Madonna Jarrett's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-05T22:06:05+00:00
items: Labor Government: Health Care | Statements | House debates
items: Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Queensland: Members of Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
items: VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Brisbane Electorate: Education | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Environment | Adjournment | House debates
items: Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Youth Voice in Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Economy | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Brisbane Electorate: Sport | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Fiscal Policy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: Community Canteen, Bhartiya Samaj | Constituency Statements | House debates

Labor Government: Health Care | Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I am proud to be a member of this Labor government that is united and getting on with the job of delivering for all Australians. Since the start of this year alone, we've launched 1800MEDICARE,...
encoded: I am proud to be a member of this Labor government that is united and getting on with the job of delivering for all Australians. Since the start of this year alone, we've launched 1800MEDICARE, where you can get 24/7 free health advice from a registered nurse. We've rolled out our cheaper medicines. Scripts are now capped at $25 or $7.70 with a concession card. We have delivered a huge funding boost for hospitals across the country. We're rolling out historic women's health packages which deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for all women at all stages of their lives. Yaz, Yasmin and EstroGel are now on the PBS, and we've opened new pelvic pain clinics across the country. We've also opened new urgent care clinics around Australia, including one in Kelvin Grove in the heart of the Brisbane electorate, and we're making sure that people get access to mental health support when they need it the most, including, again, in Brisbane where we opened a new Medicare mental health centre in Lutwyche last year. But there's always more work to do, and our track record speaks for itself. Australians can rely on this government to deliver. Access to affordable health care closer to home was what we promised and is what we are delivering. This is what strong and united government looks like.
date: 2026-02-05T13:40:00+00:00

Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to speak to the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025. As our world continues to change, so too do our financial markets, and so does the way people are holding and...
encoded: I rise to speak to the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025. As our world continues to change, so too do our financial markets, and so does the way people are holding and exchanging value. That's why the Albanese government has introduced this legislation. We are helping to unlock innovation and protect Australian consumers investing in digital assets. Across the world, digital assets are reshaping finance. Blockchain technology and tokenisation are unlocking new ways to invest and new ways to trade and transfer wealth. Millions of Australians are using or investing in digital assets every year, and this law is about making that as safe and secure as possible while also encouraging innovation. But what are digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms? They're a bit obscure to many people. So, to start with, let's define what we mean by 'digital asset platforms'. In plain English, these are businesses that let customers interact with things like cryptocurrency—such as bitcoin and stablecoins—tokenised assets, non-fungible tokens and other blockchain-based financial products. These platforms include exchanges, broker services, custody providers, yield or staking platforms, wallet providers and marketplaces. Tokenisation is the process of representing something valuable as a digital token on a blockchain. A blockchain is a distributed ledger using cryptographics—I know this sounds a bit complicated—to enable digital assets to be created, stored and transferred. The token represents something valuable. It might be real estate, shares in a company or commodities like gold. It could be artwork, carbon credits or invoices. Tokenisation, basically, answers a simple question: what if we could own, trade and transfer real-world value like we transfer digital information? The phrase 'tokenised custody platforms' refers to a new wave of businesses that go beyond trading. Instead of being a general exchange, they build purpose-specific systems, …
date: 2026-02-04T12:50:00+00:00

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Continuing, the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 provides reforms allowing highly skilled nurses to work to their full scope. This helps reduce...
encoded: Continuing, the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 provides reforms allowing highly skilled nurses to work to their full scope. This helps reduce pressure on hospitals and general practitioners as well as areas where those providing these services are stretched, especially rural and remote communities. Currently, our registered nurses, who are highly skilled and highly educated, remain underutilised in primary care, and allowing them to prescribe under the PBS system will boost efficiency, strengthen care coordination and allow GPs and nurse practitioners to focus on patients with more complex needs. The legislation implements recommendations from the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce and the Scope of practice review, and, since 2017, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer conducted extensive research and consultation on the nurse prescribing models and what might work. The NMBA, the board, developed the standards for designated registered nurse prescribers through multiple rounds of consultations. These consultations received strong support. This was a key election commitment that implements key practice reforms for nurses and midwives. The Albanese government has already been working with state and territory health ministers to register and train the first cohort of registered nurses who, from 1 July this year, are expected to complete their training and start prescribing medicines. This is an important step to ensure that all Australians have better access to affordable medicines that they need when they need them. This bill is just another way Labor is delivering on our commitment to strengthen Medicare. Medicare and PBS are proud Labor legacies, and they have helped millions of Australians receive the quality health care they need. This bill is another part of that legacy. It expands on our commitment to make health care more affordable and accessible to residents acro…
date: 2026-02-04T17:37:00+00:00

Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise in support of the Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which is about prescribing medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Access to universal free health care is one of...
encoded: I rise in support of the Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which is about prescribing medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Access to universal free health care is one of Labor's greatest legacies to Australia, and this bill is just another part of that. You know, I'm one of eight kids. I have no idea how my parents would have possibly managed had we not had access to free health care via Medicare and subsidised medicines through the PBS. My pensioner grandparents, who lived next door, absolutely relied heavily on Medicare and the PBS in their later years. This bill builds on Labor's commitment to make health care more accessible and more affordable for all Australians. This bill increases access to and availability of medicines for all Australians. Importantly, it will allow registered nurses to prescribe certain medicines that can be supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and attract a Commonwealth subsidy. Again—
date: 2026-02-04T13:28:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
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description: I rise to share my deepest sorrow, and sincere condolences from the people of Brisbane, with the Jewish community. For 36 days now, beds have laid unoccupied. Dining chairs have sat empty....
encoded: I rise to share my deepest sorrow, and sincere condolences from the people of Brisbane, with the Jewish community. For 36 days now, beds have laid unoccupied. Dining chairs have sat empty. Favourite clothes have remained folded in drawers. Bath towels and toothbrushes have sat in their usual spots. There are empty seats in cars. Tears flow. Hearts are heavy. Minds and bodies have changed forever, and futures are gone. This is the personal impact on the families and friends of the 15 innocent people killed in the horrific terrorist attack in Bondi on 14 December. On that day, as we've heard, hundreds of Jewish Australians had gathered at that iconic spot. They came together to celebrate their faith and, specifically, the victory of light over darkness. But this celebration was cut short because of hatred and antisemitism. One group—two men—chose hate, deciding that Jewish people should not live a life with their faith and within their beautiful community. We continue to grieve with the Jewish community across Australia, and we acknowledge that the pain and grief are still raw and, frankly, unfathomable. Following the attack, I visited the local synagogue and, along with others, I have attended vigils offering my support and condolences to the Jewish community in Brisbane. Having our community come together at this very sad time was important to start the healing and the recovery. To the families and friends of the 15 people whose lives were tragically taken away, and to the broader Jewish community, including in Brisbane, know that you are not alone. You are Australian, you are supported and we cannot let this atrocity not change us for the better. Every Australian, no matter their race or religion, should be able to enjoy their life in any community without prejudice, discrimination or harm. No-one should live in fear. Let's be clear: the Bondi attack was an attack on our Jewish community. It was also an attack on Australian society. But this cowardly act does not r…
date: 2026-01-19T18:32:00+00:00

Queensland: Members of Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: As this is the last sitting day of the year, I thought I would share a little Christmas poem, '9 Newbies from Queensland'. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through this house I reflect...
encoded: As this is the last sitting day of the year, I thought I would share a little Christmas poem, '9 Newbies from Queensland'. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through this house I reflect on 9 newbies from Queensland with nouse. We fought tough campaigns with grit and care, And we persuaded the voters to put us there. We arrived in Canberra with the new team of Feds While campaigns and chaos still danced in our heads. With Albo and all, we felt right at home And soon realised we were not alone. We learnt the ropes and to never miss a bell Less the whip would make—our life a living hell. Then into the rabble of the Question Time pit It soon became apparent there was plenty of wit. As the speaker worked hard to manage the crowd, Interjections and jibes came thick and loud. With the opposition in tatters, and fighting themselves the government got very busy like little Christmas elves. As the opposition frayed and voters saw red The government kept delivering on what it said: and pills Was all in stark contrast to the net zero sobs. So Now Renee, Now Ali, Now Kara and Jules; On Emma; on Corrinne; on Rohan and Matt. It is the end of the year; to our home turf we go. We have done something good, and have lots to show. But thanks to you all for a great first run. And we hope '26 will be just as much fun.
date: 2025-11-27T13:40:00+00:00

Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
type: item
description: Mental health has touched many people, most likely everybody in this House, whether it's a friend, a loved one or even yourself. There are many reasons someone might struggle with mental health....
encoded: Mental health has touched many people, most likely everybody in this House, whether it's a friend, a loved one or even yourself. There are many reasons someone might struggle with mental health. It could be biological—genetics, family history, brain chemistry or structure. It could be psychological—trauma, stress, substance abuse. Or it could be social and environmental—social isolation, life events, socioeconomic factors, discrimination, or someone else's environment. Recently I spoke with Ariana, a 10-year-old student going to school in my electorate, and we chatted about mental health through the lens of school bullying. She may be only 10, but her observations were very wise and very mature. While we chatted she reiterated what she wrote in her winning Raise Our Voice submission, which I'll read out now. She said of the goal of stopping bullying school: This goal is so important because bullying does not just hurt in the moment; it can stay with a person for life. Many people in our community have experienced bullying, whether at school or online, and we must stop our young Australians from carrying that pain inside because it can lead to serious mental health issues, even suicide. Ending bullying will help create a peaceful, loving, and safe Australia for everyone. Those are wise words. While medications can help those who are struggling with their mental health, that's just part of the answer. We still need to lean in, as Ariana did, and question whether there is something more to do. Our society has become less connected with one another. We have to question whether we're being driven more by social and environmental factors. It's actually human nature to want to feel connected and to feel part of something bigger than what we are. As humans we assign meaning to emotions and relationships that go well beyond an immediate experience. And we can feel a sense of belonging or connection through supportive relationships. But the rapid increase in technology and so…
date: 2025-11-26T12:35:00+00:00

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise in support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 before the House. Vocational education and training is skills based learning. It producers our builders, bakers,...
encoded: I rise in support of the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 before the House. Vocational education and training is skills based learning. It producers our builders, bakers, aged-care workers, healthcare workers, electricians, technicians, gardeners, landscapers and many, many more. These are great careers, but importantly they're jobs that keep our economy thriving. The Albanese government has always supported TAFE and vocational education, and that's why we introduced fee-free TAFE. Fee-free TAFE has opened many pathways for Australians to build a new path in life. Fee-free TAFE is removing financial barriers for students undertaking vocational education and training courses. Fee-free TAFE opens doors for all Australians, whether you're finishing school, changing careers or upskilling. In my own electorate just last month, I visited Eagle Farm TAFE alongside the Minister for Skills and Training. The Eagle Farm campus is nestled in the east of the electorate and is largely in an industrial hub that sits north of the Brisbane River. It is high tech. There are robots. There's 3D. There's everything you can think of. It offers a diverse range of trades and courses for many occupations for many constituents in my electorate and beyond. That TAFE college is training students right now in automation, security, locksmithing, glass glazing, boat-building, telecommunications, renewable technologies and utilities. While I was there I met Zac, Tahi and their class. They were finishing their locksmithing apprenticeship—yes, locksmithing. Like many jobs, the skill requirements have changed, and technology and electronics now feature very heavily. Tahi's just from across the river, but Zac came all the way down from Townsville. They talked about the things that they were learning and the new pathways TAFE has opened for them. After four years, they're both excited to be fully qualified locksmiths. This is a great example of how our government, the Labor governme…
date: 2025-11-25T19:07:00+00:00

Brisbane Electorate: Education | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I'm very proud to be part of a government that is delivering a better and fairer education system for all, because we know that education has the power to change lives. As we approach the year...
encoded: I'm very proud to be part of a government that is delivering a better and fairer education system for all, because we know that education has the power to change lives. As we approach the year end, the season of graduations, awards nights, farewells and celebrations reminds us of just that. Today I recognise all the teachers, students, staff and families across each of the 50-plus schools providing critical learning to young people in the Brisbane electorate. Together, this community gives our young people the opportunity to be who and what they want to be. Over recent weeks, I've had the privilege of attending many graduation and awards celebrations across primary, secondary, public and private schools. Some of these include Aviation High School, Everton Park, St James College, Kedron State High School, Marist College Ashgrove, Mt St Michael's, Brisbane Girls Grammar and Kelvin Grove State College. I could not have been more inspired by the calibre of young people I met—their achievements, their optimism and the strong sense of community that surrounds them—and it leaves me feeling incredibly positive about what is possible in our shared future. To the teachers, principals and staff: thank you for your commitment to education, to care and to opportunity. You spend significant formative time with our young people, shaping them into who they will become. To the families and friends: thank you, as well. Your encouragement, your patience, your tuckshop duties, your packed lunches, your taxi services, those last minute assignments, et cetera—your presence has been vital. And to our students: congratulations. Another chapter is closed. For many, this time brings some mixed emotions. Maybe it's pride in what's been achieved. Maybe it's excitement about what lies ahead, or perhaps even a little trepidation as graduates step into unfamiliar territory. Whatever the next chapter, whether it's university training, an apprenticeship, work or even just time to explore the world,…
date: 2025-11-25T17:09:00+00:00

Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise in support of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025. When this bill passes, Australians...
encoded: I rise in support of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025. When this bill passes, Australians will see more Australian produced content on their streaming services. Whether you are watching on your television, iPhone, iPad or laptop, it is important that you get to see it and that our government plays a role in supporting Australian content where it can. The first television broadcast in Australia took place on 30 September 1929 at the Menzies Hotel in Melbourne, using the electromechanical radiovision system. That's a mouthful! After 18 months of test transmissions, regular broadcasts began in Brisbane on 6 May in 1934, using a 30-line system. That reached an estimated 18 receivers around Brisbane. The test transmissions, which were an hour's duration each day, were made from the Wickham Terrace observatory tower. The programs included news headlines, still pictures—you've got to go way, way back into the early 1900s here—and silent movies, such as the temperance film Horrors of Drink. Since the introduction of the television in Australia, there have been a number of programs and world events that have stopped the nation and we have used the box to see them. One of the first world events was the moon landing. I can't remember that one. The second, for me, was 9/11, of which there was wall-to-wall coverage. And then who could forget the Women's World Cup quarter-final, with the Matildas versus France and that penalty shootout that had the entire nation sitting on the edge of their seats? Then there was my favourite, Cathy Freeman, with the weight of the nation on her shoulders when she came steaming home to take the 400-metre gold at the Sydney Olympics. These things are in my memory just like it was yesterday. One of my earliest memories as a kid is of coming home from school and huddling in front of the television with my sisters to watch Skippy. The famous theme s…
date: 2025-11-24T18:40:00+00:00

Environment | Adjournment | House debates
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description: Over the last few days, there has been a lot of discussion and divisions around the environmental protection reforms—a busy day today!—but it's clear from today that these historic...
encoded: Over the last few days, there has been a lot of discussion and divisions around the environmental protection reforms—a busy day today!—but it's clear from today that these historic reforms are at risk of being blocked by the Greens political party and the LNP. I absolutely don't want to see this happen, and neither does my community of Brisbane. We really are at a pivotal moment in time when we can do something very special—protect our environment while enabling our communities to flourish with affordable housing, renewable energy and infrastructure. In the words of David Attenborough: 'The truth is the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it.' It's also true that our environment and economy are intrinsically linked. Agriculture, resources and our tourism sector all rely on a healthy natural environment. In July last year, the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions at ANU reported a few things. One, our continent has warmed almost 1½ degrees. Our rainfall patterns have changed, and we are experiencing more frequent periods of extreme weather, such as droughts, bushfires and flooding. Our land surface has been significantly modified, and at least 19 ecosystems are collapsing due to climate change and other pressures. I know, with some despair, that it's not possible to reverse this decline; however, I do believe we really are at a turning point. We can't deny the science, but we can build a coalition across the community to help solve the problems and keep the lights on. Government, business and environmental groups must continue to work together to protect our environment and enable the economic benefits of sustainable development. With the introduction of Labor's environmental reform bills, we have the opportunity now to take real action to protect, conserve and restore our important environmental areas and species. That's …
date: 2025-11-06T16:55:00+00:00

