms. This is the reality for communities across Australia, yet the opposition are still in denial. Maybe they're too busy fighting themselves in some back room of parliament to step outside and actually see it. Whatever it is, they have their heads in the sand and we don't have time to wait for the tide to come in. As Rudd said, that would be reckless and irresponsible, and we must act now. The government accepts the Climate Change Authority's recently published national climate risk assessment. Every action we take today towards our climate goal of net zero by 2050 can help avoid the worst impacts on Australians. Following the authority's advice, we've set an emissions reduction target of between 62 and 70 per cent by 2035. And emissions are coming down. Our most recent data shows that emissions fell by 6.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the year to March 2025. This is a result of our work in slashing waiting times for renewable projects, incentivising home batteries and expanding clean fuel use. This is just the beginning, and we know there is much more work to be done. Our biggest sources of emissions are electricity, transport and industry, and we have a plan for each of them. On electricity, we are upgrading our energy systems so that we can deliver more renewable energy from remote areas to our cities and towns. We have already added over 18 gigawatts of wind and solar to the grid by undertaking this task. These upgrades also help balance the variability of renewables, ensuring homes have reliable, clean power, no matter the weather. On industry, we've announced a new net zero stream in the National Reconstruction Fund. The $5 billion in this particular fund will help large industry decarbonise whilst helping renewable and low-emission manufacturers scale up. On transport, we've expanded the use of electric vehicles, brought in a new vehicle efficiency standard and invested in more kerbside charging facilities. This is all on top of the work regular Australians are already doing, because they understand climate change and its risks as well. Around 1,000 batteries are being installed across the country every day, with home solar panel uptake being quite literally through the roof. So, as the motion says, the government is delivering on its promises, which Australians voted for this year, to act on climate change. Whether the opposition will leave the climate wars in the past—well, I'm not holding my breath.
I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I want to speak about this piece of legislation, the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, that cuts to the very heart of fairness in our social...
I want to speak about this piece of legislation, the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, that cuts to the very heart of fairness in our social security system. For way too long, the rules that govern how debts are raised and managed have been outdated, inefficient and, at times, downright unfair. This bill before the House finally begins to put that right. I come to this debate not only as a member for Barton but as someone who spent more than a decade in the law, advocating for people who were often up against systems that were stacked against them. For many people that find themselves relying on social security payments, the system can either be a bridge to a new life and a bright future or a bureaucratic barrier that keeps them trapped. I can tell you, when a person feels like they're being buried in red tape, when they've been hit with a debt they don't understand, when they are made to feel like a criminal for a simple mistake, that is not just a policy failure; that is a failure of justice. This bill delivers a long-overdue reform. It brings compassion, common sense and accountability back to the way we treat people who rely on our social security system. We want the system to be a bridge, not a barrier. That's why we've introduced this bill into the House. Firstly, this bill amends the small debt waiver threshold. The small debt waiver is a legal mechanism under the Social Security Act that allows the government to forgive certain low-value debts owed by welfare recipients where it's not cost-effective for the Commonwealth to take action to recover them. For 30 years, the so-called small debt waiver has been frozen. It's current range is $50 to $200—$50, unchanged since the 1990s, when the average cost of rent or a grocery bill looked nothing like it does today. In 2025, a small debt of $50 is insulting. It doesn't reflect the real world. This so-called small debt is no longer a reflection of what 'small debt' means to people today. To put it in plain language: this threshold was set when petrol was under 70c a litre, the median rent in Sydney was around $170 per week, and power prices were half of what they are now. Times have changed. Our welfare system must keep up with them. The administrative costs of chasing a $150 debt often exceeds the debt itself, which means taxpayers lose too. This reform is not about leniency. It's about efficiency, compassion and common sense. This bill increases the waiver threshold to $250. That means approximately 1.2 million debts, many of which would be impossible to recover without spending more taxpayer money in administration than the debts themselves. It will simply not be raised. This is the right outcome. Economic Justice Australia, the peak advocacy organisation for community legal centres that assists people with Services Australia, calls this reform 'a game changer that removes a lot of unnecessary stress from people's lives'. Indeed, these are people that are already vulnerable and experiencing hardship. People on income support are more likely to live under or near the poverty line. These same people have often accrued debt because of systemic overpayment or miscalculation issues—that is, through no fault of their own. We're talking about young people from rough families, single parents or Australians who have a disability. These are the people most likely to be receiving these payments and thus receiving debts in the first place. For many of these people, the myGov email landing in their inbox isn't just a notification; it's sometimes a heavy pit in their stomach. That notification of a debt means a complete recalculation of their budget, where their next meal is going to come from or how the already-overdue bill is going to be paid. We also know that Services Australia can be very difficult to navigate for people without in-depth experience of government and its procedures. I'm not saying these procedures are out of place; we should be strict on the paperwork required to receive payments from Services Australia and the checks and balances that come along with it. But, for someone already experiencing disadvantage, with low computer literacy skills, escaping violence