Claire Clutterham's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
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 bill also provides the ATEC with the function of preparing reports and providing advice and recommendations on improving higher education, access, participation and outcomes for those facing...
The bill also provides the ATEC with the function of preparing reports and providing advice and recommendations on improving higher education, access, participation and outcomes for those facing systemic barriers to education. We are at a generational juncture, and this is the moment to design an enduring higher education system that serves Australia's interests for decades to come. In building on the strengths of the current tertiary education framework, the ATEC is part of a system that will underpin Australia's economic and social prosperity. The ATEC must cement public confidence in the higher education system and become a longstanding and trusted source of tertiary policy expertise and stewardship and be a strong, independent body operating under the strategic direction of government, facilitating the mission of universities to be places of high-quality teaching and research and development that drives innovation, productivity and economic prosperity. I stand with the Prime Minister and Minister for Education as they prosecute this agenda, and I commend the bill to the House. Debate adjourned.
I rise today to speak in support of the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025. In establishing the Australian Tertiary Education Commission as a steward of the...
I rise today to speak in support of the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025. In establishing the Australian Tertiary Education Commission as a steward of the higher education system, the bill implements a key recommendation from the Australian Universities Accord final report of 2024. The review that resulted in that final report was asked to examine Australia's higher education system and create a long-term plan for reform. The overarching theme can be simply stated. If Australia is to prosper in the years ahead, Australian participation, performance and investment in tertiary education needs to improve in order to generate the knowledge, skills and research our nation needs to meet our current and emerging social, economic and environmental challenges. It noted that there were chronic shortages of skilled professionals, including early childhood educators, teachers, aged-care workers, nurses and doctors. Increasingly, Australia is going to need greater numbers of engineers and others to transform our energy grid, advance our manufacturing sector, drive new discoveries and innovations, make our agriculture more sustainable and build new public infrastructure for our growing cities and regions. The recommendations proposed in the final review were broad, and they were ambitious. In order to successfully implement them, stronger leadership, planning and collaboration than is possible under the current system arrangements will be required, with a far greater emphasis on understanding policy and reform priorities and understanding evidence about the state of the system. So, to implement this broad and ambitious change, the review recommended that the Australian government establish the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, which would be tasked with providing the leadership and stewardship necessary to transform the system. The breadth of the challenge and the breadth of the reform needed to meet the challenge must be coordinated, streamlined and efficient. Without this, reforms will run the risk of being fragmented, out of sync and not fit for purpose. The review delivered 46 other recommendations, but the key one relates to ATEC in that the Australian tertiary education sector needs a dynamic, collaborative and responsive system that serves the national interest. The ATEC, which this bill proposes as a statutory national body to plan and oversee the creation of a high-quality and cohesive tertiary education system to meet Australia's future needs, is what is required. The recommendation is that ATEC be established under legislation to work collaboratively with tertiary education institutions supporting the tertiary system to meet the needs of students, the community, research users and employers. The review identified that the functions of the ATEC should centre on policy coordination and development, system planning, pricing authority, funding allocation and the negotiation of mission based compacts for universities. It will achieve this by doing a number of things, including delivering on this overarching objective; focusing the system on current and future skills needs; promoting access and opportunity; developing an improved understanding of the cost of delivery for providers and appropriate and fair levels of student contributions; promoting a diverse choice of institutional and study options by fostering a cohesive tertiary education system through the development of sound and sustainable policy; encouraging continuous improvement in tertiary education, research and research training; support for increasing the quality of the tertiary education workforce; and providing expert advice to the government and tertiary education system. The review also recommended that the commission should be an independent statutory authority answering to the education and skills ministers to enable it to provide robust advice and support evidence-based decision-making and planning. As a system steward, it will work in close collaboration with a broad cross-section of stakeholders within the tertiary education system, including universities but also non-university higher education providers, private VET providers, TAFEs, students, academic and professional staff, employers, industry, unions, bodies representing the various professions, research end users, alumni and all levels of government. The commission will be guided by the national tertiary education objective and charged with responsibility to build and maintain a coalition of stakeholders in order to drive these sector reforms, to identify effective ways to leverage the collective resources of the tertiary education system so it delivers better outcomes and, finally, to ensure that the system itself is responding and agile to meet the needs of a changing society. In my home state of South Australia, we have recently witnessed the product of the changing needs of higher education with the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia to become Adelaide University, which will welcome its first students this year. Adelaide University's vision is to be a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing that is dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, wellbeing and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequality through both the actions of the university and the success and impact of its students, staff and alumni. By partnering with the community and partnering with industry, Adelaide University is well placed to realise its vision of conducting outstanding future-making research that has focus and scalability. In South Australia, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The new Adelaide University, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Nicola Phillips, will be the largest educator of domestic students in Australia and will have the scale and resources to be sustainably positioned in the top 50 universities in the world. Two significant investments by the South Australian Malinauskas Labor government mean that this new university will be accessible to everyone with the capacity to succeed, regardless of their background. Firstly, there is the state government's $100 million student support fund, and then its foundation as a pre-eminent and world-leading research institution will be cemented thanks to the $200 million research fund. By 2034, the university is forecast to contribute an estimated additional $500 million a year to the South Australian economy. It is forecasted to educate more than 70,000 students, about 13,000 more than both pre-existing universities do today, and it's also forecast to create an additional 1,200 jobs. A globally competitive university that is sustainably positioned to be in the top 50 universities in the world will not only be able to provide high-quality teaching to students of all economic backgrounds but, critically, will be able to secure a greater share of funding for high-quality, targeted research and to work actively and meaningfully with local businesses and industry. Funding for targeted and meaningful research and development has never been so important. High-quality and targeted research and development, or R&D, that delivers for industry by providing outcomes that are measurable, practical and capable of meaningful execution and implementation are critical to Australia remaining productive and competitive. We know that productivity growth drives economic growth and gains in living standards. We also know that a widely accepted key driver of productivity is innovation and that R&D is a major contributor to innovation activity. R&D is indispensable in today's innovation-driven economy. It acts as the engine that propels technological breakthroughs, spurring the development of new products, services and processes. So when we prioritise R&D, we are better positioned to adapt to market changes, capitalise on emerging trends and drive long-term growth. R&D is the catalyst for innovation. Investing in research means that new ideas can be explored and novel concepts can be worked on before they are introduced to the market. An exploration of this nature can lead to the discovery of new processes, technologies and materials that can improve and reshape industry. R&D is also a catalyst for economic growth because of the opportunities for new industries and job creation, increasing overall productivity and global competitiveness. It's a catalyst to address global challenges such as health, energy security and climate, with the ability to rapidly innovate and deploy new solutions so we can tackle these complex issues and then scale up commercial implementation and production. This is more important than ever but it's rarely a solitary endeavour. As the new Adelaide University's vision has articulated so clearly, collaborative efforts between academia, industry and government are crucial for pushing the boundaries of research and development. Collaborative R&D initiatives enable the sharing of knowledge, resources and expertise, leading to more robust and innovative outcomes. Well funded and targeted R&D can lead to improvements in social welfare, quality of life, environmental sustainability, economic growth and job creation and, importantly, national security. R&D must be a central pillar of national economic and innovation strategies, and these strategies must be prosecuted not only with vigour but with patience because R&D inherently involves risk. Not every research project leads to a breakthrough and many innovations may fail to reach commercialisation. We must be prepared to manage these risks and invest in diverse R&D portfolios to balance the potential for high returns with the likelihood of setbacks. When setbacks are experienced, we must learn from them and continue to invest. Because risk is not only about what could go wrong; it is about what could go right. In order for these strategies to produce measurable and effective output, access to a skilled workforce is critical. Adelaide University recognises this and this bill, through the establishment of the ATEC, also recognises that. The ATEC will steward the tertiary education sector towards these strategic priorities to meet Australia's skills, knowledge and workforce demands. This can only be achieved with an educated workforce, which is why equity is at the core of the ATEC's work. This bill requires the ATEC to have regard to the objective of improving outcomes for persons facing systematic barriers to education, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, persons with a disability, persons from a low-socioeconomic background and persons living in regional Australia.
Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak in support of the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025, which continues the government's response to the recommendations arising...
