Julie-Ann Campbell's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
International Relations: Australia and Indonesia | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. What are the objectives of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Indonesia? Why are our relationships in the region and the world so important for...
My question is to the Prime Minister. What are the objectives of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Indonesia? Why are our relationships in the region and the world so important for Australians at home? How has the government worked to improve those relationships since being elected?
Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025, Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
The member for Goldstein talks about the divide between this side of the chamber and that side of the chamber. Can I tell you that, when it comes to higher education, whether you are going to...
The member for Goldstein talks about the divide between this side of the chamber and that side of the chamber. Can I tell you that, when it comes to higher education, whether you are going to university to get a degree or whether you are going to TAFE to get a trade, that divide is very, very clear. Labor invests in higher education, and all the opposition has ever done is cut. We know right now that there's a further divide, and that's a divide over on the other side of the chamber. Everyone has been talking about the division in the coalition, but it's clear that, whether you're in the Liberals or whether you're in the Nationals, there is no divide when it comes to higher education. The track record is clear. With free TAFE, it doesn't matter whether you're in the Liberals and doesn't matter whether you're in the Nationals. You didn't want it to happen. When it comes to 20 per cent off student debt, it doesn't matter whether you're in the Liberals and doesn't matter whether you're in the Nationals. They didn't want it to happen. So, when the member for Goldstein talks about 'street cred' on higher education, they don't have one iota of it. Last week I had the great pleasure of visiting Sunnybank State High School with the Minister for Education. The small but mighty Sunnybank state high is one of the 50 schools in Moreton, and it really reflects our local community. Its 700 students come from 60 different cultures, and they're doing great work there. It was the first time that I got to see equations being written up on the glass wall, with students gathered around to look; it was the first time I understood that BOMDAS could also be BIMDAS; and it was the first time that I've been able to throw paper in a classroom. The minister and I met with Principal Carmen Anderson and her team of dedicated teachers. They're focused on strengthening literacy and numeracy outcomes and on improving engagement for students who are at risk from disengaging. It's always inspiring to hear about such work, and it was equally as inspiring to talk to the student leaders of 2026. Those students spoke about their future ambitions. We met a future fashion designer, a future lawyer, a future firefighter, a future Australia Zoo animal handler and, yes, even someone who wants to be a politician. These students are motivated and excited about their futures, and I know I left the school feeling buoyed by their enthusiasm. Today I am speaking about the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025. Labor has brought this important piece of legislation to the House for the students we met last Thursday and for the hundreds of thousands of current and future higher education students who are working towards their future ambitions. I first joined the Labor Party when I was in high school, when I was 17 years old. The reason I joined was that at the time the coalition government was making deep, deep cuts into tertiary education. I went to my mum and I said, 'I want to do something about this,' and she drove me to the local branch. She drove me to the local branch of the Labor Party because it is Labor who has always been the party of higher education. As I said before, the contrast between the two sides of this parliament could not be starker. The establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, ATEC, is in direct response to the Australian Universities Accord. This was a first-term Albanese Labor government initiative which acknowledged that, while Australia had a strong education system, there were clear opportunities to improve it and to make it more equitable, and that is what we are striving for here. That's what we're driving for—to look beyond the horizon and to make the system even better. Professor Mary O'Kane led the comprehensive year-long review of the nation's higher education sector and was tasked with focusing on the nation's knowledge and skills needs, both now and in the decades ahead. The review had to take into account access to tertiary education, affordability, governance and accountability. It had to examine pathways and connections between vocational education and training and higher education. Finally, the review had to sit within a wider framework of fostering the research, the innovation and the national capabilities that will drive Australia's growth. The final report was released by the government in February 2024, and it sets out 47 recommendations that this government has already implemented—31 of those in full or in part. This bill implements the recommendation to establish the ATEC. It's supported by $54 million of funding for a decade. An interim ATEC has been in operation since July 2025 and was initially led by Professor Mary O'Kane, Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt and Professor Barney Glover. Professor Tom Calma and the Hon. Fiona Nash have recently been appointed as commissioners, and they join Professor Barney Glover, who has been appointed acting chief commissioner alongside his role as the Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia. Together, they have established the foundations for the permanent commission, and this legislation reflects their work. This bill establishes ATEC as an independent statutory authority. ATEC's overarching objective is to be a steward for Australia's higher education system. It will guide ongoing collaborative conversations about the future direction of tertiary education in this nation. ATEC will strengthen the development of a strong, cohesive system that encourages diversity and genuine choice for students, no matter their background and no matter their ambitions. The commission will also be tasked with monitoring progress towards goals around skills development and equity, while ensuring the regulatory load across the sector doesn't impede good teaching, good learning and innovation. Specifically, ATEC will shape policy across higher education and university research and work closely with the Skills and Workforce Ministerial Council to develop joint initiatives that strengthen the whole of the tertiary education system. A big part of ATEC's role will be to plan the system's long-term direction, with additional responsibilities around setting pricing approaches and distributing funding across the higher education sector, making sure that resources are aligned with student needs and, importantly, with future workforce demands. Crucially, ATEC will also focus on supporting and strengthening First Nations representation and creating opportunities for broad engagement across the tertiary education system. This is necessary because the Australian Universities Accord outlined the qualifications targets we need to achieve, and the report recommends that, to meet Australia's future skills needs and drive improvements to national workforce participation and, indeed, productivity, the Australian government adopt attainment targets to set the ambition for the tertiary education system to deliver the recommended tertiary education attainment target of at least 80 per cent of the working-age population having at least one tertiary education qualification—that is, a certificate III or above—by 2050. This is 20 per cent more than in 2023, and the establishment of ATEC is the bedrock which we need to drive that ambition. ATEC will guide the future of Australia's tertiary education system, focusing on policy direction, the real cost of delivering high-quality teaching, the kinds of courses students are demanding here and now and how Australia can build the skills and knowledge that we need in those years ahead. ATEC will also examine the barriers that are still holding some Australians back from accessing and succeeding in higher education and offer practical advice on how to improve participation and outcomes. On top of that, it will play a key role in helping government figure out how to bring higher education and VET closer together so that students can move more easily between the two. Another major responsibility for ATEC will be introducing a redesigned funding model. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the system will include demand driven places for equity students right across the sector, as well as needs based funding that reflects the number of students from low-SES backgrounds, First Nations leaders and those studying at regional campuses. If more students from underrepresented groups can access and stay at university, they are more likely to thrive. They're more likely to complete their studies. They're more likely to have a pathway to a good, secure job. Higher education isn't just about opening the door; it's also about making sure students are supported along that journey. Finally, ATEC will be rolling out new mission based compacts with universities. These agreements allow universities to focus on their own specialities and to focus on their own strengths, such as research, strong industry partnerships or serving a particular region. At the same time, the compacts mean that universities are aligned with national higher education priorities and, indeed, are responsive to the needs of the students and the communities that they serve day in and day out. ATEC will produce an annual state of the tertiary education system report, signposting emerging trends and challenges across the entirety of the system. It will also track headway on tertiary participation and attainment goals and outline progress towards the more connected and coordinated tertiary system. The annual review will also assess whether the system is keeping up with Australia's skills and knowledge needs as industries evolve and new technologies reshape the workforce. We know the workforce is changing. We know that, each and every year, new technology emerges. We know that, to be able to use that, we need a productive workforce that is well trained and has the skills to drive the economic outputs of this country to make us better. That's what this bill contributes to. Finally, the report will monitor equity and inclusion, supporting the system to move towards genuine fairness and opportunity for all. ATEC will collaborate with other key agencies across the education and skills landscape, including Jobs and Skills Australia, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, the Australian Research Council, the National Centre for Vocational Educational Research and state and territory governments. Limits are placed on the Minister for Education to safeguard ATEC's independence and integrity. The minister cannot direct ATEC's findings, influence the advice it provides or intervene in the decisions about individual providers. The establishment of ATEC follows on from the substantial investments that the Albanese Labor government has made in education since May 2022. We're making higher education more accessible and more supportive by expanding practical opportunities and strengthening student services. This includes doubling the number of university study hubs, with 20 new regional and 14 new suburban hubs, so more students can study close to home. At a time when we know that Australians are feeling the pressure of cost of living, this has never been more important. We've also increased the number of free university bridging courses to help people prepare for tertiary study and, for the first time, introduced paid prac for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students so that they are not financially disadvantaged while completing mandatory placements—mandatory placements that are so important to our education system and to our care system—making sure that, from our youngest Australians all the way up, every Australian is educated, is given support and is safe and healthy. To strengthen student life, higher education providers will now be required to direct at least 40 per cent of student services and amenities fees to student led organisations, ensuring funding goes where students need it the most. We've also expanded access by making demand driven Commonwealth supported places available for all First Nations students who meet entry requirements. Student safety and fairness are also priorities. A new national student ombudsman and a national code to prevent and respond to gender based violence will provide stronger protections and clearer standards. At its core, the establishment of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission is about acting now to set our tertiary education up to deliver what Australia needs in the future. It's a future focused step—like Labor's funding for more university places—and it is an example of our prioritisation of higher education.
Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
What do Shona, Pulaar, Sinhalese, Dinka and Zo all have in common? These are languages from southern Africa, West Africa, Sri Lanka, South Sudan and Burma. All are offered by the TIS, the...
