David Moncrieff's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Economy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
Those opposite have raised the topic of reckless spending. It's a breathtaking exercise in political amnesia from those opposite. I assume that the first example of reckless spending that they...
Those opposite have raised the topic of reckless spending. It's a breathtaking exercise in political amnesia from those opposite. I assume that the first example of reckless spending that they will want Australians to know about will be the $600 billion that they want to spend on nuclear power plants, which they took to the last election. I assume that they will want Australians to know about the near decade of deficits that they produced, which left Australians with higher debt, higher prices, collapsing services and absolutely no plan to deal with inflation when those opposite walked out the door. I assume that they want Australians to know about the thousands and thousands of dollars that they gave to their mates in Qantas and Harvey Norman. I assume that they will want to talk about the cost that Australians were left with from serving the trillion dollars of Liberal debt that we inherited from our predecessors. But what about where Labor's allocating our resources? Labor is investing prudently in Australia's greatest opportunity—its people. We have delivered cost-of-living relief that is targeted, responsible and real. And it's making a tangible difference to my constituents in Hughes, with things like cheaper child care that's already putting thousands of dollars back into the pockets of families and suburbs of my electorate from Bundeena to Bardia; things like cheaper medicines, with all PBS medicines now $25 or less, saving families across Hughes hundreds of dollars a year; things like tax cuts for every taxpayer, including another tax cut coming in July this year benefiting local workers and small businesses alike. They were tax cuts that those opposite voted against. Those opposite should have to answer this question: which part of that spending is wasteful? We on this side don't think that making child care more affordable so that parents can be part of the workforce is wasteful spending. We on this side don't think that the senior heading down to the pharmacy in Illawong being able to afford all of the medicines prescribed to him to keep him out of the hospital system is wasteful spending. But those opposite should have to answer: who do you think is the wasted investment, our children or our seniors? We on this side don't think that Australians earning more and keeping more of what they earn through our tax cuts that they voted against is reckless. It is money that's going back into the pockets of Australians right across the country. Those opposite want Australian wages to be lower. Under this government wage growth is finally moving again after a decade of deliberate wage suppression by those opposite. They said that lower wages were a design feature of the economy under them, and that's exactly what they got. And who paid the price for it? It was Australian workers. On this side, we back Australian workers. On this side, we want Australians earning more. We are investing in Australian skills. We're now celebrating the third birthday of free TAFE. Those opposite don't believe in free TAFE. The Liberals and the Nationals don't agree on much at the moment. There's not much they agree on. But one thing they do agree on is they hate free TAFE. They hate the idea that Australians are able to get the skills that they need for the jobs of the future without having to go into enormous debt. We are cutting student debt. We've cut student debt by 20 per cent right across the country. That's money going back into the pockets of young people across Australia who are just starting out, who are just trying to get ahead. Those opposite have talked them down every step of the way. Those opposite have claimed that the interest rates are going up as a result of the of reckless spending. They clearly haven't bothered to read the statement by the RBA's monetary policy board, which highlighted that growth in private demand was strengthening substantially more than expected, which was partly driving inflation. We wouldn't expect those opposite to be able to read any sort of economic document based on the leadership that they showed when they were in power. But it shows the gall of them, that they then have the audacity to come here and complain about what we're doing on this side of the House. Those opposite claim to support small business but they didn't produce a national small business strategy; we did. We're the first ones to do it. We believe in investing in Australian jobs. That's what we're doing, and those opposite have failed to do that over their near decade in office.
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Last year this government was re-elected with a clear commitment to strengthen Medicare, expand access to affordable medicines and ensure our health workforce can work to its full scope of...
Last year this government was re-elected with a clear commitment to strengthen Medicare, expand access to affordable medicines and ensure our health workforce can work to its full scope of practice. The Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025 is part of that commitment of the Albanese Labor government. It delivers on the government's commitment to ensure our health workforce operates at full scope, enhancing safe and timely access to medicines. It's a win for nurses and a win for all Australians. At its core, this bill is about supporting and promoting access—access to care, access to medicines and access to a health system that works when people need it, not weeks later and only if they can afford to wait or travel. It recognises the truth that communities across Australia, including my electorate of Hughes, understand too well: as demand for primary health care grows, workforce pressures are becoming more acute and our system needs to make better use of the skilled professionals we already have. It was a truth not recognised by those opposite during their near-decade in office—a period during which the Leader of the Opposition, as health minister, distinguished herself as the only health minister in the history of Medicare never to increase the rebate for Medicare once—a goose egg! The health minister who went out for a duck on Medicare and extended Peter Dutton's Medicare freeze from two years to six years now leads the opposition. That shows Australians that what those opposite value: when you cut access to health in the Liberal Party, you get promoted. We are still cleaning up the mess that those opposite left in health and medication. This bill represents part of those efforts to restore trust in affordable and accessible health care in Australia. It supplements our commitment to cheaper medicines. Since 1 January, medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme have cost no more than $25, a price they haven't been since 2004. It was action on our commitment to cheaper medicines, and this bill adds to that commitment. This bill introduces historic reforms that empower nurses to work to their full scope of practice and improve access to medicines for people across Australia. Specifically, the bill amends the National Health Act 1953 to allow registered nurses who are endorsed under the new registration standard for scheduled medicines to become authorised prescribers for certain medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. This means prescriptions written by designated registered nurse prescribers can attract a Commonwealth subsidy through the PBS, ensuring medicines remain affordable for patients. The bill also amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to ensure that prescribing services provided by designated registered nurse prescribers fall within the Professional Services Review Scheme. This ensures oversight, accountability and integrity within the system. These are sensible, measured reforms. They are firmly grounded in years of research, consultation and agreement across government and the health sector. Since 2017, extensive research and consultation has been undertaken on how registered nurses can safely and effectively contribute to prescribing within their scope of practice. That work culminated in December 2024, when Commonwealth, state and territory health ministers approved a new registration standard, 'endorsement for scheduled medicines—designated registered nurse prescriber', under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. That standard came into effect in September 2025. It sets out clear, rigorous education and qualification requirements that a registered nurse must meet to obtain and retain an endorsement. The first cohort of designated registered nurse prescribers is expected to complete their education, receive endorsement and begin prescribing from July 2026. This is a reform that hasn't been rushed. It's not an experiment; it's a carefully designed, nationally agreed framework. Importantly, it has been developed with extensive stakeholder consultation. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia consulted with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian Medical Association, palliative care services, the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives and the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association. Medical professionals have expressed support for designated registered nurse prescribing on the basis that it occurs in partnership with an authorised health practitioner under an active prescribing agreement. That partnership model remains central to this reform. Designated registered nurse prescribers will not operate in isolation. They will practice within clearly defined clinical governance arrangements that support patient safety and quality care. Primary care stakeholders expect that designated registered nurse prescribers will be able to prescribe PBS subsidised medicines in primary care, aged care, disability services, mental health settings and in acute hospital environments, particularly to support discharge processes and outpatient management. For the people of Hughes, this means more timely care in the places they already access. It means community health clinics, aged-care facilities and hospital outpatient services can operate more efficiently. It means fewer unnecessary delays, fewer repeat appointments for administrative reasons and better coordination across the system. Currently, many registered nurses in primary care are highly skilled, highly educated and deeply experienced yet remain underutilised. Allowing them to prescribe certain medicines under the PBS boosts efficiency and allows GPs and nurse practitioners to focus on patients with more complex needs. That is good for patients. It's good for clinicians, and it's good for the sustainability of Medicare. Designated registered nurse prescribing strengthens the health system by easing workforce pressures and building long-term capacity. It helps ensure the right professional is providing the right care at the right time. This is especially important in areas facing workforce shortages, including outer metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities. The community at the southern tip of Sydney in Hughes is not immune to these pressures. Older Australians managing chronic conditions often need timely access to medicines. Carers and families balancing work and care responsibilities need health services that are responsive and accessible. As a result of a decade of neglect of Medicare, residents face long waits for appointments, particularly bulk-billed services, but bulk-billed services are coming back in Hughes. I've been visiting bulk-billing practices across my electorate that are seeing the value in Labor's investment in bulk-billing for patients and for doctors and healthcare professionals. There's more work to do, but it's work that this government is committed to doing, and this bill is part of that commitment. Improved access to primary health care reduces avoidable hospital visits and preventable hospitalisations. When people receive timely treatment in the community, it reduces pressure on emergency departments and inpatient services. This bill supports that outcome. It also aligns with the Albanese government's commitment to cheaper medicines and the objectives of the National Medicines Policy. By enabling PBS subsidised prescribing by designated registered nurse prescribers, we ensure that medicines remain affordable and accessible. The list of medicines that designated registered nurse prescribers will be able to prescribe under the PBS will be determined through the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. This ensures decisions are evidence based, clinically appropriate and subject to rigorous assessment. Affordability matters in health care. For families in Hughes, the cost-of-living pressures are real. Health costs are not abstract. They are felt at the pharmacy counter, at the GP clinic and when people delay health care because they're worried about cost. This government is doing something about it, and we're doing it despite those opposite opposing every cost-of-living measure put forward by this government in the last term. Ensuring PBS subsidies apply to medicines prescribed by designated registered nurse prescribers removes unnecessary financial barriers. This reform also supports continuity of care. In aged care and disability settings, designated registered nurse prescribers can respond more quickly to changes in a person's condition. In hospital settings, they support timely discharge and follow-up care, reducing the risk of re-admission. In mental health services, they can improve access to treatment and reduce delays that exacerbate distress. These are real, practical benefits that flow directly to patients. The bill also ensures integrity and safety through appropriate oversight by amending the Health Insurance Act 1973 to include registered nurses under the Professional Services Review Scheme. This bill ensures that prescribing services are subject to peer review and accountability. This protects the integrity of the PBS and maintains public confidence in the system. Targeted consultation has occurred between the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Services Australia, the Professional Services Review and the Department of Veterans' Affairs to ensure alignment and smooth implementation. States and territories are also doing their part. All jurisdictions are currently amending their drugs and poisons legislation to enable designated registered nurse prescribing by July 2026. This national alignment makes delivery of health care more streamlined right across this continent. It ensures consistency, clarity and safety across Australia. This bill is not about replacing doctors; it's about supporting the entire health workforce to work together more effectively. It recognises the expertise of nurses and the vital role that they play across every part of the health system. It reflects the reality that modern health care is delivered by multidisciplinary teams, not in silos. For the people of Hughes, this reform means a stronger, more responsive health system in southern Sydney. It means care that is closer to home, delivered sooner and more affordably. It means nurses who already provide trusted care in our community will be empowered to do more within a safe and regulated framework. This bill is another example of the Albanese government delivering on its commitments to strengthen Medicare, support the health workforce and put patients first. It's a win for nurses, it's a win for patients and it's a win for the sustainability of our health system. I commend this bill to the House.
