Jo Briskey's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Access to safe, secure and affordable housing is one of the most fundamental foundations of a fair society. It is not simply about shelter but about dignity, stability, opportunity and wellbeing....
Access to safe, secure and affordable housing is one of the most fundamental foundations of a fair society. It is not simply about shelter but about dignity, stability, opportunity and wellbeing. When people have a secure place to call home, children can focus on learning. Parents can focus on work and caring, and individuals can plan for the future with confidence. When housing is unstable or out of reach, it affects every part of our life—health, education, employment and mental wellbeing. We know there is a housing crisis in this country. For too many, particularly young Australians, they have found themselves locked out of the market. Rents have risen. Supply has fallen. And for many the dream of homeownership has felt increasingly distant. This is why this government has an ambitious housing agenda, the most ambitious that we've seen for generations. It is why we see housing as one of our central priorities—investing in social and affordable housing, boosting supply, working with the states and territories on planning reform and recognising housing as essential national infrastructure. Through the Labor government's Housing Australia Future Fund, we are delivering thousands of new homes across the country, with more than 5,000 social and affordable homes completed or underway and more than 25,000 in construction and planning. This is part of our broader commitment to deliver 55,000 social and affordable homes for the Australians who need them most. A roof over your head should never be a privilege. It should be an expectation for all Australians. Locally, I'm proud to see the Albanese government backing major projects that will deliver—and are already delivering—new social and affordable homes in Melbourne's north-west. In December of last year, I welcomed Minister O'Neil to Kensington in the southern part of my electorate to see firsthand the successful completion of a new housing project as part of the Swift Walk redevelopment. This massive injection of housing into our local community, the largest that Housing Australia Future Fund has completed to date, has delivered 362 new homes, including 272 social and affordable homes. For locals in Kensington and the surrounding suburbs, moving into Swift Walk has meant leaving behind long-term overcrowding and finally having a space of their own. Thangjam and Kristine and their new baby have just moved into their new home in Swift Walk, a fantastic two-bedroom unit. The minister and I got to say g'day to them. Before, Thangjam and Kristine were living in shared accommodation with nine others. They were making the best of it, but, as their family was due to expand, it was clear this was not the environment that would have given them the best chance at living their most settled and successful life. Now, they have a place to call theirs, a place to create memories, opportunities and stability for their beautiful new family. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for welcoming both the minister and me into their new home. It was such a delight to see them settling in and thinking about the future that they have for them and their young child. Stories like this remind us that housing is not just policy; it has real life impacts. It's not abstract; it's about families finally having a space to breathe; children having a quiet place to sleep, to play, to study; and parents feeling the relief that comes with security. It's about dignity. While local projects make a powerful difference, they sit within a broader national effort to address decades of underinvestment in housing supply. The Albanese government's reforms recognise that housing is essential to economic participation, social wellbeing and equality of opportunity. For young people especially, access to secure homes shapes the entire course of their lives. They can pursue education, build savings and start families of their own and remain connected to their communities. When we allow housing insecurity to become the norm, we entrench disadvantage. But, when we invest in affordable, accessible homes, we open doors to stability and to a fairer future. Addressing Australia's housing challenge will not happen overnight. It requires sustained effort, cooperation across governments and a willingness to treat housing as a public good, not just as a market commodity. Every Australian deserves the dignity of a safe home, and, when we strengthen housing security, we strengthen the nation itself. House adjourned at 17:00 The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Mr Boyce ) took the chair at 09:30.
Like many families across Maribyrnong and across the nation, my family is well and truly back into the rhythm of the new year. Gweny is beaming with excitement, having started high school, and...
Like many families across Maribyrnong and across the nation, my family is well and truly back into the rhythm of the new year. Gweny is beaming with excitement, having started high school, and Margot is already telling me how much she loves her new grade 4 teacher. But, like households everywhere, we're back to the busy mornings and to the juggle. I want my community, in that juggle, to know this: every day that I come into this chamber, this Labor government and I are firmly focused on you, making sure you and your family get the support that you deserve. This is because we are united and focused on delivery while those opposite remain focused on themselves. The opportunity of education is a deeply held value in our government. It starts in early childhood. It's why we're making early education more affordable and accessible with our three-day guarantee. We are focused on easing the cost of living and giving every kid the best start in life. But it doesn't stop there. We are also delivering historic, record funding for our public schools—providing more support for students and better resourcing for classrooms and backing our incredible teachers. Labor delivers because education is fairness, it's opportunity, and it's about building a stronger future for Maribyrnong and our country. While we are focused on easing the pressure on families in Maribyrnong and across the nation, those opposite remain hopelessly divided. My community of Maribyrnong, let me tell you this: our focus is different. Our focus is on you.
Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Following the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi, the Prime Minister observed that we take pride in the fact our country is enriched by both the world's oldest continuous culture and people of...
Following the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi, the Prime Minister observed that we take pride in the fact our country is enriched by both the world's oldest continuous culture and people of every background and tradition, who have enriched our nation with their hard work and their aspiration. That statement speaks to the enduring strength of Australia as a multicultural nation. But pride in our diversity must be matched by the systems that ensure inclusion in practice, not just in principle. This legislation gives effect to that responsibility. It affirms that linguistic background does not diminish a person's belonging, their contribution or their place in Australian society. By providing clear statutory support for translating and interpreting services, the bill ensures multicultural communities can access government essential services and civic life on an equitable basis, reinforcing social cohesion and enabling continued contribution to our nation's prosperity and unity. The Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025 goes to the heart of who we are as a nation. It's about fairness. It's about dignity. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural nations on the planet, and that success has never been accidental. It is the result of deliberate choices made generation after generation to ensure people are not locked out of opportunity simply because English is not their first language. This bill provides a clear and enduring statutory framework for the essential services delivered by TIS National—services that have quietly but profoundly supported Australians for more than 75 years. While the legislation is technical in parts, its purpose is deeply human. It is about ensuring a grandmother can understand her doctor, a new arrival can speak to Centrelink without fear or confusion, a parent can engage with their child's school and someone calling triple zero in a moment of crisis can be understood and helped without delay. This bill sends a clear and unequivocal message: language support is not discretionary. It is fundamental to safety, participation, fairness and equality. As we heard from our previous speaker, Australia first began providing translating services in 1947 and interpreting services in the fifties in response to the arrival of postwar migrants rebuilding their lives in a new country. I'm proud to represent an electorate that is home to many Italian and Greek Australians, who made those journeys after the war and who went on to contribute so deeply to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our nation. In 1973, under the Whitlam Labor government, Australia became the first country in the world to offer a national telephone interpreting service. That decision recognised something profoundly important: that, while English is the predominant language in Australia, it has never been the only language spoken in Australian homes. Since that time, translating and interpreting services have continued to grow and evolve, adapting to new technologies, new communities and new forms of service delivery while remaining a cornerstone of Australia's multicultural settlement framework. This bill strengthens that proud legacy, but it also firmly looks to the future. It ensures that the services provided by TIS National are not merely preserved but strengthened, supported by clear legislative authority, modern governance arrangements and a mandate that reflects the realities of modern Australia and the needs of an increasingly diverse community. At its core, this legislation establishes a statutory framework for translating interpreting services provided by TIS National within the Department of Home Affairs. It sets out clearly and transparently the functions of TIS National, including the ability of the secretary to provide or arrange for the provision of translating and interpreting services to Commonwealth agencies and officeholders, to facilitate communication between individuals and government, including states and territories, under formal arrangements via telephone, via video, on site or via other communication technologies and to meet national needs that would otherwise go unmet. The bill also recognises the broader role TIS National plays—not just delivering services but building capability across the sector by supporting, training and developing interpreters and translators, particularly in new and emerging community languages and specialist settings like health and law. In doing so, the legislation gives statutory backing to what communities already know to be true: these services are essential infrastructure in a modern, multicultural nation. The community I represent in Melbourne's north-west is one that truly highlights Australia's migration story throughout the generations. In suburbs like Avondale Heights, Keilor East and Niddrie, many older postwar Italian and Greek Australians still speak English as a second language. These are the people who helped build our country, who worked in factories, on construction sites and in small businesses, and who raised families and strengthened our communities. Yet, even after decades in Australia, navigating complex systems like health care, aged care, housing and legal services can be daunting without language support. For them, TIS National is a lifeline. It is the difference between understanding a diagnosis and leaving confused and anxious, or between asserting their rights and quietly stepping back. The same is true for newer Australians in Flemington, Kensington and Moonee Ponds—communities from Somalia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, China and beyond. These are families who are rebuilding their lives after conflict and hardship; young people balancing school, work and family responsibilities; and parents engaging with schools, early childhood centres and medical services for the first time. For these communities, access to interpreting services builds confidence. It builds trust and it builds connection, not just to government but to the broader Australian community. Our prime minister and our government are steadfastly focused on social cohesion and unity strengthened through statements and values. But we know cohesion is not built on rhetoric alone; it is built through action, through trust and through everyday interactions between people and the institutions that serve them. For multicultural communities, language access is the foundation of that trust. When people can communicate clearly with government—with government agencies, health services, schools, courts and emergency responders—they feel included, they feel respected and they feel that the system is working for them, not against them. Without language support, people can feel isolated even while living in the middle of a vibrant community. They may avoid seeking help, misunderstand critical information or disengage altogether, not because they don't want to participate but because the barriers feel