What do Shona, Pulaar, Sinhalese, Dinka and Zo all have in common? These are languages from southern Africa, West Africa, Sri Lanka, South Sudan and Burma. All are offered by the TIS, the Translating and Interpreting Service. They are part of the 155 different languages and dialects supported. The list also includes Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindi, Spanish and Urdu—all of which, among many, many others, are commonly spoken in homes, businesses and community groups in my electorate of Moreton in Brisbane's southside. In 2021, there were 5.6 million people in Australia—that's 22 per cent—who reported using a language other than English in the home. Those 5.6 million people are our families. They're our friends. They're our neighbours. They're our work colleagues. They're our doctors. They're our support workers. They're our teachers. They're our bus drivers. And there are so many more across our nation! Providing translating and interpreting services is part of the government's commitment to our multicultural nation, ensuring access and equity and promoting social cohesion. Official translating and interpreting services have operated for more than 75 years. They began when the Australian government provided translation services for postwar migrants in 1947 and were enhanced when interpreting services were added in the 1950s. In 1973, Australia led the world with the establishment of a telephone interpreting service, and the translating and interpreting services have continued to evolve ever since. Times have changed since back then. In a few short weeks we will mark International Mother Language Day. It's a celebration of diversity. It's a celebration of multilingualism. For me, it's a time to reflect and contrast the difference between what it was like back then. My family immigrated to this country in the late 1800s. We emigrated from China, and my family is of Hakka ancestry. At that time, once the White Australia policy was put in place, people who looked like them, people who looked like me, people who looked like my mum and myPoh Poh and my Gung Gung weren't invited back to this country for some time. What happened in that period was that they lost their language, and, whether it was Hakka, Cantonese or any of the other languages spoken, they did not have the opportunity to maintain their multilingual presence within our family. So it is a good time to reflect on the importance of multilingualism and on the importance of translating in that context from where we have come. TIS National provides over 1.3 million translating and interpreting services annually to a wide clientele, including local, state, territory and federal government agencies, the private sector and individuals. Telephone interpreting services are provided around the clock, ensuring support for emergency services access and for crucial matters such as hospitalisation and legal proceedings. TIS National also offers face-to-face and video remote interpreting, bringing the service back from the original pioneering telephone service in the seventies all the way through to now. There are also free-of-charge interpreting and translating services provided for non-government entities such as doctors and other medical professionals, trade unions, real estate agents and for us parliamentarians. TIS National further supports people new to Australia with free-of-charge translation of their personal documentation, which helps them in their new community with work, education and community participation. Another key focus for TIS is investing in workforce training to equip translators and interpreters to upskill in emerging community languages. There is also training for working in complex environments such as medical and legal settings. I'm incredibly proud to represent the most multicultural electorate in all of Queensland. In my electorate, these services are important. They're not just important on this day; they are important every day. The purpose of this bill is to establish express legislative authority within the Department of Home Affairs for the services TIS National provides. This will create a statutory framework and ongoing support for TIS National. This measure was recommended by the Australian Government Solicitor and is a responsible and proactive measure. The Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025 will shore up constitutional support for TIS National's functions and establish clear legislative authority. This will remove any ambiguity and also significantly reduce the legislative authority risk. In short, it is about confirming comprehensive support for the vital services TIS National provides to millions of Australians. It will not change how TIS National currently operates and does not involve additional expenses. Specifically, the bill will enable the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs to provide or arrange the provision of translating and interpreting services to the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth agency, authority, body, organisation or office holder. This covers all the services I outlined, through the agencies and associated bodies and office holders of different government agencies across the country. It also covers the additional activities of TIS National, such as training and support for translators and interpreters. This is crucial to meet the needs of different phases of migration and humanitarian intakes. The government's Multicultural Access and Equity Policy outlines the obligation that Australian government departments and agencies have to ensure accessibility, responsiveness and equitable outcomes regardless of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. It is necessary because, as of the end of June 2024, there were 8.6 million Australians who were born overseas. This diversity enriches our society through a wide range of cultural backgrounds, traditions, foods and languages, and many tens of thousands of those 8.6 million Australians live on the south side in the seat of Moreton. Access means that barriers of culture and language should not impede the delivery of programs and services, and equity means that these programs should deliver outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse Australians on par with those for all Australians. Achieving this bolsters social cohesion and allows people to engage with government agencies and institutions in a way that offers safety and in a way that offers confidence. If English is your first language, you don't worry about how you will explain your symptoms to your GP. If English is your first language, you can seek legal advice easily on a hotline. If English is your first language, you can navigate government systems like Services Australia more easily. TIS National enables those with limited proficiency in English to have those conversations and to seek that advice. They can have those interactions freely in their preferred language, confident that the interpreter is understanding and expressing nuance and complexity. When you're sick, this is important. In fact, it could be life saving. When it's about your finances, this is important because it might mean the difference in how your family lives into the future. When it's about the law, this is important because it has a big impact on people's families. Research tells us that TIS National has had a positive impact in enabling people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to access mental health supports. TIS National supports NDIS participants to find providers. It supports them to have a plan. It supports them to undertake a review, to have meetings and to access required supports. In many of these cases, having an interpreter takes the pressure off a family member to interpret as well as fulfil their caring responsibilities. This bill supports the aim of the Multicultural Access and Equity Policy, which is to ensure that all Australians have the opportunity to achieve their potential and to participate in the social, economic and cultural life of our nation, helping to drive our future prosperity and build stronger and more cohesive communities. The Albanese Labor government stands proudly with our migrant community. This is why the Minister for Multicultural Affairs was elevated to cabinet and it is why the Office for Multicultural Affairs was established in the first place. These measures, this bill and TIS National's vital role in all aspects of our community all contribute to Labor's commitment to our modern multicultural society. I spoke this morning about where my office is in Sunnybank. I spoke about being able to throw a rock, draw a line around it and see many, many small businesses. I can tell you that those small businesses are run by so many different people from diverse backgrounds. When it comes to small business and to our multicultural community, what is clear about Moreton is that our multicultural community drives the economy. It's an important driver of our community. It's an important driver not only of making sure that we have social cohesion but also of making sure that people have jobs. Whether it is economic or social, or whether it is community, it is all about making sure that every single person, regardless of their skin colour or their faith, is included in our society. This is something that we must practise every day. As Minister Aly pointed out just a few short months ago, when we talk about multiculturalism in this country, we need to make sure that we go beyond food. We need to make sure that we go beyond colour and dance and movement. These things are incredibly important. They enrich who we are as Australians and they absolutely are part of the bedrock of our Australian culture of mateship, of a fair go, of looking after each other and of having each other's backs. But it is also important to go beyond that. It is important to go beyond the food and the colour. It is important to go beyond that vibrancy, because in this country what we value is making sure that everyone gets a guernsey and that everyone gets a go—and that everyone gets a fair go at that. When we talk about translating, making sure that services across the breadth and depth of our Commonwealth service system are available and accessible to everyone is important. Accessibility and availability of all services for all Australians is not just about equity; it's about who we are as a country. I'm so proud to represent a multicultural community that is backed by an Albanese Labor government that understands that, an Albanese Labor government that is not just talking about it but is putting its money—and its services and its legislation—where its mouth is, because we need to celebrate our multicultural community, but we also need to make sure that, as a country, we provide everyone, every Australian, with the support that they deserve.
Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
When I was a little girl, I used to be incredibly excited to get my pocket money—like many other children across the breadth of this nation. For me, that was $5, and I would pop it into a...
When I was a little girl, I used to be incredibly excited to get my pocket money—like many other children across the breadth of this nation. For me, that was $5, and I would pop it into a little pouch. My grade 1 teacher would hold out a sack and we'd put it inside, and when it would come back, the money would be gone but I'd have a purple stamp. That purple stamp meant that those $5 were now in my bank account. That was how I was taught to save. That was how I was taught to make sure that my money was in a place that I knew was safe. That was how I was taught to protect myself when it came to money and finances. I had that confidence that my money was safe. The world has changed. It's different now, and the way that we deal with money is different too. Long gone are those days of piggy banks and cash deposits being the only way that young people invest their money. Today's young Australians aren't just saving pocket money; they are navigating NFTs, bitcoin and digital wallets. They're doing exactly what we tell young Australians to do. We tell them to adapt, we tell them to innovate, we tell them to try to get ahead, but they're exposed to a market without proper protections in that new landscape. What happens when digital currency platforms collapse overnight? Not to the executives, not just to the investors—what happens to the university student who put their part-time wages into what they thought was going to be a legitimate investment? Importantly, what happens to the small-business owner trying to keep up with how their customers want to pay? If these digital platforms fail, it's not the big corporations who hurt the most—it's our small businesses and the everyday Australians who are just trying to get ahead. The Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 is about closing that gap. It's about ensuring that, as our financial system evolves and changes, the safeguards that protect hardworking people evolve with it too. I have the great privilege of living in the very best part of Australia, on Brisbane's south side in the seat of Moreton. My office there is in a suburb called Sunnybank. If I took a rock and threw it as far as I possibly could and then drew a circle from that rock's placement around the office, it would encompass scores and scores of businesses—everything from services businesses to hospitality to retail to manufacturing. These businesses are important to the economy. In many ways for my local community these are lifeblood to the economy, and they employ people who live locally. We need to make sure that they too are protected when it comes to digital assets. The Albanese Labor government is updating Australia's financial laws to match the pace of technological change and international standards. Digital assets have moved from the margins into everyday finance and commerce. Australians use them. Businesses build with them. And the underlying technology, like blockchain, opens real opportunities to transform how our financial systems work. We're talking about faster payments, more efficient settlements and new ways for businesses to raise capital and for consumers to transact. This is the future of finance, and Australians deserve to participate in that future with confidence. We want to be at the forefront of technology. We want to be at the forefront of productivity. We want to be at the forefront of service