Hughes Electorate: Roads | Grievance Debate | House debates
I want to acknowledge those beautiful words from the honourable member opposite. Those on this side of the House are also missing Luch, and I want to acknowledge the beautiful sentiment brought...
I want to acknowledge those beautiful words from the honourable member opposite. Those on this side of the House are also missing Luch, and I want to acknowledge the beautiful sentiment brought by the honourable member. I also want to talk about the M5 around Moorebank. Anyone who uses the M5 around Moorebank knows exactly the problem that occurs in that place. Every afternoon peak, traffic is banked up as cars and trucks enter westbound at Moorebank Avenue and try to merge with traffic already on the motorway that's attempting to exit at the Hume Highway. It's slow, it's frustrating, it can be dangerous and it's not a new issue. It's an infamous choke point in Sydney's south-west, and it's why the Albanese and Minns governments are getting on with delivering the critical infrastructure Western Sydney needs. The NSW government has now signed a contract to upgrade this interchange, and it's a genuinely significant step forward for my community. The project includes a new three-lane toll-free bridge over the Georges River and the train lines at Liverpool, dramatically improving the connection between the M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway. It also removes the dangerous weave on the M5 between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway, improving safety and traffic flows for drivers entering and exiting the motorway. A new underpass at Moorebank Avenue will directly connect the M5 westbound to the Hume Highway, and the intersection between the M5 and Moorebank Avenue will be fully upgraded. This matters because the existing bridge currently sees more than 2,500 trucks a day moving from the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct terminal onto the Sydney motorway network, with truck numbers only set to increase as new sections come online. Last week I visited the M5 south-west control centre, at Hammondville, and spoke with controllers who manage this stretch of the road every day, and I asked them what this upgrade would mean for them on a day-to-day basis. The term they used was 'game changer', because they see the crashes, the breakdowns and the daily pressure points that drivers experience during peak times. This project gives them the tools to keep traffic moving safely, and it gives motorists the confidence that the road network is finally catching up with demand. This upgrade is being delivered through a strong partnership between the Albanese and Minns Labor governments, each committing $190 million as part of the broader Western Sydney infrastructure blitz. I know the member for Riverina was in here earlier talking about trucks and the trucking industry and the people who work in that industry, and I note that those opposite claim to represent people in industries who move around on our motorways. I recall Tony Abbott, whose contempt for public transport is well documented. He famously said that every man in his car is a 'king'—as if that was an excuse for not investing in public transport across Australia and in Western Sydney especially. I note that, in the nine years that those opposite were in power, they did not invest in fixing this obvious choke point in our orbital network. It is such an obvious choke point. When you look across the network, from the M7 to the M5, WestConnex and M4, this is such an obvious choke point for such a growing region of Sydney. For those opposite to have overlooked this for so long shows their absolute contempt for those who live in south-west Sydney. South-west Sydney is the gateway to Sydney. It is the engine room of the economy. We've got the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct and we've got the new airport coming in, and the idea that we would be avoiding investing in this key infrastructure is beyond belief. The fact is that we've got trucks that can't get off the road safely, and this is something that those opposite knew about when they were in power. Obviously, they didn't want to invest in building a railway line from south-west Sydney to the new airport, but to not even invest in roads just goes against all sensibility and logic. So I'm very proud that this government is delivering this. I'm very proud that we're investing $190 million in this piece of infrastructure for south-western Sydney. But major infrastructure is only a part of the story. Local road upgrades, delivered through programs such as the Black Spot Program, are equally important. In Engadine, the intersection of Anzac Avenue and Banksia Avenue has long been recognised as a safety concern by both the local council and the local community. As someone who grew up in the Engadine area, I know this intersection quite well. I used to walk home from school across this intersection and I drive over this intersection quite regularly. Funding of more than $290,000 has been secured through the federal government's Black Spot Program to install a new single-lane roundabout, improving traffic flow and reducing the risk of serious crashes at this location. For those of you who don't live in the area, which is most people in the room I would think, this is a location where it is very difficult to see through the intersection. Anzac Avenue is, essentially, one of the major roads in Engadine—it's the main thoroughfare off the Princes Highway—so you have cars going in there quite rapidly. People have to move in front of parked cars to try and see around this intersection. It is a very dangerous intersection, and it is one that people have been highlighting for a long time, so I'm very proud of this $290,000 that we are going to be allocating towards fixing this serious safety risk. In Ingleburn, increased industrial activity has led to higher volumes of heavy vehicles along Lancaster Road, making the intersection of Memorial Avenue increasingly difficult and unsafe to navigate. More than $200,000 has been secured to deliver a single-lane roundabout at the intersection, improving visibility, slowing traffic and making access safer for all road users, including those travelling to local community facilities such as the bowling club at Ingleburn. For families, the safety of children travelling to and from school is always a priority. Around our current public school, a number of local streets were identified as safety concerns through the Black Spot Program. More than $280,000 was secured to upgrade sections of Eucalyptus Drive and Melaleuca Drive with improved lighting, raised medians and safety islands, additional stop and give way controls, traffic-calming measures and a new pedestrian wombat crossing. Together, these upgrades will improve visibility, slow vehicle movements and create a safer environment for students, parents and residents. This is what a coordinated approach to infrastructure looks like in my community of Hughes. It's a community that those opposite have overlooked for a long time, especially in south-west Sydney, but also in the shire and in Liverpool. Those opposite have overlooked this community. They have not invested in one of the most important growth regions in our country. Large-scale projects are addressing some of these longstanding congestion issues, alongside targeted local upgrades that improve safety where people live, work and travel every day. This is what implementation of a 21st-century infrastructure program looks like, and I commend these programs to the House.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
Boris Gurman, Sofia Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, Peter Meagher, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi...
Boris Gurman, Sofia Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, Peter Meagher, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Tani Tretiak and, with that most Australian of names, 10-year-old Matilda: these 15 names represent what Australia lost on 14 December. They are now etched in the hearts of Australians forever. Those names represented hopes and futures for the lives of those who bore them, who were unjustly torn from their families and loved ones at Bondi Beach in an act of violence and terror that most Australians had thought unthinkable on this continent. It was an act of unspeakable evil and hate. It was an antisemitic attack, targeted at Jewish Australians. But it was also an attack on Australia itself—an Australia that is tolerant and relaxed, a beach-going country where you can take your troubles to the calming sea. The terrorists attacked that. They sought to divide Australians, to get Australians to turn on each other, to get Australians to believe that our differences should separate us. Australians are stronger than that. During the attack, ordinary community members stood up against the violence, the terror and the hate at the cost of their own safety—people like Boris and Sofia Gurman, who wrestled with one of the gunmen during the early stages of the attack and who, tragically, lost their lives in this act of selflessness and courage; and people like Ahmed al-Ahmed, who owns and runs a shop in Sutherland, in my electorate of Hughes. While unarmed and without any protection for his own safety, Ahmed approached one of the gunmen and disarmed him, turning the weapon on the gunman before propping it against a tree. Ahmed was shot and wounded in attempting to protect others. In the days following the attack, the front of Ahmed's closed shop in Sutherland became a focal point for my community's grief and their gratitude to those who showed such bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. A sea of flowers and messages of hope and gratitude to Ahmed for standing up for his fellow Australians flooded the front of the shop. I visited that shopfront several times, and each time I was deeply moved to see the love and the gratitude being poured out in messages like this one: And whoever saves one life—it is as if he has saved all of humanity—Qu'ran 532. From a family outside of your faith and culture, thank you. Thank you for showing the best of humanity when it mattered the most. The community came together and supported and lifted up our neighbour. In the face of fear, division and contempt, when it would be easy to choose to hate, southern Sydney turned to love. We chose light over darkness. It's the light that the Hanukkah event was planned to celebrate. When I visited Bondi that week, the community had gathered for prayers and to sing. Australians of all backgrounds had come to pay their respects and to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters. The terrorists seek to divide Australians, to make us turn on each other, to hate one another. They failed. Australians are wrapping their arms around the Jewish community, and the community of Sutherland have stood in solidarity with a Syrian Muslim refugee who embodied the Australian values of mateship and sacrifice. That is modern Australia, and that is the Australia that the terrorists will not destroy. But there is more to do. Antisemitism, hatred and racism are unacceptable in any form in modern Australia. Antisemitism in its various forms has been around for thousands of years. The Daesh terrorist ideology in which antisemitism flourishes has persisted for far longer than 800 days. But just because it has persisted doesn't mean it can be accepted. Modern Australians can disagree about international and domestic politics and can practise different faith traditions, but Australia must be a place free from violent international conflicts. I want to acknowledge the first responders who stepped up to keep victims alive, including the police, ambulance officers and surf lifesavers, many of whom were on the scene, having what should have been an ordinary Christmas party, and many of whom were in parliament today and whom I met with. We remember those who were lost that day. I want to extend my condolences on behalf of the community of Hughes to all the families, loved ones and the Jewish community. May their memory be a blessing. What happened that day must never be repeated. We must take actions to ensure that we do all that we can to make sure that they are not. I commend the motion to the House.
Labor Government | Statements by Members | House debates
Wasn't that a great example of the focus of those opposite on themselves rather than on the people they should be looking after, the real Australians who need our help! The Albanese Labor...
Wasn't that a great example of the focus of those opposite on themselves rather than on the people they should be looking after, the real Australians who need our help! The Albanese Labor government is leading the world in areas that are going to build the futures of young Australians: on international trade, on energy, on keeping our young people safe online. Those opposite can't even figure out how to lead themselves. On this side of the House, we know how to work with partners around the world to achieve real outcomes for Australians, like those in my electorate of Hughes. In our critical mineral framework with the United States we are positioning Australia to benefit from the transition the global economy is going through as countries around the world move towards net zero. On social media we are taking action to protect our young people and our next generation from its harms—reforms that are now being envied and emulated around the world. With the G20 we have strengthened our commitment to the Paris Agreement and international trade while those opposite talk down our place on the national stage. On energy we are leading the world with the presidency of the COP. While those opposite don't believe in climate action, the rest of the world and the business community and this side of the House do. The world is with us on our plans for cheaper renewable energy and international trade to reduce the cost of living for Australians. Those opposite need to take the message that Australians are giving them and join the world in the 21st century.
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
One of my favourite ads of all time tells us that a man's got to win, and to win he has to get on top and stay there. You can't do that without a canoe. You've got to have the biggest, strongest,...
