Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Over the last two weeks of sittings of the 48th Parliament, the Albanese Labor government has been delivering on our election commitments. We've been delivering on what we said we would do, and we are putting that into practice. If you dive into the legislation that has been brought before the other place and this place, it displays a commitment to deliver for every Australian across all ages and demographics. We've been improving wages for Australians on the minimum wage, securing penalty rates for 2.6 million Australians, and reducing HECS and student debt for Australians by 20 per cent—this means every Australian with HECS or a student debt, including VET and TAFE loans, will see a 20 per cent reduction over the next six months, with an average saving of $5,500. We've reduced the PBS medication scripts to $25; this is a practical cost-of-living measure that helps Australians who require essential medicine for their health.

We are also ensuring the safety of our children in child care. This legislation will give government the power to cut off funding to childcare centres that don't meet the national quality standard when it comes to safety and quality, where there's a breach of the law, or where centres are acting in a way that puts the safety of children at risk. No more profit before the safety and security of our children! These powers will be used in close collaboration with states and territories, regulating quality and safety under the National Quality Framework.

Today and every day, the Albanese Labor government—that is, the people on this side of the chamber—are focused on delivering the commitments that we made. We are delivering to our communities and to our students, we are relieving their debt, securing penalty rates and cost-of-living relief— (Time expired)