Jess Teesdale's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Bass Electorate: Laurel House | Constituency Statements | House debates
I'd like to begin by acknowledging the essential role Laurel House plays in supporting our community, providing critical and compassionate services to individuals, families and communities across...
I'd like to begin by acknowledging the essential role Laurel House plays in supporting our community, providing critical and compassionate services to individuals, families and communities across Northern Tasmania. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Laurel House and meeting with the CEO, Kathryn, spending time learning more about the vital work that they do every day. It was an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand the care, the professionalism and the empathy that underpin their services and to better understand both the impact Laurel House has within our community and the challenges that they continue to navigate. Laurel House provides specialist support services for people affected by sexual harm, delivering trauma informed counselling, therapeutic services and support, education and prevention programs. Their work supports people of all ages, helping individuals and families navigate recovery while also working proactively to prevent harm and to build safer communities. What stood out to me during my visit was Laurel House's unwavering commitment to dignity, choice and safety. Their approach recognises that healing looks different for everyone and that people deserve to be met with understanding, respect and compassion at every step. Laurel House creates spaces where people feel heard, supported and empowered to move forward at their own pace. Beyond direct service delivery, Laurel House also plays a vital role in education and community engagement. By working with schools, organisations and the broader community, they help to raise awareness, challenge stigma and strengthen our collective response to sexual harm. This work is essential in ensuring people feel safe, seek help and know that they are not alone. I want to acknowledge the dedicated staff who carry out this work. Supporting people who've experienced trauma requires exceptional skill, resilience and care. The professionalism and compassion shown by the Laurel House team make a profound difference in the lives of those they support and strengthen our community as a whole. Unfortunately, organisations like Laurel House are an essential part of our social infrastructure at this time, but I am pleased that the federal Labor government has recently awarded $551,000 in federal government funding. This funding will expand their crucial work of responding to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. We are committed to safeguarding Australia's children and supporting the critical services that will deliver this early intervention, this response and these healing and recovery services to stop the intergenerational cycle of violence. I thank Laurel House. I thank Kathryn and her team for their leadership, their professionalism and their ongoing commitment to supporting our community when that support is needed most.
Economy | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Treasurer. What do today's inflation figures tell us, and how do the Albanese Labor government's efforts to provide cost-of-living help for people doing it tough compare to...
My question is to the Treasurer. What do today's inflation figures tell us, and how do the Albanese Labor government's efforts to provide cost-of-living help for people doing it tough compare to other approaches?
Tertiary Education | Private Members' Business | House debates
You've heard from us a few times why Labor believes reducing student debt is important, but today I want to step back and I want to let the voices of the people in Bass tell you what it really...
You've heard from us a few times why Labor believes reducing student debt is important, but today I want to step back and I want to let the voices of the people in Bass tell you what it really means to them, because nobody explains this better than those who are living it. In our community, more than 10,000 people will benefit from this change—not just uni graduates but those who have studied through VET courses and TAFE too. Some of these people have been generous enough to share their thoughts with me, and I want to thank them for allowing me to share their words with you here. Maddison, a doctor, has put it simply: It's wild to end up with such a huge debt when I'm dedicating my career to help others. I have to pay a $1,000 registration fee each year on top of my HECS— her repayments— I won't own a house any time soon, so a 20% reduction would be grand. I look forward to telling Maddison about our five per cent home deposit scheme. Tiffany-Rose has spoken to me about the emotional weight: It won't wipe my balance completely, but it motivates me to keep working towards paying it off. The reduced repayments will ease some financial stress and make it easier to stay on top of cost of living costs without feeling like my debt is controlling my budget. Montana told me that this relief is real: A 20% reduction isn't just a number, it's a real acknowledgement of the financial challenges that university students and graduates face every day. It shows that the government truly cares about education and is taking meaningful action to make it more sustainable for the future. Many students work incredibly hard to balance university studies and part-time jobs, often under too much pressure. Between bills, rent and loan repayments it can be overwhelming, and this reduction recognises just how tough that balance can be for many people. Lucy reflected on the long-term burden: This incentive shows the great burden student debts can be—not only immediately but also the long term effects. When you're spending years paying off student debt, it can delay the ability to buy a home and other life decisions. Laura, an incredible teacher that I had the privilege of working with previously, said: This reduction gives me more breathing room to cover my mortgage and costs. It's hard to make ends meet during study, let alone after. This reduction will help with cash flow and stability. And that's what this change is really about; it's about giving people that breathing space and some hope, and it's also recognising the pressures that they're carrying every day. We know it won't fix everything. Deirdre told me: Raising the repayment threshold means more to me on a practical level than actually wiping the 20 per cent off. That's money that I have to then go towards essentials and bills. I guess it's just one less thing that is constantly squeezing in at me. Elias put it very bluntly: It makes me want to look at the debt with something other than dread. This is just one of our steps, and it's certainly not the last. We're backing it up with real, practical support like the Commonwealth Prac Payment, so future teachers, nurses, social workers and midwives can finally get paid while on placement. We've also expanded the FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses, opening the door to people who never would have thought that university was for them. We're doubling the number of university study hubs, bringing higher education closer to home, especially in the regions. This isn't just about helping people pay off debt; it's about helping more people start study, finish it and thrive beyond that. Most importantly, it's about listening, because the people who know what's needed are the ones who are living it. As Michael from Bass said: It makes me feel like I'm one step closer to avoiding a lifetime of debt. We will keep taking steps—practical, meaningful steps—guided by those who will be impacted by the decisions that we make here.
Manufacturing Industry | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Innovation. How is the Albanese Labor government's approach to delivering reliable energy helping to secure the future of...
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Industry and Innovation. How is the Albanese Labor government's approach to delivering reliable energy helping to secure the future of the Australian manufacturing industry and jobs? What are the risks to manufacturing jobs?
Economy | Statements by Members | House debates
No federal government in living memory has done more than the Albanese Labor government to support and strengthen Tasmania. We've invested $3.8 billion for the Marinus Link project to boost...