One of my favourite ads of all time tells us that a man's got to win, and to win he has to get on top and stay there. You can't do that without a canoe. You've got to have the biggest, strongest, longest canoe. Life can be tough, and canoes can be awkward. So why not just ignore it all with a refreshing Carlton Draught? Beer has played a significant part in Australian society, notably through its advertising. Who could forget the big ad—the very big ad. I can't believe how big it was. A few years ago I went to see The Dismissal with the now member for Banks and, to conjure up the sound of the seventies, they played the 'I feel like a Tooheys' jingle. In our films, who could forget the iconic scene in Crocodile Dundee in which the world was introduced to Michael J 'Crocodile' Dundee in an Aussie pub. Australian pubs are part of our culture, part of our social life and part of the way that we connect with each other. It's not about what's behind the bar; it's about jobs, families and communities. Sometimes you just want to go where everybody knows your name. But catching up with your mates shouldn't break the bank, and that's why I'm very happy to support this measure. From 1 August 2025, the Albanese Labor government paused indexation of draught beer excise and excise-equivalent custom duties for two years. This crisp, full-bodied reform will mean the tax on a keg will not keep creeping up every six months like the head on a badly poured pint. This is practical, targeted relief not just for pubs, clubs and brewers but for everyday Aussies. This measure applies to containers between four and 48 litres—the kegs you see rolled into pubs every day—and to containers over 48 litres used in larger venues. It doesn't apply to bottled or canned beer, spirits or other excisable beverages. This is about helping hospitality operators and about keeping the price of a pint steady for everyday Australians. Across Australia, around 10,000 hospitality venues will benefit and around 75 per cent of those are small, family-run businesses. It means jobs for bar staff, chefs, cleaners and security. It means work for the truck driver delivering the kegs and the farmer growing the barley. It means a pub stays open and the whole supply chain can keep moving. This is a targeted measure, it's temporary, it's fiscally responsible and it will cost the budget around $95 million over four years. It is a modest investment compared to the benefits for jobs and for communities, and it does not change the overall structure of alcohol taxation or weaken public health objectives. On this side of the House, we remain committed to responsible consumption. We are not saying, 'Drink more beer.' We're saying, 'Let us ensure the price of a pint doesn't go through the roof,' while small businesses are still recovering from the conditions they experienced under the previous government. This is about jobs. Nationally, approximately 160,000 Australians work in the hospitality and brewing sectors that rely on these venues. These are jobs for young people starting out, for parents juggling shifts and for skilled chefs and managers who keep venues running. When these venues struggle, jobs are at risk, not just behind the bar but across the supply chain. This measure is good for brewers. Many brewers are small, independent producers who rely heavily on keg sales to maintain cash flow and jobs. One such brewer is Slim Pickin's Brewhouse in Engadine, a small-scale craft brewery passionate about crafting unique small-batch rotating beers. Pausing indexation will help brewers like Slim Pickin's manage costs, plan production and continue investing in local communities like Engadine. This reform also has reached beyond pubs and brewers. It flows to farmers, transport operators, equipment suppliers and thousands of small businesses linked to the hospitality supply chain. A pub staying open means it buys local produce. It hires local tradespeople. It keeps money circulating in the local economy. This is a cost-of-living measure that also strengthens small-business resilience. It's a clear example of responsible government action designed to make a difference without driving up inflation or compromising fiscal discipline. This reform is just another part of the suite of cost-of-living relief being delivered by the Albanese Labor government. Since 1 July, we have delivered a 3.5 per cent increase in the national minimum wage and award wages, making an enormous difference to the lives of the most vulnerable workers. When those opposite were in power, they kept wages for vulnerable people low and they were proud of it. They said that low wages were a 'deliberate design feature' of their 'economic architecture'. They sacrificed the wellbeing of vulnerable Australians for the sake of a perceived economic benefit that never eventuated. On this side of the House, we know that paying workers a living wage benefits the economy. That's part of the reason why our economic outcomes have been so superior to what they achieved in their time in office. We're also raising the super guarantee to 12 per cent, meaning more Australians will be able to afford a retirement and be more independent of government support in their old age. Paid Parental Leave is also increasing to 24 weeks, with super now paid on all government paid parental leave. There's another $150 in energy bill relief before the end of the year. There's $10,000 in incentive payments for new housing apprentices. We're also helping households with the cost of energy through our Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This program has seen overwhelming take-up since its inception in July this year as more and more households see the benefits that come from the new energy economy. This program is saving Australians thousands off their bills each day, and it's only growing. Through our solar sharer offer, the default market offer, retailers will be required to offer free electricity to households for at least three hours in the middle of the day when solar generation is at its peak, extending the benefits of the energy transition to Australians right across my electorate of Hughes and across the country and providing stability to energy demand. We're also cutting 20 per cent off student loan debt for three million Australians, removing a financial barrier that has affected the weekly finances of millions of Australians and kept many of them out of the housing market. We have made medicines cheaper, taking PBS prescriptions to only $25. The last time PBS prescriptions were $25 it was 2004 and we were cheering on Brad Pitt in the 2004 film Troy. And, of course, we're restoring bulk-billing. Those opposite tried to end bulk-billing. They tried to introduce co-payments and make people pay for their primary health care. The Leader of the Opposition as health minister provided absolutely no help to those seeking to bulk-bill. But we are fixing that. From 1 November, we are restoring bulk-billing as the norm in Australia. And more is coming, with further tax cuts for every taxpayer, another 50 Medicare urgent care clinics and expanded bulk-billing. We have done this with responsible economic management. We have kept inflation down. When we came to office, inflation was about six or seven per cent. Now inflation has a 'three' in front of it. That responsible management has empowered the Reserve Bank to make three interest rate cuts this year, reducing costs for mortgage holders and small businesses across the nation. This freeze to the excise is part of that responsible management. It's about keeping local venues open, keeping people in work and keeping communities connected. That's what Labor governments do; they protect decent jobs and they give our communities the environment they need to thrive, connect and grow. This measure is about giving small businesses the breathing space they need to plan ahead, retain staff and reinvest in their businesses. It's about supporting Australian brewers, particularly small and independent producers, who rely on keg sales to maintain cash flow and jobs. And, yes, it's about making sure that when Australians head to their local for a cold one they're not greeted with a nasty surprise. Let's face it, no-one wants to pay champagne prices for a schooner of beer; that would leave a bitter taste! If this measure helps keep the price of a pint steady, that's something worth raising a glass to. Let's give our pubs, clubs and brewers the fair go they deserve. This government is protecting jobs, keeping communities stronger and protecting Australians. Let's make sure that when Australians raise a glass, they toast not just to good friends and good times but to good, responsible government. I commend the bills to the House.
Mental Health Month | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
It's always an immense privilege to meet the people working on the front line of mental health care in our community—people who show up each day with empathy, professionalism and purpose....
It's always an immense privilege to meet the people working on the front line of mental health care in our community—people who show up each day with empathy, professionalism and purpose. Right now two in five young Australians are experiencing mental health distress. That is double the rate from 20 years ago. During Mental Health Month I joined the Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, to visit the Liverpool Medicare mental health centre, right in the heart of south-west Sydney. It's one of 50 Medicare mental health centres now open across the country, part of a new model of care that brings mental health support into the middle of communities— A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 12:03 to 12:18 It's one of 50 Medicare mental health centres now open across the country, part of a new model of care that brings mental health support into the middle of communities where people live, work and seek help. Since opening in 2023, the Liverpool centre has delivered more than 23,000 occasions of service. That means thousands of people across our region—people who might otherwise have gone without care—have been able to walk through the doors and receive the support they need. These centres represent a shift in how we think about mental health care. They remove the barriers that too often stop people from seeking help—the need for a referral, a diagnosis or even an appointment. You can simply walk in and be seen by a multidisciplinary team of mental health clinicians, nurses, counsellors and peer workers. These are people who understand the complex medical system but, more importantly, understand people. When you step inside the Liverpool centre, there's a sense of calm and care that's not common in health care. It doesn't feel clinical or intimidating; it feels human. There's a sense that help is here and that someone is ready to listen. I met staff who spoke about supporting people at some of their lowest moments—people in distress, people who have been waiting too long for support, people who just needed someone to take them seriously. For many, centres like this are the difference between isolation and recovery, between being seen and being overlooked. This is what the Albanese Labor government means when it says it's putting mental health at the heart of Medicare. It's about building a system that treats mental health just as importantly as physical health, not just as an afterthought, a luxury or a separate lane of care. In Liverpool alone the Albanese government has invested $18.4 million to fund the centre's operations, and it's already transforming lives. In October this government also opened the new Campbelltown Medicare Mental Health Centre, providing even more south-western Sydney residents with access to free walk-in mental health support and care. When we invest in services that meet people where they are, we strengthen the fabric of our community. Mental health isn't an abstract policy. It's deeply personal. It's in every family, every workplace and every street in our suburbs. I've heard firsthand across Hughes from parents worrying about their children; young people struggling with study or work pressures; adults trying to balance family, finances and wellbeing; and seniors feeling isolated. Mental health and resilience is part of all our stories, and that's why this new network of Medicare mental health centres is this government walking the walk not just talking the talk on mental health. I also had the opportunity to visit headspace Liverpool and headspace Miranda on national mental health day. Both of these services do remarkable work supporting young people across south-west Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. At headspace Liverpool I met a team that's passionate about creating a space where young people feel safe to open up. The service is welcoming, warm and led by people who know that early intervention can make all the difference. It's amazing to see how well networked this program is with local high schools and how these programs are growing from strength to strength. That's why the Albanese government is expanding headspace centres to 203 locations nationwide. Speaking to the staff at headspace Liverpool, you can see how seriously they take that mission—their outreach into schools, TAFEs and community organisations means help isn't hidden behind a waiting list or a long drive. It's part of daily life. For many young people the hardest step is the first one, which is seeking the help they need. Once they do, the transformation can be incredible. As part of the Albanese Labor government's $1.1 billion mental health election commitment, over $200 million will be invested in 58 new upgraded and expanded headspace services. Headspace Miranda will receive $2.5 million through the headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program to hire additional clinicians and relocate the service to expand capacity and improve care. I visited headspace Miranda to meet with staff and members of their youth reference group and discuss all the great work they're doing. This centre supports young people across the shire, an area that, despite its beauty and strong sense of community, isn't immune to the pressures young people face. At Miranda the team shared stories about how they've supported young people dealing with everything from exam stress to family breakdowns, loneliness and depression. They spoke about how they're seeing an increase in family violence and child protection concerns but also that more young people are reaching out for help earlier, which is highly encouraging. In the shire I often hear from families who are trying to support their kids through tough times. Sometimes they're not sure what to say or how to help. Services like headspace Miranda give those families a starting point. They give young people a safe space where they can find understanding and care without stigma or judgement. It's not just for crisis care. Headspace helps young people develop the tools and confidence to manage their wellbeing. That building of resilience is critical, and it will last them a lifetime. When we talk about mental health, we often talk about numbers—how many centres, how many appointments, how much funding. Those numbers matter, but what matters more are the people behind them—the young people who walked into headspace Liverpool and found hope; the peer worker at Miranda who turned their recovery into a career of helping others; and the clinicians at the Liverpool Medicare Mental Health Centre, who open the doors each day to anyone in need with no referral required. These are the people building a better mental health system in real time, and, as a government, we're supporting that with the largest investment in mental health in Australia's history, with $1.1 billion to expand access to community based care backed by Medicare. That means more services, more staff and more options for people at every stage of life. It also means acknowledging that one size doesn't fit all. For new parents, we're opening 20 perinatal mental health centres in partnership with the Gidget Foundation. For children, 17 new Medicare mental health kids hubs are being rolled out across the country. For young people, the headspace network continues to grow and evolve. All of this work shares a single vision that mental health care should be accessible, compassionate and local. I want to thank each clinician, counsellor, peer worker, receptionist and volunteer that works so hard across these services. Your work is vital. You're saving lives every day, often quietly, without recognition, but always with impact. I also want to thank the families, carers and loved ones who support those experiencing mental ill health. The strength, patience and love you show are the backbone of our community's mental health response. Mental Health Month's theme this year is 'Taking steps on your wellbeing journey'. From my conversations in Liverpool and Miranda, one message stands: out the first step is often the hardest, but it's also the most powerful. This always bears repeating because of the devastating impacts mental health can have in our community. If you're struggling, reach out. If you're not sure where to start, walk into one of our Medicare mental health centres or your local headspace. You don't need a referral, you don't need to wait and you don't have to do it alone. Together, we're building a system that meets people with compassion and one that makes it easier to ask for help and easier to get it, because mental health is health, and when we take care of it, our whole community is better off.
VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
On this side of the House we believe in technical education. We believe in equipping Australians with the skills they need to succeed in their futures. Those opposite don't believe in TAFE; they...
On this side of the House we believe in technical education. We believe in equipping Australians with the skills they need to succeed in their futures. Those opposite don't believe in TAFE; they don't believe in the skills sector. On this side of the House we believe in making TAFE more affordable. That's why we've drastically expanded access to fee-free TAFE right across the country. Those opposite say that if you don't pay for something you don't value it. Well, in May, Australians showed that they disagree. They elected a government that believes that Australians value bulk-billing, even when they don't pay for it, because it keeps Australians healthy and working. They elected a government that believes that Australians value getting 20 per cent off their student loans because it lessens financial burdens that keep young people out of homeownership. They elected a government that believes that Australians value investments in TAFE and investments in Australian skills because of the value that skills add to the Australian economy. The VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 represents additional recognition of the value of the skills sector. It's a bill that represents real certainty to students, training providers and the government alike. This legislation is about fixing a gap. It ensures that the Vocational Education and Training Student Loans Program—the system that helps tens of thousands of Australians train for essential jobs—continues to operate on firm and lawful footing. It matters to people right across my electorate of Hughes, from Liverpool to Menai to Ingleburn to Macquarie Fields. It matters to apprentices studying at the Loftus campus of TAFE Sutherland or TAFE Liverpool. It matters to the next generation of builders in Macquarie Fields and to parents returning to work after a break who rely on flexible vocational education to get ahead. It was fantastic to visit Macquarie Fields TAFE with Minister Giles, the Minister for Skills, and see all the members of our community who are learning new skills to help them get to the careers they want to achieve. The VET Student Loans Program replaced the old VET FEE-HELP scheme in 2017. That change was necessary after widespread rorting of the old system. But during a review of how VET student loans were being administered it became clear that the 2016 legislation did not explicitly authorise providers to handle students' tax file numbers. The tax file numbers needed to match student loans to their tax account. That created a technical inconsistency between what the system was required to do to function and what the law actually said providers could do. Training providers had to collect TFNs to process loans, but the law had never given them the power to do so. This bill fixes that inconsistency and retrospectively authorises VET providers' handling of TFNs from the time the program commenced on 1 January 2017 through to 30 September 2025 when the IT systems of the department were able to remove the need for providers to handle TFNs altogether. This is not an additional loophole. It's not an additional power grab. This is just an alignment between the law and the technology that supports the vocational education system. It provides certainty to students, training providers and government officers who have done the right thing administering these loans in good faith. With regard to why is this retrospective and privacy, this change has no impact on students' privacy rights. Since 2017, VET providers have been required to meet strict information security and integrity standards. They must notify the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations if there is any data breach. They face civil and criminal penalties for any misuse of personal information. During a review of how VET student loans are administered, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations identified that there was no clear role in the VSL act for VSL providers to handle TFNs and that stronger alignment between relevant IT systems and legislation was required for handling TFNs. Our government is taking steps to fix a problem identified during the review in the last term of government—that of how VET student loans, VSLs, were administered. We've taken action to ensure that this issue is resolved and that there is certainty for students and providers. The bill is a fix for the issue of VSL providers handling tax file numbers when the VSL act of 2016 did not authorise it. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations identified that there is no clear role for VSL providers to handle tax file numbers in the VET Student Loans Act 2016. A stronger alignment between relevant IT systems and legislation was required, and that's why this Albanese Labor government is bringing forward the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 to ensure that this alignment is fixed and this problem is resolved. This bill will retrospectively authorise VET student loan providers handling of students' tax file numbers for administering the VET Student Loans program. This bill will also provide certainty to providers and government officers that their past handling of student TFNs, for administering the VET Student Loans program from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2025, was lawful. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has, since early 2025, made updates to relevant IT systems to mask tax file numbers from VSL providers and automate the transfer of tax file numbers between relevant systems, meaning that VSL providers no longer need to handle tax file numbers. A tax file number is information that is essential for administering a loans program of this kind. This is because tax file numbers enable accurate tracking and repayment of VET student loans through the tax system. There will be no change to the way students apply for a VET student loan using electronic systems. There have been no VSL student complaints as a result of past tax file number handling practices for the purposes of the VSL program since it commenced. Providers have also been subject to security controls in the relevant IT systems and integrity safeguards to protect students' personal information. These safeguards include requirements for providers to comply with strict use and disclosure provisions that apply to vet information under the VSL Act, to undergo extensive approval processes to become an approved provider and to notify the department of any student related data breaches. These protections that have previously applied to VSL providers' handling of tax file numbers will continue to do so after the bill's commencement. This bill will apply to all current and former VSL providers and their officers who have handled students' tax file numbers to administer their VSL loan applications and their VET student loans themselves prior to 1 October 2025. It also extends to other relevant persons, including the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations secretary, the Commissioner of Taxation and Commonwealth officers. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has communicated with VSL providers about the IT changes throughout the year and continues to communicate with providers about this bill. This government is ensuring that there is certainty in this system and that no-one else will be affected by a problem of this kind in the future. This government is determined to ensure that TAFE has a future in this country. VET student-loan providers are registered training organisations approved by the Australian government to deliver VSL approved courses, including TAFE institutions and private colleges. This bill will be applied retrospectively to be in effect from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2025. This is a government that believes in the skills sector and, importantly, this is a government that is investing in the skills sector. I see the scepticism from the member for Goldstein. We know that they don't value things that they don't pay for, but we know that Australians do. And Australians voted for a government that wants to invest in TAFE, that wants to invest in skills, and that's what this bill is part of. This bill modernises the skills sector to ensure that it fits the situation as it exists, and it's another way that the Albanese Labor government is delivering for Australians and delivering for the future of our skills sector. I commend the bill to the House.
Hughes Electorate: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Sylvanvale | Constituency Statements | House debates
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. It traces its origins to the travels of St Thomas in the first century. I'm very honoured that my...
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is one of the oldest Christian traditions in the world. It traces its origins to the travels of St Thomas in the first century. I'm very honoured that my electorate of Hughes contains the St Thomas cathedral of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and it was my honour this week to welcome to Sydney His Holiness Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews II on behalf of the Australian government. His Holiness is the Catholicos of the Indian Orthodox Church throughout the world and the spiritual leader of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christians. His visit was a moment of great significance for the Indian orthodox community in Australia and in Hughes. It offered an opportunity for families, young people and elders to come together in celebration of their heritage and their faith. This sense of unity and pride was on display at the dinner held in honour of His Holiness at St Thomas Indian Orthodox Cathedral in Wattle Grove in my electorate of Hughes. The warmth and generosity on display from the congregation was outstanding and reflected the strong community spirit that defines so many of our local cultural and religious groups. It was amazing to see so many people from different orthodox and non-orthodox traditions of Christianity come together in a spirit of ecumenism, recognise the significance of the moment of His Holiness's visit and acknowledge the deep spiritual connection that his presence provided. Hughes is home to a thriving and growing Indian community, and events like this highlight the value of multiculturalism and the way people from diverse backgrounds strengthen our nation. We were deeply honoured by the presence of His Holiness and grateful for the time he spent encouraging and uplifting those he met. I also want to pay tribute to him for his longstanding efforts to promote peace, mutual understanding and the importance of living with purpose and service to others. It was also great to meet with His Holiness again during his visit this week in Canberra, and I want to thank him for his commitment to Indian orthodox communities in Australia. It was also a great privilege to attend the opening of Sylvanvale's new head office in Sutherland. Sylvanvale has been a significant part of the community in the Sutherland Shire for decades, but this milestone represents a continued commitment to support people with disability and strengthen services across the Sutherland Shire. It has operated for over 60 years and has built a reputation for delivering support that's practical, respectful and centred on the individual. The new Sutherland head office brings staff and services together in a modern space designed for collaboration and better outcomes. It creates a strong base for the organisation's future and reinforces Sylvanvale's longstanding connection to the Sutherland Shire. I congratulate Sylvanvale on this significant step and thank them for the contribution they continue to make to our community.
Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Australians have changed the way they consume their media. There's been a significant decline in the number of people who watch live broadcast television free to air. The year 2024 marked a key...