delivery, and we want to be at the forefront of innovation. But, when the rulebook is unclear, consumers face risks that we as a country simply cannot accept. We've already seen what happens when there aren't sufficient protections. Tens of thousands of Australians were affected by the collapse of FTX. Families across this country put their trust in a platform that collapsed overnight before their eyes. Billions were lost globally. Consumer trust was shattered, and innovation was undermined. When exchanges like FTX crumble, we see the cost of platform failure in real terms to real people, to real life savings, to real families and to real Australians. The caretaker described it as 'real, old-fashioned embezzlement'. But, if it uses new tech, we must make sure that people still have protection, because the people who hurt the most every day are Australians who trusted the system. It's students, young workers, families and small-business owners trying to stay competitive. This bill amends the Corporations Act 2001 and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 to recognise two new financial products: digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms. These amendments integrate these platforms into our existing, trusted framework rather than creating a parallel system, extending the protections Australians already rely on. It's about making sure that the tech you use isn't an out, isn't an excuse and isn't a reason for accountability and regulation to not keep you safe. This is not regulation for regulation's sake. We're building smarter safeguards on top of financial laws. Australians already know how this works. We're not starting from scratch; we're building on what already works, applying the same principles that have kept Australians safe over many years in the financial system—for decades. And we're giving businesses the certainty that they need to invest and innovate in Australia, knowing the rules are clear and globally aligned. That's what we want. We want small businesses to innovate. We want them to be more productive so that they can drive the economy. We want them to be successful so that they can employ more Australians, who can have a decent job and decent pay. And the principle is simple: if you hold assets for clients, you meet the same standards. It doesn't matter if those assets are in dollars or digital. The risks of digital assets are ones we have heard before—fraud, mismanagement and cyberattacks. These are the same risks we already regulate in banks and in finance, and this bill simply enshrines clearer rules, fair standards and proper oversight. We know how to regulate financial risk because we've been doing it for a really long time. The key risks of digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms are ones that we already regulate in traditional finance: credit risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk, operational risk, fraud and cyber risks. What changes is the technology. What doesn't change, what should never change and what will never change under this government is our responsibility to protect Australians. Operators of these platforms will be required to meet new minimum standards for how client assets are held and how transactions are processed as well as to comply with disclosure obligations designed specifically for digital asset businesses. And that means clear rules on custody. Your assets must be held securely and separately from the platform's own assets. It also means clear rules on reconciliation. Platforms must know, at all times, exactly what they're holding and when they're holding it. It also means clear rules on disclosure. Consumers deserve to know the risks before they invest. Australians deserve to know the risks before they invest. By extending Australia's financial services laws to better cover digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms, we're giving consumers and industry the certainty that the same consumer protections and licensing obligations apply to comparable custodial activities. If you're holding someone's assets, you're subject to the same standards—no excuses, no exceptions, no shortcuts, just accountability. These measures ensure that operators of digital asset businesses are held to those same high standards of fairness, transparency and integrity as other financial service providers are. This government believes that Australians deserve those same protections, whether they're investing in shares, whether they're investing in property or whether they're holding those digital assets, and this bill delivers that. This bill requires operators to hold an Australian financial services licence, meaning they're obliged to act efficiently, honestly and fairly; handle conflicts of interest properly; and maintain dispute resolution processes. These aren't new concepts. These are the same requirements we place on every financial service provider in this country, because operating in Australia's financial system means a commitment to Australian consumers, a commitment to the values we hold so dear that mean Australians are protected. Beyond that, they'll meet obligations designed specifically for digital assets with baseline standards for custody, segregation, reconciliation and how transactions settle. These requirements acknowledge what makes digital assets different: no central issuer in some cases and peer-to-peer movement in others. The old rulebook doesn't always fit the new technology, but the protections must. That's why this bill is flexible, equipping the minister and ASIC with powers to update requirements as technology shifts, addressing new risks and keeping the framework relevant. This bill is not just about protecting consumers from today's technology, from what is happening right now; it reaches out to make sure that we are safeguarding against technologies that could be abused in the future. It reaches into the future to make sure that the tech of tomorrow doesn't mean Australians will be left stranded. Technology moves fast—we know that—and regulation needs to keep up. This bill gives us the tools to do that without needing to come back to this parliament every time technology changes. This adaptive approach lets us safeguard consumers without crushing innovation, positioning Australia to set the pace in digital finance, not to chase it. The government backs innovation, but innovation without protection is a recipe for disaster. This bill gets the balance right. The bill allows an 18-month adjustment window. Businesses already operating responsibly get time to meet those new requirements, and ASIC can grant temporary relief where it's needed. This measured reform builds confidence in our financial system—confidence that Australians deserve—while establishing Australia as a credible centre for digital innovation. ASIC will oversee these platforms under clearer rules, bringing digital platforms under the same trusted oversight Australians already rely on for every other part of our financial system. This bill aligns us with those global standards set by the Financial Stability Board and the International Organization of Securities Commissions, keeping us competitive with jurisdictions like the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and Singapore. The government proposes to provide a clear regulatory framework that is fit for purpose and considers these international standards, protecting consumers while supporting that innovation and providing a clear and consistent framework for businesses operating in Australia's growing digital sector. This reform will help attract investment. This reform will help create jobs. This reform will help us grow our digital economy. When businesses know the rules are clear, we know that they invest. When consumers know they're protected, we know that they participate. This bill creates the preconditions for both of those things, ensuring Australians can participate safely in the digital asset sector knowing the rules are clear and in force. Australia has long been a global leader in financial services. Our superannuation system, a proud Labor legacy, is internationally respected. Our banks weathered global financial crisis better than most, and our regulatory framework has driven innovation while maintaining stability. I grew up knowing the system had my back. Every dollar I saved was protected. Today's Australians deserve that same certainty, no matter how they choose to save, no matter how they choose to invest their hard earned money. Whether they're putting money in a piggy bank or investing in digital assets, they deserve to know that the system protects them.
Somali House, Citizenship | Adjournment | House debates
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. This weekend past, you and I had the very great privilege of being able to attend the opening of Somali House, a brand new headquarters in Acacia Ridge, having...
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. This weekend past, you and I had the very great privilege of being able to attend the opening of Somali House, a brand new headquarters in Acacia Ridge, having moved from its previous location in Inala, where I know you have been a great supporter for many years. What I said on that day and what I say again today is that I apologise but the loss of Somali House from Inala is absolutely a gain for Acacia Ridge. Notwithstanding that, Somali House houses such an important community organisation for both our southside communities. I want to pay tribute to the President of the Somali Community Association, Aweys Hassen, and the President of the Queensland African Communities Council, Faysel, for all their work in ensuring that this continues to be a community hub for learning, that it continues to be a community hub for connection and empowerment, that it continues to be a space for sharing culture, community programs, youth activities and support services. We know that the SCAQ courses and workshops include accounting for local businesses, Australian business structures, tax and compliance. We know that they work on English language classes, and we know that they hold important cultural events and sporting events such as junior soccer and the much anticipated annual Ramadan Cup. They promote cultural identity and belonging. When I was in attendance at the event, I got to try a few really special things. Firstly, I got to try bun, a type of traditional coffee which I am reliably informed is best served with popcorn. I got to learn about traditional Somali houses and how they're built, and I got to go inside a traditional house myself. Most importantly, I got to see and look at a very large community space that's on that site in Acacia Ridge. Can I say, when I spoke to the volunteers and to the leaders at Somali House, they said what they were most excited about, what they were really pumped about, was inviting members from across our southside community into that space to enjoy, to share, to celebrate and to dance. The member for Hinkler talked earlier in his adjournment speech about patriotism. Can I tell you, on that day and on every day, those leaders, our community and the volunteers involved at Somali House and so many other community organisations showed great patriotism. They're proud to be Australian. They were proud of their heritage. They were proud of our community, and they wanted to share that with everyone. Recently, I've been incredibly fortunate to attend citizenship ceremonies across the southside held by some of Moreton's wonderful community organisations who also show that same commitment to our communities and to our nation. Universal Education and Multicultural Exchange Association in Sunnybank, Rotary Archerfield, Macgregor Lions, the Indian Council of Australia and many more in places like Yeronga with the local Lions honoured our newest Australians, welcoming them to our country and celebrating the community that brings them together. We've heard about many, many different journeys to Australian citizenship, and our communities are stronger, more vibrant and more connected because of those new Australians. We see this every single day in Moreton with cultural and faith celebrations. Recently there was a celebration of India's Republic Day. We have Lunar New Year coming up very shortly. All of them play an incredibly vital role in bringing people together and fostering cohesion. Somali House is unique, but it's not alone, because so many different community organisations come together from across the south side to build something bigger than the sum of its parts—to build our community. I congratulate the community leaders who made Somali House happen, and I welcome them to Acacia Ridge.
Lunar New Year | Statements by Members | House debates
'Xinnian kuaile', 'kung hei fat choy', 'happy new year'; that is what people from across the Brisbane southside electorate of Moreton are already saying to each other in the lead-up to Lunar New...
'Xinnian kuaile', 'kung hei fat choy', 'happy new year'; that is what people from across the Brisbane southside electorate of Moreton are already saying to each other in the lead-up to Lunar New Year—and not just in Moreton but across this country and across the globe. For Australians of Chinese heritage, Vietnamese heritage and Korean heritage, and, indeed, all Australians, we are about to have a very special celebration. I have such incredibly fond memories of celebrating Lunar New Year: hearing the clinking and vibration on the table of mahjong tiles as I crouched underneath; saying 'happy new year' to every single adult so I could collect my well-earned red packet. Mostly, I remember being around family and friends and that everyone was invited. Lunar New Year is more than a celebration of food, although the food is fantastic. It is more than a celebration of colour and movement and vibrancy, although that's fantastic too. It is a celebration of something so very inherently Australian—of bringing people together, of sharing between community and of standing up when it counts, which is what we need now more than ever. Whether you're celebrating on the Sunnybank rooftop at the landmark restaurant or in your home, happy Year of the Horse.
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Business | House debates
There is a certain irony in the member for Lindsay's raising the track record of the former coalition on the matter of health. What we know about the coalition, and what we know about those...