No federal government in living memory has done more than the Albanese Labor government to support and strengthen Tasmania. We've invested $3.8 billion for the Marinus Link project to boost renewable energy transmission on both sides of Bass Strait, lifting Tassie internet speeds along the way. We're boosting the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme by 25 per cent over two years. This means Tasmanian businesses and workers are not penalised by distance. We've defended Tassie jobs and industry from short-term threats to viability and backed in a low-carbon future. That includes $24 million to electrify and modernise the Boyer paper mill, the oldest still in operation anywhere in Australia. This secures 300 jobs directly and a further 1,000 jobs down the supply chain. The government has committed $81.6 million to the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation scheme to better deliver statewide freight capacity and firm up local freight industry supply chains. We've invested in the Nyrstar zinc smelter in Hobart. But I know that these are uncertain times for people in my electorate—for the workers at both Liberty Bell Bay and Bell Bay Aluminium and their families, connected local businesses and our broader community. That's why I'm working very closely with Senator Ayres to help both the Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter and the Bell Bay Aluminium facility to navigate these choppy waters. The truth is that Tasmanians and mainlanders are stronger when we're working together to secure the future.
Economy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
I rise today as both a teacher, who cares for children across Australia, and a representative of a regional community. Our test is simple: Are Australians better off today when they open their...
I rise today as both a teacher, who cares for children across Australia, and a representative of a regional community. Our test is simple: Are Australians better off today when they open their tax return? When they check their mortgage statement? When they search for a job? Those opposite are crying 'spending spree', but Australians are seeing the reality. They see a government that is delivering tax cuts, driving down energy costs over the long term, backing record job creation and helping ease mortgage pressure. That's not a spree; that's a strategy. That's not chaos; that's a plan. I understand that is unfamiliar to those opposite. When we look at energy options, the choice could not be clearer. We stick with a volatile, ageing fossil fuel system, or we invest in clean cheaper renewables that cut bills over time. Griffith University research shows that if we had stayed reliant solely on coal and gas, the cost of generating electricity would be 50 per cent higher today. I really want that to sink in—every power bill would be higher; every family and small business would pay the price. Fifty per cent is a big difference. Numbers are tricky though. The CSIRO confirms that renewables with transmission and storage included are the cheapest form of new energy generation in Australia. It's not ideology; it's engineering, it's economics and it's evidence. And households are feeling the difference. We know that the Australian Energy Market Commission projects that electricity prices could be 13 per cent lower over the next decade if our renewable rollout continues as planned. We know the Australian Energy Regulator reports that wholesale prices have been falling since late 2022, thanks to cheaper fuel, more renewables and decisive government action. This is real progress and, while we don't pretend a decade of neglect can be fixed overnight, we are doing the hard yards to build a secure and affordable energy future. That's what we do. We build for the long-term, just like we did with Medicare, and now we can't actually imagine an Australia without it. The government's record on job creation and growth is also something that, like Medicare, we should all be celebrating. More than 1.1 million jobs have been created since we came to government, the strongest single-term job creation on record. It's actually also the lowest average unemployment rate of any government in 50 years. That's not a slogan; that is the ABS talking. More Australians are in work than ever before, and we're not stopping there. We're backing fee-free TAFE, we're rebuilding advanced manufacturing and we're investing in those clean energy jobs, because these important and very well paying jobs of tomorrow can be done by people here, across Australia, in Burnie, in Devonport and in La Trobe, when we put in place the right training opportunities. We've also delivered tax cuts for every single Australian taxpayer—one this year, another in 2026 and another in 2027. By the 2027-2028 financial year there's going to be an average of $2,500 extra in people's pockets every year. We're supporting people to earn more and keep more of what they earn, and we're doing it fairly. I do wish to compare that to those opposite, who actually made a vow—something that we do in marriage—to undo our tax cuts and take that money away from people. Australians are doing it tough, and we know that there are many external threats that are impacting us right now. That's why rate relief matters. Our Reserve Bank has cut interest rates three times this year, and I can tell you that, on my schoolteacher salary, that is a huge impact to families. Depending on your loan, the cuts are actually saving households hundreds of dollars a month, and that would not have happened without the work and planning done by the Albanese Labor government. We are delivering for the people of Bass. We are delivering for the people of Australia, and they know what this government stands for: cheaper power bills in the long-term; more secure, better paid jobs; tax cuts for every Australian; mortgage relief when it's needed most. We're not chasing headlines; we're delivering outcomes. It's not a spending spree; it's a nation-building plan.
Youth Voice in Parliament | Adjournment | House debates
Tonight I want to celebrate two remarkable young people from my electorate of Bass who have taken part in Raise Our Voice Australia, a national initiative that amplifies the voice of young...
Tonight I want to celebrate two remarkable young people from my electorate of Bass who have taken part in Raise Our Voice Australia, a national initiative that amplifies the voice of young Australians in our parliaments and in our public life. ROVA gives students a platform to step into our shoes for a moment, to put their ideas on the record and to remind us that policies ultimately are about the future that they will inherit. It is a simple but powerful concept: ask young people what matters, listen carefully and take their contributions seriously. In Bass, and across Australia, we are lucky to have young adults who are thoughtful, curious and brave enough to engage with big questions. They do not all agree, and nor should they. They bring different values and experiences, and that diversity is a strength. Our democracy is healthier when we make room for principled disagreement, for evidence and for respectful debate. I'm proud of the culture of participation that is growing in northern Tasmania through our schools, community groups and families. It is encouraging young people to write, speak up and lead. Programs like ROVA help turn classroom conversations into civic engagement and turn civic engagement into lifelong public service—in whatever form that takes. I say to the students from Bass who submitted this year: you should be proud. It takes courage to put your words forward and to be judged on your ideas. Thank you for trusting me with your voices. Tonight I will place two of these voices on the parliamentary record. The first is Lucia, who asks us to think beyond electoral cycles and plan for the next century: Hello. I'm Lucia. I'm 15, and I live in regional Tasmania, an island rich in natural resources. Lately, I've been thinking not just about next year or the next election but the next 100, 200 or even 500 years. Countries like Singapore and Japan already plan that far ahead, and I believe Australia should too. Right now, it feels like every time the government changes, so does the plan. We get short-term fixes instead of long-term vision. But if we thought in centuries, our policies would look very different. We wouldn't keep selling off ports, farms and mines to the highest bidder. We would protect and strengthen our manufacturing sector. We would make sure our natural resources are locally owned. We would also invest properly in education, climate action and mental health, not just because they are popular now, but because they shape the future we want to build. True leadership means asking, "What kind of country will we leave behind?" and then acting on it. I may be young, but I want to grow up in a country that thinks big, builds wisely and plans for generations, not election cycles. The second is Jessica, age 16, who challenges us to balance government responsibility with individual agency: These days it's common to look to the government for answers. The first reaction is often, "The government should fix this—that's their job." However, the Government was never intended to manage every part of our lives. Its role is to protect our rights, maintain order, and create conditions where people have the opportunity to succeed. Over time this focus has shifted, and more people expect the government to step in and handle problems that we might solve ourselves. While it's natural to want comfort, something important is lost when we depend too heavily on elected governments. Solving challenges on our own builds resilience, whereas constant reliance and the reduction to self-determine can ultimately lead to disadvantage. Rather than asking for more programs and subsidies we should ask the government to focus on creating an environment where everyone, no matter their circumstances, can build a life based on their own goals and efforts. With the freedom to choose and the opportunity to achieve comes both risk and responsibility. The better question isn't ,"What will government give us?" but, with self-interest in mind, "What will our governments allow us to do for ourselves?" True freedom means having the ability to take care of yourself and shape your future, even when there are challenges. I'm thankful for our Australian government and hope that it always allow the people who elect it to thrive. I commend both young writers and I thank Raise Our Voice Australia for this opportunity. Thank you so much to Lucia and Jessica.