insurmountable. That disengagement does not just affect individuals. It affects families, it affects communities and, ultimately, it affects social cohesion itself. Services like those provided by TIS National are therefore not just transactional; they are relational. They are about building a sense of belonging and about ensuring people feel safe to ask questions, seek help and engage with institutions in moments that matter most. This is particularly important in moments of vulnerability: when someone is receiving medical care, when they are dealing with the justice system, when they are navigating aged care, housing or family services, or when they are calling for help in an emergency. In these moments, clear communication is not a luxury; it is essential to dignity, fairness and safety. Social cohesion depends on people believing that our institutions are accessible and fair, regardless of background, accent or language spoken at home. By embedding translating and interpreting services in legislation, this bill strengthens that belief. It sends a powerful message that participation in Australian society is conditional not on perfect English but on shared commitment to one another and the values of fairness and inclusion. This legislation gives effect to our government's multicultural access and equity policy. It affirms that access to government programs and services should not depend on cultural and linguistic background. It reflects the Albanese Labor government's commitment to a united, cohesive and multicultural Australia—one where diversity is not merely tolerated but valued and supported—and it recognises that language support underpins participation across every domain of life, from health care and education to employment, housing and civic engagement. By placing TIS National on a clear statutory footing, we are providing certainty to service users, interpreters and translators and to the agencies that rely on these services every day. Australia's multicultural story is forever evolving, as are the needs of the communities we serve. Every generation of migration—from postwar European migration and migration from South-East Asian communities to more recent arrivals from Africa, the Middle East and beyond—brings new languages, new settlement patterns and new cultural practices. Our interpreting and translating services have had to evolve alongside our nation, and this bill recognises that reality. By placing TIS National on a clear statutory footing, the legislation ensures that these services are not only protected but positioned to grow, adapt and modernise in step with Australia's changing demographic and technological landscape. Being future ready means investing in workforce capability, supporting the training and development of interpreters and translators, particularly, as I said, in new and emerging community languages. It means ensuring that there is capacity when new communities arrive—not years later, but from the outset—so people can engage safely and confidently as they settle into Australian life. It also means embracing modern service delivery. Telephone interpreting remains a cornerstone, especially for emergency and urgent services that operate 24 hours a day. But video interpreting, onsite services and remote technologies are increasingly critical, particularly for regional access, complex appointments and situations where visual communication matters. This bill ensures that the legislative framework keeps pace with those realities, enabling services to be delivered flexibly, securely and efficiently wherever and however they are needed. Future-ready services are not just about technology; they are also about resilience. They ensure that during times of crisis, whether they be public health emergencies, natural disasters or sudden surges in humanitarian arrivals, Australia has the language infrastructure needed to respond quickly, clearly and compassionately. They ensure that language services are not an afterthought but a core part of national preparedness. And they ensure that Australia continues to grow and diversify its systems so they grow with us, rather than leaving communities to catch up on their own. This bill is concerned with the practical operation of fairness in our multicultural country. It recognises that meaningful participation in Australian society depends on the ability to communicate with government and essential services and that linguistic background must not be a barrier to safety, access or inclusion. This legislation acknowledges and repeats the enduring contribution of multicultural communities to Australia's social, cultural and economic life and affirms that those contributions are not diminished by the language spoken at home. In electorates such as Maribyrnong, this reality is evident across generations—as I said, from postwar migrants who helped build modern Australia to those newer migrants from Africa and Asia who continue that legacy today. For these communities, these services, supported by this bill, are essential. It is about building public confidence in accessibility and fairness of government systems. It supports social cohesion by ensuring that individuals can engage with institutions in a safe, informed and equitable manner. This bill, as I said, also positions these services to remain responsive to future needs, recognising the evolving linguistic diversity of Australia and the importance of maintaining capacity, professionalism and reliability in service delivery. For these reasons, and because a cohesive and inclusive society depends on systems that work effectively for all Australians, I commend the bill to the House.
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Indeed—and our member for Bullwinkel! Nurses are often the first clinicians people see and the ones who stay with patients throughout their care. They work in our GP clinics, hospitals,...
Indeed—and our member for Bullwinkel! Nurses are often the first clinicians people see and the ones who stay with patients throughout their care. They work in our GP clinics, hospitals, aged-care homes, community health services and mental health settings, building relationships, providing continuity and delivering care with skill and compassion. I'd like to take this opportunity to recognise some amazing nurses who looked after my daughter Gwenevieve when, in the final week of school holidays just a couple of weeks ago, she had to have her appendix taken out. The nurses at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne were incredible, keeping Gweny calm and in good spirits whilst recognising how scary this procedure was for her and helping her to take the medicine that she needed, sometimes with much protest. My heartfelt thanks to every single nurse, doctor and healthcare professional who helped to support Gwenevieve and who looked after us and our entire family when we were there a couple of weeks ago. This bill recognises that many registered nurses already have advanced training and expertise and, with the right education and safeguards, can effectively and safely take on an expanded prescribing role. The national registration standard—endorsement for scheduled medicines, designated registered nurse prescriber—was approved by the health ministers in December 2024 and came into effect in September 2025. It sets out clear, rigorous requirements that registered nurses must meet and attain to maintain endorsement. The first cohort of designated registered nurse prescribers is expected to complete their education, receive endorsement and begin prescribing by 26 July. This is reform done properly, grounded in evidence, education and professional standards. Designated registered nurse prescribing is based on partnership, with nurse prescribers practising in collaboration with authorised health practitioners under active prescribing agreements. That collaborative approach has been central to the design of this reform, and it is why it has received support from across the health sector, including through extensive consultation with organisations such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association. This shared approach reflects a modern understanding of health care—one that values collaboration, respects professional expertise and keeps patients at the centre. The real impact of this bill will be felt by patients and communities, including those communities I am proud to represent across Maribyrnong. Maribyrnong is a diverse and growing electorate with families juggling work and care responsibilities, older Australians ageing in place and many people managing chronic and complex health conditions. Like many communities across Australia, we rely heavily on strong primary and community based care to keep people well and out of hospital. In primary healthcare settings across Maribyrnong, designated registered nurse prescribers will be able to support patients with more timely access to PBS subsidised medicines, particularly for ongoing and chronic conditions. That means fewer delays, fewer unnecessary appointments and a smoother experience for patients whilst also allowing general practitioners to focus their time and expertise. In aged care, in places like Wintringham in Avondale Heights, where many residents live with multiple health conditions and frequently require changes to medication, this reform supports faster clinical decision-making and better continuity of care. For older residents and their families, that means greater confidence that care is timely, coordinated and responsive. In disability and mental health settings, designated registered nurse prescribers will be able to contribute to medication management as part of a broader person centred approach to care, supporting stability, dignity and recovery and helping to ensure people receive the right care at the right time close to home. And in hospital settings, particularly at the point of discharge, this reform will help ensure patients can leave hospital safely and promptly with the medicines they need, easing pressure on hospital beds, improving patient flow and reducing the risk of people falling through the cracks as they transition back into the community. These are practical, real-world improvements that will make a meaningful difference in places like Maribyrnong. They reflect Labor's commitment to building a healthcare system that works for communities not just on paper but in practice. This reform is also being delivered in a coordinated and genuinely national way. All states and territories are currently amending their drugs and poisons legislation to enable designated registered nurse prescribers by July 2026. That level of alignment reflects a shared understanding that this reform is necessary and overdue and will deliver real benefits to patients no matter where they live. This national consistency is important. It means that, whether people are accessing care in a local GP clinic, an aged-care facility, a community health service or a hospital, the system is better equipped to respond quickly, safely and effectively to their needs. It also provides greater certainty for our health workforce. Nurses who live and work in our local communities can practise within a clear, nationally consistent framework supported by strong professional standards and shared expectations across the country. This bill is also about valuing and supporting our health workforce. By enabling designated registered nurse prescribing, we are creating clearer career pathways for nurses, improving job satisfaction and helping retain skilled clinicians within our health system. At a time when workforce pressures are one of the greatest challenges facing our healthcare system, supporting nurses to work their full scope of practice is not just sensible—it's essential. The Unleashing the Potential of our Health WorkforceScope of Practice Review, led by Professor Mark Cormack, was unequivocal on this point. It found that barriers to working to full scope of practice prevent the most effective use of the existing workforce and undermine the sustainability of our health system over time. This reform responds directly to that finding. It empowers health professionals to contribute fully within their areas of expertise, removes unnecessary constraints on safe and effective care, and ensures our workforce is supported to deliver more for patients. It is another way that this government is strengthening Medicare—not just by investing in it but by modernising how it works for patients, providers and the workforce who sustain it. This bill is thoughtful, practical and forward-looking, but it is also something more than that. It is a clear statement of this government's values and of our belief in a strong, universal Medicare system, one that evolves with the needs of the community it serves and is built on trust in the people who deliver it every day. This legislation modernises our laws to reflect contemporary healthcare practice. It embraces evidence based reform that supports collaboration, flexibility and patient centred care. It supports our healthcare workforce, particularly our nurses, by recognising their skills, their training and their vital role across every part of our healthcare system. And, most importantly, it improves access to affordable medicines for Australians, which have now been made even cheaper because of our government's cheaper medicines policy. It's just $25 a script, like it was back in 2004. It means fewer delays in care, better continuity for patients and a health system that works more smoothly, more fairly and more humanely, especially when people are unwell, vulnerable or caring for someone that they love. That is the kind of reform Australians expect from our Labor government, and that is exactly why I commend this bill to the House.