I rise today to speak in support of the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 2) Bill 2025, which continues the government's response to the recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This bill, which is further designed to simplify the veterans entitlement system, goes hand in glove with the amendments made in the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025, which was introduced into the parliament last year. Also a feature of last year was the passage of the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2024, or the VETS act, which operates to streamline and simplify legislation relating to veterans from 1 July 2026 by removing the complex tri-act system. Under current arrangements, veteran entitlements are provided under three separate compensation acts—the MRCA, the Veterans' Entitlements Act and the DRCA—and eligibility under one of these acts depends on when the veteran served and which periods of service caused or contributed to the condition being claimed. The simplification act modifies these arrangements by providing that, from 1 July 2026, all claims for compensation and rehabilitation will be determined under an improved MRCA. Significant consultation was undertaken between 2022 and 2024 to ensure the simplification act reflected the lived experience of veterans and their families. The amendments made in this bill will implement certain aspects of the policy intention that was developed under that consultation. Pursuant to the VETS act, from 1 July 2026, all veterans' rehabilitation and compensation claims will be dealt with under a single piece of legislation—not three—which is known as the MRCA or the recrafted Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004. To ensure that that date can be met, a number of technical amendments to the VETS act are required, and that is what the bill before us does. In essence, it supports effective implementation and effective governance. What it doesn't do is change the intended operational effect of the VETS act. In terms of the other operational effects of this bill, it also amends recovery provisions so that amounts already paid under the Veterans' Entitlements Act from any Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act arrears payable to a dependant for the equivalent benefits for the same period can be subtracted. In addition, it clarifies the circumstances under which a partner may receive additional lump sum compensation for service related death claimed on or after 1 July 2026, and it ensures that this amount is available in respect of all service related deaths on or after this date. Further, with respect to funeral compensation amounts already payable under the MRCA, the bill sets out that the higher rate is available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, even if they also fall within the criteria for a lower amount. Veterans who meet the criteria for additional disablement amounts or special-rate disability pension do not need to meet additional criteria to enable their eligible children to access education assistance through the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act education and training scheme. Equally, the bill clarifies that gold cards are provided to eligible veterans without requiring them to meet additional criteria, and it amends the service pension criteria so that, after the date of 1 July 2026, the partners of eligible veterans are eligible for the partner service pension from the age of 50, to harmonise with current eligibility and age requirements that are available to partners of extreme disablement amount veterans under the current veterans entitlement framework. Importantly, the bill will also make amendments to continue to exclude the Victoria Cross allowance and decoration allowance from income test arrangements and clarify that there is coverage for conditions resulting from the unintended consequences of treatment provided or paid for by Defence during service, or later by the DVA. Lastly, the bill makes amendments to ensure existing access to non-liability healthcare arrangements for serving members are maintained through the transfer from the Veterans' Entitlements Act to the MRCA. These technical amendments that have been outlined are being implemented to ensure that all of the legislative requirements are in place so that the shift from the tri-act system to just the one act can be done smoothly. It is so important to get this right. So, although the amendments are minor and seem technical in nature, they are critical to facilitating an understanding of entitlements by veterans and their families and critical to facilitating faster claim processing times. The simplification and harmonisation of the veteran compensation system form some of the most significant reform in a century to how veterans are supported in this country. The changes will enable veterans and their families to get the support they need and deserve when they need it. That is why this bill deals with so many matters—the review pathway, compensation for dependants of deceased veterans, funeral compensation, access to the MRCA education scheme, additional disablement amounts, Victoria Cross allowance and decoration allowance, service injuries, diseases and death arising from treatment and treatment for serving members. It is so broad reaching because we respect and are deeply grateful for the service, courage and dedication shown by active service personnel and veterans, all for the people of this great country. Often when people finish service, they do require care and support, but they also have a lot of life left to live, a lot of diverse contributions to make to their community. So we need a system that is fair, accessible and easy to use so that veterans can live life and contribute to the community and so that active service personnel can access the support they need to enable them to do their critical work effectively. And we know that there are thousands of active service personnel and veterans making incredible contributions to society. One such champion lives in my electorate of Sturt and was recently awarded the Citizen of the Year Award at the Campbelltown City Council Australia Day Awards. I first met Jordan Box, a corporal in the Australian Air Force Cadets, and his beautiful OPK9 dog Sally in 2025. Jordan has lived a life of service, and every day he exemplifies the highest ideals of citizenship through his extraordinary multidecade commitment to this country and to community service. His contribution spans emergency responses, youth development and cultural preservation. Jordan's selfless dedication transcends ordinary volunteerism, representing a lifetime philosophy of 'service before self'. What really sets Jordan apart is the remarkable breadth and depth of his contributions, which are sustained and meaningful and impact diverse sectors in our community, from life-saving emergency medical services to nurturing future leaders through youth organisations. Few individuals demonstrate such sustained excellence across diverse sectors. Jordan's ability to mentor young people while simultaneously serving as a frontline first responder showcases exceptional character and time management skills that benefit the entire community. Through his extensive volunteering with the Campbelltown St John Ambulance cadet division and the Stradbroke scouts, Jordan mentors young people, instilling essential life skills, leadership qualities and strong civic values that shape those young people into responsible, community minded citizens who may be minded to serve their country in the way that Jordan did. There is only one Jordan, but there are thousands of active service personnel and veterans just like him, making huge contributions across society. This bill is part of the Albanese Labor government's drive to provide them and their families with simple and accessible care and support when they need it. I am proud to be part of a government with this motivation, and I stand with the Prime Minister and Minister Keogh in support of this commendable purpose. I commend this bill to the House.
Copyright Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak in support of the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025. Like the member for Nicholls, I, too, was in a band in high school, but I'm confident that no-one would have been trying to...
I rise today to speak in support of the Copyright Amendment Bill 2025. Like the member for Nicholls, I, too, was in a band in high school, but I'm confident that no-one would have been trying to breach our copyright! This bill operates to amend the Copyright Act 1968 to introduce an Australian orphan works scheme; to clarify the scope of section 28, relating to the performance and communication of copyright material in the course of educational instruction; and to make other minor technical amendments. The two main measures in this bill arose from a series of ministerial copyright roundtables held in 2023 which brought together stakeholders from a range of sectors to identify and discuss copyright priorities and other emerging issues, and this was done with a view to developing practical and achievable copyright reform proposals for consideration by government. On 4 December 2023, the then attorney-general, the Hon. Mark Dreyfus KC, chaired the fourth and final of the series of roundtables on copyright, where 44 participating organisations from a wide range of sectors with an interest in copyright attended. The purpose of this roundtable was for the then attorney-general to hear from participants on the outcomes of discussions that had been held to date and to discuss potential next steps on five reform issues that had been considered in detail throughout the year. Those related to a scheme for the use of orphan works, quotations from copyright material, the use of copyright material in remote learning environments, the implications of AI for copyright law and the definition of 'broadcast' for the purposes of copyright law. So the reforms we're now being offered by this bill are intended to implement what was agreed as part of the roundtable process in relation to orphan works and section 28. We start with section 28, which covers the performance and communication of works or other subject matter in the course of educational instruction. This section provides that, where a literary, dramatic or musical work is performed in class or otherwise in the presence of an audience and is being performed by a teacher in the course of giving educational instruction not being instruction given for profit—which does not capture a teacher earning remuneration for his or her teaching work—or by a student in the course of receiving such instruction, then the performance shall, for the purpose of the act, be deemed not to be a performance in public if the audience is limited to persons who are taking part in the instruction or are otherwise directly connected with the place where the instruction is given, like a parent or guardian of a student who is receiving instruction at that place. It covers everyone involved in the educational chain. The amendments that are being proposed put to rest any suggestion that this section does not apply equally to copyright material regardless of whether the educational instruction is conducted online or in the physical classroom. The amendments also make clear that parents and other persons can assist students in these lessons and that persons other than a teacher, like a member of the local community, a parent or a guardian, can provide educational instruction under that provision without affecting how the relevant use of the material is treated under the act. Any ambiguity as to whether section 28 applies to online or hybrid classroom settings is removed by the proposed amendments, which are not intended to impact existing licensing arrangements that facilitate the provision of support and contribution by the creative and media sector to education. As to the mechanics required to facilitate this important measure, they are simple. In section 28, subsection 1 (a), the words 'in the presence of' will be substituted by the word 'to' in order to address the potential limitation of the current section 28, which could be read as requiring the physical presence of an audience and to ensure section 28 covers online or hybrid classes. This may