Bass Electorate: Regional Development | Constituency Statements | House debates
On 20 August in Scottsdale at the heart of Dorset, I hosted my first regional roundtable as the member for Bass. I was joined by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon....
On 20 August in Scottsdale at the heart of Dorset, I hosted my first regional roundtable as the member for Bass. I was joined by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Julie Collins, and together we sat down with farmers, small-business operators, community leaders and the Dorset Council to discuss the future of north-east Tasmania. What struck me most is that Dorset is a community that knows its strengths and is ready to shape its own future. People welcomed the opportunity for Canberra to listen, and they made it clear what matters most. We heard about the significant issues: food security, freight, infrastructure, youth engagement and biosecurity. These are not abstract policy debates; these are daily realities for farmers, producers and businesses across our region. Farmers spoke about the pressures of changing land and environment. Businesses explained how they have been held back because they couldn't find the workers they need in regional locations. There was a clear call for more practical education options and training pathways to keep our young people in agriculture. Equally we talked about the services that hold communities together. Access to child care, mental health support and volunteers are not extras; they're the backbone of resilient towns. Without them, families can't get ahead and businesses cannot thrive. I particularly want to acknowledge those who joined the roundtable. Thank you to TasFarmers for giving a voice to our primary producers. Thank you to Rural Business Tasmania, who brought insights into the challenges of small farming enterprises. Thank you to Better Health 4 Dorset, who reminded us that good health and mental health support are essential to strong rural communities; Dorset Employment Connect, who underlined the importance of effective local job pathways; and Dorset neighbourhood house—who do exceptional work—who reminded us about the importance of looking after those who are our most vulnerable. Together with farming families, community organisations, the Mayor of Dorset Council and the Deputy Mayor of Dorset Council, these groups painted a picture of resilience, determination and opportunities for growth in their future. Dorset's story is Tasmania's story. It's full of opportunity, but it needs investment in people, services and infrastructure. I'm proud to say that our Albanese Labor government is delivering on that front. We've put in free TAFE for agricultural training, which is going exceptionally well for our regional communities. We've put in a record investment for housing, and I'm looking forward to working with Dorset Council to see how we can keep going with that in their area. We've put money into stronger community services and mental health support. We know we're on the right track, and I know that we cannot stop there. My commitment is clear: the people of north-east Tasmania will be heard here in Canberra.
Tasmania: Literacy and Numeracy | Grievance Debate | House debates
Deputy Speaker, may I congratulate you on this role. Today I speak about Tasmania's literacy challenges. Data shows us that Tasmanians are up to, and around, 50 per cent illiterate. What that...
Deputy Speaker, may I congratulate you on this role. Today I speak about Tasmania's literacy challenges. Data shows us that Tasmanians are up to, and around, 50 per cent illiterate. What that means is that they're working below level 3 literacy skills, a functional benchmark. What that means for your day-to-day life is that reading signage, engaging with any form of government forms or business, reading in the supermarket or reading maps is a real challenge for over 50 per cent of Tasmanians. One in two, an outrageous statistic. Our school completion rates are some of the lowest in the nation. Part of that is that we are hoping to get more students into apprenticeships early, and that is a really positive thing. However, most of those students who are not going on to year 12 are not going into apprenticeships; they are leaving the school system, particularly because they do struggle with their reading. Our share of kids who are determined as being 'on track' by the AEDC fell from 80.6 per cent in 2009 to 77 per cent in 2021. That's a shocking statistic. That has, since 2021, started to come back, but we are nowhere near on par with the rest of the nation. We have too many adults who cannot confidently tackle everyday reading. Too many kids are starting school already behind, and far too few are finishing school. That's impacting Tasmania's productivity and wellbeing today and tomorrow and into the future. Today I'm going to investigate a little bit into how we got here and what we can do next. For years the Tasmanian government focused on a balanced literacy approach. Traditionally, we like balance. Balance is a positive thing. When we talk about balanced literacy, what it actually means is that we were teaching children to guess. We'd say: 'Look at the word. Look at the shape. What do you think it might look like? Look at the picture; that will help you.' That is not, as evidence very clearly shows now, an appropriate way to teach reading, and is a direct reason why 50 per cent of Tasmanians now face illiteracy. Synthetic phonics is an approach that has now shown consistently positive impact. Synthetic phonics is when we explicitly and systematically teach the letter-sound correspondence. This is very much a key approach that, thankfully, the Tasmanian government has started to look at, but far too late. More broadly, we require that explicit instruction. We need to have clear modelling, we need to show guided practice and we need to lead that into independent practice. Many teachers these days struggle to get to the end of this system. They struggle to get kids working independently due to constant time pressures. Those time pressures are very, very hard on teachers. Our curriculum is very wide, and sometimes it's very hard to get through it all to a place where students can actually work independently. We know that there are changes happening, and I am pleased to say that the Tasmanian government schools have started implementing evidence based reading, which is fantastic, particularly using a multitiered systemic approach. There has been training for teachers available, which has been through Deakin University and UTAS, which is a good start. We also have a bit of a systematic plan, running from 2024-26, and I was very pleased to be part of those initial trials. For our adults, we have the wonderful company 26Ten. They're continuing their statewide advocacy for adult literacy and numeracy training. This is a crucial lever, and they're doing some fantastic work. Our Albanese Labor government, I'm proud to say, is also putting record funding into schools, where it is much, much needed. Then there is the support from charities. If we look globally and see other areas where literacy has been a challenge in previous years, we can see the impact of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. I'm not sure if anyone here has heard of it, but it is an incredible program with excellent results. The evidence from this program is that children are more school ready by the time they reach kindergarten or prep. An Australian longitudinal study of families engaging with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library showed that those children who are reading daily now are five times more likely to still be reading daily in the future years. That is a huge impact. We know, particularly in Australia, that we need this. We're very grateful to a company called Rosie's Reading in Tasmania. They're just getting started, and they're planning on rolling out in two suburbs across