Sarah Witty's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
Melbourne: Chinese New Year | Constituency Statements | House debates
[language not transcribed] Happy New Year to Melbourne's Chinese and Vietnamese communities. On Sunday I had the pleasure of joining the local Vietnamese community at the Lunar New Year festival...
[language not transcribed] Happy New Year to Melbourne's Chinese and Vietnamese communities. On Sunday I had the pleasure of joining the local Vietnamese community at the Lunar New Year festival along Victoria Street in Richmond. The festival was an enjoyable reminder of what this season represents: renewal and good fortune, community, family and traditions shared across generations. Victoria Street was alive. Families and friends gathered to join in the celebrations and enjoy the atmosphere, while local businesses opened their doors to share food, music and culture. The event was organised by Victoria Street Business Association. Thank you to the team for making it happen. The business association's commitment to supporting local traders and bringing the community together is vital to the success of the festival and to the ongoing revitalisation and strength of Victoria Street throughout the year. The Vietnamese community has shaped Richmond in lasting and meaningful ways, from small family businesses to community organisations and from food and culture to civic life. Their contribution is woven into the fabric of our city. As a local to Victoria Street, I regularly dine at the restaurants, and I'm grateful for the warmth and welcome I receive. In a few weeks I will also be attending the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations in Melbourne's historic Chinatown. Melbourne's Chinatown is the oldest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western world, and Lunar New Year celebrations are more than a cultural event; they are a must-see highlight on the city's calendar. This year we welcome the year of the horse, a symbol of strength, energy and forward momentum. The horse invites us to move forward with confidence and optimism. It is a fitting symbol for Melbourne, a city that thrives when it embraces change and turns diversity into strength. It reflects the leadership, contribution and cultural confidence that the Vietnamese and Chinese communities bring to Melbourne every day. Together, these celebrations remind us that multiculturalism is not an abstract idea; it is lived, it is shared, and it is built year after year through people showing up for one another. I am proud to be part of a government that understands the strength that comes from diversity and backs it with action. The Albanese government invests in multicultural communities, supports small businesses and works to ensure that every person from every background feels seen, respected and included in our national story. At a time where social cohesion matters more than ever, Lunar New Year is a reminder that Australia is stronger when we celebrate who we are together. When we make space for culture, language and tradition, we build trust. And when people feel they belong, our community is stronger. Happy New Year, and I wish you a prosperous new year.
Bondi Beach Attack Victims | Condolences | House debates
Today we come together in grief, reflection and resolve. The attack in Bondi shocked our nation. In a place known for openness, community and everyday life, innocent people were targeted while...
Today we come together in grief, reflection and resolve. The attack in Bondi shocked our nation. In a place known for openness, community and everyday life, innocent people were targeted while celebrating their faith. What should have been a day of celebration was transformed into one of horror, loss and heartbreak. On behalf of the people of Melbourne, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who were murdered on that day. No words spoken here can ease the pain of loss. The sudden, violent taking of loved ones leaves an absence that can never be filled. I cannot bear to imagine the terror and heartbreak of that day, when two alleged terrorists made the decision to take the lives of innocent people simply because they were celebrating their faith. Although I can't imagine how terrifying it was, I can picture how the day began—with joy and with families and friends gathered together, sharing laughter and tradition. To imagine that kind of happiness suddenly turning into fear, violence and loss is unbearable. Australians were killed. Australians were injured. Recovery will not be quick or simple. It will take time, support and compassion. The parliament and the nation stand with the families who lost loved ones, with Jewish Australians and with the people of Bondi. In moments of terror we also saw moments of extraordinary courage. We saw first responders, lifeguards, police and paramedics who acted swiftly and selflessly under immense pressure. Their bravery saved lives. Everyday Australians ran towards danger to help strangers and refused to look away. These acts of courage remind us of who we are at our best. This was an act of terrorism, intended to not only harm individuals but instil fear and division in our society. It will not succeed. This attack targeted Jewish people, striking at a community that is a part of the fabric of everyday Australian life and which has, in recent times, faced an alarming rise in hatred and intimidation. I have spoken with many Jewish Melburnians who have deeply felt the effects of 14 December. Rabbi Herzog of Melbourne said that the Jewish community is not separate from Australian society; it is woven into it. Jewish Australians are our neighbours, our colleagues and our friends. When antisemitism appears it is not an attack on someone else; it is an attack on who we are as a nation. We must stamp out all hatred. We must not excuse it, minimise it or tolerate it in any form. All Australians, including Jewish Australians, deserve to live in safety, dignity and peace. Rabbi Gutnick, of East Melbourne, has spoken with honesty about the feelings many Australians are experiencing. It is natural to feel angry. It is natural to feel helpless. It is natural to ask, 'What can I do?' His answer is both simple and powerful: 'More than you think.' We may not be able to do everything. We may not be able to do a lot, but we can do something no matter how small. Rabbi Gutnick spoke of the fire at the East Melbourne synagogue in July 2025. The congregation received an outpouring of support: cards filled with beautiful words, flowers and messages of solidarity from people of different faiths. After the tragedy there was an explosion of kindness. It's a reminder that, while hatred is loud, care is widespread. The rabbi reminded me that reaching into the plight of others is how we find repair. It is how all of us together turn tragedy into a deeper partnership across civil society, each of us doing what we can to build a flourishing, inclusive nation. Australia is a country built on diversity, freedom and mutual respect. We will not allow violence or hatred to define us. Nor will we allow any community to be blamed or vilified for the actions of these two individuals. Our response must be guided by unity, not suspicion, and by strength, not fear. May the memories of those who were murdered at Bondi be a blessing to their families and friends. May those who are healing find strength and care in the weeks and months ahead. And may we, as representatives of the Australian people, meet this moment with dignity, compassion and unity.
Labor Government | Questions without Notice | House debates
My question is to the Prime Minister. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering for Australians, and what are the alternatives to our government's action?
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise to speak today in support of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 because Melbourne understands hospitality. In...