There is a certain irony in the member for Lindsay's raising the track record of the former coalition on the matter of health. What we know about the coalition, and what we know about those opposite, is that the Liberals, the Nationals—despite the fact that there is no current coalition, they were the coalition at the time—tried to introduce a co-payment for GPs when it came to health care. This co-payment would have destroyed bulk-billing—a system that is the bedrock of ensuring that every Australian has the ability to access affordable health care—in this country. When it comes to this bill, I want to start by talking about my family. My daughter, Margaret, the apple of both her parents' eyes, is 2½ years old now—just a touch over that. Like many babies, toddlers, children across this country, Margaret suffers from reactive airways. Basically, it means that sometimes she finds it difficult to breathe; she has issues with her respiratory system. On more than a few occasions we have taken Margaret to the hospital. And when you go to the hospital as a parent, a few things become clear: your heart starts pounding, your brow has sweat on it and your mind is racing. And when those things happen, whether you're going in an ambulance to that hospital or whether you're driving in the car up to emergency, those things are constantly on your mind. The thing for me, when I walk into the room and a nurse comes into that room, is the relief that hits me. Nurses are the beacon of care in our community. They are the people who make sure that Australians are okay every day. Nurses are absolutely at the core of our health system with the care that they give out every single day to make sure Australians get better. I want to acknowledge the former nurses in this place. I acknowledge the member for Cooper, Ged Kearney, for her extraordinary work not only as a nurse on the ground but also for her work in advocacy for nurses across this nation. I acknowledge the member for Bullwinkle, Trish Cook, and her fantastic work as a nurse. And I acknowledge the member for Indi, Helen Haines. We are lucky to have those nurses here with us in this place. They bring the experience of nursing onto the national stage. In my short time giving speeches in this place, I've had the great opportunity to speak on health legislation and health related issues numerous times. The reason for this is simple: the Albanese Labor government are committed to universal health care, and we are committed to Medicare. We are committed to strengthening it. We are committed to making medicines cheaper. We are committed to expanding bulk-billing. And we are committed to making access to timely health care easier for Australians every day. Urgent care clinics—I'm delighted to say I got to visit one just last week in Oxley in my local area—and Medicare mental health centres across the country enable this seven days a week. Today we're acting on our commitment to health with the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill. This bill builds on a strong Labor foundation of healthcare support by providing easier access to medicines. In December 2024, state and territory health ministers approved a new registration standard, which enables suitably qualified registered nurses, or RNs, to become designated RN prescribers. The Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines—Designated Registered Nurse Prescriberstandard enables this group of RNs to prescribe medicines. The standard outlines the required qualifications that an RN must have when applying to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to attain and retain the endorsement for prescribing scheduled medicines. This bill is important because reforming the scope of practice for health practitioners means real, tangible benefits for Australians, Australians who would be able to access the affordable medicines they need when they need them. That's what this bill is all about. This bill is about affordability and accessibility, and it builds on what we, the Albanese Labor government, have already done. We've already put in place urgent care clinics, and, as we heard from ministers earlier today, there are more and more rolling out every single day. We've put in place a $25 cap on PBS medicine prices so that, when you go to the pharmacy, you will never pay more than a $20 and a $5. And we've been investing in women's health, to make sure that women's health is front and centre, with the biggest investment in women's health in the history of this country. As the Australian College of Nursing's chief nursing officer Frances Rice said: This increases access to care, and boosts healthcare efficiency by allowing a registered nurse to work to the top of their scope. Further, it takes pressure off nurse practitioners and medical practitioners and allows them to focus on more complex cases. This legislation is not just about increasing access to healthcare; it's also about freeing up time and giving more efficient healthcare options across the system. The bill amends two acts. It amends the National Health Act 1953 to enable a suitably qualified RN to be an authorised medicines prescriber. Such RNs will be able to prescribe certain medicines that are available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. And it also amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to enable RNs to review their prescribing services under the Professional Services Review Scheme. Most of us might think that we have a fair idea of what registered nurses do. I assure you we don't. Unless you have been a nurse, unless you have walked those halls, whether they be in aged care or in a hospital, you don't know the demands of nursing every single day. But, if you've been to a hospital, you know that they take your vitals and that they administer your medications. You'll also find them working in residential aged-care centres, at GP clinics, in the urgent care clinics that we've been rolling out across the country, at schools and at community health centres, to name just a few locations. If you look at the scope of workplaces, it's no surprise that the job description to plan and oversee the management of people in their care includes performing treatments and complex care, and starting, administering and monitoring medication and intravenous therapy. RNs also interpret test results and reports. They participate in medical and surgical procedures and they supervise nursing students. Crucially, and perhaps much harder to quantify, patients rely on RNs to provide emotional and psychological support as they are treated. This can include advocating for those patients. With this scope of practice—and the intense patient contact and support—it makes sense for appropriately qualified RNs to be enabled to prescribe certain medications. This will allow safe and timely and efficient prescription for patients, especially in primary-care and aged-care settings. This system has been in place in the UK since the 1990s. Nurse Charlotte Coulson, who has worked there and in Victoria in palliative care, says that RNs being enabled to prescribe medicines in palliative care cases is particularly impactful and prevents suffering, noting that 'GPs have limited time and multiple priorities'. To qualify, RNs are required to hold current general registration, have at least three years of full-time equivalent clinical experience after becoming registered and complete a board approved postgraduate course or equivalent study in registered nurse prescribing. This comprehensive program generally takes four to six months part time and covers topics like conducting physical health assessments and the principles of safe and appropriate medical use. RNs are also trained in pharmacodynamics, which is how medications affect the body, and pharmacokinetics, which focuses on how medicines on how medicines are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and eliminated. Registration also requires six months of supervised clinical mentorship with a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner. The level of supervision is similar to nurse practitioner training and evolves from monitoring of the RN's prescribing decisions to a collaborative working relationship. One endorsed, RNs will be able to prescribe specific types of medicines. This includes schedule 3 medicines which usually require pharmacist advice but not a prescription, such as an emergency contraception. They will also be able to prescribe schedule 4 prescription only medicines such as antibiotics and medicines for high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The reform in this bill aligns with the intent of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce and the October 2024 Unleashing the potential of our health workforcescope of practice review. The aim of that review was to, 'reform our primary care workforce to deliver high quality, equitable, integrated and sustainable healthcare for Australian communities'. This built on the extensive work of and consultations by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and Australian Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer since 2017 around the potential for RNs to increase their scope of practice. The registration standard was developed after comprehensive consultation with numerous peak bodies, including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the AMA, the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives and the Australian Primary Healthcare Nurses Association. The reforms in this bill are part of a bigger picture for the Albanese government. It is a picture of the Albanese Labor government's investment in public health. In 2023 Labor increased the bulk-billing incentive threefold for groups who rely on their GP the most. The Albanese Labor government increased that bulk-billing incentive for pensioners, for concession card holders and for families with children, and this change reversed the decline in bulk-billing and resulted in an extra 6.5 million bulk-billed GP appointments across the country. A major milestone for Medicare then took effect on 1 November last year. From that date, for the first time, GPs received the bulk-billing incentive for every patient they bulk-billed, not just the groups I just mentioned. This is the largest single investment ever made in Medicare and is expected to support around 18 million additional bulk-billed visits every single year. In my electorate of Moreton, there are now 20 bulk-billed GP clinics, with 10 clinics moving from a mixed model to a full bulk-billing model. This is a 50 per cent increase, and it means that people on the south side of Brisbane have more access than ever before to bulk-billed GP clinics. With these reforms, projections show that by 2030 around 90 per cent of GP visits nationwide will be bulk-billed, and it also means that the number of fully bulk-billing practices is set to grow to roughly 4,800 clinics. That's more than three times the current figure, which is a significant improvement for communities across Australia. Urgent care clinics are also easing demand on hospital emergency departments. In Oxley in my own electorate of Moreton the local clinic is already making a difference. It's the health professionals there who are treating over 12,200 patients as of mid-January, and it's the same with expanding networks across the country. I note the member for Griffith is in the chamber tonight. We have one right on our border which also helps so many people in Annerley. In the 2025 budget the government committed nearly $645 million over three years to expand the number of urgent care clinics from 87 to 137, and as a result four out five Australians live within a 20-minute drive of free, high quality, urgent medical care, something that could only be achieved under this Labor government. And from 1 January, as I said before, the maximum co-payment for a standard PBS subscription fell from $31.60 to $25. Labor's commitment to health care is underpinned by our fundamental values. It's part of who we are. It's part of what runs through our blood. It's part of our DNA. We haven't held these values for a minute; we've held them for a very long time. The Australian Labor Party believes that everyone deserves access to health care, regardless of your income, regardless of your employment and regardless of where you live.
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
On 14 December 2025 I was at home, having friends over for dinner. They were old schoolfriends. When we were around the table, we were breaking bread and talking about our families, our...
On 14 December 2025 I was at home, having friends over for dinner. They were old schoolfriends. When we were around the table, we were breaking bread and talking about our families, our aspirations, our hopes and our dreams and sharing old memories. As were having that dinner, there were people in Bondi being murdered—people who will never again be able to sit around the dinner table talking about their hopes, their aspirations, their dreams and their memories. Those people are no longer with us because they were targeted as Australian Jews. This is an absolutely appalling and horrendous attack not just on the people who were involved that day but on every Australian. In these last few days in this chamber, what we have remembered is who we are and what we stand for as Australians. Our fundamental principles and values as Australians are mateship, caring about one another and the fair go. None of these values are underpinned by the hate that led to those murders. We need to do something about that. It's our collective responsibility as a parliament to do something about that. We know that there is not one solution but there are many to tackle this and to ensure that it never happens again. This bill, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026, is about combating antisemitism. It's about combating hate. It's about making sure that we have legislation that backs in those Australian values that we hold so dear in this country. These reforms are about making sure that another piece of the puzzle is put in place so that this never happens again. It's a bill that will introduce new aggravated offences to ensure that very serious penalties apply to those in positions of influence and authority who commit hate crimes. It's a bill to ensure that we have increased penalties for the offences involving advocating or threatening force or violence against protected groups, members of groups, their close associates and their property. It's a bill that will amend the Crimes Act to introduce a new general sentencing principle that will require a court, when sentencing a person, to consider an offender's hate motivation based on race or national or ethnic origin as an aggravating factor, because in this country it shouldn't matter what the colour of your skin is, what god you pray to or what your religion is; you should never be the victim of hate. We know what hate can lead to. It's about making sure that people in our community are held responsible and that hate is something that is outlawed, because we cannot afford to go down this road again. In particular, it's about making sure that our young people in this country are not infected by hate and that our most vulnerable people in this society can live and grow up free from hatred that leads to tragedy. This bill is, at its core, about Australian values. It's about who we are as a nation. It's about who we want to continue to be as a nation. It's about taking the step to ensure that what happened in Bondi will never repeat itself there or anywhere else. For so many people's communities, children, families and loved ones, it is a tragedy that we wish will never happen again. For me and everyone in this place, this is a serious issue. It's not one to be politicised; it's one for action and it's one for unity. This bill is about taking that step towards unity and healing after such an appalling antisemitic attack on Australian soil.