Tasmania. Both of those, I'm very grateful to say, are in Bass, in some of our most needy communities. This charity is working towards providing one book each month, from birth up until five years of age, for every child born within these two suburbs. What an incredible gift for those families. But what can parents do? We've talked about governments and we've talked about schools, but there is a responsibility here on parents. So I beg. I beg to parents: read aloud to your child every single day. We know that shared book reading has very, very positive effects on children's language. It has positive impacts on the quality of their interactions. It helps them understand the meaning of more words. It helped them understand and share their ideas and share what they need. We need to talk together, and we need to help build vocabulary. We talk about vocabulary, but very few people actually understand how important it is. Vocabulary size is a strong prediction for reading comprehension, but it's also a long-term indicator of academic or vocational success. We need to make sure that all children have a broad vocab. This means that they can share their feelings and engage in debate. We know, particularly here in this place, that vocabulary is a very important thing. We need to be able to share our constituents' needs. We know that evidence based teaching and family engagement will boost outcomes for children moving forward. I often have parents ask me: 'Where do I start? How I do help my child gain these skills, gain a love of reading and gain that critical vocabulary?' I say to parents, start with the books you loved as a child. Spot was one of my favourites. Room on the Broom is another fantastic text; it's fun, engaging and has rhyme and rhythm. Make that a ritual. Ten to 15 minutes before bed each night not only gives you that one-on-one time with your child; it also makes a lifetime impact on what they can do for their future. Talk about new words. Pick out two or three new words from every text that you read with your child. Explain what they mean. Use them at breakfast the next day. That is critical. Our libraries are incredible places and so underutilised, I think, particularly for Bass. You walk in there and it is safe, it is quiet and it is calm. There are so many stories and so many adventures you can pick up off each shelf. Read aloud to your child. If we can help parents read aloud every day—if we can promote that in this place, with our reach and what we do here—then we can help children enjoy reading from the very earliest years. We can help them enjoy it at home, in early learning and with evidence based teaching in every classroom. I'm very excited to say that that will help Tasmania to be a stronger, much more capable society which can advocate on its own behalf.
Health Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Health and Ageing. How is the Albanese Labor government continuing to make medicines cheaper for Australians?
Telecommunications | Private Members' Business | House debates
I welcome the opportunity to speak on telecommunications in regional Australia. This is a matter of real importance to the communities that I represent in Bass and across regional, rural and...
I welcome the opportunity to speak on telecommunications in regional Australia. This is a matter of real importance to the communities that I represent in Bass and across regional, rural and remote Australia. In 2025, telecommunications are absolutely not a luxury; they are an essential service. From a farmer in the Tamar Valley using agtech to monitor water levels to a student in George Town learning online to a mill worker in Branxholm who's connecting to a telehealth appointment, the ability to get that reliable service determines whether people can live, work and thrive within our regions. But, as the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee made clear, too many Australians do still face challenges. The committee conducted more than 20 consultations and received over 300 written submissions and over 3,000 survey responses, an impressive effort—well done. This report has set out 14 recommendations that focus on affordability, mobile capacity, resilience, connectivity literacy and digital inclusion. The committee's work highlights clearly what we already hear on the ground in Bass: mobile network congestion is rising, affordability is a concern and many people are actually unaware of the different connectivity options that are available to them. Tasmania in particular continues to face digital exclusion, with the Australian Digital Inclusion Index ranking our state below the national average on all things—access, affordability and digital ability. TasCOSS have noted that Tasmania also recorded the lowest digital literacy and skill score in the country. We have a lot of work to do. I am pleased that our government, the Albanese Labor government, has made record investments in this space since 2022 through a $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. It is the single largest investment in regional communications since the rollout of the NBN. In Bass, this is already making a difference. We've got seven new mobile base stations that have been delivered and two new towers currently underway at Grindelwald and along the West Tamar Highway, along with a further $2.3 million committed. Battery backup systems have been installed at three sites to improve resilience during natural disasters, and in 2026 Tasmania will be the first state to access NBN's low-Earth-orbit satellite service, bringing high speeds and lower latency to communities currently on legacy satellite services. I can speak very clearly to how important this will be. I was having a bit of an adventure when I was working remotely. My car broke down on the Arnhem Highway for two days. I am very lucky that we didn't have a crash. I'm also very lucky that I'm a little bit of a prepper at heart. We had water, food and a satphone. But unfortunately, at that time, if you had run out of data you couldn't actually restore that from your satphone device, so we were completely isolated. Two days on that road in April was really tough. The weather conditions were poor and not a single person drove past. So these low-Earth-orbit-satellite services will help save lives. That is absolutely key. We have a particular area in regional Bass that is notorious for car crashes. It's a dirt road, it is very remote and there is no service. This will save lives, and I'm really excited to see this come about. The government is also committed to responding formally to the RTIRC report, in line with the telecommunications act 1999. While the timeline has been affected by the 2025 federal election and caretaker period, the minister has made clear that the recommendations remain under active consideration. It's a matter of process and not neglect, and the government response will reflect the seriousness and thoroughness of the committee's work. Importantly, telecommunications policy is not just about infrastructure; it's also about confidence and inclusion. People need to know what services are available, how to us them and how to stay connected. That is why programs like the Regional Tech Hub, community wi-fi initiatives and connectivity literacy training are essential, alongside the infrastructure investment. Telecommunications are vital for regional prosperity, safety and participation. I thank the committee for its work, I commend the Minister for Communications for her leadership and I look forward to continuing to work with my community and the government to ensure that every corner of Bass and every corner of regional and remote Australia is connected and ready for the future.
Fiscal Policy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
I rise today to respond to this matter of public importance as raised by the member for Fairfax. His MPI claims that the Albanese Labor government's so-called spending spree is harming...