At the last election, we made a clear commitment to the Australian people not only to strengthen Medicare but to ensure that, after almost a decade of cuts and chaos from those opposite,...
At the last election, we made a clear commitment to the Australian people not only to strengthen Medicare but to ensure that, after almost a decade of cuts and chaos from those opposite, Australia would have a healthcare system that's accessible and responsive and truly works for the people who rely on it. At the heart of that system is our health workforce, the frontline workers who dedicate their lives to caring for us, our families and our communities when people need them the most. They are the backbone of our healthcare system, and the strength of Medicare depends on our ability to support and enable them to deliver the best possible care. Whilst the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 directly affects the work of registered nurses, it is fundamentally about everyday Australians—people who find themselves unwell, caring for a loved one or trying to navigate a system that often feels complex, slow and difficult precisely at the moment when they need support the most. This legislation is about making our health system work fairer and better where we need it to work. It is about ensuring people can access safe, affordable medicines without unnecessary delay, and it is about empowering our health workforce to work to its full potential so patients receive timely, high-quality care. The Albanese Labor government also made a clear commitment to prioritise scope-of-practice reforms for health professionals. We did so because we know our health system is under pressure, with growing demand, workforce shortages and communities rightly calling for care to be more flexible, more efficient and more centred on their needs. This bill delivers on that commitment. It is practical, sensible reform that strengthens Medicare by modernising how care is delivered and ensuring highly trained health professionals are able to contribute fully within their scope of practice. It recognises that the challenges facing our health system cannot be solved by standing still. They require thoughtful, evidence based reform focused on people, not process, and that is why this reform is so important. This bill enables designated registered nurse prescribers to prescribe certain medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme once they are appropriately trained and endorsed. It does this in two ways. First, it amends the National Health Act 1953 to recognise registered nurses who are endorsed under the National Registration Standard as authorised prescribers, allowing their prescriptions to attract Commonwealth subsidy through the PBS. Second, it amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to include registered nurses within the Professional Services Review scheme, ensuring appropriate oversight, accountability and patient safety. These are careful and considered changes. They ensure that, as nurses' roles evolve, the legislative framework evolves with them, supporting quality care while maintaining the integrity of our health system. Taken together, these amendments ensure that our laws keep pace with modern clinical practice and the realities of how care is delivered on the ground. They make it clear that, when a registered nurse is appropriately trained, endorsed and practising within a collaborative framework, we recognise their clinical judgement and support these incredible healthcare professionals in our national health system. By enabling access to PBS subsidies while maintaining strong safeguards and oversight, this bill strikes the right balance between expanding access to care and upholding the high standards Australians rightly expect from their Medicare. Those of us on this side of the chamber have always recognised the incredible role nurses play in keeping our country healthy.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
On behalf of my family and my community of Maribyrnong, I rise to contribute and share, as others have done, my deepest sympathies and sadness. On the early evening of Sunday 14 December, I was...
On behalf of my family and my community of Maribyrnong, I rise to contribute and share, as others have done, my deepest sympathies and sadness. On the early evening of Sunday 14 December, I was at home with my two girls, Gweny and Margot. I was introducing them to one of my favourite movies, The Sound of Music. It was an ordinary, gentle Sunday summer evening. And then the news broke. As the details became clear about what was unfolding at Bondi, that iconic, much-loved place, like all of us I was shocked, devastated and reeling. People who had been at the beach, celebrating their faith, gathered with friends and family, were suddenly confronted by bullets, by indiscriminate violence and by hatred directed at them because of who they were—because they were Jewish. This abhorrent act of violent antisemitic terrorism is the very antithesis of who we are as a nation, and yet it happened. But, even in the darkest moments, we also saw the very best of Australia. We saw the extraordinary bravery. We saw compassion. We saw people run towards danger to help strangers. To the first responders, to the active bystanders, to Ahmed al-Ahmed—whose courageous act in disarming one of the attackers saved countless lives—and to every person who helped, comforted, shielded others, stayed and cared for the injured: thank you. There was an outpouring of solidarity right across our country for the victims and their families and for all Jewish Australians, who, in the wake of this attack, continue to carry the weight and fear of rising antisemitism. These acts of courage and kindness speak directly to who we are. They remind us of the Australia we strive to be. The following Saturday, my family and I travelled to Sydney to attend the funeral of my husband's grandmother, who had passed away the same day as the attack. After the funeral, Ravi and I felt it was important to go to Bondi to pay our respects, to stand with others and to acknowledge the horror of what had occurred. It was a deeply moving experience for us and our two girls. While we were there, we heard Rabbi Yossi Friedman, who had been reading out the names of the victims each hour. I want to acknowledge Rabbi Friedman for his dedication to honouring those who were lost and for helping families like mine understand who these people were—their lives, their stories, their humanity. As Rabbi Friedman read, we heard about Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41 years old, an incredible support to his family and community; Peter Meagher, who had spent 34 years on the police force but who was there on the day as a photographer, capturing the joy of the festival; Tibor Weitzen, 78 years old, murdered while sheltering others; Dan Elkayam, 27, a young man from France, visiting and enjoying our great country, who had spent the day on the beach playing soccer before heading out to join the Hanukkah celebrations; Alex Kleytman, 87, a Holocaust survivor; Reuven Morrison, 62, who bravely tried to stop the attackers, throwing a brick and anything else he could find; Marika Pogany, 82, an active community volunteer who distributed meals to those who needed them; Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, described as the backbone of the local Bondi Jewish community; Sofia and Boris Gurman, the first to be gunned down as they tried to wrestle the guns off the perpetrators; Edith Brutman, murdered alongside Tibor Weitzen as she too sheltered others; Boris Tetleroyd, who had come to Australia seeking safety and freedom to live his faith, only to be murdered here because of it; Adam Smyth, 50, a passer-by walking his dog; Tania Tretiak, remembered for her kindness and care of others, and Matilda, just 10 years old—only a year older than my Margot. Each name is a life, a family, a future taken and a community left grieving. In remembering them, in honouring them, we make a shared commitment: to never forget; to stand against antisemitism in all its forms, and to stand against all forms of hate; to choose unity over division, compassion over cruelty, courage and curiosity over fear and light over darkness; and to continue the work of building a kinder, safer Australia. In this place, we have a responsibility not just to mourn but to lead—to lead with decency, with compassion, with unity and with the quiet strength of kindness—to call out hate wherever it appears, to protect those who are targeted, and to ensure that Australia remains a place where people can live, worship, and belong without fear, because kindness is a strength that binds us, compassion is a courage that moves us and unity is a power that carries us forward as a nation. That is the responsibility of this parliament, and that is the responsibility we owe to those who we honour today. May their memories be a blessing.
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Maribyrnong is known for many things—iconic sporting venues, historic shopping strips and long-established suburbs that have helped shape Melbourne's identity for well over a century. With...