Environment | Statements by Members | House debates
This is a very special moment because today we stand on the precipice of passing incredibly important environmental reforms. They are landmark environmental reforms. This is the moment that we...
This is a very special moment because today we stand on the precipice of passing incredibly important environmental reforms. They are landmark environmental reforms. This is the moment that we will see a creation of the first of its kind in this nation, which is an independent EPA. This is the moment that we will see increased protections for our environment, which is something so inextricably connected to who we are as Australians. This is the moment that we will see the faster approvals for critical infrastructure in housing and renewables that we so desperately need as a nation. My local community—and indeed your local community, Mr Speaker—on Brisbane's south side houses so many fantastic pieces of natural environment. Toohey Forest, the Archerfield Wetlands and the Oxley Creek are places that deserve protection. To ensure both our natural habitats like this are protected and that business has the clarity it needs, we need to change the law. When it comes to change and reform, certainly that which means something and makes a difference is never easy. What it requires is intestinal fortitude, and what it requires is a lot of heart. I am so proud to be part of the Albanese Labor government, which has both in spades.
Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
In my first speech in this place, I was honoured to honour some former immigrants to this country—my family. Members of the Moo family arrived in Australia in the late 1800s, settling in...
In my first speech in this place, I was honoured to honour some former immigrants to this country—my family. Members of the Moo family arrived in Australia in the late 1800s, settling in Darwin. Moo Yat Fah worked as a labourer on the construction of the Darwin to Pine Creek railroad, like many other people. Deputy Speaker Scrymgour, I know many people in your electorate have this history as well. Many Australians of Chinese heritage worked on that railroad, and they were a key driver of the economy throughout the Northern Territory. Around the same time, my po po's family, the Lau Gooeys, left China for Melbourne. My po po's father found work there as a slaughterman, helping drive local businesses and the economy in Victoria. It's almost 140 years that my family has been in this country. This story of migrants is not unique. It is not unique because migrants have been coming to this country for generations. And, when they come, we expect, with our values, to ensure that they are not exploited at work. What we have heard from the member for Mitchell is that the coalition does not want to support legislation whose only purpose is to ensure that migrant workers are not exploited when they go to the workplace. Immigrant stories are Australian stories. There are Australian stories and immigrant stories linked to our core values of a fair go and mateship. People have been migrating to Australia for work for generations. In the years following the arrival of the English on these shores, migrant groups became synonymous with certain waves of immigration and certain types of work—the Chinese who worked the goldfields; the Afghan cameleers who assisted in the exploration of the outback; the Japanese pearl divers who boosted the development of the pearl industry; and also, shamefully, the South Sea Islanders who were brought to work on sugarcane farms in Queensland. In 1863, the first group of manual labourers arrived. Over the next 40 years, more than 62,000 Pacific island men, women and children were sent to work on those canefields. Some were kidnapped, some were blackbirded and others were misled about the work and conditions. Many were never paid. In fact, nearly 30 per cent of these workers died in Australia due to vulnerability to European illnesses. These people weren't just robbed of their wages; they were robbed of their families, of basic conditions and, in many cases, of their lives. From 1885 to 1901, the Queensland government managed the wages of deceased islanders. Little effort was made to send their wages to their families back home, with the amount misappropriated worth around $40 million today. I raise this appalling part of our history for two reasons. Firstly, it's to remind ourselves that, while migration is foundational to the Australian story and the development of our multicultural identity, it is also important to acknowledge that in that history are policies, legislation, exploitation and mistreatment that are shameful and deeply regrettable. In this place, we must always acknowledge and not forget such things. I also mention it because the exploitation and mistreatment of migrants is unfortunately not something consigned to past centuries. It is happening now. Unlike the coalition, who, in rejecting this bill, choose to put their heads in the sand, we choose to stand up against it. Today, it is sadly not uncommon to hear of migrant workers being subjected to deceptive recruitment strategies—bullying, wage theft, excessive and surprise deductions from pay, and substandard working conditions. It wasn't okay when it happened all those decades ago. It isn't okay when it's happening now. It will not be okay. This legislation is trying to stop it. The United Nations special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery describes the main issue as: … a significant power imbalance between employers and workers, since employees are either tied to a single employer, and mobility is reported to be extremely difficult, and/or dependent on their employer for extension of contracts or nomination for permanent residency. This is why the Albanese Labor government has introduced the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025. In December 2023, the Albanese Labor government released a migration strategy, a modern, purpose built framework for managing migration that includes temporary visa skilled pathways. This strategy is central to the government's pledge to repair the current migration system and ensure that it delivers better outcomes for migrants, the Australian economy and the wider community. The migration strategy was shaped through extensive engagement with business, unions and other stakeholders, drawing on more than 450 submissions received during the review of the migration system. It introduces reforms focused on temporary skilled migration to meet workforce needs and enhance worker mobility. The strategy builds on the findings of a thorough, independent review of Australia's migration system, spearheaded by the former Minister for Home Affairs in September 2022 and led by three independent experts. As part of this process, the reviewers released a discussion paper and considered 483 written submissions, including many from individual migrants and visa applicants, the people in our community who are affected every day. They also held numerous roundtable consultations with peak bodies, unions and senior officials from state and territory governments. The final report of the Review of the Migration System was delivered in March 2023, and this bill meets a very key commitment of that strategy. It implements measures which will increase protections for temporary skilled migrant workers in Australia. The central provision in this legislation is the creation of a comprehensive public register of approved work sponsors. In Australia it is necessary for an employer to be approved by the Department of Home Affairs before sponsoring the visa of a skilled worker. Under this legislation, these employers will be listed on a public register and the register will be limited to temporary visas where full sponsor obligations apply. The register will sit alongside the public register of approved sponsors which is published by the Australian Border Force. The register will be hosted on the Department of Home Affairs website and will list key details about approved sponsors. These include the sponsor's name, the category or type of approval granted, their ABN and the postcode linked to that ABN. It will also state the number of workers they sponsor and the specific occupations of those workers. By making this information publicly accessible, the register aims to strengthen transparency, improve accountability and support effective monitoring and oversight within the sponsorship system. This is about making sure that employers are held accountable and that there are pathways for migrant workers to ensure they are not exploited under a system that allows them to be. This is about closing that gap and making sure that, if you come to this country to work, then you can be entitled to, can expect to and deserve to be treated fairly in your workplace. It doesn't matter what the colour of your skin is, what language you speak or what faith you have, everyone deserves to be treated fairly in their workplace. Stamping out exploitation is part of who we are as a government and who we are as the Labor Party. In addition to promoting openness, the register will serve as a practical tool to help address the exploitation of temporary skilled migrant workers. The addition of the postcode will assist migrant workers who are keen to move to a new location to find reputable employers. It will enable workers to identify and connect with alternative sponsors if needed and provide a reliable resource for verifying that a sponsoring employer is legitimate and compliant with regulatory requirements. Coming from another country to Australia to start work—coming here to deliver work for our economy—is a scary thing to do, and you need tools to make sure that you have a pathway that does not lead to exploitative workplace practices. Disclosure of information on the register will be consistent with the Privacy Act. The register upholds the privacy of the sponsors by alerting them to the requirement during the process of sponsorship application. The register only provides information that is readily and publicly available, such as their ABN. The register will not include any identifying information relating to the nominated workers. The measures in this bill were previously included in the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024, which lapsed before this year's election. The bill before us today does not include provisions that were included in the 2024 bill—these are the streamlining of labour market testing and the indexation of income thresholds. In December 2023, the government undertook initial work to streamline labour market testing. The number of advertisements required to reduce from three to two, removing the need to advertise on the Workforce Australia website. Any future changes to labour market testing will be considered by the government Similarly, in December 2024, the Department of Home Affairs revised the regulations to establish the income thresholds and their annual indexation for the 'skills in demand' visa. As a result, thresholds are automatically adjusted each year on 1 July and in accordance with changes to the average weekly ordinary time earnings. This bill builds on the Albanese Labor government's commitment to reform and strengthen the temporary skilled migration system. These amendments to the Migration Act will foster trust in the system, protect vulnerable workers and ensure that sponsorship arrangements operate fairly and ethically. In the first part of my speech, I dwelled on one of the dark episodes from our past. I want to stress, however, the positive experiences many migrants coming to these shores have had—not only the positive experiences that those migrants have had, but the positive impact that they have had on us as a country, the positive impact that they have had on our economy, the positive impact that they have had on our culture, the positive impact that they have had on our communities and the positive impact that they have had on us as a society. As we in this place know, Australia is a multicultural success story. It is built, in so many ways, on the hard work, the labours, efforts and input of people with migrant backgrounds. I also want to focus on the essential role that migrants have played and continue to play in shaping Australia's success and in shaping our future. This has been the case for generations, like my family, and it will continue to be. You only have to look at the members of the Labor caucus to see the result of migration. You only have to look at people on this side of the chamber and their stories to know that we are a party that is proud of diversity and representation and a caucus that looks like the people in our community. The contributions of migrants extend far beyond economic prosperity. They enrich our communities, strengthen our national identity and deepen our connections with countries across the depth and breadth of the globe. Migration brings that diversity, innovation and cultural exchange—all of which make Australia stronger and more vibrant. The Albanese Labor government firmly believes that every migrant has right to live safely and with a sense of security. It is our responsibility to hold up those rights, and this bill helps us to do that. We are that migration success story, but what we have seen of late, in that rich tapestry of migration that makes us stronger as a country, is people pulling at the threads of it, and we must always stand against that. This bill makes sure that migrant workers have protection and that we have their back. (Time expired)
Tertiary Education | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Education. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering its commitment to cut student debt by 20 per cent and make tertiary education better and fairer? What...
My question is to the Minister for Education. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering its commitment to cut student debt by 20 per cent and make tertiary education better and fairer? What has been the response?
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
It is a big number. Recently the Minister for Climate Change and Energy announced a new regulated energy retail offer, the Solar Sharer Offer. This will give households in New South Wales,...