I rise to speak today in support of the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 because Melbourne understands hospitality. In Melbourne, hospitality is not a backdrop; it is the soundtrack—from the clutter of plates on Brunswick Street to the roar of a pub before the siren at the G. We know that Melbourne is the heart of Australia's hospitality scene, and these bills keep it that way. The indexation pause that began on 1 October 2025 is another example of how this government is supporting small businesses and the workers they employ. Under these bills, the scheduled increases from August 2025 through to February 2027 will not occur. Instead, indexation will resume in August 2027 at the frozen rate, which permanently lowers the long-term excise path. This is responsible, targeted relief that helps around 10,000 venues nationwide and supports 160,000 workers across the brewery and hospitality sectors. It also supports Melbourne's creative life, from the musicians who rely on gig rooms to the comedians, artists and event organisers who build their careers inside these venues. In Melbourne, hospitality is not just an industry; it is one of the defining features of our city. Walk through Carlton or Fitzroy at any hour and you feel it. Catch a tram down Bridge Road in Richmond, through the city or on Chapel Street in South Yarra and you'll see it. Hospitality gives people income, stability, community and wellbeing. It is one of our biggest employers and one of the most important cultural forces. The bills strengthen the venues that make Melbourne Melbourne. I want to speak about something that started as a little gem and grew into a movement: Mountain Goat in Richmond. Two mates started it in the late 1990s in an old warehouse, brewing with second-hand equipment and offering local pizzas on a Wednesday night while the taps ran. Those early nights helped build Melbourne's craft beer culture. They were pioneers, experimenting, taking risks and helping shape what the industry became. In Melbourne, ordering a beer is not a simple choice; it's a commitment. You ask for the tap list and, suddenly, you're looking at 30 options, half of them brewed within walking distance. At that point, you're not choosing a drink; you're entering a relationship. That newfound relationship reflects something real. Draught beer is essential to how hospitality operates in the city. When the excise remains stable, venues can maintain prices, keep customers coming through the door and hold onto staff with confidence. That support, delivered by these bills, sits inside a broader economic reality. Many hospitality venues have seen their margins squeezed by rising import costs. They simply cannot absorb an increase in excise twice a year without consequences. A pause on indexation means small businesses can plan across the next two financial years with accuracy. It helps protect jobs. It helps protect business viability. It helps protect local economies that rely on hospitality to stay vibrant. In Abbotsford, Bodriggy Brewing shows what that looks like. The venue was transformed from an old LP gas conversion warehouse into a community space that supports local artists and live music. This creative ecosystem depends on stable, predictable costs. When the stage lights stay on, our cultural life stays strong. These bills also support the brewing sector, which relies heavily on keg sales to maintain cashflow. Kegs require more labour, more logistics and more handling than other forms. These bills support more jobs; keep excise stable; and help brewers plan production cycles, invest in equipment and maintain predictable relationships with pubs and venues. Stability flows through the entire supply chain—from farmers growing grain and truck drivers delivering kegs to technicians maintaining tap systems. Another great example from my electorate is the Mill Brewery at the Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood, sitting inside a venue that has been part of Melbourne's live music DNA for decades. Its beer sales support musicians, comedy nights and a thriving local arts scene. Places like this hold neighbourhood identity. They aren't just venues; they are cultural anchors. These bills also deliver measurable financial benefits. By pausing indexation four times over two years, this government is helping save venues from automatic increases that would have compounded into real pressure. The permanent lowering of the long-term excise trajectory means businesses in future years will pay less tax than they otherwise would have. This helps small venues stay open, helps new venues survive the hardest early years and helps established venues serve the communities that rely on them. These savings matter. For many small pub operators, even a modest reduction in expected costs can be the difference between maintaining hours or cutting them, investing in local staff or delaying that decision, and continuing to operate or closing the doors. Hospitality operates on tight margins. Predictable costs support secure livelihoods. Another venue in Melbourne is Brick Lane Brewing near the Queen Victoria Market. It shows how powerful that support can be. Brick Lane was founded by a collective that included local athletes, hospitality leaders and industry experts who wanted to create a brewery grounded in community. They employ locals, invest in brewing apprenticeships and help revitalise the Queen Victoria Market precinct. A pause in excise indexation gives them and their workers certainty as they continue to grow. In Melbourne, we do not just drink beer; we workshop it and we analyse it. I have listened in as bar goers in Richmond describe an IPA the way others would describe a novel or a long-lost lover. To reflect more broadly on what this legislation means from the economic stability of the communities we present, in an industry like hospitality, long-term planning is not an abstract exercise. It's the difference between investing in equipment, repairs and training or deferring them indefinitely. For small-business owners, certainty translates directly into confidence and confidence translates into better decisions for workers and customers. In Melbourne, our hospitality venues aren't just places to eat or drink; they are the rooms where the city remembers who you are. They are where people go when celebrating, when feeling lonely, when starting over or when they just need to sit somewhere and feel familiar. When a venue can plan ahead, it can keep being that anchor—the place that stays open when someone needs a moment of normal; the place a community leans on without ever even having to ask. Our venues give Melbourne somewhere to gather, to breathe and to belong. This pause also improves the resilience of the supply chain behind every keg. Breweries depend on predictable demands from pubs. Transport providers rely on predictable routes. Grain growers rely on predictable production schedules. When excise is stable, the entire chain becomes easier to manage. Businesses can commit to local suppliers with greater certainty and create more reliable income streams for people who support the industry from behind the scenes. This doesn't just effect the great restaurants and bars of Melbourne. Every dollar spent in a hospitality venue circulates through multiple layers of the local economy. It supports small suppliers who rarely get mentioned: the local bakeries delivering bread, the florists supplying events and the cleaners keeping venues clean and welcoming. When venues remain strong, they keep people employed, they keep money moving and they keep neighbourhoods active. Strong hospitality helps reduce isolation, supports mental wellbeing and delivers social benefits that extend well beyond the economic ledger. That is why targeted, responsible relief is so important. It is not a subsidy of luxury. It's about strengthening a sector that plays a crucial role in our social and economic life. It's about helping small businesses manage costs during volatile periods. It's about ensuring workers have stable workplaces that support their wellbeing, their income and their sense of security. In Melbourne, that matters. Our cafes, pubs and small bars are the places where ideas spark, friendships form and communities take shape. The intent is simple: strengthen businesses that give Melbourne its character, support the spaces that bring people together and make sure our hospitality scene continues to thrive as one of the great engines of the city's culture and identity. Melbourne anchors the national hospitality landscape. Our city hosts the largest sporting events in the country, including the Australian Open and the Grand Prix. We host major festivals, conferences, exhibitions and celebrations. None of these events function without hospitality. Hospitality workers welcome international visitors, serve families, support tourism, and keep the city running long after other industries close for the night. When we support hospitality in Melbourne, we support the national visitor economy. As we strengthen Melbourne's international reputation, we strengthen Australia's place in the world. Our city is known internationally for its food cultures, its laneway bars, its world-class service and its ability to deliver major events with precision and generosity. The skills held by Melbourne's hospitality sector—creativity, professionalism, technical expertise—are part of what makes our city competitive on the global stage. When we invest in this industry, we safeguard not just local culture but Melbourne's standing as one of the world's great event and hospitality capitals. These bills complement other government measures that support households and small businesses. They sit alongside bill relief, support for apprentices and increased rent assistance. Together, these measures help families manage cost-of-living pressures and help small businesses remain competitive. The impact of these bills extends beyond alcohol taxation. It helps protect the social fabric of our communities. Hospitality venues offer connection and belonging. They give people a place to celebrate together, to relax and to be part of something larger than themselves. A strong hospitality sector supports mental wellbeing and strengthens neighbourhood life. I once heard a bar tender in Collingwood explain a list of seasonal beers that included a pale ale inspired by tropical sunsets, a pilsner inspired by buttery croissants and a stout inspired by existential dread. That sense of humour and creativity are part of who we are. These bills help protect the places that make that possible. The pause in indexation is responsible. It maintains the structure of alcohol taxation. It avoids inflationary pressures. It is temporary and measured. It provides real and practical support for small businesses that employ thousands of Australians. These bills recognise the value of work, the importance of stability and the need to protect industries that bring communities together. Melbourne is a city that takes its social spaces seriously. Our pubs, bars and breweries are where ideas start, friendships grow and community is built. Protecting them isn't nostalgia; it's an investment in the civic life that makes this city what it is. Melbourne leads the nation in hospitality. This legislation helps ensure we continue to lead not by accident but by design—through careful policy, real relief and a clear understanding of the role hospitality plays in the lives of our communities. I am proud to support these bills. I am proud to support the workers and businesses that make Melbourne what it is: a great place to live. Melbourne does not follow hospitality trends; Melbourne sets them, and this legislation will keep us setting them. I commend the bills to the House.