I rise today to respond to this matter of public importance as raised by the member for Fairfax. His MPI claims that the Albanese Labor government's so-called spending spree is harming households. Honestly, it baffles my mind. The truth could not be further from this claim. When we came to office in 2022, we had inherited, from those opposite, a trillion dollars of Liberal debt, deficits as far as the eye could see and a budget weighted down with waste, rorts and mismanagement. Since then, the Albanese Labor government, our government, has turned the nation's finances around, doing so while putting cost-of-living relief at the centre of its agenda. In only three budgets we have delivered two surpluses, which would be unknown to those opposite. We turned around more than $207 billion of budget deficit, reduced the projected debt by $177 billion, saving Australians $60 billion in interest payments that would otherwise have gone to the banks. It's amazing what you can do with that extra $60 billion when you're not giving it to banks. Our Labor government has achieved this while carefully restraining its spending. Real payments have grown under Labor. We're doing it at 1.7 per cent a year, less than half the average of what it was under the coalition. In contrast, those opposite had not found a single dollar to save in their last budgets. But numbers on a balance sheet are not the measure that matters the most. What matters to us, to Labor, is the impact on families, workers, pensioners and young people—particularly, for me, those in communities like Bass. In Bass, households were under severe pressure from global and other factors beyond the government's direct control. But the question for Bass households that I get asked is simple: is our government helping to ease this burden or is it leaving them to fend for themselves? I'm very proud to say that we are helping. How are we doing it? Well, since 1 July this year, eight new measures have come into effect that have put real dollars back into household budgets. Minimum and award wages have been increased. The superannuation guarantee has gone up again, building stronger retirements. Energy bill relief is flowing to households across the country, building again on the work that Labor has been doing since 2022. We have cut the cost of medicines twice. We've introduced 60-day prescriptions and boosted bulk-billing incentives and are freezing PBS co-payments. For families in Bass, these changes are not abstract. They've saved them real money at the pharmacy counter. Since 2022, cheaper medicines reforms have saved people in Bass more than $9 million. Across Tasmania, more than $32 million has been saved. That's money that would have otherwise come out of family budgets every single time a script was filled. You can't tell me that that doesn't make a difference. You can't tell me that that doesn't matter. We've also delivered cheaper child care, free TAFE and expanded paid parental leave. These are not luxuries; they're essential supports that help families get ahead and keep our economy strong. This is not wasted money. It is planned for, and it is important. While helping with those costs today, we're also focusing on the future in energy, skills, health care and infrastructure, the building blocks of long-term productivity and prosperity. Those opposite may want to talk about a so-called spending spree, but we wouldn't have to be spending this much money if they had done their job. What they don't want to talk about is their record: the trillion dollars of debt with nothing to show for it; nine years of stagnant wages, and missed opportunities on energy, skills and health. The economy was weaker and more vulnerable, with fewer tools to actually help households. In contrast, the Albanese Labor government, has delivered responsible economic management and real help with the cost of living. Inflation is in the target band. Wages have been growing. More than 1.1 million jobs have been created. You cannot tell me that that does not make a difference. People in Bass didn't vote for more of the same old cuts and excuses. They voted for action on cost of living. They voted for a government that backs them in, and that is exactly what Labor is delivering.
Veterans | Distinguished Visitors | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel. What support is the Albanese Labor government providing to our veterans when it comes to housing, and did anyone seek...
My question is to the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel. What support is the Albanese Labor government providing to our veterans when it comes to housing, and did anyone seek to delay this support for our veterans?
National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to speak in support of the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025. This is a bill that delivers practical, meaningful cost-of-living relief to Australians, including...
I rise today to speak in support of the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025. This is a bill that delivers practical, meaningful cost-of-living relief to Australians, including thousands of families across my electorate of Bass. This bill goes to the heart of what good government is about. It's about fairness. It's about making sure that every Australian, regardless of the size of their bank balance or where they live, can access the medicines they need to stay healthy and care for their families. I want to share a story about a family from northern Tasmania. This story took place a few years ago. It's about two children, both neurodiverse, both with multiple diagnoses, who thrived on consistency, who needed the stability of daily medication to feel comfortable in their own skin, complete daily tasks and find success and enjoyment at school. But their parents faced impossible choices, with rising rents and grocery bills, climbing electricity bills piling up and then the cost of prescriptions on top of that. There were months when they had to choose between buying ADHD medication and putting food on the table. When these children missed that medication, they felt sick, restless and unable to focus. They became frustrated and upset when they couldn't keep up in class. Their parents struggled deeply, weighing up these choices when times were particularly tough. I remember speaking to a pharmacist in Kings Meadows and another in Ravenswood, right in the heart of Bass, who told me similar stories of parents standing at the counter and weighing up which prescription they could afford to take home and which one they would have to leave behind. No parent in Australia should ever have to make that choice and, with this bill, fewer families will. Why does this matter? From 1 January next year, the maximum cost of a PBS prescription for general patients will fall to just $25. That is the lowest price in more than 20 years. The last time medicines were this affordable was 2004—again, under a Labor government. This reform builds on Labor's record of delivering cheaper medicines, and what an impressive record that is. In January 2023, the Labor government made the largest cut in the history of the PBS, dropping the maximum cost for scripts from $42.50 to $31.60. We introduced 60-day prescriptions and we made filling scripts much easier. This bill is the next step—a more than 20 per cent cut to the maximum cost of PBS medicines, saving Australians over $200 million each year. That is immediate, practical and fair cost-of-living relief delivered by a Labor government. I represent Bass in northern Tasmania. We are a region of proud and hardworking people. But, like in many parts of Australia, many families in Bass are doing it tough. But, since being elected to government in 2022, the Labor government has ensured that the people of Bass have already saved more than $9.2 million at the pharmacy counter. That is $9.2 million that families have been able to keep in their pockets, $9.2 million that has meant older Tasmanians can keep taking their medicines without having to skip doses and $9.2 million that has meant parents can afford both asthma medication and groceries. Across Tasmania as a whole, our state savings since 2022 total more than $32 million. That is what cost-of-living relief looks like on the ground—real savings for real people on every corner of our island. As I mentioned, pharmacists in Launceston and right across Bass have told me the same thing again and again. They've seen too many people walking away from the counter without their medications, too many saying, 'I will come back next week when I get paid.' This isn't just an anecdote. National data confirms it. Last year 1.2 million Australians delayed or went without filling a prescription because of the cost. We know what happens when people can't afford their medicines. Their physical and their emotional health suffers. When their health suffers, our health system bears the cost—more hospitalisations, more acute episodes and more pressure on GPs and emergency departments. This bill is not just about cheaper scripts. It's about better health outcomes, stronger families and healthier, happier communities. There's also a powerful case economically for cheaper medicines. Every time someone is able to take the medicine that's been prescribed to them, we reduce the risk of a costly hospital admission and we keep people well enough to keep working, studying and caring for their loved ones. Affordable medicines mean fewer people forced into hospital beds because they can't afford to manage their own condition at home or within their community. It means less time off work, less absenteeism and greater