Gabriel Ng's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2026-02-05T22:06:05+00:00
items: Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Warrandyte Pink Ladies | Statements by Members | House debates
items: International Relations: Australia and Iran | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
items: Menzies Electorate: Youth | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Universities | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Racial Discrimination Act 1975: 50th Anniversary | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
items: Menzies Electorate | Grievance Debate | House debates
items: Mental Health Month | Statements | House debates
items: Labor Government | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: g129.1
items: Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Jackson Court Traders Association | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
items: Albanese Government | Private Members' Business | House debates
items: Acquired Brain Injury | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Young Australians | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates

Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today in support of the Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025. The Translating and Interpreting Service, or TIS National, is an absolutely essential service that ensures that all...
encoded: I rise today in support of the Translating and Interpreting Services Bill 2025. The Translating and Interpreting Service, or TIS National, is an absolutely essential service that ensures that all Australians can fully participate in our civil life, our communities and our economy. It allows Australians from diverse backgrounds equal access to public institutions and services, and it allows the private sector to reach new domestic markets. TIS is an indispensable piece of infrastructure for modern, multicultural Australia. The last census showed that over 5.5 million Australians speak a language other than English at home. In my electorate of Menzies, we're fortunate enough to have the proportionally largest Chinese Australian population of any electorate across the country. We have the largest Iranian population. We have established Greek and Italian communities and emerging Indian communities—people from almost every country on earth. It's an incredibly diverse community, and I'm honoured to represent it. I have had extensive experience with TIS, particularly when I worked with the then Department of Immigration and Citizenship and later the Department of Home Affairs. In some roles, it was a service I used almost every day. For those who haven't used it, you can call TIS on 131450, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to request an interpreter. You can also book interpreters in advance. Hopefully, everyone in this place knows that our offices have access to TIS client numbers, and we can use them to make sure that we are reaching out to all members of the communities we represent. Of course, government departments and other public institutions are major clients but so are other essential services. When I worked in refugee and migrant settlement services, we ensured that new arrivals were aware that they could request an interpreter. Let me give you a couple of examples of how vital this is. Imagine going to a hospital or GP and being unable to communicate what your sy…
date: 2026-02-04T18:20:00+00:00

Warrandyte Pink Ladies | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to acknowledge the amazing work of the Warrandyte Pink Ladies—Katie, Sandra and Nicole. Every year for the past five years, the Warrandyte Pink Ladies have been bringing our...
encoded: I rise today to acknowledge the amazing work of the Warrandyte Pink Ladies—Katie, Sandra and Nicole. Every year for the past five years, the Warrandyte Pink Ladies have been bringing our community together to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation and awareness of cancer, and, every year, their efforts get bigger and bigger. This year, they have raised over $200,000 for care nurses for people experiencing cancer. But what's truly extraordinary is the way that they're able to get more and more of our local businesses and organisations involved in the Pink Up Warrandyte campaign, from our local pub, the Grand Hotel Warrandyte, to the Donvale Bowls Club. Last Saturday I had the privilege of joining the ladies at Pink Stumps Day at the Warrandyte sports club, where over 160 people attended and over $15,000 was raised. Now, there aren't many people that can get me to put on a bra in public, but, when the Pink Ladies called me up to the stage and presented me with a bra embroidered with my initials in diamantes, how could I refuse? It's always an honour to support my community, and I certainly felt well supported too! I'm also glad to hear that the Pink Ladies are getting the recognition they so richly deserve. They were honoured at the Pink Test in Sydney and were even invited to dinner at Admiralty House by the Governor-General. Her Excellency clearly has great taste in fine dinner companions. Congratulations again to the Warrandyte Pink Ladies.
date: 2026-02-03T13:40:00+00:00

International Relations: Australia and Iran | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. How have the Australian government expressed our support for the Iranian people and taken action against the Iranian regime?
encoded: My question is to the Deputy Prime Minister. How have the Australian government expressed our support for the Iranian people and taken action against the Iranian regime?
date: 2026-01-20T15:25:00+00:00

Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
type: item
description: On behalf of my electorate of Menzies, I stand today to recognise the 15 innocent Australians who were murdered in the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi on 14 December 2025. We...
encoded: On behalf of my electorate of Menzies, I stand today to recognise the 15 innocent Australians who were murdered in the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi on 14 December 2025. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. To those who have lost a child, a parent, a sibling, a grandchild or a grandparent, a partner, a friend, a rabbi: I cannot begin to understand, let alone express, the grief and loss you must be feeling. I can only say that we stand with you, we grieve with you and we commit to uphold the safety of the Australian Jewish community and all Australians. I acknowledge, too, all those who have been affected by this atrocity, particularly in the Australian Jewish community—those who are wounded, those who have been traumatised and those who have lost their sense of safety and security. We have returned to parliament early to show our unity and solidarity with the loved ones of the victims and the Australian Jewish community. I thank all those across the parliament who have expressed their condolences and support. I'd particularly like to acknowledge our Jewish parliamentarians—the member for Isaacs, the member for Macnamara, the member for Berowra and the member for Macarthur—for their contributions and for the grace and courage they have shown at such a difficult time. The member for Isaacs sharing a Jewish prayer with the parliament was a moving reminder of the promise of our modern multicultural society. The member for Macarthur highlighted the long and significant contribution of Jewish Australians to our country. The terrorist attack in Bondi was made all the more egregious by the fact that it occurred on one of our most iconic beaches on the first day of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. As the member for Macnamara shared, Chanukah by the Sea was an event that brought ancient tradition to modern Australia and opened it to the wider community. That people can come here and continue to freely practi…
date: 2026-01-19T19:35:00+00:00

Menzies Electorate: Youth | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak about the extraordinary young people in Menzies. Over the past few weeks, I've been very fortunate to visit some of our local secondary and primary schools and even...
encoded: I rise today to speak about the extraordinary young people in Menzies. Over the past few weeks, I've been very fortunate to visit some of our local secondary and primary schools and even childcare centres as well as to host some young activists in my office. I'd like to thank the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, for visiting Box Hill High School with me and speaking with some of the school leaders from years 8 to 11. These young people had a particular interest in our under-16 social media ban and the implications of artificial intelligence. I was particularly impressed by how articulate and informed these students were and by how nuanced their views were on these complex issues. I also had the privilege of hosting a youth roundtable in partnership with the Centre for Multicultural Youth and the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, together with my good friend the member for Deakin. I would like to sincerely thank Carmel, from the Centre for Multicultural Youth, and Rana, from the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network, for their commitment and tireless work in the multicultural youth space. Now, I'm sure that, like a lot of my fellow parliamentarians, if I had to do a media appearance, I would anticipate some of the questions and prepare accordingly. But there is no preparing for the questions a group of year fives will throw at us. Some went right to the heart of why we are here, like, 'If you could change one thing about Australia, what would it be?' Others went to how our democracy works, but I was also asked probing questions like: 'What is your favourite colour?' 'What brand of microwave do you have?' 'Can you share your salary with me?' I even visited some of my youngest constituents, at Creative Play Early Learning Centre in Bulleen, with Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth Jess Walsh. I'd like to thank the minister for coming out to Menzies to visit these young constituents. There I met with the director, Georgina, a passionate …
date: 2025-11-27T10:21:00+00:00

Universities | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to help Australians with a student debt? What has been the response?
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to help Australians with a student debt? What has been the response?
date: 2025-11-27T14:15:00+00:00

Racial Discrimination Act 1975: 50th Anniversary | Statements on Significant Matters | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to recognise that it has been 50 years since the introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act, Australia's first antidiscrimination law. For most in this place there would now be...
encoded: I rise today to recognise that it has been 50 years since the introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act, Australia's first antidiscrimination law. For most in this place there would now be broad agreement that we need laws to prevent racial discrimination. However, the Racial Discrimination Act is like many progressive reforms that are now such fundamental parts of Australian society that they are sometimes taken for granted. Reforms like Medicare and superannuation required sustained effort and a deep commitment to principle to get the legislation passed—the kind of effort and principle that only Labor governments show, in this case the Whitlam Labor government. Like other important Labor government reforms, it was opposed by the then Liberal Country Party coalition. And, like other important Labor government reforms, it has required us to show that same effort and commitment to principle to protect it from attacks from the coalition to weaken and undermine it. The act codified into Australian law our international obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, ratified in September 1975 by Australia. It showed a commitment to international law, to our international obligations to being responsible members of the international community that continues to this day. The act made racial discrimination unlawful in Australia through federal legislation. This historic legislation came only two years after the Whitlam government abolished the final vestiges of the White Australia policy. The coalition's shadow Attorney-General, on speaking in the second reading debate, stated—with a myopia that mirrors that of the current federal Liberal Party—that 'we in Australia have been singularly free of racial discrimination'. Sadly, that wasn't true then and it isn't true now. There is still racism of both the overt and the covert kind. The Racial Discrimination Act is just one tool to combat it, but it is a crucial one…
date: 2025-11-26T16:11:00+00:00