Australians have changed the way they consume their media. There's been a significant decline in the number of people who watch live broadcast television free to air. The year 2024 marked a key milestone in Australia's viewing habits, with fewer than half of Australians watching live free-to-air TV for the first time at only 46 per cent, down from 52 per cent in 2023. This was accompanied by a decline in the average time spent viewing broadcast television, down to 4.8 hours a week in 2024 from 5.6 hours a week in 2023. Australians have shifted the way they consume their content, but two things have not shifted: Australians' desire for a strong Australian arts and media sector and the legislative landscape for subscription video on demand. Right now, free-to-air broadcasters have Australian content requirements. Pay TV has Australian content requirements. Streaming services do not. This gap means Australian stories are being overshadowed by a global library of content created elsewhere. That's why I'm so happy to support the Communications Legislation Amendment (Australian Content Requirement for Subscription Video On Demand (Streaming) Services) Bill 2025. This is practical legislation that will strengthen our cultural sector and deliver clear benefits for communities like mine in southern Sydney. Fifty-sex per cent of Australians believe the arts benefits their wellbeing, but half of Australians are not attending arts events as much as they would like, with cost and location cited as significant barriers to arts attendance. It's clear that Australians want access to arts, entertainment and media right here in Australia. This legislation aims to ensure that we maintain a significant arts and culture industry in Australia. Streaming services really took off around the world during the mid- to late-2010s. It was an enormous opportunity for regulatory reform for those who were in government during that time to ensure that Australians were positioned to take advantage of this transition in consumption. Did we have a government during those years that was innovative and forward thinking? Unfortunately not. We had those opposite in government. While overseas companies were swooping into Australia to take advantage of these changes, those opposite did nothing to ensure that Australians would benefit from it. In a challenging landscape, Australian streamers like Presto and Quickflix collapsed. On top of that, those opposite butchered the arts sector. The 2014 federal budget slashed almost $60 million of the arts and cultural development funding and also slashed about $68 million from Screen Australia and the Australia Council—cuts that devastated the arts community and shattered the trust of artists and creative workers across this nation that Australia was a place where a career as an artist could be built. Those opposite's efforts damaged the industry. They sought to create an environment where the arts couldn't flourish, just as they sought to create an environment where manufacturing couldn't flourish. They dared our manufacturers to go offshore, and that's exactly what our vehicle manufacturers did. Those efforts almost did the same to the arts sector. As a brother to one of those in the creative sector, I know how much value is added to our society by the arts sector and how devastated the arts community were to know that the Liberal-National government didn't see their value. Fortunately, the Australian people rejected this antediluvian and backward-thinking approach. They elected an Albanese Labor government to bring back an Australia where creativity and the arts could flourish. In its first 12 months in office, the Albanese Labor government released its national cultural policy, aptly named Revive. Revive is structured around five interconnected pillars, which set out the government's strategic objectives. Firstly, it puts First Nations first, recognising and respecting the crucial place of First Nations stories at the centre of Australia's arts and culture. Secondly, it allows a place for every story, reflecting the breadth of our stories and the contribution of all Australians as creators of culture. Thirdly, it recognises centrality of the artist, supporting the artist as a worker and celebrating artists as creators. Fourthly, it provides strong cultural infrastructure, providing support across the spectrum of institutions which sustain our arts, culture and heritage. Finally, it engages the audience, making sure our stories connect with people at home and abroad. This bill builds on the structure put in place through the national cultural policy. For so many in my electorate, arts are an important part of life. In September, I had the opportunity to met with Eric Nash of Glasshouse Productions, a local filmmaker from the Sutherland shire. Eric wrote, directed and produced the feature film Love You Like That and shot it entirely in the shire. Starring Mitchell Hope and comedy great Steph Tisdell, the film celebrated our local area on screen and achieved national success, screening in over 90 cinemas. It's now streaming in the USA, Canada, the UK and here in Australia, proudly showcasing the beauty and heart of the Sutherland shire to international audiences. Hughes is a photogenic place. We have the beauty of Bundeena, the marvels of Maianbar, the rare beauty of the Royal National Park, the spectacular Simmos Beach, the healthy hum of the Heathcote National Park, the gentle run of the Georges River and a thriving and healthy koala population. Hughes has a lot to offer, and Australia has a lot to offer the world of film, television and streaming. However, local gems of films like Love You Like That struggle to get the national spotlight in an environment that favours big international players. I'm sure, Deputy Speaker Georganas, that you will be rushing home to stream it online as soon as you're out the chair, now that you know what it has to offer, but other content isn't so fortunate. When Australian film and television is allowed to shine, we know that it is highly successful on the world stage. Programs like Bluey have children all around the world saying, 'Airport? I'm not going to the airport,' in an Australian accent. Colin from Accounts brought to the screen the relatable situation of falling asleep on the T4 and waking up at Waterfall and dared to imagine a world in which Waterfall had a big Chinese restaurant. Mad Max: Fury Road had fans all around 'witness' it. This is what Australian cinema can achieve when it's given a fair go. Our films goes straight to the pool room! But the media landscape has been stacked against Australian creators for too long. This bill builds on the government's efforts to change that. Families in Barden Ridge, Hammondville and Macquarie Fields gather at home in the evenings to watch dramas and documentaries. They love David Attenborough, as we all do, but they also want to hear Australian voices telling Australian stories that matter to Australians. That's why this bill matters to people in Hughes. It ensures that, no matter what screen they choose to watch, there is guaranteed access to Australian productions that reflect our identity and our values. This bill is straightforward. It requires major streaming services with over one million Australian subscribers to invest at least 10 per cent of their total program expenditure into new Australian commissions or first-release acquisitions of eligible program formats. These formats include drama, children's content, documentary, arts and educational programs. Alternatively, services may choose the option of investing 7.5 per cent of their gross Australian revenue. Without a new tax and without a new levy, it's a simple requirement to reinvest a small part of the value these platforms derive from the Australian public back into Australian stories. It mirrors arrangements that already exist for other broadcasters and ensures Australians will continue to see themselves represented on screen. Australia has always played an important global role in the film industry. The first full-length narrative feature film was created right here. On Boxing Day 1906, The Story of the Kelly Gang opened at the Athenaeum theatre in Melbourne. It was the first multi-reel, feature-length film ever produced in the world, and it was produced right here. So our history of the film industry is long and important, and for the people of Hughes this bill does several important things. Firstly, it strengthens local industries. Our area is home to producers, editors, animators and creatives who work across the screen sector. Many residents commute into the city each day to work in production houses, studios or digital design firms. This bill helps secure jobs for these workers by giving producers more certainty that local content will be commissioned. Secondly, it supports small business. Sydney is home to businesses that supply equipment, post-production services, sound design and filming support. When Australian productions increases, these businesses grow. It means jobs in our local communities. It means the growth of local spending. That's of direct economic benefit for Hughes. Thirdly, it supports young people. There are thousands of young creatives in Hughes. Students in schools across the Sutherland shire, Liverpool and Campbelltown LGAs study media, film and performing arts. They are capable. They are ambitious. They are eager to contribute to an industry that feels increasingly global and competitive. By increasing Australian commissions, we give these students clearer pathways for their careers and more opportunities to develop skills close to home. Lastly, this bill ensures strong and continued representation for all Australians. The Hughes community is very diverse. Families from many cultural backgrounds call Hughes home, and Australians want these stories, the stories of modern Australia, reflected on screen. Residents bring perspectives shaped by their heritage, their personal histories and their connection to local places. If we want a future Australia to feel seen and understood, our screens must reflect that diversity. The current market does not always guarantee this, but this bill introduces a stable requirement that improves representation and supports stories that come from communities like ours. The bill amends the Broadcasting Services Act to introduce Australian content requirements for subscription video-on-demand services. It also makes consequential amendments to the ACMA Act so that the authority can administer these obligations. It establishes clear rules, including a three-year carryover period for expenditure and a statutory review after four years to ensure the scheme is working as intended. This balances certainty with accountability. Services have flexibility to manage expenditure across years, while the public can trust that the system will be evaluated and improved over time. The requirement only applies to major services with more than one million Australian subscribers. It excludes platforms that feature predominantly user-generated content, services that rely solely on advertising or those with limited appeal. It ensures the scheme targets the largest players without burdening small platforms. This legislation also protects the public by imposing civil penalties for breaches. When rules exist, they must be enforceable. The ACMA will have powers to determine classes of expenditure and revenue and to request notifications from service providers. These delegated powers are made through disallowable instruments, which protects parliamentary oversight. In relation to why the level of regulation is necessary where the market already produces Australian content, the answer is simple: without clear requirements, local content becomes vulnerable to fluctuations in global investments. Large platforms commission programs from many countries at once, and decisions are not always made with the Australian public in mind. Our content can be deprioritised or replaced with cheaper imports. Over time, this has the potential to erode the presence to Australian voices. A stable requirement ensures that, even as technology changes, our identity is not diluted. Residents in Hughes want Australian stories on their screens. They want Australian children to grow up watching Australian programs that reflect their lives and surroundings. They want an arts and cultural sector that offers good jobs and strong career pathways. They want the creative talent in south-west Sydney and the Sutherland Shire to be supported, not overshadowed. This bill responds to those expectations. It supports economic development. It strengthens cultural expression and representation. It gives certainty to creators and businesses. It ensures major global companies that benefit from Australian audiences contribute meaningfully to Australian storytelling. The people of Hughes are passionate, diverse and proud to be Australian, and they want their stories reflected. They value fairness and contribution. The expect that, when a service operates in Australia and profits from Australian households, it also invests in Australian culture. This bill meets that expectation in a balanced, proportionate and effective way. Australians love their television. They love their film. This bill gives Australians the opportunity to love Australian film and media like that. I commend this bill to the House.
Social Cohesion | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs. How is the Albanese Labor government helping to protect communities from people who would seek to undermine social cohesion and spread hatred?
Environmental Legislation | Statements by Members | House debates
My electorate of Hughes has some of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world: the second-oldest national park in the world, the Royal National Park; the Heathcote National Park; the...
My electorate of Hughes has some of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world: the second-oldest national park in the world, the Royal National Park; the Heathcote National Park; the Georges River; and the Hacking River, in which we have a thriving platypus population after a 50-year absence. Labor is the party of environmental reform. Those on this side of the chamber have delivered every single major environmental reform in Australia's history: Landcare, saving the Franklin, protecting Daintree and Kakadu, building the largest network of marine parks in the world and meaningfully addressing the threat of climate change. While those on the other side can't remember whether they believe in climate change from day to day, we on this side of the House are getting on with the job of addressing the clear and widely accepted need for environmental law reform to support productivity and deliver stronger environmental protections. Our government has introduced real reform to the outdated legislation of the Howard government era to provide stronger environmental protection and restoration, more efficient and robust project assessments, and greater accountability and transparency in decision-making. We need to get these laws working to achieve other national priorities, like delivering the homes, jobs, clean energy and economic prosperity our country needs in the future. This is about getting the balance right: laws that are better for business and better for the environment. Those opposite need to get on board.
Briffa, Father John, SDB, OAM | Adjournment | House debates
I'm a proud Bosco boy, and in October the Bosco and the broader Engadine-Heathcote community lost a treasured member of our community and an icon of our history. Father John Briffa SDB, OAM, who...