Maribyrnong is known for many things—iconic sporting venues, historic shopping strips and long-established suburbs that have helped shape Melbourne's identity for well over a century. With such strong foundations, it's no surprise that our electorate is also home to many of Melbourne's most popular pubs and hospitality venues. In suburbs across Maribyrnong the local pub isn't just somewhere to grab a drink; it's the beating heart of the neighbourhood. It's where people come together, celebrate wins big and small, decompress after long days, share laughter and look after one another. That's why these bills, the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, which put a simple, sensible two-year pause on draught beer excise indexation, are so welcome. This keeps the tax on the keg steady and stops the price of a pint from creeping up when people are already struggling with cost of living everywhere else. And, importantly, it backs in the pubs, clubs, brewers and hospitality workers that are such a big part of life in my electorate. This is a measure people can genuinely feel in their weekly routines, in the budgets of local families and in the life of their sports clubs and community groups, who rely on their local venues as meeting places and social hubs. Let me paint a picture. If you're in Essendon on a Friday arvo you'll see locals piling into the Linc or the Royal after work. In Ascot Vale you've got punters catching up at the Union or the recently re-opened Laurel. In Kensington the Melbourne Cup crowd may be long gone for the year but the Doutta Galla Hotel is still buzzing and full of character. Up in Gladstone Park the family run Gladstone Park Hotel remains the go-to spot for birthdays, knock-offs, community raffles—you name it. These aren't just iconic local pubs; they're community gathering places that double as dining rooms, meeting spaces, live music venues, sports hubs and unofficial community centres—with much better food! Behind the bar, keeping everything moving, are hospitality workers—bartenders pulling beers, flat out during the footy; the waiter navigating a packed dining room on a Saturday night; and the kitchen crew sweating it out to keep parmas flying out the door. They're the heartbeat of the industry. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the hardworking hospo members of the United Workers Union, who fight for fair hours, secure jobs and decent conditions, strengthening the very venues that keep our communities connected. For years now, pubs and venues have been hit by challenge after challenge. First, the pandemic smashed their revenue and threw their future into complete uncertainty. Then supply chain issues pushed the cost of things up—power bills, produce prices, keg transport and insurance costs. Our government recognises that and recognises the pressure our publicans are under. Every automatic excise increase pushed the price of draught beer higher and higher until the cost curve started to resemble a skate park. Publicans across Ascot Vale and Moonee Ponds have told me directly that they can't keep raising prices, because people are already struggling, but they can't absorb the rising costs either. That's the reality of Maribyrnong and right across the country. These are small operators, family run businesses and local employers trying to stay afloat while doing the right thing by their staff and their communities. They're not making noise for attention; they are genuinely under pressure. When local venues are under pressure, so are local jobs, so are apprenticeships, so are young workers earning their first pay cheques and so are the suppliers and the brewers who rely on the venues to survive. This measure helps steady the ship. And, when you steady the ship for a pub, you steady life for hundreds of people around it. Now, let's talk about the brewers because they're doing it tough too—especially the small independent producers who rely heavily on keg sales. Across Maribyrnong, it is widely understood that small brewers are carrying immense cost pressures. Raw materials are up, freight is up, and packaging is up. These aren't multinational companies with global buffers and giant reserves; they're local businesses that are employing local people and bringing creativity, craftmanship and distinct Victorian character into Australia's beer scene. This pause gives them breathing room. It's the space they need to plan production, retain staff and continue contributing to local jobs. Let's be honest. Victorians love independent beer. We take pride in our small brewers. They bring flavour, innovation and a sense of community identity you simply don't get from the large multinationals. Keeping them viable keeps choice alive and keeps a tap list interesting, which every publican and every regular appreciates. The best thing about this measure is how targeted it is. It applies only to draught beer, which is in the kegs that pubs and clubs serve from. It doesn't apply to bottles, cans, spirits or RTDs—just the stuff on tap. That's deliberate. This isn't about cheap alcohol or encouraging people to overindulge and it's not about rewriting the entire alcohol tax framework. It's about one thing: supporting a sector that strengthens communities, employs locals and keeps our suburbs vibrant. And because it's time limited, a two-year pause, it provides relief without undermining long-term tax policy or public health measures. Let me talk about why this really matters in a community like mine. In Maribyrnong, a pub isn't just a pub. It's where footy fans go to celebrate and commiserate in equal measure. It's where local tradies gather after they knock off early on a warm Friday. It's where young people get their first job and where families head for a parma when they can't be bothered cooking. It's where local sporting clubs host their presentations. It's where community groups hold fundraisers. It's where trivia nights raise money for kids sports kits and school camps. It's also where our new migrants get a genuine taste of Australian community life. It's where our older residents stay connected. It's where loneliness lifts, even for a moment. It's where laughter rolls through the room and where conversations jump across generations like they've always belonged together. When a pub goes under, that little ecosystem goes with it. That whole pocket of community joy disappears. We can't take these places for granted. Hospitality workers know better than anyone what happens when a venue is under pressure. They're the first to lose hours, the first to have shifts cut and the first to feel the insecurity that comes with unpredictable rosters. They were hit hardest through the pandemic, and many are still putting their pieces back together. Wages in hospitality have been historically low, conditions have often been inconsistent, and burnout is real. Giving venues stability helps give workers stability. And when workers feel secure the whole community benefits. Let's remember that pubs and brewers don't operate in isolation. Behind every keg is a farmer growing barley and hops; there's a truck driver hauling the keg from the brewery to the pub; there's a technician making sure the taps are flowing; there's a linen service washing uniforms and tablecloths; there's a muso playing an acoustic set in the corner on a Sunday afternoon; and there's the local sports club using the pub as its unofficial clubhouse. The whole chain of jobs and small businesses is strengthened when pubs are strong. Some folk might say: 'It's just beer. Why does it matter?' Most people in my community would answer that without even thinking. The local pub is where friendships begin. It's where footy arguments run longer than the AFL season. It's where someone will always ask how your week has been and will genuinely care about the answer. For older residents, shift workers and people doing it tough, it can be the most important social place that they have. It can be the place they feel welcome and the place they feel part of something. When prices rise too quickly, people stay home. When people stay home, venues struggle. When venues struggle, hours get cut. When hours get cut, families feel the pinch. It's all connected. This bill helps break that chain of strain. This fits into something bigger. While we're keeping the cost of a pint steady, we're also delivering one of the strongest cost-of-living packages Australia has seen in years. Wages are up. Superannuation is strengthening. Parents have more support, with expanded paid parental leave. Power bill relief is easing household pressure. Student debts are shrinking instead of ballooning. Prac students in nursing, teaching, midwifery and social work are finally receiving payments. Bulk-billing has been expanded. More urgent care clinics are opening. Aged-care workers are receiving long-overdue pay rises. All of this is happening while we're keeping inflation low. This is Labor delivering on its promise to build a better future while supporting working Australians and providing meaningful cost-of-living relief. It's why this measure sits so comfortably within the government's broader economic approach. It's simple. It's smart. It's aimed exactly where the pressure is. Stabilise the cost of a keg, and you stabilise the cost of running a venue. Stabilise the cost of running a venue, and you protect jobs. Protect jobs, and communities breathe easier. Publicans, workers and locals across Maribyrnong tell me the same thing. They're proud of their community and its local institutions. They don't want a special carve-out. They want predictability, they want stability and they want a government that listens. This bill delivers precisely that, so here it is. The bill keeps the lights on at the places where Maribyrnong comes to life. It keeps the parmas coming, the footy banter flowing, the Friday arvo rush humming and our venues full of laughter long into the night. It keeps workers on shift, brewers brewing and locals able to enjoy a pint without needing to phone their bank manager first. In my community the pub is a humble place, but it is where the magic happens. It's where friendships spark, ideas are swapped, sports teams are celebrated and someone inevitably shouts, 'I'll get the next round'—even when they absolutely shouldn't. It's where new migrants meet their neighbours, where older residents find familiar faces and where working people get the break they deserve. This bill backs that spirit—the working-class heart that defines Maribyrnong, the spirit that lives in an ice-cold beer shared in good company. It gives every punter, whether they're at 'The Doot' on race day or 'The Linc' during footy season, a fair go. It's practical, it's sensible and it is exactly what our community needs. I'm absolutely thrilled to support it. I commend the bill to the House.
Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
October was Mental Health Month—a time to remind ourselves that mental health touches every part of our lives. It's a part of every family, friendship and community. This year's theme,...