mean that the audience to which a performance may be given in the course of educational instruction may include a wholly or partially virtual audience in which some or all audience members are not physically co-located with the teacher or other person or student giving the performance. Section 28 currently applies in a live class context only, and the proposed amendments made by this schedule are not intended to change that position. The amendments are simply intended to clarify that section 28 applies where the educational instruction is given via a videoconference or livestream, which is incredibly important given the prevalence of online learning that has arisen in our educational institutions since the COVID-19 pandemic. Other amendments to section 28 include a new section 28 subsection 9 to put beyond doubt that, for the purposes of that section, it does not matter whether the educational instruction which meets the other relevant requirements of that section is conducted in person or using technology that allows a person to take part in the educational instruction remotely or a combination of both. The underlying policy intention of this subclause is to put beyond doubt that section 28 covers online or hybrid class settings in the same way that it covers physical class settings, including where the teacher or other person giving instruction and some or all of the students are not physically co-located. The bill also proposes a new section 28 subsection 10, which operates to clarify that, if a person is taking part in educational instruction using technology of the kind referred to in the previous subclause, for section 28 to apply, that participation must occur at the same or substantially the same time as the educational instruction is given. This means section 28 is intended to cover educational instruction given via a videoconference or live stream and is not intended to apply to a person taking part in educational instruction given via a delayed streaming of a previously recorded session. For clarity, the reference to 'the same or substantially the same time' is intended to capture instantaneous or near instantaneous participation in the educational instruction. It's necessary to include this reference to reflect that there might be a slight technical delay in the transmission of the lesson between technology of the kind referred to in the subsection. Next—orphan works. Copyright generally requires someone to seek the permission of a copyright owner before using copyright material in a way that engages the copyright owner's rights under the act. This, plainly, cannot occur if the copyright owner cannot be identified or located. If the copyright owner cannot be identified or located in order to seek their permission to legally reutilise the work, the work is an orphan work. So the bill proposes a scheme that guides the use of these orphan works. Where a reasonably diligent search has been undertaken for the copyright owner within a reasonable time before use of the material and a record of the search is maintained for a reasonable period, the copyright owner cannot be identified or located to obtain permission to reutilise the work and notice is given in a clear and prominent manner that the work is being used for the purposes of the orphan works scheme, then the orphan works scheme will apply. So this is a comprehensive reform that protects the right of the orphan works owner and protects the right of the person wishing to reutilise the work. It strikes the right balance. The bill also contemplates the rare but possible scenario that the copyright owner of a work that is considered an orphan work for the purposes of the scheme does eventually come forward. Protections are provided for copyright owners under this scenario in that the scheme will allow them to seek reasonable payment for past use and for negotiations to occur in the event continued use is desired. If agreement can't be reached, then a court may set reasonable terms for continued use or provide injunctive relief. The proposed orphan works scheme will provide prospective users with greater legal certainty and is intended to open up access to a larger collection of cultural, historical and educational works held by our cultural and educational institutions for the benefit of researchers, educators, students, family historians, creators and the wider Australian community. It will also provide copyright owners with the potential to earn new income from their works that may have unintentionally or unknowingly become orphaned—as they should ideally be identified through the requirement for a reasonably diligent search—and protections for them in the event that they are later identified or located. In this way, the scheme is intended to be balanced, proportionate and fair to users and rights holders and deliver benefits for all. Importantly, the bill contains clarity about how it is to be determined that a reasonably diligent search has been undertaken given the background facts relevant to a work that may fall within the orphan work scheme will be different every time. The bill proposes that the competent court consider whether a reasonably diligent search was conducted for the owner of the copyright material. Under this requirement, it is intended that the court would consider whether the search that was conducted was sufficiently diligent while having regard to the particular circumstances of use. Higher standards of search would, for example, be reasonably expected for types of material and uses that present a higher level of risk to the interests of rights holders, such as commercial uses, more vulnerable materials—including photographs and images—and culturally sensitive materials. Higher standards of search may also be required if the work is a foreign work and the copyright owner is likely to reside overseas. The court is also required to consider whether the search was conducted within a reasonable period of time before the copyright material was used. The search should be conducted as close to the time of use as possible to make the most of available up-to-date technologies and the latest information as to the potential identity or location of the copyright owner. In this way, it's intended to lessen any risk that a copyright owner may become identifiable or locatable in the time between the search being conducted and the work being used. The bill also contains assistance by providing a non-exhaustive list of matters the court may take into account in considering whether a search has been conducted in a reasonably diligent manner and within a reasonable period. These matters include the nature of the copyright material, with higher standards possibly applying to material that contains Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, which reflects the government's commitment as outlined in Revive, to introduce standalone legislation to protect First Nations peoples knowledge and cultural experiences. The matters also include the nature, purpose and character of the infringing use, whether the owner or owners of the copyright are likely to be located in a foreign country, the actual or likely impact of the infringing use on the copyright owner or owners, any relevant industry guidelines and the way and timeframe over which the search was conducted. In essence, was it done quickly in an afternoon or was it done over an appropriate period of time using all reasonably available technological methods so there's clear guidance for those seeking to rely on this section of the act? This bill quite rightly strengthens and modernises the Copyright Act. I commend the work of both the former attorney-general and the current Attorney-General, the Hon. Michelle Rowland, in bringing this before the parliament. I commend this bill to the House.
Sturt Electorate: Awards and Honours | Adjournment | House debates
I rise today to share stories of exceptional contributions being made by selfless and incredible people living in my electorate of Sturt. Sturt is home to seven local councils, and many of these...
I rise today to share stories of exceptional contributions being made by selfless and incredible people living in my electorate of Sturt. Sturt is home to seven local councils, and many of these local councils celebrated and recognised their outstanding citizens as part of their recent Australia Day awards. It was a privilege to be able to attend several of these ceremonies and to learn more about these remarkable people. The citizen of the year at the Port Adelaide Enfield city council Australia Day awards was Ms Debbie Grace. In 2007, Debbie founded the OC Challenge, which is a not-for-profit charity that supports South Australian women with ovarian cancer, raises funds, educates and raises awareness about this cruel illness. Through the efforts of the OC Challenge, not only can newly diagnosed patients at the Royal Adelaide Hospital access a psychologist but they can access a dedicated nurse and support staff who are available to patients throughout their treatment and afterwards. This free service has, so far, supported over 230 women from metropolitan and regional areas in private and public health settings. Ovarian cancer is known as a silent killer because, by the time it presents, it has spread. Outcomes are poor, and a diagnosis can be devastating. Ovarian cancer has touched my family, and it means a great deal to me to know that people like Debbie are working selflessly to support affected patients and their families. Thank you, Debbie. The Burnside city council's young citizen of the year was Tom Edwards, who was recognised for his longstanding service to the mighty Glenunga Rams footy club, where he has served as a committee member, secretary and president, as well as still playing in the backlines in the senior men's competition. Tom has dedicated countless hours to the club to create opportunities for players, families and volunteers. Under Tom's stewardship, the club's women's program has both skyrocketed and enjoyed success. I've met with Tom several times and can confirm that his balance of professionalism, knowledge and kindness makes him a very worthy winner. Congratulations, Tom, and go Rams. At the Unley city council, David Woods was named the 2026 citizen of the year, announced during that council's Australia Day celebrations. Known for his work in community fundraising, resilience and animal welfare, David was recognised for his inspirational contributions to the local community. David lives with ataxia, and this has shaped his approach to life. Ataxia is a neurological condition characterised by uncoordinated muscle movements, including poor balance, unsteady gait and slurred speech, but it has not stopped David. He not only embraces life, but is dedicating his life to helping others. At the City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters council Australia Day awards, the citizen of the year was the beautiful Margaret McGregor. Margaret's contribution to the community has been profound, spanning decades of dedicated service—from opening her own home to refugees to helping families find housing, work and education and empowering Afghan women and youth through community sport. Margaret's compassion has changed lives across that community. After she won, I congratulated and thanked her for her service, and she replied simply by saying that it was important to her to do what she could to help others. The City of Tea Tree Gully Council presented its Outstanding Citizen of the Year award to Noelle Wallis, who is a passionate community leader and the director of Pathway Community Centre in Modbury North. She mobilises a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver over 150 food relief packages to those doing it tough and spearheaded the opening of the Pathway wellbeing centre, offering holistic care and support to clients. Her tireless advocacy and commitment shine through challenges from replacing essential food vans to navigating renovations and financial hurdles, which she does with wisdom and patience. I congratulate all nominees and winners across the electorate of Sturt and thank them for doing what they can every day to invest in our wonderful Sturt community by serving others.
Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering more urgent care clinics across the country? Why is it important for Australians to be able...