productivity. And, over time, it means a reduced burden on our health system—savings not only for households but for the taxpayer. This bill is not just good for health; it is good for the economy. It is smart, responsible policy that invests in people and saves money in the long run. Cheaper medicines are only part of the story. Labor is also making sure that new and life-saving medicines are being added to the PBS. For example, from August this year, a new treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease was listed, cutting the cost from $131,000 a year to, currently, just $31.60 a script. A new combination therapy for stage 3 melanoma was also added, turning a life-saving $31,000 treatment into an affordable PBS medicine. They're not just numbers. These are life-changing reforms for Australians facing some of the toughest health battles imaginable. And then there is neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a rare but aggressive cancer that strikes our very youngest children. Before PBS listing, families faced bills of more than $417,000, nearly half a million dollars, for the medicine Ifinwil. I was very close to a family whose beautiful baby girl was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the first few months of her life. The physical and emotional toll this takes on a family and those who support them is unspeakable. At those times, every ounce of energy goes into caring, loving and hoping. The very last thing that any parent should have to worry about is whether they can actually afford life-saving treatment for their child. I'm so happy to say that this particular girl beat the odds, thanks to the great work of our healthcare system and the absolute, unbreakable tenacity of her incredible family. She's a fit and healthy teenager whose main concerns are similar to the everyday challenges for her peers. That is why the PBS matters, that is why cheaper medicines matter and that is why our robust healthcare system matters. It's not just economics; it's dignity, it's relief and it's hope. Our government's commitment to health goes beyond that pharmacy counter. In Launceston we have a busy Medicare mental health clinic, which is a safe and welcoming environment where people can get support free of charge in in a quiet, beautiful place. It has become almost a second home to some. We also have the Launceston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, which has seen over 38,000 visits in just two years. It's one of the busiest in the nation. This has saved an estimated and self-reported around 19,000 trips to the emergency room at our LGH. That is thousands of families who are able to see a GP, get treatment and avoid waiting hours in a cramped and very uncomfortable emergency department. In Bass we're also lucky enough to have an endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic, which is run exquisitely well by Family Planning Tasmania. For women and those with a uterus who have lived in pain and dismissal for too long, this service has been life changing. I've spoken with women who in the past were made to doubt themselves and made to feel weak by doctors who had not had the opportunity to learn more about endometriosis. We are now working towards a future, through these clinics and through greater public awareness, where nobody will ever feel dismissed again. These investments show Labor's vision in action: health care that is affordable, accessible and close to home. Let's be clear. Labor is the party of Medicare. Labor is the party of cheaper medicines. The last time PBS medicines cost $25 or less was in 2004—again, under a Labor government. For nearly a decade, those opposite had the chance to act. They had a chance to ease that burden at the pharmacy counter, but they didn't do it. It is Labor—it is the Albanese government—who is once again stepping up to fix this. And we're not just planning for today. This is very important in that traditional three-year cycle of government. We're actually looking ahead to 2030. The freeze for concession medicines will remain in place until then, locking in affordability for pensioners and concession card holders for the rest of the decade. Our approach is clear: health care is a right; it is not a privilege. Every reform we deliver builds towards a healthier and fairer future for all Australians. In just three years the maximum cost of each script on the PBS will have dropped from $42.50 to just $25. I think back to that family that I mentioned earlier. I imagine the relief in their home when they can afford their children's medication, week after week, without sacrificing the groceries. Imagine the difference for children in classrooms across the country—comfortable, focused and thriving. That is what this bill delivers: fairness, dignity and opportunity. The size of your bank balance should never determine whether you or your children can get the medicine or the care that you need. This bill ensures that in Bass, and across Australia, families can care for their health without having to choose between food and medicine. That is what good government looks like and that is what Labor delivers. I am proud to commend this bill to the House.
Cybersafety | Questions without Notice | House debates
TEESDALE () (): My question is for the Minister for Communications. How will the world-leading online-safety measures, implemented by the Albanese Labor government, put Australian families before...
TEESDALE () (): My question is for the Minister for Communications. How will the world-leading online-safety measures, implemented by the Albanese Labor government, put Australian families before online platforms?
Health Care | Adjournment | House debates
In Bass, we understand the meaning of doing more with less, particularly when it comes to health. In some of our more regional communities, getting to a doctor can take hours. Bulk-billing GPs...
In Bass, we understand the meaning of doing more with less, particularly when it comes to health. In some of our more regional communities, getting to a doctor can take hours. Bulk-billing GPs are a threatened species, and for many families the rising cost of medicines means making impossible choices. Bass is one of the most underserved electorates in the country when it comes to access to healthcare professionals. I've heard these stories firsthand: a grandmother on a surgery waitlist for years, a child missing out on early intervention or a young person waiting for diagnosis and yet falling through the cracks. But Labor is stepping up. In this year's budget, the Albanese government has delivered the biggest investment in Medicare ever seen in Bass. This includes cheaper medicines, because nobody should be splitting tablets in half to stretch out a script; 1800MEDICARE, a national triage line to provide support 24/7; and an endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic that is already changing lives, where people can feel heard and understood and get the treatment that they need. For urgent but non-emergency care, Launceston's Medicare urgent care clinic continues to be a lifeline for our community. Our clinic is one of the busiest in the country and perhaps the only one that's had to treat multiple Tasmanian devil bites in its time. The numbers don't lie. In the first half of this year, the Launceston Medicare urgent care clinic saw an average of 54 patients per day. Since its expanded opening hours on 1 July, the clinic sees 73 patients on average every day. On its busiest day this month, 84 patients were seen by a doctor at the Medicare urgent care clinic. That's 84 Tasmanians, 84 of my constituents, who did haven't to wait at the emergency department or try to get an after-hours GP appointment. They could see a doctor when and where they needed to, for free. In fact, just last week the clinic saw as many patients in a single day as our already overstretched local hospital emergency department did in a 24-hour period. I shudder to think what people would have done if they hadn't had access to this Medicare urgent care clinic. Labor also knows that to improve health outcomes for people we also need to invest in training and retaining more doctors and building our future workforce in the regions. I was proud to stand alongside the minister for health to announce funding to deliver end-to-end medical training at the University of Tasmania. This means that, for the first time ever, medical students can complete their entire medical degree in Launceston. For a regional community, that is huge. Quite frankly, when I was growing up, that was unheard of. More medical students graduating in Launceston will mean more doctors living and working in Bass. When you train in a regional area, the data tells us that you are more likely to stay in that area. I think of Peta, a local medical student who did her placement with the exceptional Dr Reddy's practice in Beaconsfield. That experience helped her to solidify her future goals. She now wants to be a regional GP because she saw firsthand how powerful that role is within a community. We also know that fully bulk-billing clinics like Dr Reddy's are worth their weight in gold. He has won the Tasmanian award for best clinic and best practice in Tasmania. We are so proud to have him and his work. Thank you very much, Dr Reddy. It is integral that more Tasmanians are able to train closer to home so that more Tasmanians can deliver the health care needed in our community. This is the model that works. This is the commitment that Bass deserves, because every person, no matter their postcode, should be able to access quality, affordable care when and where they need it.