Revive Live | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise today to speak about something that beats at the heart of our creative nation: our live music venues. These spaces are more than bricks and mortar; they are community hubs, incubators of...
I rise today to speak about something that beats at the heart of our creative nation: our live music venues. These spaces are more than bricks and mortar; they are community hubs, incubators of talent and the first stages where artists find their sound and find their audience. Without venues, there is no live music industry. Without live music, we lose part of who we are as Australians. That's why the Albanese government has stepped up with Revive Live—targeted, practical, real-world support that keeps doors open, staff employed and stages lit. It recognises that, when venues thrive, artists thrive, and, when artists thrive, communities flourish. I'm proud to say that in my community this support is already making an impact. Bodriggy Brewpub, Inflation, Lulie Tavern, the iconic Punters Club, the Evelyn Hotel, the historic Grace Darling Hotel and the ever-energetic Yah Yah's are all benefiting from Revive Live funding. These venues aren't just places to go on Friday nights; they take risks on emerging artists, nurture local talent and give us the soundtrack to our lives. Revive Live ensures these venues can continue. It keeps the pipeline of Australian music strong, from the first gig in the back room to the biggest festival stages in the country. So let's celebrate our venues and keep Australian music live.
Ethnic Religious Minorities | Private Members' Business | House debates
I rise to support the motion moved by the member for Corangamite and I thank her for bringing it to the house. It is important that this parliament speaks with clarity and with conscience about...
I rise to support the motion moved by the member for Corangamite and I thank her for bringing it to the house. It is important that this parliament speaks with clarity and with conscience about what is happening in Afghanistan and about the prosecution faced by the Hazara people and other minorities under the Taliban. The reality is stark. Since the Taliban's takeover, Hazara communities have faced targeted attacks, discrimination and constant threats of violence. Women and girls have been removed from public life. Religious minorities have been pushed further into danger. No part of Afghan society has been free from the effects of repression. For many Australians, this is not a distant story. In a country as diverse as ours, people feel these events through their families, their friendships and their sense of identity. Multicultural organisations and community leaders I have met speak often about their worry for loved ones overseas and their desire to see Australia continue to stand firmly for human rights. This motion reflects these values and those expectations. This motion also calls for the protection of all minorities as well as women and girls. That call is not symbolic. It aligns with Australia's longstanding commitment to international law and to the safeguarding of human rights. The Albanese Labor government has consistently condemned the Taliban's abuse at the United Nations Human Rights Council and at the General Assembly. Australia co-sponsored the UN resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, urging the protection of human rights, adherence to international law and decisive action against terrorism. Australia, together with Canada, Germany and the Netherlands, has also initiated proceedings under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women to hold Afghanistan to account for the systematic discrimination against women and girls. This is a strong and principled step, and it is consistent with who we are as a country. Australia's support does not depend on the country or the context. It reflects a belief that human dignity must be defended wherever it is threatened. Values matter, but so does action. Since 2021, Australia has provided more than $260 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, delivering food, shelter, health services and essential protection programs especially for women, children and minority groups. Following the devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan in August, the Albanese government committed an additional $1 million in urgent relief. Our assistance goes to the Afghan people, not to the Taliban regime. DFAT continues to monitor the situation closely, working with partners to ensure that our support remains principled, targeted and effective. The final part of this motion recognises the contribution of Hazara Australians to our country. That acknowledgement is important. Hazara Australians enrich our culture and social life. They contribute to our workforce, our schools, our businesses and our communities. Their resilience and determination reflects something fundamental about the Australian story. People given safety and opportunity build stronger communities for everyone. I see that in Melbourne every day. People who've come here seeking stability give back through hard work, community involvement and a commitment to build a better future. In Melbourne we see the strength of multicultural communities that care deeply about fairness, compassion and justice. These values are at the heart of this motion, and they are the values that guide my work as the member for Melbourne. I am proud to serve one of the most diverse electorates in the country, proud to stand up for dignity and equality, and proud to support motions like this that call on Australia to remain steadfast in defending human rights. Acknowledging persecution is not enough, but it is necessary. Calling for protection is not enough, but it is right. Australia must continue to show leadership, uphold international law and stand with communities who face discrimination and violence. We do this because it is the fair thing to do, because it reflects the values of Australians and because every person deserves the chance to live with safety, dignity and hope. I commend this motion to the House.
cohealth | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise today to speak about an issue that has deeply affected many people across Collingwood and Fitzroy: the future of cohealth's general practice service. The decision to close the Collingwood...
I rise today to speak about an issue that has deeply affected many people across Collingwood and Fitzroy: the future of cohealth's general practice service. The decision to close the Collingwood and Fitzroy clinics has caused real anxiety for the people who rely on those essential health services. These clinics are more than buildings. They are trusted places of care for thousands of patients, particularly some of the most vulnerable community members. That is why the Albanese government moved quickly and decisively. We asked the cohealth board to pause its closure plans, recognising the significant disruption this would have caused for patients and staff. I am pleased to confirm that our government will provide up to $1.5 million in funding to ensure cohealth's GP services remain open until 31 July 2026. This support gives certainty to clients and allows cohealth to continue delivering essential care while a long-term plan is developed. This funding ensures continuity of care while we work towards a sustainable long-term solution. To support that process the Australian and Victorian governments will commission an independent review of cohealth's general practice model, governance and finance, providing clarity and a strong foundation for the future. Our government is committed to ensuring every Australian can access high-quality, affordable primary care. The funding announcement honours that commitment and means that families— (Time expired)
Tertiary Education | Private Members' Business | House debates
I rise to speak on this motion and to welcome the Albanese government's delivery on the commitments made to young Australians by cutting student debt by 20 per cent and making repayments fairer...
I rise to speak on this motion and to welcome the Albanese government's delivery on the commitments made to young Australians by cutting student debt by 20 per cent and making repayments fairer and simpler. This matters deeply to Melbourne. My electorate has more than 36,000 people carrying HELP or VET student debt—the highest in Victoria. You see them every morning walking into RMIT and Melbourne Uni, weaving through Carlton, Fitzroy, Parkville and the CBD. You see them behind the espresso machines in Collingwood, doing night shifts at the hospitals, running tutor sessions in Abbotsford or bouncing between share houses in Prahran. For them, student debt has not been an abstract line on a tax statement. It's been a weight they carry every day. The people of Melbourne have been telling me the same story even before I was elected to parliament. Their debt grows faster than their pay. Indexation felt brutal and unfair. With Melbourne's rent rising faster than anywhere else in the country, they felt like they were running on a treadmill that never slowed down. This government heard that and we acted. This 20 per cent cut is the largest reduction in student debt in Australia's history. For an average debt of $27,000, that's a reduction of more than $5,500. Around three million Australians will benefit, including tens of thousands in my community of Melbourne. People won't need to fill in a form or fight through government processes. The ATO will do it automatically. People will simply receive a text or email telling them their debt has been cut. That is a relief you can feel in your chest. It is the difference between whether or not you still have something left over after paying rent. It is the difference between being able to save for a deposit or staying stuck. It's the difference between exhaustion and hope. And this government did not stop there. We raised the minimum repayment threshold to $67,000 and replaced the outdated whole income repayment system with a fair, modern marginal system. For someone in Melbourne earning $70,000, that is $1,300 back every year—real money, real relief. These reforms reflect a simple truth: opportunity should not come with a lifetime of punishment. They sit alongside broader investments that matter to Melbourne's young people and mature aged students alike. We introduced the Commonwealth prac payment, giving financial support to future teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers—people who keep our great city running; people who staff our hospitals, our schools and our community services. We expanded FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses so that more people can transition into university, including those who never imagined they would take that path. We doubled the number of university study hubs, bringing tertiary education closer to where people live. Melbourne is a city built on brains, creativity and ambition. We are home to some of the country's best universities, but we are also home to thousands of people who feel locked out by rising rent, rising costs and rising expectations. This government is bringing those barriers down. I meet students in Richmond who work two jobs and feel like they are going backwards and young workers in North Melbourne who feel crushed between rent, groceries and student repayments. I meet parents in Parkville and South Yarra who tell me their talented kids are working hard but can't see a path to owning a home because the HECS debts keep dragging them behind—like an anchor. These reforms cut that anchor loose. The opposition called the policy profoundly unfair. They said Australians will see no benefit. Australians saw a benefit, and they elected a government that promised to deliver. And deliver it we have. Education is not meant to trap people; it's meant to launch them. Debt should never be the thing that decides whether someone can dream of a future in a city they love. Melbourne is an electorate where people chase opportunity with everything they've got. Our job is to make sure the system does not punish them for doing so. Today, I am proud to stand here and say we promised it, we delivered it, and we are just getting started. I commend the motion to the House.