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering more urgent care clinics across the country? Why is it important for Australians to be able to access urgent care when they need it after a decade of cuts and neglect?
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics | Statements by Members | House debates
On 17 December 2025, a new Medicare urgent care clinic opened in a suburb of Norwood, in my electorate of Sturt, providing the people of Sturt with free and accessible urgent medical care. When I...
On 17 December 2025, a new Medicare urgent care clinic opened in a suburb of Norwood, in my electorate of Sturt, providing the people of Sturt with free and accessible urgent medical care. When I recently met with staff members Dr Max Adams and nurse Kirsten to ask how the clinic was going, they told me that, since opening, approximately 40 patients a day had sought and received care, and that of those 40 patients, 75 per cent would probably have had to seek treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Urgent care clinics work by taking the strain off the hospital system. They take away the stress, time and uncertainty of attending a hospital emergency room, and they mean that people who need non-life-threatening urgent care can get it. People like Janet and Peter, who live in Kensington Gardens. When I doorknocked them last week, they told me they had received prompt and quality care when Janet, who is in a wheelchair due to MS, suffered an injury to her ankle, requiring stitches. Or like Hermione, who wrote to me and said: … my daughter used the walk in Medicare clinic at Norwood on NYE. It was great. She got the high quality care she needed in a timely fashion without sitting around in emergency for hours. Hermione, like the more than one million visitors to urgent care clinics across Australia, understands that taking the strain off hospitals is what urgent care clinics are all about.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
I begin by expressing my deepest condolences to the families, friends and communities grieving the unimaginable loss caused by the Bondi terror attack. Our nation is still shaken by the events...
I begin by expressing my deepest condolences to the families, friends and communities grieving the unimaginable loss caused by the Bondi terror attack. Our nation is still shaken by the events that unfolded at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14 December 2025. The grief felt across Australia is immense. Fifteen precious lives were taken in an act of hatred and evil. Like so many Australians, I've been struggling to comprehend the scale of this tragedy and the pain it has caused across communities. Like many people, I don't recall being as sad or as deeply sorry in my adult life. On 18 December 2025 I attended an interfaith vigil at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide, called 'Hope in the light'. In those quiet moments of reflection, I looked around the cathedral and saw people of many faiths and people of no faith, sitting shoulder to shoulder in peace, grief and solidarity. Faith leaders read prayers of hope during the vigil—Buddhist, Hindu, Anglican, Catholic, Uniting Church and Jewish. It was a powerful expression of the Australia we strive to be, a country where compassion triumphs over division and where humanity matters. The Jewish prayer was led by Rabbi Frankie from the Beit Shalom synagogue in my electorate of Sturt. Rabbi Frankie spoke with clarity and grace. His message was a simple but profound reminder of what is needed now and always: partnership with the Jewish community, not just today but every day, grounded in respect, empathy and a shared commitment to reducing suffering. Exactly one month before the events of 14 December, I met with the President of the Jewish Community Council of South Australia, Annetay Henderson-Sapir, to get a better understanding of the antisemitism being experienced by the Jewish community in my home state of South Australia. Annetay shared the disturbing frequency of antisemitic incidents in South Australia, occurring on a weekly basis, primarily on our university campuses, but rarely being reported. Hearing this was confronting and deeply saddening because this is where it starts. Hatred rarely begins with mass violence; it begins with everyday words, actions and casual behaviours that go unchallenged and unreported and become normalised. It's not just a remark here or a comment there, or just one or two incidents in a week. It is dangerous, and silence in the face of this is dangerous. Following the attack, I spoke to both Annetay and Rabbi Frankie to offer support, and I was struck by their grace and their determination to look towards the light. Despite everything, they were looking towards the light. I will meet with each of them again next week to discuss the specific actions my community can take locally to ensure our Jewish community feels safe, supported and heard. I stand with and will work alongside Annetay, Rabbi Frankie and our Jewish community to achieve this and to walk towards the light with them. May the memory of all 15 precious lives lost be a blessing. As we reflect on these 15 treasured people, I want to acknowledge three in particular, whose ages mirror those close to me. Adam Smyth, simply out walking on the beach with his wife, was almost the same age as my husband. Matilda Bee was one year younger than my stepdaughter. The unbelievably courageous Boris Gurman was the same age as my parents. Their stories are different, but their loss brings into sharp focus a painful truth: if we fail to confront and stamp out hatred, then all of us are at risk. No family is immune to the consequences of radical extremism. No community can assume it will be untouched. I also want to add my deepest thanks to the first responders, some of whom I met today, who ran towards danger. Their courage saved lives, and their commitment to protecting our community reflects the very best of our nation. We owe them our gratitude today and every day. They are ordinary Australians who did extraordinary things. What happened on 14 December has brought us to a precipice. Without genuine partnership, without compassion and without an unwavering commitment to tolerance and Australian values, Australia risks losing what has long defined us: our place as one of the most peaceful nations on Earth. This is the work ahead of us and it is the work we must do together in partnership. I thank the House.
Albanese Government | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering for Australians, including helping them to earn more and keep more of what they earn? How does this compare...
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering for Australians, including helping them to earn more and keep more of what they earn? How does this compare with other approaches?
Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak in support of the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025, which continues the government's response into the recommendations...
I rise today to speak in support of the Veterans' Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures No. 1) Bill 2025, which continues the government's response into the recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The final report from that royal commission contained 122 recommendations. These evidence based recommendations were designed to set out a blueprint for the transformational reform required to address the national tragedy of defence and veteran suicide—and it is a national tragedy. The entire defence and veteran ecosystem was considered by the recommendations, meaning they touched Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies and other institutions responsible for the health and wellbeing of serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, at least 1,677 serving and ex-serving ADF members died by suicide between 1997 and 2021. That's more than 20 times the number of defence personnel killed in active duty over the same period. But the royal commission estimates the true number of preventable deaths to be upwards of 3,000. This is a crisis, and the gravity of the crisis cannot be underestimated. Further recommendations from the royal commission included: the development of a doctrine on people, capability and service for the ADF to make clear that Australia's military capability and operational readiness depend on a physically and mentally healthy workforce; public reporting on ADF culture, health and wellbeing, and incorporating member's health and wellbeing in senior-level performance appraisals, as well as ensuring promotion selection processes reward leaders who have a positive impact on wellbeing and culture; to strengthen defence and Department of Veterans' Affairs research, data collection and analysis, and data sharing, to enhance their ability to identify, understand and monitor the impact of risk and protective factors for suicide and suicidality among serving and ex-serving ADF members; and to provide ongoing funding to veterans and families hubs to develop a national funding agreement on veteran wellbeing. Through its recommendations, the royal commission also sought to address the stresses that service and postservice life place on Defence families, to prevent physical and mental injuries within the ADF, to encourage members to seek help early, to prioritise recovery when an injury does happen, to reduce the risk of burnout, to make veterans' entitlements fair and equitable regardless of how a member's military service is classified and to make compensation-claim processing efficient and transparent. One such organisation that is working hard towards improving the mental health and wellbeing of current and former Australian military members, as well as the emergency services personnel and their families, is Military and Emergency Services Health Australia, or MESHA, which is a not-for-profit research training and program centre. In South Australia, MESHA is based in my electorate of Sturt. MESHA conducts co-designed and impact driven research in priority areas of unmet need and seeks to embed lived experience in the design and delivery of its training and programs to ensure that authentic and sustainable outcomes for service communities are achieved. MESHA's programs are facilitated by trainers with lived experience and a service background so that the training programs can be delivered with authenticity, credibility and genuine connection with participants. All of MESHA's trainers are current or former military and/or emergency services personnel, trained in group facilitation, trained in trauma informed care, and trained in establishing and maintaining boundaries and have also undergone program-specific modularised training and have been a participant in the program that they are delivering. MESHA, thank you for the work that you are doing not only to support veterans but to raise awareness of the challenges and complexities of postservice life. This you did beautifully at the MESHA Remembrance Day breakfast in Adelaide on 11 November this year. These stories are important. On 11 November 2025, Remembrance Day, I also had the honour of joining MESHA at the breakfast in Adelaide to hear more stories. I also heard the stories and reflected on the courage and sacrifice of our Australian Defence Force personnel past and present at my local Payneham RSL and also at the Kensington Park RSL. At Payneham, the service was hosted by Mr Jordan Box and his beautiful OPK9 dog Sally, who is about to retire. Thank you, Sally. I also attended the dawn service on Anzac Day this year at the Kensington RSL where, under the leadership of sub-branch president Mr Peter Lloyd, a moving and reflecting ceremony was held. At the ceremony and in his remembrance address, retired brigadier Ellis Wayland AM made striking remarks about the need for more investment, more encouragement and more support for young people to join the Australian Defence Force. In recognition of the fact that our Australian values and way of life are worth fighting for, he asked, 'In the event of an armed conflict affecting Australia, would young Australians rush to sign up to serve?' He spoke of the urgent need to create an environment where the answer to his question would always be yes. On Vietnam Veterans' Remembrance Day in August this year, I also attended an equally moving ceremony at the Payneham RSL lead ably by the president, Mark Lawson-Kent; the vice president, Bert Pac; and the secretary, Liam Ibbetson, to mark the courage and sacrifice Australians made in that conflict. The ceremony was remarkable for two reasons: its beautiful simplicity and its telling of the stories of those who served and