Address-in-Reply | Governor-General's Speech | House debates
I believe that we learn through stories, so please me allow me to share mine. A little boy handed me a button. His name is Archie. No explanation, no big moment—just a quiet, unexpected...
I believe that we learn through stories, so please me allow me to share mine. A little boy handed me a button. His name is Archie. No explanation, no big moment—just a quiet, unexpected gift at the door of a stranger. It was the final week of the campaign. I was tired, hopeful and stretched to my limit. And there he was, a small hand reaching out offering me something precious. Something small, yes, but full of meaning. Did he sense, maybe, at that point in time, I really needed a lucky button? Perhaps. I carried it with me through the final week. I kept it close on election night, and I brought it here with me today, because this button became a reminder of kindness, of trust—of why we do this. This chamber hears a lot of talk about policy, priorities and power. But it's the small human things that actually hold us together, especially when distant horizons feel like they begin to darken. As I hold Archie's gift, I'm reminded that we walk in the footsteps of generations of his ancestors and on lands filled with deep stories far older than any of us. I acknowledge and pay my deepest respects to Palawa elders past and present, community members, their families and the Palawa people that passed too soon and did not make elder status yet who remain in the thoughts of their families and their community across Lutruwita/Tasmania. I acknowledge Palawa are the traditional owners and carers of country and sea country of Lutruwita that span millennia. There is a strong connection to country for Palawa, who continue to pass on cultural practices and knowledge to the next generation in my electorate of Bass. I extend my acknowledgement and deepest respects to the Ngunnawal people, whose country we are standing on today. I recognise the enduring strength and wisdom of First Nations people and the importance of listening, being led and sharing decisions. I recognise the significance for truth telling, healing and justice to be part of Australia's future and a strong link to closing the gap for better outcomes for First Nations people. I'm here today because of the people who stood beside me and those who came before. To Michelle O'Byrne, who stood in this chamber nearly 20 years ago and asked when it would reflect the true diversity of Australia: thank you for your service, advice and encouragement. It's taken time, Michelle, but this week we are finally taking a step towards a parliament that truly looks like its people. To Janie Finlay, who showed me how to make the most of every moment and turn it into the change that we want to see: thank you. I'm deeply grateful to the many ministers who offered their support during the campaign and beyond. I took each moment as a lesson, and I look forward to learning and working beside each of you. Prime Minister, I particularly thank you for being present at key moments throughout my entire campaign, from introducing me as a candidate to hosting the major Medicare announcement in Launceston to flipping sausages for volunteers who had worked so hard to support our dream. Your presence, constant belief and support have made these moments particularly special for everyone who was involved. To Bridget Archer: I know you care deeply for Bass and its people. You stood up for what you believed in even when that meant standing alone. I thank you for your service in this House. To my small but mighty family: you show up. You ask for nothing and make everything better. Laughing with you is my favourite thing in the world. Thank you for working through every challenge and harebrained scheme together. To Liam, whose radiant smile and front-row cheerleading is the truest expression of love that I have ever known: thank you. To my campaign team: we started small, just Luke and me, learning the ropes as fast as we could. What we built together grew into a team of some of the smartest, hardest-working and most dedicated people I now feel lucky enough to call friends. Seeing your joy on election night was a gift that I will never forget. Thank you. To the unions who supported and engaged with us: thank you. Australia's union movement is something we can be rightly proud of, and many countries look on with envy at the hard-won conditions that it has secured. To our intrepid volunteers: thank you. You show up with kindness, grit and good humour, no matter the weather. You keep us going, keep us fed and lift us up when we need it the most. I'll never stop being grateful. When I think about people who shaped me, not just as a politician but as a person, I think of teachers. Only a few months ago I was a teacher too. For 14 years I worked in remote and regional schools teaching students from prep to year 12. Because of the diverse needs of the students in front of me, I kept studying. I became skilled in supporting students who were learning English as an additional language or dialect and those students with disabilities or additional needs. Teaching brings so much joy. There are days full of laughter and light and others filled with frustration—frustration in a system that too often feels inflexible and doesn't allow teachers to meet students where they are. There are many moments I look back on with deep fondness, but my greatest passion will always be teaching people to read. There is nothing quite like helping someone at any age unlock the English language. To watch someone start to enjoy reading, to see their confidence grow as they engage with text, is one of the great privileges of teaching. It's not just about books; it's about science, instruction and conversation. It's about opening doors to further study, meaningful work and communication. Reading is one of the most important skills a person can learn, and I know so many teachers across the country who share the same joy in helping people, young or old, discover the power of reading. But, if you've been in a classroom lately, you know that teachers wear too many hats. They carry too many roles. They're educators, counsellors, snack providers, data collectors, resource creators, learners, reporters and event organisers, often all in one day. But through it all they focus on their students. They carry their hopes, their futures and their fears. Teachers walk beside us quietly, steadily, believing in us, even when we don't always believe in ourselves. During the campaign, some former teachers reached out. Many I hadn't seen in years. They were proud, encouraging and quietly cheering me on, and that's what great teachers do. But too many of our teachers are burning out. They're being stretched beyond what's fair, and many are leaving. That's why I'm really proud to be part of a government that is listening. We're fully funding public education. We're delivering free TAFE, reducing HECS, expanding mental health support and taking bold steps to give our kids a break from the relentless noise of social media. It's not just about policy; it's about people and the future that we want. This week, my family celebrated the arrival of my perfect niece, Willow. Hugh and Tara, thank you for the extraordinary gift of making me an aunt and asking me to announce her name here for the first time, for Willow's family and loved ones to be a part of this moment. Willow will grow up wrapped in unconditional love, surrounded by people who believe in her, who cheer her on and who will be there