I'm a proud Bosco boy, and in October the Bosco and the broader Engadine-Heathcote community lost a treasured member of our community and an icon of our history. Father John Briffa SDB, OAM, who passed in the late hours of Wednesday 22 October, founded two of the great institutions of Engadine and Heathcote: St John Bosco High School and John Paul Village. Father John Briffa had been a part of Engadine life since 1964. He first came to Engadine as the resident priest at Boys Town, now the Dunlea Centre, and he became the parish priest at St John Bosco Parish in 1968. Father Briffa was someone who listened to the community's needs and took actions to meet them. He arrived at a time when Engadine and its surrounding suburbs were much less developed. He quickly identified the greatest challenges for Engadine: a lack of aged-care facilities and no local Catholic high school. Members of the parish were placing elderly relatives in care in other parts of Sydney, and students were travelling out of Engadine for high school to receive Catholic education. Father Briffa took action, and he started institutions that have grown beyond anyone's imaginings. One of Father Briffa's most enduring legacies is the high school at which I had the privilege to learn. St John Bosco College, originally St John Bosco High School, was founded in 1978 under the initiative of the parish of St John Bosco and under Father Briffa's leadership. When he arrived, the parish, the school system and the aged-care services were all in various states of growth, but he quickly understood that this was a community in need of strong, cohesive institutions and a sense of belonging. Bosco is a very important part of my life. I was baptised and confirmed there and I went to school there. The library in the school is named for Father Briffa, in recognition of what he contributed to it. He did not build so that his name would be on the wall; he built so future generations could stand on firm ground. He did not simply open a school; he saw it as a family, a community and something that prepared young people not only for exams but for life. The Salesian ethos emphasises that education is not simply about curriculum but about relationships, pastoral care and opportunity. The school's motto, 'Gaudium et spes', meaning 'joy and hope', reflects Father Briffa's vision of a school being more than a place for knowledge gain. Father Briffa also saw to the needs of older members of our community. In 1985, the parish of St John Bosco in Engadine, under his leadership, opened John Paul Village in Heathcote, a retirement and aged-care village conceived to meet a local need for seniors to live with dignity in their community. Father Briffa had been taking calls from parishioners seeking somewhere for themselves and their elderly parents to live. A chance meeting with a Uniting Church minister, Reverend Keith Biddle, saw the two churches join forces. Forty years on, the village, now operated by St Vincent's Care, is still serving the community. Today it's home to more than 400 residents in aged-care rooms and independent living units. I was fortunate enough to attend the ruby anniversary spring fair for John Paul Village a few weeks ago, in October. Father Briffa was the guest of honour at the celebration of the ruby jubilee mass for the foundation of John Paul Village. The mass was also attended by the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns. When I knew Father Briffa, he was the chaplain of John Paul Village, a position he took up in 2001. He was still serving the community that he'd started all those years ago. Father Briffa knew the parish as a community. He recognised that young and old people alike needed place, purpose and care, and he helped build the infrastructure that framed that vision. For Engadine and Heathcote, this was transformative. He acted when he saw a need. The aged-care village was born because seniors in the parish had nowhere local to go. The school was born because the community needed a Catholic secondary option. He combined vision with concrete steps. I give thanks tonight for Father John Briffa's life, his service, his humility and his steadfast dedication. His work remains visible in the classrooms where students learn, in the aged-care village where seniors live and in the parish gatherings that remember him. Father Briffa often said: 'These are my people. This is the family that God gave me.' I am deeply inspired by the power of his local initiatives and the role community leadership plays when it is grounded in compassion and when we hold the aim of the kind of community he forged—one that welcomes, supports, challenges and allows each generation to inherit a strong sense of community and belonging. The return on education from Bosco, the benefits of care from John Paul Village and the community that remains—these are multigenerational. For us in public life, that reminder is vital. We invest today for people not yet born. Father Briffa's passing at the age of 97 marks the end of an era for Bosco, but it's an era that invites reflection on the legacy of education, justice, care and community building that continues to bear fruit. Father Briffa's funeral will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 4 November, at 10 am. God bless the soul of Father Briffa, a man who lived the gospel and built communities that will carry his legacy for many years to come. May he rest in peace. House adjourned at 20:00
Competition and Consumer Amendment (Australian Energy Regulator Separation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
Our energy market is a cornerstone of Australia's economic infrastructure and a critical service for Australian consumers. It enables the transmission and distribution of electricity across vast...
Our energy market is a cornerstone of Australia's economic infrastructure and a critical service for Australian consumers. It enables the transmission and distribution of electricity across vast distances, supporting industries, businesses and households with reliable power. Australians expect to be able to have access to cheap, reliable power. They expect to be able to turn on the lights at night. They expect to be able to throw their leftovers in the fridge and have them still be cold the next day. They expect to be able to run their fans and air conditioners in the summertime. And they expect that their energy will power their healthcare devices. Reliability and stability are absolutely essential to our energy markets, and those are what this bill is aiming to achieve. Stability in energy policy is not something that was achieved under the previous government. Was stability something that we expected from the Abbott-Truss-Turnbull-Truss-Turnbull-Joyce-Turnbull-Joyce—again—Turnbull-McCormack-Morrison-McCormack-Morrison-Joyce—yet again—government? No. But it was something that Australians desperately sought. Those opposite do believe in climate change one minute; the next, they don't. They believe in reducing emissions one minute; the next, it's all too hard. They support a national energy guarantee one minute; they shelve it the next. One minute, Scott Morrison is talking about his plan to achieve net zero at the COP in Glasgow; the next, the Nationals are showing net zero support for the Liberal leadership. Just now, we have heard some appalling, unscientific scaremongering from the member for New England on this bill. Those opposite spent nine years in government, during which they could have formulated a plan to replace our ageing coal-fired power stations. They didn't come up with one. So, on this side of the chamber, the Albanese Labor government has had to spend the last 3½ years playing catch-up on energy policy to modernise our ageing system. As I've said, Australians expect reliability in their power. That's why the work of the Australian Energy Regulator matters—not just to policymakers or economists, but to every Australian household, every small business and every community trying to keep the lights on and bills under control. A key part of the stability and reliability of our network comes from the work of the Australian Energy Regulator, the AER. Now, the AER isn't one of the most high-profile parts of the federal government. You won't find many dinner party conversations that start with, 'So what do you think about the governance structure of the Australian Energy Regulator?' But its work in ensuring that Australian energy consumers are better off now, and will be into the future, is work in which Australians, including those in my electorate of Hughes, take significant interest. In my electorate of Hughes, it's not an abstract idea. In 2023-24, Ausgrid customers in Bangor used 15,535 megawatt-hours of electricity. In Ingleburn, our industrial sites needs significant energy supply to keep our economy moving. Family-run local businesses, like Valley Kebab in Ingleburn Town Centre, just want predictable power bills. To the electricians on the job in Barden Ridge and Wattle Grove, and tradies trying to finish work before dark, these decisions about our energy-system regulation have very real impact. This legislation is a critical reform to ensure our national energy regulation framework retains its effective governance. It holds real benefits for the people of Hughes, our small businesses, our environment and our local communities. When the AER was established in 2005, it was a small team of 15 people, working with a budget of just over $6.5 million. Today, it's a national regulator of nearly 400 people, managing a budget approaching $100 million. That's a transformation by any measure, and this government needs to respond to it. Over those two decades, Australia's energy sector has changed beyond recognition. We've seen the rise of renewables, new technologies like household batteries and community solar, and a grid under more pressure and with more complexity than ever before. Yet, despite that change, the governance structure for the AER hasn't caught up. The AER remains administratively tethered to the ACCC, even though its remit, its expertise and its accountability are entirely different. The current set-up is a bit like having your dentist working at an accounting firm: 'I'm sure he's well qualified to do the work, but why am I coming to the tax return place to get my teeth fixed?' This bill modernises the arrangements. It ensures the AER is equipped to handle the challenges ahead, because those challenges are significant. Across my community, people are making decisions about rooftop solar, about household batteries and about how to use power, and they are relying on fair, consistent and transparent regulation. The AER plays a critical role in ensuring the electricity networks that serve our community, from substations in Engadine and Lucas Heights to the distribution lines that keep Sutherland businesses humming, are operating efficiently and charging consumers fairly. Every time an energy retailer wants to change its default market offer or a network seeks to adjust its prices, it's the AER that steps in to check those proposals against what's fair and reasonable. For households in suburbs like Engadine and Moorebank, where people are watching every dollar, those decisions matter. So, when we talk about giving the AER greater independence, we're really talking about strengthening the referee in the system. We are making sure the organisation that protects consumers can act quickly, decisively and without interference. At present, there's a mismatch between responsibility and accountability. The AER Board is responsible for the regulatory decisions, yet the ACCC chair is legally accountable for the AER's finances and staffing. That's not just clunky; it's inefficient governance. It impairs its ability to hold others fully accountable if it doesn't control its own people and budget. The Vertigan review in 2015 said it clearly: the AER needs full management and financial autonomy to be effective. The Finkel review in 2017 agreed, and the Energy Security Board review in 2020 heard the same message from stakeholders across the energy market: independence matters. This bill finally delivers on that independence. This bill takes a measured and minimalist approach. We're not reinventing the wheel or setting up an entirely new agency with layers of bureaucracy; we're simply giving the AER its own legal footing as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity, separate from the ACCC under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. It means the AER Board will now be the accountable authority and the AER chair will serve as the head of the agency under the Public Service Act 1999. Existing staff will transition smoothly with their conditions preserved under the ACCC enterprise agreement. Shared services, like human resources or information technology, can be purchased from the ACCC or third parties where that makes sense. It's practical, it's efficient, and it doesn't burden taxpayers with unnecessary duplication. Independence is essential for the public to have full confidence in our regulators. I used to work for a regulator, and we really valued our independence in terms of making decisions that were going to affect our economy and entities. The AER makes tough calls every single day, regulating billion-dollar networks and deciding on price determinations that affect millions of Australians. If the public believe that the regulator is influenced by another body, even if it isn't, then public trust erodes in our institution. This bill gives the AER the independence it needs to do the job properly and the authority to manage its own destiny. Our energy grid is going through the most significant transition since electrification itself, with renewable generation expanding regularly. In the Sydney region, this new grid infrastructure is being planned to support the transition to clean energy. Having an effective regulator like the AER under the changes this bill brings will ensure the investment in this transition is efficient and that the benefits flow directly to consumers. In my community, that means more stable, affordable and sustainable energy for our future; more local schools being able to install solar panels; and small manufacturers being able to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank. When residents see their bills spike, they don't want excuses. They want accountability. By empowering the AER, we can ensure that it can act faster and smarter and ultimately protect consumers better. Those opposite don't want to acknowledge the transition that is occurring in our energy market, but on this side of the House we are taking action to ensure that Australia is ready for a renewable energy future as our market continues to transition. This bill has not come to parliament in a rushed fashion. Instead, it has been shaped through extensive consultation with federal government departments, the AER, the ACCC and state and territory ministers. In May 2023, all state and territory ministers actually agreed to the separation under the Australian Energy Market Agreement. This bill is the result of years of review, discussion and careful design, and it's about time. This bill will ensure the removal of duplication, streamline governance and ensure the AER can get on with the job that Australians expect, to protect consumers and ensure the reliability and affordability of energy. An empowered AER will better monitor retailers, enforce compliance and ensure the energy markets play by the rules. Given the coming decade of energy transition, it will be more vital than ever to have a regulator that's nimble, well resourced and independent, because the energy market will not wait for the government to catch up. It is a key strength of this bill that the separation does not disrupt information sharing between the AER and the ACCC. It still allows collaboration on investigations or enforcement. The people of Hughes expect this place to keep their bills low and their lights on, and they also expect us to ensure that regulators are working efficiently and transparently. This reform is part of the broader work of the Albanese Labor government of modernising these bodies, from payday superannuation reforms, which ensure fairness for workers, to the National Energy Transformation Partnership initiatives, which help coordinate investments across jurisdictions. This reform is practical. It's overdue. It puts consumers and the energy sector on the forefront of policy. It's part of the Albanese Labor government's commitment to ensuring that our economy benefits from the transitions that are taking place in the energy market. I commend this bill to the House.