It is a big number. Recently the Minister for Climate Change and Energy announced a new regulated energy retail offer, the Solar Sharer Offer. This will give households in New South Wales, South-East Queensland—my neck of the woods—and South Australia access to free electricity during the middle of the day. It's all about maximising the use of Australia's abundant and cheap solar power, and it will assist with lower costs for customers by lowering peak prices. Students with student debts will have seen real change too, with the 20 per cent reduction we have also talked about. Looking ahead, more targeted and responsible cost-of-living support will continue. And the tax cuts that kicked in last year are already benefiting every single taxpayer in this nation. This bill implements more responsible and more targeted reforms which back small businesses, which protect workers and which ensure that Australians can continue to enjoy affordable, responsible hospitality at their local pub or club. It shows that the Albanese Labor government is in touch with and values community life. While each of our communities in this place might be different, we all share a few things: we enjoy being with family, we enjoy coming together and most of us enjoy a cold brew. They say there's nothing better than a cold beer on a hot summer's day in Queensland. But I think there is; it's a cold beer on a hot summer's day in Queensland with a freeze on the beer tax that you have to pay, so that every single person can have their XXXX—because I'm a Queenslander!
The member for Bruce is right that it is a big package, and we like a big package. Because, when it comes to a big package, cost of living is where it's at. Cost of living is something that we're...
The member for Bruce is right that it is a big package, and we like a big package. Because, when it comes to a big package, cost of living is where it's at. Cost of living is something that we're focused on every day. The package is big because it includes so many different things. We've talked about health, we've talked about medicines, we've talked about student debt, we've talked about free TAFE, and we're talking about beer. All of these things will give people the relief that they need. Importantly, the pause that we're talking about in this bill today ensures that small brewers and publicans can continue competing fairly against large multinational producers. It protects diversity in the market and competition in Australia's beer and hospitality industries, and it offers that direct cost-of-living support that we keep talking about. In the six months since the election, Labor has delivered on a host of its campaign commitments, with a range of new measures which kicked in on 1 July. So let's talk about this big package of cost-of-living measures that Labor is putting in place. Workers are seeing real benefits, including a 3.5 per cent increase to the national minimum wage and award wages, and the increase of the superannuation guarantee has now risen to 12 per cent. Families are also gaining more support, with paid parental leave extended to 24 weeks and superannuation now included in all government funded parental leave payments. Australians will receive an additional $150 in energy bill relief before the end of the year, and we are making home energy more affordable through cheaper battery options. They are battery options that we know Australians are taking up over and over again. We are up to over 130,000 batteries from the 30 per cent off battery package.
The member for Bruce is right; this bill is all about cost of living. It doesn't matter whether we're talking about medicines, it doesn't matter whether we're talking about child care, it doesn't...
The member for Bruce is right; this bill is all about cost of living. It doesn't matter whether we're talking about medicines, it doesn't matter whether we're talking about child care, it doesn't matter whether we are talking about student debt, it doesn't matter whether we are talking about medical bills, and it doesn't matter whether we're talking about beer. This is an Albanese Labor government with its eye fixed, with its clear focus, on making sure that cost of living is the thing we address every day, not through talk but through delivery of key initiatives that make life cheaper and easier for everyday Australians. In recent years, my community, like many others around the country, has benefited from independent breweries setting up shop. In Moreton, the names Ballistic, Hiker, Slipstream, Helios and Blind Boy are synonymous with quality, synonymous with unique flavours, synonymous with craftsmanship. In fact, I have had that great pleasure of visiting Slipstream on a number of occasions recently, first with the member for Fremantle and second with Senator Farrell to enjoy a good brew in a Queensland beer, sometimes on a hot summer day. It doesn't really matter what the season is; it is always good. I want to take the opportunity to congratulate Slipstream, who were awarded the best beer in Queensland right there on Brisbane's southside. These breweries are also absolutely loved for being relaxed, casual and enjoyable venues for all the family. They are social hubs and they host a variety of community events. They are so much more, too. Independent breweries are an important part of the local economy. They source ingredients and services from local suppliers and engage food trucks for family nights. They employ local people and they offer pathways to good jobs. In fact, the Independent Brewers Association states that independent breweries employ 51 per cent of all people directly working in Australia's brewery industry despite holding less than eight per cent of market share. 'We contribute 40,400 jobs and total wages of $1.88 billion each year,' is what they have said. Independent breweries and the industry at large have been doing it tough. The average price for a 425 millilitre glass of beer at a venue has increased by 6.2 per cent in the 12 months to February 2025. Since the start of 2022, beer prices have increased by 10.5 per cent. We know that it is not just these breweries that are doing it tough; Australians are doing it tough, too. Now is the time that we need to do something about that. The Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill, which accompanies the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 is good news for our independent breweries and it is good news for Australia's pubs, clubs and hospitality workers as well. Labor's 2025-26 budget included a measure to press pause on the automatic CPI indexation of excise and customs duty on draught beer for two years. Beginning on 1 August this year, these duty rates currently increment based on inflation two times a year—in February and in August. As I said, the Labor government understand that these times are tough and, from the very start, this is a government that has talked about being focused on delivery, and we have seen it. We have seen it with 20 per cent off student debt, and many Australians are about to receive a text message to confirm that that has been done. We've seen it with free TAFE being introduced to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to upskill in a TAFE setting with absolutely no money to pay, and we know that that's already happening. We've seen it with cheaper medicines, and on 1 January people will never have to pay more than $25 for a PBS medicine. We know that is happening. This is another notch in the belt of making sure that life can be a bit cheaper for every Australian. This freeze on indexation applies to beer in kegs, specifically to those individual containers of between eight and 48 litres that hook up to gas or pump systems like the ones used in pubs and in clubs. It also applies to larger containers of over 48 litres that are used in commercial hospitality. The freeze does not apply to bottled beer, spirits or other excisable drinks, ensuring that the benefit flows to hospitality operators as opposed to retailers. What I'm incredibly pleased about with this bill is its recognition of the importance of our local pubs and clubs in the Australian way of life. Like so many things we've talked about today, these are part of who we are. They're part of our culture. They're part of what makes us us. As mentioned, these places are more than just venues; they are part of the social fabric of towns and suburbs. We gather at them for birthday parties, to have fierce trivia contests, to mark the passing of a family member or to simply spend time with our mates. In short, pubs and clubs are places of community connection and places of belonging. I always appreciate the very warm welcome I'm given at the Salisbury Community Sports Club; at WestsideHQ in Corinda, just down the road from my home; at the Sunnybank Community & Sports Club; and at so many more across Brisbane's south side. These are not just clubs; as I said, these are places and venues that host things so important to our community. They commemorate Anzac Day, when people come to play a bit of two-up. Recently, at Sunnybank Community & Sports Club, I went to a rugby match celebrating the Pasifika community. They host events with many different multicultural community groups across the breadth and depth of my electorate. These places also contribute to our economy. They drive local economic growth. They employ approximately 160,000 people across the country. That's 160,000 workers who rely on these venues to stay open and sustainable every day so that they can afford their mortgage, their rent and their groceries. That's why the Albanese Labor government is taking real action to support these community institutions. At its core, this bill is designed to support small businesses. Small businesses are, in so many ways, the beating heart of our economy. They employ so many Australians. They are in every nook and cranny of our community. They protect jobs. It also works to ease the cost-of-living pressures without compromising public health goals or the integrity of our alcohol taxation system. Around 10,000 venues across this country will benefit directly from this decision from this bill. That includes pubs, bars, taverns and clubs, many of which are small, family-run businesses. In fact, about 75 per cent of these venues are operated by local families who employ local people, sponsor local community events supporting local sporting clubs and contribute to local charity. These are local hubs. These are businesses that have faced wave after wave of economic pressure, from lockdowns during COVID-19 to supply chain challenges, rising import costs and inflation. This measure gives them some breathing space. It's breathing space that they really need, and it reduces the pressure on venue managers and owners to pass on rising costs to customers. It helps them to plan ahead. It helps them to retain staff. It helps them to reinvest in their businesses, because, much like a household and much like any business, planning is what allows local business owners to keep their businesses sustainable for our community. In short, it's a lifeline for small publicans and club managers who have been doing it tough. It means more affordable nights out for families, friends and communities. Returning to our brewers, and particularly small and independent producers who supply draught beer to local venues, many of them depend on keg sales as a vital source of income. It helps them maintain steady cashflow and keep their teams employed. By pausing indexation, the government is giving these producers the time they need to control expenses, to plan their brewing schedules with confidence and to continue contributing to the economic and social strength of the local communities. And the benefits don't stop there. Farmers, transport operators, equipment suppliers and thousands of small businesses linked to the hospitality supply chain will also feel the positive impact. The aftermarket in this space is absolutely enormous. This is a cost-of-living measure, and it strengthens small business resilience and supports regional tourism as well. Labor has listened to industry voices. We've listened to brewers, we've listened to publicans, we've listened to small business groups, and we've listened to the public. They've consistently called for relief from automatic excise increases during this period of inflation. The government has responded with a balanced time limited policy that delivers real results without driving up inflation or compromising fiscal discipline. It's about doing this responsibly but also giving people the relief to their hip pocket that they need right here and right now. It's also part of the wider package of support for small business, including extended instant-asset write-offs, help with digital transformation and lower energy costs for small operators.
Medicare | Private Members' Business | House debates
I want to be really clear on what the member for Forrest is arguing here—really clear on what the member for Forrest and members opposite, members of the Liberal Party and members of the...