Australian Music Month, Bakehouse Studios | Constituency Statements | House debates
I'm excited to let you know that November is Australian Music Month, a fantastic time to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and culture power of our local Aus music scene. In my...
I'm excited to let you know that November is Australian Music Month, a fantastic time to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and culture power of our local Aus music scene. In my electorate of Melbourne, music isn't just entertainment; it's a part of who we are. It fills our iconic pubs, like the Corner Hotel and the Tote, laneways and stadiums as big as the MCG. It drives our festivals—too many to mention—and brings people together across all generations and backgrounds. Recently I had the privilege of visiting the amazing Bakehouse Studios in Richmond with the Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman. It is a legendary creative space that has hosted just about every major Australian artist you can name. I give a very special thanks to Quincy McLean and Helen Marcou for their passion and for helping to keep Australian music alive. Bakehouse has hosted everyone, from the Go-Betweens to Courtney Barnett, Paul Kelly and the Avalanches—the list goes on and on. Bakehouse is also a favourite destination for international music artists. It showcases visual arts and it opens its doors for photography and filming. It is truly a wonderful creative space. On the day I visited, at least five bands and artists were rehearsing, including the Temper Trap, the Pierce Brothers and an artist named r.em.edy, who is writing and recording her music there with the help of Revive Live grants received by Bakehouse to help artists with disabilities. That energy, creative people working side by side, is what makes Bakehouse so special and why I truly enjoyed my visit there. What struck me most was not just the history of those walls but the sense of community. Bakehouse has long been a place where musicians, producers and performers come together to collaborate, experiment and keep our live music culture thriving. As we celebrate Australia's music month, we recognise the artists, venues and workers who make this industry possible and we commit to supporting them through fair pay, safe workplaces and investment in the creative economy. Part of that investment is through our government's successful Revive Live program, which is delivering millions in funding to help live music venues and festivals bounce back, supporting touring artists and ensuring Australian music is heard, loud and proud, across the country and the world—because when Australian music thrives, our whole culture thrives.
Melbourne Electorate: FC Birrarung | Statements by Members | House debates
I recently joined players, families and volunteers at Princes Park in North Carlton for the FC Birrarung end-of-season presentation. FC Birrarung is a true community club. More than 550 players,...
I recently joined players, families and volunteers at Princes Park in North Carlton for the FC Birrarung end-of-season presentation. FC Birrarung is a true community club. More than 550 players, most of them children, pull on their boots each week with pride and excitement. I saw that joy as they cheered for their teammates, accepted their medals and ran back to their friends, clutching trophies almost as big as they were. I spoke with the president, Marie-Liesse Labat, whose pride in the club was unmistakable. She spoke about the sense of belonging the club has built. It's a place where every young person feels supported, included and part of something bigger than themselves. It was also special to celebrate coach and mentor Julie Ryan, who has given 10 years of her time, patience and heart to the club. Her dedication shows what grassroots sports is all about: shaping not only better players but better community. Earlier this year, FC Birrarung received $4,560 from the Albanese Labor government Volunteer Grants program, helping them with new gear, training and small essentials that keep a club strong. Sport teaches more than skills; it teaches community. FC Birrarung is proof of what happens when people come together and build something worth cheering for.
Raise Our Voice in Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise to read a speech by a student in my electorate of Melbourne as part of Raise Our Voice Australia. I'm excited to be part of amplifying the voices of young people. Today I am reading a...
I rise to read a speech by a student in my electorate of Melbourne as part of Raise Our Voice Australia. I'm excited to be part of amplifying the voices of young people. Today I am reading a speech written by 19-year-old Arwa. They wrote: Australia has been my home for many years, a country that has offered me incredible opportunities and success. But despite these immense benefits, it's simply not enough. Australia is stalling. We lack critical progression in so many vital areas: from innovative ideas and committee wellness to health care, climate action, housing affordability, the cost-of-living crisis, and education. Beyond these critical issues, Australia is suffering from a fundamental breakdown in social cohesion. We're losing the societal framework where all people, regardless of race, colour, or religion work together. This division is evident everywhere, from the halls of parliament to the very streets of our cities. We have lost our vital sense of community. We must move forward as one country. It's imperative that we support those in our community who are less fortunate, ensuring everyone has the chance to experience the incredible potential Australia holds. But above all, we must remember that we are one massive community that must help each other in building the Australia we all envision. Well done Arwa, and thank you for your speech.
Foster Care | Statements by Members | House debates
Being a foster carer is an incredibly fulfilling job, or should I say volunteer position, and one of the most difficult challenges someone can undertake. To bring into your home a child in need...
Being a foster carer is an incredibly fulfilling job, or should I say volunteer position, and one of the most difficult challenges someone can undertake. To bring into your home a child in need is one of the greatest acts of care there is. To care for kids in out-of-home care is the honour of a lifetime. I recently had the privilege of launching the Parliamentary Friends of Foster Carers and Children in Foster Care group. Along with my co-chairs, we gathered voices from across the broad foster care community, from advocacy groups, like Families Australia and the National Foster Care Sustainability Group, through to foster children themselves. Those voices are the most important of all. One child that I met said that all she wanted to do was to be able to get a photo taken with the group. She wasn't allowed because of her being in foster care. She just wanted to be like everybody else. Every story was a reminder that behind the policies and programs, there are lives shaped by care, patience and empathy. Getting to hear those stories, like so many I've heard as a foster carer, reminds me of the importance of the work I've come to do in this parliament: to advocate for children in foster care, to support the carers who give them so much of their time and energy, and to remind the parliament that our policies affect real people. That is why I will keep working to make sure that every child in every care has a voice in this place.
Housing | Private Members' Business | House debates
I rise to speak about Australia's housing crisis and the action this government is taking to combat it. We are building more homes, supporting renters and investing in social and affordable...