explanation of history. Many of those stories live on in postservice lives, and veterans deserve meaningful postservice lives in which they are cared for and supported. I take a moment in discussing postservice life to reflect on and echo the remarks made by the member for Gippsland, who spoke before me and who rightly noted that many people who serve in our defence forces give their service to our country and then go on to make incredible contributions to our community. I have a former Air Force intelligence officer working in my electorate office. She is my right-hand woman and one of the most competent and capable people I have ever worked with. She has an exceptional blend of military and civilian skills. Thank you, Emerald. You are such an asset to me and my team, and I'm so glad you're in my corner. I encourage all employers out there to do what I did and consider employing a veteran. Exceptional leadership and de-escalation and judgement skills are on offer. Please consider it. For those who need it, though, this bill continues the Albanese Labor government's commitment to implementing a better and simpler veterans entitlement system so that veterans and families can access the support that they need and deserve faster. The complexity and frustration of the veterans entitlement system was found, in the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide interim report, to be a contributing factor to suicidality amongst our veteran community, so, from the middle of 2026, all veteran claims will be assessed for compensation and rehabilitation under one single piece of legislation that will be simpler to use and faster to process—the new and improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. This reframes and resets how we support veterans and means the government will be able to better provide the services and supports the veteran community needs more quickly and when the services are needed. The bill proposes a number of minor technical amendments to the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms and transition from the previous complicated arrangements, which were comprised of three acts, into just a single act. The bill operates to clarify the powers of the existing Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission and Repatriation Commission as they transition to a single repatriation commission. We'll also remove ambiguity in the legislation for veterans and families seeking review of a DVA decision and clarify the interpretation of eligibility for important funeral benefits to ensure claims for funeral compensation are determined according to the act under which they are lodged and the correct entitlements are available as quickly as possible. The bill also strengthens the review rights for decisions made under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related Claims) Act 1988. This bill will clarify and make minor adjustments to the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (Defence-related Claims) Act and the simplification act to complement the government's original policy intention for veterans rehabilitation and compensation legislative reform. Under the current arrangements, veteran entitlements are provided for under three separate compensation acts and eligibility under one of those acts depends on when the veteran served and which period of service caused or contributed to the condition being claimed. The simplification act modifies these arrangements by providing that, from 1 July 2026, all claims for compensation and rehabilitation will be determined under the improved Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. It does this through four mechanisms. The first is to provide the MRCC with appropriate powers to make instruments in the pre-commencement period, before 1 July 2026. The second amendment preserves certain treatment related instruments made under the VEA as though they have effect under the MRCA. The third amendment is to confirm that all claims for funeral compensation should be determined according to the act under which they are lodged, which will ensure consistency with the date of claim approach, as intended under the improved MRCA. The fourth amendment is to clarify the review pathway for claimants who have DRCA original determinations made before 21 April 2025. The single review pathway commenced on that date, and, currently, there is some ambiguity about the rights of appeal for these claimants. These amendments together will clarify and make minor adjustments to the veterans legislation to align with the government's original policy intention to simplify and harmonise the veteran compensation system. This will mark the most significant reform to how we support veterans in a century. It will enable veterans and families to get the support that they need and that they deserve when they need it. It is also a sign of this government's deep respect for the service, commitment and sacrifice that the veterans give to Australia. I share that deep respect, and I say to my friends at the Payneham RSL and the Kensington Park RSL: thank you for your service and for continuing to share your stories. I stand with the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Minister for Defence Personnel as he undertakes this important reform work. I commend the bill to the House.
Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025, Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
The objective that the board be equipped with the tools to make independent, impartial and accurate decisions regarding parole and other forms of conditional release will be achieved in the...
The objective that the board be equipped with the tools to make independent, impartial and accurate decisions regarding parole and other forms of conditional release will be achieved in the Commonwealth Parole Board Bill, which provides the functions and powers of the board, the chair and the deputy chair and outlines the board's decision-making arrangements, including convening meetings, quorum, voting at meetings, and providing for the appointment of office holders and sessional members who have the expertise to support the risk-informed decision-making required of the board. The board will also have conferred on it powers to make those efficient and effective independent, risk-informed decisions about the conditional release and management of federal offenders and other detained persons. The Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill will operate to amend the Crimes Act to give effect to the Parole Board Bill. One of the most important aspects of schedule 1 to the consequential provisions bill is that those amendments to the Crimes Act facilitate the shift of the decision-making responsibility regarding parole and conditional release from the Attorney-General to the board in a way that ensures that the transfer of parole decision-making functions from the Attorney-General to the new Commonwealth Parole Board occurs seamlessly and does not impact the effective operations of state and territory corrective services or law enforcement agencies. This is in order to align with best-practice approaches in current operations in states, territories and internationally. In this respect, the bill makes a number of changes to parole decision-making, with the specific goal of providing the board with flexibility to ensure that decisions are made effectively and efficiently but still in concert with the critical statutory protections and time frames for offenders to be considered for parole. The current operation of the Crimes Act requires the decision-maker to consider an offender for parole before the end of the non-parole period set by the court and reconsider an offender within every 12 months after any parole refusal. At present there is no discretion available for a decision-maker to defer a parole decision for any reason, which can have the unwelcome consequence of delaying or preventing rehabilitation or reintegration outcomes for offenders. Examples include where decision-making requires more information in order to make a justifiable decision but that information is not available ahead of the statutory consideration date. This would mean that a decision would have to be made on the basis of insufficient information, which does nothing to promote public trust and confidence in the process. Circumstances also exist where there are obvious factors for a refusal that will take longer than 12 months for an offender to address, such as a sex offender treatment program that may take up to 18 months to complete. But, because of the current 12-month statutory review provision, the decision-maker would be required to reconsider that offender for parole before they had a chance to complete their treatment, potentially resulting in a waste of resources and significant stress and anxiety to all interested parties. To address these issues, part 1B of the Crimes Act will be amended to provide the board with discretion to do a number of things: defer the initial parole consideration or reconsideration for up to three months if the board refuses parole to set a date for reconsideration that is more than 12 months after the date of refusal but no more than 24 months to allow the board to interview an offender to hear directly from them and to seek any further information that is required to inform their decision. These amendments strike the right balance between the management of statutory deadlines and procedural fairness for federal offenders during that decision-making process and maintaining the statutory protection of regular parole reconsideration for offenders. To assist with the implementation of this board, the Australian government has committed $28.3 million over four years from 2025-26, and $7.3 million a year ongoing for the establishment and operation of the board. Finally, decisions regarding a person's ongoing detention following their conviction and sentencing for an offence necessarily engages with human rights. The bill engages directly and indirectly with several human rights pursuant to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, including the right to an effective remedy, the right to a fair hearing, the prohibition on interference with privacy, the right to freedom of movement, the right to security of the person and freedom from arbitrary detention, the right to humane treatment in detention, and reformation and social rehabilitation in detention systems. With respect to the right to a fair hearing, the bills promote this because the board will be comprised of appropriately qualified experts that are impartial and independent from government, and its decisions will remain subject to judicial review under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 and the Judiciary Act 1903, providing appropriate oversight. Existing procedural fairness obligations and review avenues will continue to apply, and an offender may engage legal representation or support should they wish to do so. The bill provides for the board to be able to hear from an offender by way of interview, thereby enabling more active participation in the board's decision-making process and supporting procedural fairness. With respect to arbitrary detention, it's not arbitrary where in all circumstances it is reasonable, necessary and proportionate to achieving a legitimate objective. Federal sentences are only imposed following valid and lawful arrest and conviction for one or more Commonwealth crimes, and following a fair trial in accordance with procedures established by law. Federal offenders who are sentenced to a term of imprisonment suffer deprivation of liberty only in accordance with the law, and these bills do not change this. The right to humane treatment in detention and to reformation and social rehabilitation in detention systems for federal offenders is promoted by this bill because it requires consideration of a person's prospects of rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. The broad and expert composition of the board will ensure relevant experience informs the board's decisions. If the board refuses parole, it must provide written reasons for the refusal, which might include that an offender needs to engage further in custodial based rehabilitation and treatment programs, which may ultimately positively impact access to an uptake of rehabilitation and treatment programs by offenders. The bills promote, on that basis, the right to humane treatment in detention and to reformation and social rehabilitation in detention systems. The bill is compatible with human rights because it promotes the right to a fair hearing and the right to humane treatment in detention and to reformation and social rehabilitation. I commend the bill.