Menzies Electorate | Grievance Debate | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak about the way that my electorate of Menzies was, for far too long, neglected as a safe Liberal seat since it was created in 1984. Sadly, being a safe Liberal seat meant that...
encoded: I rise today to speak about the way that my electorate of Menzies was, for far too long, neglected as a safe Liberal seat since it was created in 1984. Sadly, being a safe Liberal seat meant that the people of Menzies were taken for granted. I have seen first hand, growing up in Doncaster and raising a family in Donvale, how much our area has been left behind and ignored by successive Liberal governments. Ultimately, this is one of the things that drove me to put up my hand. I knew our area deserved better and I remain honoured and humbled that the people of Menzies supported me to represent the area that I grew up in and that I love. I say to the people of Menzies: I will never take your vote for granted. I will never stop listening to you. I will never stop advocating for you and I will do everything I can to deliver for you. That is why, as often as I am able, when I am in Menzies I attend community groups, schools, sporting clubs and citizenship ceremonies. That is why I knock on people's doors, call them on the phone and stand around on the street at places like Blackburn Market and Macedon Plaza. That is why, whenever I'm here, I take the opportunity to meet with ministers and other members of our caucus to raise the issues that my community raises with me and advocate for better services. For too long, successive Liberal governments treated the families of Doncaster, Doncaster East, Bulleen, and Templestowe, Warrandyte and other areas in my electorate as if they were safe political assets—an electorate to be banked, not to be invested in. When an electorate is viewed this way, neglect is inevitable. It creates a culture of arrogance—a belief that the community is not worth engaging with, listening to or advocating for. Consider, for example, our local infrastructure. Anyone who spends time on Ringwood-Warrandyte Road near the Warrandyte Five Ways intersection, or on the crowded corridors heading towards the Eastern Freeway, understands what long-term neglect …
date: 2025-11-25T13:12:00+00:00

Mental Health Month | Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak on Mental Health Month, which, of course, occurred in October. Like most people in this House, I have family and friends who have been impacted by mental health issues. I...
encoded: I rise today to speak on Mental Health Month, which, of course, occurred in October. Like most people in this House, I have family and friends who have been impacted by mental health issues. I understand the day-to-day impacts of mental health—how it can sap the joy from everyday activities, like spending time with family and friends, and how severe mental illness can be just as life threatening as a physical illness. Mental health is rarely the first issue that people raise when I speak to them, when I'm out doorknocking, at a street stall or visiting schools. But it is an issue that comes out regularly over the course of a conversation or when I tell people about our investments in mental health, particularly when it comes to young people or adolescents. Maybe the reason it is not at the forefront of people's minds or they are reluctant to raise it is stigma. We've come a long way in a short time in reducing stigma. When some of my mates—women and men—were younger, they might have been reluctant to talk about seeing a counsellor or psychologist or needing medication. They are now much more likely to talk about their troubles openly. But across Australia too many people still face stigma when they speak about their mental health. Too many believe that seeking help is a weakness rather than a strength. Too many young people hide their struggles, fearful that others will not understand. If we are to build a more compassionate and resilient country, we must challenge that culture of silence and replace it with one of openness and support, where mental health is treated the same as physical health. Over recent years, the demand for services has grown sharply. The causes are complex. The pandemic, social isolation, housing stress and financial pressures have all left a mark. Young people face new pressures from social media, climate anxiety and disrupted education. Parents and carers are watching their children struggle too, often unable to find the right support. For t…
date: 2025-11-06T12:38:00+00:00