I rise to speak about Australia's housing crisis and the action this government is taking to combat it. We are building more homes, supporting renters and investing in social and affordable housing at a scale not seen in decades. This progress is making a real difference in everyday lives, because every house built by this government is proof that progress is not just possible, it is happening. That progress matters, because housing is now a life-defining challenge for so many Australians. People are working hard and doing everything right. Still, they have not been able to find a place to call home. Young people line up around the block for rental inspections. Families who once would have owned a home now find themselves in long-term rentals. Parents tell me that they cannot give their children the stable home that they grew up in. The Albanese Labor government understands how hard this is. We have a $43 billion housing agenda that is tackling the crisis from every angle. The Commonwealth is no longer a bystander in this challenge, and we are the most ambitious government on housing since the post-war period. At the centre of this work is building more homes. More homes mean more affordability for everyone. Through the National Housing Accord, we are working with the states and territories, councils and industry. The goal is 1.2 million new homes by 2029. We are cutting red tape, training more tradies and delivering the infrastructure to unlock supply. The Albanese government is directly supporting the delivery of 55,000 social and affordable homes. The Housing Australia Future Fund, the HAFF, is driving that work. It is funding homes for people who have been locked out of the market through no fault of their own. It supports the nurses, teachers and key workers who hold our community together, helping them live near the people they care for and close to the places where their work changes lives. In Victoria, federal investment supports the Big Housing Build, and, in my electorate of Melbourne, projects in Carlton and Fitzroy are replacing outdated housing with modern, secure homes. Labor is backing homebuyers. The five per cent deposit scheme began on 1 October. It was delivered months ahead of schedule, and now first home buyers are cutting years off the time it takes to save a deposit and avoiding paying mortgage insurance. We are also rolling out Help to Buy to help low- and middle-income earners purchase a home with a smaller deposit and a smaller mortgage. The government has delivered the largest increase to Commonwealth rent assistance in 30 years, a rise of more than 40 per cent since returning to government in 2022. This is real relief for more than half-a-million households. Social and affordable housing is at the heart of our government's plan. Affordable housing gives people on modest incomes a chance to build a life without sacrificing everything else. Social housing provides safety for those in greatest need. It supports women and children leaving domestic violence. It protects older women, the fastest-growing group at risk of homelessness. The only real answer to homelessness is housing. Across Victoria, demand remains high. More than 63,000 applicants sit on the social housing register. Every new home built under the HAFF is another family with stability, another child with space to grow, another community made stronger. In Melbourne I see the impact every day. My work is to make sure new developments include social and affordable homes. This is work that means a great deal to me. Before entering parliament I helped to raise a pipeline of more than $110 million through the Homes for Homes model, creating real pathways to safe and secure housing for more Australians. The next phase of this plan will keep building on that progress. We will expand the HAFF pipeline, we will strengthen renters' protections through a national rental framework, and we will continue to grow social and affordable housing each year. The goal is simple: every Australia deserves a safe, secure, affordable place to call home. Behind every policy, every number, every brick, there is a person waiting for a key. Our job is to make sure they get it.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss | Private Members' Business | House debates
'It's better this happens now than later. We can always try again.' These are things that were said to me when I experienced the devastating loss of yet another baby before they had the chance to...
'It's better this happens now than later. We can always try again.' These are things that were said to me when I experienced the devastating loss of yet another baby before they had the chance to take their first breath. Words meant to comfort instead cut deeply into my grief. At the time, I felt angry and a pain at how misunderstood I was, but over the years that anger slowly transformed into something else: gratitude. Strange, I know. As much as their words hurt, I came to realise they were spoken from a place of not knowing. They didn't understand the depth of this kind of loss, and in a strange way I was glad they didn't—gratitude. If they had truly known the pain of pregnancy loss, they would never have said those things to someone hurting like I was. If the people that were closest to me were unable to understand the extent of my loss, how could I expect others to know what I was going through? I couldn't. Losing a child at any stage is profoundly painful, yet babies lost before they are even able to breathe are often met with silence, discomfort or avoidance. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month—a time to recognise thousands of families across Australia who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a pregnancy, a baby or a young infant. For too long, these experiences have been endured in silence. I know I did. This month provides a moment for our nation to pause, acknowledge the grief of families and recommit to supporting them with compassion, understanding and care. The loss of a baby is a profound and life-altering event. The hopes and dreams of a future are suddenly replaced with deep sorrow. Did you know that every year 2,200 babies are stillborn and more than 700 newborns die before their first birthday? The Public Health Association estimates that around 100,000 pregnancies end in miscarriage. At the time of my miscarriage, my first miscarriage, it was one in four pregnancies. At that time, it was me, my sister and two friends all pregnant at the same time. It was my baby that was lost. It was my husband and I who watched those kids grow and reach those wonderful milestones in life—first birthdays, first steps, first days at school. As those wonderful kids face the end of their school life and wonder what to do next, it's important to remember that pregnancy and infant loss affect not only parents but also siblings, grandparents, extended families, friends and workplaces. It touches every part of our community. As a society we have become better at speaking openly about many forms of grief, but pregnancy loss and infant loss are still often spoken about in hushed tones or not at all. Many parents say what hurts most is when their baby's life goes unacknowledged and when others do not know what to say. But, by having conversations like this one here in the parliament, we can help break that silence, validate that grief, honour the lives lost and ensure that families feel seen and supported. Awareness must always be matched with action. That includes ensuring bereavement leave and workplace supports are fit for purpose, that parents have access to counselling and culturally-safe services and that health systems are responsive to the needs of families in their care. Community groups, peer networks and charities also play an essential role, providing understanding, remembrance events and practical support during the darkest moments. Their work deserves recognition and sustained support. Tonight, as, around the country, homes light up a candle to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we remember all the little lives gone too soon. We stand with families who carry their memories every day and we recommit to creating a society where their grief is acknowledged, their babies are remembered and they are supported with love and dignity.
Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today to contribute to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025. With this bill, the Albanese Labor government is delivering a fairer, more...