Budget | Private Members' Business | House debates
The late, great Meat Loaf used to say that two out of three ain't bad, but what do you think he would have said about zero for nine? Those opposite spent nine years in government, and they spent...
The late, great Meat Loaf used to say that two out of three ain't bad, but what do you think he would have said about zero for nine? Those opposite spent nine years in government, and they spent that time praising their own fiscal responsibility, but how many surpluses did they deliver in that time? A goose egg: zero. And now they come in here and howl about fiscal responsibility. One side of this place likes to talk about fiscal responsibility. We've had lectures about fiscal responsibility from a side that never delivers it. On the other side, the side of the Albanese Labor government, we really deliver it. In its first budgets after coming to office, the Albanese Labor government delivered the first back-to-back surpluses in almost two decades and restored confidence in our nation's finances. This side of the House cares about fiscal responsibility, because of the assistance that it provides to working families in Australia. The other side only cares about fiscal responsibility so that they can have something to print on their mugs. They like to forget about the 'Back in Black' mugs that they printed to celebrate the surplus that they promised but never delivered. Those opposite racked up deficit after deficit, missed every one of their fiscal targets and left Australians with trillions of dollars of Liberal debt. They printed the mugs, they printed the debt instruments, but they could never print the word 'surplus' honestly. In contrast, this government has delivered the largest nominal improvement to the budget in a parliamentary term, a $209 billion turnaround in its first term. We've turned Liberal deficits into Labor surpluses, we've driven down debt by $188 billion and we've found over $100 billion in savings since coming to government. These are savings that keep inflation under control, reduce interest payments and deliver more responsible spending for the future. While those opposite delivered 4.1 per cent spending growth, we have kept it down to 1.7 per cent, showing real restraint. That is the difference between talk and delivery. This discipline matters for communities like mine in Hughes, because sound economic management is what has allowed us to deliver real support for local families, small businesses and pensioners, not slogans or scare campaigns. Across my community in Hughes, residents are feeling the benefits of Labor's responsible approach, and it has meant that we've been able to deliver tax cuts for every single taxpayer, putting more money back into the pockets of the people of Australia. We are doing it while building the infrastructure of Australia's future, and we're creating jobs in southern and south-western Sydney. That's what responsible fiscal management looks like: investing where it counts and keeping the budget sustainable. Now, the member wants to reintroduce so-called quantifiable fiscal rules. These are the same rules that his own party invented and then ignored. Those opposite believe that rules are only for other people. We do have fiscal rules, and they are set out in our budget. They include improving the budget position, which we have done by delivering two surpluses and improving the budget position by $209 billion, compared to what we inherited in our first term. But those weren't the only rules they ignored. They also ignored their own promises. They promised to get the budget back into surplus; they went none for nine. They promised to offset new spending; four out of five times their decisions were negative. They promised to bank revenue upgrades, but they only returned around 40 per cent. They promised to reduce payments to GDP, but they grew instead, even before the pandemic. And they promised to stabilise debt, and yet they almost doubled it, even before COVID. So you'll forgive us if we don't take lectures from the people who failed every one of their own rules. This government does have clear fiscal rules, and we are meeting them. We've delivered two surpluses, we've reduced gross debt as a share of the economy, we've banked almost 70 per cent of revenue upgrades and we've kept spending growth under control. While those opposite like to talk politics, we're focused on the economy. When we came to government, inflation was higher and rising, interest rates were rising, real wages were falling and living standards were going backwards. Since then, we've made strong progress. Inflation figures are now at four-year lows. Wages have grown in real terms for seven consecutive quarters. Over 1.1 million jobs have been created, a record for any government in a single term. Just last month, a AAA credit rating was reaffirmed by S&P. Debt is falling as a share of GDP. The difference could not be more stark. Those opposite talk about fiscal discipline; we deliver it. They print surplus mugs; we deliver surplus budgets. They talk about savings; we make them. They talk about responsibility; we live it.
Tertiary Education | Statements by Members | House debates
A university education is something that all Australians should have the opportunity to pursue. Nearly half of young Australians now have a degree, but that's not the case in Macquarie Fields,...
A university education is something that all Australians should have the opportunity to pursue. Nearly half of young Australians now have a degree, but that's not the case in Macquarie Fields, where only 29 per cent of young people have a degree. This government is working to ensure that young people in my community of Hughes can pursue university education and the careers that they want to reach. I was so proud to join the Minister for Education to open the new Macquarie Fields Suburban Study Hub, bringing university closer for students in southern Sydney—part of this government's $66.9 million investment in university study hubs. The new Suburban Study Hub Macquarie Fields now offers support services and study facilities for local students enrolled at any university or vocational education and training provider. The evidence shows that, where study hubs are, university participation goes up. Having access to university in my community helped me start my tertiary education journey. Attending the University of Wollongong Sutherland campus meant that I could pursue my education in the community where I lived. I am so excited to see the opportunities that this study hub opens up for my community and for its next generation.
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
There is no more important task assigned to the federal government than ensuring the safety and security of the Australian people, and there's no more important element of Australia's defence...
There is no more important task assigned to the federal government than ensuring the safety and security of the Australian people, and there's no more important element of Australia's defence capability than the people who serve in our Defence Force. Every member of the Australian Defence Force should be safe in the knowledge that, whatever may happen in service, they and their families will be looked after and acknowledged by a grateful nation. Australians expect them to be looked after. This is evident in the turnout we see each year at the Anzac Day dawn services. I've been going to the Engadine Anzac Day dawn services since I was a kid, and it's always amazing to see how many people turn out and how many people are passionate about ensuring our veterans are acknowledged each year. But the expectation that they are looked after is not one that's always been met. It is our nation's duty to empower and support the mental health and wellbeing of our defence and veteran community. During the world wars, my family served in the defence forces. Sidda Black, my great-grandfather, was injured on the Western Front during the First World War. Sidda came back with physical scars that stayed with him for the rest of his life. Of course, we now have a better understanding of the other forms of harm that are inflicted upon our Defence Force personnel during their service. In my electorate of Hughes, 3,640 people had served in the Australian Defence Force as of 2022. I want to honour and acknowledge that service and thank them for all they have done for our country. I am privileged to represent in this place the Holsworthy Barracks, covering almost 20,000 hectares and comprising one of the Army's major defence presences in New South Wales. It's home to a number of Army and tri-service training institutions as well as various regular and reserve Army units, and it's also the staging location for domestic operations in New South Wales. In June I was lucky enough to attend the barracks and celebrate some of the newest graduates of the Army's School of Military Engineering with the Deputy Prime Minister. These young people represent great hope for the future of the Australian Defence Force. It is no small feat for them to put their hand up to serve their nation. We want Australians to be attracted to serving our nation in the Australian Defence Force and confident that they and their families will be supported by their leaders, their mates and the broader defence organisation. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide was established in 2021, and it heard from thousands of current and former serving Defence members and families, particularly the families of those who are no longer here to speak for themselves. It heard of systems that were broken, of a culture that was toxic and of not enough being done to support our personnel during and after service. We've heard those calls, and we've acted. The royal commission released an interim report in 2022 containing recommendations they deemed the most urgent, and we acted on them. This government has cleared the unallocated compensation claims at DVA so that new claims are reviewed within 14 days. We've legislated the Veterans' Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025, the VETS Act, to simplify the veteran compensation system that will kick in next year, overhauling the complex system that causes confusion and frustration and which the royal commission identified as a contributor to suicidality among our veteran community. This will mean all veteran claims are assessed for compensation and rehabilitation under a single piece of legislation that will be simpler to use and allow faster processing. This is the most significant reform of support to veterans in a century. As a result, we are able to better provide the services and supports the veteran community needs when and where they need them. In September last year, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide released its final report. It contained seven volumes and 122 recommendations. It was harrowing reading. This government was tasked with effecting a once-in-a-generation opportunity for cultural change and reform. By December, the Albanese government responded, and we agreed or agreed in principle to 104 recommendations, noting 17 for further work. In my first speech in this place I noted how proud I am to be a part of the government that has agreed to these. The royal commission's final report contains several significant recommendations related to sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force. Defence is taking decisive and immediate action to strengthen the way we respond to sexual violence within the ADF. I have spoken to women within the service who have been directly affected by this, and for whom the effects of it are ongoing. Recommendation 15 from the report has been implemented through an updated central policy on sexual misconduct. It now provides clearer, more consistent guidance for commanders and managers. It outlines when to engage the Joint Military Police Unit and how to determine whether conduct may constitute a criminal offence, and it introduces structured return-to-work protocols for those impacted by misconduct. While the military justice system serves a distinct function, ADF personnel are also subject to civilian law, and Defence's policies must reflect that accountability. In the same month as the release of the final report, we established the royal commission implication taskforce within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to oversee the development of comprehensive and considered advice on implementing the response to the royal commission. We listened to our service members and the veteran community, establishing an independent taskforce to drive implementation rather than offering empty platitudes. At the beginning of August, nine recommendations had already been fully implemented, and there are a further 110 on the way. There is of course still a lot of work to come to implement the recommendations of the royal commission, but, a year on from the final report, we're making good progress. However, the government has not limited itself just to the work coming from the royal commission. We set about improving supports for defence personnel, veterans and families before the work of the royal commission was complete. We're better supporting people in service, and we're seeing more people choose to stay in the ADF for longer as a result. We've also expanded our network of Veterans' and Families' Hubs, so people can access support close to home. A common theme throughout the royal commission was discussion on difficulties engaging with both the Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, in relation to information access. While the implementation of recommendations 9 to 13 of the interim report has significantly improved this, there is still more to do. Engaging with the Department of Veterans' Affairs has also not been as straightforward as it should be for the veteran community, and mechanisms like the DVA website were perhaps more of a barrier to providing useful information than a useful tool. I am really pleased that today the new and improved DVA website has gone live. It's more user-friendly, and includes a first of its kind for the federal government: an AI search tool that will actively answer questions from veterans on the supports and services they can and should receive. The royal commission's task for us as a government was no small feat, but we have no doubt that its delivery will ensure the most comprehensive reforms to the systems, processes and culture that support defence personnel, veterans and families ever undertaken in Australia. The implementation of these reforms from the royal commission is not a nice-to-have; it is vital in ensuring that defence personnel, veterans and families receive the care, services and support that they not only need but deserve. We will continue to take actions that are not easy but that are right and essential. We'll take action on the royal commission as quickly as we can. It's our duty to those who have answered the call to defend our country. It's the least we can do to repay their commitment and sacrifices for Australia. I want to thank all of our veterans who might be listening to this today, and listening to us discuss these matters, and I acknowledge all their service and their commitment to this country.