I rise today to speak in support of the Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025 and the Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions Bill) 2025. These bills are an important...
I rise today to speak in support of the Commonwealth Parole Board Bill 2025 and the Commonwealth Parole Board (Consequential and Transitional Provisions Bill) 2025. These bills are an important step in ensuring that, for federal offences, there is an independent and effective process for assessing the risk of releasing an offender and an independent and effective process for determining whether to grant, deny or cancel parole—and to set appropriate conditions for parole release. In order to do this, the bills make consequential amendments to part 1B of the Crimes Act of 1914, which is the part of that legislation that deals with sentencing, imprisonment and release of federal offenders. There are 10 divisions within this part, covering general sentencing principles; sentences of imprisonment; the fixing of non-parole periods and recognisance release orders; conditional release on parole or licence, including revocation of parole or licence; discharge without conviction; conditional release and alternative sentencing; unfitness to be tried; acquittal because of mental illness; summary disposition of persons suffering from mental illness or intellectual disability, including alternative sentencing for persons falling within those categories; and finally, the sharing of information in relation to federal offences. It is therefore entirely appropriate that these two bills would amend part 1B of the Crimes Act 1914 to establish a statutory independent Commonwealth parole board to make effective and risk-informed decisions about the conditional release and management of federal offenders and other detained persons. Federal offences are offences against the law of the Commonwealth, and a federal offender is one who commits a federal offence. It is only fair to the people of Australia that decisions regarding the release of federal offenders into the community are to be made following a carefully managed process that has at its heart community safety. Australians expect this, and Australians deserve this. What this means is that determinations about the circumstances under which a federal offender should be released into the community on parole are critical decisions. These bills would ensure that these decisions are made by experts who not only have the qualifications, experience and knowledge to assess the risk posed to the community about whether an offender is suitable for release into the community on parole but are independent and impartial, with no actual or perceived skin in the game, and equipped to operate in an environment that promotes transparency and accountability. The bills therefore improve the integrity levels in the federal criminal justice system because of the way that these key principles will be embedded. How does it work? The parole board bill will establish the Commonwealth Parole Board and set out the process and framework required to support the work of the board so that it can make the effective, risk-informed decisions about federal offenders, including those who have been found mentally unfit to be tried or acquitted because of mental illness. The decisions are about whether these persons should be released into the community on parole or other conditional release arrangements. By way of background, the purpose of parole is set out in section 19AKA of the Crimes Act, being the protection of the community, the rehabilitation of the offender and the reintegration of the offender into the community. Section 19ALA of the Crimes Act then sets out a comprehensive list of factors to be considered when determining whether parole should be granted. At the top of the list, quite rightly, is community safety and the risk to community safety that would arise if the person in question were released on parole. Other factors include: the person's conduct while serving his or her sentence; the likely effect on the victim or the victim's family of releasing the person on parole; the nature and circumstances of the offence relating to the person sentenced; the person's criminal history; the risk of noncompliance with any parole order, the behaviour of the person when under previous parole orders, if that is relevant; whether releasing the person on parole is likely to assist the person to adjust to lawful community life; whether the length of the parole period is sufficient to achieve the purposes of parole; and then any special circumstances, including the likelihood that the person will be subject to removal or deportation upon release. Then, once parole is granted, the person is subject—
Domestic and Family Violence | Statements by Members | House debates
(): From 25 November to 10 December, we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign calling for an end to violence against women and girls. Recently,...
(): From 25 November to 10 December, we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign calling for an end to violence against women and girls. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with Kae and Lindy from the Flinders club of Zonta International in Adelaide, an organisation doing remarkable work to empower women and girls in our community. Zonta stands for women's rights and advocates for equality, education and an end to child marriage and gender based violence. In Adelaide, Zonta's efforts range from advocacy to practical support such as contributing handmade breast pads for inclusion in packs given to new mothers leaving hospital who would otherwise be leaving with nothing. These small acts of care make a big difference. This year I proudly wear the orange ribbon, alongside many of my parliamentary colleagues, as a visible symbol of solidarity and commitment to ending gender based violence. I am proud to serve in a government that is committed to ending violence against women and children—a government that has invested more than $4 billion towards this goal. Violence against women is preventable. It requires awareness, action and accountability. Let's use these 16 days, and every day, to work towards a future where women and girls live free from violence.
It is a blessing to get old, to age, to have lots of birthdays, to be surrounded by children and grandchildren, like Norma Boyce, who lives at the Estia aged-care facility in Myrtle Bank in my...
It is a blessing to get old, to age, to have lots of birthdays, to be surrounded by children and grandchildren, like Norma Boyce, who lives at the Estia aged-care facility in Myrtle Bank in my electorate of Sturt and who I recently visited to celebrate her 100th birthday—or like Elodie, who lives at the aged-care facility in Rostrevor, who I was also lucky enough to see on her 101st birthday. You might even be as lucky as my nanna, who made it to the grand age of 90 and who, when she passed, was surrounded by not only her six children and 14 grandchildren but also 10 great-grandchildren. Not everyone gets that opportunity, so to get old is a blessing, and elderly Australians still have a contribution to make as they age. They still have value. Norma and Elodie are still sharp. My nanna had very strong opinions on the performance of the Adelaide Crows, on politics, on her community. More candles on the birthday cake does not mean fewer opinions, contributions or views or less value. In Australia, being old should not mean being forgotten or overlooked or provided with anything less than exceptional care. Being an older member of the community should not mean you don't have a choice in how you live your life, where you live your life or what support you need to continue to live your life to its fullest. Every day that an older Australian spends in hospital when they should be discharged home or in another, more appropriate care environment is not okay. Every day that an older Australian waits for the service they need to enable them to continue to live their lives the way they want to is not okay. A higher level of care available at home means that more older Australians will be able to get the support they need without going into a clinical setting. Importantly, they'll be able to stay at home as they recover from the health challenges that they face without having to return to hospital. Now, all of these reforms do not happen in one weekend. A major milestone was 1 November 2025, but there is much more to do in order to ensure that every older Australian can live their life with dignity and respect while receiving quality, targeted care. The Albanese Labor government will continue that work to ensure that that goal is achieved. There are also other groups who are involved in the rebuild of the aged-care system, and I would like to pay tribute to them. The government may set the reform agenda, but those on the ground execute it—primarily the dedicated, compassionate staff who work in aged care, like Megan McNaughton at Bupa Campbelltown, in my electorate of Sturt, whose patience, good humour and empathy are on display every single day. Every day Megan and her team, some of whom have been working in aged care for over 20 years, provide patient, dedicated and empathetic care to residents and their families in often challenging, complex and sometimes sad circumstances. Megan, thank you. Please keep doing what you're doing. You and your team are so valued, by me and by this government, for what you do for others. The other cohort I would like to acknowledge and thank are those who work tirelessly to ensure that the legalities, policies and guidelines associated with the government's reform agenda are digested, simplified and then conveyed to relevant stakeholders and users. To the legal professionals and advisers—including one of my constituents, Rebecca—I also say thank you. Thank you for your tireless work in going through guidelines, regulations, legislation and policies to try and help your clients—the aged-care providers and the users of aged-care services—understand how the system works and how they can best navigate it. I know that this has not always been easy for you, and that sometimes it has been overwhelming, so I thank you for your contribution to working with the government to reform the aged-care sector so we can all work together to ensure that older Australians receive the dignified care they deserve, where they want to receive it.
Tertiary Education | Private Members' Business | House debates
I move: That this House: (1) commends the Government for delivering on its commitment to cut student debt by 20 per cent for: (a) apprenticeship support loans; (b) the Higher Education Loan...