Labor Government | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its commitments to the Australian people to make a positive difference to their lives?
encoded: My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering on its commitments to the Australian people to make a positive difference to their lives?
date: 2025-11-06T14:32:00+00:00

g129.1
type: item
title: Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
description: In Menzies, the electorate I am honoured to represent, we are blessed with a beautiful natural environment. The mighty Yarra River forms the northern boundary of the electorate. It runs through...
encoded: In Menzies, the electorate I am honoured to represent, we are blessed with a beautiful natural environment. The mighty Yarra River forms the northern boundary of the electorate. It runs through Warrandyte, where you can swim in the river or hike on the Goldfields Track. It runs around the beautiful Westerfolds Park, around the gardens of Heide Gallery and Banksia Park. We've got great tracks for cycling and jogging like the Koonung Creek trail and Gardiners Creek trail. We also have fantastic green spaces, like Ruffey Lake Park, Box Hill Gardens and Wurundjeri Walk, that are well loved by the community. People in Menzies care deeply about the environment and the climate. Every Wednesday, people stand outside my electorate office holding signs and calling for stronger action on environmental protection. Groups like Menzies for Climate and the Australian Conservation Foundation Eastern Rosellas have become familiar faces in Menzies. They care deeply about the land, the rivers and the future we will leave behind for our children and grandchildren. During the election campaign, you would see people like Sally, from Menzies for Climate, everywhere. She fights the good fight because she believes in protecting the environment. For her, it's personal. It's about the generations that follow, about her children and grandchildren. That is why I've always welcomed her and her group into my office to share their concerns and ideas. I've invited them to meet with the Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, the member for Jagajaga, Kate Thwaites, so their voices can be heard at a national level. While we might not always agree, we have a shared commitment to the future of Australia's environment. That is why it's important to make sure that people like Sally know that the Labor Party is the party for the environment. Every major environmental reform in Australia's history has been led by the Labor government. It was Labor that created Landcare, Labor that saved…
date: 2025-11-05T19:07:00+00:00

Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak in favour of the Freedom of Information Bill 2025. The Freedom of Information Act is over 40 years old—even older than me, and that is saying something! In 1982, when...
encoded: I rise today to speak in favour of the Freedom of Information Bill 2025. The Freedom of Information Act is over 40 years old—even older than me, and that is saying something! In 1982, when the Freedom of Information Act was legislated, the first computers were just being invented, there were no electronic records, and we were on the cusp of entering the first glorious years of the Hawke government. This bill creates the necessary and overdue reform to our freedom of information laws, which are a cornerstone of a transparent and accountable government. Since its election, the Albanese Labor government have demonstrated time and time again our commitment to restoring trust and integrity in government. We understand that governments must be willing to be open to public scrutiny and answerable to public accountability. The freedom of information regime is vital to the functioning of our democracy. It allows members of the public to better understand government. It provides people the opportunity to obtain personal information held by government agencies, including decision records from Centrelink and immigration and other government services, so that they can understand and, if they feel the need, appeal decisions that have profound effects on their lives—for example, whether or not they are allowed to access family tax benefits or be granted a visa to remain in Australia or be granted access to disability supports. The freedom of information regime also provides an important tool for the press to scrutinise government. However, our freedom of information laws are no longer fit for purpose. Their outdatedness risks creating an unsustainable impost on public services and public resources as well as on the budget. The sheer volume of electronic records generated by public sector agencies would have been unimaginable for the drafters of the FOI Act. Some requests for freedom of information can be large and complex. There are also increasingly vexatious or frivolous request…
date: 2025-11-04T17:10:00+00:00

Jackson Court Traders Association | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to congratulate the Jackson Court Traders Association on a very successful Halloween Spooktacular. I popped down to Jackson Court in Doncaster East on Friday with my kids. My...
encoded: I rise today to congratulate the Jackson Court Traders Association on a very successful Halloween Spooktacular. I popped down to Jackson Court in Doncaster East on Friday with my kids. My daughter was dressed as a little witch, my youngest was a little grim reaper and I had a Mario hat. It was clear from the moment I arrived that the event was a roaring success. Jackson Court was absolutely packed with kids dressed up as werewolves, superheroes and aliens. There was a little dog dressed as a pumpkin. The court had been decorated with cobwebs and skeletons. There were dinosaurs roving around, animatronic monsters and face painting. All the stalls were open and giving out sweets to kids and giving them stamps to encourage them to visit all the traders and finish the trick-or-treat trail. It was heaps of fun, but I know that it took a lot of work on the part of the Jackson Court Traders Association. It wasn't just about providing a great event for children. It was about promoting local businesses and connecting the community with some of those local businesses, like Sportsafe mouthguards, Royal Stacks hamburgers, Three Monkeys Place and all the traders in Jackson Court. I say thank you especially to Con, the president of the Jackson Court traders for playing such a big role in organising everything. We are really lucky to have an entrepreneurial and innovative but also community-minded business sector in Menzies.
date: 2025-11-03T16:16:00+00:00

Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak on the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025. I stood for election and became involved in politics because I believe government can be an enormous force for good. Good...
encoded: I rise today to speak on the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2025. I stood for election and became involved in politics because I believe government can be an enormous force for good. Good government encourages the flourishing of society, community and the individual. It is focused on serving members of the community and on being accessible and accountable. Good governments make good regulations, achieving the big picture by paying attention to the details to disincentivise negative behaviour and incentivise good outcomes. That is what this bill is about at its core: making sure that governments are working for individuals and working for business. My purpose has always been to make sure that people can rely on the systems that have been built to serve them, because trust in government is built through access, accountability and fairness. I was recently at a Halloween celebration at Jackson Court in my electorate, in Doncaster, and somebody came with a pretty clever costume: they had a couple of pieces of cardboard; the front said 'myGov' and the back said, 'You have a message from myGov,' because that was supposed to be a scary costume! We don't want people to have that experience of government. We want government to be a helping hand, not a bureaucratic labyrinth to navigate. In an age when there's declining trust in government, this is more important than ever. As a former public servant, I know how important it is that Australians can depend on services that are reliable, fair and trusted. People regularly contact my office—just as, I know, they contact the offices of the other members here—asking for assistance to access government services. It's a role that I'm happy to play, and it's an honour to be able to serve my constituents. But government services shouldn't be so hard to navigate or understand that people need an interpreter in order to be able to access them. Every interaction with government should leave people feeling supported, not frustrated. It sho…
date: 2025-11-03T12:39:00+00:00

Albanese Government | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I thank my friend the member for Banks for moving this motion to mark six months since the re-election of the Albanese Labor government. While those opposite cherrypick facts and only look at the...
encoded: I thank my friend the member for Banks for moving this motion to mark six months since the re-election of the Albanese Labor government. While those opposite cherrypick facts and only look at the negatives, we haven't wasted a day delivering what we promised at the election. As members opposite would know, on the Saturday just passed, 1 November, we delivered on our commitment, with the largest investment in Medicare in its history, to triple the bulk-billing incentive to address exactly the kinds of declines in bulk-billing rates the member opposite raised. We do things about the issues facing Australia; those opposite just complain about them. We know our reforms will mean that there's more bulk-billing and that, by 2030, nine out of 10 GP visits will be bulk-billed. This includes 17 clinics in my electorate who have expressed interest in going fully bulk-billed—more free GP visits for people across my electorate in Box Hill, Blackburn and Doncaster. We're continuing to roll out our other reforms. We delivered 87 Medicare urgent care clinics in our last term of government, and we're slated to open 50 more across the country in this term. We're delivering cheaper medicines as well so that Australians will save on out-of-pocket costs, with PBS listed medications costing only $25 per script to fill. Not only are we delivering, but we've moved forward some of our commitments so that from 1 October we're helping Australians buy their first home with only a five per cent deposit. This will cut waiting times in saving for a deposit and, importantly, save on expensive mortgage lenders insurance. It will get first home buyers into their first home sooner and give them a leg-up over investors. Nationally, over 190,000 first home buyers have taken advantage of this scheme, including 300 in my electorate of Menzies. I'm so glad that there are more people buying their first home thanks to our support. We've also rolled out the solar home battery program. It has been a huge suc…
date: 2025-11-03T11:53:00+00:00

Albanese Government | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I reserve my right to speak.
encoded: I reserve my right to speak.
date: 2025-11-03T11:21:00+00:00

Albanese Government | Private Members' Business | House debates
type: item
description: I second the motion.
encoded: I second the motion.
date: 2025-11-03T11:21:00+00:00