Hughes Electorate: Community Events | Constituency Statements | House debates
Heathdene has been such an important part of the Engadine community for generations. In August the church and the preschool both celebrated significant milestones, with the Heathcote Engadine...
Heathdene has been such an important part of the Engadine community for generations. In August the church and the preschool both celebrated significant milestones, with the Heathcote Engadine Baptist Church celebrating 65 years and the Heathdene Preschool celebrating 50 years. On 17 August it was lovely to join the celebrations with the Heathdene community, which included a puppet show, live music, face painting and a photo gallery celebrating the decades of the preschool and the church. It was great to tour the revitalised facility with Kathleen, who's the director, and see the amazing services that are offered there. I want to thank the Heathdene community for all their contributions to our community over the last seven decades. We look forward to your work continuing over the decades to come. It's also been a significant period for our vibrant South-Asian community in south-western Sydney. On 14 August the Pakistani community celebrated Pakistan Independence Day, commemorating 78 years since Pakistan's independence from the British Raj. It was a pleasure to join the Pakistan Association of Australia on 23 August and witness the incredible dances and performances from the Pakistani Australian youth. It was amazing to see such diversity from across the regions of Pakistan on display. It was amazing to see all the different styles from all the different regions of Pakistan. It was fantastic to see that celebration on display. I want to thank the Pakistan Association of Australia and its general secretary, Nabeel Khan, for putting on this incredible celebration of Pakistani culture in Australia. On 15 August the Nepalese community celebrated Teej, which recognises the incredible role that women play in our communities. It was beautiful to witness the incredible dancing and performances and to learn some of the dance moves with them. I'm still very much in the early days of learning those dances; I must say it wasn't always an amazing sight. I want to thank the president of the Macarthur Region Nepalese Community, Usha Khadka, and vice president, Sony Tuladhar, for organising this event and helping Nepalese culture to prosper in Australia. It's fantastic to see so many people coming out to support a community that is very positive and makes such a big contribution to our society in south-western Sydney. Last week it was also fantastic to celebrate the Ganeshotsav 2025 festival with the Indian community in Liverpool and to see their amazing dances and celebrations of their culture. Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles. Just think about how many obstacles the Friends of India organisation have had to remove over the last 30 years. I want to thank Vinod Scindia for his efforts to organise that event and to say a big dhanyavaada and thankyou to the Friends of India for having me along to what was a fantastic occasion.
Treasury Laws Amendment (Payments System Modernisation) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
(): Payments are something that Australians are engaging with in everyday life, sometimes dozens of times a week. These days, that looks like tapping cards for groceries, paying bills...
(): Payments are something that Australians are engaging with in everyday life, sometimes dozens of times a week. These days, that looks like tapping cards for groceries, paying bills online, splitting meals through apps and subscribing to services that debit our account each month. These payment methods were unthinkable decades ago. For younger Australians, buy-now pay-later platforms are a part of everyday life. For many small businesses, digital wallets are now as common as cash registers once were. I remember when, about 10 years ago, I was working at Woolworths Jannali on the cash register and there was a bunch of young teenagers that came through. One of them wanted to pay with cash, and all of his friends were teasing him because he was paying with cash. They asked, 'Haven't you heard of a card?' It was just ridiculous that these young people would be paying with cash. Even at that time I thought that was fairly reasonable; I still used cash. But, for young people now, it's such a different economy to what we used to have. The way that money moves in our economy has changed dramatically, but the laws that underpin these movements have not kept pace. The Payment System (Regulation) Act dates back to 1998. At the time it was written, smartphones did not exist, digital wallets were unheard of, cryptocurrencies were decades away and even contactless cards were still in the future. This act served us well for its time, but it is now out of step with reality. That lack of synchronicity creates risk for consumers, for small businesses and for the economy as a whole. This bill, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Payments System Modernisation) Bill 2025, tackles those risks. It brings the law into line with how Australians live, trade and pay in 2025. There are three pillars to this bill. The first thing that this bill does is update definitions. The current definition of 'payment system' is too narrow. It only focuses on the circulation of money in a funds transfer system, and that leaves major gaps. It does not clearly capture digital wallets, closed-loop systems like American Express or the growing number of services that facilitate payments in new ways. This bill replaces that outdated definition with a modern, technology-neutral one. It ensures that a system falls within the regulatory net whichever way it makes payments possible—whether through traditional currency, stablecoins or other digital units of value. The bill also updates the definition of 'participant'. Right now, the law is limited to formal members of a designated system, but many entities play a critical role without being formal members. Think of things like Apple Pay, Google Wallet or buy-now pay-later providers. The new definition captures the full value chain of entities that facilitate or enable payment. This is not about regulating retailers or everyday merchants who sell goods and services. It's about ensuring that those who operate or enable payment systems are accountable under the law. Why does this matter? It matters because, today, your payment might involve five or six different actors before it reaches its final destination. Without clear definitions, regulators cannot capture the whole chain, which creates blind spots. Those blind spots are where risks accumulate—risks like unfair fees, misuse of consumer data or instability in new digital assets. By updating definitions, this bill ensures that new technologies are captured from the outset, rather than after problems arise. It makes our framework resilient, not reactive. The second thing that this bill does is strengthen accountability and flexibility. Under the old act, only the Reserve Bank could designate a payment system and only on public interest grounds. That was a narrow test. It did not allow action on issues that fall outside financial stability or competition. The payments system review recommended giving government a broader role, and this bill does exactly that. It gives the minister the power to designate a payment system if, and only if, it's in the national interest. That is important because payments issues today are not confined to financial stability. They touch on cybersecurity, data integrity, consumer protection and even national security. For example, the spread of digital wallets raises privacy questions, and the rise of foreign backed stablecoins can create sovereignty questions. In such cases, it is appropriate for government to be able to act directly, not just rely on the Reserve Bank's limited remit. The bill also allows the minister to nominate specialist regulators. Depending on the circumstances, ASIC, APRA, the ACCC or AUSTRAC might be the right regulator to act. That ensures flexibility, speed and expertise. This is an important change. It recognises that payments are no longer just financial plumbing issues; they cut across competition law, prudential stability, consumer rights and anti-money-laundering frameworks. By nominating the right regulator for the right issue, government avoids duplication and ensures effective oversight. As someone who used to work for the prudential regulator, I can wholeheartedly put my faith in the professionalism of our prudential and financial regulatory landscape. This bill also requires the minister to consult with the Reserve Bank and other regulators before exercising these powers, and ministerial directions must be system-wide, not targeted at individual companies. That balance protects regulatory independence while allowing timely government intervention when the national interest is at stake. The third thing that this bill does is it modernises enforcement and penalties. A regulatory framework is only as strong as its enforcement tools. The current penalty regime in the act is outdated. Maximum penalties are too low. The only enforcement route is through criminal proceedings, which are heavy handed and slow. This bill creates a civil penalty framework alongside criminal offences. That gives regulators a more flexible set of tools—civil penalties for routine breaches; criminal penalties for the most serious misconduct. It also allows enforceable undertakings so regulators can secure binding commitments from participants without resorting to court every time. And it raises maximum penalties to reflect the seriousness of noncompliance. A company that ignores a regulator's direction should face meaningful consequences. For context, under the old regime, failure to comply with a direction attracted 50 penalty units. Under this bill, the maximum penalty doubles to 100 units per day of noncompliance—500 units for corporations. That sends a clear signal that regulators mean what they say and that compliance is not optional. Civil penalties also bring it into line with other areas of financial regulation, such as corporate law and consumer protection. They reduce reliance on criminal prosecutions, which are costly and time consuming, and instead allow proportionate responses to breaches. For consumers, this is about trust. Whether you are paying through a debit card, a buy-now pay-later app or a digital wallet, you should know the system is regulated, fair and safe. You should not have to worry that gaps in the law leave you unprotected. For small businesses, this is about confidence. Many small shops rely heavily on digital payments. They deserve clarity and consistency in the rules and assurance that competition will be protected. The updated framework also ensures that small businesses benefit from clear access regimes, meaning they are not unfairly blocked from participating in major payments systems. For the broader economy, this is about resilience. Payments are the plumbing of commerce. If they fail, or if trust in them is undermined, the economy suffers. By updating the framework, we reduce risks before they turn to crises. Some have asked whether this bill imposes new costs on business. The answer is that compliance costs are minimal. The bill is estimated to have nil financial impact on the budget and minimal compliance costs. It largely brings existing practices into the formal regulatory framework. What it delivers in return—certainty, consistency and trust—is well worth it. This bill also reflects international best practice. Other advanced economies are modernising their payments systems laws. We cannot afford to fall behind. If Australia wants to remain a leader in safe, efficient and innovative payments, our laws must keep pace. This bill also builds in safeguards. Ministerial powers are not unchecked. Before designating a system in the national interest, the minister must consult with the Reserve Bank and relevant regulators. Ministerial directions to regulators cannot single out individual participants. They must be systemwide and consistent with the regulators' independence. These are important protections. They strike the right balance between giving government the tools it needs and maintaining regulatory independence. The payments system may seem invisible to most people. It works quietly in the background. But that is precisely why it must be robust. When it fails, the impact is immediate. When it is misused, the harm is wideranging. By passing this bill, we are future-proofing Australia's payments framework. We are ensuring that it is technology-neutral, flexible and strong enough to meet emerging risks. There's one final point I want to emphasise. This is not about slowing innovation; it's about creating confidence for innovation to thrive. When consumers know their rights are protected, they are more likely to embrace new technologies. When businesses know the rules are clear, they are more likely to invest. By modernising the regulatory framework, we encourage safe innovation; we do not stifle it. Australians expect this parliament to act before problems arise, not after. This is what this bill does. It responds to the finding of the payments system review. It closes gaps in our regulatory framework, and it strengthens consumer protection. It supports competition and innovation. It secures the resilience of a system that every Australian depends upon. I commend this bill to the House.
Cybersafety | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Communications. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to protect young Australians from harmful and abusive technology?