October was Mental Health Month—a time to remind ourselves that mental health touches every part of our lives. It's a part of every family, friendship and community. This year's theme, Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey, is such an important reminder that mental health isn't about one big moment. It's about the small steps we take, the conversations we start, the habits we build and the support we reach out for along the way. Those steps look different to different people. For some, it's finally talking to a mate. For others, it's showing up at a men's shed, calling for help from Lifeline or accessing services like headspace. Every step counts and every step forward deserves to be recognised. We all know someone who has struggled—a friend, a colleague, a neighbour or perhaps even ourselves. For too long, mental health has been seriously stigmatised. The reality is that mental health is health. It deserves the same care, attention and compassion we give to every other part of our wellbeing. Mental Health Month is about starting conversations. More importantly, it's about continuing them. It's about building communities where people feel supported all year round—where taking the first step, or the next one, is seen as an act of strength. Recently I visited two fantastic men's sheds in my community, at Strathmore and Moonee Ponds. They are two remarkable groups that are supporting men's mental health. Men's sheds are more than workshops. They are places of belonging where conversations happen naturally over the workbench, and friendships are formed with shared purpose. For too many men, especially older men, loneliness can creep in silently. Work ends, routines change, loved ones are lost and suddenly the days get quieter. Social isolation is a major risk factor for poor mental health, and men's sheds tackle that head-on. They offer connection, purpose and mateship, often in ways that feel natural and safe. I'm proud that the Albanese Labor government continues to support men's sheds. We recognise that connection and prevention start in local halls, community groups and sheds just like these. I've also had the recent opportunity to meet with the new CEO of Lifeline, Graham Strong. Lifeline has been answering calls from Australians in crisis for more than 60 years, offering compassion, understanding and hope. Each call is a chance to save a life. It takes extraordinary dedication to listen, care and help someone see a way forward. The volunteers and staff of Lifeline are the quiet heroes of our mental health system, and their work deserves recognition and support. In Maribyrnong, the Albanese Labor government is boosting access to vital mental health services with a $6.2 million investment to open a new headspace in Moonee Valley. I've spoken about this project a lot, and I will keep speaking about it, because it's such an exciting and important initiative for my community. Headspaces provide free wraparound support for young people aged 12 to 25, covering mental health, physical health, alcohol and drug support, and study and work pathways. As a qualified child and youth psychologist, I know how powerful early support can be. Giving young people help before the challenges escalate can really transform years of silent struggle into a chance to thrive. This new centre is part of the Albanese Labor government's $1 billion investment to expand free public mental health care through Medicare, making it easier than ever before for Australians to get the support they need when they need it. I recently caught up with our local primary health network to get an update on where things are at, and it's coming along quickly. They let me know that there will be more updates in the coming months and that the process is moving along swiftly, and I'm keen to keep my community in the loop every step of the way. Young people in Moonee Valley have been waiting far too long for this service, and I'm determined to see it delivered as quickly as possible. I also want to touch on the government's work to protect young people online. We cannot talk about mental health without talking about the impact that social media is having on our kids. I recently held a social media forum with Minister Wells for local parents and teachers in my community. We heard powerful stories from two bright young students in my community about why these social reform changes are necessary. Netasha spoke about how social media began shaping her identity long before she even knew who she was—how the constant comparison, the created perfection and targeted content left her feeling smaller, not stronger. Hayden spoke honestly about what many young men are experiencing—platforms deliberately targeting their insecurities and pulling them into toxic, hypermasculine content without them even realising it. These aren't isolated stories. They're happening in homes, classrooms and playgrounds across Australia. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. They feed insecurity. They amplify anxiety. They expose kids to content they simply aren't ready to navigate. That's why the Albanese Labor government is introducing world-leading minimum-age reforms for social media accounts, giving kids a crucial additional 36 months before they're thrown into the online world that can profoundly shape their self-esteem, their relationships and their mental health. This is about giving young people the time to build resilience and real-world connections first, it's about giving parents some peace of mind that the algorithm isn't raising their children and it's about putting responsibility back onto the platforms that have profited from our children's attention without keeping them safe. We can't out-parent an algorithm, and kids can't outwit one. These reforms help give young people, including Netasha and Hayden, a better chance to grow, learn and thrive offline before facing the pressures online. We know our mental health system has some deep structural problems, we know the workforce shortage is real and we know reform won't happen overnight. But, just as we are doing with Medicare, housing and climate action, we're getting on with the job and fixing what's been broken for too long. Reforming mental health care isn't something you can fix in a single budget with one announcement. It takes time, coordination and genuine partnerships across government with the workforce and, most importantly, with people who have lived experience. We're continuing to build a mental health system that is public, coordinated and fair—a system that backs early intervention, supports the workforce and makes sure care actually reaches the people who need it. Our billion dollar investment will deliver 31 new upgraded Medicare, mental health centres, 20 new youth specialist care centres and eight new perinatal mental health centres, and we're creating 1,200 new training places for clinicians and peer workers because none of this works without the people who deliver the care. On top of that, we've committed an additional $361 million through our stronger Medicare reforms, including $163 million for a new National Early Intervention Service that anyone can access for free. Our government is committed to getting this right for the long-term. We can't talk about mental health without talking about suicide. As a co-chair for the Parliamentary Friends of Suicide Prevention, I co-hosted an event in September to mark World Suicide Prevention Day. We heard from Suicide Prevention Australia's leadership and from Leesa Mountford, who turned her family's tragedy into advocacy and hope for others. Her story reminded us that behind every statistic is a person, a life lost, a family grieving, and a community forever changed. The Albanese Labor government's National Suicide Prevention Strategy takes a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach, tackling health, economic and social drivers of distress. Listening to lived experience must remain at the heart of policy and service delivery. Earlier today, I attended a briefing from Dr Alex Hains, the head of the National Suicide Prevention Office. He walked us through the new National Suicide Prevention Strategy and the early development of the National Suicide Prevention Outcomes Framework, the tool that will help us understand what's working, where the gaps are and where support needs to go. It's evidence based, compassionate reform and exactly the direction we need to be heading. Mental Health Month and its theme of taking steps on your wellbeing journey is a reminder that mental health wellbeing touches every part of our lives. It is about compassion, community and connection. It's about recognising every step, big or small, that someone takes to look after their mental health. It's about building a country where no-one feels ashamed to ask for help and where care is available, when and where it's needed. The Albanese government is investing in reform, but the heart of this work lives in our communities, in our Lifeline volunteers, in our men's sheds, in our mental health workforce and in the courage of those who share their stories. So, as we head towards the end of our parliamentary year, let's keep taking those steps. Let's keep the conversation going. Let's reach out, listen and support each other because mental health is everyone's business, and together we can make sure no-one faces it alone.
Housing Australia Future Fund | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering more homes for more Australians, and are there any risks to the government's work?
Maribyrnong Electorate: Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
Only weeks ago and with almost no notice, community health provider cohealth announced it would close its general practice services, including in Kensington in my community. This decision came...
Only weeks ago and with almost no notice, community health provider cohealth announced it would close its general practice services, including in Kensington in my community. This decision came with no consultation, with little transparency and with little regard for the impact on patients, staff and the broader community. From that moment, my office, alongside residents, acted quickly and with purpose. My simple focus was unwavering: standing up for the Kensington community and ensuring no-one was left without the health care that they depend on. When cohealth first announced the closures, residents were understandably shocked and distressed. This is a service the community helped build. It is a service they are fiercely protective of, and they made it clear that they would fight for it. I brought their concern straight here to Canberra and I made it clear that our community deserved better than a shutdown, and we won. This didn't happen by accident. It happened because the community refused to be silent. Residents organised, healthcare workers and unions stood up, and together we were a voice that could not be ignored by cohealth. As a result of that advocacy, the Albanese Labor government has stepped in with funding to keep the GP services operating until next year. We've also secured an independent review—something that I pushed for from day one—to deliver transparency, accountability and, importantly, the long-term delivery of GP services for this area. The work is not done, but I'll keep standing up with locals, holding cohealth to account and pushing to secure sustainable primary health care in Kensington.
Maribyrnong Electorate: Disaster and Emergency Management | Statements by Members | House debates
For too long, residents in Kensington Banks and along the lower Maribyrnong River have lived with the stress and uncertainty caused by increasingly severe flooding and the absence of a clear...
For too long, residents in Kensington Banks and along the lower Maribyrnong River have lived with the stress and uncertainty caused by increasingly severe flooding and the absence of a clear long-term plan for mitigation. Since entering this parliament I've made it my priority to bring my community's voice into this chamber, because locals in Kensington and Ascot Vale deserve action, not excuses, on flood preparedness and public safety. That uncertainty has also affected the value and insurability of homes, leaving Kensington Banks residents carrying the burden of not knowing whether their properties would remain protected or financially secure into the future. That's why I'm pleased to report that, following a strong and sustained advocacy from me and my community, the Albanese Labor government has committed more than $700,000 to progress the lower Maribyrnong flood mitigation study, with matched contributions from the Victorian government and local councils. This is more than a technical exercise. It's the foundation of a transparent, evidence based plan to protect lives, homes and neighbourhoods. This study will assess infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions, setting out the potential long-term protections we may need as severe weather events become more frequent. This progress is also a testament to the persistence of the Kensington community, who have long called for accountability and focus. I've ensured their voices have been heard throughout this process. There is still a long way to go, but the message to my community is clear. Your voice is being heard, and this government is acting. I will continue to work closely with the residents, agencies and all levels of government to ensure that this next phase achieves meaningful results. (Time expired)
Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Straight to the pool room—that's right! These stories, from the playrooms to the prison yards and from the outback to the suburban backyard, are not small. They are Australia on full...