I rise today to contribute to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025. With this bill, the Albanese Labor government is delivering a fairer, more efficient and more compassionate social security system. This bill builds on what Labor have already delivered to strengthen our social safety net. Since we came to government we have raised JobSeeker by almost $4,000 a year, giving people looking for work a better chance to get by. We have lifted the pension by almost $5,000 a year for a single person, giving older Australians more security in retirement. We have boosted rent assistance by almost 15 per cent to help ease the pressure of rising rents, and we are delivering paid parental leave with super so families are almost $12,000 better off for every child. This bill is another important step in that record. It shows Labor is building a system that helps people when they need it most. One of these changes, which support Australians, is the end of the use of external debt collection agencies. Many of us here are privileged in that we have never had to experience what it feels like to be chased by a debt collector. We have not had to know that gut-wrenching feeling when the phone rings from a private number—not knowing if it's a debt collector, a job offer or a call from your doctor. You live your life gambling on whether someone will leave a voicemail. That constant fear strips people of their dignity as they try to pick themselves up after the safety net has caught them. On top of that is the stress of having to ask for help in the first place and the crushing worry of not knowing how you'll ever pay that back. The last thing people deserve is to be hounded and shamed by a system that is meant to support them. This legislation reforms how we manage social security debts, resolves the longstanding issue of income apportionment and makes the system work for people instead of against them. For many of us, at some point in our lives, there will be a need to access the social security system. It might be because of illness, the loss of a job, caring for children or older relatives, or simply trying to get through a tough period. It is unfortunate that there have been times when people who have turned to the system in good faith have been left carrying the stress of debts—debts that were small, accidental or calculated under flawed rules, as we have seen with robodebt. This bill will wipe almost half of Australia's undetermined social security debt backlog and, importantly, will establish a resolution scheme offering payments of up to $600 for those who were impacted by the historical method known as income apportionment. This is fairness in action, this is efficiency in action, and this is Labor putting people back at the heart of government. One of the most important changes in this bill is the increase in the threshold for waiving small debts. This is the first increase in more than 30 years. The current threshold is just $50, and it has not changed since the 1990s even though government payments have tripled since then. What we considered small in 1993 is not what small means today. By lifting the waiver threshold to $250 we are ensuring Services Australia does not waste time and money chasing debts that cost more to recover than they are worth. Around 1.2 million undetermined debts will be waived or never raised in 2025-26 as a result. There are two important details about this change. First, the new threshold will not just rise once and then fall behind. For the first time, it will be indexed every year in July with inflation to keep pace with the real cost of living. Second, strong safeguards will remain. If someone tries to game the system by deliberately racking up small debts, those debts will not just be wiped away; this is about fairness, not loopholes. We must never forget the damage of robodebt. Robodebt was unlawful, it was cruel, and it left hundreds of thousands of Australians carrying debts they did not owe. The royal commission exposed just how badly people were treated. Labor has either accepted or accepted in principle all 56 recommendations of that commission; three-quarters of them are already done or well underway. This bill is part of that work. It makes sure debts are handled properly, with fairness, safeguards and humanity. Unlike those opposite, we will never repeat the mistakes of robodebt. This change will save resources, but, even more importantly, it will spare Australians who are already doing it tough the significant stress of being hounded over tiny accidental debts. I would like to take a moment to speak about what this means for a woman, and in particular women who have been pushed to the margins. When I was the CEO of the Nappy Collective, I saw up close how families—and overwhelmingly women—were making impossible choices. Women escaping family violence would come to us for nappies because they had nothing left after rent, bills and putting food on the table. I will never forget a mother who told me that, to save money, her only option was to change nappies only for number twos and how receiving a Centrelink debt notice on top of that pressure filled her with fear about how she could ever possibly pay it back. This mother was not irresponsible. She was not careless. She was a survivor, trying to hold her family together with whatever she had. This government, by raising the small debt waiver threshold, is sparing women in these situations the unnecessary trauma of being told they owe their government $50 or $100—sums that might mean nappies for the month or groceries for the week. This bill also makes critical changes to ensure the social security system cannot be weaponised against victims-survivors of coercion and financial abuse. Financial abuse is one of the most menacing forms of family violence. It strips people of their independence. It traps them in unsafe relationships. Imagine a woman being physically abused by her partner and forced to sign forms she does not understand. Imagine that woman taking the brave but difficult decision to escape that violence, only to be faced with a debt in her name. Her partner's control lingers even after the violence has stopped. For women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, this can be even harder. What happens if you cannot read English and you are too afraid to ask how the system works? You are left relying on someone who can easily take advantage of you. And what if you're afraid of authority? That fear can silence you and leave you carrying debts that were never really yours. Too many women who came here for safety have found themselves trapped again, this time by debts they never chose and cannot pay. When you do not know how you are going to pay for your groceries, it's very hard to think about making a move to safety. You worry about how you will pay the rent and how you can get the support you need, and in those moments even a small debt can feel like a wall you just cannot get past. That is why this bill is so important. It means Services Australia will be able to wipe debts that come from coercion or abuse so women and children are not punished for the actions of an abuser. Until now, the system has punished victims of that abuse. With this bill, Services Australia will have the power to waive debt where coercion or abuse played a role. That means no-one will be forced to carry a debt because their abuser manipulated them into signing a form or pressured them into providing false information. This responds directly to the recommendations of the 2024 joint parliamentary inquiry into financial abuse, and it is a critical step under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. This is not just good policy; it's a moral responsibility. I want to turn to the longstanding issues of income apportionment. From 1991 until 2020, income apportionment was used to calculate debts for people on social security who also earned income from employment. In situations where the exact daily earnings were not clear, income was spread across multiple Centrelink fortnights. We know these practices were inconsistent with the law. While they have never been used by the Albanese Labor government, the fact remains that people were impacted by debt for decades. The government could attempt to reopen millions of debts, some going back 20 or 30 years, but that would cause untold distress, uncertainty and expense. Many of these debts have been repaid years ago. People have moved on with their lives. Instead we are fixing the law on income apportionment and creating a resolution scheme so people who were affected can be compensated. People with historical debts that happened between 2003 and 2020 will be entitled to a resolution payment of up to $600. If their debt was under $200, they will receive the full amount back; for debts between $200 and $2,000, the payment will be $200; between $2,000 and $5,000, the payment will be $400; and, for debts above $5,000, the payment will be $600. This is a fair and caring way to finally put the issue to rest. In my electorate of Melbourne, these reforms will make a real difference. Melbourne is a city of creativity, resilience and diversity, but it is also a city where hardship sits alongside wealth. I hear from single parents trying to re-enter the workforce while raising their children. I am reminded of Kathy, a single mum who, like many others, is retraining through TAFE so she can build a more secure future for herself and her children. At the same time, she is holding down casual shifts to make ends meet and to give her kids those small extras that matter so much, like a costume for book week. When working casual hours, income goes up and down, and that can be where debt errors have so often crept in. What should be a step towards stability, studying, working or raising a family can end in an unexpected debt that leaves people with more stress and more uncertainty. In Carlton and Fitzroy, students juggling study and part-time work tell me how hard it is to keep on top of their obligations when their working hours change without notice. Melbourne has the highest number of people receiving student debt relief through the HECS system, and that is no coincidence. This bill, alongside HECS debt relief, shows the government is serious about removing barriers that hold young people back and about giving them a fair chance to build their future. I also think of the stories I've heard from migrant support workers of new arrivals trying to get their first job in Australia, often in insecure work like hospitality or cleaning. For them an unexpected Centrelink debt can be overwhelming, especially when they are still learning how our system works and do not have the same networks of support to fall back on. And we know insecure work hits youngest people hardest. The Young Workers Centre in Melbourne has been clear about how casualisation and underemployment leave young workers vulnerable with little financial buffer when mistakes or debt arise. This bill recognises that reality. It acknowledges those struggles, and it changes the system so it supports people instead of punishing them. Australia deserves a social security system that is fair, efficient and humane—a system that reflects modern realities not outdated thresholds, a system that protects victims-survivors not perpetrators and a system that offers solutions not distress. That is what this bill delivers. In doing so, it shows once again that the government stands with the Australian people who, for whatever reason, rely on social security to live with dignity, security and hope. I commend the bill to the House.
Youth Voice in Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
I rise to read a speech by a student from my electorate of Melbourne. It was submitted as part of Raise Our Voice. Raise Our Voice mobilises young people through education, campaigns and...
I rise to read a speech by a student from my electorate of Melbourne. It was submitted as part of Raise Our Voice. Raise Our Voice mobilises young people through education, campaigns and communities to transform politics and policy. This week, members of parliament are amplifying the voices of young people by reading a speech written by a person under the age of 25 who lives in our electorates. I was excited to be a part of Raise Our Voice, and it was difficult to select from the speeches to read because there were so many and all of them were so good. The speech I am about to read is by Bastian, aged eight. Bastian wrote: Use less money. Only spend it on things we need such as fixing our roads, sick people and making school better! I care about the environment! I think we should only use natural materials to make energy. For example don't use a petrol car, use an electric car! I think taxes should go down. Some people work so hard to be able to pay for the things their family needs. While supporting the homeless and struggling, people also help them to get a job they can do. Thank you and well done, Bastian.