I want to be really clear on what the member for Forrest is arguing here—really clear on what the member for Forrest and members opposite, members of the Liberal Party and members of the National Party, are arguing for here. What they are arguing is that we should not fund GPs to have every patient that walks through their door be bulk-billed. The members opposite are arguing that, when people walk through a GP's front doors, they should not just need their Medicare card. The members opposite are arguing that, when people walk through those GP's front doors, they need to have a copayment. We don't have to imagine what the coalition's policy would be when it comes to health care. We don't need a crystal ball to find out what the coalition's policy would be when it comes to health care. We don't have to be Nostradamus, because not only do we know what they did when they were in government but we also know what their plans were to get into government when it comes to health care. We know that those opposite wanted a copayment. They want people, when they walk through the doors to get health care in their local suburbs, to have to put down money, not just use that green card. We know that those opposite wanted and indeed cut billions of dollars from the healthcare budget. We know that they had the distinction of having the worst ranked health minister in over four decades, and we know that they extended a two-year Medicare freeze to six long years without an increase to Medicare. It was only at the start of this month that I stood in this chamber and spoke about Medicare. I'd like to thank the member for Bowman for giving me another chance to speak about the Albanese Labor government's commitment to Medicare. I'm a little surprised, however, to be given this opportunity, because after all the coalition's record on Medicare is absolutely dismal, and it's indefensible. In fact when I talked about freezing funding to Medicare, it was the opposition leader who, when she was health minister, did not increase Medicare rebates by even one dollar. The member for Bowman would have you believe that Medicare is being used as, in his words, 'a political football'. Well, I can assure you that the Albanese Labor government is not here to play games. Instead, we are a government that is utterly focused on easing cost-of-living pressures, and our initiatives to strengthen Medicare are doing just that. The headline news is that Labor is delivering the single largest investment in Medicare since it was created by a Labor government four decades ago. The coalition may think health care is political fodder, but we believe it is essential. We believe that a strong healthcare system is an absolute pillar and foundation of a strong society. That's why Labor built Medicare, and it is why Labor continues to fund and invest in Medicare to make it better, not just on one day but every single day. The foundation of this investment is the $8.5 billion being directed to delivering an additional 18 million bulk-billed GP visits. The first of this month was a special date, because it was when Labor expanded bulk-billing incentives for all Australians. This built on the 2023 bulk-billing incentive that focused on children under 16 years of age and Commonwealth concession cardholders. We are already seeing the impacts of this. We're seeing them in our local communities, we're seeing them at our GPs and we're seeing them in our suburbs. And it's not only in Medicare bulk-billing GP practices. There's another type of place where all you need is your Medicare card, and that's your local urgent care clinic. We've got one in Oxley at the Canossa, we've got one at the bottom of the PA and there are 90 in operation across the country, with another 47 on the way. This is not about politics; it's about health care. And it's about the importance of every Australian having access to it with just their Medicare card. Debate adjourned.
Old Bridge Football Club, Chinese Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland | Statements by Members | House debates
Today I want to talk about two very important community groups in my local electorate, both from the multicultural community. They're absolutely stellar and they have one thing in common: they...
Today I want to talk about two very important community groups in my local electorate, both from the multicultural community. They're absolutely stellar and they have one thing in common: they are both celebrating anniversaries this year. The first is FC Old Bridge, a great football club. On 26 October we celebrated their 30th anniversary. Their president, Amer Sadikovic, is a wonderful bastion of our community and a pillar of our community. He, along with the Balkan community, puts on a big show every time we go out there. The club was founded in July 1995 by a group of athletes and football enthusiasts. They've got about 150 senior players and a strong junior program, but, fundamentally, the club is a focal point of our local community. The second organisation I want to talk about today is the Chinese Ethnic Broadcasting Association of Queensland. Just this Saturday gone, we celebrated their 45th anniversary at a dinner. Their president is Elsa Shuay. The organisation started up in 1980 and began broadcasting in Chinese on 4EB, the very same year. 4EB is the only full-time local ethnic broadcaster based in Brisbane. It brings language to so many parts of our community and is important to social inclusion and the way in which we communicate.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
When I was growing up, watching TV was a shared experience. We'd sit around the television with our TV trays full of food, and we'd catch up on the latest Australian television, whether that be...
When I was growing up, watching TV was a shared experience. We'd sit around the television with our TV trays full of food, and we'd catch up on the latest Australian television, whether that be McLeod's Daughters, Blue Heelers or The Secret Life of Us. After we'd go through that experience, we'd go to school or go to work the next day and we'd talk about that Australian television. It was a cultural experience that we had collectively. That's not how TV works anymore because, nowadays, when we watch television, our faces are aglow with the light reflecting off a mobile phone screen. It's a very different experience. But the way that we watch TV shouldn't stop the presence and the persistence of Australian content. In recent years, it has become commonplace to ask your mates, 'What are you watching on Netflix?' Enthusiastic conversations follow, with people bonding over the shared enjoyment of a show, recounting late-night binge watches and noting recommendations of the next must-see series. You could substitute 'Netflix' in this question with Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO, Apple TV, Kayo Sports, Stan, Binge, Paramount+—and the list goes on and on. Australians have taken to video subscription on demand with absolute gusto. Mediaweek cites figures that show that Australian households subscribe to an average of 3.7 streaming services. This is up over 60 per cent since 2021. In fact, in 2020 to 2021, Australians were for the first time more likely to watch an online subscription service than free-to-air television, whether that be live or recorded. The estimated earnings of streaming services in Australia in this period were over $2.4 billion. All these services give us myriad entertainment options on demand, an immense volume of content that is readily available at our fingertips—for the price of a subscription, of course. Streaming services offer programs from all over the world, but, as the national cultural policy stated, this risks drowning out the voices of Australian storytellers, and those voices are important. That's what this bill's all about. As Professor Julianne Schultz wrote: Some of the largest, richest, most concentrated companies in the world have built streaming repositories that make the grand libraries of the past look like a child's Lego building. … … … Netflix alone has more than 16,000 titles that "live practically in perpetuity, even as they are slowly entombed by new shows, new movies, new documentaries". Professor Schultz not only has a great name; she has a point. That's just Netflix. Think about the thousands and thousands of hours of programs that exist on all the platforms I listed. With this in mind, it is now more important than ever to protect and, indeed, to amplify our stories—Australian stories. With the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025, Australians will be guaranteed to see more Aussie content on their streaming services. These are the stories that deserve to be told. Not only that but these are the stories that are reflective of who we are, our culture and, fundamentally, who we as a country want to be. Not only are they reflective of that; they also have a practical and tangible outcome too, because they drive economic growth, they create important skills and they create jobs that we need for our country. In January 2023, the Prime Minister launched Revive, a five-year plan to revitalise Australia's arts sector. Revive focuses on five main pillars which encompass putting First Nations front and centre, having a place for every story, celebrating the artists, building a robust cultural infrastructure and engaging the audience both at home and overseas. I want to talk a little bit more about pillar 2—a place for every story—because it puts into context what the heart of this bill is all about. To quote from Revive: Australia's people and their stories are our greatest cultural asset. Stories communicate shared identities and a sense of belonging to place and each other, and can be shared through an artwork, narrative, dance, screen content, music or an idea. Stories bring people together and enable the exchange of experiences, ideas and perspectives. Stories give us a voice. All Australians benefit when they are represented by and in the nation's stories and that they can hear their own voices resounding in the national narrative. Our stories are shaped by histories, places, identities, languages, cultures, families and communities. The importance of sharing and celebrating our Australian stories is absolutely clear. I think that is widely agreed upon. Indeed, there are rules regarding broadcasting Australian content on commercial television, and this is monitored by ACMA. The Broadcasting Services Act 1992 sets out the requirements. These are that 55 per cent of content must be Australian between 6 am and midnight on primary channels, and there must be 1,460 hours of Australian content between the same hours on non-primary channels. There are also requirements around first-release Australian program quotas. Up until now, there have been absolutely no Australian content requirements for subscription video-on-demand or streaming services. This bill resolves that astounding problem. It's important that, while our viewing habits may be changing, our access to the stories that reflect who we are as a nation is unaffected. This bill means that, whether you're watching a show on commercial television or accessing a program via streaming, you will be able to watch Australian stories being told. It means that, whether you're picking up a channel changer, pressing a button on your phone or swiping, Australian stories can still be told no matter what the screen looks like. To achieve this, the bill amends the Broadcasting Services Act and makes consequential changes to the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005. The changes apply to streaming services with one million or more subscribers. These services will be required to invest at least 10 per cent of their total program expenditure in new Australian commissions or first-release acquisitions of eligible programs. These programs include drama, documentary, arts, educational formats and children's content. Children's content is so important. It's something that we can't forget. In my home the children's content of choice is Bluey, but I must warn you the opening credits have been altered in my household. Mum, Dad and Bingo still get a guernsey, but Bluey's name is regularly replaced by Margaret's. Importantly, this requirement covers the Australian portion of globally commissioned or licensed programs, ensuring that our creative sector benefits from international productions as well. The bill provides flexibility. Streaming providers may choose an alternative compliance option by investing an amount equivalent to 7.5 per cent of their gross Australian revenue. The bill adopts the definition of 'Australian content' from the Broadcasting Services (Australian Content and Children's Television) Standards 2020. These are the definitions which currently apply to free-to-air and subscription broadcasters. These new requirements do not apply to services that primarily host user generated content, have no paying subscribers, rely solely on advertising, operate on one-off transactions or cater to niche audiences or special events. These exemptions ensure that the framework targets the major players in the market without imposing unnecessary burdens on smaller or specialised services. This bill has been welcomed by Screen Producers Australia, who recognise that the legislation represents a very critical step toward restoring confidence in the Australian screen sector and lays the groundwork for a more substantial future for production. Screen Producers Australia view the Australian content requirements as far more than regulations. They see them as the cornerstone of Australia's screen industry, noting that, as a relatively small English-speaking nation operating within a global market dominated by larger players, Australia faces a unique challenge. And this bill is designed to help our industry with it. Without the content quota safeguards, Australian stories would struggle to be financed and would struggle to be produced. Audiences would lose the opportunity to see and hear their own voices, Australian voices, and Australian values and Australian experiences reflected up there on the screen. Screen Producers Australia insists that, to ensure these stories are told, a clear cultural mandate from government is absolutely essential, and this is what the bill provides. The Australian Writers' Guild also backed this bill in, with the president and Logie-Award-winning showrunner Peter Mattessi saying: World events move fast and impact our industry in many different ways. Meanwhile, streaming platforms are taking billions of dollars out of the country in subscription fees from Australians—Australians who tell us over and over again that they want to see more Australian content on their screens. The legislation also reinforces the principle that Australian content is vital, while providing certainty for creators, producers and investors alike. The Australian screen industry is a significant contributor to the national economy. It's a vital source of employment for Australians. In 2025 the market is projected to reach approximately $3.3 billion, underscoring its scale and its influence within the creative sector. In the 2023-24 financial year alone, total expenditure on screen production reached $1.7 billion. Beyond production budgets, the sector supports a vast ecosystem of over 10,000 businesses. Many of those are small businesses, ranging from production companies to post-production facilities to technology providers and creative service firms. This network has grown steadily over the past five years, creating thousands and thousands of jobs for writers, directors, actors, technicians and other skilled professionals. The economic ripple effect extends far beyond the screen itself, stimulating tourism, regional development and innovation in important digital technologies. In short, the screen industry is not only a cultural powerhouse but also a critical driver of economic growth and employment in this country. This bill is about so very much more than regulation. It is about safeguarding our cultural identity and supporting the many thousands of Australians who work in our screen industry by ensuring that streaming platforms invest in Australian stories. We are investing in and reflecting our people and creativity and our economy. And that's what this bill aims to do. By strengthening local content rules, we are not only protecting the jobs and fostering innovation within that creative sector. We are also investing in the social and cultural fabric of the nation. We are investing in us. We are investing in our families. We are investing in our neighbours, in our mums, in our dads and in our workmates, along with their very important stories. This is why the introduction of this legislation is both significant and deeply welcome. It is a decisive move towards a future where Australian voices remain strong, where Australian voices remain diverse and where Australian voices are visible in an ever-changing media landscape. It signals a renewed commitment to ensuring our stories are told.