Straight to the pool room—that's right! These stories, from the playrooms to the prison yards and from the outback to the suburban backyard, are not small. They are Australia on full display: unpolished, heartfelt, hilarious and brave. They remind us why this legislation matters, because the world wants more of us. When we back Australian storytellers, we're funding not just art but identity, community and pride, the things that turn our country into a culture. This bill delivers a key commitment from our national cultural policy, Revive. Revive is our road map for rebuilding and empowering Australian culture, because creativity isn't a side project; it's part of our national identity. It's about putting Australian stories front and centre again. It's about saying our voices matter just as much as the big Hollywood blockbusters, and it's about ensuring that our screen industry, one of the most dynamic and creative in the world, continues to grow, thrive and inspire. This bill puts us back in charge of our cultural future. For decades, our free-to-air broadcasters have carried the Aussie flag, meeting content quotas and giving us generations of icons: the foxy ladies from Fountain Gate, the loveable chaos of the Proudmans and those unforgettable neighbours on Ramsay Street. Then streaming came along—shiny, global, irresistible—and our proud Aussie rules of storytelling didn't follow. Suddenly, Australians were watching more than ever, yet less of it was being made at home. This is exactly what this bill fixes. We're telling the streaming giants, 'If you're operating in Australia and cashing in on the Australian audiences, then it's your turn to create the next Aussie classic.' Fair's fair. This is about a level playing field. The same expectations that built our local screen legends should now apply to the platforms dominating every screen on every device. Australia's screen industry is nothing short of extraordinary. We have actors, writers, directors and technicians whose talent lights up the world stage. From the Oscars to the Emmys, we've produced icons that have made the globe sit up and take notice. Think of Cate Blanchett commanding every room she enters, Sarah Snook dazzling in everything she touches and Nicole Kidman stealing every scene she's in. Think of Baz Luhrmann, George Miller, Warwick Thornton—geniuses who learnt their craft on our shores and then went off and showed the world how it's done. But let's not forget that behind every star is a constellation of hardworking Australians who make it happen: costume designers, lighting technicians, sound engineers, editors, producers, caterers and drivers. It's a thousand hands bringing magic to the screen. When a film or story shoots in Melbourne, Sydney, on the Gold Coast or in the Northern Territory, it's more than arts. It's jobs. It's training. It's opportunity. In my electorate of Maribyrnong, you can feel it buzzing. Young film students across the river at Victoria University are learning the ropes. There are small creative collectives proving that talent, ingenuity and grit can thrive anywhere. When the Australian screen industry thrives, everyone benefits: local talent, small businesses and regional communities. It's not just a creative economy that we're building; it's a full circle Aussie powerhouse that turns ideas into careers, puts dreams onto screens and turns stories into national pride. From script to screen, this is how we back Australians to shine. This reform is ambitious, but it's also practical. The investment requirement applies only to major streaming services with more than a million Australian subscribers. We're not putting unnecessary pressure on small or niche platforms. There's flexibility built in. Streaming companies can choose whether to invest based on expenditure or revenue, and they'll have a three-year carryover period to balance their spending. We'll review the system after four years to make sure it's working, making sure the investment is real, the content is high quality and the outcomes are strong for Australian audiences and creators alike. That's how Labor does reform—thoughtful, balanced and built to last. This is far more than just television. It's about who we are as a nation. We're messy, brilliant, colourful and proudly diverse. When Australian stories are put on screen, we see ourselves reflected. We see our struggles, our triumphs, our humour, our accents and our landscapes. That reflection matters. It tells every kid growing up in Melbourne's north-west or in regional WA that their story, their voice, their life is worth watching and worth celebrating. Think of Rabbit-Proof Fence and Total Control. Each in its own way shines a light on the shadows of our history and the barriers that still linger today. Rabbit-Proof Fence brought the heartbreaking truth of the stolen generations to the world, while Total Control shows that the legacy of colonisation is still shaping modern Australian life, including our politics. These are stories that confront us, move us and remind us exactly why Australian storytelling matters. Narratives like these, the ones that make us laugh, cry or question, help us to understand each other. They challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and elevate the voices that are often pushed to the margins. That is the power of culture—bold, honest, inclusive. That is exactly what this bill safeguards. This bill isn't just about preserving what we've had; it's about inspiring what comes next. Imagine what the next decade of Australian storytelling could look like with this kind of support. Imagine the next Bluey, perhaps made by a young animator in Moonee Ponds. Imagine the next Red Dog, filmed in the red dirt of the outback. Imagine a new generation of Australian storytellers, actors and filmmakers who are given every opportunity to shine because their country backs their creativity. This bill gives them that chance. This reform sits proudly within Labor's long legacy of backing Australian art and culture. From the establishment of the Australian Film Commission in the 1970s to the creation of Screen Australia and the revitalisation of our national culture institutions through Revive, Labor has always understood that our stories are part of our national strength. Just like Revive, this bill is a statement of confidence. It says that we are not just consumers of international content; we are the creators of it. We are a nation that makes things, that tells stories and that celebrates who we are. This bill is about more than just fairness. It's an investment in the future and has fierce faith in Australian creativity. When we invest in our stories, we invest in ourselves—in the spark, the sass, the soul of this country—and we invest in the jobs, the skills and that unshakeable Aussie spirit that can turn a story about a girl and her wedding into cinema gold. We make sure that, when our kids and grandkids sit down to stream something, they'll see a bit of home—a Hills hoist, a magpie swoop, a sausage sizzle or backyard cricket. They'll see who we are—bold, funny, complicated and beautiful—and they'll know they belong to a country that celebrates its own voices. It's not just one voice but many. From the world's oldest storytellers, our First Nations creators, to the countless cultures that now call Australia home, our stories weave together like a great big patchwork doona, stitched with grit, colour and heart. That's the real magic of Australia—every accent, every background and every yarn adding a new shade to our national story. They remind the world that Australia doesn't just watch culture; we create it. This bill says, loud and clear, our stories, our artists and our future are worth every frame. It's the vibe, and it's unmistakably, unapologetically Australian. I commend the bill to the House.
What an exciting day for Australian storytelling. Today, we're talking about something Australians do better than anyone else—telling our own stories in our own voices and on our own...
What an exciting day for Australian storytelling. Today, we're talking about something Australians do better than anyone else—telling our own stories in our own voices and on our own screens. The Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025 is about celebrating who we are, what we value and how we see ourselves in the world. In 2025, we're not just watching television anymore; we're streaming on our phones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs. The way we watch has changed, but one thing hasn't: Australians still want to see Australian stories—stories that sound like us, look like us, make us laugh, make us think and make us proud. That's exactly what this bill does. It guarantees that, no matter what screen you watch, there will always be a place for Australian stories. Under this bill, streaming services with more than a million Australian subscribers, like the big players of Netflix, Disney, Prime and others, will be required to invest at least 10 per cent of their total program spend, or 7.5 per cent of their revenue, into Australian stories—dramas, children's programs, documentaries, arts and educational content. This is about more homegrown productions that capture our humour, our heart, our contradictions and our community spirit. This is about more jobs for Australian crews, writers, actors, editors, camera operators and designers, and it means audiences everywhere, from Essendon to Alice Springs, can continue to see Australia on screen. Our stories are important. When we see ourselves on screen, we understand each other better. We see the beauty and chaos of our country reflected back, and that creates connection. Let's be honest. Australian content isn't just about entertainment; it's identity. It's how we see ourselves, how we laugh at ourselves and how we introduce ourselves to the world. Take Blueyit's not just a show for kids; it's a love letter to modern Australian life. Every episode is packed with joy, honesty and imagination. It's backyard cricket, pretend play adventures and the pure chaos of trying to get everyone out the door before the bell rings. It's teaching children across the globe what 'Aussie' really means. Kids in Europe and the US now know exactly what a bin chicken is—that's soft-power diplomacy at its cutest. Then there's Wentworth. Filmed in Melbourne, it took the humble prison drama and turned it into a global phenomenon. It's fierce, clever storytelling with women at the centre, and it's unapologetic, raw and real. It showed that Australian creatives don't just follow trends; they set them. When we invest in local content, we invest in stories that make the world sit up and pay attention. Heartbreak Highwhat a triumph! It's a vibrant, fearless portrait of young Australia as it really is: diverse, messy, funny, political and proud. It's proof that, when we give new voices the mic, they create stories that reach millions. It's not nostalgia driving its success; it's authenticity. It's young Australians claiming their space and shaping the culture of tomorrow. Of course, there's The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, our sparkling, defiant gift to the world. That film rolled out of the desert in a cloud of dust and glitter, waving a feather boa and changing cinema forever. It premiered when being gay was still illegal in parts of this country, and our film industry's answer was not shame but three drag queens, a hot-pink bus and a whole lot of sequins tearing through the red dirt, saying, 'Get used to it, mate.' Then there's The Castle. I couldn't give a speech on Aussie content without mentioning this icon. Filmed in my electorate of Maribyrnong, in the streets of Strathmore and Essendon, it's an ode to working-class Australia: family, fairness and fighting for what's right. The Kerrigans reminded us that home isn't about bricks and mortar; it's where belonging lives. It's the vibe, and it's so Aussie.
Maribyrnong Electorate | Constituency Statements | House debates
I'd like to begin by recognising two fantastic constituents of mine, Tommy and his neighbour Mark, who are making a real difference for stroke in childhood. Tommy's stroke journey began at just...