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: Let me be clear from the outset. This government will not tolerate corruption, criminality or violence in any workplace, including in the construction industry. But what we will tolerate are...
encoded: Let me be clear from the outset. This government will not tolerate corruption, criminality or violence in any workplace, including in the construction industry. But what we will tolerate are strong and effective unions that are there to look after workers and stop them being exploited. I'm a proud unionist. I come from a union family. I've seen what a positive difference unions make to individual workers and their families. The problems that we see in the construction industry are not the norm in the Labor movement; they're deeply embedded and have been decades in the making, and they won't be solved overnight. But let's get one thing straight. I agree in some respects with some of the words from the member for Wentworth—under the coalition's nine years of failed leadership, the discredited Australian Building and Construction Code, ABCC, failed to deal with the problems within the CFMEU or within the construction industry. It failed. Those opposite were running around beating their chests and saying what a great cop the ABCC was going to be. Instead, we saw the exact opposite in terms of culture in the construction industry. A bad culture was allowed to flourish under their watch. Multiple individuals were involved. They were involved in corruption, criminality and violence, all while retaining their positions to continue to conduct unlawful activities. Now, Labor is acting to clean up the mess. As the member for Petrie talked about earlier, following multiple referrals from the Albanese Labor government, our regulators and law enforcement agencies are working together through the joint agency working group to take strong action to stamp out corruption, criminality and violence. We've also taken real action to stamp out corruption in the CFMEU's construction division by placing them under administration for a period of five years. A lot has been done in this time. Under the administration for the last 15 months there's been the removal of and acceptance of resignat…
date: 2025-11-03T13:14:00+00:00

Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: Continuing on from last night, the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025 introduces a new principle into the Fair Work Act that employer funded paid parental leave must not be cancelled...
encoded: Continuing on from last night, the Fair Work Amendment (Baby Priya's) Bill 2025 introduces a new principle into the Fair Work Act that employer funded paid parental leave must not be cancelled because a child is stillborn or a newborn dies. It will ensure that parents who suffer the heartbreak of a stillbirth or neonatal death, as Priya's parents did, can still access employer funded paid parental leave. Labor is doing what is right. We're looking after parents at a time that is so difficult for them. The government has acted to safeguard these entitlements in the bill, and this bill will provide clarity for employers as well as grieving parents about their entitlements. This clarity will also benefit workplaces by helping retain and attract staff. Employees do not have to provide paid parental leave; however, the legal position is unclear in workplaces where paid parental leave is provided but there are no explicit entitlements addressing what will happen if a child is stillborn or dies. This isn't fair on employers, but, importantly, it is not fair on grieving parents. The bill will preserve employer funded paid parental leave entitlements in circumstances where it is not obvious on the face of the agreement what entitlements parents will receive if their child is stillborn or dies. The bill provides that an employer must not, because of a stillbirth or death, refuse to allow an employee to take employer paid parental leave to which they would have been entitled, or cancel any part of that leave. This legislation, though, will not override the freedom of employers and employees to agree on their own paid parental leave policies, allowing bargaining above the safety net provided by the law. The bill also prevents an employer from seeking to avoid the new prohibition against refusal or cancellation of employer paid parental leave by unilaterally varying an employee's terms and conditions after the bill's commencement, such as by amending a workplace policy. In addit…
date: 2025-10-29T11:04:00+00:00

Youth Voice in Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to read the winning entry from Raise Our Voice. It's from 11-year-old Arianna, who goes to St Rita's College in Brisbane in my electorate. Arianna says: I want to see a future where every...
encoded: I rise to read the winning entry from Raise Our Voice. It's from 11-year-old Arianna, who goes to St Rita's College in Brisbane in my electorate. Arianna says: I want to see a future where every person in my community and across Australia feels safe, valued, and respected, no matter their background, appearance, beliefs, or lifestyle. I imagine communities that are more united, that genuinely celebrate diversity and promote understanding. I want to see schools that are truly safe spaces, where bullying and harassment are taken seriously and actively decreased. To support this vision, Parliament can take real action, they can fund nationwide anti-bullying programs in schools and make them mandatory for students, work with tech companies to stop cyberbullying and online abuse, provide more school counsellors and mental health services for students. Most importantly, guarantee that Parliament itself promotes respectful debate and has zero tolerance for bullying in public life because leaders should lead by example. This goal is so important because bullying does not just hurt in the moment; it can stay with a person for life. Many people in our community have experienced bullying, whether at school or online, and we must stop our young Australians from carrying that pain inside because it can lead to serious mental health issues, even suicide. Ending bullying will help create a peaceful, loving, and safe Australia for everyone. Together, we have the power to create a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and included. With leadership like yours, Arianna, our future is in good hands.
date: 2025-10-27T16:04:00+00:00

Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise in support of this bill, Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025. Like many in the Brisbane community, I had grandparents and, now, another...
encoded: I rise in support of this bill, Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025. Like many in the Brisbane community, I had grandparents and, now, another family member who relied on the economic support of the government to survive. They were hardworking. They paid their taxes. They contributed to society and to our economy. They looked after their neighbours. One had a terrible illness in the prime of their life that left them as a paraplegic, amongst other complications. They were a fit, outdoor blue-collar worker. The illness happened through no fault of their own. As for many, sometimes life just happens. They now rely on government payment support because they have to; their ability to work and earn a living is gone. I tell this story because this is the primary purpose of social security: to provide economic and social wellbeing by creating a safety net for individuals and families who cannot fully support themselves due to age, disability, unemployment or other circumstances. Our social security system is something to be really proud of. It's a system that goes to our values as a government: no-one held back and no-one left behind. It is part of our identity and how we view ourselves as a nation—one that helps those when they need help the most. This is at the heart of why I am in this House. They are the values I live by. These are Labor values. In Australia, the concept of social security was first introduced in 1908, when the Commonwealth parliament passed the Invalid and Old Age Pension Act. It provided financial support to the elderly and the ill. It followed the economic depression of the early 1890s, when poverty was widespread and the idea of who should support those unable to look after themselves was a big topic of debate. In the 1940s, Labor Prime Minister Curtin announced the development of a national welfare scheme, including sickness and unemployment benefits. Then, building on his legacy, the post-war Chifle…
date: 2025-10-27T17:13:00+00:00

Economy | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Treasurer. What is the Albanese Labor government's plan to sustain the progress we're making on the economy?
encoded: My question is to the Treasurer. What is the Albanese Labor government's plan to sustain the progress we're making on the economy?
date: 2025-09-04T14:37:00+00:00

Health Care | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: Labor built Medicare and we will always strengthen it. We're working hard every day to make sure all Australians can get access to affordable health care when they need it most, and we're doing...
encoded: Labor built Medicare and we will always strengthen it. We're working hard every day to make sure all Australians can get access to affordable health care when they need it most, and we're doing this in various ways. We have more urgent care clinics across the country, including one in Brisbane's inner north. I campaigned hard for this, and I can't wait for it to be open. We also made the biggest reduction in PBS medicine prices since the scheme was introduced, saving Australians over $1 billion. In my electorate, I've heard stories of people putting off getting medicines they need because they can't afford it. This is not acceptable, and this ranges from asthma treatments to cancer treatments. Both can be life threatening. Soon, the most you will pay for a PBS script will be $25. Also, doctors are now able to prescribe 60-day prescriptions, saving us all that extra trip to the doctor. Cheaper medicines aren't just good for your hip pocket; they're also good for your health. Lastly, Labor has made the largest investment in bulk-billing in the history of Medicare. That has meant almost six million free trips to the GP since November 2023, with nine out of 10 GP visits expected to be bulk-billed by 2030. Recently, Assistant Minister McBride and I opened the Medicare mental health clinic in Lutwyche. At last weekend's mobile office that I had nearby, people of all ages took the information. If this is anything to go by, more locals will get the mental health care they need free and closer to home. We said we'd strengthen Medicare, and that's exactly what we're doing.
date: 2025-09-02T13:35:00+00:00

Brisbane Electorate: Sport | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: On Saturday night, it was my pleasure to present the 2025 premiership trophy to the Newmarket metro 2 women's soccer team. The team went undefeated for the season to take out the premiership,...
encoded: On Saturday night, it was my pleasure to present the 2025 premiership trophy to the Newmarket metro 2 women's soccer team. The team went undefeated for the season to take out the premiership, and, as a retired soccer mum, I really do understand what a feat that is. It wasn't their night on Saturday though. They did lose the nailbiting semifinal in a thrilling penalty shootout, but they can still hold their heads high. This is a big shout-out to the coaches, clubs, mums, dads, carers and, of course, the players for their hard work and dedication. Community sports play such an important part across the Brisbane community. It brings people together and provides a purpose for our community. It teaches players and participants resilience, leadership, teamwork, the importance of lifting others up and the importance of being lifted when one needs it. Although I was hugely sporty growing up, soccer wasn't an option for me, but, at my local swimming club and lifesaving club, I found my peeps and I benefited, as the Newmarket girls have done with their sport. Soccer is a rapidly growing sport for girls, spurred on by the Tillies during the 2023 World Cup and not to mention the upcoming 2027 Women's Asian Cup. Young girls can now see what they want to be. The Newmarket division 2 women have given the young girls at Newmarket someone to look up to and something to aim for, and, given a few of them have become Tillies, maybe there are a few more. Thank you to Ken and the club for having me along on Sunday. It was a night to be proud of.
date: 2025-09-01T16:11:00+00:00