no matter what. But I wonder and I ask: What will define success for her generation? Will it be owning a home, or simply being able to afford rent? Will it be the freedom to choose her path, her work, her family and her future? Will it be growing up safe, supported and seen, no matter who she is or where she's from? I hope Willow learns from wise teachers. I hope she grows within a strong and kind community. I hope she's held by a world that prioritises keeping her emotionally and physically safe. I hope she knows that she belongs, that her voice matters and that fairness isn't something she has to fight for; it's something that she can count on. This leads me to one of the most common questions I was asked during the campaign: why? Why would you put yourself forward for a job like this, and what makes you worthy? While hope is integral to us in our humanity, it is not enough only to hope for change; it must always be partnered with action. The truth is I had very little interest in politics growing up. Mum worked hard to make sure that I had what I needed, and I was happy. It wasn't until I began to travel and to really understand how systems work and how policy touches every part of our lives that I started paying attention. My first teaching job was in Ramingining, a remote Yolngu community in Arnhem Land about 800 people strong. On a good day, it's a six-to-eight-hour drive to Darwin, and in the wet season you hold your breath as your tiny plane dances around storm clouds. Ramo is an extraordinary place. I loved my job and my time there, and I learned every day, from my students, my neighbours, my colleagues and the families who welcomed me in. But, like many remote communities, Ramo faces real challenges. Housing was scarce; people had to sleep in shifts. Diesel didn't always make it off the barge to power the generators. When someone needed urgent care, getting to a hospital could take hours, if the weather allowed it at all. People learned to rely on one another; they had to. But, as independent as we tried to be, we also had to rely on funding and being heard and understood by those who control it. I watched politicians fly in, make announcements, take some nice photos with the kids and leave within the hour. But I also saw something different: leaders who sat, who listened and who asked questions to understand. That's when I started paying more attention, because that's what politics should be: community led, grounded in respect and driven by care. When I came back to Tasmania, I joined the Labor Party, not because I had a grand plan—I certainly didn't expect to be here—but because I wanted to help inform good policy. I remember walking into my first Tamar branch meeting, nervous and unsure if I belonged, but I'm so glad that I did. I found acceptance. I found people who cared, who wanted to serve and who could share ideas and disagree respectfully. I know many of our Tasmanian branch members are watching today, and I thank you for your ongoing support. I know politics can leave a bad taste for people, but I believe that, when more Australians get involved, we build better policy and a better country. So, if you hope for a different future, if you have an idea or if you want to help, find a party that fits your values. Go to a branch meeting, get involved and be part of developing a future that you want. That is why I am here. This is my purpose: to build a future where every child feels heard, seen, supported and free to dream big. That question—what kind of future do we build?—is at the very heart of this role. After the election, I asked myself: What now? What does it actually mean to represent a place, to serve? The answer came quietly, as most good answers do: to connect—to connect people to services, to connect ideas to action, to connect the dots between problems and solutions and to make sure that, when someone walks into my office nervous, frustrated and out of options, they leave with something: a path forward, a next step and a sense that they were heard. That's what I want that job, this experience, to be, and that is how I will measure my success for this role as a federal member for Bass. Eight generations of my family have called Bass home, near the beautiful Kanamaluka River. We've farmed, built boats and mined gold. I know Bass, and I know that Bass is exceptional. We have world-class vineyards, Australia's only UNESCO City of Gastronomy and some of the world's best mountain-biking trails. We have landscapes so breathtaking and so commonplace that we sometimes forget just how lucky we are. We also have grit, innovation and history. We were the first area in the Southern Hemisphere to use anaesthetic, the first city in Australia to be powered by public hydroelectricity and the first Australian city with underground sewers or to take an X-ray. Bass doesn't wait for the future; we lead it. And, today, we still do. We have cutting-edge manufacturing, renewable energy and incredible community organisations, such as the Benevolent Society, still operating after 190 years, with over 70 volunteers helping furnish homes and helping people feed their children. That's the spirit of Bass—bold, innovative, generous—and I was lucky enough to see the impacts of generosity from a young age. I was raised by strong, hilarious and fiercely intelligent women: Marion, Kimbra and my exceptional mum, Ann. These women saw volunteering and supporting their community as a given—not even a question. Your community is what you make it, so give what you can to it. That's how, at age 13, I started volunteering at the YMCA. And what I learned is this: volunteering isn't just about helping others; it's about discovering and improving yourself and the way that you engage with your community. It builds us, it connects us and it makes us better, and I see it every day in Bass at Shekinah House, Strike It Out, parkrun, Rosie's Reading; in op shops, Men's Sheds, Neighbourhood Houses; in Rotary and Lions clubs; and in the quiet acts of courage, patience and dedication that never make the news but change lives all the same. This is the strength of our community. But, even in our strong community, there are fractures that we cannot ignore. Tasmania has some of the worst health and education outcomes in the country. We have some of the lowest year 12 completion rates and some of the highest rates of chronic illness. Too many young Tasmanians are struggling with literacy, with housing and with hope. These aren't just statistics; these are people. They are your neighbours, your children and your friends. And that is not good enough. My job—our job—is to change that, to improve these statistics and to make sure that no-one in our community is left behind. So, yes, I brought this button in with me today. It fits in the palm of my hand. It's not shiny. It's not worth anything on paper. But it's Archie's button—a child's act of kindness, a moment of connection and a symbol of what matters most. Leadership doesn't have to be loud. It can be gentle. It can be generous. And it can begin with a button. To the people of Bass, whether we've met yet or not, I carry this for you too. My promise is simple: I will listen, I will act and I will connect. And I will never forget what brought me here. Let's lead with kindness. Let's connect with courage. And let's build something better together. Thank you.
Child Abuse: Child Care | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Minister for Education. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to lift child safety in early education and care services?