Melbourne Electorate: Volunteering | Statements by Members | House debates
Ahoy, Deputy Speaker! At North Wharf in Docklands, I saw volunteers bring a 122-year-old ship back to life: the Alma Doepel, a three-mast tall ship built in 1903. This ship has served our nation....
Ahoy, Deputy Speaker! At North Wharf in Docklands, I saw volunteers bring a 122-year-old ship back to life: the Alma Doepel, a three-mast tall ship built in 1903. This ship has served our nation. She carried goods on our coast and worked as an army supply ship to Papua New Guinea. Today, a skilled team and many local volunteers are bringing her back to life. More than 100,000 volunteer hours have gone into this work so far. This is a huge gift of time and craft. When Alma sails again, she will become a youth training ship. It's a program which will build grit, teamwork and confidence. Also in Docklands is the topsail schooner Enterprize, a 27-metre all-timber working replica of the 1830 ship that carried the first European settlers to Melbourne. Enterprize is sailed by volunteers and runs sail training and public sails across the bay. I thank her crew and supporters for keeping these skills alive. I thank Bill Reid for the kind invite and for his work, and I thank every volunteer—older hands passing on skills and new faces learning them. This is Melbourne at its best—community, history and hope in one project. I encourage people to check them out online and support their inspiring work. Alma Doepel shows what we can do when we back our volunteers—
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Second Reading | Bills | House debates
I rise today in strong support of these appropriation bills because at their heart are fairness, opportunity and building a future that works for every Australian. Appropriations may sound...
I rise today in strong support of these appropriation bills because at their heart are fairness, opportunity and building a future that works for every Australian. Appropriations may sound technical—it did to me when I first heard it—but what we are really talking about today is the way this government chooses to invest in people, in communities and in the shared future of our nation. These decisions shape whether students can afford to study, whether families can buy their first home, whether communities can celebrate their culture and whether our children can look to a future with hope. I think nowhere is this more evident than in the electorate of Melbourne, a community rich in history, diversity, creativity and aspiration. Any investment in Melbourne is an investment into one of the beating hearts of Australia. While the appropriation legislation itself is about allocating the funding that keeps government services running, I also want to highlight one of the biggest changes, which is easing the pressure on students and graduates through HECS. This reform will have one of the biggest impacts on people in my electorate, giving them more breathing space and helping them plan for their future. Melbourne is home to some of the largest concentrations of students in the country. We have the University of Melbourne, RMIT, Victoria University, ACU and countless TAFEs, other university campuses and training institutions. Every year tens of thousands of students come here to learn, to innovate, to prepare for the future. For too long those students have been saddled with debt that weighed them down before they even had a chance to stand on their own feet. This government has listened and has acted. The Albanese Labor government has cut HECS debt by 20 per cent across the board. That is an average saving of over $5,000 per student. In Melbourne, where so many young people carry this debt, it is life changing. We are also lifting the repayment threshold so that graduates will not begin paying their debt until they earn above $67,000. That means young teachers, nurses, hospitality workers and creative professionals in Melbourne can focus on starting their careers, saving for a home and building our lives without the immediate pressure of a repayment system that bites too soon. This is not just a theory. It's about the young woman in Carlton who told me she put off applying for a postgraduate degree because her HECS debt was crushing her. It's about the young graduate in Docklands who said they were paying more in their HECS than their groceries each month. It's about the single mum in Abbotsford going back to study teaching who will now have more time to stabilise her income before repayments begin. This measure recognises that education is an investment, not a burden. It recognises that the future prosperity of this country depends on giving young people the best possible start. It recognises that Melbourne, as a hub of universities, TAFEs and innovation, will feel these benefits most strongly. Of course, helping young people into a secure future is not just about education; it's also about housing. Something that I heard from voters right across the electorate is that, for too many in Melbourne, the dream of homeownership feels out of reach. We all know the story. Housing prices are rising far faster than wages, and young families are locked in rental stress, unable to break into the market. In an electorate like Melbourne, where demand is high and affordability is stretched, this has been one of the most pressing concerns I have heard from my constituents. That is why I am proud that this government delivers on Labor's strong commitments to first home buyers. Of course, these measures do not sit inside the appropriations bill itself, but they are central to the economic and social impact of the appropriations bill. They show how this government is focused on the cost-of-living pressures that matter most. We are expanding the first home buyers grants so that more buyers can purchase a property with as little as a five per cent deposit without the added burden of lenders mortgage insurance. That is tens of thousands of dollars saved upfront, making the difference between years of waiting and actually owning a home. Importantly, that is backed up with Labor's commitment to build 100,000 new homes for first home buyers. This is not just about numbers; it's about making sure that homes are available for people to live in. In Melbourne, I hear from constituents who are desperate for this help. I think of the young couple in Fitzroy who came to me. They are both working hard and doing everything right. They are saving every cent they can for a deposit for their first home, but, at the same time, they are paying high rent to keep a roof over their heads. The single parent in Collingwood working two jobs but still unable to get a foothold in the market is not a one-off example; it is a story I hear all too often. I hear examples of someone who gets up before dawn to go to a cleaning shift, then rushes across the city to put hours behind the counter. I hear of workers doing shifts in offices and then in hospitality, only to return home late at night exhausted, barely able to spend time with their children before they need to go to bed. These are parents who work hard so their kids will not go without, who take an extra shift to cover school expenses and, while they are doing all that, are still expected to find the time to help with homework, show up for sports days and keep the family together under pressure that most of us would find overwhelming. When you are saving for a house deposit, every week can be a balancing act. After rent, after groceries, after petrol, there can be very little left. This is not about a lack of aspiration or a lack of discipline; it's about a system that has been stacked against ordinary people who are simply trying to give themselves and their children a better life. Alongside that is another story: the graduate in Carlton who until recently believed that owning a home was a dream reserved for others. This is someone who worked hard at university, took on casual jobs to pay their way and then graduated, only to be hit with high HECS debt and insecure work. For years they resigned themselves to the idea that buying a home was out of reach, that they would always be renting, always on the move, never able to put down roots in the community they loved. This government is delivering real change in housing, and that was something that my community told me they wanted. They were loud and clear. They told me that they did not want empty words or political spin. They wanted real, practical solutions that make a difference in their lives. This is Labor acting to ensure that the next generation of Melburnians can build their lives in the city they love, close to their work, close to their families and close to the community that gives them their strength and identity. It is about making sure that Melbourne remains a place where opportunity is possible not just for those who already have wealth behind them but for every young person who is willing to put in the effort. Education and housing are vital, but what makes my electorate of Melbourne truly special is its culture, its creativity and its community spirit, and this appropriations bill recognises that. One of the highlights before the election was visiting Melbourne's Hellenic Museum with Senator Jana Stewart to announce the Albanese Labor government's pledge of $400,000 to spend on a landmark exhibition, Rituals: Gifts for the Gods. This brought over 100 rare artefacts from Greece, many never seen before outside of Greece, to our city. For Melbourne's vibrant Greek community, the largest Greek-speaking population and the largest Greek community in a single city outside Greece, this is about honouring heritage, deepening cultural ties and celebrating identity. We are investing in the transformation of Melbourne's arts precinct, including support for The Fox: NGV Contemporary gallery, which will become the largest gallery of contemporary art in the Southern Hemisphere. I'm so proud of the NGV in my electorate. It's not just one of Victoria's treasures; it's also one of Australia's. I enjoyed visiting the French Impressionist works