Fiscal Policy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
type: item
description: Australians spoke pretty loudly at the last election, and the make-up of the chamber pretty much tells that story. Why? Because they wanted to see cost-of-living pressures reduced, and they...
encoded: Australians spoke pretty loudly at the last election, and the make-up of the chamber pretty much tells that story. Why? Because they wanted to see cost-of-living pressures reduced, and they didn't want to see a $600 billion nuclear fantasy—which is, incidentally, a very big spend. I think many members in this House would agree that, during the campaign, cost of living was the No. 1 issue, and in my electorate it didn't matter whether it was Seb, who was studying at university, or the young couple trying to buy a house or even retired Ray, who was gardening when I dropped by. Our No. 1 priority was helping Australians with the cost of living, raising the standard of living, and we make no apologies for that. Let's look at what we've already done: tax cuts for every Australian, $300 in energy bill relief for every Australian household, and $325 for small business. We've tripled the bulk-billing incentive and restored bulk-billing to 11 million Australians, creating an additional six million bulk-billed GP visits. We've delivered cheaper medicines at a cost of $25. We've cut student debt, we've delivered free TAFE, we've delivered cheaper child care and we've delivered real wage increases for Australian workers. Not only did we see three consecutive pay rises for Australian workers on awards; we also delivered pay rises for aged-care and early childhood education and care workers. Who does this greatly benefit? Women, because women make up the majority of workers in those sectors. But wait; there is more on the way. We will deliver new tax cuts for every taxpayer, we will deliver more energy bill relief, and we'll wipe 20 per cent off student debt—well, that's happening right now. We will deliver the biggest boost to Medicare, delivering those extra GP visits I mentioned. We're expanding the growing network of Medicare urgent care clinics across Australia, including one in Brisbane. We're making free TAFE permanent, and we're delivering affordable child care close to h…
date: 2025-08-28T15:56:00+00:00

Community Canteen, Bhartiya Samaj | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: This is another first for me since being elected the member for Brisbane. It's my first opportunity to deliver a constituency statement. Today I want to shine a light on two community...
encoded: This is another first for me since being elected the member for Brisbane. It's my first opportunity to deliver a constituency statement. Today I want to shine a light on two community organisations whose contribution to Brisbane and well beyond is truly invaluable: Community Canteen and Bhartiya Samaj. Earlier this month I had the privilege of visiting Community Canteen in Newmarket during Homelessness Week. This organisation was founded in 2008. It's a volunteer driven not-for-profit with a simple but powerful mission: to provide fresh, nutritious meals to people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing hardship. They operate without paid staff and without their own premises, ensuring that every single dollar that is donated goes directly to preparing and serving meals. With more than 250 dedicated volunteers, the organisation prepares over—wait for it—30,000 meals a year. Working in partnership with Communify, they prepare meals at the Newmarket kitchen, which is where I was, using rescued food and donated funds. The meals are then frozen and distributed to those who need them most. Community Canteen offers more than just food; it provides dignity, inclusion and connection not only for those who receive the food but for the volunteers who give their time and energy. When I visited, I was warmly welcomed by Amir and the team of volunteers and I did my bit to lean in and lend a hand. I want to put on record my thanks for the commitment of Amir, the team and all involved. On that very same day, I also attended the Bhartiya Samaj Empowering Migrants Expo in Brisbane. Bhartiya Samaj was established in Queensland in 2022 and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive Australia, uniting migrants with other locals and, importantly, supporting the South-Asian community. Now only in its second year, the Empowering Migrants Expo, which they established, has become a cornerstone event. This year it attracted more than 8,000 people, making it one of the largest mu…
date: 2025-08-26T16:02:00+00:00