Acquired Brain Injury | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I rise to speak about acquired brain injury, also known as ABI. I recently met with a constituent, Nicola Harris, who bravely and generously shared her story with me, to advocate for better...
encoded: I rise to speak about acquired brain injury, also known as ABI. I recently met with a constituent, Nicola Harris, who bravely and generously shared her story with me, to advocate for better awareness and support for people with ABI. She gave me permission to share her story here today. Nicola was nine years old when she was run over and sustained a brain injury. Later, when she was working at a hospice, she was groomed by the head of pastoral care. The abuse continued for 15 months and left her deeply traumatised. She disclosed the abuse to a friend. Two weeks later, she was dismissed. For many years, she believed it was her fault that she had been dismissed; she thought she was not good at her job because of her injury. It was only when she saw a psychologist 30 years later that she learned she had been groomed and that her dismissal was related to concerns that she might have reported what had happened. This is her story, and she continues to live each day with the challenges that come from having something invisible to others but which has a profound impact. Her story is one of frustration at being constantly misunderstood, but it is also a story of incredible strength. Nicola not only shared her story but also strongly advocated for better understanding of her condition. One in 45 Australians live with an ABI. It can result from trauma, stroke, infection or substance abuse. Yet, despite how common it is, awareness and understanding remain very low. ABI is often called a silent injury. There are often no signs or symptoms on the outside. Because there may be no visible signs, this can lead to misunderstanding and stigma. Unlike conditions such as autism or ADHD, ABI does not have the same recognition or public profile. Many people with ABI spend their lives trying to appear normal. Every day is spent managing fatigue, confusion and mental overload. It is exhausting, and yet they are too often judged as lazy or unmotivated. In reality, ABI can reduce executive fun…
date: 2025-10-30T10:15:00+00:00

Young Australians | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: This week I had the privilege of meeting Hasmik and Hrug, youth advocates from the Armenian National Committee of Australia's Job Shadow Advocate Program. We spoke about the challenges facing...
encoded: This week I had the privilege of meeting Hasmik and Hrug, youth advocates from the Armenian National Committee of Australia's Job Shadow Advocate Program. We spoke about the challenges facing young people today, and I learned more about their community's proud history. They told me that the cost of living continues to rise, noting that even a simple bottle of water can now cost $5. They said it feels like their money does not go as far as it once did. They told me that, as young Australians, they feel shut out—working hard, studying and saving, but still worried they will never own a home. Yet they also said they had not lost hope. With smart decisions and leaders who listen, they believe the future can still be fairer and brighter. A better future is exactly what the Albanese Labor government is delivering. We are delivering for young people. We've halved inflation from what we inherited from those opposite. We've introduced a five per cent home deposit discount to help first home buyers and reserved 100,000 homes just for first home buyers. We've had three interest rate cuts as a result of our responsible management of inflation. We've cut student debt by 20 per cent for students and graduates, and increased the threshold at which student debts are repaid. We've made fee-free TAFE permanent so more Australians can gain practical skills. These are just some of the ways the Albanese Labor government is investing in the future for the next generation of Australians like Hasmik and Hrug.
date: 2025-10-30T13:34:00+00:00

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
type: item
description: I rise today to speak on the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. As some of the members of this House may know, I used to be a public servant. In my last job...
encoded: I rise today to speak on the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025. As some of the members of this House may know, I used to be a public servant. In my last job I worked at the Department of Home Affairs, assessing protection visa applications. Because of this, I understand the importance of having a trustworthy, efficient body for reviewing government decisions. I saw firsthand the consequences of the stacking by the previous coalition government of the previous body, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, with unqualified political appointees. The consequences were poor-quality decisions that undermined government programs and delivered unjust outcomes. That is exactly why this government created the Administrative Review Tribunal, the ART. The ART, as did the Administrative Appeals Tribunal before it, performs an important function. It provides de novo, or fresh, reviews of government decisions in areas like the NDIS, Centrelink, taxation and immigration. The reality is that government decision-makers don't always get it right, and it's important that the public be given avenues for review of decisions that can have a profound effect on someone's life, such as whether they'll have access to disability or veterans supports and whether or not they'll be given a visa to study in Australia or remain in Australia. The ART is more accessible than a court. It's not subject to complicated rules of legal procedure and evidence. Without going into a second-year law degree lecture, to successfully appeal a decision in court under administrative law it's necessary to prove legal, factual or discretionary error. This is a very technical area and a high bar which would generally require legal representation. Whatever the administrative review body is, it is vital that the Australian public have confidence in the integrity and capability of its members. This brings me back to my role as a protection obligations decision-maker. Assessing protecti…
date: 2025-10-30T12:21:00+00:00