I'd like to begin by recognising two fantastic constituents of mine, Tommy and his neighbour Mark, who are making a real difference for stroke in childhood. Tommy's stroke journey began at just 12 years old, when he experienced a stroke. From that experience, he set himself an ambitious target, an ambitious goal, looking to reach the four points of Australia to raise funds and awareness for childhood stroke survivors and to support research into stroke onset, an area that has long been understudied. Completing the journey in stages, and finishing in 2023, Tommy overcame enormous challenges along the way, including pandemic disruptions and a serious accident when he was hit by a car, breaking his pelvis. With running now limited, cycling has become the focus of his future endeavours, including a smaller ride—'3 Points/Taking on Tassie'. Together, these efforts have raised $155,000 for the Stroke Foundation. Looking ahead, the upcoming ride, Howlong to Canberra, aims to coincide with Childhood Stroke Awareness Week, connecting directly with politicians and stakeholders to advocate for the 85 per cent of childhood stroke survivors living with lifelong impacts. Stories like Tommy's are a reminder of the resilience and determination that exists in our community, qualities that are equally evident in our young people. And in that spirit, I want to congratulate all our year 12 students across Maribyrnong, who are fast approaching the end of their 13 years of hard work and dedication. Finishing school is a major achievement, reflecting the perseverance, commitment and effort that these students have shown over the years. I'd also like to acknowledge their parents, guardians and families whose support has been essential in helping students reach this point. Your guidance, encouragement and care have made all the difference. As students prepare for their final exams, I wish them every success. These exams are an important step, but they are not the final destination. They are the starting gun for the next chapter of life. Whether it's further study, vocational training, apprenticeships or entering the workforce, there are many paths ahead. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise and congratulate our outgoing Moonee Valley mayor, Ava Adams, who has finished her first term. I also acknowledge the outgoing deputy mayor, Fran Cosgriff, who also concluded her term. We've now seen the election of the new mayor for Moonee Valley, Rose Iser, and the new deputy mayor for Moonee Valley, Phil Burn. Two fantastic local councillors who I'm really excited to work with over the course of their term. By working across government—local, state and federal—we'll deliver for our wonderful communities across the Moonee Valley.
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
That may very well be in my speech, Deputy Speaker. Every day in Maribyrnong, you can see what's worth fighting for: the river, winding through our suburbs; the creeks, alive with birdlife; and...
That may very well be in my speech, Deputy Speaker. Every day in Maribyrnong, you can see what's worth fighting for: the river, winding through our suburbs; the creeks, alive with birdlife; and the volunteers who spend their weekends planting trees and restoring country. That's what this reform is about—protecting the places we love while building a stronger, cleaner, fairer future. This legislation is a turning point for our environment, for our economy and for the kind of Australia we want to build. This reform is about more than paperwork and process; it's about whether our kids will still hear the birdsong in our suburbs, still swim in the clean rivers and still walk through forests that haven't been lost to short-term thinking. The Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 is our chance to get it right—to build a system that protects nature, supports jobs and drives the clean energy future we owe to the next generation. Together with the National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, the Environment Information Australia Bill 2025 and the restoration and charges bills, this is the most ambitious environmental reform in decades—a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset, which puts protection and progress on the same page, because that's what Labor does. We don't sit on the sidelines, we don't wait for perfection and we don't just talk about change; we make it happen. We're the party that saved the Franklin, protected the Daintree, expanded Kakadu and created the world's largest network of marine parks. We're the party that acted on climate when others said it could wait. And we're doing it again—rebuilding Australia's environmental laws to deliver real protection, real jobs and real accountability, not for hashtags or headlines but because it's the right thing to do—because our country deserves better. The truth is our existing environmental laws are broken. The independent Samuel review, commissioned in 2020, found what communities, conservationists and industry have known for years: that our current EPBC Act is failing. It's not protecting our environment, it's not giving business certainty and it's not supporting the projects that our country needs to build homes, renewable energy and a strong future made in Australia. We can't afford to keep doing things the same way. Australians expect better. The people of Maribyrnong expect better. My community cares deeply about the natural world—about our rivers and parks, our threatened species and the world we'll leave our kids. They want environmental laws that actually work—laws that protect nature and cut through red tape; laws that get results. That's exactly what these reforms will deliver. These reforms stand on three clear pillars: stronger protection and restoration; faster and fairer decisions; and greater accountability and transparency. Let me speak briefly on each. First, we're putting environmental protection back at the heart of the law, where it belongs. For too long, the system has been full of grey areas and loopholes—decisions made behind closed doors and projects approved that clearly shouldn't have been. This reform says 'no more'. For the first time, this law will make it clear that the projects with unacceptable impacts on our most precious places and species cannot be approved, unless they pass a strict national interest test. We're finally enshrining national environmental standards, something Labor has been fighting for for years. These will set clear, enforceable rules for biodiversity, offsets, First Nations engagement and environmental data. We're also overhauling the offset system so that every project must deliver a net gain for nature, not just less damage. Every project must give back more than it takes. We're creating a restoration fund so companies can contribute to genuine landscape-scale restoration—planting trees, protecting habitat, restoring wetlands, strengthening ecosystems—because protecting the environment isn't just about stopping harm; it's about healing country. We're backing this up with tougher enforcement, stronger penalties and new powers to stop environmental damage before it happens—no more treating fines as a cost of doing business. For the first time, big projects will have to disclose their emissions and abatement plans, because Australians deserve honesty and transparency from those profiting off our environment. This is what Labor does best: turn big principles into practical outcomes. The second pillar is about getting things moving responsibly. Right now, the approval system is slow, confusing and full of duplication between governments. That helps no-one—not communities, not business and certainly not the environment—so we're fixing it. We'll introduce streamlined pathways for projects that provide strong, transparent information upfront—cutting red tape, not corners. We'll modernise bilateral agreements with states and territories so assessments can be done once, properly and to national standards. We'll invest in bioregional planning, mapping out areas for development and areas for conservation. Communities will know what's protected, and businesses will know where they can invest with certainty. When you set clear rules and enforce them properly, you get faster, fairer, better outcomes, and that's what these reforms deliver. The third pillar, perhaps the most important pillar, is accountability because people have lost trust. They've seen governments look the other way, approvals be waved through and big polluters treat fines as a rounding error. That ends here. We're establishing the National Environmental Protection Agency, an independent, tough, transparent regulator with real teeth. It will enforce the law, investigate breaches and hold corporations to account. The national EPA will make sure no-one—no company, no project, no government—is above the rules. Alongside it, we're creating Environment Information Australia to make environmental data open, accurate and accessible. Australians will finally be able to see in plain sight the state of our environment updated regularly and backed by science, because sunlight is the best disinfectant. Australians deserve a system that's fair, fast and honest, and that's what these reforms deliver. While this government is getting on with delivering the biggest environmental reform in a generation, others in this place are playing the same old games. The coalition, who sat on the Samuel review for years, are now pretending to care about process, and the Greens, once again, are threatening to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Well, my community in Maribyrnong has no time for political posturing or empty protest. We want progress—real, tangible change that protects our environment and builds our future. The people of Maribyrnong know how much our environment shapes our lives. From the banks of the Maribyrnong River to the creeks that stretch across our suburbs, our green spaces aren't just beautiful; they're the lungs of our community. They're where families walk, kids play and volunteers roll up their sleeves to care for country. Groups like Moonee Valley Sustainability, Friends of Steele Creek and Friends of the Maribyrnong Valley have spent decades restoring native habitats and protecting local waterways. Their work reminds us that caring for nature is about more than trees and species; it's about health, connection and the kind of community we want to build for the future. It's a legacy we're proud of in Maribyrnong. One of my predecessors—the late, great Moss Cass—served as Australia's first environment and conservation minister. He fought to legislate the Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974 and set the standard for bold, science driven environmental leadership. His reforms laid the groundwork that protected the Great Barrier Reef, saved Fraser Island from sand mining and curtailed uranium mining in Kakadu. It was Moss's belief that power only matters if you do something bold with it. This legislation before the House today is bold. It will deliver stronger safeguards for local waterways and ecosystems; faster, clearer approvals for renewable energy and housing projects that create jobs; and a more transparent system that people can trust. My community voted for action that protects the environment and builds Australia's future, and that's exactly what this Labor government is doing. Not everyone in this place shares that commitment or real desire for action. The coalition, true to form, still treat environmental policy as a burden, not a responsibility, and now we see just how far they've fallen. They are on the cusp of abandoning their net zero commitment because of the climate-denying extremists who now dominate their party room. The modern Liberal Party is no longer a party for government. It has been hijacked by denial, captured by conspiracy and paralysed by cowardice. Even their leader is choosing political survival over Australia's future. They continue to show their true colours on environment: divided, inconsistent and driven by ideology rather than science. Let's remember that the Samuel review that underpins these reforms was commissioned and received by the now opposition leader when she was environment minister. She had the report in her hands five years ago and did nothing—absolutely nothing. It sums up those opposite perfectly. When it comes to the environment, they just don't care. Then there are the Greens, whose purity politics too often have let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Let's not forget that it was the Greens who teamed up with the climate deniers opposite in 2009 to block Labor's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, setting Australia's climate action back decades. They talk about urgency but vote for delay. They preach progress while standing in the way of it. These reforms deliver real protection: an independent EPA to hold polluters accountable; national environmental standards with legal force; net gain offsets to restore the environment; and faster approvals for housing, clean energy and critical minerals. Yet the Greens threaten to block them because they're not perfect enough and because they prefer protest over progress. The people of my state and of Australia have had enough of it. At the last election, they rejected the Greens' policy of protest and purity. They voted for progress, not posturing. In my neighbouring electorate, they ousted the leader of the Greens and replaced him with a progressive Labor woman focused on getting things done. Australians know this: real progress doesn't come from shouting from the sidelines; it comes from doing the hard work, making the tough calls and delivering real outcomes. That's what Labor is doing, right here. This bill is Labor at its best: bold, practical and driven by a belief that the government can and should make life better. We're not here to talk about what can't be done; we're here to get it done. We're here to protect our rivers and bushlands, to fast-track clean energy that will power our homes and industries and to build an environmental system that finally matches the scale of the challenges we face. It's a reform that learns from the past and from the years of denial and delay. It sets Australia on a new path—one where protecting nature goes hand in hand with creating jobs, homes and opportunities. This is a Labor government acting with purpose. We're delivering stronger safeguards for nature, we're delivering faster and fairer decisions for communities, and we're delivering the accountability and transparency that rebuild trust. Our environment can't wait, and neither can our children's' future. That's why I'm proud to stand here today on behalf of the people of Maribyrnong to back in this reform—to back progress over protest, action over rhetoric and hope over cynicism. Labor is once again leading the nation, protecting what we love, building what we need and delivering for the generations to come. I commend the bill to the House.