Albanese Government | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. How has the work of the Albanese Labor government this fortnight, both at home and abroad, been delivering for Australians, and are there any risks?
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I'll start where I finish—with network embedded storage at large and small scales and with electric vehicles. I am so proud to be part of a Labor government that is backing Australians to...
I'll start where I finish—with network embedded storage at large and small scales and with electric vehicles. I am so proud to be part of a Labor government that is backing Australians to get training, to get jobs and to build their skills—the skills that our economy and our nation need. I am very proud to be part of a Labor government that is backing not just employment but good, secure employment. It's setting people up for jobs in those priority areas, so that people can make the things that we need to make, care for the people that we care about and build the houses that we need to make housing more affordable in this country. This bill supports the administration of a VSL program, which is making vocational education and training more accessible to all Australians. As the Minister for Skills and Training said: Our investment in Free TAFE and getting more apprentices into the workforce is testament to our commitment to ensure every Australian has an opportunity to attain higher education which leads to good, secure jobs. When we look at what the Albanese government has been doing in the vocational education space and compare it to what we've seen from those across the chamber, the contrast couldn't be starker. We are investing in VET. We are investing in the future skills our country needs. And they, the opposition, have only been focused on taking down the cost of living.
I am always delighted and pleased to be able to have the opportunity to talk about vocational education and training. That's not just because in my electorate on Brisbane's southside we are home...
I am always delighted and pleased to be able to have the opportunity to talk about vocational education and training. That's not just because in my electorate on Brisbane's southside we are home to the flagship Acacia Ridge TAFE, but it does give me a little bit of an opportunity to brag about it, because it's something we are very proud of in the electorate of Moreton. It's the largest trade training centre not just in Brisbane, not just in Queensland and not just in Australia but in the entire Southern Hemisphere. I had the great pleasure of being able to host the Deputy Prime Minister when we tried out dino chassis behind the wheel of a car. I've had the great pleasure of hosting Mr Giles, working through how battery technology works and talking to the students about their experiences at their TAFE. The Acacia Ridge campus is 22 hectares of purpose-built, state-of-the-art training facilities. I always enjoy visiting there because it's a hive of activity. It offers a wide range of trade related courses in automotives, building construction, electrotechnology, engineering, manufacturing and design, resources and mining, transport and utilities. It's all about making sure that we are giving people, many of them young people, access to the skills that we as a nation need for the future. The VET sector delivers vital industry-specific skills and qualifications across all of these fields and many more—helping to boost economic development, helping to enhance business efficiency and helping to tackle workforce skills gaps. The Labor government is supporting people to do that. We're supporting people to learn, we're supporting people to train, we're supporting people to work and we're supporting people to gain skills that will make their lives better and that will make our country better. We're supporting them to be the people who make the things that we need, we're supporting them to be the people who build the homes and houses that we need and we're supporting them to be the people to care for our loved ones in an ageing population. Data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research from September 2024 indicated that 5.1 million students took part in nationally recognised training in 2023, which is a 10.8 per cent increase from 2022. What that means is that we have more Australians—in my part of the world, more southsiders—who have pathways to skilling, pathways to a future, pathways to job security and pathways to ensuring that they not only have jobs but have good jobs. Of this number 3.5 million students studied standalone subjects. Over 2.1 million gained full qualifications and 230,000 completed short courses. This is about the skills that our country needs and, contrary to what you might hear, it is working people—particularly those who have been trained just as in Acacia Ridge—who drive our economy. It is the working people who grow our economy. It is the working people who make sure that our economy is moving forward. Many of these students were able to study thanks to the VET Student Loans, VSL, program. This program supports eligible students to cover tuition fees for approved higher level—such as diplomas and above—VET courses at approved providers. The aim of the program is to promote courses and to grow the workforce in areas that align with industry needs, with what our country needs and with what business needs. The VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 concerns the administration of these loans. This bill addresses an issue with the administration of VET student loans which was identified during a recent review. It concerns the handling of students' tax file numbers and the fact that the VET Student Loans Act 2016 does not authorise VSL providers to handle tax file numbers. VSL providers are registered training organisations which are authorised by the Australian government to deliver VSL approved courses. They may be TAFE institutions or private providers. Tax file numbers are necessary for the administration of student loan programs such as VSL. They're used to accurately link loan accounts to individuals within the taxation system, enabling precise tracking of loan balances and repayments over time. It is important to note that there is no knowledge of tax file number misuse throughout the administration of the VSL program. Similarly there have been no student complaints in regard to the tax file number administration. Nonetheless the Albanese Labor government is taking swift action to resolve this challenge. We want both students and VET providers to have certainty and to have confidence in the administration of their loans. The bill enables the retrospective authorisation of VSL providers' handling of students' tax file numbers. This will also give providers and government alike certainty that the administration of the loans between 1 January 2017 and 30 September 2025 was lawful. Since early 2025 the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has implemented a series of enhancements to its IT infrastructure aimed at improving the security and efficiency of handling sensitive personal data. One of the key changes involves the automatic masking of tax file numbers from VET student loan providers. This update ensures that providers no longer have access to, or need to, manage tax file numbers directly. The transfer of this information between relevant government systems is now fully automated. By streamlining the handling of tax file numbers and removing the need for providers to process them, the department has strengthened data privacy protections while maintaining the integrity of the loan management process. Importantly, these system updates do not affect the way students apply for a VET student loan. The application process through the electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form remains unchanged, ensuring a familiar experience for students seeking financial support for their training. VSL providers are subject to a range of robust scrutiny measures and integrity protocols embedded within the relevant IT systems. These controls are designed to safeguard students' personal information and ensure that providers operate within a secure and compliant framework. Before being granted approval to administer VSLs, providers must complete comprehensive vetting procedures, ensuring that only qualified institutions are permitted to participate in the program. Providers are required to adhere to several key obligations. These include strict compliance with legislation. Providers must follow stringent rules regarding the use and disclosure of information as outlined in the VET Student Loans Act. VSL providers are also subject to mandatory breach reporting. In the event of any data breach involving student information, providers are obligated to promptly notify the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. This requirement supports transparency and enables swift action to mitigate potential harm. Importantly, the data protection standards that have historically governed the handling of TFNs by VSL providers will remain in effect following the commencement of the new bill. These ongoing safeguards reinforce the government's commitment to maintaining high levels of privacy and data security within the VET student loans framework. The Albanese Labor government has invested $42 million over four years from July 2023 to help develop a fit-for-purpose VSL IT system. This means that, from 2026, the VSL program will be bolstered by a new assessments and payment system. This is just one way that Labor stands behind the VET sector. One of Labor's key election promises was to cut student debt by 20 per cent. In fact, we promised it would be the first piece of legislation we brought to this parliament, and it was. The result is, of course, that three million Australians with student debt will have 20 per cent of their debt wiped, gone. This includes students with VSL program debts. When we think about the contrast between the Albanese Labor government and those opposite, what becomes clear is that, when it comes to TAFE and vocational education and training, we are focused on delivering for students—not just through this bill but through taking 20 per cent off people's debt and through free TAFE. We know that those opposite do not support free TAFE. While we're focused on delivering, the only thing that the opposition has done when it comes to students is to say no: 'No, we cannot give you that cost-of-living relief,' and, 'No, you cannot have 20 per cent off your student debt that will help set you up for the future.' We've made TAFE free and we've made that permanent nationwide. This provides cost-of-living support to more Australians to get the qualifications they want for the jobs our economy desperately needs. Free TAFE will boost Australia's workforce by training more tradies and construction workers to build more homes, and more nurses and more healthcare workers to look after our loved ones. From January 2023 to June this year, 128,231 people in Queensland alone had taken up the opportunity to upskill for free. Across the country, thousands of students have flocked to courses such as the Cert IV in Building and Construction, the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, the Cert IV in Cyber Security, the Cert III in Individual Support, the Diploma of Nursing and the Cert III in Horticulture. A February 2025 report from Jobs and Skills Australia, Opportunity and productivity: towards a tertiary harmonisation roadmap, indicates that a more integrated and coordinated tertiary education system has the potential to enhance workforce productivity, elevate skill levels across the industries that we're talking about and support the development of a future-ready workforce that meets the industry demands. Our government has invested $27.7 million dollars to support the development of a more aligned tertiary education system. This includes developing better student pathways by clarifying recognition of prior learning and streamlining regulation for dual-sector providers. Through the National Skills Agreement, the government has partnered with states and territories to establish nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence. These partnerships among TAFEs, university and industry will deliver the skilled workers and the skilled workforce for critical industries. An example in Queensland is the TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries. The focus will be on targeted training solutions in renewable energy batteries, intermittent renewable energy source storage, grid connectivity—