I move: That this House: (1) commends the Government for delivering on its commitment to cut student debt by 20 per cent for: (a) apprenticeship support loans; (b) the Higher Education Loan Program; (c) student start-up loans; (d) vocational education and training student loans; and (e) the student financial supplement schemes; (2) recognises that this will help more than three million Australians, whose student debt balances backdated to 1 June 2025 will begin to be reduced this month as the Australian Taxation Office implements the change; (3) acknowledges that this will reduce the average student debt of $27,600 by $5,520, and when combined with the Government's 2024 changes to indexation, will cut approximately $20 billion in debt; (4) welcomes the Government's changes to make student loan repayments fairer by: (a) replacing the current repayment system with a new marginal repayment system; and (b) raising the minimum income threshold for repayments from $54,435 in 2024-25 to $67,000 in 2025-26; (5) further acknowledges that reducing the debt burden for Australian graduates will help them build a better future for themselves and their families; and (6) further commends the Government for: (a) taking action on issues of intergenerational fairness; (b) building a better and fairer education system; and (c) supporting Australians with cost of living measures. On 3 November 2024 at Norwood International High School in my electorate of Sturt the Prime Minister made an announcement that reflects Labor's commitment to education, to the notion that education is a right and to the understanding that education lifts people out of poverty, gives them opportunities and allows them to contribute to our community and to provide for their families. It allows them access to the employment market, to good, secure and meaningful jobs. A good education is good for working families, working families that Labor will always strive to protect. That announcement was that Labor would slash 20 per cent from student debt, HELP and VET if returned to government at the 2025 election. Young people, who are typically the biggest cohort of those with HELP and VET debts, heard that promise. Following the election and before the opening of the 48th parliament, the Prime Minister, ably supported by the Minister for Education, said wiping 20 per cent of student debt would be the first piece of legislation passed, and it was. The government said to those Australians with qualifying HELP and VET debts, 'You will see that debt reduction before the end of 2025.' That is now happening. That is what delivery looks like. That is what good policy looks like. That is what action on cost-of-living relief for Australians looks like. In my electorate of Sturt alone, 26,353 Australians will have 20 per cent of their student debt wiped. This is important for those people because the average student debt is around $27,000, meaning that the average debt reduction is roughly $5,500 per year for around 3 million Australians to the tune of $16 billion. We promised this, and we are delivering this. We've also raised the minimum income amount before people have to start making repayments on their remaining debt from $54,435 to $67,000 but as a percentage of a wage above the minimum repayment threshold, which reduces each outlay each year. Under this government, some things go up, like the minimum repayment threshold, and some things go down, like student debt—all designed so more money stays in the pockets of Australians. This is real, tangible, cost-of-living relief. This government also recognises not only that the end of the course or the end of degree debt requires servicing but that life also must be lived and costs met during the course or degree. Before we took office, too many students were dropping out because they couldn't afford unpaid placements, which in some cases run for weeks. We need more teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers, and we need to ensure that they can still pay the bills whilst they study these critical and much-needed professions. Paid prac for eligible teaching students, nursing students, midwifery students and social work students offers around $330 per week and is currently supporting 68,000 higher education students, including VET students, whilst they complete their studies. We know that almost every Australian will interact with a nurse, midwife or teacher over their life, and we know that social workers are critical to the wellbeing of all people in Australia. We are giving people who have signed up to do some of the most important jobs in this country the extra help that they need to get the qualifications. Then, when you add the fee for university-ready places or for bridging or enabling courses that help people prepare for university—acting as a bridge between school or work and higher education—you start to understand the scale of this government's commitment to education. In 2026, the investment in fee-free university-ready places will hit $173 million, with almost 25,000 people projected to take advantage of the scheme, which is critical, given that it is estimated by the Australian Universities Accord that, by 2050, 80 per cent of the workforce will need a tertiary qualification. Phones are pinging around the country as I speak, notifying students that their HELP or VET debts have shrunk by 20 per cent. That is the sound of a government that values education, wants all Australians to have access to a quality education and has cost-of-living relief at the centre of its policy agenda.
Mental Health | Private Members' Business | House debates
Can I start by thanking my friend the member for Monash for her work in the mental health space and for advocating for better mental health outcomes for her community. On Sunday 9 November 2025,...
Can I start by thanking my friend the member for Monash for her work in the mental health space and for advocating for better mental health outcomes for her community. On Sunday 9 November 2025, I joined a small group of like minded people as we participated in a five-kilometre walk through beautiful Linear Park located in my electorate of Sturt. The walk was organised by Rotary Australia as part of a national initiative to 'lift the lid' on talking about mental health to raise awareness of mental health across Australia, with funds raised as part of the initiative going towards mental health research and noting that, in 2025, $500,000 has been raised as part of the Lift the Lid walks. My Lift the Lid walk was championed by the Magill Sunrise Rotary Club, and I acknowledge Lindsay Davis and his team for their efforts in putting the morning together. Lindsay and his colleagues at the Magill Sunrise Rotary Club recognised that now, more than ever, we need to break down the stigma that continues to plague our society so that people are more comfortable discussing and seeking help for mental health issues. The Lift the Lid walk held in Sturt was held on a beautiful, fresh morning, with everyone in purple T-shirts and no-one racing to finish the walk first but everyone simply walking together to talk to each other, to provide company for each other and to ask how everyone was doing. Unsurprisingly, everyone that I walked with was dealing with a mental health challenge of some degree. This is not weakness; this is life. The Albanese Labor government is determined to provide mental health help to Australians by delivering more mental health services in communities across this country, including a Medicare mental health clinic in Sturt, which will offer free, walk-in mental health support services. When the Sturt clinic opens, it will be one of more than 90 mental health centres operating across Australia and part of the government's historic plan to strengthen Medicare with a $1.1 billion commitment to deliver new and expanded mental health services to Australians. In addition, the $1.1 billion investment will provide 58 new, upgraded or expanded headspace services, taking the number to over 170. It will also provide 20 youth specialist care centres for young people with complex mental health needs and eight new perinatal mental health centres to help new parents deal with the challenges of parenting their precious newborn babies. But these centres and services cannot operate successfully without the people to operate them, which is why the government is also facilitating more than 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers. This is in addition to other initiatives to build the mental health workforce, with more than 4,000 psychology scholarships, internships and training places available. Importantly, from early in 2026, the Albanese Labor government will also roll out a new National Early Intervention Service, which will deliver free phone and online mental health support from trained professionals. It's estimated that this service will provide support to more than 150,000 people each year. During my campaign for the seat of Sturt, I met a young police sergeant, Kyria, who had just finished her night shift and who I, unfortunately, woke up when I knocked on her door in the suburb of Dernancourt. Kyria told me that almost every call-out she attended on each and every shift was related to mental health either caused organically or because of drug addiction. A paramedic, Josh, who I met when I was doorknocking in Campbelltown, told me that almost every call-out he attended as part of his work serving the community was caused by mental health, with some people with mental health conditions calling an ambulance 50 to 60 times a year. The impact of mental health on individuals, on families and on communities is enormous and is growing. That is why, since coming to government, we have worked tirelessly to make mental health care more accessible for everyone—because mental health is health. Without mental health, we don't have health and, without health, we cannot contribute, we don't grow productivity, we don't grow our economic prosperity and we don't move forward. Economically successful and prosperous communities are underpinned by physically and mentally healthy populations. Compassionate, dignified and effective care and services that are accessible and affordable are essential to the success of our economy and of our country, and this government will continue to invest to provide that framework to Australians.
Highbury Primary School | Statements by Members | House debates
At Highbury Primary School, in the north-eastern part of my electorate of Sturt, the students care deeply about honouring our Defence Force personnel—those who serve and those who have...
At Highbury Primary School, in the north-eastern part of my electorate of Sturt, the students care deeply about honouring our Defence Force personnel—those who serve and those who have served our country, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in battle. Under the leadership of Principal Belinda Smith, the commitment of the student body to honouring our veterans is apparent not just on Anzac Day or Remembrance Day but every day because their school houses are named after soldiers who grew up in the Highbury area and who signed up to serve our country. When I recently visited Highbury Primary School to present them with pristine, new Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for them to fly on Remembrance Day, year 3 students Ariana and Connor and year 6 students Johnathan and Dario gave me a tour of the school, showed me the flagpoles and spoke to me about why their school houses are named the way that they are. Foggo, Elliot, Smart, Tolley—four young men, not significantly older than the students who attend Highbury Primary School now, whose acts of bravery and stories are being remembered and celebrated by the students and whose lives and sacrifice are a continual reminder to the students of how to live the school values of persistence, resilience, respect and responsibility. I congratulate and thank the students for acknowledging and remembering the service of these four local veterans.
Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak on the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025. Earlier this year, the director-general of security delivered the annual threat assessment,...
I rise today to speak on the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025. Earlier this year, the director-general of security delivered the annual threat assessment, which had a number of key messages, including the importance of looking forward; of anticipation; of identifying trends, patterns and fundamental long-term shifts in behaviour. The past and present are, of course, still relevant, but a future-facing outlook was described by the director-general as being critical at this junction in our security environment—as being necessary to be prepared to meet the varied, dynamic, unpredictable and constantly moving and changing risks and challenges that we face. To do this, the director-general and his dedicated and committed team scrutinise open-source information, rely on subject matter experts, draw on expertise in analytical techniques and review and analyse classified intelligence. This painstaking and important work is done with a view to producing full, frank, indepth assessments about future trajectories and vulnerabilities, underpinned by data and evidence that has been verified and validated. This sort of knowledge helps us anticipate the security environment and, in turn, helps us prepare so Australians are kept safe. There can be no argument: there is no greater responsibility for a government than keeping Australians safe. Intelligence and security agencies must be appropriately equipped and resourced, and the legislative framework must facilitate this without hindrance by prescribing specific powers that allow our intelligence and security agencies to detect, disrupt and respond to threats to the nation's security. Given the significance of these powers and their potential to infringe on individual rights and freedoms if not clearly and precisely defined, they must be balanced with proper and appropriate oversight to ensure public trust is maintained and the rule of law is upheld. This is especially critical given that the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns and restrictions on freedoms have, in some settings, driven anti-authority and conspiracy messaging. Our security and intelligence agencies conduct themselves not only with dedication and commitment but with integrity and propriety and within the bounds of the law. This is a critical strength. In Australia, we trust these agencies, and this trust allows them to carry out the difficult and complex work that they do, and I thank them for this difficult and complex work. As this work grows increasingly more complex and challenging, reforms must also adapt. In this respect, this bill will extend consistent statutory and parliamentary oversight to all agencies exercising intelligence capabilities. Public trust and confidence in our security and intelligence agencies can only be assured through rigorous and effective oversight and, to the extent possible, public accountability. It goes without saying that the greater the potential for the powers of agencies to infringe on individual freedoms and liberties, the greater the need for accountability in the exercise of that power. This bill will operate to amend the Intelligence Services Act of 2001 and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act of 1986 to ensure holistic and robust oversight of all 10 national intelligence community agencies, which the member for Werriwa outlined in her remarks. Firstly, schedule 1 of the bill would expand the jurisdictions of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security to oversee the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and the intelligence functions of AUSTRAC, the AFP and Home Affairs. Schedule 1 will also facilitate the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security to request that the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security conduct an inquiry into the legality and propriety of particular operational activities of the agencies within the IGIS's jurisdiction. Schedule 2 of the bill would amend the review and access of a ACIC criminal intelligence assessment records under the archives law, and schedule 3 would amend the Criminal Code Act to introduce an exemption from civil and criminal liability for Defence officials and others for certain computer related conduct. Schedule 4 would amend the meaning of 'counterterrorism and national security legislation' for the purpose of the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010 to ensure that that monitor is able to review any Commonwealth legislation relating to counterterrorism or national security. The expansion of this mandate is illustrative of the fact that legislation is moving beyond only terrorism related activity to address national security threats of a more varied, complex and interconnected nature. The measures contained in the bill are designed to ensure that robust and holistic oversight of Australia's intelligence community is achieved. This is a bill that delivers on the commitments of the Albanese Labor government to maintain the trust and integrity of our institutions and, fundamentally, to keep Australian safe. This bill is also compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Firstly, with respect to the right to humane treatment in detention, the inclusion in the bill of the IGIS's expanded remit over the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, which can detain persons under the Australian Crime Commission Act 2022 in limited circumstances, means the right to humane detention is promoted, because the effect of the bill is to enable independent oversight of places of detention. Secondly, the right to a fair trial and a fair hearing is engaged by schedule 1 of the bill, which requires the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security to consult the head of an intelligence agency on whether the terms of a proposed response to the PJCIS would prejudice the fair trial of a person or the impartial adjudication of a matter. Prior to sharing ACIC examination material, the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security will be required to consult with the CEO of the ACIC as to whether the sharing of that information could reasonably be expected to prejudice the fair trial of a relevant person. These consultation requirements therefore promote the right to a fair trial by ensuring there are safeguards for the disclosure of information in connection with that trial. Thirdly, the prohibition on interference with privacy should be understood to comprise freedom from unwarranted and unreasonable intrusions into activities that society recognises as falling within the sphere of individual autonomy. It should also be understood that the right to privacy may be limited in the pursuit of a legitimate objective and where the limitation is rationally connected to the legitimate objective and is not arbitrary. Schedule 1 contains several measures that engage with the right to privacy, and each of these measures has a legitimate objective in that they are designed to ensure that the national intelligence community is holistically and appropriately overseen by oversight bodies. Each of the measures is proportionate in achieving the legitimate objectives outlined in the bill and is subject to safeguards. Given the current dynamic security environment, underpinned by challenges that are unprecedented in number and nature and that point to unprecedented harm if not managed, there can be no argument that the nature and scale of the threats facing Australia are significant. Intelligence and security agencies need to be able to do the work required to anticipate and manage these threats but in an oversight environment that is appropriately robust and fair, driven towards ensuring that public trust and confidence are maintained to the highest standards. This bill strikes that balance. I stand with the Attorney-General and thank her for her work on this important bill, which I commend to the House.
Sicilia Social and Sports Club Inc. | Constituency Statements | House debates
My electorate of Sturt is home to a thriving Italian community, and the Sicilia Social and Sports Club on OG Road at Klemzig is one of the heartbeats. Just a week ago, the Sicilia club celebrated...
My electorate of Sturt is home to a thriving Italian community, and the Sicilia Social and Sports Club on OG Road at Klemzig is one of the heartbeats. Just a week ago, the Sicilia club celebrated its 50th birthday with a very big party. Excellent food, good wine, a beautifully decorated room and a rocking dance floor with sharply dressed dancers are what you'd expect at a big celebration, and this is definitely what the Sicilia club delivered. But it also delivered a valuable lesson in history and culture and in what the benefits of a strong community can bring. The club's president for the past 18 years, Rita Bianca Palumbo, spoke proudly of the Sicilian region and the Sicilian ethos and traditions that the club that has lovingly maintained for 50 years. The club's colours are red and yellow, the colours of the Sicilian flag, and its logo is the trinacria, which has Greek heritage but represents the island of Sicily. The Medusa head represents the power of the sea and protection by the Greek goddess Athena, the stalks of wheat represent the fertility of the land of Sicily, and the three legs represent the three capes or ports at each extremity of the triangular shaped island that is Sicily. The idea for the club was born between two of the original members, who had immigrated to Australia from Sicily and who wanted to socialise with other Sicilian migrants. The club began in people's houses but, as numbers grew, bigger facilities were required, and the club's first external premises were developed at Camden Park. The present-day facility at Klemzig has been the club's permanent home since 1992. The club's original motivations of holding onto and passing on the culture, values and traditions that the Sicilian immigrants brought with them and of providing a safe, supportive social network for the members have remained, but a new goal has also formed. It's one that Rita and her colleagues are pursuing with vigour. That goal is firmly directed at second- and third-generation Sicilian migrants: the younger generation who lead lives that are busier and far more complex than the lives that were led 50 years ago and who find it hard to make time to come to the club and invest in its sustainability. Rita's aims are to reach the younger generation in order to instil the value of thriving communities, to impart the wisdom that, when communities work together, everyone rises and to crystallise the importance of giving back and supporting those who have supported you or who need even greater support. I have been lucky to have had many long conversations with Rita. She is an intelligent and fierce woman with a very proud Sicilian heritage. She is determined to highlight the importance of maintaining Sicilian culture, be it Sicilian dialect or cuisine. Rita, thank you for your always-warm Sicilian hospitality. I wish you luck and support in your endeavours to ensure the long-term viability of the club.
Energy | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Treasurer. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to make the most of the global transformation to cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy? How does this compare to...
My question is to the Treasurer. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to make the most of the global transformation to cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy? How does this compare to other approaches?