Early Childhood Education | Statements by Members | House debates
In December the second instalment of Labor's historic 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators will land, with the final five per cent boost arriving just in time for Christmas. This is...
In December the second instalment of Labor's historic 15 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators will land, with the final five per cent boost arriving just in time for Christmas. This is a proud moment for the Albanese Labor government and an even prouder moment for the thousands of educators, overwhelmingly women, who have given so much for their sector. We know that a properly paid and respected workforce is the foundation for safe, high-quality early education and care. When we value educators properly, with fair pay and secure work, we keep skilled, passionate professionals in the sector, and that stability means better outcomes for children and families right across Australia. I want to pay tribute to the incredible delegates and members of the United Workers Union, who have fought hard for this. They stood up, organised and never gave up, because they believe in the work they do, which deserves respect and recognition. This win belongs to them. In recent months I've had the privilege of visiting Goodstart Early Learning centres in Moonee Ponds and Brunswick West. I've seen firsthand the dedication of educators helping children to learn and grow and build confidence every day. These are the people shaping our next generation. They deserve a government on their side, and that's exactly what they have. Through Labor's reforms, including our landmark three-day guarantee, we're making early childhood education and care more affordable, accessible and fair. When we invest in our educators, we invest in our children, our families and our future.
Albanese Government | Private Members' Business | House debates
Today does mark six months since the re-election of the Albanese Labor government—six months of action, six months of delivery, six months of putting Australians first. And let me tell you,...
Today does mark six months since the re-election of the Albanese Labor government—six months of action, six months of delivery, six months of putting Australians first. And let me tell you, we have not wasted a single second. From day one, we promised results, not rhetoric. We said the first law we'd pass in this parliament would be to cut student debt by 20 per cent, and we did. Over three million Australians now save an average of $5,500. That's real money in people's pockets. That's a nurse being able to save for a first home. That's a young professional finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. That's Labor getting on with the job, while the coalition hangs by a thread. We know life is still tough for many Australians. Families are juggling household bills, parents are working long hours, young people are worried about their future. That's why Labor is acting where it matters most. We've made medicines cheaper, boosted the minimum wage, protected penalty rates and expanded paid parental leave. This is about fairness. This is about dignity. This is about giving Australians the security that they deserve. Health care is no different. Every Australian should be able to see their doctor when they need to, without worrying about the cost. That's why we've made the single largest investment into Medicare in its history. We are opening 50 new urgent care clinics on top of the 87 that are already servicing our communities. Families can take their kids to see a doctor when they need it and they can get the care that they need quickly without having to seek help in an ED. Mental health is also no longer an afterthought. We're opening 31 new and upgraded Medicare mental health centres, expanding Headspace services and training more professionals to meet demand. And, in Maribyrnong, young people will soon have access to a Headspace service in Moonee Valley—a place to be heard, a place to get support and a place to know they're not alone. For younger Australians dreaming of buying their first home, we're turning that dream into a reality with just a five per cent deposit, and we can see more homes being built right across the country. This is about creating real opportunities that make a difference for families, workers and young people getting into the housing market. Right here in Maribyrnong, Labor is delivering for our community as well. The Gladstone Park Bowls Club is getting a brand new synthetic green and shelter. Walter Street Reserve will soon have a completely new pavilion, with female change rooms, and the Buckley bowls club redevelopment is transforming the site into a bowls super hub—bringing together Buckley Park, Maribyrnong Park and Essendon bowls clubs. These are the places where families, neighbours and communities come together to play, socialise and celebrate. After a decade in government, the coalition were never serious about investing in Maribyrnong. But Labor is getting on with the job and delivering for our community. Speaking of the coalition, nothing has changed. They remain more divided than ever. They're obsessed with attacking each other and are focused on themselves and pushing extremist policies that punish everyday Australians. Even as women, young people and multicultural communities turn their backs on them, their message of division remains. While they bicker, leak and talk our country down, Labor is getting on with the hard work of delivering for working people and their families. Of course we know there is more work to be done. Life is still hard for many. Families are juggling costs, students still feel pressure and communities need support. But my colleagues and I are listening to our communities and we are prepared to work. Fixing the damage of a decade under those opposite doesn't happen overnight, but we are determined to keep working for all Australians. Six months in, the Albanese Labor government has delivered student debt relief, cost-of-living support, stronger health care, mental health services, women's health funding, first-home-buyer assistance and local projects that make a difference to people in my community. The contrast has never been so clear. Labor is working hard together while the coalition is marred with hate and division. We are proud of what we have achieved, honest about the work still to be done and committed to building a better, fairer, stronger future for us all.
World Teachers Day | Statements by Members | House debates
Last week we celebrated World Teachers Day, a moment to recognise the people who give so much to our communities. I recognise the teachers of my two daughters, Gwenevieve and Margot, who are in...
Last week we celebrated World Teachers Day, a moment to recognise the people who give so much to our communities. I recognise the teachers of my two daughters, Gwenevieve and Margot, who are in the gallery today. Since being elected in May, I've had the privilege of visiting schools right across Maribyrnong, visiting principals, teachers and support staff, who go above and beyond every day. What stands out in every school is the genuine care that they have for their students. Whether it's finding new ways to engage a class, staying late to plan lessons or supporting a child who's struggling, teachers never stop giving. They do it because they care deeply about their students, their families and their communities. We also know that dedication isn't enough on its own. Teachers deserve the right support, the right resources and the right opportunities to do their best work in the classroom every day. That's why the Albanese Labor government is putting every public school in Australia on a path to full and fair funding through our 10-year Better and Fairer Schools Agreement. We're lifting the Commonwealth's contribution to every public school so they have the resources they need not just to keep up but to get ahead and to give every child the opportunity to succeed. This $407.5 million investment over the next four years, and more than $7.2 billion over the next decade, is tied to practical, evidence based reforms that will deliver for our schools and, most importantly, for our wonderful students.
International Relations | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. How have the Prime Minister's recent international meetings advanced Australia's national interest? And why is it important for Australian jobs, trade and...
My question is to the Prime Minister. How have the Prime Minister's recent international meetings advanced Australia's national interest? And why is it important for Australian jobs, trade and industry at home?
Aged Care | Statements by Members | House debates
How we look after each other says everything we are as a nation. This weekend marks not only the largest investment in Medicare in its history; 1 November kicks off another key milestone in our...
How we look after each other says everything we are as a nation. This weekend marks not only the largest investment in Medicare in its history; 1 November kicks off another key milestone in our government's historic and landmark aged-care reforms. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and pay tribute to those who show up every day to support and care for our older Australians, our aged-care workers. Yesterday I had the great privilege of meeting with some incredible aged-care workers and delegates of their union, United Workers Union. Lobang, Ainura, Maddy, Rosemary and Liz spoke of their dedication to the residents that they care for. To that dedication is their staunch advocacy for their profession, having the time to care and resources they need to do their job well, and I congratulate them for their advocacy. It is with immense pride that I can continue to advocate for them in this role, for the aged-care workers across my electorate and, importantly, of course, for those who rely on them, their care and their work, so that they can age with dignity and respect. Whether it's delivering greater access to bulk-billing GPs, delivering cheaper medicines, our investment in mental health, our world-leading social media reforms, protecting the mental wellbeing of our young people or investing in the incredible people who look after and care for our older Australians, this government is proudly demonstrating our commitment to the care and wellbeing of our nation.