on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and I'm looking forward to visiting the Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo exhibition in December. Thanks to the Albanese government's investment, announced by the Minister for the Arts, more Australians will have the chance to experience the same spark of inspiration. A whole new generation will have an opportunity to fall in love with the arts, just as I do every time I visit the NGV. This investment in arts and culture not only enriches Melbourne and Australia's cultural life but brings millions of visitors and billions in economic benefit. It cements Melbourne as Australia's cultural capital. Labor is supporting the African music and cultural festival at Federation Square, a joyful celebration of one of the fastest-growing communities. Every year, this festival brings people together with music, dance and food. It showcases the contribution African Australians make to our country and gives young people from diverse backgrounds a chance to shine. By supporting this festival, Labor is investing in inclusion, in belonging and in the multicultural future of Australia. Just as we invest in the arts, we also recognise sport as a culture in its own right, and the Albanese government has done exactly that. In Melbourne, we know that sport is more than just a game; it's a pathway, a community and a chance for young people to find a place in the world. That's why I'm so proud that the Albanese Labor government has supported Play Our Way and is backing Melbourne Storm's Breaking Barriers initiative. Breaking Barriers is opening the doors of Rugby League to women and girls in Victoria, not only as players but as referees, coaches and leaders. Already we have seen female participation grow by 50 per cent last year and by a further 32 per cent this year. Twenty-eight new female referees have been trained and 40 new female coaches are stepping forward. This is the kind of change that lasts, and it is paying off. Just this season, the first female Storm team proudly ran out in purple at AAMI Park, a historic moment for our city and a glimpse of the NRLW's future that we are building in Victoria. With the government's investment, Breaking Barriers is not only growing the game but breaking down stereotypes, creating real opportunities for women and girls in Melbourne. When we look across these appropriation measures and the impact they have on delivering services, we see HECS relief, housing innovations and cultural investment, and a clear story emerges. It is the story of a government that is listening to people; it is the story of a government that recognises the struggles young people face with debt, housing and cost-of-living pressures; and it is the story of a government that understands the importance of culture and community in making Australia a great place to live. For my constituents in Melbourne, these commitments mean hope—hope that education is affordable, hope that buying a home is possible, hope that heritage and creativity are valued, and hope that sport, music and culture will continue to thrive. Appropriation bills are about what we choose to focus on. The focus of this government is clear. We value education because every young Australian deserves a fair start. We know that access to secure shelter is essential for human dignity. We support culture and community because they are the threads that bind us together. In my electorate of Melbourne, these investments will make a real difference. They will ease the burden of debt, they will open the door to homeownership and they will enrich our cultural life and strengthen our community spirit. That is what this bill delivers. That is why I'm proud to support it.
Racism | Constituency Statements | House debates
What we witnessed recently in Melbourne and across Australia was disgraceful. These marches led by neo-Nazis and anti-immigration extremists were a shameful moment for our city and our nation....
What we witnessed recently in Melbourne and across Australia was disgraceful. These marches led by neo-Nazis and anti-immigration extremists were a shameful moment for our city and our nation. Like many in my electorate, I was sickened when black-clad agitators descended on Camp Sovereignty, a peaceful First Nations cultural and political gathering place created to honour Aboriginal resistance and survival. The irony is blunt. Australia's first people were expressing culture while thugs pretended to march for Australia, causing on the violence. This was not a protest; this was an attack. They were trying to split our community apart, shut down voices that deserve respect and bring back hurt for people who have already been through too much. This is not the city I know. I know a Melbourne that is a city of welcome; a place where people from all backgrounds live side by side, learn from each other and share their stories; a place where neighbours help one another no matter where they come from or what language they speak. Even though what we have seen this last weekend has shocked us, we cannot let it define us. We can't let hate and division win. The answer to hate isn't more hate; it's unity. It's people standing side by side and saying racism, fascism and violence are not welcome here. We all must stand up to hate, raise our voices, stand together with our neighbours and show pride in who we are as a community. Showing strength in the face of bullying shows us a path forward where we stand together, speak with one voice and make it clear that hate will never win in Australia. We know what happened on the weekend was shameful, but how we respond matters even more. The truth is that Australians stand up again and again to say: 'We will not accept racism. We will not let extremists take over our streets.' Saying no to hate matters, but what is more powerful is when we back up that 'no' with what we do in our daily lives. We must see it in our schools, we must see it in our workplaces and we must see it in our neighbourhoods. That is how we show unity not only in speeches here but in the choices we must make by living with respect and fairness. Hate is not welcome here.
Fiscal Policy | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
The opposition would have us believe that this government is on a reckless spending spree. But let us be clear: what they call a 'spree', families in my electorate call a 'lifeline'. Before...
The opposition would have us believe that this government is on a reckless spending spree. But let us be clear: what they call a 'spree', families in my electorate call a 'lifeline'. Before entering this place, I was the CEO of the Nappy Collective. That work started with the simple idea to collect nappies when children had grown out of them or toilet-trained too quickly and pass them on to families in crisis, families looking for help because of the crushing weight of the cost-of-living pressures following years of Liberal-Nationals cuts and attacks on workers, parents who were unable to afford essentials. We all do our best for our children, but what if, at even your best, you can't provide them with a clean nappy not because of a crisis but because of rising costs that have pushed you to the edge and the failure of minimum wage to keep pace? That is the reality outside this chamber. That is why this government has chosen action over slogans and responsibility over scare campaigns. From 1 July, every household in Australia will see another $150 taken off their power bills. That relief matters when you are sitting at the kitchen table, wondering how to pay the next bill. We have delivered a 3.5 per cent pay rise for millions of Australians on minimum and award wages. These are workers who spend every cent on food, housing and school costs—not luxuries but basics, like nappies. This government is making sure their wages keep pace with the cost of living. We have extended paid parental leave to 24 weeks and, for the very first time, super will be paid on parental leave. That will not just help families in the here and now; it will mean long-term financial security, especially for women, who often retire with less. We are making sure student nurses, teachers, social workers and midwives are paid during their practical placements. Young people training for those critical professions will no longer have to choose between gaining experience and paying their bills. We are strengthening Medicare, with a $1.8 billion boost for hospitals, new rebates for longer consultations and better care for women's health. We have just spent the week speaking about how the cost of prescriptions will come down. Good health care should not depend on your bank balance and women's pain should never be dismissed or ignored. It's not just about the cost of living; it's about the quality of life you live. We are backing ambition with support for apprenticeships in housing and construction, with discounts on home batteries to permanently lower power bills. We will continue to provide help for small businesses to invest and grow. This is not a spending spree. This is a government stepping in responsibly and carefully to make sure families do not fall through the cracks. When I think of the parents who came to the Nappy Collective for the first time, parents who never thought they would be in that position, I know exactly why these measures matter. They mean fewer families pushed to the point of desperation. They mean a little more breathing room. They mean dignity. Those opposite can talk all they like about numbers on a page. On this side, we will keep talking about the people behind those numbers—the families, the workers, the students, and the small businesses who need and deserve a government that has their back. This is not about ideology; it's about compassion. It's about security, and it is about fairness. That is exactly what the Albanese Labor government is delivering. Seriously, those opposite have no idea what families are going through. The choice is clear: Labor delivers relief and responsibility; the Liberals and Nationals deliver nothing but defects, debt and cuts.