without all their relevant documentation or with little time on their hands because they're looking after kids or relatives, it can be really easy to make a mistake when applying for payments. In circumstances like this, we should be giving people a helping hand rather than punishing them for their small mistakes. Where debts appear to stem from fraud, Services Australia has the power to investigate them more closely. But the majority of those Australians holding these debts have received them through no fault of their own. This impactful reform means Services Australia can focus more on what it should be doing—that is, supporting people who need help, not wasting energy hustling for small debts. It also says to the taxpayer, 'We are spending your money wisely, focusing on serious misconduct and fraud rather than chasing loose change from those doing it tough.' Another part of this bill I want to highlight is the protection it gives to victims-survivors of family and domestic violence. As many in this chamber will know, financial abuse is one of the most insidious forms of coercive control. It is a way for perpetrators to trap partners and children to keep them dependent and to punish them long after they have escaped. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in four women and one in 14 men have experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15. As a community, we now understand what has long been true—that violence extends beyond the physical and appears as emotional and financial coercion too. For many that find themselves in this situation, that looks like credit cards being taken out in their name, the emptying of joint bank accounts and the diversion of welfare moneys to another account. From my time working at the St Vincent de Paul Society in New South Wales, looking after a rather large team covering from Wyong to Helensburgh out to the Blue Mountains, including my own electorate of Barton, the Vinnies team and I saw the terrible impacts of coercive control and financial abuse on the lives of many people, mainly women, escaping domestic violence. Under our current laws, if a person accrued a debt because they were coerced into signing forms or providing false information they could still be held liable. This debt is yet another burden that hangs over the victim at one of the most difficult times in their life. Think about that for a moment: the victim is punished for their abuser's actions. That is not only cruel; it undermines our commitment to end violence against women and children. This bill changes that. It gives Services Australia the discretion to waive debts in cases where coercion or financial abuse was a factor. It builds on the work of the 2024 joint parliamentary inquiry into financial abuse and reflects our commitment to entrench protection into every arm of the Commonwealth. As someone who's worked with vulnerable clients, I cannot overstate the importance of this change. It tells victims-survivors: 'We see you, we believe you and we will not allow the system to be weaponised against you. When you come forward, you do not have to do so with fear of debt or of unjust consequences. Services Australia is here to help you rebuild and move forward, rather than binding you to the violence of your past, because we understand that financial security is a core part of ending domestic violence and that safety is not just physical; it's economic.' I know that this part of the bill may sound a bit technical, but for thousands of Australians it matters deeply. From 1991 to 2020 a method known as income apportionment was used to calculate debts. The practice was inconsistent with the law at the time. It was unfair. And while it has not been used under this Albanese Labor government, we cannot simply reopen decades worth of historical cases—some of them already repaid, many involving people who've since passed away—without causing fresh uncertainty and distress. So this bill draws a line in the sand. It clarifies the law to close off the uncertainty. More importantly, it establishes the Income Apportionment Resolution Scheme. That means that people who have potentially affected debts between 1 September 2003 and 6 December 2020 can apply for a resolution payment of up to $600. It's not perfect justice. Nothing can fully undo the harm caused. But it is recognition. It is a step towards closure. It is an acknowledgement that the system got it wrong. And, at its core, this bill is about respect—respect for the people who use the social security system, most of whom are engaging in good faith, trying to do the right thing, and juggling low incomes, insecure work and the rising cost of living. It's also about making sure people can trust the social security system after the trauma of the robodebt scheme. Australians deserve to know that we have learned from those mistakes and that our systems are transparent, lawful and humane. When I doorknock in Rockdale, Kingsgrove, Hurstville and across my electorate of Barton I hear the same thing again and again: people just want systems that treat them fairly, clearly and with dignity. They don't want bureaucracy that punishes them for being poor, sick or in a crisis. Moreover, we want to make sure these people can access help to navigate the new resolution scheme. We're equipping Economic Justice Australia and the Australian Council of Social Service with $400,000 each. We want to make sure they have the resources available for those impacted by the scheme. I know, too, that my team will be ready to help anyone in my electorate of Barton who finds themselves in this situation, who can simply attend my electorate office at Level 2, 24 Montgomery Street, Kogarah or send me an email at ash.ambihaipahar@aph.gov.au. We have a dedicated space for quiet conversations and staff on hand to help you navigate that system. The empathetic and efficient team at Services Australia Rockdale will also be on deck, as they are always there to help a lot of our electorate members. This bill begins to change the culture of our welfare system. It says: no more chasing debts that cost more to collect than what they're worth; no more punishing women who've already endured abuse; and no more letting historic injustices fester. We in this chamber have a responsibility to make systems work for people, not against them. We have a duty of service for these people to recognise their hardship, to help lift them up into better lives. We cannot bring fairness to every corner of the social security system overnight, but with this bill we are taking important practical steps in the right direction. As the member for Barton, I welcome these changes. As a lawyer, I know how overdue they are. And as someone who believes in the dignity of every person, I will always stand up for a social security system that reflects compassion, fairness and justice.